bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on storage techniques and temperature conditions for sporocarp germination and development in azolla
Authors: Jha Arun Kumar , Padbhushan Rajeev , Kumar Arun
Published: June 2022

Azolla is a small freshwater fern reproduces sexually and asexually (by splitting). The spores’ formation through sexual reproduction in the azolla species is influenced by climatic condition. Keeping this fact in view, the present study was conducted with an aim to study the impact of temperature on the sporocarp formation and also developing storage techniques for sexual propagation in the azolla species. The study showed that the sporulation in Azolla pinnata was more sensitive to increase in the temperature than Azolla microphylla. Azolla pinnata did not sporulate on rising maximum temperature; however sporulation in Azolla microphylla was delayed by one month due to rise in the temperature during second year compared to the first year. Conversion of the freshly collected sporocarps into Azolla microphylla plants were decreased by 4.2–9.3% on increasing minimum and maximum temperatures by 5°C and 8°C, respectively and conversion of the one month old sporocarps into plants was decreased by 1.8–8.7% on rising minimum and maximum temperatures. On storing sporocarps in the refrigerator resulted in higher germination percentage than stored at room temperature. Conversion of freshly collected sporocarps into Azolla plants increased on storage of the sporocarps mixing with soil (1:15) in the refrigerator than at room temperature. Germination of one month old Azolla microphylla sporocarps on storage in refrigerator after mixing with soil decreased during second year compared to first year. Therefore, in a controlled environment, azolla may be encouraged to grow sporocarps for exploiting full potential of azolla for eco-friendly agricultural and livestock management.
Study of superhydrophobicity according to surface structure of knitted fabrics
Authors: Lee Suhyun
Published: June 2022

This study seeks to analyze the effect of geometric structures of weft-knitted fabrics on superhydrophobicity and the dynamic behavior of water droplets. A flat knitting machine with different stitch patterns was used to prepare 100% polyester knitted fabrics. For the superhydrophobic surface, nano-roughness through alkaline treatment and a hydrophobic coating were introduced on prepared knitted fabrics. To analyze micro-roughness, pore size, cover factor, surface roughness, and air permeability were measured. Surface wettability was evaluated by contact and shedding angle measurements, and the dynamic behavior of droplets.

Micro-roughness was greater in the order of tuck, purl, and plain jersey stitch patterns with a small cover factor and large pore size. In addition, tuck and purl stitches showed differences in surface roughness according to the wale and course directions. Nano-roughness was discernible as the alkaline treatment time increased. Following an evaluation of the wettability, the purl stitches exhibited a contact angle of 150° or more with only the hydrophobic coating. After imparting nano-roughness by alkaline treatment, the contact angle was more than 150° in all the samples. In the case of shedding angle, the tuck and purl stitches showed differences according to the course and wale directions. The shedding angle was lower when the roughness was high and the ridge and the droplet sliding directions were parallel. This difference decreased as the nano-roughness increased according to the alkaline treatment time. An evaluation of the dynamic behavior of water droplets on the superhydrophobic knitted fabric showed that rebound behavior appeared in all the samples on the horizontal surface, when the water droplet was small. However, with large droplets, the rebound behavior appeared only in purl stitches. Meanwhile, on the surface inclined at 15°, rebound behavior was observed in the tuck and purl stitches, with the tuck stitches rebounding faster in the wale direction and the purl stitches in the course direction regardless of the droplet volume. The plain jersey stitches showed pinning behavior after water droplets fell on the surface. Therefore, it is important not only to introduce nano-roughness but also properly to form geometrical micro-roughness of knitted fabric with pores and loops to induce rebound behavior of water droplets.
LINC00680 modulates docetaxel resistance in breast cancer via the miR-320b/CDKL5 axis
Authors: Li Jia , Ke Jing , Qin Cheng-lin , Zhu Xun
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Increasing evidence has indicated that LINC00680 represents an oncogenic factor in cancer; however, the mechanism by which LINC00680 contributes to breast cancer (BC) remains unknown. Methods: A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to explore the relationship between LINC00680, miR-320b, and cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDKL5). A CCK-8 assay and transwell assay were utilized to evaluate the proliferation and invasion in docetaxel-resistant BC cells, respectively. Results: LINC00680 and CDKL5 protein levels were both upregulated when induced by different concentrations of docetaxel. LINC00680 knockdown decreased the expression level of drug resistance-related genes, proliferation, and invasion of BC cells. Bioinformatics prediction and dual-luciferase assays revealed that miR-320b targeted the 3′-unstranslated regions (UTR) of both LINC00680 and CDKL5, suggesting that the modulation of LINC00680 on CDKL5 occurred via sequestering miR-320b. Conclusion: Overall, this study highlights the important role of LINC00680 in docetaxel resistance through the miR-320b/CDKL5 pathway and provides a novel therapeutic strategy for BC drug resistance.
Effect of gamma-rays on the thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy/tungsten boride composites
Authors: Al Hassan Mohamadou , Dayo Abdul Qadeer , Zegaoui Abdeldjalil , Derradji Mehdi , Moussa Hassane Ayouba , Liu Wen-bin , Wang Jun , Liu Yu-guang
Published: June 2022

