bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different gender-derived gut microbiota influence stroke outcomes by mitigating inflammation
Authors: Wang Jinchen , Zhong Yi , Zhu Hua , Mahgoub Omer Kamal , Jian Zhihong , Gu Lijuan , Xiong Xiaoxing
Published: October 2022

Background and purpose

Stroke is associated with high disability and mortality rates and increases the incidence of organ-related complications. Research has revealed that the outcomes and prognosis of stroke are regulated by the state of the intestinal microbiota. However, the possibility that the manipulation of the intestinal microbiota can alter sex-related stroke outcomes remain unknown.

Methods

To verify the different effects of microbiota from different sexes on stroke outcomes, we performed mouse fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and established a model of ischemic stroke. Male and female mice received either male or female microbiota through FMT. Ischemic stroke was triggered by MCAO (middle cerebral artery occlusion), and sham surgery served as a control. Over the next few weeks, the mice underwent neurological evaluation and metabolite and inflammatory level detection, and we collected fecal samples for 16S ribosomal RNA analysis.

Results

We found that when the female mice were not treated with FMT, the microbiota (especially the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio) and the levels of three main metabolites tended to resemble those of male mice after experimental stroke, indicating that stroke can induce an ecological imbalance in the biological community. Through intragastric administration, the gut microbiota of male and female mice was altered to resemble that of the other sex. In general, in female mice after MCAO, the survival rate was increased, the infarct area was reduced, behavioral test performance was improved, the release of beneficial metabolites was promoted and the level of inflammation was mitigated. In contrast, mice that received male microbiota were much more hampered in terms of protection against brain damage and the recovery of neurological function.

Conclusion

A female-like biological community reduces the level of systemic proinflammatory cytokines after ischemic stroke. Poor stroke outcomes can be positively modulated following supplementation with female gut microbiota.
Person-centered maternity care during childbirth and associated factors at selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tarekegne Azezew Ambachew , Giru Berhanu Wordofa , Mekonnen Bazie
Published: October 2022

Background

Person-centered maternity care is respectful and responsive care to individual women’s preferences, needs, and values and ensuring that their values guide all clinical decisions during childbirth. It is recognized as a key dimension of the quality of maternity care that increases client satisfaction and institutional delivery. However, little research has been conducted about person-centered maternity care in Ethiopia.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the status of person-centered maternity care and associated factors among mothers who gave birth at selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021.

Method

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa city. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from post-natal mothers selected by systematic random sampling. Data were collected using face-to-face interview technique. The data was coded and entered using Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariate and multivariable linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with person-centered maternity care. The strength of association between independent and dependent variables was reported by using unstandardized β at 95% CI and p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

In this study 384 mothers were participated with a response rate of 99.2%. The overall prevalence of person-centered maternity care was 65.8% and the percentage mean Person Centered Maternity Care (PCMC) score of the respondents was 65.8% with percentage standard deviation of 17.06. Respondents who had no ANC follow-up (β = -5.39, 95% CI: -10.52, -0.26), < 4 Antenatal Care (ANC) follow up (β = -3.99, 95% CI: -6.63, -1.36), night time delivery (β = -3.95, 95% CI: -5.91, -1.98) and complications during delivery (β = -3.18, 95% CI: -6.01, -0.35) were factors significantly associated with person-centered maternity care.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The finding of this study showed that the proportion of person-centered maternity care among mothers who gave birth in public hospitals of Addis Ababa was high as compared to previous studies. The factors affecting person-centered maternity care are manageable to interventions. Therefore, Policymakers should develop and implement guidelines about person-centered maternity care. Training should be given to health care providers on the importance of person-centered maternity care and patient and provider rights. Hospital managers should increase the number of staffs who got PCMC training, especially during nighttime to improve the provision of person-centered maternity care. Health care providers should implement person-centered maternity care for all mothers who gave birth in the health care facility.
A custom library construction method for super-resolution ribosome profiling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wu Hsin-Yen Larry , Hsu Polly Yingshan
Published: October 2022

Background

Ribosome profiling, also known as Ribo-seq, is a powerful technique to study genome-wide mRNA translation. It reveals the precise positions and quantification of ribosomes on mRNAs through deep sequencing of ribosome footprints. We previously optimized the resolution of this technique in plants. However, several key reagents in our original method have been discontinued, and thus, there is an urgent need to establish an alternative protocol.

Results

Here we describe a step-by-step protocol that combines our optimized ribosome footprinting in plants with available custom library construction methods established in yeast and bacteria. We tested this protocol in 7-day-old Arabidopsis seedlings and evaluated the quality of the sequencing data regarding ribosome footprint length, mapped genomic features, and the periodic properties corresponding to actively translating ribosomes through open resource bioinformatic tools. We successfully generated high-quality Ribo-seq data comparable with our original method.

