bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, and associated risk factors in the Czech Republic, Russia, Poland and Lithuania: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lu Wentian , Pikhart Hynek , Tamosiunas Abdonas , Kubinova Ruzena , Capkova Nadezda , Malyutina Sofia , Pająk Andrzej , Bobak Martin
Published: May 2022

Background

Empirical evidence on the epidemiology of hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia is limited in many countries in Central and Eastern Europe. We aimed to estimate the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia in the Czech Republic, Russia, Poland and Lithuania, and to identify the risk factors for the three chronic conditions.

Methods

We analysed cross-sectional data from the HAPIEE study, including adults aged 45–69 years in the Czech Republic, Russia, Poland and Lithuania, collected between 2002 and 2008 (total sample N = 30,882). Among prevalent cases, we estimated awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia by gender and country. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify associated risk factors.

Results

In each country among both men and women, we found high prevalence but low control of hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia. Awareness rates of hypertension were the lowest in both men (61.40%) and women (69.21%) in the Czech Republic, while awareness rates of hypercholesterolemia were the highest in both men (46.51%) and women (51.20%) in Poland. Polish participants also had the highest rates of awareness (77.37% in men and 79.53% in women), treatment (71.99% in men and 74.87% in women) and control (30.98% in men and 38.08% in women) of diabetes. The common risk factors for the three chronic conditions were age, gender, education, obesity and alcohol consumption.

Conclusions

Patterns of awareness, treatment and control rates of hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia differed by country. Efforts should be made in all four countries to control these conditions, including implementation of international guidelines in everyday practice to improve detection and effective management of these conditions.
Intergenerational transmission of body mass index and associations with educational attainment
Authors: Alrouh Hekmat , van Bergen Elsje , de Zeeuw Eveline , Dolan Conor , Boomsma Dorret I.
Published: May 2022

Background

Individual differences in educational attainment (EA) and physical health, as indexed by body mass index (BMI), are correlated within persons and across generations. The present aim was to assess these associations while controlling for parental transmission.

Methods

We analyzed BMI and EA obtained for 8,866 families from the Netherlands. Data were available for 19,132 persons, including 6,901 parents (mean age 54) and 12,234 of their adult offspring (mean age 32). We employed structural equation modeling to simultaneously model the direct and indirect transmission of BMI and EA from parents to offspring, spousal correlations, and the residual within-person BMI-EA association and tested for gender differences in the transmission parameters.

Results

We found moderate intergeneration transmission for BMI (standardized beta ~ .20) and EA (~ .22), and substantial spousal correlations for BMI (.23) and EA (.51). Cross-trait parent to offspring transmission was weak. The strength of transmission was largely independent of parent or offspring gender. Negative within person EA-BMI correlations were observed for all family members (fathers, -0.102; mothers, -0.147; sons, -0.154; daughters, -0.173). About 60% of the EA-BMI correlation in offspring persisted after taking into account the intergeneration transmission.

Conclusions

The intergenerational transmission for BMI and EA is mainly predictive within traits. Significant spousal and within person correlations in the parental generation are responsible for the effect of parental EA on offspring BMI. Offspring EA and BMI are further correlated beyond parental influences.
Facilitators and barriers to social distancing for young people during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Berry Emma , Jenkins Chris , Allen Sarah
Published: May 2022

Background

Social (or physical) distancing is an important transmission-prevention behaviour that has been endorsed to minimize COVID-19 transmission. This qualitative study explores the facilitators of and barriers to social distancing for young people during the COVID-19 pandemic, with recognition that young people represent a unique demographic group, with differing psychosocial needs and experiences to other age cohorts.

Methods

Qualitative data was collected as part of a larger Qualtrics survey between July 28th 2020 and August 24th 2020. Eligible participants were young people living on the Island of Ireland, aged 16-25 years. The survey design was underpinned by the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation model of behaviour change (COM-B). Semi-inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse comments collected via three free-text survey items. The COM-B model provided a thematic framework to organise subthemes extracted.

Results

A total of N = 477 young people completed the survey, of which N = 347 provided comments for at least one of three free-text survey items. The majority of respondents lived in Northern Ireland (96%), the average age was 21 years, and most respondents were female (73%) and were students (81%). Key barriers identified included lack of environmental support for social distancing (lack of physical Opportunity to social distance), observing other people not social distancing (lack of social Opportunities supporting social distancing), and missing physical interaction from others (relating to the dissuading influence of automatic Motivational factors i.e. the influence of loneliness). Key facilitators included presence of clear and consistent environmental cues and availability of space to support social distancing (increasing physical Opportunity to social distance), increasing awareness and perceived consequences of risk of transmission (enhancing reflective Motivational factors i.e. perceived benefits (versus costs) of social distancing), and increasing opportunities to observe others’ adhering to guidelines (increasing social Opportunities supporting social distancing).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the actions and endorsement of peers and the physical design of environments have a key role in influencing social distancing behaviour among young people living in NI. The COM-B factors identified in this study can inform the development of tailored interventions using models such as the Behaviour Change Wheel. The findings of this study suggest that intervention functions based on peer modelling and physical environmental restructuring and enablement should be priortitised, however it is imperative that interventions are co-designed with young people to foster collaboration and empowerment.
Transbronchial lung biopsy versus transbronchial lung cryobiopsy in critically ill patients with undiagnosed acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: a comparative study
Authors: Wang Shiyao , Feng Yingying , Zhang Yi , Tian Ye , Gu Sichao , Wu Xiaojing , Feng Yiming , Zhao Ling , Liu Min , Wang Dan , Li Ying , Tian Zheng , Wang Shumeng , Huang Xu , Zhou Guowu , Zhan Qingyuan
Published: May 2022

