bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prevalence of anxiety symptoms and disorders among ophthalmic disease patients
Authors: Ulhaq Zulvikar Syambani , Soraya Gita Vita , Dewi Nadia Artha , Wulandari Lely Retno
Published: April 2022

Background:

Progressive and irreversible vision loss has been shown to place a patient at risk of mental health problems such as anxiety. However, the reported prevalence of anxiety symptoms and disorders among eye disease patients vary across studies. Thus, this study aims to clarify the estimated prevalence of anxiety symptoms and disorders among ophthalmic disease patients.

Methods:

Relevant studies on the prevalence of anxiety symptoms and disorders among eye disease patients were collected through international databases, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. A random-effects model was used to determine the pooled prevalence of anxiety symptoms and disorders among ophthalmic disease patients.

Results:

The 95 included studies yielded a pooled prevalence of 31.2% patients with anxiety symptoms and 19.0% with anxiety disorders among subjects with ophthalmic disease. Pediatric patients were more anxious (58.6%) than adults (29%). Anxiety symptoms were most prevalent in uveitis (53.5%), followed by dry eye disease (DED, 37.2%), retinitis pigmentosa (RP, 36.5%), diabetic retinopathy (DR, 31.3%), glaucoma (30.7%), myopia (24.7%), age-related macular degeneration (AMD, 21.6%), and cataract (21.2%) patients. Anxiety disorders were most prevalent in thyroid eye disease (TED, 28.9%), followed by glaucoma (22.2%) and DED (11.4%). When compared with healthy controls, there was a twofold increase on the prevalence of anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.912, 95% CI 1.463–2.5, p < 0.001) and anxiety disorders (OR = 2.281, 95% CI 1.168–4.454, p = 0.016).

Conclusion:

Anxiety symptoms and disorders are common problems associated with ophthalmic disease patients. Thus, comprehensive and appropriate treatments are necessary for treating anxiety symptoms and disorders among ophthalmic disease patients.
Impact of CD19 CAR T-cell product type on outcomes in relapsed or refractory aggressive B-NHL
Authors: Gauthier Jordan , Gazeau Nicolas , Hirayama Alexandre V. , Hill Joshua A. , Wu Vicky , Cearley Aisling , Perkins Paula , Kirk Angela , Shadman Mazyar , Chow Victor A. , Gopal Ajay K. , Hodges Dwinal Alexandria , Williamson Staci , Myers Jessie , Chen Andy , Nagle Sarah , Hayes-Lattin Brandon , Schachter Levanto , Maloney David G. , Turtle Cameron J. , Sorror Mohamed L. , Maziarz Richard T.
Published: April 2022

CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor-engineered (CD19 CAR) T cells are novel therapies showing great promise for patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). Single-arm studies showed significant variations in outcomes across distinct CD19 CAR T-cell products. To estimate the independent impact of the CAR T-cell product type on outcomes, we retrospectively analyzed data from 129 patients with R/R aggressive B-NHL treated with cyclophosphamide and fludarabine lymphodepletion followed by either a commercially available CD19 CAR T-cell therapy (axicabtagene ciloleucel [axicel] or tisagenlecleucel [tisacel]), or the investigational product JCAR014 on a phase 1/2 clinical trial (NCT01865617). After adjustment for age, hematopoietic cell transplantation-specific comorbidity index, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), largest lesion diameter, and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), CAR T-cell product type remained associated with outcomes in multivariable models. JCAR014 was independently associated with lower cytokine release syndrome (CRS) severity compared with axicel (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.19; 95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.08-0.46), with a trend toward lower CRS severity with tisacel compared with axicel (aOR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.21-1.06; P = .07). Tisacel (aOR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.06-0.48) and JCAR014 (aOR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.06-0.47) were both associated with lower immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome severity compared with axicel. Lower odds of complete response (CR) were predicted with tisacel and JCAR014 compared with axicel. Although sensitivity analyses using either positron emission tomography- or computed tomography-based response criteria also suggested higher efficacy of axicel over JCAR014, the impact of tisacel vs axicel became undetermined. Higher preleukapheresis LDH, largest lesion diameter, and lower ALC were independently associated with lower odds of CR. We conclude that CD19 CAR T-cell product type independently impacts toxicity and efficacy in R/R aggressive B-NHL patients.
Retraction Note: Proteomic analysis on N, N′-dinitrosopiperazine-mediated metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma 6-10B cells
Authors: Li Yuejin , Liu Na , Huang Damao , Zhang Zhenlin , Peng Zhengke , Duan Chaojun , Tang Xiaowei , Tan Gongjun , Yan Guangrong , Mei Wenhua , Tang Faqing
Published: April 2022

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2091-13-25.
Methylome and transcriptome analyses of three different degrees of albinism in apple seedlings
Authors: Sun Tingting , Zhang Junke , Zhang Qiang , Li Xingliang , Li Minji , Yang Yuzhang , Zhou Jia , Wei Qinping , Zhou Beibei
Published: April 2022

Background

Leaf colour mutations are universally expressed at the seedling stage and are ideal materials for exploring the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway, carotenoid metabolism and the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway in plants.