Conclusions

We established a custom library construction method for super-resolution Ribo-seq in Arabidopsis. The experimental protocol and bioinformatic pipeline should be readily applicable to other plant tissues and species.
Promoting rational antibiotic therapy among high antibiotic prescribers in German primary care—study protocol of the ElektRA 4-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Löffler Christin , Buuck Theresa , Iwen Julia , Schulz Maike , Zapf Antonia , Kropp Peter , Wollny Anja , Krause Linda , Müller Britta , Ozga Ann-Katrin , Goldschmidt Elisabeth , Altiner Attila
Published: October 2022

Background

The rational use of antibiotics is of great importance in health care. In primary care, acute respiratory infections are the most common cause of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. Since existing studies aiming to optimize antibiotic use are usually based on the voluntary participation of physicians, general practitioners (GPs) with inappropriate prescribing behavior are underrepresented. For the first time in Germany, the ElektRA study will assess and compare the effects of three interventions on antibiotic prescribing rates for respiratory and urinary tract infections among high prescribers in primary care.

Method

ElektRA is a 4-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial among German GPs in nine regional Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. On their behalf, the Central Research Institute of Ambulatory Health Care in Germany (Zi) analyses all outpatient claims and prescription data. Based on this database, high antibiotic prescribing GPs are identified and randomized into four groups: a control group (N=2000) and three intervention arms. We test social norm feedback on antibiotic prescribing (N=2000), social norm feedback plus online training on rational prescribing practice and communication strategies (N=2000), and social norm feedback plus online peer-moderated training on rational antibiotic prescribing, communication strategies, and sustainable behavior change (N=1250). The primary outcome is the overall rate of antibiotic prescriptions. Outcomes are measured before intervention (T0, October 2020–September 2022) and over a period of 15 months (T1, October 2022 to December 2023) after randomization.

Discussion

The aim of the study is to implement individualized, low-threshold interventions to reduce antibiotic prescribing among high prescribers in primary care. If successful, a change in behavior among otherwise difficult-to-reach high prescribers will directly improve patient care. The increase in quality of care will ideally be achieved both in terms of the quantity of antibiotics used as well as the kind of substances prescribed. Also, if effective strategies for high prescribers are identified through this study, they can be applied not only to the antibiotics addressed in this study, but also to other areas of prescription management.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN95468513.
Donor neo-atrial cuff construction after accidental lower lobe vein transection
Authors: Werner Raphael S. , Caviezel Claudio , Opitz Isabelle , Inci Ilhan
Published: October 2022

Background

An inadequate donor left atrial cuff is a rare technical issue after graft procurement for lung transplantation. With regard to the shortage of suitable donor organs for lung transplantation, these organs should be surgically reconstructed to avoid the loss of an organ and a futile intervention in the critically ill recipient.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 62-year old patient who underwent bilateral sequential lung transplantation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. During isolated lung procurement, the right inferior pulmonary vein was circumferentially transsected and separated from the right superior pulmonary and middle lobe veins. Subsequently, a reconstruction of the left atrial cuff with an acellular biological patch was performed to complete the atrium anastomosis. The patient experienced an uneventful postoperative recovery and a follow-up ventilation/perfusion scan showed normal perfusion of the right lower lobe.

Conclusions

This case demonstrates that reconstruction of an inadequate left atrial cuff with a biological patch is feasible and allows for an adequate venous drainage and therefore normal transplant organ function.
Distinct immune signature predicts progression of vestibular schwannoma and unveils a possible viral etiology
Authors: Amit Moran , Xie Tongxin , Gleber-Netto Frederico O. , Hunt Patrick J. , Mehta Gautam U. , Bell Diana , Silverman Deborah A. , Yaman Ismail , Ye Yi , Burks Jared K. , Fuller Gregory N. , Gidley Paul W. , Nader Marc-Elie , Raza Shaan M. , DeMonte Franco
Published: October 2022

Background

The management of sub-totally resected sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS) may include observation, re-resection or irradiation. Identifying the optimal choice can be difficult due to the disease’s variable progression rate.

We aimed to define an immune signature and associated transcriptomic fingerprint characteristic of rapidly-progressing VS to elucidate the underpinnings of rapidly progressing VS and identify a prognostic model for determining rate of progression.

Methods

We used multiplex immunofluorescence to characterize the immune microenvironment in 17 patients with sporadic VS treated with subtotal surgical resection alone. Transcriptomic analysis revealed differentially-expressed genes and dysregulated pathways when comparing rapidly-progressing VS to slowly or non-progressing VS.

