bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety of select headache medications in patients with cerebral and spinal cavernous malformations
Authors: Flemming Kelly D , Chiang Chia-Chun , Brown Robert D , Lanzino Giuseppe
Published: November 2021

Background:

Patients with cerebral or spinal cavernous malformations (CM) and a primary headache disorder are often limited in medication options due to concern for bleeding risk.

Methods:

From a prospective cohort of CM patients (2015–2020), demographics, mode of clinical presentation, and radiographic data were collected. Follow up of patients was performed with electronic medical record review, in person visits and/or written surveys. Select medication use was ascertained from the time of the CM diagnosis to a censor date of first prospective symptomatic hemorrhage, complete surgical excision of sporadic form CM, or death. The influence of non-aspirin NSAID (NA-NSAID), triptan, or OnabotulinumtoxinA on prospective hemorrhage risk was assessed.

Results:

As of August 20, 2020, 329 patients with spinal or cerebral CM (58% female; 20.1% familial; 42.2% initial presentation due to hemorrhage; 27.4% brainstem) were included. During a follow-up of 1799.9 patient years, 92 prospective hemorrhages occurred. Use of NA-NSAIDs, triptans, and OnabotulinumtoxinA after the diagnosis of CM was unassociated with an increased risk of prospective hemorrhage.

Conclusions:

Use of triptans and NA-NSAIDs, does not precipitate CM hemorrhage. Similarly, we did not find that OnabotulinumtoxinA precipitated CM hemorrhage in a limited number of patients at doses <200 units per session.
Fear of infectious diseases and perceived contagion risk count as an occupational health and safety hazard: Accounts from correctional officer recruits in Canada
Authors: Cassiano Marcella Siqueira , Ozturk Fatih , Ricciardelli Rosemary
Published: November 2021

Prisons are poorly ventilated confined spaces with limited physical distancing opportunities, making an environment conducive to the spread of infectious diseases. Based on empirical research with correctional officer recruits in Canada, we analyze the reasons and sources of fear, and the measures that recruits adopt to counter their fear of contagion. Our study marks an advance in the correctional work literature, which, to date, has tended to view perceived contagion risks as a workplace challenge that can be overcome with occupational skill and experience. In contrast with the existing literature, we present fear and perceived contagion risk as an “operational stress injury” that affects all correctional officers; a structural occupational health and safety problem that needs redressing from the labor policy perspective.
Molecular, clinical, and prognostic implications of PTPN11 mutations in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Fobare Sydney , Kohlschmidt Jessica , Ozer Hatice Gulcin , Mrózek Krzysztof , Nicolet Deedra , Mims Alice S. , Garzon Ramiro , Blachly James S. , Orwick Shelley , Carroll Andrew J. , Stone Richard M. , Wang Eunice S. , Kolitz Jonathan E. , Powell Bayard L. , Oakes Christopher C. , Eisfeld Ann-Kathrin , Hertlein Erin , Byrd John C.
Published: November 2021

Prognostic factors associated with chemotherapy outcomes in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are extensively reported, and one gene whose mutation is recognized as conferring resistance to several newer targeted therapies is protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 11 (PTPN11). The broader clinical implications of PTPN11 mutations in AML are still not well understood. The objective of this study was to determine which cytogenetic abnormalities and gene mutations co-occur with PTPN11 mutations and how PTPN11 mutations affect outcomes of patients treated with intensive chemotherapy. We studied 1725 patients newly diagnosed with AML (excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia) enrolled onto the Cancer and Leukemia Group B/Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology trials. In 140 PTPN11-mutated patient samples, PTPN11 most commonly co-occurred with mutations in NPM1, DNMT3A, and TET2. PTPN11 mutations were relatively common in patients with an inv(3)(q21q26)/t(3;3)(q21;q26) and a normal karyotype but were very rare in patients with typical complex karyotype and core-binding factor AML. Mutations in the N-terminal SH2 domain of PTPN11 were associated with a higher early death rate than those in the phosphatase domain. PTPN11 mutations did not affect outcomes of NPM1-mutated patients, but these patients were less likely to have co-occurring kinase mutations (ie, FLT3-ITD), suggesting activation of overlapping signaling pathways. However, in AML patients with wild-type NPM1, PTPN11 mutations were associated with adverse patient outcomes, providing a rationale to study the biology and treatment approaches in this molecular group. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00048958 (CALGB 8461), #NCT00899223 (CALGB 9665), and #NCT00900224 (CALGB 20202).
Prediction of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis using nonlinear measures of language-related EEG at 6 and 12 months
Authors: Peck Fleming C. , Gabard-Durnam Laurel J. , Wilkinson Carol L. , Bosl William , Tager-Flusberg Helen , Nelson Charles A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) provides an opportunity for early intervention and improved developmental outcomes. The use of electroencephalography (EEG) in infancy has shown promise in predicting later ASD diagnoses and in identifying neural mechanisms underlying the disorder. Given the high co-morbidity with language impairment, we and others have speculated that infants who are later diagnosed with ASD have altered language learning, including phoneme discrimination. Phoneme learning occurs rapidly in infancy, so altered neural substrates during the first year of life may serve as early, accurate indicators of later autism diagnosis.

