bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chaetomium albiziae, a new endophytic species from Albizia lebbeck in Iran
Authors: MEHRABI-KOUSHKI MEHDI , SAFI ATENA
Published: April 2023

The silk tree (Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth) is one of the ornamental plants in Ahvaz (southwest of Iran). Two endophytic fungal strains, isolated from the leaves of this plant, were characterized. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on a combined matrix of the internal transcribed spacer regions 1 and 2 including the intervening 5.8S nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS), and partial regions of the β-tubulin (tub2) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) indicated that both strains represent a new Chaetomium species, C. albiziae sp. nov. in the family Chaetomiaceae. Chaetomium albiziae formed a sister lineage with sterile species C. cucumericola. This new species can be characterized by ostiolate perithecia with septate lateral and terminal setae, clavate asci and aseptate ellipsoidal to ovoid ascospores with an apical germ pore. In addition, this is the first report of the endophytic association of the genus Chaetomium with Albizia lebbeck worldwide.
Spathiphyllum frailescanense (Araceae), a new species from Sierra Madre of Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: J.-PÉREZ A. FABIAN , PÉREZ-FARRERA MIGUEL ÁNGEL , DÍAZ JIMÉNEZ PEDRO , MARTÍNEZ-MARTÍNEZ MAURICIO GERÓNIMO
Published: April 2023

During fieldwork conducted between 2020 and 2022 in the Sierra Madre of Chiapas, we discovered a previously undescribed species of Spathiphyllum. It is morphologically similar to S. matudae, but differs in having shorter petioles, lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate blades, sometimes subovate, fewer pairs of primary veins per side, stipitate spadix and its pistils constricted between the ovary and the style. Here, we describe and illustrate S. frailescanense, a new species of Araceae from the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, Mexico.
A new species of Hedruris Nitzsch, 1821 (Nematoda: Hedruridae) parasitic in eel Synbranchus marmoratus Bloch (Synbranchiformes: Synbranchidae) from Argentina, Neotropical Region
Authors: AILÁN-CHOKE LORENA G. , ARREDONDO NATHALIA J. , DAVIES DORA
Published: April 2023

During a parasitological survey, specimens belonging to the genus Hedruris (Nematoda: Hedruridae) were found in the stomach of Synbranchus marmoratus Bloch from the Paraná Guazú River, Paraná River basin (Argentina). Comparative morphological studies with its congeners showed that these nematodes belonged to a new species, herein described as Hedruris anguila sp. nov. The new species can be distinguished from remaining Hedruris species by the pseudolabia size, the morphology and size of spicules, the length of female caudal hook, the shape and size of eggs and the particular morphology of the male tail. Hedruris anguila sp. nov. closely resembles Hedruris bifida Rossin & Timi, 2016 and H. suttonae Brugni & Viozzi, 2010, both also described from fish hosts, in the arrangement of caudal papillae and morphology of eggs, but differ in the size of female hook and spicules, and the number of caudal papillae in males. The main morphological features, host range and geographical distribution of all species in the genus Hedruris species are analyzed and discussed. This is the first report of a representative of the family Hedruridae parasitizing a species of Synbranchidae and the eleventh report of the genus Hedruris for a fish host. The number of valid species of Hedruris described was increased to 26, including the new species; 11 for the Neotropical Region and represent the third species found in fish host from Argentina. Based on morphological analysis, the speciation process probably occurred first in Gondwana and the non-mammillated eggs could be an ancestral morphological character. The diet of Synbranchus marmoratus and values of prevalence and mean intensity could indicate that this host species is a true definitive host for this nematode.
Lockdown, information quality, and political trust: An empirical study of the Shanghai lockdown under COVID-19
Authors: Zhai Yida , Han Guanghua
Published: April 2023

Many countries have adopted various measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The regulation measures of lockdown have triggered changes in public political trust in the government (including in its competence, benevolence and integrity). Information shapes the attitudes and values of residents; this paper aims to study the effect of a lockdown on political trust and the moderating effect from quality of government shared information. From 12 March to 31 May 2022, Shanghai implemented strict lockdown measures. In this study, we randomly sampled the participation information of 1063 participants. Data-based regression analysis shows that lockdown has had a negative impact on all subcategories of political trust. However, timely and accuracy information weakens its negative effect. The accuracy of information moderates the relationship between lockdown and political trust in competence and integrity, while a sufficient supply of information moderates the relationship between lockdown and political trust in benevolence.

