bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Different Drying Temperatures on In Vitro Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities and Phenolic Compounds of Wild Guava Leaves Collected in the Central Highland of Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Quang-Vinh , Huyen Bich , Thi Bui , Tran Minh-Đinh , Nguyen Minh-Trung , Doan Manh-Dung , Nguyen Anh-Dzung , Minh Le Tam , Tran Van-Cuong , Pham Tri-Nhut
Published: April 2022

Most biologically natural compounds are very sensitive and easily degradable under drying conditions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of drying temperature on the contents of phenolic compounds and in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of wild guava leaves. Wild guava leaves were dried at 40 °C, 50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C, and 80 °C, as well as sun drying (SD). The total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC) were measured using the colorimetric method. Antioxidant activity was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity assays. In vitro antidiabetic activity was measured by assessing α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. The contents of individual phenolic compounds were determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). The principal component analysis (PCA) results revealed that hot air drying at different temperatures had significantly different effects on the bioactive compounds and biological properties of guava leaves. Drying at high or low temperatures resulted in a higher degradable rate of bioactive compounds leading to a weakening of the biological properties. Drying at 50 °C resulted in high TPC and TFC as well as the highest in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. Furthermore, the highest contents of gallic acid, catechin, rutin, quercetin, apigenin, quercitrin, vitexin, and apigenin-7- O-D-glucopyranoside were found in samples dried at 50 °C, whereas the highest contents of chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, and ellagic acid were observed in samples dried at 60 °C. Therefore, drying at 50 °C was the suitable temperature for retaining valuable biological compounds in wild guava leaves.
Experiences and impacts of COVID-19 among Pacific Islanders in Los Angeles County
Authors: Kwan Patchareeya P. , Esmundo Shenazar , Rivas Eugenne Andrea , Co Danielle Erika , Sabado-Liwag Melanie
Published: April 2022

Objective:

To explore and document the experiences and impacts of COVID-19 among Pacific Islander (PI) adults living in Los Angeles County.

Methods:

Study participants completed a brief online demographic questionnaire followed by a 45- to 60-min semi-structured one-on-one interview conducted via Zoom. Participants were asked about two main areas: (1) reasons for high rates of COVID-19 cases among the PI community and its impacts on their community and (2) the impacts of COVID-19 on them as individuals.

Results:

A total of 14 PI adults, a majority of whom were females (76%) with an average age of 39.2 years took part in the study. Participants cited underlying medical conditions, overrepresentation in the essential workforce, multigeneration households, and the collectivistic culture of PIs as possible reasons for high rates of COVID-19 cases in their communities. Impacts of the pandemic included loss of jobs, loss of family and friends, and poor mental health which have been exacerbated by the pandemic.

Conclusion:

This study documents the perspectives of PIs on why rates of COVID-19 are high in their community, their experiences with COVID-19 testing, and the impacts that the pandemic has had on themselves and their community. Findings from this study will assist public health professionals and health care providers in refining services and programs for the PI community.
Comparison of employment among people with Multiple Sclerosis across Europe
Authors: Ellenberger David , Parciak Tina , Brola Waldemar , Hillert Jan , Middleton Rod , Stahmann Alexander , Thalheim Christoph , Flachenecker Peter
Published: April 2022

Background

People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) suffer from an increased risk of unemployment during the course of the disease. In recent years progress has been made in increasing the time until patients have to leave the workforce permanently. Such a retirement is often associated with MS but the driving factors including disability progression, support measures at the workplace, and societal aspects are not yet fully understood.

Methods

We consolidated data from four European MS databases from Germany, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, which were able to provide data on working status, disability progression and quality of life in accordance with the data harmonization framework of the EUReMS (European Registry in Multiple Sclerosis) project.

Results

Factors strongly associated with unemployment are disability progression, low quality of life and being close to the statutory retirement age. Overall, highest employment rate (77%) and lowest effects of gender and disease duration were found in Sweden.

Conclusions

We found remarkable differences between the European registers and the countries studied, which may indicate inequalities at European level. Furthermore, our findings suggest that it is feasible and useful to combine data from different MS registers in Europe, albeit the data structures are heterogeneous.
Involving Young Emirati Women in the Pre-Occupancy Evaluation of “Modern” Housing Designs: Simple Versus Advanced Participatory Tools
Authors: Ahmed Khaled Galal , Omar Menatullah Mostafa , Megahed Mona , Alazeezi Shaikha Abdulla
Published: April 2022

