bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of long-term prices of micronutrient-dense and starchy staple foods in developing countries
Authors: Alioma Richard , Zeller Manfred , Ling Yee Khor
Published: October 2022

The continued price increase in food commodities has long been a concern to academia and policymakers because of its substantial impact on poor consumers. Existing literature has concentrated on the cost of micronutrient-dense and starchy staple foods and the price rise in different commodities. Yet, the long-term price growth of micronutrient-dense and starchy staple foods and the price growth gap between micronutrient-dense foods and starchy staple foods have not been given much attention. The paper aimed to estimate the long-term trends in prices and volatility of micronutrient-dense and starchy staples and identify factors that have sustained the growth in prices of food commodities in developing countries. We have used the autoregressive and panel autoregressive distributed lag models to analyse the trends in relative prices and the effects of income growth. The results showed that micronutrient-dense food prices in real terms grew on average by 0.03% per month more than starchy staple food prices, with the expectation of a 12% growth gap in the next 30 years. The volatility of micronutrient-dense food items exceeds starchy staple foods in most domestic markets. Also, the prices of micronutrient-dense foods were more volatile in international markets than in most developing countries. Income growth in developing countries was one of the factors that contributed to the declining relative price of micronutrient-dense food commodities. Other factors, such as the high production of staple foods and their price stabilization policies, may have caused price trends to persist. Policies that enhance price stabilization for micronutrient-dense foods, supplementation, fortification, dietary diversity, and nutrition-sensitive interventions such as biofortification may be adopted in developing countries.
Validity and reliability of a french version of the olfactory disorders questionnaire
Authors: Lechien Jérôme R. , Vaira Luigi A. , Le Bon Serge D. , Geerts Roxane , Boscolo-Rizzo Paolo , Saussez Sven
Published: October 2022

Objective

To validate a French version of the Olfactory Disorders Questionnaire (Fr-ODQ).

Methods

Patients with olfactory disorder (OD) and controls were enrolled from two medical centers. Individuals completed the Fr-ODQ and the French version of the sinonasal outcome tool-22 (SNOT-22). The extended Sniffin'Sticks procedure was used to test odor Threshold, Discrimination, and Identification (TDI). Cronbach's alpha was used to measure the internal consistency of Fr-ODQ. The reliability and the external validity were evaluated through a test–retest approach and by correlating Fr-ODQ and SNOT-22 scores.

Results

Eighty-nine patients with OD and 65 healthy individuals completed the evaluations. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.827, reporting adequate internal consistency. The test–retest reliability was high ( r s = 0.944, p = 0.001). The external validity was adequate regarding the significant correlation between Fr-ODQ and SNOT-22 ( r s = 0.498; p = 0.001). Patients with OD reported a significant higher score of Fr-ODQ than healthy individuals ( p < 0.001), indicating a high internal validity. The baseline Fr-ODQ significantly improved after 3-month olfactory training, which corroborated the improvement of TDI scores.

Conclusion

The Fr-ODQ is the first patient-reported outcome questionnaire validated for French speaking patients. Fr-ODQ is reliable and valid for the evaluation of the olfactory dysfunction and the related impact on quality of life of French-speaking patients.
Interventionist vs. interactionist models of dynamic assessment (DA) in the EFL classroom: impacts on speaking accuracy and fluency (SAF), foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA), and foreign language learning motivation (FLLM)
Authors: Ritonga Mahyudin , Farhangi Fariba , Ajanil Bemnet , Farid Khafaga Ayman
Published: October 2022

In spite of their pivotal role in language learning, psychological variables involved in language learning have received less attention in empirical research. Therefore, this paper tried to inspect the effects of interventionist DA, interactionist DA, and non-DA on EFL students’ SAF, FLCA, and FLLM. To achieve this goal, 78 respondents were chosen and randomly separated into three groups: EG1 (interactionist DA), EG2 (interventionist DA), and CG (non-DA). Before starting the treatment, the participants’ SAF, FLCA, and FLCM were checked through three related pretests. As the treatment, the non-DA students were given specific topics, and they were asked to discuss them without any DA-oriented interventions. The EG1 was evaluated and provided with the needed help by interaction-oriented DA techniques, whereas the EG2 was trained by DA-oriented instruction following Lantolf and Poehner’s (Language Teaching Research 15: 11–33, 2011) scales to measure and aid the students’ speaking ability in their discussions. At the end of the study, the post-tests of SAF, FLCA, and FLLM were administered to check the impacts of the treatment. Analyzing the data through one-way ANOVA tests, it was revealed the two models of DA (i.e., interactionist and interventionist) had a significant positive effect on EFL learners’ SAF. Moreover, it was revealed that both DA models not only increased the EFL learners’ motivation but also lowered their FLCA. This research has multiple implications for both EFL learners and teachers.
A review on morphotropic phase boundary in fluorite-structure hafnia towards DRAM technology
Authors: Jung Minhyun , Gaddam Venkateswarlu , Jeon Sanghun
Published: October 2022