Points for practitioners

This study explores how different dimensions of information quality affect each component public’s political trust, and thereby inspires practitioners to strategically improve information communication in crisis.
Dietary supplementation with L-citrulline improves placental angiogenesis and embryonic survival in gilts
Authors: Li Xilong , Bazer Fuller W , Johnson Gregory A , Burghardt Robert C , Wu Guoyao
Published: April 2023

This study was conducted with gilts as an animal model to test the hypothesis that dietary supplementation with L-citrulline (Cit) improves placental angiogenesis and embryonic survival. Between Days 14 and 25 of gestation, each gilt was fed a corn- and soybean-meal-based diet (2 kg/day) supplemented with 0.4% Cit or an isonitrogenous amount of L-alanine (Control). On Day 25 of gestation, gilts were hysterectomized to obtain conceptuses. Amniotic and allantoic fluids and placentae were analyzed for NOx [stable oxidation products of nitric oxide (NO)], polyamines, and amino acids (AAs). Placentae were also analyzed for syntheses of NO and polyamines; concentrations of AAs and related metabolites; and the expression of angiogenic factors and aquaporins (AQPs). Compared to the control group, Cit supplementation increased ( P < 0.01) the number of viable fetuses by 2.0 per litter, the number and diameter of placental blood vessels (21% and 24%, respectively), placental weight (15%), and total allantoic and amniotic fluid volumes (20% and 47%, respectively). Cit supplementation also increased ( P < 0.01) enzymatic activities of GTP-cyclohydrolase-1 (32%) and ornithine decarboxylase (27%) in placentae; syntheses of NO (29%) and polyamines (26%); concentrations of NOx (19%), tetrahydrobiopterin (28%), polyamines (22%), cAMP (26%), and cGMP (24%) in placentae; total amounts of NOx (22–40%), polyamines (23–40%), AAs (16–255%), glucose (22–44%), and fructose (22–43%) in allantoic and amniotic fluids. Furthermore, Cit supplementation increased ( P < 0.05) placental mRNA levels for angiogenic factors ( eNOS [84%], GTP-CH1 [55%], PGF [61%], VEGFA120 [26%], and VEGFR2 [137%], as well as AQPs – AQP1 [105%], AQP3 [53%], AQP5 [77%], AQP8 [57%], and AQP9 [31%]). Collectively, dietary Cit supplementation enhanced placental NO and polyamine syntheses as well as angiogenesis to improve conceptus development and survival.
Correlation Between Diabetes and COVID-19 Indices: A Global Level Ecological Study
Authors: Mirahmadizadeh Alireza , Ghelichi-Ghojogh Mousa , Jokari Kimia , Amiri Sanaz , Moftakhar Leila , Moradian Mohammad Javad , Habibi Mohammad , Dehghani Seyed Sina , Hassani Amir Hossein , Jafari Alireza , Rezaei Fatemeh
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Coronavirus is threatening the global public health as a new and widespread crisis. The researchers must keep in mind that one of the most vulnerable groups to COVID-19 are the people with underlying diseases, especially diabetes.

Objective

This ecological study aimed to investigate the correlation between diabetes and the epidemiological indices of COVID-19.

Methods

This ecological study included 144 countries. Their available data consists of the cumulative incidence rate of cases, cumulative incidence rate of death, recovery rate, case fatality rate, and performed tests of COVID-19, and diabetes. To collect the variables, a data set was provided which included the information of 144 countries based on diabetes and COVID-19 indices. Spearman coefficients were used for assess correlation between diabetes and COVID-19 indices. Also, Scatter plots of diabetes for the studied countries were drawn based on cumulative incidence rate of cases, cumulative incidence rate of death, tests, recovery rate, and case fatality rate of COVID-19.

Results

The results of this ecological study showed in total countries, there was a weak positive correlation between diabetes and cumulative incidence rate of cases and also cumulative incidence rate of death. Correlation between diabetes with test of COVID-19 was very weak. Scatter plots showed a weak liner correlation between diabetes and cumulative incidence rate of cases, cumulative incidence rate of death and test of COVID-19.

Conclusions

In this study, there was a weak positive correlation between diabetes and cumulative incidence rate of cases, cumulative incidence rate of death, and performed test of COVID-19. This disease is an enormous challenge for health policymakers; therefore, it is necessary to develop strategies and practical guidelines specific to each region to take the necessary care, especially for diabetic patients.
The Promise of an Evolutionary Perspective of Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Clites Benjamin L , Hofmann Hans A , Pierce Jonathan T
Published: April 2023

The urgent need for medical treatments of alcohol use disorders has motivated the search for novel molecular targets of alcohol response. Most studies exploit the strengths of lab animals without considering how these and other species may have adapted to respond to alcohol in an ecological context. Here, we provide an evolutionary perspective on the molecular and genetic underpinnings of alcohol consumption by reviewing evidence that alcohol metabolic enzymes have undergone adaptive evolution at 2 evolutionary junctures: first, to enable alcohol consumption accompanying the advent of a frugivorous diet in a primate ancestor, and second, to decrease the likelihood of excessive alcohol consumption concurrent with the spread of agriculture and fermentation in East Asia. By similarly considering how diverse vertebrate and invertebrate species have undergone natural selection for alcohol responses, novel conserved molecular targets of alcohol are likely be discovered that may represent promising therapeutic targets.
Bioinformatic analysis of structures and encoding genes of Escherichia coli surface polysaccharides sheds light on the heterologous biosynthesis of glycans
Authors: Dong Ao , Liu Chengzhi , Hua Xiaoting , Yu Yunsong , Guo Yan , Wang Dongshu , Liu Xiankai , Chen Huan , Wang Hengliang , Zhu Li
Published: April 2023

Background

Surface polysaccharides (SPs), such as lipopolysaccharide (O antigen) and capsular polysaccharide (K antigen), play a key role in the pathogenicity of Escherichia coli (E. coli). Gene cluster for polysaccharide antigen biosynthesis encodes various glycosyltransferases (GTs), which drive the process of SP synthesis and determine the serotype.