Methods

Using EEG data collected at two different ages during a passive phoneme task in infants with high familial risk for ASD, we compared the predictive accuracy of a combination of feature selection and machine learning models at 6 months (during native phoneme learning) and 12 months (after native phoneme learning), and we identified a single model with strong predictive accuracy (100%) for both ages. Samples at both ages were matched in size and diagnoses (n = 14 with later ASD; n = 40 without ASD). Features included a combination of power and nonlinear measures across the 10‑20 montage electrodes and 6 frequency bands. Predictive features at each age were compared both by feature characteristics and EEG scalp location. Additional prediction analyses were performed on all EEGs collected at 12 months; this larger sample included 67 HR infants (27 HR-ASD, 40 HR-noASD).

Results

Using a combination of Pearson correlation feature selection and support vector machine classifier, 100% predictive diagnostic accuracy was observed at both 6 and 12 months. Predictive features differed between the models trained on 6- versus 12-month data. At 6 months, predictive features were biased to measures from central electrodes, power measures, and frequencies in the alpha range. At 12 months, predictive features were more distributed between power and nonlinear measures, and biased toward frequencies in the beta range. However, diagnosis prediction accuracy substantially decreased in the larger, more behaviorally heterogeneous 12-month sample.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that speech processing EEG measures can facilitate earlier identification of ASD but emphasize the need for age-specific predictive models with large sample sizes to develop clinically relevant classification algorithms.
Nested Stochastic Block Models applied to the analysis of single cell data
Authors: Morelli Leonardo , Giansanti Valentina , Cittaro Davide
Published: November 2021

Single cell profiling has been proven to be a powerful tool in molecular biology to understand the complex behaviours of heterogeneous system. The definition of the properties of single cells is the primary endpoint of such analysis, cells are typically clustered to underpin the common determinants that can be used to describe functional properties of the cell mixture under investigation. Several approaches have been proposed to identify cell clusters; while this is matter of active research, one popular approach is based on community detection in neighbourhood graphs by optimisation of modularity. In this paper we propose an alternative and principled solution to this problem, based on Stochastic Block Models. We show that such approach not only is suitable for identification of cell groups, it also provides a solid framework to perform other relevant tasks in single cell analysis, such as label transfer. To encourage the use of Stochastic Block Models, we developed a python library, , that is compatible with the popular framework.
An evolutionary genomics view on neuropeptide genes in Hydrozoa and Endocnidozoa (Myxozoa)
Authors: Koch Thomas L. , Hauser Frank , Grimmelikhuijzen Cornelis J. P.
Published: November 2021

Background

The animal phylum Cnidaria consists of six classes or subphyla: Hydrozoa, Scyphozoa, Cubozoa, Staurozoa, Anthozoa, and Endocnidozoa. Cnidarians have an early evolutionary origin, diverging before the emergence of the Bilateria. Extant members from this phylum, therefore, are important resources for understanding the evolution of the nervous system. Cnidarian nervous systems are strongly peptidergic. Using genomics, we have recently shown that three neuropeptide families (the X1PRX2amides, GRFamides, and GLWamides) are wide-spread in four (Scyphozoa, Cubozoa, Staurozoa, Anthozoa) out of six cnidarian classes or subphyla, suggesting that these three neuropeptide families emerged in the common cnidarian ancestor. In the current paper, we analyze the remaining cnidarian class, Hydrozoa, and the subphylum Endocnidozoa, to make firm conclusions about the evolution of neuropeptide genes in Cnidaria.

Results

We analyzed sixteen hydrozoan species with a sequenced genome or transcriptome, using a recently developed software program for discovering neuropeptide genes. These species belonged to various hydrozoan subclasses and orders, among them the laboratory models Hydra, Hydractinia, and Clytia. We found that each species contained three to five neuropeptide families. A common feature for all hydrozoans was that they contained genes coding for (i) X1PRX2amide peptides, (ii) GRFamide peptides, and (iii) GLWamide peptides. These results support our previous conclusions that these three neuropeptide families evolved early in evolution. In addition to these three neuropeptide families, hydrozoans expressed up to two other neuropeptide gene families, which, however, were only occurring in certain animal groups. Endocnidozoa (Myxozoa) are microscopically small endoparasites, which are strongly reduced. For long, it was unknown to which phylum these parasites belonged, but recently they have been associated with cnidarians. We analyzed nine endocnidozoan species and found that two of them (Polypodium hydriforme and Buddenbrockia plumatellae) expressed neuropeptide genes. These genes coded for neuropeptides belonging to the GRFamide and GLWamide families with structures closely resembling them from hydrozoans.

