bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multimorbidity model for estimating health outcomes from the syndemic of injection drug use and associated infections in the United States
Authors: Chiosi John J. , Mueller Peter P. , Chhatwal Jagpreet , Ciaranello Andrea L.
Published: July 2023

Background

Fatal drug overdoses and serious injection-related infections are rising in the US. Multiple concurrent infections in people who inject drugs (PWID) exacerbate poor health outcomes, but little is known about how the synergy among infections compounds clinical outcomes and costs. Injection drug use (IDU) converges multiple epidemics into a syndemic in the US, including opioid use and HIV. Estimated rates of new injection-related infections in the US are limited due to widely varying estimates of the number of PWID in the US, and in the absence of clinical trials and nationally representative longitudinal observational studies of PWID, simulation models provide important insights to policymakers for informed decisions.

Methods

We developed and validated a MultimorbiditY model to Reduce Infections Associated with Drug use (MYRIAD). This microsimulation model of drug use and associated infections (HIV, hepatitis C virus [HCV], and severe bacterial infections) uses inputs derived from published data to estimate national level trends in the US. We used Latin hypercube sampling to calibrate model output against published data from 2015 to 2019 for fatal opioid overdose rates. We internally validated the model for HIV and HCV incidence and bacterial infection hospitalization rates among PWID. We identified best fitting parameter sets that met pre-established goodness-of-fit targets using the Pearson’s chi-square test. We externally validated the model by comparing model output to published fatal opioid overdose rates from 2020.

Results

Out of 100 sample parameter sets for opioid use, the model produced 3 sets with well-fitting results to key calibration targets for fatal opioid overdose rates with Pearson’s chi-square test ranging from 1.56E-5 to 2.65E-5, and 2 sets that met validation targets. The model produced well-fitting results within validation targets for HIV and HCV incidence and serious bacterial infection hospitalization rates. From 2015 to 2019, the model estimated 120,000 injection-related overdose deaths, 17,000 new HIV infections, and 144,000 new HCV infections among PWID.

Conclusions

This multimorbidity microsimulation model, populated with data from national surveillance data and published literature, accurately replicated fatal opioid overdose, incidence of HIV and HCV, and serious bacterial infections hospitalization rates. The MYRIAD model of IDU could be an important tool to assess clinical and economic outcomes related to IDU behavior and infections with serious morbidity and mortality for PWID.
Spatial price differences of medical services: evidence from the Yangtze River Delta in China
Authors: Li Luo , Liu Bao
Published: July 2023

Background

Price differences of medical services across regions may affect equity in health financing. This study aimed to estimate the spatial price index of medical services to measure price levels across regions in the Yangtze River Delta, China.

Methods

Gini-Éltetö-Köves-Szulc method and minimum spanning tree method based on the purchasing power parities were used in this study.

Results

According to the Gini-Éltetö-Köves-Szulc method, Shanghai and Anhui province had price levels that are 127.55% and 103.45% respectively of the price level in Zhejiang province, whereas in Jiangsu medical services were priced at 92.71% of that in Zhejiang province. The spatial price index of medical services in the Yangtze River Delta based on the minimum spanning tree method provided similar results.

Conclusions

Regions in the Yangtze River Delta had significant gaps in medical services price levels. And the price levels tended to not correlate with socioeconomic levels. It is necessary to promote the regional coordination of medical services price and better achieve equity in health.
Triptolide with hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity used in local delivery treatment of myocardial infarction by thermosensitive hydrogel
Authors: Wang Kun , Zhu Ke , Zhu Ziyang , Shao Fuqiang , Qian Ruijie , Wang Chenyang , Dong Haiqing , Li Yongyong , Gao Zairong , Zhao Jun
Published: July 2023

Myocardial infarction (MI) resulting from coronary artery occlusion is the leading global cause of cardiovascular disability and mortality. Anti-inflammatory treatment plays an important role in MI treatment. Triptolide (TPL), as a Chinese medicine monomer, has a variety of biological functions, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and immunoregulation. However, it has been proved that TPL is poorly water soluble, and has clear hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, which seriously limits its clinical application. Herein, we designed a long-acting hydrogel platform (TPL@PLGA@F127) for MI treatment by intramyocardial injection. First, we found that the inflammatory response and immune regulation might be the main mechanisms of TPL against MI by network pharmacology. Subsequently, we prepared the hydrogel platform (TPL@PLGA@F127) and tested its effects and toxicity on normal organs in the early stage of MI (3 days after MI-operation). The results showed that TPL@PLGA@F127 could not only promote “repair” macrophages polarization (to M2 macrophage) by day 3 after MI, but also has a long-lasting anti-inflammatory effect in the later stage of MI (28 days after MI-operation). Additionally, we proved that TPL@PLGA@F127 could attenuate the toxicity of TPL by releasing it more slowly and stably. Finally, we observed the long-term effects of TPL@PLGA@F127 on MI and found that it could improve cardiac function, depress the myocardial fibrosis and protect the cardiomyocytes. In summary, this study indicated that TPL@PLGA@F127 could not only enhance the therapeutic effects of TPL on MI, but also attenuate the hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, which established a strong foundation for the clinical application of TPL for MI.
Cold exposure protects against medial arterial calcification development via autophagy
Authors: Li Fu-Xing-Zi , Liu Jun-Jie , Xu Feng , Shan Su-Kang , Zheng Ming-Hui , Lei Li-Min , Lin Xiao , Guo Bei , Li Chang-Chun , Wu Feng , Tang Ke-Xin , Cao Ye-Chi , Wu Yun-Yun , Duan Jia-Yue , Wu Yan-Lin , He Si-Yang , Chen Xi , Yuan Ling-Qing
Published: July 2023