Background

In patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure whose diagnosis is not established after initial evaluation, obtaining a histopathological diagnosis may improve the patients’ prognosis. This study aims to compare the safety profile and diagnostic yields between transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) and transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) in these patients.

Methods

A retrospective comparative study was conducted in a 26-bed intensive care unit over a 5-year period. The consecutive patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure who underwent TBLB or TBLC were included to determine the potential etiology. Patients characteristics, procedure related complications, pathological and multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) diagnostic yields, treatment modification and 28-day survival were analyzed. Prognostic factors were identified by Cox regression analysis.

Results

Forty-five and 25 consecutive patients underwent TBLB and TBLC, respectively. The patients underwent TBLC were more critical. There was no significant difference in overall procedure related complications of patients underwent TBLB and TBLC [15.6% (7/45) vs 28.0% (7/25), p = 0.212]. The rate of pathological diagnostic yield [72.0% (18/25) vs 37.8% (17/45), p = 0.006], MDD diagnostic yield [84.0% (21/25) vs 55.6% (25/45), p = 0.016] and subsequent treatment modification [84.0% (21/25) vs 57.8% (26/45), p = 0.025] in patients underwent TBLC were significantly higher than those in patients underwent TBLB. Multivariate analysis revealed that MDD diagnosis [HR 0.193 (95% CI 0.047–0.792), p = 0.022] and treatment modification [HR 0.204 (95% CI 0.065–0.638), p = 0.006] may be prognostic protective factors.

Conclusions

TBLC can lead to an increased chance of establishing a diagnosis, which could significantly improve the patients’ prognosis, with an acceptable safety profile.
Increased serum levels of advanced glycation end products are negatively associated with relative muscle strength in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wu Tsung-Hui , Tsai Shiow-Chwen , Lin Hsuan-Wei , Chen Chiao-Nan , Hwu Chii-Min
Published: May 2022

Background

In this study, we investigated whether serum levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) independently correlated with relative muscle strength after adjustment for clinical variables including diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Relative muscle strength was defined as muscle strength (in decinewtons, dN) divided by total muscle mass (in kg).

Methods

We enrolled 152 ambulatory patients with type 2 diabetes. Each participant underwent measurements of muscle strength and total muscle mass. Serum levels of AGEs were determined. The Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument Physical Examination (MNSI-PE) was performed to assess diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Results

The participants were divided into three groups on the basis of tertiles of serum AGEs levels. Significant differences were observed among the three groups in relative handgrip strength (71.03 ± 18.22, 63.17 ± 13.82, and 61.47 ± 13.95 dN/kg in the low-tertile, mid-tertile, and high-tertile groups, respectively, P = 0.005). The relative muscle strength of the ankle plantar flexors was higher in the low-tertile group than in the mid-tertile and high-tertile groups (107.60 ± 26.53, 94.97 ± 19.72, and 94.18 ± 16.09 dN/kg in the low-tertile, mid-tertile, and high-tertile groups, respectively, P = 0.002). After adjustment for MNSI-PE score and other clinical variables in partial correlation analysis, the correlations between serum levels of AGEs and the relative muscle strength of handgrip, ankle dorsiflexor, and ankle plantar flexor remained significant. Serum AGEs level was the only variable that remained significantly related to the relative muscle strength of handgrip, ankle dorsiflexor, and ankle plantar flexor when AGEs level, fasting plasma glucose, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were entered into multiple regression models simultaneously.

Conclusions

After adjustment for multiple factors including diabetic peripheral neuropathy, this study demonstrated that increased serum levels of AGEs were independently associated with decreased relative muscle strength in patients with type 2 diabetes. Compared with fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c, serum level of AGEs is more strongly associated with relative muscle strength.
Prescription trends at the end of life in a palliative care unit: observational study
Authors: Peralta Tatiana , Castel-Branco Maria Margarida , Reis-Pina Paulo , Figueiredo Isabel Vitória , Dourado Marília
Published: May 2022

Background

Symptomatic control is essential in palliative care, particularly in end-of-life, in which the pathophysiological changes that characterize this last phase of life strengthen the need to carry out an early therapeutic review. Hence, we aim to evaluate the prescribing pattern at a palliative care unit at two different time points: on admission and the day of the patient’s death.

