bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with vitamin D deficiency among patients with musculoskeletal disorders seeking physiotherapy intervention: a hospital-based observational study
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Uddin Zakir
Published: August 2022

Background

A considerable number of studies have suggested that there is a strong correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D or vitamin D levels and overall health, with reported impacts ranging from mental health and vital organ health to musculoskeletal health. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and identify its associated factors among patients with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) currently seeking medical attention.

Methods

A total of 143 patients with MSDs were randomly selected for blood sample collection to measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of the study participants. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to compute the adjusted odds ratio.

Results

Overall, 53.1% of patients had vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent among patients with higher body mass index, a bachelor’s degree, lower sun exposure time, and lower serum calcium levels and those living in an urban setting. The multiple logistic regression model suggested that the duration of weekly sun exposure and living location were the independent predictors of vitamin D deficiency.

Conclusion

It is recommended for patients with MSDs to participate in routine physical exercise, consume calcium- and vitamin D-enriched foods, and have regular sun exposure for minimizing the risk of vitamin D deficiency.
The antibiotic strategies during percutaneous nephrolithotomy in China revealed the gap between the reality and the urological guidelines
Authors: Zhang Shike , Li Gonghui , Qiao Ludong , Lai Dehui , He Zhican , An Lingyue , Xu Peng , Tiselius Hans-Göran , Zeng Guohua , Zheng Junhua , Wu Wenqi
Published: August 2022

Background

Correct perioperative antibiotic strategies are crucial to prevent postoperative infections during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). We aimed to compare the realistic antibiotic strategies applied in China with current urological guidelines.

Methods

Between April and May 2020, urologists from China were invited to finish an online cross-sectional survey. The questionnaire was designed according to the current urological guidelines and literatures.

Results

3393 completed responses were received. 61.1% (2073/3393) respondents had urological experience of more than 10 years. 72.4% urologists chose multiple-dose antibiotics for patients with both negative urine culture (UC-) and negative urine microscopy (UM-) preoperatively. Respondents in central China (OR = 1.518; 95% CI 1.102–2.092; P = 0.011), east China (OR = 1.528; 95% CI 1.179–1.979; P = 0.001) and northeast China (OR = 1.904; 95% CI 1.298–2.792; P = 0.001) were more likely to prescribe multiple-dose antibiotic for UC-UM- patients. Notably, the respondents who finished PCNL exceeded 100 cases per year were in favor of single-dose administration (OR = 0.674; 95% CI 0.519–0.875; P = 0.003). There are only 8.3% urologists chose single-dose antibiotic for UC-UM+ patients, whereas 65.5% administered antibiotics for 1–3 days. Meanwhile, for UC+ patients, 59.0% of the urologists applied antibiotics shorter than 1 week, and only 26.3% of the urologists carried out routine re-examination of UC. Moreover, postoperative antibiotics were frequently prescribed for 3–6 days (1815; 53.5%). Finally, although 88.2% urologists considered stone culture important for management of postoperative antibiotics as the guideline recommended, only 18.5% performed it routinely.

Conclusions

The antibiotic strategies are different between current practice in China and the urological guidelines. The dissimilarities suggested that further studies should be conducted to investigate the reasons of the differences and standardize the application of antibiotics.
Metabolic engineering of energycane to hyperaccumulate lipids in vegetative biomass
Authors: Luo Guangbin , Cao Viet Dang , Kannan Baskaran , Liu Hui , Shanklin John , Altpeter Fredy
Published: August 2022

Background

The metabolic engineering of high-biomass crops for lipid production in their vegetative biomass has recently been proposed as a strategy to elevate energy density and lipid yields for biodiesel production. Energycane and sugarcane are highly polyploid, interspecific hybrids between Saccharum officinarum and Saccharum spontaneum that differ in the amount of ancestral contribution to their genomes. This results in greater biomass yield and persistence in energycane, which makes it the preferred target crop for biofuel production.

Results

Here, we report on the hyperaccumulation of triacylglycerol (TAG) in energycane following the overexpression of the lipogenic factors Diacylglycerol acyltransferase1-2 (DGAT1-2) and Oleosin1 (OLE1) in combination with RNAi suppression of SUGAR-DEPENDENT1 (SDP1) and Trigalactosyl diacylglycerol1 (TGD1). TAG accumulated up to 1.52% of leaf dry weight (DW,) a rate that was 30-fold that of non-modified energycane, in addition to almost doubling the total fatty acid content in leaves to 4.42% of its DW. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that the accumulation of TAG had the highest correlation with the expression level of ZmDGAT1-2, followed by the level of RNAi suppression for SDP1.

