bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of circadian rhythms on the immune response to influenza vaccination in middle-aged and older adults (IMPROVE): a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Liu Yihao , Zhang Hui , Yuan Gang , Yao Mi , Li Bin , Chen Jianying , Fan Yuling , Mo Ruohui , Lai Fenghua , Chen Xinwen , Li Mengyuan , Chen Binfeng , Lord Janet M. , Peng Sui , Cheng KarKeung , Xiao Haipeng
Published: October 2022

Background

Vaccination is important in influenza prevention but the immune response wanes with age. The circadian nature of the immune system suggests that adjusting the time of vaccination may provide an opportunity to improve immunogenicity. Our previous cluster trial in Birmingham suggested differences between morning and afternoon vaccination for some strains in the influenza vaccine in older adults. Whether this effect is also seen in a younger age group with less likelihood of compromised immunity is unknown. We therefore conducted an individual-based randomized controlled trial in Guangzhou to test the hypothesis that influenza vaccination in the morning induces a stronger immune response in older adults than afternoon vaccination. We included adults in middle age to determine if the effect was also seen in younger age groups.

Results

Of the 418 participants randomised, 389 (93.1%, 191 middle-aged adults aged 50–60 years and 198 older adults aged 65–75 years) were followed up. Overall, there was no significant difference between the antibody titers (geometric mean /95% CI) after morning vs afternoon vaccination (A/H1N1: 39.9 (32.4, 49.1) vs. 33.0 (26.7, 40.7), p = 0.178; A/H3N2: 92.2 (82.8, 102.7) vs. 82.0 (73.8, 91.2), p = 0.091; B: 15.8 (13.9, 17.9) vs. 14.4 (12.8, 16.3), p = 0.092), respectively. However, in pre-specified subgroup analyses, post-vaccination titers for morning versus afternoon vaccination in the 65–75 years subgroup were (A/H1N1): 49.5 (36.7, 66.6) vs. 32.9 (24.7, 43.9), p = 0.050; (A/H3N2): 93.5 (80.6, 108.5) vs. 73.1 (62.9, 84.9), p = 0.021; (B): 16.6 (13.8, 20.1) vs. 14.4 (12.3, 17.0), p = 0.095, respectively. Among females, antibody titers for morning versus afternoon vaccination were (A/H1N1): 46.9 (35.6, 61.8) vs. 31.1 (23.8, 40.7), p = 0.030; (A/H3N2): 96.0 (83.5, 110.3) vs. 84.7 (74.4, 96.5), p = 0.176; (B): 14.8 (12.7, 17.3) vs. 13.0 (11.3, 14.9), p = 0.061, respectively. In the 50–60 years old subgroup and males, there were no significant differences between morning and afternoon vaccination.

Conclusions

Morning vaccination may enhance the immunogenicity to influenza vaccine in adults aged over 65 and women. An intervention to modify vaccination programs to vaccinate older individuals in the morning is simple, cost free and feasible in most health systems.
Assessment of the inclusion of vaccination as an intervention to reduce antimicrobial resistance in AMR national action plans: a global review
Authors: van Heuvel Lotte , Caini Saverio , Dückers Michel L. A. , Paget John
Published: October 2022

Background

Vaccination can reduce antibiotic use by decreasing bacterial and viral infections and vaccines are highlighted in the WHO Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) as an infection prevention measure to reduce AMR. Our study aimed to analyze whether WHO Member States have developed AMR national action plans that are aligned with the Global Action Plan regarding objectives on vaccination.

Methods

We reviewed 77 out of 90 AMR national action plans available in the WHO library that were written after publication of the Global Action Plan in 2015. Each plan was analyzed using content analysis, with a focus on vaccination and key components as defined by WHO (I. Strategic plan (e.g. goals and objectives), II. Operational plan, III. Monitoring and Evaluation plan).

Results

Vaccination was included in 67 of 77 AMR plans (87%) across all WHO Regions (Africa: n = 13/13, the Eastern Mediterranean: n = 15/16, Europe: n = 10/14, the Americas: n = 8/8, South-East Asia: n = 8/11, and the Western Pacific: n = 13/15). Pneumococcal and influenza vaccination were most frequently highlighted (n = 12 and n = 11). We found indications that vaccination objectives are more often included in AMR plans from lower income countries, while higher income countries more often include specific vaccines. The key WHO components of national action plans were frequently not covered (I. 47% included, II. 57%, III. 40%). In total, 33 countries (43%) included indicators (e.g. strategic objectives) to capture the role of vaccines against AMR.

