bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responding to the psychological needs of children following admission to paediatric Intensive Care for paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome: A Narrative Therapy based Photography Workshop
Authors: Freeman Anita , Ovin Felicia , Moshal Karyn , Grant Karlie
Published: October 2022

This article briefly describes the development of a novel narrative therapy-based photography workshop group for children following acute hospital admission for Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS). The workshop was a collaboration between the psychology team, an artist and the medical multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to develop a group during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aims were to reduce isolation and promote resilience and psychological recovery post discharge from hospital. Nine children aged 8–11 years joined the photography group. Parents ( n = 8) and children ( n = 8) provided feedback on the group through semi-structured telephone interviews. Thematic analysis of the interviews identified three narrative themes for parents: reducing isolation through shared experience, creative activity as a different experience of hospital, and the positive sharing of experiences after the day. The resulting narrative themes for the children included that the workshop was a fun and interactive day and an opportunity to share in hospital experience with peers.
Response to Invited Reaction Articles 1 and 2
Authors: Wang Greg G. , Doty D. Harold
Published: October 2022

We offer our response to the two Invited Reaction papers that identify interesting and legitimate challenges to our theorizing study. In the sense-making process of interpreting the critiques, we discovered that the challenges were rooted in deeper issues related to broader theory building processes and approaches. Thus, our response is particularly focused on exploring how these challenges may inform and guide future theorizing efforts. We organize our response in four primary aspects raised: (1) generalizing from small N samples, (2) singularity in the unit of theory, (3) challenges associated with typological theories, and (4) challenges in the theoretical specification process. We hope that our theorizing and the ongoing dialogues establish a solid starting point that identifies promising opportunities for future human resource development research and generates more interest that other scholars will extend our theorizing and validation efforts.
Transcriptomic analysis of paternal behaviors in prairie voles
Authors: Duclot Florian , Liu Yan , Saland Samantha K. , Wang Zuoxin , Kabbaj Mohamed
Published: October 2022

Background

The importance of fathers’ engagement in care and its critical role in the offspring’s cognitive and emotional development is now well established. Yet, little is known on the underlying neurobiology due to the lack of appropriate animal models. In the socially monogamous and bi-parental prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), while 60–80% of virgin males show spontaneous paternal behaviors (Paternal), others display pup-directed aggression (Attackers). Here we took advantage of this phenotypic dichotomy and used RNA-sequencing in three important brain areas to characterize gene expression associated with paternal behaviors of Paternal males and compare it to experienced Fathers and Mothers.

Results

While Paternal males displayed the same range and extent of paternal behaviors as experienced Fathers, we observed structure-specific transcriptomic differences between parental behaviors phenotypes. Using differential expression, gene set expression, as well as co-expression network analyses, we found that phenotypic differences between Paternal males and Attackers were mainly reflected by the lateral septum (LS), and to a lower extent, the nucleus accumbens (NAc), transcriptomes. In the medial preoptic area (MPOA), the profiles of gene expression mainly reflected differences between females and males regardless of their parental behaviors phenotype. Functional enrichment analyses of those gene sets associated with Paternal males or Attackers in the LS and the NAc revealed the involvement of processes related to the mitochondria, RNA translation, protein degradation processes, as well as epigenetic regulation of gene expression.

Conclusions

By leveraging the natural phenotypic differences in parental behaviors in virgin male prairie voles alongside fathers and mothers, we identified a marked structure- and phenotype-specific pattern of gene expression associated with spontaneous paternal behaviors independently from fatherhood and pair-bonding. The LS transcriptome related to the mitochondria, RNA translation, and protein degradation processes was thus highlighted as a primary candidate associated with the spontaneous display of paternal behaviors. Altogether, our observations further characterize the behavioral and transcriptomic signature of parental behaviors in the socially monogamous prairie vole and lay the groundwork to further our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of paternal behavior.
Comparative analysis of mitochondrial genomes of maize CMS-S subtypes provides new insights into male sterility stability
Authors: Xiao Senlin , Xing Jingfeng , Nie Tiange , Su Aiguo , Zhang Ruyang , Zhao Yanxin , Song Wei , Zhao Jiuran
Published: October 2022

Background

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a trait of economic importance in the production of hybrid seeds. In CMS-S maize, exerted anthers appear frequently in florets of field-grown female populations where only complete male-sterile plants were expected. It has been reported that these reversions are associated with the loss of sterility-conferring regions or other rearrangements in the mitochondrial genome. However, the relationship between mitochondrial function and sterility stability is largely unknown.

