bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migration experiences and reported commercial and non-commercial sexual behaviors among newly diagnosed HIV infections in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhou Yuyin , Luo Yan , Cheng Feng , Zeng Huatang , Wu Liqun , Gao Liangmin , Xu Junfang
Published: June 2023

Background

Migration is known to influence human health. China has a high migration rate and a significant number of people who are HIV-positive, but little is known about how these factors intersect in sexual risk behaviors.

Objective

This study aimed to explore sexual risk behaviors between migrants and non-migrants among newly diagnosed HIV infections, and assess the changes of sexual risk behaviors with length of stay in the current city of migrants.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted among people newly diagnosed with HIV from July 2018 to December 2020 who lived in Zhejiang Province. In the study, sexual risk behaviors included having multiple sexual partners and unprotected sexual behaviors (in commercial sexual behaviors, non-commercial sexual behaviors, heterosexual behaviors, and homosexual behaviors). Binary logistic regression models were employed to explore the influencing factors of sexual risk behaviors, measured by multiple sexual partners and unprotected sexual partners.

Results

A total of 836 people newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS were incorporated in the study and 65.31% (546) were migrants. The percentages of non-commercial sexual behaviors among migrants were statistically higher than those of non-migrants. Commercial heterosexual behavior was higher among non-migrants compared with migrants. The proportion of study participants having unprotected sexual behaviors and multiple sexual partners with commercial/non-commercial partners was both higher among migrants compared with non-migrants. Among migrants, the likelihood of sexual risk behaviors in both commercial and non-commercial sex increased in the first 3 years and reduced after 10 years. Compared with non-migrants, migrants were statistically associated with multiple sexual partners [P = .007, odds ratio (OR) = 1.942]. However, migrants did not exhibit a significant difference in unprotected sexual behaviors compared with non-migrants. In addition, migrants aged between 18 and 45 years who relocated to the current city in the past 2–3 years tended to have multiple sexual partners (P < .05).

Conclusions

People newly diagnosed with HIV engaged in different sexual risk behaviors among migrants and non-migrants and more attention should be paid to migrants. For non-migrants, it is urgent to promote the prevention of commercial sexual behaviors. For migrants, prevention of non-commercial sexual behaviors and universal access to health care especially for new arrivals who migrated to the current city for 2–3 years are needed. Moreover, sexual health education and early HIV diagnosis are necessary for the entire population.
Can the apparent transverse relaxation rate (R2*) evaluate the efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma? a preliminary experience
Authors: Xu Xinhua , Chen Ming , Zhang Jin , Jiang Yunzhu , Chao Hua , Zha Jianfeng
Published: June 2023

Background

The use of the apparent transverse relaxation rate (R2*) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has not been previously reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the R2* value in evaluating response to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in patients with NPC.

Methods

Forty-one patients with locoregionally advanced NPC confirmed by pathology were examined by blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after CCRT, and conventional MRI was performed 3 months after the completion of CCRT. All patients were divided into a responding group (RG) and a nonresponding group (NRG), according to MRI findings 3 months after the end of treatment. The R2* values before (R2*preT) and after (R2*postT) CCRT and the ΔR2* (ΔR2*=R2*postT – R2*preT) were calculated in the tumor.

Results

Among the 41 patients, 26 were in the RG and 15 were in the NRG. There was no statistical difference in the R2*preT between RG and NRG (P = 0.307); however, there were significant differences in R2*postT and ΔR2* (P < 0.001). The area under the curve of R2*postT and ΔR2* for predicting the therapeutic response of NPC was 0.897 and 0.954, respectively, with cutoff values of 40.95 and 5.50 Hz, respectively.

Conclusion

The R2* value can be used as a potential imaging indicator to evaluate the therapeutic response of locoregionally advanced NPC.
A survey and stakeholder consultation of Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) programmes in English maternity services
Authors: Forbes Camilla , Alderson Hayley , Domoney Jill , Papamichail Alexandra , Berry Vashti , McGovern Ruth , Sevdalis Nick , Rankin Judith , Newburn Mary , Healey Andy , Easter Abigail , Heslin Margaret , Feder Gene , Hudson Kristian , Wilson Claire A. , Melendez-Torres G. J. , Howard Louise M. , Trevillion Kylee
Published: June 2023

Background

Healthcare-based Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (hIDVA) are evidence-based programmes that provide emotional and practical support to service users experiencing domestic abuse. hIDVA programmes are found to improve health outcomes for service users and are increasingly delivered across a range of healthcare settings. However, it is unclear how hIDVA programmes are implemented across maternity services and the key facilitators and barriers to their implementation. The aim of this study was to identify; how many English National Health Service (NHS) Trusts with maternity services have a hIDVA programme; which departments within the Trust they operate in; what format, content, and variation in hIDVA programmes exist; and key facilitators and barriers of implementation in maternity services.

Methods

A national survey of safeguarding midwives (Midwives whose role specifically tasks them to protect pregnant women from harm including physical, emotional, sexual and financial harm and neglect) within all maternity services across England; descriptive statistics were used to summarise responses. A World Café event (a participatory method, which aims to create a café atmosphere to facilitate informal conversation) with 38 national key stakeholders to examine barriers and facilitators to hIDVA programme implementation.

