bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endogenous oxytocin levels in extracted saliva elevates during breastfeeding correlated with lower postpartum anxiety in primiparous mothers
Authors: Nagahashi-Araki Miyuki , Tasaka Makoto , Takamura Tsunehiko , Eto Hiromi , Sasaki Noriko , Fujita Wakako , Miyazaki Asuka , Morifuji Kanako , Honda Naoko , Miyamura Tunetake , Nishitani Shota
Published: September 2022

Background

Breastfeeding in the early postpartum period is expected to have mental benefits for mothers; however, the underlying psychobiological mechanisms remain unclear. Previously, we hypothesized that the release of oxytocin in response to the suckling stimuli during breastfeeding would mediate a calming effect on primiparous mothers, and we examined salivary oxytocin measurements in primiparous mothers at postpartum day 4 using saliva samples without extraction, which was erroneous. Thus, further confirmation of this hypothesis with a precise methodology was needed.

Methods

We collected saliva samples at three time points (baseline, feeding, and post-feeding) to measure oxytocin in 24 primiparous mothers on postpartum day 2 (PD2) and 4 (PD4) across the breastfeeding cycle. Salivary oxytocin levels using both extracted and unextracted methods were measured and compared to determine the qualitative differences. State and trait anxiety and clinical demographics were evaluated to determine their association with oxytocin changes.

Results

Breastfeeding elevated salivary oxytocin levels; however, it was not detected to a significant increase in the extraction method at PD4. We found a weak but significant positive correlation between changes in extracted and unextracted oxytocin levels during breastfeeding (feeding minus baseline); there were no other significant positive correlations. Therefore, we used the extracted measurement index for subsequent analysis. We showed that the greater the increase in oxytocin during breastfeeding, the lower the state anxiety, but not trait anxiety. Mothers who exclusively breastfed at the 1-month follow-up tended to be associated with slightly higher oxytocin change at PD2 than those who did not.

Conclusions

Breastfeeding in early postpartum days could be accompanied by the frequent release of oxytocin and lower state anxiety, potentially contributing to exclusive breastfeeding.
Expressional variations of Kaiso: an association with pathological characteristics and field cancerization of OSCC
Authors: Ahmed Shaheen , Khan Saeed , Qureshi Muhammad Asif , Bukhari Uzma , Anis Mehak , Mughal Muhammad Nouman
Published: September 2022

Background

A group of genetically altered cells that have not transformed into a clinical or histologically identifiable state of malignancy but contains a higher risk of transforming into one is known as the field of cancerization. Numerous molecules are being investigated for their significance in the development of this phenomenon. One such protein of this family is Kaiso also known as ZBTB33 (Zinc Finger and BTB Domain containing 33). This protein belongs to the POZ-ZF family of transcription factors and may have functional tasks similar to its other siblings such as the growth and development of vertebrates and the pathogenesis of neoplastic diseases. Nevertheless, its role in the pathogenesis, progression, epithelial mesenchyal transition and field cancerization in case of oral cancer still needs exploration. Hence, this study was designed to explore the expressional differences between the mucosa of controls and those diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

Soft tissue samples were obtained from the main tumor, tumor periphery and opposite buccal mucosa of 50 oral cancer patients, whereas normal mucosa was taken from 50 volunteers undergoing elective tooth removal. The acquired samples were subjected to Immunohistochemical exploration for expression of Kaiso and E-Cadherin. The expression was measured using Image-J IHC profiler and summed as Optical density. The Optical density values were then subjected to statistical analysis.

Results

Results revealed a significant differential expression of Kaiso between the mucosal tissues taken from oral cancer patients and controls (p-value: < 0.0001), showing almost 50% down-regulation of Kaiso in all three tissue samples taken from oral cancer patients as compared to normal mucosa.

Conclusion

Kaiso has a significant difference of expression in the mucosa of oral cancer patients as compared to the mucosa of normal patients, making it a probable contributor to disease pathogenesis and field cancerization.
Comparative efficacy and safety of immunotherapy for patients with advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and network Meta-analysis
Authors: Gao Tian-Tian , Shan Jia-Hui , Yang Yu-Xian , Zhang Ze-Wei , Liu Shi-Liang , Xi Mian , Liu Meng-Zhong , Zhao Lei
Published: September 2022

Background

The study aimed to compare efficacy and safety of various immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

We searched Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Clinical Trials.gov and several international conference databases from January 1, 2000 to December 19, 2021. We conducted Bayesian network meta-analysis to assess the relative effects among treatments. Outcomes included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate and adverse events.

Results

Ten eligible trials with 5250 patients were included. Toripalimab and Camrelizumab plus chemotherapy were preferred to rank first on OS (probability, 61%) and PFS (probability, 37%) in the first-line setting, respectively. In refractory patients, Sintilimab and Camrlizumab were most likely to be ranked first on OS (probability, 37%) and PFS (probability, 94%). The toxicity related to immunotherapy was manageable in clinical trials. Camrelizumab and Nivolumab had the less adverse events of grade 3 or higher in the first and refractory setting, respectively.

