bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating fatigue in patients recovering from COVID-19: validation of the fatigue severity scale and single item screening questions
Authors: Naik Hiten , Shao Selena , Tran Karen C. , Wong Alyson W. , Russell James A. , Khor Esther , Nacul Luis , McKay R. Jane , Carlsten Christopher , Ryerson Christopher J. , Levin Adeera
Published: December 2022

Background

Fatigue is a common symptom in hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients recovering from COVID-19, but no fatigue measurement scales or questions have been validated in these populations. The objective of this study was to perform validity assessments of the fatigue severity scale (FSS) and two single-item screening questions (SISQs) for fatigue in patients recovering from COVID-19.

Methods

We examined patients ≥ 28 days after their first SARS-CoV-2 infection who were hospitalized for their acute illness, as well as non-hospitalized patients referred for persistent symptoms. Patients completed questionnaires through 1 of 4 Post COVID-19 Recovery Clinics in British Columbia, Canada. Construct validity was assessed by comparing FSS scores to quality of life and depression measures. Two SISQs were evaluated based on the ability to classify fatigue (FSS score ≥ 4).

Results

Questionnaires were returned in 548 hospitalized and 546 non-hospitalized patients, with scores computable in 96.4% and 98.2% of patients respectively. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.96 in both groups. The mean ± SD FSS score was 4.4 ± 1.8 in the hospitalized and 5.2 ± 1.6 in the non-hospitalized group, with 62.5% hospitalized and 78.9% non-hospitalized patients classified as fatigued. Ceiling effects were 7.6% in the hospitalized and 16.1% in non-hospitalized patients. FSS scores negatively correlated with EQ-5D scores in both groups (Spearman’s rho − 0.6 in both hospitalized and non-hospitalized;p < 0.001) and were higher among patients with a positive PHQ-2 depression screen (5.4 vs. 4.0 in hospitalized and 5.9 vs. 4.9 in non-hospitalized;p < 0.001). An SISQ asking whether there was “fatigue present” had a sensitivity of 70.6% in hospitalized and 83.2% in non-hospitalized patients; the “always feeling tired” SISQ, had a sensitivity of 70.5% and 89.6% respectively.

Conclusions

Fatigue was common and severe in patients referred for post COVID-19 assessment. Overall, the FSS is suitable for measuring fatigue in these patients, as there was excellent data quality, strong internal consistency, and construct validity. However, ceiling effects may be a limitation in the non-hospitalized group. SISQs had good sensitivity for identifying clinically relevant fatigue in non-hospitalized patients but only moderate sensitivity in the hospitalized group, indicating that there were more false negatives.
Clinicopathological and immunological profiles of prostate adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine prostate cancer
Authors: Huang Gang , Zhang Huaru , Shi Haoqing , Zhang Wenhui , Wang Tao , Wang Ziwei , Chen Qing , Lian Bijun , Li Jing , Yang Guosheng
Published: December 2022

Background

Biomarkers of DNA damage repair deficiency provide opportunities for personalized treatment with immunotherapy. However, there is limited research on the immune microenvironment of adeno-neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). In this study, we aimed to assess and describe the comprehensive clinicopathological manifestations of NEPC to improve diagnosis and predict prognosis.

Methods

A retrospective medical record review of 66 patients with prostate cancer (PCa) was performed. PCa samples from the 66 patients were analyzed using immunohistochemical staining for the detection of chromogranin, neural cell adhesion molecule 1, and synaptophysin. For tumor-associated immune microenvironment analysis, PD-L1, CD3, and CD8 were labeled in tissue slides. The effect of clinicopathological factors on the survival of patients with Adeno-NEPC was analyzed.

Results

Twenty patients presented with adeno-NEPC, whereas 46 presented with adeno-PCa. The median age of patients at PCa diagnosis was 67.86 ± 7.05 years (68.65 ± 7.23 years, adeno-NEPC; 67.52 ± 7.02 years, adeno-PCa). Eleven patients with adeno-NEPC underwent prostatectomy, whereas nine received primary androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Additionally, 30 patients with adeno-PCa underwent prostatectomy, whereas 16 (34.8%) received primary ADT. There was a significant difference in overall survival between patients with adeno-NEPC and those with adeno-PCa (46.0 months vs. 65.0 months). There was also a significant difference in time from prostatectomy to biochemical recurrence between the groups of patients who underwent prostatectomy. Prostatectomy and normal lactate dehydrogenase levels were clinical factors that were significantly associated with better outcomes in patients with adeno-NEPC. Metastatic adeno-NEPC was associated with a higher programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) score (2–4) than localized PCa. The data showed that PD-L1 expression in adeno-NEPC may be negatively associated with that in CD8+ T cells.

