bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healthcare use and costs among individuals receiving mental health services for depression within primary care in Nepal
Authors: Aldridge Luke R. , Garman Emily C. , Patenaude Bryan , Bass Judith K. , Jordans Mark J. D. , Luitel Nagendra P.
Published: December 2022

Background

Integrating mental health services into primary care is a key strategy for reducing the mental healthcare treatment gap in low- and middle-income countries. We examined healthcare use and costs over time among individuals with depression and subclinical depressive symptoms in Chitwan, Nepal to understand the impact of integrated care on individual and health system resources.

Methods

Individuals diagnosed with depression at ten primary care facilities were randomized to receive a package of integrated care based on the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (treatment group; TG) or this package plus individual psychotherapy (TG + P); individuals with subclinical depressive symptoms received primary care as usual (UC). Primary outcomes were changes in use and health system costs of outpatient healthcare at 3- and 12-month follow up. Secondary outcomes examined use and costs by type. We used Poisson and log-linear models for use and costs, respectively, with an interaction term between time point and study group, and with TG as reference.

Results

The study included 192 primary care service users (TG = 60, TG + P = 60, UC = 72; 86% female, 24% formally employed, mean age 41.1). At baseline, outpatient visits were similar (− 11%,p = 0.51) among TG + P and lower (− 35%,p = 0.01) among UC compared to TG. Visits increased 2.30 times (p < 0.001) at 3 months among TG, with a 50% greater increase (p = 0.03) among TG + P, before returning to baseline levels among all groups at 12 months. Comparing TG + P to TG, costs were similar at baseline (− 1%,p = 0.97) and cost changes did not significantly differ at three (− 16%,p = 0.67) or 12 months (− 45%,p = 0.13). Costs among UC were 54% lower than TG at baseline (p = 0.005), with no significant differences in cost changes over follow up. Post hoc analysis indicated individuals not receiving psychotherapy used less frequent, more costly healthcare.

Conclusion

Delivering psychotherapy within integrated services for depression resulted in greater healthcare use without significantly greater costs to the health system or individual. Previous research in Chitwan demonstrated psychotherapy determined treatment effectiveness for people with depression. While additional research is needed into service implementation costs, our findings provide further evidence supporting the inclusion of psychotherapy within mental healthcare integration in Nepal and similar contexts.
Extracellular biosynthesis, OVAT/statistical optimization, and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Leclercia adecarboxylata THHM and its antimicrobial activity
Authors: Abdelmoneim Hany M. , Taha Tarek H. , Elnouby Mohamed S. , AbuShady Hala Mohamed
Published: December 2022

Background

The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is an area of interest for researchers due to its eco-friendly approach. The use of biological approaches provides a clean and promising alternative process for the synthesis of AgNPs. We used for the first time the supernatant of Leclercia adecarboxylata THHM under optimal conditions to produce AgNPs with an acceptable antimicrobial activity against important clinical pathogens.

Results

In this study, soil bacteria from different locations were isolated and screened for their potential to form AgNPs. The selected isolate, which was found to have the ability to biosynthesize AgNPs, was identified by molecular methods as Leclercia adecarboxylata THHM and its 16S rRNA gene was deposited in GenBank under the accession number OK605882. Different conditions were screened for the maximum production of AgNPs by the selected bacteria. Five independent variables were investigated through optimizations using one variable at a time (OVAT) and the Plackett–Burman experimental design (PBD). The overall optimal parameters for enhancing the biosynthesis of AgNPs using the supernatant of Leclercia adecarboxylata THHM as a novel organism were at an incubation time of 72.0 h, a concentration of 1.5 mM silver nitrate, a temperature of 40.0 °C, a pH of 7.0, and a supernatant concentration of 30% (v/v) under illumination conditions. The biosynthesized AgNPs have been characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The biosynthesized AgNPs showed an absorption peak at 423 nm, spherical shape, and an average particle size of 17.43 nm. FTIR shows the bands at 3321.50, 2160.15, and 1636.33 cm−1 corresponding to the binding vibrations of amine, alkyne nitrile, and primary amine bands, respectively. The biosynthesized AgNPs showed antimicrobial activity against a variety of microbial pathogens of medical importance. Using resazurin-based microtiter dilution, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for AgNPs were 500 µg/mL for all microbial pathogens except for Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC13883, which has a higher MIC value of 1000 µg/mL.

Conclusions

The obtained data revealed the successful green production of AgNPs using the supernatant of Leclercia adecarboxylata THHM that can be effectively used as an antimicrobial agent against most human pathogenic microbes.
Zoonoses in the margins: environmental displacement and health outcomes in the Indus Delta
Authors: Braam Dorien H.
Published: December 2022

Background

It remains unclear how human and animal displacement impacts zoonotic disease risk with little contextualized primary data available. This study investigates zoonotic disease dynamics in populations regularly displaced due to slow onset disasters and annual monsoons in the Indus Delta in Sindh province in southeast Pakistan.

