bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TLR4 Gene Polymorphisms Interaction With Ascaris Infection in Severe RSV Bronchiolitis
Authors: Buendía Jefferson Antonio , Lindarte Erika Fernanda , Polack Fernando P. 
Published: April 2022

IntroductionThe identification of gene-environment interactions allows the recognition of groups with higher risk of morbidity. This study evaluated the interaction between the presence of TLR4 gene polymorphisms and Ascaris infection with severe bronchiolitis in a tropical Colombian region.MethodsWe included all infants younger than 24 months hospitalized due to bronchiolitis in Hospital centers in the county of Rionegro, Colombia. To identify interaction between severe bronchiolitis and presence of TLR4 polymorphisms and Ascaris infection, we used log-binomial regression.ResultsFour hundred and seventeen infants were hospitalized due to bronchiolitis, of which 115 (27%) had severe bronchiolitis. In infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) acute infection and positive anti-Ascaris IgE, TLR4 Asp299Gly was associated to low risk of severe bronchiolitis (OR 0.09, CI 95% 0.01–0.48). Conversely, in infants RSV negative with negative anti-Ascaris IgE, TLR4 Asp299Gly was associated with an increased risk of severe bronchiolitis (OR 14.5, CI 95% 2.2–96).ConclusionIn our population there is an interaction between the presence of severe bronchiolitis, TLR4 Asp299Gly and Ile399Thr polymorphisms, anti-Ascaris IgE levels and RSV. This association should be evaluated in other populations to elucidate its role in the pathogenesis of severe bronchiolitis.
Methods to Assess Adult and Adolescent Patients’ Adherence to Antimalarial Treatment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Santos Heloísa Ferreira Pinto , Guaraldo Lusiele , Pedro Renata Saraiva , Damasceno Luana Santana , Daniel-Ribeiro Cláudio Tadeu , Brasil Patrícia 
Published: April 2022

Malaria is a curable disease for which early diagnosis and treatment, together with the elimination of vectors, are the principal control tools. Non-adherence to antimalarial treatment may contribute to therapeutic failure, development of antimalarial resistance, introduction or resurgence of malaria in non-endemic areas, and increased healthcare costs. The literature describes several methods to directly or indirectly assess adherence to treatment, but no gold standard exists. The main purpose of this review is to systematize the methods used to assess patient adherence to antimalarial treatment. A systematic review was performed, in accordance with the PRISMA statement, of the following databases: LILACS, EMBASE, PUBMED, COCHRANE, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, WEB OF SCIENCE, SCOPUS, and OPENGREY, through 14 December 2021. A snowball search was also performed by screening the references of the included studies as well as those cited in relevant reviews. Inclusion criteria were reporting assessment of the patient’s adherence to antimalarials in individuals with laboratory diagnosis of malaria, the description of antimalarials prescribed, and adherence estimates. Exclusion criteria were studies exclusively about directly observed therapy, studies of populations ≤12 yo and guidelines, commentaries, reviews, letters, or editorials. Study quality was assessed using MINORS and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Proportions were calculated to measure frequencies considering the number of articles as the denominator. Twenty-one studies were included in this review. Most of them (76.5%) assessed adherence to falciparum malaria treatment. Seventeen studies (80.9%) used a combination of methods. The methods described were pill counts, self-reports, biological assays, use of electronic pillboxes, and clinical cure. It was possible to identify different adherence classifications for all the methods used. Our review found that indirect methods like pill counts and self-reports are the most commonly used. Combining an method that gives solid proof of the ingestion of medication and a method that completes the research with information regarding factors, beliefs or barrier of adherence seems to be the best approach. Future studies of antimalarial treatment should standardize adherence classifications, and collect data on the types and causes of nonadherence, which can contribute to the development of tools to promote medication adherence.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020148054, identifier CRD42020148054
Tissue Flossing Around the Thigh Does Not Provide Acute Enhancement of Neuromuscular Function
Authors: Paravlic Armin H. , Segula Jure , Drole Kristina , Hadzic Vedran , Pajek Maja , Vodicar Janez 