Conclusions

Our study revealed clinicopathological manifestations of adeno-NEPC and some possible predictive factors significantly associated with better outcomes in patients with adeno-NEPC. These findings might be beneficial in the development of diagnostic strategies and customized treatment plans.
BMX, a specific HDAC8 inhibitor, with TMZ for advanced CRC therapy: a novel synergic effect to elicit p53-, β-catenin- and MGMT-dependent apoptotic cell death
Authors: Ko Huey-Jiun , Chiou Shean-Jaw , Tsai Cheng-Yu , Loh Joon-Khim , Lin Xin-Yi , Tran Thu-Ha , Hou Chia-Chung , Cheng Tai-Shan , Lai Jin-Mei , Chang Peter Mu-Hsin , Wang Feng-Sheng , Su Chun-Li , Huang Chi-Ying F. , Hong Yi-Ren
Published: December 2022

Background

Despite advances in treatment, patients with refractory colorectal cancer (CRC) still have poor long-term survival, so there is a need for more effective therapeutic options.

Methods

To evaluate the HDAC8 inhibition efficacy as a CRC treatment, we examined the effects of various HDAC8 inhibitors (HDAC8i), including BMX (NBM-T-L-BMX-OS01) in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) or other standard CRC drugs on p53 mutated HT29 cells, as well as wild-type p53 HCT116 and RKO cells.

Results

We showed that HDAC8i with TMZ cotreatment resulted in HT29 arrest in the S and G2/M phase, whereas HCT116 and RKO arrest in the G0/G1 phase was accompanied by high sub-G1. Subsequently, this combination approach upregulated p53-mediated MGMT inhibition, leading to apoptosis. Furthermore, we observed the cotreatment also enabled triggering of cell senescence and decreased expression of stem cell biomarkers. Mechanistically, we found down-expression levels of β-catenin, cyclin D1 and c-Myc via GSK3β/β-catenin signaling. Intriguingly, autophagy also contributes to cell death under the opposite status of β-catenin/p62 axis, suggesting that there exists a negative feedback regulation between Wnt/β-catenin and autophagy. Consistently, the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicated both apoptotic and autophagy biomarkers in HT29 and RKO were upregulated after treating with BMX.

Conclusions

BMX may act as a HDAC8 eraser and in combination with reframed-TMZ generates a remarkable synergic effect, providing a novel therapeutic target for various CRCs.
Biology-inspired data-driven quality control for scientific discovery in single-cell transcriptomics
Authors: Subramanian Ayshwarya , Alperovich Mikhail , Yang Yiming , Li Bo
Published: December 2022

Background

Quality control (QC) of cells, a critical first step in single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis, has largely relied on arbitrarily fixed data-agnostic thresholds applied to QC metrics such as gene complexity and fraction of reads mapping to mitochondrial genes. The few existing data-driven approaches perform QC at the level of samples or studies without accounting for biological variation.

Results

We first demonstrate that QC metrics vary with both tissue and cell types across technologies, study conditions, and species. We then propose data-driven QC (ddqc), an unsupervised adaptive QC framework to perform flexible and data-driven QC at the level of cell types while retaining critical biological insights and improved power for downstream analysis.ddqcapplies an adaptive threshold based on the median absolute deviation on four QC metrics (gene and UMI complexity, fraction of reads mapping to mitochondrial and ribosomal genes).ddqcretains over a third more cells when compared to conventional data-agnostic QC filters. Finally, we show thatddqcrecovers biologically meaningful trends in gradation of gene complexity among cell types that can help answer questions of biological interest such as which cell types express the least and most number of transcripts overall, and ribosomal transcripts specifically.

Conclusions

ddqc retains cell types such as metabolically active parenchymal cells and specialized cells such as neutrophils which are often lost by conventional QC. Taken together, our work proposes a revised paradigm to quality filtering best practices—iterative QC, providing a data-driven QC framework compatible with observed biological diversity.
Clustering Deviation Index (CDI): a robust and accurate internal measure for evaluating scRNA-seq data clustering
Authors: Fang Jiyuan , Chan Cliburn , Owzar Kouros , Wang Liuyang , Qin Diyuan , Li Qi-Jing , Xie Jichun
Published: December 2022

Most single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analyses begin with cell clustering; thus, the clustering accuracy considerably impacts the validity of downstream analyses. In contrast with the abundance of clustering methods, the tools to assess the clustering accuracy are limited. We propose a new Clustering Deviation Index (CDI) that measures the deviation of any clustering label set from the observed single-cell data. We conduct in silico and experimental scRNA-seq studies to show that CDI can select the optimal clustering label set. As a result, CDI also informs the optimal tuning parameters for any given clustering method and the correct number of cluster components.
MRI findings prior to return to play as predictors of reinjury in professional athletes: a novel decision-making tool
Authors: Isern-Kebschull Jaime , Pedret Carles , Mechó Sandra , Pruna Ricard , Alomar Xavier , Yanguas Xavier , Valle Xavier , Kassarjian Ara , Martínez Javier , Tomas Xavier , Rodas Gil
Published: December 2022

Background

Because MRI has shown great accuracy in assessing acute muscle injuries, identification of risk factors for reinjury before return to play (RTP) in professional athletes during the healing process could be very relevant. We assessed the value of MRI findings prior to RTP as predictors of reinjury.

Methods

Retrospective observational study of 59 professional athletes, mean age 26 years, with first-time acute muscle injury and successful rehabilitation ready to RTP. They underwent MRI within 6 days of the injury and within 7 days prior to RTP. The primary outcome was reinjury. Risk of reinjury was assessed using radiological signs in control MRI scans before RTP. The risk was classified as low, medium or high when none, one or two radiological signs were observed, respectively.

