bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of non-coding RNA networks in infected macrophages revealing the pathogenesis of F. nucleatum-associated diseases
Authors: Zhou Jieyu , Liu Lin , Wu Peiyao , Zhao Lei , Wu Yafei
Published: December 2022

Background

F. nucleatum, as an important periodontal pathogen, is not only closely associated with the development of periodontitis, but also implicated in systemic diseases. Macrophages may act as an important mediator in the pathogenic process ofF. nucleatuminfection. As non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have attracted extensive attention as important epigenetic regulatory mechanisms recently, we focus on the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks to elucidate the pathogenesis ofF. nucleatum-associated diseases.

Results

We screen abnormally expressed mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs in macrophages afterF. nucleatuminfection via the whole transcriptome sequencing technology, including 375 mRNAs, 5 miRNAs, 64 lncRNAs, and 180 circRNAs. The accuracy of RNA-seq and microRNA-seq result was further verified by qRT-PCR analysis. GO and KEGG analysis show that the differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in MAPK pathway, Toll-like receptor pathway, NF-κB pathway and apoptosis. KEGG disease analysis reveals that they were closely involved in immune system diseases, cardiovascular disease, cancers, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) et al. We constructed the underlying lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks to understand their interaction based on the correlation analysis between the differentially expressed RNAs, and then screen the core non-coding RNAs. In which, AKT2 is controlled by hsa_circ_0078617, hsa_circ_0069227, hsa_circ_0084089, lncRNA NUP210, lncRNA ABCB9, lncRNA DIXDC1, lncRNA ATXN1 and lncRNA XLOC_237387 through miR-150-5p; hsa_circ_0001165, hsa_circ_0008460, hsa_circ_0001118, lncRNA XLOC_237387 and lncRNA ATXN1 were identified as the ceRNAs of hsa-miR-146a-3p and thereby indirectly modulating the expression of MITF.

Conclusions

Our data identified promising candidate ncRNAs responsible for regulating immune response in theF. nucleatum-associated diseases, offering new insights regarding the pathogenic mechanism of this pathogen.
Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) and genome prediction of seedling salt tolerance in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Javid Saeideh , Bihamta Mohammad Reza , Omidi Mansour , Abbasi Ali Reza , Alipour Hadi , Ingvarsson Pär K.
Published: December 2022

Background

Salinity tolerance in wheat is imperative for improving crop genetic capacity in response to the expanding phenomenon of soil salinization. However, little is known about the genetic foundation underlying salinity tolerance at the seedling growth stage of wheat. Herein, a GWAS analysis was carried out by the random-SNP-effect mixed linear model (mrMLM) multi-locus model to uncover candidate genes responsible for salt tolerance at the seedling stage in 298 Iranian bread wheat accessions, including 208 landraces and 90 cultivars.

Results

A total of 29 functional marker-trait associations (MTAs) were detected under salinity, 100 mM NaCl (sodium chloride). Of these, seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including rs54146, rs257, rs37983, rs18682, rs55629, rs15183, and rs63185 with R2 ≥ 10% were found to be linked with relative water content, root fresh weight, root dry weight, root volume, shoot high, proline, and shoot potassium (K+), respectively. Further, a total of 27 candidate genes were functionally annotated to be involved in response to the saline environment. Most of these genes have key roles in photosynthesis, response to abscisic acid, cell redox homeostasis, sucrose and carbohydrate metabolism, ubiquitination, transmembrane transport, chromatin silencing, and some genes harbored unknown functions that all together may respond to salinity as a complex network. For genomic prediction (GP), the genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) model reflected genetic effects better than both bayesian ridge regression (BRR) and ridge regression-best linear unbiased prediction (RRBLUP), suggesting GBLUP as a favorable tool for wheat genomic selection.

Conclusion

The SNPs and candidate genes identified in the current work can be used potentially for developing salt-tolerant varieties at the seedling growth stage by marker-assisted selection.
Comparison of epicardial adipose tissue volume quantification between ECG-gated cardiac and non-ECG-gated chest computed tomography scans
Authors: Xu Yuancheng , Hrybouski Stanislau , Paterson D. Ian , Li Zhiyang , Lan Yulong , Luo Lin , Shen Xinping , Xu Lingyu
Published: December 2022

Background

This study investigated accuracy and consistency of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) quantification in non-ECG-gated chest computed tomography (CT) scans.

Methods

EAT volume was semi-automatically quantified using a standard Hounsfield unit threshold (− 190, − 30) in three independent cohorts: (1) Cohort 1 (N = 49): paired 120 kVp ECG-gated cardiac non-contrast CT (NCCT) and 120 kVp non-ECG-gated chest NCCT; (2) Cohort 2 (N = 34): paired 120 kVp cardiac NCCT and 100 kVp non-ECG-gated chest NCCT; (3) Cohort 3 (N = 32): paired non-ECG-gated chest NCCT and chest contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) datasets (including arterial phase and venous phase). Images were reconstructed with the slice thicknesses of 1.25 mm and 5 mm in the chest CT datasets, and 3 mm in the cardiac NCCT datasets.