Conclusions

This study found that Toripalimab and Camrelizumab plus chemotherapy were likely to be the best option in terms of OS and PFS in the first-line setting for patients with advanced or metastatic ESCC respectively. Sintilimab and Camrelizumab were the preferred options for OS and PFS in refractory patients respectively. The toxicity of immunotherapy was different from conventional chemotherapy, but manageable in patients with ESCC.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration number: (CRD 42021261554).
Outcome of neonatal hypoxemic respiratory failure: a livebirth population-based retrospective survey
Authors: Ding Sufang , Xu Yaling , Wang Hui , Yue Hongni , Pan Zhaojun , Sun Bo ,   on behalf of the Huai’an Perinatal-Neonatal Study Group, Zheng Guofang , Zhu Xiaoqin , Ding Weijie , Li Xiaoqiong , Qi Tingting , Zhang Muling , Tian Zhaofang , Guan Honghua , Yang Juan , Wu Yongjian , Xu Tao , Tang Chunhong , Dong Maotian , Zhang Chunhua , Dong Chunqin , Zhou Sumei , Lei Yani , Li Shouzhong , Zhu Keyan , Zhao Xia , Yin Yaodong , Wang Haijun , Xue Bi , Wang Zhaoxia , Wang Shucheng , Liu Hong , Xu Zhou , Yuan Chuntao , Cao Xihui , Zhang Jianya , Xu Bu , Lin Wenlong , Gao Cui , Heng Yongbo , Wang Lei , Wang Moqing
Published: September 2022

Background

To explore the prevalence, outcome and perinatal risks of neonatal hypoxemic respiratory failure (NRF) in a survey of all livebirths from a regional network of perinatal-neonatal care during the transition period after 5-year universal health insurance implemented in China.

Methods

Clinical data of all neonatal respiratory morbidities in Huai’an were retrospectively collected in the regional perinatal network database of all livebirths as vital statistics in 2015. NRF was defined as hypoxemia requiring continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and/or mechanical ventilation (MV) for at least 24 h. Mortality risks of antenatal and perinatal morbidities, major respiratory therapies and complications were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

There were 788 NRF cases identified in 9.9% (7960) hospitalized, or 13.3‰ (59056) livebirths, in which 6.7% received intensive care and 93.0% critical care. The major underlying morbidities were respiratory distress syndrome (RDS, 36.4%) and pneumonia/sepsis (35.3%), treated mainly by CPAP, MV and surfactant. Significantly improved outcomes by surfactant in RDS were in patients with birthweight (BW) < 1500 g or gestational age (GA) < 32 weeks. The overall mortality rate in NRF was 18.4% whereas for those of BW < 1000 g and GA < 28 weeks, 70% and 54%, respectively. The multivariable regression analysis showed the highest odds for NRF death among meconium aspiration syndrome, congenital anomalies, BW < 1500 g and necrotizing enterocolitis, whereas born in level III hospitals, cesarean delivery, CPAP and MV were associated with markedly reduced death odds.

Conclusions

The salient findings with associated risk estimates reflected efficiency of respiratory support as critical care in a prefectural regional network infrastructure for annual livebirths in 5.6 million inhabitants. It implicated the representativeness of contemporaneous perinatal-neonatal care standard at medium to medium-high level, in one/fourth of the population of China, aiming at saving more life of very critical and preterm infants for better survival.
Factors that influence mental health of university and college students in the UK: a systematic review
Authors: Campbell Fiona , Blank Lindsay , Cantrell Anna , Baxter Susan , Blackmore Christopher , Dixon Jan , Goyder Elizabeth
Published: September 2022

Background

Worsening mental health of students in higher education is a public policy concern and the impact of measures to reduce transmission of COVID-19 has heightened awareness of this issue. Preventing poor mental health and supporting positive mental wellbeing needs to be based on an evidence informed understanding what factors influence the mental health of students.

Objectives

To identify factors associated with mental health of students in higher education.

Methods

We undertook a systematic review of observational studies that measured factors associated with student mental wellbeing and poor mental health. Extensive searches were undertaken across five databases. We included studies undertaken in the UK and published within the last decade (2010–2020). Due to heterogeneity of factors, and diversity of outcomes used to measure wellbeing and poor mental health the findings were analysed and described narratively.

Findings

We included 31 studies, most of which were cross sectional in design. Those factors most strongly and consistently associated with increased risk of developing poor mental health included students with experiences of trauma in childhood, those that identify as LGBTQ and students with autism. Factors that promote wellbeing include developing strong and supportive social networks. Students who are prepared and able to adjust to the changes that moving into higher education presents also experience better mental health. Some behaviours that are associated with poor mental health include lack of engagement both with learning and leisure activities and poor mental health literacy.

