bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Housing and Mental Health during Outbreak of COVID-19
Authors: Akbari Paria , Yazdanfar Seyed-Abbas , Hosseini Seyed-Bagher , Norouzian-Maleki Saeid
Published: March 2021

Background: Recently, a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused global health concerns. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, house quarantine was considered to prevent the outbreak of the disease and ensure physical health, but it may cause serious mental health problems. The present study aims to assess housing satisfaction, housing preference of residents, and their mental health in house quarantine of COVID-19 considering housing type, spaces, environmental factors, and function and activities. Methods: Quantitative data were gathered through administering online questionnaires. In April 2020, 421 valid responses were gathered from people who were living in Tehran. Then the collected data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: According to the result, environmental factors have a higher mean than spaces and functions and activities throughout housing preference. Satisfaction with all parameters affects improving mental health. The kitchen, view quality, exercise, and cultivation and maintenance of plants have the greatest impact on improving mental health among house spaces, environmental factors, activities, and functions, respectively. The mental health of people living in private houses is better than residents of low-rise and high-rise housing.Conclusions: Residents’ opinions about the houses showed that there are differences between the current situation of the house and the preferences of the people during the house quarantine period, which has been effective in the mental health of the residents in this period. Consideration of parameters in housing design by architects and home planners can improve people's mental health during special and critical situations such as house quarantine due to the spread of epidemics.
In-Situ Passive Infrared Thermography Application for the Assessment of Localized Mechanical Properties of TIG-Welded Inconel 625 Alloys
Authors: Rawashdeh Nathir A , Atieh Anas M , Bani-Mostafa Diala
Published: March 2021

Traditional evaluation of weld joint mechanical properties by destructive testing shows the limitations of these evaluation methods, including equipment limitations, high materials/testing cost, and challenging repeatability. This work presents an experimental approach for utilizing passive infrared thermography and tensile testing to evaluate the correlation between thermal and localized TIG-welded Inconel 625 joints' mechanical properties. The results show that different areas of interest behave differently during the tensile test. The dog-bone shaped TIG-welded samples were divided into five regions of interest on both sides of the weldment, of which two are repetitive on both sides of the sample representing Inconel 625 base metal alloy, heat-affected zones, and weld beads. The temperature change rate in these three regions varied from 0.17oC/min to 0.67oC/min as the tensile test progresses. The fractography analysis showed that the failure occurred within the weld beads, even though the highest temperature was observed in the heat-affected zones, suggesting higher strength in the heat-affected zones. This work's suggested evaluation method provides a powerful industrial and experimental tool to predict weld failure based on temperature changes during static loading.
A Numerical Study of Chemical Reaction in a Nanofluid Flow Due to Rotating Disk in the Presence of Magnetic Field
Authors: Ramzan Muhammad , Kumam Poom , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Khan Ilyas , Jamshed Wasim
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a numerical study of MHD steady flow due to the rotating disk with chemical reaction was explored. Effect of different parameters such as Schmidt number, chemical reaction parameter, Prandtl number, Suction parameter, heat absorption/generation parameter, Nano-particle concentration, Reynold number, Magnetic parameter, skin friction, shear stress, temperature distribution, Nusselt number, mass transfer rate, radial velocity, axial velocity, and tangential velocity was analyzed and discussed. For the simplification of non-linear partial differential equations (PDEs) into the nonlinear ordinary differential equation (ODEs), the method of Similarity transformation was employed, and the resulting partial differential equation was solved by using finite difference method through MATLAB programming. This work's remarkable finding is that with the expansion of nanoparticle concentration radial velocity, tangential velocity and temperature of the fluid was enhanced but reverse reaction for axial velocity. Furthermore, the present results are found to be in excellent agreement with previously published work.
Investigation on the Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Processed 2A14 Aluminum Alloy Fabricated by Different Initial Precipitation States
Authors: Wang Jian , Yang Ke , Zhou Dongshuai , Xie Li , Lu Yalin , Li Xingcheng
Published: March 2021

6 mm thick 2A14 Al alloy plates were friction stir processed with different initial precipitation states of as-cast, homogenization, rolling and T6. The results indicated that FSP can dramatically reduce the grain and particles size and promote the formation of fine recrystallized grains with random orientation in the stirred zone (SZ). No significant influences of the initial precipitation states of base metal (BM) on the grain size, grain boundary characteristic, texture component and texture intensity of SZ were perceived. Rather, the initial precipitation states can evidently affect the morphology and distribution of precipitates and dislocations. The dominant C and A1* texture components developed in the SZ are correlated with the shear deformation and dynamic recrystallization. And the weakened texture intensity created in the SZ after FSP also signifying that discontinuous dynamic recrystallization might be involved. Compared with the corresponding BM, the SZ fabricated by the BM under as-cast and homogenized states were strengthened arises from the obvious refined grains, uniform dispersed particles and elimination of casting defects caused by FSP, while the softening of SZ were observed for the BM under rolled and T6 states, which are mainly dependent on the reduction of dislocation density and dissolution/coarsening of fine precipitates during FSP.
Impact of Sleeve Gastrectomy on Renal Function in Patients With Morbid Obesity: A One-Year Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sanchez Delphine , Lebrun Amandine , Somda Sosthene , Lainas Panagiotis , Tranchart Hadrien , Lamouri Karima , Prevot Sophie , Njike-Nakseu Micheline , Gaillard Martin , Zaidan Mohamad , Balian Axel , Dagher Ibrahim , Naveau Sylvie , Perlemuter Gabriel , Voican Cosmin Sebastian
Published: March 2021

