bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of different treatments in reducing amniocentesis-associated pain and anxiety
Authors: Mahmoud Abdelrahman Mohamed , Allam Abdallah R.
Published: November 2023

Objective

This network meta-analysis compared different methods to determine which is most efficient at lowering pain and anxiety in women undergoing amniocentesis.

Method

We looked through all published randomized controlled trials in the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and EM base. Anxiety and pain were the predominant results. We used the R software version 4.2.1 to analyze the data.

Results

We included a total of 20 studies, with sample sizes ranging from 60 to 570. Virtual reality was the most effective strategy for lowering pain during AC [MD = -1.30, 95% CI (-2.11, -0.49)]. In addition, paracetamol use was the most successful approach for lowering pain following AC [MD = -1.68, 95% CI (-1.99, -1.37)]. The use of H7 acupressure, however, was the strategy that significantly reduced anxiety following AC [SMD = -15.46, 95% CI (-17.77, -13.15)].

Conclusion

The most effective method for reducing pain is the combination of virtual reality with paracetamol. Whereas, the most effective way to reduce anxiety is to combine an ice gel pack with H7 acupressure before applying AC.
National assessment of obstetrics and gynecology and family medicine residents’ experiences with CenteringPregnancy group prenatal care
Authors: Place Jean Marie , Van De Griend Kristin , Zhang Mengxi , Schreiner Melanie , Munroe Tanya , Crockett Amy , Ji Wenyan , Hanlon Alexandra L.
Published: November 2023

Objective

To examine family medicine (FM) and obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) residents’ experiences with CenteringPregnancy (CP) group prenatal care (GPNC) as a correlate to perceived likelihood of implementing CP in future practice, as well as knowledge, level of support, and perceived barriers to implementation.

Methods

We conducted a repeated cross-sectional study annually from 2017 to 2019 with FM and OB/GYN residents from residency programs in the United States licensed to operate CP. We applied adjusted logistic regression models to identify predictors of intentions to engage with CP in future practice.

Results

Of 212 FM and 176 OB/GYN residents included in analysis, 67.01% of respondents intended to participate as a facilitator in CP in future practice and 51.80% of respondents were willing to talk to decision makers about establishing CP. Both FM and OB/GYN residents who spent more than 15 h engaged with CP and who expressed support towards CP were more likely to participate as a facilitator. FM residents who received residency-based training on CP and who were more familiar with CP reported higher intention to participate as a facilitator, while OB/GYN residents who had higher levels of engagement with CP were more likely to report an intention to participate as a facilitator.

Conclusion

Engagement with and support towards CP during residency are key factors in residents’ intention to practice CP in the future. To encourage future adoption of CP among residents, consider maximizing resident engagement with the model in hours of exposure and level of engagement, including hosting residency-based trainings on CP for FM residents.
Psychological interventions during breast cancer rehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial comparing structured short-term psychotherapy versus non-specific group discussion
Authors: Fauser David , Rimalis-Vogt Elena , Mattes Johannes , Bethge Matthias
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Psycho-oncological treatment is recommended in cancer rehabilitation as it improves fatigue, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in breast cancer patients. The aim of our study was to compare a structured short-term psychotherapy and a non-specific group discussion provided during breast cancer rehabilitation.

Methods

Breast cancer patients were randomly assigned to structured group short-term psychotherapy or a non-specific group discussion during breast cancer rehabilitation. The patients completed questionnaires at the beginning and end of rehabilitation and three months after rehabilitation. The primary outcome was anxiety. Secondary outcomes were depression, distress, fatigue and health-related quality of life domains.

Results

In total, 160 patients (80 in both groups) were recruited and included in the analysis. There was no significant difference between both groups in the primary outcome anxiety at the end of rehabilitation (difference = -0.2; 95% CI -1.2 to 0.7) and three months after rehabilitation (difference = 0.2; 95% CI -0.9 to 1.3) and in any secondary outcome. Patients in the short-term psychotherapy group with high anxiety levels at baseline reported fewer depressive symptoms at the end of rehabilitation.

Conclusions

Our study showed no difference between structured short-term psychotherapy and a non-specific group discussion. Patients with high baseline anxiety levels were more likely to benefit from short-term structured psychotherapy. Early identification of this subgroup and symptoms of mental illness should occur after initial treatment in breast cancer patients in order to offer a structured treatment for anxiety and depressive symptoms during rehabilitation.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00017571; 08/07/2019).
A systematic review of the direct and indirect COVID-19’s impact on food security and its dimensions: pre-and post-comparative analysis
Authors: Gebeyehu Daniel Teshome , East Leah , Wark Stuart , Islam Md Shahidul
Published: November 2023

Background

Since its emergence, the COVID-19 pandemic has compromised the food security both directly by impacting food supply chain and indirectly by overwhelming the individual health and/or personal financial situation. The overarching aim of the current study is to assess aspects of the food security crisis that have arisen due to COVID-19 and to identify which, if any, food security dimensions were specifically compromised.