Results

In this study, a total of 7,741 E. coli genomic sequences were chosen for systemic data mining. The monosaccharides in both O and K antigens were dominated by D-hexopyranose, and the SPs in 70–80% of the strains consisted of only the five most common hexoses (or some of them). The linkages between the two monosaccharides were mostly α-1,3 (23.15%) and β-1,3 (20.49%) bonds. Uridine diphosphate activated more than 50% of monosaccharides for glycosyltransferase reactions. These results suggest that the most common pathways could be integrated into chassis cells to promote glycan biosynthesis. We constructed a database (EcoSP, http://ecosp.dmicrobe.cn/) for browse this information, such as monosaccharide synthesis pathways. It can also be used for serotype analysis and GT annotation of known or novel E. coli sequences, thus facilitating the diagnosis and typing.

Conclusions

Summarizing and analyzing the properties of these polysaccharide antigens and GTs are of great significance for designing glycan-based vaccines and the synthetic glycobiology.
Binding proteins of destruxin A from Metarhizium against insect cell
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Weng Qunfang , Zhang Ke , Hu Qiongbo
Published: April 2023

Destruxin A (DA) is a cyclo-hexadepsipeptidic insecticidal mycotoxin isolated from the entomopathogenic fungi,Metarhiziumspp. However, its mode of action is unknown. In this study, we isolated 149 candidate DA-binding proteins by drug affinity response target stability, and determined the interactions of 80 canditates with DA in vitro by surface plasmon resonance. The affinity coefficients (KD) ranged from 24 to 469 μM. Binding proteins were functionally diverse and included cytoskeletal components and cell motility, protein transcription and translation pathways, ubiquitin dependent protein metabolic processes, nucleus pore entry and exit, and endoplasmic reticulum vesicle transport and etc. Electron microscopy revealed that DA damaged the cytoskeleton and multiple organelles, disrupted cell adhesion and motility, and led to cell death. DA appeared to have a multi-targeted approach to cellular structures and multiple life processes, leading to cell death. The results of this study could provide molecular evidence for the analysis of the insecticidal toxicology of DA and further improve the study of the pathogenic insect mechanism ofMetarhizium.
A pairwise pseudo-likelihood approach for regression analysis of left-truncated failure time data with various types of censoring
Authors: Shao Li , Li Hongxi , Li Shuwei , Sun Jianguo
Published: April 2023

Background

Failure time data frequently occur in many medical studies and often accompany with various types of censoring. In some applications, left truncation may occur and can induce biased sampling, which makes the practical data analysis become more complicated. The existing analysis methods for left-truncated data have some limitations in that they either focus only on a special type of censored data or fail to flexibly utilize the distribution information of the truncation times for inference. Therefore, it is essential to develop a reliable and efficient method for the analysis of left-truncated failure time data with various types of censoring.

Method

This paper concerns regression analysis of left-truncated failure time data with the proportional hazards model under various types of censoring mechanisms, including right censoring, interval censoring and a mixture of them. The proposed pairwise pseudo-likelihood estimation method is essentially built on a combination of the conditional likelihood and the pairwise likelihood that eliminates the nuisance truncation distribution function or avoids its estimation. To implement the presented method, a flexible EM algorithm is developed by utilizing the idea of self-consistent estimating equation. A main feature of the algorithm is that it involves closed-form estimators of the large-dimensional nuisance parameters and is thus computationally stable and reliable. In addition, an R package is developed.

Results

The numerical results obtained from extensive simulation studies suggest that the proposed pairwise pseudo-likelihood method performs reasonably well in practical situations and is obviously more efficient than the conditional likelihood approach as expected. The analysis results of the MHCPS data with the proposed pairwise pseudo-likelihood method indicate that males have significantly higher risk of losing active life than females. In contrast, the conditional likelihood method recognizes this effect as non-significant, which is because the conditional likelihood method often loses some estimation efficiency compared with the proposed method.

Conclusions

The proposed method provides a general and helpful tool to conduct the Cox’s regression analysis of left-truncated failure time data under various types of censoring.
Factors associated with awareness of breast cancer among women of reproductive age in Lesotho: a national population-based cross-sectional survey
Authors: Afaya Agani , Japiong Milipaak , Konlan Kennedy Diema , Salia Solomon Mohammed
Published: April 2023

Background

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality and a major public health problem. The growing number of breast cancer-related deaths has been largely attributed to a lack of awareness of the disease among women. Whilst there have been frequent campaigns promoting breast cancer awareness, evidence suggests that women still lack awareness. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with the awareness of breast cancer among women of reproductive age in Lesotho.

Methods

We used population-based cross-sectional data from the 2014 Lesotho Demographic and Health survey. A total of 6,620 women of reproductive age were included in the analysis. The outcome variable was awareness of breast cancer. Women who heard about breast cancer were considered to be aware of the disease. Multilevel binary logistic regression models were fitted to determine the factors associated with breast cancer awareness among women.