Conclusions

We found X1PRX2amide, GRFamide, and GLWamide peptides in all species belonging to the Hydrozoa, confirming that these peptides originated in the common cnidarian ancestor. In addition, we discovered GRFamide and GLWamide peptide genes in some members of the Endocnidozoa, thereby linking these parasites to Hydrozoa.
The absolute and relative changes in high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I are associated with the in-hospital mortality of patients with fulminant myocarditis
Authors: Liu Chao , Wang Zhongqin , Chen Kengquan , Cui Guanglin , Chen Chen , Wang Luyun , Jiang Jiangang
Published: November 2021

Background

We sought to describe the tendency and extent of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) changes in patients with fulminant myocarditis (FM) after admission and to explore the relationship between the in-hospital mortality of FM and the absolute and relative changes in hs-cTnI within 24 h and 48 h after admission.

Methods

In the retrospective study, the object are patients diagnosed with FM in our single centre. The value of cardiac troponin was recorded after patients admitted to hospital in succession. The absolute and relative changes in hs-cTnI within 24 h and 48 h were described as range distributions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Cox analyses were performed to determine the relationship between in-hospital mortality of FM and hs-cTnI changes.

Results

A total of 83 FM patients admitted to our centre from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2019 were included; 69 patients survived and 14 patients died. In the survival group, 78% of patients experienced a decline in hs-cTnI within 24 h, while 36% of the mortality group exhibited a declining tendency in hs-cTnI (P = 0.003). Nearly 60% of survival group had a 0–2000 ng/l reduction in troponin from baseline within 24 h of admission. However, troponin levels of 50% of patients in the mortality group were 0–10,000 ng/ L higher than baseline 24 h after admission. Multivariable logistic analysis revealed that the declining tendency of hs-cTnI within 24 h, in addition to time from onset to admittance to hospital, intravenous immunoglobulin treatment and the abnormal level of creatinine, were associated with the in-hospital mortality of FM (for the declining tendency of hs-cTnI within 24 h, OR = 0.10, 95% CI 0.02–0.68, P = 0.018). The ROC curve revealed optimal cut-off values of − 618 ng/l for absolute change within 24 h (AUC = 0.800, P < 0.01), − 4389 ng/l for absolute change within 48 h (area under the curve = 0.711, P < 0.01), − 28.46% for relative change within 24 h (AUC = 0.810, P < 0.01), and − 52.23% for relative change within 48 h (AUC = 0.795, P < 0.01). Absolute changes and relative changes in hs-cTnI within 24 h and 48 h were strong predictors of in-hospital mortality by Cox regression analysis after adjustment for sex, time from onset to admission, and occurrence of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.

Conclusion

Most FM patients who survived experienced a decline in hs-cTnI within 24 h. The absolute and relative changes in hs-cTnI within 24 h and 48 h were strong predictors of in-hospital mortality.
U-shaped relationship between platelet–lymphocyte ratio and postoperative in-hospital mortality in patients with type A acute aortic dissection
Authors: Xie Xi , Fu Xiangjie , Zhang Yawen , Huang Wanting , Huang Lingjin , Deng Ying , Yan Danyang , Yao Run , Li Ning
Published: November 2021

Background

The platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), a novel inflammatory marker, is generally associated with increased in-hospital mortality risk. We aimed to investigate the association between PLR and postoperative in-hospital mortality risk in patients with type A acute aortic dissection (AAAD).

Methods

Patients (n = 270) who underwent emergency surgery for AAAD at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between January 2014 and May 2019 were divided into three PLR-based tertiles. We used multiple regression analyses to evaluate the independent effect of PLR on in-hospital mortality, and smooth curve fitting and a segmented regression model with adjustment of confounding factors to analyze the threshold effect between PLR and in-hospital mortality risk.

Results

The overall postoperative in-hospital mortality was 13.33%. After adjusting for confounders, in-hospital mortality risk in the medium PLR tertile was the lowest (Odds ratio [OR] = 0.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.06–0.66). We observed a U-shaped relationship between PLR and in-hospital mortality risk after smoothing spline fitting was applied. When PLR < 108, the in-hospital mortality risk increased by 10% per unit decrease in PLR (OR = 0.90,P = 0.001). When the PLR was between 108 and 188, the mortality risk was the lowest (OR = 1.02,P = 0.288). When PLR > 188, the in-hospital mortality risk increased by 6% per unit increase in PLR (OR = 1.06,P = 0.045).

Conclusions

There was a U-shaped relationship between PLR and in-hospital mortality in patients with AAAD, with an optimal PLR range for the lowest in-hospital mortality risk of 108–188. PLR may be a useful preoperative prognostic tool for predicting in-hospital mortality risk in patients with AAAD and can ensure risk stratification and early treatment initiation.
A tick bite patient with fever and meningitis co-infected with Rickettsia raoultii and Tacheng tick virus 1: a case report
Authors: Zhang Yu , Jiang Liang , Yang Yicheng , Xie Songsong , Yuan Wumei , Wang Yuanzhi
Published: November 2021

Background

Increasing numbers of tick-borne pathogens are being discovered, including those that infect humans. However, reports on co-infections caused by two or more tick-borne pathogens are scarce.