Results

Reinjury occurred in 9 participants, with a rate of 15.2%. None of the baseline MRI-related variables was significantly associated with reinjury. In the control MRI scan performed within 7 days prior to RTP, three independent findings were significantly associated with reinjury. These included transversal and/or mixed connective tissue gap (p = 0.002), intermuscular oedema (p = 0.015) and callus gap (p = 0.046). In the predictive model of the risk of reinjury, the presence of two of these radiological signs, together with interstitial feathery oedema, was associated with a high risk of recurrence (OR 29.58, 95% CI 3.86–226.64; p = 0.001).

Conclusions

In professional athletes with acute muscle injuries of the lower limbs successfully rehabilitated, some radiological signs on MRI performed shortly before RTP were associated with a high risk of reinjury.
A prediction nomogram for suboptimal debulking surgery in patients with serous ovarian carcinoma based on MRI T1 dual-echo imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging
Authors: Liu Li , Wang Jie , Wu Yan , Chen Qiao , Zhou Linyi , Linghu Hua , Li Yongmei
Published: December 2022

Background

Serous ovarian carcinoma (SOC) has the highest morbidity and mortality among ovarian carcinoma. Accurate identification of the probability of suboptimal debulking surgery (SDS) is critical. This study aimed to develop a preoperative prediction nomogram of SDS for patients with SOC.

Methods

A prediction model was established including 205 patients of SOC from institution A, and 45 patients from institution B were enrolled for external validation. Multivariate logistic regression was used to screen independent predictors and establish a nomogram to predict the occurrence of SDS.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that the CA-125 level (odds ratio [OR] 8.260, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.003–43.372), relationship between the sigmoid colon/rectum and ovarian mass (OR 28.701, 95% CI 4.561–286.070), diaphragmatic metastasis (OR 12.369, 95% CI 1.675–274.063), and FIGO stage (OR 32.990, 95% CI 6.623–274.509) were independent predictors for SDS. The area under the curve, concordance index, and 95% CI of the nomogram constructed from the above four factors were 0.951, 0.934, and 0.919–0.982, respectively. The model showed a good fit by the Hosmer–Lemeshow test (training set, p = 0.2475; internal validation set, p = 0.2355; external validation set, p = 0.2707). The external validation proved the reliability of the prediction nomogram. The calibration curve was close to the ideal diagonal line. The decision curve analysis demonstrated a significantly better net benefit. The clinical impact curve indicated good effectiveness in clinical application.

Conclusion

A prediction nomogram for SDS in patients with SOC provides gynecologists with an accurate and effective tool for appropriate management.
Smallholder dairy producers’ participation in dairy marketing in Southern Omo Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Kena Doyo , Golicha Dida , Jemal Ebrahim , Kanu Boru , Gayo Galma
Published: December 2022

Dairy market development has been hampered by multi-faceted problems such as low adoption of improved technologies, absence of clear policy support for the sector, marketing problems, and other institutional factors. This study was aimed at analysing determinants of smallholder dairy producers’ participation decisions in dairy marketing and the intensity of participation in dairy marketing. It is also aimed at identifying the existing major constraints on dairy marketing in the study area. A total of 150 random sample households were chosen, and data were analysed using descriptive and econometric methods. A Heckman two-step selection model was used to analyse the determinants of dairy market participation decisions and levels of participation. The results indicated lower participation in dairy marketing (38.67%), despite the huge potential of livestock production in the area. Dairy producers’ market participation decisions were found to be significantly affected by the education status of the household head, access to market information, distance to the nearest market, number of lactating cows, and membership in a cooperative group, while the age of the household head, education status, land holding, and number of lactating cows significantly affected the dairy product sale volume. The findings imply that market information delivery systems, market infrastructures, and vocational education should be strengthened by the government and development partners.
Inclusion relations for some classes of analytic functions involving Pascal distribution series
Authors: Lashin Abdel Moneim Y. , Badghaish Abeer O. , Algethami Badriah Maeed
Published: December 2022

In this article, we introduce and discuss some new subclasses of functions that are analytic in the open unit disc and involve the Pascal distribution series. Moreover, inclusion relations and integral preserving properties of these subclasses are determined.
Fixed points of completely positive maps and their dual maps
Authors: Zhang Haiyan , Dou Yanni
Published: December 2022

Let $\mathcal {A} \subset{\mathcal {B}}(\mathcal {H})$
A
⊂
B
(
H
)
be a row contraction and $\Phi _{\mathcal {A}}$

Φ
A

determined by $\mathcal {A}$
A
be a completely positive map on ${\mathcal {B}}(\mathcal {H})$
B
(
H
)
. In this paper, we mainly consider fixed points of $\Phi _{\mathcal {A}}$

