Evaluation of new strain (AAD16) of <i>Beauveria bassiana</i> recovered from Japanese rhinoceros beetle: Effects on three coleopteran insects

by Souvic Sarker, Hyong Woo Choi, Un Taek Lim

A strain (AAD16) of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin was isolated from field-collected Japanese rhinoceros beetle, Allomyrina dichotoma (L.) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Its virulence was compared with another strain (ARP14) recovered from a cadaver of Riptortus pedestris (F.) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) focusing on its effect on three coleopteran, i.e., Tenebrio molitor L., A. dichotoma, and Monochamus alternatus Hope. The LT₅₀ value of T. molitor for two larval sizes, i.e., 16–18 and 22–24 mm, was 15.3 and 19.4% lower for strain AAD16 compared to strain ARP14, respectively. Furthermore, after 8 and 10 days of exposure, the mycosis rate of strain AAD16 was 1.3 and 1.2 times higher than that of strain ARP14 in the 16–18 and 22–24 mm larval sizes, respectively. The LT₅₀ for M. alternatus larvae was 23.2% lower on strain AAD16 than on strain ARP14. In addition, the LT₅₀ for M. alternatus adults was 47.1% lower for strain AAD16 compared to control. The mycosis rate of strain AAD16 on M. alternatus larvae was 1.8 higher than that of strain ARP14 after 120 hours of exposure. The strain AAD16 also showed higher larval mortality (90%) for A. dichotoma compared to strain ARP14 (45.0%) at 28 days after exposure. These results suggest that B. bassiana AAD16 can be a potential biological control agent against coleopteran pests.

Public controversy and citizens’ attitude formation about animal research: A case for scholarship and recommendations on conflicts at the science-society interface

by Elena Link, Katharina Emde-Lachmund, Sophie Bruns, Anja Dittrich, Meike Stiesch, Axel Haverich, Stefan Treue, Christoph Klimmt

Activist groups attack animal research and put scientists and their institutions under pressure, whereas scientists often remain silent. We report an interdisciplinary research project driven by a communication science perspective on how citizens respond to news reports about animal research (3 experiments, overall N = 765) and a German science-initiated information platform (“Tierversuche verstehen”; controlled user study, N = 100). Findings demonstrate that a critical journalist perspective within neutral, two-sided news reports (e.g., skeptical expert statements or images of suffering animals) does not affect citizen opinion strongly. Information media provided by scientific institutions seem to be welcomed even by citizens who hold critical prior attitudes. From these results, we develop a set of recommendations for future public communication of animal research that builds on best practices in organizational and crisis communication. These suggestions are intended to empower animal researchers to actively participate in public debate to support citizens’ informed attitude formation.

Indices for measurement of sustainable diets: A scoping review

by Rosa Sá de Oliveira Neta, Severina Carla Vieira Cunha Lima, Lorena Lima do Nascimento, Camila Valdejane Silva de Souza, Clélia de Oliveira Lyra, Dirce Maria Lobo Marchioni, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli da Costa Oliveira

Introduction

The current food system is associated with negative impacts on health, food insecurity and environmental harm. Sustainable diets have attracted increasing interest and novel proposals with a global scope have emerged. This scoping review aims to give an overview of the analysis of all the available evidence related to the sustainable diet indices that have been developed based on the EAT-Lancet Commission.

Methods

Searches were conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Science Direct databases. This review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The target population were studies addressed the use of an index or metric for assessing sustainable diets based on the EAT-Lancet Commission Summary Report were included. PCC acronym was used in the design of the study to describe eligibility criteria: P (Population)—Indexes; C (Concept)—Sustainable diets; C (Context)—Knowledge on the structure and applicability of measurement indices of sustainable diets based on EAT-Lancet recommendations available in the literature. Study eligibility criteria were restricted to papers published in English, from January 2019 through October 2022, with no population restriction.