Conclusions

This is the first report on the metabolic engineering of energycane and demonstrates that this resilient, high-biomass crop is an excellent target for the further optimization of the production of lipids from vegetative tissues.
Effect of concentrated growth factor (CGF) on postoperative sequel of completely impacted lower third molar extraction: a randomized controlled clinical study
Authors: Elayah Sadam Ahmed , Liang Xiang , Sakran Karim Ahmed , Xie Linyang , Younis Hamza , Alajami Ahmed Es. , Tu Junbo , Na Sijia
Published: August 2022

Background

The surgical extraction of impacted third molars is one of the most common procedures in oral and maxillofacial surgery, which associated with several postoperative complications. The aim of this clinical trial was to estimate the implication of concentrated growth factor (CGF) on postoperative sequelae after the completely impacted lower third molar extraction.

Materials and methods

A total of 74 sides of 37 participants who had completely bilateral impacted lower third molars were enrolled in this split-mouth, randomized single‑blind, clinical trial. Surgical extraction was undertaken on both sides of the mandible. Randomization was achieved by opaque, sealed envelopes. The postoperative outcomes including wound healing, swelling and pain were clinically assessed at different-time intervals(1st, 3rd and 7th days). A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The wound healing index was significantly better in the test sides (P = 0.001). Regarding the facial swelling, the test sides had significantly less values than the control sides, particularly on the 1st (1.01 ± .57 vs. 1.55 ± .56) and 3rd days (1.42 ± 0.8 vs. 2.63 ± 1.2) postoperatively. Nonetheless, the swelling was disappeared within the 7th day in both sides. The pain scores of visual analog scale were no a statistically significant difference between both sides on the 1st day, meanwhile, the pain scores were significantly lower in the test sides compared with the control sides, especially on the 3rd (P = 0.001) and 7th days (P < 0.001) postoperatively.

Conclusion

The application of CGF following the surgical extraction of lower third molar has accelerated the healing of soft tissues as well as reduced postoperative sequelae such as swelling and pain. Therefore, the CGF could be promoted among clinicians during the lower third molar surgical extraction.

Trial registration: This study was registered with the TCTR identification number TCTR20210325002 on 25/03/2021 at Thai Clinical Trials Register-Medical Research Foundation of Thailand (MRF). Also it was ethically approved from the institutional ethics committee at the Hospital of Stomatology, Xian Jiaotong University, Xian, China (No: 032), and has been conducted in accordance to the guidelines of the declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants in the study.
Protective effects of calcyclin-binding protein against pulmonary vascular remodeling in flow-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Zhou Jingjing , Li FuRong , Yang Yicheng
Published: August 2022

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (CHD-PAH) is recognized as a cancer-like disease with a proliferative and pro-migratory phenotype in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Calcyclin-binding protein/Siah-1-interacting protein (CacyBP/SIP) has been implicated in the progression of various cancers; however, it has not been previously studied in the context of CHD-PAH. Here, we aimed to examine the function of CacyBP/SIP in CHD-PAH and explore its potential as a novel regulatory target for the disease.

Methods

The expression of CacyBP/SIP in PASMCs was evaluated both in the pulmonary arterioles of patients with CHD-PAH and in high-flow-induced PAH rats. The effects of CacyBP/SIP on pulmonary vascular remodeling and PASMC phenotypic switch, proliferation, and migration were investigated. LY294002 (MedChemExpress, NJ, USA) was used to block the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway to explore changes in PASMC dysfunction induced by low CacyBP/SIP levels. Hemodynamics and pulmonary arterial remodeling were further explored in rats after short-interfering RNA-mediated decrease of CacyBP/SIP expression.

Results

CacyBP/SIP expression was markedly reduced both in the remodeled pulmonary arterioles of patients with CHD-PAH and in high-flow-induced PAH rats. Low CacyBP/SIP expression promoted hPASMC phenotypic switch, proliferation, and migration via PI3K/AKT pathway activation. Our results indicated that CacyBP/SIP protected against pulmonary vascular remodeling through amelioration of hPASMC dysfunction in CHD-PAH. Moreover, after inhibition of CacyBP/SIP expression in vivo, we observed increased right ventricular hypertrophy index, poor hemodynamics, and severe vascular remodeling.

Conclusions

CacyBP/SIP regulates hPASMC dysfunction, and its increased expression may ameliorate progression of CHD-PAH.
Longitudinal changes in pulmonary function and patient-reported outcomes after lung cancer surgery
Authors: Shin Sumin , Kong Sunga , Kang Danbee , Lee Genehee , Cho Jong Ho , Shim Young Mog , Cho Juhee , Kim Hong Kwan , Park Hye Yun
Published: August 2022

Background

Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for non-small cell lung cancer, but the decline in pulmonary function after surgery is noticeable and requires attention. This study aimed to evaluate longitudinal changes in pulmonary function and integrated patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after lung cancer surgery.

Methods

Data were obtained from a prospective cohort study, the Coordinate Approach to Cancer Patients’ Health for Lung Cancer. Changes in forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) at 2 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery, and the corresponding modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale and chronic obstructive lung disease assessment test (CAT) scores were evaluated. Mixed effects model was used to investigate changes in pulmonary function and PROs.