Results

86/124 Trusts (69%) with a maternity service responded to the survey; 59(69%) of respondents reported that they had a hIDVA programme, and 47(55%) of the hIDVA programmes operated within maternity services. Key facilitators to implementation of hIDVA programmes included training of NHS staff about the hIDVA role and regular communication between Trust staff and hIDVA staff; hIDVA staff working directly from the Trust; co-creation of hIDVA programmes with experts by experience; governance and middle- and senior-management support. Key barriers included hIDVA staff having a lack of access to a private space for their work, insecure funding for hIDVA programmes and issues with recruitment and retention of hIDVA staff.

Conclusions

Despite hIDVA programmes role in improving the health outcomes of service users experiencing domestic abuse, increased funding and staff training is needed to successfully implement hIDVA staff in maternity services. Integrated Care Board commissioning of acute and mental health trust services would benefit from ensuring hIDVA programmes and clinician DVA training are prioritised.
Epidemiological intelligence community network intervention: a community response for COVID-19 community transmission
Authors: Marzan-Rodríguez Melissa , Muniz-Rodriguez Kamalich , Morales Luisa M. , Martínez Iris S. , Torres-Borrero Natasha , Castro-Figueroa Eida M.
Published: June 2023

Background

Expanding and providing access to early detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) through testing community-based strategies among socially vulnerable communities (SVC) are critical to reducing health disparities. The Epidemiological Intelligence Community Network (EpI-Net) community-based intervention sought to increase coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) testing uptake and prevention practices among SVC in Puerto Rico (PR). We evaluated EpI-Net’s community leaders’ capacity-building component by assessing pre-post COVID-19 public health workshops’ tests’ score changes and satisfaction among trained community leaders.

Methods

A total of 24 community leaders from SVC in PR have completed four community workshops. Pre- and post-assessments were completed as part of the health promotors training program to evaluate participants’ tests score changes and satisfaction outcomes.

Results

Preliminary results showed: (1) high intervention retention levels of community leaders (85.7% acceptance rate); (2) change in post-test scores for community engagement strategies (p = 0.012); (3) change in post-test educational scores in COVID-19 prevention practices (p = 0.014); and (4) a change in scores in public health emergency management strategies (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The overall workshop satisfaction was 99.6%. Community leaders have shown the importance of community capacity building as a key component for intervention feasibility and impact.

Trial registration

Our study was retrospectively registered under the ClinicalTrial.gov ID NCT04910542.
Health-related factors of the Iraqi adult population during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic: physical activity, eating behavior, quality of life, general health, and mood states cross-talk
Authors: Rahim Hiwa Ahmed , Hoseini Rastegar , Hoseini Zahra , Abbas Eman Najemaldeen , Kareem Dashni Anwer
Published: June 2023

Background

The lockdown and social distancing caused by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may have changed Physical Activity Level (PAL), eating behavior, and health habits due to long-term confinement worldwide.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the PAL, eating behavior, Quality of Life (QoL), General Health (GH), and mood states during COVID-19 confinement in a large sample of Iraqi adults.

Methods

3738 healthy adults (age 18–70 years) residing in Halabjeh, Iraq answered the online questionnaires including the short form of international physical activity, GH, three-factor eating (TFEQ-R18), and a short form of the profile of mood states (POMS-SF) questionnaires. Data analysis was done by Chi-square, and Spearman’s correlation using SPSS statistical software at a significant level of (P < 0.05).

Results

The results showed unfavorable PAL, eating behavior, QoL, GH, and mood states in the total population. Low PAL was observed in 69.96% of the men and 75.99% of the women; only 3.60% of the men and 0.77% of the women had a high PAL. There was a significantly positive relationship between low PAL and the incidence of COVID-19 both in men and women (P = 0.801; r = 0.001; and P = 0.682; r = 0.011), respectively; While a significant negative relationship was observed between the moderate and high PAL and the incidence of COVID-19 in men (P = 0.011; r=-0.682 and P = 0.027, r=-0.589), and women (P = 0.001; r=-0.796 and P = 0.018, r=-0.623). No significant relationships were observed between PAL and eating behavior (men: P = 0.086; r = 0.256 and women: P = 0.365, r=-0.121); While, the results show significant positive relationships between PAL with QoL in men (P = 0.012; r = 0.623) and women (P = = 0.001; r = 0.837). based on the results, significant negative relationships between PAL with GH and mood state scores were observed in both men (P = 0.001; r=-0.837 and P = 0.001, r=-0.786) and women (P = 0.010; r=-0.652 and P = 0.001, r=-0.745), respectively.

Conclusions

The Iraqi adult population showed low PAL, GH, QoL, and mood state during COVID-19 which might be due to the confinement. Also, the significant relationships between low PAL with GH, and mood state recommends physical activity as a valuable health optimizing factor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effect of Smilax spp. and Phellinus linteus combination on cytotoxicity and cell proliferation of breast cancer cells
Authors: Chalertpet Kanwalat , Sangkheereeput Thanawitch , Somjit Prakaithip , Bankeeree Wichanee , Yanatatsaneejit Pattamawadee
Published: June 2023

Background

Although the prevalence of breast cancer (BC) has been reduced in recent years, proficient therapeutic regimens should be further investigated with the aim of further reducing the mortality rate. To obtain more effective treatment, the present study aimed to observe the effects of PL synergistically combined with Smilax corbularia and S. glabra extracts (PSS) on BC cell lines, MCF7, T47D, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468.