Medial arterial calcification (MAC), a systemic vascular disease different from atherosclerosis, is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular events. Several studies have demonstrated that ambient temperature is one of the most important factors affecting cardiovascular events. However, there has been limited research on the effect of different ambient temperatures on MAC. In the present study, we showed that cold temperature exposure (CT) in mice slowed down the formation of vitamin D (VD)-induced vascular calcification compared with room temperature exposure (RT). To investigate the mechanism involved, we isolated plasma-derived exosomes from mice subjected to CT or RT for 30 days (CT-Exo or RT-Exo, respectively). Compared with RT-Exo, CT-Exo remarkably alleviated the calcification/senescence formation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and promoted autophagy by activating the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and inhibiting phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR). At the same time, CT-Exo promoted autophagy in β-glycerophosphate (β-GP)-induced VSMCs. The number of autophagosomes and the expression of autophagy-related proteins ATG5 and LC3B increased, while the expression of p62 decreased. Based on a microRNA chip microarray assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction, miR-320a-3p was highly enriched in CT-Exo as well as thoracic aortic vessels in CT mice. miR-320a-3p downregulation in CT-Exo using AntagomiR-320a-3p inhibited autophagy and blunted its anti-calcification protective effect on VSMCs. Moreover, we identified that programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) is a target of miR-320a-3p, and silencing PDCD4 increased autophagy and decreased calcification in VSMCs. Treatment with CT-Exo alleviated the formation of MAC in VD-treated mice, while these effects were partially reversed by GW4869. Furthermore, the anti-arterial calcification protective effects of CT-Exo were largely abolished by AntagomiR-320a-3p in VD-induced mice. In summary, we have highlighted that prolonged cold may be a good way to reduce the incidence of MAC. Specifically, miR-320a-3p from CT-Exo could protect against the initiation and progression of MAC via the AMPK/mTOR autophagy pathway.

Graphic Abstract
Heterogeneity in health funding and disparities in health outcome: a comparison between high focus and non-high focus states in India
Authors: Mohanty Ranjan Kumar , Behera Deepak Kumar
Published: July 2023

Background

The Central Government of India introduced the National Health Mission (NHM) in 2005 to improve health outcomes by enhancing publicly financed (government) health expenditure and health infrastructure at the state level. This study aims to examine the effects of the state-level heterogeneity in publicly financed spending on health services on major health outcomes such as life expectancy, infant mortality rate, child mortality rate, the incidence of malaria, and immunization coverage (i.e., BCG, Polio, Measles, and Tetanus).

Methods

This study investigates the relationships between publicly financed health expenditure and health outcomes by controlling income and infrastructure levels across 28 Indian States from 2005 to 2016. Along with all states, the empirical analysis has also been carried out for high-focus and non-high-focus states as per the NHM fund flow criteria. It has applied panel fixed-effects and random effects model wherever required based on the Hausman test.

Results

The empirical results show that publicly financed health expenditure reduces infant mortality, child mortality, and malaria cases. At the same time, it improves life expectancy and immunization coverage in India. It also finds that the relationship between publicly financed health expenditure and health outcomes is weak, especially in the high-focus states.

Conclusions

Given the healthcare need for achieving desirable health outcomes, Indian States should enhance publicly financed expenditure on health services. This study augments essential guidance for implementing public health policies in developing countries.
CHSY3 promotes proliferation and migration in gastric cancer and is associated with immune infiltration
Authors: Huang Xinkun , Liu Yonghui , Qian Chenyu , Shen Qicheng , Wu Menglong , Zhu Bin , Feng Ying
Published: July 2023

Background

The glycosyltransferase CHSY3 is a CHSY family member, yet its importance in the context of gastric cancer development remains incompletely understood. The present study was thus developed to explore the mechanistic importance of CHSY3 as a regulator of gastric cancer.

Methods

Expression of CHSY3 was verified by TCGA, GEO and HPA databases. Kaplan–Meier curve, ROC, univariate cox, multivariate cox, and nomogram models were used to verify the prognostic impact and predictive value of CHSY3. KEGG and GO methods were used to identify signaling pathways associated with CHSY3. TIDE and IPS scores were used to assess the immunotherapeutic value of CHSY3. WGCNA, Cytoscape constructs PPI networks and random forest models to identify key Hub genes. Finally, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining were performed to verify CHSY3 expression in clinical specimens. The ability of CHSY3 to regulate tumor was further assessed by CCK-8 assay and cloning assay, EDU assay, migration assay, invasion assay, and xenograft tumor model analysis.