Results

Among 620 patients, 477 (76.9%) underwent lobectomy, whereas 120 (19.4%) and 23 (3.7%) were treated with wedge resection/segmentectomy and bilobectomy/pneumonectomy, respectively. Both FVC and FEV1 markedly decreased 2 weeks after surgery and improved thereafter; however, they did not recover to baseline values. The corresponding mMRC dyspnea scale and CAT scores worsened immediately after surgery. The dyspnea scale of the mMRC was still higher, while CAT scores returned to baseline one year after surgery, although breathlessness and lack of energy persisted. Compared to the changes from baseline of FVC and FEV1 in patients who underwent lobectomy, patients who underwent bilobectomy/pneumonectomy showed a greater decrease in FVC and FEV1, while wedge resection/segmentectomy patients had smaller decreases in FVC and FEV1 at 2 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. Bilobectomy/pneumonectomy patients had the highest mMRC dyspnea grade among the three groups, but the difference was not statistically significant one year after surgery.

Conclusions

After lung cancer surgery, pulmonary function and PROs noticeably decreased in the immediate post-operative period and improved thereafter, except for dyspnea and lack of energy. Proper information on the timeline of changes in lung function and symptoms following lung cancer surgery could guide patient care approaches after surgery.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT03705546; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov
The introduction of an N-glycosylation site into prochymosin greatly enhances its production and secretion by Pichia pastoris
Authors: Wang Nan , Yang Caifeng , Peng Huakang , Guo Wenfang , Wang Mengqi , Li Gangqiang , Liu Dehu
Published: August 2022

Background

N-glycosylation is one of the most important post-translational modifications. Many studies have shown that N-glycosylation has a significant effect on the secretion level of heterologous glycoproteins in yeast cells. However, there have been few studies reporting a clear and unified explanation for the intracellular mechanism that N-glycosylation affect the secretion of heterologous glycoproteins so far. Pichia pastoris is an important microbial cell factory producing heterologous protein. It is of great significance to study the effect of N-glycosylation on the secretion level of heterologous protein. Camel chymosin is a glycoprotein with higher application potential in cheese manufacturing industry. We have expressed camel prochymosin in P. pastoris GS115, but the lower secretion level limits its industrial application. This study attempts to increase the secretion level of prochymosin through N-glycosylation, and explore the molecular mechanism of N-glycosylation affecting secretion.

Results

Adding an N-glycosylation site at the 34th amino acid of the propeptide of prochymosin significantly increased its secretion in P. pastoris. N-glycosylation improved the thermostability of prochymosin without affecting the enzymatic activity. Immunoprecipitation coupled to mass spectrometry (IP-MS) analysis showed that compared with the wild prochymosin (chy), the number of proteins interacting with N-glycosylated mutant (chy34) decreased, and all differential interacting proteins (DIPs) were down-regulated in chy34-GS115 cell. The DIPs in endoplasmic reticulum were mainly concentrated in the misfolded protein pathway. Among the five DIPs in this pathway, overexpression of BiP significantly increased the secretion of chy. The knockout of the possible misfolded protein recognition elements, UDP-glycose:glycoprotein glucosyltransferase 1 and 2 (UGGT1/2) had no effect on the growth of yeast cells and the secretion of prochymosin.

Conclusions

In conclusion, N-glycosylation increased the secretion of prochymosin in P. pastoris trough the adjustment of intracellular interacted proteins. The results of our study may help to elucidate the molecular mechanism of N-glycosylation affecting secretion and provide a new research method to improve the secretion of heterologous glycoprotein in P. pastoris.
A review on the role of LINC01133 in cancers
Authors: Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh , Khoshbakht Tayyebeh , Hussen Bashdar Mahmud , Taheri Mohammad , Mokhtari Majid
Published: August 2022

Long Intergenic Non-Protein Coding RNA 1133 (LINC01133) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) which interacts with miR-106a-3p, miR-576-5p, miR-495-3p, miR-205, miR-199a-5p, miR-4784, miR-30a-5p, miR-199a, miR-30b-5p, miR-216a -5p and miR-422a, thus increasing expression of mRNA targets of these miRNAs. LINC01133 can affect cancer metastasis through regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition program. Dysregulation of this lncRNA has been repeatedly detected in the process of tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarize the results of various studies that reported dysregulation of LINC01133 in different samples and described the role of this lncRNA as a marker for these disorders.
“Two-birds-one-stone” colon-targeted nanomedicine treats ulcerative colitis via remodeling immune microenvironment and anti-fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Jiaxin , Ou Ante , Tang Xueping , Wang Rong , Fan Yujuan , Fang Yuefei , Zhao Yuge , Zhao Pengfei , Chen Dongying , Wang Bing , Huang Yongzhuo
Published: August 2022

