bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher number of steps and breaks during sedentary behaviour are associated with better lipid profiles
Authors: Aho Sonja , Vuoristo Meri-Sisko , Raitanen Jani , Mansikkamäki Kirsi , Alanko Johanna , Vähä-Ypyä Henri , Luoto Riitta , Kellokumpu-Lehtinen Pirkko-Liisa , Vasankari Tommi
Published: January 2021

Background: Physical activity (PA) is known to be associated with lipid profiles and the risk of both cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of objectively measured PA, sedentary behaviour (SB), amount of breaks during SB and number of daily steps with serum lipids in a healthy, Finnish, middle-aged, female population.Methods: The participants (571) were recruited at mammography screening, target group was women aged 50-60 years. A measurement of PA was done with accelerometer, blood lipid profile was assessed, and questionnaires of participants characteristics were sent to participants.Results: The participants with the highest number of daily breaks during SB (≥ 41) had the highest mean concentration of HDL-cholesterol (high density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL-c) (1.9 mmol/l, standard deviation (SD) 0.4) and the lowest mean concentration of triglycerides (1.0 mmol/l, SD 0.5). HDL-c level was 0.16 mmol/l higher (p < 0.001) in the group with 28-40.9 breaks/day and 0.25 mmol/l higher (p < 0.001) among participants with ≥ 41 breaks/day than in the group with the fewest breaks during SB (< 28).Those with the most daily steps (≥ 9100) had the highest mean HDL-c level (1.9 mmol/l). HDL-c level was 0.16 mmol/l higher (p < 0.001) among the participants with 5600-9099 steps/day and 0.26 mmol/l higher (p < 0.001) among participants with ≥ 9100 steps/day than those with the fewest steps (< 5600). The number of daily steps was inversely associated with the triglyceride concentration.From wake-time, participants spent 60% in SB, 18% standing, 14% in light PA, and 9% in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). PA was associated with serum total cholesterol (TC), HDL-c and triglyceride levels. The mean HDL-c level was the highest in the lowest quartile of SB and in the highest quartile of MVPA.Conclusions: This is the first study showing a high number of objectively measured breaks during SB is associated with a favourable effect on the level of serum lipids, which may later translate into cardiovascular health.Trial registration: This study was registered and approved by the Regional Ethics Committee of Tampere University Hospital in Finland (approval code R15137).
The effect of solution-focused counseling on violence rate and quality of life of pregnant women at risk of domestic violence: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mohammadi Sepideh Din , Dadashi Mohsen , Ahmadnia Elahe , Janani leila , Kharaghani Roghieh
Published: January 2021

Background: Domestic violence during pregnancy as one of the most common social problems and major challenges of health systems can affect the health of the mother and fetus. The study aimed to compare the two groups of intervention based on solution-focused counseling and control in terms of violence and quality of life amounts in women who had experienced domestic violence.Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial on 90 pregnant women who were selected from one maternity ward in Zanjan city. A convenience sampling of 90 women was blocked randomized into two groups of intervention (n=45) and control (n=45). Study tool included conflict tactics scale (CTS- 2) and short form health survey (SF-36). The intervention group received six counseling sessions with a solution-focused approach. The tools were completed once before the intervention and again six weeks after the end of the counseling sessions by the participants of both groups. The P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 82/90 pregnant women were analyzed. The results showed that median and interquartile range (IQR) of physical, psychological and sexual violence significantly decreased in the intervention group than the control group (Ps=0.001). Moreover, quality of life scores significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group (P=0.001).Conclusion: solution-focused counseling could be an effective approach to reduce the amount of violence and increase the quality of life in women exposed to domestic violence.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the normal dromedary camel tarsus
Authors: Hagag Usama , Almohamad Zakriya Ali , Tawfiek Mohamed Gomaa , Nahas Ayman El
Published: January 2021

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most versatile and informative imaging modality for the diagnosis of locomotor injuries in many animal species; however, veterinary literature describing the MRI of the dromedary camel tarsus is lacking. Our purpose was to describe and compare the MRI images of twelve cadaveric tarsi, examined in a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner, with their corresponding anatomical gross sections. Turbo spin-echo (TSE) T1-weighted (T1), T2-weighted (T2), proton density-weighted (PD), and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences were obtained in 3 planes. Tarsi were sectioned in sagittal, dorsal, and transverse planes. MRI images from different sequences and planes were described and compared with the anatomical sections.Results: The soft and osseous tissues of the dromedary camel tarsus could be clearly defined on MRI images and corresponded extensively with the gross anatomic sections. The obtained MRI images enabled comprehensive assessment of the anatomic relationships among the osseous and soft tissues of the camel tarsus. Several structure were evaluated that cannot be imaged using radiography or ultrasonography, including the transverse inter-tarsal ligaments, the talocalcaneal ligament, the short dorsal ligament, branches of the short medial and lateral collateral ligaments and the tarsometatarsal ligaments. Specific anatomical features regarding the dromedary camel tarsus were identified, including the fused second and third tarsal bone, an additional bundle of the short medial collateral ligament connecting the talus and metatarsus and the medial and lateral limbs of the long plantar ligament. Conclusions: MRI images provided a thorough evaluation of the normal dromedary camel tarsus. Information provided in the current study is expected to serve as a basis for interpretation in clinical situations.
Harmonization of medical products regulation: A key factor for improving regulatory capacity in the East African Community
Authors: Ndomondo-Sigonda Margareth , Miot Jacqueline , Naidoo Shan , Masota Nelson Enos , Ng'andu Brian , Ngum Nancy , Kaale Eliangiringa
Published: January 2021