Results

The expression of CHSY3 was discovered to be abnormally upregulated in GC tissues through TCGA, GEO, and HPA databases, and the expression of CHSY3 was associated with poor prognosis in GC patients. Correlation analysis and Cox regression analysis revealed higher CHSY3 expression in higher T staging, an independent prognostic factor for GC. Moreover, elevated expression of CHSY3 was found to reduce the benefit of immunotherapy as assessed by the TIDE score and IPS score. Then, utilizing WGCNA, the PPI network constructed by Cytoscape, and random forest model, the Hub genes of COL5A2, POSTN, COL1A1, and FN1 associated with immunity were screened. Finally, the expression of CHSY3 in GC tissues was verified by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, the expression of CHSY3 was further demonstrated by in vivo and in vitro experiments to promote the proliferation, migration, and invasive ability of GC.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that CHSY3 is an important regulator of gastric cancer progression, highlighting its promise as a therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
Obesity accelerates age defects in B cells, and weight loss improves B cell function
Authors: Frasca Daniela , Romero Maria , Diaz Alain , Blomberg Bonnie B.
Published: July 2023

Background

We have previously shown that obesity accelerates age-associated defects in B cell function and antibody production leading to decreased secretion of protective antibodies and increased autoimmunity. We wanted to evaluate if obese adults enrolled in a voluntary weight reduction program had higher protective and lower autoimmune antibody responses similar to those observed in lean adults.

Methods

Experiments were performed using blood isolated from an established cohort of female lean adult and elderly individuals, as well as from the blood of female adults with obesity, before and after a voluntary weight reduction program in which their Body Mass Index (BMI) was reduced 10–34% in 12 months. All participants were vaccinated with the Trivalent Inactivated Influenza vaccine. Serum samples were evaluated for the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines and adipokines, vaccine-specific antibodies and autoimmune antibodies. We evaluated the composition of the B cell pool by flow cytometry, the expression of RNA for class switch transcription factors and pro-inflammatory markers by qPCR, the in vitro secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and their capacity to induce pro-inflammatory T cells.

Results

Obesity, similar to aging, induced increased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and autoimmune antibodies, while vaccine-specific antibodies were reduced. In agreement with the serum results, the B cell pool of obese adults and elderly individuals was enriched in pro-inflammatory B cell subsets and was characterized by higher expression of markers associated with cell senescence, higher levels of T-bet, the transcription factor for autoimmune antibodies and lower levels of E47, the transcription factor associated with protective responses to the influenza vaccine. B cells from obese adults and elderly individuals were also able to secrete inflammatory cytokines and support the generation of inflammatory T cells. All these pro-inflammatory characteristics of B cells from obese individuals were significantly attenuated, but not completely reversed, by weight loss.

Conclusions

Although the results from our small observational study show that obesity-induced dysfunctional B cell responses, similar to those occurring during aging, are ameliorated in some but not all obese individuals after weight loss, the effects of body weight loss on mechanistic pathways are largely missing and deserve further investigation.
Duloxetine for fibromyalgia syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Maffulli Nicola , Eschweiler Jörg , Baroncini Alice , Bell Andreas , Colarossi Giorgia
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The optimal dose of duloxetine in the management of fibromyalgia remains still controversial. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate efficacy and safety of duloxetine was conducted. The outcomes of interests were to assess changes in Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and Clinical Global Impression (CGI). The rate of of adverse events and those leading to therapy discontinuation were also investigated.

Material and methods

This study followed the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. The literature search started in December 2022 accessing PubMed, Google scholar, Embase, and Scopus databases. All the RCTs investigating the efficacy and safety of daily administration of duloxetine for fibromyalgia were accessed. Studies reporting quantitative data under the outcomes of interest, and including a minimum of 10 patients who completed a minimum of 4 weeks follow-up, were included. Studies on combined pharmacological and non-pharmacological managements for fibromyalgia were not considered.

Results

Data from 3432 patients (11 RCTs) were included. The mean age of the patients was 46.4 ± 10.7 years old, and the mean BMI 25.3 ± 3.2 kg/m2. 90% (3089 of 3432 patients) were women. The 60 mg/daily cohort reported the higher FIQ, followed by the 30, 30–60, 120 mg/daily, and placebo groups, while the 60–120 mg /daily group performed the worst results. Concerning the CGI severity scale, placebo resulted in the lowest improvement, and no differences were found in the other groups. Concerning the BPI interference and severity pain scores, the 30–60 mg/daily group reported the worst result, along with the placebo group. The rate of adverse events leading to study discontinuation were lower in the 60–120 group, followed by the 30–60 and 30 mag/daily groups. Duloxetine was superior in all the comparisons to placebo, irrespective of the doses, in all endpoints analysed.

Conclusions

Duloxetine could help in improving symptoms of fibromyalgia. The dose of duloxetine should be customised according to individual patients. Irrespective of the doses, duloxetine was more effective than placebo in the management of fibromyalgia. The dose of duloxetine must be customised according to individual patients.