Methods

Using a case study methodology, semi-structured key informant interviews and focus group discussions with 35 participants, as well as observational studies were conducted in seven communities in Thatta district.

Results

Key factors affecting zoonotic disease dynamics in environmental displacement in Thatta identified in the study include disasters and loss of forage, a lack of veterinary and healthcare access, and socio-economic status. Animal and human health are an important consideration in displacement disrupting communities and livelihoods, affecting safety, health, and food security. Displacement results in a poverty spiral whereby the displaced find themselves at continuous peril from poverty and disaster, with zoonotic disease dynamics shifting based on environmental changes, and an expectation of future movement and loss.

Conclusion

The precarious conditions generated through the disruption of communities and livelihoods makes environmentally displaced populations vulnerable to zoonotic disease. To prevent further displacement and disease, broader political economy issues need to be addressed, and comprehensive assistance provided to support sustainable livelihoods.
Deriving neighborhood-level diet and physical activity measurements from anonymized mobile phone location data for enhancing obesity estimation
Authors: Zhou Ryan Zhenqi , Hu Yingjie , Tirabassi Jill N. , Ma Yue , Xu Zhen
Published: December 2022

Background

Obesity is a serious public health problem. Existing research has shown a strong association between obesity and an individual’s diet and physical activity. If we extend such an association to the neighborhood level, information about the diet and physical activity of the residents of a neighborhood may improve the estimate of neighborhood-level obesity prevalence and help identify the neighborhoods that are more likely to suffer from obesity. However, it is challenging to measure neighborhood-level diet and physical activity through surveys and interviews, especially for a large geographic area.

Methods

We propose a method for deriving neighborhood-level diet and physical activity measurements from anonymized mobile phone location data, and examine the extent to which the derived measurements can enhance obesity estimation, in addition to the socioeconomic and demographic variables typically used in the literature. We conduct case studies in three different U.S. cities, which are New York City, Los Angeles, and Buffalo, using anonymized mobile phone location data from the company SafeGraph. We employ five different statistical and machine learning models to test the potential enhancement brought by the derived measurements for obesity estimation.

Results

We find that it is feasible to derive neighborhood-level diet and physical activity measurements from anonymized mobile phone location data. The derived measurements provide only a small enhancement for obesity estimation, compared with using a comprehensive set of socioeconomic and demographic variables. However, using these derived measurements alone can achieve a moderate accuracy for obesity estimation, and they may provide a stronger enhancement when comprehensive socioeconomic and demographic data are not available (e.g., in some developing countries). From a methodological perspective, spatially explicit models overall perform better than non-spatial models for neighborhood-level obesity estimation.

Conclusions

Our proposed method can be used for deriving neighborhood-level diet and physical activity measurements from anonymized mobile phone data. The derived measurements can enhance obesity estimation, and can be especially useful when comprehensive socioeconomic and demographic data are not available. In addition, these derived measurements can be used to study obesity-related health behaviors, such as visit frequency of neighborhood residents to fast-food restaurants, and to identify primary places contributing to obesity-related issues.
Bystander effect of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on human monocytic THP-1 cell activation and initiation of prothrombogenic stimulus representing severe COVID-19
Authors: Patra Tapas , Ray Ranjit
Published: December 2022

Background

Hypercoagulable state and thromboembolic complications are potential life-threatening events in COVID-19 patients. Our previous studies demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as viral spike protein expressed epithelial cells exhibit senescence with the release of inflammatory molecules, including alarmins.

Findings

We observed extracellular alarmins present in the culture media of SARS-CoV-2 spike expressing cells activate human THP-1 monocytes to secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines to a significant level. The release of THP-1 derived pro-inflammatory cytokine signature correlated with the serum of acute COVID-19 patient, but not in post-COVID-19 state. Our study suggested that the alarmins secreted by spike expressing cells, initiated phagocytosis property of THP-1 cells. The phagocytic monocytes secreted complement component C5a and generated an autocrine signal via C5aR1 receptor. The C5a-C5aR1 signal induced formation of monocyte mediated extracellular trap resulted in the generation of a prothrombogenic stimulus with activating platelets and increased tissue factor activity. We also observed an enhanced C5a level, platelet activating factor, and high tissue factor activity in the serum of acute COVID-19 patients, but not in recovered patients.