Results

A total of 1,458 papers were retrieved, 14 of which were included in the review. Seven measures of sustainable diets were identified as follow: EAT-Lancet diet score (ELD-I), New EAT-Lancet diet score (EAT), Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI), Sustainable Diet Index (SDI), Sustainable-HEalthy-Diet (SHED), novel Nutrient-Based EAT index (NB-EAT) and World Index for Sustainability and Health (WISH). Most studies were conducted in developed countries, where greater adherence to this type of diet was found. Estimated greenhouse gas emissions was the most reported indicator of sustainability, followed by diet quality and the benefits of sustainable diets with regards to health outcomes.

Discussion

We identified barriers that hinder progress towards sustainable diets, including the difficulty of comparing different indices and the tendency to neglect social aspects and the lack of common definitions and metrics. Despite being challenge, we highlight the importance of using indices that assess sustainable diets that harmonize various indicators, as recommended by the EAT-Lancet Commission, in order to promote positive changes towards a more sustainable future.

Lambs supplemented with Amazonian oilseed co-products: Meat quality and fatty acid profile

by Vinícius Costa Gomes de Castro, Juliana Cristina de Castro Budel, Thomaz Cyro Guimarães de Carvalho Rodrigues, Bruna Almeida Silva, Waléria Cristina Lopes Joset, Alyne Cristina Sodré de Lima, Shirley Motta Souza, Rui José Branquinho Bessa, Suzana Paula Almeida Alves, Jamile Andrea Rodrigues da Silva, Maria Regina Sarkis Peixoto Joele, André Guimarães Maciel e Silva, José de Brito Lourenço-Júnior

The Amazon has a wide variety of oilseeds that generate a huge amount of co-products with potential for use in animal nutrition. The objective was to use alternative resources (oilseed cakes) in the feeding of lambs to assign a sustainable destination to this biomass, and evaluate its influence on the quality and fatty acid (FA) profile of the meat. Twenty-four lambs, male, castrated, crossbred Dorper × Santa Inês, weighing 30 ± 1.3 kg of initial body weight, were distributed in a completely randomized design in 4 treatments (diets) with six replications (animals). The control diet (Control) contained corn and soybean meal as main ingredients, which were partially replaced in the other diets by cupuassu cake diet (Cup), palm kernel cake diet (Palm) and tucuma cake diet (Tuc). The inclusion of Amazon cakes influences the lipid (P = 0.02) and protein (P longissimus lumborum); reduces cooking losses (P 0.05). The inclusion of oilseed cakes influences the chemical composition, physical parameters, composition and fatty acid profile of the meat, but does not influence the indicators of atherogenicity, thrombogenicity and cholesterolemia.

Physiological changes of microalga <i>Dunaliella parva</i> under the treatment of PEG, CaCl₂

by Qiman Zou, Limei Huang, Jinghui Gu, Bingbing Pang, Changhua Shang

Carotenoids are antioxidants, which reduce various chronic diseases of human, and have many industrial applications. The halophilic Dunaliella parva (D. parva) is rich in carotenoids. The compounds CaCl₂ and PEG are the popular metabolic enhancers. To further enhance carotenogenesis, D. parva was treated with two compounds polyethylene glycol (PEG) and CaCl₂. Application of CaCl₂ and PEG enhanced the carotenoids contents and the antioxidant activities of carotenoids compared to control group (no treatment of CaCl₂ or PEG). The highest carotenoids contents were obtained by treating D. parva with 40 ppm CaCl₂ (3.11 mg/g dry weight, DW) and 80 ppm PEG (2.78 mg/g DW) compared with control group (1.96 mg/g DW). When D. parva was treated with 40 ppm CaCl₂ and 80 ppm PEG, protein contents reached the highest values (90.28 mg/g DW and 89.57 mg/g DW) compared to that of control group (73.42 mg/g DW). The antioxidant activities of carotenoids samples were determined. Generally, the antioxidant activities of carotenoids from D. parva treated with PEG and CaCl₂ were superior to that of control group. The antioxidant activities of carotenoids mainly contained reducing power, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and superoxide radical scavenging activity. The reducing powers of carotenoids extracts from 20 ppm CaCl₂ group (2.07%/mg carotenoids) and 120 ppm PEG group (1.59%/mg carotenoids) were significantly higher than that of control group (2 group (70.33%/mg carotenoids) and 80 ppm PEG group (65.94%/mg carotenoids) were significantly higher than that of control group (D. parva.

