bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conceptual framework for the insect metamorphosis from larvae to pupae by transcriptomic profiling, a case study of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Gao Xinxin , Zhang Jihong , Wu Peipei , Shu Ruihao , Zhang Huan , Qin Qilian , Meng Qian
Published: August 2022

Background

Insect metamorphosis from larvae to pupae is one of the most important stages of insect life history. Relatively comprehensive information related to gene transcription profiles during lepidopteran metamorphosis is required to understand the molecular mechanism underlying this important stage. We conducted transcriptional profiling of the brain and fat body of the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) during its transition from last instar larva into pupa to explore the physiological processes associated with different phases of metamorphosis.

Results

During metamorphosis, the differences in gene expression patterns and the number of differentially expressed genes in the fat body were found to be greater than those in the brain. Each stage had a specific gene expression pattern, which contributed to different physiological changes. A decrease in juvenile hormone levels at the feeding stage is associated with increased expression levels of two genes (juvenile hormone esterase, juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase). The expression levels of neuropeptides were highly expressed at the feeding stage and the initiation of the wandering stage and less expressed at the prepupal stage and the initiation of the pupal stage. The transcription levels of many hormone (or neuropeptide) receptors were specifically increased at the initiation of the wandering stage in comparison with other stages. The expression levels of many autophagy-related genes in the fat body were found to be gradually upregulated during metamorphosis. The activation of apoptosis was probably related to enhanced expression of many key genes (Apaf1, IAP-binding motif 1 like, cathepsins, caspases). Active proliferation might be associated with enhanced expression levels in several factors (JNK pathway: jun-D; TGF-β pathway: decapentaplegic, glass bottom boat; insulin pathway: insulin-like peptides from the fat body; Wnt pathway: wntless, TCF/Pangolin).

Conclusions

This study revealed several vital physiological processes and molecular events of metamorphosis and provided valuable information for illustrating the process of insect metamorphosis from larvae to pupae.
Transcriptome analysis of different life-history stages and screening of male-biased genes in Daphnia sinensis
Authors: Wang Ziyan , Zhang Feiyun , Jin Qide , Wang Yeping , Wang Wenping , Deng Daogui
Published: August 2022

Background

In the life history of Daphnia, the reproductive mode of parthenogenesis and sexual reproduction alternate in aquatic ecosystem, which are often affected by environmental and genetic factors. Recently, the sex-biased genes are of great significance for clarifying the origin and evolution of reproductive transformation and the molecular regulation mechanism of sex determination in Daphnia. Although some genes on reproductive transition of Daphnia had been researched, molecular mechanism on the maintenance of sexually dimorphic phenotypes of Daphnia are still not well known, including differentially expressed genes in different life-history stages.

Results

In this study, four life-history stages of Daphnia sinensis, juvenile female (JF), parthenogenetic female (PF), sexual female (SF) and male (M), were performed for transcriptome, and male-biased genes were screened. A total of 110437 transcripts were obtained and assembled into 22996 unigenes. In the four life-history stages (JF, PF, SF and M), the number of unique unigenes is respectively 2863, 445, 437 and 586, and the number of common unigenes is 9708. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between male and other three female stages (M vs JF, M vs PF and M vs SF) were 4570, 4358 and 2855, respectively. GO gene enrichment analysis showed that the up-regulated genes in male were mainly enriched in hydrolase activity and peptidase activity. Thirty-six genes in male were significantly higher expression than in the three female stages, including one Doublesex (Dsx) gene, one laminin gene, five trypsin genes and one serine protease genes, and one chitin synthase gene and two chitinase genes.

Conclusions

Our results showed that thirty-six candidate genes may be as the male-biased genes involving in the maintenance of sexually dimorphic phenotypes. This work will provide a reference for further exploring the functional genes related to sex differentiation in Daphnia species. Moreover, according to previous investigations, we thought that the expression level of functional genes may be related to the life-history stages of organisms, and may be also affected by different Daphnia species.
Identification and validation of stable reference genes for quantitative real time PCR in different minipig tissues at developmental stages
Authors: Song Jeongah , Cho Jeonghee , Park Jeongsik , Hwang Jeong Ho
Published: August 2022

Background

Quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) is a powerful tool to evaluate mRNA expression level. However, reliable qPCR results require normalization with validated reference gene(s). In this study, we investigated stable reference genes in seven tissues according to four developmental stages in minipigs. Six candidate reference genes and one target gene (ACE2) were selected and qPCR was performed. BestKeeper, geNorm, NormFinder, and delta Ct method through the RefFinder web-based tool were used to evaluate the stability of candidate reference genes. To verify the selected stable genes, relative expression of ACE2 was calculated and compared with each other.