Methods

The half-maximal inhibition (IC50) concentrations of PSS and PL were determined in a dose- and time-dependent manner using MTT assay. The activity of PSS and PL on anti-BC proliferation was evaluated using BrdU assay, and colony formation assay. Moreover, cell cycle analysis and apoptosis induction as a result of PSS and PL exposure were investigated using propidium iodide (PI) staining and co-staining of annexin V DY634 and PI combined flow cytometric analysis, respectively. Finally, changes in the mRNA expression of genes involved in proliferative and apoptotic pathways (MKI67, HER2, EGFR, MDM2, TNFα, PI3KCA, KRAS, BAX, and CASP8) were explored using RT-qPCR following PSS and PL treatment.

Results

The PSS and PL extracts exhibited significant potential in BC cytotoxicity which were in were in dose- and time-dependent response. This inhibition of cell growth was due to the suppression of cell proliferation, the cell cycle arrest, and the induction of apoptosis. Additionally, an investigation of the underlying molecular mechanism revealed that PSS and PL are involved in downregulation of the MKI67, HER2, EGFR, MDM2, TNFα, and PI3KCA expression.

Conclusions

This present study has suggested that PSS and PL possess anti-BC proliferative activity mediated via the downregulation of genes participating in the relevant pathways. PSS or PL may be combined with other agents to alleviate the adverse side effects resulted from conventional chemotherapeutic drugs.
The effect of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) herbal tea on happiness in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Delam Hamed , Keshtkaran Zahra , Shokrpour Nasrin , Eidi Ahmadreza , Bazrafshan Mohammad-Rafi
Published: June 2023

Background

Evidence suggests that menopause can be associated with a variety of negative psychological changes such as depression and anxiety, and improving the mental health status of women during menopause is one of the important priorities and challenges of the health system. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L., Iridaceae) herbal tea on happiness in postmenopausal women.

Methods

In this randomized clinical trial which was conducted in 2021, 72 postmenopausal women were enrolled and divided into intervention and control groups. The randomization blocks method was used for random allocation, and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire was utilized to measure the scores. The intervention included the use of 30 mg of dried stigmas of the saffron plant, which was boiled once (in the morning, in 300 ml of boiling water for 10–15 min) and consumed with white rock candy as one cup of saffron tea daily. To compare the trend of changes and after removing the effect of other variables, generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used.

Results

There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in any of the quantitative and qualitative characteristics (p > 0.05). The results of paired samples t-test showed that the happiness mean score in the intervention group increased significantly (p < 0.001) from 42.93 ± 8.54 to 61.58 ± 8.24, while in the control group, there was no significant difference between the happiness mean score at the beginning and end of the study (p = 0.861). Also, after applying the treatment program in the intervention group, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of the happiness mean scores (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Saffron herbal tea had a positive effect on reducing depression and increasing the happiness score; thus, it is recommended that it should be used as a complementary treatment in consultation with the treating physician.

Trial registration

The present study was registered with the code of IRCT20210403050818N1 (Registration date: 09/04/2021) in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. It was also approved by the Ethics Committee of Larestan University of Medical Sciences (Approval ID: IR.LARUMS.REC.1399.017).
Using a decision tree algorithm to distinguish between repeated supra-therapeutic and acute acetaminophen exposures
Authors: Mehrpour Omid , Hoyte Christopher , Nakhaee Samaneh , Megarbane Bruno , Goss Foster
Published: June 2023

Background

This study aimed to compare clinical and laboratory characteristics of supra-therapeutic (RSTI) and acute acetaminophen exposures using a predictive decision tree (DT) algorithm.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Poison Data System (NPDS). All patients with RSTI acetaminophen exposure (n = 4,522) between January 2012 and December 2017 were included. Additionally, 4,522 randomly selected acute acetaminophen ingestion cases were included. After that, the DT machine learning algorithm was applied to differentiate acute acetaminophen exposure from supratherapeutic exposures.

Results

The DT model had accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-scores of 0.75, respectively. Age was the most relevant variable in predicting the type of acetaminophen exposure, whether RSTI or acute. Serum aminotransferase concentrations, abdominal pain, drowsiness/lethargy, and nausea/vomiting were the other most important factors distinguishing between RST and acute acetaminophen exposure.

Conclusion

DT models can potentially aid in distinguishing between acute and RSTI of acetaminophen. Further validation is needed to assess the clinical utility of this model.
Telehealth services for global emergencies: implications for COVID-19: a scoping review based on current evidence
Authors: Kissi Jonathan , Annobil Caleb , Mensah Nathan Kumasenu , Owusu-Marfo Joseph , Osei Ernest , Asmah Zenobia Wooduwa
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The availability of low-cost computing and digital telecommunication in the 1980s made telehealth practicable. Telehealth has the capacity to improve healthcare access and outcomes for patients while reducing healthcare costs across a wide range of health conditions and situations.