The recent shift from the traditional design of citizens’ housing in the United Arab Emirates, with its generous habitable spaces, to a more compact “modern” design has been experienced in the federal housing program in the country. Despite taking the social needs into considerations, the modern designs of this housing category have been professionally developed without genuine residents’ participation especially the young Emirati women (between 18 and 24 years old) who are considered the backbone of the new Emirati families benefiting from this housing program. The research poses this question: How can young Emirati women effectively participate in the pre-occupancy evaluation of the design of the “modern” housing models? To answer this question, the comparative potentials and constraints of utilizing both the simple versus the advanced Virtual Reality (VR) design participatory tools were investigated on a design of a selected model house. Both tools have shown the same trend for the overall satisfaction/dissatisfaction of the house architectural style, the suitability of the functional areas, the spatial organization, and the sizes and numbers of windows as a source for daylighting. Still, the use of the VR has elaborated the respondents’ perceptions and hence changed some responses form satisfaction to dissatisfaction or neutral. Some technical difficulties associated with utilizing the VR tool render it a non-inclusive participatory technique. Finally, it seems that an ideal pre-occupancy evaluation tool for involving young Emirati women in their housing design is through exploiting a hybrid participatory technique combining both simple and advanced VR tools. This could accurately facilitate the pre-occupancy evaluation process while helping save some cost and time.
Development of Online Technique for International Validation of the AO Spine Subaxial Injury Classification System
Authors: Lambrechts Mark J. , Schroeder Gregory D. , Karamian Brian A. , Canseco Jose A. , Oner Cumhur , Vialle Emiliano , Rajasekaran Shanmuganathan , Hazenbiller Olesja , Dvorak Marcel R. , Benneker Lorin M. , Kandziora Frank , Schnake Klaus , Kepler Christopher K. , Vaccaro Alexander R. ,   AO Spine Subaxial Classification Group Members
Published: April 2022

Study Design

Global cross-sectional survey

Objective

To develop and refine the techniques for web-based international validation of fracture classification systems.

Methods

A live webinar was organized in 2018 for validation of the AO Spine Subaxial Injury Classification System, consisting of 35 unique computed tomography (CT) scans and key images with subaxial spine injuries. Interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility was calculated for injury morphology, subtype, and facet injury according to the classification system. Based on the experiences from this webinar and incorporating rater feedback, adjustments were made in the organization and techniques used and in 2020 a repeat validation webinar was performed, evaluating images of 41 unique subaxial spine injuries.

Results

In the 2018 session, the AO Spine Subaxial Injury Classification System demonstrated fair interobserver reliability for fracture subtype (κ = 0.35) and moderate reliability for fracture morphology and facet injury (κ=0.45, 0.43, respectively). However, in 2020, the interobserver reliability for fracture morphology (κ = 0.87) and fracture subtype (κ = 0.80) was excellent, while facet injury was substantial (κ = 0.74). Intraobserver reproducibility for injury morphology (κ =0.49) and injury subtype/facet injury were moderate (κ = 0.42) in 2018. In 2020, fracture morphology and subtype reproducibility were excellent (κ =0.85, 0.88, respectively) while reproducibility for facet injuries was substantial (κ = 0.76).

Conclusion

With optimized webinar-based validation techniques, the AO Spine Subaxial Injury Classification System demonstrated vast improvements in intraobserver reproducibility and interobserver reliability. Stringent fracture classification methodology is integral in obtaining accurate classification results.
Effectiveness of Indigenous Techniques in Conserving Natural Forests in Southern Highlands of Tanzania: The Case of Makete District
Authors: Sanga Faraja , Haulle Evaristo
Published: April 2022

This article examines the effectiveness of indigenous techniques in conserving the natural forests in Makete district, Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Indigenous people established traditional practices, which regulated interaction between people and nature. Through a mixed research approach, the collection of primary data involved in-depth interview, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), field observation and household survey administered to heads of the households. Also, secondary data were collected to supplement primary data. The study composed of 242 respondents. Findings from the study revealed that indigenous cultural practices were effective in conserving the natural forests; however, modernization and death of custodians of traditional functions contributed to weaken the power of cultural practices employed to conserve the natural forests. Based on the findings, it is recommended that there is a need to integrate indigenous knowledge and modern technologies in conserving the natural forests, which were initially conserved traditionally.
Impacts of Water and Energy Sector Reforms in Gujarat: The Case of Expansion of Micro Irrigation Schemes and Rationalisation of Agricultural Power Tariff
Authors: Viswanathan P. K. , Bahinipati Chandra Sekhar , Mohanty Bibhu K.
Published: April 2022

Against the backdrop of the water and energy sector reforms enunciated by the state government in Gujarat, this paper reviews the important policy changes and outcomes of farm-level adoption of water-saving technologies, on the one hand, and the effective implementation of energy tariff policies, on the other hand. Following an assessment of the water and energy policy and regulatory interventions, the paper provides an overview of the farm-level adoption micro irrigation (sprinkler and drip irrigation) systems over the past one decade of the policy reforms. The paper then examines the case of energy sector reforms enunciated by the state in coordination with the energy regulator through establishment of the distribution companies (DISCOMs). The paper brings out that the policy and regulatory interventions in the water and energy (power) sectors have been successful in terms of wider promotion of micro irrigation systems and deregulation of power generation and distribution activities by establishing dedicated DISCOMs. Thus, the policy initiatives were able to address several challenges facing the water and energy sectors in the state. Firstly, the wide-scale promotion of micro irrigation schemes has significantly reduced the groundwater over-extraction for agriculture. Second, the energy sector reforms have shown a significant progress towards rationalisation of tariffs across sectors. However, it emerges that the policy and regulatory reforms need to (i) go beyond the narrow confines of promotion of micro irrigation systems towards sustainable management of water resources and (ii) move beyond rationalisation of power tariffs by offering sustainable solutions to the problems of water and energy security amidst increasing competition for inter-sectoral allocations. Essentially, the energy sector policies and reforms may explore the potential of renewable energy sources through decentralised investments in solar and wind energy systems in the rural areas involving different public–private community partnership models.
Measuring and Modeling Cue Dependent Spatial Release from Masking in the Presence of Typical Delays in the Treatment of Hearing Loss
Authors: Angermeier Julian , Hemmert Werner , Zirn Stefan
Published: April 2022