Results

In this study, we determined the ratio of plants carrying exerted anthers in the population of two CMS-S subtypes. The subtype with a high ratio of exerted anthers was designated as CMS-Sa, and the other with low ratio was designated as CMS-Sb. Through next-generation sequencing, we assembled and compared mitochondrial genomes of two CMS-S subtypes. Phylogenetic analyses revealed strong similarities between the two mitochondrial genomes. The sterility-associated regions, S plasmids, and terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) were intact in both genomes. The two subtypes maintained high transcript levels of the sterility geneorf355in anther tissue. Most of the functional genes/proteins were identical at the nucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence levels in the two subtypes, except forNADH dehydrogenase subunit 1(nad1). In the mitochondrial genome of CMS-Sb, a 3.3-kilobase sequence containingnad1-exon1 was absent from the second copy of the 17-kb repeat region. Consequently, we detected two copies ofnad1-exon1 in CMS-Sa, but only one copy in CMS-Sb. During pollen development,nad1transcription and mitochondrial biogenesis were induced in anthers of CMS-Sa, but not in those of CMS-Sb. We suggest that the impaired mitochondrial function in the anthers of CMS-Sb is associated with its more stable sterility.

Conclusions

Comprehensive analyses revealed diversity in terms of the copy number of the mitochondrial genenad1-exon1 between two subtypes of CMS-S maize. This difference in copy number affected the transcript levels ofnad1and mitochondrial biogenesis in anther tissue, and affected the reversion rate of CMS-S maize. The results of this study suggest the involvement of mitochondrial robustness in modulation of sterility stability in CMS-S maize.
Breathing pattern, accessory respiratory muscles work, and gas exchange evaluation for prediction of NIV failure in moderate-to-severe COVID-19-associated ARDS after deterioration of respiratory failure outside ICU: the COVID-NIV observational study
Authors: Yaroshetskiy Andrey I. , Merzhoeva Zamira M. , Tsareva Natalia A. , Trushenko Natalia V. , Nuralieva Galia S. , Konanykhin Vasily D. , Krasnoshchekova Anna P. , Avdeev Sergey N.
Published: October 2022

Background

Data on the efficacy of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) after progression of respiratory failure in patients who have already received oxygen therapy, or CPAP outside ICU is limited. The study aimed to find predictors of NIV failure based on breathing pattern, gas exchange, and accessory respiratory muscles evaluation in patients who progressed to moderate-to-severe COVID-19 ARDS.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study in patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19-ARDS on NIV (n = 80) admitted to COVID-ICU of Sechenov University. The combined success rate for conventional oxygen and CPAP outside ICU was 78.6% (440 of 560 patients). The primary endpoints were intubation rate and mortality. We measured respiratory rate, exhaled tidal volume (Vte), mean peak inspiratory flow (PIF), inspiratory time (Ti), PaO2, SpO2, end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2), and Patrick score, and calculated ROX index, PaO2/FiO2, ventilatory ratio, and alveolar dead space (Vdalv/Vt) on Days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14. For all significant differences between NIV success and failure groups in measured data, we performed ROC analysis.

Results

NIV failure rate in ICU after deterioration of respiratory failure outside ICU was 71.3% (n = 57). Patients with the subsequent NIV failure were older at inclusion, more frail, had longer duration of disease before ICU admission, and higher rate of CPAP use outside ICU. ROC-analysis revealed that the following respiratory parameters after 48 h of NIV can serve as a predictors for NIV failure in moderate-to-severe COVID-19-associated ARDS: PaO2/FiO2 < 112 mmHg (AUROC 0.90 (0.93–0.97), p < 0.0001); PETCO2 < 19.5 mmHg (AUROC 0.84 (0.73–0.94), p < 0.0001); VDalv/VT > 0.43 (AUROC 0.78 (0.68–0.90), p < 0.0001); ROX-index < 5.02 (AUROC 0.89 (0.81–0.97), p < 0.0001); Patrick score > 2 points (AUROC 0.87 (0.78–0.96), p = 0.006).

Conclusion

In patients who progressed to moderate-to-severe COVID-19-ARDS probability of NIV success rate was about 1/3. Prediction of the NIV failure can be made after 48 h based on ROX index < 5.02, PaO2/FiO2 < 112 mmHg, PETCO2 < 19.5 mmHg, and Patrick score >  = 2.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04667923, registered on 16/12/2020.
Prevalence of self-care disability among older adults in China
Authors: Guo Yu , Wang Tian , Ge Tingshuai , Jiang Quanbao
Published: October 2022

Background

Self-care disability among older adults is a global public health issue. However, it lacks the up-to-date information based on nationally representative, more comprehesive data in China.

Methods

Using China’s 2020 population census data, this paper provides a macro-analysis of the prevalence and socio-demographic characteristics of self-care disability among older adults.

Results

25.5 million older adults aged 60 and over participated in the health status survey, of which 48.2% were male, and 51.8% were female. We find that the prevalence of self-care disability among older adults aged 60 and above in China is 2.34%, and the older the population, the higher the prevalence. A higher prevalence was reported by female older adults, rural older adults, and older adults in western China. Single (never married) and widowed older adults are at higher risk of self-care disability. Compared to 2010, the prevalence of self-care disability among older adults decreased. However, the urban-rural difference still exists. Self-care disabled older adults rely mainly on family members for livelihood and mainly cohabitate with them. While pension is an essential source of livelihood for urban older adults with self-care disability, fewer rural self-care disabled older adults rely on pension.