Methods

Primary research articles were initially identified through four online databases (Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science), with the references of each paper then also reviewed for additional article. The food security status of individuals and the wider community, both before and after the emergence of COVID-19, were examined.

Results

Of the 2,057 studies initially identified, a total of ten were included in the final review. The included studies confirmed that COVID-19 had substantially impacted food security, with individuals, households and the wider community experiencing food insecurity. Nine of the included studies aruged that the food accessibility dimension was the most compromised.

Conclusion

To address the identified direct and indirect food security issues associated with COVID-19, it is proposed that a combination of prevention practices and proactive food security activities is required. Integrating food security interventions, supporting and facilitating food security resilience, and conducting further studies on the food security of COVID-19 are also recommended.
Association between sleep duration and hearing threshold shifts of adults in the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2015–2016
Authors: Long Lili , Tang Yuedi
Published: November 2023

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to hearing loss (HL). Another sleep characteristics, sleep duration might also be associated with HL, but prior evidence is limited. This study is aimed to investigate the association between sleep duration and hearing level in the adult US population.

Methods

In total, a sample of 2777 individuals aged 20–69 years from the 2015–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycle (NHANES, 2015–2016) were investigated in this study. Self-reported sleep duration data was classified into the short-sleep (< 7 h), normal-sleep (7–9 h), and long-sleep (> 9 h) group. Multivariable linear regression models between sleep duration and hearing threshold shifts were estimated. Interactions between sleep duration and age, gender, race, OSA were also considered, and the study population was stratified by age, gender, race, and OSA to analyze the potential disparities among adults in different subgroups.

Results

Long-sleep duration was positively associated with speech- and high-frequency pure-tone average (PTA) thresholds with statistical significance (β = 1.31, 95%CI: 0.10, 2.53, P = 0.0347, and β = 2.71, 95%CI: 0.69, 4.74, P = 0.0087, respectively). When stratified by age, short sleep duration was positively associated with low-, and speech-frequency PTAs (P = 0.0140 and 0.0225, respectively) for adults aged 40–59 years, and long-sleep duration was positively associated with low-, and speech-frequency PTAs (P = 0.0495 and 0.0142, respectively) for adults aged 60–69 years with statistical significance. There was statistically significant interaction between OSA and sleep duration on speech-frequency PTA, but no significant interaction between either gender or race with sleep duration on hearing thresholds among US adults.

Conclusion

Short/long sleep durations are associated with worse hearing level comparing to sleep 7–9 h in the American adults. Nonoptimal sleep duration may be a potential risk factor for HL.
Factors associated with overdiagnosis of benign pulmonary nodules as malignancy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Duan Xirui , Ouyang Zhiqiang , Bao Shasha , Yang Lu , Deng Ailin , Zheng Guangrong , Zhu Yu , Li Guochen , Chu Jixiang , Liao Chengde
Published: November 2023

Objective

To establish a preoperative model for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant pulmonary nodules (PNs), and to evaluate the related factors of overdiagnosis of benign PNs at the time of imaging assessments.

Materials and methods

In this retrospective study, 357 patients (median age, 52 years; interquartile range, 46–59 years) with 407 PNs were included, who underwent surgical histopathologic evaluation between January 2020 and December 2020. Patients were divided into a training set (n = 285) and a validation set (n = 122) to develop a preoperative model to identify benign PNs. CT scan features were reviewed by two chest radiologists, and imaging findings were categorized. The overdiagnosis rate of benign PNs was calculated, and bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate factors associated with benign PNs that were over-diagnosed as malignant PNs.

Results

The preoperative model identified features such as the absence of part-solid and non-solid nodules, absence of spiculation, absence of vascular convergence, larger lesion size, and CYFRA21-1 positivity as features for identifying benign PNs on imaging, with a high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.88 in the validation set. The overdiagnosis rate of benign PNs was found to be 50%. Independent risk factors for overdiagnosis included diagnosis as non-solid nodules, pleural retraction, vascular convergence, and larger lesion size at imaging.

Conclusion

We developed a preoperative model for identifying benign and malignant PNs and evaluating factors that led to the overdiagnosis of benign PNs. This preoperative model and result may help clinicians and imaging physicians reduce unnecessary surgery.
Changes in the Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life of Thai patients with oral lichen planus after topical corticosteroid treatment: a 1-month longitudinal study
Authors: Kengtong Witchapat , Piboonratanakit Pornpan , Krisdapong Sudaduang
Published: November 2023

Background

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the oral cavity that affects many patients’ daily living activities. Topical corticosteroids are the first-line drug for treating OLP. The Oral Impact on Daily Performances index (OIDP) is an Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) measure developed to assess the ultimate impacts. The aims of this study were to evaluate the clinical, pain and OHRQoL responses after treating OLP patients with topical corticosteroids for 1 month, and secondly to assess the relationships of changes in the clinical sign score, pain score, and OHRQoL.

Methods

Seventy-two OLP patients were treated by topical corticosteroids based on their dentists’ clinical judgments. Clinical and patient-based outcomes were assessed at baseline and follow-up visit. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by the highest and total Thongprasom sign score. Patient-based outcomes were evaluated by numeric rating scale (NRS) and OIDP. The self-rated overall changes in quality of life during the 1-month treatment period using the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) were also recorded at the follow-up visit.

