bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weight outcomes of NU-HOME: a randomized controlled trial to prevent obesity among rural children
Authors: Fulkerson Jayne A. , Horning Melissa , Barr-Anderson Daheia J. , Sidebottom Abbey , Linde Jennifer A. , Lindberg Rebecca , Friend Sarah , Beaudette Jennifer , Flattum Colleen , Freese Rebecca L.
Published: March 2022

Background

Rural children are at greater obesity risk than their urban peers. The NU-HOME study is an innovative collaborative effort to prevent childhood obesity in rural communities. Weight outcomes of the NU-HOME study, a family-meal focused randomized controlled trial (RCT) are described. We hypothesized that compared to control group children, intervention group children would have significantly lower weight-related post-intervention (PI) outcomes.

Methods

Participants were 114 dyads (7–10 year-old rural children and a parent). In 2017–2018 and 2018–2019, research staff measured height, weight and body fat at baseline (BL) and PI. Families were randomized to intervention (n = 58) or control (n = 56) groups without blinding. Designed with Social Cognitive Theory and community engagement, the NU-HOME program included seven monthly sessions delivered in community settings and four goal-setting calls. The program engaged entire families to improve healthy eating, physical activity, family meals and the home food environment. Multiple linear and logistic regression models tested PI outcomes of child BMIz-score, percent body fat, percent over 50th percentile BMI, and overweight/obesity status by treatment group, adjusted for BL values and demographics (n = 102).

Results

No statistically significant intervention effects were seen for child BMIz or overweight/obesity status. However, a promising reduction in boys’ percent body fat (− 2.1, 95% CI [− 4.84, 0.63]) was associated with the intervention.

Conclusions

Although our findings were in the hypothesized direction, making significant impacts on weight-related outcomes remains challenging in community trials. Comprehensive family-focused programming may require intensive multi-pronged interventions to mitigate complex factors associated with excess weight gain.

Clinical trial registration

This study is registered with NIH ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02973815.
Television viewing time and all-cause mortality: interactions with BMI, physical activity, smoking, and dietary factors
Authors: Swain Christopher T. V. , Bassett Julie K. , Hodge Allison M. , Dunstan David W. , Owen Neville , Yang Yi , Jayasekara Harindra , Hébert James R. , Shivappa Nitin , MacInnis Robert J. , Milne Roger L. , English Dallas R. , Lynch Brigid M.
Published: March 2022

Background

Higher levels of time spent sitting (sedentary behavior) contribute to adverse health outcomes, including earlier death. This effect may be modified by other lifestyle factors. We examined the association of television viewing (TV), a common leisure-time sedentary behavior, with all-cause mortality, and whether this is modified by body mass index (BMI), physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake, soft drink consumption, or diet-associated inflammation.

Methods

Using data from participants in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study, flexible parametric survival models assessed the time-dependent association of self-reported TV time (three categories: < 2 h/day, 2–3 h/day, > 3 h/day) with all-cause mortality. Interaction terms were fitted to test whether there was effect modification of TV time by the other risk factors.

Results

From 19,570 participants, 4,417 deaths were reported over a median follow up of 14.5 years. More TV time was associated with earlier mortality; however, this relationship diminished with increasing age. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for > 3 h/day compared with < 2 h/day of TV time was 1.34 (1.16, 1.55) at 70 years, 1.14 (1.04, 1.23) at 80 years, and 0.95 (0.84, 1.06) at 90 years. The TV time/mortality relationship was more evident in participants who were physically inactive (compared with active; p for interaction < 0.01) or had a higher dietary inflammatory index score (compared with a lower score; p for interaction = 0.03). No interactions were detected between TV time and BMI, smoking, alcohol intake, nor soft-drink consumption (all p for interaction > 0.16).

Conclusions

The relationship between TV time and all-cause mortality may change with age. It may also be more pronounced in those who are otherwise inactive or who have a pro-inflammatory diet.
Motoneuronal inflammasome activation triggers excessive neuroinflammation and impedes regeneration after sciatic nerve injury
Authors: Molnár Kinga , Nógrádi Bernát , Kristóf Rebeka , Mészáros Ádám , Pajer Krisztián , Siklós László , Nógrádi Antal , Wilhelm Imola , Krizbai István A.
Published: March 2022

Background

Peripheral nerve injuries are accompanied by inflammatory reactions, over-activation of which may hinder recovery. Among pro-inflammatory pathways, inflammasomes are one of the most potent, leading to release of active IL-1β. Our aim was to understand how inflammasomes participate in central inflammatory reactions accompanying peripheral nerve injury.

Methods

After axotomy of the sciatic nerve, priming and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was examined in cells of the spinal cord. Regeneration of the nerve was evaluated after coaptation using sciatic functional index measurements and retrograde tracing.

