bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and determinants of frailty in older adult patients with chronic coronary syndrome: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lyu Hong , Wang Chuanxia , Jiang Hong , Wang Ping , Cui Jingjing
Published: September 2021

Background

Frailty is an expression of vulnerability and decline of physical, mental, and social activities, more commonly found in older adults. It is also closely related to the occurrence and poor prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Little investigation has been conducted on the prevalence and determinants of frailty in older adult patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted, simple random sampling was used in this study. 218 older adults (age ≥ 60 years) with CCS with an inpatient admission number ending in 6 were randomly selected who hospitalized in Department of Geriatric Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, China, between January and December 2018. For measurement and assessment, we used the 5-item FRAIL scale (fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illnesses, and loss of weight), demographic characteristics, Barthel Index(BI), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), Mini Nutrition Assessment Shor-Form (MNA-SF), Morse Fall Scale (MFS), Caprini risk assessment, polypharmacy, and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to confirme determinants.

Results

The FRAIL scale showed 30.3% of the subjects suffered from frailty. Determinants were aging (OR1.12; 95% CI 1.04 ~ 1.62), out-of-pocket (OR18.93; 95% CI 1.11 ~ 324.07), hearing dysfunction (OR9.43; 95% CI 1.61 ~ 55.21), MNA-SF score (OR0.71; CI 0.57 ~ 0.89), GDS-15 score (OR1.35; 95% CI 1.11 ~ 1.64), and Caprini score (OR1.34; 95% CI 1.06 ~ 1.70).

Conclusions

The FRAIL scale confirmed that the prevalence of frailty in patients with CCS was slightly lower than CAD. Aging, malnutrition, hearing dysfunction, depression, and VTE risk were significantly associated with frail for older adult patients with CCS. A comprehensive assessment of high-risk patients can help identify determinants for frailty progression. In the context of CCS, efforts to identify frailty are needed, as are interventions to limit or reverse frailty status in older CCS patients.
Association between tuberculosis in men and social network structure in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Miller Paige B. , Zalwango Sarah , Galiwango Ronald , Kakaire Robert , Sekandi Juliet , Steinbaum Lauren , Drake John M. , Whalen Christopher C. , Kiwanuka Noah
Published: September 2021

Background

Globally, tuberculosis disease (TB) is more common among males than females. Recent research proposes that differences in social mixing by sex could alter infection patterns in TB. We examine evidence for two mechanisms by which social-mixing could increase men’s contact rates with TB cases. First, men could be positioned in social networks such that they contact more people or social groups. Second, preferential mixing by sex could prime men to have more exposure to TB cases.

Methods

We compared the networks of male and female TB cases and healthy matched controls living in Kampala, Uganda. Specifically, we estimated their positions in social networks (network distance to TB cases, degree, betweenness, and closeness) and assortativity patterns (mixing with adult men, women, and children inside and outside the household).

Results

The observed network consisted of 11,840 individuals. There were few differences in estimates of node position by sex. We found distinct mixing patterns by sex and TB disease status including that TB cases have proportionally more adult male contacts and fewer contacts with children.

Conclusions

This analysis used a network approach to study how social mixing patterns are associated with TB disease. Understanding these mechanisms may have implications for designing targeted intervention strategies in high-burden populations.
The prevalence of human immunodeficiency and of hepatitis B viral infections is not increased in patients with sickle cell disease in Tanzania
Authors: Shayo Grace , Makundi Irene , Luzzatto Lucio
Published: September 2021

Background

Tanzania ranks as the fourth country in the world with respect to the number of sickle cell disease (SCD) births; it is also endemic to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This study was done to determine the prevalence of HIV and HBV infections among SCD patients in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

A multicenter hospital-based descriptive cross sectional study was carried out among participants aged ≥ 16 years with a proven diagnosis of SCD. Socio-demographic and clinical data were recorded. Blood samples were drawn for HIV and HBV diagnosis. All categorical variables were summarized into frequencies.

Results

There were 185/325 (56.9 %) females. The mean age (SD) was 23.0 ± 7.5 years. The prevalence of HIV was 1.8 %; the prevalence of HBV was 1.2 %.

Conclusions

The prevalence of both HIV and HBV in SCD patients is no greater than in the general population of Dar es Salaam or Tanzania. For associations, a large study would be needed. From a detailed blood transfusion history of SCD patients we found no evidence that HIV or HBV infection was transmitted through blood transfusion.
Relationship between renal function and blood pressure dipping status in renal transplant recipients: a longitudinal study
Authors: Jaques David A. , Saudan Patrick , Martinez Chantal , Andres Axel , Martin Pierre-Yves , Pechere-Bertschi Antoinette , Ponte Belen
Published: September 2021

Background

Hypertension (HT) is associated with adverse outcomes in kidney transplant (KTX) recipients. Blunting of physiological decrease in nighttime compared to daytime blood pressure (non-dipping status) is frequent in this setting. However, weather non-dipping is independently associated with renal function decline in KTX patients is unknown.