Φ
A

and its dual map $\Phi _{\mathcal {A}}^{\dagger}$

Φ
A
†

. It is given that $\Phi _{\mathcal {A}}(X)\leq X $

Φ
A

(
X
)
≤
X
(or $\Phi _{\mathcal {A}}(X)\geq X $

Φ
A

(
X
)
≥
X
) implies $\Phi _{\mathcal {A}}(X)= X$

Φ
A

(
X
)
=
X
and $\Phi _{\mathcal {A}}^{\dagger}(X)= X$

Φ
A
†

(
X
)
=
X
when $X\in {\mathcal {B}}(\mathcal {H})$
X
∈
B
(
H
)
is a compact operator. Some necessary conditions of $\Phi _{\mathcal {A}}(X)= X$

Φ
A

(
X
)
=
X
and $\Phi _{\mathcal {A}}^{\dagger}(X)= X$

Φ
A
†

(
X
)
=
X
are given.
Efficacy and safety of prone position in COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Hyeon-Jeong , Kim Junghyun , Choi Miyoung , Choi Won-Il , Joh Joonsung , Park Jungeun , Kim Joohae
Published: December 2022

Background

Prone position has already been demonstrated to improve survival in non-COVID acute respiratory distress syndrome and has been widely performed in COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure, both in non-intubated and intubated patients. However, the beneficial effect of the prone position in COVID-19 pneumonia still remains controversial. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the prone position compared with the non-prone in non-intubated and intubated COVID-19 patients, respectively.

Methods

We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases, as well as one Korean domestic database, on July 9, 2021, and updated the search 9 times to September 14, 2022. Studies that compared prone and non-prone positions in patients with COVID-19 were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcomes were mortality, need for intubation, and adverse events.

Results

Of the 1259 records identified, 9 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 23 nonrandomized studies (NRSs) were eligible. In the non-intubated patients, the prone position reduced the intubation rate compared with the non-prone position in 6 RCTs (n = 2156, RR 0.81,P = 0.0002) and in 18 NRSs (n = 3374, RR 0.65,P = 0.002). In the subgroup analysis according to the oxygen delivery method, the results were constant only in the HFNC or NIV subgroup. For mortality, RCTs reported no difference between prone and non-prone groups, but in NRSs, the prone position had a significant advantage in mortality [18 NRSs,n = 3361, relative risk (RR) 0.56,P < 0.00001] regardless of the oxygen delivery methods shown in the subgroup analysis. There was no RCT for intubated patients, and mortality did not differ between the prone and non-prone groups in NRSs. Adverse events reported in both the non-intubated and intubated groups were mild and similar between the prone and non-intubated groups.

Conclusion

For non-intubated patients with COVID-19, prone positioning reduced the risk of intubation, particularly in patients requiring a high-flow oxygen system. However, the survival benefit was unclear between the prone and non-prone groups. There was insufficient evidence to support the beneficial effects of prone positioning in intubated patients.

Trial registrationThis study was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews on February 16, 2022 (Registration No.:CRD42022311150).
A bibliometric analysis of chronic subdural hematoma since the twenty-first century
Authors: Chen Rundong , Wei Yanpeng , Xu Xiaolong , Zhang Renkun , Tan Yuhao , Zhang Guanghao , Yin Hongwei , Dai Dongwei , Li Qiang , Zhao Rui , Huang Qinghai , Xu Yi , Yang Pengfei , Liu Jianmin , Zuo Qiao
Published: December 2022

Background

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common disease that forms between the dura and arachnoid membranes of the brain. With the development of medications and surgery, significant progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of CSDH. However, there is no comprehensive analysis available on CSDH-related studies published in the literature. This study aimed to collect and analyze CSDH-related studies published since the twenty-first century using bibliometric analysis and to summarize the current status of research in this field for the sake of providing systematic data for further study of CSDH.

Methods

CSDH-related studies were searched in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database using the Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) term ‘chronic subdural hematoma’. Data analysis and visualization were performed by R and CiteSpace software.

Results

This study retrieved 1424 CSDH-related articles published since the beginning of the twenty-first century. There was a general increase in both the number of published articles and the mean number of citations. The authors, institutions and journals that contributed the most to the field of CSDH were Jianning Zhang, Tianjin Medical University, and world neurosurgery, respectively. The reference co-citation network identified 13 clusters with significant modularity Q scores and silhouette scores (Q = 0.7124, S = 0.8536). The major research categories were (1) evolution of the therapeutic method and (2) the etiology and pathology of CSDH. Keyword analysis revealed that ‘middle meningeal artery embolization’ was the latest burst keyword.

Conclusions

This study identified the most influential countries, authors, institutions and journals contributing to CSDH research and discussed the hotspots and the latest subjects of CSDH research.
Management of classical Hodgkin lymphoma: a look at up to date evidence and current treatment approaches
Authors: Hanel Walter , Herrera Alex F. , Epperla Narendranath
Published: December 2022

The treatment landscape of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) has undergone significant changes over the past 20 years. Gradual improvements have been made in the management of cHL patients, particularly in prolonging the survival rate for those in the relapsed setting. Most of these improvements came with the addition of brentuximab vedotin and PD1 blockade (nivolumab and pembrolizumab) into the current cHL treatment algorithms. On the other hand, the treatment approach to cHL has become more complex than ever before, with multiple ways to add and sequence therapies to achieve long-term remission. In this review, we will discuss the most up-to-date evidence on the management of cHL patients with the inclusion of ongoing clinical trials in cHL. We will provide a general overview of the current therapeutic landscape of cHL in light of these most recent data. We conclude with our perspective on how the approach to cHL treatment may evolve in the future.
CPR in correctional facilities: a missed opportunity?
Authors: Sampson Christopher Scott , Stilley Julie A. W. , Kendrick Elizabeth , Riel Kayla
Published: December 2022