Results

Rapidly progressing VS was distinctly enriched in CD4+, CD8+, CD20+, and CD68+immune cells. RNA data indicated the upregulation of anti-viral innate immune response and T-cell senescence. K − Top Scoring Pair analysis identified 6 pairs of immunosenescence-related genes (CD38-KDR, CD22-STAT5A, APCS-CXCR6, MADCAM1-MPL, IL6-NFATC3,andCXCL2-TLR6) that had high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (78%) for identifying rapid VS progression.

Conclusion

Rapid progression of residual vestibular schwannoma following subtotal surgical resection has an underlying immune etiology that may be virally originating; and despite an abundant adaptive immune response, T-cell immunosenescence may be associated with rapid progression of VS. These findings provide a rationale for clinical trials evaluating immunotherapy in patients with rapidly progressing VS.
Gender-specific relationship between thigh muscle and fat mass and brain amyloid-β positivity
Authors: Kang Sung Hoon , Lee Kyung Hyun , Chang Yoosoo , Choe Yeong Sim , Kim Jun Pyo , Jang Hyemin , Shin Hee Young , Kim Hee Jin , Koh Seong-Beom , Na Duk L. , Seo Sang Won , Kang Mira
Published: October 2022

Background

The relationship of specific body composition in the thighs and brain amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition remained unclear, although there were growing evidence that higher muscle and fat mass in thighs had a protective effect against cardiometabolic syndromes. To determine whether muscle mass and fat mass in the thighs affected amyloid-beta (Aβ) positivity differently in relation to gender, we investigated the association of muscle mass and fat mass with Aβ positivity using positron emission tomography (PET) in individuals without dementia.

Methods

We recruited 240 participants (134 [55.8%] males, 106 [44.2%] females) without dementia ≥45 years of age who underwent Aβ PET, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans of the hip in the health promotion center at Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, Korea. Lower extremity skeletal muscle mass index (LASMI) was measured using BIA, and gluteofemoral fat percentage (GFFP) was estimated using DEXA scans of the hip. We investigated the associations of LASMI and GFFP with Aβ positivity using logistic regression analyses after controlling for age,APOE4genotype, and cognitive stage.

Results

Higher muscle mass in the thighs, measured as LASMI (odds ratio [OR]=0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08 to 0.84,p=0.031) was associated with a lesser risk of Aβ positivity in only females. Higher fat mass in the thighs, measured as GFFP (OR=0.84, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.95,p=0.008) was associated with a lesser risk of Aβ positivity in only males. However, the association between LAMSI (p for interaction= 0.810), GFFP (p for interaction= 0.075) and Aβ positivity did not significantly differ by gender. Furthermore, LAMSI only negatively correlated with centiloid (CL) values in females (r=−0.205,p=0.037), and GFFP only negatively correlated with CL values only in males (r=−0.253,p=0.004).

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the importance of recognizing that gender differences exist with respect to the specific body composition to potentially protect against Aβ deposition. Therefore, our results may help in designing gender-specific strategies for controlling body composition to prevent Aβ deposition.
A joint DOA and polarization estimation method based on the conformal polarization sensitive array from the sparse reconstruction perspective
Authors: Lan Xiaoyu , Jiang Lai , Xu Peng
Published: October 2022

The conformal polarization sensitive array (CPSA) is formed by placing some vector sensors on the conformal array and it has a wide range of practical application in direction of arrival (DOA) and polarization parameters estimation. However, due to the diversity of each sensor’s direction, the performance of the conventional parameters estimation methods based on the CPSA would decrease greatly, especially under the low signal to noise ratio (SNR) and limited snapshots. In order to solve this problem, a unified framework and sparse reconstruction perspective for joint DOA and polarization estimation based on CPSA is proposed in this paper. Specifically, the array received signal model of the CPSA is formulated first and the two-dimensional spatial sparsity of the incident signals is then exploited. Subsequently, after employing the singular value decomposition method to reduce the dimension of array output matrix, the variational sparse Bayesian learning and orthogonal matching pursuit methods are utilized to solve the source DOA estimation, respectively. Finally, the polarization parameters are obtained by the minimum eigenvector method. Simulation results demonstrate that the novel approaches can provide improved estimation accuracy and resolution with low SNR and limited snapshots.
Factors that distinguish opioid withdrawal during induction with buprenorphine microdosing: a configurational analysis
Authors: K. K. Adams , E. J. Miech , D. M. Sobieraj
Published: October 2022

Background

Novel buprenorphine dosing strategies have emerged with an aim to transition patients from opioid agonists to buprenorphine without prerequisite opioid withdrawal. We applied a configurational approach to a subset of data from our earlier systematic review to answer the following question: when patients received a buprenorphine initiation strategy aimed to eliminate prerequisite withdrawal, what factors consistently distinguished patients that experienced withdrawal during the initiation process from patients that did not?