Results

This study comprised 59 women and 13 men. All clinical and patient-based outcomes were significantly reduced after 1-month treatment with topical corticosteroids (P < 0.01). The most commonly affected activities were Emotional stability, followed by Eating and Cleaning the oral cavity. Forty-six percent reported the same or up to moderately improved, while 54% had a greatly improved quality of life as assessed by PGIC. There were no significant differences in the improvement of clinical and patient-based outcomes between these groups. There were significant relationships between the differences in the highest Thongprasom sign score and the differences in total Thongprasom sign score (r = 0.293; P < 0.05), and the differences in total OIDP percentage score and the difference in pain score (r = 0.427; P < 0.001). The differences in the total Thongprasom sign score also significantly related to the difference in the total OIDP percentage score (r = 0.335; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Topical corticosteroids were significantly effective after 1-month treatment of OLP based on the clinical and patient-based outcomes. The OHRQoL improvement was significantly related to the reductions in pain and clinical severity.

Trial registration

The trial was registered at the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR identifier: TCTR 20221110001).
Learner satisfaction with synchronous and asynchronous virtual learning systems during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tehran university of medical sciences: a comparative analysis
Authors: Dargahi Hossein , Kooshkebaghi Mahdi , Mireshghollah Masoumeh
Published: November 2023

Background

The need for electronic learning and its systems, especially during specific circumstances and crises, is crucial and fundamental for users in universities. However, what is even more important is the awareness and familiarity of learners with different systems and their appropriate use in e-learning. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the satisfaction of learners with synchronous and asynchronous electronic learning systems during the COVID-19 period at Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Methods

The present study was a descriptive-analytical study conducted cross-sectionally from the first semester of 2019–2020 academic year until the end of the second semester of 2021–2022 academic year, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample size was determined to be 370 students and 650 staff members using the Krejcie and Morgan table. The face validity and reliability of the research tool, which was a researcher-made questionnaire, was confirmed. Considering a response rate of 75%, 280 completed questionnaires were received from students, and 500 completed questionnaires were collected from employees. For data analysis, absolute and relative frequencies, as well as independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Post Hoc tests in the SPSS software were utilized.

Results

During the COVID-19 pandemic, both students and staff members at Tehran University of Medical Sciences showed a relatively decreasing level of satisfaction with electronic learning. There was a significant difference in satisfaction between these two groups of learners regarding electronic learning (P = 0/031). Learners were relatively more satisfied with the offline system called “Navid” compared to online learning systems. Among the online systems, the highest level of satisfaction was observed with the Skype platform.

Conclusion

Although learners expressed relative satisfaction with electronic learning during the COVID-19 period, it is necessary to strengthen infrastructure and provide support services, technical assistance, and continuous updates for electronic learning platforms. This can contribute to more effective and efficient utilization of electronic learning, especially during particular circumstances and crises, or in hybrid models combining online and face to face education and training.
Comparison of new computational methods for spatial modelling of malaria
Authors: Wong Spencer , Flegg Jennifer A. , Golding Nick , Kandanaarachchi Sevvandi
Published: November 2023

Background

Geostatistical analysis of health data is increasingly used to model spatial variation in malaria prevalence, burden, and other metrics. Traditional inference methods for geostatistical modelling are notoriously computationally intensive, motivating the development of newer, approximate methods for geostatistical analysis or, more broadly, computational modelling of spatial processes. The appeal of faster methods is particularly great as the size of the region and number of spatial locations being modelled increases.

Methods

This work presents an applied comparison of four proposed ‘fast’ computational methods for spatial modelling and the software provided to implement them—Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA), tree boosting with Gaussian processes and mixed effect models (GPBoost), Fixed Rank Kriging (FRK) and Spatial Random Forests (SpRF). The four methods are illustrated by estimating malaria prevalence on two different spatial scales—country and continent. The performance of the four methods is compared on these data in terms of accuracy, computation time, and ease of implementation.

Results

Two of these methods—SpRF and GPBoost—do not scale well as the data size increases, and so are likely to be infeasible for larger-scale analysis problems. The two remaining methods—INLA and FRK—do scale well computationally, however the resulting model fits are very sensitive to the user’s modelling assumptions and parameter choices. The binomial observation distribution commonly used for disease prevalence mapping with INLA fails to account for small-scale overdispersion present in the malaria prevalence data, which can lead to poor predictions. Selection of an appropriate alternative such as the Beta-binomial distribution is required to produce a reliable model fit. The small-scale random effect term in FRK overcomes this pitfall, but FRK model estimates are very reliant on providing a sufficient number and appropriate configuration of basis functions. Unfortunately the computation time for FRK increases rapidly with increasing basis resolution.