Objective

This study compares the adoption, advantages, and challenges of telehealth services between high-income (HICs) and low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The key search terms were: “Telehealth”, “Telehealth in HICs”, “Telehealth in LMICs”, “Telehealth before COVID-19”, “Telehealth during COVID-19”. We searched exhaustively ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases from 2012. Booleans OR/AND were combined with key search terms to increase relevant search results. The literature search and selection process followed the Sample, Phenomena of Interest, Design, Evaluation, and Research (SPIDER) question format.

Results

The adoption of telehealth before COVID-19 was generally low in both HICs and LMICs. The impact of COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of telehealth at the facility level but not nationwide in both high-income countries and LMICs. The rapid adoption of telehealth at the facility level in both high-income and LMICs introduced several challenges that are unique to each country and need to be addressed.

Conclusion

The lack of national policies and regulations is making the adoption of telehealth at the national level challenging in both high and low-middle-income countries. Governments and Stakeholders of healthcare must consider telehealth as a healthcare procedure that should be deployed in clinical working procedures. Primary quantitative and qualitative studies must be conducted to address challenges encountered during the pilot implementation of telehealth services in both high-income countries and LMICs before and during pandemics.
Screening of immune-related secretory proteins linking chronic kidney disease with calcific aortic valve disease based on comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and machine learning
Authors: Zhu Enyi , Shu Xiaorong , Xu Zi , Peng Yanren , Xiang Yunxiu , Liu Yu , Guan Hui , Zhong Ming , Li Jinhong , Zhang Li-Zhen , Nie Ruqiong , Zheng Zhihua
Published: June 2023

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most significant cardiovascular risk factors, playing vital roles in various cardiovascular diseases such as calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). We aim to explore the CKD-associated genes potentially involving CAVD pathogenesis, and to discover candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis of CKD with CAVD.

Methods

Three CAVD, one CKD-PBMC and one CKD-Kidney datasets of expression profiles were obtained from the GEO database. Firstly, to detect CAVD key genes and CKD-associated secretory proteins, differentially expressed analysis and WGCNA were carried out. Protein-protein interaction (PPI), functional enrichment and cMAP analyses were employed to reveal CKD-related pathogenic genes and underlying mechanisms in CKD-related CAVD as well as the potential drugs for CAVD treatment. Then, machine learning algorithms including LASSO regression and random forest were adopted for screening candidate biomarkers and constructing diagnostic nomogram for predicting CKD-related CAVD. Moreover, ROC curve, calibration curve and decision curve analyses were applied to evaluate the diagnostic performance of nomogram. Finally, the CIBERSORT algorithm was used to explore immune cell infiltration in CAVD.

Results

The integrated CAVD dataset identified 124 CAVD key genes by intersecting differential expression and WGCNA analyses. Totally 983 CKD-associated secretory proteins were screened by differential expression analysis of CKD-PBMC/Kidney datasets. PPI analysis identified two key modules containing 76 nodes, regarded as CKD-related pathogenic genes in CAVD, which were mostly enriched in inflammatory and immune regulation by enrichment analysis. The cMAP analysis exposed metyrapone as a more potential drug for CAVD treatment. 17 genes were overlapped between CAVD key genes and CKD-associated secretory proteins, and two hub genes were chosen as candidate biomarkers for developing nomogram with ideal diagnostic performance through machine learning. Furthermore, SLPI/MMP9 expression patterns were confirmed in our external cohort and the nomogram could serve as novel diagnosis models for distinguishing CAVD. Finally, immune cell infiltration results uncovered immune dysregulation in CAVD, and SLPI/MMP9 were significantly associated with invasive immune cells.

Conclusions

We revealed the inflammatory-immune pathways underlying CKD-related CAVD, and developed SLPI/MMP9-based CAVD diagnostic nomogram, which offered novel insights into future serum-based diagnosis and therapeutic intervention of CKD with CAVD.
Calcium, zinc, and vitamin D in breast milk: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rios-Leyvraz Magali , Yao Qisi
Published: June 2023

Background

Global estimates of calcium, zinc and vitamin D content in breastmilk are lacking. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the calcium, zinc, and vitamin D content in breast milk.

Methods

A systematic search of the online databases Embase, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL was conducted in November 2022 and complemented by searches of the African Journals Online database and the LILACS database, and reference lists. Studies reporting the calcium, zinc and vitamin D content in breast milk of apparently healthy mothers and infants were included. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted. The effect of influencing factors were investigated with sub-group analyses and meta-regressions.