Conclusion

The prevalence of self-care disability among older adults aged 60 and over in China is low and has decreased compared to 2010. Older adults with self-care disability are not a homogeneous group, and they have apparent socio-demographic disparities and regional differences. The Chinese government should continue to reduce inequalities between urban and rural areas, especially in pension and long-term care systems.
Rhino-orbital mucormycosis in a patient with no susceptibility following P.vivax malaria infection—a case report
Authors: Prasad Sonali , Gaur Aman , Mehta Anuj , Kaushal Nimisha
Published: October 2022

Background

Mucormycosis is a potentially lethal, angioinvasive fungal infection caused by the Mucoracea family comprising Mucor, Rhizopus, and Absidia species. It is commonly associated with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, the use of corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, and Covid-19 infection. The occurrence of mucormycosis in an immunocompetent patient is rare. Also, only a few case reports have been published where patients developed mucormycosis with associated malarial infection.

Case presentation

A young female presented with a 3-weeks history of painful swelling and outward protrusion of the right eye with complete loss of vision. She had a history of P.vivax malaria two weeks before her ocular symptoms. On ocular examination, there was proptosis and total ophthalmoplegia with loss of corneal sensations in the right eye. Hematological examination revealed normocytic normochromic anemia and thrombocytopenia. MRI was suggestive of right-sided pansinusitis and orbital cellulitis with right superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis and bulky cavernous sinus.

Nasal biopsy was negative for fungal culture. An emergency surgical debridement of all the sinuses was done with right orbital exenteration. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of mucormycosis and the patient improved post-operatively on systemic antifungals.

Conclusion

Such an association of mucormycosis with malaria infection is rarely reported in the literature and is hypothesized to be a result of immunosuppression caused by malaria. Also, emphasis is laid upon having a high index of suspicion for fungal infection in the setting of pansinusitis even if the risk factors are absent.

We hereby report a case of rhino-orbital mucormycosis following P.vivax malaria in a 20-year-old female with anemia and thrombocytopenia.
Resilience of people with chronic medical conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic: a 1-year longitudinal prospective survey
Authors: Tarsitani Lorenzo , Pinucci Irene , Tedeschi Federico , Patanè Martina , Papola Davide , Palantza Christina , Acarturk Ceren , Björkenstam Emma , Bryant Richard , Burchert Sebastian , Davisse-Paturet Camille , Díaz-García Amanda , Farrel Rachel , Fuhr Daniela C. , Hall Brian J. , Huizink Anja C. , Lam Agnes Iok Fong , Kurt Gülşah , Leijen Ingmar , Mittendorfer-Rutz Ellenor , Morina Naser , Panter-Brick Catherine , Purba Fredrick Dermawan , Quero Soledad , Seedat Soraya , Setyowibowo Hari , van der Waerden Judith , Pasquini Massimo , Sijbrandij Marit , Barbui Corrado
Published: October 2022

Backgrounds

Individuals with chronic medical conditions are considered highly exposed to COVID-19 pandemic stress, but emerging evidence is demonstrating that resilience is common even among them. We aimed at identifying sustained resilient outcomes and their predictors in chronically ill people during the first year of the pandemic.

Methods

This international 4-wave 1-year longitudinal online survey included items on socio-demographic characteristics, economic and living situation, lifestyle and habits, pandemic-related issues, and history of mental disorders. Adherence to and approval of imposed restrictions, trust in governments and in scientific community during the pandemic were also investigated. The following tools were administered: the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, the PTSD Checklist DSM-5, the Oslo Social Support Scale, the Padua Inventory, and the Portrait Values Questionnaire.

Results

One thousand fifty-two individuals reporting a chronic condition out of 8011 total participants from 13 countries were included in the study, and 965 had data available for the final model. The estimated probability of being “sustained-resilient” was 34%. Older male individuals, participants employed before and during the pandemic or with perceived social support were more likely to belong to the sustained-resilience group. Loneliness, a previous mental disorder, high hedonism, fear of COVID-19 contamination, concern for the health of loved ones, and non-approving pandemic restrictions were predictors of not-resilient outcomes in our sample.

Conclusions

We found similarities and differences from established predictors of resilience and identified some new ones specific to pandemics. Further investigation is warranted and could inform the design of resilience-building interventions in people with chronic diseases.
The spatio-temporal dynamics of infant mortality in Ecuador from 2010 to 2019
Authors: Lalangui Karina , Rivadeneira Maya Karina , Sánchez-Carrillo Christian , Sosa Cortéz Gersain , Quentin Emmanuelle
Published: October 2022

The infant mortality rate (IMR) is still a key indicator in a middle-income country such as Ecuador where a slightly increase up to 11.75 deaths per thousand life births has been observed in 2019. The purpose of this study is to propose and apply a prioritization method that combines clusters detection (Local Indicators of Spatial Association, LISA) and a monotonic statistic depicting time trend over 10 years (Mann–Kendall) at municipal level. Annual national databases (2010 to 2019) of live births and general deaths are downloaded from National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC). The results allow identifying a slight increase in the IMR at the national level from 9.85‰ in 2014 to 11.75‰ in 2019, neonatal mortality accounted for 60% of the IMR in the last year. The LISA analysis allowed observing that the high-high clusters are mainly concentrated in the central highlands. At the local level, Piñas, Cuenca, Ibarra and Babahoyo registered the highest growth trends (0.7,1). The combination of techniques made it possible to identify eight priority counties, half of them pertaining to the highlands region, two to the coastal region and two to the Amazon region. To keep infant mortality at a low level is necessary to prioritize critical areas where public allocation of funds should be concentrated and formulation of policies.
Assessment of domestic violence and its associated factors among ever-married reproductive-age women in Cameroon: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Mulat Bezawit , Tsegaw Menen , Chilot Dagmawi , Shitu Kegnie
Published: October 2022

