bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lung adenocarcinoma-related target gene prediction and drug repositioning
Authors: Huang Rui Xuan , Siriwanna Damrongrat , Cho William C. , Wan Tsz Kin , Du Yan Rong , Bennett Adam N. , He Qian Echo , Liu Jun Dong , Huang Xiao Tai , Chan Kei Hang Katie
Published: August 2022

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths globally, and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common type of lung cancer. Gene dysregulation plays an essential role in the development of LUAD. Drug repositioning based on associations between drug target genes and LUAD target genes are useful to discover potential new drugs for the treatment of LUAD, while also reducing the monetary and time costs of new drug discovery and development. Here, we developed a pipeline based on machine learning to predict potential LUAD-related target genes through established graph attention networks (GATs). We then predicted potential drugs for the treatment of LUAD through gene coincidence-based and gene network distance-based methods. Using data from 535 LUAD tissue samples and 59 precancerous tissue samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas, 48,597 genes were identified and used for the prediction model building of the GAT. The GAT model achieved good predictive performance, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.90. 1,597 potential LUAD-related genes were identified from the GAT model. These LUAD-related genes were then used for drug repositioning. The gene overlap and network distance with the target genes were calculated for 3,070 drugs and 672 preclinical compounds approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. At which, bromoethylamine was predicted as a novel potential preclinical compound for the treatment of LUAD, and cimetidine and benzbromarone were predicted as potential therapeutic drugs for LUAD. The pipeline established in this study presents new approach for developing targeted therapies for LUAD.
Experimental treatments to attenuate blood spinal cord barrier rupture in rats with traumatic spinal cord injury: A meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Deng Li , Lv Jun Qiao , Sun Lin
Published: August 2022

Background: Traumatic spinal cord injury (t-SCI) is a severe injury that has a devastating impact on neurological function. Blood spinal cord barrier (BSCB) destruction following SCI aggravates the primary injury, resulting in a secondary injury. A series of experimental treatments have been proven to alleviate BSCB destruction after t-SCI.

Methods: From a screen of 1,189 papers, which were retrieved from Pubmed, Embase, and Web of science, we identified 28 papers which adhered to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Evans blue (EB) leakage on the first day post-SCI was selected as the primary result. Secondary outcomes included the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins and adhesion junction (AJ) proteins in protein immunoblotting. In addition, we measured functional recovery using the Basso, Beattie, Besnahan (BBB) score and we analyzed the relevant mechanisms to explore the similarities between different studies.

Result: The forest plot of Evans blue leakage (EB leakage) reduction rate: the pooled effect size of the 28 studies was 0.54, 95% CI: 0.47–0.61, p < 0.01. This indicates that measures to mitigate BSCB damage significantly improved in reducing overall EB leakage. In addition TJ proteins (Occludin, Claudin-5, and ZO-1), AJ proteins (P120 and β-catenin) were significantly upregulated after treatment in all publications. Moreover, BBB scores were significantly improved. Comprehensive studies have shown that in t-SCI, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is the most commonly used mechanism to mitigate BSCB damage, followed by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the Akt pathway. In addition, we found that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (BMSC-Exos), which inhibit the TIMP2/MMP signaling pathway, may be the most effective way to alleviate BSCB injury.

Conclusion: This study systematically analyzes the experimental treatments and their mechanisms for reducing BSCB injury in the early stage of t-SCI. BMSC-Exos, which inhibit MMP expression, are currently the most effective therapeutic modality for alleviating BSCB damage. In addition, the regulation of MMPs in particular as well as the Akt pathway and the ER stress pathway play important roles in alleviating BSCB injury.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022324794.
A bibliometric analysis of the 100 most-cited articles on curcumin
Authors: Zhou Yan-Xi , Cao Xiao-Yu , Peng Cheng
Published: August 2022

Background: Extensive studies related to curcumin were carried out over the preceding several decades. Citation frequencies represent the most prominent contributions in a specific field. This research aimed to identify and analyze the 100 most-cited articles on curcumin and to highlight the most important advances in this field.

Methods: Highly cited articles were identified in the Web of Science core collection database. “curcumin*” was used as the search string to retrieve in the “Title” field. VOSviewer was applied to perform bibliometric analysis of these papers.

Results: Totally 17,645 publications on the topic of curcumin were identified. The top most-cited 100 articles were published between 1973 and 2017. Most of these papers were original (n = 62). The total citation frequency in the top 100 article ranged from 355 to 3364, with a median of 560. The United States and India were the major countries researching curcumin. The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center was the institution with the highest contribution rate of these articles. The most frequently nominated authors were Aggarwal B. B., Kunnumakkara A. B., Prasad S., and Priyadarsini K. I. The top 100 articles were published in 68 journals. The top four journals in terms of the number of our included articles were Cancer Research (n = 7), followed by Journal of Biological Chemistry, Biochemical Pharmacology, and Cancer Letters, with 4 articles each. NF-kappa B, cancer, gene expression, apoptosis, inflammation, chemopreventive agent, and nitric oxide synthase are presumed to be the current hot topics. Bioavailability, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities were the major research directions of curcumin.