Conclusion

Our present study demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein modulates monocyte responses in a paracrine manner for prothrombogenic stimulus by the generation of C5a complement component.
Highly efficacious and safe neutralizing DNA aptamer of SARS-CoV-2 as an emerging therapy for COVID-19 disease
Authors: Ayass Mohamad Ammar , Tripathi Trivendra , Griko Natalya , Pashkov Victor , Dai Jun , Zhang Jin , Herbert Fabian C. , Ramankutty Nair Ramya , Okyay Tutku , Zhu Kevin , Gassensmith Jeremiah J. , Abi-Mosleh Lina
Published: December 2022

Background

The paucity of SARS-CoV-2-specific virulence factors has greatly hampered the therapeutic management of patients with COVID-19 disease. Although available vaccines and approved therapies have shown tremendous benefits, the continuous emergence of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 and side effects of existing treatments continue to challenge therapy, necessitating the development of a novel effective therapy. We have previously shown that our developed novel single-stranded DNA aptamers not only target the trimer S protein of SARS-CoV-2, but also block the interaction between ACE2 receptors and trimer S protein of Wuhan origin, Delta, Delta plus, Alpha, Lambda, Mu, and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. We herein performed in vivo experiments that administer the aptamer to the lungs by intubation as well as in vitro studies utilizing PBMCs to prove the efficacy and safety of our most effective aptamer, AYA2012004_L.

Methods

In vivo studies were conducted in transgenic mice expressing human ACE2 (K18hACE2), C57BL/6J, and Balb/cJ. Flow cytometry was used to check S-protein expressing pseudo-virus-like particles (VLP) uptake by the lung cells and test the immuogenicity of AYA2012004_L. Ames test was used to assess mutagenicity of AYA2012004_L. RT-PCR and histopathology were used to determine the biodistribution and toxicity of AYA2012004_L in vital organs of mice.

Results

We measured the in vivo uptake of VLPs by lung cells by detecting GFP signal using flow cytometry. AYA2012004_L specifically neutralized VLP uptake and also showed no inflammatory response in mice lungs. In addition, AYA2012004_L did not induce inflammatory response in the lungs of Th1 and Th2 mouse models as well as human PBMCs. AYA2012004_L was detectable in mice lungs and noticeable in insignificant amounts in other vital organs. Accumulation of AYA2012004_L in organs decreased over time. AYA2012004_L did not induce degenerative signs in tissues as seen by histopathology and did not cause changes in the body weight of mice. Ames test also certified that AYA2012004_L is non-mutagenic and proved it to be safe for in vivo studies.

Conclusions

Our aptamer is safe, effective, and can neutralize the uptake of VLPs by lung cells when administered locally suggesting that it can be used as a potential therapeutic agent for COVID-19 management.
Studies of parenchymal texture added to mammographic breast density and risk of breast cancer: a systematic review of the methods used in the literature
Authors: Anandarajah Akila , Chen Yongzhen , Colditz Graham A. , Hardi Angela , Stoll Carolyn , Jiang Shu
Published: December 2022

This systematic review aimed to assess the methods used to classify mammographic breast parenchymal features in relation to the prediction of future breast cancer. The databases including Medline (Ovid) 1946-, Embase.com 1947-, CINAHL Plus 1937-, Scopus 1823-, Cochrane Library (including CENTRAL), and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched through October 2021 to extract published articles in English describing the relationship of parenchymal texture features with the risk of breast cancer. Twenty-eight articles published since 2016 were included in the final review. The identification of parenchymal texture features varied from using a predefined list to machine-driven identification. A reduction in the number of features chosen for subsequent analysis in relation to cancer incidence then varied across statistical approaches and machine learning methods. The variation in approach and number of features identified for inclusion in analysis precluded generating a quantitative summary or meta-analysis of the value of these features to improve predicting risk of future breast cancers. This updated overview of the state of the art revealed research gaps; based on these, we provide recommendations for future studies using parenchymal features for mammogram images to make use of accumulating image data, and external validation of prediction models that extend to 5 and 10 years to guide clinical risk management. Following these recommendations could enhance the applicability of models, helping improve risk classification and risk prediction for women to tailor screening and prevention strategies to the level of risk.
DNA methylation in human gastric epithelial cells defines regional identity without restricting lineage plasticity
Authors: Fritsche Kristin , Boccellato Francesco , Schlaermann Philipp , Koeppel Max , Denecke Christian , Link Alexander , Malfertheiner Peter , Gut Ivo , Meyer Thomas F. , Berger Hilmar
Published: December 2022

Background

Epigenetic modifications in mammalian DNA are commonly manifested by DNA methylation. In the stomach, altered DNA methylation patterns have been observed following chronicHelicobacter pyloriinfections and in gastric cancer. In the context of epigenetic regulation, the regional nature of the stomach has been rarely considered in detail.