Conclusions

While vaccination to reduce AMR is seen as an important global public health issue by WHO, there appears to be a gap in its adoption in national AMR plans. Country income levels seem to influence the progress, implementation and focus of national action plans, guided by a lack of funding and prioritization in developing countries. To better align the global response to AMR, our review suggests there is a need to update national action plans to include objectives on vaccination with more focus on specific vaccines that impact antibiotic use.
Repair of pectus excavatum in a patient with an Eloesser thoracostomy window: sequential extrapleural Nuss procedure and modified Ravitch procedure
Authors: Han Jung Wook , Kim Jae Jun , Choi Won Kyu , Jeong Hye Yoon , Lee Young Eun
Published: October 2022

A 28-year-old man with a history of tuberculous empyema and pectus excavatum visited our hospital for progressive dyspnea and leg edema. The patient had undergone an Eloesser window operation for repetitive pleuro-cutaneous fistula due to chronic tuberculous empyema in the left thorax one year prior. Chest computed tomography demonstrated severe compression of the right ventricle and inferior vena cava and chronic empyema with the Eloesser window in the left thorax. Because conservative treatment had failed, the patient underwent a total extrapleural Nuss procedure, resulting in marked relief of compression and complete resolution of leg edema and congestive hepatopathy. However, he required ventilation support due to carbon dioxide retention. Therefore, the patient underwent a modified Ravitch procedure and was weaned off ventilation support. Herein, we represent the first report of a sequential extrapleural Nuss procedure and a modified Ravitch procedure in a patient with chronic tuberculous empyema with an Eloesser window.
Many‐faceted rasch calibration of the foot function index‐revised short form
Authors: Ryu Seungho , Casanova Madeline P. , Moore Jonathan D. , Cady Adam C. , Baker Russell T.
Published: October 2022

Background

The Foot Function Index Revised Short version (FFI‐RS) is a foot‐ and ankle‐ patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM), developed from the Foot Function Index (FFI). Previous studies, estimating item parameters and multidimensional properties, have limitations properly establishing the measurement properties of the FFI‐RS. A multi‐faceted Rasch analysis with a larger sample would allow for a more robust validation approach to improve the clinical interpretation of the FFI‐RS using a multidimensional perspective. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the FFI‐RS as a PROM of foot function.

Method

A total of 2184 patients with foot pathology who completed the FFI‐RS were included in the data. Data were extracted from the cloud‐based orthopedic and sports medicine global registry Surgical Outcome System (SOS). The psychometric properties of the FFI‐RS were assessed using a many‐faceted Rasch analysis that included model‐data fit, rating scale function, item‐person map (distribution of item difficulty and person ability), and item difficulty of the subscale.

Results

Two misfit items were discovered and deleted; 32‐items from the original FFI‐RS were retained. The 4‐item Likert scale functioned effectively and item difficulty (‐0.58 to 1.48), subscale difficulty (‐0.58 to 1.15), and person's foot function (‐6.62 to 6.24) had wide distributions.

Conclusions

Many‐faceted Rasch analysis revealed the FFI‐RS had sound psychometric properties using the many‐faceted Ranch analysis and retained 32 of the original items. Clinicians and researchers should consider weaknesses identified with items in the ‘Difficulty” subscale and future work should be conducted to modify or develop items that will more accurately evaluate a wide range of foot function levels.
Transmyringeal ventilation tube insertion for unilateral Menière’s disease: a protocol for a prospective, sham-controlled, double-blinded, randomized, clinical trial
Authors: Larsen Casper Grønlund , Karlberg Mikael , Guldfred Frank , Devantier Louise , Maagaard Mathias , Homøe Preben , Djurhuus Bjarki Ditlev
Published: October 2022

Background

Menière’s disease is an idiopathic disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo lasting more than 20 min, unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, and tinnitus. If vertigo attacks occur frequently, the patient is usually severely incapacitated. Currently, there is no consensus on the treatment of Menière’s disease. The evidence regarding most treatment options is sparse due to a lack of randomized trials together with an often-spontaneous relief over time and a considerable placebo effect. Insertion of a transmyringeal tube is a simple and relatively safe, minimally invasive procedure and previous open-label trials have shown promising results.

Study design

This is a prospective, sham-controlled, double-blinded, randomized, clinical trial.

Aim

This trial aims to assess the effects of inserting a ventilation tube into the tympanic membrane compared with sham treatment for definite or probable unilateral Menière’s disease according to the criteria formulated by the Classification Committee of the Bàràny Society.

Outcomes

The primary outcome will be the number of spontaneous vertigo attacks lasting more than 20 min and time to treatment failure. In addition to the primary outcome, we will assess various secondary outcomes related to hearing, ear fullness, dizziness, and serious adverse events.

Sample size

An estimated 104 participants in total or 52 participants in each group will be necessary.

The primary analysis will be according to the intention-to-treat principle. The trial will be initiated in 2021 and is expected to end in 2025.

Trial status

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04835688. Registered on April 8, 2021.

Protocol version: 1.8, 26-09-2022. Date of first enrollment: October 1st, 2021. End of study: anticipated January 2025.
First epidemiological survey of Leishmania infantum in the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) in a canine leishmaniosis endemic area using serology and PCR
Authors: Alcover María Magdalena , Giner Jacobo , Rabasedas Judit , Roca-Geronés Xavier , Verde Maite , Fernández Antonio , Riera Cristina , Fisa Roser , Villanueva-Saz Sergio
Published: October 2022

Background

Leishmaniosis, a vector-borne disease caused by Leishmania infantum, is one of the most important parasitic zoonoses in Europe. The transmission cycle of leishmaniosis is maintained by both domestic and wild animals. However, few data are available on the role of wild mammals in transmitting the parasite in the European Mediterranean basin. As feline leishmaniosis, diagnosis of the infection in ferrets can be a challenge, the use of different serological and molecular methods combined is a recommended approach. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of infection of L. infantum in apparently healthy domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) in an endemic region of Spain (Community of Valencia), using serological and molecular methods and to evaluate the results comparing the different techniques.