Results

In the first 3 days after the injury, elements of the NLRP3 inflammasome were markedly upregulated in the L4–L5 segments of the spinal cord, followed by assembly of the inflammasome and secretion of active IL-1β. Although glial cells are traditionally viewed as initiators of neuroinflammation, in this acute phase of inflammation, inflammasome activation was found exclusively in affected motoneurons of the ventral horn in our model. This process was significantly inhibited by 5-BDBD, a P2X4 receptor inhibitor and MCC950, a potent NLRP3 inhibitor. Although at later time points the NLRP3 protein was upregulated in microglia too, no signs of inflammasome activation were detected in these cells. Inhibition of inflammasome activation in motoneurons in the first days after nerve injury hindered development of microgliosis in the spinal cord. Moreover, P2X4 or inflammasome inhibition in the acute phase significantly enhanced nerve regeneration on both the morphological and the functional levels.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the central reaction initiated by sciatic nerve injury starts with inflammasome activation in motoneurons of the ventral horn, which triggers a complex inflammatory reaction and activation of microglia. Inhibition of neuronal inflammasome activation not only leads to a significant reduction of microgliosis, but has a beneficial effect on the recovery as well.
Parents’ approaches to sexuality education of their adolescent boys: a qualitative study in Ahvaz, Iran
Authors: Rouhparvar Zahra , Javadnoori Mojgan , Shahali Shadab
Published: March 2022

Background

Despite its important role in adolescent sexual health, sexuality education remains one of the most challenging responsibilities of families, especially those living in Muslim communities which experience the transition to modernity. There is little information about sexuality education of boys in Iran. This study aimed to explore parents’ approaches to sexuality education of adolescent boys in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted in 2017 in Ahvaz, Iran. Participants were selected through purposeful sampling with maximum variation. Qualitative data were collected by conducting semi-structured in-depth interviews and focused group discussions with 27 parents from middle/high social class who had adolescent boys aged between 10 and 19. Data were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis.

Results

Parents’ approaches to sexuality education of their boys emerged in six categories: Extreme monitoring and restricting; abstinence as the main content of sexuality education; struggling to establish peace and achieve tolerance; criticizing the cultural taboos; hoping for spontaneous learning; and uncertainty and confusion. The theme “Transition from tradition to modernity” emerged from these categories.

Conclusion

Parents’ approaches to sexuality education ranged from a restrictive traditional manner to approaches with some degree of modern attitudes. Parents are facing uncertainty and confusion regarding sexuality education. Abstinence is an underlying assumption in their sexuality education style. Educating parents through culturally-appropriate methods is a priority that is more acceptable at the policy level. Lack of understanding of the need for sexuality education of children in some parents can threaten the sexual health of children.
What factors shape quality of life for women affected by gynaecological cancer in South, South East and East Asian countries? A critical review
Authors: Spagnoletti Belinda Rina Marie , Bennett Linda Rae , Keenan Christina , Shetty Suman Surendra , Manderson Lenore , McPake Barbara , Wilopo Siswanto Agus
Published: March 2022

Background

Gynaecological cancers are among the most prevalent cancers worldwide, with profound effects on the lives of women and their families. In this critical review, we explore the impacts of these cancers on quality of life (QOL) of women in Asian countries, and highlight areas for future inquiry.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature was conducted in six electronic databases: Web of Science, Scopus, Global Health (CAB Direct), PsycINFO (Ovid), EBMR (Ovid), and Medline (Ovid). Screening resulted in the inclusion of 53 relevant articles reporting on 48 studies.

Results

Most studies were conducted in high and upper-middle income countries in East Asia and used quantitative approaches. Women had predominantly been diagnosed with cervical or ovarian cancer, and most had completed treatment. Four key interrelated domains emerged as most relevant in shaping QOL of women affected by gynaecological cancer: support, including identified needs, sources and forms; mental health, covering psychological distress associated with cancer, risk and protective factors, and coping strategies; sexual function and sexuality, focused on physiological, emotional and relational changes caused by gynaecological cancers and treatments, and the impacts of these on women’s identities; and physical health, covering the physical conditions associated with gynaecological cancers and their impacts on women’s daily activities.

Conclusion

QOL of women affected by gynaecological cancer is shaped by their mental and physical health, support, and changes in sexual function and sexuality. The limited number of studies from lower- and middle-income countries in South and Southeast Asia highlights important knowledge gaps requiring future research.
Antenatal depression among women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a pilot study
Authors: Tasnim Sa’dia , Auny Farzana Mahzabin , Hassan Yasseer , Yesmin Robana , Ara Ismat , Mohiuddin Mohammad Sarif , Kaggwa Mark Mohan , Gozal David , Mamun Mohammed A.
Published: March 2022

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is quite prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, and has been proposed to increase the risk of depression. There is only a prior study assessing antenatal depression among the subjects with GDM in the Bangladesh, which leads this study to be investigated.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and potential associations among pregnant women diagnosed with GDM.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 105 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM over the period of January to December 2017 in 4- hospitals located in two different cities (Dhaka and Barisal). A semi-structured questionnaire was developed consisting of items related to socio-demographics, reproductive health history, diabetes, anthropometrics, and depression.