Methods

From the 24 cases identified by our systematic review, we included cases that were treated using buprenorphine microdosing strategies (oral or transdermal), cases with opioid use disorder, and cases that fully transitioned to buprenorphine without continuing the full opioid agonist. Configurational analysis was used to identify combinations of patient and regimen level factors that uniquely distinguished cases experiencing withdrawal during induction.

Result

Fourteen cases were included in our analysis, of which 9 experienced opioid withdrawal symptoms. Three factors were involved in explaining both the presence and absence of withdrawal symptoms: history of heroin use, history of methadone use, and duration of overlap between buprenorphine and the full opioid agonist during induction. For the presence of withdrawal symptoms, the addition of a fourth factor “buprenorphine starting dose” resulted in a model with perfect consistency and coverage; for the absence of withdrawal symptoms, the addition of a fourth factor “induction duration” similarly resulted in a model with perfect consistency and 80% coverage.

Conclusion

Application of configurational methods allowed synthesis of case reports identified through a systematic review.
Determining factors for the creation of innovation-based ventures
Authors: Escorcia Adalberto , Ramos-Ruiz Jose , Zuluaga-Ortiz Rohemi , Delahoz-Domínguez Enrique
Published: October 2022

This research aims to determine the impact of internal and external factors of Social Capital, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, and Person-Entrepreneurship Fit in the transition of nascent entrepreneurs toward venture creation. For the development of this research, a sample of 500 entrepreneurs located in Colombia who are creating a company was taken. The research methodology is hypothetical-deductive with a cross-sectional multiple causal correlation design with an explanatory scope and is divided into three stages: first, an exploratory analysis of the data relating to the study variables is carried out. Second, a principal component analysis is carried out. Finally, the third stage is the modelling using the Partial Least Squares-Path Modelling methodology. Among the most relevant findings, it is found that Social Capital is significant in explaining Person-Entrepreneurship Fit. In turn, Social Capital and Person-Entrepreneurship Fit are significant in explaining Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy. Finally, the construct of Venture Creation is only significantly explained by Person-Entrepreneurship Fit. Consequently, it can be concluded that the influence of social and psychological variables within the business cycle is significant, and models and strategies must consider these elements to design tools that support the optimal development of start-ups within the business cycle, so that they consolidate as stable ventures. This study contributes to filling the research gap by focusing on the factors determining the entrepreneurial process beyond its initial phase.
In-vivo assessment of meniscal movement in the knee joint during internal and external rotation under load
Authors: Fuchs Andreas , Georgii Joachim , Taghizadeh Elham , Heldmann Stefan , Lange Thomas , Bendak Sebastian F. , Siegel Markus , Yilmaz Tayfun , Schmal Hagen , Izadpanah Kaywan
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The menisci transmit load between femur and tibia and thus play a crucial role in the functionality of the knee joint. Knee joint movements have a major impact on the position of the menisci. However, these meniscus movements have not yet been assessed in a validated setting. The objective of this study is to evaluate the meniscal movements in MRI with prospective motion correction based on optical tracking under loading via internal and external tibial torques. 

Methods

Thirty-one healthy volunteers were recruited for this study. MRI scans were performed in internal and external rotation induced by a torque of 5 Nm, using a 3 T MRI. A validated software used the generated images to calculate the absolute meniscus movements as the sum of all vectors. Differences between subgroups were analyzed by using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. 

Results

The MM shows an average movement of 1.79 mm in anterior-lateral direction under internal rotation and 6.01 mm in posterior-lateral direction under external rotation, whereas the LM moves an average of 4.55 mm in posterior-medial direction under internal rotation and 3.58 mm in anterior-medial direction under external rotation. When comparing the overall meniscus movements between internal and external rotation, statistically significant differences were found for total vector length and the direction of meniscus movements for medial and lateral meniscus. The comparison between medial and lateral meniscus movements also showed statistically significant differences in all categories for internal and external rotation.

Conclusions

Overall, the MM and LM movements in internal and external rotation differ significantly in extent and direction, although MM and LM movements in opposite directions during internal and external rotation can be observed. In internal rotation, most meniscus movements were found in the IHLM. In external rotation, the IHMM showed the greatest mobility. Segment analysis of internal vs. external rotation showed less difference in LM movements than MM.