Methods

The prevalence of Leishmania infection was studied in domestic ferrets. Blood was collected from each animal for serology and molecular analysis. Two serological methods, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot (WB), were used for the detection of L. infantum antibodies, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used for the detection of L. infantum DNA.

Results

Blood samples from 102 apparently healthy ferrets were analyzed. In the serological study, 25.5% of the animals tested positive by western blot, and 9.0% by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The seroprevalence of L. infantum infection, based on a positive result in any serological test, was 28.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 20.6–S37.9%). No kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) was detected by qPCR in peripheral blood samples from the ferrets tested.

Conclusions

The immunological response revealed by these tests indicates that the ferrets are exposed to repeated inoculations with the endemic parasite L. infantum. Although the low population of domestic ferrets means their reservoir potential is limited in the absence of a primary host, it would be of interest to carry out further studies using xenodiagnosis to determine whether they are accidental or reservoir host species capable of spreading infection.

Graphical Abstract
Outcomes of mild-to-moderate postresuscitation shock after non-shockable cardiac arrest and association with temperature management: a post hoc analysis of HYPERION trial data
Authors: Ziriat Ines , Le Thuaut Aurélie , Colin Gwenhael , Merdji Hamid , Grillet Guillaume , Girardie Patrick , Souweine Bertrand , Dequin Pierre-François , Boulain Thierry , Frat Jean-Pierre , Asfar Pierre , Francois Bruno , Landais Mickael , Plantefeve Gaëtan , Quenot Jean-Pierre , Chakarian Jean-Charles , Sirodot Michel , Legriel Stéphane , Massart Nicolas , Thevenin Didier , Desachy Arnaud , Delahaye Arnaud , Botoc Vlad , Vimeux Sylvie , Martino Frederic , Reignier Jean , Cariou Alain , Lascarrou Jean Baptiste
Published: October 2022

Background

Outcomes of postresuscitation shock after cardiac arrest can be affected by targeted temperature management (TTM). A post hoc analysis of the “TTM1 trial” suggested higher mortality with hypothermia at 33 °C. We performed a post hoc analysis of HYPERION trial data to assess potential associations linking postresuscitation shock after non-shockable cardiac arrest to hypothermia at 33 °C on favourable functional outcome.

Methods

We divided the patients into groups with vs. without postresuscitation (defined as the need for vasoactive drugs) shock then assessed the proportion of patients with a favourable functional outcome (day-90 Cerebral Performance Category [CPC] 1 or 2) after hypothermia (33 °C) vs. controlled normothermia (37 °C) in each group. Patients with norepinephrine or epinephrine > 1 µg/kg/min were not included.

Results

Of the 581 patients included in 25 ICUs in France and who did not withdraw consent, 339 had a postresuscitation shock and 242 did not. In the postresuscitation-shock group, 159 received hypothermia, including 14 with a day-90 CPC of 1–2, and 180 normothermia, including 10 with a day-90 CPC of 1–2 (8.81% vs. 5.56%, respectively; P = 0.24). After adjustment, the proportion of patients with CPC 1–2 also did not differ significantly between the hypothermia and normothermia groups (adjusted hazards ratio, 1.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.72–5.50; P = 0.18). Day-90 mortality was comparable in these two groups (83% vs. 86%, respectively; P = 0.43).

Conclusions

After non-shockable cardiac arrest, mild-to-moderate postresuscitation shock at intensive-care-unit admission did not seem associated with day-90 functional outcome or survival. Therapeutic hypothermia at 33 °C was not associated with worse outcomes compared to controlled normothermia in patients with postresuscitation shock.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01994772
Adverse events of iron and/or erythropoiesis-stimulating agent therapy in preoperatively anemic elective surgery patients: a systematic review
Authors: Laermans Jorien , Van Remoortel Hans , Avau Bert , Bekkering Geertruida , Georgsen Jørgen , Manzini Paola Maria , Meybohm Patrick , Ozier Yves , De Buck Emmy , Compernolle Veerle , Vandekerckhove Philippe
Published: October 2022

Background

Iron supplementation and erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) administration represent the hallmark therapies in preoperative anemia treatment, as reflected in a set of evidence-based treatment recommendations made during the 2018 International Consensus Conference on Patient Blood Management. However, little is known about the safety of these therapies. This systematic review investigated the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) during or after treatment with iron and/or ESAs.

Methods

Five databases (The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Transfusion Evidence Library, Web of Science) and two trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP) were searched until 23 May 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort, and case-control studies investigating any AE during or after iron and/or ESA administration in adult elective surgery patients with preoperative anemia were eligible for inclusion and judged using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tools. The GRADE approach was used to assess the overall certainty of evidence.