Background: Limited capacity to regulate medical products is associated with circulation of products which do not meet standards of quality, safety and efficacy with negative public health and economic outcomes. This study focused on assessing the effect of the East African Community (EAC) medicines regulatory harmonization initiative on the capacity of national medicines regulatory agencies, with a focus on registration and inspection systems. Methods: An exploratory mixed-method design using both qualitative and quantitative data to access data from six national medicines regulatory authorities (NMRAs) and the EAC Secretariat. Data was collected using a combination of semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and checklists for the period 2010/11-2015/16 with 2010/11 data serving as baseline. Heads of NMRAs, regulatory and monitoring and evaluation experts, and the EAC Secretariat Project Officer were enrolled in the study. A set of 14 indicators grouped into 6 categories were used to assess NMRAs performance. Results: Policy and legal frameworks provide a foundation for effective regulation. Collaboration, harmonization, joint dossier reviews and inspections of manufacturing sites, reliance and cooperation are key factors for building trust and capacity among NMRAs. Five out of six of the EAC Partner States have comprehensive medicines laws with autonomous NMRAs. All the NMRAs have functional registration and good manufacturing practice inspection systems supported by regional harmonised guidelines for registration, inspection, quality management and information management systems with four NMRAs attaining ISO 9001:2015 certification.Conclusions: The EAC regulatory harmonization initiative has contributed to improved capacity to regulate medical products. The indicators generated from this research can be replicated for evaluation of similar initiatives across and beyond the African continent and contribute to public health policy.
Association of shared decision making with inpatient satisfaction: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Luo Huiwen , Liu Guohua , Lu Jing , Xue Di
Published: January 2021

Background: We assessed inpatient perceived shared decision making (SDM) and tested the association of SDM with inpatient satisfaction in public tertiary hospitals in Shanghai, China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 2585 inpatients in 47 public tertiary hospitals in Shanghai in July and August 2018 was conducted. We assessed overall SDM and 4 aspects of SDM and tested the factors influencing SDM and the association of SDM with patient satisfaction (patient satisfaction with physician services, medical expenses, outcomes and overall inpatient care), by adopting linear or two-level regression models. Results: The positive response rate (PRR) and high positive response rate (HPRR) to overall SDM among the inpatients of public tertiary hospitals in Shanghai were relatively high (95.30% and 87.86%, respectively), while the HPRR to “My physician informed me of different treatment alternatives” was relatively low (80.09%). In addition, the inpatients who underwent surgery during admission had higher HPRRs and adjusted HPRRs to overall SDM than those who did not undergo surgery. The study showed that the adjusted high satisfaction rates (HSRs) with physician services, medical expenses, outcomes and overall inpatient care among the inpatients with high level of overall SDM were higher (96.50%, 68.44%, 89.50% and 92.60%) than those among the inpatients without a high level of overall SDM (71.77%, 35.19%, 57.30% and 67.49%). The greatest differences in the adjusted HSRs between the inpatients with and without a high level of SDM were found in inpatient satisfaction with medical expenses and informed consent in SDM. Moreover, 46.22% of the variances in the HSRs with overall inpatient care across the hospitals were attributed to the hospital type (general hospitals vs. specialty hospitals). Conclusions: Inpatient PRRs and HPRRs to SDM in public tertiary hospitals in Shanghai are relatively high overall but lower to information regarding alternatives. SDM can be affected by the SDM preference of both the patients and physicians and medical condition. Patient satisfaction can be improved through better SDM and should be committed at the hospital level.
Can Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Counteract the Renal Functional Deterioration Attributable to Partial Nephrectomy Under Warm Ischemia? Results of an Animal Study
Authors: Mut Tuna Till , Acar Ömer , Armutlu Ayse , Incir Said , Uhlig Annemarie , Ertuglu Lale A. , Özel Melis , Taskin Ali Cihan , Baydar Dilek Ertoy , Kanbay Mehmet , Esen Tarik
Published: January 2021