Results

Here, we establish gastric mucosa derived primary cell cultures as a reliable source of native human epithelium. We describe the DNA methylation landscape across the phenotypically different regions of the healthy human stomach, i.e., antrum, corpus, fundus together with the corresponding transcriptomes. We show that stable regional DNA methylation differences translate to a limited extent into regulation of the transcriptomic phenotype, indicating a largely permissive epigenetic regulation. We identify a small number of transcription factors with novel region-specific activity and likely epigenetic impact in the stomach, including GATA4, IRX5, IRX2, PDX1 and CDX2. Detailed analysis of the Wnt pathway reveals differential regulation along the craniocaudal axis, which involves non-canonical Wnt signaling in determining cell fate in the proximal stomach. By extending our analysis to pre-neoplastic lesions and gastric cancers, we conclude that epigenetic dysregulation characterizes intestinal metaplasia as a founding basis for functional changes in gastric cancer. We present insights into the dynamics of DNA methylation across anatomical regions of the healthy stomach and patterns of its change in disease. Finally, our study provides a well-defined resource of regional stomach transcription and epigenetics.
Longitudinal profiling in patients undergoing cardiac surgery reveals postoperative changes in DNA methylation
Authors: Fischer Matthew A. , Chapski Douglas J. , Soehalim Elizabeth , Montoya Dennis J. , Grogan Tristan , Pellegrini Matteo , Cai Hua , Shemin Richard J. , Vondriska Thomas M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass induce a substantial immune and inflammatory response, the overactivation of which is associated with significant pulmonary, cardiovascular, and neurologic complications. Commensurate with the immune and inflammatory response are changes in the heart and vasculature itself, which together drive postoperative complications through mechanisms that are poorly understood. Longitudinal DNA methylation profiling has the potential to identify changes in gene regulatory mechanisms that are secondary to surgery and to identify molecular processes that predict and/or cause postoperative complications. In this study, we measure DNA methylation in preoperative and postoperative whole blood samples from 96 patients undergoing cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass.

Results

While the vast majority of DNA methylation is unchanged by surgery after accounting for changes in cell-type composition, we identify several loci with statistically significant postoperative changes in methylation. Additionally, two of these loci are associated with new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation, a significant complication after cardiac surgery. Paired statistical analysis, use of FACS data to support sufficient control of cell-type heterogeneity, and measurement of IL6 levels in a subset of patients add rigor to this analysis, allowing us to distinguish cell-type variability from actual changes in methylation.

Conclusions

This study identifies significant changes in DNA methylation that occur immediately after cardiac surgery and demonstrates that these acute alterations in DNA methylation have the granularity to identify processes associated with major postoperative complications. This research also establishes methods for controlling for cell-type variability in a large human cohort that may be useful to deploy in other longitudinal studies of epigenetic marks in the setting of acute and chronic disease.
Physician education on World Asthma Day aids in disease management during the COVID-19
Authors: Cao Angyang , Zhou Yanling , Luo Wenjun , Lv Dan , Shao Zhonghao , Zhu Binbin , Wang Jianhua
Published: December 2022

Anxiety and depression can negatively affect the management of asthma. The study aimed to assess the psychosocial effects of asthma patients during COVID-19 and analyze potential risk factors and interventions.

In June 2022, the “Questionnaire Star” electronic questionnaire system was used to collect data. A total of 98 asthma patients from the affiliated hospital of the medical school of Ningbo University were invited to complete the questionnaires. According to our study, the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in the asthma patients in the institution was 91.8 and 77.6%, respectively. Patients who had an asthma exacerbation in the previous two months were more likely to have anxiety symptoms (OR = 0.142 95%CI 0.025–0.820), while patients who did not participate in asthma day activities were more likely to have anxiety symptoms than those who did (OR = 0.130 95%CI 0.022–0.762).

This study found that routine disease educational lectures on asthma day can successfully alleviate asthma sufferers' anxiety and depression.
Inhibition of PI3 kinase isoform p110α suppresses neuroblastoma growth and induces the reduction of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase
Authors: Guo Yue , Guo Donghao , Zhang Shaoting , Zhang Yuan , He Xiaoyan , Jiang Xiaohua , Chan Andrew Man-Lok , Zou Lin , Sun Jianmin , Zhao Hui
Published: December 2022

Background

In neuroblastoma, hyperactivation of the PI3K signaling pathway has been correlated with aggressive neuroblastomas, suggesting PI3Ks as promising targets for the treatment of neuroblastoma. However, the oncogenic roles of individual PI3K isoforms in neuroblastoma remain elusive.

Results

We found that PI3K isoform p110α was expressed at higher levels in neuroblastoma tissues compared with normal tissues, and its high expression was correlated with an unfavorable prognosis of neuroblastoma. Accordingly, PI3K activation in neuroblastoma cells was predominantly mediated by p110α but not by p110β or p110δ. Suppression of p110α inhibited the growth of neuroblastoma cells both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a crucial role of p110α in the tumorigenesis of neuroblastoma. Mechanistically, inhibition of p110α decreased anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in neuroblastoma cells by decreasing its protein stability.