Background. Obesity is an independent risk factor for renal injury. A more favorable metabolic environment following weight loss may theoretically lead to improved renal function. We aimed to evaluate the evolution of renal function one year after sleeve gastrectomy in a large prospective cohort of patients with morbid obesity and assess the influence of fat-free mass (FFM) changes.Patients and Methods. We prospectively included 563 severely obese patients admitted for sleeve gastrectomy. Patients were systematically evaluated one year after surgery. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. The FFM was estimated by analyzing computerized tomography (CT) scan sections from CT systematically performed two days and one year after sleeve gastrectomy to detect surgery complications.Results. The mean age was 41.2±0.52 years. The mean body mass index was 43.5±0.3 kg/m2 and 20.4, 30.5, and 30.7% of the included patients had type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, respectively. One hundred and fifteen patients were lost to follow-up at one-year post-surgery. The eGFR was significantly lower one year after sleeve gastrectomy than before surgery (87.8±0.9 versus 86.1±0.9, p<0.01). There was no difference in terms of post-surgery FFM loss between patients with an improved eGFR and those without (6.7±0.3 kg versus 6.76±0.5 kg, p=0.9). Furthermore, post-surgery changes in the eGFR did not correlate with the amount of FFM loss (r=0.1, p=0.18).Conclusion. Renal function assessed by eGFR is significantly improved at one-year post-sleeve gastrectomy, independent of changes in skeletal muscle mass.
Transcriptional Landscape of Pathogen-responsive Lncrnas Reveals OS_LNC1812-Induced Disease Resistance by Abscisic Acid Pathway in Rice
Authors: Cao Weilin , Gan Liming , Cao Junyuan , wang Ruolin , Li Ying , Gao Jiaqi , Li Changyuan , Zhu Changxiang
Published: March 2021

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) produced by the plant genome are essential regulators in diverse biological processes. Despite increasing knowledge of lncRNAs in plant development, little is known about responding to plant disease, especially in rice. Results: In this study, we investigated a comprehensive disease-responding lncRNA profiles in rice defence against Rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) and Rice stripe virus (RSV) for the first time. Analysis of RNA sequencing of rice leaves infected with the two pathogens identified total 1,925 lncRNAs, in which 724 lncRNA were derived from alternative splicing (AS) events and the largest number of lncRNAs produced by intron retention (IR) of AS events. We calculated the regulatory relationship between transcription factors, lncRNAs, and mRNAs by constructing gene regulatory network and found that a lncRNA, OS_LNC1812 regulated by Os01t0730700-01 encoding transcription factor WRKY14 may target abscisic acid (ABA) responsive element binding factor ABF (Os01t0867300-01) involved in ABA signaling pathway during pathogens infection. We subsequently found that highly expression of OS_LNC1812, WRKY14, and ABF after ABA treatment. Conclusions: Our results reveal the common lncRNAs profiles respond to RBSDV and RSV in rice and provide novel potential modulation of lncRNAs in ABA pathway in the regulation of plant disease resistance.
Uncovering the Multi-level Response of Glycine Max L. To the Application of Allelopathic Biostimulant From Levisticum Officinale Koch
Authors: Szparaga Agnieszka , Kocira Sławomir , Findura Pavol , Kapusta Ireneusz , Zaguła Grzegorz , Świeca Michał
Published: March 2021

The interest expressed by the agriculture in the category of innovative biostimulants is due to the intensive search for natural preparations. Our study is the first ever to report a complex approach to the use of allelopathic extracts from Levisticum officinale Koch. roots in soybean cultivation, includes analyses of morphological observations, and analyses of biochemical indicators. Hot method of aqueous extraction was applied. The extracts were administered via foliar application and soil treatment. Lovage extracts had high contents of polyphenolic compounds and rich micro- and macroelemental composition. The infusions did not contain gibberellic acid and indole-3-acetic acid but the abscisic acid and saccharose, glucose, and fructose were found. The extracts modified soybean plant physiology, as manifested by changes in biometric traits. Plants responded positively by increased yield. Seeds from the treated plants had higher contents of micro- and macroelements, as well as total concentrations of lipids (with a slight decrease in protein content). In addition, they featured changes in their amino acid profile and fatty acid composition. The application of allelopathic biostimulant caused increased concentrations of isoflavones and saponins. The natural biostimulants from Levisticum officinale may become a valuable tool in the sustainable agriculture.
Examination of Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration Using a Puncture Needle With a Side Trap
Authors: Miyazaki Kazuhito , Hirasawa Yuya , Aga Masaharu , Aiko Naoto , Hamakawa Yusuke , Taniguchi Yuri , Misumi Yuki , Agemi Yoko , Shimokawa Tsuneo , Naoki Katsuhiko , Okamoto Hiroaki
Published: March 2021