Conclusion

Improved knowledge of factors associated with poor mental health and also those that increase mental wellbeing can provide a foundation for designing strategies and specific interventions that can prevent poor mental health and ensuring targeted support is available for students at increased risk.
Body image and health-related behaviors among fitspirit participants
Authors: Bordeleau Manon , Gilbert Jo-Anne , Alméras Natalie , Monthuy-Blanc Johana , Gagnon Joël , Mathieu Marie-Ève , Drapeau Vicky
Published: September 2022

Background

Body image variables such as body size perception (BSP) and body size dissatisfaction (BSD) can influence health-related behaviors. However, few studies have investigated these body image variables in adolescent girls participating in a physical activity intervention. Therefore, the study objectives were to examine the 1) associations between health-related behaviors (physical activity, screen-time, eating habits and sleep duration) and BSP and BSD among girls participating in FitSpirit, a physical activity intervention for girls; and 2) influence of weight control practices on the association between health-related behaviors and BSP and BSD.

Methods

This cross-sectional study assessed a sample of 545 adolescent girls (mean age: 15.0±1.5 years) from 240 schools. Body mass index, health-related behaviors, perceived actual body size and desired body size variables were self-reported and collected via an online questionnaire at the end of the FitSpirit intervention. A negative BSP score [perceived actual body size – calculated BMI z-score] indicates an underestimation of body size. A positive BSD score [perceived actual body size – desired body size] indicates a desire to reduce body size. A multiple linear regression analysis examined the effects of age, zBMI and health behaviors on BSP and BSD. A second multiple linear regression analysis examined the independent associations between BSP and BSD by weight control practice. The linear relationships between BSP and BSD were evaluated with Pearson’s correlations.

Results

Underestimation and dissatisfaction of body size are more prevalent in participants living with overweight/obesity. Screen-time and sleep duration were independently associated with BSP score (Beta=0.02; P<0.05 and Beta=-0.07; P<0.05, respectively), whereas only screen-time was associated with the BSD score (Beta=0.07; P<0.001). Physical activity was independently associated with the BSP score only in participants trying to control (maintain) their weight (Beta=-0.18; P<0.05).

Conclusions

Body size overestimation and dissatisfaction are associated with health-related behaviors, specifically with more screen-time and less optimal sleeping habits. Physical activity level does not appear to be associated with body image in girls engaged in a physical activity intervention and who want to lose or gain weight. Health promotion interventions could include screen-time and sleep components as they may influence body image.
Pregnancy loss and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis in Chinese women: findings from the China Kadoorie biobank
Authors: Hee Jia Yi , Huang Sha , Leong Khai Pang , Chun Li , Zhang Yuxun Oswald , Gongye Ruofan , Tang Kun
Published: September 2022

Considering the female preponderance of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and disease onset typically after the reproductive years, pregnancy and childbirth may play a role in the aetiology of the disease. Adverse outcomes of pregnancy have been found to precede the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases, including RA, but the evidence is scant and inconsistent. Therefore, we investigate whether pregnancy loss is associated with the risk of RA in Chinese women. Data from the China Kadoorie Biobank, conducted by the University of Oxford and the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, of 299,629 Chinese women who had been pregnant were used. Multivariable logistic regression and stratified analyses were employed to analyse the association between types of pregnancy loss with the risk of RA. Pregnancy loss was significantly associated with increased risk of RA (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.06–1.18), specifically, spontaneous (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03–1.20) and induced abortions (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.06–1.17). There was no significant association between stillbirth and the risk of RA (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.97–1.18). The risk of developing RA increases with the number of pregnancy losses: one loss confers an OR of 1.09 (95% CI 1.03–1.16), two an OR of 1.13 (95% CI 1.05–1.20), three or more an OR of 1.19 (95% CI 1.10–1.28) and OR of 1.06 (95% CI 1.03–1.08) for each additional. Spontaneous and induced abortions are associated with an increased risk of RA in Chinese women.
Associations between ambient air pollution, obesity, and serum vitamin D status in the general population of Korean adults
Authors: Kim Byungmi , Hwang Juyeon , Lee Hyejin , Chae Gyeong Min , Kim Seyoung , Kim Hyo-Seon , Park Bohyun , Kim Hyun-Jin
Published: September 2022

Background

Although a growing body of evidence suggests air pollution is associated with low serum vitamin D status, few studies have reported whether obesity status affects this relationship. The aim of this study was to identify associations between ambient air pollution exposure, obesity, and serum vitamin D status in the general population of South Korea.

Methods

This study was conducted in a cross-sectional design. A total of 30,242 Korean adults from a nationwide general population survey were included for our final analysis. Air pollutants included particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). We measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration to assess vitamin D status for each participant. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between ambient air pollution and vitamin D status in each subgroup according to body mass index level.

Results

The annual average concentrations of PM10, NO2, and CO were significantly associated with a lower serum vitamin D concentration and higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. The results show a significant association between serum vitamin D status and PM10 exposure in obese subgroup. Based on the gender, females with obesity showed more strong association (negative) between different air pollutants and low serum vitamin D concentration and a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. However, this pattern was not observed in men.