High performance polymer composites are essential materials in nuclear applications where many components can receive high ionizing rays doses such as gamma-rays. In this work, two composites named E51WB and E51WB2 based on epoxy (E51) and tungsten borides (WB and WB2) were manufactured at room temperature and then exposed to gammarays doses up to 2000 KGy. The goal of this study was to investigate and compare the impact of gamma-rays on the chemical structure, mechanical and thermal properties of E51WB and E51WB2 composites using FTIR, SEM, TGA and tensile tests. As the results, the char yield (Yc) for E51WB gradually increased from 40 to 46% at 0, 1000 and 1500 KGy, then slightly drop to 44% at 2000 KGy. The E51WB sample displayed the strain value of 2.3% at 0 KGy, and it increased to 4.7 and 5 % at 1000 and 1500 KGy, respectively, while at 2000 KGy it decreased to 3.5%. This may be due to phenomena such as hydrogen abstraction, disproportion, degradation or the formation of new bonds. The comparison of the TGA results of E51WB and E51WB2 at 1000 and 1500 KGy respectively, leads to the conclusion that E51WB2 is thermally more resistant. In addition, by comparing the tensile strength of these two samples at the same irradiation doses, it can be stated that the E51WB2 composite is stronger than its counterpart E51WB.
Detecting Pain Points from User-Generated Social Media Posts Using Machine Learning
Authors: Salminen Joni , Mustak Mekhail , Corporan Juan , Jung Soon-gyo , Jansen Bernard J.
Published: June 2022

Artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning, carries high potential to automatically detect customers’ pain points, which is a particular concern the customer expresses that the company can address. However, unstructured data scattered across social media make detection a nontrivial task. Thus, to help firms gain deeper insights into customers’ pain points, the authors experiment with and evaluate the performance of various machine learning models to automatically detect pain points and pain point types for enhanced customer insights. The data consist of 4.2 million user-generated tweets targeting 20 global brands from five separate industries. Among the models they train, neural networks show the best performance at overall pain point detection, with an accuracy of 85% (F1 score = .80). The best model for detecting five specific pain points was RoBERTa 100 samples using SYNONYM augmentation. This study adds another foundational building block of machine learning research in marketing academia through the application and comparative evaluation of machine learning models for natural language–based content identification and classification. In addition, the authors suggest that firms use pain point profiling, a technique for applying subclasses to the identified pain point messages to gain a deeper understanding of their customers’ concerns.
Prospective external validation of biomarkers to predict acute graft-versus-host disease severity
Authors: Robin Marie , Porcher Raphael , Michonneau David , Taurines Laetitia , de Fontbrune Flore Sicre , Xhaard Aliénor , Oriano Bastien , Sutra Del Galy Aurélien , Peffault de Latour Régis , Socié Gérard , Schlageter Marie-Hélène
Published: June 2022

Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is still the major contributor to comorbidities and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The use of plasmatic biomarkers to predict early outcomes has been advocated in the past decade. The purpose of this prospective noninterventional study was to test the ability of panels including 7 biomarkers (Elafin, HGF, IL2RA, IL8, REG3, ST2, and TNFRI), to predict day 28 (D28) complete response to steroid, D180 overall survival, and D180 nonrelapse mortality (NRM). Using previous algorithms developed by the Ann Arbor/MAGIC consortium, 204 patients with acute GVHD were prospectively included and biomarkers were measured at GVHD onset for all of them. Initial GVHD grade and bilirubin level were significantly associated with all those outcomes. After adjustment on clinical variables, biomarkers were associated with survival and NRM. In addition to clinical variables, biomarkers slightly improved the prediction of overall survival and NRM (concordance and net reclassification indexes). The potential benefit of adding biomarkers panel to clinical parameters was also investigated by decision curve analyses. The benefit of adding biomarkers to clinical parameters was however marginal for the D28 nonresponse and mortality endpoints.
Genomic analysis of the slope of the reaction norm for body weight in Australian sheep
Authors: Waters Dominic L. , Clark Sam A. , Moghaddar Nasir , van der Werf Julius H.
Published: June 2022

Background

Selection of livestock based on their robustness or sensitivity to environmental variation could help improve the efficiency of production systems, particularly in the light of climate change. Genetic variation in robustness arises from genotype-by-environment (G × E) interactions, with genotypes performing differently when animals are raised in contrasted environments. Understanding the nature of this genetic variation is essential to implement strategies to improve robustness. In this study, our aim was to explore the genetics of robustness in Australian sheep to different growth environments using linear reaction norm models (RNM), with post-weaning weight records of 22,513 lambs and 60 k single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The use of scale-corrected genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) for the slope to account for scale-type G × E interactions was also investigated.