Published: April 2022

Nowadays, various methods are used for acute performance enhancement. The most recent of these is tissue flossing, which is becoming increasingly popular for both performance enhancement and rehabilitation. However, the effects of flossing on athletic performance have not been clearly demonstrated, which could be due to differences in the methodology used. In particular, the rest periods between the end of the preconditioning activity and the performance of the criterion task or assessment tools varied considerably in the published literature. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of applying tissue flossing to the thigh on bilateral countermovement jump performance and contractile properties of vastus lateralis (VL) muscle. Nineteen recreational athletes (11 males; aged 23.1 ± 2.7 years) were randomly assigned to days of flossing application (3 sets for 2 min of flossing with 2 min rest between sets) with preset experimental pressure (EXP = 95 ± 17.4 mmHg) or control condition (CON = 18.9 ± 3.5 mmHg). The first part of the measurements was performed before and after warm-up consisting of 5 min of cycling followed by dynamic stretching and specific jumping exercises, while the second part consisted of six measurement points after flossing application (0.5, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 min). The warm-up improved muscle response time (VL = -5%), contraction time (VL = -3.6%) muscle stiffness (VL = 17.5%), contraction velocity (VL = 23.5%), jump height (13.9%) and average power (10.5%). On the contrary, sustain time, half-relaxation time and take-off velocity stayed unaltered. Flossing, however, showed negative effects for muscle response time (F = 18.547, p &lt; 0.001), contraction time (F = 14.899, p &lt; 0.001), muscle stiffness (F = 8.365, p &lt; 0.001), contraction velocity (F = 11.180, p &lt; 0.001), jump height (F = 14.888, p &lt; 0.001) and average power (F = 13.488, p &lt; 0.001), whereas sustain time, half-relaxation time and take-off velocity were unaffected until the end of the study protocol regardless of condition assigned and/or time points of the assessment. It was found that the warm-up routine potentiated neuromuscular function, whereas the flossing protocol used in the current study resulted in fatigue rather than potentiation. Therefore, future studies aimed to investigate the dose-response relationship of different configurations of preconditioning activities on neuromuscular function are warranted.
Insulin Therapy is Associated With Increased Myocardial Interstitial Fibrosis and Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis in a Rodent Model of Experimental Diabetes
Authors: Adel Fadi W. , Zheng Ye , Wan Siu-Hin , Greason Christie , Pan Shuchong , Ameenuddin Syed , Chen Horng H. 
Published: April 2022

The incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is rising. DM is a risk factor for developing left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Insulin, commonly used to treat DM, is associated with further worsening of such outcomes. Yet, the pathophysiology of the adverse properties of insulin on the heart remains poorly defined. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the biological effects of insulin on the heart in DM, which we tested in vivo in a diabetic rat model and in vitro on human cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts. Male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: controls (n = 17), untreated diabetics (UDM, n = 15), and insulin-treated diabetics (IDM, n = 9). Diabetes was induced with Streptozotocin. Insulin pumps in IDM and saline pumps in UDM and controls were implanted for 4 weeks before tissue collection. Separately, cultures of human cardiomyocytes (AC16) and human cardiac fibroblasts (HCF) were treated with insulin to assess apoptosis and fibrosis, respectively. In rats, insulin partially rescued the DM-associated weight loss while fully restoring euglycemia. However, IDM had 2 × the rate of LV fibrosis (p &lt; 0.0001) compared to UDM, and triple the rate of cardiomyocyte apoptosis compared to controls (p &lt; 0.05). Similarly, in vitro, insulin triggered apoptosis in a dose-dependent fashion in AC16 cells, and it increased fibrosis and upregulated SMAD2 in HCF to levels comparable to Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1. Therefore, we conclude that insulin therapy is associated with increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis and myocardial interstitial fibrosis. Longer studies are needed to explore the long-term effects of insulin on cardiac structure and function.
