bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Investigation of Repurchase Intentions in the Banking Industry: What Reason Do They Return?
Authors: Sohaib Muhammad
Published: January 2022

In an increasingly competitive market, customer retention is imperative for businesses in the services sector, particularly banks. This study aims to understand how relationship quality as second-order impacts repurchase intentions based on the Theory of Repurchase Decision Making (TRD). The switching cost moderating role is addressed. The model was validated using empirical data from Pakistan. A regression modeling was adopted to measure the research hypotheses that underpinned a proposed conceptual model. Results show that relationship quality positively and significantly influences the repurchase intentions. Switching cost determined to be a moderator between relationship quality and repurchase intentions. The implication is that services industry professionals should not overlook the importance of relationship quality and switching costs, as they have a significant impact on repurchase intentions.
Simulation of time-dependent radiative heat motion over a stretching/shrinking sheet of hybrid Nanofluid: Stability analysis for dual solutions
Authors: Tinker Seema , Mishra SR , Pattnaik PK , Sharma Ram Prakash
Published: January 2022

The heat transfer characteristics for the flow of a time-dependent hybrid nanofluid with thermal radiation and source/sink over a stretching/shrinking sheet are examined in the current investigation. We have transformed the governing equations of the presented study into the similarity equations utilizing similarity variables. However, a numerical solution is obtained by using in-build MATLAB code bvp5c. The mass and energy profiles for diverse values of thermophysical parameters are studied together with their physical quantities. It is observed that dual solutions exist, that is, one is upper, and the other is lower branch solution for a definite choice of the unsteadiness parameter. Also, stability analysis is executed to determine the long-term stability of dual solutions, indicating that out of the two, only one is stable and the other is unstable. It is revealed that comparatively, the first solution shows stability, while the second solution shows instability. There is a considerable influence of second-order slip on the problem’s respective flow and heat transfer characteristics. Further, major outcomes also show the dimensionless frictional stress and the magnitude of conventional heat transfer enhancement with growing suction parameter values.
Peristaltic flow of electrically conducting nanofluid under the action of Joule and radiative heat within an asymmetric microchannel
Authors: Mohanty Swati , Mohanty Banani , Mishra Satyaranjan
Published: January 2022

The proposed mathematical model is based upon the peristaltic flow of an electrical conducting nanofluid within an asymmetric microchannel. The flow takes place under the action of dissipative heat energy due to the occurrence of the magnetic field that is basically known as Joule heating and radiative heat proposed as thermal radiation along with the additional heat source. Moreover, the impact of upper/lower wall zeta potential and the expression for the electric potential is presented using the Poisson Boltzmann equation and Debey length approximation. The well-known numerical practice is used for distorted governing equations with appropriate boundary conditions. Further, computation of the pressure gradient is obtained for the associated physical parameters. The graphical illustration shows the characteristics of the pertinent parameters on the flow problem and the tabular result represents the simulated values for the rate coefficients. In the significant examination, the study reveals that the mobility parameter due to the occurrence of the electric field vis-à-vis time parameter encourages the velocity distribution within the center of the channel furthermore significant retardation occurs near the wall region.
Baicalin-loaded folic acid-modified albumin nanoparticles (FA-BSANPs/BA) induce autophagy in MCF-7 cells via ROS-mediated p38 MAPK and Akt/mTOR pathway
Authors: Liu Fengjie , Lan Meng , Ren Baoqi , Li Lihong , Zou Tengteng , Kong Zhaodi , Fan Dongmei , Cai Tiange , Cai Yu
Published: January 2022

Background

Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer among women. Baicalin has been shown to inhibit breast cancer proliferation, but poor aqueous solubility and unknown mechanism of action limit its application. This study aimed to investigate the antiproliferative effects of baicalin-loaded folic acid-modified albumin nanoparticles (FA-BSANPs/BA) in breast cancer MCF-7 cells and its relationship with autophagy and ROS-mediated p38 MAPK and Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. Cell viability was detected by MTT assay. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy were used to detect cell cycle, apoptosis and autophagy. Western blot was used to detect protein expression.

Results

Compared with the control and free baicalin groups, FA-BSANPs/BA inhibited viability of MCF-7 cells and increased cells in S phase, apoptotic bodies, pro-apoptotic proteins, autophagy markers and autophagosomes. These effects could be reversed when combined with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine. FA-BSANPs/BA increased the levels of phosphorylated p38 MAPK, inhibited the levels of phosphorylated Akt and mTOR, and increased the level of ROS in MCF-7 cells. The effects of FA-BSANPs/BA could be reversed or enhanced using inhibitors of Akt, mTOR, p38 MAPK and ROS scavengers.

Conclusions

Encapsulation in folate albumin nanoparticles improved the antiproliferative activity of baicalin. FA-BSANPs/BA induced autophagy and apoptosis via ROS-mediated p38 MAPK and Akt/mTOR signaling pathways in human breast cancer cells.
STRIDE: a command-line HMM-based identifier and sub-classifier of Plasmodium falciparum RIFIN and STEVOR variant surface antigen families
Authors: Zhou Albert E. , Shah Zalak V. , Bradwell Katie R. , Munro James B. , Berry Andrea A. , Serre David , Takala-Harrison Shannon , O’Connor Timothy D. , Silva Joana C. , Travassos Mark A.
Published: January 2022

Background

RIFINs and STEVORs are variant surface antigens expressed by P. falciparum that play roles in severe malaria pathogenesis and immune evasion. These two highly diverse multigene families feature multiple paralogs, making their classification challenging using traditional bioinformatic methods.

