bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of socio-economic and demographic factors to the trend of adequate dietary diversity intake among children (6–23 months): evidence from a cross-sectional survey in India
Authors: Bhati Divya , Tripathy Abhipsa , Mishra Prem Shankar , Srivastava Shobhit
Published: December 2022

Background

The present study aims to estimate the factors contributing to the change adequate diversified dietary intake (ADDI) from 2005–06 to 2015–16 among children aged 6–23 months in India.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a large representative survey data. Data from the National Family Health Survey 2005–06 and 2015–16 was used. The effective sample size for the present study was 14,422 and 74,132 children aged 6–23 months in 2005–06 and 2015–16, respectively.

The outcome variable was minimum adequate dietary diversity intake. Binary logistic regression was used to evaluate the factors associated with ADDI. Additionally, the Fairlie method of decomposition was used, which allows quantifying the total contribution of factors explaining the decadal change in the probability of ADDI among children aged 6–23 months in India.

Results

There was a significant increase in ADDI from 2005–06 to 2015–16 (6.2%; p < 0.001). Additionally, compared to the 2005–06 years, children were more likely to have ADDI [AOR; 1.29, CI: 1.22–1.35] in 2015–16. Mother's education explained nearly one-fourth of the ADDI change among children. Further, the regional level contribution of 62.3% showed that the gap was widening across regions between the year 2005–06 and 2015–16 in ADDI among children. The child's age explained 5.2% with a positive sign that means it widened the gaps. Whereas the household wealth quintile negatively contributed and explained by -5.2%, that means between the years the gaps has reduced in ADDI among children aged 6–23 months.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that increasing awareness of the use of mass media and improving the education levels of mothers would be beneficial for adequate dietary diversity intake among children aged 6–23 months. Investments should support interventions to improve overall infant and young children feeding practices in India.
The association between dietary amino acids and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease among Tehranian adults: a case-control study
Authors: Mokhtari Ebrahim , Ahmadirad Hamid , Teymoori Farshad , Mohammadebrahim Azadeh , Bahrololomi Samaneh Sadat , Mirmiran Parvin
Published: December 2022

Background

Amino acids (AAs) are important bioactive components in the diet that can be involved in various underlying biological processes that contribute to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The present study investigates the association between dietary intake of amino acids and NAFLD in Iranian adults.

Methods

This study was conducted among 225 newly diagnosed cases of NAFLD and 450 controls. A valid and reliable 168-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect participants’ dietary intakes. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between tertiles of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), aromatic amino acids (AAAs), and sulfuric amino acids (SAAs) intake with the odds of NAFLD among the study participants.

Results

The mean ± standard deviation of age and BMI of participants (53% male) were 38.1 ± 8.8 years and 26.8 ± 4.3 kg/m2, respectively. In the final models, the OR and 95% CI of NAFLD among participants in the highest tertiles of BCAAs, AAAs, and SAAs intake compared with those in the lowest tertiles were (OR = 2.82; 95% CI: 1.50–5.30), (OR = 2.82; 95% CI: 1.50–5.30), (OR = 2.86; 95% CI: 1.49–5.48), respectively.

Conclusion

Our study indicated a direct association between the intake of AAs groups, including BCAAs, AAAs, SAAs, and the odds of NAFLD. We suggest that other researchers examine the association between AAs groups and NAFLD in large cohort studies.
Anesthetic management with remimazolam in a patient with Child-Pugh C liver cirrhosis: a case report
Authors: Uchida Satoshi , Takekawa Daiki , Hashiba Eiji , Kudo Reiko , Hirota Kazuyoshi
Published: December 2022

Background

Remimazolam is a new ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine, and its sedative effect is prolonged in patients with hepatic impairment. This is the first report of remimazolam anesthesia in a patient with Child-Pugh C liver cirrhosis.

Case presentation

A 52-year-old female was diagnosed with tongue cancer and scheduled for partial glossectomy. Preoperative examinations revealed Child-Pugh C liver cirrhosis, but the pathogenesis was unknown. We scheduled remimazolam anesthesia because it would stabilize her intraoperative circulation. We managed with a much lower-than-normal dose of remimazolam; even so, the patient required flumazenil to regain consciousness. She was admitted to the intensive care unit, but her consciousness remained clear even after the effect of flumazenil had worn off.

Conclusion

We experienced anesthetic management with remimazolam in a patient with Child-Pugh C liver cirrhosis. Even conservative use of remimazolam in patients with severe hepatic dysfunction may result in emergence times that are delayed longer than expected.
Risk factors for early seizure after revascularization in patients with moyamoya disease
Authors: Niu Hongchuan , Tan Cunxin , Jin Kehan , Duan Ran , Shi Guangchao , Wang Rong
Published: December 2022

Background

To investigate the risk factors for early seizure after revascularization in patients with moyamoya disease (MMD).

Methods

A total of 298 patients with MMD diagnosed in our hospital from 2015 to 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. We summarized the characteristics of seizure after revascularization in patients with MMD and analyzed the predictors of early postoperative seizure.