Results

Additive genetic variance was observed for the slope of the RNM, with genetic correlations between low- and high-growth environments indicating substantial re-ranking of genotypes (0.44–0.49). The genetic variance increased from low- to high-growth environments. The heritability of post-weaning body weight ranged from 0.28 to 0.39. The genetic correlation between intercept and slope of the reaction norm for post-weaning body weight was low to moderate when based on the estimated (co)variance components but was much higher when based on back-solved SNP effects. An initial analysis suggested that a region on chromosome 11 affected both the intercept and the slope, but when the GEBV for the slope were conditioned on the GEBV for the intercept to remove the effect of scale-type G × E interactions on SNP effects for robustness, a single genomic region on chromosome 7 was found to be associated with robustness. This region included genes previously associated with growth traits and disease susceptibility in livestock.

Conclusions

This study shows a significant genetic variation in the slope of RNM that could be used for selecting for increased robustness of sheep. Both scale-type and rank-type G × E interactions contributed to variation in the slope. The correction for scale effects of GEBV for the slope should be considered when analysing robustness using RNM. Overall, robustness appears to be a highly polygenic trait.
Microbial diversity composition of apple tree roots and resistance of apple Valsa canker with different grafting rootstock types
Authors: Wang Jianxun , Wang Ruolin , Kang Feng , Yan Xia , Sun Ling , Wang Nana , Gong Yufeng , Gao Xiaoning , Huang Lili
Published: June 2022

Background

The composition and diversity of root microbial community are affected by plant genotypes and soil environment, which in turn affect plant growth and development. Grafting rootstock types of the apple tree can affect phenotypes in cultivation practice, but it is not clear whether grafting rootstock types can affect the composition and diversity of root microbial community and the resistance of apple tree to apple Valsa canker.

Methods

To explore root microbial differences and the correlation, 16S rRNA and ITS genes were sequenced using Novaseq technology.

Results

The results showed that the influence of grafting rootstock types on the composition of the root fungal community was greater than that of bacteria. And the bacterial community richness was higher in the healthy (OTUs: 1693) and dwarfing rootstock (OTUs: 1526) than in the disease (OTUs: 1181) and standard rootstock (OTUs: 1412), while the fungal community richness was the opposite. Moreover, the bacterial abundance of root zone, rhizosphere, and root endophytic microorganisms with the same grafting rootstock type exhibited a decreasing trend. Results of Nested PCR assay on soil and root tissue ofValsa malishowed that the content ofV. maliin dwarfing rootstocks are lower than standard rootstocks. These results suggest that apple trees grafting with dwarfing rootstocks are more resistant toV. malithan standard rootstocks.

Conclusions

Under different grafting types, the effect on the composition of fungal community in apple tree root was greater than that of bacteria. The bacterial community in dwarfing rootstocks is more abundant and diverse, including more beneficial microorganisms. Therefore, dwarfing rootstock is more conducive to the resistance to apple Valsa canker from biological control.
Rocuronium versus saline for effective facemask ventilation during anesthesia induction: a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Ide Akira , Nozaki-Taguchi Natsuko , Sato Shin , Saito Kei , Sato Yasunori , Isono Shiroh
Published: June 2022

Background

Mask ventilation progressively improves after loss of consciousness during anesthesia induction possibly due to progression of muscle paralysis. This double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled study aimed to test a hypothesis that muscle paralysis improves mask ventilation during anesthesia induction.

Methods

Forty-four adults patients including moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea undergoing scheduled surgeries under elective general anesthesia participated in this study. Randomly-determined test drug either rocuronium or saline was blinded to the patient and anesthesia provider. One-handed mask ventilation with an anesthesia ventilator providing a constant driving pressure and respiratory rate (15 breaths per minute) was performed during anesthesia induction, and changes of capnogram waveform and tidal volume were assessed for one minute. The needed breaths for achieving plateaued-capnogram (primary variable) within 15 consecutive breaths were compared between the test drugs.

Results

Measurements were successful in 38 participants. Twenty-one and seventeen patients were allocated into saline and rocuronium respectively. The number of breaths achieving plateaued capnogram did not differ between the saline (95% C.I.: 6.2 to 12.8 breaths) and rocuronium groups (95% C.I.: 5.6 to 12.7 breaths) (p = 0.779). Mean tidal volume changes from breath 1 was significantly greater in rocuronium group than saline group (95% C.I.: 0.56 to 0.99 versus 3.51 to 4.53 ml kg-IBW−1, p = 0.006). Significantly more patients in rocuronium group (94%) achieved tidal volume greater than 5 mg kg-ideal body weight−1 within one minute than those in saline group (62%) (p = 0.026). Presence of obstructive sleep apnea did not affect effectiveness of rocuronium for improvement of tidal volume during one-handed mask ventilation.

Conclusions

Use of rocuronium facilitates tidal volume improvement during one-handed mask ventilation even in patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.