Conclusions

In this study, we investigated the oncogenic roles of PI3K isoforms in neuroblastoma. Our data shed light on PI3K isoform p110α in the tumorigenesis of neuroblastoma, and strongly suggest the p110α inhibitors as potential drugs in treating neuroblastoma.
Protocol for a scoping review of potential vaccine candidates predicted by VaxiJen for different viral pathogens between 2017–2021
Authors: Salod Zakia , Mahomed Ozayr
Published: December 2022

Background

Vaccination is essential for the prevention of infectious diseases and has helped to reduce disease-related mortality, such as pneumonia. However, traditional vaccine development is time-consuming and risky. Reverse vaccinology (RV) is a promising alternative to developing vaccines based on the in silico discovery of antigens, often termed ‘potential vaccine candidates’ (PVCs), using a pathogen’s proteome. RV prediction technologies, such as VaxiJen (founded in 2007), are used to take the first step toward vaccine development. VaxiJen is used by researchers to identify PVCs for various diseases. A 10-year review of these PVCs was published in 2017. There has since been no review of viral PVCs predicted by VaxiJen from 2017 to 2021. The proposed scoping review aims to address this gap.

Methods

This protocol is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 checklist. The review will employ Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage methodological framework, which was later enhanced by Levac et al. and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) reporting guideline will be utilized with this framework. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and ProQuest One Academic will be searched using the term ‘vaxijen’. The inclusion criteria will be English-only full-text original articles published in peer-reviewed journals and unpublished papers from 2017 to 2021. Rayyan will be used to deduplicate, screen titles and abstracts of articles. The articles’ full texts will be examined. The data will be extracted using Microsoft Excel. Using a data charting form, data will be sifted and organized by key categories and themes.

Discussion

This protocol was submitted for publication and went through an extensive peer review process. The review has implications for novel vaccine development against various viruses. The key limitation of this study is language bias due to the selection of English-only papers because of limited resources. This study will not require ethical clearance since it will use secondary data and will not include patients. Nevertheless, this research is part of a larger project that was submitted for ethical consideration to the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. This study’s findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and provided to relevant stakeholders.

Systematic review registration

Open Science Framework (OSF): https://osf.io/ht8wr
Fertilisation with compost mitigates salt stress in tomato by affecting plant metabolomics and nutritional profiles
Authors: Savy Davide , Cozzolino Vincenza , Vinci Giovanni , Verrillo Mariavittoria , Aliberti Antonietta , Maggio Albino , Barone Amalia , Piccolo Alessandro
Published: December 2022

Background

Salinity is one of the major threats for crop growth and yield and its rate of expansion is expected to increase. We conducted a pot experiment to evaluate and compare the effect of a green compost addition and mineral fertilisation, on growth, nutrition and metabolites of tomato plants, exposed to increasing doses of NaCl.

Results

Although the development of stressed plants was lower than the corresponding controls, compost-treated plants performed better than mineral-amended plants watered with the same amount of salt. The different plant growth was related to an increased nutritional status. Namely, compost-treated plants showed a larger content of macro- and micronutrients, and a greater accumulation of osmoprotectants, such as soluble sugars and amino acids. Moreover, compost-treated plants showed a larger content of metabolites involved in modulating the response to salt stress, such as molecules related to energy transfer in plants and precursors of Reactive Oxygen Species scavenging compounds. Overall, the better performance of compost-added plants may be attributed to a greater availability of the organic forms of nutrients and to the positive bioactivity of compost-derived humic substances.

Conclusions

Compost application efficiently mitigated salt stress in tomato plants in respect to mineral fertilisation. This alleviating role was associated to the induction of a more efficient metabolic response that increased accumulation of metabolites involved in modulating the salinity stress. Therefore, fertilising with composted agricultural residue may represent a convenient alternative to mineral fertilisers to grow tomato plants in the presence of salt stress.

Graphical Abstract
Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the disposal of expired and unused medications among the Lebanese population
Authors: Hajj Aline , Domiati Souraya , Haddad Chadia , Sacre Hala , Akl Maria , Akel Marwan , Tawil Samah , Abramian Soula , Zeenny Rony M. , Hodeib Fadi , Salameh Pascale
Published: December 2022

Background

Medication waste is a public health problem affecting developed and developing countries. In Lebanon, a developing country in the Middle East, efforts are being deployed in hospitals but not in the community.

Objective

This study aimed to validate a questionnaire to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards the disposal of unused and expired medicines among the Lebanese population and then identify the factors associated with these variables comparatively between the general population and healthcare professionals.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among the general Lebanese population in May–June 2022 using a standardized questionnaire. The validity and reliability of the KAP scales were assessed, then a thorough statistical analysis was done to explore the factors associated with these scales.

Results

The KAP scales generated by this study were valid and reliable. Using these scales, 24.5%, 22.6%, and 21% of participants demonstrated proper knowledge, attitude, and practice, respectively. Higher knowledge scores were significantly associated with female gender (Beta = 0.97), a high monthly income (Beta = 1.68), a secondary (Beta = 6.11) or university (Beta = 6.80) education level, and postgraduate education (Beta = 7.13). However, older age (Beta = − 0.06) and a low monthly income (Beta = − 3.06) were significantly associated with lower knowledge scores. A higher knowledge score (Beta = 0.06) was significantly associated with a more positive attitude regarding unused or expired medication disposal. Being a healthcare professional (Beta = 0.72) was significantly associated with a higher practice score, while being a female (Beta = − 0.32) and living in a rural area (Beta = − 0.37) were significantly associated with lower practice scores.

