bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing the Progression of Patellofemoral Articular Cartilage Damage After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Huang Hui , Li Zhengzhao , Luo Shishi , Zheng Jiaxuan , Zhou Gang , Wang Guangji
Published: July 2022

Background:

Although anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) can restore the stability and function of the knee joint, patellofemoral joint cartilage damage still progresses. Currently, the clinically important factors that lead to the progression of patellofemoral articular cartilage damage are not fully understood.

Purpose:

To investigate the factors that affect the progression of patellofemoral articular cartilage damage after ACLR.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Among 160 patients who underwent ACLR between January 2015 and December 2019, the authors evaluated 129 patients for at least 1 year after surgery. Within 1 week before ACLR and at the last follow-up, patients underwent subjective functional assessment and magnetic resonance imaging evaluations of articular cartilage damage (modified Outerbridge assessment). At the last follow-up, the side-to-side difference on KT-2000 arthrometer and bilateral quadriceps muscle strength were measured. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results:

The mean follow-up was 24.69 ± 10.74 months. Progression of patellar cartilage damage from preoperatively to final follow-up was seen in 45 patients ( P < .001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the follow-up period ( P = .047; odds radio (OR) = 0.953) (improvement of patellar cartilage damage with longer follow-up), partial lateral meniscal resection ( P = .004; OR = 6.929), partial medial meniscal resection ( P = .004; OR = 6.032), and quadriceps muscle strength <80% of the contralateral side ( P = .001; OR = 4.745) were risk factors for the progression of patellar cartilage damage.

Conclusion:

Cartilage damage at the patellofemoral joint, especially the patellar cartilage, still progresses after ACLR. At a mean follow-up of 24.69 months after ACLR, partial meniscal resection and quadriceps femoris muscle strength were found to be the main risk factors for the progression of patellofemoral articular cartilage damage after ACLR.
The Role of Adult Literacy in Community Development in Ghana: Perceptions and Experiences of Two Rural Communities
Authors: Nkansah Theophilus
Published: July 2022

This article reports the findings of a research that explored the role of adult literacy in community development. The research sought to contribute to literacy scholarship by providing empirical evidence on the age-long debate on the role of adult literacy in community development. The research was framed by two theories—literacy as social practice and people-centred development—that provided the lens with which the data was collected, analysed and interpreted. The qualitative case study design was used to enable the collection of data in a natural setting and understand the focus of the research from the perspectives of the research participants. The findings suggest that adult literacy may not necessarily lead to community development. The article concludes that no matter how effectively adult literacy classes are organised, without community-based, people-led, self-reliant development, some people will insist that the government takes responsibility for development even with the small things they can do themselves.
Detection of cell markers from single cell RNA-seq with sc2marker
Authors: Li Ronghui , Banjanin Bella , Schneider Rebekka K. , Costa Ivan G.
Published: July 2022

Background

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) allows the detection of rare cell types in complex tissues. The detection of markers for rare cell types is useful for further biological analysis of, for example, flow cytometry and imaging data sets for either physical isolation or spatial characterization of these cells. However, only a few computational approaches consider the problem of selecting specific marker genes from scRNA-seq data.

Results

Here, we propose sc2marker, which is based on the maximum margin index and a database of proteins with antibodies, to select markers for flow cytometry or imaging. We evaluated the performances of sc2marker and competing methods in ranking known markers in scRNA-seq data of immune and stromal cells. The results showed that sc2marker performed better than the competing methods in accuracy, while having a competitive running time.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the ftsH protein family and its response to abiotic stress in Nicotiana tabacum L
Authors: Pu Tianxiunan , Mo Zejun , Su Long , Yang Jing , Wan Ke , Wang Linqi , Liu Renxiang , Liu Yang
Published: July 2022

Background

The filamentous temperature-sensitive H protease (ftsH) gene family plays an important role in plant growth and development. FtsH proteins belong to the AAA protease family. Studies have shown that it is a key gene for plant chloroplast development and photosynthesis regulation. In addition, the ftsH gene is also involved in plant response to stress. At present, the research and analysis of the ftsH gene family are conducted in microorganisms such as Escherichia coli and Oenococcus and various plants such as Arabidopsis, pear, rice, and corn. However, analysis reports on ftsH genes from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), an important model plant, are still lacking. Since ftsH genes regulate plant growth and development, it has become necessary to systematically study this gene in an economically important plant like tobacco.

Results

This is the first study to analyze the ftsH gene from Nicotiana tabacum L. K326 (NtftsH). We identified 20 ftsH genes from the whole genome sequence, renamed them according to their chromosomal locations, and divided them into eight subfamilies. These 20 NtftsH genes were unevenly distributed across the 24 chromosomes. We found four pairs of fragment duplications. We further investigated the collinearity between these genes and related genes in five other species. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis identified differential expression patterns of NtftsH in different tissues and under various abiotic stress conditions.

