bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Continuous Glucose Monitors by People Without Diabetes: An Idea Whose Time Has Come?
Authors: Klonoff David C. , Nguyen Kevin T. , Xu Nicole Y. , Gutierrez Alberto , Espinoza Juan C. , Vidmar Alaina P.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) systems were originally intended only for people with diabetes. Recently, there has been interest in monitoring glucose concentrations in a variety of other situations. As data accumulate to support the use of CGM systems in additional states unrelated to diabetes, the use of CGM systems is likely to increase accordingly.

Methods:

PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for articles about the use of CGM in individuals without diabetes. Relevant articles that included sufficient details were queried to identify what cohorts of individuals were adopting CGM use and to define trends of use.

Results:

Four clinical user cases were identified: (1) metabolic diseases related to diabetes with a primary dysregulation of the insulin-glucose axis, (2) metabolic diseases without a primary pathophysiologic derangement of the insulin-glucose axis, (3) health and wellness, and (4) elite athletics. Seven trends in the use of CGM systems in people without diabetes were idenfitied which pertained to both FDA-cleared medical grade products as well as anticipated future products, which may be regulated differently based on intended populations and indications for use.

Conclusions:

Wearing a CGM has been used not only for diabetes, but with a goal of improving glucose patterns to avoid diabetes, improving mental or physical performance, and promoting motivate healthy behavioral changes. We expect that clinicians will become increasingly aware of (1) glycemic patterns from CGM tracings that predict an increased risk of diabetes, (2) specific metabolic glucotypes from CGM tracings that predict an increased risk of diabetes, and (3) new genetic and genomic biomarkers in the future.
Two New Sterol Sulfates from Marine Spider Conch Lambis Lambis Linnaeus, 1758
Authors: Dan Nguyen Trong , Giang Le Thi , Dinh Cu Nguyen , Hai Truong Ba , Hoi Nguyen Dang , Loan Vu Thi , Hang Dan Thi Thuy , Nhiem Nguyen Xuan , Huu Tai Bui , Van Kiem Phan
Published: July 2022

Two new (1 and 2) and six known (3-8) compounds were isolated from the methanolic extract of the Vietnamese marine spider conch Lambis lambis Linnaeus, 1758. Based on comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, particularly HRESIMS, and 1D- and 2D-NMR spectra, their chemical structures were determined to be 25,26,27-tri-nor-cholest-5-ene-2 β,3 α,24-triol-2,24-disulfate (1), 25,26,27-tri-nor-cholesta-2 β,3 α,24-triol-3,24-disulfate (2), 25,26,27-tri-nor-cholesta-2β,3α,24-triol-2,3,24-trisulfate (solomonsterol A, 3), 1- O-arachidonoyl-3- O-stearylglycerol (4), eicosapentaenoic acid (5), adenosine (6), adenine (7), and uracil (8). This is the first report of compounds 3-8 from L. lambis.
Sleep and the Young Athlete
Authors: Coel Rachel A. , Pujalte George G.A. , Applewhite Andres I. , Zaslow Tracy , Cooper George , Ton Angie N. , Benjamin Holly J.
Published: July 2022

Context:

Sleep plays a vital role in cognitive and physical performance. Teenage athletes (ages 13-19 years) are considered especially at risk for disordered sleep and associated negative cognitive, physical, and psychosomatic effects. However, there is a paucity of evidence-based recommendations to promote sleep quality and quantity in athletes who fall within this age range. We performed a review of the literature to reveal evidence-based findings and recommendations to help sports instructors, athletic trainers, physical therapists, physicians, and other team members caring for young athletes provide guidance on sleep optimization for peak sports performance and injury risk reduction.

Methods:

PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched on May 11, 2016, and then again on September 1, 2020, for relevant articles published to date.

Study Design:

Narrative review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

Few studies exist on the effects disordered sleep may have on teenage athletes. By optimizing sleep patterns in young athletes during training and competitions, physical and mental performance, and overall well-being, may be optimized. Adequate sleep has been shown to improve the performance of athletes, although further studies are needed.

Conclusion:

Twenty-five percent of total sleep time should be deep sleep, with a recommended sleep time of 8 to 9 hours for most young athletes. Screen and television use during athletes’ bedtime should be minimized to improve sleep quality and quantity. For young athletes who travel, jet lag can be minimized by allowing 1 day per time zone crossed for adjustment, limiting caffeine intake, planning meals and onboard sleeping to coincide with destination schedules, timing arrivals in the morning whenever possible, and using noise-canceling headphones and eyeshades.