In asymmetric treatment of hearing loss, processing latencies of the modalities typically differ. This often alters the reference interaural time difference (ITD) (i.e., the ITD at 0° azimuth) by several milliseconds. Such changes in reference ITD have shown to influence sound source localization in bimodal listeners provided with a hearing aid (HA) in one and a cochlear implant (CI) in the contralateral ear. In this study, the effect of changes in reference ITD on speech understanding, especially spatial release from masking (SRM) in normal-hearing subjects was explored. Speech reception thresholds (SRT) were measured in ten normal-hearing subjects for reference ITDs of 0, 1.75, 3.5, 5.25 and 7 ms with spatially collocated (S0N0) and spatially separated (S0N90) sound sources. Further, the cues for separation of target and masker were manipulated to measure the effect of a reference ITD on unmasking by A) ITDs and interaural level differences (ILDs), B) ITDs only and C) ILDs only. A blind equalization-cancellation (EC) model was applied to simulate all measured conditions. SRM decreased significantly in conditions A) and B) when the reference ITD was increased: In condition A) from 8.8 dB SNR on average at 0 ms reference ITD to 4.6 dB at 7 ms, in condition B) from 5.5 dB to 1.1 dB. In condition C) no significant effect was found. These results were accurately predicted by the applied EC-model. The outcomes show that interaural processing latency differences should be considered in asymmetric treatment of hearing loss.
Grief Experience After Deaths: Comparison of Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 Causes
Authors: Shahini Najmeh , Abbassani Shekufeh , Ghasemzadeh Mahdi , Nikfar Elham , Heydari -Yazdi Aazam Sadat , Charkazi Abdurrahman , Derakhshanpour Firoozeh
Published: April 2022

The grief caused by loved ones’ death causes grief is a global phenomenon. The Covid-19 pandemic caused significant changes in human lifestyles and the experience of grief. The purpose of the present study was to compare grief experiences in the deceased's relatives caused by Covid-19 and non-Covid-19. Seventy-five first- and second-degree relatives of the deceased infected with Covid-19 (n = 33) and non-Covid-19 (n = 42) in a Gorgan hospital in northern Iran were included cross-sectional study using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the GEQ-34 grief experience questionnaire and demographic variables and questions related to funeral and burial. The results revealed that the deceased's burial quality caused by the Covid-19 group was significantly lower (p = 0.035). However, the feeling of the Covid-19 label is significantly higher (p <0.001). There was no significant variation in grief's broad experience between the two groups (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, the experience of grief was significantly different in the group of relatives of the deceased infected by Covid-19 in terms of notoriety (P = 0.040) and physical reactions (p = 0.002). Educational interventions to reduce stigma and discrimination due to death caused by Covid-19 and clinical and psychological support of relatives of the deceased due to Covid-19 are recommended by compiling appropriate messages from different channels.
Effect of admission time on provision of acute stroke treatment at stroke units and stroke centers—An analysis of the Swiss Stroke Registry
Authors: Altersberger Valerian L , Wright Patrick R , Schaedelin Sabine A , De Marchis Gian Marco , Gensicke Henrik , Engelter Stefan T , Psychogios Marios , Kahles Timo , Goeldlin Martina , Meinel Thomas R , Mordasini Pasquale , Kaesmacher Johannes , von Hessling Alexander , Vehoff Jochen , Weber Johannes , Wegener Susanne , Salmen Stephan , Sturzenegger Rolf , Medlin Friedrich , Berger Christian , Schelosky Ludwig , Renaud Susanne , Niederhauser Julien , Bonvin Christophe , Schaerer Michael , Mono Marie-Luise , Rodic Biljana , Schwegler Guido , Peters Nils , Bolognese Manuel , Luft Andreas R , Cereda Carlo W , Kägi Georg , Michel Patrick , Carrera Emmanuel , Arnold Marcel , Fischer Urs , Nedeltchev Krassen , Bonati Leo H
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Rapid treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) depends on sufficient staffing which differs between Stroke Centers and Stroke Units in Switzerland. We studied the effect of admission time on performance measures of AIS treatment and related temporal trends over time.

Patients and methods:

We compared treatment rates, door-to-image-time, door-to-needle-time, and door-to-groin-puncture-time in stroke patients admitted during office hours (Monday–Friday 8:00–17:59) and non-office hours at all certified Stroke Centers and Stroke Units in Switzerland, as well as secular trends thereof between 2014 and 2019, using data from the Swiss Stroke Registry. Secondary outcomes were modified Rankin Scale and mortality at 3 months.