Conclusions

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the NtftsH gene family. The exon–intron structure and motif composition are highly similar in NtftsH genes that belong to the same evolutionary tree branch. Homology analysis and phylogenetic comparison of ftsH genes from several different plants provide valuable clues for studying the evolutionary characteristics of NtftsH genes. The NtftsH genes play important roles in plant growth and development, revealed by their expression levels in different tissues as well as under different stress conditions. Gene expression and phylogenetic analyses will provide the basis for the functional analysis of NtftsH genes. These results provide a valuable resource for a better understanding of the biological role of the ftsH genes in the tobacco plant.
Transcriptome analysis and characterization of genes associated to leaf tannin content in foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.]
Authors: Li Suying , Cui Yanjiao , Liu Dan , Zhao Zilong , Zhang Jing , Liu Zhengli
Published: July 2022

Background

Chinese chestnut is an economically important tree species whose yield and quality are seriously affected by red spider attack. Tannins is one of the most important class secondary metabolites in plants, and is closely associated with plant defense mechanisms against insect and herbivory. In our previous studies, it was revealed that several low-tannin foxtail millet varieties growing under the Chinese chestnut trees could attract red spiders to feed on their leaves and protect the chestnut trees from the infestation of red spiders, meanwhile, the growth and yield of foxtail millet plants themselves were not greatly affected.

Results

To identify genes related to leaf tannin content and selection of foxtail millet germplasm resources with low tannin content for interplanting with Chinese chestnut and preventing the red spider attack, the leaves of 4 varieties with different levels of tannin content were harvested for comparative transcriptome analysis. In total, 335 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. For acquisition of gene functions and biological pathways they involved in, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed, and several DEGs were found to possibly participate in the tannins biosynthesis pathway and transport processes of precursors. In addition, according to the PlantTFDB database, some transcription factors were predicted among the DEGs, suggesting their role in regulation of tannins biosynthesis pathway.

Conclusion

Our results provide valuable gene resources for understanding the biosynthesis and regulation mechanisms of tannins in foxtail millet, and pave the way for speeding up the breeding of low-tannin varieties through marker-assisted selection, which could be utilized for interplanting with Chinese chestnut trees to confer protection against red spider attack.
Phylogenetic analysis and comparative genomics of SARS-CoV-2 from survivor and non-survivor COVID-19 patients in Cordoba, Argentina
Authors: Olivero Nadia B. , Gonzalez-Reiche Ana S. , Re Viviana E. , Castro Gonzalo M. , Pisano María B. , Sicilia Paola , Barbas María G. , Khan Zenab , van de Guchte Adriana , Dutta Jayeeta , Cortes Paulo R. , Hernandez-Morfa Mirelys , Zappia Victoria E. , Ortiz Lucia , Geiger Ginger , Rajao Daniela , Perez Daniel R. , van Bakel Harm , Echenique Jose
Published: July 2022

Background

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. To better understand the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 early in the pandemic in the Province of Cordoba, Argentina, we performed a comparative genomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 strains detected in survivors and non-survivors of COVID-19. We also carried out an epidemiological study to find a possible association between the symptoms and comorbidities of these patients with their clinical outcomes.

Results

A representative sampling was performed in different cities in the Province of Cordoba. Ten and nine complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes were obtained by next-generation sequencing of nasopharyngeal specimens from non-survivors and survivors, respectively. Phylogenetic and phylodynamic analyses revealed multiple introductions of the most common lineages in South America, including B.1, B.1.1.1, B.1.499, and N.3. Fifty-six mutations were identified, with 14% of those in common between the non-survivor and survivor groups. Specific SARS-CoV-2 mutations for survivors constituted 25% whereas for non-survivors they were 41% of the repertoire, indicating partial selectivity. The non-survivors’ variants showed higher diversity in 9 genes, with a majority in Nsp3, while the survivors’ variants were detected in 5 genes, with a higher incidence in the Spike protein. At least one comorbidity was present in 60% of non-survivor patients and 33% of survivors. Age 75–85 years (p = 0.018) and hospitalization (p = 0.019) were associated with non-survivor patients. Related to the most common symptoms, the prevalence of fever was similar in both groups, while dyspnea was more frequent among non-survivors and cough among survivors.

Conclusions

This study describes the association of clinical characteristics with the clinical outcomes of survivors and non-survivors of COVID-19 patients, and the specific mutations found in the genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 in each patient group. Future research on the functional characterization of novel mutations should be performed to understand the role of these variations in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and COVID-19 disease outcomes. These results add new genomic data to better understand the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 variants that spread in Argentina during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Risk factors associated with reintubations in children undergoing foreign body removal using flexible bronchoscopy: a single-center retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Su-Jing , Gu Hong-Bin , Zhou Min , Lin Min-Yi , Zhang Long-Xin , Chen Xiu-Ying , Lu Guo-Lin
Published: July 2022

Background

Reintubation is a severe complication during foreign body (FB) removal that uses flexible bronchoscopy.