Methods

We retrospectively screened KTX outpatients attending for a routine ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) (T1) at a single tertiary hospital. Patients had two successive follow-up visits, 1 (T2) and 2 (T3) years later respectively. Routine clinical and laboratory data were collected at each visit. Mixed linear regression models were used with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as the dependent variable.

Results

A total of 123 patients were included with a mean follow-up of 2.12 ± 0.45 years after ABPM. Mean age and eGFR at T1 were 56.0 ± 15.1 and 54.9 ± 20.0 mL/min/1.73m2respectively. 61 patients (50.4%) had sustained HT and 81 (65.8%) were non-dippers. In multivariate analysis, systolic dipping status was positively associated with eGFR (p = 0.009) and compared to non-dippers, dippers had a 10.4 mL/min/1.73m2higher eGFR. HT was negatively associated with eGFR (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

We confirm a high prevalence of non-dippers in KTX recipients. We suggest that preserved systolic dipping is associated with improved renal function in this setting independently of potential confounders, including HT and proteinuria. Whether modification of dipping status by chronotherapy would preserve renal function remains to be tested in clinical trials.
Electronic media use and sleep in children and adolescents in western countries: a systematic review
Authors: Lund Lisbeth , Sølvhøj Ida Nielsen , Danielsen Dina , Andersen Susan
Published: September 2021

Background

Sleep is essential for child and adolescent health and well-being. There is an increasing interest in whether electronic media use affects children and young adolescents’ sleep. Prior reviews have focused on a school-aged population. Moreover, it is crucial that research continuously addresses the processes of technology and media use and the implication on sleep. This systematic review examines the evidence of electronic media use related to sleep among 0–15-year-olds.

Methods

Searches were carried out in four databases (CINAHL, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Medline). Inclusion criteria included age ≤ 15 years, and intervention, cohort, or cross-sectional studies from western countries. Methodological quality was rated using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies by two independent reviewers. Data was extracted using a standardized data extraction form. Synthesis was done by summarizing results across studies by age groups of 0–5, 6–12, and 13–15 years within four sleep domains: Bedtime and sleep onset; Sleep quality; Sleep duration; Daytime tiredness.

Results

The search identified 10,719 unique studies, of which 109 fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria and were assessed for methodological quality. In total, 49 studies were included in the review. The study designs were randomized controlled trials (n = 3), quasi-experimental studies (n = 2), prospective cohort studies (n = 15), and cross-sectional studies (n = 29). Evidence for an association between electronic media use and sleep duration was identified, with stronger evidence for 6–15-years-olds than 0–5-year-olds. The evidence for a relationship between electronic media use and other sleep outcomes was more inconclusive. However, for 6–12-year-old children, there was evidence for associations of electronic media use with delayed bedtime and poor sleep quality. For 13–15-year-olds, there was evidence for associations between screen time and problems falling asleep, and between social media use and poor sleep quality.

Conclusions

Overall, electronic media use was generally associated with shorter sleep duration in children and adolescents. Studies with stronger research design and of higher quality are needed to draw solid conclusions about electronic media’s impact on other sleep outcomes. Public awareness and interventions could be promoted about the potential negative impact on children’s sleep of electronic media devices that are used excessively and close to bedtime.
Evaluation of the University of California Diabetes Prevention Program (UC DPP) Initiative
Authors: Gholami Maryam , Jackson Nicholas J. , Chung Un Young Rebecca , Duru O. Kenrik , Shedd Kelly , Soetenga Samantha , Loeb Tamara , Elashoff David , Hamilton Alison B. , Mangione Carol M. , Slusser Wendelin , Moin Tannaz
Published: September 2021

Background

Type 2 diabetes can negatively impact long term health outcomes, healthcare costs and quality of life. However, intensive lifestyle interventions, including the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), can significantly lower risk of incident type 2 diabetes among overweight adults with prediabetes. Unfortunately, the majority of adults in the US who are at risk of developing diabetes do not engage in DPP-based lifestyle change programs. Increased adoption of evidence-based obesity and diabetes prevention interventions, such as the DPP, may help large employers reduce health risks and improve health outcomes among employees. In 2018, the University of California Office of thePresident (UCOP) implemented the UC DPP Initiative, a novel, multi-component program to address diabetes and obesity prevention across the UC system.

Methods

The goal of our study is to conduct a multifaceted evaluation of the UC DPP Initiative using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Our evaluation will integrate unique and diverse UC data sources, including electronic health record (EHR) data, administrative claims, campus-based DPP cohort data, qualitative interviews and site visits. Our primary outcome of interest is the mean percent weight change among three groups of overweight/obese UC beneficiaries at risk for diabetes at 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes include mean percent weight change at 24-month follow-up, barriers and facilitators associated with implementatio, as well as  the degree of program adoption and maintenance.

