bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Needs, gaps and opportunities for standard and e-mental health care among at-risk populations in the Asia Pacific in the context of COVID-19: a rapid scoping review
Authors: Murphy Jill K. , Khan Amna , Sun Qiumeng , Minas Harry , Hatcher Simon , Ng Chee H. , Withers Mellissa , Greenshaw Andrew , Michalak Erin E. , Chakraborty Promit Ananyo , Sandanasamy Karen Sharmini , Ibrahim Nurashikin , Ravindran Arun , Chen Jun , Nguyen Vu Cong , Lam Raymond W.
Published: July 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have profound mental health impact, including in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region. Some populations might be at higher risk of experiencing negative mental health impacts and may encounter increased barriers to accessing mental health care. The pandemic and related restrictions have led to changes in care delivery, including a rapid shift to the use of e-mental health and digital technologies. It is therefore essential to consider needs and opportunities for equitable mental health care delivery to the most at-risk populations. This rapid scoping review: 1) identifies populations in the APEC region that are at higher risk of the negative mental health impacts of COVID-19, 2) identifies needs and gaps in access to standard and e-mental health care among these populations, and 3) explores the potential of e-mental health to address these needs.

Methods

We conducted a rapid scoping review following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). We searched Medline, Embase and PsychInfo databases and Google Scholar using a search strategy developed in consultation with a biomedical librarian. We included records related to mental health or psychosocial risk factors and COVID-19 among at-risk groups; that referred to one or more APEC member economies or had a global, thus generalizable, scope; English language papers, and papers with full text available.

Results

A total of 132 records published between December 2019 and August 2020 were included in the final analysis. Several priority at-risk populations, risk factors, challenges and recommendations for standard and e-mental health care were identified. Results demonstrate that e-mental health care can be a viable option for care delivery but that specific accessibility and acceptability considerations must be considered. Options for in-person, hybrid or “low-tech” care must also remain available.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for equitable standard and e-mental health care. It has also highlighted the persistent social and structural inequities that contribute to poor mental health. The APEC region is vast and diverse; findings from the region can guide policy and practice in the delivery of equitable mental health care in the region and beyond.
Psychometric properties of the Korean version of the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Jang Min Kyeong , Kim Sue , Park Chang Gi , Collins Eileen G. , Quinn Lauretta T. , Glynn Nancy W. , Ferrans Carol Estwing
Published: July 2021

Background

Fatigability has recently emerged in oncology as a concept that anchors patients’ perceptions of fatigue to defined activities of specified duration and intensity. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (K-PFS) for women with breast cancer.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 196 women with breast cancer recruited from a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha, and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the factor structure of the K-PFS. Four goodness-of-fit values were evaluated: (1) the comparative fit index (CFI), (2) the Tucker–Lewis index (TLI), (3) the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), and (4) the standardized root mean square residual (SRMR).

Results

Of the 196 survivors, 71.1% had greater physical fatigability (K-PFS Physical score ≥ 15) and 52.6% had greater mental fatigability (K-PFS Mental score ≥ 13). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the total K-PFS scale was 0.926, and the coefficients for the physical and mental fatigability domains were 0.870 and 0.864, respectively. In the confirmatory factor analysis for physical fatigability, the SRMR value (0.076) supported goodness of fit, but other model fit statistics did not (CFI = 0.888, TLI = 0.826, and RMSEA = 0.224). For mental fatigability, although three goodness-of-fit values were acceptable (CFI = 0.948, TLI = 0.919, and SRMR = 0.057), the RMSEA value (0.149) did not indicate good model fit. However, each item coefficient was statistically significant (> 0.5), and the K-PFS was therefore found to be valid from a theoretical perspective.

Conclusion

This study provides meaningful information on the reliability and validity of the K-PFS instrument, which was developed to meet an important need in the context of breast cancer survivors. Additional research should examine its test–retest reliability and construct validity with performance measures.
MiR-186-3p attenuates tumorigenesis of cervical cancer by targeting IGF1
Authors: Lu Xiurong , Song Xiao , Hao Xiaohui , Liu Xiaoyu , Zhang Xianyu , Yuan Na , Ma Huan , Zhang Zhilin
Published: July 2021

Background

Mounting evidence in the cancer literature suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) influence the progression of human cancer cells by targeting protein-coding genes. How insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF1) and miR-186-3p contribute to the development of cervical cancer (CC) remains unclear. This study examined the regulatory roles of miR-186-3p and IGF1 in CC development.

Methods

Gene expression levels were determined by qRT-PCR. Proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of CC and normal cells were determined by MTT, Transwell, and caspase-3 activity assays, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter activity and RNA pull-down assays were performed to identify the target gene of miR-186-3p.

Results

IGF1 was the target of miR-186-3p. The expression of miR-186-3p inhibited cell proliferation and migration abilities of CC cell lines, but induced the apoptosis rate of CC cells. IGF1 could restore the inhibitory effects of miR-186-3p on the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis abilities of CC cells. Experimental results revealed that miR-186-3p could inhibit IGF1 expression, thereby reducing the viability of CC cells.

