bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equality, marginalisation, and hegemonic negotiation: Embodied understandings of the built and designed environment
Authors: Ericsson Stina
Published: June 2023

People’s experience of interacting with the built environment, such as entering a building, varies depending on how the environment is designed. For instance, a set of steps may be tackled without conscious thought by one person while they may prevent another person from entering altogether. Such processes mean that people are being categorised in different ways. The aim of this article is to add to our knowledge of how the built and designed environment, as semiotic resources with social meanings, variously constrains and enables individuals’ participation in society, based on categorisation. Data is collected using a citizen science approach, whereby people have been invited to submit photos and comments about their experiences of the physical environment. This data is analysed using Spatial Discourse Analysis and theories of embodiment. The analysis shows how equivalence, marginalisation, and hegemonic negotiation variously inform people’s sense-making of the physical environment as a multimodal resource. The article uses this analysis to expose unspoken norms in the physical environment and to extend Spatial Discourse Analysis. It argues that multimodal analyses of the physical environment need to further consider the situated materiality of the interaction between people and the environment by accounting for individual variance.
Treatable traits: a comprehensive precision medicine approach in interstitial lung disease
Authors: Khor Yet H. , Cottin Vincent , Holland Anne E. , Inoue Yoshikazu , McDonald Vanessa M. , Oldham Justin , Renzoni Elisabetta A. , Russell Anne Marie , Strek Mary E. , Ryerson Christopher J.
Published: June 2023

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a diverse group of inflammatory and fibrotic lung conditions causing significant morbidity and mortality. A multitude of factors beyond the lungs influence symptoms, health-related quality of life, disease progression and survival in patients with ILD. Despite an increasing emphasis on multidisciplinary management in ILD, the absence of a framework for assessment and delivery of comprehensive patient care poses challenges in clinical practice. The treatable traits approach is a precision medicine care model that operates on the premise of individualised multidimensional assessment for distinct traits that can be targeted by specific interventions. The potential utility of this approach has been described in airway diseases, but has not been adequately considered in ILD. Given the similar disease heterogeneity and complexity between ILD and airway diseases, we explore the concept and potential application of the treatable traits approach in ILD. A framework of aetiological, pulmonary, extrapulmonary and behavioural and lifestyle treatable traits relevant to clinical care and outcomes for patients with ILD is proposed. We further describe key research directions to evaluate the application of the treatable traits approach towards advancing patient care and health outcomes in ILD.
Genome-wide association study of chronic sputum production implicates loci involved in mucus production and infection
Authors: Packer Richard J. , Shrine Nick , Hall Robert , Melbourne Carl A. , Thompson Rebecca , Williams Alex T. , Paynton Megan L. , Guyatt Anna L. , Allen Richard J. , Lee Paul H. , John Catherine , Campbell Archie , Hayward Caroline , de Vries Maaike , Vonk Judith M. , Davitte Jonathan , Hessel Edith , Michalovich David , Betts Joanna C. , Sayers Ian , Yeo Astrid , Hall Ian P. , Tobin Martin D. , Wain Louise V.
Published: June 2023

Background

Chronic sputum production impacts on quality of life and is a feature of many respiratory diseases. Identification of the genetic variants associated with chronic sputum production in a disease agnostic sample could improve understanding of its causes and identify new molecular targets for treatment.

Methods

We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of chronic sputum production in UK Biobank. Signals meeting genome-wide significance (p<5×10−8) were investigated in additional independent studies, were fine-mapped and putative causal genes identified by gene expression analysis. GWASs of respiratory traits were interrogated to identify whether the signals were driven by existing respiratory disease among the cases and variants were further investigated for wider pleiotropic effects using phenome-wide association studies (PheWASs).

Results

From a GWAS of 9714 cases and 48 471 controls, we identified six novel genome-wide significant signals for chronic sputum production including signals in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) locus, chromosome 11 mucin locus (containingMUC2,MUC5ACandMUC5B) andFUT2locus. The four common variant associations were supported by independent studies with a combined sample size of up to 2203 cases and 17 627 controls. The mucin locus signal had previously been reported for association with moderate-to-severe asthma. The HLA signal was fine-mapped to an amino acid change of threonine to arginine (frequency 36.8%) in HLA-DRB1 (HLA-DRB1*03:147). The signal nearFUT2was associated with expression of several genes includingFUT2, for which the direction of effect was tissue dependent. Our PheWAS identified a wide range of associations including blood cell traits, liver biomarkers, infections, gastrointestinal and thyroid-associated diseases, and respiratory disease.