Background:Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is useful for diagnosing hilar and mediastinal lymph node enlargement; however, specimens obtained are often small and inadequate for pathologic diagnosis. In June 2017, EchoTip ProCore®, a puncture needle with a side trap, was launched in Japan.Methods:In this single-center prospective interventional study, 57 patients with lymph node or tracheal tumors were diagnosed using EBUS-TBNA with EchoTip ProCore® between June 2017 and February 2020.Results: EBUS-TBNA was performed for 57 patients, 1 had a cyst, 1 had necrotic tissue, and 2 had inadequate specimens; however, the remaining 53 patients had sufficient specimen for histologic diagnosis. The following pathologic subtypes were diagnosed: non-small cell lung cancer, 22; small cell lung cancer, 8; cancer of unknown primary, 2; neuroendocrine tumor (G2) recurrence, 1; lymphoma, 2; metastatic renal cell carcinoma, 3; thymoma recurrence, 1; sarcoidosis, 4; tuberculosis, 1; and non-malignancy, 9. None of the patients had complications. Among 13 patients with inadequate specimens or without malignancy, only one patient was subsequently diagnosed with malignancy, and the median follow-up period was 300 days.Conclusion:EBUS-TBNA using EchoTip ProCore® can obtain a sufficient specimen size for pathologic diagnosis.
Distribution and correlation of methicillin-resistant coagulase-positive staphylococci (MRCoPS) between environmental surfaces, veterinary staff and dogs within a veterinary teaching hospital, Thailand
Authors: Fungwithaya Punpichaya , Murugaiyan Jayaseelan , Prapasarakul Nuvee
Published: March 2021

Background

Coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS), a gram-positive cocci bacterium, is a group of bacteria causing dermatitis and septicemia in animal. Methicillin-resistant (MR) CoPS (MRCoPS) can find on human, animal and environmental including medical equipment leading to nosocomial infection. This study aimed to determine the distribution and to analyse correlation of methicillin-resistant coagulase-positive staphylococci (MRCoPS) between environmental surfaces, veterinary staff, and dogs within a Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) at Chulalongkorn University (CU) in Bangkok, Thailand. All isolates were characterized the antimicrobial susceptibilities, Staphylococcal cassette mec (SCCmec) typing and clone typing by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE).
Results

In total, 88 CoPS isolates were obtained from 53 samples comprising 24 parts of floors (24/53, 45.3%), 14 items of medical instruments (14/53, 26.4%), 14 dogs (14/53, 26.4%) and a veterinarian (1/53, 1.9%). Sixty-two of 88 were MRCoPS locating in the five hospital rooms. The highest MRCoPS species were MR Staphylococcus pseudointermedius (MRSP) isolates (57/62, 91.9%) retrieved from 26 samples and mainly discovered on the floors. Seven antibiogram patterns and two SCCmec types were resolved from 62 MRCoPS isolates. Most of the MRCoPS (93.6%) were resistant to at least three antibiotics. All MR Staphylococcus schleiferi subsp. coagulans (MRSSc) isolates displayed a triple antibiogram associated with the SCCmec type V, while the MRSP isolates showed various antibiograms and SCCmec types. The S. pseudintermedius in dogs and three rooms were related by their PFGE pattern A. The average percentage of MRCoPS-positive surfaces were typically high on the floors (20%). The dermatological room showed the highest of MRCoPS-positive surfaces on both the floor and medical instruments.
Conclusions

The distribution of CoPS and MRCoPS has become a relative common situation in veterinary hospitals, and so attention must be paid to limit cross-contamination between patients and the hospital environment. To general; please provide impact of this study digested as a take home message.
The Impact of Frailty on Survival in Elderly Intensive Care Patients with COVID-19 – the COVIP Study
Authors: Jung Christian , Flaatten Hans , Fjølner Jesper , Bruno Raphael Romano , Wernly Bernhard , Artigas Antonio , Pinto Bernardo Bollen , Schefold Joerg C. , Wolff Georg , Kelm Malte , Beil Michael , Sigal Sviri , Heerden Peter Vernon van , Szczeklik Wojciech , Czuczwar Miroslaw , Elhadi Muhammed , Joannidis Michael , Oeyen Sandra , Zafeiridis Tilemachos , Marsh Brian , Andersen Finn H. , Moreno Rui , Cecconi Maurizio , Leaver Susannah , Boumendil Ariane , De Lange Dylan W. , Guidet Bertrand
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has led highly developed healthcare systems to the brink of collapse due to the large numbers of patients being admitted into hospitals. One of the potential prognostic indicators in patients with COVID-19 is frailty. The degree of frailty could be used to assist both the triage into intensive care, and decisions regarding treatment limitations. Our study sought to determine the interaction of frailty and age in elderly COVID-19 ICU patients.MethodsA prospective multi-centre study of COVID-19 patients ≥ 70 years admitted to intensive care in 138 ICUs from 28 countries was conducted. The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. Frailty was assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Additionally, comorbidities, management strategies and treatment limitations were recorded.ResultsThe study included 1346 patients (28% female) with a median age of 75 years (IQR 72-78, range 70-96), 16.3% were older than 80 years and 21% of the patients were frail. The overall survival at 30 days was 59% (95%CI 56-62), with 66% (63-69) in fit, 53% (47-61) in vulnerable and 41% (35-47) in frail patients (p<0.001). In frail patients, there was no difference in 30 day survival between different age categories. Frailty was linked to an increased use of treatment limitations and less use of mechanical ventilation. In a model controlling for age, disease severity, sex, treatment limitations and comorbidities, frailty was independently associated with lower survival.ConclusionFrailty provides relevant prognostic information in elderly COVID-19 patients in addition to age and comorbidities.
Identification of A New Kind of Phenazine Compounds Attenuating The Stemness of Breast Cancer Cells Through Triggering Ferroptosis
Authors: Yang Yue , Lu yuanyuan , Zhang Chunhua , Guo Qianqian , Wang Ting , Xia Zhuolu , Liu Jing , Cheng Xiangyu , Xi Tao , Jiang Feng , zheng lufeng
Published: March 2021