Results

In Cohort 1, the chest NCCT-1.25 mm EAT volume was similar to the cardiac NCCT EAT volume, while chest NCCT-5 mm underestimated the EAT volume by 7.5%. In Cohort 2, 100 kVp chest NCCT-1.25 mm were 13.2% larger than 120 kVp cardiac NCCT EAT volumes. In Cohort 3, the chest arterial CECT and venous CECT dataset underestimated EAT volumes by ~ 28% and ~ 18%, relative to chest NCCT datasets. All chest CT-derived EAT volumes were similarly associated with significant coronary atherosclerosis with cardiac CT counterparts.

Conclusion

The 120 kVp non-ECG-gated chest NCCT-1.25 mm images produced EAT volumes comparable to cardiac NCCT. Chest CT EAT volumes derived from consistent imaging settings are excellent alternatives to the cardiac NCCT to investigate their association with coronary artery disease.
Length of stay in the emergency department and its associated factors among pediatric patients attending Wolaita Sodo University Teaching and Referral Hospital, Southern, Ethiopia
Authors: Negasi Kiberealeme Bisete , Tefera Gonete Almaz , Getachew Migbaru , Assimamaw Nega Tezera , Terefe Bewuketu
Published: December 2022

Background

Globally, there is an increase in the need for emergency department visits, which is exceptionally high in pediatric patients, resulting in longer lengths of stay, which is a global challenge and a hospital bottleneck that increases the risk of patient morbidity and mortality while also lowering satisfaction.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the length of stay and associated factors in the pediatric emergency department at Wolaita Sodo University Hospital in 2021.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional investigation was undertaken from March 15 to May 15, 2021. The 422 study participants were chosen using a systematic sampling procedure. The data were collected using semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and chart reviews. Epi Data version 4.6 was used to enter the data, while SPSS version 26 was used to analyze it. With a 95% confidence interval, descriptive statistics were used to describe the prevalence, pediatrics, and emergency department duration of stay. The factors related to the length of stay were identified using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. On the AOR, a significant level was proclaimed when thep-value was less than 0.05, and the confidence interval was less than 95%.

Results

The proportion of prolonged pediatric emergency department length of stay was 79.70% (95% CI; 75.7, 83.6). Nighttime arrival [AOR = 3.19, 95% CI (1.14, 8.98)], weekend arrival [AOR = 4.25, 95% CI (1.49, 5.35)], not receiving ordered medication in the hospital [AOR = 2.05, 95% CI (1.04, 4.03)], orange triage category [AOR = 4.01, 95% CI (1.60, 10.05)], and duration of pain 13–24 h [AOR = 0.29, 95% CI (0.89,0.98)], were significantly associated with length of stay.

Conclusion

The percentage of children who stayed in the pediatric emergency department for an extended period was high. Policymakers should implement evidence-based care, maximize existing resources, provide equal access to care and high-quality care, and make pediatric emergency departments more accessible and operationally efficient.
An observational study of the factors associated with frequency of outpatient benzodiazepine prescribing to patients receiving chronic opioid analgesic therapy in primary care at a major academic center
Authors: Koch Nancy V. , Butterfield Richard J.
Published: December 2022

Background

Prescribing benzodiazepines to patients taking chronic opioid analgesic therapy increases risks of adverse events. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended avoidance of benzodiazepine prescribing concurrently with opioids, and various organizations have instituted similar guidelines. We aimed to determine the frequency and patterns of benzodiazepine prescribing at Mayo Clinic primary care (Community Internal Medicine, Family Medicine) clinics for patients taking chronic opioid analgesic therapy and the characteristics of patients receiving the prescriptions and providers administering them.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included adult patients taking chronic opioid analgesic therapy for 2 full years in 2018 and 2019 at Mayo Clinic primary care practices in Arizona and Florida. We assessed electronic health records for these individual patients to determine whether they received a benzodiazepine prescription during the study period and how frequently they received a prescription. Variations in prescriptions by provider specialty, location, and sex were studied. Documented data included receipt of a benzodiazepine prescription by patients with at-risk alcohol use or alcohol use disorder, depression, anxiety, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, falls, and psychiatric referral. Data were compared between patients who received benzodiazepines and those who did not with the Kruskal-Wallis test or χ2test, and the Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to assess whether the change in number of benzodiazepine prescriptions (2018 vs. 2019) was different from zero.

Results

Study participants (N = 457) were predominantly women (n = 266, 58.2%); median age was 69 years. In total, 148 patients (32.4%) received benzodiazepine prescription. These patients were more likely to be women (P = .046) and younger (P = .02). Mean percentage change was 176.9% (P < .001) in number of benzodiazepine prescriptions provided from 2018 to 2019. Frequency of referral to mental health providers was low, as was presence of an established mental health provider despite a greater prevalence of anxiety (P < .001) and depression (P = .001) among patients receiving benzodiazepines.

