bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of transposable element AhMITE1 in the genomes of cultivated and two wild peanuts
Authors: Tang Yanyan , Li Xiaoting , Hu Changli , Qiu Xiaochen , Li Jingjing , Li Xin , Zhu Hong , Wang Jingshan , Sui Jiongming , Qiao Lixian
Published: July 2022

Background

The cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L., AABB) is an allotetraploid hybrid between two diploid peanuts, A. duranensis (AA genome) and A. ipaensis (BB genome). Miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements (MITEs), some of which are known as active nonautonomous DNA transposons with high copy numbers, play important roles in genome evolution and diversification. AhMITE1, a member of the MITE family of transposons, but information on the peanut genomes is still limited. Here, we analyzed AhMITE1, AuMITE1 and ApMITE1 in the cultivated (A. hypogaea) and two wild peanut (A. duranensis and A. ipaensis) genomes.

Results

The cultivated and the two wild peanut genomes harbored 142, 14 and 21 AhMITE1, AuMITE1 and ApMITE1 family members, respectively. These three family members exhibited highly conserved TIR sequences, and insertions preferentially occurred within 2 kb upstream and downstream of gene-coding and AT-rich regions. Phylogenetic and pairwise nucleotide diversity analysis showed that AhMITE1 and ApMITE1 family members have undergone one round of amplification bursts during the evolution of the peanut genome. PCR analyses were performed in 23 peanut varieties and demonstrated that AhMITE1 is an active transposon and that hybridization or chemical mutagenesis can promote the mobilization of AhMITE1.

Conclusions

AhMITE1, AuMITE1 and ApMITE1 family members were identified based on local BLAST search with MAK between the cultivated and the two wild peanut genomes. The phylogenetic, nucleotide diversity and variation copy numbers of AhMITE1, AuMITE1 and ApMITE1 members provides opportunities for investigating their roles during peanut evolution. These findings will contribute to knowledge on diversity of AhMITE1, provide information about the potential impact on the gene expression and promote the development of DNA markers in peanut.
A de novo assembled high-quality chromosome-scale Trifolium pratense genome and fine-scale phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Yan Zhenfei , Sang Lijun , Ma Yue , He Yong , Sun Juan , Ma Lichao , Li Shuo , Miao Fuhong , Zhang Zixin , Huang Jianwei , Wang Zengyu , Yang Guofeng
Published: July 2022

Background

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a diploid perennial temperate legume with 14 chromosomes (2n = 14) native to Europe and West Asia, with high nutritional and economic value. It is a very important forage grass and is widely grown in marine climates, such as the United States and Sweden. Genetic research and molecular breeding are limited by the lack of high-quality reference genomes. In this study, we used Illumina, PacBio HiFi, and Hi-C to obtain a high-quality chromosome-scale red clover genome and used genome annotation results to analyze evolutionary relationships among related species.

Results

The red clover genome obtained by PacBio HiFi assembly sequencing was 423 M. The assembly quality was the highest among legume genome assemblies published to date. The contig N50 was 13 Mb, scaffold N50 was 55 Mb, and BUSCO completeness was 97.9%, accounting for 92.8% of the predicted genome. Genome annotation revealed 44,588 gene models with high confidence and 52.81% repetitive elements in red clover genome. Based on a comparison of genome annotation results, red clover was closely related to Trifolium medium and distantly related to Glycine max, Vigna radiata, Medicago truncatula, and Cicer arietinum among legumes. Analyses of gene family expansions and contractions and forward gene selection revealed gene families and genes related to environmental stress resistance and energy metabolism.

Conclusions

We report a high-quality de novo genome assembly for the red clover at the chromosome level, with a substantial improvement in assembly quality over those of previously published red clover genomes. These annotated gene models can provide an important resource for molecular genetic breeding and legume evolution studies. Furthermore, we analyzed the evolutionary relationships among red clover and closely related species, providing a basis for evolutionary studies of clover leaf and legumes, genomics analyses of forage grass, the improvement of agronomic traits.
Differential seedling growth and tolerance indices reflect drought tolerance in cotton
Authors: Mahmood Tahir , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Li Hongge , Nazir Mian Faisal , Khalid Shiguftah , Sarfraz Zareen , Hu Daowu , Baojun Chen , Geng Xiaoli , Tajo Sani Muhammad , Dev Washu , Iqbal Zubair , Zhao Pan , Hu Guanjing , Du Xiongming
Published: July 2022

Background

Cotton production is adversely effected by drought stress. It is exposed to drought stress at various critical growth stages grown under a water scarcity environment. Roots are the sensors of plants; they detect osmotic stress under drought stress and play an important role in plant drought tolerance mechanisms. The seedling stage is very sensitive to drought stress, and it needed to explore the methods and plant characteristics that contribute to drought tolerance in cotton.