Results

We identified 15 patients with MMD who developed seizures within 1 week after revascularization. According to logistic regression analysis, age (OR: 1.04, 95% CI 0.998–1.086; P = 0.060) and infarct side (OR: 1.92, 95% CI 0.856–4.290; P = 0.113) were not significantly associated with incident early seizure. Postoperative infarction (OR: 12.89, 95% CI 4.198–39.525; P = 0.000) and preoperative cerebral infarction (OR: 4.08, 95% CI 1.267–13.119; P = 0.018) were confirmed as risk factors for early seizure.

Conclusions

We believe that a history of preoperative infarction and new infarction are independent risk factors of early seizure in patients with MMD after revascularization.
On the proposed role of metacognition in environment learning: recommendations for research
Authors: Mason Lauren A. , Thomas Ayanna K. , Taylor Holly A.
Published: December 2022

Metacognition plays a role in environment learning (EL). When navigating, we monitor environment information to judge our likelihood to remember our way, and we engage in control by using tools to prevent getting lost. Yet, the relationship between metacognition and EL is understudied. In this paper, we examine the possibility of leveraging metacognition to support EL. However, traditional metacognitive theories and methodologies were not developed with EL in mind. Here, we use traditional metacognitive theories and approaches as a foundation for a new examination of metacognition in EL. We highlight three critical considerations about EL. Namely: (1) EL is a complex process that unfolds sequentially and is thereby enriched with multiple different types of cues, (2) EL is inherently driven by a series of ecologically relevant motivations and constraints, and (3) monitoring and control interact to support EL. In doing so, we describe how task demands and learning motivations inherent to EL should shape how metacognition is explored. With these considerations, we provide three methodological recommendations for investigating metacognition during EL. Specifically, researchers should: (1) instantiate EL goals to impact learning, metacognition, and retrieval processes, (2) prompt learners to make frequent metacognitive judgments and consider metacognitive accuracy as a primary performance metric, and (3) incorporate insights from both transfer appropriate processing and monitoring hypotheses when designing EL assessments. In summary, to effectively investigate how metacognition impacts EL, both ecological and methodological considerations need to be weighed.
How does technology challenge teacher education?
Authors: Kaminskienė Lina , Järvelä Sanna , Lehtinen Erno
Published: December 2022

The paper presents an overview of challenges and demands related to teachers’ digital skills and technology integration into educational content and processes. The paper raises a debate how technologies have created new skills gaps in pre-service and in-service teacher training and how that affected traditional forms of teacher education. Accordingly, it is discussed what interventions might be applicable to different contexts to address these challenges. It is argued that technologies should be viewed both as the field where new competences should be developed and at the same time as the method used in developing learning environments for teacher students.
System-level performance measures of access to rheumatology care: a population-based retrospective study of trends over time and the impact of regional rheumatologist supply in Ontario, Canada, 2002–2019
Authors: Barber Claire E. H. , Lacaille Diane , Croxford Ruth , Barnabe Cheryl , Marshall Deborah A. , Abrahamowicz Michal , Xie Hui , Avina-Zubieta J. Antonio , Esdaile John M. , Hazlewood Glen , Faris Peter , Katz Steven , MacMullan Paul , Mosher Dianne , Widdifield Jessica
Published: December 2022

Objective

To determine whether there were improvements in rheumatology care for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) between 2002 and 2019 in Ontario, Canada, and to evaluate the impact of rheumatologist regional supply on access.

Methods

We conducted a population-based retrospective study of all individuals diagnosed with RA between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2019. Performance measures evaluated were: (i) percentage of RA patients seen by a rheumatologist within one year of diagnosis; and (ii) percentage of individuals with RA aged 66 years and older (whose prescription drugs are publicly funded) dispensed a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) within 30 days after initial rheumatologist visit. Logistic regression was used to assess whether performance improved over time and whether the improvements differed by rheumatology supply, dichotomized as < 1 rheumatologist per 75,000 adults versus ≥1 per 75,000.

Results

Among 112,494 incident RA patients, 84% saw a rheumatologist within one year: The percentage increased over time (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2019 vs. 2002 = 1.43, p < 0.0001) and was consistently higher in regions with higher rheumatologist supply (OR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.67–1.80). Among seniors who were seen by a rheumatologist within 1 year of their diagnosis the likelihood of timely DMARD treatment was lower among individuals residing in regions with higher rheumatologist supply (OR = 0.90 95% CI 0.83–0.97). These trends persisted after adjusting for other covariates.

Conclusion

While access to rheumatologists and treatment improved over time, shortcomings remain, particularly for DMARD use. Patients residing in regions with higher rheumatology supply were more likely to access care but less likely to receive timely treatment.
The impact of normal serum complement levels on the disease classification and clinical characteristics in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Takamatsu Ryota , Shimojima Yasuhiro , Kishida Dai , Ichikawa Takanori , Sekijima Yoshiki
Published: December 2022

Background

Some patients have normal levels of complement during the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), although decreased serum levels of complement are a hallmark of the active phase of the disease. This study investigated the clinical characteristics, impact on the classification of SLE, and the prognosis of patients with SLE who had normal serum complement levels at initial diagnosis (N-com).