Strength-of-Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT):

B.
I Am Not A Virus: Status-Based Rejection Sensitivity and Sleep Among East Asian People in the United States During COVID-19
Authors: Dai J. Doris , Levine Cynthia S.
Published: July 2022

As COVID-19 spread in the United States, anti-East Asian bias increased. This article aimed to (1) show that thinking about COVID-19 heightened East Asian individuals’ anxious expectations of discrimination and (2) explore these expectations’ health correlates. Specifically, the paper focused on COVID-19-triggered race-based rejection sensitivity, defined as (1) East Asian individuals’ expectations of rejection due to the stereotype that they spread the virus and (2) high levels of anxiety about this possibility. Study 1 ( N = 412) showed that reminders of COVID-19 increased COVID-19-triggered race-based rejection sensitivity among Chinese citizens living in the United States and East Asian Americans, but not Americans of other races. Study 2 ( N = 473) demonstrated that East Asian people who habitually focused on COVID-19 experienced greater COVID-19-triggered race-based rejection sensitivity and, in turn, greater sleep difficulties. Thus, societal-level shifts that target minoritized groups may increase minoritized group members’ concerns about discrimination in ways that undermine their health.
Methaemoglobinaemia in pregnancy: Real world experience in a single centre in Malaysia
Authors: Tang Andy Sing Ong , Cheah Kok Choon , Leong Tze Shin , Chew Lee Ping
Published: July 2022

The literature on methaemoglobinaemia in pregnancy is scarce, imposing clinical challenges to both obstetricians and haematologists. We report a total of nine pregnancies with methaemoglobinaemia treated in our centre. Their methaemoglobin levels, mode of delivery, pregnancy management and outcome were summarized.
Knowledge production and epistemic politics: A scientometric review of Chinese sexuality studies in English-language academia
Authors: Luo Muyuan , Chen Gaoran , He Qing , Qi Shaojie
Published: July 2022

In recent decades, sexuality studies has become an increasingly important field of social scientific research in and beyond China. This paper uses CiteSpace and VOSviewer to carry out a bibliometric analysis of 26,975 sexuality-related papers included in the Web of Science database in the past four decades through mapping knowledge domains. Situating the literature on Chinese sexuality studies in global English-language academia, this study adopts performance analysis, collaboration network analysis, and co-citation network analysis to identify the main bodies that produce knowledge in the field and their networks of collaboration. We also depict the research trends and the hotspots in the field of (Chinese) sexuality research. Drawing on insights from postcolonial sociology, we discuss the epistemic politics in the social scientific knowledge production of (Chinese) sexuality that emerges from the findings. Specifically, we recognize the importance of a global intellectual division of labor whereby Westerners theorize the world and the rest of the world serves as data. We argue that the early stage of Chinese sexuality research was largely conditioned and profoundly influenced by this Western-centric global intellectual division of labor in terms of research problematics and themes. Recent development in the field, by contrast, indicates a departure from this labor division by challenging the Western-centric notion of sexuality and opening up possibilities of theorizing sexuality from an Asian/Chinese perspective.
The Facts and Figures Report of China’s Education Development in 2020
Authors: Qian (钱冬明) Dongming
Published: July 2022

• This data report outlines the current situation, characteristics, and development trend of all kinds of education at all levels in China in 2020. • China has built the largest education system in the world, including 537 thousand schools, 289 million students, and 17.93 million full-time teachers. • From various data presented, China has demonstrated her commitment to equal quality education for all.
Exploring the use of a Ruthenium complex incorporated into a methacrylate-based dental material for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy
Authors: Manso Adriana Pigozzo , Leite Maria Luísa , Comeau Patricia , Dietrich Claudia , Ghaffari Sahand , Lange Dirk , Branda Neil
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

To evaluate the effects of a blue light photosensitizer (PS), Ruthenium II complex (Ru), on the chemical, physical, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties of experimental dental resin blends.

Methods:

The experimental resin (BisEMA, TEEGDMA, HPMA, ethanol, and photoinitiator) was loaded with Ru at 0.00%, 0.07%, 0.14%, 0.28%, 0.56%, 1.12%, 1.2%, 1.5%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, or 10% w/w. Samples were evaluated for the degree of conversion (DC) after 30 and 60 s curing-time ( n = 6). Selected formulations (0.00%, 0.28%, 0.56%, 1.12%) were further tested for shear bond strength (SBS) ( n = 15); flexural strength (FS) ( n = 12); and antimicrobial properties (CFUs), in dark and light conditions. These latter tests were performed on specimens stored for 24-h or 2-month in 37°C water. Water sorption (WS) and solubility (SL) tests were also performed ( n = 12). Data were analyzed either by a one- or two-factor general linear model (α = 0.05).

Results:

Overall, Ru concentration above 1.2% resulted in reduced DC. In SBS results, only the 1.12%Ru resin blend samples had statistically lower values compared to the 0.00%Ru resin blend at 24-h storage ( p = 0.004). In addition, no differences in SBS were detected among the experimental groups after 2-month storage in water. Meanwhile, FS increased for all experimental groups under similar aging conditions ( p < 0.001). Antimicrobial properties were improved upon inclusion of Ru and application of light ( p < 0.001 for both) at 24-h and 2-month storage. Lastly, no detectable changes in WS or SL were observed for the Ru-added resins compared to the 0.00%Ru resin blend. However, the 0.28% Ru blend presented significantly higher WS compared to the 0.56% Ru blend ( p = 0.007).