Results

Data from 26 RCTs and 16 cohort studies involving a total of 6062 patients were extracted, on 6 treatment comparisons: (1) intravenous (IV) versus oral iron, (2) IV iron versus usual care/no iron, (3) IV ferric carboxymaltose versus IV iron sucrose, (4) ESA+iron versus control (placebo and/or iron, no treatment), (5) ESA+IV iron versus ESA+oral iron, and (6) ESA+IV iron versus ESA+IV iron (different ESA dosing regimens). Most AE data concerned mortality/survival (n=24 studies), thromboembolic (n=22), infectious (n=20), cardiovascular (n=19) and gastrointestinal (n=14) AEs. Very low certainty evidence was assigned to all but one outcome category. This uncertainty results from both the low quantity and quality of AE data due to the high risk of bias caused by limitations in the study design, data collection, and reporting.

Conclusions

It remains unclear if ESA and/or iron therapy is associated with AEs in preoperatively anemic elective surgery patients. Future trial investigators should pay more attention to the systematic collection, measurement, documentation, and reporting of AE data.
Autism-like behaviors regulated by the serotonin receptor 5-HT2B in the dorsal fan-shaped body neurons of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Cao Haowei , Tang Junbo , Liu Qisha , Huang Juan , Xu Rui
Published: October 2022

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and repetitive stereotyped behaviors. Previous studies have reported an association of serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) with ASD, but the specific receptors and neurons by which serotonin modulates autistic behaviors have not been fully elucidated.

Methods

RNAi-mediated knockdown was done to destroy the function of tryptophan hydroxylase (Trh) and all the five serotonin receptors. Given that ubiquitous knockdown of 5-HT2B showed significant defects in social behaviors, we applied the CRISPR/Cas9 system to knock out the 5-HT2B receptor gene. Social space assays and grooming assays were the major methods used to understand the role of serotonin and related specific receptors in autism-like behaviors of Drosophila melanogaster.

Results

A close relationship was identified between serotonin and autism-like behaviors reflected by increased social space distance and high-frequency repetitive behavior in Drosophila. We further utilized the binary expression system to knock down all the five 5-HT receptors, and observed the 5-HT2B receptor as the main receptor responsible for the normal social space and repetitive behavior in Drosophila for the specific serotonin receptors underlying the regulation of these two behaviors. Our data also showed that neurons in the dorsal fan-shaped body (dFB), which expressed 5-HT2B, were functionally essential for the social behaviors of Drosophila.

Conclusions

Collectively, our data suggest that serotonin levels and the 5-HT2B receptor are closely related to the social interaction and repetitive behavior of Drosophila. Of all the 5 serotonin receptors, 5-HT2B receptor in dFB neurons is mainly responsible for serotonin-mediated regulation of autism-like behaviors.
Theorizing globally, but analyzing locally: the importance of geographically weighted regression in crime analysis
Authors: Andresen Martin A.
Published: October 2022

Theoretical relationships with crime across cities are explicitly or implicitly assumed to be the same in all places: a one-unit change in X leads to a β change in Y. But why would we assume the impact of unemployment, for example, is the same in wealthy and impoverished neighborhoods? We use a local statistical technique, geographically weighted regression, to identify local relationships with property crime. We find that theoretical relationships vary across the city, most often only being statistically significant in less than half of the city. This is important for the development of criminal justice policy and crime prevention, because these initiatives most often work in particular places potentially leading to a misallocation of scarce public resources.
Tick transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi to the murine host is not influenced by environmentally acquired midgut microbiota
Authors: Narasimhan Sukanya , Rajeevan Nallakkandi , Graham Morven , Wu Ming-Jie , DePonte Kathleen , Marion Solenne , Masson Orlanne , O’Neal Anya J. , Pedra Joao H. F. , Sonenshine Daniel E. , Fikrig Erol
Published: October 2022

Background

Ixodes scapularis is the predominant tick vector of Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, in the USA. Molecular interactions between the tick and B. burgdorferi orchestrate the migration of spirochetes from the midgut to the salivary glands—critical steps that precede transmission to the vertebrate host. Over the last decade, research efforts have invoked a potential role for the tick microbiome in modulating tick-pathogen interactions.

Results

Using multiple strategies to perturb the microbiome composition of B. burgdorferi-infected nymphal ticks, we observe that changes in the microbiome composition do not significantly influence B. burgdorferi migration from the midgut, invasion of salivary glands, or transmission to the murine host. We also show that within 24 and 48 h of the onset of tick feeding, B. burgdorferi spirochetes are within the peritrophic matrix and epithelial cells of the midgut in preparation for exit from the midgut.