Discussion

Our study will help inform diabetes and obesity prevention efforts across the UC system. Findings from this evaluation will also be highly applicable to universities and large employers, as well as community organizers, healthcare organizations and insurers implementing the DPP and/or other health promotion interventions.
The susceptibility of SERPINE1 rs1799889 SNP in diabetic vascular complications: a meta-analysis of fifty-one case-control studies
Authors: Chen JingYi , Zhai ChuanNan , Wang ZhiQian , Li Rui , Wu WenJing , Hou Kai , Alzogool Mohammad , Wang Yan , Cong HongLiang
Published: September 2021

Background

The serine protease inhibitor-1 (SERPINE1) rs1799889 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been constantly associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) and its vascular complications. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate this association with combined evidences.

Methods

The systematic search was performed for studies published up to March 2021 which assess the associations between SERPINE1 rs1799889 SNP and the risks of DM, diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetic nephropathy (DN). Only case-control studies were identified, and the linkage between SERPINE1 rs1799889 polymorphism and diabetic vascular risks were evaluated using genetic models.

Results

51 comparisons were enrolled. The results revealed a significant association with diabetes risk in overall population (allelic: OR = 1.34, 95 % CI = 1.14–1.57, homozygous: OR = 1.66, 95 % CI = 1.23–2.14, heterozygous: OR = 1.35, 95 % CI = 1.08–1.69, dominant: OR = 1.49, 95 % CI = 1.18–1.88, recessive: OR = 1.30, 95 % CI = 1.06–1.59) as well as in Asian descents (allelic: OR = 1.45, 95 % CI = 1.16–1.82, homozygous: OR = 1.88, 95 % CI = 1.29–2.75, heterozygous: OR = 1.47, 95 % CI = 1.08-2.00, dominant: OR = 1.64, 95 % CI = 1.21–2.24, recessive: OR = 1.46, 95 % CI = 1.09–1.96). A significant association was observed with DR risk (homozygous: OR = 1.25, 95 % CI = 1.01–1.56, recessive: OR = 1.20, 95 % CI = 1.01–1.43) for overall population, as for the European subgroup (homozygous: OR = 1.32, 95 % CI = 1.02–1.72, recessive: OR = 1.38, 95 % CI = 1.11–1.71). A significant association were shown with DN risk for overall population (allelic: OR = 1.48, 95 % CI = 1.15–1.90, homozygous: OR = 1.92, 95 % CI = 1.26–2.95, dominant: OR = 1.41, 95 % CI = 1.01–1.97, recessive: OR = 1.78, 95 % CI = 1.27–2.51) and for Asian subgroup (allelic: OR = 1.70, 95 % CI = 1.17–2.47, homozygous: OR = 2.46, 95 % CI = 1.30–4.66, recessive: OR = 2.24, 95 % CI = 1.40–3.59) after ethnicity stratification. No obvious association was implied with overall diabetic CVD risk in any genetic models, or after ethnicity stratification.

Conclusions

SERPINE1 rs1799889 4G polymorphism may outstand for serving as a genetic synergistic factor in overall DM and DN populations, positively for individuals with Asian descent. The association of SERPINE1 rs1799889 SNP and DR or diabetic CVD risks was not revealed.
Long-term follow-up of portal vein thrombosis in an American Cocker Spaniel with lobular dissecting hepatitis: a case report
Authors: Sakamoto Yumi , Sato Keita , Ishikawa Chieko , Kagawa Yumiko , Nakayama Tomohiro , Sakai Manabu
Published: September 2021

Background

Lobular dissecting hepatitis (LDH) is a rare form of canine liver cirrhosis that may be accompanied by portal hypertension in American Cocker Spaniels. In human patients with liver cirrhosis, portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication. However, PVT has not been reported in dogs with LDH. Herein, we describe the long-term follow-up of PVT in an American Cocker Spaniel with LDH.

Case presentation

An 8-year-old neutered male American Cocker Spaniel presented with a 1-month history of severe abdominal effusion. The dog was histopathologically diagnosed with LDH and treated with low-dose prednisolone on day 14. On day 115, computed tomography angiography (CTA) confirmed the presence of a thrombus in the portal vein. Therefore, the dog was subcutaneously administered with the anticoagulant dalteparin, and low-dose prednisolone was continued. As a follow-up for PVT, CTA examinations were performed on days 207, 515, 886, and 1168, and the dog’s antithrombin and D-dimer levels were measured. Following anticoagulant therapy, the dog was confirmed to have gradually increased antithrombin activity and decreased D-dimer concentrations. In addition, although the thrombus was confirmed to be in the same area of the portal vein system by CTA, atrophy and increased CT values due to organization were observed during the follow-up period. The dog’s condition remained stable without clinical signs until day 1112 when it developed hepatic encephalopathy. The dog died on day 1208. On postmortem examination, histopathologically, the liver showed marked bile duct hyperplasia and fibrosis with chronic thrombus in the portal vein.