Case presentation

A 38-year-old male farmer was bitten by a hard tick, presented with fever (37.7 °C), severe headache and ejection vomiting. Lumbar puncture was performed in the lateral decubitus. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was clear, and analysis showed severe increased pressure (320 mm H2O), mild leukocytosis (126.0 × 106/L, mononuclear cells accounting for 73%) and elevated total protein concentration (0.92 g/L). Bacterial cultures of CSF and blood were negative. The diagnosis of Rickettsia raoultii and Tacheng tick virus 1 (TcTV-1) co-infection was confirmed by amplifying four rickettsial genetic markers and the partial small (S) RNA segment of TcTV-1 from the patient’s blood. The patient gradually recovered after treatment with levofloxacin and ribavirin.

Conclusions

This is the first reported co-infection case with fever and meningitis caused by R. raoultii and TcTV-1. It is vital to screen for multiple pathogens in tick-bitten patients, especially in those with severe complex symptoms.
Spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage secondary to spinal rheumatoid vasculitis: a case report
Authors: Xiao Yeqing , Yang Jie , Xia Jian , Liu Yunhai , Huang Qing , Feng Jie
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage is extremely rare in cases of subarachnoid haemorrhage and possesses servere characteristics. Additionally, spinal rheumatoid vasculitis is rare for spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage. The pathogenesis is unknown.

Case presentation

A 52-year-old woman with a 10-year history of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis was managed with leflunomide and celecoxib, and stable low disease activity was achieved. The patient had also been diagnosed with spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage secondary to isolated spinal rheumatoid vasculitis and obtained good therapeutic effects.

Conclusion

This is the first case to describe spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage secondary to isolated spinal vasculitis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, which provides more proof of anomalous neovascularization in the central nervous system in rheumatoid arthritis.
Subjective global assessment of malnutrition and dysphagia effect on the clinical and Para-clinical outcomes in elderly ischemic stroke patients: a community-based study
Authors: Mahmoudinezhad Mahsa , Khalili Mohammad , Rezaeemanesh Nasim , Farhoudi Mehdi , Eskandarieh Sharareh
Published: November 2021

Background

Malnutrition as a result of insufficient intake or uptake of nutrition leads to increasing rate of chronic diseases such as stroke. Stroke is one of the most common causes of death in western countries and its increasing trend has attracted lots of attention. In this regard, it seems logical to focus on modifiable risk factors such as nutrition, in order to reduce the resulting complications. Accordingly, this study aimed at evaluating nutrition status of stroke patients to estimate its relationship with clinical outcomes of stroke.

Methods

In the present cross-sectional study, 349 patients were recruited. Nutrition assessment was performed using Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). In addition, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and biochemical tests were performed.

Results

Our findings elucidated a significant positive correlation of mRS with PG-SGA and consciousness score, as well as a negative correlation with BMI, calf circumference, mid-arm circumference, and triceps skinfold at admission time (P ≤ 0.002). Moreover, a direct correlation was found between mRS and PG-SGA and consciousness score at discharge time (P ≤ 0.001). In contrast, an inverse correlation was established between mRS and mid-arm circumference (P = 0.02). Furthermore, univariate analysis indicated significant associations between mRS ≥ 3 and age (OR: 1.02; 95%CI: 1.00–1.04), PG-SGA (OR: 1.08; 95%CI: 1.03–1.13), NIHSS (OR: 1.04; 95%CI: 1.02–1.07), dysphagia (OR: 1.69; 95%CI: 1.03–2.77), consciousness (OR: 1.48; 95%CI: 1.07–2.04), and mid-arm circumference (OR: 0.95; 95%CI: 0.90–1.00). In addition, these associations remained significant in multivariate analysis for PG-SGA (OR: 1.07; 95%CI: 1.00–1.13) and NIHSS (OR: 1.04; 95%CI: 1.01–1.07).

Conclusion

This study revealed a positive correlation between mRS and consciousness status and PG-SGA score, as well as a negative one between mRS and MAC at discharge time.
Prevalence and associated factors of caesarian section in Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis of the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic Health Survey
Authors: Hailegebreal Samuel , Gilano Girma , Seboka Binyam Tariku , Ahmed Mohammedjud Hassen , Simegn Atsedu Endale , Tesfa Getanew Aschalew , Yehualashet Delelegn Emwodew
Published: November 2021

Background

Caesarian section is a vital emergency obstetric intervention for saving the lives of mothers and newborns. However, factors which are responsible for caesarian section (CS) were not well established in the country level data. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of caesarian section in Ethiopia.

Methods

Data from the Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health survey 2019 were used to identify factors associated with the caesarian section in Ethiopia. We applied multi-level logistic regression and a p-value of <0.25 to include variables before modeling and a p-value<0.05 with 95% confidence interval (CI) for final results.