Background: To investigate if remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) can offer any renoprotective value by counteracting the deleterious effect of partial nephrectomy (PN) under warm ischemia on renal function.Methods: Four groups, each with 5 Wistar albino rats, were constructed; RIPC + PN, PN, RIPC and sham. Right nephrectomy was performed to constitute a solitary kidney model. RIPC denoted sequential clamping/declamping of the femoral artery. PN was performed under warm-ischemia following RIPC. Blood samples were collected on multiple occasions until sacrification on day 7. Immunoassays were conducted to measure the serum and tissues levels of KIM-1, aldose reductase, IL-33, NGAL, creatinine. All kidneys were examined histologically and morphometric analyzes were performed using digital scanning. Results: IL-33 levels did not differ significantly between the groups. Serum levels of KIM-1, NGAL and aldose reductase in RIPC + PN, PN and RIPC groups were significantly lower than that of sham group. Tissue biomarker levels were not significantly different from the values recorded in the sham group. Mean necrosis area of PN group was greater than that of RIPC + PN group (p>0.05). The transitional zone between necrosis and healthy tissue was wider in the rats subjected to RIPC before PN vs. those who underwent PN without RIPC (p>0.05). Conclusion: RIPC failed to counteract the renal functional consequences of PN under warm ischemia in a solitary kidney animal model. The supportive but marginal histological findings in favor of RIPC’s renoprotective potential were not supplemented with the changes in serum and tissue biomarker levels.
Observational study of compliance with infection control practices among healthcare workers in subsidized and private residential care homes
Authors: Au Jessie Kit Ling , Suen Lorna Kwai Ping , Lam Simon Ching
Published: January 2021

Background: The elderly population in Hong Kong is rapidly growing, and the need for residential care homes (RCHs) is increasing. The risk of being infected with micro-organisms increases among the frail and the vulnerable elderly population as their immunity system begins to deteriorate. Furthermore, the residents in RCHs are at high risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) due to the confined living environments and individual co-morbidities. In relation to this, infection control practice (ICP) is considered a crucial and effective approach in preventing HAIs. This study aimed to observe the daily ICP of healthcare workers in RCH settings.Methods: An observational study was conducted to observe daily ICP among healthcare workers in private and subsidized RCHs. Each RCH was separated into different units based on the location (common area and bedroom area) and nature of residents for successive days. The ICP episodes were observed until 200 opportunities in each unit. The ICP episodes were recorded by an electronic tool called “eRub,” which is an ICP checklist based on international guidelines.Results: The most frequent observed ICP episodes were hand hygiene (n=1053), the use of gloves (n=1053) and respiratory protection (n=1053). The overall compliance of hand hygiene was poor, with only 15% of participants performing this during the “five moments for hand hygiene.” Furthermore, the observations showed that 77.9% improperly performed the use of gloves, and 31.8% failed to wear a mask during the care provision for the elderly. However, the results showed that most healthcare workers can wear the mask in a proper way when they should. Generally, the personal care workers were the worst in terms of hand hygiene and use of gloves compared with the other types of healthcare workers. Conclusions: Despite the fact that the practice of hand hygiene, the use of gloves, and respiratory protection were the important elements of ICP, overall compliance to these elements was still poor. Personal care workers had the most frequent contact with the residents, but they had the worst compliance rate. Hence, continued monitoring and training among healthcare workers is needed, particularly personal care workers, in this healthcare service setting.
Sero-epidemiology and associated risk factors of brucellosis among sheep and goat population in the south western Nepal: A comparative study
Authors: Gompo Tulsi Ram , Shah Rubina , Tiwari Ishwari , Gurung Yam Bahadur
Published: January 2021

BackgroundBrucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella spp. In Nepal, the presence of brucellosis in small ruminants, namely sheep and goats, has impacted farmers' livelihood and the food safety of consumers. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Rupandehi district of Nepal during January to March 2020 to investigate the seroepidemiology and associated risk factors of brucellosis in the sheep and goat population. Altogether, 19 sheep and 60 goat farms in the district were visited. Owners were interviewed to get information on animals, including their management and movement patterns. Three hundred fifty-seven samples (80 sheep and 277 goat samples) were collected proportionately based on farm sizes. Each serum sample was tested with Rose Bengal Test and ELISA to estimate the seropositivity of brucellosis. Logistic regression was carried out to calculate corresponding odds ratios of each variable associated with detection of brucellosis.Results At the farm level, 31.6% (6/19; 95% CI: 12%, 54%) of sheep farms and 3.3% (2/60, 95% CI: 0.9%, 11.4 %) of goat farms were seropositive to brucellosis. Out of 80 sheep serum samples, 12 (15%; 95% CI: 8.79%-24.41%) and out of 277 goat serum samples, three (1.1%; 95% CI: 0.37%-3.14%) were seropositive to brucellosis. Age greater than 1.5 years (OR= 5.56, 95% CI: 1.39, 29.38; p = 0.02) and herd size of greater than 100 (OR= 4.74, 95% CI: 1.23, 20.32, p = 0.03) were identified as significant risk factors for seropositivity of brucellosis in the sheep population. While in the goat population, none of the variables was identified as a significant risk factor.ConclusionThe study provides evidence that the older sheep and the sheep from the large herds were at higher risk of brucellosis. A control program should be put in place immediately in the sheep population because they may transmit infections to other livestock as they were regularly moved for grazing and selling purposes. Also, strict biosecurity measures should be implemented among pastoralists to prevent brucellosis transmission in them. We suggest further one health-based study to reveal the transmission dynamics of brucellosis between animals and humans.
Repeat to gene expression ratios in leukemic blast cells can stratify risk prediction in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Onishi-Seebacher Megumi , Erikson Galina , Sawitzki Zoe , Ryan Devon , Greve Gabriele , Lübbert Michael , Jenuwein Thomas
Published: January 2021