Objective

To investigate the incidence and risk factors for reintubations in children undergoing FB extraction by flexible bronchoscopy in a single center.

Design

A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting

All children with foreign body aspiration at Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from January 2015 to December 2020.

Patients

Children with FB removal using a flexible bronchoscopy were enrolled in the trial according to the inclusion criteria.

Measurements

Both multivariable and logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the association between characteristic data and reintubations. The results were presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

In total, 244 patients met with the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Among those participants, 28 children (11.5%) underwent reintubations after FB removal by flexible bronchoscopy. Independent factors associated with reintubations were identified as operative time ≥ 60 min [OR: 3.68, 95% CI (1.64–8.82)] and ASA ≥ III [OR: 5.7, 95% CI (1.23–26.4)].

Conclusions

Children undergoing FB removal by a flexible bronchoscopy may encounter with a high incidence of postoperative reintubations. Both long operative duration and a severe physical status cause a growing risk of reintubations.
Fecal microbiota transplantation in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a single-center prospective study in Japan
Authors: Hamazaki Motonobu , Sawada Tsunaki , Yamamura Takeshi , Maeda Keiko , Mizutani Yasuyuki , Ishikawa Eri , Furune Satoshi , Yamamoto Kenta , Ishikawa Takuya , Kakushima Naomi , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Ohno Eizaburo , Honda Takashi , Kawashima Hiroki , Ishigami Masatoshi , Nakamura Masanao , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: July 2022

Background

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a potential treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but its efficacy in Japanese IBS patients is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, side effects, and microbiome changes following FMT in Japanese IBS patients.

Methods

Seventeen Japanese patients with refractory IBS received FMT (4 donors) under colonoscopy. Responders were defined by an improvement in the IBS severity index (IBS-SI) of 50 points or more after 12 weeks. We evaluated the IBS-SI and Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) and compared the diversity and microbiome before and 12 weeks after FMT. For the microbiome, we analyzed the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene.

Results

IBS-SI decreased an average of 115.58 points after 12 weeks, and 10 patients (58.8%) were considered responders. Eight patients with diarrhea (66.7%) and three patients with constipation (60.0%) showed improvement in the BSFS. Two patients complained of mild abdominal pain, but there were no cases with severe side-effects. α-diversity was increased only in the responder group (p = 0.017). Patients who closely paralleled the donor microbiome had a higher rate of IBS-SI improvement. The relative abundance of Neisseria and Akkermansia increased and Desulfovibrio and Delftia were decreased in the responder group after FMT.

Conclusions

Following FMT, about 60% of Japanese patients with IBS showed improvement in both the IBS-SI and BSFS, without severe side effects. Increased α-diversity and similarity to the donor microbiome after FMT may be associated with better treatment effects.

Trial registration: This study was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registration (UMIN000026363). Registered 31 May 2017, https://rctportal.niph.go.jp/s/detail/um?trial_id=UMIN000026363. The study was registered prospectively.
Pharmacist-led medication reconciliation at patient discharge: a tool to reduce healthcare utilization? an observational study in patients 65 years or older
Authors: Bajeux Emma , Alix Lilian , Cornée Lucie , Barbazan Camille , Mercerolle Marion , Howlett Jennifer , Cruveilhier Vincent , Liné-Iehl Charlotte , Cador Bérangère , Jego Patrick , Gicquel Vincent , Schweyer François-Xavier , Marie Vanessa , Hamonic Stéphanie , Josselin Jean-Michel , Somme Dominique , Hue Benoit
Published: July 2022

Background

Older patients often experience adverse drug events (ADEs) after discharge that may lead to unplanned readmission. Medication Reconciliation (MR) reduces medication errors that lead to ADEs, but results on healthcare utilization are still controversial. This study aimed to assess the effect of MR at discharge (MRd) provided to patients aged over 65 on their unplanned rehospitalization within 30 days and on both patients’ experience of discharge and their knowledge of their medication.

Methods

An observational multicenter prospective study was conducted in 5 hospitals in Brittany, France.

Results

Patients who received both MR on admission (MRa) and MRd did not have significantly fewer deaths, unplanned rehospitalizations and/or emergency visits related to ADEs (OR = 1.6 [0.7 to 3.6]) or whatever the cause (p = 0.960) 30 days after discharge than patients receiving MRa alone. However, patients receiving both MRa and MRd were more likely to feel that their discharge from the hospital was well organized (p = 0.003) and reported more frequently that their community pharmacist received information about their hospital stay (p = 0.036).