Conclusion

This study validated KAP scales regarding medication waste in Lebanon and showed low KAP scores in the majority of respondents. Factors associated with higher KAP scores in various aspects of medication disposal, including gender, age, education level, and profession (healthcare professionals), suggest the need to consider those when implementing targeted corrective measures. Although further studies are required to confirm our findings, this study could be the ground for a medication waste management national strategy in Lebanon.
Historical tsunami observability for Izu–Bonin–Mariana sources
Authors: Szeliga Walter , Reisinger Rachelle , MacInnes Breanyn
Published: December 2022

The Izu–Bonin–Mariana Subduction System (IBM) is one of the longest subduction zones in the world with no instrumental history of shallow focus, great earthquakes (Mw > 8). Over the last 50 years, researchers have speculated on the reason for the absence of large magnitude, shallow seismicity on this plate interface, exploring factors from plate age to convergence rate. We approach the question from a different point of view: what if the IBM has hosted great earthquakes and no documentable evidence was left? To address the question of observability, we model expected tsunami wave heights from nine great earthquake scenarios on the IBM at selected locations around the Pacific Basin with an emphasis on locations having the possibility for a long, written record. Many circum-Pacific locations have extensive written records of tsunami run-up with some locations in Japan noting tsunami back to 684 CE. We find that most IBM source models should theoretically be observable at historically inhabited locations in the Pacific Basin. Surprisingly, however, some IBM source models for earthquakes with magnitudes as high as Mw 8.7 produce tsunami wave heights that would be essentially unobservable at most historically populated Pacific Basin locations. These scenarios aim to provide a constraint on the upper bound for earthquake magnitudes in the IBM over at least the past 400 years.

Graphical Abstract
Numerical investigation of the settlement behavior of hybrid system of floating stone columns and granular mattress in soft clay soil
Authors: Yasser Fayrouz , Altahrany Ayman , Elmeligy Mahmoud
Published: December 2022

The composite system of stone columns reinforced soil overlaid by granular mattress (GM) has been given more attention as a hybrid improvement technique. This work presents 3D finite element analyses using PLAXIS 3D software for a composite system of floating stone columns group constructed in a deep soft clay deposit in Port-Said in Egypt. The limited area of loading was investigated in conjunction with the system key parameters, i.e., length, diameter, and the GM main properties. Results validated the effectiveness of the GM in settlement reduction and system behavior enhancement. The GM thickness results in considerable settlement reduction up to value of 1.5d where d is the stone column diameter. The thickness increase can be an economical substitution instead of increasing stone column length where a new factor named “Mattress improvement factor: Ƞgm” is defined to represent the occurring improvement due to GM existence. Results also show notable reduction of settlement with increasing the length to a limiting value of L = 1.8B where B is the footing width.
Stunting and thinness in school-attending adolescents in Addis Ababa
Authors: Yallew Walelegn Worku , Tadesse Amare Worku , Noor Ramadhani Abdallah , Fawzi Wafaie , Berhane Yemane
Published: December 2022

Background

Adolescent population Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) is uncommon in low-income settings. Though Global Diet Quality Score is a good measure of dietary diversity, it has not been used in assessing nutritional outcomes among adolescents. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess school-attending adolescents stunting and thinness status and associations with global diet quality scores in Addis Ababa.

Methods

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among school-attending adolescents in the age group of 10–14 years in urban settings in Ethiopia. A multi-stage stratified random sampling procedure was used to select schools and students. A total of 1200 adolescents were included in the study. Binary and Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to determine the predictors of stunting and thinness respectively.

Results

The proportion of school-attending adolescents stunting was 8.17% (95% CI: 6.74%,9.85%) and their thinness status 12.66% (95% CI: 10.89%, 14.67%). The overall mean GDQS food groups for Seven days period consumed were 19.99 + 2.81 SD. Male adolescents were 1.95 times more likely to be stunted compared to female adolescents (1.95; 95%CI: 1.11,3.39). Frequent consumption of low-fat dairy increased the risk of thinness, while frequent consumption of citrus fruits and white root tubers decreased the risk of school-attending adolescents’ thinness.

Conclusion

The proportion of thin or stunted adolescents attending school was high still, about 1 in 10. Stunting and thinness have no association with the overall GDQS. Nutritional interventions need to consider frequent consumption of citrus fruits, low-fat dairy, and white roots and tubers in school adolescents’ nutritional programs. Further studies should validate the GDQS for stunting and thinness of school adolescents.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the modified nutrition risk in the critically ill (mNUTRIC) score in critically ill patients affected by COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU)
Authors: Alikiaii Babak , Hashemi Seyed Taghi , Kiani Zahra , Heidari Zahra , Nazemroaya Behzad , Golparvar Mohammad , Daneshmanesh Somayyeh , Fattahpour Shirin , Amini Sepide , Shojaei Mehrnaz , Bagherniya Mohammad
Published: December 2022

Background

COVID-19 is a very harmful pandemic, and its recovery process is highly influenced by nutritional status; however, an appropriate nutritional scale has not yet been proposed for these patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the modified Nutrition Risk in the Critically ill (mNUTRIC) score in critically ill patients affected by COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Material and methods

This was a cross-sectional study performed on 204 critically ill patients affected by COVID-19 admitted to the ICU wards. Evaluated indicators include the mNUTRIC Score as well as demographic, and biochemical indicators.