Results

STRIDE (STevor and RIfin iDEntifier) is an HMM-based, command-line program that automates the identification and classification of RIFIN and STEVOR protein sequences in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. STRIDE is more sensitive in detecting RIFINs and STEVORs than available PFAM and TIGRFAM tools and reports RIFIN subtypes and the number of sequences with a FHEYDER amino acid motif, which has been associated with severe malaria pathogenesis.

Conclusions

STRIDE will be beneficial to malaria research groups analyzing genome sequences and transcripts of clinical field isolates, providing insight into parasite biology and virulence.
ASAP 2: a pipeline and web server to analyze marker gene amplicon sequencing data automatically and consistently
Authors: Tian Renmao , Imanian Behzad
Published: January 2022

Background

Amplicon sequencing of marker genes such as 16S rDNA have been widely used to survey and characterize microbial community. However, the complex data analyses have required many interfering manual steps often leading to inconsistencies in results.

Results

Here, we have developed a pipeline, amplicon sequence analysis pipeline 2 (ASAP 2), to automate and glide through the processes without the usual manual inspections and user’s interference, for instance, in the detection of barcode orientation, selection of high-quality region of reads, and determination of resampling depth and many more. The pipeline integrates all the analytical processes such as importing data, demultiplexing, summarizing read profiles, trimming quality, denoising, removing chimeric sequences and making the feature table among others. The pipeline accepts multiple file formats as input including multiplexed or demultiplexed, paired-end or single-end, barcode inside or outside and raw or intermediate data (e.g. feature table). The outputs include taxonomic classification, alpha/beta diversity, community composition, ordination analysis and statistical tests. ASAP 2 supports merging multiple sequencing runs which helps integrate and compare data from different sources (public databases and collaborators).

Conclusions

Our pipeline minimizes hands-on interference and runs amplicon sequence variant (ASV)-based amplicon sequencing analysis automatically and consistently. Our web server assists researchers that have no access to high performance computer (HPC) or have limited bioinformatics skills. The pipeline and web server can be accessed at https://github.com/tianrenmaogithub/asap2 and https://hts.iit.edu/asap2, respectively.
Transcriptomics analysis reveals the signal transduction mechanism of brassinolides in tea leaves and its regulation on the growth and development of Camellia sinensis
Authors: Jin Qifang , Wang Zhong , Chen Yanni , Luo Yiping , Tian Na , Liu Zhonghua , Huang Jianan , Liu Shuoqian
Published: January 2022

Background

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a type of sterol plant hormone that play an important role in various biochemical and physiological reactions such as promoting cell growth, increasing biomass, and improving stress resistance.

Results

To investigate the regulatory and molecular mechanism of BRs on the growth and development of tea plants (Camellia sinensis L.), changes in cell structure and gene expression levels of tea leaves treated with exogenous BRs were analyzed by electron microscopy and high-throughput Illumina RNA-Seq technology. The results showed that the number of starch granules in the chloroplasts and lipid globules increased and thylakoids expanded after BR treatment compared with the control. Transcriptome analysis showed that in the four BR treatments (CAA: BR treatment for 3 h, CAB: BR treatment for 9 h, CAC: BR treatment for 24 h, and CAD: BR treatment for 48 h), 3861 (1867 upregulated and 1994 downregulated), 5030 (2461 upregulated and 2569 downregulated), 1626 (815 upregulated and 811 downregulated), and 2050 (1004 upregulated and 1046 downregulated) differentially expressed genes were detected, respectively, compared with CAK (BR treatment for 0 h). Using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases, metabolic pathway enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes of CAA vs. CAK, CAB vs. CAK, CAC vs. CAK, and CAD vs. CAK significantly enriched the functional categories of signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, and starch, sucrose, and flavonoid biosynthesis and metabolism pathways. We also found that after spraying BR, the key genes for caffeine synthesis were downregulated. The results of qRT-PCR coincided with the findings of transcriptomic analysis.

Conclusions

The present study improved our understanding of the effects of BRs on the growth and development of tea leaves and laid the foundation for the in-depth analysis of signal transduction pathways of BRs in tea leaves.
Caenorhabditis elegans ETR-1/CELF has broad effects on the muscle cell transcriptome, including genes that regulate translation and neuroblast migration
Authors: Ochs Matthew E. , McWhirter Rebecca M. , Unckless Robert L. , Miller David M. , Lundquist Erik A.
Published: January 2022