Background

Domestic violence (DV) against women is a global issue that affects women in all countries and is a significant contributor to their poor health. Women who have experienced DV, in particular, suffer from the gynecological, nervous system, and stress-related issues. Despite such devastating implications, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence of DV and its associated factors among married reproductive-age women in Cameroon.

Method

The data were analyzed by using STATA version 14 from a demographic and health survey conducted in Cameroon in 2018. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. Statistical significance was determined using a p-value of less than 0.05 and a 95% confidence range.

Result

A total of 4,903 ever-married women were included in the study. The mean age ± standard deviation, of the participants was 31.3 (± 8.4) years with an age range of 15–49 years. The prevalence of DV among ever-married Cameroonian women was 30.5% with 95%CI (29.3%, 31.8%). Women’s educational attainment (higher educational level) (AOR = 0.58, 95% CI (0.37, 0.92), p value = 0.02), Husband's educational level (husbands who attended primary educational level (AOR = 1.30, 95% CI (1.01, 1.68), p value = 0.04), a woman who had media exposure regarding DV ( AOR = 0.83, 95% CI (0.0, 0.99), p value = 0.04), a woman whose husband drinks alcohol (AOR = 3.00, 95% CI (2.56, 3.53), p value < 0.001), and the region where the women reside (center without Yaoundé (AOR = 2.48, 95% CI (1.75, 3.52), p value < 0.001), west (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI (1.05, 2.11), p value = 0.02), South (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI (1.31, 2.72), p-value = 0.001), and Yaoundé (AOR = 1.65. 95% CI (1.14, 2.39), p value = 0.009) were factors that were significantly associated to DV committed by a husband in the previous 12 months against ever-married women.

Conclusion

The present study revealed that the prevalence of DV among ever-married women in Cameroon is high. Women's educational level, husband's educational level, husband's alcohol drinking status, women’s exposure to mass-media about DV, and the region where the woman resides in the country were factors significantly associated with DV.
Care pathways at end-of-life for cancer decedents: registry based analyses of the living situation, healthcare utilization and costs for all cancer decedents in Norway in 2009-2013 during their last 6 months of life
Authors: Bjørnelv Gudrun , Hagen Terje P. , Forma Leena , Aas Eline
Published: October 2022

Background

Research on end-of-life care is often fragmented, focusing on one level of healthcare or on a particular patient subgroup. Our aim was to describe the complete care pathways of all cancer decedents in Norway during the last six months of life.

Methods

We used six national registries linked at patient level and including all cancer decedents in Norway between 2009-2013 to describe patient use of secondary, primary-, and home- and community-based care. We described patient’s car pathway, including patients living situation, healthcare utilization, and costs. We then estimated how cancer type, individual and sociodemographic characteristics, and access to informal care influenced the care pathways. Regression models were used depending on the outcome, i.e., negative binomial (for healthcare utilization) and generalized linear models (for healthcare costs).

Results

In total, 52,926 patients were included who died of lung (16%), colorectal (12%), prostate (9%), breast (6%), cervical (1%) or other (56%) cancers. On average, patients spent 123 days at home, 24 days in hospital, 16 days in short-term care and 24 days in long-term care during their last 6 months of life. Healthcare utilization increased towards end-of-life. Total costs were high (on average, NOK 379,801). 60% of the total costs were in the secondary care setting, 3% in the primary care setting, and 37% in the home- and community-based care setting. Age (total cost-range NOK 361,363-418,618) and marital status (total cost-range NOK354,100-411,047) were stronger determining factors of care pathway than cancer type (total cost-range NOK341,318- 392,655). When patients died of cancer types requiring higher amounts of secondary care (e.g., cervical cancer), there was a corresponding lower utilization of primary, and home- and community-based care, and vice versa.

Conclusion

Cancer patient’s care pathways at end-of-life are more strongly associated with age and access to informal care than underlying type of cancer. More care in one care setting (e.g., the secondary care) is associated with less care in other settings (primary- and home- and community based care setting) as demonstrated by the substitution between the different levels of care in this study. Care at end-of-life should therefore not be evaluated in one healthcare level alone since this might bias results and lead to suboptimal priorities.
An identical-by-descent segment harbors a 12-bp insertion determining fruit softening during domestication and speciation in Pyrus
Authors: Song Bobo , Li Xiaolong , Cao Beibei , Zhang Mingyue , Korban Schuyler S. , Yu Li’ang , Yang Wenxi , Zhao Kejiao , Li Jiaming , Wu Jun
Published: October 2022

Background

Although the wild relatives of pear originated in southwest China, this fruit crop was independently domesticated and improved in Asia and Europe, and there are major phenotypic differences (e.g., maturity and fruit firmness) between Asian and European pears. 