In the present hyper-scaling era, memory technology is advancing owing to the demand for high-performance computing and storage devices. As a result, continuous work on conventional semiconductor-process-compatible ferroelectric memory devices such as ferroelectric field-effect transistors, ferroelectric random-access memory, and dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) cell capacitors is ongoing. To operate high-performance computing devices, high-density, high-speed, and reliable memory devices such as DRAMs are required. Consequently, considerable attention has been devoted to the enhanced high dielectric constant and reduced equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) of DRAM cell capacitors. The advancement of ferroelectric hafnia has enabled the development of various devices, such as ferroelectric memories, piezoelectric sensors, and energy harvesters. Therefore, in this review, we focus the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) between ferroelectric orthorhombic and tetragonal phases, where we can achieve a high dielectric constant and thereby reduce the EOT. We also present the role of the MPB in perovskite and fluorite structures as well as the history of the MPB phase. We also address the different approaches for achieving the MPB phase in a hafnia material system. Subsequently, we review the critical issues in DRAM technology using hafnia materials. Finally, we present various applications of the hafnia material system near the MPB, such as memory, sensors, and energy harvesters.

Graphical Abstract
DigitSeis: software to extract time series from analogue seismograms
Authors: Ishii Miaki , Ishii Hiromi
Published: October 2022

A vast amount of analogue seismograms recorded between the end of the nineteenth century and late twentieth century are often inaccessible for seismological research since they are not available as digital time series. This manuscript describes freely available software, DigitSeis, that takes a digital image of an analogue seismic record and returns waveforms either as a function of their x-y position on the image or as time–amplitude information. The overall structure and approach of the software are provided along with how they have evolved over different versions. The effectiveness of the software is demonstrated with three examples. The first example is a long-period east–west seismogram recorded at the Harvard Seismographic Observatory on photographic paper in May of 1938, which contains signals associated with a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that occurred off the coast of Northern Ibaraki, Japan. The second example is an analysis of a 35-mm microfilm copy of the short-period vertical seismogram recorded at Tucson, Arizona, on July 16, 1945, that shows blast signals from the first nuclear bomb detonation. The final example uses a 70 mm microfiche image of a long-period north–south seismogram recorded at College, Alaska in December of 1966, which shows a pair of earthquakes with nearly identical waveforms. The software is, by no means, perfect, and discussion of its limitations such as the compatibility with pen- and Develocorder-type seismograms is included, as well as comments about challenges of incorporating machine learning into the digitization process.
Melanoma stem cells promote metastasis via exosomal miR-1268a inactivation of autophagy
Authors: Li Xiaoshuang , Liu Doudou , Chen Hao , Zeng Bin , Zhao Qiting , Zhang Yuhan , Chen Yuting , Wang Jianyu , Xing H. Rosie
Published: October 2022

Background

Metastatic melanoma has a high mortality rate and poor survival. This is associated with efficient metastatic colonization, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Communication between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and cancer cells plays an important role in metastatic dissemination. Whether cancer stem cells can alter the metastatic properties of non-CSC cells; and whether exosomal crosstalk can mediate such interaction, have not been demonstrated in melanoma prior to this report.

Results

The results revealed that exosomes secreted by highly metastatic melanoma CSCs (OL-SCs) promoted the invasiveness of the low metastatic melanoma cells (OL) and accelerated metastatic progression. miR-1268a was up-regulated in cells and exosomes of OL-SCs. Moreover, OL-SCs-derived exosomal miR-1268a, upon taking up by OL cells, promoted the metastatic colonization ability of OL cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the pro-metastatic activity of exosomal miR-1268a is achieved through inhibition of autophagy.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that OL cells can acquire the “metastatic ability” from OL-SCs cells. OL-SCs cells achieves this goal by utilizing its exosomes to deliver functional miRNAs, such as miR-1268a, to the targeted OL cells which in turn augments metastatic colonization by inactivating the autophagy pathway in OL cells.
Age- and sex-related differences in the retinal capillary plexus in healthy Chinese adults
Authors: Su Binbin , Zhu Xiaoxuan , Yang Kai , Xiao Yunfan , Li Chunmei , Shi Keai , Qu Jia , Lu Fan , Li Ming , Cui Lele
Published: October 2022

Background

To assess age- and sex-related changes in the superficial retinal capillary plexus (SCP) and deep retinal capillary plexus (DCP) in healthy Chinese adults.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, all data were derived from the community-based Jidong Eye Cohort Study. Participants underwent optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and other ocular and systemic examinations. The vessel densities of the whole measured area, parafovea, and four quadrants in the SCP and DCP were measured.

Results

We recruited 1036 eyes of 1036 healthy participants; the mean age was 40.4 ± 9.8 years, and 449 (43.3%) participants were males. The SCP and DCP vessel densities in all regions, except for temporal and nasal regions in the SCP, non-linearly decreased with age. The DCP vessel densities began to decrease at approximately 35 years of age, while the SCP vessel densities began to decrease at approximately 40 years of age. The DCP vessel densities decreased more rapidly than the SCP vessel densities at 35–50 years of age. The DCP vessel densities remained stable or slightly decreased after the age of 50 years in females, while those decreased linearly in most regions in males.