BackgroundRepeat elements constitute a large proportion of the human genome and recent evidence indicates that repeat element expression has functional roles in both physiological and pathological states. Specifically for cancer, transcription of endogenous retrotransposons is often suppressed in order to attenuate an anti-tumor immune response, whereas aberrant expression of heterochromatin-derived satellite RNA has been identified as a tumor driver. These insights demonstrate separate functions for the dysregulation of distinct repeat subclasses in either the attenuation or progression of human solid tumors. For hematopoietic malignancies, such as Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), only very few studies on the expression/dysregulation of repeat elements were done. MethodsTo study the expression of repeat elements in AML, we performed total-RNA sequencing of healthy CD34+ cells and of leukemic blast cells from primary AML patient material. We also developed an integrative bioinformatic approach that can quantify the expression of repeat transcripts from all repeat subclasses (SINE/ALU, LINE and ERV elements and satellite repeats) in relation to the expression of gene and other non-repeat transcripts. This novel approach can be used as an instructive signature (R/G ratio) for repeat element expression and has been extended to the analysis of poly(A)-RNA sequencing datasets from Blueprint and TCGA consortia that together comprise 120 AML patient samples. ResultsWe identified that repeat element expression is generally down-regulated during hematopoietic differentiation and that relative changes in repeat to gene expression (i.e. R/G ratios) can stratify risk prediction of AML patients and correlate with overall survival probabilities. A high repeat to gene expression ratio identifies AML patient subgroups with a favorable prognosis, whereas a low repeat to gene expression is prevalent in AML patient subgroups with a poor prognosis. ConclusionsWe developed an integrative bioinformatic approach that defines a general model for the analysis of repeat element dysregulation in physiological and pathological development. We find that changes in repeat to gene expression (R/G ratios) correlate with hematopoietic differentiation and can sub-stratify AML patients into low-risk and high-risk subgroups. Thus, the definition of a R/G ratio can serve as a valuable biomarker for AML and could also provide insights into differential patient response to epigenetic drug treatment.
Risk factors associated with failure of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in patients with severe COVID-19 in Wuhan, China
Authors: Ma Xiao-Huan , An Meng-Meng , Yin Fang , Zhang Jie , Peng Meng-Yun , Guan Hong , Gong Ping
Published: January 2021

Background: Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure is prevalent in severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). High-flow nasal canula oxygen therapy (HFNC) is currently one of the most common ventilation strategies for COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure. This study is to analyze the risk factors associated with HFNC failure in patients with severe COVID-19.Methods: In this single-center, retrospective, observational study, we enrolled patients with confirmed severe COVID-19 admitted to Renmin Hospital of Wuhan university (Wuhan, China) from 1 February 2020 to 26 March 26 2020. Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data, and treatments and outcomes upon hospital admission, were obtained from electronic medical records. Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were calculated.Results: Of 54 patients with severe COVID-19, HFNC was successful in 28 (51.9%) and unsuccessful in 26 (48.1%). HFNC failure was seen more commonly in patients aged ≥60 years and in men. In addition, compared with patients successfully treated with HFNC, patients with HFNC failure had the following characteristics: higher percentage of fatigue and anorexia as well as cardiovascular disease; increased time from onset to diagnosis and SOFA scores; elevated body temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate; more complications including ARDS, septic shock, myocardial damage, and acute kidney injury; increased C-reactive protein, neutrophil counts and prothrombin time; and decreased arterial partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) (all P < 0.05). However, binary logistic regression analysis showed that only male, PaO2/FiO2 and SOFA scores were independent risk factors significantly associated with HFNC failure (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with severe COVID-19 had a high HFNC treatment failure rate. Male, low PaO2/FiO2 and SOFA scores were independent risk factors associated with HFNC failure in severe COVID-19 patients. However, studies with larger sample sizes or multi-center studies are warranted.
A Cross-Sectional Study On The Practice Of Wet Nursing Among Muslim Mothers
Authors: Rahim Norsyamlina Che Abdul , Hamjah Salasiah Hanin , Majid Latifah Abdul , Kusrin Zuliza , Hashim Nurhidayah Muhammad , Saidon Rafeah , Bahari Nora’inan , Ilias Muhamad Zariff , Ahmad Noor Ani
Published: January 2021