Background: Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are positively correlated with metastasis, chemoresistance and recurrence of breast cancer.Methods: The stemness were analyzed by qPCR and western blot, flow cytometry, cell spheroid formation assay, and tumor xenograft model. The cell viability was performed by MTT. The transcriptome analysis was used to evaluate the influence of these three compounds. The migration was analyzed by wound-healing assay, transwell invasion analysis, and metastasis model. The iron concentration was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy analysis. The lipid peroxidation and ROS level were analyzed by flow cytometry. The results were presented as mean ± SD, the analysis was Student’s t-test by using GraphPad Prism 5 software. P-values less than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. (*p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001).Results: Here, we tried to screen out small-molecule compounds targeting BCSCs from the phenazine library established by us before. We focused on the compounds without affecting cell viability and screened out three potential compounds (CPUL119, CPUL129, CPUL149) that can significantly attenuate the stemness of breast cancer cells, as evident by the decrease of stemness marker expression, CD44+/CD24- subpopulation, mammary spheroid-formation ability and tumor-initiating capacity. Additionally, these compounds suppressed the metastatic ability of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Combined with the transcriptome-sequencing analysis in breast cancer cells with or without the treatment of these three compounds, respectively, it was found that ferroptosis was shown on the top of the most upregulated pathways by CPUL119, CPUL129 and CPUL149. Mechanistically, we found that CPUL119, CPUL129 and CPUL149 could trigger ferroptosis by accumulating and sequestering iron in lysosomes through interacting with iron, and by regulating the expression of proteins (IRP2, TfR1, ferritin) engaged in modulating iron transport and storage. Furthermore, inhibition of ferroptosis rescued the suppression of these three compounds on the stemness of breast cancer cells. Conclusions: This study suggests that CPUL119, CPUL129 and CPUL149 can specifically inhibit the stemness of breast cancer cells through ferroptosis and may be the potential compounds for breast cancer treatment.
Redox Index of Cys-Thiol Residues of Serum Apolipoprotein E and Its Diagnostic Potential
Authors: Yamauchi Kazuyoshi , Kawakami Yasushi
Published: March 2021

We explored the proper index for estimating the redox status of Cys-thiol of serum apolipoprotein E (apoE), named “redox-IDX-apoE,” which is necessary to understand the redox biology of age-related diseases, such as atherosclerosis. The fractions of reduced form (red-), reversible oxidized form (roxi-), and irreversibly oxidized form (oxi-) apoE were measured by a band-shift assay. Candidates of redox-IDX-apoE were determined by calculating the values of these fractions and total apoE concentration. The ratios of roxi-apoE to total-apoE (roxi/total), red-apoE to roxi-apoE (red/roxi), and [red-apoE + oxi-apoE] to roxi-apoE ([red + oxi]/roxi) were independent of age and sex. Roxi/total showed significant negative correlations with serum triglyceride (TG) and HbA1c levels, while red/roxi and [red + oxi]/roxi showed significant positive correlations with them. However, red/roxi and [red + oxi]/roxi in the patients with atherosclerosis were significantly lower than those in control subjects, although serum TG and HbA1c levels in the patients were significantly higher than those in controls. The redox status of serum apoE-Cys-thiol is closely involved in the metabolism of TG-rich lipoproteins and glucose and may vary depending on the difference in pathological conditions. The appropriate usage of these ratios could be helpful in the diagnosis and prognosis of age-related diseases.
Unique and Combined Contribution of Peer Victimization and Maltreatment in Childhood to Young Adults’ Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidality: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Macalli Melissa , Orri Massimiliano , Tzourio Christophe , Côté Sylvana M.
Published: March 2021