Result

The prevalence of caesarian section in Ethiopia was 5.44% (95% CI; 0.048-0.06) in2019. Women in age group of 30-39 and 40-49 years had a higher odd of caesarian section (AOR = 2.14, 95%CI = 1.55-2.94) and (AOR = 2, 95%CI = 1.20-3.97) respectively compared to women in age group of 15-29 years. Women with secondary and higher educational level had higher odds of caesarian section (AOR = 2.15, 95%CI = 1.38-3.34) and (AOR = 2.8, 95%CI = 1.73-4.53) compared to those in no education category. Compared to Orthodox, Muslims and Protestant religions had lower odds of caesarian section with AOR of 0.50 (0.34-0.73) and 0.53 (0.34-0.85). Having <2 births was also associated with the low caesarian section 0.61(0.52-1.22). Using modern contraceptive methods, having ANC visits of 1-3, 4th, 5 plus, and urban residence were associated with higher odds of caesarian section as 1.4 (1.05-1.80]), 2.2 (1.51-3.12), 1.7 (1.12-2.46), and 2.4 (1.65-3.44) 1.6(1.04-2.57) respectively.

Conclusion

Although evidence indicates that the caesarian deliveries increased both in developed and underdeveloped countries, the current magnitude of this service was very low in Ethiopia which might indicate missing opportunities that might costing lives of mothers and newborns. Women’s age, religion, educational status, parity, contraceptive method, and ANC visit were individual level factors influenced caesarian section. whereas, region and place of residence were community level factors affected caesarian section in the country. Depending on these factors, the country needs policy decisions for further national level interventions.
Primary breast lymphoma of childhood: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Restivo Giulia A. , Pillon Marta , Mussolin Lara , Mosa Clara , Guarina Angela , Trizzino Angela , Ialuna Salvatore , Carraro Elisa , D’Amore Emanuele S.G. , Russo Giovanna , Elia Caterina , Mascarin Maurizio , Zangara Adriana , D’Angelo Paolo , Farruggia Piero
Published: November 2021

Background

Primary breast lymphoma (PBL) is an extremely rare neoplasm in children; by definition, it manifests in the breast without evidence of lymphoma elsewhere, except ipsilateral axillary nodes.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 15-year-old girl diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the right breast: the patient received chemotherapy and rituximab, achieving complete remission. A literature review revealed other 11 cases of pediatric PBL; it mainly affects female adolescents and can involve right and left breast equally. Different histologic subtypes have been described, arising from both B-cell and T-cell. Therapeutic approaches were very different, from chemotherapy to local treatment with surgery and/or radiotherapy.

Conclusions

Our case is the first in which rituximab was administered, suggesting to be a promising therapy in B-cell PBL, as already demonstrated in pediatric B-cell lymphoma from other sites. Further investigations are needed to identify prognostic factors and establish the most effective treatment.
Effect of hope therapy on psychological well-being of women after abortion: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Raphi Fatemeh , Bani Soheila , Farvareshi Mahmoud , Hasanpour Shirin , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: November 2021

Background

Giving a healthy birth plays a vital role in a person’s personality development, but giving unhealthy birth and abortion can increase the risk of a range of mental disorders and psychological harms including reduced well-being and quality of life. Psychological interventions can reduce the problems of individuals, so the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of counseling with hope therapy on psychological well-being (primary outcome) and quality of life (secondary outcome) of women with an experience of abortion.

Method

This randomized controlled trial was conducted in Alzahra and Taleghani educational and medical centers in Tabriz, Iran, on 52 women aged 16 years and above whose pregnancies led to abortion in 2020–21. Participants were assigned to intervention and control groups using random blocking method. The intervention group received counseling with hope therapy approach in 8 sessions of 45 min twice a week. The psychological well-being and WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL) questionnaires were completed before the intervention and immediately and 4 weeks after the intervention. Independent t-test and repeated measures ANOVA were used to compare the outcomes in two groups.

Results

After the intervention based on the repeated measures ANOVA test and by adjusting the baseline score, the mean total score of psychological well-being in the counseling group was significantly higher than that in the control group (adjusted mean difference (AMD): 76.76; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 63.81 to 89.70; P < 0.001). Also, the mean total score of quality of life in the counseling group was significantly higher than in the control group (AMD: 7.93; 95% CI: 6.38 to 9.46; P < 0.001). The mean score of all sub-domains of psychological well-being and quality of life in the counseling group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Using hope therapy can improve the psychological well-being and quality of life of women after abortion. However, further clinical trials are required before making a definitive conclusion.

Trial registration

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20120718010324N60. Date of registration: 17 Dec 2020. Date of first registration: 20 Dec 2020.
Understanding urban inequalities in children’s linear growth outcomes: a trend and decomposition analysis of 39,049 children in Bangladesh (2000-2018)
Authors: Win Hayman , Wallenborn Jordyn , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Fink Günther
Published: November 2021

Background

Despite significant progress in reducing child undernutrition, Bangladesh remains among the top six countries globally with the largest burden of child stunting and has disproportionately high stunting prevalence among the urban poor. We use population representative data to identify key predictors of child stunting in Bangladesh and assess their contributions to linear growth differences observed between urban poor and non-poor children.