Conclusions

Novel signals at theFUT2and mucin loci suggest that mucin fucosylation may be a driver of chronic sputum production even in the absence of diagnosed respiratory disease and provide genetic support for this pathway as a target for therapeutic intervention.
Sarcoidosis lung transplantation waitlist mortality, a national registry database study
Authors: Fleitas Sosa Derlis C. , Gayen Shameek , Zheng Matthew , Gangemi Andrew J. , Zhao Huaqing , Kim Victor , Sehgal Sameep , Criner Gerard J. , Gupta Rohit , Mamary A. James
Published: June 2023

Background

The Lung Allocation Score (LAS) prioritises lung transplantation candidates, balancing waitlist mortality and post-transplant survival. The score groups sarcoidosis candidates based on mean pulmonary artery pressure: those with ≤30 mmHg (sarcoidosis A) are grouped with COPD and those with >30 mmHg (sarcoidosis D) with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We hypothesise that sarcoidosis candidates have a higher waitlist mortality than other candidates within their LAS grouping.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of consecutive lung transplantation candidates from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database from May 2005 to May 2019. We included candidates aged ≥18 years diagnosed with sarcoidosis, COPD or IPF. Univariate, multivariate and survival estimate analyses were performed.

Results

We identified 385 sarcoidosis A, 642 sarcoidosis D, 7081 COPD and 10 639 IPF lung transplantation candidates. 17.3% of sarcoidosis D, 14.8% of IPF, 14.3% of sarcoidosis A and 9.8% of COPD candidates died awaiting transplant. Sarcoidosis A was an independent risk factor for waitlist mortality. Sarcoidosis A had a lower waitlist survival probability compared to COPD. Sarcoidosis D had the highest waitlist mortality. IPF candidates had lower waitlist survival probability than sarcoidosis D in the first 60 days after listing.

Conclusion

Based on our results, the grouping of candidates with sarcoidosis in allocation systems should be revised to mitigate waitlist mortality disparity.
The glycine receptor alpha 3 subunit mRNA expression shows sex-dependent differences in the adult mouse brain
Authors: Ceder Mikaela M. , Weman Hannah M. , Johansson Ebba , Henriksson Katharina , Magnusson Kajsa A. , Roman Erika , Lagerström Malin C.
Published: June 2023

Background

The glycinergic system plays an important inhibitory role in the mouse central nervous system, where glycine controls the excitability of spinal itch- and pain-mediating neurons. Impairments of the glycine receptors can cause motor and sensory deficits. Glycine exerts inhibition through interaction with ligand-gated ion channels composed of alpha and beta subunits. We have investigated the mRNA expression of the glycine receptor alpha 3 (Glra3) subunit in the nervous system as well as in several peripheral organs of female and male mice.

Results

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data analysis on the Zeisel et al. (2018) dataset indicated widespread but low expression of Glra3 in vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (Vglut2, Slc17a6) positive and vesicular inhibitory amino acid transporter (Viaat, Slc32a1)positive neurons of the mouse central nervous system. Highest occurrence of Glra3 expression was identified in the cortex, amygdala, and striatal regions, as well as in the hypothalamus, brainstem and spinal cord. Bulk quantitative real-time-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis demonstrated Glra3 expression in cortex, amygdala, striatum, hypothalamus, thalamus, pituitary gland, hippocampus, cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord. Additionally, male mice expressed higher levels of Glra3 in all investigated brain areas compared with female mice. Lastly, RNAscope spatially validated Glra3 expression in the areas indicated by the single-cell and bulk analyses. Moreover, RNAscope analysis confirmed co-localization of Glra3 with Slc17a6 or Slc32a1 in the central nervous system areas suggested from the single-cell data.

Conclusions

Glra3 expression is low but widespread in the mouse central nervous system. Clear sex-dependent differences have been identified, indicating higher levels of Glra3 in several telencephalic and diencephalic areas, as well as in cerebellum and brainstem, in male mice compared with female mice.
Prevalence and determinants of self-reported functional status among older adults residing in the largest refugee camp of the world
Authors: Anwar Afsana , Yadav Uday Narayan , Huda Md. Nazmul , Rifat M. A. , Ali ARM Mehrab , Mondal Probal Kumar , Rizwan Abu Ansar Md. , Shuvo Suvasish Das , Mistry Sabuj Kanti
Published: June 2023

Background

The older adults of refugee camps might be vulnerable to exhibiting limited functional abilities because of the limited resources available to create a supportive environment for older population in the camps. This study aims to explore the prevalence and determinants of self-reported functional status among the older adults residing in the Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 864 older adults aged 60 years and above living in five selected sub-camps of Rohingya refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews of the participants between November-December 2021. Functional status was measured using the Barthel Index. Information on participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported chronic diseases and lifestyle characteristics were also collected. A multiple logistic regression model was used to assess the factors associated with self-reported functional abilities among the participants.

Results

The overall percentage of people having limited self-reported functional ability was 26.5% (male: 22.6% and female: 31.5%) with inability most found in grooming (33.2%), bathing (31.8%), stair using (13.2%) and mobility (10.7%). In the final adjusted model, having age of 80 years or more (aOR = 2.01,95% CI: 1.08,3.75), being female (aOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.04,2.0), having low memory or concentration (aOR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.30,2.56), loneliness (aOR = 2.89, 95% CI:1.74,4.80) and living with aid alone (aOR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.74,4.80) were found to be associated with self-reported limited functional ability.