Conclusions

This case demonstrated that low-dose glucocorticoid combined with dalteparin allowed long-term follow-up of PVT in an American Cocker Spaniel with LDH.
Physiotherapy for epidermolysis bullosa: clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Weisman Amy , Chan Jennifer M. , LaPointe Chantal , Sjoholm Kaye , Steinau Kristy , Artus Kaycie , Widhiati Suci , Bodan Rebecca , Wood Michelle , Salas-Alanis Julio C. , Rocha Anna Carolina , Faitli Beata , Khuu Phuong
Published: September 2021

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is characterized by skin fragility with blister formation occurring spontaneously or following minor trauma such as gentle pressure or friction. Current physiotherapy practice is based on anecdotal care, clinical expertise and creative problem solving with caregivers and individuals with EB. Evidence based intervention is needed to establish a foundation of knowledge and to guide international practitioners to create and improve standards of care to effectively work with individuals living with EB. This clinical practice guideline (CPG) was created for the purpose of providing evidence based interventions and best clinical practices for the physiotherapy management of individuals with EB. A survey was conducted within the EB community and six outcomes were identified as a priority to address in physiotherapy management, including (1) attaining developmental motor milestones, (2) identifying safe and functional mobility in the natural environment, (3) encouraging ambulation endurance, (4) supporting safe ability to bear weight, (5) improving access to physiotherapy services, and (6) optimizing interaction with the community. A systematic literature review was conducted and articles were critically analyzed by an international panel consisting of thirteen members: healthcare professionals (including physiotherapist, doctors, and occupational therapist), caregivers, and individuals with EB. Recommendations were formulated from evidence and panel consensus. An external panel of twelve were invited to improve the quality and gather feedback on draft manuscript and recommendations. This CPG describes the development of recommendations for physiotherapy management including several best practice interventions. This guideline lays the foundational work for physiotherapist throughout the world to provide high quality services while improving and maintaining functional mobility and independence within the EB community. The CPG outlines limitations in the evidence available and possible future research needed to improve physiotherapy practice.
The TGFβ/Notch axis facilitates Müller cell-to-epithelial transition to ultimately form a chronic glial scar
Authors: Conedera Federica Maria , Pousa Ana Maria Quintela , Mercader Nadia , Tschopp Markus , Enzmann Volker
Published: September 2021

Background

Contrasting with zebrafish, retinal regeneration from Müller cells (MCs) is largely limited in mammals, where they undergo reactive gliosis that consist of a hypertrophic response and ultimately results in vision loss. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is essential for wound healing, including both scar formation and regeneration. However, targeting TGFβ may affect other physiological mechanisms, owing its pleiotropic nature. The regulation of various cellular activities by TGFβ relies on its interaction with other pathways including Notch. Here, we explore the interplay of TGFβ with Notch and how this regulates MC response to injury in zebrafish and mice. Furthermore, we aimed to characterize potential similarities between murine and human MCs during chronic reactive gliosis.

Methods

Focal damage to photoreceptors was induced with a 532 nm diode laser in TgBAC (gfap:gfap-GFP) zebrafish (ZF) and B6-Tg (Rlbp1-GFP) mice. Transcriptomics, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry were employed for a comparative analysis of MC response to laser-induced injury between ZF and mouse. The laser-induced injury was paired with pharmacological treatments to inhibit either Notch (DAPT) or TGFβ (Pirfenidone) or TGFβ/Notch interplay (SIS3). To determine if the murine laser-induced injury model translates to the human system, we compared the ensuing MC response to human donors with early retinal degeneration.

Results

Investigations into injury-induced changes in murine MCs revealed TGFβ/Notch interplay during reactive gliosis. We found that TGFβ1/2 and Notch1/2 interact via Smad3 to reprogram murine MCs towards an epithelial lineage and ultimately to form a glial scar. Similar to what we observed in mice, we confirmed the epithelial phenotype of human Müller cells during gliotic response.

Conclusion

The study indicates a pivotal role for TGFβ/Notch interplay in tuning MC stemness during injury response and provides novel insights into the remodeling mechanism during retinal degenerative diseases.

Graphical abstract
Retraction Note: MicroRNA-506 inhibits tumor growth and metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma through the inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by downregulating LHX2
Authors: Liang Tian-Song , Zheng Ying-Juan , Wang Juan , Zhao Jing-Yi , Yang Dao-Ke , Liu Zhang-Suo
Published: September 2021

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13046-019-1023-4.
Contralateral surgical exploration during inguinal hernia repair in infants (HERNIIA trial): study protocol for a multi-centre, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Dreuning Kelly M. A. , van Tulder Maurits W. , Been Jasper V. , Rovers Maroeska M. , de Graaff Jurgen C. , Stevens Markus F. , Anema Johannes R. , Twisk Jos W. R. , van Heurn L. W. Ernest , Derikx Joep P. M. ,   on behalf of the HERNIIA study group
Published: September 2021

Background

The incidence of metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH) is high in infants with an inguinal hernia (5–30%), with the highest risk in infants aged 6 months or younger. MCIH is associated with the risk of incarceration and necessitates a second operation. This might be avoided by contralateral exploration during primary surgery. However, contralateral exploration may be unnecessary, leads to additional operating time and costs and may result in additional complications of surgery and anaesthesia. Thus, there is no consensus whether contralateral exploration should be performed routinely.