Conclusions

This study provides the first evidence that women with obesity may be more vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency in the context of persistent exposure to air pollution.
Fully automated measurement on coronal alignment of lower limbs using deep convolutional neural networks on radiographic images
Authors: Meng Xianghong , Wang Zhi , Ma Xinlong , Liu Xiaoming , Ji Hong , Cheng Jie-zhi , Dong Pei
Published: September 2022

Background

A deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) system is proposed to measure the lower limb parameters of the mechanical lateral distal femur angle (mLDFA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA), joint line convergence angle (JLCA), and mechanical axis of the lower limbs.

Methods

Standing X-rays of 1000 patients’ lower limbs were examined for the DCNN and assigned to training, validation, and test sets. A coarse-to-fine network was employed to locate 20 key landmarks on both limbs that first recognised the regions of hip, knee, and ankle, and subsequently outputted the key points in each sub-region from a full-length X-ray. Finally, information from these key landmark locations was used to calculate the above five parameters.

Results

The DCNN system showed high consistency (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.91) for all five lower limb parameters. Additionally, the mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean squared error (RMSE) of all angle predictions were lower than 3° for both the left and right limbs. The MAE of the mechanical axis of the lower limbs was 1.124 mm and 1.416 mm and the RMSE was 1.032 mm and 1.321 mm, for the right and left limbs, respectively. The measurement time of the DCNN system was 1.8 ± 1.3 s, which was significantly shorter than that of experienced radiologists (616.8 ± 48.2 s, t = -180.4, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The proposed DCNN system can automatically measure mLDFA, MPTA, LDTA, JLCA, and the mechanical axis of the lower limbs, thus helping physicians manage lower limb alignment accurately and efficiently.
The increased prevalence of depression and anxiety in T2DM patients associated with blood glucose fluctuation and sleep quality
Authors: Yang Wei , Liu Min , Tian Yuan , Zhang Qianwei , Zhang Jiahua , Chen Qiaoyun , Suo Lixia , Chen Yang
Published: September 2022

Background

Current evidence demonstrates that blood glucose fluctuation can be associated with depression and anxiety. The association among blood glucose fluctuation, traditional risk factors and emotional disorders in T2DM should be studied and clarified.

Methods

A total of 182 diabetic patients including 81 patients with depression or anxiety and 101 patients without emotional disorder were enrolled into this study. Data were obtained through medical history and questionnaire survey. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.

Results

The comparison results of basic information between the two groups showed that the differences of the proportion of female were statistically significant (p = 0.002).

There was no statistical difference in laboratory examination indexes between the two groups, however, standard deviation of blood glucose (SDBG) and postprandial glucose excursion (PPGE) of the comorbidity group were significantly higher than that of control group (p = 0.032 and p = 0.037). The results of questionnaire survey showed that there were statistically significant differences in sleep quality, PSQI and dietary habit between the two groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). Stratified analysis results according to gender showed that the percentage of cognitive disorder, anxiety and depression in female group was significantly higher than that in male group (p = 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). Mini-mental state examination (MMSE), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) score in female group were also higher than male group (p = 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis results showed that SDBG and sleep quality were associated with emotional disorders in T2DM (p = 0.040 and p < 0.001) and the OR values of these factors were 7.588 (1.097–52.069) and 4.428 (2.649–7.401).

Conclusions

Blood glucose fluctuation and sleep quality are associated with the increased prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders in T2DM.
A clinician’s dilemma: what should be communicated to women with oncogenic genital HPV and their partners regarding the risk of oral viral transmission?
Authors: Monti Ermelinda , Barbara Giussy , Libutti Giada , Boero Veronica , Parazzini Fabio , Ciavattini Andrea , Bogani Giorgio , Pignataro Lorenzo , Magni Beatrice , Merli Camilla Erminia Maria , Vercellini Paolo
Published: September 2022

Head and neck cancer, the sixth most common cancer worldwide, account for about 1 out of 20 malignant tumors. In recent years a reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer, but a concomitant major increase in the incidence of HPV-mediated oropharyngeal cancer caused by orogenital HPV transmission has been observed. Consequently, in wealthy countries oropharyngeal squamous-cell carcinomas (OPSCC) is now the most frequent HPV-related cancer, having overtaken cervical cancer. Without effective medical interventions, this incidence trend could continue for decades. As no specific precursor lesion has been consistently identified in the oral cavity and oropharynx, HPV vaccination is the logical intervention to successfully counteract also the rising incidence of OPSCCs. However, HPV vaccine uptake remains suboptimal, particularly in males, the population at higher risk of OPSCC. Alternative primary prevention measures, such as modifications in sexual behaviors, could be implemented based on knowledge of individual genital HPV status. Until recently, this information was not available at a population level, but the current gradual shift from cytology (Pap test) to primary HPV testing for cervical cancer screening is revealing the presence of oncogenic viral genotypes in millions of women. In the past, health authorities and professional organizations have not consistently recommended modifications in sexual behaviors to be adopted when a persistent high-risk HPV cervicovaginal infection was identified. However, given the above changing epidemiologic scenario and the recent availability of an immense amount of novel information on genital HPV infection, it is unclear whether patient counseling should change. The right of future partners to be informed of the risk could also be considered. However, any modification of the provided counseling should be based also on the actual likelihood of a beneficial effect on the incidence of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers. The risk is on one side to induce unjustified anxiety and provide ineffective instructions, on the other side to miss the opportunity to limit the spread of oral HPV infections. Thus, major health authorities and international gynecologic scientific societies should issue or update specific recommendations, also with the aim of preventing inconsistent health care professionals’ behaviors.
Rehabilitation workforce descriptors: a scoping review
Authors: Conradie Thandi , Berner Karina , Louw Quinette
Published: September 2022