In the incarcerated population, the largest ethnic and racial group is Black people. Heart disease is known as the leading causes of death in the United States which can lead to cardiac arrest. Layperson cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been shown to provide a benefit and increase likelihood of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Recent research shows that in witnessed out of hospital cardiac arrests, the likelihood of receiving bystander CPR was found to be less among Black or Hispanic people when compared to White persons. One neglected area for layperson CPR training are these correctional facilities. This population is known to have higher rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease, all of which contribute to an increased risk of acute coronary syndrome.

A search was performed of the NEMSIS database. When comparing witnessed cardiac arrest, incidents without bystander interventions occurred more frequently than expected if the arrest was witnessed by a family member or other lay person. These interventions included bystander CPR or AED placement with or without defibrillation.

The data presented shows that there is an unmet need of additional lay person CPR training in correctional facilities which could be implemented for little cost.
Psychological well-being among Saudi adults during the context of COVID-19 lockdown: a psychometric analysis of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire
Authors: Hamad Eradah O.
Published: December 2022

Background

Most communities' mental health and perceptions of psychological well-being are known to be profoundly disrupted by large-scale pandemics. Despite the wide range of available screening measures, few reliable and valid screening measures exist for assessing overall psychological well-being in nonclinical populations during a health emergency situation such as the COVID-19 outbreak.

Objective

This study aims to conduct a psychometric analysis of Goldberg’s 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) to validate its use among a sample of Saudi adults during the COVID-19 lockdown using reliability and factor analyses.

Methods

A total of 473 individuals (aged 18 years and over) were recruited from the general Saudi population living in the Makkah (Western) Province of Saudi Arabia to complete the virtual format of the Arabic GHQ-12 (Ar-GHQ-12). In addition to a descriptive statistics measurement and reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were performed to examine the unidimensionality and validity of the Ar-GHQ-12.

Results

In line with previous works from several cultures, the Ar-GHQ-12 with two-factor solution considered to be the best-fitting model because it fits the data better than the one-factor (unidimensional) model did, and adequate reliability indices were achieved for each factor (.83 for factor 1 and .65 for factor 2).

Discussion

The Ar-GHQ-12 was determined to be suitable for assessing the overall psychological well-being of the general population in Saudi Arabia in emergency contexts and may be applied among Saudis and other Arabic-speaking populations in research and primary care settings.
Who perceives more value of teacher feedback? Exploring the roles of college students’ possible second language selves and language learning strategies
Authors: Zhan Ying , Lee John Chi-Kin , Wan Zhi Hong
Published: December 2022

Students can only benefit from teacher feedback if they recognise its value for learning. However, there is still a lack of research to investigate the factors influencing students’ perceptions of the value of teacher feedback in the context of learning English as a foreign language. This study investigated the impacts of two significant individual factors (i.e. possible second language (L2) selves and language learning strategies) of 687 college English learners on their perceived value of teacher feedback (i.e. grades and comments) in a Chinese university. Structural equation modelling analyses indicated the following:

(i) Ideal L2 self significantly and positively predicted the perceived value of grades, both directly and indirectly (mediated by self-regulation strategies).

(ii) Ideal L2 self significantly and positively predicted the perceived value of teacher comments, both directly and indirectly (mediated by social strategies and self-regulation strategies).

(iii) Ought-to L2 self only indirectly predicted the perceived value of grades, mediated by memory strategies.

The findings highlight students’ proactive roles in the feedback process. Only if students aspire to become proficient English users and frequently use deep language learning strategies, they will perceive more value of teacher feedback and take up it for better learning.
Methods and tools for handling, transportation, weighing, and pelletization applied to the initial analysis of volatile components in the Hayabusa2 samples
Authors: Okazaki Ryuji , Yamanouchi Shinji , Shimada Kazuhiko , Baba Atsushi , Kitajima Fumio , Yada Toru
Published: December 2022

The Hayabusa2 spacecraft succeeded in sampling and returning materials from the C-type, near-Earth asteroid (162173) Ryugu. As part of the Hayabusa2 Initial Analyses, chemical and isotopic compositions of volatile species were measured. The samples analyzed were grains of about 1 mm in diameter and were individually treated without exposure to Earth’s atmosphere throughout the entire analytical/experimental processes to minimize alteration and contamination effects by adsorption of Earth’s atmosphere or chemical reactions with reactive species such as oxygen and water in Earth’s atmosphere. In order to perform spectroscopic and electron-microscopic observations in advance of a series of the isotopic measurements, the sample surface needed to be smoothed. We employed a pelletization method to obtain the required flatness for the returned samples because pelletization is a less sample-consuming method compared to mechanical polishing, microtomy, or ion milling. In order to perform the subsequent analyses, the samples must undergo minimal contamination during the pelletization procedure and be easy to remove from the pelletization tools. Therefore, embedding with resins or low-melting-point metals was not employed. Under these constraints, tools and methods for sample pelletization, handling, and transportation were developed. The tools developed for pelletization and housing also contributed to easier handling of small (less than about 1 mm in diameter) samples. Here we describe the methods and the tools that enable treatment of pristine asteroidal samples under non-atmospheric exposure conditions throughout transportation, weighing, pelletization, and installation into the instruments for chemical and isotopic measurements. The methods and tools we developed can be applied to other small samples including meteorites, cosmic dust, and future returned samples.