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight the need for attention from policymakers and public health practitioners on addressing functional limitations among older adults residing in the Rohingya refugee camp. Our findings emphasize the need for the development of comprehensive interventions that can address the wider unmet needs (e.g., ensuring family/caregiver support, engaging in social and physical activities, providing nutritional support packages, etc.) to improve the health and well-being of older Rohingya adults.
Secondary distribution of HIV self-test kits by HIV index and antenatal care clients: implementation and costing results from the STAR Initiative in South Africa
Authors: Zishiri Vincent , Conserve Donaldson F. , Haile Zelalem T. , Corbett Elizabeth , Hatzold Karin , Meyer-Rath Gesine , Matsimela Katleho , Sande Linda , d’Elbee Marc , Terris-Prestholt Fern , Johnson Cheryl C. , Chidarikire Thato , Venter Francois , Majam Mohammed
Published: June 2023

Background

Partner-delivered HIV self-testing kits has previously been highlighted as a safe, acceptable and effective approach to reach men. However, less is known about its real-world implementation in reaching partners of people living with HIV. We evaluated programmatic implementation of partner-delivered self-testing through antenatal care (ANC) attendees and people newly diagnosed with HIV by assessing use, positivity, linkage and cost per kit distributed.

Methods

Between April 2018 and December 2019, antenatal care (ANC) clinic attendees and people or those newly diagnosed with HIV clients across twelve clinics in three cities in South Africa were given HIVST kits (OraQuick Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test, OraSure Technologies) to distribute to their sexual partners. A follow-up telephonic survey was administered to all prior consenting clients who were successfully reached by telephone to assess primary outcomes. Incremental economic costs of the implementation were estimated from the provider’s perspective.

Results

Fourteen thousand four hundred seventy-three HIVST kits were distributed – 10,319 (71%) to ANC clients for their male partner and 29% to people newly diagnosed with HIV for their partners. Of the 4,235 ANC clients successfully followed-up, 82.1% (3,475) reportedly offered HIVST kits to their male partner with 98.1% (3,409) accepting and 97.6% (3,328) using the kit. Among ANC partners self-testing, 159 (4.8%) reported reactive HIVST results, of which 127 (79.9%) received further testing; 116 (91.3%) were diagnosed with HIV and 114 (98.3%) initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART). Of the 1,649 people newly diagnosed with HIV successfully followed-up; 1,312 (79.6%) reportedly offered HIVST kits to their partners with 95.8% (1,257) of the partners accepting and 95.9% (1,206) reported that their partners used the kit. Among these index partners, 297 (24.6%) reported reactive HIVST results of which 261 (87.9%) received further testing; 260 (99.6%) were diagnosed with HIV and 258 (99.2%) initiated ART. The average cost per HIVST distributed in the three cities was US$7.90, US$11.98, and US$14.81, respectively.

Conclusions

Partner-delivered HIVST in real world implementation was able to affordably reach many male partners of ANC attendees and index partners of people newly diagnosed with HIV in South Africa. Given recent COVID-19 related restrictions, partner-delivered HIVST provides an important strategy to maintain essential testing services.
Accuracy of Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika diagnoses by primary healthcare physicians in Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Authors: Mejía María Fernanda Ávila , Shu Pei-Yun , Ji Dar-Der
Published: June 2023

Background

Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika are co-endemic in Honduras and are often misdiagnosed due to similar clinical and epidemiological behavior. Most arboviral infections reported in primary care are based on clinical diagnoses without laboratory confirmation. Therefore, the accuracy of physicians’ diagnoses and the factors that affect them needs to be evaluated.

Methods

A cross-sectional study with convenience sampling at primary healthcare centers was conducted from June to September 2016 and 2017. Clinical data and dried blood spots on Whatman 903 filter paper from 415 arboviral cases and 248 non-arboviral febrile cases were collected. Viral RNA was extracted from a 6-mm DBS paper disc and confirmed by RT-qPCR and sequencing.

Results

Only 30.84% of diagnostic accuracy was observed in physicians in primary care when comparing arboviral clinical diagnosis with RT-qPCR detection. Moreover, in Dengue and Zika clinical cases, only 8.23% and 27.08% were RT-qPCR confirmed, respectively. No Chikungunya cases were confirmed. In 2017, 20.96% of febrile cases were RT-qPCR confirmed arboviral infections. The symptoms of 45.5% of arboviral cases can fit more than one case definition for arboviruses. The “symptom compliance” and “patient with suspected close contact” were the criteria most utilized by physicians for arboviral diagnosis. The pattern of the epidemiological curves of the arboviral clinical cases didn’t match the one of the RT-qPCR confirmed cases.

Conclusions

Low diagnostic accuracy for overall and individual arboviral infections was observed in physicians. Unspecific symptomatology, overlapping case definitions, and reported close contact to an arboviral patient might contribute to misdiagnosis. Without laboratory confirmation, surveillance data may not reflect the real behavior of these diseases and could impact health interventions.
Diagnostic efficacy of cone-beam computed tomography for detection of vertical root fractures in endodontically treated teeth: a systematic review
Authors: Habibzadeh Sareh , Ghoncheh Zahra , Kabiri Pedram , Mosaddad Seyed Ali
Published: June 2023

Background

Vertical root fractures (VRFs) sometimes occur in endodontically treated teeth. They have a difficult diagnosis and a dismal result. The objective of this review was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for detecting VRFs in teeth that had undergone endodontic treatment.