Background

A comprehensive, accurate description of workforce capacity is important for health service planning, to ensure that health services meet local needs. In many low- to middle-income countries, the government’s service planning ability is barred by the lack of accurate and/or comprehensively-described workforce data. In these low-resource settings, lack of appropriate planning leads to limited or no access to rehabilitation services. Variability in the definitions and scope of rehabilitation professionals further complicates the understanding of rehabilitation services and how it should be planned and delivered. Another challenge to describing the primary rehabilitation workforce capacity, is the lack of standardised and agreed-upon global metrics. These inconsistencies highlight the need for a comprehensive understanding of current practices, which can offer guidance to countries wishing to describe their rehabilitation workforce. This study aimed to scope the range of descriptors and metrics used to describe the rehabilitation workforce and to compare the workforce across countries that used similar descriptors in published reports.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted according to the five-step framework first developed by Arksey and O’Malley. The review included a broad search of literature regarding the rehabilitation workforce and how countries quantify and describe the rehabilitation workforce.

Results

Nineteen studies on rehabilitation workforce capacity were identified. All but one (a cross-sectional study) were database reviews. The main descriptors and indicators used to describe the rehabilitation workforce capacity were profession type, age, gender, distributions between urban/rural, level of care, and private/public sectors, absolute count totals, and population-adjusted ratios.

Conclusion

This scoping review provided an overview of descriptors and indicators used to describe the rehabilitation workforce capacity internationally. The study is a first step towards developing standardised descriptors and metrics to quantify the rehabilitation workforce capacity, that will allow for comparison between different settings.

Trial registration

This scoping review protocol has been registered with the Open Science Framework (http://osf.10/7h6xz).
The vaginal and uterine blood flow changes during the ovsynch program and its impact on the pregnancy rates in Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Sharawy Heba A. , Hegab AbdelRaouf O. , Risha Engy F. , El-Adl Mohamed , Soliman Walid T. , Gohar Mohamed A. , Fahmy Reham A. , Farag Virginia M. , Imakawa Kazuhiko , Bazer Fuller W. , James Daniela , Zaghloul Adel , Abdalla Abdelnasser A. , Rabie Mariam M. , Elmetwally Mohammed A.
Published: September 2022

Aim

OvSynch is a hormonal protocol for synchronization of estrus and use of artificial insemination (AI) at an optimal time without adverse effects on the ovaries or uterus. This study investigated the use of noninvasive color Doppler ultrasound to assess changes in uterine and vaginal blood flow during the Ovsynch program for synchronization of estrus and its relation to the pregnancy rates in Holstein cows.

Materials and methods

The experimental cows received an intramuscular dose of 10 μg of a GnRH analogue (G1), followed 7 days later with an intramuscular injection of synthetic prostaglandin F2α (P: PGF2α) analogue (500 μg cloprostenol sodium), and given a 10 μg, injection of the GnRH analogue (G2) i.m. 48 h after the PGF2α treatment, and the cows were bred 14-16 h after. Uterine and vaginal perfusion were investigated by performing transrectal Doppler ultrasonography of both the uterine and vaginal arteries in Holstein cows at different time points during the Ovsynch program to determine: peak systolic velocity (PSV), time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV), the volume of blood flow (BFV), pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), resistance impedance (S/D) and diameters of uterine (UA) and vaginal (VA) arteries. Steroid hormones were also assayed. Transrectal ultrasonography (TUS) was performed at 32 and 60 days to confirm the pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI).

Results

The uterine PSV, TAMV, and PV were greater at the time of the cloprostenol sodium and second GnRH injections (p<0.05) than at the time of the first GnRH injection. The vaginal PSV, PV were greater at the time of the cloprostenol sodium than at the time of the first and second GnRH injections (p<0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) indicated a high correlation between the uterine and vaginal blood flow and the rate of the pregnancy (p<0.05). The area under the ROC curve was 0.920 and 0.87 (p<0.05) for vaginal and uterine arteries respectively at time of G2. The serum levels of progesterone, estrogen and cortisol were correlated with the P/AI (p<0.05). The P/AI significantly decreased from 43.9 % at 32 d to 35.37 % at 60 d.