BackgroundChild maltreatment and peer victimization are known to be major risk factors for depression and suicidal behavior. Furthermore, child maltreatment increases the risk for victimization by peers. Our objective was to distinguish the contribution of maltreatment by parents and peer victimization to mental health problems in young adulthood. Specifically, we tested whether peer victimization alone or in combination with parental maltreatment before 18 years was associated with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors at age 21 years.MethodsWe used data collected in the i-Share (internet-based students’ health research enterprise) study in France from February 2013 to September 2019 (N = 2271 participants). We conducted multinomial and binary logistic regression analyses to assess the unique and cumulative contribution of peer victimization and parental maltreatment with anxiety, depression, and suicidality. ResultsAlmost one third of students (28.8%) reported at least one mental health problem; 29.8% reported peer victimization only; 7.5% reported parental maltreatment only; and 10.3% reported both maltreatment and victimization. In multivariate models, compared to participants who did not experience maltreatment or peer victimization, those who experienced peer victimization only were more likely to present anxiety (aOR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.50-2.40), depression (aOR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.46-2.60), or suicidal ideation without (aOR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.26-2.09) and with attempt (aOR: 2.70; 95% CI: 1.51-4.85). Similar associations were observed for those who were maltreated only. Those experiencing both maltreatment and peer victimization were at increased risk for depression (aOR: 2.63; 95% CI: 1.79-3.86) and for suicidal ideation with (aOR: 9.19; 95% CI: 4.98-16.92) and without attempt (aOR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.86-3.76).ConclusionsIndividual and combined exposure to parental maltreatment and peer victimization in childhood or adolescence was associated with increased risk for anxiety, depression and suicidal behaviors. Peer victimization seems to have a specific role on mental health disorders not otherwise explained by polyvictimization. Since peer victimization is a frequent and evitable child abuse type, the findings have implications for policies to prevent and deal with.
Determinants of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Among Neonates in Referral Hospitals of East and West Gojjam Zones of Amhara Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020.
Authors: Derbew Wondim , Dagnew Amare , Girma Frehiwot
Published: March 2021

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis is one of the most common serious surgical disorders of neonates. It is a life-threatening emergency of the gastrointestinal tract in the neonatal period that causes morbidity and mortality of newborns. Although the burden of the disease is high and it is the major cause for neonatal death, there is limited information’s about identifying the determinant factors that may help to reduce the neonatal deaths. Thus this study aimed to identify the determinants of necrotizing enterocolitis among admitted neonates in neonatal intensive care unit at referral hospitals of East and West Gojjam Zones of Amhara regional state,Northwest Ethiopia, 2020. Methods: Unmatched case control study design was conducted among 246 neonates (82 cases and 164 controls) in neonatal intensive care unit from February 24 to April 24, 2020. Data was collected through face to face interview and reviewing medical charts of the neonates. Data was entered into Epi data and exported to SPSS for analysis. Bivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the candidate variables at p≤0.25 and multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify significant determinants at p value <0.05. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was used to show the strength of association between exposure and outcome variables. Result: A total of 246 neonates were included in the study. Duration of rupture of membrane>18 hours [AOR=4.287; 95%CI (2.157-8.518)], low birth weight [AOR= 3.592; 95% CI (1.742- 7.407)], neonatal sepsis [AOR=3.553; 95% CI (1.76-7.174)] and types of enteral feeding (formula milk only [AOR=3.604; 95% CI (1.548-8.39)] and mixed milk (AOR=2.416; 95% CI (1.103-5.290)]) were determinants for necrotizing enterocolitis.Conclusions: Duration of rupture of membrane, low birth weight, neonatal sepsis and enteral feedings (formula milk and mixed milk) were significantly associated with necrotizing enterocolitis. Encouraging exclusive breastfeeding, providing adequate care for low birth weight babies and using septic precautions to avoid neonatal sepsis are the strategies to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis.
Disruptive Impacts of Living With Chronic Low Back Pain and Experience of Psychologically Informed Physical Therapy – A Qualitative Process Evaluation of a Randomised Control Trial
Authors: Petrozzi Marco John , Spencer Grace , Mackey Martin G
Published: March 2021

Background: Chronic low back pain (LBP) is a significant and complex health condition affecting one in ten people worldwide. Research has shown that LBP can negatively impact the physical, psychological and social aspects of people’s lives. Clinical practice guidelines recommend a combined physical and psychological management approach (psychologically informed physical therapy) for chronic LBP. A recent multi-site randomised controlled trial (Mind Your Back) aimed to investigate whether combining multimodal physical treatments with an internet-delivered psychosocial intervention (MoodGYM) was more effective for improving disability and self-efficacy in people with chronic LBP, compared to standard treatment. The aim of this study was to conduct a process evaluation to explore the participants’ experiences of living with chronic LBP and their response to interventions provided in the Mind Your Back Trial.Methods: Twenty-five participants volunteered to take part in a semi-structured telephone interview about their experiences of taking part in the Mind Your Back trial and to understand their perspectives of living with chronic back pain. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and data analysed thematically. Results: Three main themes were identified: (1) Ongoing back pain disrupts all aspects of life, (2) Personalised support and therapeutic alliance are important, and (3) MoodGYM lacked relevant, personalised and tailored support. Conclusion: Living with chronic LBP has significant disruptive impacts on everyday life. It is crucial to deliver tailored support and management strategies that are grounded in the everyday lived experiences of people with chronic LBP.
How well do genetic markers inform about responses to intraspecific admixture? A comparative analysis of microsatellites and RADseq
Authors: Yıldırım Yeşerin , Forsman Anders , Sunde Johanna
Published: March 2021