Conclusions

The retinal vessel density decreased earlier and more rapidly in the DCP than in the SCP, and the effect of aging on the DCP vessel density was sex-dependent. Our findings suggest that age and sex should be considered when interpreting clinical quantitative OCTA data.
Improving the safety and experience of transitions from hospital to home: a cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial of the 'Your Care Needs You' intervention versus usual care
Authors: Baxter Ruth , Murray Jenni , Cockayne Sarah , Baird Kalpita , Mandefield Laura , Mills Thomas , Lawton Rebecca , Hewitt Catherine , Richardson Gerry , Sheard Laura , O’Hara Jane K. ,   on behalf of the PACT research team
Published: October 2022

Background

The ‘Your Care Needs You’ (YCNY) intervention aims to increase the safety and experience of transitions for older people through greater patient involvement during the hospital stay.

Methods

A cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial was conducted on NHS inpatient wards (clusters) where ≥ 40% of patients were routinely ≥ 75 years. Wards were randomised to YCNY or usual care using an unequal allocation ratio (3:2). We aimed to recruit up to 20 patients per ward. Follow-up included routine data collection and questionnaires at 5-, 30-, and 90-days post-discharge. Eligible patients were ≥ 75 years, discharged home, stayed overnight on participating wards, and could read and understand English.

The trial assessed the feasibility of delivering YCNY and the trial methodology through recruitment rates, outcome completion rates, and a qualitative evaluation. The accuracy of using routinely coded data for the primary outcome in the definitive trial was assessed by extracting discharge information for up to ten nonindividual consenting patients per ward.

Results

Ten wards were randomised (6 intervention, 4 control). One ward withdrew, and two wards were unable to deliver the intervention. Seven-hundred twenty-one patients were successfully screened, and 161 were recruited (95 intervention, 66 control). The patient post-discharge attrition rate was 17.4% (n = 28). Primary outcome data were gathered for 91.9% of participants with 75.2% and 59.0% providing secondary outcome data at 5 and 30 days post-discharge respectively. Item completion within questionnaires was generally high. Post-discharge follow-up was terminated early due to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting 90-day response rates (16.8%). Data from 88 nonindividual consenting patients identified an error rate of 15% when using routinely coded data for the primary outcome. No unexpected serious adverse events were identified.

Most patients viewed YCNY favourably. Staff agreed with it in principle, but ward pressures and organisational contexts hampered implementation. There was a need to sustain engagement, provide clarity on roles and responsibilities, and account for fluctuations in patients’ health, capacity, and preferences.

Conclusions

If implementation challenges can be overcome, YCNY represents a step towards involving older people as partners in their care to improve the safety and experience of their transitions from hospital to home.

Trial registration

ISRCTN: 51154948.
Evaluating polymeric biomaterials to improve next generation wound dressing design
Authors: Hodge Jacob G. , Zamierowski David S. , Robinson Jennifer L. , Mellott Adam J.
Published: October 2022

Wound healing is a dynamic series of interconnected events with the ultimate goal of promoting neotissue formation and restoration of anatomical function. Yet, the complexity of wound healing can often result in development of complex, chronic wounds, which currently results in a significant strain and burden to our healthcare system. The advancement of new and effective wound care therapies remains a critical issue, with the current therapeutic modalities often remaining inadequate. Notably, the field of tissue engineering has grown significantly in the last several years, in part, due to the diverse properties and applications of polymeric biomaterials. The interdisciplinary cohesion of the chemical, biological, physical, and material sciences is pertinent to advancing our current understanding of biomaterials and generating new wound care modalities. However, there is still room for closing the gap between the clinical and material science realms in order to more effectively develop novel wound care therapies that aid in the treatment of complex wounds. Thus, in this review, we discuss key material science principles in the context of polymeric biomaterials, provide a clinical breadth to discuss how these properties affect wound dressing design, and the role of polymeric biomaterials in the innovation and design of the next generation of wound dressings.
Effective techniques of teaching vocabulary in Afghan EFL classrooms
Authors: Akramy Sayeed Asif , Noori Abdul Qawi , Orfan Sayeed Naqibullah , Hashemi Aminuddin
Published: October 2022

The present study investigated effective techniques of teaching vocabulary in an Afghan EFL setting. It also attempts to determine the impacts of the participants’ demographic profile ((i.e., gender, age, first language, and teaching experiences) on their responses. The data were collected from 93 randomly selected English teachers through a questionnaire containing 25 items. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 was employed to analyze the data. To answer the reserach questions, descriptive and inferential statistics (independent sample T-test and one-way ANOVA tests) were used. The findings revealed that the overall attitude of Afghan EFL instructors towards applying effective techniques of teaching vocabulary in an Afghan EFL setting is positive. The respondents also reported that they warmly welcomed the techniques which led students to enhance their motivation for learning English vocabulary. Moreover, the study revealed that the participants’ gender, age, first language, and teaching experiences had a signficant impact on their responses.
Case–control study exploring the short-term association of bronchiolitis with high blood pressure and hypertension in hospitalized children
Authors: Giang Sophia , Padovani Andrew J. , Butani Lavjay
Published: October 2022

Background

Unlike in adults, there are limited pediatric data exploring the association between acute respiratory illnesses and blood pressure abnormalities. The aim of our study was to explore the association of bronchiolitis, a common respiratory illness, with elevated blood pressure in hospitalized children.