Results

Mild to severe antenatal depression was present in 36.2% of the subjects (i.e., 14.3%, 19% and 2.9% for mild, moderate and severe depression, respectively). None of the socio-demographic factors were associated with depression, but the history of reproductive health-related issues (i.e., abortion, neonatal death) and uncontrolled glycemic status were associated with the increased risk of depressive disorders.

Conclusions

GDM is associated with a high prevalence of depressive symptoms, which is enhanced by poor diabetes control. Thus, in women presenting with GDM, screening for depression should be pursued and treated as needed.
Sensitive and specific serological ELISA for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infections
Authors: Luo Ji , Brakel Alexandra , Krizsan Andor , Ludwig Tobias , Mötzing Marina , Volke Daniela , Lakowa Nicole , Grünewald Thomas , Lehmann Claudia , Wolf Johannes , Borte Stephan , Milkovska-Stamenova Sanja , Gabert Jörg , Fingas Felix , Scholz Markus , Hoffmann Ralf
Published: March 2022

Background

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered the worldwide coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Serological assays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infections are important to understand the immune response in patients and to obtain epidemiological data about the number of infected people, especially to identify asymptomatic persons not aware of a past infection.

Methods

We recombinantly produced SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N)-protein in Escherichia coli. We used the purified protein to develop an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies. This ELISA method was optimized and validated with serum samples collected from 113 patients with RT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections including hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 1500 control sera mostly collected before 2015 with different clinical background.

Results

The optimized N-protein-ELISA provided a sensitivity of 89.7% (n = 68) for samples collected from patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections and mild to severe symptoms more than 14 days after symptom onset or a positive PCR test. The antibody levels remained low for serum samples collected in the first six days (n = 23) and increased in the second week (n = 22) post symptom onset or PCR confirmation. At this early phase, the ELISA provided a sensitivity of 39.1% and 86.4%, respectively, reflecting the time of an IgG immune response against pathogens. The assay specificity was 99.3% (n = 1500; 95% CI 0.995–0.999). Serum samples from persons with confirmed antibody titers against human immunodeficiency viruses 1/2, parvovirus B19, hepatitis A/B virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein Barr virus, and herpes simplex virus were tested negative.

Conclusions

We conclude that the N-protein-based ELISA developed here is well suited for the sensitive and specific serological detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies in human serum for symptomatic infections. It may also prove useful to identify previous SARS-CoV-2 infections in vaccinated people, as all currently approved vaccines rely on the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S-) protein.
SNPs of ACE1 (rs4343) and ACE2 (rs2285666) genes are linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection but not with the severity of disease
Authors: Alimoradi Nahid , Sharqi Moein , Firouzabadi Dena , Sadeghi Mohammad Moein , Moezzi Mohammad Iman , Firouzabadi Negar
Published: March 2022

COVID-19 and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) are linked by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a key enzyme in RAS that has been validated as a SARS-CoV-2 receptor. Functional ACE1/ACE2 gene polymorphisms may lead to the imbalance between ACE/ACE2 ratio and thus generating RAS imbalance that is associated with higher degrees of lung damage in ARDS that may contribute to the COVID-19 infection outcome. Herein, we investigated the role of RAS gene polymorphisms, ACE1 (A2350G) and ACE2 (G8790A) as risk predictors for susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 infection. A total of 129 included: negative controls without a history of COVID-19 infection (n = 50), positive controls with a history of COVID-19 infection who were not hospitalized (n = 35), and patients with severe COVID-19 infection who were hospitalized in the intensive care unit (n = 44). rs4343 of ACE and rs2285666 of ACE2 were genotyped using PCR–RFLP method. Our results indicated that susceptibility to COVID-19 infection was associated with age, GG genotype of A2350G (Pa = 0.01; OR 4.7; 95% CI 1.4–15.1 and Pc = 0.040; OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.05–6.3) and GG genotype of G8790A (Pa = 0.044; OR 6.17; 95% CI 1.05–35.71 and Pc = 0.0001; OR 5.5; 95% CI 2.4–12.4). The G allele of A2350G (Pa = 0.21; OR 1.74; 95% CI 0.73–4.17 and Pc = 0.007; OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.2–3.5) and G allele of G8790A (Pa = 0.002; OR 4.26; 95% CI 1.7–10.65 and Pc = 0.0001; OR 4.7; 95% CI 2.4–9.2) were more frequent in ICU-admitted patients and positive control group. Also lung involvement due to COVID-19 infection was associated with age and the comorbidities such as diabetes. In conclusion, our findings support the association between the wild genotype (GG) of ACE2 and homozygote genotype (GG) of ACE1 and sensitivity to COVID-19 infection, but not its severity. However, confirmation of this hypothesis requires further studies with more participants.
Traditional sports and games among the Sámi people in Northern Fennoscandia (Sápmi): an ethnobiological perspective
Authors: Lidström Isak , Svanberg Ingvar , Ståhlberg Sabira
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Modern sports equipment is nowadays manufactured industrially according to globally accepted and standardized models, but traditionally tools for play and games were prepared from materials found in the local environment. The objective of this article is to investigate various aspects of Sámi local knowledge about organisms used for their material culture of traditional sports and games in northern Fennoscandia (Sápmi). What functions did the surrounding biota have in the production of equipment used in sports and games?