Migration of neuroblasts and neurons from their birthplace is central to the formation of neural circuits and networks. ETR-1 is the Caenorhabditis elegans homolog of the CELF1 (CUGBP, ELAV-like family 1) RNA-processing factor involved in neuromuscular disorders. etr-1 regulates body wall muscle differentiation. Our previous work showed that etr-1 in muscle has a non-autonomous role in neuronal migration, suggesting that ETR-1 is involved in the production of a signal emanating from body wall muscle that controls neuroblast migration and that interacts with Wnt signaling. etr-1 is extensively alternatively-spliced, and we identified the viable etr-1(lq61) mutant, caused by a stop codon in alternatively-spliced exon 8 and only affecting etr-1 isoforms containing exon 8. We took advantage of viable etr-1(lq61) to identify potential RNA targets of ETR-1 in body wall muscle using a combination of fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) of body wall muscles from wild-type and etr-1(lq61) and subsequent RNA-seq. This analysis revealed genes whose splicing and transcript levels were controlled by ETR-1 exon 8 isoforms, and represented a broad spectrum of genes involved in muscle differentiation, myofilament lattice structure, and physiology. Genes with transcripts underrepresented in etr-1(lq61) included those involved in ribosome function and translation, similar to potential CELF1 targets identified in chick cardiomyocytes. This suggests that at least some targets of ETR-1 might be conserved in vertebrates, and that ETR-1 might generally stimulate translation in muscles. As proof-of-principle, a functional analysis of a subset of ETR-1 targets revealed genes involved in AQR and PQR neuronal migration. One such gene, lev-11/tropomyosin, requires ETR-1 for alternative splicing, and another, unc-52/perlecan, requires ETR-1 for the production of long isoforms containing 3′ exons. In sum, these studies identified gene targets of ETR-1/CELF1 in muscles, which included genes involved in muscle development and physiology, and genes with novel roles in neuronal migration.
Genome-wide association study identifies SNPs for growth performance and serum indicators in Valgus-varus deformity broilers (Gallus gallus) using ddGBS sequencing
Authors: Guo Yaping , Huang Hetian , Zhang Zhenzhen , Ma Yanchao , Li Jianzeng , Tang Hehe , Ma Haoxiang , Li Zhuanjian , Li Wenting , Liu Xiaojun , Kang Xiangtao , Han Ruili
Published: January 2022

Background

Valgus-varus deformity (VVD) is a lateral or middle deviation of the tibiotarsus or tarsometatarsus, which is associated with compromised growth, worse bone quality and abnormal changes in serum indicators in broilers. To investigate the genetic basis of VVD, a genome wide association study (GWAS) was performed to identify candidate genes and pathways that are responsible for VVD leg disease, serum indicators and growth performance in broilers.

Results

In total, VVD phenotype, seven serum indicators and three growth traits were measured for 126 VVD broilers (case group) and 122 sound broilers (control group) based on a high throughput genome wide genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) method. After quality control 233 samples (113 sound broilers and 120 VVD birds) and 256,599 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) markers were used for further analysis. As a result, a total of 5 SNPs were detected suggestively significantly associated with VVD and 70 candidate genes were identified that included or adjacent to these significant SNPs. In addition, 43 SNPs located on Chr24 (0.22 Mb - 1.79 Mb) were genome-wide significantly associated with serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and 38 candidate genes were identified. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these genes are involved in two Gene Ontology (GO) terms related to bone development (cartilage development and cartilage condensation) and two pathways related to skeletal development (Toll−like receptor signaling pathway and p53 signaling pathway). BARX2 (BARX homeobox 2) and Panx3 (Pannexin 3) related to skeleton diseases and bone quality were obtained according to functional analysis. According to the integration of GWAS with transcriptome analysis, HYLS1 (HYLS1 centriolar and ciliogenesis associated) was an important susceptibility gene.

Conclusions

The results provide some reference for understanding the relationship between metabolic mechanism of ALP and pathogenesis of VVD, which will provide a theoretical basis for disease-resistant breeding of chicken leg soundness.
Diversity of bacterium communities in saline-alkali soil in arid regions of Northwest China
Authors: Nan Lili , Guo Quanen , Cao Shiyu , Zhan Zongbing
Published: January 2022

Background

The saline-alkali soil area accounts for over 1/4-1/5 of the land area in Gansu Province of China, which are mainly distributed in the north of Hexi corridor and Jingtai basin. The unique ecological environment contains unique and diverse microbial resources. The investigation of microbial diversity in saline environment is vital to comprehend the biological mechanisms of saline adaption, develop and utilize microbial resources.

Results

The Illumina MiSeq sequencing method was practiced to investigate the bacterial diversity and composition in the 5 subtypes and 13 genera of saline-alkali soil in Gansu Province, China. The results from this study show that Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Gemmatimonadetes were the dominant bacterial groups in 13 saline soil. Proteobacteria had the greatest abundance in sulfate-type meadow solonchaks and orthic solonchaks, chloride-type orthic solonchaks and bog solonchaks, sulfate-chloride-type, chloride-sulfate-type, and sulfate-type dry solonchaks. Halobacteria was the dominant bacterial class in soil samples except for sulfate-type meadow solonchaks and orthic solonchaks, chloride-type orthic solonchaks and bog solonchaks. The richness estimators of Ace and Chao 1 and the diversity indices of Shannon and Simpson revealed the least diversity in bacterial community in sulfate-chloride-type orthic solonchaks.