Conclusion

Benzodiazepine prescription to individual patients taking chronic opioid analgesic therapy significantly increased from 2018 to 2019 despite the documented risks and harms associated with such practice. No statistically significant difference was observed in frequency of benzodiazepine prescriptions between practice location, sex of provider, or specialty.
Longitudinal associations of housework with frailty and mortality in older adults: Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Study 2
Authors: Lee Shuen Yee , Nyunt Ma Shwe Zin , Gao Qi , Gwee Xinyi , Chua Denise Qian Ling , Yap Keng Bee , Wee Shiou Liang , Ng Tze Pin
Published: December 2022

Background

Housework may provide a sustainable form of physical activity for older adults and improve health and survival outcomes. Longitudinal studies on associations between housework status over time and health outcomes are lacking. We aim to assess the longitudinal association of intensity and duration of housework with frailty and mortality outcomes.

Methods

Among 3270 community-dwelling prospective cohort study participants, aged ≥55 years, data on light housework (N=2996) and heavy housework (N=3022) were available at baseline (March 6, 2009, to June 11, 2013) and follow-up at 3 to 5 years later, (January 16, 2013 to August 24, 2018). Median time spent per week on light (≥420min/week) and heavy (>0min/week) household activities at baseline and follow-up were used to categorise individuals into three groups (i) consistent low levels of housework at both baseline and follow-up, (ii) inconsistent high levels of housework at either baseline or follow-up and (iii) consistent high levels of housework at both baseline and follow-up. Baseline and follow-up frailty index >0.10, and all-cause, cancer and cardiovascular mortality from mean 9.5 years follow-up to March 31, 2021. Effect estimates were adjusted for socio-demographics, nutritional risk, lifestyle and other physical activities.

Results

Overall, participants had mean [SD] age, 66.9 [7.8] years; 1916 [62.7%] were female. Participation in high levels of light and heavy housework consistently over time was associated with decreased odds of prefrailty/frailty at follow-up, [OR,0.61;95%CI,0.40–0.94] and [OR,0.56;95%CI,0.34–0.90] respectively, in the older group aged ≥65, compared to participants with consistent low levels of housework at baseline and follow-up. Sex-stratified analysis revealed an association between regular heavy housework participation and lower prevalence of prefrailty/frailty at follow-up in older men but not women [OR,0.31;95%CI,0.13–0.72]. Regular participation in high levels of light housework was associated with 41% lower risk of all-cause mortality [95%CI,0.36–0.96] in women but not in men, and 54% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality [95%CI,0.22–0.96].

Conclusions

Regular participation in above average levels of light housework is associated with decreased odds of prefrailty/frailty in older adults aged ≥65 years, and all-cause mortality in older women. Heavy housework participation is associated with decreased odds of prefrailty/frailty, especially in older men aged ≥65. Housework may be a meaningful occupation for older adults and should be encouraged for health and wellbeing.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura developed after pegylated interferon treatment for hepatitis B infection
Authors: Mei Shuqin , Feng Yun , Cui Linlin , Chen Jing , Mao Zhiguo , Zhao Xuezhi , Mei Changlin , Qian Yixin
Published: December 2022

Background

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare and life-threatening thrombotic microangiopathy characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, severe thrombocytopenia, and organ ischemia. It is related to severe deficiency in ADAMTS13, which is usually acquired via ADAMTS13 autoantibodies or inherited via mutations of the ADAMTS13 gene. The etiology of acquired TTP including HIV infection, pregnancy, autoimmune disease, organ transplantation, drugs, malignancy and so on. Here, we firstly reported a patient diagnosed as acquired TTP after pegylated interferon therapy for hepatitis B and COVID-19 vaccination.

Case presentation

A 36-year-old male attended to our unit with a five-day history of intermittent hematuria and progressive fatigue on January 5th, 2022. He had a 13 years history of hepatitis B infection and undergone pegylated interferon treatment (which was paused for two months because of COVID-19 vaccination) for nearly 3 years. Laboratory evaluation revealed a haemoglobin level of 61 g/L, platelet count of 11 × 109/L, lactate dehydrogenase 2133 U/L. The direct and indirect Coombs test were both negative. On a peripheral blood smear, there were about 18.8% schistocytes. Meanwhile, the results of ADAMTS 13 activity and antibody were < 5% and 181.34 ng/ml (131.25–646.5), respectively

Conclusion

This case firstly reported the rare complication of TTP after pegylated interferon treatment for hepatitis B and COVID-19 vaccine injection. This unique sign warrants more attention as an early cue of diagnosis of TTP and be aware of the rarity adverse effect of interferon therapy and COVID-19 vaccination.
Novel insights regarding the measurement properties of the SCOPA-AUT
Authors: Westergren Albert , Wictorin Klas , Hansson Oskar , Hagell Peter
Published: December 2022

Background

The Scale for Outcomes in Parkinson’s disease for Autonomic symptoms (SCOPA-AUT) is an instrument intended to assess overall and domain-specific autonomic symptom burden. In this study the SCOPA-AUT is translated into Swedish and its measurement properties are assessed.