Methods

Quantitative, analytic, longitudinal, retrospective and observational study. Participants were adult patients who were admitted and died in a palliative care unit, in Portugal. Sociodemographic, clinical and pharmacological data were collected, including frequencies and routes of administration of schedule prescribed drugs and rescue drugs, from the day of admission until the day of death.

Results

115 patients were included with an average age of 70.0 ± 12.9 years old, 53.9 were male, mostly referred by the Hospital Palliative Care Support Teams. The most common pathology was cancer, mainly in advanced stage. On admission, the median scheduled prescription was seven and “as needed” was three drugs. On the day of death, a decrease of prescriptions was observed. Opioids were always the most prescribed drugs. Near death, there was a higher tendency to prescribe butylscopolamine, midazolam, diazepam and levomepromazine. The most frequent route of drug administration was oral on admission and subcutaneous on the day of death.

Conclusions

Polypharmacy is a reality in palliative care despite specialist palliative care teams. A reduction of prescribed drugs was verified, essentially due less comorbidity-oriented drugs. Further studies are required to analyse the importance of Hospital Palliative Care Support Teams.
Nursing students’ perception of gender-defined roles in nursing: a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Prosen Mirko
Published: May 2022

Background

Gender stereotypes influence both women and men who work as nurses as well as individuals considering nursing as a profession. The aim of this study was to explore male and female nursing students’ experiences and perspectives regarding gender-defined roles as well as how they view their future professional roles.

Methods

The study used a descriptive qualitative design. A convenience sample included 72 full-time second- and third-year undergraduate nursing students. Data were collected in 2017 using a self-administered qualitative questionnaire consisting of 11 essay-type questions. As an additional data collection method, a drawing method was applied. The data were analysed by content analysis separately for the male and female perspectives.

Results

Altogether, eight themes emerged, with half explaining the male and the other half the female students’ perspectives. Students choose nursing for altruistic, opportunistic and organisational reasons. Among the female students, another reason “family and social incentives” was also identified. Female students’ vision of their future professional role included altruism and positive representations of ‘being a nurse’, whereas the male students’ vision included management and leadership, and technical aspects of nursing.

Conclusions

Both male and female nursing students face the limits of their own gender roles, yet they are prepared to challenge these gender-based perceptions. Tackling stereotypes and raising public awareness, using gender-inclusive language and strategies for recruitment, ensuring gender diversity in nursing teams and revising the nursing curriculum where appropriate, are just some of the implications that arise to help overcome gender differences.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of health professionals for oxygen therapy working in South Gondar zone hospitals, 2021: multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Demilew Basazinew Chekol , Mekonen Agegnehu , Aemro Agazhe , Sewnet Nakachew , Hailu Banchiayehu Alebachew
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Therapeutic oxygen should be administered by competent healthcare providers who possess the required competencies of knowledge, skill, and judgment/abilities to make clinical decisions regarding the administration of oxygen. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of health professionals towards oxygen therapy.

Methods

A multicenter institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 218 health professionals. The assessment was done with a total of 31 questions. After data cleanup analysis was done with SPSS software. Descriptive, chi-square test, bivariable and multivariable analysis were done accordingly. Ap-value of ≤0.05 was considered to have a significant association with the outcome variables.

Results

Among 218 participants, most of the participants (92.7%) were in the age range of less than 40 years old. Nurses were the most responding professions followed by physicians and midwifes. From the participants, around 54.6, 54.6, and 65.1% of respondents answered above the means score of knowledge, attitude and practice questions respectively. Getting training (AOR- 4.15, CI- 1.15-14.6), work experiences of less than 4 years (AOR- 2.54, 95%CI- (1.28-5.05), and availability of guidelines (AOR- 11.5, CI- 3.35-39.6) were significantly associated with knowledge level. Also work experience of fewer than 4 years (AOR- 3.41, 95%CI- (1.58-7.35) and presence of periodic maintenance and supply of oxygen therapy devices (AOR- 4.32, 95% CI- (1.44-12.9) were associated with practice level. Similarly, work experiences < 4 years (AOR- 8.6, 95%CI- (2.6-29) and getting training (AOR- 21.4, 95%CI-(2.7- 27.3) has a positive (direct) association with the level of attitude, and poor level of knowledge (AOR- 12.1, 95%CI (3.42-42.9) was contributed for negative attitude.