Dysregulated mucosal immune responses and colonic fibrosis impose two formidable challenges for ulcerative colitis treatment. It indicates that monotherapy could not sufficiently deal with this complicated disease and combination therapy may provide a potential solution. A chitosan-modified poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticle (CS-PLGA NP) system was developed for co-delivering patchouli alcohol and simvastatin to the inflamed colonic epithelium to alleviate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis via remodeling immune microenvironment and anti-fibrosis, a so-called “two-birds-one-stone” nanotherapeutic strategy. The bioadhesive nanomedicine enhanced the intestinal epithelial cell uptake efficiency and improved the drug stability in the gastrointestinal tract. The nanomedicine effectively regulated the Akt/MAPK/NF-κB pathway and reshaped the immune microenvironment through repolarizing M2Φ, promoting regulatory T cells and G-MDSC, suppressing neutrophil and inflammatory monocyte infiltration, as well as inhibiting dendritic cell maturation. Additionally, the nanomedicine alleviated colonic fibrosis. Our work elucidates that the colon-targeted codelivery for combination therapy is promising for ulcerative colitis treatment and to address the unmet medical need.

Graphical Abstract
Assessment of health-related quality of life in patients with heart failure: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alharbi Muslet , Alharbi Fahad , AlTuwayjiri Abdullah , Alharbi Yaqoub , Alhofair Yazeed , Alanazi Ahmed , AlJlajle Faisal , Khalil Rehana , Al-Wutayd Osama
Published: August 2022

Background

As a precarious clinical condition and a public health problem, heart failure (HF) is associated with a significant burden of morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. As almost all of the published research has been conducted in Western countries, there is a need for culturally relevant studies in Saudi Arabia. This is the first study to investigate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its associated factors among Saudi patients with HF in the Qassim region.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the only tertiary care hospital in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia during the period from November 2020 to July 2021. The participants were interviewed face-to-face by trained interviewers using the standard validated 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire for HRQoL assessment. The data were analyzed using STATA version 16.

Results

The participants included 246 HF patients whose mean (SD) age was 56.7 (10.9) years. A majority of the respondents (80%, n = 197) were male, and 49% (n = 121) had an education level of less than secondary school. The median scores were high for the domains of social functioning (100 points) and bodily pain (75 points) and low for role-physical functioning (25 points). In general, the median scores for the physical and mental component summaries were 58.1 and 63.7, respectively. Patients with an education level less than secondary school were more likely to have a low physical component summary score (aOR 3.00, 95% CI 1.46–6.17), while female patients were more likely to have a low mental component summary score (aOR 2.67, 95% CI 1.38–5.16).

Conclusions

Health-related quality of life was found to be moderate among these HF patients. Periodic HRQoL assessment is recommended for HF patients to minimize their physical and psychological concerns, particularly for patients with low education levels and female patients.
Physical activity and academic achievement: an analysis of potential student- and school-level moderators
Authors: Behringer Hannah K. , Saksvig Emilie R. , Boedeker Peter J. , Elish Paul N. , Kay Christi M. , Calvert Hannah G. , Meyer Adria M. , Gazmararian Julie A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Many children do not engage in sufficient physical activity, and schools provide a unique venue for children to reach their recommended 60 daily minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Prior research examining effects of MVPA on academic achievement is inconclusive, and few studies have investigated potential moderators of this relationship. This study examined whether student-level characteristics (gender, race/ethnicity, free/reduced-price lunch status) and school-level characteristics (proportion of students qualifying for free/reduced-price lunch, physical activity environment and opportunities) moderate the relationship between MVPA and academic achievement.

Methods

In a large, diverse metropolitan public school district in Georgia, 4,936 students in Grade 4 were recruited from 40 elementary schools. Students wore accelerometers to measure school-day MVPA for a total of 15 days across three semesters (fall 2018, spring 2019, fall 2019). Academic achievement data, including course marks (grades) for math, reading, spelling, and standardized test scores in writing, math, reading, and Lexile (reading assessment), were collected at baseline (Grade 3, ages 8–9) and at follow-up in Grade 4 (ages 9–10). Standardized test scores were not measured in Grade 5 (ages 10–11) due to COVID-19-related disruptions. Multilevel modeling assessed whether student-level and/or school-level characteristics were moderators in the cross-sectional and longitudinal MVPA-academic achievement relationship.

Results

Cross sectional analyses indicated that the MVPA and AA relationship was moderated only by student Hispanic ethnicity for Grade 4 fall spelling marks (β = -0.159 p < 0.001). The relationship for Grade 4 fall spelling marks was also moderated by school physical activity opportunities (β = -0.128 (p < 0.001). Longitudinally, there was no significant moderation of the MVPA-academic achievement. A relationship by student gender, free/reduced-price lunch status, race/ethnicity; nor for school-level factors including proportion of students qualifying for free/reduced-price lunch, physical activity environment, and physical activity opportunities.