Results

In this research, we analysed the different degrees of albinism in apple (Malus domestica) seedlings, including white-leaf mutants (WM), piebald leaf mutants (PM), light-green leaf mutants (LM) and normal leaves (NL) using bisulfite sequencing (BS-seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). There were 61,755, 79,824, and 74,899 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and 7566, 3660, and 3546 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in the WM/NL, PM/NL and LM/NL comparisons, respectively.

Conclusion

The analysis of the methylome and transcriptome showed that 9 DMR-associated DEGs were involved in the carotenoid metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. The expression of different transcription factors (TFs) may also influence the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway, carotenoid metabolism and the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway in apple leaf mutants. This study provides a new method for understanding the differences in the formation of apple seedlings with different degrees of albinism.
Effects of geographic isolation on the Bulbophyllum chloroplast genomes
Authors: Yang Jiapeng , Zhang Fuwei , Ge Yajie , Yu Wenhui , Xue Qiqian , Wang Mengting , Wang Hongman , Xue Qingyun , Liu Wei , Niu Zhitao , Ding Xiaoyu
Published: April 2022

Background

Because chloroplast (cp) genome has more conserved structures than nuclear genome and mitochondrial genome, it is a useful tool in estimating the phylogenetic relationships of plants. With a series of researches for cp genomes, there have been comprehensive understandings about the cp genome features. The genusBulbophyllumwidely distributed in Asia, South America, Australia and other places. Therefore, it is an excellent type genus for studying the effects of geographic isolation.

Results

In this study, the cp genomes of nineBulbophyllumorchids were newly sequenced and assembled using the next-generation sequencing technology. Based on 19 Asian (AN) and eight South American (SA)Bulbophyllumorchids, the cp genome features of AN clade and SA clade were compared. Comparative analysis showed that there were considerable differences in overall cp genome features between two clades in three aspects, including basic cp genome features, SSC/IRBjunctions (JSBs) and mutational hotspots. The phylogenetic analysis and divergence time estimation results showed that the AN clade has diverged from the SA clade in the late Oligocene (21.50–30.12 mya). After estimating the occurrence rates of the insertions and deletions (InDels), we found that the change trends of cp genome structures between two clades were different under geographic isolation. Finally, we compared selective pressures on cp genes and found that long-term geographic isolation made AN and SABulbophyllumcp genes evolved variably.

Conclusion

The results revealed that the overall structural characteristics ofBulbophyllumcp genomes diverged during the long-term geographic isolation, and the crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) pathway may play an important role in theBulbophyllumspecies evolution.
Impact of baseline impedance of pulmonary vein antrum on success of catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation guided by ablation index
Authors: Sun Yuanjun , Xiao Xianjie , Yin Xiaomeng , Gao Lianjun , Yu Xiaohong , Zhang Rongfeng , Wang Zhongzhen , Dai Shiyu , Yang Yanzong , Xia Yunlong
Published: April 2022

Objective

Ablation index (AI) is an effective ablation quality marker. Impedance is also an important factor for lesion formation. The present study evaluated the influence of the baseline impedance in the effect of ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) guided by AI.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. 101 patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF) were enrolled. All patients underwent radiofrequency ablation guided by the same AI strategy. The ablation strategy was pulmonary vein (PV) isolation with non-PV triggers ablation. The baseline impedance of the ablation points was recorded. The patients were followed up every 3 months or so.

Results

During a median follow-up of 12 (4–14) months, freedom from AF/atrial tachycardia recurrence were 82.2%. No difference existed in baseline characteristics between the success group and the recurrence group. The average baseline impedance was 124.3 ± 9.7 Ω. The baseline impedance of the ablation points in success group was lower compared to the recurrence group (122.9 ± 9.4 vs. 130.5 ± 8.8 Ω, P < 0.01). The ratio of impedance drop in the success group was higher than the recurrence group ([8.8 ± 1.4]% vs. [8.1 ± 1.2]%, P = 0.03). Multivariate analysis revealed that baseline impedance, PAF duration and AI were the independent predictors of AF recurrence. The cumulative free of recurrence rate of low-impedance group (≤ 124 Ω, n = 54) was higher than that of high-impedance group.

Conclusion

Baseline impedance correlates with clinical outcome of radiofrequency ablation for PAF guided by AI. Higher impedance in the same AI strategy may result in an ineffective lesion which probably causes recurrence.
The effect of subdiaphragmatic vagotomy on heart rate variability and lung inflammation in rats with severe hemorrhagic shock
Authors: Khodadadi Fateme , Ketabchi Farzaneh , Khodabandeh Zahra , Tavassoli Alireza , Lewis Gregory F. , Bahaoddini Aminollah
Published: April 2022

Background

The influence of cutting the sub-diaphragmatic branch of the vagus nerve on heart rate variability (HRV) and inflammatory reaction to severe hemorrhagic shock has not been determined prior to this study.

Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four groups of Sham, sub-diaphragmatic vagotomized (Vag), subacute (135 ± 2 min) hemorrhagic shock (SHS), and sub-diaphragmatic vagotomized with SHS (Vag + SHS). Hemodynamic parameters were recorded and HRV calculated during multiple phases in a conscious model of hemorrhagic shock. The expressions of TNF-α and iNOS were measured in the spleen and lung tissues at the conclusion of the protocol.