Conclusions

INLA and FRK both enable scalable geostatistical modelling of malaria prevalence data. However care must be taken when using both methods to assess the fit of the model to data and plausibility of predictions, in order to select appropriate model assumptions and parameters.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with malaria infection in children under two years of age in southern Togo prior to perennial malaria chemoprevention implementation
Authors: Arikawa Shino , Tchankoni Martin Kouame , Gbeasor-Komlanvi Fifonsi A. , Atekpe Somiabalo P. , Atcha-Oubou Tinah , Figueroa-Romero Antía , Fombah Augustin E. , Saute Francisco , Samai Mohamed , Menendez Clara , Gonzalez Raquel , Briand Valérie , Ekouevi Didier K. ,   the MULTIPLY consortium
Published: November 2023

Background

Malaria remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in young children in sub-Saharan Africa. To prevent malaria in children living in moderate-to-high malaria transmission areas, the World Health Organization has recommended perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC). Prior to piloting PMC implementation in southern Togo, a household survey was conducted to estimate malaria infection prevalence in children under 2 years of age (U2).

Methods

A cross-sectional community-based household survey was conducted in the Haho district in the Togo Plateaux region. A three-stage random sampling method was used to select study participants aged 10–23 months whose caretakers gave informed consent. The prevalence of Plasmodium infection, defined as a positive rapid diagnostic test (RDT), was estimated with 95% confidence interval (CI). Clinical malaria was defined as having a positive RDT plus fever (≥ 37.5 °C) or history of fever in the last 24 h. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to assess the child’s, caretaker’s, and household’s factors associated with malaria infection.

Results

A total of 685 children were included in the survey conducted January–February in 2022 (dry season). Median age was 17 months (interquartile range: 13–21). About 80% of the children slept under a bed net the night before the interview. Malaria infection prevalence was 32.1% (95% CI 27.7–37.0) with significant area variation (cluster range: 0.0–73.3). Prevalence of clinical malaria was 15.4% (95% CI 12.2–19.2). Children whose caretakers were animist (aOR: 1.71, 95% CI 1.19–2.46) and those living in mother-headed households (aOR: 2.39, 95% CI 1.43–3.99) were more likely to have a positive RDT. Living more than 5 km away from the nearest health facility (aOR: 1.60, 95% CI 1.04–2.44) and presence of two or more under-5-years children in the household (aOR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.01–2.07) were also associated with increased risk of infection.

Conclusion

One-third of the children U2 who participated in this survey had malaria infection, thus PMC could be a promising strategy to reduce malaria burden in young children in Plateaux region. Reinforcement of outreach services and targeting the poorest households should be prioritized to reduce the inequity in malaria prevention in children exposed to the infection.
Psychometric evaluation of the PROMIS SD-SF-8b instrument in individuals experiencing vasomotor symptoms due to menopause
Authors: Schultz Neil M. , Morga Antonia , Siddiqui Emad , Rhoten Stephanie E.
Published: November 2023

Background

Women with vasomotor symptoms (VMS) due to menopause frequently experience poor sleep quality. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sleep Disturbance – Short Form 8b (PROMIS SD-SF-8b) has been developed to assess sleep disturbance. The study objective was to use data from the fezolinetant SKYLIGHT 1 and 2 studies in individuals with VMS to assess the psychometric properties of the PROMIS SD-SF-8b.

Methods

Individuals (aged ≥ 40–≤65 years) with moderate-to-severe VMS (≥ 7 hot flashes/day) were enrolled. Besides PROMIS SD-SF-8b, eight other patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures were used for the psychometric evaluation. All the PRO assessments were completed at weeks 4 and 12 during the treatment period and most were completed at baseline. Psychometric analyses included factor analysis and reliability, construct validity, and sensitivity to change assessments. The within-patient threshold for a clinically meaningful change in sleep disturbance was derived.

Results

Overall, 1022 individuals were included from the SKYLIGHT 1 and 2 studies. Mean PROMIS SD-SF-8b total score at baseline was 26.80, which decreased to 22.68 at week 12, reflecting improved sleep disturbance. The confirmatory factor analysis supported the proposed PROMIS SD-SF-8b domain structure. Internal consistency was excellent, with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.915 and 0.935 and a McDonald’s omega of 0.917. Item-to-item and item-total correlations were sufficient and moderate test-retest reliability was noted. The construct validity assessments showed that moderate Spearman rank correlations (r: 0.608 to 0.651) were observed between PROMIS SD-SF-8b total scores and measures of sleep disturbance and sleep-related impairment, and that significant differences were noted in the total scores across PRO categories. The responsiveness of PROMIS SD-SF-8b total scores was supported by the results from the correlations in change scores and comparisons of mean change scores by PRO categories. Statistically significant differences in mean scores were observed between responder and non-responder PRO groups. A PROMIS SD-SF-8b total score of 8 points was identified as the within-patient threshold to use to confirm a meaningful change in sleep disturbance.