Results

As a result, HPRT1 and 18S genes had lower SD value, while HMBS and GAPDH genes had higher SD value in all samples. Using statistical algorithms, HPRT1 was the most stable gene, followed by 18S, β-actin, B2M, GAPDH, and HMBS. In intestine, all candidate reference genes exhibited similar patterns of ACE2 gene expression over time, whereas in liver, lung, and kidney, gene expression pattern normalized with stable reference genes differed from those normalized with less stable genes. When normalized with the most stable genes, the expression levels of ACE2 in minipigs highly increased in intestine and kidney at PND28, which is consistent with the ACE2 expression pattern in humans.

Conclusions

We suggest that HPRT1 and 18S are good choices for analyzing all these samples across the seven tissues and four developmental stages. However, this study can be a reference literature for gene expression experiments using minipig because reference gene should be validated and chosen according to experimental conditions.
Antibiotic resistance patterns of Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from the Tibet Autonomous Region, China
Authors: Tang Xiaoqiong , Wang Zhonghua , Shen Yalin , Song Xiaona , Benghezal Mohammed , Marshall Barry J. , Tang Hong , Li Hong
Published: August 2022

Background

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori antibiotic susceptibility in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China is not determined. This study aimed to evaluate the antibiotic resistance patterns of H. pylori isolates there.

Results

A total of 153 (38.5%) H. pylori strains were successfully isolated from 397 patients in People's Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region, China. The overall resistance rates were as follows: clarithromycin (27.4%), levofloxacin (31.3%), metronidazole (86.2%), amoxicillin (15.6%), tetracycline (0%), furazolidone (0.6%), and rifampicin (73.2%). Only 2.0% of H. pylori isolates were susceptible to all tested antimicrobials, with mono resistance, dual resistance, triple resistance, quadruple resistance, and quintuple resistance being 18.3%, 44.4%, 18.3%, 12.4%, and 4.6%, respectively. The resistance rates to levofloxacin (40.5%) and amoxicillin (21.5%) in strains isolated from female patients were significantly higher than those from male patients (21.6% and 9.5%, respectively).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates high H. pylori resistance rates to clarithromycin, levofloxacin, metronidazole, and rifampicin, whereas moderate resistance to amoxicillin, and negligible resistant to tetracycline, and furazolidone in Tibet Autonomous Region, China. The high resistance to rifampicin warns further investigation of its derivative, rifabutin.
Full-length transcriptome analysis of maize root tips reveals the molecular mechanism of cold stress during the seedling stage
Authors: Xuhui Li , Weiwei Chen , Siqi Lu , Junteng Fang , Hang Zhu , Xiangbo Zhang , Yongwen Qi
Published: August 2022

Background

As maize originated in tropical or subtropical zones, most maize germplasm is extremely sensitive to low temperatures during the seedling stage. Clarifying the molecular mechanism of cold acclimation would facilitate the breeding of cold tolerant maize varieties, which is one of the major sustainability factors for crop production. To meet this goal, we investigated two maize inbred lines with contrasting levels of cold tolerance at the seedling stage (IL85, a cold tolerant line; B73, a cold sensitive line), and performed full-length transcriptome sequencing on the root tips of seedlings before and after 24 h of cold treatment.

Results

We identified 152,263 transcripts, including 20,993 novel transcripts, and determined per-transcript expression levels. A total of 1,475 transcripts were specifically up-regulated in the cold tolerant line IL85 under cold stress. GO enrichment analysis revealed that 25 transcripts were involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolic processes and 15 transcripts were related to the response to heat. Eight genes showed specific differential alternative splicing (DAS) in IL85 under cold stress, and were mainly involved in amine metabolism. A total of 1,111 lncRNAs were further identified, 62 of which were up-regulated in IL85 or B73 under cold stress, and their corresponding target genes were enriched in protein phosphorylation.

Conclusions

These results provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of cold acclimation during the seedling stage in maize, and will facilitate the development of cultivars with improved cold stress tolerance.
Genome-wide screening of lectin putative genes from Sorghum bicolor L., distribution in QTLs and a probable implications of lectins in abiotic stress tolerance
Authors: Osman Makarim El-fadil M. , Dirar Amina Ibrahim , Konozy Emadeldin Hassan E.
Published: August 2022

Background

Sorghum bicolor is one of the most important crops worldwide with the potential to provide resilience when other economic staples might fail against the continuous environmental changes. Many physiological, developmental and tolerance traits in plants are either controlled or influenced by lectins; carbohydrate binding proteins. Hence, we aimed at providing a comprehensive in silico account on sorghum’s lectins and study their possible implication on various desired agronomical traits.

