bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practical advantage of SPECT/CT image co-registration for accurate bleeding Meckel’s diverticulum localization in pediatrics: A case report
Authors: Tagiling Nashrulhaq , Tee Vincent Wei Shen , Lee Yeong Yeh , Che Jalil Nur Asyilla , Mat Nawi Norazlina
Published: July 2021

Planar scintigraphy with 99mTc-pertechnetate or Meckel scan is the gold standard in the diagnosis of a bleeding Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) for pediatrics. However, several setbacks may occur during the interpretation of a scintigram, especially in cases of an atypical MD presentation. In this report, we highlight the importance of functional and anatomical image co-registration using a hybrid SPECT/CT scanner to precisely localize a MD lesion. An 18-month-old boy presented with severe hematochezia over 4 days with declining hemoglobin levels. He underwent a conventional 60-min dynamic planar imaging of the Meckel scan. Upon review of the Meckel scan, a suspicious increase in the 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake was observed at the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Due to its atypical location at the right kidney, we could not differentiate between a physiological uptake of the right kidney or an ectopic gastric mucosa. The patient was imaged again using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and low-dose CT protocol with a hybrid SPECT/CT scanner, and the co-registration of both SPECT and CT images was able to confirm the MD, which was located anterior to the right kidney at the right hepatic flexure region. An exploratory laparotomy was then ensued to remove the bleeding MD. The patient was discharged after 3 days with no complications. In summary, this case illustrates that hybrid imaging modality and co-registration allow for a more definitive diagnosis, as well as a more precise localization of MD.
Allopurinol ameliorates liver injury in type 1 diabetic rats through activating Nrf2
Authors: Zeng Fei , Luo Jierong , Han Hong , Xie Wenjie , Wang Lingzhi , Han Ronghui , Chen Hao , Cai Yin , Huang Huansen , Xia Zhengyuan
Published: July 2021

Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress plays important roles in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is a common complication in diabetic patients. The Nrf2-Keap1 pathway is important for cell antioxidant protection, while its role in exogenous antioxidant mediated protection against NAFLD is unclear. We thus, postulated that antioxidant treatment with allopurinol (ALP) may attenuate diabetic liver injury and explored the underlying mechanisms. Control (C) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes rats (D) were untreated or treated with ALP for 4 weeks starting at 1 week after diabetes induction. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), production of lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA), and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected. Liver protein expressions of cleaved-caspase 3, IL-1β, nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), P62, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and LC3 were analyzed. In vitro, cultured rat normal hepatocytes BRL-3A were grouped to normal glucose (5.5 mM, NG) or high glucose (25 mM, HG) and treated with or without allopurinol (100 µM) for 48 h. Rats in the D group demonstrated liver injury evidenced as increased serum levels of ALT and AST. Diabetes increased apoptotic cell death, enhanced liver protein expressions of cleaved-caspase 3 and IL-1β with concomitantly increased production of MDA while serum SOD content was significantly reduced (all P < 0.05 vs C). In the meantime, protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and P62 were reduced while Keap1 and LC3 were increased in the untreated D group as compared to control ( P < 0.05 vs C). And all the above alterations were significantly attenuated by ALP. Similar to our findings obtained from in vivo study, we got the same results in in vitro experiments. It is concluded that ALP activates the Nrf2/p62 pathway to ameliorate oxidative stress and liver injury in diabetic rats.
Epidemiology of NCAA Bone Stress Injuries: A Comparison of Athletes in Divisions I, II, and III
Authors: Bratsman Andrew , Wassef Audrey , Wassef Christina R. , Jayaram Prathap , Mosely J. Bruce , Shybut Theodore B.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Bone stress injuries (BSIs) are a major source of functional impairment in athletes of all sports, with many risk factors, including athlete characteristics and type of sport. In National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletics, the stratification of programs into divisions with different characteristics and makeup has been identified as increasing the risk for certain kinds of injuries, but there have been no studies on the difference of BSI rates and characteristics between athletes in Division I (DI) and those in Divisions II and III (DII and DIII).

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To characterize the BSI rates in each division and compare the incidence and characteristics of BSIs within divisions. Our hypothesis was that BSI rates would be higher in DII and DIII athletes as compared with DI athletes.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Five years of recorded BSI data in collegiate athletes via the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program were examined for the academic years 2009-2010 to 2013-2014. BSI rates per 100,000 athlete-exposures (AEs) were compared for DI versus DII and DIII athletes using risk ratios and 95% CIs. Time lost to injury, time of season of injury, and class composition of injured athletes were also compared between divisions.

Results:

Over the 5 years studied, DII and DIII programs reported 252 BSIs more than 1,793,777 AEs (14.05 per 100,000 AEs), and DI programs reported 235 BSIs over 2,022,592 AEs (11.62 per 100,000 AEs). The risk ratio was significant for D1 versus DII and DIII (1.21; 95% CI, 1.01-1.44). There was a significant difference in time lost to injury in DI versus DII and DIII, χ2(5, n = 449) = 16.54; P = .006. When data were stratified by individual sport, there were no significant divisional differences in high-risk sports.