Methods

We combined six rounds of Demographic and Health Survey data spanning 2000-2018 and used official poverty rates to classify the urban population into poor and non-poor households. We identified key stunting determinants using stepwise selection method. Regression-decomposition was used to quantify contributions of these key determinants to poverty-based intra-urban differences in child linear growth status.

Results

Key stunting determinants identified in our study predicted 84% of the linear growth difference between urban poor and non-poor children. Child’s place of birth (27%), household wealth (22%), maternal education (18%), and maternal body mass index (11%) were the largest contributors to the intra-urban child linear growth gap. Difference in average height-for-age z score between urban poor and non-poor children declined by 0.31 standard deviations between 2000 and 2018. About one quarter of this observed decrease was explained by reduced differentials between urban poor and non-poor in levels of maternal education and maternal underweight status.

Conclusions

Although the intra-urban disparity in child linear growth status declined over the 2000-2018 period, socioeconomic gaps remain significant. Increased nutrition-sensitive programs and investments targeting the urban poor to improve girls’ education, household food security, and maternal and child health services could aid in further narrowing the remaining linear growth gap.
Effects of core stabilization exercise and strengthening exercise on proprioception, balance, muscle thickness and pain related outcomes in patients with subacute nonspecific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hlaing Su Su , Puntumetakul Rungthip , Khine Ei Ei , Boucaut Rose
Published: November 2021

Background

Therapeutic exercises are used in clinical practice for patients with low back pain (LBP). Core stabilization exercises can retrain the important function of local trunk muscles and increase the accuracy of the sensory integration process for stability of the spine in individuals with LBP. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two different exercise regimes, Core stabilization exercises (CSE) and Strengthening exercise (STE), on proprioception, balance, muscle thickness and pain-related outcomes in patients with subacute non-specific low back pain (NSLBP).

Methods

Thirty-six subacute NSLBP patients, [mean age, 34.78 ± 9.07 years; BMI, 24.03 ± 3.20 Kg/m2; and duration of current pain, 8.22 ± 1.61 weeks], were included in this study. They were randomly allocated into either CSE (n = 18) or STE groups (n = 18). Exercise training was given for 30 min, three times per week, for up to 4 weeks. Proprioception, standing balance, muscle thickness of transversus abdominis (TrA) and lumbar multifidus (LM), and pain-related outcomes, comprising pain, functional disability and fear of movement, were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention.

Results

The CSE group demonstrated significantly more improvement than the STE group after 4 weeks of intervention. Improvements were in: proprioception [mean difference (95% CI): − 0.295 (− 0.37 to − 0.2), effect size: 1.38, (p <  0.001)], balance: single leg standing with eyes open and eyes closed on both stable and unstable surfaces (p <  0.05), and percentage change of muscle thickness of TrA and LM (p <  0.01). Although both exercise groups gained relief from pain, the CSE group demonstrated greater reduction of functional disability [effect size: 0.61, (p <  0.05)] and fear of movement [effect size: 0.80, (p < 0.01)]. There were no significant adverse effects in either type of exercise program.

Conclusion

Despite both core stabilization and strengthening exercises reducing pain, core stabilization exercise is superior to strengthening exercise. It is effective in improving proprioception, balance, and percentage change of muscle thickness of TrA and LM, and reducing functional disability and fear of movement in patients with subacute NSLBP.

Trial registration

Thai Clinical Trial Registry (TCTR20180822001; August 21, 2018).
Postoperative alterations of sagittal cervical alignment and risk factors for cervical kyphosis in 124 Lenke 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients
Authors: Li Junyu , Deng Kaige , Tang Yanchao , Yang Zexi , Liu Xiaoguang , Liu Zhongjun , Wei Feng , Wu Fengliang , Zhou Hua , Li Yan , Wang Yongqiang , Li Weishi , Yu Miao
Published: November 2021

Background

This study aims to analyze postoperative changes of cervical sagittal curvature and to identify independent risk factors for cervical kyphosis in Lenke type 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients.

Methods

A total of 124 AIS patients who received all-pedicle-screw instrumentation were enrolled. All patients were followed up for at least 2 years. The following parameters were measured preoperatively, immediately after the operation, and at the last follow-up: pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), global thoracic kyphosis (GTK), proximal thoracic kyphosis (PrTK), T1-slope, cervical lordosis (CL), McGregor slope (McGS), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), C2–7 SVA (cSVA), and main thoracic angle (MTA). Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate postoperative alterations of and correlations between the parameters and to identify risk factors for cervical kyphosis. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

After the operation, PrTK and T1-slope significantly increased (3.01 ± 11.46, 3.8 ± 10.76, respectively), cervical lordosis improved with an insignificant increase (− 2.11 ± 13.47, P = 0.154), and MTA, SS, and LL decreased significantly (− 33.68 ± 15.35, − 2.98 ± 8.41, 2.82 ± 9.92, respectively). Intergroup comparison and logistic regression revealed that preoperative CK > 2.35° and immediate postoperative GTK < 27.15° were independent risk factors for final cervical kyphosis, and △T1-slope < 4.8° for a kyphotic trend.