Results

Initially, seedlings of 18 genotypes from three Gossypium species: G. hirsutum, G. barbadense, and G. arboreum, were evaluated for various seedling traits under control (NS) and drought stress (DS). Afterward, six genotypes, including two of each species, one tolerant and one susceptible, were identified based on the cumulative drought sensitivity response index (CDSRI). Finally, growth rates (GR) were examined for shoot and root growth parameters under control and DS in experimental hydroponic conditions. A significant variation of drought stress responses was observed across tested genotypes and species. CDSRI allowed here to identify the drought-sensitive and drought-resistant cultivar of each investigated species. Association among root and shoots growth traits disclosed influential effects of enduring the growth under DS. The traits including root length, volume, and root number were the best indicators with significantly higher differential responses in the tolerant genotypes. These root growth traits, coupled with the accumulation of photosynthates and proline, were also the key indicators of the resistance to drought stress.

Conclusion

Tolerant genotypes have advanced growth rates and the capacity to cop with drought stress by encouraging characteristics, including root differential growth traits coupled with physiological traits such as chlorophyll and proline contents. Tolerant and elite genotypes of G. hirsutum were more tolerant of drought stress than obsolete genotypes of G. barbadense and G. arboreum. Identified genotypes have a strong genetic basis of drought tolerance, which can be used in cotton breeding programs.
High genetic diversity and low population differentiation of a medical plant Ficus hirta Vahl., uncovered by microsatellite loci: implications for conservation and breeding
Authors: Lu Yi , Chen Jianling , Chen Bing , Liu Qianqian , Zhang Hanlin , Yang Liyuan , Chao Zhi , Tian Enwei
Published: July 2022

Background

Wuzhimaotao (Radix Fici Hirtae) originates from the dry root ofFicushirta(Moraceae), which is widely known as a medical and edible plant distributed in South China. As the increasing demand for Wuzhimaotao, the wildF.hirtahas been extremely reduced during the past years. It is urgent to protect and rationally develop the wild resources ofF.hirtafor its sustainable utilization. However, a lack of genetic background ofF.hirtamakes it difficult to plan conservation and breeding strategies for this medical plant. In the present study, a total of 414 accessions ofF.hirtafrom 7 provinces in southern China were evaluated for the population genetics using 9 polymorphic SSR markers.

Results

A mean of 17.1 alleles per locus was observed. The expected heterozygosity (He) varied from 0.142 to 0.861 (mean = 0.706) in nine SSR loci. High genetic diversity (He = 0.706, ranged from 0.613 to 0.755) and low genetic differentiation among populations (G’ST = 0.147) were revealed at population level. In addition, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that the principal molecular variance existed within populations (96.2%) was significantly higher than that among populations (3.8%). Meanwhile, the three kinds of clustering methods analysis (STRUCTURE, PCoA and UPGMA) suggested that the sampled populations were clustered into two main genetic groups (K = 2). Mantel test showed a significant correlation between geographic and genetic distance among populations (R2 = 0.281,P < 0.001). Pollen flow, seed flow and/or geographical barriers might be the main factors that formed the current genetic patterns ofF.hirtapopulations.

Conclusions

This is a comprehensive study of genetic diversity and population structure ofF.hirtain southern China. We revealed the high genetic diversity and low population differentiation in this medicinal plant and clarified the causes of its current genetic patterns. Our study will provide novel insights into the exploitation and conservation strategies forF.hirta.
Anesthetic management of a giant paraganglioma resection: a case report
Authors: Wang WeiBing , Zhou Hui , Sun AiJiao , Xiao JingBo , Wang DongShu , Huang DaXiang
Published: July 2022

Background

Patients with pheochromocytomas are often diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) due to initial symptoms of palpitations and chest tightness. We describe a case of AMI syndrome where a giant paraganglioma was unexpectedly identified. The anesthetic management of the paraganglioma resection was challenging and complex.

Case presentation

A 66-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department for complaints of palpitations, chest tightness and vomiting. A laboratory test revealed that troponin I and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels were dramatically increased. Emergency percutaneous coronary angiography (CAG) showed normal coronary arteries. In addition, the serum levels of free catecholamines were increased, and computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a heterogenous mass lesion in the right retroperitoneal. All of this ultimately confirmed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. After three weeks of careful preoperative preparation by a multidisciplinary team, and an anesthesiologist team develops detailed perianesthesia management strategies to maintain hemodynamics and blood glucose stability and regulate acid–base balance, pheochromocytoma resection was performed successfully. About 2 weeks later, the patient was discharged healthy. A postoperative pathology test confirmed paraganglioma.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, giant pheochromocytoma resection is a complex challenge for the anesthesiologists, this clinical case may supply a thoughtful experience for anesthetic management in the resection of giant pheochromocytomas. Adequate preoperative evaluation and prudent perianesthesia management by anesthesiologists are important guarantees for patients to obtain a good prognosis and discharge healthily.
Predictors and outcome of cardiac arrest in paediatric patients presenting to emergency medicine department of tertiary hospitals in Tanzania
Authors: Yussuf Amne O. , Kilindimo Said S. , Sawe Hendry R. , Premji Elishah N. , Manji Hussein K. , Simbila Alphonce N. , Mfinanga Juma A. , Weber Ellen J.
Published: July 2022

Background

The survival of children who suffer cardiac arrest is poor. This study aimed to determine the predictors and outcome of cardiac arrest in paediatric patients presenting to an emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Tanzania.