Conclusions

This study highlights two aspects of tick-spirochete interactions: (1) environmental bacteria associated with the tick do not influence spirochete transmission to the mammalian host and (2) the spirochete may utilize an intracellular exit route during migration from the midgut to the salivary glands, a strategy that may allow the spirochete to distance itself from microbiota in the midgut lumen effectively. This may explain in part, the inability of environment-acquired midgut microbiota to significantly influence spirochete transmission. Unraveling a molecular understanding of this exit strategy will be critical to gain new insights into the biology of the spirochete and the tick.
Automatic calibration of crack and flaking diseases in ancient temple murals
Authors: Deng Xiaochao , Yu Ying
Published: October 2022

Many precious ancient murals are seriously deteriorated due to long-term environmental influences and man-made destructions. How to effectively protect ancient murals and restore these murals’ original appearance has become an urgent problem for field experts. Modern computer technology makes it possible to virtually restore the deteriorated areas in ancient murals. However, most existing mural restoration approaches require manual calibration of the deteriorated areas, which is very difficult and time-consuming. It has been noticed that the earth layer flaking and cracks are the most common problems of ancient temple murals. This paper proposes an automatic calibration method for the earth layer flaking and cracking deterioration of murals by taking temple murals from the Ming Dynasty in Zhilin Temple as the study object. First, we extract the texture and line features of the deteriorated murals by using multi-dimensional gradient detection in the HSV space. Then, a guided filter operation is employed to highlight the disease (deteriorated) areas and meanwhile suppress other unwanted areas, which helps to extract the flaked areas or cracked lines from the digital murals. The filtered images are segmented by using an automatic threshold to obtain the initial masks of the mural disease areas. Next, we use a two-dimensional tensor voting technique to connect the discontinuous edge curves of the extracted disease areas. Afterwards, the masks of flaking and cracking areas can be generated after morphological processing. Finally, we obtained the calibration results by adding the masks to the original digital murals. Experimental results show that our method can rapidly and accurately calibrate the cracks and the earth layer flaking diseases in the ancient murals. As compared to existing calibration approaches, our method can achieve better performance in subjective visual quality and objective evaluation metrics. Moreover, the method does not need human-computer interaction. This research work provides a solid foundation for the following virtual and practical restoration of ancient murals.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of current non-mandatory hepatitis B vaccination coverage vs expanding coverage among healthcare workers in Ethiopia
Authors: Tewuhibo Dinksew , Asmamaw Getahun , Ayenew Wondim
Published: October 2022

Background

Ethiopia is a country with high endemicity in Hepatitis B (HepB) virus infection. However, only 14% of healthcare workers (HCWs) are currently immunized via a non-mandatory strategy in the country. Hence, this study aimed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the current vaccination coverage and increasing coverage among HCWs in Ethiopia.

Methods

Based on current practice, the study considered a monovalent HepB vaccine, which has a 90% protection rate with a complete three-dose series for lifelong protection. Markov model for current coverage (14%) and expanding vaccination coverage to 80% (as per World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation) was simulated based on the data got from both primary and secondary data. Secondary data, particularly cost and effectiveness data, were gained from published articles, WHO guidelines, and Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health documents. Cost-related data for vaccination and chronic HepB treatment were also gathered by interviewing expertise from Tikur Anbesa specialized hospital. We conducted the study from a healthcare payer perspective, with a 3% discount rate of cost and health outcome as recommended by the WHO. The primary health outcome was measured by the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER). We employed deterministic analysis and tornado diagrams to manage parameter uncertainty and show a plausible range of cost and effectiveness of variables.

Results

Current vaccination program is more expensive (USD 29.99) with a more additional cost of USD 1.32 and with reduced effectiveness of 0.08 Life Years (LYs) compared to the expanded HepB vaccination strategy which costs USD 28.67 and gives a relatively high total LY gain of 28.62. The resulting ICER was USD-16.23 per LYs gained. The negative ICER shows that the expanded HepB vaccination strategy dominated the current vaccination strategy. A one-way sensitivity analysis also revealed that the current vaccine coverage was dominated by an increase in the risk of infection among unvaccinated individuals.

Conclusions

Expanded vaccination coverage (to 80%) was found the most cost-effective strategy in Ethiopian HCWs compared to the current non-mandatory vaccine coverage (14%). In addition, the results of one-way and two-way sensitivity analysis reveal the robustness of our model conclusion.
Magnitude of under-nutrition among under five children in Ethiopia based on 2019 Mini-Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey: Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM)
Authors: Raru Temam Beshir , Ayana Galana Mamo , Merga Bedasa Taye , Negash Belay , Deressa Alemayehu , Birhanu Abdi , Hassen Fila Ahmed , Roba Kedir Teji
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Malnutrition is a major public health problem that is experienced by many developing countries, like Ethiopia. Though some studies were conducted to identify the magnitude and determinants of acute malnutrition among under-five children, there is a lack of evidence that is representative of all children in Ethiopia. Hence, this national-level data could be representative of all targets and provide us with updated information on the nation-wide magnitude of nutritional status among children under the age of five in Ethiopia.

Methods

This study used data from the 2019 Mini-Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). Children aged 0–59 months with anthropometry data were included. Data processing and analysis were performed using STATA 15 software. Cross-tabulations and summary statistics were done to describe the study population. Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) were used to estimate the association between nutritional status and explanatory variables and were expressed as an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Model comparison was done based on Akaike and Bayesian information criteria (AIC and BIC).