Epidemiology and clinical manifestations of reported Lyme disease cases: Data from the Canadian Lyme disease enhanced surveillance system

by Kiera Murison, Christy H. Wilson, Katie M. Clow, Salima Gasmi, Todd F. Hatchette, Annie-Claude Bourgeois, Gerald A. Evans, Jules K. Koffi

Lyme disease cases reported in seven Canadian provinces from 2009 to 2019 through the Lyme Disease Enhanced Surveillance System are described herein by demographic, geography, time and season. The proportion of males was greater than females. Bimodal peaks in incidence were observed in children and older adults (≥60 years of age) for all clinical signs except cardiac manifestations, which were more evenly distributed across age groups. Proportions of disease stages varied between provinces: Atlantic provinces reported mainly early Lyme disease, while Ontario reported equal proportions of early and late-stage Lyme disease. Early Lyme disease cases were mainly reported between May through November, whereas late Lyme disease were reported in December through April. Increased awareness over time may have contributed to a decrease in the proportion of cases reporting late disseminated Lyme disease. These analyses help better describe clinical features of reported Lyme disease cases in Canada.

Genomics-informed nursing strategies and health equity: A scoping review protocol

by Dzifa Dordunoo, Jacqueline Limoges, Patrick Chiu, Rebecca Puddester, Lindsay Carlsson, April Pike

Objective

The objective of this scoping review is to map the available evidence on strategies that nurses can use to facilitate genomics-informed healthcare to address health disparities.

Introduction

Advancements in genomics over the last two decades have led to an increase in the delivery of genomics-informed health care. Although the integration of genomics into health care services continues to enhance patient outcomes, access to genomic technologies is not equitable, exacerbating existing health disparities amongst certain populations. As the largest portion of the health workforce, nurses play a critical role in the delivery of equitable genomics-informed care. However, little is known about how nurses can help address health disparities within the context of genomics-informed health care. A review of the literature will provide the necessary foundation to identify promising practices, policy, and knowledge gaps for further areas of inquiry.

Inclusion criteria

We will include papers that explore strategies that nurses can undertake to facilitate genomics-informed care to address health disparities.

Methods

This review will be conducted using JBI methodology for scoping reviews. We will search electronic databases including MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsychInfo, and CINAHL for quantitative and qualitative studies, systematic reviews and grey literature. Theses, books, and unavailable full-text papers will be excluded. The search will be limited to papers from 2013 and beyond. Two reviewers will screen titles and abstracts followed by full-text and disagreements will be resolved by a third reviewer. We will use a data extraction tool using Microsoft Excel and analyse data using descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis. Findings will be presented in the form of evidence tables and a narrative summary. We will report findings using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR).

Discussion

Genomics will continue to transform all aspects of health care across the wellness continuum from prevention, assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment, and palliative care. The identification of nursing strategies to address health disparities will build the foundation for policy and practice to ensure that the integration of genomic technologies benefits everyone.

Differentiating attack-defense performance for starting and bench players during the Tokyo Olympics men’s basketball competition

by Wenping Sun, ChenSoon Chee, LianYee Kok, FongPeng Lim, Shamsulariffin Samsudin

This study aimed to explore the differences in attack-defense performance between the top and bottom teams for starting and bench players during the Tokyo Olympics men’s basketball competition, to determine the relationship between the attack-defense performance of starting and bench players and the final competition rankings, as well as with each performance indicator. The rank-sum ratio (RSR) comprehensive evaluation was employed to describe the attack-defense performance of starting and bench players. Additionally, an independent sample t-test, Spearman Rho Correlation, and Pearson Correlation were conducted to test the differences and relationships between the various variables at a 0.05 level of significance, respectively. The results indicated that the top four teams showed significant differences in the attack-defense performance of their starting players compared to the bottom four teams (p = 0.021), mainly in terms of 3-point shooting percentage (p = 0.042) and free throw shooting percentage (p = 0.044). Besides that, the attack-defense ranks of both starting players (p = 0.004, r = 0.757) and bench players (p = 0.020, r = 0.658) had a significant correlation with the final rankings. Points per game, 2-point field goal percentage, and assists had a statistically significant (pr