Conclusion

These results indicate that noninvasive Doppler ultrasonography is a valid method to evaluate changes in the characteristics of uterine and vaginal blood flow in cows during the Ovsynch protocol. Furthermore, vaginal and uterine blood flow are two determinant factors for the higher conception rates in Holstein dairy cows.
Effects of tocilizumab and dexamethasone on the downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and upregulation of antioxidants in the lungs in oleic acid-induced ARDS
Authors: Terzi Funda , Demirci Beste , Çınar İrfan , Alhilal Mohammad , Erol Huseyin Serkan
Published: September 2022

Background

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening disease caused by the induction of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the lungs. There is a dearth of drug applications that can be used to prevent cytokine storms in ARDS treatment. This study was designed to investigate the effects of tocilizumab and dexamethasone on oxidative stress, antioxidant parameters, and cytokine storms in acute lung injury caused by oleic acid in rats.

Methods

Adult male rats were divided into five groups: the CN (healthy rats, n = 6), OA (oleic acid administration, n = 6), OA + TCZ-2 (oleic acid and tocilizumab at 2 mg/kg, n = 6), OA + TCZ-4 (oleic acid and tocilizumab at 4 mg/kg, n = 6), and OA + DEX-10 (oleic acid and dexamethasone at 10 mg/kg, n = 6) groups. All animals were euthanized after treatment for histopathological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, PCR, and SEM analyses.

Results

Expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 cytokines in rats with acute lung injury induced by oleic acid were downregulated in the TCZ and DEX groups compared to the OA group (P < 0.05). The MDA level in lung tissues was statistically lower in the OA + TCZ-4 group compared to the OA group. It was further determined that SOD, GSH, and CAT levels were decreased in the OA group and increased in the TCZ and DEX groups (P < 0.05). Histopathological findings such as thickening of the alveoli, hyperemia, and peribronchial cell infiltration were found to be similar when lung tissues of the TCZ and DEX groups were compared to the control group. With SEM imaging of the lung tissues, it was found that the alveolar lining layer had become indistinct in the OA, OA + TCZ-2, and OA + TCZ-4 groups.

Conclusions

In this model of acute lung injury caused by oleic acid, tocilizumab and dexamethasone were effective in preventing cytokine storms by downregulating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8. Against the downregulation of antioxidant parameters such as SOD and GSH in the lung tissues caused by oleic acid, tocilizumab and dexamethasone upregulated them and showed protective effects against cell damage.
Molecular screening reveals non-uniform malaria transmission in western Kenya and absence of Rickettsia africae and selected arboviruses in hospital patients
Authors: Chiuya Tatenda , Villinger Jandouwe , Falzon Laura C. , Alumasa Lorren , Amanya Fredrick , Bastos Armanda D. S. , Fèvre Eric M. , Masiga Daniel K.
Published: September 2022

Background

In sub-Saharan Africa, malaria is the common diagnosis for febrile illness and related clinical features, resulting in the under-diagnosis of other aetiologies, such as arboviruses and Rickettsia. While these may not be significant causes of mortality in malaria-endemic areas, they affect the daily life and performance of affected individuals. It is, therefore, important to have a clear picture of these other aetiologies to institute correct diagnoses at hospitals and improve patient outcomes.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from patients with fever and other clinical features associated with febrile illness at selected hospitals in the malaria-endemic counties of Busia, Bungoma, and Kakamega, and screened for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Sindbis, dengue and chikungunya viruses, Rickettsia africae, and Plasmodium spp. using high-throughput real-time PCR techniques. A logistic regression was performed on the results to explore the effect of demographic and socio-economic independent variables on malaria infection.

Results

A total of 336 blood samples collected from hospital patients between January 2018 and February 2019 were screened, of which 17.6% (59/336) were positive for Plasmodium falciparum and 1.5% (5/336) for Plasmodium malariae. Two patients had dual P. falciparum/P. malariae infections. The most common clinical features reported by the patients who tested positive for malaria were fever and headache. None of the patients were positive for the arboviruses of interest or R. africae. Patients living in Busia (OR 5.2; 95% CI 2.46–11.79; p < 0.001) and Bungoma counties (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.27–6.16; p = 0.013) had higher odds of being infected with malaria, compared to those living in Kakamega County.

Conclusions

The reported malaria prevalence is in line with previous studies. The absence of arboviral and R. africae cases in this study may have been due to the limited number of samples screened, low-level circulation of arboviruses during inter-epidemic periods, and/or the use of PCR alone as a detection method. Other sero-surveys confirming their circulation in the area indicate that further investigations are warranted.
Comparing effects of Euclidean buffers and network buffers on associations between built environment and transport walking: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Li Jingjing , Peterson Adam , Auchincloss Amy H. , Hirsch Jana A. , Rodriguez Daniel A. , Melly Steven J. , Moore Kari A. , Diez-Roux Ana V. , Sánchez Brisa N.
Published: September 2022

Background

Transport walking has drawn growing interest due to its potential to increase levels of physical activities and reduce reliance on vehicles. While existing studies have compared built environment-health associations between Euclidean buffers and network buffers, no studies have systematically quantified the extent of bias in health effect estimates when exposures are measured in different buffers. Further, prior studies have done the comparisons focusing on only one or two geographic regions, limiting generalizability and restricting ability to test whether direction or magnitude of bias are different by context. This study aimed to quantify the degree of bias in associations between built environment exposures and transport walking when exposures were operationalized using Euclidean buffers rather than network buffers in diverse contexts.