Results

We have searched sorghum’s genome from grain and sweet types for lectins putative genes that encode proteins with domains capable of differentially binding carbohydrate moieties and trigger various physiological responses. Of the 12 known plant lectin families, 8 were identified regarding their domain architectures, evolutionary relationships, physiochemical characteristics, and gene expansion mechanisms, and they were thoroughly addressed. Variations between grain and sweet sorghum lectin homologs in term of the presence/absence of certain other joint domains like dirigent and nucleotide-binding adaptor shared by APAF-1, R-proteins, and CED-4 (NB-ARC) indicate a possible neofunctionalization. Lectin sequences were found to be preferentially overrepresented in certain quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to various traits under several subcategories such as cold, drought, salinity, panicle/grain composition, and leaf morphology. The co-localization and distribution of lectins among multiple QTLs provide insights into the pleiotropic effects that could be played by one lectin gene in numerous traits.

Conclusion

Our study offers a first-time inclusive details on sorghum lectins and their possible role in conferring tolerance against abiotic stresses and other economically important traits that can be informative for future functional analysis and breeding studies.
The association between DNA methylation of 6p21.33 and AHRR in blood and coronary heart disease in Chinese population
Authors: Zhu Liya , Zhu Chao , Wang Jinxin , Yang Rongxi , Zhao Xiaojing
Published: August 2022

Background

Early detection could significantly improve the prognosis of coronary heart disease (CHD). In-invitro diagnostic technique may provide a solution when sufficient biomarkers could be identified. Pertinent associations between blood-based aberrant DNA methylation and smoking, the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and CHD have been robustly demonstrated and replicated, but that studies in Chinese populations are rare. The blood-based methylation of aryl-hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) cg05575921 and 6p21.33 cg06126421 has been associated with cardiovascular mortality in Caucasians. Here, we aim to investigate whether the AHRR and 6p21.33 methylation in the blood is associated with CHD in the Chinese population.

Methods

In this case–control study, 180 CHD patients recruited at their first registration in our study center, and 184 controls randomly selected from the people who participated in the annual health examination were enrolled. Methylation intensities of 19 CpG sites, including AHRR cg05575921, 6p21.33 cg06126421, and their flanking CpG sites, were quantified by mass spectrometry. The association between methylation intensities and CHD was estimated by logistic regression analyses adjusted for covariant.

Results

Compared to the controls, lower methylation of 6p21.33_CpG_4.5/cg06126421 was independently associated with increased odds of being a CHD patient (OR per − 10% methylation = 1.42 after adjustment for age, gender, and batch effect; p = 0.032 by multiple testing corrections). No association between blood-based AHRR methylation and CHD was found.

Conclusions

6p21.33 methylation exhibits a significant association with CHD. The combination of 6p21.33 methylation and conventional risk factors might be an intermediate step towards the early detection of CHD.
Estimating causal effects in the presence of competing events using regression standardisation with the Stata command standsurv
Authors: Syriopoulou Elisavet , Mozumder Sarwar I. , Rutherford Mark J. , Lambert Paul C.
Published: August 2022

Background

When interested in a time-to-event outcome, competing events that prevent the occurrence of the event of interest may be present. In the presence of competing events, various estimands have been suggested for defining the causal effect of treatment on the event of interest. Depending on the estimand, the competing events are either accommodated or eliminated, resulting in causal effects with different interpretations. The former approach captures the total effect of treatment on the event of interest while the latter approach captures the direct effect of treatment on the event of interest that is not mediated by the competing event. Separable effects have also been defined for settings where the treatment can be partitioned into two components that affect the event of interest and the competing event through different causal pathways.

Methods

We outline various causal effects that may be of interest in the presence of competing events, including total, direct and separable effects, and describe how to obtain estimates using regression standardisation with the Stata command . Regression standardisation is applied by obtaining the average of individual estimates across all individuals in a study population after fitting a survival model.

Results

With several contrasts of interest can be calculated including differences, ratios and other user-defined functions. Confidence intervals can also be obtained using the delta method. Throughout we use an example analysing a publicly available dataset on prostate cancer to allow the reader to replicate the analysis and further explore the different effects of interest.

Conclusions

Several causal effects can be defined in the presence of competing events and, under assumptions, estimates of those can be obtained using regression standardisation with the Stata command . The choice of which causal effect to define should be given careful consideration based on the research question and the audience to which the findings will be communicated.
TOMM40 genetic variants associated with healthy aging and longevity: a systematic review
Authors: Chen Sunny , Sarasua Sara M. , Davis Nicole J. , DeLuca Jane M. , Boccuto Luigi , Thielke Stephen M. , Yu Chang-En
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Healthy aging relies on mitochondrial functioning because this organelle provides energy and diminishes oxidative stress. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TOMM40, a critical gene that produces the outer membrane protein TOM40 of mitochondria, have been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegenerative processes. Yet it is not clear whether or how the mitochondria may impact human longevity. We conducted this review to ascertain which SNPs have been associated with markers of healthy aging.

Methods

Using the PRISMA methodology, we conducted a systematic review on PubMed and Embase databases to identify associations between TOMM40 SNPs and measures of longevity and healthy aging.