Methods

In this single center retrospective case–control study, we evaluated the association between bronchiolitis and elevated blood pressure and hypertension in hospitalized children, compared to a control group admitted with nonrespiratory conditions, using multivariate regression analyses. Standard published normative data on pediatric blood pressure were used to classify children in various blood pressure categories.

Results

A high prevalence of elevated blood pressure (16%) and hypertension (60%) was noted among children with bronchiolitis; this was not statistically different from the control group (18% for elevated blood pressure; 57% for hypertension; P-values, 0.71 and 0.53, respectively). On multivariate regression analyses, only length of stay was associated with hypertension. No patient with blood pressure abnormalities received antihypertensives nor were any nephrology consults documented.

Conclusions

A high prevalence of blood pressure abnormalities, without documentation of their recognition, was noted in hospitalized children regardless of diagnosis, pointing to the need for more data on outcomes-driven significance of pediatric inpatient blood pressure measurements.
Quantitative measures of the vascular and neural components of the retina in adult individuals with congenital and untreated growth hormone deficiency
Authors: Menezes Nelmo V. , Barros-Oliveira Cynthia S. , Salvatori Roberto , Gois Vinicius C. , Marinho Cindi G. , Oliveira Carla R. P. , Campos Viviane C. , Oliveira-Santos Alécia A. , Santos-Júnior Hertz T. , Santos Elenilde G. , Melo Enaldo V. , Faro Augusto C. N. , Oliveira Neima V. , Gumes-Felix Hérika M. , Melo Gustavo B. , Aguiar-Oliveira Manuel H.
Published: October 2022

Background

The somatotrophic axis, including hypothalamic growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone (GHRH), pituitary GH and circulating IGF-I, is critical for body size. However, the local production of GH/IGF-I (and IGF-II) and other peptides is relevant for other body functions, such as vascular, brain, and retinal function. The consequences of GH deficiency (GHD) on the retinal structure are still unclear, possibly reflecting the heterogeneity of patients and the different types of assessment in previous publications. Our purpose was to assess quantitative measures of the vascular and neural components of the retina in subjects with severe congenital isolated GHD (IGHD).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 25 adult IGHD subjects and 25 age- and gender-matched controls. Interview, physical examination, laboratory data, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) were performed.

Results

OCT revealed no difference in the areas of the nerve fiber layer average, nor in the areas of superior, inferior, or nasal quadrants, between the two groups. However, areas of the temporal quadrant (p = 0.041), the optical disc (p = 0.042), the cup (p < 0.0001), as well as the cup/disc ratio (p < 0.0001), were higher in IGHD subjects than controls. The rim area was smaller (p = 0.002), although still normal. In OCTA, there was no difference in the minimum foveal thickness, central fovea, foveal avascular zone, and retinal density in any assessed area.

Conclusions

In conclusion, congenital IGHD does not affect quantitative measures of the vascular and neural retina, and it is associated with increased optical disc in this genetically homogeneous cohort.
Large inferior retinectomies for proliferative vitreoretinopathy in silicone oil-filled eyes
Authors: Barbosa Gabriel Castilho Sandoval , Silva Allan Gomes da , Daher Gonçalves Monteiro dos Reis Guilherme , Bermudes Frederico Hackbart , Lemos Carolina Maria Barbosa , Garcia Rafael , Mazzeo Thiago José Muniz Machado , Machado Cleide Guimarães , Gomes André Marcelo Vieira
Published: October 2022

Background

To describe the anatomical and functional outcomes and late complications in patients who developed inferior proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in silicone oil-filled eyes and who required reoperation with large inferior retinectomy.

Methods

This is a single-center, retrospective, interventional case series analysis. The study involved 18 individuals with tractional retinal re-detachment due to PVR development inferiorly in eyes who had undergone prior pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil as a tamponade. All patients included in the study underwent secondary surgery with large inferior retinectomy (from 120° to 270°) and silicone oil filling.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 44.0 ± 31.5 (± SD) months (range: 4 to 96 months. The anatomical success, defined as the complete reattachment of the retina until the last follow-up, was observed in 88.9% of the cases. The postoperative visual acuity ranged from 20/100 to hand motion at 60 cm. Only two cases (11.1%) did not achieve anatomical success at the last follow-up due to recurrent PVR and retinal re-detachment (one including hypotony). All of the patients were pseudophakic. The PVR grade, as well as the presence of PVR prior to primary surgery, showed no statistical correlation with BCVA, the extent of retinectomies, and final macular status. There was a statistically significant correlation between "Final BCVA" and "Initial BCVA" (r = 0.654) and between "Final BCVA" and "Extent of Retinectomy" (r = 0.615).

Conclusions

Reoperation in eyes filled with silicone oil may be required when PVR is developed. Secondary surgery in these cases with large inferior retinectomy and silicone oil implantation may reach good anatomical success with low rates of late complications, besides improving visual acuity. A better BCVA at the time of re-RD diagnosis and cases of retinectomies with greater extensions showed a positive correlation with better functional outcomes.