Conclusions:

Stable SBS, improved FS, and sustained antimicrobial properties after aging gives significant credence to our approach of adding the Ruthenium II complex into dental adhesive resin blends intended for an aPDT approach.
Living in Rural Areas and Receiving Cancer Treatment Away From Home: A Qualitative Study Foregrounding Temporality
Authors: Egilsdóttir Halldóra , Jónsdóttir Helga , Klinke Marianne Elisabeth
Published: July 2022

We used explorative interviews to gauge (inter)personal, physiological, and emotional challenges of seven rural cancer patients who traveled long distances to cancer treatment centers. After a thematic analysis, we foregrounded experiences of temporality by using a phenomenologically inspired approach. The analysis resulted in three themes: (a) An epiphany of “what really matters in life”—time gains new meaning, (b) Feeling out of sync with others and own body—striving for coherence and simultaneity, and (c) Being torn between benefits of home and treatments site—time and distance as a tangible aspect of traveling and being away. Under these themes, 13 meaning units were generated, which reflected changes in temporality. During treatment, life primarily revolved around repeating circles of travel arrangements, staying on top of treatment schedule, and synchronizing a home life with a life away from home. Nurses should provide comprehensive care to enhance stability in cancer patients’ temporal experiences.
Bacillary Layer Detachment Associated With Endogenous Fungal Endophthalmitis
Authors: Cox Jacob T. , Wu Frances , Rossin Elizabeth J. , Tang William M. , Eliott Dean
Published: July 2022

Purpose: To recognize the novel finding of a bacillary layer detachment (BALAD) secondary to endogenous fungal endophthalmitis. Methods: Chart review, literature review. Results: BALAD is a recently described condition in which the photoreceptor layer splits at the level of the inner segment myoid. We describe a case of BALAD associated with endogenous fungal endophthalmitis and subsequent development of choroidal neovascularization, although it is unclear if BALAD contributed to neovessel formation. Conclusions: BALAD is generally seen in the setting of inflammatory or infectious retinal diseases. This is the first report of BALAD secondary to endogenous fungal endophthalmitis.
Anesthesia promotes acute expression of genes related to Alzheimer’s disease and latent tau aggregation in transgenic mouse models of tauopathy
Authors: Eun John David , Jimenez Heidy , Adrien Leslie , Wolin Adam , Marambaud Philippe , Davies Peter , Koppel Jeremy L.
Published: July 2022

Background

Exposure to anesthesia in the elderly might increase the risk of dementia. Although the mechanism underlying the association is uncertain, anesthesia has been shown to induce acute tau hyperphosphorylation in preclinical models. We sought to investigate the impact of anesthesia on gene expression and on acute and long-term changes in tau biochemistry in transgenic models of tauopathy in order to better understand how anesthesia influences the pathophysiology of dementia.

Methods

We exposed mice with over-expressed human mutant tau (P301L and hyperdopaminergic COMTKO/P301L) to two hours of isoflurane and compared anesthetized mice to controls at several time points. We evaluated tau hyperphosphorylation with quantitative high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and performed differential expression and functional transcriptome analyses following bulk mRNA-sequencing.

Results

Anesthesia induced acute hyperphosphorylation of tau at epitopes related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in both P301L-based models. Anesthesia was associated with differential expression of genes in the neurodegenerative pathways (e.g., AD-risk genes ApoE and Trem2) and thermogenesis pathway, which is related to both mammalian hibernation and tau phosphorylation. One and three months after anesthesia, hyperphosphorylated tau aggregates were increased in the anesthetized mice.

Conclusions

Anesthesia may influence the expression of AD-risk genes and induce biochemical changes in tau that promote aggregation even after single exposure. Further preclinical and human studies are necessary to establish the relevance of our transcriptomic and biochemical findings in these preclinical models to the pathogenesis of dementia following anesthesia.

Trial registration: Not applicable.
OsSNDP3 Functions for the Polar Tip Growth in Rice Pollen Together with OsSNDP2, a Paralog of OsSNDP3
Authors: Moon Sunok , Kim Yu-Jin , Park Ha Eun , Kim Junhyup , Gho Yun Shil , Hong Woo-Jong , Kim Eui-Jung , Lee Su Kyoung , Suh Byung-Chang , An Gynheung , Jung Ki-Hong
Published: July 2022

Understanding pollen tube growth is critical for crop yield maintenance. The pollen tube provides a path for sperm cells for fertilization with egg cells. Cells must be subdivided into functionally and structurally distinct compartments for polar tip growth, and phosphoinositides are thought to be one of the facilitators for polarization during pollen tube growth. OsSNDP3 encodes Sec14-nodulin domain-containing protein and localizes in the nucleus and the microdomains of the plasma membrane in tobacco leaf epidermis cells. OsSNDP3 is thought to bind with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate based on the data including the information of basic amino acids in the C-terminal and colocalization with 2X Pleckstrin homology domain of Phospholipase C delta-1. OsSNDP3 interacts with a protein that contains a class I nodulin domain. We discovered that OsSNDP3 plays a significant role in pollen tube germination using CRISPR/Cas9 systems, whereas another pollen-preferential Sec14-nodulin domain-containing protein, OsSNDP2, additively functions with OsSNDP3 during pollen tube germination. Gene Ontology analysis using downregulated genes in ossndp3 indicated that the expression of genes involved in the phosphatidylinositol metabolic process and tip growth was significantly altered in ossndp3. OsSNDP3 aids pollen polar tip growth by binding with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. We can better understand the roles of phosphoinositides during pollen tube growth by studying the functions of OsSNDP3 and OsSNDP2. And downregulated genes in ossndp3 might be useful targets for future research on polar tip growth.
Consideration of genetic variation and evolutionary history in future conservation of Indian one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)
Authors: Ghosh Tista , Kumar Shrewshree , Sharma Kirtika , Kakati Parikshit , Sharma Amit , Mondol Samrat
Published: July 2022