Conclusion: This study analyzed the 100 most-cited articles on curcumin and provided insights into the characteristics and research hotspots of the articles on this topic.
CB2 cannabinoid receptor expression is increased in 129S1/SvImJ mice: behavioral consequences
Authors: Ten-Blanco Marc , Pereda-Pérez Inmaculada , Izquierdo-Luengo Cristina , Berrendero Fernando
Published: August 2022

Genetic and environmental factors are implicated in the etiology of neuropsychiatric diseases. Inbred mouse strains, including the 129S1/SvImJ (S1), constitute important models to study the influence of genetic factors in these conditions. S1 mice displayed anxiogenic-like behavior, impaired fear extinction, and increased prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle reflex compared to C57BL/6J (BL6) mice. Given the role played by the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in these responses, we evaluated the expression of the ECS components in different brain regions in S1 mice. Gene expression levels of the cannabinoid type-1 and type-2 receptors (CB1R and CB2R) and the endocannabinoid metabolizing enzymes varied depending on the brain region evaluated. Notably, CB2R expression markedly increased in the amygdala, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in S1 mice. Moreover, CB2R blockade with SR144528 partially rescued the anxiogenic phenotype in S1 mice, while CB2R activation with JWH133 potentiated the deficits in fear extinction and the PPI of startle reflex in this mouse strain. These data suggest that CB2R is involved in the behavioral alterations observed in S1 mice and underline the importance of this cannabinoid receptor subtype in the regulation of certain central nervous system disorders.
Neuronal Inflammation is Associated with Changes in Epidermal Innervation in High Fat Fed Mice
Authors: Umbaugh David S. , Maciejewski J. Claire , Wooten Joshua S. , Guilford Brianne L.
Published: August 2022

Peripheral neuropathy (PN), a debilitating complication of diabetes, is associated with obesity and the metabolic syndrome in nondiabetic individuals. Evidence indicates that a high fat diet can induce signs of diabetic peripheral PN in mice but the pathogenesis of high fat diet-induced PN remains unknown.

PURPOSE: Determine if neuronal inflammation is associated with the development of mechanical hypersensitivity and nerve fiber changes in high fat fed mice.

METHODS: Male C57Bl/6 mice were randomized to a standard (Std, 15% kcal from fat) or high fat diet (HF, 54% kcal from fat) for 2, 4, or 8 weeks (n = 11-12 per group). Lumbar dorsal root ganglia were harvested and inflammatory mediators (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17, MCP-1, IFN-γ, TNF-α, MIP-1α, GMCSF, RANTES) were quantified. Hindpaw mechanical sensitivity was assessed using the von Frey test. Intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) and TrkA nerve fiber density were quantified via immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: After 8 weeks, HF had greater body mass (33.3 ± 1.0 vs 26.7 ± 0.5 g, p < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (160.3 ± 9.4 vs 138.5 ± 3.4 mg/dl, p < 0.05) and insulin (3.58 ± 0.46 vs 0.82 ± 0.14 ng/ml, p < 0.001) compared to Std. IL-1α, RANTES and IL-5 were higher in HF compared to Std after 2 and 4 weeks, respectively (IL-1α: 4.8 ± 1.3 vs 2.9 ± 0.6 pg/mg, p < 0.05; RANTES: 19.6 ± 2.2 vs 13.3 ± 1.2 pg/mg p < 0.05; IL-5: 5.8 ± 0.7 vs 3.1 ± 0.5 pg/mg, p < 0.05). IENFD and TrkA fiber density were also higher in HF vs Std after 4 weeks (IENFD: 39.4 ± 1.2 vs 32.2 ± 1.3 fibers/mm, p < 0.001; TrkA: 30.4 ± 1.8 vs 22.4 ± 1.3 fibers/mm). There were no significant differences in hindpaw sensitivity for Std vs HF.

CONCLUSION: Increased inflammatory mediators preceded and accompanied an increase in cutaneous pain sensing nerve fibers in high fat fed mice but was not accompanied by significant mechanical allodynia. Diets high in fat may increase neuronal inflammation and lead to increased nociceptive nerve fiber density.
The effects of membrane potential oscillations on the excitability of rat hypoglossal motoneurons
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Dai Yue , Zhou Junya , Ge Renkai , Hua Yiyun , Powers Randall K. , Binder Marc D.
Published: August 2022