Results

A total of 154 studies reporting on breast milk calcium were identified, with a mean calcium concentration in breast milk of 261 mg/L (95% CI: 238, 284). Calcium concentration was influenced by maternal health and decreased linearly over the duration of lactation. Calcium concentration at a specific time during lactation could be estimated with the equation: calcium concentration [mg/L] = 282 – 0.2331 ✕ number of days since birth. A total of 242 studies reporting on breast milk zinc were identified, with a mean zinc concentration of 2.57 mg/L (95% CI: 2.50, 2.65). Zinc concentration was influenced by several factors, such as maternal age, gestational age, and maternal diet. Zinc concentration started high in the first weeks post-partum followed by a rapid decrease over the first months. Zinc concentration at a specific time during lactation could be estimated with the equation: zinc concentration [mg/L] = 6 + 0.0005 ✕ days – 2.0266 ✕ log(days). A total of 43 studies reporting on breast milk vitamin D were identified, with a mean total antirachitic activity of breast milk of 58 IU/L (95% CI: 45, 70), which consisted mostly of 25OHD3, and smaller amounts of vitamin D3, 25OHD2 and vitamin D2. Vitamin D concentration showed wide variations between studies and was influenced by vitamin D supplementation, continent and season.

Conclusions

This review provides global estimates of calcium, zinc and vitamin D content in breast milk, as well as indications on changes over time and depending on influencing factors.
Pervasive tandem duplications and convergent evolution shape coral genomes
Authors: Noel Benjamin , Denoeud France , Rouan Alice , Buitrago-López Carol , Capasso Laura , Poulain Julie , Boissin Emilie , Pousse Mélanie , Da Silva Corinne , Couloux Arnaud , Armstrong Eric , Carradec Quentin , Cruaud Corinne , Labadie Karine , Lê-Hoang Julie , Tambutté Sylvie , Barbe Valérie , Moulin Clémentine , Bourdin Guillaume , Iwankow Guillaume , Romac Sarah , Agostini Sylvain , Banaigs Bernard , Boss Emmanuel , Bowler Chris , de Vargas Colomban , Douville Eric , Flores J. Michel , Forcioli Didier , Furla Paola , Galand Pierre E. , Lombard Fabien , Pesant Stéphane , Reynaud Stéphanie , Sullivan Matthew B. , Sunagawa Shinichi , Thomas Olivier P. , Troublé Romain , Thurber Rebecca Vega , Allemand Denis , Planes Serge , Gilson Eric , Zoccola Didier , Wincker Patrick , Voolstra Christian R. , Aury Jean-Marc
Published: June 2023

Background

Over the last decade, several coral genomes have been sequenced allowing a better understanding of these symbiotic organisms threatened by climate change. Scleractinian corals are reef builders and are central to coral reef ecosystems, providing habitat to a great diversity of species.

Results

In the frame of the Tara Pacific expedition, we assemble two coral genomes, Porites lobata and Pocillopora cf. effusa, with vastly improved contiguity that allows us to study the functional organization of these genomes. We annotate their gene catalog and report a relatively higher gene number than that found in other public coral genome sequences, 43,000 and 32,000 genes, respectively. This finding is explained by a high number of tandemly duplicated genes, accounting for almost a third of the predicted genes. We show that these duplicated genes originate from multiple and distinct duplication events throughout the coral lineage. They contribute to the amplification of gene families, mostly related to the immune system and disease resistance, which we suggest to be functionally linked to coral host resilience.

Conclusions

At large, we show the importance of duplicated genes to inform the biology of reef-building corals and provide novel avenues to understand and screen for differences in stress resilience.
mutscan—a flexible R package for efficient end-to-end analysis of multiplexed assays of variant effect data
Authors: Soneson Charlotte , Bendel Alexandra M. , Diss Guillaume , Stadler Michael B.
Published: June 2023

Multiplexed assays of variant effect (MAVE) experimentally measure the effect of large numbers of sequence variants by selective enrichment of sequences with desirable properties followed by quantification by sequencing. mutscan is an R package for flexible analysis of such experiments, covering the entire workflow from raw reads up to statistical analysis and visualization. The core components are implemented in C++ for efficiency. Various experimental designs are supported, including single or paired reads with optional unique molecular identifiers. To find variants with changed relative abundance, mutscan employs established statistical models provided in the edgeR and limma packages. mutscan is available from https://github.com/fmicompbio/mutscan.
Alcohol acyltransferases for the biosynthesis of esters
Authors: Liu Gaofei , Huang Lei , Lian Jiazhang
Published: June 2023

Esters are widely used in food, energy, spices, chemical industry, etc., becoming an indispensable part of life. However, their production heavily relies on the fossil energy industry, which presents significant challenges associated with energy shortages and environmental pollution. Consequently, there is an urgent need to identify alternative green methods for ester production. One promising solution is biosynthesis, which offers sustainable and environmentally friendly processes. In ester biosynthesis, alcohol acyltransferases (AATs) catalyze the condensation of acyl-CoAs and alcohols to form esters, enabling the biosynthesis of nearly 100 different kinds of esters, such as ethyl acetate, hexyl acetate, ethyl crotonate, isoamyl acetate, and butyl butyrate. However, low catalytic efficiency and low selectivity of AATs represent the major bottlenecks for the biosynthesis of certain specific esters, which should be addressed with protein molecular engineering approaches before practical biotechnological applications. This review provides an overview of AAT enzymes, including their sequences, structures, active sites, catalytic mechanisms, and metabolic engineering applications. Furthermore, considering the critical role of AATs in determining the final ester products, the current research progresses of AAT modification using protein molecular engineering are also discussed. This review summarized the major challenges and prospects of AAT enzymes in ester biosynthesis.
Multi-step biosynthesis of the biodegradable polyester monomer 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid from glucose
Authors: Zhou Dan , Wu Fengli , Peng Yanfeng , Qazi Muneer Ahmed , Li Ruosong , Wang Yongzhong , Wang Qinhong
Published: June 2023

Background

2-Pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (PDC), a chemically stable pseudoaromatic dicarboxylic acid, represents a promising building block for the manufacture of biodegradable polyesters. Microbial production of PDC has been extensively investigated, but low titers and yields have limited industrial applications.