Methods

A qualitative method was used; the ethnographic literature and travel narratives have been analyzed particularly for descriptions and notes on traditional games, toys, and sports.

Results

Before the turn of the twentieth century, bats, balls, and skis were seldom produced in factories, but by children and adults who utilized available materials from the surrounding environment. The manufacture of tools for play and games was characterized by a rich creativity in the use of various biological and natural resources. A wide range of such resources is presented in this article, among them the bracket fungus Fomitopsis betulina, used for making balls, reindeer antlers utilized for lassoing contests, and pine bark painted with reindeer blood, prepared for playing cards. We also highlight how tools usually associated with means of transport could switch functions and serve playful and competitive purposes, such as skis made of compression pine or walking sticks of birch: The former were used in skiing races, and the latter appeared in fencing competitions.

Conclusion

The industrialization of the material culture of sports has been contributed to a loss of local knowledge and familiarity with locally available organic stuffs for producing equipment for play and games. By reconnecting with previous knowledge of traditional games, we discover a potentially new direction for modern sports and games, shifting from globalization to environmentalization. Such an environmentalization could permit the local environmental context define the content, meaning and structure of sports, and simultaneously enrich both sports and outdoor life.
Efficacy of immunonutritional supplement after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with esophageal cancer
Authors: Luo Chao , Xie Kai , Zhang Chi , Cong Zhuang-Zhuang , Gu Wen-Feng , Xu Yang , Qiang Yong , Li Xiao-Kun , Zheng Chao , Hu Li-Wen , Shen Yi
Published: March 2022

Background

In recent years, preoperative nutrition has received great attention, especially for patients who received surgical reconstruction of the digestive tract such as esophagectomy. Preoperative nutrition therapy was reported to accelerate the patient's postoperative recovery. In addition, immune suppression, nausea, and vomiting may lead to poor immune and nutritional status of patients with esophageal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), which is not conducive to surgery. Therefore, preoperative nutritional treatment is necessary for patients with esophageal cancer who underwent NAC.

Method

Patients with esophageal cancer who received NAC at Nanjing Jinling Hospital from January 2018 to September 2020 were retrospectively identified. Patients were divided into enteral immunonutrition (EIN) group (those who received a conventional diet and immunonutrition supplement, Peptisorb, Nutricia, 500 mL/day * 7 via oral intake), and control group (those who only received a conventional diet were divided into). The primary outcomes were immune and nutritional indicators changes, including immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and albumin (ALB), which were measured at preoperative day (PRD) 7, PRD-1, postoperative day (POD) 1 and POD-7. The secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, adverse reactions, and length of hospital stay.

Results

A total of 124 eligible patients were included in the study, with 21 patients in EIN group. After 1:2 matching, significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups was not observed (EIN: n = 21, Control group: n = 42). Compared with the control group, the IgA is significantly increased in the EIN group at POD-7 (p = 0.017). However, we observed that the IgM level in the control group was significantly higher than those in the EIN group at POD-7 (p = 0.007). The incidence of pneumonia and total complications in the EIN group were significantly lower than those in control group (p = 0.024, p = 0.028, respectively). There is no significant difference in ALB and adverse reactions between two groups (p = 0.303, p = 0.108, respectively).

Conclusion

Immunonutritional supplement after NAC is an effective strategy to improve the postoperative immune status of esophageal cancer patients and could reduce the incidence of infectious complication. More well-designed prospective studies are needed to verify and update our finding.
Diagnostic efficacy of CCTA and CT-FFR based on risk factors for myocardial ischemia
Authors: Yongguang Gao , Yibing Shi , Ping Xia , Jinyao Zhang , Yufei Fu , Yayong Huang , Yuanshun Xu , Gutao Li
Published: March 2022

Background

Coronary artery coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) can observe the degree of coronary artery stenosis and fractional flow reserve (FFR) can diagnose hemodynamic abnormalities caused by coronary artery stenosis. However, noninvasive imaging examination that can both observe the above two methods at the same time has not yet been elucidated.

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of CCTA and computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) based on different risk factors for myocardial ischemia.

Methods

Patients undergoing CCTA in our hospital from August 18, 2020 to April 28, 2021 were randomly selected, and the data were subjected to CT-FFR analysis. Vascular characteristics were measured, including total plaque volume, calcified plaque volume, non-calcified plaque volume, plaque length, and lumen stenosis, and the patients were categorized into a non-ischemia group (FFR > 0.8) and an ischemia group (FFR ≤ 0.8). Plaque characteristics were compared between the two groups, and logistic regression analysis was employed to explore the correlations between plaque characteristics and ischemic lesions.