Conclusions

Postoperative restoration of thoracic kyphosis, especially proximal thoracic kyphosis, and T1-slope play a central role in cervical sagittal compensation. Preoperative CK, postoperative small GTK, and insufficient △T1-slope are all independent risk factors for cervical decompensation.
Comparison of two different methods of establishment of canine urethroplasty model: an experimental trial
Authors: Zhai Jianpo , Zhao Danhui , Huang Guanglin , Man Libo , Yan Guoqiang , Wu Chengai
Published: November 2021

Background

Graft substitute urethroplasty is recommended for patients with long segment anterior urethral stricture. The therapeutic effects of the grafts need to be validated on the animal models. Therefore the aim of this study was to compared the operative time, blood loss, intra- and post- operative complications of two different methods of establishment of canine urethroplasty model.

Methods

Twelve Beagle dogs were randomly separated into control and experimental group using a random number table. Six animals in the control group received the conventional urethroplasty, while the other 6 in the experimental group received the modified procedures. Tube cystostomy and urethroplasty were performed in the control group. The cystostomy not the tube cystostomy were performed in the experimental group, and the testes were simultaneously removed with the scrotum. Per- and postoperative outcomes, complications were evaluated.

Results

The urethroplasty were successfully performed for all dogs and all of these procedures were done by the same surgeon. The median operative time in the control and experimental groups was 186.8 min and 188.7 min respectively. The blood loss in the control and experimental groups was 40.8 ml and 45.8 ml respectively. No intraoperative complications occurred. 3 animals in the control group developed acute urinary retention after the accidental removal of suprapubic bladder tube and the cystostomy was done again. There was no occurrence of urinary retention in the experimental group. 4 animals in the control group developed the perineal hematoma, in which one animal had the urine leakage and incision infection. Perineal hematoma occurred in only one animal in the experimental group.

Conclusion

The occurrence of urinary retention and perineal hematoma decreased in the modified group, in which the cystostomy not the tube cystostomy were performed and the testes with the scrotum were simultaneously removed.
Alterations of thyroid microbiota across different thyroid microhabitats in patients with thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Dai Daofeng , Yang Yan , Yang Yong , Dang Tianfeng , Xiao Jiansheng , Wang Weibin , Teng Lisong , Xu Juan , Ye Jing , Jiang Hongqun
Published: November 2021

Background

In recent years, the incidence rate of Thyroid carcinoma (TC) has been increasing worldwide. Thus, research on factors of TC carcinogenesis may promote TC prevention and decrease the incidence rate. There are several studies targeting the correlation between gut microbiota and thyroid disease. Carcinogenesis of several malignancies is influenced by microbiota. However, thyroid microbiome of TC has not been revealed. This study investigated thyroid microbiota in different TC microhabitats.

Methods

We performed 16s rRNA gene sequencing using tumor tissues and matched peritumor tissues from 30 patients with TC to characterize thyroid microbiota.

Results

The richness and diversity of thyroid microbiota were lower in TC tumor samples than in matched peritumor tissues. At the genus level, the core microbiota of thyroid included Sphingomonas, Comamonas, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Microvirgula, and Soonwooa. The abundance of Sphingomonas and Aeromonas was significantly increased in tumor tissues, while the abundance of Comamonas, Acinetobacter, and Peptostreptococcus was significantly enhanced in peritumor tissues. The combination of Comamonas and Sphingomonas could discriminate tumor samples from peritumor samples with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.981 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.949–1.000). The abundance of Sphingomonas was significantly higher in N1 stage than in N0 stage. Sphingomonas could distinguish between N0 and N1 stage with an AUC of 0.964 (95% CI 0.907–1.000).

Conclusions

The microbial diversity and composition were significantly different between peritumor and tumor microhabitats from patients with TC, which may eventually affect TC carcinogenesis and progression. The combination of Comamonas and Sphingomonas could serve as a powerful biomarker for discrimination between tumor and peritumor tissues. Furthermore, the higher abundance of Sphingomonas was correlated with lymph node metastasis, indicating that the abundance of Sphingomonas may indicate a poor prognosis for TC patients, and Sphingomonas may play a role in promoting TC progression.
Development of an acceptable indigenous food diet for Pedi children under five years in early childhood development centers in rural Limpopo, South Africa
Authors: Nepfumbada Gundo , Dzinamarira Tafadzwa , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani Phosa
Published: November 2021

Background

The use of indigenous food (IF) such as green leafy vegetables and fruits in rural communities has been the primary source of their diet despite being replaced by food high in sugar and fats. South Africans are over-reliant on maize and should diversify their diets to include more indigenous fruits and vegetables to improve nutrition. Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers positively influence healthy eating among children under five years. This study aimed for ECD stakeholders to co-create an IF diet for children under five in ECD centers.

Method

A sequential explanatory mixed-method design was employed. We conducted focus group discussions with stakeholders using the community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach and the nominal group technique ranking method to develop children's acceptable indigenous food diet. Data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. We employed a thematic approach to analyze data using a Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (intervention characteristics, inner setting, outer setting, individuals involved in implementation, and the implementation process. We used statistical analysis to analyze quantitative data collected through surveys.