Results

In this study, we examined the genomes of 113 diverse pear accessions using an identity-by-descent (IBD) approach to investigate how historical gene flow has shaped fruit firmness traits in Asian and European pears. We found a 3-Mbp IBD-enriched region (IBD-ER) that has undergone “convergent domestication” in both the Asian and European pear lineages, and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of fruit firmness phenotypes strongly implicated the TRANSLOCON AT THE INNER CHLOROPLAST ENVELOPE55 (TIC55) locus within this 3-Mbp IBD-ER. Furthermore, we identified a tandem duplication that includes a 12-bp insertion located in the first exon of TIC55 that is uniquely present in Asian pears, and expression analysis showed that the pear TIC55 gene is highly expressed in Asian pear, while it is weakly or not expressed in European pear; this could contribute to the differences in fruit firmness between Asian and European pear fruits.

Conclusions

Our findings provide insights into how pear fruit softening has been impacted during domestication, and we identified candidate genes associated with fruit softening that can contribute to the breeding and improvement of pear and other fruit crops.
Akt: a key transducer in cancer
Authors: Tsai Pei-Jane , Lai Yi-Hsin , Manne Rajesh Kumar , Tsai Yau-Sheng , Sarbassov Dos , Lin Hui-Kuan
Published: October 2022

Growth factor signaling plays a pivotal role in diverse biological functions, such as cell growth, apoptosis, senescence, and migration and its deregulation has been linked to various human diseases. Akt kinase is a central player transmitting extracellular clues to various cellular compartments, in turn executing these biological processes. Since the discovery of Akt three decades ago, the tremendous progress towards identifying its upstream regulators and downstream effectors and its roles in cancer has been made, offering novel paradigms and therapeutic strategies for targeting human diseases and cancers with deregulated Akt activation. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms for Akt signaling networks paves the way for developing selective inhibitors targeting Akt and its signaling regulation for the management of human diseases including cancer.
Association of tobacco product use with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) prevalence and incidence in Waves 1 through 5 (2013–2019) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study
Authors: Paulin Laura M. , Halenar Michael J. , Edwards Kathryn C. , Lauten Kristin , Stanton Cassandra A. , Taylor Kristie , Hatsukami Dorothy , Hyland Andrew , MacKenzie Todd , Mahoney Martin C. , Niaura Ray , Trinidad Dennis , Blanco Carlos , Compton Wilson M. , Gardner Lisa D. , Kimmel Heather L. , Lauterstein Dana , Marshall Daniela , Sargent James D.
Published: October 2022

Background

We examined the association of non-cigarette tobacco use on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study.

Methods

There were 13,752 participants ≥ 40 years with Wave 1 (W1) data for prevalence analyses, including 6945 adults without COPD for incidence analyses; W1–5 (2013–2019) data were analyzed. W1 tobacco use was modeled as 12 mutually-exclusive categories of past 30-day (P30D) single and polyuse, with two reference categories (current exclusive cigarette and never tobacco). Prevalence and incidence ratios of self-reported physician-diagnosed COPD were estimated using weighted multivariable Poisson regression.

Results

W1 mean (SE) age was 58.1(0.1) years; mean cigarette pack-years was similar for all categories involving cigarettes and exclusive use of e-cigarettes (all > 20), greater than exclusive cigar users (< 10); and COPD prevalence was 7.7%. Compared to P30D cigarette use, never tobacco, former tobacco, and cigar use were associated with lower COPD prevalence (RR = 0.33, (95% confidence interval—CI) [0.26, 0.42]; RR = 0.57, CI [0.47, 0.70]; RR = 0.46, CI [0.28, 0.76], respectively); compared to never tobacco use, all categories except cigar and smokeless tobacco use were associated with higher COPD prevalence (RR former = 1.72, CI [1.33, 2.23]; RR cigarette = 3.00, CI [2.37, 3.80]; RR e-cigarette = 2.22, CI [1.44, 3.42]; RR cigarette + e-cigarette = 3.10, CI [2.39, 4.02]; RR polycombusted = 3.37, CI [2.44, 4.65]; RR polycombusted plus noncombusted = 2.75, CI]1.99, 3.81]). COPD incidence from W2-5 was 5.8%. Never and former tobacco users had lower COPD risk compared to current cigarette smokers (RR = 0.52, CI [0.35, 0.77]; RR = 0.47, CI [0.32, 0.70], respectively). Compared to never use, cigarette, smokeless, cigarette plus e-cigarette, and polycombusted tobacco use were associated with higher COPD incidence (RR = 1.92, CI [1.29, 2.86]; RR = 2.08, CI [1.07, 4.03]; RR = 1.99, CI [1.29, 3.07]; RR = 2.59, CI [1.60, 4.21], respectively); exclusive use of e-cigarettes was not (RR = 1.36, CI [0.55, 3.39]).