Methods

Following translation the SCOPA-AUT was field-tested regarding comprehensibility, relevance, and respondent burden (n = 20). It was then tested according to Rasch measurement theory using data from 242 persons with PD, of whom 162 completed SCOPA-AUT at baseline and 1–2 years later, giving a total of 404 data points for analysis.

Results

The Swedish SCOPA-AUT took a mean of 6 min to complete and was considered easy to use and relevant by respondents. SCOPA-AUT exhibited acceptable Rasch model fit, represents more severe levels of dysautonomia than that reported by the sample, and response categories were not working as expected for 17 items. Local dependency was identified and followed a pattern resembling the suggested subscales. Accounting for the subscale structure eliminated local dependency and reduced the initially inflated reliability from 0.81 to 0.68.

Conclusions

The SCOPA-AUT is useful as a clinical check-list but requires further developmental work in order to meet more rigorous standards as an outcome measurement instrument.
Effectiveness of an App for tobacco cessation in pregnant smokers (TOBBGEST): study protocol
Authors: Agràs-Guàrdia Maria , Martínez-Torres Sara , Granado-Font Ester , Pallejà-Millán Meritxell , Villalobos Felipe , Patricio Demetria , Ruiz Francisca , Marin-Gomez Francesc X. , Duch Jordi , Rey-Reñones Cristina , Martín-Luján Francisco
Published: December 2022

Background

Tobacco consumption during pregnancy is one of the most modifiable causes of morbidity and mortality for both pregnant smokers and their foetus. Even though pregnant smokers are conscious about the negative effects of tobacco consumption, they also had barriers for smoking cessation and most of them continue smoking, being a major public health problem. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of an application (App) for mobile devices, designed with a gamification strategy, in order to help pregnant smokers to quit smoking during pregnancy and in the long term.

Methods

This study is a multicentre randomized community intervention trial. It will recruit pregnant smokers (200 participants/group), aged more than 18 years, with sporadically or daily smoking habit in the last 30 days and who follow-up their pregnancy in the Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Services of the Camp de Tarragona and Central Catalonia Primary Care Departments. All the participants will have the usual clinical practice intervention for smoking cessation, whereas the intervention group will also have access to the App. The outcome measure will be prolonged abstinence at 12 months after the intervention, as confirmed by expired-carbon monoxide and urinary cotinine tests. Results will be analysed based on intention to treat. Prolonged abstinence rates will be compared, and the determining factors will be evaluated using multivariate statistical analysis.

Discussion

The results of this study will offer evidence about the effectiveness of an intervention using a mobile App in smoking cessation for pregnant smokers, to decrease comorbidity associated with long-term smoking. If this technology is proven effective, it could be readily incorporated into primary care intervention for all pregnant smokers.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT05222958. Trial registered 3 February 2022.
The Syrian regime’s apparatus for systemic torture: A qualitative narrative study of testimonies from survivors
Authors: Rizkalla Niveen , Bakr Oussama , Alsamman Sarah , Sbini Salaam , Masud Hana , Segal Steven P.
Published: December 2022

Background

Despite broad interest of the Syrian refugee plight in the academic and media circles, there are still limited studies analyzing the lived experiences of torture survivors under the Syrian regime. This qualitative study interviewed torture survivors to examine the form and function of the Syrian regime’s security apparatus, and the personal aftermath of survivors.

Methods

Thirteen in-depth interviews were conducted in Arabic with Syrian refugees who endured torture. Study participants were at least 19 years of age, resided as refugees in Jordan, and voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. Participation was anonymous and no incentives were provided. Only oral consent was required. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and translated to English, and then analyzed for repetitive themes utilizing the narrative approach.

Results

Major themes were observed across three experience-phases: pre-captivity, during captivity, and post-captivity. The pre-captivity phase included two sub-themes: the Syrian regime’s initial detection and arrest system, and the intelligence system. The captivity phase was also divided into two sub-themes: environmental conditions in detention facilities, and torture methods including physical and psychological torture. Some of the environmental conditions in detention facilities included lack of sanitation, crowding, starvation, and withholding of medical care. Torture methods encompassed beatings, electric shocks, nail-pulling, hanging, drowning, suffocation, rape, and the witnessing of killing, sexual assault, or torture of others. The post-captivity phase included their release from captivity, escaping Syria, and post-displacement conditions and activism.