Results

In this study, a multi-step biosynthesis strategy for the microbial production of PDC was demonstrated using engineered Escherichia coli whole-cell biocatalysts. The PDC biosynthetic pathway was first divided into three synthetic modules, namely the 3-dehydroshikimic acid (DHS) module, the protocatechuic acid (PCA) module and the PDC module. Several effective enzymes, including 3-dehydroshikimate dehydratase for the PCA module as well as protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase and 4-carboxy-2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde dehydrogenase for the PDC module were isolated and characterized. Then, the highly efficient whole-cell bioconversion systems for producing PCA and PDC were constructed and optimized, respectively. Finally, the efficient multi-step biosynthesis of PDC from glucose was achieved by smoothly integrating the above three biosynthetic modules, resulting in a final titer of 49.18 g/L with an overall 27.2% molar yield, which represented the highest titer for PDC production from glucose reported to date.

Conclusions

This study lays the foundation for the microbial production of PDC, including one-step de novo biosynthesis from glucose as well as the microbial transformation of monoaromatics.
Is the muscle–tendon architecture of non-athletic Kenyans different from that of Japanese and French males?
Authors: Kunimasa Yoko , Sano Kanae , Nicol Caroline , Barthèlemy Joëlle , Ishikawa Masaki
Published: June 2023

Background

In endurance running, elite Kenyan runners are characterized by longer thigh, shank, and Achilles tendon (AT) lengths combined with shorter fascicles and larger medial gastrocnemius (MG) pennation angles than elite Japanese runners. These muscle-tendon characteristics may contribute to the running performance of Kenyans. Furthermore, these specific lower-leg musculoskeletal architectures have been confirmed not only in elite Kenyan runners but also in non-athletic Kenyans since early childhood. However, it remains questionable whether the differences in muscle-tendon architecture between Kenyans and Japanese differ from those of European Caucasians. Therefore, this study aimed to compare anthropometry and muscle–tendon architecture of young non-athletic Kenyan males with their Japanese and French counterparts.

Methods

A total of 235 young non-athletic males, aged 17–22 years, volunteered. The anthropometric measures, thigh, and shank lengths, as well as AT and MG muscle architecture, were measured using ultrasonography and a tape measure. Inter-group differences in anthropometry and muscle-tendon architecture were tested using one-way ANOVA and ANCOVA analyses controlling for shank length and muscle thickness.

Results

The anthropometric and muscle-tendon characteristics of the non-athletic French were closer to those of the Kenyans than to those of the Japanese. However, the ultrasonography analysis confirmed that the non-athletic Kenyans had the longest AT as well as the shortest MG fascicles and the largest pennation angle compared to the French and Japanese, even after controlling for shank length and muscle thickness with ANCOVA, respectively.

Conclusions

These results confirmed the specificity of the muscle-tendon architecture of the triceps surae in Kenyans in comparison to their Japanese and French counterparts in non-athletic adults. This study provides additional support to the fact that Kenyans may have musculotendinous advantages in endurance running.
Attitudes and beliefs towards COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination among rheumatology patients in a Los Angeles County safety net clinic
Authors: Ward Nicole K. Zagelbaum , Pal Suman , Ruddy Katherine , Savvas Stavros
Published: June 2023

Background

The novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has represented an evolving global threat with high morbidity and mortality. Patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases and on immune-suppressing medications may be at increased risk to more severe disease, hospitalization, and death. Vaccines are essential to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and curb the spread of infection. Rheumatology patients may be more fearful to receive the vaccine compared to the general population. The Los Angeles County rheumatology patients are primarily Hispanic and represent a unique and possibly particularly vulnerable cohort warranting further exploration into barriers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. We aimed to explore the willingness of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among patients with rheumatic disease.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the perceptions and barriers to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in our Los Angeles County rheumatology clinics between July 2021 to September 2021 and received responses from 116 patients.

Results

The majority of respondents were female (83.9%), 41–60 years of age (59.8%), Hispanic (89.2%), with high school or lower level of education (68.7%), and had Rheumatoid Arthritis (56.9%). We found most (88.4%) patients received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. We identified no differences in vaccine acceptance related to age, education, race, and ethnicity. Most respondents agreed that their health condition puts them at high risk of COVID-19 complications. In addition, individuals reported that they valued being engaged by their rheumatologists in discussions of the risk and benefits of the vaccine prior to receiving it.