Methods

Literature was reviewed from Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Review, SCOPUS, and Embase databases between 2000 and 2022. The searched keywords included "endodontically treated teeth," "cone-beam computed tomography," "CBCT," "tooth fracture," "vertical root fracture," "VRF," "accuracy," "sensitivity," and "specificity." Only articles in the English language were included. The final analysis included 20 papers that satisfied the eligibility requirements.

Results

The overall mean ± SD values (%) for the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of CBCT for detection of VRFs in endodontically treated teeth in the presence of root-filling materials without an intracanal post were 71.50 ± 22.19 and 75.64 ± 19.41, respectively. The overall mean (SD) value (%) for the sensitivity of CBCT for the detection of VRFs in the presence of root-filling materials and intracanal posts was 72.76 (18.73), while the mean (SD) specificity was 75.44 (18.26). The accuracy of CBCT (mean ± SD) was 78.47 ± 17.19% and 74.02 ± 10.64%, respectively, for teeth without intracanal posts and those with posts.

Conclusions

Further clinical research is needed to validate the optimum efficiency of CBCT as a diagnostic technique for detecting VRFs in teeth that have had endodontic treatment, given the low sensitivity, significant heterogeneity of studies, and lack of in-vivo studies on the subject.
Parkinsonism in spinocerebellar ataxia with axonal neuropathy caused by adult-onset COA7 variants: a case report
Authors: Ouchi Shogo , Ishii Kazuhiro , Kosaki Kenjiro , Suzuki Hisato , Yamada Mamiko , Takenouchi Toshiki , Tamaoka Akira
Published: June 2023

Background

Individuals with variants of cytochrome c oxidase assembly factor 7 (COA7), a mitochondrial functional-related gene, exhibit symptoms of spinocerebellar ataxia with axonal neuropathy before the age of 20. However, COA7 variants with parkinsonism or adult-onset type cases have not been described.

Case presentation

We report the case of a patient who developed cerebellar symptoms and slowly progressive sensory and motor neuropathy in the extremities, similar to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, at age 30, followed by parkinsonism at age 58. Exome analysis revealed COA7 missense mutation in homozygotes (NM_023077.2:c.17A > G, NP_075565.2: p.Asp6Gly). Dopamine transporter single-photon emission computed tomography using a 123I-Ioflupane revealed clear hypo-accumulation in the bilateral striatum. However, 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine myocardial scintigraphy showed normal sympathetic nerve function. Levodopa administration improved parkinsonism in this patient.

Conclusions

COA7 gene variants may have caused parkinsonism in this case because mitochondrial function-related genes, such as parkin and PINK1, are known causative genes in some familial Parkinson’s diseases.
Effect of infrared belt and hot water bag on labor pain intensity among primiparous: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dastjerd Fatemeh , Erfanian Arghavanian Fatemeh , Sazegarnia Ameneh , Akhlaghi Farideh , Esmaily Habibollah , Kordi Masoumeh
Published: June 2023

Background

Labor pain is complex, paradoxical and varied in every parturient woman. Management of labor pain has been a crucial component in maternity care. Heat therapy is one of the proposed method for labor pain relief. Infrared is one of the methods of heat therapy but there is any study in this regard. This study aimed to compare the effect of the infrared belt and hot water bag on the severity of pain in the first stage of labor among primiparous women.

Methods

In this clinical trial in the first stage of labor, 20-min cycles of heat therapy were conducted at the dilations of 4–5 and 6–7 cm in the intervention group 1 by an infrared belt and in the intervention group 2 by hot water bag, respectively. The control group received routine care. The severity of the pain was measured by the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire.

Results

In total, 136 women consented to participate in this clinical trial study. The mean score of pain intensity was significantly lower in the two intervention groups compared to the control group (P < 0.001). The mean pain intensity was significantly lower in the infrared belt group than in the hot water bag group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Based on these findings, heat therapy with an infrared belt reduced the severity of pain in the first stage of labor. The infrared belt could be used and recommended as a safe and effective pain relief in childbirth and maternity care.

Trial registration

This study was registered in the Iran Clinical Trial Center with the code of IRCT20190805044446N1.
Effect of placenta location detected by ultrasound on the severity of placenta accreta spectrum in patients with placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum
Authors: Liu Hong , Zhang Baolian , Wang Wenli , Li Haiyan , Huang Xianghua , Wang Jia , Han Jing , Zhu He
Published: June 2023

Background

To evaluate the effect of placental location on the severity of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).

Methods

We analyzed 390 patients with placenta previa combined with placenta accreta spectrum who underwent cesarean section between January 1, 2014 and December 30, 2020 in the electronic case database of the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University. According to the position of the placenta, 390 placentas were divided into the posterior group (n = 89), the anterior group (n = 60) and the non-central group (n = 241).