Methodology

This was a prospective cohort study of paediatric patients > 1 month to ≤ 14 years presenting to Emergency Medicine Department of Muhimbili National Hospital (EMD) in Tanzania from September 2019 to January 2020 and triaged as Emergency and Priority. We enrolled consecutive patients during study periods where patients’ demographic and clinical presentation, emergency interventions and outcome were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of cardiac arrest.

Results

We enrolled 481 patients, 294 (61.1%) were males, and the median age was 2 years [IQR 1–5 years]. Among studied patients, 38 (7.9%) developed cardiac arrest in the EMD, of whom 84.2% were ≤ 5 years. Referred patients were over-represented among those who had an arrest (84.2%). The majority 33 (86.8%) of those who developed cardiac arrest died. Compromised circulation on primary survey (OR 5.9 (95% CI 2.1–16.6)), bradycardia for age on arrival (OR 20.0 (CI 1.6–249.3)), hyperkalemia (OR 8.2 (95% CI 1.4–47.7)), elevated lactate levels > 2 mmol/L (OR 5.2 (95% CI 1.4–19.7)), oxygen therapy requirement (OR 5.9 (95% CI 1.3–26.1)) and intubation within the EMD (OR 4.8 (95% CI 1.3–17.6)) were independent predictors of cardiac arrest.

Conclusion

Thirty-eight children developed cardiac arrest in the EMD, with a very high mortality. Those who arrested were more likely to present with signs of hypoxia, shock and acidosis, which suggest they were at later stage in their illness. Outcomes can be improved by strengthening the pre-referral care and providing timely critical management to prevent cardiac arrest.
Meta-analysis using Python: a hands-on tutorial
Authors: Masoumi Safoora , Shahraz Saeid
Published: July 2022

Background

Meta-analysis is a central method for quality evidence generation. In particular, meta-analysis is gaining speedy momentum in the growing world of quantitative information. There are several software applications to process and output expected results. Open-source software applications generating such results are receiving more attention. This paper uses Python’s capabilities to provide applicable instruction to perform a meta-analysis.

Methods

We used the PythonMeta package with several modifications to perform the meta-analysis on an open-access dataset from Cochrane. The analyses were complemented by employing Python’s zEpid package capable of creating forest plots. Also, we developed Python scripts for contour-enhanced funnel plots to assess funnel plots asymmetry. Finally, we ran the analyses in R and STATA to check the cross-validity of the results.

Results

A stepwise instruction on installing the software and packages and performing meta-analysis was provided. We shared the Python codes for meta-analysts to follow and generate the standard outputs. Our results were similar to those yielded by R and STATA.

Conclusion

We successfully produced standard meta-analytic outputs using Python. This programming language has several flexibilities to improve the meta-analysis results even further.
Absence of lenadogene nolparvovec DNA in a brain tumor biopsy from a patient in the REVERSE clinical study, a case report
Authors: Newman Nancy J. , Schniederjan Matthew , Mendoza Pia R. , Calkins David J. , Yu-Wai-Man Patrick , Biousse Valérie , Carelli Valerio , Taiel Magali , Rugiero Francois , Singh Pramila , Rogue Alexandra , Sahel José-Alain , Ancian Philippe
Published: July 2022

Background

Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) is a rare, maternally-inherited mitochondrial disease that primarily affects retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons in the optic nerve, leading to irreversible, bilateral severe vision loss. Lenadogene nolparvovec gene therapy was developed as a treatment for patients with vision loss from LHON caused by the most prevalent m.11778G > A mitochondrial DNA point mutation in the MT-ND4 gene. Lenadogene nolparvovec is a replication-defective recombinant adeno-associated virus vector 2 serotype 2 (AAV2/2), encoding the human wild-type MT-ND4 protein. Lenadogene nolparvovec was administered by intravitreal injection (IVT) in LHON patients harboring the m.11778G > A ND4 mutation in a clinical development program including one phase 1/2 study (REVEAL), three phase 3 pivotal studies (REVERSE, RESCUE, REFLECT), and one long-term follow-up study (RESTORE, the follow-up of REVERSE and RESCUE patients).

Case presentation

A 67-year-old woman with MT-ND4 LHON, included in the REVERSE clinical study, received a unilateral IVT of lenadogene nolparvovec in the right eye and a sham injection in the left eye in May 2016, 11.4 months and 8.8 months after vision loss in her right and left eyes, respectively. The patient had a normal brain magnetic resonance imaging with contrast at the time of diagnosis of LHON. Two years after treatment administration, BCVA had improved in both eyes. The product was well tolerated with mild and resolutive anterior chamber inflammation in the treated eye. In May 2019, the patient was diagnosed with a right temporal lobe glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype, World Health Organization grade 4, based on histological analysis of a tumor excision. The brain tumor was assessed for the presence of vector DNA by using a sensitive validated qPCR assay targeting the ND4 sequence of the vector.