Conclusions

Overall, our results did not suggest that student- or school-level characteristics moderate the MVPA-academic achievement relationship. While statistically significant results were observed for certain outcomes, practical differences were negligible. In this population, school-based MVPA does not appear to differently affect academic performance based on student gender, race/ethnicity, free/reduced-price lunch, nor school characteristics.

Trial registration

This study was registered with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) ClinicalTrials.gov system, with ID NCT03765047. Registered 05 December 2018—Retrospectively registered.
Breastfeeding mothers’ experiences with community physicians in Israel: a qualitative study
Authors: Blitman Elia , Biderman Aya , Yehoshua Ilan , Adler Limor
Published: August 2022

Background

The guidelines of all leading professional organizations recommend providing adequate support and education regarding breastfeeding; yet many mothers feel that they receive inadequate information from their health care providers in the primary care setting. This is in line with studies that demonstrate that physicians’ knowledge about breastfeeding is lacking. The aim of this study was to expand our understanding of the breastfeeding-related experiences of mothers with primary care physicians (PCPs).

Methods

In this qualitative study, we interviewed breastfeeding mothers in Israel in the first six months after delivery. The interviews were conducted between December 2020 and May 2021. We used thematic analysis to explore women’s attitudes and experiences with their PCPs regarding breastfeeding concerns. All authors read the transcribed interviews and independently marked statements regarding breastfeeding. Then, in a joint process, codes, subthemes and themes were defined. Each subtheme was backed up with a quote from the interviews.

Results

We interviewed 13 women aged 24 to 37. We identified four main themes. The first of these was physicians’ inconsistent attitudes toward breastfeeding. Some were indifferent, while others related to breastfeeding solely in the context of infant development. Some were supportive, while others opposed breastfeeding. Several women revealed physicians’ inappropriate and disturbing attitudes to breastfeeding. The second theme was physicians’ lack of knowledge regarding medical treatment for breastfeeding issues. This theme included lack of knowledge, incorrect treatment of breastfeeding problems, and contradictions among HCPs. The third was mothers’ preference for alternative resources, including individualized breastfeeding counselling, maternity and childcare nurses, mothers’ groups (in person or online), and family and friends over medical treatment for breastfeeding problems. The fourth theme involved mothers’ suggestions for PCPs, which highlighted the importance of communication, prenatal physician-initiated dialogue on breastfeeding, expanding professional knowledge on breastfeeding, and increasing the availability of treatment for breastfeeding problems.

Conclusion

The women in this study reported unsatisfactory breastfeeding support by PCPs and incorrect or inadequate treatment of medical problems related to breastfeeding. They also felt they had no medical experts to approach with breastfeeding-related problems. We believe that physicians should expand their knowledge on breastfeeding medicine so that they can provide comprehensive patient-centered treatment to both mothers and infants. Education programs for improving knowledge and skills in breastfeeding issues should be implemented throughout the medical training.
Retraction Note: Isovitexin reduces carcinogenicity and stemness in hepatic carcinoma stem-like cells by modulating MnSOD and FoxM1
Authors: Cao Xiaocheng , Liu Lihua , Yuan Qing , Li Xiang , Cui Yinghong , Ren Kaiqun , Zou Chang , Chen A. , Xu Chang , Qiu Yebei , Quan Meifang , Zhang Jiansong , Cao Jianguo , Chen Xiangding
Published: August 2022

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13046-019-1244-6..
Cyclic vomiting syndrome in children: a nationwide survey of current practice on behalf of the Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP) and Italian Society of Pediatric Neurology (SINP)
Authors: Isoldi Sara , Di Nardo Giovanni , Mallardo Saverio , Parisi Pasquale , Raucci Umberto , Tambucci Renato , Quitadamo Paolo , Salvatore Silvia , Felici Enrico , Cisarò Fabio , Pensabene Licia , Banzato Claudia , Strisciuglio Caterina , Romano Claudio , Fusco Patrizia , Rigotti Francesca , Sansotta Naire , Caimmi Silvia , Savasta Salvatore , Zuin Giovanna , Di Stefano Marina , Provera Silvia , Campanozzi Angelo , Rossi Paolo , Gatti Simona , Corpino Mara , Alvisi Patrizia , Martelossi Stefano , Suppiej Agnese , Gandullia Paolo , Verrotti Alberto , Terrin Gianluca , Pacenza Caterina , Fornaroli Fabiola , Comito Donatella , D’Arrigo Stefano , Striano Pasquale , Raviglione Federico , Carotenuto Marco , Orsini Alessandro , Belcastro Vincenzo , Di Corcia Giovanna , Raieli Vincenzo , Ferilli Michela Ada Noris , Ruscitto Claudia , Spadoni Elisabetta , Grosso Salvatore , D’Alonzo Renato , Papa Amanda , Pavone Piero , Meli Mariaclaudia , Velardita Mario , Mainetti Martina , Vanacore Nicola , Borrelli Osvaldo
Published: August 2022

Background

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is a rare functional gastrointestinal disorder, which has a considerable burden on quality of life of both children and their family. Aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic modalities and therapeutic approach to CVS among Italian tertiary care centers and the differences according to subspecialties, as well as to explore whether potential predictive factors associated with either a poor outcome or a response to a specific treatment.