Conclusions

E-cigarettes and all use categories involving cigarettes were associated with higher COPD prevalence compared to never use, reflecting, in part, the high burden of cigarette exposure in these groups. Cigarette—but not exclusive e-cigarette—use was also strongly associated with higher COPD incidence. Compared to cigarette use, only quitting tobacco was protective against COPD development.
A unique, newly discovered four-member protein family involved in extracellular fatty acid binding in Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Onésime Djamila , Vidal Léa , Thomas Stéphane , Henry Céline , Martin Véronique , André Gwenaëlle , Kubiak Piotr , Minard Philippe , Celinska Ewelina , Nicaud Jean-Marc
Published: October 2022

Background

Yarrowia lipolytica, a nonconventional oleaginous yeast species, has attracted attention due to its high lipid degradation and accumulation capacities. Y. lipolytica is used as a chassis for the production of usual and unusual lipids and lipid derivatives. While the genes involved in the intracellular transport and activation of fatty acids in different cellular compartments have been characterized, no genes involved in fatty acid transport from the extracellular medium into the cell have been identified thus far. In this study, we identified secreted proteins involved in extracellular fatty acid binding.

Results

Recent analysis of the Y. lipolytica secretome led to the identification of a multigene family that encodes four secreted proteins, preliminarily named UP1 to UP4. These proteins were efficiently overexpressed individually in wild-type and multideletant strain (Q4: Δup1Δup2Δup3Δup4) backgrounds. Phenotypic analysis demonstrated the involvement of these proteins in the binding of extracellular fatty acids. Additionally, gene deletion and overexpression prevented and promoted sensitivity to octanoic acid (C8) toxicity, respectively. The results suggested binding is dependent on aliphatic chain length and fatty acid concentration. 3D structure modeling supports the proteins’ role in fatty acid assimilation at the molecular level.

Conclusions

We discovered a family of extracellular-fatty-acid-binding proteins in Y. lipolytica and have proposed to name its members eFbp1 to eFbp4. The exact mode of eFbps action remains to be deciphered individually and synergistically; nevertheless, it is expected that the proteins will have applications in lipid biotechnology, such as improving fatty acid production and/or bioconversion.
Standardized reporting and quantification of whole-body MRI findings in children with chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis treated with pamidronate
Authors: Andreasen C. M. , Klicman R. F. , Herlin T. , Hauge E. M. , Jurik A. G.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The objectives were to assess changes in radiological disease activity in children with chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) receiving pamidronate therapy and to test a modified radiological index for non-bacterial osteitis (mRINBO) in CNO. mRINBO was used for standardized reporting and quantification of whole-body MRI (WBMRI) findings resulting in an individual summary patient score.

Methods

WBMRI was retrospectively assessed in 18 children with CNO at baseline and after receiving pamidronate therapy for one year. Parameters of interest were: number and anatomic site of radiologically active bone lesions (RAL), size of RAL, extramedullary affection, spinal involvement and changes in mRINBO, which includes both the number and maximal size of RAL (RALmax) in addition to extramedullary and chronic changes.

Results

At the time of diagnosis, the mean age of the children was 9.8 (sd, 8.7–10.9) years and 11/18 were females. The number of RALs per patient decreased from median [interquartile range] 4.5 [3–8] to 3 [2–5] RALs per patient (p = 0.02) and extramedullary inflammatory changes regressed. Sixty-one percent of all RALs occurring at baseline resolved and three children became without active inflammatory lesions by WBMRI. The median size of RALs did not change when taking new lesions occurring in 7/18 children into account, but RALmax decreased significantly from 39 [29–45] mm at baseline to 28 [20–40] mm (p < 0.01) at year-one with a concomitant decrease of mRINBO from a median of 5 [4–7] to 4 [3–5] (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Pamidronate therapy resulted in a decrease of mRINBO from baseline to year one. mRINBO may be a potential scoring method to quantify changes in radiological disease activity in children with CNO. However, further studies are needed to test feasibility and validity of mRINBO.
Three-dimensional fracture mapping and analysis of coronal fractures in AO/OTA types 33-B3 and C3
Authors: Ding Yin , Wang Dong , Waheed Muhammad Zeeshan , Zhou Jun-Lin
Published: October 2022

Background

Although the relatively high incidence of coronal fractures in the supracondylar–intercondylar fractures is well established, little is currently known about the morphology of those fractures. Herein, we characterized the coronal fractures in AO/OTA type 33-C3 and assessed their differences with Busch–Hoffa fractures (33-B3).

Methods

We retrospectively collected 61 cases of AO/OTA type 33-B or C fractures with coronal plane fragments and generated three-dimensional fracture maps of those with coronal fractures based on CT imaging and measured angle α (the angle between the coronal fracture and the posterior condyle axis in the axis plane) and angle β (the angle between the coronal fracture and the posterior femoral cortex in the sagittal plane).

Results

Thirty-three cases (32%) of AO/OTA type 33-C fractures contained coronal fragments. Most of them were type 33-C3 fractures. Angles α and β for type 33-C3 were significantly smaller than for type B3 at the lateral condyle, while the angles at the medial condyle were not significantly different. The fracture maps showed that the coronal fractures and the articular comminution area were more anterior in type 33-C3.