Results

The magnitude of stunting was 37.71% [95%CI: 36.35–39.08], while the magnitude of wasting was 7.14% [95%CI: 6.52–7.91]. Living in Tigray [AOR = 2.90, 95%CI: 2.05–4.11], Amhara [AOR = 1.98, 95%CI: 1.41–2.79], having a child aged 24–35 [AOR = 3.79, 95%CI: 3.07–4.68], and being a rural resident were all significantly associated with stunting. Being born in Tigray [AOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.02–3.01], being born into the richest family [AOR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.27–0.80], and being born from mothers aged 25–29 [AOR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.55–0.96] were all significantly associated with wasting.

Conclusion

The magnitude of stunting and wasting is relatively high in Ethiopia. Region, place of residence, and age of the child were significantly associated with stunting, and region, wealth index, and age of the child were significantly associated with wasting. This result provides a clue to give due consideration to under-five children to mitigate the risks of malnutrition through various techniques.
Successful management of a patient with preoperative respiratory failure due to a solid giant retroperitoneal tumor: a case report
Authors: Kinoshita Hirotaka , Hashiba Eiji , Uchida Satoshi , Hirota Kazuyoshi
Published: October 2022

Background

We report the successful preoperative management of respiratory failure in a patient with a solid giant retroperitoneal tumor with a hemodynamic monitoring system and nasal high-flow therapy (NHFT).

Case presentation

Twenty days before his scheduled resection of a giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma, a 64-year-old man presented with dyspnea. After admission to our intensive care unit, he received NHFT and hemodynamic therapy using a LiDCOrapid V3™ monitor (Masimo Japan, Tokyo). NHFT and intense diuresis improved his respiratory condition. The tumor resection was performed on the 5th day. He was discharged to the general ward with an oxygen nasal cannula on the second postoperative day. Although preoperative transthoracic echography showed mild aortic regurgitation and moderate mitral regurgitation, the degree of regurgitation had become trivial about 1-month post-surgery.

Conclusions

A cause of preoperative respiratory failure associated with a giant retroperitoneal tumor might be not only diaphragmatic compression but also heart failure and excess fluid volume.
CRISPR/Cas9-targeted mutagenesis of a representative member of a novel PR10/Bet v1-like protein subfamily significantly reduces rice plant height and defense against Meloidogyne graminicola
Authors: Li Zhiwen , Huang Qiuling , Lin Borong , Guo Bin , Wang Jing , Huang Chunhui , Liao Jinling , Zhuo Kan
Published: October 2022

Plant PR10/Bet v1-like proteins are involved in defense against microbial pathogens, however, whether they participate in host defense against plant-parasitic animals including nematodes remains unknown. Here, according to the phylogeny, sequence-similarity, and secondary structure analyses, we found that the rice OsBet v1 protein and its homologs constitute a new subfamily of PR10/Bet v1-like protein. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR assay showed that OsBet v1 was highly expressed in rice roots and induced by Meloidogyne graminicola infection. Using a transient expression assay in rice protoplasts, we demonstrated that OsBet v1 was localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Furthermore, CRISPR/Cas9-targeted mutagenesis of OsBet v1 significantly increased rice susceptibility to M. graminicola, but reduced rice plant height. In addition, the expression levels of two peroxidase genes (peroxidase 5 and peroxidase 56) were significantly down-regulated in OsBet v1 knockout mutants compared with those in wild-type rice plants. Taken together, this study identified a new PR10/Bet v1-like protein subfamily in plant and revealed the involvement of OsBet v1, a representative member of the subfamily, in rice growth and defense against M. graminicola. This provides a new insight into the role of plant PR10/Bet v1-like proteins in plant–nematode interactions.
Vitamin D, the immune system, and its relationship with diseases
Authors: Sanlier Nevin , Guney-Coskun Merve
Published: October 2022

Background

Vitamin D is classified as an immunomodulatory hormone that is synthesized because of skin exposure to sunlight. It is known to come into play during the regulation of hormone secretion, immune functions, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Its deficiency can cause many diseases and their associated pleiotropic effects. In addition, in relation to its eminent function as regards adaptive immune response and innate immune response, vitamin D level is associated with immune tolerance.

Methods

Literature search prior to May 2021 was conducted through selected websites, including the MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, www.ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and EFSA.

Results

Vitamin D is found effective for the regulation of hormone secretion, immune functions, and cell proliferation along with differentiation. Its role as an immune modulator is based on the presence of receptors on many immune cells and the synthesis of its active metabolite from these cells. Vitamin D, an immune system modulator, inhibits cell proliferation and stimulates cell differentiation. A fair number of immune system diseases, encompassing autoimmune disorders alongside infectious diseases, can occur because of low serum vitamin D levels. Supplementation of vitamin D has positive effects in lessening the severity nature of disease activity; there exists no consensus on the dose to be used.