Conclusion

ND4 DNA was not detected (below 15.625 copies/μg of genomic DNA) in DNA extracted from the brain tumor, while a housekeeping gene DNA was detected at high levels. Taken together, this data shows the absence of detection of lenadogene nolparvovec in a brain tumor (glioblastoma) of a treated patient in the REVERSE clinical trial 3 years after gene therapy administration, supporting the long-term favorable safety of lenadogene nolparvovec.
Circulating tumor cells from melanoma patients show phenotypic plasticity and metastatic potential in xenograft NOD.CB17 mice
Authors: Felici Claudia , Mannavola Francesco , Stucci Luigia Stefania , Duda Loren , Cafforio Paola , Porta Camillo , Tucci Marco
Published: July 2022

Background

Innovative therapies have improved the overall survival in melanoma, although a high number of patients still experience disease progression or recurrence. Ex-vivo culture of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) represents a valuable laboratory resource for in-depth characterization of rare cell populations responsible for disease progression.

Methods

CTCs from patients with metastatic melanoma were in-vitro established. Their stemness was demonstrated by both phenotypic and genotypic assays, as well as by functional studies. Xenograft experiments in NOD.CB17 mice injected with CTCs from a single patient were completed. Data were analysed by Student’s test and results expressed as mean ± SEM.

Results

CTCs share the mutational profile with primary cells, an intermediate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype and high expression of the immunosuppressive factors. A subclonal CTC population exhibited stem cell properties as high aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 activity, melanosphere-forming ability, and expression of major stemness transcription factors. Xenograft experiments confirmed the CTC ability to generate melanoma in-vivo and revealed enhanced metastatic propensity.

Conclusions

CTCs play a relevant role in melanoma and may actively contribute to drive the disease progression and metastasis. Thus, they are a unique potential tool for pharmacogenomic studies to guide treatment strategies in advanced disease.
Retraction Note: Jacarelhyperol A induced apoptosis in leukaemia cancer cell through inhibition the activity of Bcl-2 proteins
Authors: Zhang Shoude , Yin Jun , Li Xia , Zhang Jigang , Yue Rongcai , Diao Yanyan , Li Honglin , Wang Hui , Shan Lei , Zhang Weidong
Published: July 2022

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-14-689.
Characteristics of macular morphology and microcirculation in diabetic macular edema patients with serous retinal detachment
Authors: Xu Min , Xu Huirong , Li Xiao , Chen Fang
Published: July 2022

Background

To analyze and compare the characteristics of macular morphology and microcirculation in diabetic macular edema (DME) patients with and without macular serous retinal detachment (SRD).

Methods

One hundred eyes in 81 patients diagnosed with the DME (the central macular thickness (CMT) of ≥ 300 μm) from March 2020 to November 2020 were selected. According to whether complicated with SRD, patients were divided into DME with SRD (60 eyes) and without SRD (40 eyes) groups. We analyzed the following parameters: CMT, central retinal thickness (CRT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), number of hyperreflective foci (HF) in the complete retina, inner retina, outer retina, and subretinal space, the integrity of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) and external limiting membrane (ELM), the presence of disorganization of inner retinal layers (DRIL), foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, and the vascular flow density of superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and choriocapillaris.

Results

(1) Compared to the group without SRD, the group with SRD had a greater CMT (P < 0.05) and a smaller CRT (P < 0.001); (2) The number of the HF in the complete retina, outer retina, and the subretinal space was larger in the group with SRD (P < 0.001); 3.The proportion of the EZ disruption (P < 0.05) and ELM disruption (P < 0.001) were higher in the group with SRD; 4. The SFCT (P < 0.05) and the vascular flow density of choriocapillaris (P < 0.05) were greater in the group with SRD; 5. There were no significant differences in the FAZ area and the vascular flow density of the DCP and SCP (P > 0.05); 6. The presence of the SRD was correlated with the integrity of the ELM, the number of HF in the complete retina, outer retina, and subretinal space (χ2 = 26.930, OR = 0.707, 0.263, 0.995, P < 0.001), as well as the SFCT (OR = 0.992, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results support the hypothesis that the presence of the ELM disruption, the larger number of the HF, and the thickening and hyperperfusion of the choroid may be involved in the pathogenesis of SRD in DME.
An unusual presentation of fucosidosis in a Chinese boy: a case report and literature review (childhood fucosidosis)
Authors: Mao Shao-Jia , Zhao Jia , Shen Zheng , Zou Chao-Chun
Published: July 2022

Background

Fucosidosis is one of the rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) attributed to FUCA1 variants causing the deficiency of α-L-fucosidase in vivo. Α-L-fucosidase deficiency will cause excessive accumulation of fucosylated glycoproteins and glycolipids, which eventually leads to dysfunction in all tissue systems and presents with multiple symptoms. Fucosidosis is a rare disease which is approximately 120 cases have been reported worldwide (Wang, L. et al., J Int Med Res 48, 1-6, 2020). The number of reported cases in China is no more than 10 (Zhang, X. et al., J Int Med Res 49:3000605211005975, 2021).