Conclusions

The incidence of coronal fractures was 32% and 67% in AO/OTA types 33-C and 33-C3, respectively. Our findings suggest that coronal fractures differed between both types, emphasizing the potential need for different treatment approaches.
Impact of health education intervention on demand of women for cervical cancer screening: a cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Abera Gerezgiher Buruh , Abebe Solomon Mekonen , Worku Abebaw Gebeyehu
Published: October 2022

Background

Cervical cancer is considered preventable disease, though it is the second largest killer of women’s cancer in low and middle-income countries. Despite the government’s attempts to broaden screening facilities, the screening service utilization was poor. Our study evaluated the impact of health education intervention on women’s demand for cervical cancer screening.

Methods

Community-based cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in thirty district towns as clusters in Tigray region, Ethiopia. A total of 700 women aged 20 to 60 years were recruited for both groups using simple random sampling from April to July, 2018. After baseline data collection, health education intervention was given to the intervention group by trained health professionals using power point presentation and peer group discussion at the nearest health institution. The health education was given for three days followed by subsequent consultations for 6 months. The outcome variable was demand of women for cervical cancer screening. The intent-to-treat and per-protocol analysis were considered to evaluate the inflation of the loss to follow-up on effect size. Chi-square test was used to assess the difference of variables between control and intervention groups at baseline data. Finally, difference in difference analysis was used to see the true effect of the intervention on outcome variable.

Results

A total of 674 participants (340 in intervention and 334 in control groups) were able to complete the follow-up, making a response rate of 96.3%. At baseline, the differences in proportion of all outcome variables in control and intervention groups were not statistically significant. After follow-up, a statistically significant difference between control and intervention groups was observed in the proportion of willingness to screen (p value = 0.000), having plan to screen (p value = 0.000), ever screened (p value = 0.000), and the overall demand for cervical cancer screening (p value = 0.000). Finally, the impact of intervention was explained by the difference in differences in the proportion of willingness to screen (36.6%) (p value < 0.000), having plan to screen (14.6%) (p value < 0.000), ever screened (16.9%) (p value < 0.000), and overall demand for cervical cancer screening (36.9%) (p value < 0.000).

Conclusion

This study revealed that health education intervention could increase in overall demand of women for cervical cancer screening. Thus, it would be helpful to consider health education in health planning and service provision.

Trial registration

The registration number is PACTR201808126223676; date registered: 23 April 2018, and the type is “retrospectively registered.”
Ceftriaxone compared with penicillin G for the treatment of neurosyphilis: study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Du Fang-Zhi , Wu Min-Zhi , Zhang Xu , Zhang Rui-Li , Wang Qian-Qiu
Published: October 2022

Background

Neurosyphilis may cause irreversible neurological sequelae. First-line treatment consists of penicillin G, with ceftriaxone being an alternative treatment in patients allergic to penicillin. The lack of clinical data comparing the efficacy of these two drugs indicated the need for comparative clinical trials to improve national treatment guidelines in China.

Methods/design

In this multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial, 290 patients newly diagnosed with neurosyphilis will be randomized 1:1 to treatment with aqueous crystalline penicillin G (ACPG) or ceftriaxone. Patients will be treated with standard regimens of ACPG or ceftriaxone according to Chinese National Guidelines and will be followed up for 12 months. All clinical parameters will be assessed at baseline and at follow-up 3, 6, 9, and 12 months later. The primary outcomes will include cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white blood cell (WBC) count, serological efficacy, and clinical efficacy. The secondary outcomes will include CSF protein concentrations, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, imaging results, recurrence, and time to recovery from neurosyphilis. Adverse events will be monitored and recorded during the trial.

Discussion

This trial will provide clinical data to determine whether ceftriaxone is non inferior to ACPG in treating neurosyphilis and will provide evidence for the improvement of treatment guidelines.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100047164. Registered on 9 June 2021 and updated on 23 November 2021.
Physiological-based cord clamping in very preterm infants: the Aeration, Breathing, Clamping 3 (ABC3) trial—study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Knol Ronny , Brouwer Emma , van den Akker Thomas , DeKoninck Philip L. J. , Lopriore Enrico , Onland Wes , Vermeulen Marijn J. , van den Akker–van Marle M. Elske , van Bodegom–Vos Leti , de Boode Willem P. , van Kaam Anton H. , Reiss Irwin K. M. , Polglase Graeme R. , Hutten G. Jeroen , Prins Sandra A. , Mulder Estelle E. M. , Hulzebos Christian V. , van Sambeeck Sam J. , van der Putten Mayke E. , Zonnenberg Inge A. , Hooper Stuart B. , te Pas Arjan B.
Published: October 2022

Background

International guidelines recommend delayed umbilical cord clamping (DCC) up to 1 min in preterm infants, unless the condition of the infant requires immediate resuscitation. However, clamping the cord prior to lung aeration may severely limit circulatory adaptation resulting in a reduction in cardiac output and hypoxia. Delaying cord clamping until lung aeration and ventilation have been established (physiological-based cord clamping, PBCC) allows for an adequately established pulmonary circulation and results in a more stable circulatory transition. The decline in cardiac output following time-based delayed cord clamping (TBCC) may thus be avoided. We hypothesise that PBCC, compared to TBCC, results in a more stable transition in very preterm infants, leading to improved clinical outcomes. The primary objective is to compare the effect of PBCC on intact survival with TBCC.