Methods

We performed a simulations study to systematically evaluate the degree of bias in associations between built environment exposures in Euclidean buffers and network buffers and transport walking, assuming network buffers more accurately captured true exposures. Additionally, we used empirical data from a multi-ethnic, multi-site cohort to compare associations between built environment amenities and walking for transport where built environment exposures were derived using Euclidean buffers versus network buffers.

Results

Simulation results found that the bias induced by using Euclidean buffer models was consistently negative across the six study sites (ranging from -80% to -20%), suggesting built environment exposures measured using Euclidean buffers underestimate health effects on transport walking. Percent bias was uniformly smaller for the larger 5 km scale than the 1 km and 0.25 km spatial scales, independent of site or built environment categories. Empirical findings aligned with the simulation results: built environment-health associations were stronger for built environment exposures operationalized using network buffers than using Euclidean buffers.

Conclusion

This study is the first to quantify the extent of bias in the magnitude of the associations between built environment exposures and transport walking when the former are measured in Euclidean buffers vs. network buffers, informing future research to carefully conceptualize appropriate distance-based buffer metrics in order to better approximate real geographic contexts. It also helps contextualize existing research in the field that used Euclidean buffers when that were the only option. Further, this study provides an example of the uncertain geographic context problem.
Effect of crude polysaccharide from seaweed, Dictyopteris divaricata (CDDP) on gut microbiota restoration and anti-diabetic activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T1DM mice
Authors: Siddiqui Nimra Zafar , Rehman Ata Ur , Yousuf Waleed , khan Asif Iqbal , Farooqui Nabeel Ahmed , Zang Shizhu , Xin Yi , Wang Liang
Published: September 2022

Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is regarded as a multifunctional, immune-related disease which causes massive destruction of islet β-cells in pancreas resulting in hyperglycemic, hypoinsulinemia and hyperlipidimic conditions. The aim of the present study, was to investigate the hypothesis that streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T1DM in Balb/c mice when treated with crude polysaccharide from seaweed, Dictyopteris divaricata (CDDP) depicts improvement in diabetes-related symptoms. Treatment with CDDP resulted in decreased body weight loss, improved food consumption and water intake disbalances. The CDDP effectively improved fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance (OGTT), serum insulin, insulin secretion, rejuvenation of β-cells mass, serum lipid profile and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. Additionally, treatment with CDDP increased the population of beneficial bacteria such as Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Lactobacillus at phylum, family and genus levels by 16S rRNA sequencing. Furthermore, immunohistological examination confirmed that CDDP reduces the inflammation and restored the structural morphology of colon and upraised the levels of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), Mucin-2 (MUC-2) and tight-junction proteins (TJs) whereby maintaining the gut structures and barrier permeability. Thus, the above presented data, highlights the safe and therapeutic effects of crude polysaccharide (CDDP) from D. divaricata in the treatment and restoration of T1DM disorders and can be used as a food supplement alternative to diabetes medicine.
Aquaporin-4 cerebrospinal fluid levels are higher in neurodegenerative dementia: looking at glymphatic system dysregulation
Authors: Arighi Andrea , Arcaro Marina , Fumagalli Giorgio Giulio , Carandini Tiziana , Pietroboni Anna Margherita , Sacchi Luca , Fenoglio Chiara , Serpente Maria , Sorrentino Federica , Isgrò Giovanni , Turkheimer Federico , Scarpini Elio , Galimberti Daniela
Published: September 2022

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is a channel protein that plays a fundamental role in glymphatic system, a newly described pathway for fluid exchange in the central nervous system, as well as a central figure in a fascinating new theory for the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In this study, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentration of AQP4, amyloid-β, total tau and P-tau were determined in 103 CSF samples from patients affected by neurodegenerative dementias (AD and FTD) or psychiatric diseases and 21 controls. Significantly higher levels of AQP4 were found in AD and FTD patients compared to subjects not affected by neurodegenerative diseases, and a significant, positive correlation between AQP4 and total tau levels was found. This evidence may pave the way for future studies focused on the role of this channel protein in the clinical assessment of the glymphatic function and degree of neurodegeneration.
Effects of biochar on soil microbial diversity and community structure in clay soil
Authors: Zhang Jing , Shen Jiang-Long
Published: September 2022

Purpose

We determined the microbial community diversity and structure in soil samples under different amounts of biochar added. Meanwhile, we also researched the relationships between soil microbial and soil physicochemical properties.

Method

In this study, a field experiment was set up, with a total of three experimental treatments: no biochar application, 10 t/m3 biochar application, and 20 t/m3 application. High-throughput sequencing technologies were used for soil samples of different treatment groups to understand soil microbial diversity and community structure.