Level of evidence

Level II.
Evaluation of 3D apparel design spatial visualization training for cognitive function of older adults: cross-cultural comparisons
Authors: Chang Hyo Jung Julie , Min Seoha
Published: October 2022

This study examined how older adults of four different ethnic groups evaluate the spatial visualization training using 3D apparel design software. The model tested was derived from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and a Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). A quantitative research design with an online questionnaire using the purposive quota sampling was used. Structure equation modeling and ANOVAs were performed to test the hypotheses with 600 completed data. The result shows significant ethnic differences of the perceptions, attitude, and behavioral intention for our spatial visualization training. Especially, Asian Americans found the training easy to be involved with and were more likely to use it, whereas Caucasian Americans felt the training to be most difficult and were less likely to use it, compared to other ethnic groups. Also, perceived ease of use and the performance expectancy are cardinal in increasing the positive attitude toward the training. This study discovered the significant factors influencing the intention to use the apparel design virtual technology to improve cognitive functioning. The ethical differences found on the latent variables among four ethnic groups indicate the need of more thoughtful training development by considering the different cultural requirements and challenges.
The effect of loading time on marginal bone change of implants immediately placed after extraction: a retrospective study
Authors: Lee Sung-Jae , Kim Euy-Hyun , Lee Dong-Keon , Song In-Seok , Jun Sang-Ho
Published: October 2022

Background

The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the treatment outcomes between two groups which are both immediately placed implant cases, one is immediate loading, and the other is conventional loading group.

Methods

Medical records of the patients who underwent implant treatment which were immediately placed after tooth extraction were analyzed. Demographic data were collected and by using periapical or panoramic radiographic image, marginal bone level and distant crestal bone level were measured. Marginal bone change over time was analyzed and compared between immediate loading group and conventional loading group.

Results

A total of 71 patients, 112 immediately placed implants after tooth extraction were initially involved. Measuring was done with implants which had not failed (81). 10 implants were had failed and removed. The others were excluded because of follow-up loss, absence of radiographic image, etc. Demographic data were collected, and measured values were averaged at each follow-up and showed in linear graphs.

Conclusions

In case of immediate implantation of dental implant after extraction, loading time could affect marginal bone level or biological width of the implant. Immediate loading group showed 0.92 mm (mean value) more bone loss compared to conventional loading group at bone–implant contact points 24 months after implantation. At distant crestal points, there was no noticeable difference in bone change pattern between two groups.
Chronic Viral Hepatitis in Elite Athletes: Approaches to Risk Assessment, Prevention and Management
Authors: Mak Lung-Yi , Beasley Ian , Kennedy Patrick T. F.
Published: October 2022

Elite athletes who participate in contact sports are at risk of bleeding injuries, leading to transmission of blood-borne viruses including hepatitis type B, C and D (HBV, HCV and HDV) capable of causing chronic liver disease, liver failure and liver cancer. In view of the significant advances in the viral hepatitis field over the past decade, more structured approaches should be in place to screen for and manage viral hepatitis in elite athletes. HBV status should be assessed in all elite athletes, and those infected should receive nucleos(t)ide analogues for viral suppression, while uninfected individuals should receive HBV vaccination. The all-oral direct acting antivirals for HCV are highly effective and safe, thus the remaining challenge with hepatitis C is case identification and linkage to care. HDV is only found in HBV-infected individuals, which is characterized by rapid disease progression and higher rates of cirrhosis and liver cancer in infected subjects. Pegylated interferon was the mainstay of treatment for HDV infection until bulevirtide, a viral entry inhibitor, was recently approved by the European Union (EMA) and FDA in America, while multiple novel therapies are already in clinical trials as part of the HBV cure program. Overall, awareness of chronic viral hepatitis in athletes should be improved. Prevention remains the cornerstone of the management of viral hepatitis in sport coupled with rigorous disease assessment in infected individuals, and antiviral therapy where indicated.
Long-term effects of caesarean delivery on health and behavioural outcomes of the mother and child in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mostafizur , Khan Nuruzzaman , Rahman Aminur , Alam Mahmudul , Khan Alam
Published: October 2022

Background

Medically unnecessary caesarean section (CS) is now an ongoing concern worldwide including in Bangladesh. This intensifies the occurrence of adverse maternal and child health outcomes. We investigated the associations of CS with some basic health and behavioural outcomes of the mothers and their children in Bangladesh.

Methods

We conducted a community-based case–control study from May to August 2019. A total of 600 mother–child dyads were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, 300 of them had CS, and 300 had vaginal delivery (VD) in their most recent live births. The exposure variable was the mode of delivery, classified as 1 if mothers had CS and 0 if mothers had VD. The outcome variables were a group of health and behavioural problems of the mothers and their children. Multivariate or multiple logistic regression model, separately for each health and behavioural outcome, was used to determine the effect of exposure variable on outcome variable after adjusting for possible confounders.

Results

The mean age and weight of mothers were 25.1 years and 53.1 kg, respectively. Likelihoods of headache, after delivery hip pain, problem of daily activities, and breastfeeding problem were reported higher among mothers who had CS in their most recent live birth than mothers who had VD. Similarly, children who were born through the CS operation were more likely to report breathing problem, frequent illness, lower food demand and lower hours of sleeping.