Graphical Abstract
Asymptomatic versus symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection: a cross-sectional seroprevalence study
Authors: El-Ghitany Engy Mohamed , Hashish Mona H. , Farghaly Azza Galal , Omran Eman A. , Osman Nermin A. , Fekry Marwa M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Although symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection predisposes patients to develop complications, the asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection state is of public health importance being a hidden source of infection. Moreover, the asymptomatic state may camouflage the actual burden of the disease.

Methods

Data of 1434 seropositive participants for SARS-CoV-2 spike (anti-S) and/or nucleocapsid antibodies (anti-N) were retrieved from a larger cross-sectional survey on COVID-19. Relevant data were retrieved from records including socio-demographic, medical, and behavioral characteristics of seropositive participants as well as history of COVID-19 symptoms during the last 6 months. Symptomatic/asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection was categorized based on the history of the presence or absence of COVID-19 symptoms.

Results

The rate of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection was 34.9%. There was a statistically significant difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic participants regarding age, residence, medical conditions, habits, and infection control measures. The number of symptoms was positively correlated with anti-S titer and both were positively correlated with adult body mass index. Slum areas residence, client-facing occupation or being a healthcare worker, having lung disease, having blood group type A, never practicing exercise or social distancing, never using soap for hand washing, and minimal engagement in online working/studying were independent factors associated with the symptomatic state. Patients having less than three symptoms were less likely to be diagnosed by any means.

Conclusions

One-third of SARS-CoV-2 infections in our study were asymptomatic. This mandates applying proper measures to prevent transmission even from apparently healthy individuals. Modifiable factors associated with symptomatic infection should be controlled to reduce the risk of COVID-19 complications.
Pregnancy in lupus: an updated consensus to guide best practice strategies
Authors: Mohammed Reem Hamdy A. , Mumtaz Hassan , Sangah Abdul Basit , Shaikh Shazia Saleem , Nasir Noreen , Jabeen Sidra
Published: December 2022

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a multifaceted chronic relapsing autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. The disease has always been a serious diagnosis in women being a multisystem pathology that is classically encountered during the childbearing age posing serious systemic comorbidities with a potential impact on the functional performance, psychosocial status, and survival. In this article, we review critical issues related to the decision to conceive in female with lupus highlighting the impact of the diagnosis and disease activity status on the mother and the fetus, attempting to suggest a consensus to guide safe decision making for pregnancy with SLE.

Main body

The pleomorphic dysregulated immune nature of lupus in the presence of uncontrolled disease carries a higher risk of complicated pregnancy. Therefore, SLE pregnancies should be well planned and are usually encouraged if the disease is inactive (at least 6 months prior to conception) to ensure immune quiescence towards a safer outcome.

Conclusion

With the proper implementation of preconception counseling strategy, choice of the correct timing of conception, close monitoring of SLE flares with tight control, and the appreciation of the value of multidisciplinary management to best practice most young women with SLE can carry on successful pregnancies with favorable outcome.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and Risks of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Geng Tingting , Chen Jun-Xiang , Zhou Yan-Feng , Lu Qi , Wan Zhenzhen , Liu Liegang , Pan An , Liu Gang
Published: December 2022

Context

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used drugs for gastric acid–related diseases and may affect the gut microbiome.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the associations of PPI use with risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

We analyzed the associations of PPI use with risks of coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), stroke, and all-cause mortality in 19 229 adults with T2D using data from the UK Biobank study.