Background: Breastfeeding and wet nursing have been synonymous since ancient times. The practice of wet nursing of another woman’s child in Malaysia is on the rise due to the emergence of awareness among the public about the importance and advantages of breast milk. However, problems arise when there is no systematic system to record and trace the milk mother and milk child data, especially for Muslim participants as milk kinship could affect their relationship status in Islam. Therefore, this study aims to determine the practice of wet nursing among Muslim mothers in Selangor. Simultaneously, this study intends to provide the authorities with an accurate picture of the more aggressive compilation of steps to prevent duplication of consanguinity in wet nursing. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 women who had breastfed another child in Selangor. Data were obtained using a validated questionnaire (Cronbach alpha=0.8) and processed using the SPSS software. Results: Results showed 43.0% of respondents had at least breastfed one someone else’s child. Meanwhile, there were 3.0% of the respondents were nursing seven to ten other children. A total of 237 children have been breastfed by the respondents (n = 100). Of these, 21.5% children were breastfed less than five times, while 78.5% children were breastfed less than five times. Most mothers recorded their milk child background data, and this shows that the community is aware of the importance of data documentation and it indirectly proves that the authorities should act on these current needs. Conclusions: This study shows that there is a wet nursing practice in the society. Obviously, a phenomenon, trend and practice in the society has the ground and basis as to why it existed and is upheld. Researches related to wet nursing and matters connected to it should continue so as to bring about much good to society.
A comparison of methods for interpreting random forest models of genetic association in the presence of non-additive interactions.
Authors: Orlenko Alena , Moore Jason H
Published: January 2021

Background: Non-additive interactions among genes are frequently associated with a number of phenotypes, including known complex diseases such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Detecting interactions requires careful selection of analytical methods, and some machine learning algorithms are unable or underpowered to detect or model feature interactions that exhibit non-additivity. The Random Forest method is often employed in these efforts due to its ability to detect and model non-additive interactions. In addition, Random Forest has the built-in ability to estimate feature importance scores, a characteristic that allows the model to be interpreted with the order and effect size of the feature association with the outcome. This characteristic is very important for epidemiological and clinical studies where results of predictive modeling could be used to define the future direction of the research efforts. An alternative way to interpret the model is with a permutation feature importance metric which employs a permutation approach to calculate a feature contribution coefficient in units of the decrease in the model’s performance and with the Shapely additive explanations which employ cooperative game theory approach. Currently, it is unclear which Random Forest feature importance metric provides a superior estimation of the true informative contribution of features in genetic association analysis. Results: To address this issue, and to improve interpretability of Random Forest predictions, we compared different methods for feature importance estimation in real and simulated datasets with non-additive interactions. As a result, we detected a discrepancy between the metrics for the real-world datasets and further established that the permutation feature importance metric provides more precise feature importance rank estimation for the simulated datasets with non-additive interactions. Conclusions: By analyzing both real and simulated data, we established that the permutation feature importance metric provides more precise feature importance rank estimation in the presence of non-additive interactions.
How does area-level deprivation depress an individual’s self-rated health and life satisfaction? Evidence from a nationwide population-based survey in Japan
Authors: Oshio Takashi , Kimura Hiromi , Nishizaki Toshimi , Omori Takashi
Published: January 2021

Background: Area-level deprivation is well known to have an adverse impact on mortality, morbidity, or other specific health outcomes. This study examined how area-level deprivation may affect self-rated health (SRH) and life satisfaction (LS), an issue that is largely understudied. Methods: We used individual-level data obtained from a nationwide population-based internet survey conducted between 2019–2020, as well as municipality-level data obtained from a Japanese government database (N=12,461 living in 366 municipalities). We developed multilevel regression models to explain an individual’s SRH and LS scores using four alternative measures of municipality-level deprivation, controlling for individual-level deprivation and covariates. We also examined how health behavior and interactions with others mediated the impact of area-level deprivation on SRH and LS. Results. Participants in highly deprived municipalities tended to report poorer SRH and lower LS. For example, when living in municipalities falling in the highest tertile of municipality-level deprivation as measured by the z-scoring method, SRH and LS scores worsened by a standard deviation of 0.05 (p<0.05) when compared with those living in municipalities falling in the lowest tertile of deprivation. In addition, health behavior mediated between 17.6% and 33.1% of the impact of municipality-level deprivation on SRH and LS, depending on model specifications.Conclusion. Results showed that area-level deprivation modestly decreased an individual’s general health conditions and subjective well-being, underscoring the need for public health policies to improve area-level socioeconomic conditions.
A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol examining the clinical characteristics and epidemiological features of olfactory dysfunction (OD) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Tan Rosemond Qian-Xiu , Li Wai Tak Victor , Shum Wing-Zi , Chu Sheung Chit , Li Hang-Long , Shea Yat-Fung , Chung Tom Wai-Hin
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused recurring and major outbreaks in multiple human populations around the world. The plethora of clinical presentations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been described extensively, of which olfactory dysfunction (OD) was established as an important and common extrapulmonary manifestation of COVID-19 infection. The aim of this protocol is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on peer-reviewed articles which described clinical data of OD in COVID-19 patients. MethodsThis research protocol has been prospectively registered with the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42020196202). CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Central, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PubMed, as well as Chinese medical databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP and WANFANG will be searched using keywords including “COVID-19”, “coronavirus disease”, “2019-nCoV”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “novel coronavirus”, “anosmia”, “hyposmia”, “loss of smell”, and “olfactory dysfunction”. Systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and the Meta-analyses Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. Articles will be screened according to pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria to extract studies that include new clinical data investigating the effect of COVID-19 on olfactory dysfunction. Included articles will be reviewed in full; data including patient demographics, clinical characteristics of COVID-19-related OD, methods of olfactory assessment, and relevant clinical outcomes will be extracted. Statistical analyses will be performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3. DiscussionThis systematic review and meta-analysis protocol will aim to collate and synthesise all available clinical evidence regarding COVID-19-related OD as an important neurosensory dysfunction of COVID-19 infection. A comprehensive search strategy and screening process will be conducted to incorporate comprehensive clinical data for robust statistical analyses and representation. The outcome of this study will aim to improve our understanding of the symptomatology and clinical characteristics of COVID-19-related OD and identify knowledge gaps in its disease process, which will guide future research in this specific neurosensory defect.Systematic Review registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020196202
The effect of alcohol strength on alcohol consumption: findings from a randomised controlled cross-over pilot trial.
Authors: Perman-Howe Parvati Rose , Davies Emma L , Foxcroft David R
Published: January 2021