Results

Decreases in blood pressure during blood withdrawal were identical in the SHS and Vag + SHS groups. However, heart rate only decreased in the Nadir-1 phase of the SHS group. HRV indicated increased power in the very-low, low, and high (VLF, LF, and HF) frequency bands during the Nadir-1 phase of the SHS and Vag + SHS groups, albeit the values were higher in the SHS group. In the recovery phase, the HF bands were only lower in the SHS group. After hemorrhagic shock followed by resuscitation, the expression of TNF-α and iNOS increased in the spleen and lung of the SHS group, and the expression of these genes was significantly lower in the Vag + SHS group than in the SHS group.

Conclusion

Parasympathetic activity increases during the hypotensive phase of hemorrhagic shock, whereas the cardiac vagal tone decreases in the recovery phase. Sub-diapragmatic vagotomy blunts the cardiac vagal tone during hemorrhagic shock, but its effect is reversed in the recovery phase. The vagus nerve plays a role in proinflammatory responses in the lungs and spleen in subacute hemorrhagic shock followed by resuscitation.
Blinded sample size re-estimation in a comparative diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Stark Maria , Hesse Mailin , Brannath Werner , Zapf Antonia
Published: April 2022

Background

The sample size calculation in a confirmatory diagnostic accuracy study is performed for co-primary endpoints because sensitivity and specificity are considered simultaneously. The initial sample size calculation in an unpaired and paired diagnostic study is based on assumptions about, among others, the prevalence of the disease and, in the paired design, the proportion of discordant test results between the experimental and the comparator test. The choice of the power for the individual endpoints impacts the sample size and overall power. Uncertain assumptions about the nuisance parameters can additionally affect the sample size.

Methods

We develop an optimal sample size calculation considering co-primary endpoints to avoid an overpowered study in the unpaired and paired design. To adjust assumptions about the nuisance parameters during the study period, we introduce a blinded adaptive design for sample size re-estimation for the unpaired and the paired study design. A simulation study compares the adaptive design to the fixed design. For the paired design, the new approach is compared to an existing approach using an example study.

Results

Due to blinding, the adaptive design does not inflate type I error rates. The adaptive design reaches the target power and re-estimates nuisance parameters without any relevant bias. Compared to the existing approach, the proposed methods lead to a smaller sample size.

Conclusions

We recommend the application of the optimal sample size calculation and a blinded adaptive design in a confirmatory diagnostic accuracy study. They compensate inefficiencies of the sample size calculation and support to reach the study aim.
The effectiveness of the sarcopenia index in predicting septic shock and death in elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Huang Sha , Zhao Lingdan , Liu Zhaoyuan , Li Yang , Wang Xi , Li Jianqun , Chen Xiaoyan
Published: April 2022

Background

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) causes high morbidity and mortality in all age groups worldwide. Lower muscle radiodensity was associated with worse clinical outcomes (including shock) and higher in-hospital mortality. Prompt detection of sarcopenia in older adults with CAP is important. The measurement of muscle mass often involves specialized and expensive techniques. A relatively simple and inexpensive method such as the sarcopenia index (SI) to measure muscle mass would be helpful. Therefore, we performed a retrospective cohort study to assess the association between SI and septic shock risk and mortality in older patients with CAP.

Study design

In this retrospective cohort study, information on hospitalized CAP patients, including general information and septic shock, were obtained from the medical record database of the Southwest Medical University Zigong Affiliated Hospital, China. Data on patient survival and mortality (all-cause) were acquired from government authorities and telephonic follow-up. Serum creatinine (Cr) and cystatin-C (CysC) levels on admission were included in the database. The SI was determined as the serum Cr/CysC ratio × 100 and the participants were assigned to low and high SI groups. The association between SI and septic shock was evaluated by logistic regression, and that between SI and mortality by Cox regression analysis.

Results

In total, 769 older adults (≥ 60 years) with CAP were included, of which 480(62.4%) were male and 289(37.6%)were female. We found that the total prevalence of septic shock in older adults with CAP was 16.0%. In the female group, septic shock was more prevalent in the low SI group than in the high SI group (low SI vs. high SI, 22.22% vs. 11.52%, p = 0.024). Following adjustment for confounders, there was a significant association between high SI and a lower risk of septic shock in female patients (OR = 0.38, 95%CI: 0.16–0.94; p < 0.05). The total death toll of older adults with CAP was 332(43.2%). Irrespective of sex, there was a higher risk of mortality in the low SI group (total group: low SI vs. high SI, 63.02% vs. 36.57%, p < 0.001; male group: low SI vs. high SI, 63.03% vs. 39.34%, p < 0.001; female group: low SI vs. high SI, 73.61% vs. 28.57%, p < 0.001) and, after adjustment for confounding factors and irrespective of sex, high SI was a protective factor for mortality in older adults with CAP (total group: HR = 0.64, 95%CI: 0.48–0.84; p < 0.05; male: HR = 0.69, 95%CI: 0.49–0.97; p < 0.05; female: HR = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.24–0.62; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

While the SI effectively predicts mortality in older adults with CAP, it was only found to be associated with septic shock in older females.
Injuries from falls by older adults in long-term care captured on video: Prevalence of impacts and injuries to body parts
Authors: Komisar Vicki , Dojnov Aleksandra , Yang Yijian , Shishov Nataliya , Chong Helen , Yu Ying , Bercovitz Ian , Cusimano Michael D. , Becker Clemens , Mackey Dawn C. , Robinovitch Stephen N.
Published: April 2022

Background

Falls are the leading cause of injuries in older adults. However, most falls in older adults do not cause serious injury, suggesting that older adults may fall in a manner that reduces the likelihood of impact to body sites that are most vulnerable to injury. In this observational study of falls in long-term care (LTC), we tested whether body parts differed in their probability of impact and injury.