Conclusions

The Syrian regime employs a vast security apparatus to track, detain, interrogate, torture, and subjugate its civilian population. A systematic mechanism commences even before captivity and continues for years after release, with negative implications on the well-being of survivors, their families, and the Syrian people as a collective community. The Syrian war saw a shift toward mass detention, torture as a form of social punishment, subjugation, and indeterminate imprisonment. Intervention agencies, host countries, and policymakers must be informed of survivors’ experiences to better address their needs. Moreover, the international community must advocate for a firm stance against torture, demand justice, and prosecute all parties engaged in perpetuating such extreme forms of suffering and trauma.
Predictive capacity of COVID-19-related risk beliefs on weight management behaviors on a commercial weight loss program and speed of COVID-19 vaccination uptake: prospective cohort study
Authors: Ho Annabell Suh , Mitchell E. Siobhan , Lee Jihye , Steptoe Andrew , Behr Heather , May Christine N. , Michaelides Andreas
Published: December 2022

Background

Recent work has shown that obesity may be a risk factor for severe COVID-19. However, it is unclear to what extent individuals have heard or believe this risk factor information, and how these beliefs may predict their preventive behaviors (e.g., weight management behaviors or COVID-19 preventive behaviors). Previous work has primarily looked at overall risk likelihood perceptions (i.e., not about obesity as a risk factor) within general populations of varying weight and concentrated on COVID-19-related preventive behaviors. Therefore, this prospective cohort study explored whether beliefs about obesity as a risk factor and overall risk likelihood perceptions predicted weight management and COVID-19 preventive behaviors over the next 16 weeks in individuals with obesity or overweight.

Methods

Participants were 393 individuals in the US who joined a commercial weight management program in January, 2021. We leveraged the mobile program’s automatic measurement of real-time engagement in weight management behaviors (e.g., steps taken), while surveys measured risk beliefs at baseline as well as when individuals received COVID-19 vaccination doses (asked monthly) over the next 16 weeks. Mixed effects models predicted engagement and weight loss each week for 16 weeks, while ordinal logistic regression models predicted the month that individuals got vaccinated against COVID-19.

Results

We found that belief in obesity as a risk factor at baseline significantly predicted greater engagement (e.g., steps taken, foods logged) in program-measured weight management behaviors over the next 16 weeks in models adjusted for baseline BMI, age, gender, and local vaccination rates (minimally adjusted) and in models additionally adjusted for demographic factors. Belief in obesity as a risk factor at baseline also significantly predicted speed of COVID-19 vaccination uptake in minimally adjusted models but not when demographic factors were taken into account. Exposure to obesity risk factor information at baseline predicted greater engagement over 16 weeks in minimally adjusted models.

Conclusions

The results highlight the potential utility of effective education to increase individuals’ belief in obesity risk factor information and ultimately promote engagement or faster vaccination. Future research should investigate to what extent the results generalize to other populations.
Students experiences of an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention at a college of opportunity: a qualitative investigation of the mindfulness-based college program
Authors: Nardi William R. , Elshabassi Nour , Spas Jayson , Zima Alex , Saadeh Frances , Loucks Eric B.
Published: December 2022

Background

Mindfulness-based programs have the potential to improve the well-being of undergraduate students by reducing anxiety, depression, and isolation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore lived experiences of undergraduates in a mindfulness-based program at a “college of opportunity” that has high proportions of first-generation college students. Specifically, we sought to: (1) explore the application of mindfulness practices in students’ daily lives; (2) explore how participants believe mindfulness training affected their health and well-being; (3) learn participants’ recommendations and suggested changes for mindfulness-based interventions in future iterations.

Methods

Students were recruited from XXX and consented to participate in semi-structured digitally conducting interviews after the completion of the 8-week intervention in the Fall/Spring 2020 academic year. Data were analyzed using Applied Thematic Analysis and a codebook was constructed using a consensus-driven process using both a priori and emergent coding. All transcripts were double-coded, and concordance was achieved for all interviews.

Results

Qualitative results indicated that the most applied practices were those that could be easily incorporated into a daily routine. Furthermore, students reported an increased ability to cope with a variety of stressors, decreased reactivity, and enhanced resilience specifically concerning mental health challenges. Additionally, engaging in mindfulness training improved students’ ability to navigate social distancing measures, other COVID-19-specific stress, and enhanced motivation for self-care practices to sustain well-being. Concerning preferred intervention delivery modality, participants stated that due to multiple, growing responsibilities (e.g., pressures of commuting to class) they preferred in-person delivery, shorter sessions over a longer period, with classes in the morning or early afternoon.

Conclusions

Findings provide pragmatic and psychosocial insights into students’ application of mindfulness training across personal, professional, and academic domains enhancing their well-being. This work builds on qualitative work concerning students’ perceptions and applications of mindfulness while offering insights into the future of mindfulness programs among undergraduates.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03124446.
Disparities and resilience: analyzing online Health information provision, behaviors and needs of LBGTQ + elders during COVID-19
Authors: Yu Huizi , Fan Lizhou , Gilliland Anne J.
Published: December 2022

Background

Prior studies indicate that older members of LGBTQ+ communities have specific health provision and health information needs related to coping with COVID-19, its long-term effects, and the social and economic impact of the pandemic. This study addresses the issue of a lack of timely, complete, and high-quality data about this population’s healthcare and healthcare information needs and behaviors. Recognizing also that this is a diverse population made up of multiple communities and identities with different concerns and experiences, this research seeks to develop and refine a method that can provide additional nuanced data and insights that can support improved and more closely targeted health interventions and online information provision.