Methods

The Aeriation, Breathing, Clamping 3 (ABC3) trial is a multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial. In the interventional PBCC group, the umbilical cord is clamped after the infant is stabilised, defined as reaching heart rate > 100 bpm and SpO2 > 85% while using supplemental oxygen < 40%. In the control TBCC group, cord clamping is time based at 30–60 s. The primary outcome is survival without major cerebral and/or intestinal injury. Preterm infants born before 30 weeks of gestation are included after prenatal parental informed consent. The required sample size is 660 infants.

Discussion

The findings of this trial will provide evidence for future clinical guidelines on optimal cord clamping management in very preterm infants at birth.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03808051. First registered on January 17, 2019.
Acute abdominal pain due to sigmoid volvulus with persistent descending mesocolon: a case report
Authors: Kato Hirotaka , Kinoshita Hiroyuki , Sakata Yoshifumi
Published: October 2022

Background

Persistent descending mesocolon, an anomaly of fixation of the mesentery of the descending colon, can sometimes cause complications such as intestinal obstruction and intussusception. We present the first reported case of sigmoid volvulus with persistent descending mesocolon.

Case presentation

An 82-year-old Japanese man had intermittent lower abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography showed dilation and a shift to the right side of the sigmoid colon, but no findings of volvulus. The next day, he presented continuous lower abdominal pain with bloody stool. A second abdominal computed tomography showed strangulation and dilation of the sigmoid colon, with shift from the right side of the abdominal cavity to the pelvic space. This suggested the descending colon was running to the medial side with sigmoid volvulus. Emergency surgery was performed for volvulus with persistent descending mesocolon. Operative findings revealed dilation of the sigmoid colon with a partial poorly colored region and strangulation that caused volvulus. After releasing the strangulation of the sigmoid colon, the descending colon was revealed to be running more to the medial side, with adherence to small intestinal mesentery. There was no Toldt’s fusion fascia at the descending colon. Persistent descending mesocolon was therefore diagnosed due to abnormality of fixation of the descending colon. The sigmoid colon, including the poorly colored region, was resected and reconstructed, while the inferior mesenteric and left colonic arteries were preserved because of the complexity of the vascular system running around the descending and sigmoid colon due to the shortened mesentery. These findings were pathologically compatible with circulatory compromise and intestinal degeneration due to sigmoid volvulus. The patient had no complications after discharge, including in relation to defecation.

Conclusion

Persistent descending mesocolon can occasionally cause acute abdominal symptoms requiring immediate treatment. A computed tomography finding of the descending colon running more to the medial side than ordinary cases can aid diagnosis of persistent descending mesocolon.
The operational matrix of Chebyshev polynomials for solving pantograph-type Volterra integro-differential equations
Authors: Ji Tianfu , Hou Jianhua , Yang Changqing
Published: October 2022

In this work, the Chebyshev collocation scheme is extended for the Volterra integro-differential equations of pantograph type. First, we construct the operational matrices of pantograph and derivative based on Chebyshev polynomials. Also, the obtained operational matrices are utilized to approximate the derivatives of unknown functions. Furthermore, a detailed analysis of convergence is discussed in the weighted square norm. We conduct some numerical experiments to verify the high performance of the suggested numerical approach. The results show that the computational scheme is accurate.
Study of damage control strategy for non-traumatic diseases: a single-center observational study
Authors: Nakamura Fumiko , Yui Rintaro , Onoe Atsunori , Kishimoto Masanobu , Sakuramoto Kazuhito , Muroya Takashi , Kajino Kentaro , Ikegawa Hitoshi , Kuwagata Yasuyuki
Published: October 2022

Background

Damage control strategy (DCS) has been introduced not only for trauma but also for acute abdomen, but its indications and usefulness have not been clarified. We examined clinical characteristics of patients who underwent DCS and compared clinical characteristics and results with and without DCS in patients with septic shock.

Methods

We targeted a series of endogenous abdominal diseases in Kansai Medical University Hospital from April 2013 to March 2019. Clinical characteristics of 26 patients who underwent DCS were examined. Then, clinical characteristics and results were compared between the DCS group (n = 26) and non-DCS group (n = 31) in 57 patients with septic shock during the same period.

Results

All 26 patients who underwent DCS had septic shock, low mean arterial pressure (MAP) before the start of surgery, and required high-dose norepinephrine administration intraoperatively. Their discharge mortality rate was 12%. Among the patients with septic shock, the DCS group had a higher SOFA score (P = 0.008) and MAP was lower preoperatively, but it did not increase even with intraoperative administration of large amounts of fluid replacement and vasoconstrictor. There was no significant difference in 28-day mortality and discharge mortality between the two groups.

Conclusions

DCS may be useful in patients with severe septic shock.