Conclusions

The data suggest that targeting of IGF1 by miR-186-3p could be crucial in regulating the progression of CC.
Marital status, educational attainment, and suicide risk: a Norwegian register-based population study
Authors: Øien-Ødegaard Carine , Hauge Lars Johan , Reneflot Anne
Published: July 2021

Background

The presence and quality of social ties can influence suicide risk. In adulthood, the most common provider of such ties is one’s partner. As such, the link between marital status and suicide is well-documented, with lower suicide risk among married. However, the association between marital status and educational level suggest that marriage is becoming a privilege of the better educated. The relationship between educational attainment and suicide is somewhat ambiguous, although several studies argue that there is higher suicide risk among the less educated. This means that unmarried with low education may concurrently experience several risk factors for suicide. However, in many cases, these associations apply to men only, making it unclear whether they also refer to women. We aim to investigate the association between marital status, educational attainment, and suicide risk, and whether these associations differ across sexes.

Methods

Our data consist of Norwegian residents aged 35–54, between 1975 and 2014. Using personal identification-numbers, we linked information from various registers, and applied event history analysis to estimate suicide risk, and predicted probabilities for comparisons across sexes.

Results

Overall, associations across sexes are quite similar, thus contradicting several previous studies. Married men and women have lower suicide risk than unmarried, and divorced and separated have significant higher odds of suicide than never married, regardless of sex. Low educational attainment inflates the risk for both sexes, but high educational attainment is only associated with lower risk among men. Being a parent is associated with lower suicide risk for both sexes.

Conclusions

Higher suicide risk among the divorced and separated points to suicide risk being associated with ceasing of social ties. This is the case for both sexes, and especially those with low educational attainment, which both healthcare professionals and people in general should be aware of in order to promote suicide prevention.
Determinants of changes in women’s and men’s eating behavior across the transition to parenthood: a focus group study
Authors: Versele Vickà , Stok F. Marijn , Aerenhouts Dirk , Deforche Benedicte , Bogaerts Annick , Devlieger Roland , Clarys Peter , Deliens Tom
Published: July 2021

Background

During the pregnancy and postpartum period, both women and men experience physiological and psychological changes, which may negatively impact their eating behavior. A clear understanding of determinants of changes in eating behavior during this period is needed to facilitate the development of targeted family-based interventions countering unfavorable dietary changes during this critical life period.

Methods

Thirteen focus group discussions targeting determinants of changes in eating behavior during pregnancy and postpartum were conducted, involving a total of 74 expecting and first-time parents. A semi-structured question guide was used to facilitate the discussions. An inductive thematic approach was used to derive main and sub-categories of determinants from the data. The Determinants of Nutrition and Eating (DONE)-framework was employed to systematically organize and label the categories and determinants.

Results

Two frameworks were developed; one for the pregnancy and one for the postpartum period, comprising determinants of changes in eating behavior in both women and men. Three main levels of determinants were identified: (1) the individual level, including psychological (e.g., ‘health consciousness’), situational (e.g., ‘effort and convenience’) and biological (e.g., ‘discomfort’); (2) the interpersonal level (e.g., ‘social influence’) and (3) the environmental level, including micro- and meso/macro (e.g., ‘home/environment food availability’). Determinants acting as barriers (e.g., ‘time constraints’) or facilitators (e.g., ‘being a role model’) were identified. Many determinants were mentioned during both (e.g., ‘food knowledge’) or just one investigated period (e.g., ‘physiological changes’ during pregnancy, ‘influence of the baby’ postpartum). Finally, some were described by both parents (e.g., ‘self-regulation’), whereas others were mentioned by women (e.g., ‘(perceived) food safety’) or men (e.g., ‘other priorities’) only.

Conclusion

The developed frameworks set the foundation for the development of future family-based interventions and may be used already by healthcare providers to provide dietary guidance and support for women and men transitioning into parenthood. A focus on the interplay of individual factors at the biological and psychological level together with situational difficulties during pregnancy is recommended. Postpartum, focus should go to support first-time parents to obtain balance of both maintaining one’s own health and taking care of the baby, on improving self-regulation skills, and on coping with related situational constraints.
The germline/somatic DNA damage repair gene mutations modulate the therapeutic response in Chinese patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shui Lin , Li Xiaofen , Peng Yang , Tian Jiangfang , Li Shuangshuang , He Du , Li Ang , Tian Bole , Li Mao , Gao Heli , An Ning , Yi Cheng , Cao Dan
Published: July 2021

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a fatal disease with molecular heterogeneity, inducing differences in biological behavior, and therapeutic strategy. NGS profiles of pathogenic alterations in the Chinese PDAC population are limited. We conducted a retrospective study to investigate the predictive role of DNA damage repair (DDR) mutations in precision medicine.