Results

From a total of 122 patients enrolled in the study, there were 218 vascular branches with FFR > 0.8 and 174 vascular branches with FFR ≤ 0.8. There were significant group differences in total plaque volume, calcified plaque volume, plaque length, and lumen stenosis > 50% (n). The obtained data were as follows: non-ischemic group 10.57 (4.80, 259.65), ischemic group 14.87 (3.39, 424.45), Z = 9.772, p = 0.002, non-ischemic group 10.57 (0, 168.77), ischemic group 14.87 (0, 191.00), Z = 2.503, p ≤ 0.001), non-ischemic group 8.17 (37.05, 40.53), ischemic group 8.38 (56.66, 86.47), Z = 5.923, p = 0.016, and lumen stenosis > 50%, non-ischemic group 46, ischemic group 90, x2 = 14.77, p ≤ 0.001. The regression analysis results indicated that total plaque volume, calcified plaque volume, plaque length and lumen stenosis > 50% were risk factors for myocardial ischemia, with ORs and p values of (2.311, p = 0.002), (1.021, p = 0.004), (2.159, p < 0.001), and (0.181, p < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

Total plaque volume, calcified plaque volume, plaque length and lumen stenosis > 50% are predictors for myocardial ischemia. Coronary artery CCTA combined with CT-FFR could simultaneously observe the anatomical stenosis and evaluate myocardial blood supply at the functional level. Thus, myocardial ischemia could be better diagnosed.
Causes of different goiter rates with the same iodine deficiency among the pastoral and agricultural populations of Tibet: a geographical comparison
Authors: Xu Jing , Liu Shichuan , Ma Wei , Li Xiuwei , Guo Min , Cao Xiaoxiao , Gu Yunyou , Wang Haiyan , Wang Jianqiang , Zhang Ying , Zhuang Guangxiu , Liu Liejun
Published: March 2022

Background

The residents of both the agricultural and pastoral areas of Tibet share the same iodine deficiency and iodine nutrition, but the rate of thyroid goiter was significantly higher in the agricultural areas than in the pastoral areas. This project sought to determine why the populations in the iodine-deficient pastoral areas show a lower rate of thyroid goiter.

Methods

Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) and 24 h history recalls were adopted to investigate the dietary patterns of the residents of the agricultural and pastoral areas. Meat and milk samples were collected to measure their inorganic iodine, total iodine and thyroid hormone contents using ICP-MS, AsIII-Ce4+ catalytic spectrophotometry and the Siemens’ chemiluminescence method, respectively. The intake of protein, and the microelements, selenium and iron, was calculated according to their content in the food.

Results

The per capita daily intake of meat, dairy, and cereal in the pastoral areas was 116.7, 216.7, and 433.3 g, respectively, which are significantly higher than those in the agricultural areas (50.0, 72.2, and 375.0 g, respectively) (p < 0.05). The content of thyroid hormone in dried beef and milk in the pastoral areas was 62.6 and 13.5 μg/kg, respectively, which was significantly higher than those in the agricultural areas (25.1 and 4.1 μg/kg, respectively) (p < 0.05). The daily intake of thyroid hormone, protein and microelements, selenium and iron from foods by the residents of the pastoral areas were 10.5 μg, 99.6 g, 30.0 μg and 15.8 mg respectively, which was significantly higher than those in the agricultural areas (1.79 μg, 56.5 g, 23.8 μg and 13.2 mg, respectively) (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The significantly high intake of the food-borne thyroid hormone by the residents of the pastoral area could be the main reason the residents in the pastoral areas show a lower rate of thyroid goiter than those in the agricultural area. Moreover, the relatively high intake of protein and trace elements, selenium and iron by residents in the pastoral area could be another important factor for reducing the goiter rates.
Seasonal variation in calcium treatment after thyroidectomy as surrogate for post-operative hypocalcemia: a retrospective register-based national cohort study
Authors: Kördel Carl , Koman Anna , Bränström Robert , Stenman Adam
Published: March 2022

Background

Hypocalcemia is one of the most common complications of thyroidectomy, and vitamin D deficiency has been found to be an independent risk factor. Sweden is located north of the 55th latitude, resulting in a significant seasonal variation in sun exposure, thereby large variation in the naturally occurring levels of vitamin D. This study aimed to determine if there is a correlation between season of surgery and post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective register-based observation study on patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy during 2008–2015. In total, 7125 patients operated in Swedish facilities were identified via the Scandinavian Quality Register for Thyroid, Parathyroid, and Adrenal Surgery (SQRTPA). Patients operated during February–April were included in the dark group and patients operated during August–October were included in the bright group. Further stratification was made on the indication for surgery. The primary outcome was post-operative calcium treatment due to hypocalcemia, defined as having received calcium orally or intravenously before discharge.

Results

The risk of receiving post-operative calcium treatment was significantly lower in the bright group (29.7%) compared to the dark group (35.1%), with a relative risk of 0.846 (P < 0.001). This correlation held true if the indication for surgery was goiter or thyrotoxicosis. For malignancy, there was no significant difference between the groups.