Conclusion

The use of CS increases the risks of health and behavioural problems of the mothers and their children. Policies and programs to avoid medically unnecessary CS and increase awareness over its adverse effects are important.
Self-medication and Anti-malarial Drug Resistance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): A silent threat
Authors: Akilimali Aymar , Bisimwa Charles , Aborode Abdullahi Tunde , Biamba Chrispin , Sironge Leonard , Balume Alain , Sayadi Rahma , Ajibade Samuel Babatunde , Akintayo Akintola Ashraf , Oluwadairo Tolulope Olamide , Fajemisin Emmanuel Adebowale
Published: October 2022

Background

Malaria is a global infectious (vector-borne: Anopheles mosquitoes) disease which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Among all its parasitic (protozoan: Plasmodium sp.) variants, Plasmodium falciparum (PF) is the most virulent and responsible for above 90% of global malaria deaths hence making it a global public health threat.

Main context

Despite current front-line antimalarial treatments options especially allopathic medications and malaria prevention (and control) strategies especially governmental policies and community malaria intervention programs in SSA, PF infections remains prevalent due to increased antimicrobial/antimalarial drug resistance caused by several factors especially genetic mutations and auto(self)-medication practices in SSA. In this article, we focused on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the largest SSA country by bringing perspective into the impact of self-medication and antimalarial drug resistance, and provided recommendation for long-term improvement and future analysis in malaria prevention and control in SSA.

Conclusions

Self-medication and anti-malarial drug resistance is a major challenge to malaria control in DRC and sub-Saharan Africa, and to achieve sustainable control, individual, community and governmental efforts must be aligned to stop self-medication, and strengthen the health systems against malaria.
Cardiac surgery receipt and outcomes for people using secondary mental healthcare services: Retrospective cohort study using a large mental healthcare database in South London
Authors: Brooks Gonul , Weerakkody Ruwan , Harris Matthew , Stewart Robert , Perera Gayan
Published: October 2022

Background

Patients diagnosed with mental health problems are more predisposed to cardiovascular disease, including cardiac surgery. Nevertheless, health outcomes after cardiac surgery for patients with mental health problems as a discrete group are unknown. This study examined the association between secondary care mental health service use and postoperative health outcomes following cardiac surgery.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational research, utilizing data from a large South London mental healthcare supplier linked to national hospitalization data. OPCS-4 codes were applied to classify cardiac surgery. Health results were compared between those individuals with a mental health disorder diagnosis from secondary care and other local residents, including the length of hospital stay (LOS), inpatient mortality, and 30-day emergency hospital readmission.

Results

Twelve thousand three hundred and eighty-four patients received cardiac surgery, including 1,481 with a mental disorder diagnosis. Patients with mental health diagnosis were at greater risk of emergency admissions for cardiac surgery (odds ratio [OR] 1.60; 1.43, 1.79), longer index LOS (incidence rate ratio 1.28; 1.26, 1.30), and at higher risk of 30-day emergency readmission (OR 1.53; 1.31, 1.78). Those who underwent pacemaker insertion and major open surgery had worse postoperative outcomes during index surgery hospital admission while those who had major endovascular surgery had worse health outcomes subsequent 30-day emergency hospital readmission.

Conclusion

People with a mental health disorder diagnosis undertaking cardiac surgery have significantly worse health outcomes. Personalized guidelines and policies to manage preoperative risk factors require consideration and evaluation.
Characteristic of Non–Sinus-Type Parasagittal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: Clinical and Cadaveric Experiences
Authors: Miyake Shigeta , Nakai Yasunobu , Suenaga Jun , Akimoto Taisuke , Uemura Kazuya , Funakoshi Kengo , Yamamoto Tetsuya
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND:

In parasagittal dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs), the shunt point is on the falx cerebri and drains directly into the cortical vein. The venous structure anatomy of the falx cerebri is not well understood.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe a parasagittal DAVF as a non–sinus-type DAVF using clinical expertise and cadaver analysis. We focused on the clinical characteristics of parasagittal DAVFs, anatomy of the cortical vein directly flowing into the falx cerebri, and venous route in the falx cerebri.

METHODS:

Six patients with parasagittal DAVFs were examined between April 2009 and March 2019. In 7 cadaver heads, we examined the entire falx cerebri length and the cortical veins flowing into it were noted. The falx cerebri was divided down from the midline into the dura propria to examine the venous pattern.

RESULTS:

Clinically, all 6 cases were classified as parasagittal DAVFs. Intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 2 patients (33.3%). In all 6 cases, only the cortical vein was the draining vein ipsilateral to the shunt point. One patient (16.7%) underwent transarterial embolization, 2 (33.3%) underwent direct surgery, and 2 (33.3%) underwent combined transarterial embolization with direct surgery. In the anatomic study, 7 (50.0%) venous structures directly flowed into the falx cerebri and 5 (35.7%) were located in the parasinus portion. The veins directly flowing into the falx ran through the dura propria on each side.