Results

The level of awareness of breast cancer was 86.8% (95% CI: 85.5, 87.9). Women aged 45–49 years [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.83, 4.48], married women [AOR = 1.51 (95% CI: 1.19, 1.93)], and women with higher educational level [AOR = 12.56, (95% CI: 4.35, 36.28)] were more likely to be aware of breast cancer. Additionally, women who listened to the radio at least once a week [AOR = 1.96, (95% CI: 1.63, 2.37)], those who read newspapers or magazines [AOR = 1.91 (95% CI: 1.48, 2.46)] and women in the wealthiest group [AOR = 2.55, (95% CI: 1.67, 3.89)] had higher odds of breast cancer awareness. However, women who were in rural areas were less likely [AOR = 0.63, (95% CI: 0.47, 0.84)] to be aware of breast cancer than those in urban areas.

Conclusion

The level of awareness of breast cancer among women of reproductive age in Lesotho was extremely low. We recommend that policymakers, clinicians, and public health practitioners should consider the factors identified in this study when designing and developing intervention programs to improve the awareness of breast cancer among women in Lesotho.
Self-employment, illness, and the social security system: a qualitative study of the experiences of solo self-employed workers in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Khan Tauhid Hossain , MacEachen Ellen , Premji Stephanie , Neiterman Elena
Published: April 2023

Background

Today’s labor market has changed over time, shifting from mostly full-time, secured, and standard employment relationships to mostly entrepreneurial and precarious working arrangements. Thus, self-employment (SE) has been growing rapidly in recent decades due to globalization, automation, technological advances, and the recent rise of the ‘gig’ economy, among other factors. Accordingly, more than 60% of workers worldwide are non-standard and precarious. This precarity profoundly impacts workers’ health and well-being, undermining the comprehensiveness of social security systems. This study aims to examine the experiences of self-employed (SE’d) workers on how they are protected with available social security systems following illness, injury, and income reduction or loss.

Methods

Drawing on in-depth interviews with 24 solo SE’d people in Ontario (January – July 2021), thematic analysis was conducted based on participants’ narratives of experiences with available security systems following illness or injury. The dataset was analyzed using NVIVO qualitative software to elicit narratives and themes.

Findings

Three major themes emerged through the narrative analysis: (i) policy-practice (mis)matching, (ii) compromise for a decent life, and (iii) equity in work and benefits.

Conclusions

Meagre government-provided formal supports may adversely impact the health and wellbeing of self-employed workers. This study points to ways that statutory social protection programs should be decoupled from benefits provided by employers. Instead, government can introduce a comprehensive program that may compensate or protect low-income individuals irrespective of employment status.
Mortality trend analysis of ischemic heart disease in China between 2010 and 2019: a joinpoint analysis
Authors: Fu Xiaoli , Wang Jing , Jiang Shuai , Wu Jian , Mu Zihan , Tang Yanyu , Wang Suxian , Fu Hang , Ma He , Zhao Yaojun
Published: April 2023

Background

This study presented the mortality trend of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in Chinese residents from 2010 to 2019 and provided a basis for further establishment of relevant interventions.

Methods

Data, such as sex, age, urban and rural areas, and death status, were extracted from the China Death Surveillance Dataset from 2010 to 2019, with mortality and age-adjusted death rates (AADRs) as the main indicators. The joinpoint regression model was used to analyze mortality and AADRs trends in IHD. A semi-structured expert interview was conducted to propose targeted intervention measures and countermeasures.

Results

We observed an overall upward trend in IHD mortality rates and AADRs in China from 2010 to 2019 (average annual percentage change [AAPC] = 5.14%, AAPCAADRs = 1.60%, P < 0.001). Mortality rates and AADRs increased for both males (AAPC = 4.91%, AAPCAADRs = 1.09%, P < 0.05) and females (AAPC = 5.57%, AAPCAADRs = 1.84%, P < 0.001), with higher mortality rate for males than females but higher variation for females than males. Urban (AAPC = 4.80%, AAPCAADRs = 1.76%, P < 0.05) and rural (AAPC = 5.31%, P < 0.001; AAPCAADRs = 0.99%, P > 0.05) mortality rates increased, with the mortality rate higher in rural areas than in urban areas. In the age analysis, mortality rate was higher in middle-aged and older adults than in other age groups. The age-sex cross-analysis found the highest trend in mortality rates among females aged ≥ 75 years (annual percentage change [APC] = 2.43%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The upward trend in IHD mortality in China from 2010 to 2019, especially among female residents aged ≥ 75 years, poses continuing challenges to public health policies and actions.
CD147 and cyclophilin A: a promising potential targeted therapy for COVID-19 and associated cancer progression and chemo-resistance
Authors: Bakhtiyari Maryam , Haji Aghasi Ayda , Banihashemi Sara , Abbassioun Arian , Tavakol Chanour , Zalpoor Hamidreza
Published: April 2023