Results

The history of cesarean delivery rates in the anterior group (91.67%) and the non-central group (85.71%) were statistically different from the posterior group (63.74%)(P < 0.001). Univariate logistic regression results showed that employment, urban living, gestational age, complete placenta previa, fetal presentation shoulder, gravidity, cesarean section and vaginal delivery were all predictors for the severity of placenta accreta (P < 0.05). The anterior group (P = 0.001, OR = 4.13, 95%CI: 1.84–9.24) and the non-central group (P = 0.001, OR = 2.90, 95%CI: 1.55–5.45) had a higher incidence of invasive accreta placentation than the posterior group, and were independent risk factors for invasive accreta placentation.

Conclusion

Compared with posterior placenta, anterior and non-central placenta are independent risk factors for invasive PAS in patients with placenta previa, during which we should be more cautious in treatment.
CYP2E1 C-1054T and 96-bp I/D genetic variations and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in chinese women: a case-control study
Authors: Pu Yifu , Liu Qingqing , Hu Kaifeng , Liu Xinghui , Bai Huai , Wu Yujie , Zhou Mi , Fan Ping
Published: June 2023

Background

Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) plays a key role in the metabolism of xenobiotic and endogenous low-molecular-weight compounds. This study aimed to determine if the genetic variations of 96-bp insertion/deletion (I/D) and C-1054T (rs2031920) in CYP2E1 were associated with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

CYP2E1 polymorphisms were genotyped in a case-control study of 1,134 women with uncomplicated pregnancies and 723 women with GDM. The effects of genotype on the clinical, metabolic, and oxidative stress indices were assessed.

Results

The CYP2E1 C-1054T variant was associated with an increased risk of GDM based on the genotype, recessive, dominant, and allele genetic models (P < 0.05). The TT + CT genotype remained a significant predictive factor for GDM risk after correcting for maternal age and pre-pregnancy body mass index (OR = 1.277, 95% CI: 1.042–1.563, P = 0.018). Moreover, fasting insulin concentrations and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance were significantly higher in GDM patients carrying the T allele than in those with the CC genotype (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the combined genotype II + ID/TT + CT of the 96-bp I/D and C-1054T polymorphisms further increased the risk of GDM when the combined genotype DD/CC was set as the reference category (OR = 1.676, 95% CI: 1.182–2.376, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

The T allele of the C-1054T polymorphism and its combination with the I allele of the 96-bp I/D variation in CYP2E1 are associated with an increased risk of GDM in the Chinese population. The − 1054T allele may be associated with more serious insulin resistance in patients.
Treatment of supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma with advanced technologies: observational prospective evaluation of oncological outcomes, functional outcomes, quality of life and cost-effectiveness (SUPRA-QoL)
Authors: Hassid S. , Krug B. , Deheneffe S. , Daisne J-F. , Delahaut G. , Lawson G. , Crott R. , Van der Vorst S.
Published: June 2023

Background

Over the past decade, therapeutic options in head and neck supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma have constantly evolved. The classical total laryngectomy has been partially replaced by alternative organ- and function-sparing techniques with the same prognosis but less morbidity, such as Radiotherapy, Transoral Laser Microsurgery (TLM) and Trans-Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS). Up to now, a prospective comparison of these innovant techniques has not been conducted.

Methods/design

We will conduct an original international multicentric prospective nonrandomized clinical trial to compare the efficacy between these treatments (Arm 1: Radiotherapy ± chemotherapy; Arm 2: TLM and Arm 3: TORS) with 4 classes of outcomes: quality of life (QoL), oncological outcomes, functional outcomes and economic resources. The population will include cT1-T2 /cN0-N1/M0 supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma. The primary outcome is a Clinical Dysphagia QoL evaluation assessed by the MD Anderson Dysphagia questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include others QoL evaluation, oncological and functional measures and cost parameters. The sample size needs to reach 36 patients per arm (total 108).

Discussion

In the current literature, no prospective head-to-head trials are available to compare objectively these different treatments. With the increase of highly efficient treatments and the increase of oncological survival, it is imperative also to develop management strategies that optimize QoL and functional results. We will conduct this innovate prospective trial in order to obtain objective data in these two main issues.

Trial registration

NCT05611515 posted on 10/11/2022 (clinicaltrial.fgov).
Association of cardiovascular health score trajectory and risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease in non-diabetic population: a cohort study
Authors: Zhou Hui , Ding Xiong , Wu Shouling , Yan Jin , Cao Jianyun
Published: June 2023

Background

Diabetes is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but in the non-diabetic population, high glucose values within the normal range are also positively associated with CVD risk. There is a lack of concern for people without diabetes and evidence is lacking regarding the association between changes in cardiovascular health score (CVHS) and CVD risk in the non-diabetic population.

Methods

The current study included 37,970 non-diabetic participants free of CVD events in or before 2010 from the Kailuan Study and calculated CVHS according to the overall status of 7 cardiovascular health metrics between the 2006 and 2010 waves. Latent mixture models were used to explore the subgroups with different development trends included in the context of the Kailuan non-diabetic population and to identify the trajectory of each subgroup. The outcomes of the current study were CVD events, including myocardial infarction and stroke. CVHS trajectory was developed to predict subsequent CVD risk from 2010 to 2020. The Cox proportional hazard model was established to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of CVD across different trajectory patterns.