Conclusions

The psychometric properties of the PROMIS SD-SF-8b support its use to measure sleep disturbance in women with VMS due to menopause.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov numbers: NCT04003155 and NCT04003142.
Factor associated with willingness to pay for prevention of cancer: a study of prostate cancer screening
Authors: Farabi Hiro , Moradi Najmeh , Ahmadzadeh Aziz , Agamir Seyed Mohammad Kazem , Mohammadi Abdolreza , Rezapour Aziz
Published: November 2023

Introduction

This study investigates Iranian men’s willingness to pay (WTP) for prostate cancer (PCa) screening and influencing factor, along with the impact of information.

Method

We assessed preferences for prostate cancer screening in 771 Iranian men aged 40 and above using an internet-based questionnaire survey. Participants received basic and complementary information, and their willingness to pay was determined through a payment card approach. A Wilcoxon test assessed the impact of information. We also analyzed prostate cancer screening demand and employed Heckman's two-step model to evaluate factors influencing the willingness to pay. Additionally, reasons for unwillingness to pay were explored.

Results

Willingness to pay significantly decreased with complementary information relative to basic information (16.3$ vs 17.8$). Heckman model, using WTP based on basic information shows age, education, and monthly household expenditure positively influenced the decision to pay. In contrast, health status, expectations of remaining life and prostate problems history positively affect amount of WTP for PCa screening, and insurance coverage has a negative impact on it.

Majority of respondents (91%) supported PCa screening, with 82% expressing a willingness to pay. Common reasons for not paying include seeing screening as a public good (43%), financial constraints (35%), and having insurance (20%). The screening demand is price-sensitive.

Conclusion

The basic mindset of Iranian men exaggerates the risk of prostate cancer. Reduced willingness to pay after receiving information reassures the reliability of their financial expectation. Taking into account the factors that influence PCa screening is essential for accurate planning and the successful implementation of this program.
Tensor methods in data analysis of chromatography/mass spectroscopy-based plant metabolomics
Authors: Guo Lili , Yu Huiwen , Li Yuan , Zhang Chenxi , Kharbach Mourad
Published: November 2023

Plant metabolomics is an important research area in plant science. Chemometrics is a useful tool for plant metabolomic data analysis and processing. Among them, high-order chemometrics represented by tensor modeling provides a new and promising technical method for the analysis of complex multi-way plant metabolomics data. This paper systematically reviews different tensor methods widely applied to the analysis of complex plant metabolomic data. The advantages and disadvantages as well as the latest methodological advances of tensor models are reviewed and summarized. At the same time, application of different tensor methods in solving plant science problems are also reviewed and discussed. The reviewed applications of tensor methods in plant metabolomics cover a wide range of important plant science topics including plant gene mutation and phenotype, plant disease and resistance, plant pharmacology and nutrition analysis, and plant products ingredient characterization and quality evaluation. It is evident from the review that tensor methods significantly promote the automated and intelligent process of plant metabolomics analysis and profoundly affect the paradigm of plant science research. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review to systematically summarize the tensor analysis methods in plant metabolomic data analysis.
m6A modified BACE1-AS contributes to liver metastasis and stemness-like properties in colorectal cancer through TUFT1 dependent activation of Wnt signaling
Authors: Wang Xidi , Liu Yu , Zhou Miao , Yu Lei , Si Zizhen
Published: November 2023

Background

Liver metastasis is one of the most important reasons for high mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC). Growing evidence illustrates that lncRNAs play a critical role in CRC liver metastasis. Here we described a novel function and mechanisms of BACE1-AS promoting CRC liver metastasis.

Methods

qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization were performed to examine the BACE1-AS level in CRC. IGF2BP2 binding to m6A motifs in BACE1-AS was determined by RIP assay and S1m-tagged immunoprecipitation. Transwell assay and liver metastasis mice model experiments were performed to examine the metastasis capabilities of BACE1-AS knockout cells. Stemness-like properties was examined by tumor sphere assay and the expression of stemness biomarkers. Microarray data were acquired to analyze the signaling pathways involved in BACE1-AS promoting CRC metastasis.

Results

BACE1-AS is the most up-regulated in metastatic CRC associated with unfavorable prognosis. Sequence blast revealed two m6A motifs in BACE1-AS. IGF2BP2 binding to these two m6A motifs is required for BACE1-AS boost in metastatic CRC. m6A modified BACE1-AS drives CRC cells migration and invasion and liver metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, BACE1-AS maintains the stemness-like properties of CRC cells. Mechanically, BACE1-AS promoted TUFT1 expression by ceRNA network through miR-214-3p. CRC patients with such ceRNA network suffer poorer prognosis than ceRNA-negative patients. Depletion of TUFT1 mimics BACE1-AS loss. BACE1-AS activated Wnt signaling pathway in a TUFT1 dependent manner. BACE1-AS/miR-214-3p/TUFT1/Wnt signaling regulatory axis is essential for CRC liver metastasis. Pharmacologic inhibition of Wnt signaling pathway repressed liver metastasis and stemness-like features in BACE1-AS over-expressed CRC cells.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated BACE1-AS as a novel target of IGF2BP2 through m6A modification. m6A modified BACE1-AS promotes CRC liver metastasis through TUFT1 dependent activation of Wnt signaling pathway. Thus, targeting BACE1-AS and its downstream Wnt signaling pathways may provide a new opportunity for metastatic CRC intervention and treatment.
Electronic field protocols for prehospital care quality improvement in Lithuania: a randomized simulation-based study
Authors: Paliokaite Ieva , Dambrauskas Zilvinas , Dobozinskas Paulius , Pukenyte Evelina , Mankute-Use Aida , Vaitkaitis Dinas
Published: November 2023