Trial registration

The clinical trial was registered at (05/12/2013, UMIN000012495): https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000014515
What are the barriers and facilitators to effective health promotion in urgent and emergency care? A systematic review
Authors: Schofield B. , Rolfe U. , McClean S. , Hoskins R. , Voss S. , Benger J.
Published: June 2022

Background

There are potential health gains such as reducing early deaths, years spent in ill-health and costs to society and the health and care system by encouraging NHS staff to use encounters with patients to help individuals significantly reduce their risk of disease. Emergency department staff and paramedics are in a unique position to engage with a wide range of the population and to use these contacts as opportunities to help people improve their health. The aim of this research was to examine barriers and facilitators to effective health promotion by urgent and emergency care staff.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature was performed to review and synthesise published evidence relating to barriers and facilitators to effective health promotion by urgent and emergency care staff. Medical and social science databases were searched for articles published between January 2000 and December 2021 and the reference lists of included articles were hand searched. Two reviewers independently screened the studies and assessed risk of bias. Data was extracted using a bespoke form created for the study.

Results

A total of 19 papers were included in the study. Four themes capture the narratives of the included research papers: 1) should it be part of our job?; 2) staff comfort in broaching the topic; 3) format of health education; 4) competency and training needs. Whilst urgent and emergency care staff view health promotion as part of their job, time restraints and a lack of knowledge and experience are identified as barriers to undertaking health promotion interventions. Staff and patients have different priorities in terms of the health topics they feel should be addressed. Patients reported receiving books and leaflets as well as speaking with a knowledgeable person as their preferred health promotion approach. Staff often stated the need for more training.

Conclusions

Few studies have investigated the barriers to health promotion interventions in urgent and emergency care settings and there is a lack of evidence about the acceptability of health promotion activity. Additional research is needed to determine whether extending the role of paramedics and emergency nurses to include health promotion interventions will be acceptable to staff and patients.
Development and internal validation of a prediction model to identify older adults at risk of low physical activity levels during hospitalisation: a prospective cohort study
Authors: van Dijk-Huisman Hanneke C. , Welters Mandy H. P. , Bijnens Wouter , van Kuijk Sander M. J. , Magdelijns Fabienne J. H. , de Bie Robert A. , Lenssen Antoine F.
Published: June 2022

Background

Inactive behaviour is common in older adults during hospitalisation and associated with poor health outcomes. If patients at high risk of spending little time standing/walking could be identified early after admission, they could be given interventions aimed at increasing their time spent standing/walking. This study aims to identify older adults at high risk of low physical activity (PA) levels during hospitalisation.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of 165 older adults (≥ 70 years) admitted to the department of Internal Medicine of Maastricht University Medical Centre for acute medical illness. Two prediction models were developed to predict the probability of low PA levels during hospitalisation. Time spent standing/walking per day was measured with an accelerometer until discharge (≤ 12 days). The average time standing/walking per day between inclusion and discharge was dichotomized into low/high PA levels by dividing the cohort at the median (50.0%) in model 1, and lowest tertile (33.3%) in model 2. Potential predictors—Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC), age, sex, walking aid use, and disabilities in activities of daily living—were selected based on literature and analysed using logistic regression analysis. Models were internally validated using bootstrapping. Model performance was quantified using measures of discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC)) and calibration (Hosmer and Lemeshow (H–L) goodness-of-fit test and calibration plots).

Results

Model 1 predicts a probability of spending ≤ 64.4 min standing/walking and holds the predictors SPPB, AM-PAC and sex. Model 2 predicts a probability of spending ≤ 47.2 min standing/walking and holds the predictors SPPB, AM-PAC, age and walking aid use. AUCs of models 1 and 2 were .80 (95% confidence interval (CI) = .73—.87) and .86 (95%CI = .79—.92), respectively, indicating good discriminative ability. Both models demonstrate near perfect calibration of the predicted probabilities and good overall performance, with model 2 performing slightly better.

Conclusions

The developed and internally validated prediction models may enable clinicians to identify older adults at high risk of low PA levels during hospitalisation. External validation and determining the clinical impact are needed before applying the models in clinical practise.
Determining antenatal medicine exposures in South African women: a comparison of three methods of ascertainment
Authors: van der Hoven Jani , Allen Elizabeth , Cois Annibale , de Waal Renee , Maartens Gary , Myer Landon , Malaba Thokozile , Madlala Hlengiwe , Nyemba Dorothy , Phelanyane Florence , Boulle Andrew , Mehta Ushma , Kalk Emma
Published: June 2022

Background

In the absence of clinical trials, data on the safety of medicine exposures in pregnancy are dependent on observational studies conducted after the agent has been licensed for use. This requires an accurate history of antenatal medicine use to determine potential risks. Medication use is commonly determined by self-report, clinician records, and electronic pharmacy data; different data sources may be more informative for different types of medication and resources may differ by setting. We compared three methods to determine antenatal medicine use (self-report, clinician records and electronic pharmacy dispensing records [EDR]) in women attending antenatal care at a primary care facility in Cape Town, South Africa in a setting with high HIV prevalence.

Methods

Structured, interview-administered questionnaires recorded self-reported medicine use. Data were collected from clinician records and EDR on the same participants. We determined agreement between these data sources using Cohen’s kappa and, lacking a gold standard, used Latent Class Analysis to estimate sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) for each data source.