Results

Twenty-four articles were selected. The TOMM40 SNPs rs2075650 and rs10524523 were the two most commonly identified and studied SNPs associated with longevity. The outcomes associated with the TOMM40 SNPs were changes in BMI, brain integrity, cognitive functions, altered inflammatory network, vulnerability to vascular risk factors, and longevity.

Discussions

Our systematic review identified multiple TOMM40 SNPs potentially associated with healthy aging. Additional research can help to understand mechanisms in aging, including resilience, prevention of disease, and adaptation to the environment.
Determining the existence of the foramen of Huschke in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders using cone beam computed tomography: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hasani Mahvash , Haghnegahdar Abdolaziz , Khojastepour Leila , Golbahar Haghighi Mohammad Javad
Published: August 2022

Background

Foramen of Huschke has been presented as an unusual developmental defect in anteroinferior aspect of external auditory canal. It can be associated with significant otologic complications. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between existence of foramen of Huschke and temporomandibular joint disorders in Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images.

Methods

Of an initial sample of 465 patients, we retrospectively evaluated the CBCT images of 118 individuals with clinical signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders as case group and 256 individuals as control group. The presence, size and localization of foramen of Huschke were assessed in the axial and corrected sagittal images. The sex and age distribution were determined. Fisher’s exact test, T-test and Pearson’s Chi-square were applied to assess the relationship between foramen of Huschke and temporomandibular joint disorders in the case and control groups considering age and sex.

Results

The foramen of Huschke prevalence was slightly higher in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (3.4%) than patients without temporomandibular joint disorders (0.8%). However, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.082). foramen of Huschke was found in five females and one male. There was no significant difference between case and control groups considering the age of patients with foramen of Huschke (P = 0.683). There was no significant difference between the case and control groups, considering the right and left ears in distribution of foramen of Huschke (P = 0.099) (P = 0.183).

Conclusions

Higher prevalence of foramen of Huschke in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders may suggest possible mechanism for temporomandibular joint disorders development that can be affected by presence of foramen of Huschke.
Development and initial validation of a Swedish inventory to screen for symptoms of deficient perineum in women after vaginal childbirth: ‘Karolinska Symptoms After Perineal Tear Inventory’
Authors: Rotstein Emilia , von Rosen Philip , Karlström Sofie , Knutsson Jona Elings , Rose Nina , Forslin Ellinore , Palmgren Per J. , Tegerstedt Gunilla , Engberg Hedvig
Published: August 2022

Background

Perineal tears are common after vaginal birth and may result in pelvic floor symptoms. However, there is no validated questionnaire that addresses long-term symptoms in women with a deficient perineum after vaginal birth. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop and psychometrically evaluate a clinical screening inventory that estimates subjective symptoms in women with a deficient perineum more than one year after vaginal delivery.

Material and methods

The development and psychometric evaluation employed both qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative strategies involved content validity and Think Aloud protocol for generation of items. The psychometric evaluation employed principal component analysis to reduce the number of items. The inventory was completed by women with persistent symptoms after perineal tears (N = 170). Results were compared to those of primiparous women giving birth by caesarean section (N = 54) and nulliparous women (N = 338).

Results

A preliminary 41-item inventory was developed, and the psychometric evaluation resulted in a final 11-item inventory. Women with confirmed deficient perineum after perineal trauma scored significantly higher on the symptoms inventory than women in control groups. A cut-off value of ≥ 8 could distinguish patients from controls with high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (87–91%).

Conclusions

The Karolinska Symptoms After Perineal Tear Inventory, is a psychometrically valid 11-item patient-reported outcome measure for symptoms of deficient perineum more than one year after vaginal birth. More research is needed to validate the inventory in various patient populations as well as its use in pelvic floor interventions. The inventory has the potential to improve patient counseling and care in the future.
Cytokines secreted from adipose tissues mediate tumor proliferation and metastasis in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Kai , Chen Lin , Zheng Hongbo , Zeng Yi
Published: August 2022

Background

Obesity is a high-risk factor for development and poor prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which was considered as a high malignant and poor clinical outcome breast cancer subtype. TNBC proliferation and migration regulated by obesity is complex. Here, we studied effects of cytokines secreted from adipose tissue on development of TNBC.

Methods

Forty postmenopausal cases by Yuebei People’s Hospital of Shaoguan with stage I/IIA TNBC were enrolled. Cytokine concentrations were examined using ELISA analysis. Proliferation and migration of TNBC cell lines were performed using CCK8 assays and Transwell tests. The Log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test, two-tailed Mann-Whitney U test and two-tailed unpaired t test were performed using GraphPad Prism 8.4.2.