Methods

The Hernia-Exploration-oR-Not-In-Infants-Analysis (HERNIIA) study is a multicentre randomised controlled trial with an economic evaluation alongside to study the (cost-)effectiveness of contralateral exploration during unilateral hernia repair. Infants aged 6 months or younger who need to undergo primary unilateral hernia repair will be randomised to contralateral exploration or no contralateral exploration (n = 378 patients). Primary endpoint is the proportion of infants that need to undergo a second operation related to inguinal hernia within 1 year after primary repair. Secondary endpoints include (a) total duration of operation(s) (including anaesthesia time) and hospital admission(s); (b) complications of anaesthesia and surgery; and (c) participants’ health-related quality of life and distress and anxiety of their families, all assessed within 1 year after primary hernia repair. Statistical testing will be performed two-sided with α = .05 and according to the intention-to-treat principle. Logistic regression analysis will be performed adjusted for centre and possible confounders. The economic evaluation will be performed from a societal perspective and all relevant costs will be measured, valued and analysed.

Discussion

This study evaluates the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of contralateral surgical exploration during unilateral inguinal hernia repair in children younger than 6 months with a unilateral inguinal hernia.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT03623893. Registered on August 9, 2018

Netherlands Trial Register NL7194. Registered on July 24, 2018

Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects (CCMO) NL59817.029.18. Registered on July 3, 2018
Integrative analysis of genome-wide DNA methylation and single-nucleotide polymorphism identified ACSM5 as a suppressor of lumbar ligamentum flavum hypertrophy
Authors: Cao Yanlin , Zhan Yenan , Qiu Sujun , Chen Zhong , Gong Kaiqin , Ni Songjia , Duan Yang
Published: September 2021

Background

Hypertrophy of ligamentum flavum (HLF) is a common lumbar degeneration disease (LDD) with typical symptoms of low back pain and limb numbness owing to an abnormal pressure on spinal nerves. Previous studies revealed HLF might be caused by fibrosis, inflammatory, and other bio-pathways. However, a global analysis of HLF is needed severely.

Methods

A genome-wide DNA methylation and single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis were performed from five LDD patients with HLF and five LDD patients without HLF. Comprehensive integrated analysis was performed using bioinformatics analysis and the validated experiments including Sanger sequencing, methylation-specific PCR, qPCR and ROC analysis. Furthermore, the function of novel genes in ligamentum flavum cells (LFCs) was detected to explore the molecular mechanism in HLF through knock down experiment, overexpression experiment, CCK8 assay, apoptosis assay, and so on.

Results

We identified 69 SNP genes and 735 661 differentially methylated sites that were enriched in extracellular matrix, inflammatory, and cell proliferation. A comprehensive analysis demonstrated key genes in regulating the development of HLF including ACSM5. Furthermore, the hypermethylation of ACSM5 that was mediated by DNMT1 led to downregulation of ACSM5 expression, promoted the proliferation and fibrosis, and inhibited the apoptosis of LFCs.

Conclusion

This study revealed that DNMT1/ACSM5 signaling could enhance HLF properties in vitro as a potential therapeutic strategy for HLF.
Injuries and illnesses related to dinghy-sailing on hydrofoiling boats
Authors: Feletti Francesco , Brymer Eric , Bonato Matteo , Aliverti Andrea
Published: September 2021

Background

Hydrofoil technology has changed sailing, significantly increasing its speed and resulting in spectacularity and mass media interest. Although high speed can expose participants to a risk of high-energy trauma, there are no scientific studies related to trauma in dinghies that exploit this technology. Therefore, this study aims primarily to measure the injury rate, and identify the kind and anatomical distribution of most common injuries and secondarily identify the traumatic dynamics most often involved and the main risk factors.

Methods

This descriptive epidemiology study examined data relative to injuries and illnesses suffered by 77 sailors (91% males) from 13 nationalities during three international, gathered through a specifically designed questionnaire.

Results

The prevalence of illnesses and overuse injuries during the regatta week were 6.5% and 18.2%, respectively, while the incidence of acute injuries was 16/1000 sailor-hours. Upper limbs, lower limbs and lumbar spine were involved in 34.6%, 26.9% and 15.4% of cases of musculoskeletal injuries, respectively. None of the acute injuries reached the maximal score of severity, while the higher score value was 63/100. Most of the reported illnesses (80%; n = 4) were upper respiratory tract infections with a prevalence in the week of the regatta of 5.2% and an incidence of 0.51/1000 sailor-hours. Environmental factors played a role in 77% of the incidents resulting in acute injuries.