Background

The extant members of the Asian rhinos have experienced severe population and range declines since Pleistocene through a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors. The one-horned rhino is the only Asian species recovered from such conditions but most of the extant populations are reaching carrying capacity. India currently harbours ~ 83% of the global wild one-horned rhino populations distributed across seven protected areas. Recent assessments recommend reintroduction-based conservation approaches for the species, and implementation of such efforts would greatly benefit from detailed genetic assessments and evolutionary history of these populations. Using mitochondrial data, we investigated the phylogeography, divergence and demographic history of one-horned rhinos across its Indian range.

Results

We report the first complete mitogenome from all the extant Indian wild one-horned rhino populations (n = 16 individuals). Further, we identified all polymorphic sites and assessed rhino phylogeography (2531 bp mtDNA, n = 111 individuals) across India. Results showed 30 haplotypes distributed as three distinct genetic clades (Fstvalue 0.68–1) corresponding to the states of Assam (n = 28 haplotypes), West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh (both monomorphic). The reintroduced population of Uttar Pradesh showed maternal signatures of Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Mitochondrial phylogenomics suggests one-horned rhino diverged from its recent common ancestors ~ 950 Kya and different populations (Assam, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh/Nepal) coalesce at ~ 190–50 Kya, corroborating with the paleobiogeography history of the Indian subcontinent. Further, the demography analyses indicated historical decline in female effective population size ~ 300–200 Kya followed by increasing trends during ~ 110–60 Kya.

Conclusion

The phylogeography and phylogenomic outcomes suggest recognition of three ‘Evolutionary Significant Units (ESUs)’ in Indian rhino. With ongoing genetic isolation of the current populations, future management efforts should focus on identifying genetically variable founder animals and consider periodic supplementation events while planning future rhino reintroduction programs in India. Such well-informed, multidisciplinary approach will be the only way to ensure evolutionary, ecological and demographic stability of the species across its range.
Genome-wide identification of the NHE gene family in Coilia nasus and its response to salinity challenge and ammonia stress
Authors: Gao Jun , Nie Zhijuan , Xu Gangchun , Xu Pao
Published: July 2022

Background

In aquatic environments, pH, salinity, and ammonia concentration are extremely important for aquatic animals. NHE is a two-way ion exchange carrier protein, which can transport Na+ into cells and exchange out H+, and also plays key roles in regulating intracellular pH, osmotic pressure, and ammonia concentration.

Results

In the present study, ten NHEs, the entire NHE gene family, were identified from Coilia nasus genome and systemically analyzed via phylogenetic, structural, and synteny analysis. Different expression patterns of C. nasus NHEs in multiple tissues indicated that expression profiles of NHE genes displayed tissue-specific. Expression patterns of C. nasus NHEs were related to ammonia excretion during multiple embryonic development stages. To explore the potential functions on salinity challenge and ammonia stress, expression levels of ten NHEs were detected in C. nasus gills under hypotonic stress, hypertonic stress, and ammonia stress. Expression levels of all NHEs were upregulated during hypotonic stress, while they were downregulated during hypertonic stress. NHE2 and NHE3 displayed higher expression levels in C. nasus larvae and juvenile gills under ammonia stress.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that NHE genes played distinct roles in embryonic development, salinity stress, and ammonia exposure. Syntenic analysis showed significant difference between stenohaline fish and euryhaline fishes. Our findings will provide insight into effects of C. nasus NHE gene family on ion transport and ammonia tolerance and be beneficial for healthy aquaculture of C. nasus.
Shared medical appointments in English primary care for long-term conditions: a qualitative study of the views and experiences of patients, primary care staff and other stakeholders
Authors: Graham Fiona , Martin Helen , Lecouturier Jan , O’Donnell Amy , Tang Mei Yee , Jackson Katherine , Sniehotta Falko F. , Kaner Eileen
Published: July 2022

Background

Shared medical appointments (SMAs) or group consultations have been promoted in primary care to improve workload pressures, resource-use efficiency and patient self-management of long-term conditions (LTCs). However, few studies have explored stakeholders’ perspectives of this novel care delivery model in the English NHS context, particularly patients’ views and experiences of SMAs.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were used to explore the perspectives of stakeholders (21 patients, 17 primary care staff, 2 commissioners and 2 SMA training providers) with and without SMA experience from a range of geographical and socio-economic backgrounds in the North East and North Cumbrian region of England. Thematic analysis was conducted to examine perceptions around impact on patient care and outcomes and barriers and facilitators to implementation.