Short Term Effects of Inner Engineering Completion Online Program on Stress and Well-Being Measures
Authors: Upadhyay Preeti , Joshi Akshaj , Mishra Isha , Kelly Lauren , Novack Lena , Hariri Sepideh , Kveraga Kestutis , Subramaniam Balachundhar 
Published: April 2022

IntroductionThe Covid-19 pandemic has been a major disruptor of routine life, resulting in increased stress and predisposing people to negative outcomes, such as insomnia, anxiety and hopelessness. Mind-body interventions have improved concentration, emotional balance, and positive emotions, with an enhanced sense of productivity, and self-confidence. We therefore hypothesized that exposure to an online mind-body intervention, “Inner Engineering Completion Online (IECO),” would reduce stress and promote well-being.MethodsThis prospective cohort study enrolled participants registered for the IECO courses, which for the first time were delivered remotely, online. Participants learned a 21-min meditation practice called Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya during the course, which incorporates controlled breathing and mediation techniques. Each enrolled participant was asked to complete self-reported electronic surveys at three key time points: at the time of consent, immediately after completing IECO, and 6 weeks after IECO completion. Effects of IECO practice were assessed using four well-validated neuropsychological scales: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Positive Emotion/Relationship/Engagement Scale (PERMA) Profiler, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). A Signed Rank test was used to analyze the survey data and P-values of &lt; 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsOf the 375 participants interested in participation, 164 participants were eligible. Sixty-eight participants completed surveys at all time points and were identified as compliant participants. The baseline median score for PSS in compliant participants (n = 95) was 13.5 (IQR 9, 18); immediate post-IECO median PSS score was 12 (IQR 8, 16) demonstrating a 1.5 unit decrease in PSS scores (p-value = 0.0023). Similarly, comparing PSS scores in compliant participants (n = 68) for immediate Post IECO [11.5 (IQR 8, 15.5)] to PSS scores at six weeks [8 (IQR 4.5, 12.5)] showed a statistically significant 3.5-unit decrease, indicating a reduction in stress upon routine practice of the intervention (p &lt; 0.0001).ConclusionIncorporating the remotely delivered mind-body intervention Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya into daily life via the IECO program over as few as 6 weeks produced a significant stress reduction, improvement in sleep quality and mindfulness.Clinical Trial Registration[ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT04189146].
Maladaptive Daydreaming: Epidemiological Data on a Newly Identified Syndrome
Authors: Soffer-Dudek Nirit , Theodor-Katz Nitzan 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundMaladaptive Daydreaming (MD) is a recently identified psychological disorder, characterized by excessively and addictively engaging in vivid, narrative, intensely emotional fantasy activity, at times with the aid of music and/or repetitive movements, causing distress and functional impairment. Over 100,000 self-diagnosed individuals are active online and thousands of them have been researched; yet there are no studies using clinical interviews on large, systematic general (non-MD) samples, to assess the estimated prevalence of this suggested disorder, and establish norms for its main psychometric tool.MethodsFour independent Israeli samples (three student samples, and one sample representing the general Jewish-Israeli population; total N = 1,023) self-reported MD. In two samples, those exceeding the cutoff score for suspected MD were invited for a structured clinical interview.ResultsThe skewness of most items of the 16-item Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (MDS-16) supports the notion of MD as a binary construct rather than a normally distributed trait. In the community sample, 4.2% exceeded the cutoff for suspected MD. Rates were higher when focusing on the young adult age group or student samples (5.5–8.5%), suggesting a likely age effect. Following clinical interviews, only 60% of interviewed respondents met criteria for diagnosis, suggesting a true point-prevalence of 2.5% in the Israeli-Jewish population.ConclusionsThis is the first systematic clinical evaluation of the prevalence of MD. In an Israeli sample, a point-prevalence of 2.5% was found, like several other internalizing psychiatric syndromes. This result, along with the Non-normal nature of item distribution, both support the validity of MD as a psychological disorder, which should be considered as a potential addition to future psychiatric diagnostic manuals.