Conclusions

This study provides valuable information for regatta organizers, boat builders, athletes, coaches, and doctors. In addition, it fosters the importance of ergonomics of boats, adequate clothing and specific physical training for injuries and illnesses prevention.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Application of music in relief of driving fatigue based on EEG signals
Authors: Wang Qingjun , Mu Zhendong
Published: September 2021

In order to solve the problem of traffic accidents caused by fatigue driving, the research of EEG signals is particularly important, which can timely and accurately determine the fatigue state and take corresponding measures. Effective fatigue improvement measures are an important research topic in the current scientific field. The purpose of this article is to use EEG signals to analyze fatigue driving and prevent the dangers and injuries caused by fatigue driving. We designed the electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition model to collect the EEG signal of the experimenter, and then removed the noise through the algorithm of Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) and independent component analysis (ICA). On the basis of in-depth analysis and full understanding, we learned about the EEG signal of the driver at different driving times and different landscape roads, and provided some references for the study of music in relieving driving fatigue. The results of the study show that in the presence of music, the driver can keep the EEG signal active for more than 2 h, while in the absence of music, the driver’s EEG signal is active for about 1.5 h. Under different road conditions, the driver’s EEG signal activity is not consistent. The β wave and (α + θ)/β ratio of the driver in mountainous roads and grassland road landscape environments are highly correlated with driving time, and β wave is negatively correlated with driving time, and (α + θ)/β is positively correlated with driving time. In addition, the accumulation of changes in the two indicators is also strongly correlated with driving time.
Metagenomic analysis of ancient dental calculus reveals unexplored diversity of oral archaeal Methanobrevibacter
Authors: Granehäll Lena , Huang Kun D. , Tett Adrian , Manghi Paolo , Paladin Alice , O’Sullivan Niall , Rota-Stabelli Omar , Segata Nicola , Zink Albert , Maixner Frank
Published: September 2021

Background

Dental calculus (mineralised dental plaque) preserves many types of microfossils and biomolecules, including microbial and host DNA, and ancient calculus are thus an important source of information regarding our ancestral human oral microbiome. In this study, we taxonomically characterised the dental calculus microbiome from 20 ancient human skeletal remains originating from Trentino-South Tyrol, Italy, dating from the Neolithic (6000–3500 BCE) to the Early Middle Ages (400–1000 CE).

Results

We found a high abundance of the archaeal genus Methanobrevibacter in the calculus. However, only a fraction of the sequences showed high similarity to Methanobrevibacter oralis, the only described Methanobrevibacter species in the human oral microbiome so far. To further investigate the diversity of this genus, we used de novo metagenome assembly to reconstruct 11 Methanobrevibacter genomes from the ancient calculus samples. Besides the presence of M. oralis in one of the samples, our phylogenetic analysis revealed two hitherto uncharacterised and unnamed oral Methanobrevibacter species that are prevalent in ancient calculus samples sampled from a broad range of geographical locations and time periods.

Conclusions

We have shown the potential of using de novo metagenomic assembly on ancient samples to explore microbial diversity and evolution. Our study suggests that there has been a possible shift in the human oral microbiome member Methanobrevibacter over the last millennia.
Loss of presenilin function enhances tau phosphorylation and aggregation in mice
Authors: Soto-Faguás Carlos M. , Sanchez-Molina Paula , Saura Carlos A.
Published: September 2021

Mutations in the presenilin (PS/PSEN) genes encoding the catalytic components of γ-secretase accelerate amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau pathologies in familial Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although the mechanisms by which these mutations affect Aβ are well defined, the precise role PS/γ-secretase on tau pathology in neurodegeneration independently of Aβ is largely unclear. Here we report that neuronal PS deficiency in conditional knockout (cKO) mice results in age-dependent brain atrophy, inflammatory responses and accumulation of pathological tau in neurons and glial cells. Interestingly, genetic inactivation of presenilin 1 (PS1) or both PS genes in mutant human Tau transgenic mice exacerbates memory deficits by accelerating phosphorylation and aggregation of tau in excitatory neurons of vulnerable AD brain regions (e.g., hippocampus, cortex and amygdala). Remarkably, neurofilament (NF) light chain (NF-L) and phosphorylated NF are abnormally accumulated in the brain of Tau mice lacking PS. Synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy revealed aggregated and oligomeric β-sheet structures in amyloid plaque-free PS-deficient Tau mice. Hippocampal-dependent memory deficits are associated with synaptic tau accumulation and reduction of pre- and post-synaptic proteins in Tau mice. Thus, partial loss of PS/γ-secretase in neurons results in temporal- and spatial-dependent tau aggregation associated with memory deficits and neurodegeneration. Our findings show that tau phosphorylation and aggregation are key pathological processes that may underlie neurodegeneration caused by familial AD-linked PSEN mutations.
The impact of health education videos on general public’s mental health and behavior during COVID-19
Authors: Yang Qian , Wu Zhihua , Xie Ying , Xiao Xiaohua , Wu Jinnan , Sang Tian , Zhang Kejun , Song Haidong , Wu Xifeng , Xu Xin
Published: September 2021

Background

COVID-19 has seriously affected people's mental health and changed their behaviors. Previous studies for mental state and behavior promotion only targeted limited people or were not suitable for daily activity restrictions. Therefore, we decided to explore the effect of health education videos on people’s mental state and health-related behaviors.

Methods

Based on WeChat, QQ, and other social media, we conducted an online survey by snowball sampling. Spearman’s non-parametric method was used to analyze the correlation related to mental health problems and health-related behaviors. Besides, we used binary logistic regression analyses to examine mental health problems and health-related behaviors' predictors. We performed SPSS macro PROCESS (model 4 and model 6) to analyze mediation relationships between exposure to health education videos and depression/anxiety/health-related behaviors. These models were regarded as exploratory.