Methods

We recorded and analyzed videos of 2388 falls by 658 LTC residents (mean age 84.0 (SD = 8.1); 56.4% female). We used Linear Mixed Models to test for differences between body parts in the probability of impact and injury, and injury when impacts occurred.

Results

Injuries were reported in 38.2% of falls, and 85.9% of injuries involved direct impact to the injured body part. Impact occurred most often to the hip/pelvis (probability (standard error) = 0.95 (0.01); p < .001 relative to other body parts), and least often to the head (0.35 (0.01)). Conversely, injury occurred most often to the head (p < .001 relative to other body parts). The probability of injury when impacts occurred was 0.40 (0.01) for the head, and 0.11 or less for all other body parts.

Conclusion

Our results help to explain why most falls by older adults in LTC do not cause serious injury: residents land on body parts that are the most resilient to injury. The high susceptibility of the head to injury reinforces the need to enhance upper limb protective responses for fall arrest. The dominant role of direct impact as the mechanism of injury supports approaches to attenuate impact forces through strategies like protective clothing and compliant flooring.
Predicting the risk of active pulmonary tuberculosis in people living with HIV: development and validation of a nomogram
Authors: Chen Jinou , Li Ling , Chen Tao , Yang Xing , Ru Haohao , Li Xia , Yang Xinping , Xie Qi , Xu Lin
Published: April 2022

Background

Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) was challenging. The study aimed to develop and validated a simple, convenient screening model for prioritizing TB among PLHIV.

Methods

The study included eligible adult PLHIV participants who attended health care in Yunnan, China, from January 2016 to July 2019. Participants included before June 2018 were in the primary set; others were in the independent validation set. The research applied the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression to identify predictors associated with bacteriological confirmed PTB. The TB nomogram was developed by multivariate logistic regression. The C-index, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test (H–L), and the calibration curves were applied to evaluate and calibrate the nomogram. The developed nomogram was validated in the validation set. The clinical usefulness was assessed by cutoff analysis and decision curve analysis in the primary set.

Result

The study enrolled 766 PLHIV, of which 507 were in the primary set and 259 in the validation set, 21.5% and 14.3% individuals were confirmed PTB in two sets, respectively. The final nomogram included 5 predictors: current CD 4 cell count, the number of WHO screen tool, previous TB history, pulmonary cavity, and smoking status (p < 0.05). The C-statistic was 0.72 (95% CI 0.66–0.77) in primary set and 0.68 (95% CI 0.58–0.75) in validation set, ROC performed better than other models. The nomogram calibration was good (H–L χ2 = 8.14, p = 0.15). The area under the decision curve (0.025) outperformed the existing models. The optimal cutoff for screening TB among PLHIV was the score of 100 (sensitivity = 0.93, specificity = 0.35).

Conclusion

The study developed and validated a discriminative TB nomogram among PLHIV in the moderate prevalence of TB and HIV. The easy-to-use and straightforward nomogram would be beneficial for clinical practice and rapid risk screening in resource-limited settings.
Enhanced serodiagnosis of melioidosis by indirect ELISA using the chimeric protein rGroEL-FLAG300 as an antigen
Authors: Wajanarogana Sumet , Taylor Water R. J. , Kritsiriwuthinan Kanyanan
Published: April 2022

Background

The accurate and rapid diagnosis of melioidosis is challenging. Several serological approaches have been developed using recombinant antigens to improve the diagnostic indices of serological tests for melioidosis.

Methods

Fusion proteins from Burkholderia pseudomallei (rGroEL-FLAG300) were evaluated as a potential target antigen for melioidosis antibodies. A total of 220 serum samples from 38 culture proven melioidosis patients (gold standard), 126 healthy individuals from endemic (n = 37) and non-endemic (n = 89) Thai provinces and 56 patients with other proven bacterial infections as negative controls were tested using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).

Results

Using an optical density (OD) cut-off of 0.299148, our assay had 94.74% sensitivity (95% confidence interval (CI) = 82.3–99.4%), 95.05% specificity (95% CI = 90.8–97.7%), and 95% accuracy, which was better than in our previous work (90.48% sensitivity, 87.14% specificity, and 87.63% accuracy).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the application of chimeric antigens in ELISA could improve the serological diagnosis of melioidosis and should be reconfirmed with greater patient numbers.
Effect of a carbohydrate-rich beverage on rate of cesarean delivery in primigravidae with epidural labor analgesia: a multicenter randomized trial
Authors: Ding Ting , Deng Chun-Mei , Shen Xiao-Feng , Bai Yao-Wu , Zhang Xiao-Lan , Liu Ji-Ping , Yang Li-Juan , Yu Hai-Tao , Xie Lei , Chen Hong , Mu Dong-Liang , Qu Yuan , Yang Hui-Xia , Bao Ai-Rong , Zhu Sai-Nan , Wang Dong-Xin
Published: April 2022

Background

Labor represents a period of significant physical activity. Inefficient energy supply may delay labor process and even lead to cesarean delivery. Herein we investigated whether ingestion of a carbohydrate-rich beverage could reduce cesarean delivery in laboring women with epidural analgesia.