Conclusion

It is figured out that a higher number of randomized controlled trials are essential to evaluate efficacy pertaining to clinical cases, treatment duration, type, and dose of supplementation and pathophysiology of diseases, immune system functioning, and the effect of vitamin D to be administered.
Adapting a tobacco cessation treatment intervention and implementation strategies to enhance implementation effectiveness and clinical outcomes in the context of HIV care in Vietnam: a case study
Authors: Shelley Donna , Alvarez Gloria Guevara , Nguyen Trang , Nguyen Nam , Goldsamt Lloyd , Cleland Charles , Tozan Yesim , Shuter Jonathan , Armstrong-Hough Mari
Published: October 2022

Background

Smoking rates remain high in Vietnam, particularly among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH), but tobacco cessation services are not available in outpatient HIV clinics (OPCs). The research team is conducting a type II hybrid randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the cost-effectiveness of three tobacco cessation interventions among PLWH receiving care in HIV clinics in Vietnam. The study is simultaneously evaluating the implementation processes and outcomes of strategies aimed at increasing the implementation of tobacco dependence treatment (TDT) in the context of HIV care. This paper describes the systematic, theory-driven process of adapting intervention components and implementation strategies with demonstrated effectiveness in high-income countries, and more recently in Vietnam, to a new population (i.e., PLWH) and new clinical setting, prior to launching the trial.

Methods

Data collection and analyses were guided by two implementation science frameworks and the socio-ecological model. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 13 health care providers and 24 patients in three OPCs. Workflow analyses were conducted in each OPC. Qualitative data were analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis procedures. Based on findings, components of the intervention and implementation strategies were adapted, followed by a 3-month pilot study in one OPC with 16 patients randomized to one of two intervention arms.

Results

The primary adaptations included modifying the TDT intervention counseling content to address barriers to quitting among PLWH and Vietnamese sociocultural norms that support smoking cessation. Implementation strategies (i.e., training and system changes) were adapted to respond to provider- and clinic-level determinants of implementation effectiveness (e.g., knowledge gaps, OPC resource constraints, staffing structure, compatibility).

Conclusions

Adaptations were facilitated through a mixed method, stakeholder (patient and health care provider, district health leader)-engaged evaluation of context-specific influences on intervention and implementation effectiveness. This data-driven approach to refining and adapting components aimed to optimize intervention effectiveness and implementation in the context of HIV care. Balancing pragmatism with rigor through the use of rapid analysis procedures and multiple methods increased the feasibility of the adaptation process.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05162911. Registered on December 16, 2021.
Uncanny Rest
Authors: Moreiras Alberto
Published: October 2022

In Uncanny Rest Alberto Moreiras offers a meditation on intellectual life under the suspension of time and conditions of isolation. Focusing on his personal day-to-day experiences of the “shelter-in-place” period during the first months of the coronavirus pandemic, Moreiras engages with the limits and possibilities of critical thought in the realm of the infrapolitical—the conditions of existence that exceed average understandings of politics and philosophy. In each dated entry he works through the process of formulating a life’s worth of thought and writing while attempting to locate the nature of thought once the coordinates of everyday life have changed. Offering nothing less than a phenomenology of thinking, Moreiras shows how thought happens in and out of a life, at a certain crossroads where memories collide, where conversations with interlocutors both living and dead evolve and thinking during a suspended state becomes provisional and uncertain.
Functional MRI–Guided Motor Cortex and Deep Brain Stimulation for Intractable Facial Pain: A Novel, Personalized Approach in 1 Patient
Authors: Saway Brian Fabian , Webb Timothy , Weber Aimee , Triano Matthew , Barley Jessica , Spampinato Maria , Rowland Nathan
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND:

Facial neuropathic pain syndromes such as trigeminal neuralgia are debilitating disorders commonly managed by medications, vascular decompression, and/or ablative procedures. In trigeminal neuralgia cases unresponsive to these interventions, trigeminal deafferentation pain syndrome (TDPS) can emerge and remain refractory to any further attempts at these conventional therapies. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) and motor cortex stimulation are 2 neuromodulatory treatments that have demonstrated efficacy in small case series of TDPS yet remain largely underutilized. In addition, functional MRI (fMRI) is a tool that can help localize central processing of evoked stimuli such as mechanically triggered facial pain. In this study, we present a case report and operative technique in a patient with TDPS who underwent fMRI to guide the operative management and placement of dual targets in the sensory thalamus and motor cortex.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and outcome of a novel surgical approach for TDPS in a single patient.

METHODS:

The fMRI and operative technique of unilateral DBS targeting the ventroposteromedial nucleus of the thalamus and facial motor cortex stimulator placement through a single burr hole is illustrated as well as the patient's clinical outcome.

RESULTS:

In less than 1 year, the patient had near complete resolution of his facial pain with no postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION:

We present the first published case of successful treatment of TDPS using simultaneous DBS of the ventroposteromedial and motor cortex stimulation. fMRI can be used as an effective imaging modality to guide neuromodulation in this complex disorder.
Fueling the Female Athlete: Auditing Her Representation in Studies of Acute Carbohydrate Intake for Exercise
Authors: KUIKMAN MEGAN A. , SMITH ELLA S. , MCKAY ALANNAH K. A. , ACKERMAN KATHRYN E. , HARRIS RACHEL , ELLIOTT-SALE KIRSTY J. , STELLINGWERFF TRENT , BURKE LOUISE M.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The aim of this audit was to assess the representation of female athletes within the literature that has led to current guidelines for carbohydrate (CHO) intake in the acute periods surrounding exercise and the quality of this research.