Results

During a median follow-up of 10.9 to 11.2 years, we documented 2971 CAD, 1827 MI, 1192 HF, and 738 stroke cases, along with 2297 total deaths. PPI use was significantly associated with higher risks of CAD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.27; 95% CI, 1.15-1.40), MI (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.18-1.52), HF (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.16-1.57), and all-cause mortality (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.16-1.45). No statistically significant association was observed between PPI use and stroke (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.90-1.36). The results were consistent in the subgroup analyses stratified by factors including indications of PPI, antidiabetic medication use, and antiplatelet drug use. Analyses in a 1:1 propensity score-matched cohort of PPI users vs nonusers yielded similar results.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that PPI use is associated with higher risks of CVD events and mortality among patients with T2D. The benefits and risks of PPI use should be carefully balanced among patients with T2D, and monitoring of adverse CVD events during PPI therapy should be enhanced.
Psoriasis - a review of recent progress, characteristics, diagnostic management
Authors: Warzyszak Paweł , Małek Róża , Milczek Maria , Żołyniak Wojciech , Tomasik Mikołaj , Hawranik Izabela , Niski Szymon , Żaba Ziemowit , Lisowska Aleksandra
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Psoriasis is a common, chronic, systemic inflammatory disease with an immunological basis. It occurs in about 2% of people in Europe and North America. It is associated with an increased probability of obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease.
Objective: The purpose of this review is to analyze the latest information on the characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of patients with psoriasis.
Materials and methods: The present study was based on available data collected in the PubMed database and published between 2001 and 2022. The study was conducted by reviewing keywords such as: "psoriasis," "diagnosis," "treatment," "genetics," "immunology," "angiogenesis," "keratinocytes," and "incidence."
State of the knowledge: In the last decade, biologic drugs targeting tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 23, interleukin 17 and interleukin 12 have been developed and approved for the treatment of psoriasis. These drugs have revolutionized the treatment and management of psoriasis.
Summary: Over the past decade, there have been tremendous advances in knowledge about the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Discoveries on this background, have given rise to new biological therapies. Currently in clinical trials are substances such as, Janus kinase inhibitors and tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitors, which represent hope for the most affected patients. Unfortunately, our knowledge of the causes of psoriasis is still incomplete. This poses a challenge for further research and thus the creation of more therapeutic substances.
Adherence and Barriers to Medical Nutrition Therapy and the Effect on Glycemic Control Among Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes in India
Authors: Deshmane Aditi Rajesh , Muley Arti S
Published: December 2022

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) has a remarkable effect on glycemic control among individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. However, the extent of adherence to MNT isn't hundred percent. Therefore, we aim to determine the adherence level towards the MNT advised by a Registered Dietitian (RD); to identify the barriers and associated contributing factors and strategies to improve the compliance towards the MNT among people with Type 2 Diabetes. A cross-sectional study was conducted among people with Type 2 Diabetes visiting the out-patient diabetes clinic from Kolhapur city, India. A structured questionnaire was used to capture the adherence and non-adherence, reasons and barriers to adhering the MNT. Out of 293 participants, 41.6% were adhering to the MNT. There was a significant association between the non working group (p = 0.01), presence of co-morbidities (p = 0.03) and diabetes duration < 10 years (p = 0.05) with the increased adherence level. Similarly, there was a significant reduction of 26.7%, 38.1%, and 30.9% in the fasting, postprandial blood glucose and HbA1c values respectively in adhering group post MNT advice. More than 50% of the participants in the adhering group gave ‘To Improve overall health’ and ‘To control sugar’ as reasons to adhere. ‘Habitual to what they eat’ (64.3%), ‘Does not satisfy hunger’ (42.1%) and ‘Lack of willpower’ (42.1%), were the common barriers identified in our study. Our study shows that the MNT advised by an RD is effective in reducing the socio-cultural barriers to adherence and improves glycemic control. Strategies like making the workplace more diabetes-friendly and adopting behavior changing techniques should be implemented to increase adherence.
A Review on Antifungal Green Preservatives: An Aspect of Food Industry
Authors: Mastanjević Krešimir , Krstanović Vinko , Habschied Kristina
Published: December 2022

Many studies have been conducted on the harmful effect of mycotoxins on human and animal health. However, other chemicals can also contribute to the toxicity of ingested foods, directly or indirectly (via animal products). Many synthetic chemicals that are used for field treatments of cereals, or applied during storage time to prolong the storage time and to insure the absence of fungal contamination, are proven to be harmful to human and animal health. In order to reduce the usage of such chemicals and to improve the already deteriorated ecosystems, scholars are dedicated to optimizing and commercializing a “greener” option not only for agronomic applications, but also for the food industry. Recent advances in the effectiveness of green preservatives aiming at the food industry will be described in this paper. The intention is to preserve not only the health-related aspects of food by applying green preservatives, but also to maintain the ecological aspect regarding the environment as much as possible.
Assessment of Food and Nutrition Insecurity using Food Consumption Data in Central Sudan
Authors: Mohamed Abdalla Samar S. , M. Elzaki Raga
Published: December 2022

This study aims to assess the food and nutrition insecurity among different income quintiles in Central Sudan. Particularly, it seeks to determine the level of dietary energy consumption (DEC) and other macronutrients intake. In addition, it estimates the Engel ratios and income elasticity of food demand. A sample of about 668 households was selected from Khartoum State to collect the primary data during the year 2017. Primary data was collected through two types of questionnaires, the structured household questionnaire, and the 24-hour food recall questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and One-way ANOVA Table. The outcomes prove that income contributes extensively to DEC as well as intakes of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. The households in the lowest income quintile spend a high monetary value to purchase foods when compared with households in other income quintiles. The Engel ratios exhibit that the share of food consumption from the total income for the lowest income quintile is about 62%, which is higher relative to the highest income quintile (43.6%). In addition, Engel ratios varies significantly among the income quintiles at level 1%. The income elasticity of food demand in dietary energy consumption is higher for the lowest income quintile (0.49) than the highest income quintile (0.23). This indicates that a little increase in income will contribute significantly to better nutritional status for the lowest income quintile. Eventually, the paper recommends improving income earnings through income-based policies to reduce the level of food deprivation. The government should adopt specific market policies that focus on the low-income level to enhance access to nutritious foods.
Formula Optimization and Physicochemical Characterization of Tempe Drink Powder
Authors: Mahdi Sulaiman Akbar , Astawan Made , Wulandari Nur , Muhandri Tjahja , Wresdiyati Tutik , Febrinda Andi Early
Published: December 2022