Methods

The NGS profiles were performed on resected tissues from 195 Chinese PDAC patients. Baseline clinical or genetic characteristics and survival status were collected. The Kaplan–Meier survival analyses were performed by the R version 3.6.1.

Results

The main driver genes were KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, and SMAD4. Advanced patients with KRAS mutation showed a worse OS than KRAS wild-type (p = 0.048). DDR pathogenic deficiency was identified in 30 (15.38%) of overall patients, mainly involving BRCA2 (n = 9, 4.62%), ATM (n = 8, 4.10%) and RAD50 genes (n = 3, 1.54%). No significance of OS between patients with or without DDR mutations (p = 0.88). But DDR mutation was an independent prognostic factor for survival analysis of advanced PDAC patients (p = 0.032). For DDR mutant patients, treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy (p = 0.0096) or olaparib (p = 0.018) respectively improved the overall survival. No statistical difference between tumor mutation burden (TMB) and DDR mutations was identified. Treatment of PD-1 blockades did not bring significantly improved OS to DDR-mutated patients than the naive DDR group (p = 0.14).

Conclusions

In this retrospective study, we showed the role of germline and somatic DDR mutation in predicting the efficacy of olaparib and platinum-based chemotherapy in Chinese patients. However, the value of DDR mutation in the prediction of hypermutation status and the sensitivity to the PD-1 blockade needed further investigation.
Bone quality and quantity of the mandibular symphyseal region in autogenous bone grafting using cone-beam computed tomography: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Safi Yaser , Amid Reza , Kadkhodazadeh Mahdi , Mortazavi Hamed , Sharifi Mohamad Payam , Gandomi Shiva
Published: July 2021

Background

Bone volume plays a pivotal role in the success of dental implant treatment. Autogenous bone grafts should be harvested from reliable sites in the maxillofacial region. This study sought to assess the quantity and quality of bone in the mandibular symphysis for autogenous bone graft harvesting using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods

This cross-sectional study evaluated the CBCT scans of 78 adults presenting to three oral and maxillofacial radiology centers. The vertical (VD) and horizontal (HD) alveolar bone dimensions, cortical thickness (CT), and cancellous to cortical bone ratio (C/C) were measured in the interforaminal region of the mandible at the sites of central incisor to first premolar teeth. The interforaminal distance (ID) and the anterior loop length were also measured. Nonparametric statistical tests were used to analyze the data with respect to sex, age, and tooth position.

Results

The median VD, HD, and CT of the symphysis were 20.21 (3.26), 4.13 (0.37), and 2.25 (0.23) mm, respectively. The median C/C was 1.51 (0.11). The median ID was 52.24 (8.24) mm, and the median anterior loop length was 1.82 (1.06) mm. Significant differences were observed in all parameters among different teeth. Most of the measured parameters were greater in males compared with females. There were significant differences in ID, VD, and CT between different age groups.

Conclusions

The quantity and quality of the available bone in the mandibular symphysis for bone graft harvesting vary by gender, age, and harvesting site, necessitating careful preoperative evaluation.
Effectiveness of peer counseling and membership in breastfeeding support groups in promoting optimal breastfeeding behaviors in the Philippines
Authors: Saniel Ofelia P. , Pepito Veincent Christian F. , Amit Arianna Maever L.
Published: July 2021

Background

The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at 6 months remain low in the Philippines. To help meet the 90% early initiation of breastfeeding target and to improve infant and young child feeding practices in the Philippines, the Millennium Development Goals - Fund 2030 Joint Programme (JP) on Ensuring Food Security and Nutrition for Children 0–24 months old was implemented. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of visits by peer counselors during pregnancy and after delivery, and membership in breastfeeding support groups in promoting these optimal breastfeeding practices.

Methods

We used data from the Endline Survey of the JP to study the effects of prenatal and postnatal peer counselor visits, and membership in breastfeeding support groups, and their possible interactions with initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth among children aged 0 to 24 months and EBF at 6 months among children aged 6 to 24 months, while adjusting for confounding. We used logistic regression methods for survey data to assess these associations.

Results

Of the 2343 mother-infant pairs, only 1500 (63.1%) practiced early initiation of breastfeeding. Of the 1865 children aged 6 months or older, only 621 (34.7%) were exclusively breastfed at 6 months. After adjusting for confounding variables, there was no strong evidence that peer counselor visits were associated with early initiation or EBF at 6 months. However, members of breastfeeding support groups had 1.49 times higher odds of early initiation of breastfeeding (95% CI [Confidence Interval] 1.12, 1.98) and 1.65 times higher odds of EBF (95% CI 1.20, 2.24) compared to those who were not members of breastfeeding support groups. There was no interaction between the different exposure variables and early initiation and EBF at 6 months.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest breastfeeding support groups may be institutionalized to promote both early initiation of breastfeeding and EBF in the Philippines, while the role of peer counselors in promoting optimal breastfeeding behaviors should be further reviewed. Our suggestion to integrate non-healthcare professionals to promote early initiation of breastfeeding and EBF could be tested in future intervention studies.
A cassava common mosaic virus vector for virus-induced gene silencing in cassava
Authors: Tuo Decai , Zhou Peng , Yan Pu , Cui Hongguang , Liu Yang , Wang He , Yang Xiukun , Liao Wenbin , Sun Di , Li Xiaoying , Shen Wentao
Published: July 2021