Conclusion:

In the current study, NCAA DII and DIII athletes had higher rates of BSI than their DI counterparts. As compared with DII and DIII athletes, the DI athletes had a significantly greater proportion of BSIs that did not result in absence from participation in sport.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Its Associated Factors in Children and Adolescents with Type1 Diabetes, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Girma Desalegn , Murugan Rajalakshmi , Wondossen Kalkidan , Yeshiwas Sewagegn , Wale Alemnew , Tilahun Semahagn
Published: July 2021

Background. In the clinical management of diabetes, fixing metabolic variables is insufficient, and thus, health-related quality of life assessment is becoming an important indicator of the outcome of the treatment and detector of a problem in children and adolescents with chronic disease. Therefore the main aim of this study was to assess the Quality of life of children with type 1 diabetes in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study design was included 229 study participants with type 1 diabetics aged between 8 and 18 years in Addis Ababa governmental hospitals. Samples were selected by a systematic sampling method and interviewed face to face. Health-related quality of life was determined by the pediatric quality of life inventory. Multivariable linear regression was done and a significant association was declared at P < .05. Result. The total mean score of health-related quality of life was 78.8 ± 15.6 reported by child and 61 ± 7.9 reported by parents. In this study well-controlled glycemic level (β = 11.8, 95%CI: 8.7, 14.9), health education on diabetes (β = 5.92, 95%CI: 2.9, 8.9) and frequency of hospital admission (β = −2.6, 95%CI: −4.8, −0.42) were clinically predicting factors of health-related quality of life. Conclusion. This study found that there was a somewhat reduction in school and emotional functions of health-related quality of life. The glycemic level, health education of diabetes and frequency of hospital admission was clinically significant factors of health-related quality of life. This study will recommend to the health professional to sustain a health education program on diabetes.
Using a Systematic Approach to Teach Analysis of the Aging Face
Authors: Sivam Sunthosh , Kim Patrick , Humphrey Clinton , Kriet J. David
Published: July 2021

Objective

To assess the efficacy of a novel systematic approach aimed at improving a resident physician’s ability to perform analysis of the aging face.

Study Design

Prospective randomized case‐control study.

Setting

Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accredited Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery residency program.

Methods

Twenty otolaryngology–head and neck surgery residents were randomized into 2 groups with even representation in each postgraduate year level in each cohort. One group used traditional materials (textbooks), and the other group was given exclusive access to the online learning module featuring a systematic approach to aging‐face analysis. Both groups completed preactivity, postactivity, and retention assessments to gauge their ability to perform a comprehensive analysis of the aging face.

Results

When compared with a matched control cohort, the residents who used the systematic approach performed more comprehensive facial aging assessments immediately after the intervention and at a retention time point.

Conclusion

A systematic approach delivered via an 11‐minute online module can significantly improve a resident physician’s ability to perform analysis of the aging face. This systematic approach could be easily integrated into other online or traditional educational curriculums. Moreover, this methodology could be applied to additional areas in which residents have limited exposure but must develop expertise.
Clinical Characteristics and Management Outcomes of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachments Due to Retinal Dialysis
Authors: Mahmoudzadeh Raziyeh , Huang Denis , Salabati Mirataollah , Awh Katherine , Garg Sunir , Hsu Jason , Ho Allen , Regillo Carl
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

This work assesses the clinical characteristics and outcomes of various treatment methods in managing rhegmatogenous retinal detachments secondary to retinal dialysis.

Methods:

In this retrospective, consecutive case series, patients presenting to a tertiary referral vitreoretinal service from 2015 to 2020 were chosen. The primary outcome measure was the single-surgery anatomic success (SSAS) rate in the first 90 days after surgery and overall SSAS rate until the last visit.

Results:

Eighty-six eyes of 84 patients were included. Mean (SD) age was 30 (14.8) years (range, 7-71 years). Fifty-nine (70%) patients were men and 55 eyes (64%) had a history of trauma. Dialysis occurred in the inferotemporal quadrant in 50 eyes (58%) of the entire cohort and 25 of 55 eyes (45%) with prior trauma. Fifty-one eyes (59.3%) were managed by scleral buckle (SB), 25 eyes (29.2%) with laser retinopexy, and 10 eyes (11.6%) with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). The SSAS rate in the first 90 days after surgery was 94.1% (81 of 86 eyes), including 90.1% of eyes with SB, 100% of eyes with laser retinopexy, and 100% of eyes with PPV ( P = .07). The overall SSAS rate, however, was 89.5% (77 of 86) eyes, including 90.1% of eyes with SB, 84% of eyes with laser retinopexy, and 100% of eyes with PPV ( P = .4). Final attachment rate was 100% in the entire cohort.