Conclusion

This study concluded that 54.6, 54.6, and 65.1% of participants have a good level of knowledge, positive attitude, and good level of practice towards oxygen therapy respectively.
Comparison of canine owner profile according to food choice: an online preliminary survey in France
Authors: Hoummady S. , Fantinati M. , Maso D. , Bynens A. , Banuls D. , Santos N. R. , Roche M. , Priymenko N.
Published: May 2022

Background

Nowadays, more people are treating dogs as family members. This reflects their increased attention towards their nutrition, with renewed interest for non-conventional diets such as Biologically Appropriate Raw Food/ Bones and Raw Food in United States (BARF) or homemade. In previous studies, owners feeding their dog non-conventional diets reported lower levels of trust in veterinary advice. The aim of the study was to identify differences in lifestyle between owners feeding dogs non-conventional diets and those feeding conventional diets (i.e., dry/wet pet food) to give further insight for improving communication between veterinarians and owners.

Results

A total of 426 surveys were usable. Fifteen percent of the participants lived in the metropole of Paris and had more than one dog (mean 1.72 dogs). Thirty-eight percent of the survey respondents stated that their dogs were fed exclusively with non-conventional diets, while 55% declared using conventional diets alone (not considering treats). The study canine population was for the most part neutered (63%) and purebred (68%). Amongst owners feeding conventional diets exclusively, 47% determined how much food to feed by consulting the feeding guidelines on the packaging, and only 28% said that the amount of food was prescribed by their veterinarian or veterinary nurse. Out of the participants feeding non-conventional diets, 65% declared that the information for formulating the recipes was gathered on the internet or in non-veterinary books. When compared with owners feeding exclusively conventional diets, those feeding non-conventional diets were living more frequently outside the metropole of Paris, had fewer children (0.23 ± 0.57 vs 0.37 ± 0.78; p = 0.03) and had more frequently other animals. They also dewormed less often their pets, walked their dog more each day (91 vs 78%; p < 0.001) and without leash for more than 6 h per week (46 vs 31%; p = 0.003).

Conclusions

This survey described differences in the habits of owners feeding dogs non-conventional diets in comparison with those feeding conventional diets. Data suggest that owners using non-conventional diets may be more attentive to the ethological needs of their dog which could be a starting point for practitioners for achieving better client-veterinarian communication.
Effect of traffic-related air pollution on cough in adults with polymorphisms in several cough-related genes
Authors: Yoon Michael , Ryu Min Hyung , Huff Ryan D. , Belvisi Maria G. , Smith Jaclyn , Carlsten Chris
Published: May 2022

With prevalent global air pollution, individuals with certain genetic predispositions and sensitivities are at of higher risk of developing respiratory symptoms including chronic cough. Studies to date have relied on patient-filled questionnaires in epidemiological studies to evaluate the gene-by-environment interactions. In a controlled human exposure study, we evaluated whether genetic risk score (GRS) based on cough-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with a cough count over 24 h post-exposure to diesel exhaust (DE), a model for traffic-related air pollution. DE is a mixture of several known air pollutants including PM2.5, CO, NO, NO2, and volatile organic compounds. Under closely observed circumstances, we determined that GRS constructed from 7 SNPs related to TRPA1, TRPV1, and NK-2R were correlated with cough count. Selection of channels were based on prior knowledge that SNPs in these channels lead to acute airway inflammation as a result of their increased sensitivity to particulate matter. We performed a linear regression analysis and found a significant, positive correlation between GRS and cough count following DE exposure (p = 0.002, R2 = 0.61) and filtered air (FA) exposure (p = 0.028, R2 = 0.37). Although that correlation was stronger for DE than for FA, we found no significant exposure-by-GRS interaction. In summary, cough-relevant GRS was associated with a higher 24 h cough count in a controlled setting, suggesting that individuals with a high GRS may be more susceptible to developing cough regardless of their exposure. The trend towards this susceptibility being more prominent in the context of traffic-related air pollution remains to be confirmed.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrial.gov NCT02236039; NCT0223603. Registered on August 11, 2014, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02236039.
Cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome and gastrointestinal defects: report on a newborn with 19p13.3 deletion including the MAP 2 K2 gene
Authors: Serra Gregorio , Felice Sofia , Antona Vincenzo , Di Pace Maria Rita , Giuffrè Mario , Piro Ettore , Corsello Giovanni
Published: May 2022

Background

Cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFCS) belongs to RASopathies, a group of conditions caused by mutations in genes encoding proteins of the rat sarcoma/mitogen-activated protein kinase (RAS/MAPK) pathway. It is a rare syndrome, with about 300 patients reported. Main clinical manifestations include facial dysmorphisms, growth failure, heart defects, developmental delay, and ectodermal abnormalities. Mutations (mainly missense) of four genes (BRAF, MAP 2 K1, MAP 2 K2, and KRAS) have been associated to CFCS. However, whole gene deletions/duplications and chromosomal microdeletions have been also reported. Specifically, 19p13.3 deletion including MAP 2 K2 gene are responsible for cardio-facio-cutaneous microdeletion syndrome, whose affected subjects show more severe phenotype than CFCS general population.