Background Reducing the alcohol content of drinks has the potential to reduce alcohol consumption. Aims: (1) test the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to assess the effect of alcohol strength on alcohol consumption within licensed premises in the United Kingdom (UK), (2) provide data to estimate key parameters for a RCT. Methods Double-blind randomised controlled cross-over pilot trial based within four licensed premises in the UK. Participants (n=36) purchased and consumed ad libitum a 3.5% lager and a 4.8% lager during two separate study sessions. Descriptive statistics reported the efficacy and efficiency of the study processes, and the rates of licensed premises recruitment, and participant recruitment and attrition. Mean and the 95% confidence interval (CI) compared alcohol consumption between conditions. The mean, standard deviation (SD) and CI of UK units of alcohol consumed were used to calculate a sample size for a RCT. Responses to participant questionnaires and duration of participation in study sessions between conditions were analysed.Results Components of the study protocol were effective and efficient. The venue recruitment rate was less than anticipated. The participant recruitment rate was greater than anticipated. The rate of attrition was 23% and varied by less than 1% according to the arm of the trial. There was a reduction of alcohol consumed under the intervention conditions. Estimated mean difference, and 95% CI (UK units): -3.76 (-5.01 to -2.52).The sample size required for a RCT is 53. Participants did not find one lager more pleasant in taste: (on a scale of one to 10) -0.95 (-2.11 to 0.21). Participants found the reduced-strength lager less enjoyable: (on a scale of one to 10) -1.44 (-2.64 to -0.24) and they perceived themselves to be less intoxicated after consuming it: (on a scale of one to 10) -1.00 (-1.61 to -0.40).Conclusion A RCT is feasible with minor alterations to the study protocol and scoping work to establish different brands of alcohol that are more alike and more enjoyable than the products used in the pilot trial. Trial registration Registered in the American Economic Association (AEA) Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) Registry as of 16 June 2017: https://www.socialscienceregistry.org/trials/2266. Unique identifying number: AEARCTR-0002266.
A potential role for insulin treatment during pregnancy in reducing postpartum psychological distress in maternal obesity: An administrative population health study
Authors: Jarmasz Jessica Stawski , ANDERSON Alexandrea , Bock Margaret E. , Jin Yan , Cattini Peter A. , Ruth Chelsea
Published: January 2021

Background: Studies have found an association between obesity and an increased risk for peripartum depression, which has also been linked to decreased placental lactogen levels. In addition, women with obesity treated for gestational diabetes with insulin were found to have increased levels of placental lactogen. Treatment options exist for perinatal and postpartum depression however, they pose a risk to the developing offspring. Thus, prevention as well as markers for early identification of peripartum depression are needed. Therefore, our study objective is to identify the association between insulin treatment in pregnancy and the risk of postpartum psychological distress (abbreviated here as PPD) among cohorts of women with and without obesity. Methods: Administrative health data (2002/03-2018/19) were used to identify a cohort of women (age 15+ years) who gave birth (N=250,746) and had no pre-existing mood/anxiety disorders or diabetes (N=222,863 excluded). Women were then divided into two groups: lean (N=17,975) and with obesity (N=9,908), which was identified by a recorded maternal weight of >38 - <65.6 kg and ≥85 - <186 kg (respectively). The risk of PPD within one year after delivery with and without insulin treatment was assessed by Poisson regression analysis. Models were adjusted for maternal age group (at pregnancy start date) and area-level income (at delivery). Results: The unadjusted risk of PPD was higher in the obesity group (8.56%; 95% CI 8.00 - 9.15) than in the lean group (6.93%; 95% CI 6.56 - 7.33). When no insulin treatment was given during pregnancy, mothers with obesity had a significantly higher risk of PPD than the lean group (aRR 1.27; 95% CI 1.17-1.39; p<0.0001). However, when women with obesity and insulin treatment were compared to the lean group with no insulin treatment, no significant difference in the risk of PPD was observed between the groups (aRR 1.30; 95% CI 0.83-2.02; p=0.248). Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate a positive association between insulin treatment in pregnancy among women with obesity and reduced PPD rates, suggesting insulin as a possible preventative measure. However, the biological mechanism behind the observed positive effect of insulin on PPD rates remains to be investigated.
An optimized segmentation and quantification approach in microvascular imaging for OCTA-based neovascular regression monitoring
Authors: Wu Sheng , Wu Shaowei , Feng Hui , Hu Zizhong , Xie Yejing , Su Yun , Feng Ting , Li Li
Published: January 2021