Oscillations in membrane potential induced by synaptic inputs and intrinsic ion channel activity play a role in regulating neuronal excitability, but the precise mechanisms underlying their contributions remain largely unknown. Here we used electrophysiological and modeling approaches to investigate the effects of Gaussian white noise injected currents on the membrane properties and discharge characteristics of hypoglossal (HG) motoneurons in P16-21 day old rats. We found that the noise-induced membrane potential oscillations facilitated spike initiation by hyperpolarizing the cells’ voltage threshold by 3.1 ± 1.0 mV and reducing the recruitment current for the tonic discharges by 0.26 ± 0.1 nA, on average (n = 59). Further analysis revealed that the noise reduced both recruitment and decruitment currents by 0.26 ± 0.13 and 0.33 ± 0.1 nA, respectively, and prolonged the repetitive firing. The noise also increased the slopes of frequency-current (F-I) relationships by 1.1 ± 0.2 Hz/nA. To investigate the potential mechanisms underlying these findings, we constructed a series of HG motoneuron models based on their electrophysiological properties. The models consisted of five compartments endowed with transient sodium (NaT), delayed-rectify potassium [K(DR)], persistent sodium (NaP), calcium-activated potassium [K(AHP)], L-type calcium (CaL) and H-current channels. In general, all our experimental results could be well fitted by the models, however, a modification of standard Hodgkin-Huxley kinetics was required to reproduce the changes in the F-I relationships and the prolonged discharge firing. This modification, corresponding to the noise generated by the stochastic flicker of voltage-gated ion channels (channel flicker, CF), was an adjustable sinusoidal function added to kinetics of the channels that increased their sensitivity to subthreshold membrane potential oscillations. Models with CF added to NaP and CaL channels mimicked the noise-induced alterations of membrane properties, whereas models with CF added to NaT and K(DR) were particularly effective in reproducing the noise-induced changes for repetitive firing observed in the real motoneurons. Further analysis indicated that the modified channel kinetics enhanced NaP- and CaL-mediated inward currents thus increasing the excitability and output of HG motoneurons, whereas they produced relatively small changes in NaT and K(DR), thus balancing these two currents and triggering variability of repetitive firing. This study provided insight into the types of membrane channel mechanisms that might underlie oscillation-induced alterations of neuronal excitability and motor output in rat HG motoneurons.
Metabolic acidosis post kidney transplantation
Authors: Tariq Hafsa , Dobre Mirela
Published: August 2022

Metabolic acidosis, a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), results in a multitude of deleterious effects. Though the restoration of kidney function following transplantation is generally accompanied by a correction of metabolic acidosis, a subset of transplant recipients remains afflicted by this ailment and its subsequent morbidities. The vulnerability of kidney allografts to metabolic acidosis can be attributed to reasons similar to pathogenesis of acidosis in non-transplant CKD, and to transplant specific causes, including donor related, recipient related, immune mediated factors, and immunosuppressive medications. Correction of metabolic acidosis in kidney transplantation either with alkali therapy or through dietary manipulations may have potential benefits and the results of such clinical trials are eagerly awaited. This review summarizes the published evidence on the pathogenesis and clinical consequences of chronic metabolic acidosis in kidney transplant recipients.
Genome-wide identification of growth-regulating factor transcription factor family related to leaf and stem development in alfalfa
Authors: Sun Yue , Li He , Wu Jiajing , Zhang Kangning , Tang Wei , Cong Lili , Xie Hongli , Wang Zeng-Yu , Chai Maofeng
Published: August 2022

Growth-regulating factors (GRFs) play crucial roles in plant growth and stress response. To date, there have been no reports of the analysis and identification of the GRF transcription factor family in alfalfa. In this study, we identified 27 GRF family members from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) “Xinjiang Daye”, and analyzed their physicochemical properties. Based on phylogenetic analysis, these MsGRFs were divided into five subgroups, each with a similar gene structure and conserved motifs. MsGRFs genes are distributed on 23 chromosomes, and all contain QLQ and WRC conserved domains. The results of the collinearity analysis showed that all MsGRFs are involved in gene duplication, including multiple whole-genome duplication or segmental duplication and a set of tandem duplication, indicating that large-scale duplication is important for the expansion of the GRF family in alfalfa. Several hormone-related and stress-related cis-acting elements have been found in the promoter regions of MsGRFs. Some MsGRFs were highly expressed in young leaves and stems, and their expression decreased during development. In addition, the leaf size of different varieties was found to vary, and MsGRF1 to 4, MsGRF18 to 20, and MsGRF22 to 23 were differentially expressed in large and small leaf alfalfa varieties, suggesting that they are critical in the regulation of leaf size. The results of this study can benefit further exploration of the regulatory functions of MsGRFs in growth and development, and can identify candidate genes that control leaf size development.
Nuclear dynamics: Formation of bodies and trafficking in plant nuclei
Authors: Muñoz-Díaz Eduardo , Sáez-Vásquez Julio
Published: August 2022