Results:

Data were eligible for analysis in 31,788 (90.2%) of 35,261 patients. Treatment rates for IVT/EVT were higher during non-office hours compared with office hours in Stroke Centers (40.8 vs 36.5%) and Stroke Units (21.8 vs 18.5%). Door-to-image-time and door-to-needle-time increased significantly during non-office hours. Median (IQR) door-to-groin-puncture-time at Stroke Centers was longer during non-office hours compared to office hours (84 (59–116) vs 95 (66–130) minutes). Admission during non-office hours was independently associated with worse functional outcome (1.11 [95%CI: 1.04–1.18]) and increased mortality (1.13 [95%CI: 1.01–1.27]). From 2014 to 2019, median door-to-groin-puncture-time improved and the treatment rate for wake-up strokes increased.

Discussion and Conclusion:

Despite differences in staffing, patient admission during non-office hours delayed IVT to a similar, modest degree at Stroke Centers and Stroke Units. A larger delay of EVT was observed during non-office hours, but Stroke Centers sped up delivery of EVT over time. Patients admitted during non-office hours had worse functional outcomes, which was not explained by treatment delays.
Process of Incorporation of Cerium Oxide in Viscose to Spin Infrared Reflecting Viscose Fibers
Authors: Sharma Esha , Agarwal Ram , Ralebhat Shrikant , Krishnamurthy Gurudatt , Bhagwat Sunil , Adivarekar Ravindra V.
Published: April 2022

The concept of leveraging the optical properties of cerium oxide into viscose fibers was demonstrated in this study. The process of dispersing cerium oxide particles uniformly into viscose dope prior to viscose fiber spinning was studied in detail. Cerium oxide powder was dispersed in the chosen media using mechanical treatments such as ball milling and ultrasonication. These experiments were carried out at two extreme pH values to replicate the viscose spinning bath (acidic pH 5) and viscose dope (alkaline pH 13). The dispersion was characterized for particle size and surface charge properties. A combination of the mechanical treatments synergistically reduced the cerium oxide particle size in acidic and alkaline pH from 1300 to 290 nm and from 1040 to 280 nm, respectively. Three surfactants of different ionic natures were evaluated for stabilizing the cerium oxide dispersions. The effects on the particle size of cerium oxide in two dispersion environments, that is, aqueous and polymeric media, were studied through conventional as well as novel visual characterization techniques. The phosphate ether-based anionic surfactant was found to significantly reduce the dispersed particle size and effectively stabilize the dispersion better, which was validated through a pressure buildup monitoring system during viscose fiber spinning. The surfactant-stabilized cerium oxide dispersion was used to get functional infrared reflecting viscose fibers. To characterize this effect, a direct visual evaluation was done through an infrared camera which indicated a significant improvement of infrared reflectivity and a 2.5–3°C surface temperature buildup of the cerium-oxide viscose fibers in comparison to regular viscose fibers. The infrared reflective property of cerium oxide imparts a thermal insulation effect which was found to increase to a thermal insulating value of 90 in the case of cerium oxide viscose fibers compared with a thermal insulating value of 79 in regular viscose fibers, as measured by the KESF Thermolabo II instrument. This study can very well be extended to many fiber-making processes where an understanding of interfacial interactions of additives with cellulose is critical to impart functionality to viscose fibers.
Storage of red blood cells in alkaline PAGGGM improves metabolism but has no effect on recovery after transfusion
Authors: de Bruin Sanne , Peters Anna-Linda , Wijnberge Marije , van Baarle Floor E. H. P. , AbdelRahman Amira H. A. , Vermeulen Christie , Beuger Boukje M. , Reisz Julie A. , D’Alessandro Angelo , Vlaar Alexander P. J. , de Korte Dirk , van Bruggen Robin
Published: April 2022

Additive solutions are used to limit changes that red blood cells (RBCs) undergo during storage. Several studies have shown better preservation of glucose and redox metabolism using the alkaline additive solution PAGGGM (phosphate-adenine-glucose-guanosine-gluconate-mannitol). In this randomized open-label intervention trial in 20 healthy volunteers, the effect of storage, PAGGGM vs SAGM (saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol), on posttransfusion recovery (PTR) and metabolic restoration after transfusion was assessed. Subjects received an autologous biotinylated RBC concentrate stored for 35 days in SAGM or PAGGGM. As a reference for the PTR, a 2-day stored autologous biotinylated RBC concentrate stored in SAGM was simultaneously transfused. RBC phenotype and PTR were assessed after transfusion. Biotinylated RBCs were isolated from the circulation for metabolomics analysis up to 24 hours after transfusion. The PTR was significantly higher in the 2-day stored RBCs than in 35-day stored RBCs 2 and 7 days after transfusion: 96% (90 to 99) vs 72% (66 to 89) and 96% (90 to 99) vs 72% (66 to 89), respectively. PTR of SAGM- and PAGGGM-stored RBCs did not differ significantly. Glucose and redox metabolism were better preserved in PAGGGM-stored RBCs. The differences measured in the blood bag remained present only until 1 day after transfusion. No differences in RBC phenotype were found besides an increased complement C3 deposition on 35-day RBCs stored in PAGGGM. Our data indicate that despite better metabolic preservation, PAGGGM is not a suitable alternative for SAGM because storage in PAGGGM did not result in an increased PTR. Finally, RBCs recovered from circulation after transfusion showed reversal of the metabolic storage lesion in vivo within a day. This study is registered in the Dutch trial register (NTR6492).
Findzx: an automated pipeline for detecting and visualising sex chromosomes using whole-genome sequencing data
Authors: Sigeman Hanna , Sinclair Bella , Hansson Bengt
Published: April 2022