Tempe is chosen as the main ingredient of tempe drink powder (TDP) due to its protein digestibility, phytochemical compounds, as well as vitamins and minerals. Previous studies had been conducted to develop TDP formula. The commercial TDP formula showed that improvement of quality aspects needs to be done so the product has better physical and chemical characteristics. In order to optimize the TDP formula, the viscosity, water solubility index (WSI), water absorption index (WAI), sedimentation index (SI), proximate, antioxidant activity, isoflavone content, GABA content, and physicochemical properties were analyzed. The optimized formula was done using the mixture experiment optimization method with optimization d-optimal to obtain the best formula. The optimization result showed that the best formula proportion consisted of 70% (w/w) Tempe flour, 18.23% (w/w) maltodextrin and 1.77% (w/w) guar gum. The best formula was chosen due to having better chemical characteristics compared with the commercial TDP and commercial soy drink powder (SDP), with protein content of 42.61%, antioxidant activity of 58.36 mgAEAC/100g, daidzein and genistein isoflavones of each 48.18 and 140.06 mg/100g and GABA of 21.24 mg/g. Based on the physical characteristics, the optimum formula had a lower viscosity value (18.67 cP) and WAI (2.58g/g) as well as a higher SI value (10.18%) and WSI (9.70%) compared with the commercial TDP. The optimum TDP formula has fulfilled the quality requirements based on the Indonesian National Standard (SNI 7612:2011) regarding soy drink powder.
Nutritional Composition and Antinutrient to Mineral Molar Ratios of Selected Improved Common Beans Grown in Kenya
Authors: Jepleting Nancy , N. Sila Daniel , N. Orina Irene
Published: December 2022

A decline in common bean production has been ascribed to climate change. The adoption of improved beans aims to increase productivity, profitability, and consumption, thus reducing food and nutrition insecurity in the country. The aim of this study was to determine the proximate composition, antinutrient content, mineral content, and bioaccessibility of zinc and iron in two improved bean varieties grown in Kenya; Faida (biofortified) and RM 01 (drought tolerant)). The protein content of RM 01 (22.48%) was significantly higher than the Faida bean variety (20.90%). RM 01 bean variety had higher crude fat (4.20%) and crude fiber (4.31%) content compared to Faida which had 3.78% and 3.31% for crude fat and crude fiber respectively. Faida recorded significantly higher levels of iron (61.5 mg/kg) and zinc (26.8 mg/kg) content. Faida beans also had significantly (p< 0.05) high levels of phytates (11.70 mg/g) and tannins (4.39 mg CE/g). Phytate to iron ratio for Faida was 17.08 and RM 01 was 15.19 while the phytate-to-zinc ratio was 42.26 and 35.36 for Faida and RM 01 respectively. The RM 01 bean variety had iron bioaccessibility of 35% and zinc bioaccessibility of 65% compared to the Faida bean variety which had bioaccessibility of 29% and 42% for iron and zinc respectively. In conclusion, RM 01 variety is a better source of iron, zinc, and protein compared to the Faida variety.
Nutritional Behaviour of Adolescents and the Impact of Covid-19 on A Diet in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almutairi Naif , Burns Sharyn , Portsmouth Linda
Published: December 2022

Background
In recent decades, changes in food consumption among adolescents in Arabic speaking countries, including The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), has resulted in increased burden of overweight and obesity. COVID-19 related restrictions have further impacted lifestyle and diet among adolescents in KSA.
Aim
The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, behaviour and dietary patterns of adolescents and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic related restrictions on these behaviours.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in six intermediate schools among 1500 adolescents (11-15 years) via an anonymous online survey. The Chi Square test was used to compare gender stratified nutritional knowledge, attitude and behaviour of adolescents and the impact of COVID-19 related restrictions. To determine the factors associated with nutritional change during COVID-19 lockdown, logistic regression was employed using the categorisation of nutritional change during COVID-19 restrictions versus no change in univariate and multivariate analyses.
Results
A good level of nutrition-related knowledge and attitude was demonstrated both by female and male students, with 66% and 57% of participants scoring above the median of the total possible knowledge and attitude score, respectively. After adjusting for all variables, higher nutrition knowledge score predicted students to be less likely to report increased food consumption during COVID-19 restrictions, whereas students with higher nutrition attitude scores and with a higher risk of increased food consumption were more likely to increase food consumption during COVID-19 restrictions.
Conclusions
Unhealthy dietary habits among Saudi adolescents are of paramount public health concern and the COVID-19 restriction period exacerbated the pre-pandemic nutrition-related unhealthy behaviours. Therefore, school-based interventions aiming to promote healthy lifestyles and the wellbeing of Saudi adolescents and use of qualitative recall dietary diary is also crucial to develop programs that prevent unhealthy lifestyles in adolescents in Saudi Arabia.