Results

Three main themes were identified: ‘Value of sharing’, ‘Appropriateness of group setting’, ‘Implementation processes’. Patients experiences and perceptions of SMAs were largely positive yet several reported reservations about sharing personal information, particularly in close-knit communities where the risk of breaching confidentiality was perceived to be greater. SMAs were considered by patients and staff to be inappropriate for certain personal conditions or for some patient groups. Staff reported difficulties engaging sufficient numbers of patients to make them viable and having the resources to plan and set them up in practice. Whilst patients and staff anticipated that SMAs could deliver high quality care more efficiently than 1:1 appointments, none of the practices had evaluated the impact SMAs had on patient health outcomes or staff time.

Conclusion

Stakeholder experiences of SMA use in English primary care are largely similar to those reported in other countries. However, several important cultural barriers were identified in this setting. Further work is needed to better understand how patient and staff perceptions, experiences and engagement with SMAs change with regular use over time. Concerns regarding staff capacity, additional resource requirements and numbers of eligible patients per practice suggest SMAs may only be feasible in some smaller practices if facilitated by primary care networks. Further mixed-method evaluations of SMAs are needed to inform the evidence base regarding the effectiveness, efficiency and feasibility of SMAs long-term and subsequently their wider roll-out in English primary care.
Patients’ gut feelings seem useful in primary care professionals’ decision making
Authors: Stolper C. F. , van de Wiel M. W. J. , van Bokhoven M. A. , Dinant G. J. , Van Royen P.
Published: July 2022

Background

Family physicians’ diagnostic gut feelings have proved to be valuable. But what about patients’ gut feelings? Research has shown that patients’ gut feelings may contribute to their physicians’ clinical reasoning. Dutch medical tribunals consider patients’ worry useful for doctors’ diagnostic process. However, how general practitioners and other primary care professionals recognize gut feelings of patients and deal with them in their decision making is yet unclear. We aim to explore how primary care professionals perceive patients’ gut feelings and use this information in their decision-making.

Methods

We interviewed 30 Dutch and Belgian primary care professionals, exploring how they recognize and value patients’ gut feelings. We coded all interviews using a descriptive content analysis in an iterative process. Data sufficiency was achieved.

Results

Primary care professionals acknowledged gut feelings in their patients, and most participants found them a useful source of information. Patients’ gut feelings might alert them to possible hidden problems and might provide quicker insight into patients’ perceptions. Primary care professionals listed a whole series of wordings relating to trusting or distrusting the situation or to any changes in normal patterns. A patient’s gut feeling was often a reason for the professionals to explore patients’ worries and to reconsider their own clinical reasoning.

Conclusions

Primary care professionals regularly considered patients’ gut feelings useful, as they might contribute to their clinical reasoning and to a deeper understanding of the patient’s problem. The next step could be to ask patients themselves about their gut feelings and explore their diagnostic value.
Validation of clinical frailty scale in Chinese translation
Authors: Chou Yi-Chun , Tsou Hsiao-Hui , Chan Ding-Cheng Derrick , Wen Chiung-Jung , Lu Feng-Ping , Lin Kun-Pei , Wu Meng-Chen , Chen Yung-Ming , Chen Jen-Hau
Published: July 2022

Background

Identification of frailty is crucial to guide patient care for the elderly. The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is a reliable, synthesis and clinical judgment-based tool. However, a validated Chinese version of CFS (CFS-C) is lacking. The aim of this study is to describe the translation process of CFS into traditional Chinese and to evaluate its reliability and validity in a geriatric study population in Taiwan.

Methods

This cross-sectional study recruited 221 geriatric outpatients aged 65 years or older at a medical center in Taipei, Taiwan. The Chinese version of CFS was produced following Brislin’s translation model. Weighted kappa for agreement and Kendall’s tau for correlation were used to assess inter-rater reliability (a subgroup of 52 outpatients) between geriatricians and one research assistant, and validity tests (221 outpatients) by comparing CFS-C with Fried frailty phenotype and Frailty Index based on Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (FI-CGA). Correlation between CFS-C and other geriatric conditions were also assessed.

Results

The inter-rater reliability revealed moderate agreement (weighted kappa = 0.60) and strong correlation (Kendall’s tau = 0.67). For criterion validity, CFS-C categorisation showed fair agreement (weighted kappa = 0.37) and significant correlation (Kendall’s tau = 0.46) with Fried frailty phenotype, and higher agreement (weighted kappa = 0.51) and correlation (Kendall’s tau = 0.63) with FI-CGA categorisation. CFS-C was significantly correlated with various geriatric assessments, including functional disability, physical performance, hand grip, comorbidity, cognition, depression, and nutrition status. No significant correlation was found between CFS-C and appendicular muscle mass.

Conclusions

The CFS-C demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability in Chinese older adults in Taiwan. Development of CFS-C enhanced consistency and accuracy of frailty assessment, both in research and clinical practice.
Low-grade albuminuria and its relationship with cardiovascular disease risk in hypertensive and diabetic patients in primary health care
Authors: de Souza Ramon Augusto Ferreira , da Silva Eunice Ferreira , de Oliveira Deíse Moura , Colodette Renata Maria , Cotta Rosângela Minardi Mitre , da Silva Luciana Saraiva , Moreira Tiago Ricardo
Published: July 2022

Objective

To evaluate the presence of LGA and the relationship with the 10-year risk of a cardiovascular event in hypertensive and diabetic patients in Primary Health Care.