Methods

We evaluated 21 patients with N-com and 96 patients with hypocomplementemia at the initial diagnosis of SLE (H-com). The classification rates among the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1997, Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) 2012, European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)/ACR 2019 criteria, and clinical and immunological involvements were compared between SLE patients with N-com and H-com. Relapse and organ damage based on the SLICC/ACR damage index were also evaluated.

Results

The classification rates of SLE were not significantly different in the ACR, SLICC, and EULAR/ACR criteria between the N-com and H-com groups. Patients with N-com had no significant differences in the classification rates among the three criteria, whereas patients with H-com had lower classification rates in the ACR criteria than in the SLICC criteria. A lower incidence of renal manifestation, less positivity for anti-dsDNA antibody, and a higher incidence of fever were observed in patients with N-com than in those with H-com. The occurrence of relapse and organ damage was not significantly different between patients with N-com and H-com.

Conclusion

Patients with N-com were less involved in renal manifestation and anti-dsDNA antibody positivity but had a higher incidence of fever than those with H-com, while having no disadvantage in SLE classification processes. Serum complement levels at the initial diagnosis of SLE may not predict prognosis.
An estimation of the velocity profile for the laminar-turbulent transition in the plane jet on the basis of the theory of stochastic equations and equivalence of measures
Authors: Dmitrenko Artur V. , Selivanov A. S.
Published: December 2022

The theory of stochastic equations and the theory of equivalence of measures previously applied to flows in the boundary layer and in the pipe are considered to calculate the velocity profile of the flat jet. This theory previously made it possible to determine the critical Reynolds number and the critical point for the flow of the plane jet. Here based on these results the analytical dependence for the index of the velocity profile is derived. Velocity profiles are calculated for a laminar-turbulent transition in the jet. This formula reliably reflects an increase of the energy transferred from a deterministic state to a random one with an increase of the index of the velocity profile. Results show satisfactory agreement with the known experimental data for the velocity profile of the flat jet. Using obtained results it is possible to determine the location of technical devices for laminarization of the flow in the jet. This is important both for reducing friction in the flow around aerodynamic vehicles and for maintaining the jet profile if it is necessary to ensure the stability of the flow characteristics. Also the obtained relations can be useful for researching of the processes in combustion chambers, in the case of welding and in other technical devices.
Consanguinity and childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: a case-control study
Authors: Kakaje Ameer , Alhalabi Mohammad Marwan , Ghareeb Ayham , Karam Bahjat , Mansour Bassam , Zahra Bayan , Hamdan Othman
Published: December 2022

Background

Consanguineous marriage is widely practised across the world. Its effect on acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is controversial as both parents share some of the genes which might increase the incidence of sharing recessive genes. However, other theories suggest that consanguinity might have a protective factor as it does for other types of cancers. This study aims to study childhood ALL and consanguinity.

Methods

This is a case-control study, conducted in the major paediatric hospital in Damascus, Syria, using medical records. Case group included children with ALL, while control group included other patients and were matched by gender and age.

Results

This study comprised 386 patients, 193 of which were cases. Overall, 136 were of consanguineous marriages (36.8%), and there was no difference in consanguinity overall between cases and controls. However, when only comparing non-consanguineous parents and fourth-degree consanguinity, fourth degree was significantly higher among case group, suggesting a negative correlation OR = 0.387 (0.187–0.801) in contrast to third-degree consanguinity which was no significantly different when comparing the two groups (p > 0.05). We found no significant association between ALL and having a family history of cancer (p > 0.05) or between parents’ educational level and case-control groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our research suggests a negative association between fourth-degree consanguinity and childhood leukaemia. This was not observed with a third-degree consanguinity. Previous studies had contradicting data on consanguinity and ALL which demonstrates the need for further research.
Anesthetic management and the role of TEE in the entrapment of a paradoxical embolus by a patent foramen ovale
Authors: Davis Jevaughn S , Zvara Jessica , Parr K. Gage
Published: December 2022

Background

A paradoxical embolism arises when a venous thrombus passes through a cardiac right to left shunt and enters the arterial circulation. This can manifest as cardiovascular ischemia, cerebrovascular insults, increased right ventricular pressure, and/or volume overload leading to signs and symptoms of heart failure. While rare, paradoxical emboli carry high mortality and morbidity if diagnosis is missed and/or treatment is delayed. Transesophageal echocardiography can be diagnostic. Initial treatment revolves around anticoagulation and/or thrombolysis to prevent clot propagation. However, for clots in transit, emergent surgical removal is often necessary. Anesthetic induction can be tricky given the potential for rapid deterioration and the need to avoid increased right sided pressures and further clot migration.