Methods

This multicenter randomized trial was conducted in obstetrician-led maternity units of nine tertiary hospitals in China. Primigravidae with single term cephalic pregnancy who were preparing for vaginal birth under epidural analgesia were randomized to intake a carbohydrate-rich beverage or commercially available low-carbohydrate beverages during labor. The primary outcome was the rate of cesarean delivery. Secondary outcomes included maternal feeling of hunger, assessed with an 11-point scale where 0 indicated no hunger and 10 the most severe hunger, and maternal and neonatal blood glucose after childbirth.

Results

Between 17 January 2018 and 20 July 2018, 2008 women were enrolled and randomized, 1953 were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The rate of cesarean delivery did not differ between the two groups (11.3% [111/982] with carbohydrate-rich beverage vs. 10.9% [106/971] with low-carbohydrate beverages; relative risk 1.04, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.33; p = 0.79). Women in the carbohydrate-rich beverage group had lower subjective hunger score (median 3 [interquartile range 2 to 5] vs. 4 [2 to 6]; median difference − 1; 95% CI − 1 to 0; p < 0.01); their neonates had less hypoglycemia (1.0% [10/968] vs. 2.3% [22/956]; relative risk 0.45; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.94; p = 0.03) when compared with those in the low-carbohydrate beverage group. They also had higher rates of maternal hyperglycemia (6.9% [67/965] vs. 1.9% [18/953]; p < 0.01) and neonatal hyperglycemia (9.2% [89/968] vs. 5.8% [55/956]; p < 0.01), but none required special treatment.

Conclusions

For laboring primigravidae with epidural analgesia, ingestion of a carbohydrate-rich beverage compared with low-carbohydrate beverages did not reduce cesarean delivery, but relieved maternal hunger and reduced neonatal hypoglycemia at the expense of increased hyperglycemia of both mothers and neonates. Optimal rate of carbohydrate supplementation remains to be determined.

Trial registration

www.chictr.org.cn; identifier: ChiCTR-IOR-17011994; registered on 14 July 2017.
Religious practices of Muslim women in the UK during maternity: evidence-based professional practice recommendations
Authors: Hassan Shaima M.
Published: April 2022

Background

Muslim women commonly observe certain religious practices during their maternity journey and research in this area suggests that more could be done from a service provision perspective to support Muslim women in the UK through this significant life event.

Aim

This study identifies Muslim women’s religious practices during maternity, needs and challenges of religious practice while engaging with maternity services, and support needs from healthcare professionals.

Method

Qualitative mixed method study; that includes eight longitudinal interviews with first-time pregnant Muslim women, five focus groups with 23 Muslim mothers experiencing childbirth in last three years in UK, and 12 one-to-one interviews with Health care Professionals (HCPs) with previous experience working with Minority Ethnic groups. Participants recruited from local Muslim community groups and Maternity Care Provider, North West Coast, England. Data analysed using thematic analysis.

Result

Qualitative findings indicate common religious practices that Muslim women exercise at different stages of their maternity journey. These practices can be divided into two categories of common religious practices for Muslim women that 1) require only healthcare professionals’ awareness of these practices and 2) require awareness and active involvement of healthcare professionals. Findings highlight key recommendations for healthcare professionals when addressing Muslim women’s religious needs in the UK.

Discussion/Conclusion

This study provides evidence-based recommendations for professional practice to assist healthcare professionals in developing understanding and addressing Muslim women’s religious practice needs in the UK. Further research is required to explore the impact of these recommendations for professional practice.
Effects of HMGA2 on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related genes in ACHN renal cell carcinoma cells-derived xenografts in nude mice
Authors: Liu Ying , Lv Guangyao , Bai Jianxin , Song Lingling , Ding Elizabeth , Liu Lin , Tian Yuqin , Chen Qian , Li Kai , Liu Xianfeng , Ding Yan
Published: April 2022

Background

The architectural transcriptional regulator high-mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) is an oncofetal protein which has been reported to be ectopically expressed in a variety of cancers. A high expression of HMGA2 in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is related with tumor invasiveness and poor prognosis. Recent in vitro studies have shown that HMGA2 knockdown was able to decrease cell proliferation and migration, and regulate the gene expression related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Methods

To understand the HMGA2’s effect in vivo, HMGA2 expression was knocked down in ACHN cells using small hairpin RNA (shRNA), then the HMGA2-deficient ACHN cells were xenografted into the BALB/c nude mice. Tumor growth was monitored and the expression of EMT-related genes was analyzed.

Results

HMGA2 expression was confirmed to be knocked down in the cultured and xenografted ACHN cells. The xenograft tumor of HMGA2-deficient cells demonstrated a retarded growth pattern compared with the control. The expression of E-cadherin was increased, whereas N-cadherin and Snail were decreased in the HMGA2-deficient xenograft tumors.