Study design

The study design used is cross-sectional.

Methods

This study was based on the application of questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory tests carried out from August 2017 to April 2018. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the odds ratio of the explanatory variables in relation to the highest tercile of LGA. The Framingham risk score was used to assess the 10-year risk of cardiovascular event. The comparison of this score with the LGA terciles was analyzed using ANOVA.

Results

An increase in the 10-year risk of cardiovascular event score was observed with an increasing LGA tercile, and this pattern prevailed after adjusting for confounding variables.

Conclusion

An association between LGA and the 10-year risk of cardiovascular event was observed in a representative sample of hypertensive and diabetic patients.
Weight status and meeting the physical activity, sleep, and screen-time guidelines among Texas children: results from a population based, cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Bejarano Geronimo , Brayton Riley P. , Ranjit Nalini , Hoelscher Deanna M. , Brown Danielle , Knell Gregory
Published: July 2022

Background

Evidence suggests that the interactive effects of physical activity, screen-time and sleep are stronger than independent effects of these behaviors on pediatric obesity. However, this hypothesis has not been fully examined among samples of young school-aged children. The aim of this study is to determine the association of weight status with meeting the physical activity, screen-time, and sleep guidelines, independently and concurrently, among 2nd grade children.

Methods

The Texas School Physical Activity and Nutrition Project collected parent-reported physical activity, screen-time, and sleep, and measured body height and weight on a statewide representative weighted sample (n = 320,005) of children. Weighted multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess associations of weight status (classified using age- and sex-specific body weight [kg]/height [m]2, based on International Obesity Task Force cutoffs) with meeting the physical activity, screen-time, and sleep guidelines, while controlling for relevant covariates (age, sex, race/ethnicity, comorbidities etc.).

Results

A greater proportion of healthy weight children (9.9%) met the physical activity, screen-time, and sleep guidelines concurrently compared to children who are thin (3.3%), or children with overweight (5.7%), obese (3.5%), and morbid obesity (1.0%). Children who were thin (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10, 1.50), overweight (aOR = 0.75, CI: 0.33, 1.70), obese (aOR = 0.53, CI: 0.15, 1.81), and morbidly obese (aOR = 0.10, CI: 0.02, 0.28) had lower odds of concurrently meeting the guidelines compared to children with healthy weight.

Conclusions

Among this representative sample of Texas children, weight status was associated with meeting physical activity, screen-time, and sleep guidelines. Future studies should aim to evaluate causal relations between these behaviors and weight status.
Relationship between maternal and/or newborn cholesterol levels and neonatal septicemia: protocol for a Ugandan cohort of mother-newborn pairs
Authors: Ssebambulidde Kenneth , Kayiira Anthony , Segawa Ivan , Namanda Sylvia , Nakibuuka Victoria , Musiime Victor , Ward Theresa H.
Published: July 2022

Background

Many aspects of microbial dissemination appear to vary with host cholesterol levels. Since neonatal septicemia remains a leading cause of newborn admissions and mortality in resource-limited settings, the contribution of abnormal cholesterol levels in maternal and/or newborn blood to the risk of neonatal septicemia and outcome requires elucidation. We aim to determine a relationship between maternal serum and neonatal cord blood cholesterol levels and neonatal septicemia.

Methods

This will be a mother-newborn pair cohort study. Approximately 353 pregnant women who are eligible and consent to participate in the study will have blood drawn for a lipid profile. Upon delivery, we will analyse the cord blood cholesterol of their newborns and follow them for 28 days to determine whether the infants develop clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of neonatal septicemia. Relative risk will be used to determine the association between cholesterol and newborn septicemia. Poisson regression will be used to estimate the relative risk (with 95% confidence intervals) of developing septicemia.

Discussion

Findings from our study will contribute evidence to support the inclusion of lipid profile screening for pregnant women and newborns. Our study will determine whether newborns with abnormal cholesterol or those born to mothers with abnormal cholesterol will require rigorous follow-up in neonatal clinics.
Public health emergency and psychological distress among healthcare workers: a scoping review
Authors: Palmer Jennifer , Ku Michael , Wang Hao , Crosse Kien , Bennett Alexandria , Lee Esther , Simmons Alexander , Duffy Lauren , Montanaro Jessie , Bazaid Khalid
Published: July 2022

Background

Pandemics and natural disasters are immensely stressful events for frontline healthcare workers, as they provide patient care to a population undergoing the impacts of the disaster while experiencing such impacts to their personal lives themselves. With increased stressors to an already demanding job, frontline healthcare workers are at a higher risk of adverse effects to their mental health. The current COVID-19 pandemic has already shown to have had significant impact on the mental health of healthcare workers with increased rates of burnout, anxiety and depression. There is already literature showing the utility of individual programs at improving mental health, however, interventions at the organizational level are not well explored. This scoping review aims to provide an overview and determine the utility of a systematic review of the current body of literature assessing the effectiveness of mental health interventions at the organizational level for healthcare workers during or after a public health emergency.