Case presentation

Hereby, we report on a female newborn with prenatal diagnosis of omphalocele, leading to further genetic investigations through amniocentesis. Among these, array comparative genomic hybridization (a-CGH) identified a 19p13.3 microdeletion, spanning 1.27 Mb and including MAP 2 K2 gene. Clinical features at birth (coarse face with dysmorphic features, sparse and friable hair, cutaneous vascular malformations and hyperkeratotic lesions, interventricular septal defect, and omphalocele) were compatible with CFCS diagnosis, and further postnatal genetic investigations were not considered necessary. Soon after discharge, at around 1 month of life, she was readmitted to our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit due to repeated episodes of vomiting, subtending a hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) which was promptly identified and treated.

Conclusions

Our report supports the 19p13.3 microdeletion as a contiguous gene syndrome, in which the involvement of the genes contiguous to MAP 2 K2 may modify the patients’ phenotype. It highlights how CFCS affected subjects, including those with 19p13.3 deletions, may have associated gastrointestinal defects (e.g., omphalocele and HPS), providing further data on 19p13.3 microdeletion syndrome, and a better characterization of its genomic and phenotypic features. The complex clinical picture of such patients may be worsened by additional, and even precocious, life-threatening conditions like HPS. Clinicians must consider, anticipate and/or promptly treat possible medical and surgical complications, with the aim of reducing adverse outcomes. Extensive diagnostic work-up, and early, continuous, and multidisciplinary follow-up, as well as integrated care, are necessary for the longitudinal clinical evolution of any single patient.
Increasing trend of type 1 diabetes incidence in the pediatric population of the Calabria region in 2019–2021
Authors: Passanisi Stefano , Salzano Giuseppina , Aloe Monica , Bombaci Bruno , Citriniti Felice , De Berardinis Fiorella , De Marco Rosaria , Lazzaro Nicola , Lia Maria C. , Lia Rosanna , Mammì Francesco , Stamati Filomena A. , Toscano Rosanna M. R. , Ventrici Claudia , Iafusco Dario , Lombardo Fortunato
Published: May 2022

Background

Although type 1 diabetes (T1D) represents one of the most common chronic diseases in pediatric age, few studies on the epidemiology of T1D exist globally and the exact prevalence and incidence rates of the disease are unknown. In many countries, including Italy, national registries are missing.

Methods

This study aims to assess T1D incidence in the pediatric population of the Calabria region (southern Italy) in the period 2019–2021. The secondary objective was to describe the main demographical, clinical and immunological features of incident cases. Case ascertainment and all clinical data were assessed by retrospectively reviewing the electronic medical records of children and adolescents diagnosed with diabetes at any Pediatric Diabetes Center belonging to theRete Diabetologica Calabrese(Calabria Region Diabetes Network),from January 2019 to December 2021. The incidence of T1D was estimated for the entire region and was stratified according to age group (0–4 years, 5–9 years, and 10–14 years) and gender.Standardized incidence ratios for each province in the region were also calculated.

Results

The crude incidence of T1D was 20.6/100,000 person/years. Incidence rates were higher among females and children aged 5–9 years. The crude incidence of T1D was higher in the province of Reggio Calabria (26.5/100,000 person-years). The provinces of Crotone, Catanzaro, and Vibo Valentia showed significantly lower standardized incidence ratios. The annual incidence in the region progressively increased by 43% during the study period.

Conclusions

Our study revealed a relatively high incidence in the Calabria region. The marked increasing incidence trend over the past two years could be related to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but further long-scale population-based studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Technoeconomic evaluation of recent process improvements in production of sugar and high-value lignin co-products via two-stage Cu-catalyzed alkaline-oxidative pretreatment
Authors: Yuan Zhaoyang , Bals Bryan D. , Hegg Eric L. , Hodge David B.
Published: May 2022

Background

A lignocellulose-to-biofuel biorefinery process that enables multiple product streams is recognized as a promising strategy to improve the economics of this biorefinery and to accelerate technology commercialization. We recently identified an innovative pretreatment technology that enables of the production of sugars at high yields while simultaneously generating a high-quality lignin stream that has been demonstrated as both a promising renewable polyol replacement for polyurethane applications and is highly susceptible to depolymerization into monomers. This technology comprises a two-stage pretreatment approach that includes an alkaline pre-extraction followed by a metal-catalyzed alkaline-oxidative pretreatment. Our recent work demonstrated that H2O2 and O2 act synergistically as co-oxidants during the alkaline-oxidative pretreatment and could significantly reduce the pretreatment chemical input while maintaining high sugar yields (~ 95% glucose and ~ 100% xylose of initial sugar composition), high lignin yields (~ 75% of initial lignin), and improvements in lignin usage.