Results

Between 55% and 89% of 967 women had any medicine use documented depending on the data source (median number of medicines/participant = 5 [IQR 3–6]). Agreement between the datasets was poor regardless of class except for antiretroviral therapy (ART; kappa 0.6–0.71). Overall, agreement was better between the EDR and self-report than with either dataset and the clinician records. Sensitivity and PPV were higher for self-report and the EDR and were similar for the two. Self-report was the best source for over-the-counter, traditional and complementary medicines; clinician records for vaccines and supplements; and EDR for chronic medicines.

Conclusions

Medicine use in pregnancy was common and no single data source included all the medicines used. ART was the most consistently reported across all three datasets but otherwise agreement between them was poor and dependent on class. Using a single data collection method will under-estimate medicine use in pregnancy and the choice of data source should be guided by the class of the agents being investigated.
Prognostic value of tumor-infiltrating CD163+macrophage in patients with metastatic gastric cancer undergoing multidisciplinary treatment
Authors: Kinoshita Jun , Fushida Sachio , Yamaguchi Takahisa , Moriyama Hideki , Saito Hiroto , Shimada Mari , Terai Shiro , Okamoto Koichi , Nakamura Keishi , Ninomiya Itasu , Yagi Shintaro , Inaki Noriyuki
Published: June 2022

Background

The multidisciplinary treatment including induction chemotherapy plus conversion surgery (CS) has attracted attention as a new strategy to improve the outcome of metastatic gastric cancer (MGC). However, it is unclear which patients achieve a good response to chemotherapy and successful CS. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) have been reported to be both prognostic and predictive biomarkers not only in immunotherapy but also in chemotherapy in many cancer types. However, there have been no reports on the usefulness of TIICs as biomarkers in conversion surgery for MGC. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between the TIICs and treatment outcome for the multidisciplinary treatment in MGC.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 68 MGC patients who received docetaxel plus cisplatin plus S-1 (DCS) therapy between April 2006 and March 2019 in our institute. The number of tumor-infiltrating CD4+, CD8+, Foxp3+lymphocytes, CD68+, CD163+macrophages in pre-treatment endoscopic biopsy samples were evaluated to investigate their predictive value for multidisciplinary treatment.

Results

Fifty patients underwent CS following DCS therapy (CS group), whereas 18 patients underwent DCS therapy alone (non-CS group). The median survival time (MST) of CS group was 33.3 months, which was significantly longer than the MST of 9.0 months in non-CS group (p < 0.01). The number of CD163+macrophages was extracted as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in all patients. There were more cases of high infiltration of CD163+macrophages in non-CS group than in CS group. Furthermore, in CS group, pathological responders to DCS therapy showed low infiltration of CD163+ macrophages, and high infiltration of CD8+lymphocyte. CD163 low group showed a significant prolonged survival compared with CD163 high group in patients who underwent CS (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

The pre-treatment CD163+macrophages infiltration would be a pivotal biomarker for predicting prognosis and pathological response to multidisciplinary treatment among TIICs in MGC.

Thus, for patients with low CD163+macrophage infiltration in pre-treatment biopsy sample, diagnostic imaging should be performed frequently during chemotherapy to avoid missing the optimal timing for CS, and CS should be aggressively considered as a treatment option if curative resection is deemed feasible.
Socio-economic inequalities in health service utilization among Chinese rural migrant workers with New Cooperative Medical Scheme: a multilevel regression approach
Authors: Li Dan , Zhang Jian , Yang Jinjuan , Xu Yongjian , Lyu Ruoxi , Zhong Lichen , Wang Xiao
Published: June 2022

Background

While reducing inequity in health service utilization is an important goal of China’s health system, it has been widely acknowledged that a huge number of rural migrant workers cannot be effectually protected against risks with the New Rural Cooperative Medical Insurance (NCMS).

Method

Data of the 2016 China Labor-force Dynamic Survey and the Chinese Urban Statistical Yearbook were used. The multilevel regression approach was implemented with a nationally representative sample of rural migrant workers with NCMS. Our study adopted the concentration index and its decomposition method to quantify the inequality of their health service utilization.

Result

The multilevel model analysis indicated that impact variables for health service utilization were not concentrated, especially the contextual and individual characteristics. The concentration indices of the probability of two weeks outpatient and the probability of inpatient were -0.168 (95%CI:-0.236,-0.092) and -0.072 (95%CI:-1.085,-0.060), respectively. The horizontal inequality indices for the probability of two-week outpatient and the probability of inpatient were -0.012 and 0.053, respectively.

Conclusion

The health service utilization of rural migrant workers with NCMS is insufficient. Our study highlighted that substantial inequalities in their health service utilization did exist. In addition, their need of health service utilization increased the pro-poor inequality. Based on the findings, our study offered notable implications on compensation policies and benefit packages to improve the equality among rural migrant workers with NCMS.
Sexual satisfaction and sexual behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from the International Sexual Health And REproductive (I-SHARE) health survey in Luxembourg
Authors: Fischer Vinicius Jobim , Bravo Raquel Gómez , Brunnet Alice Einloft , Michielsen Kristien , Tucker Joseph D. , Campbell Linda , Vögele Claus
Published: June 2022

Aim

To identify the impact of COVID-19 measures on sexual behaviors and sexual satisfaction in Luxembourg residents.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of adults (> 18 years of age) residing in Luxembourg, while COVID-19 restrictions were in place. The survey was available from January 15 to February 12, 2021 in four languages (French, German, English and Portuguese). Survey questions focused on masturbation, cuddling, condom use, sex frequency, sexting, cybersex, watching porn, and sexual satisfaction.