Conclusions

The sulfate anion was the most important driving force for bacterial composition (17.7%), and the second most influencing factor was pH value (11.7%).
The identification of type I MADS box genes as the upstream activators of an endosperm-specific invertase inhibitor in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hoffmann Tobias , Shi Xiuling , Hsu Chuan-Yu , Brown Aakilah , Knight Quintera , Courtney La’ Shyra , Mukarram Ruqiyah J. , Wang Dongfang
Published: January 2022

Background

Nuclear endosperm development is a common mechanism among Angiosperms, including Arabidopsis. During nuclear development, the endosperm nuclei divide rapidly after fertilization without cytokinesis to enter the syncytial phase, which is then followed by the cellularized phase. The endosperm can be divided into three spatial domains with distinct functions: the micropylar, peripheral, and chalazal domains. Previously, we identified two putative small invertase inhibitors, InvINH1 and InvINH2, that are specifically expressed in the micropylar region of the syncytial endosperm. In addition, ectopically expressing InvINH1 in the cellularized endosperm led to a reduction in embryo growth rate. However, it is not clear what are the upstream regulators responsible for the specific expression of InvINHs in the syncytial endosperm.

Results

Using protoplast transient expression system, we discovered that a group of type I MADS box transcription factors can form dimers to activate InvINH1 promoter. Promoter deletion assays carried out in the protoplast system revealed the presence of an enhancer region in InvINH1 promoter, which contains several consensus cis-elements for the MADS box proteins. Using promoter deletion assay in planta, we further demonstrated that this enhancer region is required for InvINH1 expression in the syncytial endosperm. One of the MADS box genes, AGL62, is a key transcription factor required for syncytial endosperm development. Using promoter-GFP reporter assay, we demonstrated that InvINH1 and InvINH2 are not expressed in agl62 mutant seeds. Collectively, our data supports the role of AGL62 and other type I MADS box genes as the upstream activators of InvINHs expression in the syncytial endosperm.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed several type I MADS box genes that are responsible for activating InvINH1 in the syncytial endosperm, which in turn regulates embryo growth rate during early stage of seed development.
Incidence of emergency neurosurgical TBI procedures: a population-based study
Authors: Tverdal Cathrine , Aarhus Mads , Rønning Pål , Skaansar Ola , Skogen Karoline , Andelic Nada , Helseth Eirik
Published: January 2022

Background

The rates of emergency neurosurgery in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients vary between populations and trauma centers. In planning acute TBI treatment, knowledge about rates and incidence of emergency neurosurgery at the population level is of importance for organization and planning of specialized health care services. This study aimed to present incidence rates and patient characteristics for the most common TBI-related emergency neurosurgical procedures.

Methods

Oslo University Hospital is the only trauma center with neurosurgical services in Southeast Norway, which has a population of 3 million. We extracted prospectively collected registry data from the Oslo TBI Registry – Neurosurgery over a five-year period (2015–2019). Incidence was calculated in person-pears (crude) and age-adjusted for standard population. We conducted multivariate multivariable logistic regression models to assess variables associated with emergency neurosurgical procedures.

Results

A total of 2151 patients with pathological head CT scans were included. One or more emergency neurosurgical procedure was performed in 27% of patients. The crude incidence was 3.9/100,000 person-years. The age-adjusted incidences in the standard population for Europe and the world were 4.0/100,000 and 3.3/100,000, respectively. The most frequent emergency neurosurgical procedure was the insertion of an intracranial pressure monitor, followed by evacuation of the mass lesion. Male sex, road traffic accidents, severe injury (low Glasgow coma score) and CT characteristics such as midline shift and compressed/absent basal cisterns were significantly associated with an increased probability of emergency neurosurgery, while older age was associated with a decreased probability.

Conclusions

The incidence of emergency neurosurgery in the general population is low and reflects neurosurgery procedures performed in patients with severe injuries. Hence, emergency neurosurgery for TBIs should be centralized to major trauma centers.
Uncommon cause of respiratory failure due to a bezoar in the hypopharynx: a case report
Authors: Adeli Seyed-Hasan , Sehat Malihe , Azarnia Samarin Gholamreza , Vafaeimanesh Jamshid , Ahmadpour Sajjad , Nasiri Sara
Published: January 2022

Background

Trichotillomania and trichophagia cause trichobezoars, which are masses made of hair. The main presentation of this condition is abdominal pain. However, other complications include gastric outlet obstruction, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, malnutrition, hematemesis, diarrhea, and constipation.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old woman with trichotillomania was admitted to the Emergency Department with the chief complaints of dyspnea on exertion, shortness of breath, dysphagia, generalized weakness, and hoarseness. Spiral chest computed tomography (CT) scan did not reveal any parenchymal lesions Pulmonary CT angiography did not reveal pulmonary embolism. The patient was admitted to the Surgery Department for hand fasciotomy due to contrast leakage, and during laryngoscopy, a trichobezoar was detected that was removed with Magill forceps.