Conclusions

This study found no effect of MRd on healthcare utilization 30 days after discharge in patients over 65, but the process improved patients’ experiences of care continuity. Further studies are needed to better understand this positive impact on their drug care pathway in order to improve patients’ ownership of their drugs, which is still insufficient. Improving both the interview step between pharmacist and patient before discharge and the transmission of information from the hospital to primary care professionals is needed to enhance MR effectiveness.

Trial registration

NCT04018781 July 15, 2019.
Evaluating the feasibility of a remote-based training program supported by information and communications technology in the older adults living at home
Authors: Oba Koji , Kagiwada Yusuke , Kamada Masamitsu , Miki Ryusuke , Kondo Yuta , Kamakura Tadashi , Yamagami Takeshi , Fujita Tomomi , Tsuchida Yasuhiro
Published: July 2022

Background

Exercise has been one of the key strategies for preventing frailty. While training programs for preventing frailty have been mainly developed in person, which have now become difficult to perform due to the coronavirus disease pandemic. It would be worthwhile to explore a feasibility of methods for a remote-based training with information and communications technology (ICT) in the pre-frail/robust older adults living at home.

Methods

We assessed the feasibility of a remote-based training with ICT device in terms of 1) a measurement accuracy and 2) whether it could be used for remote-based training of different intensities. To evaluate a measurement accuracy of the ICT device, we evaluated an inter-rater reliability between a true score and scores obtaining from the ICT device in 20 participants aged 65 years and older. Intraclass correlation was calculated. To evaluate a feasibility of remote-based training interventions of different intensities, we did a parallel, randomized, active controlled trial. Participants aged 65 years or older were randomly allocated to the two 3-month intervention programs with different intensity of exercise with the ICT (i.e., an Exercise-Intensive program and a Light-load exercise program). The primary outcome was 3-month scores of the 30-s chair-stand test (CS-30), which was compared between two groups using mixed models for repeated measures to account for within-person correlations.

Results

The ICT device showed a high intraclass correlation of over 0.99 for all outcomes including CS-30. Between Aug and Oct 2020, 70 participants (36 and 34 in the Exercise-Intensive and Light-load exercise programs, respectively) were randomized. After 3 months of intervention, CS-30 scores and other physical function improved in both groups. Difference in the 3-month CS-30 scores between two programs was found to be 0.08 (95% confidence interval: − 2.64, 2.79; p = 0.955), which was not statistically significant. No harmful incidents, such as falls, occurred in either group.

Conclusion

We showed a remote-based training with ICT device in the older adults living at home was feasible. Further studies are warranted to determine what kind of remote exercise intervention programs is more effective for maintaining a physical performance and, beyond that, preventing frailty.

Trial registration number

UMIN000041616 (05/09/2020) https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&action=brows&recptno=R000047504&type=summary&language=E
Early graft loss due to acute thrombotic microangiopathy accompanied by complement gene variants in living-related kidney transplantation: case series report
Authors: Wu Qianqian , Tian Xiaohui , Gong Nianqiao , Zheng Jin , Liang Dandan , Li Xue , Lu Xia , Xue Wujun , Tian Puxun , Wen Jiqiu
Published: July 2022

Background

Recently, early graft loss has become very rare in living-related kidney transplantation (LKT) as a result of decreased risk of hyperacute rejection and improvements in immunosuppressive regimens. Post-transplant acute thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a rare, multi-factorial disease that often occurs shortly after kidney transplantation and is usually resistant to treatment with dismal renal outcomes. The complement genetic variants may accelerate the development of TMA. However, the complement genetic test was seldom performed in unknown native kidney disease recipients scheduled for LKT.

Case presentation

We reported three cases of unknown native kidney diseases who had fulminant TMA in the allograft shortly after LKT. Both the donors and the recipients were noted to carry complement genetic variants, which were identified by genetic testing after transplantation. However, all recipients were refractory to treatment and had allograft loss within 3 months after LKT.

Conclusion

This case series highlights the suggestion to screen complement gene variants in both the donors and the recipients with unknown native kidney diseases scheduled for LKT.
Multiple N-of-1 trials to investigate hypoxia therapy in Parkinson’s disease: study rationale and protocol
Authors: Janssen Daalen Jules M. , Meinders Marjan J. , Giardina Federica , Roes Kit C. B. , Stunnenberg Bas C. , Mathur Soania , Ainslie Philip N. , Thijssen Dick H. J. , Bloem Bastiaan R.
Published: July 2022

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease, for which no disease-modifying therapies exist. Preclinical and clinical evidence suggest that hypoxia-based therapy might have short- and long-term benefits in PD. We present the contours of the first study to assess the safety, feasibility and physiological and symptomatic impact of hypoxia-based therapy in individuals with PD.