The existence of the nucleus distinguishes prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Apart from containing most of the genetic material, the nucleus possesses several nuclear bodies composed of protein and RNA molecules. The nucleus is separated from the cytoplasm by a double membrane, regulating the trafficking of molecules in- and outwards. Here, we investigate the composition and function of the different plant nuclear bodies and molecular clues involved in nuclear trafficking. The behavior of the nucleolus, Cajal bodies, dicing bodies, nuclear speckles, cyclophilin-containing bodies, photobodies and DNA damage foci is analyzed in response to different abiotic stresses. Furthermore, we research the literature to collect the different protein localization signals that rule nucleocytoplasmic trafficking. These signals include the different types of nuclear localization signals (NLSs) for nuclear import, and the nuclear export signals (NESs) for nuclear export. In contrast to these unidirectional-movement signals, the existence of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling signals (NSSs) allows bidirectional movement through the nuclear envelope. Likewise, nucleolar signals are also described, which mainly include the nucleolar localization signals (NoLSs) controlling nucleolar import. In contrast, few examples of nucleolar export signals, called nucleoplasmic localization signals (NpLSs) or nucleolar export signals (NoESs), have been reported. The existence of consensus sequences for these localization signals led to the generation of prediction tools, allowing the detection of these signals from an amino acid sequence. Additionally, the effect of high temperatures as well as different post-translational modifications in nuclear and nucleolar import and export is discussed.
Critical Factors in the Implementation of Risk Awareness Education in Universities in China
Authors: Liu Ling , Pei Xiaoge , Han Yingchun , Liao Xiaoling
Published: August 2022

Under the influence of social changes, latent factors in campus safety are increasing, and dealing with them is becoming more difficult. Facing the challenges in the pluralistic society, students need to cope with the changes of external and internal environments in the dynamic society. Additionally, there are new events on campus at any time, which may lead to campus risk. The frequent events that have occurred on campus in recent years have created difficulties for school administrative units. Implementing campus risk management strategies and conducting risk awareness education campaigns are, therefore, necessary. The fact that we are in a technologically dynamic age is another factor that makes risk awareness and proper risk management essential for individual survival and sustainable development of organizations. The participants of the study were university students in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province. Three hundred copies of the questionnaire were distributed, and 238 valid copies were retrieved, representing a retrieval rate of 79%. The results of the survey show that “life education” is the most emphasized dimension, followed by “curriculum and instruction,” and “environmental planning.” The five most emphasized indicators among the 14 indicators are opportunity education, physical activity, role-play, team competition, and learning area planning. The results suggest that school administrative units can take control in an emergency and reduce the likelihood of school members being threatened or harmed by the risk factor, and educators can make a quick decision to turn risk into opportunity.
Who is more likely to start a business? Analysis of the factors influencing undergraduates’ entrepreneurial intentions
Authors: Li Yan Yan , Wang Ruo Xiang , Chi Chun Yang
Published: August 2022

Entrepreneurial intention is an important condition for promoting substantive entrepreneurial behavior, which in turn alleviates employment pressure and promotes sustainable economic and social development. Based on national survey data of university students, descriptive statistical analysis of variables and binary logistic regression analysis were used to empirically analyze the factors influencing university students’ entrepreneurial intentions in five aspects, including innate endowment, acquired characteristics, entrepreneurship courses, and entrepreneurial practice, and social support. The regression results showed that both the factors of innate endowment and acquired characteristics passed the significance test. The entrepreneurship course factor had a significant impact on entrepreneurial intention, with the mean value of the number of entrepreneurship courses hitting 1.80, which is much lower than the other subdivision factors, indicating that there is a greater demand for entrepreneurship courses offered by university students, while the actual situation is less than satisfactory. The entrepreneurial practice factor is also an important factor, with an overall mean of 3 or more, and has a significant impact on entrepreneurial intentions, but in comparison, the factor of having an off-campus practice base for entrepreneurial practice has the lowest mean score, which shows that there is some room for improvement in the construction of off-campus practice bases. The social support factor significantly influences the willingness to start a business, and the mean score for each factor is above the medium level. By understanding which students are more willing to start a business and which factors are more likely to influence their willingness to start a business, we can further consider what kind of entrepreneurial skills and entrepreneurship education can lead to high-quality entrepreneurship and employment.
The influence of “small private online course + flipped classroom” teaching on physical education students’ learning motivation from the perspective of self-determination theory
Authors: Hu Ti , Zhang Meng-long , Liu Hong , Liu Jun-cheng , Pan Si-jia , Guo Jiang-hao , Tian Zong-en , Cui Lei
Published: August 2022

Objective

The study aimed to enhance the learning motivation of college physical education students and improve their learning outcomes. Based on the perspective of the self-determination theory, this study explores the influence of “Small Private Online Course (SPOC) + flipped classroom” teaching on the learning motivation of students majoring in physical education and profoundly analyzes the influencing factors and promotion paths of learning motivation using this model.

Materials and methods

A total of four classes (64 students) of physical education majors in a university were selected and randomly divided into an experimental group (34 students) and a control group (30 students). The experimental group received “SPOC + flipped classroom” teaching, the control group received traditional teaching. Before and after the 16-week intervention, learning motivation, teacher support perception, basic psychological need satisfaction, and academic emotions of the 64 students were measured, and the data were analyzed by repeated-measures analysis of variance and partial least square regression.