Trial registration Research Ethics Committee of the Suel Abujamra Institute reviewed and approved this study protocol (approval number, 5.404.961).
Echocardiographic strategy for early detection of cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin: a prospective observational study
Authors: Sampaio Diogo Pereira Santos , Silva João Batista Masson , do Carmo Rassi Daniela , Freitas Aguinaldo F. , Rassi Salvador
Published: October 2022

Background

Cancer chemotherapy using anthracyclines is associated with cardiotoxicity (CTX), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) analysis is not sensitive to early cardiotoxic changes. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) monitoring helps screen subclinical CTX; however, the intervals at which it should be performed remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of CTX in women with breast cancer and the associated factors and compare two echocardiographic monitoring strategies using two cutoff points for LV GLS variation.

Methods

Patients with breast cancer prescribed doxorubicin underwent serial LVEF and LV GLS assessments using two-dimensional echocardiography every 3 weeks for 6 months.

Results

We included 43 women; none developed a clinical CTX. Considering a relative reduction of LV GLS > 15%, subclinical CTX was present in 12 (27.9%) and six (14%) patients at 3-week and 3-month intervals, respectively (P = 0.28). Additionally, considering a reduction of > 12%, subclinical CTX was present in 17 (39.5%) and 10 (23.3%) patients (P = 0.16), respectively. There were no significant differences in either reference value at 3-week (P = 0.19) and 3-month intervals (P = 0.41). Age ≥ 60 years (P = 0.018) and hypertension (HTN) (P = 0.022) were associated with subclinical CTX in the univariate analysis.

Conclusions

There was no difference in the incidence of subclinical CTX between the two cutoff points and no benefit in performing echocardiography every 3 weeks compared with quarterly monitoring. Advanced age and HTN were associated with the development of subclinical CTX.
Amplitude variation with angle analysis for deepening of a well planned as an infill opportunity: A case study of a mature oil field in the Niger Delta
Authors: Olagundoye Olatunbosun , Adebayo Stephen , Idoko Patrick , Edidiong-Umoh Edidiong , Awobadejo Lanre , Udoh Daniel , Fashanu Mobolaji , Enuma Christopher
Published: October 2022

A challenge in mature fields is the enhancement of field life to maximize investment. To meet this challenge, well-recovery optimization, robust geosteering for efficient well placement in terms of drainage and sweep, and the targeting of nearby undeveloped prospects or infill opportunities (IFOs) are routinely applied to prolong productivity. Quantitative interpretation schemes such as amplitude variation with angle (AVA) analysis and seismic inversion play important roles in targeting IFOs. We present the application of AVA analysis to an IFO located in a mature oil field in the Niger Delta. To mitigate a decline in oil production, an infill campaign was launched to identify IFOs in undrained areas of the field that could be combined as multilayer objectives for a well. One such IFO is the Zebra Miocene Z12 reservoir, an undeveloped reservoir that would serve as a secondary objective if a well proposed for drilling is deepened. The IFO was screened using an AVA characterization methodology that involved the integration of rock-physics analysis, comparative quality controls of the available seismic data vintages, AVA attribute analysis, and direct hydrocarbon indicator evaluation. Results from the AVA analysis indicated a high probability of finding hydrocarbons in the Z12 reservoir and thus resulted in a recommendation to extend the well into the secondary objective. The infill well was successful with results confirming hydrocarbons in the IFO, with oil production from the Z12 reservoir alone representing an increase of 17% in the field's production. The infill well has produced about 1.3 MMbbls of oil and 4.2 Bscf of gas from the Z12 IFO since startup three years ago. This has enhanced the life of the oil field, thus validating the robustness of AVA characterization in screening new IFOs.
Liraglutide for Weight Management in Children and Adolescents With Prader–Willi Syndrome and Obesity
Authors: Diene Gwenaëlle , Angulo Moris , Hale Paula M , Jepsen Cecilie H , Hofman Paul L , Hokken-Koelega Anita , Ramesh Chethana , Turan Serap , Tauber Maïthé
Published: October 2022

Context

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is characterized by lack of appetite control and hyperphagia, leading to obesity. Pharmacological options for weight management are needed.

Objective

To determine whether liraglutide treatment for weight management is superior to placebo/no treatment in pediatric individuals with PWS.

Methods

This was a multicenter, 52-week, placebo-controlled trial with a 16-week double-blinded period. Adolescents (n = 31, aged 12-17 years; Tanner stage 2-5) and children (n = 24, aged 6-11 years; Tanner stage <2) with PWS and obesity were included. Patients were randomized 2:1 to liraglutide 3.0 mg (or maximum-tolerated dose) or placebo for 16 weeks, after which placebo was stopped. Liraglutide was continued for 52 weeks. All patients followed a structured diet and exercise program throughout the trial. The coprimary endpoints were change in body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS) from baseline to 16 and 52 weeks. Secondary endpoints included other weight-related parameters, hyperphagia, and safety.