Background

Prehospital emergency care is complex and influenced by various factors, leading to the need for decision-support tools. Studies suggest that cognitive aids improve provider performance and patient outcomes in clinical emergencies. Electronic cognitive aids have rarely been investigated in prehospital care. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of the electronic field protocol (eFP) module on performance, adherence to the standard of care, and satisfaction of prehospital care providers in a simulated environment.

Methods

This randomised simulation-based study was conducted at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences in Kaunas, Lithuania. The simulation scenarios were developed to test 12 eFPs: adult resuscitation, pediatric resuscitation, delivery and postpartum care, seizures in pregnancy, stroke, anaphylaxis, acute chest pain, acute abdominal pain, respiratory distress in children, severe trauma, severe infection and sepsis, and initial neonatal evaluation and resuscitation. Sixteen prehospital practitioners with at least 3 years of clinical experience were randomly assigned to either use the eFP module or perform without it in each of the 12 simulated scenarios. Participant scores and adherence to standardised checklists were compared between the two performance modes. Participant satisfaction was measured through a post-simulation survey.

Results

A total of 190 simulation sessions were conducted. Compared to the use of memory alone, the use of the eFP module significantly improved participants’ performance in 10 out of the 12 simulation scenarios. Adherence to the standardised checklist increased from 60 to 85% (p < 0.001). Post-simulation survey results indicate that participants found the eFP module easy to use and relevant to prehospital clinical practice.

Conclusions

The study findings suggest that the eFP module as a cognitive aid can enhance prehospital practitioners’ performance and adherence to the standard of care in simulated scenarios. These results highlight the potential of standardised eFPs as a quality improvement step in prehospital care in Lithuania.
Use of an on/off tetracycline riboswitch to control protein production in Komagataella phaffii
Authors: Vieira Igor Patrick Vasconcelos , Pimentel Felipe Seixas Arreguy , Coelho Cintia Marques , De Marco Janice Lisboa , de Moraes Lidia Maria Pepe , Torres Fernando Araripe Gonçalves
Published: November 2023

The methylotrophic yeast Komagataella phaffii is one of the most important microbial platforms to produce recombinant proteins. Despite its importance in the context of industrial biotechnology, the use of synthetic biology approaches in K. phaffii is hampered by the fact that few genetic tools are available for precise control of gene expression in this system. In this work, we used an RNA aptamer activated by tetracycline to modulate protein production at the translational level. Using lacZ as gene reporter, we have demonstrated significant reduction of the heterologous protein upon addition of tetracycline. Furthermore, this genetic control device was applied for the control of Ku70p. This protein is involved in non-homologous recombination and the control of its production paves the way for the development of strains exhibiting higher rates of homologous recombination.
Exploring cross-cultural and gender differences in facial expressions: a skin tone analysis using RGB Values
Authors: Ali Sajid , Khan Muhammad Sharoze , Khan Asad , Sarwar Muhammad Abdullah , Syam MS , Aamir Muhammad , Ghadi Yazeed Yasin , Alkahtani Hend Khalid , Mostafa Samih M.
Published: November 2023

Facial expressions serve as crucial indicators of an individual's psychological state, playing a pivotal role in face-to-face communication. This research focuses on advancing collaboration between machines and humans by undertaking a thorough investigation into facial expressions. Specifically, we delve into the analysis of emotional variations related to changes in skin tone across different genders and cultural backgrounds (Black and white). The research methodology is structured across three phases. In Phase I, image data is acquired and meticulously processed from the Chicago face dataset, resulting in 12,402 augmented images across five classes (Normal case, Benign case, Adenocarcinoma, Squamous-cell-carcinoma, Large-cell-carcinoma). Phase II involves the identification of Regions of Interest (ROI) and the extraction of RGB values as features from these ROIs. Various methods, including those proposed by Kovac, Swift, and Saleh, are employed for precise skin identification. The final phase, Phase III, centers on the in-depth analysis of emotions and presents the research findings. Statistical techniques, such as Descriptive statistics, independent sample T-tests for gender and cross-cultural comparisons, and two-way ANOVA, are applied to RED, BLUE, and GREEN pixel values as response variables, with gender and emotions as explanatory variables. The rejection of null hypotheses prompts a Post Hoc test to discern significant pairs of means. The results indicate that both cross-cultural backgrounds and gender significantly influence pixel colors, underscoring the impact of different localities on pixel coloration. Across various expressions, our results exhibit a minimal 0.05% error rate in all classifications. Notably, the study reveals that green pixel color does not exhibit a significant difference between Anger and Neutral emotions, suggesting a near-identical appearance for green pixels in these emotional states. These findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of the intricate relationship between facial expressions, gender, and cultural backgrounds, providing valuable insights for future research in human–machine interaction and emotion recognition.
Maternal hypercholesterolemia would increase the incidence of embryo aneuploidy in couples with recurrent implantation failure
Authors: Liu Yang , Ni Tianxiang , Zhao Qing , Cui Weiran , Lan Xiangxin , Zhou Tingting , Zhang Qian , Yan Junhao
Published: November 2023