Conclusions:

With careful consideration of underlying pathology, all 3 treatment modalities can provide high rates of anatomic and functional success.
eCoaching in Rural Secondary Settings When Teaching Students With Intellectual and Other Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Horn Annemarie L.
Published: July 2021

Special education teachers in rural settings face unique challenges related to providing transition services to secondary students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (IDD). Geographically isolated school districts tend to have limited collaborative partnership opportunities and access to quality professional development to offer teachers and paraeducators, including classroom-based coaching. Fortunately, advances in technology have shown eCoaching with Bug-in-Ear (BIE) technology to be a viable method for providing performance feedback (PF) to both teachers and paraeducators in real time without requiring the physical presence of the eCoach. This article examines literature specific to applying eCoaching procedures when teaching transition-age youth with IDD. Correspondingly, three related practice recommendations for using BIE in rural settings are offered. Our recommendations support practical application of eCoaching with BIE technology in rural settings for the purpose of improving transition-focused instruction and optimal student outcomes in secondary students with IDD.
Genome wide association study of agronomic and seed traits in a world collection of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.)
Authors: Boukail Sameh , Macharia Mercy , Miculan Mara , Masoni Alberto , Calamai Alessandro , Palchetti Enrico , Dell’Acqua Matteo
Published: July 2021

Background

The climate crisis threatens sustainability of crop production worldwide. Crop diversification may enhance food security while reducing the negative impacts of climate change. Proso millet (Panicum milaceumL.) is a minor cereal crop which holds potential for diversification and adaptation to different environmental conditions. In this study, we assembled a world collection of proso millet consisting of 88 varieties and landraces to investigate its genomic and phenotypic diversity for seed traits, and to identify marker-trait associations (MTA).

Results

Sequencing of restriction-site associated DNA fragments yielded 494 million reads and 2,412 high quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). SNPs were used to study the diversity in the collection and perform a genome wide association study (GWAS). A genotypic diversity analysis separated accessions originating in Western Europe, Eastern Asia and Americas from accessions sampled in Southern Asia, Western Asia, and Africa. A Bayesian structure analysis reported four cryptic genetic groups, showing that landraces accessions had a significant level of admixture and that most of the improved proso millet materials clustered separately from landraces. The collection was highly diverse for seed traits, with color varying from white to dark brown and width spanning from 1.8 to 2.6 mm. A GWAS study for seed morphology traits identified 10 MTAs. In addition, we identified three MTAs for agronomic traits that were previously measured on the collection.

Conclusion

Using genomics and automated seed phenotyping, we elucidated phylogenetic relationships and seed diversity in a global millet collection. Overall, we identified 13 MTAs for key agronomic and seed traits indicating the presence of alleles with potential for application in proso breeding programs.
Perspectives of older adults with a chronic condition on functioning, social participation and health: a qualitative study
Authors: De Coninck Leen , Declercq Anja , Bouckaert Leen , Vermandere Mieke , Graff Maud J. L. , Aertgeert Bert
Published: July 2021

Background

Problems with mobility, functioning and social participation make living independently difficult for frail older adults. To continue living independently, therapy adherence is a prerequisite. The causes for non-adherence among older adults are multiple and complex, which is why insight into older adults’ perspectives regarding their functioning is an essential factor to increase therapy adherence.

This study investigates the perspectives of older adults on their functioning, social participation and health, and the factors influencing these elements.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study on the older adult’s perceived functioning, social participation and health. Fourteen home-dwelling older adults suffering from chronic health issues were purposively selected.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with open-ended questions.

Data were analysed following the Basic Logical Model of Abduction and Creswell’s coding method.

Results

Assistive devices, the older adult’s dwelling and living environment, professional and informal support, and medication are perceived as important determinants for retaining functioning and social participation.

Attitude, social influence and personal effectiveness were found to influence whether a person performs or participates in an activity. A person’s attitude is related to the significance the activity has to that person, the activity’s importance, personal wellbeing, the person’s values, and their desire for autonomy. Peers and children have a social influence on the level of activity of the older person. Traditions, in particular religious activities, along with personal effectiveness are motivating factors determining whether a person performs or participates in an activity. Personal effectiveness is linked to the person’s belief in their personal competencies and to the relationship between effort and result.

Finally, it appears that the type of coping strategy the older adult adopts, has an influence on their behavior. The participating older adults often used remarkable problem-focused strategies, which had a positive effect on their level of autonomy.

Conclusions

Older adults have identified barriers and facilitators that influence their level of functioning and social participation. These findings help to create a framework for maintaining and increasing therapy adherence, which may be helpful in facilitating occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals to detect determinants of therapy adherence.
Gestational diabetes mellitus: a qualitative study of lived experiences of South Asian immigrant women and perspectives of their health care providers in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Mridula
Published: July 2021

Background

South Asian women are at a high risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus than other women in Australia. Gestational diabetes affects up to 14–19% of all pregnancies among South Asian, South East Asian, and Arabic populations placing women at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although, gestational diabetes resolves after childbirth, women with gestational diabetes are up to seven times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes within five to ten years of the index pregnancy. Increasingly, South Asian women are being diagnosed with gestational diabetes in Australia. Therefore, we aimed to gain a better understanding of the lived experiences of South Asian women and their experiences of self-management and their health care providers’ perspectives of treatment strategies.