Level of evidence I Meta-analysis of double-blind RCTs.
Breaking down the fences among registries on autoinflammatory diseases: the E-Merge project
Authors: Vyzhga Y. , Hentgen V. , Caorsi R. , Wittkowski H. , Hofer M. , Ruperto N. , Lainka E. , Theodoropoulou K. , Foell D. , Mosci E. , Gattorno M. ,   AID-Net, Eurofever, JIRcohort registriesthe Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation (PRINTO)
Published: July 2023

Background

Among the various numbers of different autoinflammatory diseases (AIDs), the absolute majority of them remains rare, with a single representative in large populations. This project, endorsed by PRES, supported by the EMERGE fellowship program, and performed in line with the Metadata registry for the ERN RITA (MeRITA), has the objective of performing a data synchronization attempt of the most relevant research questions regarding clinical features, diagnostic strategies, and optimal management of autoinflammatory diseases.

Results

An analysis of three large European registries: Eurofever, JIR-cohort and AID-Net, with a total coverage of 7825 patients from 278 participating centers from different countries, was performed in the context of epidemiological and clinical data merging. The data collected and evaluated in the registries does not cover only pediatric patients, but also adults with newly diagnosed AIDs. General aspects of the existing epidemiological data have been discussed in the context of patient global distribution, potential diagnostic delays, access to genetic testing, and the availability of the treatment.

Conclusions

In general, the results indicate a great potential for upcoming collaborative work using existing data in cohorts that enhance the quality of medical care performed for patients with autoinflammatory diseases.
PLGA/BGP/Nef porous composite restrains osteoclasts by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, enhances IGF-1-mediated osteogenic differentiation and promotes bone regeneration
Authors: Wu Feng , Wu Zhenxu , Ye Zhijun , Niu Guoqing , Ma Zhiliang , Zhang Peibiao
Published: July 2023

Background

Novel bone substitutes are urgently needed in experimental research and clinical orthopaedic applications. There are many traditional Chinese medicines that have effects on bone repair. However, application of natural medicines in traditional Chinese medicine to bone tissue engineering and its mechanism were rarely reported.

Results

In this study, the osteogenic ability of bioactive glass particles (BGPs) and the osteogenic and osteoclastic ability of neferine (Nef) were fused into PLGA-based bone tissue engineering materials for bone regeneration. BGPs were prepared by spray drying and calcination. Particles and Nef were then mixed with PLGA solution to prepare porous composites by the phase conversion method. Here we showed that Nef inhibited proliferation and enhanced ALP activity of MC3T3-E1 cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. And the composites containing Nef could also inhibit RANKL‐induced osteoclast formation (p < 0.05). Mechanistically, the PLGA/BGP/Nef composite downregulated the expression of NFATC1 by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway to restrain osteoclasts. In the other hands, PLGA/BGP/Nef composite was first demonstrated to effectively activate the IGF-1R/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to enhance IGF-1-mediated osteogenic differentiation. The results of animal experiments show that the material can effectively promote the formation and maturation of new bone in the skull defect site.

Conclusions

The PLGA/BGP/Nef porous composite can restrain osteoclasts by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, enhance IGF-1-mediated osteogenic differentiation and promotes bone regeneration, and has the potential for clinical application.
A novel computationally engineered collagenase reduces the force required for tooth extraction in an ex-situ porcine jaw model
Authors: Ansbacher Tamar , Tohar Ran , Cohen Adi , Cohen Orel , Levartovsky Shifra , Arieli Adi , Matalon Shlomo , Bar Daniel Z. , Gal Maayan , Weinberg Evgeny
Published: July 2023

The currently employed tooth extraction methods in dentistry involve mechanical disruption of the periodontal ligament fibers, leading to inevitable trauma to the bundle bone comprising the socket walls. In our previous work, we have shown that a recombinantly expressed truncated version of clostridial collagenase G (ColG) purified fromEscherichia coliefficiently reduced the force needed for tooth extraction in anex-situporcine jaw model, when injected into the periodontal ligament. Considering that enhanced thermostability often leads to higher enzymatic activity and to set the basis for additional rounds of optimization, we used a computational protein design approach to generate an enzyme to be more thermostable while conserving the key catalytic residues. This process generated a novel collagenase (ColG-variant) harboring sixteen mutations compared to ColG, with a nearly 4℃ increase in melting temperature. Herein, we explored the potential of ColG-variant to further decrease the physical effort required for tooth delivery using our establishedex-situporcine jaw model. An average reduction of 11% was recorded in the force applied to extract roots of mandibular split first and second premolar teeth treated with ColG-variant, relative to those treated with ColG. Our results show for the first time the potential of engineering enzyme properties for dental medicine and further contribute to minimally invasive tooth extraction.
The evaluation of cognitive-behavioral therapy-based intervention on type 2 diabetes patients with comorbid metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Yanni , Buys Nicholas , Ferguson Samantha , Li Zhiyong , Shi Yan-Chuan , Li Li , Sun Jing
Published: July 2023

Background

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has been applied in intervention research in diabetes patients with satisfying results. However, there was no research on type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients with comorbidities. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of CBT on psychological variables, behavior variables, quality of life, sleep quality, and physical variables among adult T2DM patients with comorbid metabolic syndrome (MS).