Results

Five distinct CVHS trajectory patterns were identified, including low-stable pattern (n = 2835), moderate-increasing pattern (n = 3492), moderate-decreasing pattern (n = 7526), high-stable I pattern (n = 17,135), and high-stable II pattern (n = 6982). Compared with the low-stable pattern, participants with the high-stable II pattern had a lower subsequent risk of CVD (HR = 0.22, 95%CI = 0.18–0.28); In stratification analysis, the lower risk for CVD was observed in females (HR = 0.10, 95%CI = 0.05–0.23, P for interaction < 0.05) and those aged < 60 years (HR = 0.16, 95%CI = 0.11 to 0.22, P for interaction < 0.05).

Conclusions

CVHS trajectory patterns were associated with an altered CVD risk in the non-diabetic population. When stratified by age and sex, the association was stronger in young adults and females.
Study on the prediction model of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the rural Xinjiang population based on survival analysis
Authors: Qian Xin , Keerman Mulatibieke , Zhang Xianghui , Guo Heng , He Jia , Maimaitijiang Remina , Wang Xinping , Ma Jiaolong , Li Yu , Ma Rulin , Guo Shuxia
Published: June 2023

Purpose

With the increase in aging and cardiovascular risk factors, the morbidity and mortality of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), represented by ischemic heart disease and stroke, continue to rise in China. For better prevention and intervention, relevant guidelines recommend using predictive models for early detection of ASCVD high-risk groups. Therefore, this study aims to establish a population ASCVD prediction model in rural areas of Xinjiang using survival analysis.

Methods

Baseline cohort data were collected from September to December 2016 and followed up till June 2022. A total of 7975 residents (4054 males and 3920 females) aged 30–74 years were included in the analysis. The data set was divided according to different genders, and the training and test sets ratio was 7:3 for different genders. A Cox regression, Lasso-Cox regression, and random survival forest (RSF) model were established in the training set. The model parameters were determined by cross-validation and parameter tuning and then verified in the training set. Traditional ASCVD prediction models (Framingham and China-PAR models) were constructed in the test set. Different models' discrimination and calibration degrees were compared to find the optimal prediction model for this population according to different genders and further analyze the risk factors of ASCVD.

Results

After 5.79 years of follow-up, 873 ASCVD events with a cumulative incidence of 10.19% were found (7.57% in men and 14.44% in women). By comparing the discrimination and calibration degrees of each model, the RSF showed the best prediction performance in males and females (male: Area Under Curve (AUC) 0.791 (95%CI 0.767,0.813), C statistic 0.780 (95%CI 0.730,0.829), Brier Score (BS):0.060, female: AUC 0.759 (95%CI 0.734,0.783) C statistic was 0.737 (95%CI 0.702,0.771), BS:0.110). Age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), apolipoprotein B (APOB), Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI), hip circumference (HC), and plasma arteriosclerosis index (AIP) are important predictors of ASCVD in the rural population of Xinjiang.

Conclusion

The performance of the ASCVD prediction model based on the RSF algorithm is better than that based on Cox regression, Lasso-Cox, and the traditional ASCVD prediction model in the rural population of Xinjiang.
Community based multi-disease health screening as an opportunity for early detection of HIV cases and linking them to care
Authors: Abana Christopher Z-Y. , Kushitor Dennis K. , Asigbee Theodore W. , Parbie Prince K. , Ishikawa Koichi , Kiyono Hiroshi , Mizutani Taketoshi , Siaw Samuel , Ofori Sampson B. , Addo-Tetebo Gifty , Ansong Maclean R. D. , Williams Marion , Morton Samuel , Danquah George , Matano Tetsuro , Ampofo William K. , Bonney Evelyn Y.
Published: June 2023

Background

The 95-95-95 UNAIDS global strategy was adapted to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. The target is based on the premise that early detection of HIV-infected persons and linking them to treatment regardless of their CD4 counts will lead to sustained viral suppression. HIV testing strategies to increase uptake of testing in Western and Central Africa remain inadequate. Hence, a high proportion of people living with HIV in this region do not know their status. This report describes the implementation of a community based multi-disease health screening (also known as “Know Your Status” -KYS), as part of basic science research, in a way that contributed to achieving public health goals.

Methods

A community based multi-disease health screening was conducted in 7 communities within the Eastern region of Ghana between November 2017 and April 2018, to recruit and match HIV seronegative persons to HIV seropositive persons in a case-control HIV gut microbiota study. Health assessments included blood pressure, body mass index, blood sugar, Hepatitis B virus, syphilis, and HIV testing for those who consented. HIV seronegative participants who consented were consecutively enrolled in an ongoing HIV gut microbiota case-control study. Descriptive statistics (percentages) were used to analyze data.