Results

557 volunteers completed the survey (35.5% men, 64.3% women). Sexual satisfaction and sexual problems variables were assessed on 4-point Likert scales (0 = not at all/never to 3 = very/often). Sexual problems increased during the COVID-19 measures while sexual satisfaction decreased compared to before the introduction of COVID-19 restrictions (assessed retrospectively). Factors associated with increased odds of sexual satisfaction included having a steady relationship before COVID-19 restrictions, engaging in sexting, reporting good mental health and not altering alcohol intake.

Conclusions

The context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures implemented in Luxembourg affected sexual behaviors and sexual satisfaction. Sexual and reproductive health care centers and health professionals in general should take these results into consideration when providing care. Recommendations on the importance of sexual health for general wellbeing and behaviors associated with sexual satisfaction should be offered and possibilities to experience sexuality while reducing contamination risks be discussed.
Perceived stress, family impact, and changes in physical and social daily life activities of children with chronic somatic conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Krijger Anne , Dulfer Karolijn , van Oers Hedy , Teela Lorynn , de Jong-van Kempen Brita , van Els Anne , Haverman Lotte , Joosten Koen
Published: June 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has inevitably affected children and their families. This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 measures in children with chronic somatic conditions (CSC) and their parents and compares them with a Dutch general population sample.

Methods

We included a sample of children with CSC (0–18 years, n = 326) and compared them with children (8–18 years, n = 1,287) from the Dutch general population. Perceived stress, coping, social interaction with friends and family, physical activity, eating behavior, family support, parenting perception, and financial situation were assessed once with the self-reported and parent-reported COVID-19 child check questionnaire, between November 2020 and May 2021. Comparisons between the two samples were made by using t-tests and chi square tests.

Results

The proportion of children who reported being less physically active and having less social interaction with friends since the COVID-19 pandemic was higher in children with CSC than in children from the general population. Children with CSC and their parents experienced less stress than children and parents from the general population. Moreover, parents of children with CSC aged 0–7 years and parents of children aged 8–18 years from the general population experienced less support and more financial deterioration than parents of children with CSC aged 8–18 years. In the parents from the general population only, this deteriorated financial situation was associated with more stress, worse family interaction and parenting perception, and less received support.

Conclusions

The impact of COVID-19 on children with CSC and their parents differed from those in the general population. Addressing the collateral damage of COVID-19 measures in children and their families may give direction to policy and potentially prevent lifelong impact.
Understanding and experience of adverse event following immunization (AEFI) and its consequences among healthcare providers in Kebbi State, Nigeria: a qualitative study
Authors: Omoleke Semeeh Akinwale , Getachew Biniam , Isyaku Abubakar , Aliyu Abdulrasheed Bello , Mustapha Ashiru Mohammed , Dansanda Shafiu Muhammad , Kanmodi Kehinde Kazeem , Abubakar Hafsat , Lawal Zahraddeen Ibrahim , Kangiwa Haruna Abdullahi
Published: June 2022

Background

Vaccines used in the national immunization program are relatively safe and effective. However, no vaccine is perfectly safe. Therefore, adverse reactions may occur. This study aimed to investigate the understanding and experience of Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) among healthcare workers and Routine Immunization (RI) officers.

Methods

Phenomenological qualitative study was conducted between June and September 2019, using a semi-structured question guide in Kebbi State, Northwest Nigeria. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 12 RI providers, eight Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) officers, and eight Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The interviews were transcribed and translated, then manually analyzed thematically.

Results

The knowledge level of healthcare providers on AEFI definition and classification varied and was suboptimal. Error during vaccination was the study participants' most frequently mentioned possible cause of AEFI. Persistent crying, fever, fainting, and swelling and tenderness at injection sites were the AEFI experienced by the healthcare providers in their careers. Block rejection, lower immunization uptake, loss of confidence in RI, attack on RI providers, discrimination of RI providers and divorce threats among spouses were the consequences of AEFI. Supportive supervision of the RI sessions, refresher training on safe injection for RI providers, and symptomatic treatment of clients with AEFI would prevent AEFI consequences. Also, educating caregivers, community sensitization, and dialogue would minimize the consequences of AEFI.