CONCLUSION:

Based on the clinical characteristics and anatomic features, clinicians must pay attention to cerebral hemorrhage in patients with parasagittal DAVFs to manage aggressive symptoms.
A new network for the synergistic translation of mouse research
Authors: Sansom Owen
Published: October 2022

Over the past 20 years, the UK has become a leading force in the generation and use of complex mouse models in the precise investigation of human disease. Nevertheless, there remains a great challenge in improving how research in animals is translated to clinical benefits.

Developing and expanding connections between basic scientists and clinicians to ensure that animal models accurately recapitulate human disease will be key to this effort. This is the focus of the new UK Medical Research Council (MRC) National Mouse Genetics Network (https://nmgn.mrc.ukri.org/), which we believe will hugely impact our ability to harness recent advances in mouse genetics.

The National Mouse Genetics Network is a major £22 million investment initially comprising seven challenge-led research clusters with members distributed across the UK. At its core, the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell will act as a repository for, and provider of, genetically altered mice, as well as generate and share data, training, specialist facilities and resources. Importantly, each cluster will integrate expertise in fundamental biology with clinical findings to better address pertinent research questions.

Results from previous, smaller-scale, network initiatives suggest that this model can synergise research, but we believe that this structure will work better when carried out on a larger scale, with greater scope for collaboration and capacity of the system. This Editorial will outline the principal aims of the Network and identify the main areas in which this model will be able to exploit the power and synergy of its different elements.
Artificial intelligence-based model for COVID-19 prognosis incorporating chest radiographs and clinical data; a retrospective model development and validation study
Authors: Walston Shannon L , Matsumoto Toshimasa , Miki Yukio , Ueda Daiju
Published: October 2022

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to develop an artificial intelligence-based model to prognosticate COVID-19 patients at admission by combining clinical data and chest radiographs.

Methods:

This retrospective study used the Stony Brook University COVID-19 dataset of 1384 inpatients. After exclusions, 1356 patients were randomly divided into training (1083) and test datasets (273). We implemented three artificial intelligence models, which classified mortality, ICU admission, or ventilation risk. Each model had three submodels with different inputs: clinical data, chest radiographs, and both. We showed the importance of the variables using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values.

Results:

The mortality prediction model was best overall with area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 0.79 (0.72–0.86), 0.74 (0.68–0.79), 0.77 (0.61–0.88), and 0.74 (0.69–0.79) for the clinical data-based model; 0.77 (0.69–0.85), 0.67 (0.61–0.73), 0.81 (0.67–0.92), 0.70 (0.64–0.75) for the image-based model, and 0.86 (0.81–0.91), 0.76 (0.70–0.81), 0.77 (0.61–0.88), 0.76 (0.70–0.81) for the mixed model. The mixed model had the best performance (p value < 0.05). The radiographs ranked fourth for prognostication overall, and first of the inpatient tests assessed.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that prognosis models become more accurate if AI-derived chest radiograph features and clinical data are used together.

Advances in knowledge:

This AI model evaluates chest radiographs together with clinical data in order to classify patients as having high or low mortality risk. This work shows that chest radiographs taken at admission have significant COVID-19 prognostic information compared to clinical data other than age and sex.
Does food biodiversity protect against malnutrition and favour the resilience to climate change-related events in Amazon Indigenous communities? A protocol for a mixed methods study
Authors: Zavaleta-Cortijo Carol , Cade Janet , Ford James , Greenwood Darren C. , Carcamo Cesar , Silvera-Ccallo Rosa , Fernandez-Neyra Connie , Lancha-Rucoba Guillermo , Pizango-Tangoa Manuel , Pizango-Inuma Rogelia , Chanchari-Huiñapi Junior , Velez-Quevedo Jorge , Inuma-Tangoa Nerita , Antazu Teresita , Miranda-Cuadros Marianella , Aparco Juan Pablo , Aro-Guardia Pedro , Verastegui Manuela , Morales-Ancajima Valeria , Bressan Tiana , Miranda J. Jaime
Published: October 2022

Background: Undernutrition is projected to be a major consequence of climate change. Biodiversity could enhance climate change resilience by improving nutritional outcomes and providing healthy food resources during and/or after climate-related events. For Indigenous populations who currently base their diet on local biodiversity, rapid climate changes may affect their ability to produce, access or gather food and consequently impact their nutritional status. There is a knowledge gap regarding whether nutritional status among Indigenous populations is better among those who consume a diet with greater biodiversity than those who have a diet with low biodiversity.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the role of food biodiversity (FBD) in nutritional resilience to extreme flooding events of Shawi Amazon Indigenous adults living in Peruvian communities that have experienced extreme floods in the past five years.