Results

This study considers the economic impact of these advances and provides strategies that could lead to additional economic improvements for future commercialization. The results of the technoeconomic analysis (TEA) demonstrated that adding O2 as a co-oxidant at 50 psig for the alkaline-oxidative pretreatment and reducing the raw material input reduced the minimum fuel selling price from $1.08/L to $0.85/L, assuming recoverable lignin is used as a polyol replacement. If additional lignin can be recovered and sold as more valuable monomers, the minimum fuel selling price (MFSP) can be further reduced to $0.73/L.

Conclusions

The present work demonstrated that high sugar and lignin yields combined with low raw material inputs and increasing the value of lignin could greatly increase the economic viability of a poplar-based biorefinery. Continued research on integrating sugar production with lignin valorization is thus warranted to confirm this economic potential as the technology matures.
postQTL: a QTL mapping R workflow to improve the accuracy of true positive loci identification
Authors: Bhandari Prashant , Lee Tong Geon
Published: May 2022

Objective

The determination of the location of quantitative trait loci (QTL) (i.e., QTL mapping) is essential for identifying new genes. Various statistical methods are being incorporated into different QTL mapping functions. However, statistical errors and limitations may often occur in a QTL mapping, implying the risk of false positive errors and/or failing to detect a true positive QTL effect. We simulated the power to detect four simulated QTL in tomato using cim() and stepwiseqtl(), widely adopted QTL mapping functions, and QTL.gCIMapping(), a derivative of the composite interval mapping method. While there is general agreement that those three functions identified simulated QTL, missing or false positive QTL were observed, which were prevalent when more realistic data (such as smaller population size) were provided.

Results

To address this issue, we developed postQTL, a QTL mapping R workflow that incorporates (i) both cim() and stepwiseqtl(), (ii) widely used R packages developed for model selection, and (iii) automation to increase the accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility of QTL mapping. QTL mapping experiments on tomato F2populations in which QTL effects were simulated or calculated showed advantages of postQTL in QTL detection.
Large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel haploinsufficiency leads to sensory deficits in the visual system: a case report
Authors: Perche Olivier , Lesne Fabien , Patat Alain , Raab Susanne , Twyman Roy , Ring Robert H. , Briault Sylvain
Published: May 2022

Background

Mutations in the genes encoding the large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel, especially KCNMA1 encoding its α-subunit, have been linked to several neurological features, including intellectual disability or autism. Associated with neurodevelopmental phenotypes, sensory function disturbances are considered to be important clinical features contributing to a variety of behavioral impairments. Large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels are important in regulating neurotransmission in sensory circuits, including visual pathways. Deficits in visual function can contribute substantially to poor quality of life, while therapeutic approaches aimed at addressing such visual deficits represent opportunities to improve neurocognitive and neurobehavioral outcomes.

Case presentation

We describe the case of a 25-year-old Caucasian male with autism spectrum disorder and severe intellectual disability presenting large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel haploinsufficiency due to a de novo balanced translocation (46, XY, t [9; 10] [q23;q22]) disrupting the KCNMA1 gene. The visual processing pathway of the subject was evaluated using both electroretinography and visual contrast sensitivity, indicating that both retinal bipolar cell function and contrast discrimination performance were reduced by approximately 60% compared with normative control values. These findings imply a direct link between KCNMA1 gene disruption and visual dysfunction in humans. In addition, the subject reported photophobia but did not exhibit strabismus, nystagmus, or other visual findings on physical examination.

Conclusions

This case study of a subject with large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel haploinsufficiency and photophobia revealed a visual pathway deficit at least at the retinal level, with diminished retinal light capture likely due to bipolar cell dysfunction and an associated loss of contrast sensitivity. The data suggest that large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels play an important role in the normal functioning of the visual pathway in humans, and that their disruption may play a role in visual and other sensory system symptomatology in large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channelopathies or conditions where disruption of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel function is a relevant feature of the pathophysiology, such as fragile X syndrome. This work suggests that the combined use of physiological (electroretinography) and functional (contrast sensitivity) approaches may have utility as a biomarker strategy for identifying and characterizing visual processing deficits in individuals with large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channelopathy.

Trial registration ID-RCB number 2019-A01015-52, registered 17/05/2019.
Cereal type and combined xylanase/glucanase supplementation influence the cecal microbiota composition in broilers
Authors: Kouzounis Dimitrios , Kers Jannigje G. , Soares Natalia , Smidt Hauke , Kabel Mirjam A. , Schols Henk A.
Published: May 2022