Background

The association of dyslipidemia with embryo development and pregnancy outcomes is largely unknown, especially in unexplained recurrent implantation failure (uRIF) patients. Here, this study aimed to explore the impact of abnormal blood lipid levels on embryo genetic status and pregnancy outcomes after preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) from a clinical perspective.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed 502 patients diagnosed as uRIF. They were divided into four groups according to the levels of cholesterol and triglyceride: nonhyperlipidemia group (NonH group), simple hypercholesterolemia group (SHC group), simple hypertriglyceridemia group (SHC group) and mixed hyperlipidemia group (MixH group). At the same time, patients were divided into non-low HDL-C group and low HDL-C group according to their HDL-C level. The outcomes of embryos genetic testing and pregnancy outcomes after PGT-A was analyzed between groups. Binary logistic regression and/or generalized estimating equation (GEE) model were conducted to investigate the association of different types of dyslipidemia with embryonic aneuploidy rate and cumulative live-birth rate.

Results

474 women who met the inclusion criteria were divided into four groups: NonH group (N = 349), SHC group (N = 55), SHT group (N = 52) and MixH group (N = 18). Compared with the NonH group, SHC group had a significantly increased rate of embryo aneuploidy [48.3% vs. 36.7%, P = 0.006; adjusted OR (95% confidence interval) = 1.52(1.04–2.22), P = 0.029], as well as a reduced number of good-quality embryos on day 5 or 6 [3.00 ± 2.29 vs. 3.74 ± 2.77, P = 0.033]. The SHC group showed a tendency of a lower cumulative live birth rate (47.0% vs. 40.0%), a lower incidence of good birth outcome (37.2% vs. 34.5%) and a higher risk of clinical pregnancy loss (11.1% vs. 17.9%), but did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). The incidences of obstetric or neonatal complications and other adverse events were similar in the four groups. Whether patients have low HDL-C did not differ in pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusions

We found that uRIF women with hypercholesterolemia had an increased proportion of aneuploid embryos and a reduced proportion of high-quality embryos, while different types of hyperlipidemia had no correlation with cumulative live birth rate as well as pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.
Accuracy of a new rapid diagnostic test for urinary antigen detection and assessment of drug treatment in opisthorchiasis
Authors: Worasith Chanika , Sithithaworn Jiraporn , Wongphutorn Phattharaphon , Homwong Chutima , Khongsukwiwat Kanoknan , Techasen Anchalee , Kopolrat Kulthida Y. , Loilome Watcharin , Namwat Nisana , Thinkamrop Bandit , Tawarungruang Chaiwat , Titapun Attapol , Laha Thewarach , Andrews Ross H. , Taylor-Robinson Simon D. , Sithithaworn Paiboon
Published: November 2023

Background

Screening for opisthorchiasis, a parasitic worm infection affecting many millions of people in Southeast Asia, has traditionally relied on faecal egg examination such as the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT) and Kato-Katz method. Although the urinary enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been used more recently, we developed a urinary antigen-based rapid diagnostic test (RDT) to simplify diagnosis and as a point-of-care testing (POCT) and field applications for surveillance and control of opisthorchiasis.

Methods

A urinary Opisthorchis viverrini (OV)-RDT was developed using immunochromatographic methodology with a specific monoclonal antibody against OV. The diagnostic performance of the urinary OV-RDT was compared to that of quantitative faecal FECT and urinary antigen ELISA (n = 493). Cross-reactivities of urinary OV-RDT with other helminthiases coexisted with O. viverrini were determined (n = 96). A field trial in the application of urinary OV-RDT was compared with urinary antigen ELISA at baseline screening and assessment of drug treatment outcomes in opisthorchiasis (n = 1629). The McNemar chi-square, Kruskal–Wallis and Cohen’s kappa coefficient (κ-value) tests were used for statistical analyses.

Results

Urinary OV-RDT had sensitivity of 94.2% and specificity of 93.2%, compared to faecal FECT. Urinary OV-RDT had high diagnostic agreement (Kappa = 0.842–0.874, P < 0.001) and quantitative correlation with urinary antigen ELISA (Kruskal–Wallis tests = 316.2, P < 0.0001) and faecal FECT (Kruskal–Wallis tests = 362.3, P < 0.0001). The positive rates by OV-RDT, ELISA and FECT were 48.9%, 52.5% and 49.3%, respectively. Cross-reactions of urinary OV-RDT with other helminthiases were few (2%). Field trials of urinary OV-RDT yielded comparable prevalence of O. viverrini between urinary OV-RDT (53.2%) and urinary antigen ELISA (54.0%). OV screening showed high diagnostic agreement (kappa > 0.8, P < 0.0001) between urinary OV-RDT and urinary antigen ELISA. The cure rates of opisthorchiasis at 1 month post-praziquantel treatment determined by urinary OV-RDT (86.6%) and urinary antigen ELISA (80.5%) were similar (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The urinary OV-RDT test has high potential as a new tool for screening and evaluating treatment outcomes in opisthorchiasis. The ease of sample collection and simplicity of urinary OV-RDT may facilitate mass screening, control and elimination of opisthorchiasis, thereby contributing to a reduction in the disease burden in Southeast Asia.