Case presentation

The patient was an 8-year-old Chinese boy who presented with postnatal motor retardation, intellectual disability, short stature, language development retardation, coarse facial features, hepatomegaly, and diffuse angiokeratoma of both palms. His genetic testing showed the presence of a homozygous pathogenic variant (c.671delC) in the FUCA1 gene. In addition, the enzymatic activity of α-L-fucosidase was low. Ultimately, the patient was diagnosed with fucosidosis.

Conclusions

Fucosidosis is a rare lysosomal storage disease because of FUCA1 variants that cause the deficiency of α-L-fucosidase in vivo. An explicit diagnosis requires a combination of clinical manifestations, imaging examination, genetic testing and enzyme activity analysis. Early diagnosis plays an important role in fucosidosis.
Investigation of obesity, eating behaviors and physical activity levels living in rural and urban areas during the covid-19 pandemic era: a study of Turkish adolescent
Authors: Gülü Mehmet , Yapici Hakan , Mainer-Pardos Elena , Alves Ana Ruivo , Nobari Hadi
Published: July 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine the eating behaviors, obesity and physical activity status of children of similar ages living in rural and urban areas and to examine these relationships during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic process.

Method

The research was conducted using the scanning model. The research group consists of children living in rural and urban areas in Turkey. The sample of the study consists of a total of 733 adolescent participants, 351 females (47.9%) and 382 males (52.1%). After anthropometric measurements were made, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for older children and the Yale Food Addiction Scale for children 2.0 were used to determine the food addiction and physical activity status of children during the COVID19 pandemic process. Since the groups were homogeneously distributed, independent samples t-test and Pearson correlation test were used.

Result

In terms of food addiction and physical activity levels, children living in the urban have higher scores than children living in rural areas. In addition, children living in the urban were taller and have higher body mass values than those in rural areas. In terms of physical activity level and food addiction levels, while girls living in the urban had higher activity levels than those living in rural areas, no statistically significant difference was found between the physical activity levels of boys. When evaluated in terms of general and gender, it was determined that children living in rural areas were overweight and obese at a higher rate. Obese children had higher levels of food addiction and lower physical activity levels than non-obese children.

Conclusion

In order to prevent childhood obesity, the level of food addiction should be reduced as well as increasing the level of physical activity. This study is limited in terms of cross-sectional evaluation. Future research can experimentally reveal how much obesity is reduced by methods such as exercise and diet interventions.
Sleep and physical activity: results from a long-term actigraphy study in adolescents
Authors: Castiglione-Fontanellaz Chiara E. G. , Timmers Tammy T. , Lerch Stefan , Hamann Christoph , Kaess Michael , Tarokh Leila
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Research to date suggests that physical activity is associated with improved sleep, but studies have predominantly relied on self-report measures and have not accounted for school day/free day variability. To address these gaps in the literature, the aim of the present study was to (a) quantify physical activity in adolescents using long-term daily actigraphy measurement and (b) to examine the association between actigraphically assessed steps and sleep behavior in a sample of healthy adolescents. To be able to capture intra- and inter-individual differences in the daily physical activity of adolescents, we examined within as well as between subjects effects and its association with sleep.

Methods

Fifty adolescents between 10 and 14 years of age were included in the present study. In total 5989 days of actigraphy measurement (average of 119 ± 40 days per participant; range = 39–195 days) were analyzed. We use multilevel modeling to disentangle the within and between subject effects of physical activity on sleep. In this way, we examine within an individual, the association between steps during the day and subsequent sleep on a day-to-day basis. On the other hand, our between subjects’ analysis allows us to ascertain whether individuals with more overall physical activity have better sleep.

Results

Within a subject more steps on school and free days were associated with later bed times on school and free days as well as later rise times on school days only. On the other hand, comparing between subjects’ effects, more steps were associated with lower sleep efficiency on free and school days. No other significant associations were found for the other sleep variables.

Conclusion

Our results obtained through objective and long-term measurement of both sleep and number of steps suggest weak or non-significant associations between these measures for most sleep variables. We emphasize the importance of the methodology and the separation of within subject from between subject features when examining the relationship between physical activity and sleep.
A comparative analysis of health status of international migrants and local population in Chile: a population-based, cross-sectional analysis from a social determinants of health perspective
Authors: Rada Isabel , Oyarte Marcela , Cabieses Báltica
Published: July 2022

Background

During recent decades intraregional migration has increased in Latin America. Chile became one of the main receiving countries and hosted diverse international migrant groups. Evidence have suggested a healthy migrant effect (HME) on health status, but it remains scarce, controversial and needs to be updated. This study performed a comprehensive analysis verifying the existence of HME and its association with social determinants of health (SDH).

Methods

We analyzed data from the Chilean National Socioeconomic Characterization Survey (CASEN, version 2017). Unadjusted prevalence of health status indicators such as negative self-perceived health, chronic morbidity, disability, and activity limitations were described in both international migrants and local population. Adjusted associations between these outcomes and sets of demographics, socioeconomic, access to healthcare, psychosocial and migration-related SDH were tested using multivariate logistic regression in each population. The HME for each health outcome was also tested using multivariate logistic regression and sequentially adjusting for each set of SDH (ref = Chilean).