Background: Fitness consequences of intraspecific genetic admixture can vary from positive to negative depending on the genetic composition of the populations and environmental conditions. Because admixture has potential to influence the success of management and conservation efforts, genetic similarity has been suggested to be used as a proxy to predict the outcome. Studies utilizing microsatellites (a neutral marker) to investigate associations between genetic distance and admixture effects show conflicting results. Marker types that yield information on genome-wide and/or adaptive variation might be more useful for predicting responses to inter-population hybridization. In this study we utilized published data for three populations of pike (Esox lucius) to investigate associations between offspring performance (hatching success) and parental genetic similarity in experimentally purebred and admixed families, based on neutral (microsatellites), genome-wide neutral (RADseq SNPs), and adaptive (SNPs under selection) markers.Results: Estimated similarity varied among the markers, likely reflecting differences in their inherent properties, but was consistently higher in purebred than admixed families. A significant interaction between marker type and admixture treatment reflected that neutral SNPs yielded higher estimates than adaptive SNPs for admixed families whereas no difference was found for purebred families, which indicates that neutral similarity was not reflective of adaptive similarity. When all samples were pooled, no association between similarity and performance was found for any marker. For microsatellites, similarity was positively correlated with hatching success in purebred families, whereas no association was found in admixed families; however, the direction of the effect differed between the population combinations. Conclusions: The results strengthen the notion that, as of today, there is no proxy that can reliably predicted the outcome of admixture. This emphasizes the need of further studies to advance knowledge that can shed light on how to safeguard against negative consequences of admixture, and thereby inform management and promote conservation of biological diversity.
Clinical relevance of glomerular IgM deposition in patients with lupus nephritis
Authors: Wang Fengmei , Yu Jirong , zhang Lei , Zhang Yan , Zhang Jie , Liu Bicheng , Yang Xiaowei
Published: March 2021

Background
The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical relevance of IgM deposition in patients with LN in a large cohort.
Results
217 patients with renal biopsy–proven lupus nephritis were enrolled. The associations between glomerular IgM deposition and clinicopathological parameters were further analyzed. IgM deposition was positively correlated with glomerular C1q and C3 deposition moderately (r = 0.436, P < 0.001; r = 0.408, P < 0.001, respectively), and inversely correlated with plasma levels of C3 and CFH mildly (r=-0.138, P = 0.043; r=-0.147, P = 0.037, respectively). By multivariate analysis, we found that glomerular IgM deposition independently contributes to glomerular C3 deposition in patients with lupus nephritis (OR = 2.002, 95% CI: 1.295–3.094, P = 0.002). In addition, we also found that patients with IgM 0+-2 + had similar plasma CFH levels, but in patients with IgM3+-4+, plasma CFH levels were significantly lower (300.4 ± 155.8µg/ml vs. 429.9 ± 187.5µg/ml, P < 0.001). Furthermore, patients with high density of glomerular IgM and low levels of CFH had heavier proteinuria, higher serum creatinine and lower plasma C3 levels (5.7 ± 3.1g/d vs. 4.7 ± 3.5g/d, P = 0.037;150.1 ± 121.0µmol/L vs. 105.6 ± 97.1µmol/L, P = 0.005; 0.3 ± 0.2µg/L vs. 0.4 ± 0.2µg/L, P = 0.04, respectively), comparing with those with low density of glomerular IgM and low levels of CFH.
Conclusions

Our results suggested IgM might bind to
injury-associated epitopes and be involved in disease progression
and provided a possible relevance of CFH and IgM in the process of
alternative pathway (AP) activation.
Total Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Burden Predicts Dysphagia in Patients with a Single Recent Small Subcortical Infarct
Authors: Zhang Lulu , Tang Xiang , Li Yidan , Zhu Juehua , Ding Dongxue , Zhou Yun , Diao Shanshan , Kong Yan , Cai Xiuying , Yao Ye , Fang Qi
Published: March 2021

Background
The study was performed to identify the association between total magnetic resonance imaging burden of small vessel disease and occurrence of post-stroke dysphagia in patients with a single recent small subcortical infarct.
Methods
All patients with a magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed single recent small subcortical infarct underwent the water-swallowing test and volume-viscosity swallow test within the first 24 hours following admission to assess swallowing. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from our stroke database. Based on brain magnetic resonance imaging, we independently rated the presence of cerebral microbleeds, lacunes, white matter hyperintensities and enlarged perivascular spaces. The presence of each small vessel disease feature was summed in the total small vessel disease burden, ranging from 0–4.
Results
In total, 308 patients with a single recent small subcortical infarct were enrolled. Overall, 54 (17.5%) were diagnosed with post-stroke dysphagia. The risk factors related to post-stroke dysphagia included the following: older age, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, higher C-reactive protein levels and higher fibrinogen levels. Based on multiple logistic regression, two variables with the most significant associations, namely, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and total small vessel disease burden, were combined with age, gender, history of hypertension, C-reactive protein level and fibrinogen level.
Conclusions
Dysphagia in patients with a single recent small subcortical infarct resulted from severe small vascular disease, which was associated with systemic inflammation. This information might provide a new anti-inflammatory treatment for post-stroke dysphagia in the future.
Sublingual Immunotherapy Tablet – a Cost-minimizing Alternative in the Treatment of Tree Pollen-induced Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis in Canada
Authors: Ellis Anne K. , Gagnon Rémi , Hammerby Eva , Shen Julia , Gosain Sheena
Published: March 2021