Methods

281 patients aged 18–75 years were recruited from Ningbo First Hospital in China from October 2021 to March 2022. Patients were randomized to the intervention group (IG, N = 148) or control group (CG, N = 133). Patients in the IG received 12 CBT-based sessions during a six-month intervention time. Patients in the CG received the usual care only. Univariate General Linear Model was used to analyze the effect of CBT-based interventions. The analysis was conducted by SPSS Version 28.

Results

Results indicated that CBT-based intervention was superior in the following aspects: relieving depression symptoms: IG (4.11 ± 4.35 vs. 1.99 ± 2.12), CG (3.40 ± 3.26 vs. 2.32 ± 1.88), interaction effect (F = 4.074, P = 0.044); enhancing diabetes self-care behaviors: IG (26.79 ± 12.18 vs. 37.49 ± 10.83), CG (25.82 ± 13.71 vs. 31.96 ± 11.72), interaction effect (F = 5.242, P = 0.022); promoting the efficacy of CBT: IG (47.45 ± 6.83 vs. 50.76 ± 4.98), CG (46.74 ± 6.94 vs. 47.87 ± 5.11), interaction effect (F = 5.198, P = 0.023); improving subjective sleep quality: IG (0.93 ± 0.68 vs. 0.69 ± 0.63), CG (1.03 ± 0.72 vs. 1.01 ± 0.68), interaction effect (F = 3.927, P = 0.048).

Conclusions

The CBT-based intervention was beneficial in improving depression symptoms, diabetes self-care behaviors, the efficacy of CBT, and sleep quality in T2DM patients with comorbid MS. The downtrend of body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic pressure, and glycated hemoglobin was larger in the intervention group but not to a significant level.

Trial registration: This study has been prospectively registered at Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (Registration ID: ACTRN12621001348842 website: https://www.anzctr.org.au/trial/MyTrial.aspx).
Fertilizer management methods affect bacterial community structure and diversity in the maize rhizosphere soil of a coal mine reclamation area
Authors: Bo Huijuan , Li Zejin , Jin Dongsheng , Xu Minggang , Zhang Qiang
Published: July 2023

Background

The filling or mixed stack mode is a frequently used coal mine reclamation engineering technique that results in changes in soil microbial community structure and nutrient content, which lead to considerable deviations from the characteristics of restored coal mine reclamation areas that can be used for farming. Fertilization is an effective strategy for improving soil fertility in such areas; however, the response of soil bacterial communities, especially in the crop rhizosphere soil, to different fertilization techniques in such soils remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of different fertilization management methods, including no fertilizer, farmers' practice, inorganic fertilizer, organic fertilizer, and organic–inorganic fertilizer, on maize yield, rhizosphere soil bacterial community and diversity, soil physicochemical properties, and nitrogen cycle-related gene abundance (nifH, AOB, and nirS).

Results

The results showed that organic–inorganic fertilizer treatment significantly improved maize yield. The relative abundance of the dominant phyla did not significantly differ between the treatment groups. However, the Chao 1 and Shannon indices of the bacterial community significantly changed between the no fertilizer and organic–inorganic fertilizer treatments. Notably, organic–inorganic fertilizer application significantly increased the copy numbers of nifH and nirS. Further, moisture, bulk density, and available phosphorus content were identified as the major driving factors responsible for the changes in bacterial community structure, diversity, and copy numbers of nifH, nirS, and AOB.

Conclusions

The results of this study revealed that organic–inorganic fertilizer application improved soil bacterial diversity and the copy numbers of nifH and nirS in maize rhizosphere soil. Therefore, we concluded that organic–inorganic fertilizer is an effective strategy for the restoration of maize rhizosphere soil properties and bacterial communities in coal mine reclamation areas.
The effect of whole egg consumption on weight and body composition in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Emrani Arezoo Sadat , Beigrezaei Sara , Zademohammadi Faezeh , Salehi-Abargouei Amin
Published: July 2023

Background

A limited number of studies have directly examined the effect of whole eggs on body weight and composition in adults, and they have led to inconsistent results. This study aimed to summarize the evidence on the effect of whole egg consumption on body weight and body composition in adults from clinical trials.

Methods

Online databases were searched from inception to April 2023 for clinical trials that directly or indirectly assessed the effect of whole eggs consumption on anthropometric measures including body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and fat-free mass (FFM) in adults. A random effects model was used for meta-analysis.

Results

In total, 32 controlled clinical trials were included in the systematic review. The analyses revealed that whole egg consumption has no significant effect on body weight (n = 22), BMI (n = 13), WC (n = 10), and FFM (n = 4, P > 0.05). The subgroup analyses showed that whole egg consumption has an increasing effect on body weight and BMI in studies that lasted more than 12 weeks and in unhealthy participants (P < 0.05). A significant increasing effect on BMI was found in studies that the control group did not receive any egg (P < 0.05). Moreover, in studies that there was no significant difference in energy intake between the intervention and control groups, weight, and WC were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Additionally, in studies that participants in the control group received another food or supplement, studies with calorie restriction, and studies on healthy subjects, whole egg intake significantly decreased BMI (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Although whole egg consumption had no adverse effect on body composition and body weight, in overall, it might increase body weight in long term. Egg consumption beneficially affects BMI in healthy people and during weight loss diet.