Background

Cassava is an important crop for food security and industry in the least-developed and developing countries. The completion of the cassava genome sequence and identification of large numbers of candidate genes by next-generation sequencing provide extensive resources for cassava molecular breeding and increase the need for rapid and efficient gene function analysis systems in cassava. Several plant virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) systems have been developed as reverse genetic tools for rapid gene function analysis in cassava. However, these VIGS vectors could cause severe viral symptoms or inefficient gene silencing.

Results

In this study, we constructed agroinfection-compatible infectious cDNA clones of cassava common mosaic virus isolate CM (CsCMV-CM, genusPotexvirus, family Alphaflexiviridae) that causes systemic infection with mild symptoms in cassava. CsCMV-CM was then modified to a viral vector carrying the Nimble cloning frame, which facilitates the rapid and high-throughput cloning of silencing fragments into the viral genome. The CsCMV-based vector successfully silencedphytoene desaturase(PDS) andmagnesium chelatase subunit I(ChlI) in different cassava varieties andNicotiana benthamiana. The silencing of theChlIgene could persist for more than two months.

Conclusions

This CsCMV-based VIGS system provides a new tool for rapid and efficient gene function studies in cassava.
Elesclomol-induced increase of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species impairs glioblastoma stem-like cell survival and tumor growth
Authors: Buccarelli Mariachiara , D’Alessandris Quintino Giorgio , Matarrese Paola , Mollinari Cristiana , Signore Michele , Cappannini Andrea , Martini Maurizio , D’Aliberti Pierluigi , De Luca Gabriele , Pedini Francesca , Boe Alessandra , Biffoni Mauro , Pallini Roberto , Ricci-Vitiani Lucia
Published: July 2021

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor in adults, characterized by a poor prognosis mainly due to recurrence and therapeutic resistance. It has been widely demonstrated that glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs), a subpopulation of tumor cells endowed with stem-like properties is responsible for tumor maintenance and progression. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that GSCs contribute to GBM-associated neovascularization processes, through different mechanisms including the transdifferentiation into GSC-derived endothelial cells (GdECs).

Methods

In order to identify druggable cancer-related pathways in GBM, we assessed the effect of a selection of 349 compounds on both GSCs and GdECs and we selected elesclomol (STA-4783) as the most effective agent in inducing cell death on both GSC and GdEC lines tested.

Results

Elesclomol has been already described to be a potent oxidative stress inducer. In depth investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying GSC and GdEC response to elesclomol, confirmed that this compound induces a strong increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both GSCs and GdECs ultimately leading to a non-apoptotic copper-dependent cell death. Moreover, combined in vitro treatment with elesclomol and the alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ) enhanced the cytotoxicity compared to TMZ alone. Finally, we used our experimental model of mouse brain xenografts to test the combination of elesclomol and TMZ and confirmed their efficacy in vivo.

Conclusions

Our results support further evaluation of therapeutics targeting oxidative stress such as elesclomol with the aim of satisfying the high unmet medical need in the management of GBM.
Individualized resuscitation strategy for septic shock formalized by finite mixture modeling and dynamic treatment regimen
Authors: Ma Penglin , Liu Jingtao , Shen Feng , Liao Xuelian , Xiu Ming , Zhao Heling , Zhao Mingyan , Xie Jing , Wang Peng , Huang Man , Li Tong , Duan Meili , Qian Kejian , Peng Yue , Zhou Feihu , Xin Xin , Wan Xianyao , Wang ZongYu , Li Shusheng , Han Jianwei , Li Zhenliang , Ding Guolei , Deng Qun , Zhang Jicheng , Zhu Yue , Ma Wenjing , Wang Jingwen , Kang Yan , Zhang Zhongheng
Published: July 2021

Background

Septic shock comprises a heterogeneous population, and individualized resuscitation strategy is of vital importance. The study aimed to identify subclasses of septic shock with non-supervised learning algorithms, so as to tailor resuscitation strategy for each class.

Methods

Patients with septic shock in 25 tertiary care teaching hospitals in China from January 2016 to December 2017 were enrolled in the study. Clinical and laboratory variables were collected on days 0, 1, 2, 3 and 7 after ICU admission. Subclasses of septic shock were identified by both finite mixture modeling and K-means clustering. Individualized fluid volume and norepinephrine dose were estimated using dynamic treatment regime (DTR) model to optimize the final mortality outcome. DTR models were validated in the eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD) dataset.