Methods: This study will use a mixed-method sequential explanatory design. The quantitative component includes a cross-sectional survey to assess the association between food biodiversity (FBD) and the prevalence of anaemia in adults aged 15 to 60 years old (n=365). Anaemia will be evaluated using blood hemoglobin and serum ferritin. FBD will be measured with a food frequency questionnaire and a 24-hour dietary recall. Soil-transmitted helminth infections, malaria, and inflammatory biomarkers will also be evaluated. Qualitative component will include a community-based participatory approach to investigate the role of FBD in the responses to extreme floods. Male (n=14) and female (n=14) participants, previously identified in the quantitative phase with high and low levels of FBD, will be invited to participate in a Photovoice activity and semi-structured interviews. A analytical framework for climate change resilience will be used to integrate the data.

Discussion: Findings will be integrated to identify features of diet quality to suggest nutritional interventions that are resilient to changing climatic conditions in the Amazon and respect Indigenous views.
Collaborative Governance of Narsalis larvatus (Wurmb, 1787) Conservation in Barito Kuala Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Fajrina Amaliana Nur , Hijri Yana S , Roziqin Ali , Rezeki Amalia
Published: October 2022

Natural resources and social conflict have a strong relationship. The current natural resource management problems have caused deforestation, resulting in unstable environmental ecosystems. Consequently, a movement towards mitigating natural resource management emerged because of the threat to the “Bekantan” Proboscis Monkey habitat and population in South Kalimantan Province. Indonesian Proboscis Monkey Friends (SBI) Foundation is a non-profit organization aiming to protect Proboscis monkeys on Curiak Island. SBI adopts collaborative resource governance in building stakeholder capacity with shared motivation and principles for collective action. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the collaborative governance process conducted on Proboscis Monkey conservation in Curiak Island. The results showed that anyone, including non-government organizations, could initiate collaboration in the several programs such as conservation, buy back the land and rambai mangrove restoration. Various parties collaborations are proven to successfully increase the support for environmental conservation efforts, especially the habitat and endemic proboscis monkeys.
Investigation in Techniques for Using Sewage Sludge as an Energy Feedstock: Poland’s Experience
Authors: Vambol Viola , Kowalczyk-Juśko Alina , Jóźwiakowski Krzysztof , Mazur Andrzej , Vambol Sergij , Khan Nadeem A.
Published: October 2022

The sludge generated from wastewater treatment facilities contains high nutrients and is characterized by high heating values. Thus, the sludge enriched with organic matter and nutrients is a potential candidate for its application as fertilizers and an alternate energy feedstock. Nowadays, energy independence contributes to the economic stability of the country, and therefore the search for alternate energy sources is an acute issue. This paper presents a case study on using sewage sludge as an energy feedstock in Poland. The physicochemical characteristics of the sewage sludge are presented. The fuel properties of sewage sludge generated from different waste water treatment plant (WWTP) are summarized. The calorific value of sewage sludge generated in Poland is insufficient for effective use as an energy raw material, therefore, energy potential of mixture of sludge with other waste have been studied. The general trend of sewage sludge formation and the quantitative forecast for the future showed that in 2020, compared to 2012, sludge accumulation increased by 6.9%, but compared to 2019 - decreased by 3%. From 2012 to 2020 the average, sewage sludge accumulation increased annually by 0.8%. This demonstrates the heterogeneity of waste streams for the production of alternative fuels and a modest increase in sewage sludge production in the coming years. This made it possible to prepare several options for the further development of research in the field of developing technologies for obtaining alternative energy. Also this study will help the prospective researchers understand sewage sludge generation and its use as energy feedstock.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Students from a Large Online Class
Authors: Wang Feihong , Shabash Marni , Sterghos Jacqueline
Published: October 2022

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected people in multiple dimensions. In addition to the social, physical health, financial, and mental health impacts of the pandemic, many United States (U.S.) college students experienced an abrupt transition to online learning in Spring 2020, resulting in a significant disruption to their learning and life. In this study, we examined COVID-19 impacts as reported by college students enrolled in an online class in Spring 2020 via an extra-credit survey. Participants reported predominantly negative impacts, but positive impacts were also reported. A total of 61 aspects of impact were identified reflecting six major themes: academic, housing and travel related, physical health-related, financial and work-related, social life, and mental health related impacts. We found that females reported significantly more overall negative impacts and significantly more academic and housing/travel related impacts than males. Black students reported significantly fewer positive impacts compared to non-Black students in the sample. Asian students reported significantly more academic impacts than White students. In addition, participants in the fully online degree program had significantly fewer overall impacts and significantly fewer academic impacts than those in the residential degree program. Implications of the findings were discussed.