Conclusions

Rare cases of trichobezoars can be observed in humans with gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms. Precise and timely diagnosis are key for the prevention of more invasive diagnostic procedures.
Multi-loop traction device facilitates gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection: ex vivo pilot study and an inaugural clinical experience
Authors: Matsui Hiroaki , Tamai Naoto , Futakuchi Toshiki , Kamba Shunsuke , Dobashi Akira , Sumiyama Kazuki
Published: January 2022

Background

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is technically difficult and requires considerable training. The authors have developed a multi-loop traction device (MLTD), a new traction device that offers easy attachment and detachment. We aimed to evaluate the utility of MLTD in ESD.

Methods

This ex vivo pilot study was a prospective, block-randomized, comparative study of a porcine stomach model. Twenty-four lesions were assigned to a group that undertook ESD using the MLTD (M-ESD group) and a group that undertook conventional ESD (C-ESD group) to compare the speed of submucosal dissection. In addition, the data of consecutive 10 patients with eleven gastric lesions was collected using electronic medical records to clarify the inaugural clinical outcomes of gastric ESD using MLTD.

Results

The median (interquartile range) speed of submucosal dissection in the M-ESD and C-ESD groups were 141.5 (60.9–177.6) mm2/min and 35.5 (20.8–52.3) mm2/min, respectively; submucosal dissection was significantly faster in the M-ESD group (p < 0.05). The rate of en bloc resection and R0 resection was 100% in both groups, and there were no perforation in either group. The MLTD attachment time was 2.5 ± 0.9 min and the MLTD extraction time was 1.0 ± 1.1 min. Clinical outcomes of MLTD in gastric ESD were almost the same as those of ex vivo pilot study.

Conclusions

MLTD increased the speed of submucosal dissection in ESD and was similarly effective when used by expert and trainee endoscopists without perforation. MLTD can potentially ensure a safer and faster ESD.
Known in the nursing home: development and evaluation of a digital person-centered artistic photo-activity intervention to promote social interaction between residents with dementia, and their formal and informal carers
Authors: Tan Josephine Rose Orejana , Boersma Petra , Ettema Teake P. , Aëgerter Laurence , Gobbens Robbert , Stek Max L. , Dröes Rose-Marie
Published: January 2022

Background

To address the lack of social interaction and meaningful activities for persons with dementia (PWD) in nursing homes an artistic Photo-Activity was designed. The present study aims to develop a digital version of the Photo-Activity and to investigate its implementation and impact on nursing home residents with advanced dementia, and their (in)formal carers.

Methods

First, within a user-participatory design, a digital-app version of the Photo-Activity will be developed and pilot-tested, in co-creation with (in)formal carers and PWD.

Next, the feasibility and effectiveness of the Photo-Activity versus a control activity will be explored in a randomized controlled trial with nursing home residents (N=90), and their (in)formal carers. Residents will be offered the Photo-Activity or the control activity by (in)formal carers during one month. Measurements will be conducted by independent assessors at baseline (T0), after one month (T1) and at follow up, two weeks after T1 (T2). Qualitative and quantitative methods will be used to investigate the effects of the intervention on mood, social interaction and quality of life of the PWD, sense of competence of informal carers, empathy and personal attitude of the formal carers, and quality of the relationship between the PWD, and their (in)formal carers. In addition, a process evaluation will be carried out by means of semi-structured interviews with the participating residents and (in)formal carers.

Finally, an implementation package based on the process evaluation will be developed, allowing the scaling up of the intervention to other care institutions.

Discussion

Results of the trial will be available for dissemination by Spring 2023. The digital Photo-Activity is expected to promote meaningful connections between the resident with dementia, and their (in)formal carers through the facilitation of person-centered conversations.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register:NL9219; registered (21 January 2021); NTR (trialregister.nl)
Purposeful use of multimodality imaging in the diagnosis of caseous mitral annular calcification: a case series report
Authors: Sveric Krunoslav Michael , Platzek Ivan , Golgor Elena , Hoffmann Ralf-Thorsten , Linke Axel , Jellinghaus Stefanie
Published: January 2022

Background

Caseous mitral annular calcification (CMAC) is a rare liquefactive variant of mitral annular calcification (MAC) and superficially mimics a cardiac vegetation or abscess. CMAC is viewed as a benign condition of MAC, while MAC has clinical implications for patients’ lives. Correctly diagnosing CMAC is essential in order to avoid unnecessary interventions, cardiac surgery or even psychological suffering for the patient.

Case presentation

We report on 6 patients with suspected intra-cardiac masses of the mitral annulus that were referred to our institution for further clarification. A definitive diagnosis of CMAC was achieved by combining echocardiography (Echo), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cardiac computed tomography (CT) for these patients. Echo assessed the mass itself and possible interactions with the mitral valve. MRI was useful in differentiating the tissue from other benign or malign neoplasms. CT revealed the typical structure of CMAC with a “soft” liquefied centre and an outer capsule with calcification.