Results

Change in BMI SDS from baseline to weeks 16 and 52 was not significantly different between treatments in adolescents (estimated treatment difference: −0.07 at week 16 and −0.14 at week 52) and children (−0.06 and −0.07, respectively). Changes in other weight-related parameters between treatments were not significant. At week 52, hyperphagia total and drive scores were lower in adolescents treated with liraglutide vs no treatment. The most common adverse events with liraglutide were gastrointestinal disorders.

Conclusion

Although the coprimary endpoints were not met, changes in hyperphagia total and drive scores in adolescents warrant further studies on liraglutide in this population.
Leukocyte Telomere Length in Children With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Raftopoulou Christina , Abawi Ozair , Sommer Grit , Binou Maria , Paltoglou George , Flück Christa E , van den Akker Erica L T , Charmandari E
Published: October 2022

Context

Exposure to chronic stress and hypercortisolism is associated with decreased leukocyte telomere length (LTL), a marker for biological aging and cardiovascular disease. Children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are treated with glucocorticoids.

Objective

To investigate LTL in children with CAH.

Methods

In this prospective observational cohort study, conducted at 4 academic pediatric endocrinology outpatient clinics, children with genetically confirmed CAH were assessed at 2 follow-up visits (mean 4.1 ± 0.7 months apart). At each visit, LTL was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. All subjects underwent detailed clinical and endocrinologic evaluation and were classified as undertreated, optimally treated, or overtreated, accordingly. The influence of clinical factors on LTL was investigated using linear mixed models adjusted for age, sex, and BMI-z.

Results

We studied 76 patients, of whom 31 (41%) were girls, 63 (83%) had classic CAH, 67 (88%) received hydrocortisone, and 8 (11%) prednisolone. Median age at first visit was 12.0 years (IQR, 6.3-15.1), and median BMI-z was 0.51 (IQR, −0.12 to 1.43). LTL was shorter in patients with classic vs nonclassic CAH (−0.29, P = 0.012), in overtreated than in optimally treated patients (−0.07, P = 0.002), and patients receiving prednisolone compared with hydrocortisone (−0.34, P < 0.001). LTL was not associated with undertreatment or daily hydrocortisone-equivalent dose (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

LTL is shorter in patients with classic than nonclassic CAH, and in those who are overtreated with hydrocortisone or treated with long-acting glucocorticoids. These findings may be attributed to chronic exposure to supraphysiologic glucocorticoid concentrations and indicate that LTL may be used as a biomarker for monitoring glucocorticoid treatment.
Metabolic Dysregulation in Adult Survivors of Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: The Role of Incretins
Authors: Vadmand Amalia Christina , Nissen Anne Anker , Mathiesen Sidsel , Soerum Maria Ebbesen , Gerbek Tina , Fridh Martin Kaj , Sørensen Kaspar , Hartmann Bolette , Holst Jens Juul , Müller Klaus
Published: October 2022

Context

Survivors of pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS), but the mechanisms are poorly understood.

Objective

We aimed to test the hypothesis that insufficient secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) plays a pathogenetic role in HSCT survivors with MetS.

Methods

This cross-sectional cohort study, conducted at the Danish national referral center for HSCT, studied 42 male HSCT survivors (median age 28.9 years) for a median 21.2 years from HSCT, along with 15 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Main outcome measures were glucose metabolism and incretin hormones (by oral glucose tolerance test [OGTT]) and MetS criteria. The hypothesis was formulated before data collection.

Results

GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon during an OGTT were similar in patients and controls, with no overall difference between survivors with (24%) and without MetS. However, fasting glucagon was significantly higher in patients with hypertriglyceridemia (mean difference [MD]: 6.1 pmol/L; 95% CI, 1.5-10.8; P = 0.01), and correlated with HDL (MD: 4.7 mmol/L; 95% CI, −0.6 to 9.9; P = 0.08), android-gynoid ratio (correlation coefficient [r] = 0.6, P = 0.0001) and waist-hip ratio (r = 0.5, P = 0.002). A similar pattern was seen for GIP, correlating positively with triglyceride (MD: 60%; 95% CI, 44-82; P = 0.002). GIP levels were significantly increased in patients treated with total body irradiation (TBI) (MD: 165%; 95% CI, 118-230; P = 0.004), which was found to be a significant risk factor for MetS.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates an altered production of incretin hormones in HSCT survivors previously treated with TBI, developing dyslipidemia and abdominal adiposity.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With Normal Prepregnant Weight
Authors: Qian Yiling , Zhang Yu , Fan Xiaofang , Yan Hongmei , Li Xuesong , Fan Yujuan , Song Yuping , Ma Shuai , Hu Zheng , Gao Xin , Yang Jialin
Published: October 2022

Context

Existing studies focusing on the effects of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) combined with normal prepregnant weight on pregnancy outcomes are limited.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the relationship between maternal NAFLD and adverse pregnancy outcomes in different body mass index (BMI) groups.

Methods

Using an antenatal care and delivery database, we retrospectively analyzed women who delivered in Minhang Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China from January 1, 2013, to June 30, 2020. NAFLD was confirmed by ultrasound in early pregnancy. A logistic regression model with adjustment for confounders was used to examine potential associations between NAFLD and pregnancy outcomes.