Methods

Cross-sectional multicenter web-based survey involving members of the Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP) and Italian Society of Pediatric Neurology (SINP).

Results

A total of 67 responses were received and analyzed. Most of the respondent units cared for less than 20 patients. More than half of the patients were referred after 3 to 5 episodes, and a quarter after 5 attacks. We report different diagnostic approaches among Italian clinicians, which was particularly evident when comparing gastroenterologists and neurologists. Moreover, our survey demonstrated a predilection of certain drugs during emetic phase according to specific clinic, which reflects the cultural background of physicians.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our survey highlights poor consensus amongst clinicians in our country in the diagnosis and the management of children with CVS, raising the need for a national consensus guideline in order to standardize the practice.
Theileria annulata SVSP455 interacts with host HSP60
Authors: Li Zhi , Liu Junlong , Zhao Shuaiyang , Ma Quanying , Guo Zhihong , Liu Aihong , Li Youquan , Guan Guiquan , Luo Jianxun , Yin Hong
Published: August 2022

Background

Theileria annulata, a transforming parasite, invades bovine B cells, dendritic cells and macrophages, promoting the uncontrolled proliferation of these cells. This protozoan evolved intricate strategies to subvert host cell signaling pathways related to antiapoptotic signaling to enable survival and proliferation within the host cells. However, the molecular mechanisms of the cell transformation induced by T. annulata remain largely unclear. Although some studies have predicted that the subtelomere-encoded variable secreted protein (SVSP) family plays roles in host-parasite interactions, the evidence for this is limited.

Methods

In the present study, the SVSP455 (TA05545) gene, a member of the SVSP gene family, was used as the target molecule. The expression pattern of SVSP455 in different life-cycle stages of T. annulata infection was explored using a quantitative real-time PCR assay, and the subcellular distribution of SVSP455 was observed using confocal microscopy. The host cell proteins interacting with SVSP455 were screened using the Y2H system, and their interactions were verified in vivo and in vitro using both bimolecular fluorescence complementation and confocal microscopy, and co-immunoprecipitation assays. The role played by SVSP455 in cell transformation was further explored by using overexpression, RNA interference and drug treatment experiments.

Results

The highest level of the SVSP455 transcript was detected in the schizont stage of T. annulata, and the protein was located both on the surface of schizonts and in the host cell cytoplasm. In addition, the interaction between SVSP455 and heat shock protein 60 was shown in vitro, and their link may regulate host cell apoptosis in T. annulata-infected cells.

Conclusion

Our findings are the first to reveal that T. annulata-secreted SVSP455 molecule directly interacts with both exogenous and endogenous bovine HSP60 protein, and that the interaction of SVSP455-HSP60 may manipulate the host cell apoptosis signaling pathway. These results provide insights into cancer-like phenotypes underlying Theilera transformation and therapeutics for protection against other pathogens.

Graphical Abstract
The lipid rafts in cancer stem cell: a target to eradicate cancer
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Zhu Neng , Li Hong Fang , Gu Jia , Zhang Chan Juan , Liao Duan Fang , Qin Li
Published: August 2022

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells with stem cell properties that sustain cancers, which may be responsible for cancer metastasis or recurrence. Lipid rafts are cholesterol- and sphingolipid-enriched microdomains in the plasma membrane that mediate various intracellular signaling. The occurrence and progression of cancer are closely related to lipid rafts. Emerging evidence indicates that lipid raft levels are significantly enriched in CSCs compared to cancer cells and that most CSC markers such as CD24, CD44, and CD133 are located in lipid rafts. Furthermore, lipid rafts play an essential role in CSCs, specifically in CSC self-renewal, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, drug resistance, and CSC niche. Therefore, lipid rafts are critical regulatory platforms for CSCs and promising therapeutic targets for cancer therapy.
Mapping research evidence on perinatal asphyxia within the sustainable development era in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Mensah Michael K. , Tano Kofi Franky K. , Ansu-Mensah Monica , Bawontuo Vitalis , Kuupiel Desmond
Published: August 2022

Background

Approximately 45% of all under-five child deaths are among newborn infants, babies in their first 28 days of life, or the neonatal period every year in the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Region. To facilitate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.2, innovative interventions are needed to address this challenge. Thus, this scoping review aims to map research evidence on perinatal asphyxia among neonates in the WHO Africa Region.