Methods

We use computational discourse analysis, which is based on NLP algorithms, to build and analyze a digital corpus of online search results containing rich, wide-ranging content such as quotes and anecdotes from older members of LGBTQ+ communities as well as practitioners, advice, and recommendations from policymakers and healthcare experts, and research outcomes. In our analysis, we develop and apply an innovative disparities and resilience (D&R) framework to identify external and internal perspectives and understand better disparities and resilience as they pertain to this population.

Results

Results of this initial study support previous research that LGBTQ+ elders experience aggravated health and related social-economic disparities in comparison to the general population of older people. We also find that LGBTQ+ elders leverage individual toughness and community closeness, and quickly adapt mentally and technologically, despite inadequate social infrastructure for sharing health information and elders’ often low social economic status. The methods used therefore are able to surface distinctive resilience in the face of distinctive disparities.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence that methodological innovation in gathering and analyzing digital data relating to overlooked, disparately affected, and socially and economically marginalized intersectional communities such as LGBTQ+ elders can result in increased external and self-knowledge of these populations. Specifically, it demonstrates the potential of computational discourse analysis to surface hidden and emerging issues and trends relating to a multi-faceted population that has important concerns about public exposure in highly timely and automated ways. It also points to the potential benefits of triangulating data gathered through this approach with data gathered through more traditional mechanisms such as surveys and interviews.

Trial registration

Not Applicable.
Prevalence of asthma and its symptoms in Sri Lankan adults
Authors: Gunasekera K. D. , Amarasiri W. A. D. L. , Undugodage U. C. M. , Silva H. K. M. S. , Sadikeen A. , Gunasinghe W. , Fernando A. , Perera B. P. R. , Wickremasinghe A. R.
Published: December 2022

Background

Data on adult asthma is scarce in Sri Lanka. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of asthma and its symptoms in adult Sri Lankans. 

Methods

A cross-sectional study using a translated version of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey screening questionnaire on subjects $$\ge$$
≥
18 years from 7 provinces in Sri Lanka was conducted. The asthma was defined as “wheezing in the past 12 months (current wheeze)”, self-reported asthma attack in the past 12 months or on current asthma medication use.

Results

Among 1872 subjects (45.1% males, 48.8% between 18–44 years of age), the prevalence of current wheeze was 23.9% (95%CI: 22.0%-25.9%), self-reported asthma was 11.8% (95%CI: 10.3%-13.2%) and current asthma medication use was 11.1% (95% CI: 9.6%-12.5%). The prevalences were higher in adults > 44 years, 31.4% positively responded to any of the above questions (95%CI: 29.3%-33.4%) and 60.9% of current wheezers did not report having asthma whilst 38.2% used asthma medication. Among current wheezers, 80.1% had at least one other symptom, cough being the commonest. Those with no current wheeze, self-reported asthma and on current asthma medication use, 30%, 35.9% and 36.6%, respectively, reported at least one other symptom. Smokers comprises 22% current wheezers, 20.6% of self-reported asthmatics and 18.7% of current asthma medication users.

Conclusions

The prevalence of asthma in Sri Lankan adults is higher than the other South Asian countries and higher in the older age group. A significant percentage of symptomatic individuals did not report having asthma or being on medication.
Learning how relationships work: a thematic analysis of young people and relationship professionals’ perspectives on relationships and relationship education
Authors: Benham-Clarke Simon , Ewing Jan , Barlow Anne , Newlove-Delgado Tamsin
Published: December 2022

Background

Relationships in various forms are an important source of meaning in people’s lives that can benefit their health, wellbeing and happiness. Relationship distress is associated with public health problems such as alcohol misuse, obesity, poor mental health, and child poverty, whilst safe, stable, and nurturing relationships are potential protective factors. Despite increased emphasis on Relationship Education in schools, little is known about the views of relationship professionals on relationship education specifically, and how this contrasts with the views of young people (YP). This Wellcome Centre for the Cultures and Environments of Health funded Beacon project seeks to fill this gap by exploring their perspectives and inform the future development of relationship education.

Methods

We conducted focus groups with YP (n = 4) and interviews with relationship professionals (n = 10). The data was then thematically analysed.

Results

Themes from YP focus groups included: ‘Good and bad relationships’; ‘Learning about relationships’; ‘the role of schools’ and ‘Beyond Relationship Education’. Themes from interviews with relationship professionals included: ‘essential qualities of healthy relationships’; ‘how YP learn to relate’ and ‘the role of Relationship Education in schools’.