Results

Out of 738 people screened during the exercise, 700 consented to HIV testing and 23 (3%) were HIV positive. Hepatitis B virus infection was detected in 4% (33/738) and Syphilis in 2% (17/738). Co-infection of HIV and HBV was detected in 4 persons. The HIV prevalence of 3% found in these communities is higher than both the national prevalence of 1.7% and the Eastern Regional prevalence of 2.7 in 2018.

Conclusion

Community based multi-disease health screening, such as the one undertaken in our study could be critical for identifying HIV infected persons from the community and linking them to care. In the case of HIV, it will greatly contribute to achieving the first two 95s and working towards ending AIDS by 2030.
Associations between depression, fear of COVID-19 infection and students’ self-care measures used during the first wave of the pandemic
Authors: Ellakany Passent , Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin , El Tantawi Maha , Abeldaño Zuñiga Roberto Ariel , Aly Nourhan M. , Ara Eshrat , Gaffar Balgis , Ishabiyi Anthonia Omotola , Quadri Mir Faeq Ali , Khan Abeedah Tu-Allah , Khalid Zumama , Lawal Folake Barakat , Popoola Bamidele Olubukola , Lusher Joanne , Yousaf Muhammad Abrar , Virtanen Jorma I. , Nguyen Annie Lu ,   Mental Health and Wellness study group
Published: June 2023

Background

COVID-19 lockdown resulted in the closure of schools with associated problems. The aim of this study was to determine the associations between depression, fear of contracting COVID-19 infection and the use of self-care measures by college students during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study that collected data from undergraduate and postgraduate college students 18 years and older from 152 countries between June and December 2020. Study participants were recruited through crowdsourcing using various social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, WhatsApp groups and emails to participants in the collaborators’ networks. The dependent variables were fear of contracting COVID-19 and depression while the independent variable was students’ self-care measures. Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to assess the associations between the dependent and independent variables.

Results

Of the 2840 respondents, 1305 (46.0%) had fears of contracting COVID-19 and 599 (21.1%) reported depression. The most common self-care measures were phone calls with friends/family (60.1%) and video chat (52.8%). Learning a new skill was significantly associated with higher odds of fear of contracting COVID-19 (AOR = 1.669) and lower odds of having depression (AOR = 0.684). Talking to friends/family through video chat (AOR = 0.809) was significantly associated with lower odds of feeling depressed while spending time with pets (AOR = 1.470) and taking breaks from the news/social media (AOR = 1.242) were significantly associated with higher odds of feeling depressed. Students from lower middle-income countries (AOR = 0.330) had significantly lower odds of feeling depressed than students from low-income countries.

Conclusion

Self-care strategies involving social interactions were associated with less depression. Coping strategies with more cognitive demands may significantly reduce the risk of fear of COVID-19. Special attention needs to be given to students in low-income countries who have higher odds of depression during the pandemic than students from other countries.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the attitude towards childbearing of married aged 20–30 Turkish women who are not yet mothers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dundar Cihad , Elverdi Tugce Kaya
Published: June 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only changed physical health and the economy, but also changed plans for the future with its impact on social status and mental health. Changes in fertility preferences in many countries are also part of this influence. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on attitude toward the childbearing in women.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on married aged 20–30 Turkish women who are not yet mothers, between January and June 2022, using Google forms. The questionnaire consisted of the sociodemographic data form, The Attitude towards Fertility and Childbearing Scale, and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. In addition, women were asked about their exposure to COVID-19 and the severity of their illness.

Results

Only one-third of participants said they would like to have children in the next year; 61.2% would consider them later, while 4.5% did not. Common reasons for not intending to have children were “it is early to become a mother (34%)”, “economic difficulties (25.3%)”, and “career plans (16%)”. The fear of COVID-19 scale score, with an arithmetic mean of 16.8 ± 5.5, was found to be significantly lower in women who did not want to have children in the next year than in women who wanted to have children (p = 0.042). Except for the profession, there was no significant difference between the COVID-19 fear scores by the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics.

Conclusions

Among the married aged 20–30 Turkish women who are not yet mothers, the rate of those who intend to childbearing was found still low. The main reason for women who did not want to have children in the next year was that they thought it was too early to have a child. Besides low fear of COVID-19 scale scores; economic concerns and career plans, which came in second and third place in the reason list, showed that the fear of infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic did not affect the women’s attitudes toward fertility.
Quantification of pharyngeal airway space changes after two-jaw orthognathic surgery in skeletal class III patients
Authors: Zhang Ziqi , Wang Shuze , Li Jing , Yang Zhijie , Zhang Xia , Bai Xiaofeng
Published: June 2023

Background

Skeletal class III malocclusion is a common dentofacial deformity. Orthognathic treatment changes the position of the jaws and affects the shape of the upper airway to some extent. The aim of this study was to use multislice spiral computer tomography data and orthognathic knowledge to quantify the relationship between the amount of surgical movement of the maxilla or mandible in all three spatial planes and the changes in airway volume that occurred.