Methods

Using an ethnographic qualitative research methodology, semi-structured one-on-one, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 21 health care providers involved in gestational diabetes management and treatment from the three largest tertiary level maternity hospitals in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 South Asian women post diagnosis between 24–28 weeks gestation in pregnancy.

Results

Health care providers had challenges in providing care to South Asian women. The main challenge was to get women to self-manage their blood glucose levels with lifestyle modification. Whilst, women felt self-management information provided were inadequate and inappropriate to their needs. Women felt ‘losing control over their pregnancy’, because of being preoccupied with diet and exercise to control their blood glucose level.

Conclusions

The gestational diabetes clinical practice at the study hospitals were unable to meet consumer expectations. Health care providers need to be familiar of diverse patient cultures, rather than applying the current ‘one size fits all’ approach that failed to engage and meet the needs of immigrant and ethnic women. Future enabling strategies should aim to co-design and develop low Glycaemic Index diet plans of staple South Asian foods and lifestyle modification messages.
TBX5-AS1, an enhancer RNA, is a potential novel prognostic biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cheng Lin , Han Tong , Chen Bolin , Nie Kechao , Peng Weijun
Published: July 2021

Background

Enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) are demonstrated to be closely associated with tumourigenesis and cancer progression. However, the role of eRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains largely unclear. Thus, a comprehensive analysis was constructed to identify the key eRNAs, and to explore the clinical utility of the identified eRNAs in LUAD.

Methods

First, LUAD expression profile data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and eRNA-relevant information were integrated for Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Spearman’s correlation analysis to filtered the key candidate eRNAs that was associated with survival rate and their target genes in LUAD. Then, the key eRNA was selected for subsequent clinical correlation analysis. KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were undertaken to explore the potential signaling pathways of the key eRNA. Data from the human protein atlas (HPA) database were used to validate the outcomes and the quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was conducted to measure eRNA expression levels in tumor tissues and paired normal adjacent tissues from LUAD patients. Finally, the eRNAs were validated in pan-cancer.

Results

As a result, TBX5-AS1 was identified as the key eRNA, which has T-box transcription factor 5 (TBX5) as its regulatory target. KEGG analysis indicated that TBX5-AS1 may exert a vital role via the PI3K/AKT pathway, Ras signaling pathway, etc. Additionally, the qRT-PCR results and the HPA database indicated that TBX5-AS1 and TBX5 were significantly downregulated in tumour samples compared to matched-adjacent pairs. The pan-cancer validation results showed that TBX5-AS1 was associated with survival in four tumors, namely, adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), LUAD, lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC). Correlations were found between TBX5-AS1 and its target gene, TBX5, in 26 tumor types.

Conclusion

Collectively, our results indicated that TBX5-AS1 may be a potential prognostic biomarker for LUAD patients and promote the targeted therapy of LUAD.
Life weariness, suicidal thoughts and mortality: a sixteen-year longitudinal study among men and women older than 60 years
Authors: Fagerström Cecilia , Welmer Anna-Karin , Elmståhl Sölve , Tuvesson Hanna
Published: July 2021

Background

Suicide in old age is a significant contributor to mortality. However, the extent to which life weariness and suicidal thoughts impact on mortality in a long-term perspective is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of life weariness and suicidal thoughts on long-term survival (16 years) in an older Swedish population, controlling for demographic and social network factors and depression. A further aim was to investigate differences in sex and age interactions in relation to mortality among individuals with and without life weariness and suicidal thoughts.

Methods

A longitudinal cohort study on a national, representative sample of individuals aged 60+ years was conducted within the Swedish National Study of Aging and Care study. The sample included 7213 individuals, who provided information about life weariness and suicidal thoughts through an item derived from the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale. Data were analysed with multivariate Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

At baseline, 12.5% of the participants (14.6% of females and 9.5% of males) reported life weariness and suicidal thoughts. During the 16-year follow-up, a mean survival time was 11.5 years (standard deviation (SD) 5.6), and 3804 individuals died (59.5% females and 40.5% males). Individuals with life weariness and suicidal thoughts had half the survival rate compared with those without such thoughts (24.5% vs. 50.6%), with a mean survival time of 8.4 years (SD 5.7) versus 12.0 years (SD 5.4). The multi-adjusted hazard ratio of mortality for those reporting life weariness and suicidal thoughts was 1.44 (95% confidence interval, 1.30–1.59), with the population attributable risk at 11.1%. In the models, being male or female 80+ years showed the highest multi-adjusted hazard ratio of long-term mortality (ref. female 60–69 years).