Results

A total of 1437 patients with a mortality rate of 29% were included for analysis. The finite mixture modeling and K-means clustering robustly identified five classes of septic shock. Class 1 (baseline class) accounted for the majority of patients over all days; class 2 (critical class) had the highest severity of illness; class 3 (renal dysfunction) was characterized by renal dysfunction; class 4 (respiratory failure class) was characterized by respiratory failure; and class 5 (mild class) was characterized by the lowest mortality rate (21%). The optimal fluid infusion followed the resuscitation/de-resuscitation phases with initial large volume infusion and late restricted volume infusion. While class 1 transitioned to de-resuscitation phase on day 3, class 3 transitioned on day 1. Classes 1 and 3 might benefit from early use of norepinephrine, and class 2 can benefit from delayed use of norepinephrine while waiting for adequate fluid infusion.

Conclusions

Septic shock comprises a heterogeneous population that can be robustly classified into five phenotypes. These classes can be easily identified with routine clinical variables and can help to tailor resuscitation strategy in the context of precise medicine.
A randomised controlled unblinded multicentre non-inferiority trial with activated vitamin D and prednisolone treatment in patients with minimal change nephropathy (ADAPTinMCN)
Authors: Kristensen Tilde , Birn Henrik , Ivarsen Per
Published: July 2021

Background

Minimal change nephropathy (MCN) is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in both adults and children. International guidelines recommend treatment with prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day to adults. This dose is derived from an empirically established dose in children, although children generally attain remission faster and relapse more rapidly than adults. Prednisolone is associated with multiple and serious adverse events. Activated vitamin D has been shown to reduce albuminuria in other glomerular renal diseases with a minimum of adverse events. This study tests the hypothesis that a new treatment regimen in MCN combining reduced dose prednisolone and active vitamin D is as efficient in inducing remission and has fewer and less severe adverse events than standard prednisolone. Furthermore, we aim to establish models allowing for more personalized medicine based on assessment of the individual’s prednisolone metabolism.

Methods

A randomised controlled multicentre non-inferior unblinded trial including 96 adult, incident patients with biopsy-proven MCN, albuminuria > 3 g/day, and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 30 ml/min from renal departments in Denmark. Patients are randomised to standard prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day) or reduced prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg/day) and alfacalcidol (0.5 μg/day). The primary outcome is the rate of remissions after 16 weeks and the time from diagnosis to remission. The study will include a saliva test to characterise prednisolone pharmacokinetics and compare them to genetic variations in specific liver enzymes responsible for prednisolone metabolism.

Discussion

Reducing the prednisolone dose is expected to reduce the number of severe adverse events. This study will examine if reduced prednisolone dose with active vitamin D but without additional immunosuppression is feasible in the treatment of MCN and will reduce the number of adverse events. The findings can potentially change current guidelines for treatment of MCN in adults. Additional outcomes on inter-individual pharmacokinetic and metabolic variations may allow for a more personalised treatment strategy.

Trial registration

EudraCT 2017-001206-16, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03210688. Registered on June 3, 2017.
Voltage-sensitive sodium channel (Vssc) mutations associated with pyrethroid insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti (L.) from two districts of Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: baseline information for a Wolbachia release program
Authors: Endersby-Harshman Nancy M. , Ali AboElgasim , Alhumrani Basim , Alkuriji Mohammed Abdullah , Al-Fageeh Mohammed B. , Al-Malik Abdulaziz , Alsuabeyl Mohammed S. , Elfekih Samia , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: July 2021

Background

Dengue suppression often relies on control of the mosquito vector,Aedes aegypti, through applications of insecticides of which the pyrethroid group has played a dominant role. Insecticide resistance is prevalent inAe.aegyptiaround the world, and the resulting reduction of insecticide efficacy is likely to exacerbate the impact of dengue. Dengue has been a public health problem in Saudi Arabia, particularly in Jeddah, since its discovery there in the 1990s, and insecticide use for vector control is widespread throughout the city. An alternative approach to insecticide use, based on blocking dengue transmission in mosquitoes by the endosymbiontWolbachia, is being trialed in Jeddah following the success of this approach in Australia and Malaysia. Knowledge of insecticide resistance status of mosquito populations in Jeddah is a prerequisite for establishing aWolbachia-based dengue control program as releases ofWolbachiamosquitoes succeed when resistance status of the release population is similar to that of the wild population.

Methods

WHO resistance bioassays of mosquitoes with deltamethrin, permethrin and DDT were used in conjunction with TaqMan®SNP Genotyping Assays to characterize mutation profiles ofAe.aegypti.

Results

Screening of the voltage-sensitive sodium channel (Vssc), the pyrethroid target site, revealed mutations at codons 989, 1016 and 1534 inAe.aegyptifrom two districts of Jeddah. The triple mutant homozygote (1016G/1534C/989P) was confirmed from Al Safa and Al Rawabi. Bioassays with pyrethroids (Type I and II) and DDT showed that mosquitoes were resistant to each of these compounds based on WHO definitions. An association betweenVssc mutations and resistance was established for the Type II pyrethroid, deltamethrin, with one genotype (989P/1016G/1534F) conferring a survival advantage over two others (989S/1016V/1534C and the triple heterozygote). An indication of synergism of Type I pyrethroid activity with piperonyl butoxide suggests that detoxification by cytochrome P450s accounts for some of the pyrethroid resistance response inAe.aegyptipopulations from Jeddah.