Dietary fiber-degrading enzyme supplementation in broilers aims at off-setting the anti-nutritive effect of non-starch polysaccharides and at promoting broiler health. Recently, we demonstrated that xylanase/glucanase addition in wheat-based diet improved nutrient digestibility, arabinoxylan fermentability and broiler growth. Conversely, maize arabinoxylan was found to be recalcitrant to xylanase action. These findings suggested that enzyme-mediated improvement of nutrient digestion and carbohydrate fermentation depended on the cereal type present in the diet, and may have contributed to broiler growth. Hence, we aimed at further investigating the link between dietary enzymes and carbohydrate fermentation in broilers, by studying the impact of enzyme supplementation in cereal-based diets, to the microbial communities in the ileum and ceca of broilers. For that purpose, 96 one-day-old male broilers were randomly reared in two pens and received either wheat-based or maize-based starter and grower diets. At d 20, the broilers were randomly assigned to one out of four dietary treatments. The broilers received for 8 d the wheat-based or maize-based finisher diet as such (Control treatments; WC, MC) or supplemented with a xylanase/glucanase combination (Enzyme treatments; WE, ME). At d 28, samples from the digestive tract were collected, and the ileal and cecal microbiota composition was determined by 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing. A similar phylogenetic (alpha) diversity was observed among the four treatments, both in the ileal and the cecal samples. Furthermore, a similar microbial composition in the ileum (beta diversity) was observed, with lactobacilli being the predominant community for all treatments. In contrast, both cereal type and enzyme supplementation were found to influence cecal communities. The type of cereal (i.e., wheat or maize) explained 47% of the total variation in microbial composition in the ceca. Further stratifying the analysis per cereal type revealed differences in microbiota composition between WC and WE, but not between MC and ME. Furthermore, the prevalence of beneficial genera, such as Faecalibacterium and Blautia, in the ceca of broilers fed wheat-based diets coincided with arabinoxylan accumulation. These findings indicated that fermentable arabinoxylan and arabinoxylo-oligosaccharides released by dietary xylanase may play an important role in bacterial metabolism.
Uncovering the genetic diversity of Giardia intestinalis in isolates from outbreaks in New Zealand
Authors: Ogbuigwe Paul , Biggs Patrick J. , Garcia-Ramirez Juan Carlos , Knox Matthew A. , Pita Anthony , Velathanthiri Niluka , French Nigel P. , Hayman David T. S.
Published: May 2022

Background

Giardia intestinalis is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea worldwide. Molecular techniques have greatly improved our understanding of the taxonomy and epidemiology of this parasite. Co-infection with mixed (sub-) assemblages has been reported, however, Sanger sequencing is sometimes unable to identify shared subtypes between samples involved in the same epidemiologically linked event, due to samples showing multiple dominant subtypes within the same outbreak. Here, we aimed to use a metabarcoding approach to uncover the genetic diversity within samples from sporadic and outbreak cases of giardiasis to characterise the subtype diversity, and determine if there are common sequences shared by epidemiologically linked cases that are missed by Sanger sequencing.

Methods

We built a database with 1109 unique glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) locus sequences covering most of the assemblages of G. intestinalis and used gdh metabarcoding to analyse 16 samples from sporadic and outbreak cases of giardiasis that occurred in New Zealand between 2010 and 2018.

Results

There is considerable diversity of subtypes of G. intestinalis present in each sample. The utilisation of metabarcoding enabled the identification of shared subtypes between samples from the same outbreak. Multiple variants were identified in 13 of 16 samples, with Assemblage B variants most common, and Assemblages E and A present in mixed infections.

Conclusions

This study showed that G. intestinalis infections in humans are frequently mixed, with multiple subtypes present in each host. Shared sequences among epidemiologically linked cases not identified through Sanger sequencing were detected. Considering the variation in symptoms observed in cases of giardiasis, and the potential link between symptoms and (sub-) assemblages, the frequency of mixed infections could have implications for our understanding of host–pathogen interactions.

Graphical Abstract
Psychometric properties of the 26-item eating attitudes test (EAT-26): an application of rasch analysis
Authors: Papini Natalie M. , Jung Myungjin , Cook Amanda , Lopez Nanette V. , Ptomey Lauren T. , Herrmann Stephen D. , Kang Minsoo
Published: May 2022

Background

The 26-item Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) is a commonly used tool to assess eating disorder risk. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the EAT-26 with a combined sample: (1) of adults with overweight and obesity enrolled in a behavioral weight loss program and (2) general adult sample (n = 469; age = 36.17 ± 17.83 years; female = 72.5%; white = 66.3%; obese BMI category = 58%).

Methods

Rasch modeling was used to assess model-data fit, create an item-person map to evaluate relative distribution items and persons, item difficulty, and person’s eating disorder (ED) risk level of the EAT-26. Differential item functioning (DIF) and rating scale functioning of the EAT-26 were also evaluated using Rasch analysis.

Results

A total of 7 misfit items were removed from the final analysis due to unacceptable Infit and Outfit mean square residual values. The item-person map showed that the items were biased toward participants with moderate to high levels of ED risk and did not cover those who had low risk for having an ED (< − 1 logits). The DIF analyses results showed that none of the items functioned differently across sex, but 5 items were flagged based on obesity status. The six-category Likert-type rating scale did not function well indicating a different response format may be needed.

Conclusion

Several concerns were identified with the psychometric evaluation of the EAT-26 that may question its utility in assessing ED risk in individuals at low risk for ED, within samples of people who have overweight and obesity seeking weight loss treatment.