Results

A high percentage of COVID-19 patients (67.2%) had severe disease. Hospital and ICU stay (p > 0.001) and PH (p > 0.001) values were significantly lower in non-survivors than in survivors. mNUTRIC score (p > 0.001), PCO2 (p = 0.003), and CRP levels (p = 0.021) were significantly higher in non-survivors than survivors. mNUTRIC score had a direct correlation with age (p > 0.001), AST (p = 0.000), LDH (p = 0.026), and CRP (p = 0.014) and an inverse correlation with hospital duration (p = 0.031), albumin (p = 0.003) and PH (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a non-significant correlation between the mNUTRIC score and mortality chance (OR = 1.085, 95%CI [0.83, 1.42], p = 0.552). While, patients with more severe COVID-19 disease (OR = 8.057, 95%CI [1.33, 48.64], p = 0.023) and higher PCO2 (OR = 1.042, 95%CI [1.01, 1.08], p = 0.023) levels had higher odds of mortality.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that COVID-19 patients with higher CRP levels and lower PH had higher mortality and poor nutritional condition. Moreover, there was a non-significant association between the mNUTRIC score and mortality chance.
Virulence of Metarhizium isolated from infected Oryctes rhinoceros L. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) larvae around coconut plantations in East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Prastowo Sigit , Soeharto  , Addy Hardian Susilo , Handoyo Tri
Published: December 2022

Background

Metarhizium is one of the entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) that has been widely reported as a useful agent for controlling the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB), Oryctes rhinoceros L. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Application of this fungus as a biopesticide is influenced by regional environmental conditions that affect the pathogenic activity against the targeted pest. Several studies have proven that the native fungal isolates have strong pathogenic activity than EPF introduced from other regions. The identification of local EPF species is a strategic approach to develop potential biopesticides with standard properties including host specificity, climate suitability, and significantly suppressing the target pest population. This study aimed to identify Metarhizium species isolated from infected CRB larvae with high pathogenicity to host pests in East Java, Indonesia.

Results

Thirteen isolates were obtained which were divided into 4 clades based on phylogenetic analysis by the ITS rDNA region, namely M. anisopliae var. lepidiotae, M. anisopliae var. anisopliae, M. brunneum, and M. majus. Identified Metarhizium species exhibited varied sizes of conidia, but fell within the size ranges reported in previous studies. Interestingly, the isolate MaSi produced conidial lengths well above the range of conidial sizes recorded and placed these isolates (M. anisopliae) in the MGT clade, known as MALC (M. anisopliae s.l. with large conidia). The present investigation reported that isolates MaLe, MaMa, MaWa, and MaSi produced higher mortality values than other isolates, supporting that M. majus and MALC had higher pathogenicity against O. rhinoceros larvae than other Metarhizium species. Neighbor-joining analysis showed a close resemblance between the isolate MaMa and the strain ARSEF 1946, which was isolated from the CRB. In addition, the isolate MaMa had the highest virulence against O. rhinoceros larval cadaver with a faster lethal time (for 50% mortality). This result indicated a possible relationship between phylogenetic status or DNA sequence polymorphisms with Metarhizium pathogenicity and host specificity.

Conclusions

The local species of Metarhizium have been isolated from infected CRB larvae, and M. majus isolates exhibited high pathogenicity against O. rhinoceros larvae. The close similarity of M. majus isolates and CRB-isolated strains suggests a possible relationship between pathogenicity and host specificity with phylogenetic status or DNA sequence polymorphisms.
Exome sequencing identified a novel Col6α1 mutation in an Iranian patient with Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy: a case report
Authors: Nekouei Elaheh , Yancheshmeh Elmira Shokrolahi , Mohammadi-Asl Javad , Moghaddam Zafar Maasoumi
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD) is a severe form of inherited muscle weakness at birth. Recent genetic studies discovered that different gene mutations are responsible for UCMD clinical manifestation.

Case report

In this study, we carried out whole exome sequencing (WES) to recognize probable gene defects in an Iranian boy with UCMD. We found a novel disease-causing COL6α1 gene mutation (c.2551_2562del; p.Phe851_Arg854del), located in exon35 (NM_001848.3), causing a deletion mutation that has eliminated 12 bp. The WES-identified variant that was confirmed by Sanger sequencing for the patient and his consanguineous parents. Here, we report the clinical manifestations of 4-year-old Iranian patient who presented with muscle weakness since birth and proved compound homozygous mutation of the COL6A1 gene.