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), as a worldwide serious issue has been shown to lead to progression and poor outcomes in cancer patients. The underlying mechanisms for SARS-CoV-2 infection’s adverse effects on cancer patients have not been fully understood. We hypothesized that CD147 and Cyclophilin A (CyPA) not only can play a significant role in infection severity but also can contribute to cancer progression and chemotherapy resistance in cancer patients with COVID-19. In addition, we hypothesized that the expression of both CD147 and CyPA could be increased by Hypoxia-inducible Factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) activation during hypoxic conditions that occurred during COVID-19. Therefore, this evidence can open a new window in the management of cancer patients during the pandemic and therapeutic approaches targeting CD147 and CyPA could be a potentially promising therapeutic approach for such patients.
Changes in the sleeping habits of Japanese university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a 3-year follow-up study
Authors: Hori Reiko , Shibata Eiji , Okajima Iwao , Matsunaga Masahiro , Umemura Tomohiro , Narisada Akihiko , Suzuki Kohta
Published: April 2023

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly changed our daily life. Owing to the imposed restrictions, many educational facilities have introduced remote teaching. This study aims to clarify the association between remote teaching and Japanese university students' sleeping habits.

Methods

The participants were medical students at Aichi Medical University. We used data from an ongoing longitudinal sleeping habits survey. For the participants who enrolled in the university during 2018–2020, multilevel analyses of sleep duration during weekdays and weekends across 3 years were conducted, adjusting for sex, grade, place of stay, sleep problems and lifestyle habits.

Results

Among the students enrolled in the university, the data of 677 in 2018, 657 in 2019, and 398 in 2020 was available for analysis. The mean sleep duration during weekdays (in minutes) was 407.6 ± 60.3 in 2018, 406.9 ± 63.0 in 2019, and 417.3 ± 80.9 in 2020. The mean sleep duration during weekends (in minutes) was 494.5 ± 82.5 in 2018, 488.3 ± 87.9 in 2019, and 462.3 ± 96.4 in 2020. Multilevel analysis conducted for the 684 participants who enrolled during 2018–2020 showed that sleep duration during weekdays was associated with the place of stay and survey year. Moreover, students reported significantly longer sleep duration during weekdays in 2020 than in 2019, but no significant difference in sleep duration was found between 2018 and 2019. The other multilevel analysis found sleep duration during weekends to be associated with the survey year, sex and always doing something before going to bed. Sleep duration during weekends was shorter in 2020 than in 2019 and longer for male students and students who always do something before going to bed. Ten students were reported to have a delayed sleep phase in 2020.

Conclusions

Students' sleep duration increased during weekdays and decreased during weekends in 2020. This difference could be explained by the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of remote teaching.
Vicious cycle of emotion regulation and ODD symptoms among Chinese school-age children with ODD: a random intercept cross-lagged panel model
Authors: Zhang Wenrui , Li Yanbin , Li Longfeng , Hinshaw Stephen , Lin Xiuyun
Published: April 2023

A strong link between children’s emotion regulation and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms has been documented; however, the within-person mechanisms remain unclear. Based on the self-control theory and self-regulation theory, our study investigated the longitudinal, bidirectional relationship between emotion regulation and ODD symptoms in school-age children with ODD using parent- and teacher-reported data, respectively. A total of 256 Chinese elementary school students participated in a three-wave longitudinal study spanning two years. We used the random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM) to investigate the concurrent and longitudinal associations between emotion regulation and ODD symptoms. Results from the RI-CLPMs revealed that ODD symptoms were negatively correlated with emotion regulation and positively correlated with emotion lability/negativity at both the between-person and within-person levels across settings. Additionally, in the school setting, emotion regulation negatively predicted subsequent ODD symptoms but not vice versa, whereas emotion lability/negativity was bidirectionally associated with ODD symptoms over time. The longitudinal associations of ODD symptoms with emotion regulation and lability/negativity were not observed in the home setting. These findings suggest a circular mechanism between children’s emotion regulation and ODD symptoms and support the view that emotion regulation, particularly emotion lability/negativity, plays an important role in the development of ODD symptoms.
Electronic health records to capture primary outcome measures: two case studies in HIV prevention research
Authors: Dunn David , McCabe Leanne , White Ellen , Delpech Valerie , Kirwan Peter D. , Khawam Jameel , Croxford Sara , Ward Denise , Brodnicki Elizabeth , Rodger Alison , McCormack Sheena
Published: April 2023

Background

There is increasing interest in the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of clinical trials, including the capture of outcome measures.

Main text

We describe our experience of using EHRs to capture the primary outcome measure — HIV infection or the diagnosis of HIV infection — in two randomised HIV prevention trials conducted in the UK. PROUD was a clinic-based trial evaluating pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and SELPHI was an internet-based trial evaluating HIV self-testing kits. The EHR was the national database of HIV diagnoses in the UK, curated by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). In PROUD, linkage to the UKHSA database was performed at the end of the trial and identified five primary outcomes in addition to the 30 outcomes diagnosed by the participating clinics. Linkage also produced an additional 345 person-years follow-up, an increase of 27% over clinic-based follow-up. In SELPHI, new HIV diagnoses were primarily identified via UKHSA linkage, complemented by participant self-report through internet surveys. Rates of survey completion were low, and only 14 of the 33 new diagnoses recorded in the UKHSA database were also self-reported. Thus UKHSA linkage was essential for capturing HIV diagnoses and the successful conduct of the trial.