Conclusions

The results provide a baseline for monitoring and management of resistance as well as knowledge ofVssc genotype frequencies required inWolbachiarelease populations to ensure homogeneity with the target field population.Vssc mutation haplotypes observed show some similarity with those fromAe.aegyptiin southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific, but the presence of the triple mutant haplotype in three genotypes indicates that the species in this region may have a unique population history.

Graphical Abstract
Facility assessment and qualitative analysis of health worker perspectives on neonatal health in Malawi
Authors: Kinshella Mai-Lei Woo , Nyondo-Mipando Alinane Linda , Dube Queen , Goldfarb David M. , Kawaza Kondwani
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The “Integrating a neonatal healthcare package for Malawi” (IMCHA#108030) project conducted mixed-methods to understand facility-based implementation factors for newborn health innovations in low-resourced health settings. The objective of the two datasets was to evaluate: (a) capacity of quality newborn care in three districts in southern Malawi, and (b) barriers and facilitators the scale up of bubble continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), a newborn health innovation to support babies with respiratory distress.

Data description

The Integrated Maternal, Neonatal and Child Quality of Care Assessment and Improvement Tool (version April-2014) is a standardized facility assessment tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) that examines quality as well as quantity and availability. The facility survey is complemented by a qualitative dataset of illustrative quotes from health service providers and supervisors on bubble CPAP implementation factors. Research was conducted in one primary health centre (facility assessment only), three district-level hospitals (both) and a tertiary hospital (qualitative only) in southern Malawi. These datasets may be used by other researchers for insights into health systems of low-income countries and implementation factors for the roll-out of neonatal health innovations as well as to frame future research questions or preliminary exploratory research on similar topics.
Recurrent COVID-19 infection in a health care worker: a case report
Authors: Garg Jaya , Agarwal Jyotsna , Das Anupam , Sen Manodeep
Published: July 2021

Background

Recurrent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is an emerging problem and may prove to be one of the greatest problems in controlling the pandemic in the future. Recurrent infections can be due to reactivation of dormant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or reinfection with similar or different strains of SARS-CoV-2.

Case presentation

Here we present an interesting case of a health care worker working as a laboratory assistant at a COVID-19 laboratory who developed recurrent COVID-19 infection. He did not develop an immune response after the first episode of COVID-19; however, immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were detected after the second episode.

Conclusions

Through this case, we discuss the concept of reactivation and reinfection in the post-COVID period. We suggest that standard guidelines should be established to check for viral shedding and immune response among cured cases of COVID-19 after discharge via serial real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing and IgG antibody detection. Further, strict hygiene practices should be stressed to these patients with possibility of COVID-19 recurrence.
Cerebral venous thrombosis in a patient with Down syndrome and coronavirus disease 2019: a case report
Authors: Robayo-Amortegui Henry , Valenzuela-Faccini Natalia , Quecano-Rosas Cesar , Zabala-Muñoz Darlyng , Perez-Garzon Michel
Published: July 2021

Background

The new coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has spread throughout most of the world. Cerebral venous thrombosis is a rare thromboembolic disease that can present as an extrapulmonary complication in coronavirus disease 2019 infection.

Case presentation

We report the case of a Hispanic woman with Down syndrome who has coronavirus disease 2019 and presents as a complication extensive cerebral venous thrombosis.

Conclusions

Cerebral venous thrombosis is a rare thromboembolic disease that can present as an extrapulmonary complication in coronavirus disease 2019 infection. In the absence of clinical and epidemiological data, it is important to carry out further investigation of the risk factors and pathophysiological causes related to the development of cerebrovascular thrombotic events in patients with Down syndrome with coronavirus disease 2019 infection.
Measuring functioning and disability using household surveys: metric properties of the brief version of the WHO and World Bank model disability survey
Authors: Sabariego Carla , Fellinghauer Carolina , Lee Lindsay , Posarac Aleksandra , Bickenbach Jerome , Kostanjsek Nenad , Chatterji Somnath , Kamenov Kaloyan , Cieza Alarcos
Published: July 2021

Background

The Model Disability Survey (MDS) is the current standard recommended by WHO to collect functioning and disability data. Answering calls from countries requesting a version to be implemented as a module that could be integrated into existing surveys and be used for monitoring disability trends and for data disaggregation, WHO developed the brief MDS. The objectives of this paper are to evaluate the metric properties of the disability metrics generated with the Brief MDS and the precision of the Brief MDS in comparison with the full MDS.