Conclusions

Evidence of a sub-optimal understanding of AEFI was established in this study. Hence, policymakers should consider regular refresher training on AEFI to ensure all RI providers have an optimal understanding of AEFI. Health education of caregivers and parents during RI sessions and community engagement should be considered to minimise AEFI consequences on the immunization program and the society.
Trends in malaria indicators after scale-up of community-based malaria management in Afghanistan
Authors: Mahmoodi Sayed Daoud , Atarud Abdul Alim , Sediqi Ahmad Walid , Gallalee Sarah , McFarland Willi , Aynie Temesgen Birara , Nahzat Mohmmad Sami , Hamid Hamida , Qader Ghulam Qader , Tamim Mohammad Shoaib , Mirzazadeh Ali
Published: June 2022

Background

The Community-Based Malaria Management (CBMM) strategy, introduced in 2013 and expanded to all health facilities and health posts in Afghanistan by 2016, aimed to deliver rapid diagnostic testing and more timely treatment to all communities nationwide. In this study, trends for several malaria outcome indicators were compared before and after the expansion of the CBMM strategy, using cross-sectional analysis of surveillance data.

Methods

Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models with a Poisson distribution were used to assess trends of three key outcomes before (2012–2015) and after (2016–2019) CBMM expansion. These outcomes were annual malaria incidence rate (both all and confirmed malaria incidence), malaria death rate, and malaria test positivity rate. Additional variables assessed included annual blood examination rates (ABER) and malaria confirmation rate.

Results

Average malaria incidence rates decreased from 13.1 before CBMM expansion to 10.0 per 1000 persons per year after CBMM expansion (P < 0.001). The time period after CBMM was expanded witnessed a 339% increase in confirmed malaria incidence as compared to the period before (IRR 3.39, 95% CI 2.18, 5.27; P < 0.001). In the period since the expansion of CBMM (2016–2019), overall malaria incidence rate declined by 19% each year (IRR 0.81, 95% CI 0.71,0.92; P = 0.001) and the malaria death rate declined by 85% each year (IRR 0.15, 95% CI 0.12, 0.20; P < 0.001). In comparing the before period to the after period, the ABER increased from 2.3 to 3.5 per 100 person/year, the malaria test positivity rate increased from 12.2 to 20.5%, and the confirmation rate increased from 21% before to 71% after CBMM.

Conclusions

Afghanistan’s CBMM expansion to introduce rapid diagnostic tests and provide more timely treatment for malaria through all levels of care temporally correlates with significant improvement in multiple indicators of malaria control.
Adaptation and validation of a German version of the Multimorbidity Treatment Burden Questionnaire
Authors: Schulze Josefine , Breckner Amanda , Duncan Polly , Scherer Martin , Pohontsch Nadine Janis , Lühmann Dagmar
Published: June 2022

Background

Patients with multiple long-term conditions often face a variety of challenges arising from the requirements of their health care. Knowledge of perceived treatment burden is crucial for optimizing treatment. In this study, we aimed to create a German version of the Multimorbidity Treatment Burden Questionnaire (MTBQ) and to evaluate its validity.

Methods

The steps to translate the MTBQ included forward/back translation, cognitive interviews (n = 6) and a pilot test (n = 7). Psychometric properties of the scale were assessed in a cross-sectional survey with primary care patients aged 65 and older with at least 3 long-term conditions (n = 344). We examined the distribution of responses, dimensionality, internal reliability and construct validity.

Results

Cognitive interviewing and piloting led to minor modifications and showed overall good face validity and acceptability. As expected, we observed a positively skewed response distribution for all items. Reliability was acceptable with McDonald’s omega = 0.71. Factor analysis suggested one common factor while model fit indices were inconclusive. Predefined hypotheses regarding the construct validity were supported by negative associations between treatment burden and health-related quality of life, self-rated health, social support, patient activation and medication adherence, and positive associations between treatment burden and number of comorbidities. Treatment burden was found to be higher in female participants (Mdn1 = 6.82,Mdn2 = 4.55;U = 11,729,p = 0.001) and participants with mental health diagnoses (Mdn1 = 9.10,Mdn2 = 4.55;U = 3172,p = 0.024).

Conclusions

The German MTBQ exhibited good psychometric properties and can be used to assess the perceived treatment burden of patients with multimorbidity.
Efficiency analysis of primary healthcare facilities in Afghanistan
Authors: Farewar Farhad , Saeed Khwaja Mir Ahad , Foshanji Abo Ismael , Alawi Said Mohammad Karim , Zawoli Mohammad Yonus , Irit Sinai , Zeng Wu
Published: June 2022

Background

Afghanistan’s health system is unique in that primary healthcare is delivered by non-governmental organizations funded by multilateral or bilateral donors, not the government. Given the wide range of implementers providing the basic package of health services, there may be performance differences in service delivery. This study assessed the relative technical efficiency of different levels of primary healthcare services and explored its determinants.

Method

Data envelopment analysis was used to assess the relative technical efficiency of three levels of primary healthcare facilities (comprehensive, basic, and sub-health centers). The inputs included personnel and capital expenditure, while the outputs were measured by the number of facility visits. Data on inputs and outputs were obtained from national health information databases for 1263 healthcare facilities in 31 provinces. Bivariate analysis was conducted to assess the correlation of various elements with efficiency scores. Regression models were used to identify potential factors associated with efficiency scores at the health facility level.