Conclusion

In this cohort, total thyroidectomy performed during August–October was associated with a lower rate of calcium treatment given post-operatively when compared to total thyroidectomy performed during February–April. This would indicate a decreased risk of post-operative hypocalcemia if surgery was carried out after the brighter season.
Siah-1-interacting protein regulates mutated huntingtin protein aggregation in Huntington’s disease models
Authors: Latoszek Ewelina , Wiweger Małgorzata , Ludwiczak Jan , Dunin-Horkawicz Stanisław , Kuznicki Jacek , Czeredys Magdalena
Published: March 2022

Background

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder whereby mutated huntingtin protein (mHTT) aggregates when polyglutamine repeats in the N-terminal of mHTT exceeds 36 glutamines (Q). However, the mechanism of this pathology is unknown. Siah1-interacting protein (SIP) acts as an adaptor protein in the ubiquitination complex and mediates degradation of other proteins. We hypothesized that mHTT aggregation depends on the dysregulation of SIP activity in this pathway in HD.

Results

A higher SIP dimer/monomer ratio was observed in the striatum in young YAC128 mice, which overexpress mHTT. We found that SIP interacted with HTT. In a cellular HD model, we found that wildtype SIP increased mHTT ubiquitination, attenuated mHTT protein levels, and decreased HTT aggregation. We predicted mutations that should stabilize SIP dimerization and found that SIP mutant-overexpressing cells formed more stable dimers and had lower activity in facilitating mHTT ubiquitination and preventing exon 1 mHTT aggregation compared with wildtype SIP.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that an increase in SIP dimerization in HD medium spiny neurons leads to a decrease in SIP function in the degradation of mHTT through a ubiquitin–proteasome pathway and consequently an increase in mHTT aggregation. Therefore, SIP could be considered a potential target for anti-HD therapy during the early stage of HD pathology.
Prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders and their impact on the health and social well-being among looked after children (LAC): a systematic review protocol
Authors: Heady Nicola , Watkins Alan , John Ann , Hutchings Hayley
Published: March 2022

Background

Looked after children (LAC) that are placed in either a foster, kinship, residential care setting or transition to adoption continue to develop debilitating disorders that significantly impact their overall health and social well-being. The prevalence of these disorders is often depicted under broad categories such as mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Limited in research is the prevalence of what specific disorders fall under these broad categories. NDDs such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which fall under an umbrella group in the expert field of genetics and neuropsychiatry will be explored. Unsupported, these disorders can lead to suboptimal health and social outcomes for both the child and family. In the general population, the prevalence of these NDDs and impacts on health and social well-being are relatively well documented, but for minority groups such as LAC, research is extremely limited. This review aims to estimate the prevalence of NDDs among LAC and explore how they might impact the health and social well-being of these vulnerable children. If feasible, the review will compare the prevalence rates to those children who are not looked after, to illuminate any differences or similarities between populations.

Methods

PubMed, ASSIA, IBSS, Web of Science, PsychINFO, Scopus, Psych articles, Social Care Online, secondary, grey literature and government publications will be searched to identify any eligible studies. No restrictions will be placed on country, design or year of publication. Studies must provide primary data on the prevalence or incidence of NDDs for individuals < 25 years of age, supported by either a diagnostic code, standardised diagnostic assessment tool or survey response. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools will be utilised to assess the quality and bias and the random-effects model used to estimate a pooled prevalence of NDDs.

Discussion

Attaining an estimated prevalence of these NDDs and identifying any impacts on health and social well-being might inform key stakeholders in health, educational and social sectors with important information that might aid in the early identification and intervention to safeguard and meet the unique needs of these children.

Systematic review registration

PROSPEROCRD4201913103.
Look-ahead energy efficient VM allocation approach for data centers
Authors: Çağlar İlksen , Altılar Deniz Turgay
Published: March 2022