Trends in HIV Prevalence and HIV-Related Risk Behaviors Among Male Students Who Have Sex With Men From 2016 to 2020 in Nanjing, China: Consecutive Cross-Sectional Surveys
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Wu Sushu , Fu Xuezhen , Ding Jie , Xu Wenjiong , Li Xin , Shi Hongjie , Qiao Mengkai , Zhu Zhengping 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundThe growing HIV epidemic among student men who have sex with men (MSM) necessitates immediate attention from public health. In China, male students who have sex with men (SMSM) were also at an increasing risk of HIV transmission. The aim of this study was to investigate the trends in HIV prevalence, HIV-related risk behaviors, and HIV testing, as well as analyze the factors associated with HIV infection among SMSM in Nanjing.MethodsData were collected through face-to-face questionnaire interviews and laboratory testing in Nanjing. The participants were recruited among SMSM by snowball sampling and internet-recruited convenience sampling annually from 2016 to 2020. The self-report data primarily included demographics, HIV knowledge, HIV-related behaviors, and HIV testing, while the laboratory test results of HIV and syphilis were collected. Linear-by-linear chi-square test was used to analyze the trends of HIV/syphilis prevalence and its risk behaviors. The binary logistic regression model was used to explore the factors associated with HIV infection.ResultsDuring the 5 years from 2016 to 2020, a total of 775 SMSM were recruited in our survey (220, 112, 171, 142, and 120, respectively). The HIV prevalence was 5.2, 6.3, 5.3, 7.0, and 8.3%, without a significant increasing trend (P = 0.277). Syphilis prevalence fluctuated from 5.7% in 2016 to 4.2% in 2020, without a significant decreasing trend (P = 0.318). The proportion of consistent condom use in anal intercourse (48.5 to 56.2%, P &lt; 0.05), and HIV testing in the past 12 months (51.0 to 59.2%, P &lt; 0.05) were increasing. A remarkable growing trend has been reported in the percentage of MSM with more than one male sex partner (46.2 to 59.2%, P &lt; 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that HIV testing in the past 12 months was a protective factor against HIV infection. MSM who had unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the past 6 months, recreational drug use, and currently syphilis infection were risk factors for HIV infection.ConclusionsWe observed stable HIV/ syphilis prevalence, increasing consistent condom use, increasing HIV testing rate, and increasing multiple male sex partners dramatically among SMSM in China. The original comprehensive intervention measures should be continuously strengthened for the subgroup. To satisfy the current HIV prevention requirements, new biological interventions should be introduced and carried out as major components of combination prevention programs.
COVID-19 Vaccine Intentions and Perceptions Among Public School Staff of the Greater Vancouver Metropolitan Area, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Watts Allison W. , Hutchison Sarah M. , Bettinger Julie A. , Gadermann Anne , Oberle Eva , Oberlander Tim F. , Goldfarb David M. , Lavoie Pascal M. , Mâsse Louise C. 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to explore factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine intentions among school staff as high vaccine uptake is essential to ensure schools return to normal activities.MethodsStaff (e.g., teachers, administrators, student support workers) from three urban school districts in the Greater Vancouver Area of British Columbia, Canada completed a survey between February and June 2021 (n = 2,393) on COVID-19 vaccine intentions and perceptions (i.e., acceptance of routine vaccines, benefits and risks of vaccination, susceptibility to, and severity of COVID-19, recommendation by authority figures, information mistrust and conspiracy beliefs) as part of a COVID-19 seroprevalence study. Confirmatory factor analysis followed by multiple logistic regression models adjusting for relevant covariates were used to identify vaccine perceptions uniquely associated with (a) intention to get the COVID-19 vaccine (intention), and (b) intention to get vaccinated right away (urgency).ResultsIn total, 95.4% of participants of the seroprevalence study completed the vaccine questionnaire, corresponding to 17.7% of the target population. Vaccine intention was associated with staff who valued expert recommendations (AOR = 10.5, 95% CI = 7.39–14.90) accepted routine vaccines (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.26–2.98) and perceived higher benefits (AOR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.01–1.65) and lower safety risks of vaccination (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.29–0.54). Comparable associations were found with vaccine urgency. Perceived susceptibility to the COVID-19 virus was uniquely associated with vaccine urgency (AOR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.05–1.61). A significant interaction effect (p = 0.01) revealed that staff who expressed mistrust in COVID-19 information intended to get vaccinated only if they also perceived high benefits of vaccination.ConclusionsEducation about the risks and benefits of COVID-19 vaccines from a trusted source had the strongest relationship with vaccine intentions among this occupational group. Notably, those who expressed mistrust in information still intended to get vaccinated if they also perceived strong benefits of the vaccine.