Case presentation

In this report, we present a 72-year-old obese female with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, gout, and diabetes found to have a paradoxical embolism caught in transit, trapped in a patent foramen ovale, and managed surgically. We describe the role of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in successfully treating this patient.

Conclusions

TEE plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of paradoxical PE. It can detect right and left heart thrombi and intracardiac shunts
, can help in the successful closure of intracardiac shunts, and can impact intraoperative surgical decision making.
A perfect storm: acute portal vein thrombosis in a patient with severe dengue and hemorrhagic manifestations—a case report
Authors: Gonzalez Carlos Eduardo Ruiz , Villamizar Juan Daniel Criado , León Yuderleys Masías , García Diego Fernando García , Hurtado Katherine Tatiana Centeno
Published: December 2022

Background

Dengue constitutes a public health problem in endemic regions. The clinical course can range from asymptomatic to severe expressions. Hemorrhagic manifestations are the most frequently reported complications; on the contrary, thrombotic complications are unusual.

Clinical case

We present the case of an adult patient who presented hemodynamic instability, severe thrombocytopenia, and positive serology for dengue, in whom acute portal vein thrombosis was documented. The possible pathophysiology of thrombocytopenia and thrombosis in dengue is discussed, as well as the dilemmas regarding the treatment of associated hemorrhagic and thrombotic manifestations.

Conclusions

The present case brings up the importance of considering the possibility of thrombotic events in patients with severe dengue. A high degree of suspicion, close assessment of hemostatic function, and quality supportive care are essential to improve outcomes. To our knowledge, this is the first report of dengue-associated portal vein thrombosis.
Evaluation of CEP55, SERPINE1 and SMPD3 genes and proteins as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in gastric carcinoma in Egyptian patients
Authors: Abdel-Tawab Marwa Sayed , Fouad Hanan , Yehia Ismaeel Ahmed , Tammam Ahmed Abd-Eltawab , Fahmy Alzhraa M. , Shaaban Saeed , Abdel-Salam Soha Mahmoud , Elazeem Naglaa Adly Abd
Published: December 2022

Background

Gastric carcinoma (GC) is a fatal disease. Detection of new biomarkers that can be utilized in the early diagnosis of GC is a pressing need. This present study assessed centrosomal protein-55 (CEP55)’ serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1) and sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 3 (SMPD3) genes and proteins in gastric adenocarcinoma with different tumor progression features. Thirty surgically resected gastric tissue samples from thirty patients suffered from gastric cancers were obtained. The gastric tissue samples were divided into tumorous (with different stages and grades) and adjacent non-tumorous samples. CEP55, SERPINE1 and SMPD3 genes were assessed by quantitative qRT-PCR, and their proteins were assessed by ELISA in the gastric tissue samples.

Results

As regards SERPINE1, CEP55 genes and proteins, results revealed significant elevations in the GC samples (p < 0.0001). On the contrary, SMPD3 gene and protein revealed significant decreases as compared to non-tumorous samples. The studied genes and proteins showed highly significant specificity and sensitivity in the early detection of GC. SERPINE1 gene and protein revealed highly significant increases and positive correlations, while SMPD3 gene and protein revealed highly significant decreases and negative correlations as the tumor progresses.

Conclusion

CEP55, SERPINE1 and SMPD3 genes and proteins could be used as useful biomarkers for the early detection of GC. SERPINE1 and SMPD3 genes and proteins might be used as risk and protective prognostic factors in GC, respectively.
Seismoelectric waves generated by a point source in horizontally stratified vertical transversely isotropic porous media
Authors: Cheng Qianli , Gao Yongxin , Zhou Guanqun , Chen Chieh-Hung , Wang Dongdong , Yao Cheng
Published: December 2022

We study seismoelectric waves due to the electrokinetic effect in vertical transversely isotropic (VTI) media. An analytical method is presented for solving 3D seismoelectric waves generated by a point source and numerical simulations are conducted to investigate the characteristics of the seismoelectric waves. The results indicate that three types of seismoelectric signals can be observed, namely, a direct electromagnetic (EM) wave radiated by a seismic source, coseismic electric/magnetic fields accompanying seismic waves (including qP, qSV, and SH waves), and an EM wave converted at an interface from a seismic wave (i.e., the interface seismoelectric response). The seismoelectric signals in a VTI medium have some specific properties different from those in an isotropic medium. For example, a qP wave has a coseismic magnetic response, whereas in an isotropic medium a P wave cannot generate any coseismic magnetic field. All the qP, qSV, and SH waves have a direction dependent or anisotropic ability to generate coseismic electric and magnetic fields. The qP wave has the strongest ability to generate the electric field, 1–3 orders stronger than the qSV and SH waves. The qSV and SH waves have a comparable ability to generate the magnetic field, one order stronger than the qP wave. The results also indicate that the anisotropy in velocity, permeability, and conductivity has great impacts on the interface response. Simulations of an earthquake source demonstrate that the coseismic electric fields are dominated by the qP, qSV, and Rayleigh waves, whereas the coseismic magnetic fields are dominated by the SH and Love waves.
Contemporary Biological Insights and Clinical Management of Craniopharyngioma
Authors: Apps John Richard , Muller Hermann Lothar , Hankinson Todd Cameron , Yock Torunn Ingrid , Martinez-Barbera Juan Pedro
Published: December 2022

Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are clinically aggressive tumors because of their invasive behavior and recalcitrant tendency to recur after therapy. There are 2 types based on their distinct histology and molecular features: the papillary craniopharyngioma (PCP), which is associated with BRAF-V600E mutations and the adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP), characterized by mutations in CTNNB1 (encoding β-catenin). Patients with craniopharyngioma show symptoms linked to the location of the tumor close to the optic pathways, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland, such as increased intracranial pressure, endocrine deficiencies, and visual defects. Treatment is not specific and mostly noncurative, and frequently includes surgery, which may achieve gross total or partial resection, followed by radiotherapy. In cystic tumors, frequent drainage is often required and intracystic instillation of drugs has been used to help manage cyst refilling. More recently targeted therapies have been used, particularly in PCP, but also now in ACP and clinical trials are underway or in development. Although patient survival is high, the consequences of the tumor and its treatment can lead to severe comorbidities resulting in poor quality of life, in particular for those patients who bear tumors with hypothalamic involvement. Accordingly, in these patients at risk for the development of a hypothalamic syndrome, hypothalamus-sparing treatment strategies such as limited resection followed by irradiation are recommended. In this review, we provide an update on various aspects of CP, with emphasis on recent advances in the understanding of tumor pathogenesis, clinical consequences, management, and therapies.
Longitudinal Sedentary Time and Symptoms in Breast Cancer Patients during Chemotherapy Using Ecological Momentary Assessment
Authors: WELCH WHITNEY A. , SOLK PAYTON , AUSTER-GUSSMAN LISA , WHITAKER MADELYN , SIDDIQUE JUNED , FANNING JASON , MISHORY ABBY , KHAN SEEMA , SANTA-MARIA CESAR , KULKARNI SWATI , PHILLIPS SIOBHAN M.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To examine the relationship between daily fluctuations in symptoms and sedentary behavior (SB) during chemotherapy (CT) for breast cancer.

Methods

Breast cancer patients (N = 68, Mage
= 48.5 ± 10.4 yr) undergoing CT wore an activity monitor on their hip to assess daily SB and completed prompts assessing symptoms (affect, anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, and physical and cognitive functioning) for 10 consecutive days (3 d pre-CT, day of, and 6 d post-CT) at the beginning, middle and end cycles of CT. Mixed models assessed the bidirectional between-person (BP) and within-person (WP) associations of current day symptoms with minutes of SB measured on 1) the same day and 2) the next day, controlling for relevant covariates.

Results

Within person same-day results revealed a significant association between affect, anxiety, fatigue, physical functioning, pain, and cognitive functioning and same-day SB. Worse than average symptom ratings on a given day were associated with more SB that day. There was a significant WP relationship between previous-day anxiety, depression, and physical function and next-day SB (i.e., worse than average symptom ratings the previous day were associated with more SB the next day). Within person same-day results revealed a significant association between same-day SB and affect, anxiety, fatigue, pain, physical functioning, and cognitive functioning. The WP relationships were significant for previous-day SB and next-day affect and pain (i.e., higher than average SB associated with lower ratings). Relationships persisted when controlling for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. There were no significant BP results.

Conclusions

Higher symptom ratings were associated with increased SB and higher SB was associated with worse symptoms. Future work should identify SB reduction intervention approaches tailoring to daily symptom burden during CT for breast cancer.
DNMT1 inhibition by pUG-fold quadruplex RNA
Authors: Jansson-Fritzberg Linnea I. , Sousa Camila I. , Smallegan Michael J. , Song Jessica J. , Gooding Anne R. , Kasinath Vignesh , Rinn John L. , Cech Thomas R.
Published: December 2022

Aberrant DNA methylation is one of the earliest hallmarks of cancer. DNMT1 is responsible for methylating newly replicated DNA, but the precise regulation of DNMT1 to ensure faithful DNA methylation remains poorly understood. A link between RNA and chromatin-associated proteins has recently emerged, and several studies have shown that DNMT1 can be regulated by a variety of RNAs. In this study, we have confirmed that human DNMT1 indeed interacts with multiple RNAs, including its own nuclear mRNA. Unexpectedly, we found that DNMT1 exhibits a strong and specific affinity for GU-rich RNAs that form a pUG-fold, a noncanonical G-quadruplex. We find that pUG-fold-capable RNAs inhibit DNMT1 activity by inhibiting binding of hemimethylated DNA, and we additionally provide evidence for multiple RNA binding modes with DNMT1. Together, our data indicate that a human chromatin-associated protein binds to and is regulated by pUG-fold RNA.
Black Rice Extract Induced Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest on Human Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Hartati Fadjar Kurnia , A Andryanto
Published: December 2022