Results

The partial credit model, a unidimensional model for polytomous data from the Rasch family, was applied to evaluate psychometric properties using data from national MDS implementations in Chile (N = 12,265) and in Sri Lanka (N = 3000). The Brief MDS generates valid metrics for measuring disability, from the perspectives of capacity and performance, thereby achieving good levels of measurement precision in comparison with its full counterpart.

Conclusion

Given the scarcity of valid functioning and disability modules for household surveys, the Brief MDS represents a milestone in disability measurement. The Brief MDS is currently used by countries to monitor disability trends over time, which is especially important to evaluate the impact of health policies and public health interventions, to disaggregate indicators of the Sustainable Development Goals, and to monitor the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Dietary sophorolipid accelerates growth by modulation of gut microbiota population and intestinal environments in broiler chickens
Authors: Kwak Min-Jin , Park Min-Young , Choi Yong-Soon , Cho Junghwan , Pathiraja Duleepa , Kim Jonggun , Lee Hanbae , Choi In-Geol , Whang Kwang-Youn
Published: July 2021

Background

Gut is a crucial organ for the host’s defense system due to its filtering action of the intestinal membrane from hazardous foreign substances. One strategy to strengthen the gut epithelial barrier function is to upregulate beneficial microflora populations and their metabolites. Sophorolipid (SPL), which is a glycolipid bio-surfactant, could increase beneficial microflora and decrease pathogenic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, herein, we conducted an experiment with broiler chickens to investigate the fortifying effects of SPL on the host’s gut defense system by modulating the microbiota population.

Methods

A total of 540 1-day-old chicks (Ross 308) were used, and they were immediately allotted into three treatment groups (6 replications with 30 chicks/pen) according to their initial body weight. The dietary treatments consisted of CON (basal diet), BAM (10 mg/kg bambermycin), and SPL (10 mg/kg SPL). During the experiment, birds freely accessed feed and water, and body weight and feed intake were measured at the end of each phase. On d 35, birds (one bird/pen) were sacrificed to collect jejunum and cecum samples.

Results

Dietary SPL and BAM supplementation significantly accelerated birds’ growth and also significantly improved feed efficiency compared to CON. Intestinal microbial community was significantly separated by dietary SPL supplementation from that of CON, and dietary SPL supplementation significantly increased Lactobacillus spp. and Akkermansia muciniphila. Moreover, birds fed with dietary SPL also showed the highest concentration of cecal butyrate among all treatment groups. Gut morphological analysis showed that dietary SPL significantly increased villus height, ratio of villus height to crypt depth, goblet cell numbers, and the gene expression levels of claudin-1 and mucin 2. Additionally, dietary SPL significantly decreased the mRNA expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-6, and increased that of anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-10, compared to other treatments.

Conclusions

Dietary SPL increases the beneficial bacterial population and butyrate concentration, which leads to a strengthened gut barrier function. In addition, the intestinal inflammation was also downregulated by dietary SPL supplementation.
Adaptive drift and barrier-avoidance by a fly-forage migrant along a climate-driven flyway
Authors: Vansteelant Wouter M.G. , Gangoso Laura , Bouten Willem , Viana Duarte S. , Figuerola Jordi
Published: July 2021

Background

Route choice and travel performance of fly-forage migrants are partly driven by large-scale habitat availability, but it remains unclear to what extent wind support through large-scale wind regimes moulds their migratory behaviour. We aimed to determine to what extent a trans-equatorial fly-forage migrant engages in adaptive drift through distinct wind regimes and biomes across Africa. The Inter-tropical Front (ITF) marks a strong and seasonally shifting climatic boundary at the thermal equator, and we assessed whether migratory detours were associated with this climatic feature. Furthermore, we sought to disentangle the influence of wind and biome on daily, regional and seasonal travel performance.

Methods

We GPS-tracked 19 adult Eleonora’s falconsFalco eleonoraefrom the westernmost population on the Canary Islands across 39 autumn and 36 spring migrations to and from Madagascar. Tracks were annotated with wind data to assess the falcons’ orientation behaviour and the wind support they achieved in each season and distinct biomes. We further tested whether falcon routes across the Sahel were correlated with the ITF position, and how realized wind support and biome affect daily travel times, distances and speeds.

Results

Changes in orientation behaviour across Africa’s biomes were associated with changes in prevailing wind fields. Falcons realized higher wind support along their detours than was available along the shortest possible route by drifting through adverse autumn wind fields, but compromised wind support while detouring through supportive spring wind fields. Movements across the Sahel-Sudan zone were strongly associated to the ITF position in autumn, but were more individually variable in spring. Realized wind support was an important driver of daily travel speeds and distances, in conjunction with regional wind-independent variation in daily travel time budgets.