Results

(1) The instructional intervention reduced non-regulation, external regulation, and introjected regulation, while increased identified regulation, intrinsic regulation, and self-determination levels in the students. The levels of non-regulation, external regulation, identified regulation, and self-determination were also significantly different from those of the control group. (2) After the intervention, the scores of support for autonomy, support for competence, support for relatedness, and need for relatedness in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group. (3) Support for autonomy, support for competence, support for relatedness, need for competence and need for relatedness positively predicted the self-determination level, and intrinsic regulation and identified regulation negatively predicted non-regulation, external regulation, and introjected regulation.

Conclusion

“SPOC + flipped classroom” teaching has a positive impact on students’ learning motivation of basketball skills and promotes students’ motivation autonomy. The improvement of support for autonomy, support for competence, support for relatedness, need for competence, and need for relatedness may be related to the improvement of learning motivation of college students majoring in Physical Education (PE). “SPOC + flipped classroom” teaching enables students to obtain more demand satisfaction by giving them more demand support, while demand support and demand satisfaction can promote the internalization of learning motivation so that students can maintain high autonomy motivation.
Are you ready for retirement? The influence of values on membership in voluntary organizations in midlife and old age
Authors: Sánchez-García Julia , Vega-Tinoco Andrea , Gil-Lacruz Ana I. , Mira-Tamayo Diana C. , Moya Miguel , Gil-Lacruz Marta
Published: August 2022

Membership in voluntary organizations is associated with individual and social benefits. Due to the negative consequences of the global pandemic on older people, and the governmental challenges posed by population aging, voluntary membership is of great importance to society. To effectively promote volunteering among older people, it is necessary to understand the determinants of voluntary membership. This study analyses the influence of individual values—secular/traditional and survival/self-expression–on voluntary membership among European adults (N = 31,985). Specifically, it examines which values orient two age groups (middle age: 50–64 and old age: 65–79), as well as men and women toward a certain type of association (Social Awareness; Professional and Political; Education and Leisure; Religion). The sample of 31,985 comprises 60% of adults aged 50–64 and 40% aged 65–79; of which 56% are women and 44% men. The empirical estimation considers different levels of data aggregation: individual, national and welfare system, therefore multilevel analysis is used as an analytical strategy. Individual-level variables from the Integrated Values Survey (2005/09, 2010/14, and 2017/20) and national-level variables (Gini Index and Gross Domestic Product Per Capita) from the World Bank and Eurostat are used. The results indicate that traditional and self-expression values promote membership in voluntary organizations in general more than secular and survival values. However, there are differences according to the type of organization. Furthermore, values are found to moderate the effect of age and gender on voluntary membership.
Intellectual capital and financial performance: A comparative study
Authors: Ali Shahid , Murtaza Ghulam , Hedvicakova Martina , Jiang Junfeng , Naeem Muhammad
Published: August 2022

Intellectual Capital (IC) is a driving force behind the financial performance of non-financial firms. Investing in intellectual and physical capital allows companies to optimize their financial performance by maximizing resource utilization. This study aims to determine whether IC efficiency impacts the financial performance of listed Pakistani and Indian companies between 2010 and 2020. Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) are used to calculate financial performance, and IC is calculated using the modified Value-Added Intellectual Coefficient (MVAIC) model. Regression analysis is performed using the STATA software developed by the South Texas Art Therapy Association. Human Capital (HC), Structural Capital (SC), and Capital Employed (CE) have a significant impact on Pakistani and Indian firms’ financial performance. Resource-based theory (RBT) supports these findings. The findings should provide management with a prompt to improve financial performance and emphasize the importance of IC. A rare study has addressed the impact of IC on firm financial performance using the MVAIC model, rather than the VAIC model, in Pakistan and India.
Maternal adult attachment and maternal–fetal attachment in the context of romantic relationship quality after premature birth–A cross sectional study
Authors: Lutkiewicz Karolina , Bidzan Mariola
Published: August 2022

Objective

The primary outcome of the study was to evaluate the maternal adult attachment and maternal–fetal attachment (MFA) in the context of romantic relationship quality among mothers of preterm born children. Associations between MFA, maternal adult attachment, maternal perceived stress, depressive symptoms, social support in the neonatal period were also examined as secondary outcomes.

Materials and methods

The study had a cross-sectional design and involved 260 of women after premature birth, who participated in the study in the early neonatal period. The following self-reported methods were used: Socio-demographic questionnaire, Attachment Styles Questionnaire (ASQ), Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS), The Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), The Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), The Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ).

Results

The results showed that a secure attachment style is associated with a higher intensity of the MFA and consequently, a higher quality of the romantic relationship. Regression analysis presented that the higher the secure attachment score, the lower the perceived level of stress and depressive symptoms, which in turn lead to a higher quality of the partner relationship.