Background: A cost-minimization analysis (CMA) was performed to evaluate the economic implications of introducing the SQ Tree sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)-tablets marketed as ITULATEK® (Health Canada regulatory approval in April 2020) for the treatment of pollen-induced (birch, alder and/or hazel) seasonal allergic rhinitis in Canada (Ontario and Quebec), where Tree Pollen subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is already an available treatment option.Methods: A CMA was deemed appropriate and was based on the assumption that the SQ Tree SLIT-tablets have comparable efficacy to Tree Pollen SCIT. A societal perspective was adopted in the model, including relevant costs of medications, costs of health care services, and productivity losses. The time horizon in the model was three years, which corresponds to a minimal treatment course of allergy immunotherapy. Resource use and costs were based on published sources, where available, and validated by Canadian specialist clinicians (allergists) in active practice in Ontario and in Quebec, where applicable. A discount rate of 1.5% was applied in accordance with the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) guidelines. To assess the robustness of the results, scenario analyses were performed by testing alternative assumptions for selected parameters (e.g., Tree Pollen SCIT resource use, discount rates, number of injections, annual SCIT dosing with maintenance injections, and nurse time support), to evaluate their impact on the results of the analysis.Results: The direct costs, including the drug costs, physician and nursing services costs, for three years of treatment, were similar for both SQ Tree SLIT-tablets vs. Tree Pollen SCIT in both Ontario and Quebec ($2,799.01 and $2,838.70 vs. $2,813.41 and $2771.81, respectively). However, when the indirect costs (including patient’s travel expenses and lost working hours) are included in the model, total savings for the treatment with SQ Tree SLIT-tablets of $1,691.44 for Ontario and $1,705.63 for Quebec were observed. Scenario analyses were conducted and showed that changes in assumptions continue to result in the savings of SQ Tree SLIT- tablets over Tree Pollen SCIT. Conclusions: The CMA indicates that SQ Tree SLIT-tablets are a cost-minimizing alternative to Tree Pollen SCIT when considered from a societal perspective in Ontario and Quebec.
Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on microbial community composition of phenanthrene and pyrene contaminated soils using Illumina HiSeq sequencing
Authors: Li Wei , Li Wenbin , Xing Lijun , Guo Shaoxia
Published: March 2021

In order to determine the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF, Glomus versiforme) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Ps2-6) on degradation of phenanthrene (PHE) and pyrene (PYR) and the change of microbial community composition in soils planted with tall fescue (Festuca elata), four treatments were set up in phenanthrene (PHE) and pyrene (PYR) contaminated soil: tall fescue (CK), AMF + tall fescue (GV), PGPR + tall fescue (PS), and AMF + PGPR + tall fescue (GVPS). Our results showed that the highest removal percentage of PHE and PYR in contaminated soil as well as biomass of tall fescue were observed in GVPS. PHE and PYR accumulation by tall fescue roots were higher than shoots, the mycorrhizal status was best manifested in the roots of tall fescue inoculated with GVPS, and GVPS significantly increased the number of PGPR proliferation in tall fescue rhizosphere soil. Paired-end Illumina HiSeq analysis of the 16S rRNA gene and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region sequences was used to assess changes in the bacterial and fungal communities composition of the four treatments. GVPS positively affected the species and abundance of bacteria and fungi in PHE and PYR contaminated soil, an average of 71,144 high quality bacterial 16S rDNA tags and 102,455 ITS tags were obtained in GVPS, and all of them were assigned to 6,327 and 825 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at a 97% similarity, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed that Proteobacteria was the dominant bacterial phylum, Ascomycota was the dominant fungal phylum in all treatments, whereas Proteobacteria and Glomeromycota were the most prevalent bacterial and fungal phyla in GVPS, respectively. And in the generic level, Planctomyces and Meyerozyma were the richest bacterial and fungal genus in all treatments, respectively, whereas Sphingomonas and Fusarium were the dominant bacterial and fungi genus in GVPS. Overall, our findings revealed that application of Glomus versiforme and Pseudomonas fluorescens, Ps2-6 had an effective role in improving the growth characteristics, root infection of F. elata and soil microbial community composition in PHE and PYR contaminated soils, but no obvious in degradation efficiencies of PHE and PYR as compared to the control.
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in COVID-19 infection
Authors: Yumuk Zeki , Okumuş Elif
Published: March 2021