Background

Sex chromosomes have evolved numerous times, as revealed by recent genomic studies. However, large gaps in our knowledge of sex chromosome diversity across the tree of life remain. Filling these gaps, through the study of novel species, is crucial for improved understanding of why and how sex chromosomes evolve. Characterization of sex chromosomes in already well-studied organisms is also important to avoid misinterpretations of population genomic patterns caused by undetected sex chromosome variation.

Results

Here we present findZX, an automated Snakemake-based computational pipeline for detecting and visualizing sex chromosomes through differences in genome coverage and heterozygosity between any number of males and females. A main feature of the pipeline is the option to perform a genome coordinate liftover to a reference genome of another species. This allows users to inspect sex-linked regions over larger contiguous chromosome regions, while also providing important between-species synteny information. To demonstrate its effectiveness, we applied findZX to publicly available genomic data from species belonging to widely different taxonomic groups (mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish), with sex chromosome systems of different ages, sizes, and levels of differentiation. We also demonstrate that the liftover method is robust over large phylogenetic distances (> 80 million years of evolution).

Conclusions

With findZX we provide an easy-to-use and highly effective tool for identification of sex chromosomes. The pipeline is compatible with both Linux and MacOS systems, and scalable to suit different computational platforms.
Identification of ARF family in blueberry and its potential involvement of fruit development and pH stress response
Authors: Li Xuyan , Zhang Xiaoyi , Shi Tianran , Chen Min , Jia Chengguo , Wang Jingying , Hou Zhixia , Han Junyou , Bian Shaomin
Published: April 2022

Background

Auxin responsive factor (ARF) family is one of core components in auxin signalling pathway, which governs diverse developmental processes and stress responses. Blueberry is an economically important berry-bearing crop and prefers to acidic soil. However, the understandings of ARF family has not yet been reported in blueberry.

Results

In the present study, 60 ARF genes (VcARF) were identified in blueberry, and they showed diverse gene structures and motif compositions among the groups and similar within each group in the phylogenetic tree. Noticeably, 9 digenic, 5 trigenic and 6 tetragenic VcARF pairs exhibited more than 95% identity to each other. Computational analysis indicated that 23 VcARFs harbored the miRNA responsive element (MRE) of miR160 or miR167 like other plant ARF genes. Interestingly, the MRE of miR156d/h-3p was observed in the 5’UTR of 3 VcARFs, suggesting a potentially novel post-transcriptional control. Furthermore, the transcript accumulations of VcARFs were investigated during fruit development, and three categories of transcript profiles were observed, implying different functional roles. Meanwhile, the expressions of VcARFs to different pH conditions (pH4.5 and pH6.5) were surveyed in pH-sensitive and tolerant blueberry species, and a number of VcARFs showed different transcript accumulations. More importantly, distinct transcriptional response to pH stress (pH6.5) were observed for several VcARFs (such as VcARF6s and VcARF19-3/19–4) between pH-sensitive and tolerant species, suggesting their potential roles in adaption to pH stress.

Conclusions

Sixty VcARF genes were identified and characterized, and their transcript profiles were surveyed during fruit development and in response to pH stress. These findings will contribute to future research for eliciting the functional roles of VcARFs and regulatory mechanisms, especially fruit development and adaption to pH stress.
Proton pump inhibitors induce changes in the gut microbiome composition of systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Li Xian-Bao , Chu Xiu-Jie , Cao Nv-Wei , Wang Hua , Fang Xin-Yu , Fan Yin-Guang , Li Bao-Zhu , Ye Dong-Qing
Published: April 2022

Background

Currently, few studies focus on the association between gut microbiota and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and much less studies consider the effect of drug usage. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used to treat drug-related gastrointestinal damage in SLE patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the gut microbiota of SLE patients using PPIs.

Methods

Fecal samples from 20 SLE patients with PPIs (P-SLE), 20 SLE patients without PPIs (NP-SLE) and 17 healthy controls (HCs) were obtained. The structure of the bacterial community in the fecal samples was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Redundancy analysis (RDA) was performed to observe the relationship between clinical variables and microbiome composition in P-SLE and NP-SLE patients. Based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, functional capabilities of microbiota were estimated. Network analysis was performed to analyze the association of metabolic pathway alterations with altered gut microbiota in P-SLE and NP-SLE patients.