Conclusion

CMAC is a rare condition, and most clinicians and even radiologists are not familiar with it. CMAC can be mistaken for an intra-cardiac tumour, thombus, vegetation, or abscess. Non-invasive multimodality imaging (i.e. Echo, MRI, and CT) helps to establish a definitive diagnosis of CMAC and avoid unnecessary interventions especially in uncertain cases.
To and TAFRO – a cryptic cause of acute renal failure: a case report
Authors: Shah N. , Davidson T. , Cheung C. , Keung K.
Published: January 2022

Background

TAFRO syndrome is a rare clinical subtype of idiopathic multicentric Castlemans disease characterised by thrombocytopenia, anasarca, myelofibrosis, renal dysfunction, and organomegaly. Renal involvement is common, sometimes requiring temporary renal replacement therapy. Due to the associated thrombocytopenia, renal biopsies are rarely performed limiting descriptions of the renal histopathology in this condition. This case describes a patient with TAFRO syndrome and the associated renal histology.

Case presentation

A 49-year-old Caucasian man presented to a tertiary hospital in Sydney with a six- week history of malaise, non-bloody diarrhoea, progressive shortness of breath, and drenching night sweats. A progressive bicytopenia and renal function decline necessitating temporary dialysis prompted a bone marrow aspirate and trephine, as well as a renal biopsy respectively. This noted a hypercellular bone marrow with increased granulopoiesis, reduced erythropoiesis, and fibrosis, with renal histology suggesting a thrombotic microangiopathic-like glomerulopathy. Alternate conditions were excluded, and a diagnosis of TAFRO syndrome was made. Glucocorticoids and rituximab were initiated with rapid renal recovery, and normalisation of his haematologic parameters achieved at six months.

Conclusion

This case describes an atypical thrombotic microangiopathy as the predominant histologic renal lesion in a patient with TAFRO syndrome. This was responsive to immunosuppression with glucocorticoids and rituximab, highlighting the importance of early recognition of this rarely described condition.
Identification of Interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein in the Schisis cavity fluid of a patient with congenital X-linked Retinoschisis
Authors: Mano Fukutaro , Sugioka Koji , Kuniyoshi Kazuki , Kondo Hiroyuki , Kusaka Shunji
Published: January 2022

Background

This case report describes the surgical outcome in a patient with congenital X-linked retinoschisis (CXLRS) and the results of proteomic analysis of surgically extracted samples from both vitreous and intraschisis cavities by mass spectrometry.

Case presentation

A 3-month-old boy presented with extensive retinoschisis involving macula and retinal periphery in both eyes. Genetic analysis confirmed retinoschisin 1 mutation (c.554C > T), and an electroretinogram showed significant reduction of b-wave and decreased cone and rod responses, which led to a diagnosis of CXLRS. By performing pars plana vitrectomy, including inner wall retinectomy, clear visual axes with stable retinal conditions and functional vision in both eyes were obtained during the 4 years of follow-up. Proteomic analysis of surgically retrieved fluid from the intraschisis cavity revealed a higher expression of interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) than that from the vitreous humor. However, both samples showed equal levels of albumin, transferrin, and pigment epithelium-derived factor.

Conclusions

Cellular adhesive imperfection in CXLRS may cause IRBP diffusion from the interphotoreceptor matrix, resulting in the strong expression of IRBP in the intraschisis cavity. An impaired retinoid cycle caused by an absence of IRBP in the retina may potentially underlie the pathology of CXLRS.
Measuring fear evoked by the scariest animal: Czech versions of the Spider Questionnaire and Spider Phobia Beliefs Questionnaire
Authors: Polák Jakub , Sedláčková Kristýna , Janovcová Markéta , Peléšková Šárka , Flegr Jaroslav , Vobrubová Barbora , Frynta Daniel , Landová Eva
Published: January 2022

Background

Although tiny in size and mostly harmless, spiders evoke exceptional fear in a significant part of the population and arachnophobia is one of the most common anxiety disorders with prevalence 2.7–6.1%. Two standard measures have been widely used to reliably assess the emotional and cognitive component of spider fear, the Spider Questionnaire (SPQ) and Spider Phobia Beliefs Questionnaire (SBQ). We aimed to develop and validate their Czech translations, describe distribution of spider fear in the Czech population, and analyse its association with disgust propensity and other sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods

In Phase 1, we developed Czech translations of both questionnaires using a back-translation procedure and then tested their psychometric properties against their English versions in a counterbalanced experimental design using the Mann-Whitney U test and two-sided t-test. In Phase 2, we analysed scores on the Czech SPQ and SBQ on a larger sample. We evaluated the effects of age, gender, level of education, biology background, and association with the assessments of snake fear (i.e. the Snake Questionnaire, SNAQ) and disgust propensity (i.e. the Disgust Scale-Revised, DS-R) using a Spearman correlation, redundancy analysis, and general linear models.

Results

We have demonstrated that the Czech SPQ and SBQ are equivalent to their originals and show excellent test-retest reliability (SPQ: 0.93; SBQ: 0.87–0.90). In total, 398 (10.3%) out of 3863 subjects reached the cut-off point for potential spider phobia. In addition, SPQ and SBQ scores were highly correlated (0.73–0.79), significantly more than with the SNAQ (0.21–0.32) or the DS-R (0.36–0.40). Two multivariate statistical methods revealed a significant association between the gender, age, level of education, biology background, or disgust propensity and the SPQ scores.