Conclusions

In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time, we have successfully developed an in vivo experiment using HMGA2-silencing ACHN cells to be grown as xenografts in nude mice. Our findings show that HMGA2 deficiency was sufficient to suppress the xenograft tumor growth in vivo, which support our hypothesis that HMGA2-induced renal carcinogenesis occurs at least in part through the regulation of tumor associated EMT genes.
Relationship between subjective socioeconomic status and sense of gain of health-care reform and the mediating role of self-rated health: a cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Yuan SU , Yueping LI
Published: April 2022

Background

The sense of gain has gradually become the main evaluation index for the effectiveness of China’s deepening reform and is affected by many factors. However, there is no relevant research on the sense of gain of health-care reform (SGHR) and its influencing factors. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of subjective socioeconomic status (SSS) on SGHR and the mediating role of self-rated health (SRH) between them.

Methods

Data (25,149 samples total) from China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2018 were included in the analysis. A nonparametric test was used to explore the differences in demographic characteristics of SGHR, and a correlation analysis and mediating effect model were used to explore the influence of SSS on SGHR and the mediating effect of SRH.

Results

Demographic characteristics such as age, urban and rural areas, educational background, marriage and choice of medical treatment had significant differences in the distribution of perceived acquisition of medical reform. SSS, SRH and SGHR are statistically positively correlated with each other. SSS has a positive statistical correlation with SGHR, and may have an indirect effect through SRH.

Conclusions

SSS is an important predictor of SGHR, and SRH may play a partially mediating role in SGHR.
Hem-o-Lok clip migration into renal pelvis and stone formation as a long-term complication following laparoscopic pyelolithotomy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhou Hui , Li Yihuan , Li Guangjie , Liang Guobiao , Zhao Zeju , Luo Xu , Chen Shulian
Published: April 2022

Background

Hem-o-Lok clips (HOLCs) are widely used in minimal access urological operations due to the advantage of vascular control and suture stabilization. In rare cases, however, they can develop problems themselves. Migration of HOLCs into the collecting system is a fairly rare complication after laparoscopic pyelolithotomy. To date, only two cases were reported in the literature.

Case presentation

This article describes a case of 51-year-old man with a complaint of left flank pain. He had a medical history of ipsilateral retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyelolithotomy at another hospital 8 years ago. Non-contrast CT scan demonstrated a renal stone in the left ureteropelvic junction complicated by mild hydronephrosis. A straight foreign body was found near the renal pelvis, with part of it wedging into renal pelvic wall. A percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) was performed for this patient. After some fragmentation, a HOLC was found in the kernel of the stone. With an alligator plier, the clip was totally removed out of the collecting system. The postoperative period and follow-up were uneventful.

Conclusions

HOLC migration into renal pelvis is a rare complication following laparoscopic pyelolithotomy. It could act as nidus for stone formation under extended exposure to urine. Using HOLCs to stabilize the anastomotic suture near renal pelvis should be avoided to prevent this complication. Instead, knotting is a better choice under such condition. The secondary calculi and dislodged HOLCs can be removed through PNL by an alligator plier after laser lithotripsy.
Current state of dental informatics in the field of health information systems: a scoping review
Authors: Benoit Ballester , Frédéric Bukiet , Jean-Charles Dufour
Published: April 2022

Background

Over the past 50 years, dental informatics has developed significantly in the field of health information systems. Accordingly, several studies have been conducted on standardized clinical coding systems, data capture, and clinical data reuse in dentistry.

Methods

Based on the definition of health information systems, the literature search was divided into three specific sub-searches: “standardized clinical coding systems,” “data capture,” and “reuse of routine patient care data.” PubMed and Web of Science were searched for peer-reviewed articles. The review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR protocol.

Results

A total of 44 articles were identified for inclusion in the review. Of these, 15 were related to “standardized clinical coding systems,” 15 to “data capture,” and 14 to “reuse of routine patient care data.” Articles related to standardized clinical coding systems focused on the design and/or development of proposed systems, on their evaluation and validation, on their adoption in academic settings, and on user perception. Articles related to data capture addressed the issue of data completeness, evaluated user interfaces and workflow integration, and proposed technical solutions. Finally, articles related to reuse of routine patient care data focused on clinical decision support systems centered on patient care, institutional or population-based health monitoring support systems, and clinical research.

Conclusions

While the development of health information systems, and especially standardized clinical coding systems, has led to significant progress in research and quality measures, most reviewed articles were published in the US. Clinical decision support systems that reuse EDR data have been little studied. Likewise, few studies have examined the working environment of dental practitioners or the pedagogical value of using health information systems in dentistry.
Rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) inhibit liver fibrosis by activating GSK3β and inhibiting the Wnt3a/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Liu Zhaoguo , Zhou Song , Zhang Ya , Zhao Ming
Published: April 2022

Background

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can effectively alleviate liver fibrosis, which is a pathological injury caused by various chronic liver diseases. This study aimed to investigate the antifibrotic effects of BMSCs and elucidate the underlying mechanism by which BMSCs affect liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

After the rat liver fibrosis model was induced by continuous injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), BMSCs were administered for 4 weeks, and histopathological analysis and liver function tests were performed. T6 hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6 cells) were stimulated by TGF-β1, and the activation and proliferation of cells were analyzed by CCK-8 assays, flow cytometry, real-time PCR, western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Our data demonstrated that BMSCs effectively reduced the accumulation of collagen, enhanced liver functionality and ameliorated liver fibrosis in vivo. BMSCs increased the sub-G1 population in HSC-T6 cells. In addition, coculture with BMSCs reduced the expression of α-SMA, collagen I, cyclin-D1, and c-Myc in HSC-T6 cells and activated the phosphorylation of GSK3β. The GSK3β inhibitor SB216763 reversed the effect of BMSCs. The Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway was involved in BMSC-mediated inhibition of HSC-T6 cell activation.