Results

International migrants had lower unadjusted prevalence of all health indicators compared to Chileans. That is, unadjusted analysis revealed an apparent HME in all health outcomes. Age, unemployment, and health care system affiliation were associated with health outcomes in both populations. Psychosocial determinants were both risk and protective for the analysed health outcomes. After adjustment for each set of SDH, the immigrant health advantage was only significant for chronic morbidity. Being migrant was associated with 39% lower odds of having chronic diseases compared to locals (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.44–0.84;P = 0.0003). For all other outcomes, HME disappeared after adjusting by SDH, particularly unemployment, type of health system and psychosocial factors.

Conclusions

Testing the HME in Chile revealed an advantage for chronic morbidities that remained significant after adjustment for SDH. This analysis shed light on health disparities between international migrants and local population in the Latin American region, with special relevance of unemployment, type of health system and psychosocial SDH. It also informed about differential exposures faced during migration process that could dissolve the HME over time. Evidence from this analytical approach is useful for informing health planning and intersectoral solutions from a SDH perspective.
“COVID knocked me straight into the dirt”: perspectives from people experiencing homelessness on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rodriguez Natalia M. , Martinez Rebecca G. , Ziolkowski Rebecca , Tolliver Cealia , Young Hope , Ruiz Yumary
Published: July 2022

Background

People experiencing homelessness are uniquely susceptible and disproportionately affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding context-specific challenges, responses, and perspectives of people experiencing homelessness is essential to improving pandemic response and mitigating the long-term consequences of the pandemic on this vulnerable population.

Methods

As part of an ongoing community-based participatory research study in partnership with a homeless service organization in Indiana, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 34 individuals experiencing homelessness between January and July 2021. Guided by the NIMHD Health Disparities Research Framework, which builds on the socio-ecological model, data was thematically coded using Nvivo12 qualitative coding software and themes were organized by levels of influence (individual, interpersonal, community, societal) and domains of influence (biological, behavioral, physical/built environment, sociocultural environment, health care system).

Results

Narratives revealed numerous and compounding factors affecting COVID-19 risks and health outcomes among people experiencing homelessness across all levels and domains of influence. At the individual level, people experiencing homelessness face unique challenges that heightened their susceptibility to COVID-19, including pre-existing physical and mental health conditions, substance use and behavioral health risks, socioeconomic precarity, and low health literacy and COVID-related knowledge. At the interpersonal level, poor communication between people experiencing homelessness and service providers led to limited understanding of and poor compliance with COVID safety measures. At the community level, closures and service disruptions restricted access to usual spaces and resources to meet basic needs. At a policy level, people experiencing homelessness were disregarded in ways that made pandemic relief resources largely inaccessible to them.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal important and mitigable issues with ongoing pandemic response efforts in homeless populations through direct, first-hand accounts of their experiences during COVID-19. These insights offer opportunities for multilevel interventions to improve outreach, communication, and impact mitigation strategies for people experiencing homelessness. This study highlights the importance of centering the voices of vulnerable communities to inform future pandemic response for homeless and other underserved and marginalized populations.
Development and validation of a clinical risk model to predict the hospital mortality in ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a population-based study
Authors: Ye Weiyan , Li Rujian , Liang Hanwen , Huang Yongbo , Xu Yonghao , Li Yuchong , Ou Limin , Mao Pu , Liu Xiaoqing , Li Yimin
Published: July 2022

Background

Large variability in mortality exists in patients of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), especially those with invasive ventilation. The aim of this study was to develop a model to predict risk of in-hospital death in ventilated ARDS patients.

Methods

Ventilated patients with ARDS from two public databases (MIMIC-III and eICU-CRD) were randomly divided as training cohort and internal validation cohort. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and then Logistic regression was used to construct a predictive model with demographic, clinical, laboratory, comorbidities and ventilation variables ascertained at first 24 h of ICU admission and invasive ventilation. Our model was externally validated using data from another database (MIMIC-IV).

Results

A total of 1075 adult patients from MIMIC-III and eICU were randomly divided into training cohort (70%, n = 752) and internal validation cohort (30%, n = 323). 521 patients were included from MIMIC-IV. From 176 potential predictors, 9 independent predictive factors were included in the final model. Five variables were ascertained within the first 24 h of ICU admission, including age (OR, 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01–1.03), mean of respiratory rate (OR, 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01–1.08), the maximum of INR (OR, 1.14; 95% CI: 1.03–1.31) and alveolo-arterial oxygen difference (OR, 1.002; 95% CI: 1.001–1.003) and the minimum of RDW (OR, 1.17; 95% CI: 1.09–1.27). And four variables were collected within the first 24 h of invasive ventilation: mean of temperature (OR, 0.70; 95% CI: 0.57–0.86), the maximum of lactate (OR, 1.15; 95% CI: 1.09–1.22), the minimum of blood urea nitrogen (OR, 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01–1.03) and white blood cell counts (OR, 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01–1.06). Our model achieved good discrimination (AUC: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.73–0.80) in training cohort but the performance declined in internal (AUC: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.69–0.80) and external validation cohort (0.70, 95% CI: 0.65–0.74) and showed modest calibration.