Methods

We conducted a standardized audit of research assessing CHO loading protocols, CHO mouth rinse, and CHO intake before, during, and after exercise.

Results

A total of 937 studies were identified in this audit. There were a total of 11,202 participants across these studies, with only ~11% being women. Most studies involved male-only cohorts (~79%), with a mere 38 studies (~4%) involving female-only cohorts and 14 studies (~2%) including a methodological design for comparison of sex-based responses. The frequent use of incorrect terminology surrounding menstrual status and the failure of most studies (~69%) to provide sufficient information on the menstrual status of participants suggests incomplete understanding and concern for female-specific considerations among researchers. Of the 197 studies that included women, only 13 (~7%) provided evidence of acceptable methodological control of ovarian hormones, and no study met all best-practice recommendations. Of these 13 studies, only half also provided sufficient information regarding the athletic caliber of participants. The topics that received such scrutiny were CHO loading protocols and CHO intake during exercise.

Conclusions

The literature that underpins the current guidelines for CHO intake in the acute periods around exercise is lacking in high-quality research that can contribute knowledge specific to the female athlete and sex-based differences. New research that considers ovarian hormones and sex-based differences is needed to ensure that the recommendations for acute CHO fueling provided to female athletes are evidence based.
Changes in Cost of Locomotion Are Higher after Endurance Cycling Than Running When Matched for Intensity and Duration
Authors: SABATER-PASTOR FREDERIC , FARICIER ROBIN , METRA MÉLANIE , MURIAS JUAN M. , BROWNSTEIN CALLUM G. , MILLET GUILLAUME Y.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Cost of locomotion (CL) has been shown to increase after endurance running and cycling bouts. The main purpose of this study was to compare, in the same participants, the effect of both modalities on CL when matched for relative intensity and duration.

Methods

Seventeen recreational athletes performed two incremental tests in running and cycling to determine the first ventilatory threshold then two 3-h bouts of exercise at 105% of threshold, with gas exchange measurements taken for 10 min at the start, middle and end of the 3 h to calculate CL. Neuromuscular fatigue during isometric knee extensor contractions and force–velocity profile on a cycle ergometer were assessed before and immediately after the 3-h trials.

Results

CL significantly increased at mid (+3.7%, P = 0.006) and end (+7.4%, P < 0.001) of exercise for cycling compared with start, whereas it did not change with time for running. Cardio-respiratory and metabolic variables changed similarly for cycling and running, therefore not explaining the time-course differences in CL between modalities. Changes in CL during cycling correlated significantly with loss of maximal force extrapolated from the force–velocity profile (r = 0.637, P = 0.006) and changes in cadence (r = 0.784, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The type of locomotion influences the effects of exercise on energy cost because 3 h of exercise at the same relative intensity caused a significant increase of cycling CL, and no changes in running CL. The changes in CL in cycling are likely due, at least in part, to fatigue in the locomotor muscles.
Phytochemical study of the plant species Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae) and Croton floccosus (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Ruiz-Reyes Enrique , Mendoza-Cevallos Mayte Ariana , Polanco-Moreira Ana Patricia , Segovia-Cedeño Diego Germán , Alcivar-Cedeño Ulbio Eduardo , Dueñas-Rivadeneira Alex
Published: October 2022

Background:Given the chemical richness of medicinal plants (Bidens pilosaL. andCroton floccosus) in Ecuador, they are considered the natural source of numerous medicines.

Methods:The leaves were dried at 40°C and 50°C and the extracts were characterized by means of phytochemical screening, verifying the presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, reducing sugars, phenols, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. Three extraction processes were carried out, with two solvents of different polarities: hexane and ethanol. The extraction methods that were applied to the leaves of the plants were Soxhlet, ultrasonic bath and maceration, the latter two at room temperature and Soxhlet at the boiling temperature of the solvent. Determination of the total content of phenols and flavonoids is carried out using the Follin-Ciocalteau colorimetric reaction, Quercetin standard, Aluminum Chloride solution measured with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The antioxidant activity was performed with the DPPH radical and measured with the same equipment.

Results: The highest content of total phenols obtained by employing the Soxhlet method for extraction when the material was dried at 50°C was 48.609 ± 0.370 mg GAE/g of dry sample forBidens pilosaL. while in the case ofCroton floccosusit was 128.212 ± 0.601 mg GAE/g of dry sample obtained from the extraction by means of maceration. Finally, the antioxidant activity against the 1.1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical was determined, and it was found that theBidens pilosaL. species performed better and responded better to the test, with an IC50value of 239.33 µg/mL, thanCroton floccosus(IC50of 644.125 µg/mL).

Conclusions:The following preliminary phytochemical study of theBidens pilosaL. andCroton floccosusplants provided important information on the content of secondary metabolites and response to the DPPH radical reported for the first time in Ecuador, which may be future use for medicinal application.