Systematic review registration

This systematic review and meta-analysis is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, Registration number: CRD42022308045).
Some applications of fixed point results for monotone multivalued and integral type contractive mappings
Authors: Majid Nassar Aiman , Jumaili Alaa AL , Ng Zhen Chuan , Lee See Keong
Published: July 2023

The motivation of the present paper is to introduce and establish some new fixed point results for monotone multivalued functions in partially ordered complete $D^{*}$

D
∗

-metric spaces, where the partial ordered set $(X,\leq )$
(
X
,
≤
)
is obtained via a pair of functions $( \Upsilon,\Omega )$
(
ϒ
,
Ω
)
. Moreover, several existence and uniqueness coupled fixed point theorems of mappings satisfying contractive conditions have been investigated and verified in the setting of partially ordered complete $D^{*}$

D
∗

-metric spaces by using the concept of integral type contractions with respect to partially ordered $D^{*}$

D
∗

-metric space. Furthermore, we present appropriate examples as an application for our main results. Our results generalize the work of Ghasab, Majani, and Rad on the study of integral type contraction and coupled fixed point theorems in the ordered G-metric spaces.
Unveiling the unknown: first comprehensive assessment of the knowledge, attitudes and practices of hospital cleaning services staff regarding COVID-19 in Lebanon during the pandemic
Authors: Youssef Dalal , Abou-Abass Linda , Hassan Hamad
Published: July 2023

Background

Hospital cleaners are the unsung heroes in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of hospital cleaners towards COVID-19 and determine factors associated with good practices.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lebanon between the 1st and 14th November 2020. Using a snowball sampling technique, data were collected through an online survey that was sent to governmental and private hospitals. The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic characteristics and KAP of hospital cleaners towards COVID-19. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were performed.

Results

A total of 453 cleaners completed the survey, of whom 54.3% were females. Most participants had a good level of COVID-19 knowledge (98%) and good preventive practices (89.7%). Regarding attitude, 90.7% had a positive attitude toward health facilities, 78.8% toward cleaning and disinfection, and 73.5% toward health authorities. Sociodemographic characteristics, including younger age, higher levels of education, working in private hospitals, and having more than 3 years of experience, were positively associated with good preventive practices. Our results also showed that participants who had good knowledge about COVID-19, COVID-19 prevention and treatment, cleaning and disinfection processes, and COVID-19 risk factors had a higher likelihood of positive preventive practices. Finally, a positive attitude toward health facilities, health authorities, and cleaning and disinfection was positively associated with good practices.

Conclusion

The surveyed cleaners have a high level of knowledge and expressed positive attitudes toward health facilities and health authorities, as well as good preventive practices. Understanding the determinants of cleaning performance is critical in tailoring interventions to improve hospital cleaning.
Ability of the integrated pulmonary index to predict impending respiratory events in the early postoperative period
Authors: Probst Stephen , Romeiser Jamie , Gan Tong J. , Halper Darcy , Sisti Andrew R. , Morimatsu Hiroshi , Sugimoto Kentaro , Bennett-Guerrero Elliott
Published: July 2023

Background

In the early postoperative period, respiratory compromise is a significant problem. Standard-of-care monitoring includes respiratory rate (RR) and pulse oximetry, which are helpful; however, low SpO2 is often a late sign during decompensation. The FDA-approved Capnostream-20p monitor records four variables (SpO2, RR, End-tidal CO2, heart rate), which are combined by fuzzy logic into a single, unit-less value (range 1–10) called the integrated pulmonary index (IPI). No published studies have assessed the performance of a low IPI to predict impending respiratory events.

Methods

In this investigator-initiated study, adult patients undergoing general anesthesia were monitored with the Capnostream-20p monitor for up to 2 h during their recovery room stay. The study coordinator, who along with clinicians, was blinded to IPI values, recorded the time of any respiratory event, defined a priori as any one of eight respiratory-related interventions/conditions. The primary sensitivity endpoint (early detection success) was defined as at least 80% of events predicted by at least 2 consecutive low IPI (≤ 7) values within 2–15 min before an event occurred. Late detection was defined as low IPI values occurring with 2 min prior to or 2 min after the event occurred.