Results

We found that the soil physicochemical properties after biochar addition were better than those without biochar addition, and the alpha diversity was higher in biochar addition level of 20 t/m3 than other processing groups. Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Actinobacteria were the dominant phyla of this study. The dominant genera were Skermanella, Nostoc, Frankia, and Unclassified-p-protecbacteria. At the gate level, Actinobacteria had significant differences among the three groups with different addition amounts. The microbial community structure was mainly influenced by soil porosity, soil moisture content, nitrogen fertilizer, and potassium fertilizer other than soil phosphate fertilizer and organic matter.

Conclusions

The results suggested that changes under different amounts of biochar added generate changes in soil physicochemical properties and control the soil composition of microbial communities. This provides a new basis for soil improvement.
Joint scatterer localization and material identification using radio access technology
Authors: Geng Yi , Shrestha Deep , Yajnanarayana Vijaya , Dahlman Erik , Behravan Ali
Published: September 2022

Cellular network technologies and radar sensing technologies have been developing in parallel for decades. Instead of developing two individual technologies, the 6G cellular network is expected to naturally support both communication and radar functionalities with shared hardware and carrier frequencies. In this regard, radio access technology (RAT)-based scatterer localization system is one of the important aspects of joint communication and sensing system that uses communication signals between transceivers to determine the location of scatterers in and around the propagation paths. In this article, we first identify the challenges of the RAT-based scatterer localization system and then present single- and multiple-bounce reflection loss simulation results for three common building materials in indoor environments. We also propose two novel methods to jointly localize and identify the type of the scatterers in a rich scattering environment.
Burden and trends of brain and central nervous system cancer from 1990 to 2019 at the global, regional, and country levels
Authors: Fan Yang , Zhang Xian , Gao Chao , Jiang Shuai , Wu Haoze , Liu Zhanhui , Dou Taotao
Published: September 2022

Background

Regularly updated epidemiological data on the burden of brain and central nervous system (CNS) cancers are important in the prioritization of research and the allocation of resources. This study aimed to investigate incidence, mortality, disability, and trends in brain and CNS cancers between 1990 and 2019.

Methods

Epidemiological data, including the cancer incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years(DALYs), age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age-standardized DALY rate (per 100,000 population) stratified by region, country, sex, and age group were retrieved and extracted using the Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx) query tool.

Results

In 2019, there were 347,992(262,084–388,896) global cases of brain and CNS cancers, which showed a significant increase (94.35%) from the period between 1990 to 2019. The global ASIR in 2019 was 4.34 (3.27–4.86) per 100, 000 population, which showed an increasing trend for the years 1990–2019 (13.82% [-27.27–32.83]). In 2019, there were 246,253 (185,642–270,930) global deaths caused by brain and CNS cancers, which showed a significant increase (76.36%) during the study period. The global ASMR in 2019 was 3.05(2.29–3.36) per 100, 000 population, which did not change significantly over the study period (-1.19% [-36.79–13.86]). In 2019, there were 8,659,871 DALYs, which was a 109.04% increase compared with 1990. Similarly, during 1990–2019, the age-standardized DALY rate decreased by 10.39%. Additionally, 76.60% of the incident cases, 72.98% of the deaths, and 65.16% of the DALYs due to brain and CNS cancers occurred in the high-income and upper-middle-income regions.

Conclusions

In conclusion, brain and CNS cancers remain a major public health burden, particularly in high-income regions. The global incidence, deaths, and DALYs of brain and CNS cancers were shown to have increased significantly from 1990 to 2019. The global ASIR kept rising steadily, while the ASMR and age-standardized DALY rate declined over the past three decades.
Scatter-hoarding birds disperse seeds to sites unfavorable for plant regeneration
Authors: Sorensen Marjorie C. , Mueller Thomas , Donoso Isabel , Graf Valentin , Merges Dominik , Vanoni Marco , Fiedler Wolfgang , Neuschulz Eike Lena
Published: September 2022

Scatter-hoarding birds provide effective long-distance seed dispersal for plants. Transporting seeds far promotes population spread, colonization of new areas, and connectivity between populations. However, whether seeds transported over long distances are deposited in habitats favorable to plant regeneration has rarely been investigated, mainly due to methodological constraints. To investigate dispersal patterns and distances of Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra) seeds we utilized advances in tracking technology to track the movements of their sole disperser, the spotted nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes). We found routine individual movements between single seed harvesting and seed caching site. Harvesting sites of individual birds overlapped, whereas seed caching sites were separated and located on average 5.3 km away from the harvesting site. Interestingly, most distant caching sites were located at low elevations and in spruce forest, where Swiss stone pine does not naturally occur. This suggests that nutcrackers disperse seeds over long distances but that a large portion of these seeds are cached outside the known pine habitat. Therefore, we conclude that the implications of such long-distance seed dispersal movements for plant populations should be carefully considered in combination with the effects of habitat quality on plant recruitment.