Results

P-SLE patients exhibited increased alpha-diversity and an altered composition of the gut microbiota compared with NP-SLE patients. The alpha-diversity of NP-SLE patients was significantly lower than HCs but also of P-SLE patients, whose alpha-diversity had become similar to HCs. Compared with NP-SLE patients, the relative abundances of Lactobacillus, Roseburia, Oxalobacter, and Desulfovibrio were increased, while those of Veillonella, Escherichia, Morganella, Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas were decreased in P-SLE patients. RDA indicated that PPI use was the only significant exploratory variable for the microbiome composition when comparing SLE patients. KEGG analysis showed that 16 metabolic pathways were significantly different between NP-SLE and P-SLE patients. These metabolic pathways were mainly associated with changes in Escherichia, Roseburia, Stenotrophomonas, Morganella and Alipipes as determined by the network analysis.

Conclusions

PPI use is associated with an improved microbiome composition of SLE patients as it 1) increases alpha-diversity levels back to normal, 2) increases the abundance of various (beneficial) commensals, and 3) decreases the abundance of certain opportunistic pathogenic genera such as Escherichia. Validation studies with higher patient numbers are however recommended to explore these patterns in more detail.
Individualized perioperative management in transoral spine surgery: a single-center cohort study evaluating surgical wound complications and wound infections
Authors: Spatenkova Vera , Sila David , Halacova Milada , Hradil Jan , Krejzar Zdenek , Kuriscak Eduard
Published: April 2022

Background

Transoral spine surgery is specific due to both its surgical approach and the spectrum of diseases it targets. Patients with high age and elevated clinical frailty scores are often involved, and there are reports of increased risks of surgical site infection (SSI) due to extended exposures requiring maxilotomy or mandibulotomy. Our case series describes surgical wound complications under the meticulous application of individualized perioperative multimodal management.

Methods

Our primary outcome was the occurrence of SSI and the secondary outcome was the occurrence of other noninfectious wound complications evaluated in 22 adult patients who consecutively underwent the transoral spine surgery from 2001 to 2018 (trauma – C2, cervical nonunion: 6 patients, 27%; tumor: 4 patients, 18%; osteomyelitis: 6 patients, 27%; other non-traumatic cases: 6 patients, 27%). Structuralized data comprising parameters related to nosocomial infections after spine surgery were continuously processed and put into specialized database of preventive multimodal nosocomial infection control protocol that was used as a main source of analyzed parameters. The mean age of studied cohort was 54.9 $$\pm$$
±
15.5 years, with 68% males, mean body mass index (BMI) 24.9 $$\pm$$
±
5.22, and the mean clinical frailty score was 2.59 $$\pm$$
±
1.07. There were 7 patients (32%) who only had the transoral approach and 15 patients (68%) having this approach followed by additional posterior approach. We observed SSI from all wound complications for up to one year after surgery.

Results

There were 4 (18%) superficial wound complications from transoral approach, but none of them were infected. We had 2 patients (13%) with deep wound infections after subsequent posterior approach, but only one (4.5%) was classified as SSI.

Conclusions

We describe the wound complications and the incidence of SSI in a series of 22 patients after the transoral surgery. Considering the average values of the clinical frailty score reaching 2.59, American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 2.73, and the BMI of 26.87, the transoral spine surgery did not seem to be a considerable risk for SSI in the analyzed cohort, provided preventive perioperative multimodal management is properly individualized and followed.
Association between oral health and frailty: results from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Kim Hyunjoo , Lee Euni , Lee Seok-Woo
Published: April 2022

Background

Previous research has suggested that poor oral health is positively associated with frailty. The objective of this study was to explore associations of key oral diseases (periodontal disease, tooth loss), and oral hygiene and management behaviors with the level of frailty in community-dwelling older Korean adults using national representative survey data.

Methods

This study used cross-sectional, 6th and 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VI, VII) data. Adults aged 50+ years were included. Frailty was measured using frailty phenotype (FP) and frailty index (FI). FP was determined using five frailty criteria, i.e., weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, slowness, or low physical activity, and the level of frailty was classified with the number of criteria present (robust, none; pre-frail, 1–2; frail, 3+). FI was determined using a 44-item FI constructed according to a standard protocol, and the level of frailty was classified as robust (FI: ≤ 0.08), pre-frail (FI: 0.08–0.25), and frail (FI: ≥ 0.25). Multiple ordinal regression analyses were conducted with each type of frailty as the outcome variable. Independent variables of interest were the periodontal status, number of teeth, and practices on oral hygiene and management. Analyses were additionally adjusted for participants’ socioeconomic, diet, and behavioral characteristics.

Results

The prevalence of frailty was 4.38% according to the FP classification (n = 4156), 10.74% according to the FI classification (n = 15,073). In the final adjusted model, having more teeth and brushing after all three meals were significantly associated with lower odds of being more frail (in both frailty models); no significant association was observed between periodontal disease and frailty.

Conclusions

Findings from this study show having more teeth and practicing adequate brushing are significantly associated with frailty. Due to limitations of the study design, well-designed longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A randomised placebo-controlled, double-blind phase II study to explore the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of sonlicromanol in children with genetically confirmed mitochondrial disease and motor symptoms (“KHENERGYC”)
Authors: Smeitink Jan , van Maanen Rob , de Boer Lonneke , Ruiterkamp Gerrit , Renkema Herma
Published: April 2022

Background

Methods

The KHENERGYC trial will be a phase II, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled (DBPC), parallel-group study in the paediatric population (birth up to and including 17 years). The study will be recruiting 24 patients suffering from motor symptoms due to genetically confirmed PMD. The trial will be divided into two phases. The first phase of the study will be an adaptive pharmacokinetic (PK) study with four days of treatment, while the second phase will include randomisation of the participants and evaluating the efficacy and safety of sonlicromanol over 6 months.