Conclusions

The findings suggested that life weariness and suicidal thoughts were risk factors for long-term mortality, when controlled for sex and age interactions that were found to strongly predict long-term mortality. These findings have practical implications in prevention of mortality, emphasising the importance of screening, identifying, and intercepting older men and women with signs of life weariness and suicidal thoughts.

Trial registration

Not applicable.
An assessment of anthropometric indices and its association with NCDs among the older adults of India: evidence from LASI Wave-1
Authors: Bramhankar Mahadev , Pandey Mohit , Rana Gursimran Singh , Rai Balram , Mishra Nand Lal , Shukla Anandi
Published: July 2021

Background

The purpose of this study is to assess the status of physical body indices such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) among the older adults aged 45 and above in India. Further, to explore the association of anthropometric indices with various non-communicable morbidities.

Methods

The study uses secondary data of the Longitudinal Ageing Survey’s first wave in India (2017–18). The national representative sample for older adults 45 and above (65,662) considered for the analysis. The prevalence of the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) included in the study is based on the self-reporting of the participants. Diseases included are among the top ten causes of death, such as cancer, hypertension, stroke, chronic heart diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and multi-morbidity. Multi-morbidity is a case of having more than one of the morbidities mentioned above. BMI-obese indicates an individual having a BMI ≥30, and the critical threshold value for high-risk WC for men is ≥102 cm while for women is ≥88 cm. The critical limit for the high-risk WHR for men and women is ≥0.90 and ≥ 0.85, respectively. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regressions are used to assess the association BMI, WC, and WHR with non-communicable morbidities.

Results

Based on the multivariate-adjusted model, odds shows that an Indian older adult aged 45 and above is 2.3 times more likely (AOR: 2.33; 95% CI (2.2, 2.5)) by obesity, 61% more likely (AOR: 1.61; 95% CI (1.629, 1.631)) by high-risk WHR and 98% more likely (AOR: 1.98; 95% CI (1.9, 2.1)) by high-risk WC to develop CVDs than their normal counterparts. Similarly, significant positive associations of obesity, high-risk WC, and high-risk WHR were observed with other NCDs and multi-morbidity.

Conclusion

Our study shows that obesity, high-risk WC, and high-risk WHR are significant risks for developing NCDs and multi-morbidity among the older adults in India. There is a need for a multi-sectoral approach to reduce the share of the elderly population in high-risk groups of BMIs, WHR, and WC.
XIST promotes apoptosis and the inflammatory response in CSE-stimulated cells via the miR-200c-3p/EGR3 axis
Authors: Chen Panfeng , Jiang Ping , Chen Jianing , Yang Yang , Guo Xiumei
Published: July 2021

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease that causes obstructed airways and abnormal inflammatory responses in the lungs. Early growth response 3 (EGR3) has been revealed to play a vital role in the regulation of the inflammatory response in certain diseases. We aimed to explore the role of EGR3 and its upstream mechanism in COPD.

Methods and result

In the present study, 16HBE cells were treated with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) to mimic the inflammatory response in vitro. RT-qPCR revealed that the expression of EGR3 was upregulated in lungs from COPD patients. EGR3 expression in 16HBE cells was increased by CSE treatment. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis and western blot analysis showed that EGR3 downregulation inhibited 16HBE cell apoptosis. EGR3 silencing decreased the protein levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β and COX2 in CSE-stimulated 16HBE cells. In addition, EGR3 was targeted by microRNA-200c-3p (miR-200c-3p) in 16HBE cells. MiR-200c-3p expression was significantly decreased in lung tissues from COPD patients compared to that in healthy controls. Furthermore, miR-200c-3p bound to lncRNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) in 16HBE cells. Additionally, XIST expression was elevated in lung tissues from COPD patients. Rescue assays indicated that EGR3 overexpression counteracted the effects of XIST downregulation on apoptosis and inflammation in CSE-stimulated 16HBE cells.

Conclusion

The XIST/miR-200c-3p/EGR3 axis facilitated apoptosis and inflammation in CSE-stimulated 16HBE cells. These findings may provide novel insight for treating COPD by alleviating lung inflammation.
Cardiovascular and mortality benefits of sodium–glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: CVD-Real Catalonia
Authors: Real Jordi , Vlacho Bogdan , Ortega Emilio , Vallés Joan Antoni , Mata-Cases Manel , Castelblanco Esmeralda , Wittbrodt Eric T. , Fenici Peter , Kosiborod Mikhail , Mauricio Dídac , Franch-Nadal Josep
Published: July 2021

Background

Evidence from prospective cardiovascular (CV) outcome trials in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients supports the use of sodium–glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) to reduce the risk of CV events. In this study, we compared the risk of several CV outcomes between new users of SGLT2i and other glucose-lowering drugs (oGLDs) in Catalonia, Spain.