Results

Survival analysis indicated that obese patients with TNBC had worse disease free survival (DFS) as compared with normal weight group (Hazard Ratio 4.393, 95% confidence interval (CI) of ratio 1.071–18.02, p < 0.05). Obese patients with TNBC had severe insulin resistance and high plasma triglycerides. However, plasma adiponectin concentration was decreased and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentration was increased in obese TNBC patients as compared with the nonobese group. The similar results were found in the cytokine secretion from adipose tissues and insulin-resistant adipocytes. The secretion of adipose tissue from obese TNBC patients could promote proliferation and migration of TNBC cell lines, including MDA-MB-157, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-453 and HCC38 cells. These TNBC cell lines co-incubated with insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes or supplementing these cytokines medium also exhibited increase of proliferative and migratory capacity.

Conclusion

TNBC patients with obesity had worse prognosis compared with the normal weight groups. Alteration of cytokines secreted from adipose tissues mediated proliferation and migration of TNBC, leading to tumor progression in TNBC patients with obesity.
Development and validation of MRI-based radiomics signatures as new markers for preoperative assessment of EGFR mutation and subtypes from bone metastases
Authors: Fan Ying , Dong Yue , Sun Xinyan , Wang Huan , Zhao Peng , Wang Hongbo , Jiang Xiran
Published: August 2022

Background

This study aimed to develop and externally validate contrast-enhanced (CE) T1-weighted MRI-based radiomics for the identification of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, exon-19 deletion and exon-21 L858R mutation from MR imaging of spinal bone metastasis from primary lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

A total of 159 patients from our hospital between January 2017 and September 2021 formed a primary set, and 24 patients from another center between January 2017 and October 2021 formed an independent validation set. Radiomics features were extracted from the CET1 MRI using the Pyradiomics method. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was applied for selecting the most predictive features. Radiomics signatures (RSs) were developed based on the primary training set to predict EGFR mutations and differentiate between exon-19 deletion and exon-21 L858R. The RSs were validated on the internal and external validation sets using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

Eight, three, and five most predictive features were selected to build RS-EGFR, RS-19, and RS-21 for predicting EGFR mutation, exon-19 deletion and exon-21 L858R, respectively. The RSs generated favorable prediction efficacies for the primary (AUCs, RS-EGFR vs. RS-19 vs. RS-21, 0.851 vs. 0.816 vs. 0.814) and external validation (AUCs, RS-EGFR vs. RS-19 vs. RS-21, 0.807 vs. 0.742 vs. 0.792) sets.

Conclusions

Radiomics features from the CE MRI could be used to detect the EGFR mutation, increasing the certainty of identifying exon-19 deletion and exon-21 L858R mutations based on spinal metastasis MR imaging.
CTNNB1 mutations, TERT polymorphism and CD8+ cell densities in resected hepatocellular carcinoma are associated with longer time to recurrence
Authors: Ambrozkiewicz Filip , Trailin Andriy , Červenková Lenka , Vaclavikova Radka , Hanicinec Vojtech , Allah Mohammad Al Obeed , Palek Richard , Třeška Vladislav , Daum Ondrej , Tonar Zbyněk , Liška Václav , Hemminki Kari
Published: August 2022

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal disease characterized by early genetic alterations in telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (TERTp) and β-catenin (CTNNB1) genes and immune cell activation in the tumor microenvironment. As a novel approach, we wanted to assess patient survival influenced by combined presence of mutations and densities of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells.

Methods

Tissue samples were obtained from 67 HCC patients who had undergone resection. We analysed CD8+ T cells density, TERTp mutations, rs2853669 polymorphism, and CTNNB1 mutations. These variables were evaluated for time to recurrence (TTR) and disease free survival (DFS).

Results

TERTp mutations were found in 75.8% and CTNNB1 mutations in 35.6% of the patients. TERTp mutations were not associated with survival but polymorphism rs2853669 in TERTp was associated with improved TTR and DFS. CTNNB1 mutations were associated with improving TTR. High density of CD8+ T-lymphocytes in tumor center and invasive margin correlated with longer TTR and DFS. Combined genetic and immune factors further improved survival showing higher predictive values. E.g., combining CTNNB1 mutations and high density of CD8+ T-lymphocytes in tumor center yielded HRs of 0.12 (0.03–0.52), p = 0.005 for TTR and 0.25 (0.09–0.74), p = 0.01 for DFS.

Conclusion

The results outline a novel integrative approach for prognostication through combining independent predictive factors from genetic and immune cell profiles. However, larger studies are needed to explore multiple cell types in the tumor microenvironment.
Lacrimal gland injection of platelet rich plasma for treatment of severe dry eye: a comparative clinical study
Authors: Mohammed Mai A. , Allam Ibrahim Y. , Shaheen Mohamed Shafik , Lazreg Sihem , Doheim Mohamed Fahmy
Published: August 2022

Background

We aimed to assess the efficacy of the injections of platelet rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of severe dry eye disease (DED).