Methods/Design

In 20 individuals with PD, we will investigate the safety, tolerability and short-term symptomatic efficacy of continuous and intermittent hypoxia using individual, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled N-of-1 trials. This design allows for dose finding and for including more individualized outcomes, as each individual serves as its own control. A wide range of exploratory outcomes is deployed, including the Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating scale (MDS-UPDRS) part III, Timed Up & Go Test, Mini Balance Evaluation Systems (MiniBES) test and wrist accelerometry. Also, self-reported impression of overall symptoms, motor and non-motor symptoms and urge to take dopaminergic medication will be assessed on a 10-point Likert scale. As part of a hypothesis-generating part of the study, we also deploy several exploratory outcomes to probe possible underlying mechanisms of action, including cortisol, erythropoietin and platelet-derived growth factor β. Efficacy will be assessed primarily by a Bayesian analysis.

Discussion

This evaluation of hypoxia therapy could provide insight in novel pathways that may be pursued for PD treatment. This trial also serves as a proof of concept for deploying an N-of-1 design and for including individualized outcomes in PD research, as a basis for personalized treatment approaches.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05214287 (registered January 28, 2022).
Long-term outcomes of edaravone in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in South Korea: 72-week observational study
Authors: Park Jin-Mo , Park Donghwi , Kim Hyung-Jun , Park Jin-Sung
Published: July 2022

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the gradual loss of upper and lower motor neurons that leads to progressive muscle atrophy and weakness. Edaravone, a free-radical scavenger, was approved as an ALS treatment in 2015 in South Korea.

Methods

This study investigated the long-term effects and safety of edaravone by reviewing the medical records of 16 Korean patients with ALS who received extended edaravone between 2015 and 2021 in a single tertiary ALS center.

Results

Among sixteen patients, eleven patients underwent extended edaravone therapy for more than 18 cycles (72 weeks). The mean monthly changes in the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) were − 0.96 ± 0.83 (0–24 weeks), − 0.70 ± 0.76 (24–48 weeks), − 1.18 ± 1.67 (48–72 weeks), and − 0.81 ± 0.60 (0–72 weeks). The mean decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) was 17.4 ± 24.1. The changes were significant in both ALSFRS-R (p < 0.001) and FVC (p = 0.048); however, the mean change in compound muscle action potential of phrenic nerves was not. Patients experienced only minor adverse events, which were well tolerated.

Conclusions

This study verifies previous reported outcomes of edaravone in 16 Korean ALS patients, indicating a modest effect with a favorable safety profile.
Rare spontaneous monochorionic dizygotic twins: a case report and a systematic review
Authors: Trombetta Giulia , Fabbro Dora , Demori Eliana , Driul Lorenza , Damante Giuseppe , Xodo Serena
Published: July 2022

Background

Monochorionic dizygotic twins are a rare condition, mostly related to assisted reproductive technology. This type of twinning is burdened by the same risk of pregnancy complications found in monochorionic monozygotic pregnancies.

Case presentation

We report a case of spontaneous monochorionic dizygotic twins sharing situs inversus abdominalis and isolated levocardia, with only one twin affected by biliary atresia with splenic malformation syndrome. We also conducted a literature review of the 14 available documented monochorionic dizygotic twin gestations spontaneously conceived.

Conclusions

It is still unclear how this unusual type of twinning can occur in spontaneous conception. The evidence so far suggest the importance to timely diagnose the chorionicity, in order to adequately manage the typical complications associated with monochorionicity.
Adolescent experience of radically open dialectical behaviour therapy: a qualitative study
Authors: Baudinet Julian , Watson Charlotte , Brothwood Phillipa Louise , Parham Rhian , Smith Lindsay , Snowden Natasha , Konstantellou Anna , Hunt Katrina , Simic Mima
Published: July 2022

Background

Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO DBT) is a novel transdiagnostic treatment that targets ‘maladaptive overcontrol’; a transdiagnostic cluster of traits associated with excessive emotional and behavioural inhibitory control. Outcomes are promising for adults with a range of psychiatric disorders. No study to date has explored the adolescent experience of RO DBT.

Methods

Of the 25 eligible adolescents who received RO DBT between March 2015 and April 2017, 15 (14–17 years) consented and completed a semi-structured interview about their experience of treatment within 1 month of discharge. Interviews were recorded and then transcribed manually. Free text responses were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

The majority (n = 13) had a primary diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, although comorbidity was the norm, with 80.0% having two or more predicted comorbid psychiatric diagnoses. All had received some prior psychological treatment. Four themes were identified from analysis of transcripts: 1) Broadening Horizons, 2) Building Connections, 3) Flexibility, 4) Information Overload. Generally, RO DBT was perceived as helpful in both content and process. The focus on social and broader well-being, rather than specific mental health symptoms, was considered beneficial by many. Adolescents appreciated the group-based format of skills classes and reported benefiting from learning and practicing skills each week. The fourth theme, Information Overload, highlighted that for some, the amount of content felt overwhelming and that it was hard to remember and digest all the information, suggesting that adaptations, or simplifications, may be required to ensure accessibility for adolescents.