Results

A total of 14 708 pregnant women (mean prepregnant BMI 21.0 [SD, 2.8] kg/m2) were included in our final study, of whom 554 (3.8%) had NAFLD. After fully adjusting for potential confounders, NAFLD significantly increased the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (adjusted odds ratio 2.477; 95% CI, 1.885-3.254), gestational hypertension (3.054; 2.191-4.257), preeclampsia/eclampsia (3.994; 2.591-6.005), cesarean section (1.569; 1.315-1.872), preterm births (1.831; 1.229-2.727), and macrosomia (1.691; 1.300-2.198). It is notable that 83.9% (12 338) of women were of normal weight at the start of pregnancy (prepregnant 18.5 ≤ BMI < 24 kg/m2), and they still had higher odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusion

Women with NAFLD and a normal weight have a higher risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant women with NAFLD, regardless of obesity status, should be offered a more qualified surveillance to optimize pregnancy outcomes.
Clinico-radiological nomogram for preoperatively predicting post-resection hepatic metastasis in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Haiting , Sun Jianqing , Liu Hong , Liu Xianwang , She Yingxia , Zhang Wenjuan , Zhou Junlin
Published: October 2022

Objective:

To establish and validate a model comprising clinical and radiological features to pre-operatively predict post-resection hepatic metastasis (HM) in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC).

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed 461 patients (HM, 106 patients); and non-metastasis (NM, 355 patients) who were confirmed to have GAC post-surgery. The patients were randomly divided into the training (n = 307) and testing (n = 154) cohorts in a 2:1 ratio. The main clinical risk factors were filtered using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm according to their diagnostic value. The selected factors were then used to establish a clinical–radiological model using stepwise logistic regression. The Akaike’s information criterion and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to evaluate the prediction performance of the model.

Results:

Logistic regression analysis showed that the peak enhancement phase, tumor location, alpha-fetoprotein, cancer antigen (CA)−125, CA724 levels, CT-based Tstage and arterial phase CT values were important independent predictors. Based on these predictors, the areas under the ROC curve of the training and testing cohorts were 0.864 and 0.832, respectively, for predicting post-operative HM.

Conclusion:

This study built a synthetical nomogram using the pre-operative clinical and radiological features of patients to predict the likelihood of HM occurring after GAC surgery. It may help guide pre-operative clinical decision-making and benefit patients with GAC in the future.

Advances in knowledge:

1. The combination of clinical risk factors and CT imaging features provided useful information for predicting HM in GAC. 2. A clinicoradiological nomogram is a tool for the pre-operative prediction of HM in patients with GAC.
Glycated Albumin and Angiopoietin-2: Possible indicators of Diabetic Retinopathy in Type-Two Diabetes
Authors: Ijaz Kanwal , Ali Bahoo Muhammad Luqman , Niaz Sobia , Ahmad Hafiz Usman
Published: October 2022

Objectives: To compare the levels of glycated albumin and angiopoietin-2 in Type-Two diabetics with and without diabetic retinopathy.

Methods: It was a cross-sectional comparative study done at University of Health Sciences, Lahore after collecting data from recruited patients from the outpatient department of Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust Eye Hospital, Lahore from 1st July, 2016 to 30th Aug., 2017. A total of 80 type two diabetics of both genders fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included and divided in two groups based on absence and presence of diabetic retinopathy. Obtained data were analyzed using IBM SPSS for Windows software (version 22). For comparison of both groups, Independent “t” Test or Mann-Whitney U tests were applied accordingly. For correlation of quantitative variables in each group, Spearman rho correlation and Pearson correlation test were applied depending upon normality of data.

Results: Among 80 type-two diabetics, 42 (52.5%) patients had diabetic retinopathy and 38 (47.5%) were without diabetic retinopathy. Overall, females (62.5%) outnumbered males (37.5%). Both study group were age matched (p=0.45). Mean serum albumin in diabetic retinopathy and non-diabetic retinopathy group was 4.20 ±0.56 gm/dL and 4.43 ±0.39 gm/dL respectively (p=0.031). In diabetic retinopathy group, mean glycated albumin was 1.48 (0.63-1.76) gm/dL and median IQR in non-diabetic retinopathy was 0.52 (0.23-1.10) gm/dL (p=0.003). In diabetic retinopathy group, mean glycated albumin (percent) was 30.71±18.63% and in non-diabetic retinopathy group, the median IQR was 11.80 (5.06-27.25) (p= 0.001). The angiopoietin-2 median IQR in diabetic retinopathy group 5.70 (5.47-5.80) was significantly different (p=0.033) from diabetics without diabetic retinopathy groups 5.40 (4.97-5.60).