Results

In this retrospecitve interventional clinincal study, we included 28 eyes of 14 patients with severe DED who were diagnosed with Sjogren syndrome. Each patient received unilateral lacrimal gland injection of PRP at days 0, 30, 60 and 90 days while the other eye served as control group who received preservative free eye drops. We objectively assessed parameters at baseline, 1 month, 2 months and 3 months including ocular surface analyzer (OSA) namely; noninvasive tear breakup times (NIBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), lipid layer thickness (LLT) in addition to the Schirmer test I, corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) and meiboscore. The mean age was 43.4 ± .7.85 years. Comparing different parameters, baseline data showed non-significant difference between injected eye group and control group. After 1 and 3 months of follow up, there were significant differences between both groups regarding NITBUT, TMH, LLT, CFS and Schirmer test, with p <  0.001 in favor of PRP group.

Conclusion

Injection of PRP in lacrimal gland is simple, safe, and effective technique in treatment of severe dry eye; proved by improvement of tear film parameters through subjective and objective assessment. Further studies are needed to standardize the technique and to confirm these results.
The association between dietary acid load and adiposity measures among children and adolescents
Authors: Sorraya Nasim , Arab Arman , Talebi Shokoofeh
Published: August 2022

Background

Childhood obesity is one of the most important health problems in the present century. It is imperative to plan preventive programs through risk factor identification. The present study was conducted to examine the association between the dietary acid load (DAL) and anthropometric indices in a sample of Iranian children and adolescents.

Methods

In the current survey, students aged 11–18 years were recruited. To assess usual dietary intake, a validated self-administered 168-item food frequency questionnaire was used. Potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP) was used to estimate DAL. The association between DAL and anthropometric indices was evaluated using logistic regression and reported as an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

In total, 456 students (267 girls), with a mean age of 14.44 years participated in the current study. After controlling for potential confounders, the PRAL was positively associated with the risk of obesity (OR = 4.56, 95% CI: 2.26, 9.17), abdominal obesity (OR = 12.64, 95% CI: 3.05, 52.27), and adiposity based on the percent of body fat (PBF) (OR = 3.58, 95% CI: 1.83, 6.99). The NEAP was also significantly associated with the risk of obesity (OR = 5.17, 95% CI: 2.56, 10.43), abdominal obesity (OR = 15.08, 95% CI: 3.35, 67.81), and adiposity based on PBF (OR = 4.53, 95% CI: 2.30, 8.92).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that higher adherence to the acidogenic diet, expressed as DAL, was associated with a higher risk of general and central obesity among children and adolescents.
Family-based improvement for health literacy among the Yi nationality (FAMILY) in Liangshan: protocol of an open cohort stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hu Lin , Zhu Wenhui , Yu Jie , Chen Ying , Yan Jingmin , Liao Qiang , Zhang Tao
Published: August 2022

Background

Improvement of health literacy constitutes a cornerstone to improving public health. However, the overall health literacy of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture (Liangshan Prefecture) in the southwest Sichuan Province of China has kept extremely low for a long time. How to improve health literacy of the Yi nationality residents is key to be urgently solved. Notably, Family Branch System is a distinctive patrilineal bloodline organization of Yi nationality, which plays an important role in the daily life of Yi nationality. Meanwhile, Contracted Family Doctor Services is conducted in Liangshan Prefecture. Therefore, this study proposes an intervention model of health education based on Family Branch System and Contracted Family Doctor Services, which is a Family-based Improvement for Health Literacy among the Yi nationality (FAMILY) in Liangshan, when improving traditional Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions Framework (ICCC) framework.

Methods

An open cohort stepped wedge cluster randomized trial design is used to implement health literacy education interventions including project preparation, core group building, promotion within family branch and competition between family branches while using Contracted Family Doctor Services as control measure. The study will be conducted among Yi nationality residents in Meigu County and Yanyuan County, with health literacy level of residents as the primary outcome. Finally, mixed-effects model and causal inference method will be used to evaluate intervention effect.

Discussion

This study highlights family, using the unique Family Branch System and Contracted Family Doctor Services in Liangshan Prefecture to design intervention among improved ICCC framework, and combines the mixed-effects model with complier average causal effects (CACE) to estimate the intervention effect under non-compliance for the first time. Besides, other key technologies to be adopted include construction of electronic questionnaire quality control system, with quality control based on artificial intelligence. This trial contributes to exploring an effective way to improve health literacy of Yi nationality residents in Liangshan Prefecture, which will provide reference for other areas, especially poor areas, to improve residents’ health literacy.