Discussion

Effective novel therapies for treating PMDs in children are an unmet need. This study will assess the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of sonlicromanol in children with genetically confirmed PMDs, suffering from motor symptoms.

Trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04846036, registered April 15, 2021. European Union Clinical Trial Register (EUDRACT number: 2020–003124-16), registered October 20, 2020. CCMO registration: NL75221.091.20, registered on October 7, 2020.
Case report: atypical, unilateral optic nerve infiltration as the first sign of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) relapse
Authors: Khalil Haidar , Strohmaier Clemens , Bolz Matthias
Published: April 2022

Background

We describe a case of an atypical presentation of leukemic optic nerve infiltration.

Case presentation

A patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in remission suffered from sudden right eye vision loss. At the time of presentation, the affected eye presented with an afferent pupillary defect, while the fundus examination was normal. A complete work up of the patient revealed no signs of ALL relapse, but MR imaging of the optic nerve showed contrast agent uptake consistent with optic nerve infiltration. The patient developed a fulminant ALL relapse and died shortly after. Histology of the optic nerve showed a leukemic infiltration with CD10 positive cells.

Conclusions

This is the first report of an ALL relapse in the optic nerve without intraocular signs. Patients’ medical history should therefore be taken into consideration in patients with unclear vision loss.
Establishing minimal clinically important difference for effectiveness of corrective exercises on craniovertebral and shoulder angles among students with forward head posture: a clinical trial study
Authors: Heydari Zahra , Sheikhhoseini Rahman , Shahrbanian Shahnaz , Piri Hashem
Published: April 2022

Background

Previous studies have addressed the effects of different exercises and modalities on forward head posture (FHP), but the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of the effect of exercises on FHP remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of selective corrective exercises (SCEs) on the craniovertebral angle (CVA) and shoulder angle (SA) in students with FHP and to establish MCID for these angles.

Methods

In this randomized clinical trial study, a total of 103 second-grade male students with FHP were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. CVA and SA of participants were measured before and after the 8-week selective corrective exercise program (including strengthening and stretching exercises). The photogrammetric method was used to measure CVA and SA. MCID value was calculated for CVA and SA using the distribution method.

Results

The results showed that there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of CVA (F = 89.04, P = 0.005, Effect size = 0.47) and SA (F = 18.83, P = 0.005, Effect size = 0.16). After eight weeks of selective corrective exercises, the MCID values of CVA and SA were 1.40° and 1.34°, respectively.

Conclusion

This study revealed that the selective corrective exercises might lead to postural correction of students having FHP problem. Results further indicated that a corrective exercise program would be considered beneficial if it increased CVA and SA values at least 1.40 and 1.34 degrees, respectively.
Benchmarking gambling screens to health-state utility: the PGSI and the SGHS estimate similar levels of population gambling-harm
Authors: Browne Matthew , Russell Alex M. T. , Begg Stephen , Rockloff Matthew J. , Li En , Rawat Vijay , Hing Nerilee
Published: April 2022

Background

Both the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and the Short Gambling Harms Screen (SGHS) purport to identify individuals harmed by gambling. However, there is dispute as to how much individuals are harmed, conditional on their scores from these instruments. We used an experienced utility framework to estimate the magnitude of implied impacts on health and wellbeing.

Methods

We measured health utility using the Short Form Six-Dimension (SF-6D), and used this as a benchmark. All 2603 cases were propensity score weighted, to balance the affected group (i.e., SGHS 1+ or PGSI 1+ vs 0) with a reference group of gamblers with respect to risk factors for gambling harm. Weighted regression models estimated decrements to health utility scores attributable to gambling, whilst controlling for key comorbidities.

Results

We found significant attributable decrements to health utility for all non-zero SGHS scores, as well as moderate-risk and problem gamblers, but not for PGSI low-risk gamblers. Applying these coefficients to population data, we find a similar total burden for both instruments, although the SGHS more specifically identified the subpopulation of harmed individuals. For both screens, outcomes on the SF-6D implies that about two-thirds of the ‘burden of harm’ is attributable to gamblers outside of the most severe categories.

Conclusions

Gambling screens have hitherto provided nominal category membership, it has been unclear whether moderate or ‘at-risk’ scores imply meaningful impact, and accordingly, population surveys have typically focused on problem gambling prevalence. These results quantify the health utility decrement for each category, allowing for tracking of the aggregate population impact based on all affected gamblers.
Epidemiology of comorbid hazardous alcohol use and insomnia in 19 185 women and men attending the population-based Tromsø Study 2015–2016
Authors: Husberg Vendela H. , Hopstock Laila A. , Friborg Oddgeir , Rosenvinge Jan H. , Bergvik Svein , Rognmo Kamilla
Published: April 2022

Background

Hazardous alcohol use is known to be comorbid with insomnia problems. The present study examined the prevalence of insomnia and if the odds of insomnia differed between women and men with a hazardous alcohol use.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from the seventh survey of the Norwegian population-based Tromsø Study 2015–2016 (participation 65%). The sample included 19 185 women and men 40–96 years. Hazardous alcohol use was defined by the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and insomnia by the Bergen Insomnia Scale. Covariates included socio-demographics, shift work, somatic conditions and mental distress defined by Hopkins Symptom Check List-10 (HSCL-10). Mental distress was also included as a moderator.