Background:Quantification of neovascularization changes in terms of neovascular complex (NVC) acquired from the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) imaging is extremely important for diagnosis and treatment monitoring of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). However, only few vessel extraction methods have so far been reported to quantify neovascular changes in NVC with proliferative diabetic retinopathy PDR based on OCTA images.Methods:Here we propose an optimized approach to segment blood vessels, which is based on an improved vascular connectivity analysis (VCA) algorithm and combined with morphological characterization and elimination of noise and artifacts. The length and width of vessels are obtained in the quantitative assessment of microvascular network. The feasibility of the proposed method is further studied by a treatment monitoring and statistical analysis process, as we have monitored and statistically analyzed the changes of NVC based on sampled OCTA images of PDR patients (N=14) after treatment by intravitreal injection of conbercept (IVC).Results:The proposed method has demonstrated better performance in accuracy compared with existing algorithms and can thus be used for PRD treatment monitoring. Following the PDR treatment monitoring study, our data has shown that from the 1st day to 7th day of treatment, the averaged (arithmetic mean) length of NVC has been substantially shortened by 36.8% (P<0.01), indicating significant effects of treatment. Meanwhile, the averaged (arithmetic mean) width of NVC from the 1st day to 7th day of treatment has been increased by 10.2% (P<0.05), indicating that most of the narrow neovascularization has been reduced.Conclusion:The results and analysis have confirmed that the proposed optimization process by the improved vascular connectivity analysis (VCA) method is both effective and feasible to segment and quantify the NVC with lower noise and fewer artifacts. Thus, it can be potentially applied to monitor the fibrovascular regression during the treatment period.Clinical Trial Registration: This trial is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registered 27 December 2017, http://www.chictr.org.cn, registration number ChiCTR-IPR-17014160).
Effects of sevoflurane and propofol on the optic nerve sheath diameter in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery: A Randomized controlled clinical studies
Authors: Geng Weilian , Chen Changxing , Sun Xingfeng , Huang Shaoqiang
Published: January 2021

Background The results of studies on changes in intracranial pressure in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery are inconsistent. Meanwhile, previous neurosurgery studies have suggested that propofol and sevoflurane have inconsistent effects on cerebral blood flow and cerebrovascular self-regulation. The purpose of this study is to compare changes in the optic nerve sheath diameter in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery under anesthetic maintenance with propofol versus sevoflurane. Methods This study included 110 patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery with an estimated operative time of more than 2 hours under general anesthesia. The study was a randomized controlled study. The optic nerve sheath diameter（ONSD）at various time points was measured by ultrasound, including when the patients entered the operating room (Tawake), after successful anesthesia induction and endotracheal intubation (Tinduction), when the body position was adjusted to the Trendelenburg position and the CO2 pneumoperitoneum pressure reached 14 mmHg, which was recorded as T0. Then, measurements were conducted every 15 minutes for the first 1 hour and then once every hour until the end of the surgery（T15,T30,T45 ,T1h ,T2h…）, after the end of surgery and the tracheal tube was removed (Tend), and before the patients were transferred to the ward (Tpacu).Results A significant difference in optic nerve sheath diameter was found between two groups at T15, T30, T45 (4.64±0.48mm and 4.50±0.29mm, respectively, p=0.031;4.77±0.45mm and 4.62±0.28mm, respectively, p=0.036;4.84±0.46mm and 4.65±0.30mm, respectively, p=0.012), while there was no significant difference at Tawake and other time points. Conclusion During laparoscopic gynecological surgery lasting more than 2 hours, the optic nerve sheath diameter was slightly larger in the propofol group than that in the sevoflurane group in the first 45 minutes. No significant difference was observed between the two groups 1 hour after surgery. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov，NCT03498235. Retrospectively registered 1 March2018,https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S0007UMM&selectaction=Edit&uid=U00040C5&ts=39&cx=c7i8icThe manuscript adheres to CONSORT guidelines.
Feasibility study on use of near infrared spectroscopy for rapid and non-destructive determination of gossypol content in intact cottonseeds
Authors: Li Cheng , Su Bangsong , Zhao Tianlun , Li Cong , Chen Jinhong , Zhu Shuijin
Published: January 2021