Energy efficiency is an important issue for reducing environmental dissipation. Energy efficient resource provisioning in cloud environments is a challenging problem because of its dynamic nature and varied application workload characteristics. In the literature, live migration of virtual machines (VMs) among servers is commonly proposed to reduce energy consumption and to optimize resource usage, although it comes with essential drawbacks, such as migration cost and performance degradation. Energy efficient provisioning is addressed at the data center level in this research. A novel efficient resource management algorithm for virtualized data centers that optimizes the number of servers to meet the requirements of dynamic workloads without migration is proposed in this paper. The proposed approach, named Look-ahead Energy Efficient VM Allocation (LAA), contains a Holt Winters-based prediction module. Energy efficiency and performance are inversely proportional. The energy-performance trade-off relies on periodic comparisons of the predicted and active numbers of servers. To evaluate the proposed algorithm, experiments are conducted with real-world workload traces from Google Cluster. LAA is compared with the best approach provided by CloudSim based on VM migration called Local Regression-Minimum Migration Time (LR-MMT). The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm leads to a consumption reduction of up to 45% to complete one workload compared with the LR-MMT.
Impact of attitude towards entrepreneurship education and role models on entrepreneurial intention
Authors: Amofah Kwaku , Saladrigues Ramon
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we investigate entrepreneurial intention by applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) by Ajzen (1991). We specifically examine the role of gender on entrepreneurial education and role models or parental self-employment (PSE), by carrying out a multi-group analysis (MGA). We used a web-based questionnaire to collect information from 216 students at a Spanish university. Data are analysed with the help of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM)–Partial Least Square (PLS). We conducted a tripartite analysis on Complete, Male, and Female Models. Regarding the Complete and Male Models, all the primary hypotheses (5 in total) were accepted, compared with four for the Female Model. In this study, the primary hypotheses focus on the core variables of the TPB. We recommend the institutionalization of traineeship, elective courses, conference and workshops on entrepreneurship to boost the entrepreneurial spirit of students. Though this study has confirmed the applicability of the TPB model to entrepreneurial intention, we did not find a significant relationship between Males and Females about their entrepreneurial intentions for some relationships. However, this study suggests that the relationship between PSE and perceived behavioural control (PBC) is stronger for Males than Females Our results have implications for entrepreneurship education scholars, program evaluators, and policymakers.
Swertiamarin ameliorates inflammation and oxidative damage in autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model
Authors: Ibrahim Hairul-Islam Mohamed , Ahmed Emad A. , Alzahrani Abdullah M. , Sayed Abdullah A. , Hanieh Hamza
Published: March 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative autoimmune disease attacks the myelin sheath of the central nervous system (CNS) neurons causing different disabilities. According to recent evidence, the main bioactive component in Enicostema axillare, the Swrtiamarin (SM) has been found to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities against several diseases. However, SM activities in treatment of autoimmune diseases remain to be explored. Herein, we used a murine model of MS, to show that SM treatment ameliorates the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). This occurs through reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and infiltration of CD4+CD45+ cells into CNS. That was associated with a reduction in the expression of STAT3 and NFkB in CD4+ T cells under Th17 and LPS-stimulated macrophages. Furthermore, in silico studies revealed that SM interacts with NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2), and therefore, suppressed oxidative stress by inducing formation NRF2-antioxidant response element (ARE) complex. We found that SM is an agonist of NRF2 complex regulating the total CD4 population and antioxidant markers in EAE mice. Molecular docking analysis showed a stable and higher binding affinity between SM and NRF2. Results revealed that SM treatment increased the complex formation between ARE and NRF2 where immunoprecipitation methods showed a higher binding affinity of ARE to NRF2 in SM treated animals. Complex formation triggered ARE cascade of antioxidant gene clusters and reduces the MS pathological alterations in EAE mice model. Current data proposed SM as an effective biomolecule in treatment of MS and controlling neuronal damage through inhibiting oxidative stress markers and targeting NRF2.
Mind the gap: IgG4-related disease mimicking infectious cerebral mass lesions
Authors: De Maria Andrea , Sepulcri Chiara , Tutino Stefania , Briano Federica , Toscanini Federica , Fiaschi Pietro , Zona Gianluigi , Gaggero Gabriele , Bassetti Matteo
Published: March 2022

Background

Cerebral intraparenchymal masses represent usually a neoplastic, or infectious differential diagnostic workup in neurology or infectious disease units.

Case presentation

Our patient was an 82-year-old male presenting with seizures, cerebral masses and a history of past treated pulmonary tuberculosis. Initial workup included a differential diagnosis of an infectious mass/multiple abscess. After exclusion of infectious or primary neoplastic origins by negative HIV serology, the absence of immune suppression, endocarditic lesions, negative results of blood cultures and bronchoalveolar lavage, negative cerebrospinal fluid workout on spinal tap led to exclusion of infectious causes. A surgical procedure was performed to access one of the lesions. This yielded a firm, cyst-like mass of histiocytic granulomatous tissue with a conspicuous plasmacellular component and a relevant IgG4 plasmacellular component consistent with IgG4-related disease.

Steroid treatment determined conspicuous improvement and led to discharge of the patient.

Conclusion

Parenchymal IgG4-related disease may be included as a new entity in the differential diagnosis of single or multiple cerebral masses in addition to infectious or neoplastic etiology.
The legacy of the reformasi: the role of local government spending on industrial development in a decentralized Indonesia
Authors: Wiryawan Bangkit A. , Otchia Christian
Published: March 2022

Starting in 2001 the Government of Indonesia employed the Regional Autonomy Law, providing larger fiscal role to the province and district governments. However, our understanding of its impacts on development in Indonesia is still limited. This paper seeks to find the relationship between increasing local governments’ capital expenditure and industrial development with focus in the non-oil and gas sector. Capital spending is thought to have moderation effect on investment, the main channel for industrialization, that should contribute to industrial growth. Our System GMM results suggest that there are positive and significant correlations between capital spending and industrial growth, presenting evidence of local governments’ role. However, we fail to find significant moderation effect between local capital spending and industrial investment towards the sector’s growth. This poses problem for industrialization at the local level. Decentralization progress in Indonesia has been institutionally anchored by the central government, particularly with the introduction of concurrent affairs in 2004 that allowed Jakarta to take a major developmental role in districts and provinces at the cost of lesser local governments’ role. Our study proposes a new institutional model that promote better central–local collaboration.
An environmental information system for the exploration of energy systems
Authors: Rink Karsten , Şen Özgür Ozan , Schwanebeck Malte , Hartmann Tim , Gasanzade Firdovsi , Nordbeck Johannes , Bauer Sebastian , Kolditz Olaf
Published: March 2022