Conclusion

Our findings established that this detected COL6α1 mutation is the pathogenic variant for UCMD. This is the first genetic study indicating that c.2551_2562 mutation in homozygous state in COL6α1 gene is responsible for the UCMD phenotype.
Coexistence of tubo-ovarian abscess and carcinoid tumor of the appendix in a sexually inactive girl: a case report
Authors: Acer-Demir Tuğba , Sağnak-Akıllı Müge , Güney Lütfi Hakan , Arslan Esra Elif , Fakıoğlu Ender
Published: December 2022

Background

Tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) is mostly a sequela of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which is seen in sexually active women. Although very rare, TOA could be seen in virgin adolescent girls. Fifteen cases of TOA were reported in virgin girls in English literature. Only one of these cases was suspected to be due to appendicitis. Herein, we present the first case of coexistence of tubo-ovarian abscess and carcinoid tumor of the appendix in a sexually inactive girl.

Case presentation

A 13-year-old girl presented with abdominal pain and fever. Ultrasonography reported that there was a 63×48 mm sized, heterogeneous, thick-walled, dense-content complicated cyst in the right ovary which was thought to be a hemorrhagic cyst and a tubular structure, measuring 12 mm in its thickest part which was thought to be the appendix. During the operation, a TOA was observed in the right adnexal region. The thick, edematous appendix which was lying separately was excised. The TOA was evacuated; a drain was placed. The appendix pathology was reported as “carcinoid tumor.”

Conclusion

We present the first case of TAO with carcinoid tumor of appendix and the second case of TAO that was suspected to be due to appendicitis. When the sexually inactive TOA cases including our case were reviewed, we found that the median age was 15 years (12–47 years) and 11 of 16 cases (69%) were under 18 years of age. The presenting symptoms were abdominal or pelvic pain in all cases, fever in 11 cases (69%), vomiting in 6 cases (38%), dysuria in 5 cases (31%), and diarrhea in 3 cases (19%). Both perforated appendicitis and TOA patients have the same clinic presentation such as fever, abdominal tenderness, increased leukocyte count, increased inflammatory markers. The differential diagnosis can be achieved by radiological examinations such as ultrasonography, computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Marine macroalgae polysaccharides-based nanomaterials: an overview with respect to nanoscience applications
Authors: Ahmad Khurshid , Khan Suleman , Afridi Mahideen , Hassan Ather , Shah Muhammad Musaddiq , Rasheed Hassam , Ahmad Rasheed , Ifqir Hajar
Published: December 2022

Background

Exploration of marine macroalgae poly-saccharide-based nanomaterials is emerging in the nanotechnology field, such as wound dressing, water treatment, environmental engineering, biosensor, and food technology.

Main body

In this article, the current innovation and encroachments of marine macroalgae polysaccharide-based nanoparticles (NPs), and their promising opportunities, for future prospect in different industries are briefly reviewed. The extraction and advancement of various natural sources from marine polysaccharides, including carrageenan, agarose, fucoidan, and ulvan, are highlighted in order to provide a wide range of impacts on the nanofood technology. Further, seaweed or marine macroalgae is an unexploited natural source of polysaccharides, which involves numerous different phytonutrients in the outermost layer of the cell and is rich in sulphated polysaccharides (SP), SP-based nanomaterial which has an enhanced potential value in the nanotechnology field.

Conclusion

At the end of this article, the promising prospect of SP-based NPs and their applications in the food sector is briefly addressed.
Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among computer users working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Gosain Lakshita , Ahmad Irshad , Rizvi Moattar Raza , Sharma Ankita , Saxena Shobhit
Published: December 2022

Background

Office employees are at a greater risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) due to their prolonged computer use. In the context of COVID-19, an unanticipated shift to working from home is likely to increase MSD due to a lack of an ergonomic workspace and longer workdays.

Aim

To explore the prevalence of MSD with work-related risk factors among the computer users working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Study design

Cross-sectional survey.

Methods

Computer users working from home for more than 6 hours per day during the COVID-19 lockdown were assessed for possible work-related MSD using web-based survey—Google forms for Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire.

Results

One hundred twenty one responses from 53 (43.8%) females (25.47 ± 5.72 years) and 68 (56.2%) males (28.65 ± 4.68 years) were included. The female participants were more prone to musculoskeletal pain as compared to males. The neck pain (60.3%), lower back pain (59.5%), and shoulder pain (49.6%) were the most reported body regions affected by work-related MSD. The elbow (18.2%), wrist/hand (35.5%), upper back (42.1%), hips (24.8%), knee (23.1%), and ankle/feet (14%) were the least affected regions. The risk factors associated with MSP includes lack of workplace at home during lockdown, stress after being in one posture, stress in eyes, and mental stress due to work.

Conclusions

During the lockdown phase, the transition of computer workers from working office environment to home increased the prevalence of MSD more commonly in females than males. There is a need to investigate early detection, prevention, and management options to enhance health outcomes.