Graphical Abstract
Rare germline variants in POLE and POLD1 encoding the catalytic subunits of DNA polymerases ε and δ in glioma families
Authors: Weber Christine A. M. , Krönke Nicole , Volk Valery , Auber Bernd , Förster Alisa , Trost Detlef , Geffers Robert , Esmaeilzadeh Majid , Lalk Michael , Nabavi Arya , Samii Amir , Krauss Joachim K. , Feuerhake Friedrich , Hartmann Christian , Wiese Bettina , Brand Frank , Weber Ruthild G.
Published: November 2023

Pathogenic germline variants in the DNA polymerase genes POLE and POLD1 cause polymerase proofreading-associated polyposis, a dominantly inherited disorder with increased risk of colorectal carcinomas and other tumors. POLE/POLD1 variants may result in high somatic mutation and neoantigen loads that confer susceptibility to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). To explore the role of POLE/POLD1 germline variants in glioma predisposition, whole-exome sequencing was applied to leukocyte DNA of glioma patients from 61 tumor families with at least one glioma case each. Rare heterozygous POLE/POLD1 missense variants predicted to be deleterious were identified in glioma patients from 10 (16%) families, co-segregating with the tumor phenotype in families with available DNA from several tumor patients. Glioblastoma patients carrying rare POLE variants had a mean overall survival of 21 months. Additionally, germline variants in POLD1, located at 19q13.33, were detected in 2/34 (6%) patients with 1p/19q-codeleted oligodendrogliomas, while POLE variants were identified in 2/4 (50%) glioblastoma patients with a spinal metastasis. In 13/15 (87%) gliomas from patients carrying POLE/POLD1 variants, features of defective polymerase proofreading, e.g. hypermutation, POLE/POLD1-associated mutational signatures, multinucleated cells, and increased intratumoral T cell response, were observed. In a CRISPR/Cas9-derived POLE-deficient LN-229 glioblastoma cell clone, a mutator phenotype and delayed S phase progression were detected compared to wildtype POLE cells. Our data provide evidence that rare POLE/POLD1 germline variants predispose to gliomas that may be susceptible to ICIs. Data compiled here suggest that glioma patients carrying POLE/POLD1 variants may be recognized by cutaneous manifestations, e.g. café-au-lait macules, and benefit from surveillance colonoscopy.
Implementing multicomponent, eHealth-based behaviour change support within a dietary intervention trial improves adherence to study-related behaviours in healthy young adults
Authors: Worthington Anna , Gillies Nicola , Hannaford Rina , Roy Rajshri , Braakhuis Andrea
Published: November 2023

Background

Behaviour change science is proposed to improve participant retention and enhance the validity of trials. However, researchers seldom systematically consider and implement behaviour change strategies within trials for this purpose. The objective of this article is to evaluate how an eHealth behaviour change support (BCS) program enhances young adults’ adherence to behaviours required within a dietary intervention.

Methods

The Nine Principles framework was used to develop BCS to implement across both arms of a 10-week randomised parallel-group intervention to enhance adherence to (i) eating healthily and (ii) reporting dietary intake. Key components of the BCS included access to a dietitian-led Facebook group, text reminders, and food delivery. Effectiveness was measured using the following analyses of the 78 participants who completed the study; pre-post change in targeted dietary habits over time using a subscore of the Healthy Diet Habits Index, questionnaire to assess change in perception of barriers to eating healthily over time, Facebook group engagement, and impact evaluation of the BCS. Participants received a dietary reporting score out of 100 to assess adherence across the 10 weeks.

Results

The total Healthy Diet Habits Index subscore out of 16 significantly increased from baseline to week 10 (10.6 ± 2.6 to 11.2 ± 2.6, p value < 0.05), driven primarily by an increase in vegetable consumption. Overall adherence to reporting was high across the 10 weeks, with the total population mean reporting score 90.4 ± 14.6 out of 100. Relatively low Facebook engagement was observed. Adding objects to the environment, prompts/cues and removing reward appeared to be effective components of the BCS for enhancing adherence to the target behaviours.

Conclusion

Using a behaviour change framework to support the design of randomised trials is a promising way to enhance participant adherence to study requirements that are typically considered burdensome, such as dietary reporting. It also enables researchers to identify and replicate effective components of BCS, including behaviour change techniques and modes of delivery. Further research into the use of different behaviour change frameworks for this purpose is warranted.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04869163; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04869163. (03/05/2021).