Methods

CVD-REAL Catalonia was a retrospective cohort study using real-world data routinely collected between 2013 and 2016. The cohorts of new users of SGLT2i and oGLDs were matched by propensity score on a 1:1 ratio. We compared the incidence rates and hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause death, hospitalization for heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and modified major adverse CV event (MACE; all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, or stroke).

Results

After propensity score matching, 12,917 new users were included in each group. About 27% of users had a previous history of CV disease. In the SGLT2i group, the exposure time was 60% for dapagliflozin, 26% for empagliflozin and 14% for canagliflozin. The use of SGLT2i was associated with a lower risk of heart failure (HR: 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47–0.74; p < 0.001), all-cause death (HR = 0.41; 95% CI 0.31–0.54; p < 0.001), all-cause death or heart failure (HR = 0.55; 95% CI 0.47–0.63; p < 0.001), modified MACE (HR = 0.62; 95% CI 0.52–0.74; p < 0.001), and chronic kidney disease (HR = 0.66; 95% CI 0.54–0.80; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In this large, retrospective observational study of patients with T2DM from a Catalonia, initiation of SGLT-2i was associated with lower risk of mortality, as well as heart failure and CKD.
A new pipeline for structural characterization and classification of RNA-Seq microbiome data
Authors: Racedo Sebastian , Portnoy Ivan , Vélez Jorge I. , San-Juan-Vergara Homero , Sanjuan Marco , Zurek Eduardo
Published: July 2021

Background

High-throughput sequencing enables the analysis of the composition of numerous biological systems, such as microbial communities. The identification of dependencies within these systems requires the analysis and assimilation of the underlying interaction patterns between all the variables that make up that system. However, this task poses a challenge when considering the compositional nature of the data coming from DNA-sequencing experiments because traditional interaction metrics (e.g., correlation) produce unreliable results when analyzing relative fractions instead of absolute abundances. The compositionality-associated challenges extend to the classification task, as it usually involves the characterization of the interactions between the principal descriptive variables of the datasets. The classification of new samples/patients into binary categories corresponding to dissimilar biological settings or phenotypes (e.g., control and cases) could help researchers in the development of treatments/drugs.

Results

Here, we develop and exemplify a new approach, applicable to compositional data, for the classification of new samples into two groups with different biological settings. We propose a new metric to characterize and quantify the overall correlation structure deviation between these groups and a technique for dimensionality reduction to facilitate graphical representation. We conduct simulation experiments with synthetic data to assess the proposed method’s classification accuracy. Moreover, we illustrate the performance of the proposed approach using Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTU) count tables obtained through 16S rRNA gene sequencing data from two microbiota experiments. Also, compare our method’s performance with that of two state-of-the-art methods.

Conclusions

Simulation experiments show that our method achieves a classification accuracy equal to or greater than 98% when using synthetic data. Finally, our method outperforms the other classification methods with real datasets from gene sequencing experiments.
A pilot study exploring the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment on cerebral blood flow and its relation to clinical outcomes in severe enduring anorexia nervosa
Authors: Dalton Bethan , Maloney Erica , Rennalls Samantha J. , Bartholdy Savani , Kekic Maria , McClelland Jessica , Campbell Iain C. , Schmidt Ulrike , O’Daly Owen G.
Published: July 2021

Background

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a novel treatment option for people with severe enduring anorexia nervosa (SE-AN), but associated neurobiological changes are poorly understood. This study investigated the effect of rTMS treatment on regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) and whether any observed changes in CBF are associated with changes in clinical outcomes in people with SE-AN.

Methods

As part of a randomised sham-controlled feasibility trial of 20 sessions of high-frequency rTMS to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, 26 of 34 trial participants completed arterial spin labelling (ASL) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to quantify regional and global resting state CBF before (pre-randomisation baseline) and after real or sham treatment (1-month post-randomisation). A group of healthy females (n = 30) were recruited for baseline comparison. Clinical outcomes, including BMI, and depression and anxiety symptoms, were assessed at baseline, 1-, 4-, and 18-months post-randomisation.

Results

No group differences in regional CBF were identified between the SE-AN and healthy comparison participants. A significant treatment-by-time interaction in a medial temporal lobe cluster with the maximal peak in the right amygdala was identified, reflecting a greater reduction in amygdala CBF following real rTMS compared to sham. Participants with the greatest rTMS-related reduction in amygdala CBF (i.e., between baseline and 1-month post-randomisation) showed the greatest sustained weight gain at 18-months post-randomisation. Higher baseline CBF in the insula predicted greater weight gain between baseline and 1-month post-randomisation and between baseline and 4-months post-randomisation.

Conclusions

This exploratory pilot study identified rTMS treatment related changes in CBF in adults with SE-AN and these were associated with changes in weight. Our preliminary findings also suggest that CBF (as measured by ASL fMRI) may be a marker of rTMS treatment response in this patient group. Future rTMS studies in AN should employ longitudinal neuroimaging to further explore the neurobiological changes related to rTMS treatment.