Conclusions

Our data suggested that BMSCs exerted antifibrotic effects by activating the expression of GSK3β and inhibiting the Wnt3a/β-catenin signalling pathway.
Key role of fluorescence quantum yield in Nile Red staining method for determining intracellular lipids in yeast strains
Authors: Morales-Palomo Sergio , Liras Marta , González-Fernández Cristina , Tomás-Pejó Elia
Published: April 2022

Background

Microbial lipids are found to be an interesting green alternative to expand available oil sources for the chemical industry. Yeasts are considered a promising platform for sustainable lipid production. Remarkably, some oleaginous yeasts have even shown the ability to grow and accumulate lipids using unusual carbon sources derived from organic wastes, such as volatile fatty acids. Recent research efforts have been focused on developing rapid and accurate fluorometric methods for the quantification of intracellular yeast lipids. Nevertheless, the current methods are often tedious and/or exhibit low reproducibility.

Results

This work evaluated the reliability of different fluorescence measurements (fluorescence intensity, total area and fluorescence quantum yield) using Nile Red as lipid dye in two yeast strains (Yarrowia lipolytica ACA-DC 50109 and Cutaneotrichosporon curvatum NRRL-Y-1511). Different standard curves were obtained for each yeast specie. Fermentation tests were carried with 6-month difference to evaluate the effect of the fluorometer lamp lifetime on lipid quantification.

Conclusions

Fluorescence quantum yield presented the most consistent measurements along time and the closer estimations when compared with lipids obtained by conventional methods (extraction and gravimetrical determination). The need of using fluorescence quantum yield to estimate intracellular lipids, which is not the common trend in studies focused on microbial lipid production, was stressed. The information here provided will surely enable more accurate results comparison.
Plant hormone crosstalk mediated by humic acids
Authors: Souza Aline Costa , Olivares Fábio Lopes , Peres Lázaro Eustáquio Pereira , Piccolo Alessandro , Canellas Luciano Pasqualoto
Published: April 2022

Background

The reliance on chemical inputs to support high yields is the Achilles’ heel of modern crop production. The soil organic matter management is as old as agriculture itself. Recently, the use of soluble humic substances as plant growth promoters has been brought to attention due to their effects on nutrient uptake and water use efficiency. Humic substances applied directly at low concentrations can trigger different molecular, biochemical, and physiological processes in plants. However, how humic substances exert this plethoric regulatory action remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in the transcription level of genes coding cell receptors, phosphatases, synthesis, and function of different plant hormones and transcription factors.

Materials and methods

After seven days of humic acid treatment, we used RNAseq in maize root seedlings. The level of gene transcription was compared with control plants.

Results

Plant kinase receptors and different phosphatases were regulated by humic acids. Likewise, genes related to plant hormones (auxin, gibberellin, ethylene, cytokinin, abscisic acid, brassinosteroids, jasmonic and salicylic acids) were transcript in differential levels in maize root seedlings as well as the expression of a hundred of transcription factors modifying the signal transduction pathway via alterations of the subsequent gene response.

Conclusion

We showed a general mechanism for simultaneously regulating the activity of several hormones where humic acids act as a key regulatory hub in plant responses integrating hormonal signalling and response pathways.
Life satisfaction prevents decline in working memory, spatial cognition, and processing speed: Latent change score analyses across 23 years
Authors: Zainal Nur Hani , Newman Michelle G.
Published: April 2022

Background

Within-person growth in life satisfaction (LS) can protect against declines in cognitive functioning, and, conversely, over time. However, most studies have been cross-sectional, thereby precluding causal inferences. Thus, we used bivariate dual latent change score modeling to test within-person change-to-future change relations between LS and cognition.

Method

Community adults completed in-person tests of verbal working memory (WM), processing speed, spatial cognition, and an LS self-report. Five waves of assessment occurred across 23 years.

Results

Reduction in LS predicted future decreases in spatial cognition, processing speed, and verbal WM (|d| = 0.150–0.354). Additionally, depletion in processing speed and verbal WM predicted a future decrease in LS (d = 0.142–0.269). However, change in spatial cognition did not predict change in LS (|d| = 0.085).

Discussion

LS and verbal WM and processing speed predicted one another across long durations. Evidence-based therapies can be augmented to target LS and cognition.
Narsoplimab, a Mannan-Binding Lectin-Associated Serine Protease-2 Inhibitor, for the Treatment of Adult Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation–Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy
Authors: Khaled Samer K. , Claes Kathleen , Goh Yeow Tee , Kwong Yok Lam , Leung Nelson , Mendrek Włodzimierz , Nakamura Ryotaro , Sathar Jameela , Ng Edmund , Nangia Narinder , Whitaker Steve , Rambaldi Alessandro ,   for the OMS721-TMA-001 Study Group Members
Published: April 2022

PURPOSE

Hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation–associated thrombotic microangiopathy (HSCT-TMA) is a serious complication with significant mortality and no approved therapy. HSCT-TMA results from endothelial injury, which activates the lectin pathway of complement. Narsoplimab (OMS721), an inhibitor of mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2), was evaluated for safety and efficacy in adults with HSCT-TMA.