Conclusion: Our study reported raised levels of glycated albumin (percent) and angiopoietin-2 in type-two diabetics, highlighting their possible involvement in disease and its progression.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.5579

How to cite this:Ijaz K, Bahoo MLA, Niaz S, Ahmad HU . Glycated Albumin and Angiopoietin-2: Possible indicators of Diabetic Retinopathy in Type-Two Diabetes. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.5579

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Bioethanol Production from Rice Straw and Cellulose Degradation using Aspergillus terreus and Trichoderma harzanium
Authors: Devi Manubolu Harika , Munjam Srinivas
Published: October 2022

On account of its minimal expense and a high potential for change into energy-producing products, lignocellulosic biomass is the future of bioenergy and energy. Notwithstanding, their true capacity is restricted by the utilization of inefficient and unstable enzymes. Therefore, the present work aim to investigate the cellulose degradation potential of two isolated fungal species Aspergillus terreus and Trichoderma harzanium followed by bioethanol production from acid-thermal pre-treated rice straw (RS). The experiments were conducted in two phases. In phase-I of experiments, the isolated cellulose-degrading fungal species (Aspergillus terreus and Trichoderma harzanium) were employed for enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated RS which was separated into two fractions namely: (Hydrolysate liquid) HL and (Residual pulp) RP. In phase-II of experiments, the enzymatically hydrolyzed substrate was subjected to yeast fermentation for bioethanol production. Using 18S rRNA sequencing, the microbial diversity study of the isolated species is covered in detail. The results revealed that the isolated fungal species A. terreus and T. harzanium resulted in 80 % of cellulose degradation. The highest bioethanol yield of 0.38 and 0.42 g/g of glucose was obtained from HL using Aspergillus terreus and Trichoderma harzanium treatment followed by yeast fermentation. The bioethanol yield of 0.17 g/g of cellulose was obtained from HL using both the fungal species.
Delving of a Promising Bioemulsifier Producing Bacterium from an Oil Contaminated Coastal Site and its Enhanced Production
Authors: Dharmadevi Devaraj , Ganes Punamalai , Sivasubramani Kandasamy
Published: October 2022

Chemical surfactants are non-biodegradable and harmful, thus researchers are looking for better alternatives. The present study aimed to isolate bioemulsifier producing bacteria from oil-contaminated sediments. Nearly, 19 morphologically distinct bacteria were isolated and screened for bioemulsifier producing potential. Based on the screening, one efficient isolate PHCS 7 was selected and further subjected to molecular identification. After characterization, the isolate was identified as Acinetobacter beijerinckii PHCS 7 and further employed for growth kinetic profiling and optimization of physical factors for bioemulsifier production. During 48hrs incubation, A. beijerinckii PHCS 7 showed 64.6% emulsification activity with 8.69g/L of cell biomass. Similarly, during the optimization study pH, 8 and temperature of 35°C favored 67.9% and 69.7% emulsification activity, respectively. The current research establishes a foundation for future research on cost-effective large-scale production.
Accountability and neglect in UK social care innovation
Authors: O’Donovan Cian
Published: October 2022

Innovation alters who is accountable for social care and how they are held to account. This article shows how organisational, institutional and technological innovation in infrastructures of social care can reconfigure accountability instruments and propel change between distinct modes of accountability. However, innovation also sustains neglect, both in terms of issues, objects and subjects missing from research, and in terms of low levels of institutional reflexivity mobilised to evaluate and direct innovation’s impacts. Evidenced using two-level situational analysis – across a UK research portfolio and within a public robotics lab – we argue that confronting this neglect is critical for post-pandemic reform.
The Impact of Chest Computed Tomography in A Covid-19 Reference Hospital - First Wave - Distrito Federal - Brazil
Authors: De Souza Gleim Dias , Queiroz De Souza Luciana Rodrigues , De Souza Gabriela Gomes , Souza Thales Queiroz , Castro Ulysses Rodrigues , Ibiapina Adriano Guimaraes , Ramos Feitosa Paulo Henrique , Ajzen Sérgio Aron
Published: October 2022

Objectives
To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of chest CT for the diagnosis of COVID-19 associated with the clinical presentation and in relation to the PCR-RT. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value, gender, age group and degree of lung involvement will be evaluated.

Methods
We evaluated 1545 patients with chest CT, delineating the age range and degree of lung involvement, and 306 patients with chest CT and PCR-RT.

Results
Of the 1545 examinations, 53% were men and 47% were women, there was greater involvement in the 50-59 age group. In the pulmonary study, 55.05% were COVID-19. In the degree of lung involvement 37.70% were mild, 35.76% were moderate, and 26.54% were severe. In the distribution by age, there was a greater involvement between 50-59 years with 56% between moderate (27.6%) and severe (28.0%). Between tomography and PCR-RT, the sensitivity was 68.8%, specificity 59.5%, accuracy 91.3%, with prevalence 31.9%, positive predictive value 44.3% and negative predictive value 80.3%, in females, sensitivity 55.3%, positive predictive value 37.1%, negative predictive value 75.3%, in males, sensitivity 81.6%, positive predictive value 50, 6 and negative predictive value 86.6%.The sensitivities are different between the genders with p of 0.005 and specificity of 0.938, with age effect, starting at 45 years we have a p of 0.057 that decreases to 0.006 at 80 years for sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions
The sensitivity and accuracy of CT scan in relation to PCR-RT was significant. Sensitivity increases with prevalence and in the older age group and in men.