Methods

Electronic databases such as Medline on OVID, CENTRAL, PsycINFO on OVID and Embase on OVID were searched. A targeted search of the grey literature was conducted to identify any non-indexed studies. The population, concept and context approach was used to develop the eligibility criteria. Articles were included if (1) they assessed the impact of interventions to improve wellbeing or reduce the distress on healthcare personnel, first responders or military actively providing medical care; (2) provided quantitative or qualitative data with clearly defined outcomes that focused on established mental health indicators or qualitative descriptions on distress and wellbeing, validated scales and workplace indicators; (3) focused on organizational level interventions that occurred in a public health crisis.

Results

The literature search resulted in 4007 citations and 115 potentially relevant full-text papers. All except 5 were excluded. There were four review articles and one experimental study. There were no other unpublished reports that warranted inclusion.

Conclusions

There is a distinct lack of research examining organizational interventions addressing mental resilience and well-being in healthcare workers in disaster settings. A systematic review in this area would be low yield. There is a clear need for further research in this area.
Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of Urdu version of upper limb functional index; a validity and reliability study
Authors: Arooj Ayesha , Amjad Fareeha , Tanveer Fahad , Arslan Asad Ullah , Ahmad Ashfaq , Gilani Syed Amir
Published: July 2022

Background

The upper limb functional index is broadly used outcome measure for musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb. The main objective of the study was to translate and validate the upper limb functional index (ULFI) outcome measure in the Urdu language.

Methods

Upper limb functional index was translated into Urdu language using Beaton et al. guidelines through forward and backward translation along with the expert committee reviews. Two fifty (n = 250) Urdu-speaking patients with sub-acute or chronic conditions of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders were included in the study. The mean age was 32.33 ± 4.67 years. The data were collected from the physical therapy department of The University of Lahore Teaching hospital. All participants completed the upper limb functional index-Urdu (ULFI-U), Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), Quick Disability of arm, shoulder, and hand (QuickDash), and (health survey) SF-12 at baseline while only ULFI-U at day three. Reliability was assessed through internal consistency by Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest reliability by intra-class correlation (ICC). Content validity was measured by Lynn and Lawshee method. Spearman’s correlation has been used to measure criterion validity. The construct validity was measured through hypothesis testing. The structural validity has been explained through factor analysis by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using Maximum likelihood extraction (MLE) with Promax rotation.

Results

The English version of ULFI was translated into the Urdu language with minor alterations. The Urdu version ULFI has demonstrated high levels of reliability with intra-class correlation (ICC2,1=0.91) and Cronbach’s alpha (α = 0.94). The content validity index found as 0.808, the criterion validity for ULFI-U correlating with quick Dash was found excellent (r = 0.845) and ULFI-U established strong correlation with 6 domains of SF-12(r = 0.697 to 0.767) and weak correlation with its 2 domains and NPRS(r = 0.520). A two-factor structure was obtained using EFA.

Conclusions

The ULFI-U is a valid and reliable patient-reported outcome (PRO) that can be used to assess upper limb musculoskeletal disorders in Urdu-speaking patients.

Trial registration

This study was registered in the U. S National Library onclinicaltrial.govunder registration no.NCT05088096. (Date: 21/10/2021).
Correlations of magnetic resonance imaging classifications with preoperative functions among patients with refractory lateral epicondylitis
Authors: Li Xu , Zhao Yang , Zhang Zhijun , Zheng Tong , Li Shangzhe , Yang Guang , Lu Yi
Published: July 2022

Background

To evaluate the correlations between three magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) classifications and preoperative function in patients with refractory lateral epicondylitis (LE).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients with refractory LE who underwent arthroscopic treatment. Signal changes in the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ERCB) were evaluated based on three different MRI classification systems. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was used to analyse the correlation between each MRI classification and the preoperative functional and visual analogue scale (VAS). The lateral collateral ligament complex (LCL) in all patients was evaluated using both MRI and arthroscopy. The Mann–Whitney U test was used for the comparison of preoperative VAS and all functional scores between patients with refractory LE combined with LCL lesions, and those without.

Results

There were 51 patients diagnosed with refractory LE between June 2014 to December 2020, all of whom were included in this study. The patients included 32 women and 19 men with a mean age of 49.1 ± 7.6 years (range, 39–60 years). The average duration of symptoms was 21.1 ± 21.2 months (range, 6–120 months). The intra-observer agreements for Steinborn et al.’s classification were 77.9%, 76.0%, and 76.7%, respectively. The inter-observer reliabilities of the three classifications were 0.734, 0.751, and 0.726, respectively. The average intra-observer agreement for the diagnosis of abnormal LCL signal was 89.9%, with an overall weighted kappa value of 0.904. The false-positive rate was 50%, and the false-negative rate was 48% for LCL evaluation on MRI. Spearman's rank correlation analysis did not find significant correlation between any of the three MRI classifications and preoperative VAS or any functional scores (all P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the VAS and functional scores between patients with abnormal LCL signals on MRI and those without LCL lesions (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Preoperative MRI findings in patients with refractory LE cannot reflect the severity of functional deficiency. Preoperative MRI grading of the origin of the ERCB and preoperative MRI for LCL signal change cannot assist the surgical plan for the treatment of patients with refractory LE.
Determinants of pelvic organ prolapse at public hospitals in Hawassa city, Southern Ethiopia, 2020: unmatched case control study
Authors: Dora Bezabih Terefe , Kassa Zemenu Yohannes , Hadra Nebiha , Tsigie Bamlaku Birie , Esayas Hawi Leul
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Even though the Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is outstanding gynecologic problem, most private and asymptomatic nature of the illness makes it the “hidden epidemic.” The aim of this study was to identify the determinants of POP.