METHODS

In this single-arm open-label pivotal trial ( NCT02222545 ), patients received intravenous narsoplimab once weekly for 4-8 weeks. The primary end point (response rate) required clinical improvement in two categories: (1) laboratory TMA markers (both platelet count and lactate dehydrogenase) and (2) organ function or freedom from transfusion. Patients receiving at least one dose (full analysis set [FAS]; N = 28) were analyzed.

RESULTS

The response rate was 61% in the FAS population. Similar responses were observed across all patient subgroups defined by baseline features, HSCT characteristics, and HSCT complications. Improvement in organ function occurred in 74% of patients in the FAS population. One-hundred-day survival after HSCT-TMA diagnosis was 68% and 94% in FAS population and responders, respectively, whereas median overall survival was 274 days in the FAS population. Narsoplimab was well tolerated, and adverse events were typical of this population, with no apparent safety signal of concern.

CONCLUSION

In this study, narsoplimab treatment was safe, significantly improved laboratory TMA markers, and resulted in clinical response and favorable overall survival.
Erythro-myeloid progenitor origin of Hofbauer cells in the early mouse placenta
Authors: Freyer Laina , Lallemand Yvan , Dardenne Pascal , Sommer Alina , Biton Anne , Gomez Perdiguero Elisa
Published: April 2022

Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are tissue macrophages of the placenta thought to be important for fetoplacental vascular development and innate immune protection. The developmental origins of HBCs remain unresolved and could implicate functional diversity of HBCs in placenta development and disease. In this study, we used flow cytometry and paternally inherited reporters to phenotype placenta macrophages and to identify fetal-derived HBCs and placenta-associated maternal macrophages in the mouse. In vivo pulse-labeling traced the ontogeny of HBCs from yolk sac-derived erythro-myeloid progenitors, with a minor contribution from fetal hematopoietic stem cells later on. Single-cell RNA-sequencing revealed transcriptional similarities between placenta macrophages and erythro-myeloid progenitor-derived fetal liver macrophages and microglia. As with other fetal tissue macrophages, HBCs were dependent on the transcription factor Pu.1, the loss-of-function of which in embryos disrupted fetoplacental labyrinth morphology, supporting a role for HBC in labyrinth angiogenesis and/or remodeling. HBC were also sensitive to Pu.1 (Spi1) haploinsufficiency, which caused an initial deficiency in the numbers of macrophages in the early mouse placenta. These results provide groundwork for future investigation into the relationship between HBC ontogeny and function in placenta pathophysiology.
De novo formation and maintenance of mammalian peroxisomes in the absence of PEX16
Authors: Yagita Yuichi , Abe Yuichi , Fujiki Yukio
Published: April 2022

Mammalian PEX16 has been considered essential for generating and maintaining peroxisomal membranes. This view is based primarily on the finding that fibroblasts from several PEX16-deficient patients are devoid of peroxisomal structures, but can form peroxisomes upon expression of PEX16. However, unlike these patient-derived cells, pex16 mutants in other model organisms contain partially functional peroxisomes. Here, we report that PEX16-KO cells derived from three mammalian cultured cell lines are comprised of cells containing a fewer number of enlarged peroxisomes and cells lacking peroxisomes. We also suggest that PEX16 accelerates the process by which peroxisome-less cells form peroxisomal membranes and subsequently establish mature peroxisomes, independently on its ability to mediate peroxisomal targeting of PEX3. Nevertheless, PEX16 is not absolutely required for this process. Moreover, a well-known patient-derived PEX16 mutant inhibits the de novo formation of peroxisomal membranes. Our findings suggest that although PEX16 is undoubtedly important for optimal peroxisomal membrane biogenesis, mammalian cells may be able to form peroxisomes de novo and maintain the organelles without the aid of PEX16.
Scaling and relations of morphology with locomotor kinematics in the sidewinder rattlesnake Crotalus cerastes
Authors: Tingle Jessica L. , Sherman Brian M. , Garland Theodore
Published: April 2022

The movement of limbless terrestrial animals differs fundamentally from that of limbed animals, yet few scaling studies of their locomotor kinematics and morphology are available. We examined scaling and relations of morphology and locomotion in sidewinder rattlesnakes (Crotalus cerastes). During sidewinding locomotion, a snake lifts sections of its body up and forward while other sections maintain static ground contact. We used high-speed video to quantify whole-animal speed and acceleration; the height to which body sections are lifted; and the frequency, wavelength, amplitude and skew angle (degree of tilting) of the body wave. Kinematic variables were not sexually dimorphic, and most did not deviate from isometry, except wave amplitude. Larger sidewinders were not faster, contrary to many results from limbed terrestrial animals. Free from the need to maintain dynamic similarity (because their locomotion is dominated by friction rather than inertia), limbless species may have greater freedom to modulate speed independently of body size. Path analysis supported: (1) a hypothesized relationship between body width and wavelength, indicating that stouter sidewinders form looser curves; (2) a strong relationship between cycle frequency and whole-animal speed; and (3) weaker effects of wavelength (positive) and amplitude (negative) on speed. We suggest that sidewinding snakes may face a limit on stride length (to which amplitude and wavelength both contribute), beyond which they sacrifice stability. Thus, increasing frequency may be the best way to increase speed. Finally, frequency and skew angle were correlated, a result that deserves future study from the standpoint of both kinematics and physiology.