The transition to renewable energy sources requires extensive changes to the energy system infrastructure, ranging from individual households to the national scale. During this transition, stakeholders must be able to make informed decisions, researchers need to investigate possible options and analyse scenarios, and the public should be informed about developments and options for future infrastructure. The data and parameters required for this are manifold and it is often difficult to create an overview of the current situation for a region of interest. We propose an environmental information system for the visualisation and exploration of large collections of heterogeneous data in the scope of energy system infrastructure and subsurface geological energy storage technologies. Based on the study area of Schleswig-Holstein, a federal state in Germany, we have set up a virtual geographic environment integrating GIS data, topographical models, subsurface information, and simulation results. The resulting application allows users to explore data collection within a unified context in 3D space, interact with datasets, and watch animations of selected simulation scenarios to gain a better understanding of the complex interactions of processes and datasets. Based on the cross-platform game engine Unity, our framework can be used on regular PCs, head-mounted displays, and virtual reality environments and can support domain scientists during assessment and exploration of the data, encourages discussions and is an effective means for outreach activities and presentations for stakeholders or the interested public.
Bromo activity over the last decade: consistent passive degassing and source magma evolution
Authors: Alfianti Hilma , Bani Philipson , Sumaryadi Mamay , Primulyana Sofyan , Marlia Mita , Saing Ugan B. , Haerani Nia , Gunawan Hendra
Published: March 2022

Bromo is among the very active volcanoes in Indonesia and is known for its recurrent and long-lasting eruptive manifestations. Past volcanic gas studies have revealed Bromo as one of the principal sources of volcanic degassing in Indonesia. This high degassing from Bromo volcano is further characterized in this work, based on more than 10 years of intermittent ground-based gas measurements, combined with daily SO2 mass, captured by the OMI sensor. Over the past decade, Bromo has released 0.7 Tg of SO2 into the atmosphere, representing 3% of the volcanic degassing budget of Indonesia and 0.3% of the global volcanic SO2 emission budget outside eruptive periods. Results also reveal that 18.8 Tg of H2O, 2.0 Tg of CO2, 0.1 Tg of H2S, and 0.005 Tg of H2 were released from the Bromo volcano in one decade. About 81% of these gases are released passively between eruptive events. The chemistry of the eruptive products, sampled between 2001 and 2019, indicate that Bromo volcanic activity is sustained by a basaltic-andesite to basalt trachy-andesite magma source with a transition from medium-K to high-K composition. Such an evolution associated to a C-rich gas likely resulted from a low partial melting and sediment contribution to the genesis of the source magma. New magma injections into the reservoir and fractional crystallization have further amplified the changes of magma composition. Finally, we speculate that the shallow reservoir replenishment, in response to the continuous strong degassing is the driving mechanism behind the Bromo frequent eruptive events.
Whose ability and growth matter? Gender, mindset and performance in physics
Authors: Malespina Alysa , Schunn Christian D. , Singh Chandralekha
Published: March 2022

Background

Motivational factors are one active area of research that aims to increase the inclusion of women in physics. One of these factors that has only recently gained traction in physics is intelligence mindset (i.e., the belief that intelligence is either innate and unchangeable or can be developed). We studied 781 students in calculus-based Physics 1 to investigate if their mindset views were separable into more nuanced dimensions, if they varied by gender/sex and over time, and if they predicted course grade. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to divide mindset survey questions along two dimensions: myself versus others and growth versus ability aspects of mindset. Paired and unpairedt-tests were used to compare mindset factors over time and between genders, respectively. Multiple regression analysis was used to find which mindset factors were the best predictors of course grade.

Results

This study shows that intelligence mindset can be divided into four factors: My Ability, My Growth, Others’ Ability, and Others’ Growth. Further, it reveals that gender differences are more pronounced in the “My” categories than the “Others’” categories. At the start of the course, there are no gender differences in any mindset component, except for My Ability. However, gender differences develop in each component from the start to the end of the course, and in the My Ability category, the gender differences increase over time. Finally, we find that My Ability is the only mindset factor that predicts course grade.

Conclusion

These results allow for a more nuanced view of intelligence mindset than has been suggested in previous interview and survey-based work. By looking at the differences in mindset factors over time, we see that learning environments affect women’s and men’s intelligence mindsets differently. The largest gender difference is in My Ability, the factor that best predicts course grade. This finding has implications for developing future mindset interventions and opens new opportunities to eliminate classroom inequities.