Results

The average efficiency score of health facilities was 0.74 when pooling all 1,263 health facilities, with 102 health facilities (8.1%) having efficiency scores of 1 (100% efficient). The lowest quintile of health facilities had an average efficiency score of 0.36, while the highest quintile had a score of 0.96. On average, efficiency scores of comprehensive health centers were higher than basic and sub-health centers by 0.11 and .07, respectively. In addition, the difference between efficiency scores of facilities in the highest and lowest quintiles was highest in facilities that offer fewer services. Thus, they have the largest room for improvement.

Conclusions

Our findings show that public health facilities in Afghanistan that provide more comprehensive primary health services use their resources more efficiently and that smaller facilities have more room for improvement. A more integrated delivery model would help improve the efficiency of providing primary healthcare in Afghanistan.
Hypoxia-regulated carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) protein is an independent prognostic indicator in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Ong Chong Hui Clara , Lee Dong Yeul , Lee Bernett , Li Huihua , Lim Jeffrey Chun Tatt , Lim Johnathan Xiande , Yeong Joe Poh Sheng , Lau Hiu Yeung , Thike Aye Aye , Tan Puay Hoon , Iqbal Jabed
Published: June 2022

Background

The effect of extracellular microenvironment (hypoxia and pH) has been regarded as a key hallmark in cancer progression. The study aims to investigate the effects of carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), a key hypoxia-inducible marker, in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in correlation with clinicopathological parameters and predicting survival outcomes.

Methods

A total of 323 TNBC cases diagnosed at the Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital from 2003 to 2013 were used. Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) was performed using CAIX antibody and digital mRNA quantification was performed using NanoString assays. CAIX membranous expression was correlated with clinicopathological parameters using Chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact tests. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall-survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan–Meier analysis and compared between groups with the log-rank test.

Results

Forty percent of TNBCs were observed to express CAIX protein and demonstrated significant association with larger tumour size (P = 0.002), higher histological grade (P < 0.001), and significantly worse disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) (after adjustment: HR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.78–5.02, P < 0.001 and HR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.41–4.65, P = 0.002, respectively). Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed six significantly enriched cellular functions (secretion, cellular component disassembly, regulation of protein complex assembly, glycolytic process, cellular macromolecular complex assembly, positive regulation of cellular component biogenesis) associated with genes differentially expressed (CAIX, SETX, WAS, HK2, DDIT4, TUBA4α, ARL1). Three genes (WAS, SETX and DDIT4) were related to DNA repair, indicating that DNA stability may be influenced by hypoxia in TNBC.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that CAIX appears to be a significant hypoxia-inducible molecular marker and increased CAIX protein levels are independently associated with poor survival in TNBC. Identification of CAIX-linked seven gene-signature and its relationship with enriched cellular functions further support the implication and influence of hypoxia-mediated CAIX expression in TNBC tumour microenvironment.
Integrative transcriptome and proteome analyses of Trichoderma longibrachiatum LC and its cellulase hyper-producing mutants generated by heavy ion mutagenesis reveal the key genes involved in cellulolytic enzymes regulation
Authors: Dong Miaoyin , Wang Shuyang , Xu Fuqiang , Xiao Guoqing , Bai Jin , Wang Junkai , Sun Xisi
Published: June 2022

Background

The major challenge of facing the efficient utilization of biomass is the high cost of cellulolytic enzyme, while the Trichoderma longibrachiatum plays an essential role in the production of industrial enzymes and biomass recycling.

Results

The cellulase hyper‑producing mutants of LC-M4 and LC-M16 derived from the wild type T. longibrachiatum LC strain through heavy ion mutagenesis exhibited the high-efficiency secretion ability of cellulase and hemicellulose. The FPase activities of LC-M4 (4.51 IU/mL) and LC-M16 (4.16 IU/mL) mutants increased by 46.91% and 35.5% when compared to the LC strain, respectively. Moreover, these two cellulase hyper-producing mutants showed faster growth rate on the cellulosic substrates (Avicel and CMC-Na) plate than that of LC strain. Therefore, an integrative transcriptome and proteome profiling analysis of T. longibrachiatum LC and its cellulase hyper‑producing mutant LC-M4 and LC-M16 were employed to reveal the key genes involved in cellulolytic enzymes regulation. It was showed that the transcriptome and proteome profiles changed dramatically between the wild strain and mutant strains. Notably, the overlapped genes obtained from integrative analysis identified that the protein processing in ER involved in protein secretory pathway, starch and sucrose metabolism pathway and N-glycan biosynthesis pathway were significantly changed both in cellulase hyper-producing mutants and thereby improving the enzyme secretion efficiency, which maybe the main reason of cellulase hyper-production in LC-M4 and LC-M16 mutants. In addition, the three DEGs/DEPs (PDI, Sec61, VIP36) related with protein secretion in ER and two DEGs/DEPs (OST, MOGS) related with N-glycan biosynthesis were identified as key candidate genes participating in enzyme protein biosynthesis and secretion.

Conclusions

In this study, a hypothetical secretory model of cellulase protein in filamentous fungi was established on the basis of DEGs/DEPs and key genes identified from the omics analysis, which were of great guidance on the rational genetic engineering and/or breeding of filamentous fungi for improving cellulase production.