Pro-vaccination Groups Expressing Hesitant Attitudes: A Cross-Sectional Study About the Difference Between Attitudes and Actual Behavior in Israel
Authors: Hijazi Rana , Gesser-Edelsburg Anat , Feder-Bubis Paula , Mesch Gustavo S. 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundVaccines have contributed to the decline in mortality, morbidity, and even the eradication of various infectious diseases. Over time, the availability of information to the public and the request for public involvement in the health decision-making process have risen, and the confidence in vaccines has dropped. An increasing number of parents and individuals are choosing to delay or refuse vaccines.Objectives(1) Identifying hesitant attitudes among pro-vaccination parents; (2) testing the difference between the rate of hesitant attitudes and the rate of hesitancy in practice among pro-vaccination parents; and (3) examining the association of sociodemographic characteristics (gender, age, marital status education and religious affiliation) with the difference between hesitant attitudes and hesitancy in practice among pro-vaccination parents.MethodsDescriptive cross-sectional survey using an online survey that measured vaccine hesitancy among pro-vaccination parents (n = 558) whose children were in kindergarten (3–5 years), according to a variety of sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsA significant difference was found between the rate of hesitant attitudes and the rate of hesitation in actual vaccination among pro-vaccination and hesitant parents, where despite that 26% of the parents had hesitant attitudes, only 19% hesitated in practice [P = 0.0003]. There was also a significant difference between the rate of hesitant attitudes and the rate of hesitancy in practice among women [P = 0.0056] and men [P = 0.0158], parents between 30 and 39 years of age [P = 0.0008], traditional parents [P = 0.0093], Non-academic parents [P = 0.0007] and parents with BA degree [P = 0.0474].ConclusionPro-vaccination individuals may have hesitant attitudes regarding vaccines. Therefore, it is very important for health authorities to address the public's fears and concerns, including those who are classified as pro-vaccination.
Prevalence of Contraceptive Non-use Due to Husbands/Partners Influence Among Married Women in Ethiopia: A Multilevel Analysis Using Demographic and Health Survey 2016 Data
Authors: Asratie Melaku Hunie , Kassie Belayneh Ayanaw , Belay Daniel Gashaneh 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundIn Ethiopia women with their husbands/partners are the decision-makers for contraceptives non-use suffered either due to the consequence of unintended pregnancy or due to the indirect impact of the secret use of contraceptives from their husbands/partners. Despite this challenge, there is a dearth of evidence about the magnitude of husbands/partners' decision-makers on contraceptives n non-used in Ethiopia.ObjectiveThis study was aimed to assess the magnitude of husbands'/partners decisions on contraceptive non-use and associated factors among married and non-contraceptive user reproductive-age women in Ethiopia.MethodsThe study was conducted based on Ethiopian demographic and health survey 2016 data which was a cross-sectional survey from 18 January 2016 to 27 June 2016. A total weighted sample size of 5,458 married and non-contraceptive user reproductive-age women were taken. A multilevel logistic regression model was used because of the data nature hierarchical, and variables with p ≤ 2 in the bivariable multilevel analysis were taken to multivariable multilevel analysis. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was used to declare both the direction and strength of association and variables with p &lt; 0.05 were considered statistically significant with the outcome variable.ResultsHusband decision-making power on contraceptive non-use was 10.44% [9.65–11.28%]. Husband's educational level higher (adjusted odds ratio (AOR = 2.6; CI 1.4–4.7), being Muslim, protestant, and others in religion (AOR = 2.4; CI 1.7–3.5), (AOR = 2.1; CI 1.4–3.1), (AOR = 4.5; CI 2.3–8.5), respectively, media exposure (AOR = 1.4; CI 1.0–1.8), husband wants more children (AOR = 3.7; CI 2.8–4.8), husband desire did not know (AOR = 1.4; CI 1.1–1.9), information about family planning (AOR = 0.6; CI 0.4–0.8), visited by field worker (AOR = 0.7; CI 0.5–0.9), visited health facility (AOR = 0.6; CI 0.4–0.7), and community husband education high (AOR = 1.6; CI 1.1–2.4) were statistically significant with husband decision making power on contraceptive non-use.ConclusionIn Ethiopia 1 out of 10 married and non-pregnant women is influenced by their husband/partner's decision-making power of non-use contraceptives. Husband's educational level high, religion (Muslim, protestant, and others), media exposure, husband's desire for children (husband wants more and does not know), and community husband education were variables positively associated with the outcome variable; whereas having information about family planning, visited by field worker, and visited health facility were negatively associated husband decision making power for non-use contraceptive in Ethiopia.