Plain English Summary

The 26-item Eating Attitudes Test is a self-rated measure of eating attitudes that measures symptoms and concerns of eating disorders (ED). Very little is known about how this instrument performs differently based on individual factors like body mass index (BMI) and sex (male/female). We used an advanced measurement theory (i.e., Rasch analysis) to determine if the EAT-26 is an adequate measure to detect disordered eating in men and women of different BMIs. Results indicated that the EAT-26 was biased toward participants with moderate to high levels of disordered eating risk and did not adequately detect individuals at low risk for disordered eating. The EAT-26 did not function differently based on sex (male/female). However, five questions did function differently based on obesity status (those without obesity/ those with obesity). Finally, we observed the six-category rating scale did not function appropriately and that a new response format may be warranted. In sum, there were several issues (e.g., poor rating scale and different item functioning) with the EAT-26 and future work should develop screening tools that detect low risk of disordered eating as well as function well in adults with overweight and obesity.
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and Body Image: a case report
Authors: Barney Angela , Bruett Lindsey D. , Forsberg Sarah , Nagata Jason M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a relatively new eating disorder diagnosis, and there is need to better understand this disorder’s presentation. Diagnostic criteria for ARFID require that there are no body image distortions. People with ARFID symptoms may have body image concerns that require careful consideration and more information about the interplay of these is needed to help clinicians appropriately diagnose and manage ARFID.

Case presentation

This clinical observation reports a case of ARFID in a nine-year-old with severe malnutrition who positively views her small size and values thinness. The patient reported that her own desire for thinness was influenced by social media beauty ideals and praise of thinness witnessed in social situations. Despite this, the motivation for avoidant and restrictive eating behaviors was low appetitive drive, fear of trying new foods, and fear of adverse consequences from eating.

Conclusions

Although concerning, the patient’s body image was not of clinical significance as a motivating factor for the disordered eating behaviors. Body image dissatisfaction is common. The requirement to exclude body image distortions in the diagnostic criteria for ARFID may require consideration of the pervasiveness of societal body ideals to which young people are exposed.
The Indian fashion and textile sector in and post COVID-19 times
Authors: Khurana Karan
Published: May 2022

The fashion and textile sectors have proved to be the socio-economic booster for developing countries in the last two decades. This article looks into the challenges faced by the Indian fashion and textiles sector in and post-pandemic. The current COVID-19 crisis has presented the sector with a unique set of challenges that are indeed the future strategies.

Primary and secondary research methods were used to explore the impact of the pandemic on the sector in India. A systematic literature review (S.L.R.) is carried out to collect secondary data from scientific journals and development corporations. For primary research, top managers and owners from ten large-size fashion and textile companies were qualitatively interviewed to validate the secondary data. The value chain analysis (V.C.A.) model was used to perform a stage-wise analysis to provides an assessment of the current scenario and recommend solutions accordingly.

Existing literature discusses the impact on the Indian economy in general and there is no significant research on the fashion and textile sector. In accordance with the empirical evidence, the author has developed a digital value chain model that is novel to the sector. It shall help both the domestic and export sector to come back to business and prepare for a similar crisis in the future.
Risk Management Plans: reassessment of safety concerns based on Good Pharmacovigilance Practices Module V (Revision 2)—a company experience
Authors: Esslinger Suzan , Quinn Linda , Sampat Sami , Otero-Lobato Marijo , Noël Wim , Geldhof Anja , Herijgers Nicole , Reeder Sarah-Jane
Published: May 2022

Introduction

In the European Union (EU), a Risk Management Plan (RMP) is submitted as part of the dossier for initial marketing authorization of a medicinal product or with an application involving a significant change to an existing marketing authorization. A comprehensive revision of the EU Guideline on Good Pharmacovigilance Practices (GVP) Module V—Risk Management Systems (Revision [Rev] 2), adopted in March 2017, provides a framework for developing more focused, actionable, and risk-proportionate RMPs. This paper describes the Janssen experience with the interpretation and application of GVP Module V (Rev 2) regarding the evaluation of safety concerns in an RMP.

Methods

Janssen convened a cross-functional working group to promote consistent interpretation of the GVP Module V (Rev 2) guidance across therapeutic areas. The group created 3 algorithms to support implementation of the guidance related to removal or reclassification of safety concerns by product-specific RMP teams.

Results

Following implementation of the GVP Module V (Rev 2) guidance, the algorithm-driven process led to a substantial decrease in the number of safety concerns for most products. With few exceptions, EU health authorities agreed with the proposed safety concern removals or reclassifications, resulting in RMPs that were focused on only those safety concerns that required further characterization or specific risk minimization.

Conclusions

The algorithm-driven process allows for consistent interpretation and application of the GVP Module V (Rev 2) guidance, which enables product teams to develop an actionable RMP using a thoughtful, evaluative, science-based approach that considers all available evidence.