The purpose of the research is to evaluate the anti-cancer outcomes of aqueous black rice (BR) extract on human cancer cell lines; HeLa, T47D, and U2OS. To begin the investigation, the total phenol and flavonoid content of the BR extract was determined. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the extract was determined using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. The cell viability, apoptosis and cell cycle on several human cancer cells were determined after BR extract administration in several doses (BR1; 100 mg/ml, BR2; 200 mg/ml, BR3; 300 mg/ml, BR4; 400 mg/ml, and BR5; 500 mg/ml) using flow cytometry analysis. According to the analysis, the extract had total phenol and flavonoid content are 66.42 mg/g and 11.12 mg/g, respectively. Based on the assay of DPPH (53.19 µg/ml), FRAP (49.86 mg/g), and TAC (96.70 mg/g), BR extract showed strong antioxidant activity. This study also revealed that BR extract significantly reduced human cancer cell lines viability and selectively (shown to have no effect on PBMC cells) (p<0.05) especially BR5 group (500 g/mL) . The administration of BR extract was most responsive to induce apoptosis in T47D cells, up to 93.64 % in BR5 close to cisplatin-induced apoptosis effect, compared to HeLa and U2OS cells. The study also found BR extract induced the cell (HeLa, T47D, and U2OS) to arrest or in the phase G0/G1. Hence, BR extract was a food-based cancer treatment with a promising effect to inhibit cancer cell growth and progression.
Determinants of Healthy Food Consumption and the Effect of Saudi Food Related Policies on the Adult Saudi Population, a National Descriptive Assessment 2019
Authors: M. Sabur Ahmed , A Alsharief Lina , A. Amer Samar
Published: December 2022

Saudi Arabia (SA) is a country with an advanced nutritional transition, so this study aims to measure the prevalence of healthy food consumption and its context, and to study the effect of Saudi Arabia's policies on the pattern of food consumption among inhabitants in SA. Through an online self-administered and validated questionnaire, the cross-sectional study recruited 590 randomly chosen adult Saudis who were stratified to represent the 20 health regions in KSA. Ethical approval was obtained for this work. The relevant tests were used to code and analyze the collected data. Of the 590 participants, 50.2% were males, with a mean ± SD age of 35.6±10.52 year.43.2% of the participants did not meet the Ministry of Health recommendation in any food group, while only 1.53% consumed the recommended amounts of all food groups. 47.8% of the participants did not perform any physical activity. 34.7% of participants prefer healthy food, 18.8% prefer unhealthy food, and 46.5% prefer both. Most Saudis do not comply with the national dietary guidelines’ recommendations, they are physically inactive, and they use social media in a way that affects their food choices.
Advances in Nutrigenomics and Applications in Public Health: A Recent Update
Authors: Vyas Dr Swati
Published: December 2022

Nutrition research is achieving new paradigms through recent advances in the field of Nutrigenomics. The application of genomic principles for the identification of relationships between certain specific nutrients with genetic factors is termed “Nutrigenomics”. This knowledge is essential to understanding the risk factors behind diet-related chronic degenerative diseases, which further helps resolve the underlying mechanism of genetic predisposition. Advances in Sciences associated with the study of genes have assisted in developing a deep insight into genetic variants, and gene expression patterns to work out therapeutic responses toward chronic degenerative diseases associated with Public Health. To appraise recent advances in Nutrigenomics with its application in Public health several databases including Pub Med, Google Scholar, Medline etc were investigated in detail. A total of 72 relevant peer-reviewed journal articles were included in this review paper. Nutrigenomics has an important role in comprehending how homeostatic control is maintained and the way metabolic pathways are influenced by nutrient intake. The knowledge of Nutrigenomics helps in working out personalized nutrition strategies for both prevention and management of the diseased situation. The present review article aims to investigate and present a piece of in-depth information about the latest Advances in Nutrigenomics and its application in public health.
Effects of Walking Exercise Program Based on Duration on the Body Composition and Lipid Profile in Overweight and Obesity Female College Students
Authors: Harun Iriyani , Briawan Dodik , Riyadi Hadi , Khomsan Ali
Published: December 2022

The lack of physical activity is one factors that causes the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in Indonesia. A walking exercise program is a simple strategy for weight loss and the prevention of various chronic diseases. This research aims to analyze the effects of walking exercise programs base on duration which involve an increased number of daily steps on the body's composition and lipid profile. The quasi-experimental design included 40 female university students aged 20–30, whose body mass index (BMI) was ≥25 kg/m2. They are divided into two groups: 60 minutes (WE-60) and 40 minutes (WE-40) walking program. All groups performed the program intervention five times per week, carried out for a total of 12 weeks, with a heart rate of 50%-75%. The results showed that an additional 60-minute walking exercise program led to a greater increase in the total daily steps (P<0.001), and it has a significant effect on weight (P=0.005), BMI (P=0.002), WC (P=0.003), visceral fat (P=0.001), fat mass (P=0.001) and the body fat percentage (P=0.007), compared to the 40 minutes walking group intervention. However, the lipid profiles of both groups were not significantly different. In conclusion, the addition of a 60-minute walking exercise program (WE-60) five times per week, improved the daily steps and significantly affected body composition, but it had no significant effect on the lipid profile.
Effect of Storage Condition on Retention of Vitamins in Selected Commercial Fortified Maize Flour in Kenya
Authors: Chepkoech Brenda , Sila Daniel Ndaka , Orina Irene Nyangoge
Published: December 2022