Conclusions

Our experience of using the UKHSA database of HIV diagnoses as a source of primary outcomes in two randomised trials in the field of HIV prevention was highly favourable and encourages the use of a similar approach in future trials in this disease area.
Pragmatic anesthetic approach for extracranial to intracranial bypass surgery in a patient with moyamoya disease and sickle cell disease: a case report
Authors: Lal Shankar , Larney Vivienne
Published: April 2023

Background

Moyamoya disease is a chronic progressive cerebrovascular disorder. A proportion of 10–20% of patients with sickle cell disease have associated moyamoya disease and may require surgical revascularization as definitive treatment.

Case presentation

A 22-year-old African lady with sickle cell disease and moyamoya disease, with extensive cerebral vasculopathy, was scheduled for elective extracranial to intracranial bypass surgery. She presented with right-sided weakness secondary to a hemorrhagic stroke of the left lentiform nucleus. She required a multidisciplinary team approach for preprocedural optimization. Her preoperative hemoglobin SS levels were reduced to less than 20%, with preoperative red blood cell transfusion to avoid sickling. We maintained normal physiology and optimal analgesia perioperatively. She was extubated after the successful surgical procedure and was transferred to Intensive care unit (ICU) for invasive monitoring, with subsequent discharge to the ward several days later.

Conclusion

Optimal preprocedural optimization can decrease complications in patients with critically comprised cerebral circulation booked for extensive surgery such as ECIC bypass. We believe the presentation of anesthetic management of a patient with moyamoya disease and sickle cell disease may prove helpful.
Metataxonomic analysis and host proteome response in dairy cows with high and low somatic cell count: a quarter level investigation
Authors: Winther Anja Ruud , da Silva Duarte Vinícius , Porcellato Davide
Published: April 2023

Host response to invasive microbes in the bovine udder has an important role on the animal health and is essential to the dairy industry to ensure production of high-quality milk and reduce the mastitis incidence. To better understand the biology behind these host-microbiome interactions, we investigated the somatic cell proteomes at quarter level for four cows (collected before and after milking) using a shotgun proteomics approach. Simultaneously, we identified the quarter microbiota by amplicon sequencing to detect presence of mastitis pathogens or other commensal taxa. In total, 32 quarter milk samples were analyzed divided in two groups depending on the somatic cell count (SCC). The high SCC group (>100,000 cell/mL) included 10 samples and significant different proteome profiles were detected. Differential abundance analysis uncovers a specific expression pattern in high SCC samples revealing pathways involved in immune responses such as inflammation, activation of the complement system, migration of immune cells, and tight junctions. Interestingly, different proteome profiles were also identified in quarter samples containing one of the two mastitis pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus uberis, indicating a different response of the host depending on the pathogen. Weighted correlation network analysis identified three modules of co-expressed proteins which were correlated with the SCC in the quarters. These modules contained proteins assigned to different aspects of the immune response, but also amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, and biosynthesis of amino acids. The results of this study provide deeper insights on how the proteome expression changes at quarter level in naturally infected cows and pinpoint potential interactions and important biological functions during host-microbe interaction.
Preoxygenation with standard facemask combining apnoeic oxygenation using high flow nasal cannula versuss standard facemask alone in patients with and without obesity: the OPTIMASK international study
Authors: Jaber Samir , De Jong Audrey , Schaefer Maximilian S. , Zhang Jiaqiang , Ma Xiaowen , Hao Xinrui , Zhou Shujing , Lv Shang , Banner-Goodspeed Valerie , Niu Xiuhua , Sfara Thomas , Talmor Daniel
Published: April 2023

Background

Combining oxygen facemask with apnoeic oxygenation using high-flow-nasal-oxygen (HFNO) for preoxygenation in the operating room has not been studied against standard oxygen facemask alone. We hypothesized that facemask-alone would be associated with lower levels of lowest end-tidal oxygen (EtO2) within 2 min after intubation in comparison with facemask combined with HFNO.

Methods

In an international prospective before–after multicentre study, we included adult patients intubated in the operating room from September 2022 to December 2022. In the before period, preoxygenation was performed with facemask-alone, which was removed during laryngoscopy. In the after period, facemask combined with HFNO was used for preoxygenation and HFNO for apnoeic oxygenation during laryngoscopy. HFNO was maintained throughout intubation. The primary outcome was the lowest EtO2 within 2 min after intubation. The secondary outcome was SpO2 ≤ 95% within 2 min after intubation. Subgroup analyses were performed in patients without and with obesity. This study was registered 10 August 2022 with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT05495841.

Results

A total of 450 intubations were evaluated, 233 with facemask-alone and 217 with facemask combined with HFNO. In all patients, the lowest EtO2 within 2 min after intubation was significantly lower with facemask-alone than with facemask combined with HFNO, 89 (85–92)% vs 91 (88–93)%, respectively (mean difference − 2.20(− 3.21 to − 1.18), p < 0.001). In patients with obesity, similar results were found [87(82–91)% vs 90(88–92)%, p = 0.004]; as in patients without obesity [90(86–92)% vs 91(89–93)%, p = 0.001)]. SpO2 ≤ 95% was more frequent with facemask-alone (14/232, 6%) than with facemask combined with HFNO (2/215, 1%, p = 0.004). No severe adverse events were recorded.