Conclusions

RO DBT is perceived as a relevant and beneficial new treatment for adolescents with maladaptive overcontrol. The broad treatment focus is perceived as unique and of particular benefit. It is reported to help with general and social functioning and foster cognitive and behavioural flexibility. Nevertheless, the amount and complexity of material was felt to be very large by some and may suggest the need for modified adolescent-specific materials.
Application of theories of the policy process in research on consumption of sustainable diets: a systematic review
Authors: Green Celia , Carey Gemma , Joyce Andrew
Published: July 2022

Background

There is a significant global lack of policy action on consumption of sustainable diets. Application of political science theories such as theories of the policy process can help in understanding policy inaction. Applying these theories could provide a more in-depth understanding of how various influences on the policy process shape decision making for consumption of sustainable diet policy.

Methods

A systematic review to examine application of eight key political science theories of the policy process to research on consumption of sustainable diets was conducted.

Results

The review identified no papers applying a theory of the policy process although 17 papers did mention or discuss influences on the policy process that are common elements within theories of the policy process. Most notably these elements were the influence of coalitions/networks, evidence use, narratives and framing, institutional and political system factors, and the importance of value and belief systems and socio-cultural norms. However, in most papers these influences were not examined in a detailed or in-depth way and often presented as suggestions for lack of policy action without the support of empirical data or application of any theory.

Conclusions

Most research discussing policy inaction on the consumption of sustainable diets fails to utilise political science theories of the policy process, although a small number of papers include mention of or discussion of influences on the policy process. Application of political science theories could provide a more in-depth understanding of how different determinants might shape decision making at various points in the policy process. This could help identify key reasons for policy inaction on the consumption of sustainable diets and suggest possible ways to increase attention and action on the issue from policy decision makers.
The association between different outcome measures and prognostic factors in patients with neck pain: a cohort study
Authors: Myhrvold Birgitte Lawaetz , Kongsted Alice , Irgens Pernille , Robinson Hilde Stendal , Vøllestad Nina K
Published: July 2022

Background

Health domains like pain, disability, and health-related quality of life are commonly used outcomes for musculoskeletal disorders. Most prognostic studies include only one outcome, and it is unknown if prognostic factors and models may be generic across different outcomes. The objectives of this study were to examine the correlation among commonly used outcomes for neck pain (pain intensity, disability, and health-related quality of life) and to explore how the predictive performance of a prognostic model differs across commonly used outcomes.

Methods

We conducted an observational prospective cohort study with data from patients with neck pain aged 18–84 years consulting Norwegian chiropractors. We used three different outcomes: pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and health-related quality of Life (EQ-5D). We assessed associations between change in outcome scores at 12-weeks follow-up with Pearson’s correlation coefficient. We used multivariable linear regression models to explore differences in explained variance and relationship between predictors and outcomes.

Results

The study sample included 1313 patients and 941 (72%) completed follow-up at 12 weeks. The strongest correlation was between NDI and EQ-5D (r = 0.57) while the weakest correlation was between EQ-5D and pain intensity (r = 0.39). The correlation between NDI and pain intensity was moderate (r = 0.53) In the final regression models, the explained variance ranged from adjusted R2 of 0.26 to 0.60, highest with NDI and lowest with pain intensity as outcome. The predictive contributions of the included predictors were similar across outcomes. Among the investigated predictors, pain patterns and the baseline measure of the corresponding outcome measure contributed the most to explained variance across all outcomes.

Conclusions

The highest correlation was found between NDI and EQ-5D and the lowest with pain intensity. The same prognostic model showed highest predictive performance with NDI as outcome and poorest with pain intensity as outcome. These results suggest that we need more knowledge on the reasons for the differences in predictive performance variation across outcomes.
Effects of alternating heat and cold stimulation at different cooling rates using a wearable thermo device on shoulder muscle stiffness: a cross-over study
Authors: Sawada Tomonori , Okawara Hiroki , Nakashima Daisuke , Iwabuchi Shuhei , Matsumoto Morio , Nakamura Masaya , Nagura Takeo
Published: July 2022

Background

A small, wearable thermo device that uses Peltier elements for programmed heat and cold stimulation has been developed recently and is expected to be applied in conventional contrast bath therapy. This study was aimed to examine improvements in trapezius muscle hardness and subjective symptoms resulting from alternating heat and cold stimulation, with different rates of cooling.