Conclusions

YP and relationship professionals recognised the importance of building YP’s relational capability in schools with a healthy relationship with oneself at its foundation. Relationship professionals emphasised the need for a developmental approach, stressing the need for flexibility, adaptability, commitment and resilience to maintain relationships over the life course. YP often presented dichotomous views, such as relationships being either good or bad relationships, and perceived a link between relationships and mental health. Although not the focus of current curriculum guidance, managing relationship breakdowns and relationship transitions through the life course were viewed as important with an emphasis on building relational skills. This research suggests that schools need improved Relationship Education support, including specialist expertise and resources, and guidance on signposting YP to external sources of help. There is also potential for positive relationship behaviours being modelled and integrated throughout curriculums and reflected in a school’s ethos. Future research should explore co-development, evaluation and implementation of Relationship Education programmes with a range of stakeholders.
The comparison of biomechanical effects of the conventional and bone-borne palatal expanders on late adolescence with unilateral cleft palate: a 3-dimensional finite element analysis
Authors: Meng Wen-yu , Ma Yan-qing , Shi Bing , Liu Ren-kai , Wang Xiao-ming
Published: December 2022

Background

Patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate were associated with different nasomaxillary complex from the normal population. Although the biomechanical effects of conventional rapid palatal expansion (Hyrax expansion) and bone-borne rapid palatal expansion (micro-implant-assisted expansion) in non-cleft patients have been identified by multiple studies, little is known in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the biomechanical effects of the conventional and bone-borne palatal expanders in a late adolescence with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Methods

A cone beam CT scan of a late adolescence with unilateral cleft lip and palate was selected to construct the three-dimensional finite element models of teeth and craniofacial structures. The models of conventional and born-borne palatal expanders were established to simulate the clinical maxillary expansion. The geometric nonlinear theory was applied to evaluate the Von Mises stress distribution and displacements in craniofacial structures and teeth.

Results

Bone-borne palatal expander achieved more transverse movement than conventional palatal expander in the whole mount of craniofacial regions, and the maximum amount of expansion was occurred anteriorly along the alveolar ridge on cleft-side. The expanding force from born-borne palatal expander resulted in more advancement in nasomaxillary complex than it in conventional palatal expander, especially in the anterior area of the minor segment of maxilla. Stresses from the both expanders distributed in similar patterns, but larger magnitudes and ranges were generated using the bone-borne expander around the maxillary buttresses and pterygoid plates of sphenoid bone. The maximum expanding stresses from born-borne palatal expander were concentrated on palatal slope supporting minscrews, whereas those from conventional palatal expander were concentrated on the anchoring molars. In addition, the buccal tipping effect of teeth generated using the bone-borne expander was less than it using the conventional palatal expander.

Conclusion

Bone-borne expander generated enhanced skeletal expansion at the levels of alveolar and palate in transversal direction, where the miniscrews contributed increased expanding forces to maxillary buttresses and decreased forces to buccal alveolar. Bone-borne expanders presented a superiority in correcting the asymmetric maxilla without surgical assistant in late adolescence with unilateral cleft lip and palate.
The effect of different irrigation and disinfection methods on post-operative pain in mandibular molars: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Kaplan Tuna , Kaplan Sema Sönmez , Sezgin Güzide Pelin
Published: December 2022

Background

To examine post-operative pain (PP) after conventional irrigation and sonic activation methods, with and without laser disinfection in mandibular molars.

Methods

Eighty patients with symptomatic apical periodontitis were included in this randomized clinical study. There were four study groups. In group 1, conventional irrigation only was applied. In group 2, a sonic irrigation activation system (EDDY (VDW, Munich, Germany)), was applied. In groups 3 and 4, irradiation with a 980-nm diode laser was performed, following irrigation with the conventional method and sonic irrigation activation system, respectively. The patients were instructed to record their PP and analgesic intake using a numerical rating scale 8, 24, 48 h and 7 days post-procedure. A chi-square test, Fisher’s exact chi-square test and Fisher–Freeman–Halton exact test were used to assess qualitative data. Inter-group and intra-group parameters were assessed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and Wilcoxon’s test at a significance level ofp < 0.05.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference among the groups in terms of age, sex, pre-operative pain, PP and analgesic intake (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The use of sonic irrigation activation system in the final irrigation protocol and irradiation with the 980-nm diode laser did not significantly reduce PP levels and analgesic intake.
A mobile app (IDoThis) for multiple sclerosis self-management: development and initial evaluation
Authors: Salimzadeh Zeinab , Damanabi Shahla , Ferdousi Reza , Shaafi Sheida , Kalankesh Leila R.
Published: December 2022

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide, and self-management is considered an essential dimension in its control. This study aimed to develop an evidence-based mobile application for MS self-management and evaluate it.

Methods

This study was undertaken in three phases: content preparation, design, and evaluation. In the content preparation phase, the researchers extracted MS self-management needs based on related guidelines and guides, existing apps on the self-management of MS, and the field experts' views and confirmation. The design phase was conducted in five steps: defining app functionalities, depicting the wireframe, preparing the media, coding the app, and testing the app’s performance. The app was developed using the Android Studio environment and Java programming language for the Android operating system. The performance of the developed app was tested separately in several turns, and existing defects were corrected in each turn. Finally, after using the app for three weeks, the app was evaluated for its short-term impact on MS management and user-friendliness using a researcher-constructed questionnaire from participants’ (N = 20) perspectives.