Trial registration

ISRCTN14329415, registered 23rd July 2015.
Effect of wound healing in gels containing tinctures of Alnus glutinosa (L) leaves
Authors: Mushkina Volha
Published: July 2021

Background

Alnus glutinosa (L) is a widespread medicinal plant on the territory of the Republic of Belarus. Alnus glutinosa (L) leaves tincture has an anti-inflammatory effect on the diseases of the throat, intestines, in rheumatism and gout. Water extracts from collective fruit, leaves and bark are used for gargling in stomatitis and gum bleeding. The purpose of the research was to establish wound healing activity of gels based on alcohol extracts from Alnus glutinosa (L) leaves on the model of a surface full flap skin wound on laboratory animals.

Methods

Regenerating action of new drugs (gels) based on tinctures of Alnus glutinosa (L) leaves was studied on a model of planar full-layer skin wound in laboratory animals. Wounds were treated daily with gels applied to complete healing. The wound area was measured planometrically to assess the effectiveness of drugs and then the percentage of area reduction was calculated. Regenerative action of the gels developed was compared to widely used in medical practice 4% Dexpanthenol Gel and Reparef-2 Ointment. 15 g of Reparef-2 Ointment contains 1200 mg of bien and 75 mg of dioxidine.

Results

Wound healing activity of gels containing tinctures of Alnus glutinosa (L) leaves based on 30% and 60% alcohol as to the rate of healing and the area of wounds epithelialization has been proved. Wound area treated with the gel based on Alnus glutinosa (L) extract containing 60% alcohol on day 13 of the experiment decreased by 95.59% ± 0.9% (p ≤ 0.05); based on the tincture containing 30% alcohol - by 92.93% ± 1.11%. Medicinal preparations with proved wound healing activity were compared: Reparef-2 Ointment (reduction percentage of wound area on day 13 of the experiment made 92.24% ± 2.21%) and Dexpanthenol Gel (reduction percentage of wound area on day 13 of the experiment made 83.09% ± 3.41%).

Compared with the control group the gel based on 60% tincture of Alnus glutinosa (L) leaves showed a decrease in the epithelialization period by 29.5%; based on 30% tincture - by 24.6%; Reparef-2 Ointment - by 23.6% and Dexpanthenol Gel - by 13.8%.

Conclusions

The results of this study showed that the developed gels based on Alnus glutinosa (L) have a regenerating action and can be used to treat wound processes taking into account previously established antimicrobial activity.
Emotional experiences of secondary pre-service teachers conducting practical work in a science lab course: individual differences and prediction of teacher efficacy
Authors: Smit Robbert , Robin Nicolas , Rietz Florian
Published: July 2021

The present study explored pre-service science teachers’ emotions during a semester-long laboratory science course. Emotions were measured with the experience sampling technique, which is a research method that facilitates the observation of emotional states over a long period. We studied the relationships between pre-service teachers’ emotional states (enjoyment, stress, and insecurity), self-efficacy traits and beliefs, and their momentary intentions to apply the experiment in later teaching. A total of N = 101 pre-service teachers completed a short, electronic questionnaire twice during each of the nine course sessions. Data analysis utilised random-slope multi-level models. Pre-service teachers’ emotions became more negative over time. In addition, emotional states accurately predicted teachers’ momentary intentions to use the experiment in the future. However, this relationship differed significantly for each course session and between teachers. Emotional states also predicted pre-service teachers’ habitual self-efficacy beliefs for teaching biology experiments with small but significant variances between teachers. The results indicate that emotions experienced during teacher education might influence the teacher students’ professional attitudes towards science teaching.
Associations of Socioeconomic Status and Rurality With New-Onset Cardiovascular Disease in Cancer Survivors: A Population-Based Analysis
Authors: Batra Atul , Kong Shiying , Cheung Winson Y.
Published: July 2021

PURPOSE:

Patients with cancer are predisposed to develop new-onset cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to assess if rural residence and low socioeconomic status modify such a risk.

METHODS:

Patients diagnosed with solid organ cancers without any baseline CVD and on a follow-up of at least 1 year in a large Canadian province from 2004 to 2017 were identified using the population-based registry. We performed logistic regression analyses to examine the associations of rural residence and low socioeconomic status with the development of CVD.

RESULTS:

We identified 81,418 patients eligible for the analysis. The median age was 62 years, and 54.3% were women. At a median follow-up of 68 months, 29.4% were diagnosed with new CVD. The median time from cancer diagnosis to CVD diagnosis was 29 months. Rural patients (32.3% v 28.5%; P < .001) and those with low income (30.4% v 25.9%; P < .001) or low educational attainment (30.7% v 27.6%; P < .001) experienced higher rates of CVD. After adjusting for baseline factors and treatment, rural residence (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.11; P < .001), low income (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.21; P < .001), and low education (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.11; P < .001) continued to be associated with higher odds of CVD. A multivariate Cox regression model showed that patients with low socioeconomic status were more likely to die, but patients residing rurally were not.