Trial registration

ISRCTN11299863 on June 1, 2022; https://www.isrctn.com/.
Protocol for a multicenter-cluster randomized clinical trial of a motor skills intervention to promote physical activity and health in children: the CHAMP afterschool program study
Authors: Robinson Leah E. , Palmer Kara K. , Santiago-Rodríguez María Enid , Myers Nicholas D. , Wang Lu , Pfeiffer Karin A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Promoting health-enhancing and sustainable physical activity levels across childhood and adolescence contribute to positive health outcomes as an adult. This study will aim to: a) examine the immediate (pre- to post-intervention) and sustained (1-year post-intervention follow-up) effects of the Children’s Health Activity Motor Program-Afterschool Program (CHAMP-ASP) on physical activity, motor competence, and perceived motor competence relative to the comparison ASP, b) examine the immediate and sustained effects of CHAMP-ASP on secondary health outcomes, specifically health-related physical fitness (i.e., cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, percent body fat) and weight status compared to children in the comparison ASP, and c) determine if perceived motor competence mediates the effect of CHAMP-ASP on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Methods

This multicenter cluster randomized trial will be implemented by ASP staff and will be conducted in ASPs located in two city-based cohorts: East Lansing/Lansing and Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti, Michigan. Children (N = 264) who are K-2 graders will participate 35 min/day X 3 days/week for 19 weeks (1995 min) in their afterschool movement program (i.e., CHAMP-ASP vs. comparison). The research team will train ASP staff to implement the program, which will be delivered within the existing ASP offering. Measures of physical activity (accelerometer), motor competence (process and product measures of fundamental motor skills), health-related fitness, perceived motor competence, and anthropometry will be collected pre-, immediately post-, and one-year post-intervention. Random-effects models will be used to assess the clustered longitudinal effect of the intervention on outcome measures.

Discussion

The long-term goal is to provide a sustainable, ecologically-relevant, and evidence-based program during the early elementary years that can be delivered by ASP staff, is health-enhancing, and increases physical activity in children. Findings hold the potential to help shape public health and educational policies and interventions that support healthy development and active living during the early years.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govIdentifierNCT05342701.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained through the Health Sciences and Behavioral Sciences IRB, University of Michigan (HUM00208311). The CHAMP-ASP study is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Findings will be disseminated via print, online media, dissemination events, and practitioner and/or research journals.
Parental decision and intent towards COVID-19 vaccination in children with asthma: an econometric analysis
Authors: Drouin Olivier , Fontaine Pierre , Arnaud Yann , Montmarquette Claude , Prud’homme Alexandre , Da Silva Roxane Borgès
Published: August 2022

Objective

Vaccination will be instrumental in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, and vaccination of children will be necessary to achieve herd immunity. Given that children with chronic health conditions may be at increased risk of COVID-19, it is crucial to understand factors influencing parental decisions about whether to have their child vaccinated. The study objectives were to measure parental intent to have their child with asthma vaccinated against COVID-19 and identify the determinants of their vaccination decision.

Study design

This study is based on a cross-sectional exploratory observational online survey assessing parents' risk perception in the context of COVID-19.

Methods

In this study conducted in August 2020, the primary outcome was parent’s answer to the question on their intention to get their child vaccinated if a vaccine against COVID-19 was available. Participants were also asked about their intention to get vaccinated themselves. Independent variables studied included sociodemographic, clinical data (e.g. presence of other chronic diseases), psychological, cognitive and risk perception related to COVID-19. Simultaneous equations models (3SLS) and seemingly unrelated regressions model (SUR) were carried out to identify factors associated with intention to have the child vaccinated and participants’ intention to get vaccinated themselves against COVID-19.

Results

A total of 305 participants completed the survey. Overall, 19.1% of participants reported being unlikely or very unlikely to vaccinate their child against COVID-19 if a vaccine was available. Similarly, 21.0% were unlikely or very unlikely to get vaccinated themselves. The following factors were significantly associated with parents’ decision to have their child vaccinated: parental level of education (p = 0.003), employment status (p < 0.001), sex of the child (p = 0.019), presence of other chronic diseases (p = 0.028), whether or not the child had been vaccinated against influenza in the past (p < 0.001), parental anxiety (p = 0.046), and consultation with a health professional since the beginning of the pandemic (p = 0.009). There was a strong relationship between likelihood of not intending to have one’s child vaccinated and personal intent not to get vaccinated.

Conclusion

These findings are essential in planning for the communication and dissemination of COVID-19 vaccination information to parents, especially for children with asthma or other chronic medical conditions.
Clinical profile analysis and nomogram for predicting in-hospital mortality among elderly severe community-acquired pneumonia patients with comorbid cardiovascular disease: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gong Linjing , He Dingxiu , Huang Dong , Wu Zhenru , Shi Yujun , Liang Zongan
Published: August 2022

Background

Researchers have linked cardiovascular disease (CVD) with advancing age; however, how it drives disease progression in elderly severe community acquired pneumonia (SCAP) patients is still unclear. This study aims to identify leading risk predictors of in-hospital mortality in elderly SCAP patients with CVD, and construct a comprehensive nomogram for providing personalized prediction.