Results

Participants developed an IF diet. Participants were six ECD stakeholders (ECD managers, social workers, and dieticians) aged 34-52. Participants identified and voted for Ditokomane, Oranges, Mabele soft porridge, Dithotse, and Dinawa as components of an IF that are suitable and acceptable for children under five years as an IF diet appropriate and adequate for children under five years ECD centers will implement.

Conclusion

Implementation of the developed IF diet can be considered an intervention towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition and sustainable agriculture. The study suggests that the IF diet could scale up the use of IF to fulfill dietary requirements for children under five years and preserve indigenous knowledge.
Application of the dual-factor model of mental health among Chinese new generation of migrant workers
Authors: Zhang Qingji , Lu Jinglin , Quan Peng
Published: November 2021

Background

Traditional models of mental health focus on psychopathological symptoms. In contrast, the dual-factor model of mental health integrates positive mental health and psychopathology into a mental health continuum, which is an adaptation and complement to the traditional mental health research paradigm. The new generation of migrant workers is an important part of current Chinese society. Their identity has created a sense of loneliness, rootlessness, and alienation. This paper validates the applicability of the dual-factor model of mental health among new generation migrant workers in China.

Methods

In this study, 600 new generation migrant workers were recruited and tested on the symptom checklist 90, satisfaction with life scale, perceived stress scale, employee engagement inventory. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were performed, the differences between the unidimensional model and dual-factor model were also tested.

Results

The results showed that the dual-factor model of the mental health approach had better construct validity than the unidimensional model. And four subgroups could be significantly discriminated by the dual-factor model: mentally healthy (58.45%), vulnerable (30.87%), symptomatic but content (3.11%), and troubled (7.57%). Compared to the other three groups, workers who were mentally healthy showed higher perceived work values and lower perceived work stress.

Conclusions

The study suggests that a dual-factor model of mental health can be applied to new generation migrant workers in China, with positive mental health and psychopathology being important predictors of mental health.
Evaluating antimicrobial prescribing in a Tertiary Healthcare Institution in Nigeria
Authors: Oli Angus Nnamdi , Onyeaso Nwanneka , Emencheta Stephen Chijioke , Ofomata Chijioke M. , Kretchy James-Paul , Okhamafe Augustine , Ele Grace N.
Published: November 2021

Background

Regular evaluation of antimicrobials prescriptions is important for optimal use.

Objective

This study determined the prescription patterns, class and costs of antimicrobials in the adult out-patient pharmacy of a Teaching Hospital in Nigeria.

Methods

A 1-year retrospective study from 1st January to 31st December 2018. The data, which included identification code, age, sex, antibiotics prescribed, number of antibiotics per prescription, number of medicines per prescription, dosage form, generic prescribing, drug on the essential drug list, and cost, were used in the analysis. The Chi-square test and Analysis of Variance were used to compare our data with the WHO–developed antimicrobial prescription Guidelines for Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical and Defined Daily Dose assignment of 2019.

Results

From 450 patient records, significantly more females (70%) were prescribed with antimicrobials (P = 0.0038). The prescription pattern showed that antimicrobials selection by class was significantly different (P < 0.0001) (top three being Amino-penicillin > Nitroimidazoles > Fluoroquinolone). In addition, age differed significantly (P < 0.0001) with 46–50 as the highest class. Dosage forms profile showed that the percentage of encounter with injections prescribed (1.8%) was less than WHO recommendation (13.4–24.1%). Most of the prescriptions (84.22%) were from the Essential Drug List. The average cost of prescriptions with two antimicrobials was the highest ($14.0807), then three ($10.7949), and one ($6.39858). The average number of drugs per prescription that had one (4.28), two (4.46), and three (5.55) antimicrobials, respectively, were more than double the average (2) recommended by WHO.

Conclusion

The study showed that most of the patterns are within limit, however, highlights the need for frequent evaluation.
Promises and challenges of Blockchain in education
Authors: Park Jae
Published: November 2021

Blockchain is arguably the next technology-mediated socioeconomic mega trend after the ongoing era of Net Neutrality and Big Data. This theoretical paper explores blockchain technology and its impacts on education. It is argued that we cannot take for granted that the network neutrality, popularized accessibility of the Internet and its influence on education will remain as we know it today. Blockchain promises, among others, a greater control over financing and investing in education, implementing instructional projects, a certification/accreditation system and learning. Education blockchain with its distributed ledgers would set novel standards of crypto-learning and crypto-administration that are acceptable across organizations and nations, enhancing thus the objectivity, validity and control of information without being compromised by socio-economic instabilities. The slow rate of adoption of blockchain technology in education reflects the rate in the fields of finance and management but, at the same time, it poses a few critical challenges such as lacking tangible incentives for technology maintenance or ‘blockchain mining’ (inward sustainability) coupled with a rather feeble orientation to collective development of education (outward sustainability).