We examined correlates of antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity in individuals with COVID-19 infection. Sera from 156 patients were evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence on Hep-2 cells for ANA pattern and semi-quantitative titer. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of ANA (1:100) by gender (P = 0.0294). Male gender was correlated with ANA positivity and association persisted in multivariable analyses (OR = 0.354; CI: 0.139–0.816; P = 0.0200). Age (OR = 1.932; CI: 0.929–4.121; P = 0.0814), warm weather (OR = 1.307; CI: 0.611–2.921; p = 0.4989), geographic location (or = 0.886; CI:0.353–2.442; P = 0.8042), and diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.765; CI:0.513–5.477; P = 0.3369) were not correlated with ANA positivity. In this analysis, hospitalization was used as indicator for a more severe course. Of the 156 COVID-19 patients, 18 (11.5%) were hospitalized. Among 18 hospitalized patients, 4 (22.2%) were ANA positive (Table 2), although this did not reach statistical significance (OR = 0.841; CI: 0.227–2.527; p = 0.7725). In conclusion, although males were more prone to produce ANA during COVID-19 infection, this was not correlated with severe course.
Effect of 6 Weeks Aerobic Training with Nanocurcumin Consumption on IL1β, Nitric Oxide and Depression in Women with Syndrome Metabolic
Authors: Osali Ali , Rostami Alireza
Published: March 2021

Backgrounds and Objectives: The use of anti-inflammatory supplements is important in improving the function of obese people. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of 6 weeks aerobic exercise with moderate intensity and consumption of nanocurcumin on IL1β, nitric oxide and depression in 60-65 years old women with syndrome metabolic. Materials and Methods: 44 women with metabolic syndrome (MetS) were randomly selected and divided into four groups of 10, including of MetS exercise+ Curcumin (MECU), MetS exercise (ME), MetS NanoCurcumin (MCU), MetS control (MC Training groups performed an exercise protocol of aerobic exercise for 6 weeks (three sessions per week). Blood samples were obtained before and after training period for antioxidant indicators and lipid degradation measurement. Also, Beck anxiety questionnaire used for evaluating levels of anxiety. T-test and one-way analysis of variance were used for the evaluation of within-group and between-group differences, respectively.Results: There was a significant difference in IL1β, NO and depression before and after exercise in all three experimental groups (p≤0.05). Also, the results showed a significant difference in the level of depression, NO and depression in the Reaserch groups. The highest decrease in these variables was observed in the aerobic training group and training with nanocurcumin consumption group (p≤0.05).Conclusion: These findings indicated that six-week nanocurcumin supplementation with aerobic training a suitable method for reducing IL1β and NO and depression preventing metabolic, cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases in women with syndrome metabolic.Name of the registry: IR.SEMUMS.REC.1396.107Trial registration number: IRCT2017082335857N1
Sexual Function in Women With and Without Female Genital Mutilation in Reproductive Age in South of Iran
Authors: Bokaie Mahshid , Hatefi Samaneh , Mojahed Shahnaz , Roozbeh Nasibeh
Published: March 2021

Objectives: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is an important public health issue, especially in developing countries and it is still done in some parts of Iran. This study aimed to investigate the effect of FGM on the sexual function of women of reproductive age in Hormozgan province/IRAN.Study design: This study is a descriptive-analytical case-control study that was conducted in 2020 on 209 married women of reproductive age (15-49) in rural areas of Minab and Sirik counties in Hormozgan province/IRAN. Main outcome measures: The reliable and valid questionnaire FSFI for assessing female sexual function in the two groups was used after to obtain informed and voluntary consent from all participants and data with SPSS v: 16 software and with using descriptive/ Analytical statistics tests with a significant level of 0.05 were examined. Results: There is a significant difference between mutilated and non-mutilated women in the total score of sexual function(22.18±3.23 versus 23.41±2.52 respectively, p=0.023) and the domains of lubrication(3.04±0.62 versus 3.3±0.53 respectively, P=0.000), orgasm(3.81±0.63 versus 4.08±0.47 respectively, P=0.003), and sexual satisfaction(5.09±0.1 versus 5.37±0.87 respectively, P=0.017) But in the domains of desire, arousal, and pain in the two groups was no significant difference(P-value>0.05). Conclusion: FGM maybe leads to sexual dysfunction. Although most women were reluctant to perform mutilation on their daughters, more educational Actions are suggested to educate women about the impact of female mutilation on their sexual function. Counseling programs are also recommended to improve the sexual function of mutilated women.
Human electrocorticography reveals a common neurocognitive pathway for mentalizing about the self and others
Authors: Tan Kevin , Daitch Amy , Pinheiro-Chagas Pedro , Fox Kieran , Parvizi Josef , Lieberman Matthew
Published: March 2021

Hundreds of neuroimaging studies show that mentalizing (i.e., theory of mind) recruits default mode network (DMN) regions with remarkable consistency. Nevertheless, the social-cognitive functions of individual DMN regions remain unclear, perhaps due to the limited spatiotemporal resolution of neuroimaging. We used electrocorticography (ECoG) to record neuronal population activity while 16 human subjects judged the psychological traits of themselves and others. Self- and other-mentalizing recruited near-identical neuronal populations in a common spatiotemporal sequence: activations were earliest in visual cortex, followed by temporoparietal DMN regions, and finally medial prefrontal cortex. Critically, regions with later activations showed greater functional specificity for mentalizing, greater self/other differentiation, and stronger associations with behavioral response times. Moreover, other-mentalizing evoked slower and lengthier activations than self-mentalizing across successive DMN regions, suggesting temporally extended demands on higher-level processes. Our results reveal a common neurocognitive pathway for self- and other-mentalizing that follows a hierarchy of functional specialization across DMN regions.