Conclusion

Maternal secure attachment positively impacts the romantic relationship quality and the maternal–fetal attachment. The findings also draw attention to the role of the secure attachment style as a protective factor while coping with stress and depressive symptoms.
Maternal well-being and family adaptation during COVID-19 in fragile X syndrome
Authors: Fielding-Gebhardt Heather , Swinburne Romine Rebecca , Bredin-Oja Shelley , Brady Nancy , Warren Steven F.
Published: August 2022

Mothers of children with fragile X syndrome are at increased risk of experiencing anxiety and depression due to potential genetic risk and to stress associated with parenting a child with significant behavioral, emotional, and educational support needs. During the initial shutdown and subsequent restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, mothers of children with fragile X reported experiencing elevated levels of anxiety and depression relative to their usual levels of well-being. Many indicated that the negative consequences of exposure to COVID-19 and related stressors, as well as the impacts of the pandemic on their family, directly affected their anxiety and depression. Mothers reported on specific sources of distress as well as potential sources of resilience and positive adaptation that occurred during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prevalence and determinants of meeting minimum dietary diversity among children aged 6–23 months in three sub-Saharan African Countries: The Demographic and Health Surveys, 2019–2020
Authors: Ba Djibril M. , Ssentongo Paddy , Gao Xiang , Chinchilli Vernon M. , Richie John P. , Maiga Mamoudou , Muscat Joshua E.
Published: August 2022

Background

Dietary diversity is an indicator of nutritional adequacy, which plays a significant role in child growth and development. Lack of adequate nutrition is associated with suboptimal brain development, lower school performance, and increased risk of mortality and chronic diseases. We aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of meeting minimum dietary diversity (MDD), defined as consuming at least five out of eight basic food groups in the previous 24-h in three sub-Saharan African countries.

Methods

A weighted population-based cross-sectional study was conducted using the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). MDD data were available between 2019 and 2020 for three sub-Saharan African countries (Gambia, Liberia, and Rwanda). The study population included 5,832 children aged 6–23 months. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to identify independent factors associated with meeting MDD.

Results

Overall, the weighted prevalence of children who met the MDD was 23.2% (95% CI: 21.7–24.8%), ranging from 8.6% in Liberia to 34.4% in Rwanda. Independent factors associated with meeting MDD were: age of the child (OR) = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.61, 2.39 for 12–17 months vs. 6–11 months], mothers from highest households' wealth status (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.45–2.39) compared with the lowest, and mothers with secondary/higher education (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.35–2.12) compared with those with no education. Mothers who were employed, had access to a radio, and those who visited a healthcare facility in the last 12 months were more likely to meet the MDD. There was no significant association between the child's sex and the odds of fulfilling the MDD.

Conclusions

There is substantial heterogeneity in the prevalence of MDD in these three sub-Saharan African countries. Lack of food availability or affordability may play a significant role in the low prevalence of MDD. The present analysis suggests that policies that will effectively increase the prevalence of meeting MDD should target poor households with appropriate materials or financial assistance and mothers with lower literacy. Public health interventions working with sectors such as education and radio stations to promote health education about the benefits of diverse diets is a critical step toward improving MDD in sub-Saharan Africa and preventing undernutrition.
Contextualizing a framework for improving postnatal care in Ethiopia
Authors: Bala Elias Teferi , Roets Lizeth
Published: August 2022

Background

Postnatal care is among the major recommended interventions to reduce maternal deaths. To improve the low postnatal care utilization in Ethiopia, the framework developed for this purpose in Kenya was contextualized and adapted for implementation in the Ethiopian context.

Objectives

The objectives of this article are to share the process followed to contextualize Chelagat's framework for improving postnatal care, for the implementation in Ethiopia as well as the finalized contextualized framework.

Methods

A quantitative descriptive research design was adapted. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data during November 2018 from 422 postnatal care providers and coordinators, using stratified random sampling. The AGREE II was utilized to assess adaptability and applicability and an open-ended question allowed to assess the challenges and opportunities for utilizing the framework. The data were analyzed using SPSS computer software, Version 23.

Results

The findings revealed that the framework from Chelagat was adaptable to use for the improvement of postnatal care in the Ethiopian context. The results from the analysis of the data using AGREE II indicated an average domain score of 92%, for contextualization possibility.

Conclusion

The framework originally developed by Chelagat was contextualized and refined to be implemented in Ethiopia to improve postnatal care.
Exploring the epidemiology of suicide attempts: Risk modeling in Kermanshah—Iran
Authors: Khademi Nahid , Zangeneh Alireza , Ziapour Arash , Saeidi Shahram , Teimouri Raziyeh , Yenneti Komali , Moghadam Shahrzad , Almasi Ali , Golanbari Shirin Zardui
Published: August 2022

Background

Suicide attempt is a serious global public health issue. The patterns of suicide may vary depending on the individual characteristics, methods, causes, and the geographical area-also socio-cultural context that determine it. This study identifies the spatial patterns of suicide attempts in Kermanshah province, Iran.