Results

Binary logistic regression analyses indicated that people who watched the health education videos were more likely to wear masks (OR 1.15, p < 0.001), disinfect (OR 1.26, p < 0.001), and take temperature (OR 1.37, p < 0.001). With higher level of posttraumatic growth (PTG) or perceived social support (PSS), people had lower percentage of depression (For PSS, OR 0.98, p < 0.001; For PTG, OR 0.98, p < 0.01) and anxiety (For PSS, OR 0.98, p < 0.001; For PTG, OR 0.98, p = 0.01) and better health behaviors. The serial multiple-mediation model supported the positive indirect effects of exposure to health education videos on the depression and three health-related behaviors through PSS and PTG (Depression: B[SE] =  − 0.0046 [0.0021], 95% CI − 0.0098, − 0.0012; Mask-wearing: B[SE] = 0.0051 [0.0023], 95% CI 0.0015, 0.0010; Disinfection: B[SE] = 0.0059 [0.0024], 95% CI 0.0024, 0.0012; Temperature-taking: B[SE] = 0.0067 [0.0026], 95% CI 0.0023, 0.0013).

Conclusion

Exposure to health education videos can improve people's self-perceived social support and inner growth and help them cope with the adverse impact of public health emergencies with better mental health and health-related behaviors.
“Too shocked to search” The COVID-19 shutdowns’ impact on the search for apprenticeships
Authors: Goller Daniel , Wolter Stefan C.
Published: September 2021

Even though the recession in Switzerland triggered by COVID-19 ultimately remained without consequences for the apprenticeship market, significantly fewer apprenticeship contracts had been signed in the months of the first shutdown in 2020 than in the same months of the previous year. Using daily search queries on the national administrative platform for apprenticeship vacancies from February 2020 until April 2021 as a proxy for the supply of potential apprentices, we find a temporal pattern that coincides perfectly with the development of signed apprenticeship contracts. Furthermore, the analyses show that the initially very strong relationship between the intensity of the politically imposed restrictions to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and the daily search queries diminished over time, leading to a search intensity in March 2021 that was back at pre-pandemic level.
Evaluation of platelets activity and reactivity as risk factors for acute ischemic non-embolic stroke in young adults
Authors: Nashaat Hebat-Allah Hassan , Abdelhamid Alaa El-Din Saad , Ahmed Amal Sayed , Hosny Ahmed Osama , Saad Mohamed A. , Samahy Mohammed El , Hassan Amany Moustafa
Published: September 2021

Background

Ischemic stroke (IS) constitutes a relevant health concern recently in younger population causing permanent cognitive and function-limiting disability and ranks as the 3rd cause of death in Egypt after cardiac and hepatic diseases. Platelet activation has a crucial mechanism in arterial thrombogenesis, thus in pathophysiology of IS. Surface expression of P-selectin (CD62P) reflects platelet activation and measured by flowcytometry. The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether platelet activity and reactivity are considered risk factors for IS so more restrict antiplatelet protocols could be implemented for management and recurrence prevention.

Results

Study population was 60 IS patients and 60 apparently healthy age and gender-matched controls. Patients were subdivided into 37 patients without classical risk factors, aged 46.1 ± 8.2, and 23 patients with > 1 vascular risk factors, aged 52 ± 9.9. The percentage of platelets expressing CD62P reflecting ex vivo baseline activity was significantly higher in stroke patients to controls (p = 0.001), also platelet reactivity (CD62P expression after ADP provocation) was statistically significantly elevated in patients than in controls (p < 0.0001) and was significantly higher in IS patients with vascular risk factors compared to patients without risk factors (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Both baseline platelet activity and reactivity were significantly higher in IS patients, and were also higher in IS patients with other vascular risk factors than in cryptogenic stroke and considered risk factors for IS.
Pre-pandemic mental health and disruptions to healthcare, economic and housing outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from 12 UK longitudinal studies
Authors: Di Gessa Giorgio , Maddock Jane , Green Michael J. , Thompson Ellen J. , McElroy Eoin , Davies Helena L. , Mundy Jessica , Stevenson Anna J. , Kwong Alex S. F. , Griffith Gareth J. , Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal , Niedzwiedz Claire L. , Ploubidis George B. , Fitzsimons Emla , Henderson Morag , Silverwood Richard J. , Chaturvedi Nish , Breen Gerome , Steves Claire J. , Steptoe Andrew , Porteous David J. , Patalay Praveetha
Published: September 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted lives and livelihoods, and people already experiencing mental ill health may have been especially vulnerable.

Aims

Quantify mental health inequalities in disruptions to healthcare, economic activity and housing.

Method

We examined data from 59 482 participants in 12 UK longitudinal studies with data collected before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Within each study, we estimated the association between psychological distress assessed pre-pandemic and disruptions since the start of the pandemic to healthcare (medication access, procedures or appointments), economic activity (employment, income or working hours) and housing (change of address or household composition). Estimates were pooled across studies.