Results

Insomnia was more prevalent among participants with a hazardous alcohol use (24.1%) than without (18.9%), and participants who had hazardous alcohol use had higher odds of insomnia (odds ratio = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.20, 1.85). The association turned non-significant after adjustment for mental distress. Adding mental distress as a moderator variable revealed a higher odds of insomnia among hazardous alcohol users having no or low-to-medium levels of mental distress, but not among participants with high levels of mental distress.

Conclusion

Insomnia was more prevalent among women and men reporting hazardous alcohol use. When mental distress was treated as a moderator, hazardous alcohol use did not yield higher odds for insomnia among those with high levels of mental distress. This suggests that mental distress may play an important role in the association between hazardous alcohol use and insomnia. And that the impact of alcohol on insomnia may differ depending on the severity of mental distress.
Isolated greater trochanter fracture may impose a comparable risk on older patients’ survival as a conventional hip fracture: a population-wide cohort study
Authors: Prommik Pärt , Tootsi Kaspar , Veske Karin , Strauss Eiki , Saluse Toomas , Kolk Helgi , Märtson Aare
Published: April 2022

Background

Isolated greater trochanter fracture (IGT) and conventional hip fracture (HF) affect the same anatomical area but are usually researched separately. HF is associated with high mortality, and its management is well established. In contrast, IGT’s effect on mortality is unknown, and its best management strategies are unclear. This study aims to compare these patient populations, their acute- and post-acute care, physical and occupational therapy use, and up to three-year mortality.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study is based on population-wide data of Estonia, where routine IGT management is non-operative and includes immediate weight-bearing as tolerated. The study included patients aged ≥ 50 years with a validated index HF or IGT diagnosis between 2009–2017. The fracture populations’ acute- and post-acute care, one-year physical and occupational therapy use and three-year mortality were compared.

Results

A total of 0.4% (50/11,541) of included patients had an IGT. The baseline characteristics of the fracture cohorts showed a close resemblance, but the IGT patients received substantially less care. Adjusted analyses showed that the IGT patients’ acute care was 4.5 days [3.4; 5.3] shorter they had 39.2 percentage points [25.5; 52.8] lower probability for receiving post-acute care, and they had 50 percentage points [5.5: 36]] lower probability for receiving physical and occupational therapy. The IGT and HF patients’ mortality rates were comparable, being 4% and 9% for one month, 28% and 31% for one year, and 46% and 49% for three years, respectively. Crude and adjusted analyses could not find significant differences in their three-year mortality, showing a p-value of 0.6 and a hazard ratio of 0.9 [0.6; 1.3] for the IGT patients, retrospectively.

Conclusions

Despite IGT being a relatively minor injury, the evidence from this study suggests that it may impose a comparable risk on older patients’ survival, as does HF due to the close resemblance of the two fracture populations. Therefore, IGT in older patients may signify an underlying need for broad-based medical attention, ensuring need-based, ongoing, coordinated care.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered.
functional mobility tests for evaluation of functionalities in patients with adult spinal deformity
Authors: Lee Hyung Rae , Park Jiwon , Ham Dae-Woong , Kwon Byung-Taek , Go Seong Jun , Kim Ho-Joong
Published: April 2022

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Background

Current evaluation of patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) is mainly based on radiographic parameters derived from X-rays. However, due to their static nature, X-rays fall short of assessing the dynamic functionalities including balance, gait, and the risk of falling. This study aimed to determine the functionalities of ASD patients by measuring functional mobility tests (FMTs) and compared the relationships between patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with FMTs and radiographic parameters to determine whether FMTs are useful evaluation tools for the evaluation of patients with ASD.

Methods

This age- and sex-matched case–control study included 66 patients with ASD and 66 patients with LSS, all of whom were scheduled to undergo spinal surgery. All patients were evaluated with four FMTs including alternate step test (AST), six-meter walk test (SMT), sit-to-stand test (STS), and timed up and go test (TUGT). Correlations of the PROs with FMTs and static radiographic parameters were analyzed.

Results

The baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. However, compared with patients with LSS, those with ASD showed significantly poorer performance on all four FMTs, spending significantly more time performing the SMT, STS, and TUGT (P = 0.046, 0.045, and 0.015, respectively). The results of the four FMTs were significantly correlated with the ODI (Oswestry Disability Index) scores only in the ASD group and not in the LSS group.

Conclusions

FMTs were appropriate tools for assessing the dynamic functionalities of patients with ASD. FMTs might play a bridging role between static radiographic parameters and subjective PROs when treating patients with ASD.