Method

The sample size of this cross-sectional study is 18,331 people (7234 males and 11097 females) who attempted suicide in Kermanshah province between 2006 and 2014. Data was collected from the records of patients referred to the emergency department of hospitals in Kermanshah and analyzed using tests of Mean Center, Standard Distance, and Average Nearest Neighbor.

Results

The results of the mean center and standard distance tests show that drug overdose, poisoning with toxins and pesticides, and chemicals mostly were used in the central areas of Kermanshah province. The mean center of suicide attempts by self-immolation, hanging and firearms was in the western parts of the province, while the suicide attempts with narcotic drug were concentrated in the eastern regions of the province. Out of the 18,331 cases, 74% attempted suicide with drug overdose, 13% with toxins and pesticides, 0.59% with chemicals, 4% with fire, 1% by self-immolation, 1% by hanging, 0.16% with firearms and 0.7% with cold weapons. The spatial pattern of all suicide attempts in Kermanshah was clustered (Z-score < −2.58).

Conclusion

The results of this study show that the methods of suicide attempt vary with geographical areas in the province. Therefore, it is suggested that planning tailored to the geographical location can reduce suicide attempts in Kermanshah.
Community health workers' mobility in China: Evidence from 2008 to 2017
Authors: Zou Qi , He Xiaoqun , Zhang Liang
Published: August 2022

Background

Community health workers (CHWs) are essential to improve the responsiveness of the national health system and the capacity of community health services. Since the implementation of the new program for health system reform in 2009, China has adopted an unprecedented policy to attract and retain CHWs to increase the quantity and quality of CHWs equitably. The policy's effects need to be further determined. The purpose of this study was to illustrate the temporal and spatial dynamics of CHWs' mobility in China from 2008 to 2017.

Methods

This study used a multistage stratified sampling method to collect 14,094 CHW mobility records from 24 counties and 12 districts in six provinces in China for analysis. The data cover the period from 2008 to 2017. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were adopted to analyse the distribution of mobile CHWs across different years and different subgroups from 2008 to 2017.

Results

This study found that China's CHWs were in a state of net inflow from 2008 to 2017. The number of net inflows continued to increase from 2008 to 2011 and had a slight downward trend afterwards. CHW turnover occurred more in rural areas and amongst males, physicians, management and support staff, intermediate and senior professional titles, ≥30 years old group and contractual temporary employees. By contrast, the attraction and retention of CHWs are remarkable amongst nurses, pharmacists, imaging and laboratory technicians, junior title, junior college degree and above and <30 years old group.

Conclusions

China has made great achievements with the policy targeting the attraction and retention of CHWs since the implementation of the new program for health system reform in 2009. However, CHWs in China are faced with the dilemma of an extremely high total mobility, the attraction of CHWs in rural areas is still insufficient, the professional structure of CHWs is unreasonable, and the attrition of high-quality health workers exists. China must pay attention to the fair allocation of urban and rural areas, dynamically adjust the recruitment structure of health technicians, improve the mechanism for attracting and retaining technicians with higher titles and guarantee the benefits of temporary employees.
Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the largest COVID-19 outbreak along the China-Myanmar border in Ruili City, Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Yan Xiangyu , Hao Linhui , Wang Zekun , Wang Xuechun , Zhang Xiangyu , Li Tao , Jia Zhongwei , Chang Litao , Zhang Bo , Shui Tiejun
Published: August 2022

Background

Imported COVID-19 patients posed great challenges to border areas' COVID-19 control. However, research was scarce to reveal epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in border areas. This study aimed to explore the detailed transmission chains, and reveal epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the largest COVID-19 outbreak caused by Delta variant of concern (VOC) occurred in the China-Myanmar border area.

Methods

During the outbreak from July to September, 2021 in Ruili City, Yunnan Province, China, epidemiological investigation data and clinical-related data pertaining to confirmed COVID-19 patients were collected. Patients' contact history data and viral gene sequencing were used for inference of transmission chains. Sociodemographic and epidemiological characteristics, cycle threshold (Ct) value, and antibodies level were compared between patients who were vaccinated against COVID-19 or not.