Results

Across the analysed data-sets, 28% to 77% of participants experienced at least one disruption, with 2.3–33.2% experiencing disruptions in two or more domains. We found 1 s.d. higher pre-pandemic psychological distress was associated with (a) increased odds of any healthcare disruptions (odds ratio (OR) 1.30, 95% CI 1.20–1.40), with fully adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.24 (95% CI 1.09–1.41) for disruption to procedures to 1.33 (95% CI 1.20–1.49) for disruptions to prescriptions or medication access; (b) loss of employment (odds ratio 1.13, 95% CI 1.06–1.21) and income (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.06 –1.19), and reductions in working hours/furlough (odds ratio 1.05, 95% CI 1.00–1.09) and (c) increased likelihood of experiencing a disruption in at least two domains (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.18–1.32) or in one domain (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.07–1.16), relative to no disruption. There were no associations with housing disruptions (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.97–1.03).

Conclusions

People experiencing psychological distress pre-pandemic were more likely to experience healthcare and economic disruptions, and clusters of disruptions across multiple domains during the pandemic. Failing to address these disruptions risks further widening mental health inequalities.
Rhoptry kinase protein 39 (ROP39) is a novel factor that recruits host mitochondria to the parasitophorous vacuole of Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Fukumoto Junpei , Sakura Takaya , Matsubara Ryuma , Tahara Michiru , Matsuzaki Motomichi , Nagamune Kisaburo
Published: September 2021

Most intracellular pathogens replicate in a vacuole to avoid the defense system of the host. A few pathogens recruit host mitochondria around those vacuoles, but the molecules responsible for mitochondrial recruitment remain unidentified. It is only in the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, that mitochondrial association factor 1b (MAF1b) has been identified as an association factor for host mitochondria. Here, we show that rhoptry kinase family protein 39 (ROP39) induces host mitochondrial recruitment in T. gondii. We found that the abundance of ROP39 was increased on host mitochondria extracted from human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) infected with T. gondii. ROP39 expressed exogenously in HFFs localized on host mitochondria, indicating that it has the potential to bind to host mitochondria without assistance from other parasite factors. Confocal microscopy revealed that ROP39 colocalized with host mitochondria on the membrane of parasitophorous vacuoles, in which the parasites reside. Moreover, we observed about a 10% reduction in the level of mitochondrial association in rop39-knockout parasites compared with a parental strain.
Synthesis and Dissociation Behavior of Degradable Network Polymers Consisting of Epoxides and 9-Anthracene Carboxylic Acid Dimer
Authors: Tano Kinuka , Sato Eriko
Published: September 2021

Photodimer of 9-anthracene carboxylic acid was used as crosslinker for bisepoxides and a degradable network polymer was synthesized at 100–110 °C in the presence of a base catalyst. The resulting network polymer was thermally decrosslinked at 150 °C within 30 min and completely solubilized in an organic solvent. Detailed investigation of the thermal dissociation behavior revealed that dissociation of more than 80% of 9-AC dimer unit was required for complete solubilization of the network polymer.
Neighborhood-Based Information Costs
Authors: Hébert Benjamin , Woodford Michael
Published: September 2021

We derive a new cost of information in rational inattention problems, the neighborhood-based cost functions, starting from the observation that many settings involve exogenous states with a topological structure. These cost functions are uniformly posterior separable and capture notions of perceptual distance. This second property ensures that neighborhood-based costs, unlike mutual information, make accurate predictions about behavior in perceptual experiments. We compare the implications of our neighborhood-based cost functions with those of the mutual information in a series of applications: perceptual judgments, the general environment of binary choice, regime-change games, and linear-quadratic-Gaussian settings. (JEL C70, D11, D82, D83, D91)
Jobs for Sale: Corruption and Misallocation in Hiring
Authors: Weaver Jeffrey
Published: September 2021

Corrupt government hiring is common in developing countries. This paper uses original data to document the operation and consequences of corrupt hiring in a health bureaucracy. Hires pay bribes averaging 17 months of salary, but contrary to conventional wisdom, their observable quality is comparable to counterfactual merit-based hires. Exploiting variation across jobs, I show that the consequences of corrupt allocations depend on the correlation between wealth and quality among applicants: service delivery outcomes are good for jobs where this was positive and poor when negative. In this setting, the correlation was typically positive, leading to relatively good performance of hires. (JEL D73, I11, J16, J24, J45, M51, O17)
Periaortic air in native and post-operative aorta on computed tomography
Authors: Verma Mansi , Deshpande Amit Ajit , Pandey Niraj Nirmal , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: September 2021

Periaortic air can be seen in various conditions which can be a benign imaging finding or harbinger of a catastrophic event. The causes vary in native aorta and post-operative aorta. A radiologist has an important part in the management process of these patients, as the treatment varies from conservative to radical surgery based on the aetiology. The presence of periaortic air seen in the light of various clinical, laboratory and radiological findings can guide the radiologist towards a particular aetiology. Cross-sectional imaging, mainly computed tomography, is an indispensable tool in recognising ectopic periaortic air and to identify the associated findings and eventually make an accurate diagnosis. We present a pictorial review of various causes of the periaortic air in native and postoperative aorta, the salient features and management of the described conditions.