Conclusion

We found that the majority of patients were already vaccinated or willing to be vaccinated, at higher levels than general United States population and that a conversation initiated by a rheumatologist can have positive effect on patients’ health behaviors related to COVID-19.
Comparing the usefulness of VividTrac and classic Macintosh laryngoscope in intubation in pediatric patients with cleft palate
Authors: Taman Hani I. , Ramadan Tarek Habeeb , Elshahawy Mohamed E. , Farid Ahmed M. , Elawady Mostafa S. , Elfayomy Sherif I. , Saber Hosam I. El Said
Published: June 2023

Background

Surgical repair for pediatric patients with cleft palate is performed under general anesthesia requiring endotracheal intubation. However, intubating these cases is usually difficult because of the cleft itself and associated airway abnormalities. VividTrac, a video laryngoscopy that could provide a real-time picture of the glottic area, could be helpful in these cases.

Methods

We conducted the current prospective investigation to compare VividTrac and conventional Macintosh laryngoscope in intubating pediatric patients with cleft palate.

Results

All patient demographics did not express significant differences between the two groups. The number of trials and the first trial success rate were in favor of group L. The former had mean values of 1.28 and 1.05, while the latter occurred in 81.4% and 97.7% of patients in groups L and V, respectively. Group V showed a significant increase in the time interval passing between mouth opening and connecting the tube with the ventilator.

Nonetheless, the difficulty of intubation was increased in group L. The need for cricoid pressure and tube introducer was increased in group L.

Conclusions

VividTrac laryngoscope could be a valid and more suitable option for intubation in pediatric patients with cleft palate. Compared to the conventional laryngoscope, it has a higher success rate, lower attempt number, and lower need for assisting maneuvers.
Adolescents, self-perception versus oral hygiene
Authors: Robo Ilma , Heta Saimir , Kapaj Sonila , Llanaj Mario , Ostreni Vera
Published: June 2023

Background

Oral hygiene is the individual approach to mechanical actions performed properly with the right elements at predetermined time intervals. This information is reflected in an almost illogical and very understandable way to children aged 3–6 years, who conceive the whole procedure as something advised by the parent. In teenage patients, this procedure is considered to be learned by now and turned into a routine of individual hygiene.

Methods

The primary aim of the study involved the comparison of residual cross-sectional data with retrograde data. Retrograde data are data collected about oral hygiene, in 2010, among children of a state kindergarten. So the data collected in 2010 were reprocessed to compare them with the data collected in 2020 through questionnaires for exactly the same current age group of 9–14 years, but after 10 years.

Results

The impact of filling and decayed teeth is reflected in the appearance and self-esteem of the adolescent’s age expressed in percentage was about 36%. Prevention of caries and periodontal diseases by means of oral hygiene is evaluated positively in 58% of cases. Students aware of the dentist’s role in identifying dental diseases that can have an impact on the systemic health of the organism are 85%, and the answers for impact and lack of connection reach 15%.

Conclusions

A significant improvement is observed in the awareness of oral hygiene and the care exercised to achieve it properly during the 10-year time interval. This improvement is recorded with distinct numerical values in this study.
A successful case of left bundle branch area pacing using stylet-driven pacing leads with a steerable delivery sheath in patients with structural heart disease
Authors: Jeong Hyung Ki , Kim Sung Soo
Published: June 2023

Background

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has emerged as a novel form of physiological pacing. However, few physicians have used stylet-driven pacing leads with a steerable delivery sheath for left fascicular bundle pacing.

Case presentation

A 75-year-old man with a history of heart valve surgery and atrial fibrillation arrived at the emergency department complaining of exertional dyspnea and general weakness. Twelve-lead electrocardiography showed atrial fibrillation with regular RR intervals with escape beats of 41 beats per minutes, which suggested complete atrioventricular block. Two-dimensional echocardiography showed global hypokinesia and a huge atrium. Given the impaired left ventricular (LV) function and the deleterious effects of right ventricular apical pacing, conduction system pacing was attempted. Mapping of His bundle and left bundle potential using a steerable delivery sheath was attempted; however, it did not appear prominent. Several attempts to deploy the lead failed because the sheath was malpositioned such that the lead could not move perpendicularly. Reshaping the sheath allowed for an extended reach so that the pacing lead could be positioned inferior to the previously attempted site toward the apex, deep inside the septum, where the distal left septal fascicle was captured rather than the left bundle branch trunk. During the 6-month follow-up period, the patient was free of any symptoms. Capture threshold and sensing value were stable and follow-up echocardiography showed slightly improved LV function.

Conclusions

Left fascicular bundle pacing may be an alternative strategy when conventional pacing using stylet-driven pacing leads with a steerable delivery sheath fails to capture the left branch bundle in patients with challenging anatomy.
Genome-wide mapping of gene-microbe interactions in the murine lung microbiota based on quantitative microbial profiling
Authors: Chung C. J. , Hermes B. M. , Gupta Y. , Ibrahim S. , Belheouane Meriem , Baines John F.
Published: June 2023

Background

Mammalian lungs comprise a complex microbial ecosystem that interacts with host physiology. Previous research demonstrates that the environment significantly contributes to bacterial community structure in the upper and lower respiratory tract. However, the influence of host genetics on the makeup of lung microbiota remains ambiguous, largely due to technical difficulties related to sampling, as well as challenges inherent to investigating low biomass communities. Thus, innovative approaches are warranted to clarify host-microbe interactions in the mammalian lung.