Conclusions

Although daily travel time budgets of falcons vary independently from wind, their daily travel performance is strongly affected by orientation-dependent wind support. Falcons thereby tend to drift to minimize or avoid headwinds through opposing wind fields and over ecological barriers, while compensating through weak or supportive wind fields and over hospitable biomes. The ITF may offer a climatic leading line to fly-forage migrants in terms of both flight and foraging conditions.
Does preschool attendance affect the urban-rural cognition gap among middle school students? Evidence from China Education Panel Survey
Authors: Zheng Lei , Weng Qiuyi , Gong Xin
Published: July 2021

Cognitive abilities have a great impact on individuals’ socioeconomic status. Among the factors that affect cognitive ability, early childhood development and preschool education are vital. However, evidence on the effect of preschool attendance on the urban-rural cognition gap from large-scale samples is almost nonexistent. Based on a nationally representative dataset from the China Education Panel Survey, this study fills this gap by presenting evidence of a significant cognition gap between urban and rural middle school students. We find a consistent positive relationship between preschool attendance and cognitive ability in grade 7 and grade 9 based on ordinary least squares and propensity score matching estimations. Results based on a Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition suggest that the differences between urban and rural students in preschool education account for 28% to 44% of the between-group cognition gap. We also simulate the effects of policy interventions meant to develop preschool education on the narrowing of the urban-rural cognition gap.
Study of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) extraction FROM dried oral fluid spots (DOFS) and LC–MS/MS detection
Authors: Gorziza Roberta , Cox Joseph , Limberger Renata Pereira , Arroyo-Mora Luis E.
Published: July 2021

Background

Oral fluid is a widely studied matrix able to isolate the primary Cannabis constituent THC, facilitating its detection via mass spectrometry, and in most cases link these findings to recent drug use. As an alternative to liquid oral fluid, dried oral fluid spots (DOFS) is a simple and a low-cost sampling technique. It has shown improved stability compared to liquid samples, allowing for the possibility to preserve the specimens under various temperature and humidity conditions. The sampling strategy is straightforward and involves the application of a small quantity of oral fluid aliquot to a paper substrate that is set to air dry allowing for on-site collection at a large-scale demand. The goal of this study is to study THC and CBD extraction from DOFS, applying a previous established protocol for a LC–MS/MS qualitative method validation. Although other drugs of abuse have been included in DOFS methods, this is the first method validation including cannabinoids. An alternative oral fluid extraction method (WAX-S tips) is demonstrated to improve the recovery of the analytes.

Methods

A pool of blank oral fluid was used to prepare THC and CBD spiked DOFS samples for method validation and application. Spiked oral fluid was used to demonstrate WAX-S tips THC and CBD extraction. All samples were analyzed on a LC–MS/MS instrument.

Results

The qualitative method validation for THC and CBD confirmation in DOFS included method selectivity, matrix effects (< 20%), recovery (average of 25%), process efficiency (average of 21%), LOD (2 ng/mL for THC and 4 ng/mL for CBD), absence of carryover, and DOFS stability (70% in 35 days) as figures of merit. The method application in blindly prepared samples demonstrated the method capability to identify THC and CBD. WAX-S tips extraction showed an average of 91% recovery of THC and CBD from liquid oral fluid.

Conclusions

THC and CBD extraction from DOFS showed low recoveries. However, the LC–MS/MS qualitative confirmation of THC and CBD in DOFS could improve cannabinoids screening in oral fluid, as it shows adequate LOD and stability over time. This method has potential for assisting the screening of drivers under possible drug influence by facilitating sample transportation and temporary storage in dried spot form. Additional research is suggested for WAX-S tips extraction and quantitative method validation.
Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of genus Fritillaria—a review
Authors: Rashid Ishrat , Yaqoob Ubaid
Published: July 2021

Background

Genus Fritillaria is one among the biggest genera of family Liliaceae comprising of around 130–165 species. Fritillaria is viewed as a significant genus and a source of significant pharmaceutically active compounds utilized in conventional drugs by folklore. Fritillaria is utilized worldwide as medication and food. Different chemically dynamic components separated from genus Fritillaria, their phytochemistry with structure and pharmacology of these compounds have been extensively reviewed.

Main body

Fritillaria is utilized for treatment of dyspepsia, chest injury, tuberculosis, cough, asthma, gout, bronchitis, dysuria, sinus, boils, stomatitis, malaria, insanity, anaemia, immunity promoter, remedy for child emaciation, fever, burning sensation, phthisis and broncho-asthma, heart diseases, dysfunction of breathing and nervous system, etc. Different chemical components isolated from genus Fritillaria include around 120 alkaloids, 15 terpenoids as well as saponins, glycosides, volatile components, nucleosides, amino acids, nucleobases, flavonoids, fatty acids and so forth.

Conclusions

Many Fritillaria species have been utilized in traditional Chinese medication on account of their effects of clearing heat, moistening the lung, alleviating cough, asthma, tumours, scrofula and so on. Fritillaria is utilized for treatment of dyspepsia, chest injury, tuberculosis, cough, asthma, gout, bronchitis, dysuria, sinus, boils, stomatitis, malaria, insanity, anaemia, immunity promoter, remedy for child emaciation, also for fever, burning sensation, phthisis and broncho-asthma, heart diseases, dysfunction of breathing and nervous system, etc.