Food fortification is one strategy that has been used to overcome micronutrient deficiencies among vulnerable populations. Maize, a common staple food in Kenya, has been used as a suitable fortification vehicle. However, several factors, including storage conditions, impact micronutrient stability in fortified maize flour.This study aimed to to assess the influence of storage condition on the retention of retinol and B-vitamins in selected commercial fortified maize flour. Fresh samples of fortified maize flours from two brands (coded XX1 and XY2) were sampled from the manufacturers at the point of production. The storage stability of retinol and B-vitamins in the two brands (XX1 and XY2) was monitored for 6 months at 25 °C/ 75 % relative humidity and 35 °C/ 83 % relative humidity. Retinol and thiamine were the least stable vitamins in both flour brands, while riboflavin and folate were relatively stable. Niacin was the most stable vitamin. Retinol was the least stable vitamin for brand XXI at both 25 °C/75% RH and 35 °C/83% RH, followed by thiamine, riboflavin, folate, and niacin. However, brand XY2 showed that under both storage conditions, thiamine was the least stable vitamin, followed by retinol, riboflavin, folate, and niacin. Vitamin retention was higher in samples stored at a lower temperature and relative humidity (25 °C/ 75 % RH) than in samples stored at higher temperature and relative humidity (35 °C/ 83 % RH) for both brands. In conclusion, thiamine and retinol were generally more susceptible to storage losses. Although the vitamin content in the flour samples decreased during storage, the changes in both storage conditions (except for riboflavin) and both brands were not significantly different.
Fragile Effects of Climatic Variation on Goat Protein and its Products: A Review
Authors: Areche Franklin Ore , Gondal Aqarab Husnain , Rodriguez Alfonso Ruiz , Flores Denis Dante Corilla , Sulca Jeny Yanet Marquez , Bustamante Mary Amelia Cardenas , Pérez Peter Llimpe , Yapias Rafael Julián Malpartida , Victorio Jimmy Pablo Echevarría , Huayhua Lissete Lourdes Aguirre
Published: December 2022

Goats are useful to smaller communities because of their low production costs, limited feed requirements, rapid generation rates, and ability to consistently provide modest volumes of milk that are suitable for immediate use in home. The flavour of dairy dishes is greatly influenced by the proteins found in goat milk and contributing in texture, viscosity, and structure to dairy dishes, all of which enhance the dining experience. Amino acids like glycine, alanine, and peptides can act as precursors to other volatile aroma-active molecules and so set off basic flavours. Increasing temperatures have major consequences for goat milk by-products, including as altering their flavour through denaturation of proteins, the emission of sulfuric chemicals, and an eggy fragrance in the case of scaled milk. Although there has been increasing evidence that environmental changes have an impact on food availability and quality in recent decades, the impacts of these changes on food composition are still largely understood. The potential impact of climate change on food quality must be disclosed. This study suggests a fundamental, but as of yet unexplored, method by which climate change can impact global food and nutrition security: changes in food nutritional content beyond those caused by agricultural production.
An Analysis of the Contributors and Factors Influencing Dietary Patterns Among the Elderly Population
Authors: Senee Anoushka , Bye Ishnoo Yashwinee , Jeewon Rajesh
Published: December 2022

The normal process of aging consists of numerous behavioral, social, physical, psychological, and socioeconomic factors which may negatively affect the nutritional status of a senior. Old people are susceptible to poor nutritional status as they are mostly affected by nutritional deficiencies compared to individuals that belong to other age groups. The poor dietary pattern among the elderly leads to chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or malnutrition. Factors such as socioeconomic indicators, price of food items, marital status, psychological factors, changes in sensory functioning, access to food commodities, nutrition knowledge and cooking skills, gastrointestinal problems, oral health, and medication factors may influence the dietary pattern of an elderly individual. This review focuses on the factors affecting the eating habits of the elderly.
Polydeoxyribonucleotide ameliorates alcoholic liver injury though suppressing phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway in mice
Authors: Cho Young-A , Ko Il-Gyu , Jin Jun-Jang , Hwang Lakkyong , Kim Sang-Hoon , Jeon Jung Won , Yang Myoung Joo , Kim Chang-Ju
Published: December 2022

Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), which is adenosine A2A receptor agonist, facilitates healing and inhibits inflammation and apoptosis. The effect of PDRN on alcoholic liver injury (ALI) was evaluated focusing on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. The mice were given daily oral administration of 50% ethanol at a dose of 4 g/kg during 8 weeks. After 4 weeks of alcohol intake, 200 μL of normal saline containing 8-mg/kg PDRN was intraperitoneally administered 3 times a week for 4 weeks. To determine whether the action of PDRN occurs through the adenosine A2A receptor, 8-mg/kg 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX) with PDRN was treated. The concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was detected. For liver histopathological score, hematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted. Enzyme-linked immunoassay was used to measure cyclic adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) concentration. PI3K and Akt expression was determined using Western blot analysis. In the results, PDRN treatment suppressed AST and ALT level in serum and liver tissue, and improved damaged liver tissue and decreased histological score. PDRN application inhibited the expression of phosphorylated PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The increasing effect of PDRN on cAMP level ats as a mechanism for ALI treatment. Co-treatment of DMPX with PDRN did not reduce apoptosis, causing no improvement in liver function. As a result of this experiment, PDRN has the potential to be selected as a therapeutic agent for ALI.
Using therapy outcome measures to identify the speech and language therapy needs of children and young people with severe acquired brain injury
Authors: Moll Deborah , Edwards Louise , Kelly Gemma , Hamilton Colin , Price Helen
Published: December 2022

Background/Aims

Children and young people often require speech and language therapy input following severe acquired brain injury. However, there is limited understanding of the impact of post-acute neurorehabilitation on children and young people's communication and swallowing, and how to measure this. The aim of this study was to evaluate the initial and ongoing speech and language therapy needs of children and young people in one specialist paediatric neurorehabilitation centre, and to determine the usefulness of therapy outcome measures for this population.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of routinely collected data, including therapy outcome measures for children and young people admitted to the centre. Descriptive analysis was completed for all therapy outcome measures data, and statistical significance of change during rehabilitation was determined on those with sufficient data using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

Results

A total of 165 records of children and young people aged between 1 and 17 years were reviewed. The average length of stay at the centre was 19.7 weeks. The most prevalent therapy outcome measures were cognition and dysphagia. Highly significant differences were found between admission and discharge in all therapy outcome measures scores, including participation (Wilcoxon Z=-9.523, P<0.001) and wellbeing (Wilcoxon Z=-7.656, P<0.001). Median discharge scores did not exceed 4 (from a maximum of 5) for any scales.

Conclusions

Therapy outcome measures were able to capture the complex profiles of these children and young people and could measure changes during post-acute neurorehabilitation. Children and young people presented with a range of speech and language therapy needs following severe acquired brain injury. They made significant improvements in impairment, activity, participation and wellbeing scales during rehabilitation. Children and young people left with ongoing speech and language therapy needs in all areas, which require input from community services.
Comparison of shoulder muscle strength, shoulder range of motion and scapular motion in men with ankylosing spondylitis and healthy men: a case-controlled study
Authors: Mete Oguzhan , Oskay Deran , Haznedaroğlu Şeminur , Tufan Abdurrahman , Yildiz Taha Ibrahim
Published: December 2022

Background/Aims

Ankylosing spondylitis mainly affects the vertebral column, meaning that the assessment of the physical function of the upper extremity and scapulothoracic region in ankylosing spondylitis is often overlooked. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate shoulder muscle strength, shoulder active range of motion and three-dimensional scapular motion in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Methods

The study included 18 men with ankylosing spondylitis, and 16 age-matched typically healthy men as the control group. Muscle strength, active range of motion, and three-dimensional scapular motion were assessed with a digital hand-held dynamometer, an inclinometer, and an electromagnetic tracking device respectively.

Results

A decrease in shoulder flexion and abduction muscle strength on both the dominant side (P<0.001, P=0.001) and non-dominant side (P<0.001, P<0.001) was found in the ankylosing spondylitis group compared to the control group. A decrease in shoulder flexion, abduction, and external and internal rotation active range of motion on both the dominant side (P=0.001, P<0.001, P=0.015, P<0.001, respectively) and non-dominant side (P=0.001, P<0.001, P=0.017, P<0.001 respectively) was observed in the ankylosing spondylitis group. There was an increase in the upward rotation of the scapula on the non-dominant side at 30, 60, and 90° humeral elevations in the ankylosing spondylitis group compared to the control group (P=0.018, P=0.003, P=0.001 respectively). The other parameters of the scapular motion did not differ between groups (P>0.05).

Conclusions

This study showed that shoulder muscle strength and active range of motion were lower, and the upward rotation of the scapula was greater in men with ankylosing spondylitis compared to typically healthy men. The kinetics and kinematics parameters of the shoulder and scapula should be considered when assessing the physical function of patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
Bullying and harassment in the workplace: advice for employers
Authors: Bernstein Adam , Stevens Mark
Published: December 2022

Adam Bernstein and Mark Stevens discuss bullying and harassment at work, what care homes should do to prevent this from happening and how to resolve any reports of bullying from their staff.
The social care crisis in context
Authors: Mendes Aysha
Published: December 2022

Aysha Mendes discusses the ongoing crisis in the social care sector.