Results

Here, we aimed to characterize host genomic regions associated with lung bacterial traits in an advanced intercross mouse line (AIL). By performing quantitative microbial profiling (QMP) using the highly precise method of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), we refined 16S rRNA gene amplicon-based traits to identify and map candidate lung-resident taxa using a QTL mapping approach. In addition, the two abundant core taxaLactobacillusandPelomonaswere chosen for independent microbial phenotyping using genus-specific primers. In total, this revealed seven significant loci involving eight bacterial traits. The narrow confidence intervals afforded by the AIL population allowed us to identify several promising candidate genes related to immune and inflammatory responses, cell apoptosis, DNA repair, and lung functioning and disease susceptibility. Interestingly, one genomic region associated withLactobacillusabundance contains the well-known anti-inflammatory cytokineIl10, which we confirmed through the analysis ofIl10knockout mice.

Conclusions

Our study provides the first evidence for a role of host genetic variation contributing to variation in the lung microbiota. This was in large part made possible through the careful curation of 16S rRNA gene amplicon data and the incorporation of a QMP-based methods. This approach to evaluating the low biomass lung environment opens new avenues for advancing lung microbiome research using animal models.

Graphical Abstract
Student Zone: Student chapter highlights opportunities by hosting a career fair
Authors: Aliyev Javid
Published: June 2023

The SEG Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU) Student Chapter recently organized a career fair. The event brought together students, alumni, and professionals from Baku and nearby cities to explore various career options in the energy industry and gain valuable insights into the current job market.
Prevalence and Clinical Implications of Mismatch Repair-Proficient Colorectal Cancer in Patients With Lynch Syndrome
Authors: Ranganathan Megha , Sacca Rosalba E. , Trottier Magan , Maio Anna , Kemel Yelena , Salo-Mullen Erin , Catchings Amanda , Kane Sarah , Wang Chiyun , Ravichandran Vignesh , Ptashkin Ryan , Mehta Nikita , Garcia-Aguilar Julio , Weiser Martin R. , Donoghue Mark T.A. , Berger Michael F. , Mandelker Diana , Walsh Michael F. , Carlo Maria , Liu Ying L. , Cercek Andrea , Yaeger Rona , Saltz Leonard , Segal Neil H. , Mendelsohn Robin B. , Markowitz Arnold J. , Offit Kenneth , Shia Jinru , Stadler Zsofia K. , Latham Alicia
Published: June 2023

PURPOSE

Lynch syndrome (LS)–associated colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by mismatch repair-deficiency (MMR-D) and/or microsatellite instability (MSI). However, with increasing utilization of germline testing, MMR-proficient (MMR-P) and/or microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC has also been observed. We sought to characterize MMR-P/MSS CRC among patients with LS.

METHODS

Patients with solid tumors with germline MMR pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants were identified on a prospective matched tumor-normal next-generation sequencing (NGS) protocol. CRCs were evaluated for MMR-D via immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and/or MSI via NGS. Clinical variables were correlated with MMR status using nonparametric tests.

RESULTS

Among 17,617 patients with solid tumors, 1.4% (n = 242) had LS. A total of 36% (86 of 242) of patients with LS had at least one CRC that underwent NGS profiling, amounting to 99 pooled CRCs assessed. A total of 10% (10 of 99) of CRCs were MMR-P, with 100% concordance between MSS status and retained MMR protein staining. A total of 89% (8 of 9) of patients in the MMR-P group had MSH6 or PMS2 variants, compared with 30% (23 of 77) in the MMR-D group ( P = .001). A total of 46% (6 of 13) of PMS2+ patients had MMR-P CRC. The median age of onset was 58 and 43 years for MMR-P and MMR-D CRC, respectively ( P = .07). Despite the later median age of onset, 40% (4 of 10) of MMR-P CRCs were diagnosed <50. A total of 60% (6 of 10) of MMR-P CRCs were metastatic compared with 13% (12 of 89) of MMR-D CRCs ( P = .002). A total of 33% (3 of 9) of patients with MMR-P CRC did not meet LS testing criteria.

CONCLUSION

Patients with LS remained at risk for MMR-P CRC, which was more prevalent among patients with MSH6 and PMS2 variants. MMR-P CRC was later onset and more commonly metastatic compared with MMR-D CRC. Confirmation of tumor MMR/MSI status is critical for patient management and familial risk estimation.
Beyond Distinctions: A Treatise on Abolition and Accomplice Work
Authors: Cutrone Andrew
Published: June 2023

This paper approaches accomplice work via an exploration of key concepts developed in black social theory, where ‘black’ indexes capacious traditions of subversive political and social thought, and not simply an epidermal characteristic or descriptor. The paper begins by laying waste to allyship, then describes accomplice work as a contradistinctive praxis through which those who might understand themselves as white unravel and unbecome themselves. A paraontological blackness, I propose, following Fred Moten, Tiffany Lethabo King, and others, is the “method” of that unbecoming. This paraontological, black, unbecoming is also a remaking otherwise, and is thus abolitionist, making the claim that a radical alterity from the strictures of racial identity is necessary, possible, and desirable.