Patients and methods

The study retrospectively enrolled 2365 elderly patients identified SCAP. Among them, 413 patients were found to have CVD. The LASSO regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis were utilized to select potential predictors of in-hospital mortality in elderly SCAP patients with CVD. By incorporating these features, a nomogram was then developed and subjected to internal validations. Discrimination, calibration, and clinical use of the nomogram were assessed via C-index, calibration curve analysis, and decision plot.

Results

Compared with patients without CVD, elderly SCAP patients with CVD had a significant poor outcome. Further analysis of the CVD population identified 7 independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in elderly SCAP patients, including age, the use of vasopressor, numbers of primary symptoms, body temperature, monocyte, CRP and NLR. The nomogram model incorporated these 7 predictors showed sufficient predictive accuracy, with the C-index of 0.800 (95% CI 0.758–0.842). High C-index value of 0.781 was obtained in the internal validation via bootstrapping validation. Moreover, the calibration curve indicative a good consistency of risk prediction, and the decision curve manifested that the nomogram had good overall net benefits.

Conclusion

An integrated nomogram was developed to facilitate the personalized prediction of in-hospital mortality in elderly SCAP patients with CVD.
Clinical efficacy of intraoperative real time ultrasound-assisted flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser incision and internal drainage in the treatment of parapelvic cysts
Authors: Huang Ting , Yang Qing , Wu Haixiao , Zhu Desheng , Hu Yang , Xu Min
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of intraoperative real time ultrasound-assisted flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser incision and internal drainage in the treatment of parapelvic cysts, and to review recently published relevant literature.

Method

This is a retrospective study in which the clinical data of 47 patients who underwent flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser incision and internal drainage of parapelvic cysts in our center from March 2017 to March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. A literature search was conducted to review and summarize relevant reports on endoscopic treatment of parapelvic cysts published in the past 10 years.

Results

Among 47 patients with parapelvic cysts who underwent flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser incision and internal drainage, 12 (25.53%) cases had a typical cyst wall bulging into the collecting system under flexible ureteroscope. As the cyst wall was thin and translucent in these cases, ultrasound was not used during the operation. The cysts of the remaining 35 patients were located with the aid of intraoperative real time ultrasound, and all underwent successful operation. No serious surgical complications occurred after surgery. The patients were followed up for 12–24 months after operation. The cyst in one case was observed larger than its original size before operation, so recurrence was considered. In another two cases, the diameters of the cysts were more than half of their original diameters before operation. Thus, the efficacy was poor in the three cases. For the remaining 44 cases, there was no obvious cyst observed or the diameter of the cysts was less than half their preoperative level.

Conclusion

The approach of ultrasound-assisted flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser incision and internal drainage in the treatment of parapelvic cysts is safe and effective, which helps to solve the problem of localization of atypical parapelvic cysts on endoscopic findings.
The prevalence of menstrual disorders and premenstrual syndrome among adolescent girls living in North Borneo, Malaysia: a questionnaire-based study
Authors: Azhary Jerilee Mariam Khong , Leng Lai Kim , Razali Nuguelis , Sulaiman Sofiah , Wahab Ana Vetriana Abd , Adlan Aizura Syafinaz Ahmad , Hassan Jamiyah
Published: August 2022

Background

This study aimed to determine menstrual characteristics and related morbidities among adolescent girls living in Sabah, North Borneo, a less-developed state in Malaysia.

Methods

Data were obtained from a quantitative survey conducted in three government high schools located in Ranau, Sabah. The participants were adolescent girls who had attained menarche between the ages of 14 and 19.

Results

Based on the analysis of questionnaires completed by 757 adolescent girls, the mean age at the time of the survey was 17 ± 1.4 years, and the mean menarche age was 12.2 ± 1.1 years. Our data demonstrated that 85.7% of the participants experienced dysmenorrhoea, of which at least 42.1% (mean pain score ± SD: 4.81 ± 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.72, 4.90) experienced moderate dysmenorrhoea, and 11.2% (mean pain score ± SD: 7.86 ± 0.94, 95% CI 7.64, 8.08) experienced severe dysmenorrhoea. Over 70% of these girls complained of tiredness, headache, and appetite changes during menses.

Conclusions

The prevalence of menstrual disorders and related morbidities was high among the girls residing in Sabah. Reproductive health issues in rural and socioeconomically deprived areas remains poorly addressed. The main consequence of neglecting menstrual disorders and their related morbidities is impaired future sexual reproductive health in adults. Thus, addressing adolescent reproductive health issues is crucial, especially for girls living in areas where access to healthcare is difficult. The information gathered from this study can be used to strategize effective interventions to improve adolescents' reproductive health status in rural areas.