Results

A total of 117 COVID-19 patients were confirmed during the outbreak, among which 86 (73.5%) were breakthrough infections. These patients evenly split between Chinese and Myanmar people (50.4% vs. 49.6%). Most of these patients were mild (45.3%) or moderate (48.7%) infections with no death reported. Multi-source of infection led to 16 transmission chains with a maximum of 45 patients in one chain. Patients vaccinated against COVID-19 before infection had relatively higher antibodies (IgM and IgG) levels and more rapid response to infection than non-vaccinated patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Land border areas have greater risks of imported COVID-19 and more complicated epidemics. It should be cautious in formulating entry and exit requirements for border areas. The immune effect of COVID-19 vaccines and related mechanism should be further explored.
Is testicular microdissection the only way to retrieve sperm for non-obstructive azoospermic men?
Authors: Vieira Marcelo , Bispo de Andrade Marcos Alécio , Santana-Santos Eduesley
Published: August 2022

Men presenting with non-obstructive azoospermia are the most challenging clinical scenario for an infertile couple. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) with testicular sperm retrieval gave a chance for biological fatherhood once sperm can be found, but unfortunately sperm recovery rate (SSR) is something near 50%, leading to a discussion about what surgical retrieval technique is the best. Historically sperm have been retrieved using conventional Testicular Sperm Extraction (c-TESE), Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA), a combination of Testicular Fine Needle Aspiration (TfNA)/c-TESE, Testicular Microdissection (TM) and Open Testicular Mapping (OTEM). c-TESE published in 1995 by Devroey and cols. consists of testis delivery, a large unique albuginea incision and extraction of a portion from the majority of testicular tubules. TESA published in 1996 by Lewin and cols. is done percutaneously using a 21–23 gauge needle and a syringe to aspire testicular tubules. TfNA was published in 1965 by Obrant and Persson as an aspiration biopsy and cytological exam to verify sperm production. In 1999 Turek and cols. published the use of TfNA combined with c-TESE for sperm retrieval. In 1999, Peter Schlegel published a technique using a microsurgical approach to identify more probable sperm production areas inside the testicle that could be excised with better precision and less tissue. OTEM is a multiple biopsy approach, published in 2020 by Vieira and cols., based on TfNA principles but done at the same time without albuginea opening or surgical microscope need. Since Testicular Microdissection publication, the method became the gold standard for sperm retrieval, allowing superior SSR with minimal tissue removal, but the amount of testicular dissection to find more probable spermatogenesis areas, difficulties in comparative design studies, diversity TM results among doctors and other methods that can achieve very similar results we question TM superiority. The objective is review existing literature and discuss advantages and disadvantages of all the methods for sperm retrieval in non-obstructive azoospermia.
The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio: A potential predictor of poor prognosis in adult patients with trauma and traumatic brain injury
Authors: Xu Jinghong , Li Shuhe , Lui Ka Yin , Song Xiaodong , Hu Xiaoguang , Cao Lu , Zhu Yanping , Huang Fa , Lin Xiaobin , Cai Changjie
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the prognostic impact of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in critically ill trauma patients.

Methods

This retrospective study involved adult trauma patients from 335 intensive care units (ICUs) at 208 hospitals stored in the eICU database. The primary outcome was ICU mortality. The lengths of ICU and hospital stay were calculated as the secondary outcomes. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of mortality. To identify the effect of the NLR on survival, a 15-day survival curve was used.

Results

A total of 3,865 eligible subjects were enrolled in the study. Univariate analysis showed that patients in the group with a higher NLR were more likely to receive aggressive methods of care delivery: mechanical ventilation, vasopressor, and antibiotics ( P < 0.001 for all). The ICU, in-hospital, and 15-day mortality rates of the four groups increased in turn (P < 0.001 for all). The multivariable logistic Cox regression model indicated that a higher NLR was an independent risk factor of ICU mortality in trauma patients. ROC analysis showed that the NLR had better predictive capacity on the mortality of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) than those with trauma (AUC 0.725 vs. 0.681). An NLR > 7.44 was an independent risk factor for ICU death in patients with TBI (OR: 1.837, 95% CI: 1.045–3.229) and TBI victims whose NLR > 7.44 had a 15-day survival disadvantage (P = 0.005).

Conclusion

A high NLR is associated with a poor prognosis in trauma patients, even worse in patients with TBI. An NLR > 7.44 is an independent risk factor for death in patients with TBI.
Unexpected curious cause of serious air leakage after endotracheal intubation: A case report of tracheobronchomegaly and literature review
Authors: Xiong Jun , Zhou Quan , Li Yu , Sun Yanyan , Zhang Yajun
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Tracheobronchomegaly (TBM) is a rare disease with enlarged trachea and mainstem bronchi, which might not be diagnosed preoperatively because of patient’s nonsymptoms or clinicians’ overlook. These patients would be at fatal risk after general anesthesia endotracheal intubation due to severe peritubal leakage. This case may provide a helpful and informative resource for anesthesiologists and other clinicians, especially those managing patients’ airways.

Clinical feature

We presented a patient undergoing elective scoliosis orthopedics who was postoperatively diagnosed with TBM. After general anesthesia endotracheal intubation, difficulty in maintaining ventilation with obvious peri-cuff air leakage made this rare disease to be suspected. The peritubal leakage was resolved by relocating the endotracheal tube to the subglottic area. Fortunately, there were no air leakage and postoperative complications.

Conclusion

Anesthesiologists should keep the possibility of the unpredicted anatomic abnormal respiratory tract in mind, such as TBM.