Discussion

Of 358 patients, ≥ 1 respiratory event occurred in 183 (51.1%) patients. Of 802 total events, 606 were detected early (within 2–15 min prior to the event), and 653 were detected either early or late. Therefore, the sensitivity for early detection was 75.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 72.6–78.5%), which differed significantly from the 80% sensitivity goal by 4.4% (p = 0.0016). Sensitivity for total success (early or late) was 81.4% (95% CI: 78.7–84.1%), which was significantly different from the 90% on time sensitivity goal by 8.6% (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

A low IPI was 75.6% sensitive for early detection (within 2–15 min) prior to respiratory events but did not achieve our preset threshold of 80% for success.
Whole-genome sequencing and functional annotation of pathogenic Paraconiothyrium brasiliense causing human cellulitis
Authors: Liu Haibing , Zhang Yue , Chen Jianguo
Published: July 2023

Background

A pathogenic filamentous fungus causing eyelid cellulitis was isolated from the secretion from a patient's left eyelid, and a phylogenetic analysis based on the rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and single-copy gene families identified the isolated strain as Paraconiothyrium brasiliense. The genus Paraconiothyrium contains the major plant pathogenic fungi, and in our study, P. brasiliense was identified for the first time as causing human infection. To comprehensively analyze the pathogenicity, and proteomics of the isolated strain from a genetic perspective, whole-genome sequencing was performed with the Illumina NovaSeq and Oxford Nanopore Technologies platforms, and a bioinformatics analysis was performed with BLAST against genome sequences in various publicly available databases.

Results

The genome of P. brasiliense GGX 413 is 39.49 Mb in length, with a 51.2% GC content, and encodes 13,057 protein-coding genes and 181 noncoding RNAs. Functional annotation showed that 592 genes encode virulence factors that are involved in human disease, including 61 lethal virulence factors and 30 hypervirulence factors. Fifty-four of these 592 virulence genes are related to carbohydrate-active enzymes, including 46 genes encoding secretory CAZymes, and 119 associated with peptidases, including 70 genes encoding secretory peptidases, and 27 are involved in secondary metabolite synthesis, including four that are associated with terpenoid metabolism.

Conclusions

This study establishes the genomic resources of P. brasiliense and provides a theoretical basis for future studies of the pathogenic mechanism of its infection of humans, the treatment of the diseases caused, and related research.
Linking the flow-induced tremor model to the seismological observation: application to the deep harmonic tremor at Hakone volcano, Japan
Authors: Ozaki Tomonori , Yukutake Yohei , Ichihara Mie
Published: July 2023

Decades ago, Julian (J Volcanol Geotherm Res 101:19–26, 1994. https://doi.org/10.1029/93JB03129) proposed the lumped parameter model of non-linear excitation of an elastic channel vibration by fluid flow as a mechanism of volcanic harmonic tremor. Since then, his model and similar flow-induced oscillation models have been applied or considered to explain volcanic tremors and low-frequency earthquakes. Here we extended Julian’s model to allow quantitative comparison with observation data and applied it to deep harmonic tremor observed at Hakone volcano, Japan. We formulated the model in terms of the channel volume and linked the solution to the volumetric moment tensor. We also incorporated the turbulent flow effect to deal with both magma and super-critical fluid as the working fluid. Assuming the realistic material parameters at the tremor source depth ($$\sim$$
∼
 30 km) beneath Hakone, we searched for the conditions in which tremor was generated at an observed frequency ($$\sim$$
∼
 1 Hz). It is shown that both magma and super-critical fluids can generate realistic tremors with similar channel sizes of several-meter long and several-centimeter wide. We convolved the model solution with the Green’s function at each seismic station to compare the model with the data. The result showed that Julian’s model could produce synthetic tremor waveforms very close to the observed ones. Although the source waveform had only a single peak at each cycle, the convolved waveform exhibited an apparent secondary peak, like the observed waveforms. While the previous models generated such waveforms exhibiting alternative large and small peaks by a non-linear effect of period-doubling before the chaos, our model did not show such transitions, at least with the investigated parameters. Although most of the parameters and physical values of the solutions were in the realistic ranges, the only problem was the presumed low elasticity of the channel as small as $$10^5$$

10
5

 Pa to generate oscillation at $$\sim$$
∼
 1 Hz. We proposed that not the rock property alone but the channel structure consisting of rock and compressible fluids could generate the low effective elasticity. To fully validate our model, the mechanism of such small elasticity should be identified, which is our future work.

Graphical Abstract
Targeting miRNA by CRISPR/Cas in cancer: advantages and challenges
Authors: Hussen Bashdar Mahmud , Rasul Mohammed Fatih , Abdullah Snur Rasool , Hidayat Hazha Jamal , Faraj Goran Sedeeq Hama , Ali Fattma Abodi , Salihi Abbas , Baniahmad Aria , Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh , Rahman Milladur , Glassy Mark C. , Branicki Wojciech , Taheri Mohammad
Published: July 2023

Clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) has changed biomedical research and provided entirely new models to analyze every aspect of biomedical sciences during the last decade. In the study of cancer, the CRISPR/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) system opens new avenues into issues that were once unknown in our knowledge of the noncoding genome, tumor heterogeneity, and precision medicines. CRISPR/Cas-based gene-editing technology now allows for the precise and permanent targeting of mutations and provides an opportunity to target small non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs). However, the development of effective and safe cancer gene editing therapy is highly dependent on proper design to be innocuous to normal cells and prevent introducing other abnormalities. This study aims to highlight the cutting-edge approaches in cancer-gene editing therapy based on the CRISPR/Cas technology to target miRNAs in cancer therapy. Furthermore, we highlight the potential challenges in CRISPR/Cas-mediated miRNA gene editing and offer advanced strategies to overcome them.
School Health Education Program in Pakistan (SHEPP): findings from a feasibility trial in pre-adolescent school children from a lower middle-income country
Authors: Almas Aysha , Iqbal Romaina , Ghani Abdul , Samad Zainab , Sabir Sania , Kazmi Khawar
Published: July 2023

Background

The school environment plays an essential role in promoting health education and physical activity for children and adolescents. We aim to assess the feasibility of threefold health education program in children and its potential efficacy on physical activity and diet and cardiometabolic risk factors including blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference.