Methods

Facility based unmatched case control study was conducted from June 15 to September 10, 2020. All cases diagnosed with POP were enrolled in the study by using consecutive random sampling method by assuming that patient flow by itself is random until the required sample size was obtained. Then 1:2 cases to control ratio was applied. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and chart review for type and degree of prolapse was used. Epi-data was used for data entry and SPSS were used for analysis. Chi square test and binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed. Multicollinearity was checked.

Result

On multivariate logistic regression, heavy usual work load(AOR = 2.3, CI(1.066–4.951), number of pregnancy ≥ 5(AOR = 3.911, CI(1.108–13.802), birth space of < 2 years(AOR = 2.88, CI(1.146–7.232), history of fundal pressure (AOR = 5.312, CI(2.366–11.927) and history of induced labor (AOR = 4.436, CI(2.07–9.505) were significantly associated with POP withPvalue < 0.05 and 95% CI after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusion

Heavy usual work load, having pregnancy greater than five, short birth space, history of induced labor, and history of fundal pressure are independent predictors of pelvic organ prolapse. Hence the responsible body and obstetric care providers should counsel the women about child spacing, minimizing heavy usual work load and effect of multigravidity on POP. Incorporation of health education on those risk factors related to POP on antenatal and postnatal care should be considered. The obstetric care providers also avoid fundal pressure and labor induction without clear indication and favorability, and the hospital officials set a law to ban fundal pressure during labor.
Global transcriptomic response of Escherichia coli to p-coumaric acid
Authors: Rodríguez-Ochoa José Ignacio , Fragoso-Jiménez Juan Carlos , Flores Noemí , Martínez Luz María , Bolivar Francisco , Martinez Alfredo , Gosset Guillermo
Published: July 2022

The aromatic compound p-coumaric acid (p-CA) is a secondary metabolite produced by plants. This aromatic acid and derived compounds have positive effects on human health, so there is interest in producing them in biotechnological processes with recombinant Escherichia coli strains. To determine the physiologic response of E. coli W3110 to p-CA, dynamic expression analysis of selected genes fused to a fluorescent protein reporter as well as RNA-seq and RT-qPCR were performed. The observed transcriptional profile revealed the induction of genes involved in functions related to p-CA active export, synthesis of cell wall and membrane components, synthesis of amino acids, detoxification of formaldehyde, phosphate limitation, acid stress, protein folding and degradation. Downregulation of genes encoding proteins involved in energy production, carbohydrate import and metabolism, as well as several outer and plasma membrane proteins was detected. This response is indicative of cell envelope damage causing the leakage of intracellular components including amino acids and phosphate-containing compounds. The cellular functions responding to p-CA that were identified in this study will help in defining targets for production strains improvement.
Is altering the availability of healthier vs. less-healthy options effective across socioeconomic groups? A mega-analysis
Authors: Pechey Rachel , Hollands Gareth J. , Reynolds James P. , Jebb Susan A. , Marteau Theresa M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Availability interventions have been hypothesised to make limited demands on conscious processes and, as a result, to be less likely to generate health inequalities than cognitively-oriented interventions. Here we synthesise existing evidence to examine whether the impact of altering the availability of healthier vs. less-healthy options differs by socioeconomic position.

Methods

Individual-level data (21,360 observations from 7,375 participants) from six studies (conducted online (n = 4) and in laboratories (n = 2)) were pooled for mega-analysis. Multilevel logistic regressions analysed the impact of altering the availability of healthier options on selection of a healthier (rather than a less-healthy) option by socioeconomic position, assessed by (a) education and (b) income.

Results

Participants had over threefold higher odds of selecting a healthier option when the available range was predominantly healthier compared to selections when the range offered was predominantly less-healthy (odds ratio (OR): 3.8; 95%CIs: 3.5, 4.1). Less educated participants were less likely to select healthier options in each availability condition (ORs: 0.75–0.85; all p < 0.005), but there was no evidence of differences in healthier option selection by income. Compared to selections when the range offered was predominantly less-healthy, when predominantly healthier options were available there was a 31% increase in selecting healthier options for the most educated group vs 27% for the least educated. This modest degree of increased responsiveness in the most educated group appeared only to occur when healthier options were predominant. There was no evidence of any differential response to the intervention by income.

Conclusion

Increasing the proportion of healthier options available increases the selection of healthier options across socioeconomic positions. Availability interventions may have a slightly larger beneficial effect on those with the highest levels of education in settings when healthier options predominate.