Conclusion

The Czech SPQ and SBQ may produce reliable and valid assessments of spider fear, but they must be further psychometrically tested considering the limitation of this study before wider use. We corroborate previous findings that fear of spiders is significantly associated with sociodemographic variables, such as gender, age, or education, as well as with the individual level of disgust propensity.
Operationalizing the distribution of oral HIV self-testing kits to men who have sex with men (MSM) in a highly homophobic environment: the Nigerian experience
Authors: Sekoni Adekemi , Tun Waimar , Dirisu Osasuyi , Ladi-Akinyemi Temitope , Shoyemi Elizabeth , Adebajo Sylvia , Ogunsola Folasade , Vu Lung
Published: January 2022

Background

Self-care health interventions are innovative approaches for improving health and achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Men who have sex with men (MSM) have been disproportionately affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In spite of this, stigma from healthcare workers has reportedly prevented MSM from accessing HIV testing in health facilities. This paper explored the operationalization of using key opinion leaders (KOLs) to distribute HIVST (HIV self-test) kits to MSM. This qualitative survey used a combination of in-depth interviews (IDI) with HIVST users and focus group discussions (FGDs) with KOLs to collect data three months after the distribution of the test kits by the KOLs. Thematic analysis of the data was carried out.

Result

Three themes were generated namely: KOLs serve as a trusted resource to promote and support HIVST for the MSM community; Skills and qualifications required for KOLs to effectively distribute and promote uptake of HIVST; and Effective strategies used to create demand and promote uptake of HIVST.

Conclusion

This study showed the practical steps involved in operationalizing KOL support system distribution of HIVST that positively influenced the testing experience for the participants irrespective of the HIV status and engagement in care. KOLs are a reliable resource to leverage for ensuring that HIV self-test kit is utilized and HIV positive individuals are linked to treatment and care in homophobic environments.
Late-onset or chronic overweight/obesity predicts low self-esteem in early adolescence: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Gong Wei Jie , Fong Daniel Yee Tak , Wang Man Ping , Lam Tai Hing , Chung Thomas Wai Hung , Ho Sai Yin
Published: January 2022

Background

How weight status changes with time may affect self-esteem was seldom studied. We identified the distinct trajectories of overweight/obesity over age and assessed their associations with different domains of self-esteem in Hong Kong Chinese children.

Methods

Territory-wide longitudinal data of 48,558 children (girls: 50.0%; 6.3 ± 0.51 years) studying Primary 1 in the academic cohorts of 1995/96 and 1996/97 followed till Primary 6 were obtained from the Student Health Service of Hong Kong. Weight was annually measured and categorized as underweight/normal and overweight/obese and self-esteem was measured in Primary 6. Distinct trajectories of weight status were first identified using growth mixture modeling and their associations with low self-esteem were assessed by logistic regression.

Results

Four distinct overweight/obesity trajectories were identified: never (76.8%), late-onset (8.1%), early-onset (4.2%) and chronic (10.9%) overweight/obesity. Compared with children who were never overweight/obese, more of those in the late-onset or chronic overweight/obesity group showed low self-esteem and specific domains including general, social and academic/school-related (adjusted odds ratios: 1.20 - 1.43, allP< 0.001) except parent/home-related self-esteem (P= 0.36), whereas children being in the early-onset overweight/obesity group showed no significant difference (P≥ 0.53) except a lower risk of low social self-esteem (adjusted odds ratio = 0.82,P= 0.03).

Conclusions

Late-onset or chronic overweight/obesity predicted low general, social and academic/school-related self-esteem. Children who successfully reduced weight may have equal levels of self-esteem or even better social self-esteem than those being always underweight/normal weight. Overweight/obese children had a vulnerability to self-esteem in non-domestic environments.
Prevalence and incidence rates of laboratory-confirmed hepatitis B infection in South Africa, 2015 to 2019
Authors: Moonsamy Shelina , Suchard Melinda , Pillay Pavitra , Prabdial-Sing Nishi
Published: January 2022

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a global public health threat, is targeted for elimination by 2030. As national HBV prevalence and incidence is lacking for South Africa, our study aimed to provide such data in the public health sector.

Methods

We analysed laboratory-confirmed HBV data from 2015 to 2019 to determine annual prevalence and incidence rates of HBV infection per 100,000 population, HBsAg and anti-HBc IgM test positivity rates, and HBsAg and anti-HBc IgM testing rates per 100,000 population. Time trend and statistical analyses were performed on HBsAg and anti-HBc IgM test positivity rates.

Results

The national prevalence rate of HBV infection per 100,000 population increased from 56.14 in 2015 to 67.76 in 2019. Over the five years, the prevalence rate was higher in males than females, highest amongst individuals 25 to 49 years old and highest in Gauteng province. The HBsAg test positivity rate dropped from 9.77% in 2015 to 8.09% in 2019. Over the five years, the HBsAg test positivity rate was higher in males than females, amongst individuals 25 to 49 years old and amongst individuals of Limpopo province. Amongst HBsAg positive children under 5 years old, the majority (65.7%) were less than a year old. HBsAg testing rates per 100,000 population were higher in females under 45 years of age and in males 45 years and above. The national incidence rate of acute HBV infection per 100,000 population dropped from 3.17 in 2015 to 1.69 in 2019. Over the five-year period, incidence rates were similar between males and females, highest amongst individuals 20 to 39 years old and highest in Mpumalanga province. Amongst individuals 20 to 24 years old, there was a substantial decline in the incidence and anti-HBc IgM test positivity rates over time. Anti-HBc IgM testing rates per 100,000 population were higher in females under 40 years of age and in males 40 years and above.