Methods

This cross-over study included four conditions. Twenty healthy young male individuals (age, 22.3 ± 4.5 years) participated in this study. These four interventions targeted the unilateral trapezius muscle of the dominant arm after a 15-min typing task. Specifically, heat and cold stimulations were applied at different ratios (the heating/cooling rate of 3:1, 3:2, and 3:3) or not applied. Each intervention was separated by at least one week. Skin temperature at the stimulation area was recorded using a data logger. Outcome measures included muscle hardness (measured using a portable tester) and subjective symptoms (muscle stiffness and fatigue). Each item was assessed at three time points: baseline, after typing, and after the intervention.

Results

Two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures found an interaction effect for muscle hardness between four conditions (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, and no) and three time points (p < 0.05). Only in the 3:1 condition were the post-intervention values lower than those after typing (p < 0.01). There was also an interaction effect for subjective muscle stiffness (p < 0.05); the values after the intervention in the 3:1 condition were lower than those after intervention in the no stimulation condition (p < 0.01). There was no significant relationship between changes in muscle hardness and changes in subjective symptoms in the 3:1 condition.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that alternating heat and cold stimulations with a different cooling rate could affect the degree of improvement in muscle hardness and subjective symptoms. In particular, the 3:1 condition has the possibility to improved muscle hardness within the condition and subjective muscle stiffness between conditions.

Trial registration

UMIN000040620. Registered 1 June 2020, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000046359
Effect of chitosan and curcumin nanoparticles against skeletal muscle fibrosis at early regenerative stage of glycerol-injured rat muscles
Authors: Mahdy Mohamed A. A. , Akl Mohamed A. , Madkour Fatma A.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Chitosan and curcumin are natural products that have a wide range of beneficial effects including wound healing. However, their high molecular weight and poor water solubility limit their applications.

Aims

Therefore, the current study aims to evaluate the effects of chitosan (Cs) and curcumin (Cn) nanoparticles (NPs) on fibrosis and regeneration of glycerol-injured muscle.

Methods

Muscle injury was induced by intramuscular injection of glycerol into the tibialis anterior muscle of rats. Cs-NPs and Cn-NPs were administered at different doses intraperitoneally after injury. Injured muscles were collected at day 7 after injury, and muscle fibrosis and regeneration were assessed.

Results

The present results revealed that Cs-NPs and Cn-NPs treatment significantly decreased fibrosis index and increased the average myotube diameter with shifting of the distribution of myotube diameters towards larger diameters in a dose-dependent manner. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that Cs-NPs and Cn-NPs treatment significantly decreased the number of CD-68+ cells and Col-1+ area. Results showed that Cn-NPs had a higher protective effect, in the form of attenuating muscle fibrosis and inflammation, and enhancing muscle regeneration, than that of Cs-NPs.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study to document the effects of Cs-NPs in injured muscles. The results of study might be a novel approach to attenuate muscle fibrosis in humans using curcumin and chitosan nanoparticles.
Oleic acid based experimental evolution of Bacillus megaterium yielding an enhanced P450 BM3 variant
Authors: Vincent Thierry , Gaillet Bruno , Garnier Alain
Published: July 2022

Background

Unlike most other P450 cytochrome monooxygenases, CYP102A1 from Bacillus megaterium (BM3) is both soluble and fused to its redox partner forming a single polypeptide chain. Like other monooxygenases, it can catalyze the insertion of oxygen unto the carbon-hydrogen bond which can result in a wide variety of commercially relevant products for pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries. However, the instability of the enzyme holds back the implementation of a BM3-based biocatalytic industrial processes due to the important enzyme cost it would prompt.

Results

In this work, we sought to enhance BM3’s total specific product output by using experimental evolution, an approach not yet reported to improve this enzyme. By exploiting B. megaterium’s own oleic acid metabolism, we pressed the evolution of a new variant of BM3, harbouring 34 new amino acid substitutions. The resulting variant, dubbed DE, increased the conversion of the substrate 10-pNCA to its product p-nitrophenolate 1.23 and 1.76-fold when using respectively NADPH or NADH as a cofactor, compared to wild type BM3.

Conclusions

This new DE variant, showed increased organic cosolvent tolerance, increased product output and increased versatility in the use of either nicotinamide cofactors NADPH and NADH. Experimental evolution can be used to evolve or to create libraries of evolved BM3 variants with increased productivity and cosolvent tolerance. Such libraries could in turn be used in bioinformatics to further evolve BM3 more precisely. The experimental evolution results also supports the hypothesis which surmises that one of the roles of BM3 in Bacillus megaterium is to protect it from exogenous unsaturated fatty acids by breaking them down.
Mobile health applications: awareness, attitudes, and practices among medical students in Malaysia
Authors: Jembai Julian Valerie John , Wong Yi Lin Charlene , Bakhtiar Nur Alia Muhammad Amir , Lazim Siti Nursuraya Md , Ling Hwei Sung , Kuan Pei Xuan , Chua Pin Fen
Published: July 2022

Background

The popularity of mobile health (mHealth) applications (or apps) in the field of health and medical education is rapidly increasing, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to assess awareness, attitudes, practices, and factors associated with the mHealth app usage among medical students.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving medical students at a government university in Sarawak, Malaysia, from February to April 2021. Validated questionnaires were administered to all consenting students. These questionnaires included questions on basic demographic information as well as awareness, attitude toward, and practices with mHealth apps concerned with medical education, health and fitness, and COVID-19 management.