Conclusions

A risk score based on routinely collected variables at the start of admission to ICU and invasive ventilation can predict mortality of ventilated ARDS patients, with a moderate performance.
Association between foot posture and tibiofemoral contact forces during barefoot walking in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Kubo Takanari , Uritani Daisuke , Ogaya Shinya , Kita Shunsuke , Fukumoto Takahiko , Fujii Tadashi , Inagaki Yusuke , Tanaka Yasuhito , Imagita Hidetaka
Published: July 2022

Background

Accumulating evidence indicates that abnormal foot posture are risk factors for knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, the relationship between foot posture and tibiofemoral contact force (CF) during habitual weight-bearing activities remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the association between tibiofemoral CF and foot posture while walking.

Methods

In total, 18 patients with knee OA and 18 healthy individuals participated in this cross-sectional study. Foot parameters were evaluated by Foot Posture Index (FPI), Staheli Arch Index (SAI), hallux valgus angle, calcaneus inverted angle relative to the floor as a static rearfoot posture, navicular height, and toe grip strength. In addition, all participants underwent kinetic and kinematic measurements during a self-selected speed gait. The measurement device used was the three-dimensional motion analysis system with a sampling rate of 120 Hz. The musculoskeletal model, which has 92 Hill-type muscle–tendon units with 23 degrees of freedom, was used to calculate tibiofemoral CF. Partial correlations was used to investigate the association between foot parameters and total, medial, and lateral tibiofemoral CF of the first and second peaks while controlling for gait speed.

Results

A significant negative correlation was observed between Walking SAI and first peak medial tibiofemoral CF in control participants (r = -0.505, p = 0.039). SAI was also significantly positively correlated with first peak medial tibiofemoral CF in patients with knee OA (r = 0.482, p = 0.042).

Conclusions

Our findings revealed a correlation between the medial first peak tibiofemoral CF and the SAI. This study indicates that people with knee OA and flatfoot have excessive first medial tibiofemoral CF during walking.
The efficacy of dynamic compression locking system vs. dynamic hip screw in the treatment of femoral neck fractures: a comparative study
Authors: Chang Jian-Zhong , Xiao Ya-Ping , Li Ling , Bei Ming-Jian
Published: July 2022

Background

There is still a lack of consensus on which internal fixation method can better maintain the stability of femoral neck fractures (FNF), promote fracture healing, and reduce postoperative complications such as femoral head necrosis and nonunion. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the novel dynamic compression locking system (DCLS) versus dynamic hip screw (DHS) in the treatment of FNF.

Methods

Fifty cases of FNF from July 2018 to February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to different treatment methods, they were divided into DCLS group (26 cases) and DHS group (24 cases). Baseline data, intraoperative and postoperative clinical data, reoperation rate, and Harris score were collected to evaluate the clinical efficacy.

Results

All patients were followed up for 24 months. All “fractures” were caused by fall. The baseline data of the two groups were comparable (P > 0.05). There weren’t significant differences in the length of hospital stay and mobility after two years postoperatively between the two groups (P > 0.05). The operation time, blood loss, incision length, fluoroscopy times and the degree of femoral neck shortening after two years postoperatively in the DCLS group were significantly less than those in the DHS group (all P < 0.05). Harris score after two years postoperatively in the DCLS group was significantly higher than that in the DHS group (P < 0.05). Although the reoperation rate in the DHS group was slightly higher than that in the DCLS group, it wasn’t statistical significance (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with DHS, DCLS in the treatment of FNF had less surgical trauma, shorter incision length, shorter operation time, lower radiation dose and higher Harris scores. Although the reoperation rate in the DHS group was slightly higher than that in the DCLS group, it wasn’t statistical difference. Further research is needed.
Comparison of transvaginal mesh surgery and robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Kusuda Mayuko , Kagami Keiko , Takahashi Ikumi , Nozaki Takahiro , Sakamoto Ikuko
Published: July 2022

Background

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is greatly affecting the quality of life (QOL) of women. There are some surgical techniques for POP repair, for example, transvaginal mesh surgery (TVM), laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC), and robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy (RSC). In the United States and Europe, the number of TVM has rapidly decreased since 2011 due to complications and safety concerns and has shifted to LSC/RSC. In Japan, RSC has increased after the insurance coverage of RSC in 2020. Therefore, we compared the surgical outcomes of TVM and RSC in POP surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively collected POP surgery underwent TVM or RSC at our hospital and compared the operative time, blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications, and preoperative and postoperative stress urinary incontinence (SUI) of two groups. Preoperative and postoperative SUI were classified into 3 groups: “improved preoperative SUI”, “persistent preoperative SUI” and “de novo SUI”, which occurred for the first time in patients with no preoperative SUI, and compared incidence rate. The Mann–Whitney U test and Fisher’s exact test were used to compare the two groups, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