Methods

A retrospective study of 50 patients was conducted. Preoperative and postoperative linear changes related to skeletal movements of the maxilla and mandible were measured and compared to changes in the most constricted axial level (MCA) and its anteroposterior (MCA-AP) and transverse diameters (MCA-TV). Correlation tests and linear regression analysis were performed.

Results

Significant interactions were observed between the anterior vertical movement of the maxilla and the MCA-AP. The anteroposterior movement distance of the mandible was significantly correlated with changes in the oropharyngeal, velopharyngeal, total airway volume, MCA, MCA-AP, and MCA-TV. The change in the mandibular plane angle was significantly correlated with the change in velopharyngeal volume, total airway volume (nasopharynx, oropharynx, velopharynx), and MCA.

The linear regression model showed that oropharyngeal volume decreased by 350.04 mm3, velopharyngeal volume decreased by 311.50 mm3, total airway volume decreased by 790.46 mm3, MCA decreased by 10.96 mm2 and MCA-AP decreased by 0.73 mm2 when point B was setback by 1 mm.

Conclusions

Anteroposterior mandibular control is the key to successful airway management in all patients. This study provides estimates of volume change per millimeter of setback to guide surgeons in treatment planning.
GPR43 stimulation on TCRαβ+ intraepithelial colonic lymphocytes inhibits the recruitment of encephalitogenic T-cells into the central nervous system and attenuates the development of autoimmunity
Authors: Prado Carolina , Espinoza Alexandra , Martínez-Hernández J. Eduardo , Petrosino Joseph , Riquelme Erick , Martin Alberto J. M. , Pacheco Rodrigo
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Gut microbiota plays a critical role in the regulation of immune homeostasis. Accordingly, several autoimmune disorders have been associated with dysbiosis in the gut microbiota. Notably, the dysbiosis associated with central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity involves a substantial reduction of bacteria belonging to Clostridia clusters IV and XIVa, which constitute major producers of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Here we addressed the role of the surface receptor-mediated effects of SCFAs on mucosal T-cells in the development of CNS autoimmunity.

Methods

To induce CNS autoimmunity, we used the mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by immunization with the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-derived peptide (MOG35-55 peptide). To address the effects of GPR43 stimulation on colonic TCRαβ+ T-cells upon CNS autoimmunity, mucosal lymphocytes were isolated and stimulated with a selective GPR43 agonist ex vivo and then transferred into congenic mice undergoing EAE. Several subsets of lymphocytes infiltrating the CNS or those present in the gut epithelium and gut lamina propria were analysed by flow cytometry. In vitro migration assays were conducted with mucosal T-cells using transwells.

Results

Our results show a sharp and selective reduction of intestinal propionate at the peak of EAE development, accompanied by increased IFN-γ and decreased IL-22 in the colonic mucosa. Further analyses indicated that GPR43 was the primary SCFAs receptor expressed on T-cells, which was downregulated on colonic TCRαβ+ T-cells upon CNS autoimmunity. The pharmacologic stimulation of GPR43 increased the anti-inflammatory function and reduced the pro-inflammatory features in several TCRαβ+ T-cell subsets in the colonic mucosa upon EAE development. Furthermore, GPR43 stimulation induced the arrest of CNS-autoreactive T-cells in the colonic lamina propria, thus avoiding their infiltration into the CNS and dampening the disease development. Mechanistic analyses revealed that GPR43-stimulation on mucosal TCRαβ+ T-cells inhibits their CXCR3-mediated migration towards CXCL11, which is released from the CNS upon neuroinflammation.

Conclusions

These findings provide a novel mechanism involved in the gut-brain axis by which bacterial-derived products secreted in the gut mucosa might control the CNS tropism of autoreactive T-cells. Moreover, this study shows GPR43 expressed on T-cells as a promising therapeutic target for CNS autoimmunity.
MicroRNA-345-3p is a potential biomarker and ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by reducing the release of proinflammatory cytokines
Authors: Ma Jun , Zhao Wei , Pei Xue , Li XinZhi , Zhao Wei
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The study was to explore the influence of microRNA (miR)-345-3p on proinflammatory cytokines in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

A total of 32 RA patients and 32 healthy patients were enrolled. Proinflammatory factors in patients’ serum were detected by ELISA, and miR-345-3p was detected by RT-qPCR. The correlation between miR-345-3p expression and proinflammatory factors in RA patients was analyzed. The diagnostic value of miR-345-3p and proinflammatory factors in RA patients was analyzed by receiver operating curve diagnosis. The predictive value of miR-345-3p levels and proinflammatory factors in RA patients was analyzed by multivariate Cox regression. HFLS-RA and HFLS cells were cultured, in which miR-345-3p and proinflammatory cytokines were detected by RT-qPCR. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined by CCK-8 and flow cytometry, respectively.

Results

MiR-345-3p was lowly expressed in the serum of RA patients. MiR-345-3p and proinflammatory factors were of diagnostic and predictive values in RA. Elevated miR-345-3p restrained the production of proinflammatory factors of HFLS-RA cells, improved cell proliferation, and reduced apoptosis.

Conclusion

MiR-345-3p is a potential biomarker and ameliorates RA by reducing the release of proinflammatory cytokines.