Results

Respondents had favorable attitudes toward mHealth apps (medical education [61.8%], health and fitness [76.3%], and COVID-19 management [82.7%]). Respondents’ mean attitude scores were four out of five for all three app categories. However, respondents used COVID-19 management apps more frequently (73.5%) than those for medical education (35.7%) and fitness (39.0%). Usage of all three app categories was significantly associated with the respondent’s awareness and attitude. Respondents in the top 20% in term of household income and study duration were more likely to use medical education apps. The number of respondents who used COVID-19 apps was higher in the top 20% household income group than in the other income groups. The most common barrier to the use of apps was uncertainty regarding the most suitable apps to choose.

Conclusion

Our study highlighted a discrepancy between awareness of mHealth apps and positive attitudes toward them and their use. Recognition of barriers to using mHealth apps by relevant authorities may be necessary to increase the usage of these apps.
Genetic variants in CYP11B1 influence the susceptibility to coronary heart disease
Authors: Huang Xiaoli , Cheng Yimin , Wang Na
Published: July 2022

Background

Genetic factors are important risk factors to develop coronary heart disease (CHD). In this study, we mainly explored whether CYP11B1 mutations influence CHD risk among Chinese Han population.

Methods

Six variants were genotyped using Agena MassARRAY system from 509 CHD patients and 509 healthy controls. The correlations between CYP11B1 mutations and CHD risk were assessed using odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) by logistic regression. The haplotype analysis and were ultifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) were conducted.

Results

In the overall analysis, CYP11B1 polymorphisms were not correlated with CHD susceptibility. In the stratified analysis, we found that rs5283, rs6410, and rs4534 are significantly associated with susceptibility to CHD dependent on age and gender (p < 0.05). Moreover, we also observed that rs5283 and rs4534 could affect diabetes/hypertension risk among CHD patients (p < 0.05). In addition, the Crs4736312Ars5017238Crs5301Grs5283Trs6410Crs4534 haplotype of CYP11B1 reduce the susceptibility to CHD (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

We found that rs4534, rs6410 and rs5283 in CYP11B1 gene influence the susceptibility to CHD, which depend on age and gender.
Air pollution enhance the progression of restrictive lung function impairment and diffusion capacity reduction: an elderly cohort study
Authors: Chen Chi-Hsien , Wu Chih-Da , Lee Ya Ling , Lee Kang-Yun , Lin Wen-Yi , Yeh Jih-I , Chen Hsing-Chun , Guo Yue-Liang Leon
Published: July 2022

Background

Some evidences have shown the association between air pollution exposure and the development of interstitial lung diseases. However, the effect of air pollution on the progression of restrictive ventilatory impairment and diffusion capacity reduction is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of long-term exposure to ambient air pollution on the change rates of total lung capacity, residual volume, and diffusion capacity among the elderly.

Methods

From 2016 to 2018, single-breath helium dilution with the diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide was performed once per year on 543 elderly individuals. Monthly concentrations of ambient fine particulate matters (PM2.5) and nitric dioxide (NO2) at the individual residential address were estimated using a hybrid Kriging/Land-use regression model. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate the association between long-term (12 months) exposure to air pollution and lung function with adjustment for potential covariates, including basic characteristics, indoor air pollution (second-hand smoke, cooking fume, and incense burning), physician diagnosed diseases (asthma and chronic airway diseases), dusty job history, and short-term (lag one month) air pollution exposure.

Results

An interquartile range (5.37 ppb) increase in long-term exposure to NO2 was associated with an additional rate of decline in total lung volume (− 1.8% per year, 95% CI: − 2.8 to − 0.9%), residual volume (− 3.3% per year, 95% CI: − 5.0 to − 1.6%), ratio of residual volume to total lung volume (− 1.6% per year, 95% CI: − 2.6 to − 0.5%), and diffusion capacity (− 1.1% per year, 95% CI: − 2.0 to − 0.2%). There is no effect on the transfer factor (ratio of diffusion capacity to alveolar volume). The effect of NO2 remained robust after adjustment for PM2.5 exposure.

Conclusions

Long-term exposure to ambient NO2 is associated with an accelerated decline in static lung volume and diffusion capacity in the elderly. NO2 related air pollution may be a risk factor for restrictive lung disorders.