Conclusions

Combining facemask with HFNO for preoxygenation and apnoeic oxygenation was associated with increased levels of lowest EtO2 within 2 min after intubation and less desaturation.
The association between academic performance indicators and lifestyle behaviors among Kuwaiti college students
Authors: Al-Haifi Ahmad R. , Al-Awadhi Balqees A. , Bumaryoum Nayef Y. , Alajmi Fahhad A. , Ashkanani Rasha H. , Al-Hazzaa Hazzaa M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Lifestyle behaviors are developed during young adulthood and carried through life. Accordingly, early detection of unhealthy behaviors can help prevent the increase in non-communicable diseases in the population. College students are an especially vulnerable group who, upon entering a new environment, tend to engage in unhealthy behaviors.

Objective

The present study aims to evaluate the lifestyle behaviors of Kuwaiti college students and their association with markers of academic achievements.

Methods

One thousand two hundred fifty-nine students participated in the present study and answered an online questionnaire pertaining to their sociodemographic status, academic performance indicators, body weight and height, and lifestyle behaviors. Data were collected from November 2020 to February 2021.

Results

Results of the present study showed that obesity was significantly more prevalent among male participants than among females even though males were more physically active. Alternatively, females had a greater grade point average in college, slept more, and had more screen time. Interestingly, we were unable to detect a significant correlation between lifestyle behaviors and academic achievements.

Conclusion

The observed differences in body mass index between genders may have been attributed to energy intake rather than energy expenditure.
Strategies to stabilize dalbavancin in aqueous solutions: Section 4—identification of heat degradation products in 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and divalent metal ion solutions at pH 4.5 and 7.0
Authors: Jakaria Sardar M. , Budil David E. , Murtagh James
Published: April 2023

Heat stress studies have been conducted in support of developing a heat-stable liquid solution of dalbavancin. The degradation products that form in heat-stressed buffered dalbavancin solutions have been identified, including the known major degradation product, mannosyl aglycone (MAG), and four previously uncharacterized compounds. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was used to identify the degradation products of dalbavancin in acetate- and phosphate-buffered solutions under thermal stress at 70 °C and the changes in the degradation pattern in the presence of 2HPβCD and divalent metal ions. Although Ca2+, Mg2+, and Zn2+ did not reduce dalbavancin degradation under thermal stress in acetate buffer, 2HPβCD significantly reduced its overall degradation, in particular, the formation of MAG. This protective effect was enhanced by the addition of Ca2+ to the formulation. In phosphate buffer, MAG formation was also reduced by the addition of 2HPβCD, although significant increases in other degradation products were observed in this case. The addition of Mg2+ to 2HPβCD significantly reduced the overall degradation while increasing MAG formation somewhat. The results strongly suggest that 2HPβCD forms a complex with the hydrophobic glycone tail of dalbavancin, suppressing hydrolysis of the glycosidic bond.
Emerging hallmark of gliomas microenvironment in evading immunity: a basic concept
Authors: Arifianto Muhammad Reza , Meizikri Rizki , Haq Irwan Barlian Immadoel , Susilo Rahadian Indarto , Wahyuhadi Joni , Hermanto Yulius , Faried Ahmad
Published: April 2023

Background

Over the last decade, since clinical trials examining targeted therapeutics for gliomas have failed to demonstrate a meaningful increase in survival, the emphasis has recently been switched toward innovative techniques for modulating the immune response against tumors and their microenvironments (TME). Cancerous cells have eleven hallmarks which make it distinct from normal ones, among which is immune evasion. Immune evasion in glioblastoma helps it evade various treatment modalities.

Glioblastoma’s TME is composed of various array of cellular actors, ranging from peripherally derived immune cells to a variety of organ-resident specialized cell types. For example, the blood–brain barrier (BBB) serves as a selective barrier between the systemic circulation and the brain, which effectively separates it from other tissues. It is capable of blocking around 98% of molecules that transport different medications to the target tumor.

Objectives

The purpose of this paper is to offer a concise overview of fundamental immunology and how ‘clever’ gliomas avoid the immune system despite the discovery of immunotherapy for glioma.

Conclusions

Herein, we highlight the complex interplay of the tumor, the TME, and the nearby normal structures makes it difficult to grasp how to approach the tumor itself. Numerous researchers have found that the brain TME is a critical regulator of glioma growth and treatment efficacy.
Brief periods of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation improve autonomic balance and alter circulating monocytes and endothelial cells in patients with metabolic syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: de Moraes Tercio Lemos , Costa Fernando Oliveira , Cabral Danielly Gomes , Fernandes Daniella Marques , Sangaleti Carine Teles , Dalboni Maria Aparecida , Motta e Motta Josiane , de Souza Liliane Appratto , Montano Nicola , Irigoyen Maria Claudia , Brines Michael , J. Tracey Kevin , Pavlov Valentin A. , Consolim Colombo Fernanda M.
Published: April 2023

Background

There is emerging evidence that the nervous system regulates immune and metabolic alterations mediating Metabolic syndrome (MetS) pathogenesis via the vagus nerve. This study evaluated the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (TAVNS) on key cardiovascular and inflammatory components of MetS.