From August 2011 to July 2021, 76 POP surgery was performed and they were classified into two groups: TVM group (n = 39) and RSC group (n = 37). There was no difference in patient age and BMI between the TVM and RSC groups. The median of operative time was 78.0 vs. 111.0 min (p = 0.06), blood loss was 20.0 ml vs. 5.0 ml (p < 0.05), and postoperative hospital stay was 4.0 days vs. 3.0 days (p < 0.05), with less blood loss and shorter postoperative hospital stay in the RSC group. There was no difference in postoperative complications between the TVM and RSC groups (17.9% vs. 16.2%, p = 1.00). De novo SUI was 25.6% vs. 5.4% (p < 0.05) in the TVM and RSC groups, of which 23.1% vs. 5.4% (p < 0.05) occurred within 3 months of surgery.

Conclusion

RSC is more beneficial and less invasive for patients with pelvic organ prolapse than TVM. In addition, de novo SUI as postoperative complication of RSC was lower than of TVM.
Highly educated patients have lower dental compliance during the COVID-19 pandemic: an observational study
Authors: Chou Yu-Hsiang , Lin Ying-Chu , Lee Mei-Hsuan , Huang Yu-Ting , Liu Pei-Feng , Huang Chung-Lin , Hu Kai-Fang
Published: July 2022

Background

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is rapidly changed medical habits, and dental clinics have been forced to adapt. This study explored the pandemic-induced changes in patient utilization of dental services to assist practitioners in responding efficiently to similar public crises as references in the future.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the correlation between patient profiles and dental visits attendance within 2 months before and during the outbreak.

Results

A total of 332 patients, 210 women and 122 men (total number of visits: 1068) were enrolled in this study. A significantly lower attendance rate was noted during the COVID-19 period (70.3%) than prior to the pandemic (83.4%). The rate of return visits for patients with a high education level during the COVID-19 period was significantly reduced from 96.5 to 93.1%. In addition, the number of days between two visits significantly increased during the pandemic.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that, during the pandemic period, the attendance rates of return dental appointments decreased, and the rate of missed appointments for patients with a high educational levels was higher than that of patients with a low educational level.

Clinical relevance

Preventive management of these patients who are easy to miss dental appointments may enable more effective use of medical resources.
Gingival shape analysis using surface curvature estimation of the intraoral scans
Authors: Kuralt Marko , Cmok Kučič Alja , Gašperšič Rok , Grošelj Jan , Knez Marjeta , Fidler Aleš
Published: July 2022

Background

Despite many advances in dentistry, no objective and quantitative method is available to evaluate gingival shape. The surface curvature of the optical scans represents an unexploited possibility. The present study aimed to test surface curvature estimation of intraoral scans for objective evaluation of gingival shape.

Methods

The method consists of four main steps, i.e., optical scanning, surface curvature estimation, region of interest (ROI) definition, and gingival shape analysis. Six different curvature measures and three different diameters were tested for surface curvature estimation on central (n = 78) and interdental ROI (n = 88) of patients with advanced periodontitis to quantify gingiva with a novel gingival shape parameter (GS). The reproducibility was evaluated by repeating the method on two consecutive intraoral scans obtained with a scan-rescan process of the same patient at the same time point (n = 8).

Results

Minimum and mean curvature measures computed at 2 mm diameter seem optimal GS to quantify shape at central and interdental ROI, respectively. The mean (and standard deviation) of the GS was 0.33 ± 0.07 and 0.19 ± 0.09 for central ROI using minimum, and interdental ROI using mean curvature measure, respectively, computed at a diameter of 2 mm. The method’s reproducibility evaluated on scan-rescan models for the above-mentioned ROI and curvature measures was 0.02 and 0.01, respectively.

Conclusions

Surface curvature estimation of the intraoral optical scans presents a precise and highly reproducible method for the objective gingival shape quantification enabling the detection of subtle changes. A careful selection of parameters for surface curvature estimation and curvature measures is required.
Association of 12-month contraceptive supply policy and months of oral contraception prescribed by obstetrics and gynecology resident physicians: an exploratory cross-sectional study
Authors: Fuerst Megan F. , Schrote Kaitlin , Garg Bharti , Rodriguez Maria I.
Published: July 2022

Objective

This study sought to determine if there was a difference in the months of oral contraception prescribed by resident physicians living in U.S. states with a 12-month supply policy compared to resident physicians in states without a policy.

Methods

We conducted an exploratory descriptive study using a convenience sample of Obstetrics and Gynecology resident physicians (n = 275) in the United States. Standard bivariate analyses were used to compare the difference between groups.

Results

Few resident physicians in both groups (3.8% with a policy and 1.4% without a policy) routinely prescribed a 12-month supply of contraception. The mean coverage prescribed by providers in states with and without a policy was 2.81 and 2.07 months (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The majority of resident physicians were unaware of 12-month contraceptive supply policies and unable to correctly write a prescription for 12-months of contraception, regardless of whether they lived in a state with a 12-month contraceptive supply policy. Physician education may be needed to effectively implement 12-month contraceptive supply policies.