Background: Gossypol found in cottonseeds is toxic to human beings and monogastric animals and is a primary parameter for the integrated utilization of cottonseed products. It is usually determined by the techniques relied on complex pretreatment procedures and the samples after determination cannot be used in breeding program, so it is of great importance to predict the gossypol content in cottonseeds rapidly and non-destructively to substitute the traditional analytical method.Results: Gossypol content in cottonseeds was investigated by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Partial least squares regression, combined with spectral pretreatment methods including Savitzky-Golay smoothing, standard normal variate, multiplicative scatter correction, and first derivate, were tested for optimizing the calibration models. NIRS technique was efficient in predicting gossypol content in intact cottonseeds, as revealed by the root-mean-square error of cross-validation (RMSECV), root-mean-square error of prediction (RMSEP), coefficient for determination of prediction (Rp2), and residual predictive deviation (RPD) values for all models, being 0.05-0.07, 0.04-0.06, 0.82-0.92, and 2.3-3.4, respectively. The optimized model pretreated by Savitzky-Golay smoothing + standard normal variate + first derivate resulted in good determination of gossypol content in intact cottonseeds. Conclusions: Near infrared spectroscopy coupled with different spectral pretreatments and PLS regression has exhibited the feasibility in predicting gossypol content in intact cottonseeds, rapidly and non-destructively. It could be used as an alternative method to substitute for traditional one to determine the gossypol content in intact cottonseeds.
Land use mix and physical activity in middle-aged and older adults: a longitudinal study examining changes in land use mix in two Dutch cohorts
Authors: Noordzij J. Mark , Beenackers M.A. , Groeniger J. Oude , Timmermans E.J. , Motoc I. , Huisman M. , Lenthe F.J. van
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND With urbanization and aging increasing in coming decades, societies face the challenge of keeping aging populations active. Land use mix (LUM) has been associated with cycling and walking, but whether changes in LUM relate to changes in cycling/walking is less known. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to study the effect of LUM on cycling/walking in two Dutch aging cohorts using data with 10 years of follow-up. METHODS Data from 1,183 respondents from the Health and Living Conditions of the Population of Eindhoven and Surroundings (GLOBE) study and 918 respondents from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) were linked to LUM in 1000-meter sausage network buffers at three time-points. Cycling/walking outcomes were harmonized to include average minutes spent cycling/walking per week. Data was pooled and limited to respondents that did not relocate between follow-up waves. Associations between LUM and cycling/walking were estimated using a Random Effects Within-Between (REWB) model that allows for the estimation of both within and between effects. Sensitivity analyses were performed on smaller (500-meter) and larger (1600-meter) buffers. RESULTS We found evidence of between-individual associations of LUM in 1000-meter buffers and walking (β: 11.10, 95% CI: 0.08 ; 21.12), but no evidence of within-associations in 1000-meter buffers. Sensitivity analyses using 500-meter buffers showed similar between-associations, but negative within-associations (β: -35.67, 95% CI: -68.85 ; -2.49). We did not find evidence of between-individual associations of LUM in any buffer size and cycling, but did find evidence of negative within-associations between LUM in 1600-meter buffers and cycling (β: -7.49, 95% CI: -14.31 ; -0.66). DISCUSSION Our study found evidence of positive associations between LUM and average walking time, but also some evidence of negative associations between a change in LUM and cycling/walking. LUM appears to be related to cycling/walking, but the effect of changes in LUM on cycling/walking is unclear.
mTOR inhibitor INK128 promotes wound healing by regulating MDSCs
Authors: Li Yi , Xu Yujun , Liu Xinghan , Yan Xin , Lin Yue , Tan Qian , Hou Yayi
Published: January 2021

Background: Skin wounds in diabetic patients are hardly to recover. Accumulating evidence has shown that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are involved in inflammatory-related response. INK128 is a novel mTOR kinase inhibitor in clinical development. However, the exact roles of MDSCs and INK128 in healing wound of diabetic patients are unclear. Methods: Mice models of normal, diabetic, and diabetic+INK128 were constructed. Bone marrow (BM)-derived macrophages and RAW264.7 cell line co-cultured with MDSCs, which were induced at different conditions. Flow cytometry, western blot, quantitative real-time PCR, and immunohistochemical analysis were performed. Results: Diabetic mice (DM) had a slower recovery rate, thinner epidermal and dermal, and less blood vessels than those of normal mice. MDSCs were abnormally accumulated in DM and mTOR was activated in MDSCs of DM and the cells treat with high glucose. Moreover, mTOR signaling inhibitor INK128 could promote wound healing through reducing the MDSCs. MDSCs function was disordered in DM and high glucose environments, while INK128 could help retrieve their function. Furthermore, high glucose and other factors in DM could promote M-MDSCs differentiation to M1 pro-inflammatory macrophage cells, thus inhibiting wound healing. The differentiation, which was dependent on mTOR signaling, could be reversed by INK128. Conclusion: INK128 is potential to be developed as a clinical strategy to promote wound healing of diabetic patients.