Methods

We conducted an open label, randomized (2:1), two-arm, parallel-group controlled trial in MetS patients. Subjects in the treatment group (n = 20) received 30 min of TAVNS with a NEMOS® device placed on the cymba conchae of the left ear, once weekly. Patients in the control group (n = 10) received no stimulation. Hemodynamic, heart rate variability (HRV), biochemical parameters, and monocytes, progenitor endothelial cells, circulating endothelial cells, and endothelial micro particles were evaluated at randomization, after the first TAVNS treatment, and again after 8 weeks of follow-up.

Results

An improvement in sympathovagal balance (HRV analysis) was observed after the first TAVNS session. Only patients treated with TAVNS for 8 weeks had a significant decrease in office BP and HR, a further improvement in sympathovagal balance, with a shift of circulating monocytes towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype and endothelial cells to a reparative vascular profile.

Conclusion

These results are of interest for further study of TAVNS as treatment of MetS.
Genome-wide association study for single nucleotide polymorphism associated with mural and cumulus granulosa cells of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and non-PCOS patients
Authors: Pant Pankaj , Chitme Havagiray , Sircar Reema , Prasad Ritu , Prasad Hari Om
Published: April 2023

Background

The genetic make-up of local granulosa cells and their function in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is crucial to a full comprehension of the disorder. The major purpose of this study was to compare the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) of cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs) and mural granulosa cells (MGCs) between healthy individuals and women with PCOS using genome-wide association analysis (GWA). A case–control study was conducted in a total of 24 women diagnosed with PCOS and 24 healthy non-PCOS women of reproductive age aggregated into 4 samples of 6 patients each. GWA studies entail several processes, such as cell separation, cellular DNA extraction, library preparation followed by interpretation using bioinformatics databases. SNP locations were identified by reference gene also involves the use of Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) (MALDI-TOF-MS) for the first sorting. Hybridization with the gene chip was followed by reading the SNP genotypes according to the publications in the literature. TASSEL (Trait Analysis by aSSociation, Evolution and Linkage) program and methods were used for GWA studies.

Results

An aggregate of 21,039 SNP calls were obtained from our samples. Genes of autoimmune illnesses, obesity, inflammatory illnesses, nervous system diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, autism, neural tube defects, and Alzheimer's disease; and various malignancies such as lung cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer were also identified in these cells. Gene ranking score reveals that granulosa cells carry key genes of neurological system and reproductive systems especially in brain and testis, respectively.

Conclusions

Mural and Cumulus Granulosa cells were shown to have the PCOS directly and indirectly related genes MMP9, PRKAA2, COMT and HP. We found that the expression of ARID4B, MUC5AC, NID2, CREBBP, GNB1, KIF2C, COL18A1, and HNRNPC by these cells may contribute to PCOS.

Graphical abstract
Study on the determination of the body and mental state of adult age patients
Authors: Vizitiu Elena , Constantinescu Mihai
Published: April 2023

Our study comes from the desire to highlight certain problems faced by adulthood, as well as the awareness of practicing physical exercise in water and on land, in order to combat them. Hypothesis of the work; it is assumed that through a thorough study in terms of body composition and mental status of patients of adult age, we will identify some problems that arise during this period of life and at the same time we will be able to develop truthful programs by applying physical means. The purpose of our work consists in highlighting the main problems of normoponderality and mental status on the patients subjected to the study by applying various tests that will highlight these aspects. Objectives of the study: Identification of body composition and mental status of adult patients; Patients' awareness of the normoponderality and mental problems arising from the applied tests; Promoting physical activities on land and in water, in adulthood. The result of questioning the subjects subjected to the study on the evaluation of the mental status revealed the fact that they have a temporal, spatial orientation, an adequate memory and attention, as well as a reading-writing and copying capacity corresponding to the age, and the determination of the body composition was achieved with the help of the "Tanita" device through which it was found an average of the group of subjects of 43.13% fat, 25,80 % muscle mass, 6,83 % bone mass, and water 42,22 %.
Response to correspondence article on the research protocol titled Towards Health Equity and Transformative Action on tribal health (THETA) study to describe, explain and act on tribal health inequities in India: A health systems research study protocol
Authors: N Srinivas Prashanth , Seshadri Tanya , Velho Nandini , Babu Giridhar R , Madegowda C , Channabasappa Yogish , Majigi Sumanth Mallikarjuna , Bhat Deepa
Published: April 2023

In this correspondence, we, co-authors and collaborators involved in the Towards Health Equity and Transformative Action on tribal health (THETA) study respond to a recent article published in Wellcome Open Research titled Correspondence article on the research protocol titled ‘Towards Health Equity and Transformative Action on tribal health (THETA) study to describe, explain and act on tribal health inequities in India: A health systems research study protocol’ published in Wellcome Open Research in December 2019 In the first part, we provide overall clarifications on the THETA study and in the second part respond to specific comments by the authors of the aforementioned correspondence.