Methods

This scoping review will be guided by the Arksey and O’Malley framework, Levac et al. recommendations, and the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for scoping reviews. Relevant published literature will be searched using a combination of keywords, Boolean terms, and Medical Subject Headings in the following databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and Web of Science from January 2016 onwards. We will further search the World Health Organization and government websites, as well as the reference list of included studies for potentially eligible studies. This scoping review will include research evidence involving countries in the WHO Africa Region, with a focus on the burden of perinatal asphyxia, contributory/associated factors of perinatal asphyxia, clinical interventions for perinatal asphyxia, and interventions/strategies for the prevention of perinatal asphyxia in the SDGs era. Two reviewers will independently sort the studies to include and exclude, guided by the eligibility criteria. Also, the data from the included studies will be extracted and any discrepancies resolved using a third reviewer. Thematic analysis will be conducted, and the findings reported using both qualitative tables and figures. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) will be followed to report this study’s results. Quality appraisal of the included studies will be done utilising the mixed methods appraisal tool version 2018.

Conclusion

This scoping review results may reveal research evidence gaps to inform future primary studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses; and possibly contribute towards the realisation of the SDG 3.2 by countries in the WHO Africa Region. The finding of this review will be disseminated using multiple channels such as workshops, peer review publications, conferences, and social media.
The least-used key selection method for information retrieval in large-scale Cloud-based service repositories
Authors: Gu Jiayan , Anjum Ashiq , Wu Yan , Liu Lu , Panneerselvam John , Lu Yao , Yuan Bo
Published: August 2022

As the number of devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) increases significantly, it leads to an exponential growth in the number of services that need to be processed and stored in the large-scale Cloud-based service repositories. An efficient service indexing model is critical for service retrieval and management of large-scale Cloud-based service repositories. The multilevel index model is the state-of-art service indexing model in recent years to improve service discovery and combination. This paper aims to optimize the model to consider the impact of unequal appearing probability of service retrieval request parameters and service input parameters on service retrieval and service addition operations. The least-used key selection method has been proposed to narrow the search scope of service retrieval and reduce its time. The experimental results show that the proposed least-used key selection method improves the service retrieval efficiency significantly compared with the designated key selection method in the case of the unequal appearing probability of parameters in service retrieval requests under three indexing models.
Does the material well-being at schools successfully compensate for socioeconomic disadvantages? Analysis of resilient schools in Sweden
Authors: Siebecke Deborah Elin , Jarl Maria
Published: August 2022

Background

A variety of studies point to a deterioration of educational equity in Sweden and increasing school segregation with respect to achievement and socioeconomic composition. Some schools are resilient to socioeconomic disadvantages in their student body and demonstrate high levels of achievement. However, little attention has been given to these resilient schools. Material well-being, as one important dimension of student well-being, comprises the student’s home background and school resources. The relationship between home background and achievement is well-established but less literature includes school-level factors of material well-being. In comparing the material well-being at resilient, non-resilient, and more advantaged schools, this study aims at detecting possible patterns that may provide crucial information as to why some schools succeed better in compensating for disadvantages.

Methods

Using Swedish data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) from 2000 to 2018, the shares of resilient, non-resilient, and more advantaged school groups with different achievement levels were identified by using aggregated achievement and socioeconomic background measures. Making use of a well-being framework specifically designed for PISA data, the school groups were compared regarding their material well-being as measured by the perceived shortage of material resources and teachers, the percentage of teachers fully certified, the availability of computers, and extracurricular activities. This comparison of school groups was computed using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test and a Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparison.

Results

The shares of resilient schools decreased considerably from 14% in 2000 to 3% in 2015. Yet, the comparison of the material well-being at resilient and other school groups led to mostly non-significant results. Overall, disadvantaged schools reported higher teacher shortages than advantaged schools, which indicates the need for a more compensatory allocation of (human) resources.

Conclusions

The study concluded that the landscape of resilient schools is under continuous change. As no patterns of significant differences between resilient and other school groups were found, the study shows no indication that the material well-being at school compensates for disadvantages in a school’s student body. The findings call for further research regarding changes in the presence of resilient schools and their possible relationship with school material well-being.
Practice of non-pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19 and reduction of the risk of influenza-like illness: a cross-sectional population-based study
Authors: Youssef Dalal , Issa Ola , Kanso Maysaloun , Youssef Janet , Abou-Abbas Linda , Abboud Edmond
Published: August 2022

Introduction

While the widespread implementation of the non-pharmaceutical interventions was intended to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, such measures could be also effective in limiting the spread of other respiratory infections. This study aimed to examine the association between the implementation of personal protective measures and the occurrence of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in the general population.

Methods

An online retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in April 2021 to assess cases of ILI among Lebanese adults aged 18 years and above, from all Lebanese governorates during the 2020–2021 flu season. Data were collected using a convenience sampling method. In addition to their socio-demographic information, participants were asked about their frequency of implementing personal protective measures and if they have experienced symptoms of ILI in the previous 6 months. The overall score of the personal protective measures was computed. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the association between participants’ level of adoption of personal protective measures against COVID-19 and the occurrence of ILI.