Methods

The SHEPP was a parallel group feasibility intervention trial conducted in two schools over 23 months. All children aged 9–11 years enrolled in the schools were included. The SHEPP intervention comprised of health education on healthy lifestyle and physical activity sessions for children, training of teachers, and awareness sessions for parents conducted over 10 months. One school received the intervention of SHEPP while the other school continued routine activity. The primary outcome was the feasibility of SHEPP in terms of recruitment, retention, and treatment fidelity. Secondary outcomes were physical activity levels, dietary intake (of fruits and vegetables), and cardiometabolic risk factors (blood pressure, BMI, and waist circumference (WC)).

Results

A total of 1280 preadolescent children were assessed for eligibility and 1191 were found eligible. The overall recruitment n (%) was 982/1191(82.5%) with 505(51.4) from SHEPP intervention school and 477(48.6) in routine activity school. The overall retention rate n (%) at 10-month follow-up was 912/982(92.8), with 465/505(92) in SHEPP intervention school and 447/477(93.7) in routine activity school. In treatment fidelity, 132/144(92) %). Physical activity sessions and all (100%) health education sessions were conducted for each of the twelve classes. Mean (SD) Seven-day Physical activity increased by 134 (196) min in the SHEPP intervention school v 29.8(177) in the routine activity school (P value < 0.001) from baseline to follow-up. Overall, there was an increase in vegetable intake (> 3 serving /day) in SHEPP intervention school of 5.5 to 21.4% from baseline to follow-up compared to 7.5 to 14.9% in routine activity school. The mean change (SD) in systolic blood pressure was 1.3(12) mmHg, 2.2(19.0) mm Hg in in diastolic blood pressure, − 0.09(5.4) kg/m2 in BMI and 6.2 cm in waist circumference in the intervention arm versus − 3.4(11.1) mm Hg in SBP, − 4.3(9.9) mm Hg in DBP, − 0.04((4.6) kg/m2 in BMI, and 3.8 cm in WC in the control arm.

Conclusion

We found that intervention using SHEPP is feasible in schools and may help children to adopt a healthy lifestyle as they age by increasing physical activity. However, the potentially beneficial effect on diet, MI, and BP needs further exploration and a longer follow-up, more specifically at the juncture of teenage and adulthood.

Trial registration

NCT03303287.
Assessing the feasibility of a clinical trial to evaluate an advanced practice physiotherapy model of care in chronic pain management: a feasibility study
Authors: Miller Jordan , Doulas Tom , Bisson Etienne J. , Abebe Abey , Chala Mulugeta , McClintock Chad , Varette Kevin , Vader Kyle , Desmeules François , Perreault Kadija , Donnelly Catherine , Booth Randy , Tawiah Andrews K. , Duggan Scott
Published: July 2023

Background

Chronic pain management is challenging for health systems worldwide. Clinical practice guidelines recommend interprofessional chronic pain management, but chronic pain clinics often have lengthy wait-lists. Advanced practice physiotherapists (APP) in orthopedic clinics and emergency departments have provided effective care and reduced wait times. The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of a clinical trial to evaluate the effects of integrating an APP into a chronic pain clinic setting. The primary objectives are as follows: (1) determine the feasibility of implementing trial methods by evaluating participant recruitment rates, retention, and assessment completion; (2) determine the feasibility of implementing the APP model of care by monitoring care provided and treatment fidelity; and (3) assess contextual factors that may influence implementation of the APP model of care by exploring the perspectives of patient participants and healthcare providers related to the model of care.

Methods

This will be a single-arm feasibility study with embedded qualitative interviews to assess contextual factors influencing implementation by exploring participant and provider perspectives. Approximately 40 adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain referred for care at an interprofessional chronic pain clinic will be invited to participate in the feasibility study. Approximately 10–12 patient participants and 5–10 health professionals from the interprofessional team will be interviewed using an interpretive description approach. The APP model of care will involve participants seeing a physiotherapist as the first point of contact within the interprofessional team. The APP will complete an initial assessment and make care recommendations. Outcome measures planned for the full trial will be reported descriptively, including pain severity, pain interference, health-related quality of life, psychosocial risk factors for chronic pain, treatment satisfaction, perceived change, healthcare utilization, and healthcare costs over one year.

Discussion

This study will inform plans to implement a full-scale study to evaluate the impact of an APP model of care in an interprofessional chronic pain management program. The results of the full study are intended to inform stakeholders considering this model to improve patient-centered and health system outcomes in interprofessional pain management program settings.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05336903 (Registered April 5, 2022).