CONCLUSION:

Despite universal health care, marginalized populations experience different CVD risk profiles that should be considered when operationalizing lifestyle modification strategies and cardiac surveillance programs for the growing number of cancer survivors.
Women With Chronic Hypoparathyroidism Have Low Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Björnsdottir Sigridur , Clarke Bart , Mäkitie Outi , Sandström Anna , Tiblad Eleonor , Spelman Tim , Kämpe Olle
Published: July 2021

Context

There are scarce data on the management of chronic hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT) in pregnant women.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate pregnancy outcome and total number of births in maternal chronic hypoPT.

Methods

The Swedish National Patient Register, The Swedish Prescribed Drug Register, Swedish Medical Birth Register, and the Total Population Register were used to identify 97 women with chronic hypoPT and 1030 age-matched controls who delivered 139 and 1577 singleton infants, respectively, following diagnosis between 1997 and 2017.

Results

Women in the chronic hypoPT group had more frequent diabetes (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) compared with the control group (P = 0.043 and P < 0.001, respectively). After adjusting for DM, CKD, maternal age at delivery, and calendar year of delivery, chronic hypoPT cases were associated with increased risk of induction of labor (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.13-2.94) and birth of infants with lower birth weight (β-coefficient −188 g; 95% CI, −312.2 to −63.8) compared with controls. No difference was found in infant length, small for gestational age, or head circumference after adjustments. Mean gestational age at delivery after controlling for DM, CKD, and pre-eclampsia was not significantly younger (P = 0.119). There was no difference in congenital malformations or perinatal death and no difference in the total number of infants born between groups (P = 0.518).

Conclusion

The majority of women with chronic hypoPT had normal pregnancy outcomes, and the overall risks appear low. Maternal chronic hypoPT is, however, associated with higher risk of induction of labor and slightly lower infant birth weight.
Rare Causes of Hypercalcemia: 2021 Update
Authors: Motlaghzadeh Yasaman , Bilezikian John P , Sellmeyer Deborah E
Published: July 2021

Context

Primary hyperparathyroidism and malignancy are the etiologies in 90% of cases of hypercalcemia. When these entities are not the etiology of hypercalcemia, uncommon conditions need to be considered. In 2005, Jacobs and Bilezikian published a clinical review of rare causes of hypercalcemia, focusing on mechanisms and pathophysiology. This review is an updated synopsis of rare causes of hypercalcemia, extending the observations of the original article.

Evidence Acquisition

Articles reporting rare associations between hypercalcemia and unusual conditions were identified through a comprehensive extensive PubMed-based search using the search terms “hypercalcemia” and “etiology,” as well as examining the references in the identified case reports. We categorized the reports by adults vs pediatric and further categorized the adult reports based on etiology. Some included reports lacked definitive assessment of etiology and are reported as unknown mechanism with discussion of likely etiology.

Evidence Synthesis

There is a growing understanding of the breadth of unusual causes of hypercalcemia. When the cause of hypercalcemia is elusive, a focus on mechanism and review of prior reported cases is key to successful determination of the etiology.

Conclusions

The ever-expanding reports of patients with rare and even unknown mechanisms of hypercalcemia illustrate the need for continued investigation into the complexities of human calcium metabolism.
Expression of insulin-like growth factors depends on both mass and resource availability in female green anoles (Anolis carolinensis)
Authors: Marks Jamie R. , Beatty Abby E. , Schwartz Tonia S. , Sorlin Mahaut , Lailvaux Simon P.
Published: July 2021

The insulin and insulin-like signaling (IIS) network is an important mediator of cellular growth and metabolism in animals, and is sensitive to environmental conditions such as temperature and resource availability. The two main hormones of the IIS network, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), are present in all vertebrates, yet little is known regarding the responsiveness of IGF2 in particular to external stimuli in non-mammalian animals. We manipulated diet (low or high quantity of food: low and high diet group, respectively) in adult green anole (Anolis carolinensis) females to test the effect of energetic state on hepatic gene expression of IGF1 and IGF2. The absolute expression of IGF2 in female green anoles was 100 times higher than that of IGF1 regardless of diet treatment, and IGF1 and IGF2 expression interacted with post-treatment body mass and treatment, as did the expression of the purported housekeeping genes glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (EEF2). The low diet group showed a negative relationship between body mass and gene expression for all genes, whereas the relationships between body mass and gene expression in the high diet group were either absent (in the case of IGF1) or positive (for all other genes). After accounting for total change in mass, the low diet group expressed IGF2, GAPDH and EEF2 at higher levels compared with individuals in the high diet group of a similar change in mass. These results illustrate that expression of IGF1 and IGF2, and of the housekeeping genes is affected by energe­tic status in reptiles.