Results

The IDoThis app is an offline app for people with MS that includes five main modules: three modules for training or informing users about different aspects of MS, one module for monitoring the user's MS condition, and a reporting module. In the initial evaluation of the app, 75% (n = 15) of participants mentioned that using this app improved MS self-management status at intermediate and higher levels, but 25% (n = 5) of the participants mentioned that the effect of using the app on the self-management tasks was low or was very low. The majority of users rated the user-friendliness of the app as high. The users found the sections “exercises in MS” and “monitoring of MS status” beneficial to their self-management. Still, the fatigue and sleep management sections are needed to meet users' expectations.

Conclusion

Using IDoThis app as a self-management tool for individuals with MS appears feasible, that can meet the need for a free and accessible self-management tool for individuals with MS. Future directions should consider the users’ fatigue and sleep management expectations.
Association between the number of adopted implementation strategies and contextual determinants: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Karabukayeva Aizhan , Hearld Larry R. , Kelly Reena , Hall Allyson , Singh Jasvinder
Published: December 2022

Background

The successful implementation of evidence-based innovations to improve healthcare delivery often requires a well-planned strategy to support their use. With a greater recognition of the importance of an implementation process, researchers have turned their attention to implementation strategies and their customization to target specific organizational barriers and facilitators. Further, there is a paucity of empirical evidence demonstrating the link between implementation determinants and the number of selected implementation strategies. The purpose of this mixed methods analysis is to examine how formatively assessed barriers and facilitators to implementation relate to the number and type of implementation strategies adopted to address context-specific factors.

Methods

A mixed methods evaluation that included 15 rheumatology clinics throughout the United States that were planning for implementation of an evidence-based shared decision-making aid for patients with lupus. Quantitative data consisted of a count of the number of implementation strategies used by a clinic. Qualitative data collection was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and relied upon semi-structured interviews with 90 clinic members between November 2018 and August 2019.

Results

Using the CFIR, we found that local clinic factors (Inner Setting Domain) resulted in different perceptions about Planning and Executing the DA (Process Domain); these domains were most likely to distinguish between the number and type of implementation strategies adopted by the clinics. In contrast, Intervention characteristics, Individual Characteristics, and the Outer Setting did not differentiate between the groups with different numbers of implementation strategies. The number and type of chosen strategies were not those associated with the context-specific factors.

Conclusions

Findings show that, despite recognition of the value of customizing implementation strategies for the contexts in which they are applied, they are too often chosen in a manner that fail to adequately reflect the diverse settings that may present unique factors associated with implementation. Our findings also highlight the importance of the inner context – both in terms of structural characteristics and existing work processes – as a driving factor for why some organizations select different numbers and types of implementation strategies.
Retraction Note: Progranulin causes adipose insulin resistance via increased autophagy resulting from activated oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Guo Qinyue , Xu Lin , Li Huixia , Sun Hongzhi , Liu Jiali , Wu Shufang , Zhou Bo
Published: December 2022

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12944-017-0425-6.
A large population sample of African HIV genomes from the 1980s reveals a reduction in subtype D over time associated with propensity for CXCR4 tropism
Authors: Grant Heather E. , Roy Sunando , Williams Rachel , Tutill Helena , Ferns Bridget , Cane Patricia A. , Carswell J. Wilson , Ssemwanga Deogratius , Kaleebu Pontiano , Breuer Judith , Leigh Brown Andrew J.
Published: December 2022

We present 109 near full-length HIV genomes amplified from blood serum samples obtained during early 1986 from across Uganda, which to our knowledge is the earliest and largest population sample from the initial phase of the HIV epidemic in Africa. Consensus sequences were made from paired-end Illumina reads with a target-capture approach to amplify HIV material following poor success with standard approaches. In comparisons with a smaller ‘intermediate’ genome dataset from 1998 to 1999 and a ‘modern’ genome dataset from 2007 to 2016, the proportion of subtype D was significantly higher initially, dropping from 67% (73/109), to 57% (26/46) to 17% (82/465) respectively (p < 0.0001). Subtype D has previously been shown to have a faster rate of disease progression than other subtypes in East African population studies, and to have a higher propensity to use the CXCR4 co-receptor (“X4 tropism”); associated with a decrease in time to AIDS. Here we find significant differences in predicted tropism between A1 and D subtypes in all three sample periods considered, which is particularly striking the 1986 sample: 66% (53/80) of subtype D env sequences were predicted to be X4 tropic compared with none of the 24 subtype A1. We also analysed the frequency of subtype in the envelope region of inter-subtype recombinants, and found that subtype A1 is over-represented in env, suggesting recombination and selection have acted to remove subtype D env from circulation. The reduction of subtype D frequency over three decades therefore appears to be a result of selective pressure against X4 tropism and its higher virulence. Lastly, we find a subtype D specific codon deletion at position 24 of the V3 loop, which may explain the higher propensity for subtype D to utilise X4 tropism.