Conclusion

Critical to hepatitis B elimination is strengthened infant vaccination coverage and interruption of vertical transmission. Transmission of HBV infection in adults may be reduced through heightened awareness of transmission routes and prevention measures.
Maternal internal migration and child growth and nutritional health in Peru: an analysis of the demographic and health surveys from 1991 to 2017
Authors: Rougeaux Emeline , Miranda J. Jaime , Fewtrell Mary , Wells Jonathan C. K.
Published: January 2022

Background

Peru has historically experienced high rural-to-urban migration. Despite large reductions in undernutrition, overweight is increasing. Elsewhere, internal migration has been associated with differences in children’s growth and nutritional health. We investigated how child growth and nutritional status in Peru varied over time and in association with maternal internal migration.

Methods

Using data from Demographic & Health Surveys from 1991 to 2017, we assessed trends in child growth (height-for-age [HAZ], weight-for-age [WAZ], weight-for-height [WHZ] z scores) and nutritional health (stunting, underweight, overweight) by maternal adult internal migration (urban [UNM] or rural non-migrant [RNM], or urban-urban [UUM], rural-urban [RUM], rural-rural [RRM], or urban-rural migrant [URM]). Using 2017 data, we ran regression analyses, adjusting for confounders, to investigate associations of maternal migration with child outcomes and the maternal and child double burden of malnutrition. We further stratified by timing of migration, child timing of birth and, for urban residents, type of area of residence. Results are given as adjusted predictive margins (mean z score or %) and associated regression p-values [p].

Results

In 1991–2017, child growth improved, and undernutrition decreased, but large differences by maternal migration persisted. In 2017, within urban areas, being the child of a migrant woman was associated with lower WHZ (UUM = 0.6/RUM = 0.5 vs UNM = 0.7; p = 0.009 and p < 0.001 respectively) and overweight prevalence ((RUM 7% vs UNM = 11% [p = 0.002]). Results however varied both by child timing of birth (birth after migration meant greater overweight prevalence) and type of area of residence (better linear growth in children of migrants [vs non-migrants] in capital/large cities and towns but not small cities). In rural areas, compared to RNM, children of URM had higher HAZ (− 1.0 vs − 1.2; p < 0.001) and WAZ (− 0.3 vs − 0.4; p = 0.001) and lower stunting (14% vs 21%; [p < 0.001]). There were no differences by timing of birth in rural children, nor by time since migration across all children. The mother and child double burden of malnutrition was higher in rural than urban areas but no differences were found by maternal internal migration.

Conclusions

Migration creates a unique profile of child nutritional health that is not explained by maternal ethnic and early life factors, but which varies depending on the pathway of migration, the child timing of birth in relation to migration and, for urban dwellers, the size of the place of destination. Interventions to improve child nutritional health should take into consideration maternal health and migration history.
Factors associated with habitual sleep duration in US adults with hypertension: a cross-sectional study of the 2015–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Ogugu Everlyne G. , Catz Sheryl L. , Bell Janice F. , Drake Christiana , Bidwell Julie T. , Gangwisch James E.
Published: January 2022

Background

The relationship between inadequate sleep duration and hypertension risk has been established in the general population, but there is a gap in the literature on predictors of habitual sleep duration in adults with hypertension. This study examined factors associated with habitual sleep duration among adults with hypertension in the United States (US).

Methods

Data of 5660 adults with hypertension were obtained by combining the 2015–2018 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Survey weighted multinomial logistic regression models were fit to examine factors associated with short (< 7 h) and long (> 9 h) sleep duration with adequate sleep duration (7–9 h) as the reference.

Results

The prevalence of self-reported adequate sleep duration was 65.7%, while short sleep duration was 23.6%, and long sleep duration 10.7%. Short sleep duration (compared to adequate sleep duration) was positively associated with history of seeking help for sleeping difficulties (relative risk ratio [RRR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.53), Non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity (RRR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.61–2.67), working ≥45 h/week (RRR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.32–2.48), and negatively associated with older age ≥ 65 years (RRR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.45–0.91) and female gender (RRR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.56–0.88). Long sleep duration was positively associated with female gender (RRR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.001–1.54), chronic kidney disease (RRR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.14–1.92), moderate depressive symptoms (RRR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.08–2.44), moderately severe to severe depressive symptoms (RRR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.05–3.43), being in retirement (RRR, 3.46; 95% CI, 2.18–5.49), and not working due to health reasons (RRR, 4.87; 95% CI, 2.89–8.22) or other reasons (RRR, 3.29; 95% CI, 1.84–5.88).

Conclusion

This population-based study identified factors independently associated with habitual sleep duration in adults with hypertension. These included help-seeking for sleeping difficulty, gender, age, chronic kidney disease, depressive symptoms, race/ethnicity, and employment status. These findings can help in the development of tailored approaches for promoting adequate sleep duration in adults with hypertension.