Results

Among the 1019 Lebanese adults participating in this study, 352 (34.54%) of them reported symptoms of ILI between October 2020 and March 2021. Lebanese adults who wore their facemasks frequently or always were less likely to suffer from symptoms of ILI than others who did not wear the mask (aOR = 0.452, 95% CI = 0.349–0.693, p < 0.001). Similarly, adults who adopt the following protective measures washing hands (aOR = 0.608, 95% CI = 0.524–0.922, p < 0.001), respecting cough etiquette (aOR = 0.763, 95% CI = 0.598–0.918, p < 0.001), disinfecting surface (aOR = 0.892, 95% CI = 0.632–0.911, p = 0.012), avoiding crowded places (aOR = 0.739, 95% CI = 0.688–0.903, p = 0.049), respecting physical distancing (aOR = 0.646, 95% CI = 0.482–0.833, p = 0.031) on a regular basis (frequently/always) were less likely to report symptoms of influenza-like illnesses when compared with those who did not adhere at all to these measures.

Conclusion

Our study highlighted the potential of personal protective measures against COVID-19 in reducing the transmission of respiratory infections such as ILI. Such findings might be invested during influenza season, particularly among groups at high risk of developing severe complications. Exploring trends detected by the national severe acute respiratory infection surveillance system is recommended to confirm the utility of these measures.
Prevalence and factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among the general population in Asadabad, Iran: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Albatineh Ahmed Najeeb , Dalvand Pegah , Aslani Marzieh , Saritas Serdar , Baghi Vajiheh , Ghanei Gheshlagh Reza
Published: August 2022

Background

Vaccination can be an essential protective measure against Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) if well received by the public. Various factors affect the acceptance or refusal of vaccines. Several waves of COVID-19 caused much death in Iran. This study aimed to evaluate the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in the general population of Asadabad in 2021.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 650 people from the general population of Asadabad with a mean age of 34.6 (SD = 15.1) years were selected and included. In addition to socio-economic and demographic data, data were collected using the COVID-19 fear scale. Univariate and multiple logistic regression models were used to investigate the relationship between the tendency to get the COVID-19 vaccine (the dependent variable) and other variables.

Results

About 42.3% of participants were reluctant to receive the available COVID-19 vaccines. After adjusting for several covariates, there was a significant relationship between willingness to get vaccinated and family history of COVID-19 infection (AOR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.06–3.27, p = 0.032), trust in healthcare workers (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI 1.13–3.79, p = 0.019), trust in existing vaccines (AOR = 3.94, 95% CI 2.15–7.23, p < 0.001), encouraging family members to get vaccinated (AOR = 7.6, 95% CI 4.12–14.01, p < 0.0001). Also, people infected with COVID-19 are less likely to accept vaccination (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.33–0.93, p = 0.025). Also, a unit increase in the score of fear of getting the COVID-19 virus increased the odds of getting the COVID-19 vaccine by 6% (AOR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.10, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

The culture and context of different societies can affect the acceptance or refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine. Based on these characteristics and providing extensive education to the people, the health authorities in each community should build trust and better communicate all health information to clear any fear and remove all obstacles to increase willingness to get COVID-19 vaccination.
EQ-5D-3L and quality of life in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients: beyond the index scores
Authors: Parkin David William , Do Rego Bronwyn , Shaw Rhonda
Published: August 2022

Background

Many patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) generate single number index scores that summarise responses to different questions within a questionnaire. Although these are valuable as unambiguous indicators of ill-health and changes in health, further information can be gained from examining the questionnaire responses themselves. This has additional importance since the patients’ reports are those responses and not the index scores. This paper reanalyses data from two prospective multicentre clinical studies assessing patients’ quality of life before and after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using the EQ-5D-3L. Patients who completed EQ-5D-3L questionnaires at 3 time periods were included from 4 countries (USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand) operated on by the same surgeons using two different knee replacement systems. Descriptive analyses included levels within EQ-5D dimensions and profiles (combinations of dimensions and levels) at baseline and follow-up, including changes over time and differences between implants. Regression analysis quantified the relationship between the profiles and the EQ VAS.

Results

Problems with mobility, usual activities and pain & discomfort, in that order, were most frequent for pre-operative patients. There were large improvements in every dimension after surgery, but the time that this was observed differed: for mobility, self-care and anxiety & depression, most of the improvement occurred during the first 10 months; for usual activities and pain & discomfort, over 11–22 months. Analysing profiles, 85% of patients experienced an unequivocal improvement, 5.9% had no change, 3.5% worsened and 5.5% a mixed change at 11–22 months follow-up. Anxiety & depression had the greatest impact on EQ VAS scores; while mobility and usual activities were also important; usual activities was particularly important post-surgery.

Conclusions

The value of analysing patients’ responses to PROMs questionnaires without using summary scores was confirmed. The results add further detail to existing knowledge about the health problems that TKA patients experience before surgery, improvements after surgery, residual problems that some have, and the time at which improvements are experienced. This was a small study, but its methods may be easily replicated in other studies that use the EQ-5D-3L. It may also be possible to adapt them for other PROMs.