Could <i>Cratylia argentea</i> replace Tifton 85 hay on growing and finishing lamb diets in tropical areas?

by Elaine Cristina Teixeira, Lucas Freires Abreu, Fernando Antônio de Souza, Walter José Rodrigues Matrangolo, Karina Toledo da Silva, Luciano Soares de Lima, Hemilly Cristina Menezes de Sa, Ângela Maria Quintão Lana

Legumes shrubs such as Cratylia argentea have an ability to thrive in environments with low water availability and poor soil. On the other hand, forage grasses such as Tifton 85 have a greater demand for inputs to be productive. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of growing and finishing Lacaune lambs fed Cratylia argentea hay as an alternative to Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp). Twenty-four Lacaune lambs aged between five and six months (average body weight [BW] 21.50 ± 3.38 kg) were arranged in a split-plot randomized block design. The plots consisted of different Cratylia to Tifton 85 hay proportions (0, 20%, 40%, or 100%, dry matter [DM] basis) as a roughage replacement in the total diet. The subplots represented two evaluation times, entitled “initial period” and “final period”, which consisted of the early seven days of total feces and urine collection, and the last seven days of the experiment, respectively. The lambs were blocked by weight with six replicates per treatment. The results show that the level of Tifton 85 replacement for Cratylia hay in the roughage portion of the lamb diet did not influence (P > 0.05) weight gain (WG), dry matter intake or dry matter digestibility; feed conversion, feed efficiency; and the evaluated nitrogen balance variables. The digestibility coefficient of neutral detergent fiber decreased linearly as Tifton 85 replacement for Cratylia level was increased, which probably happened due to the presence of highly lignified material within the Cratylia hay. However, the alternative legume maintained animal performance of Tifton 85. In conclusion, Cratylia hay can be recommended as a potential substitute for Tifton 85 hay, which requires greater inputs for the production. Cratylia may be considered a feeding strategy for livestock production, especially for smallholder livestock systems and regions with unfavorable soil and climate.

Temporal trends of hemoglobin among pregnant women: The Mutaba’ah study

by Aminu S. Abdullahi, Abubaker Suliman, Moien AB Khan, Howaida Khair, Saad Ghazal-Aswad, Iffat Elbarazi, Fatima Al-Maskari, Tom Loney, Rami H. Al-Rifai, Luai A. Ahmed

Background

Low hemoglobin (Hb) level is a leading cause of many adverse pregnancy outcomes. Patterns of changes in Hb levels during pregnancy are not well understood.

Aim

This study estimated Hb levels, described its changing patterns across gestational trimesters, and identified factors associated with these changes among pregnant women.

Materials and methods

Data from the ongoing maternal and child health cohort study–The Mutaba’ah Study, was used (N = 1,120). KML machine learning algorithm was applied to identify three distinct cluster trajectories of Hb levels between the first and the third trimesters. Descriptive statistics were used to profile the study participants. Multinomial multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with change patterns in Hb levels.

Results

The three identified clusters–A, B and C–had, respectively, median Hb levels (g/L) of 123, 118, and 104 in the first trimester and 119, 100, and 108 in the third trimester. Cluster ’A’ maintained average normal Hb levels in both trimesters. Cluster ’B’, on average, experienced a decrease in Hb levels below the normal range during the third trimester. Cluster ’C’ showed increased Hb levels in the third trimester but remained, on average, below the normal range in both trimesters. Pregnant women with higher gravida, diabetes mellitus (type 1 or 2), nulliparity or lower level of education were more likely to be in cluster ’B’ than the normal cluster ’A’. Pregnant women who reported using iron supplements before pregnancy or those with low levels of education. were more likely to be in cluster ’C’ than the normal cluster ’A’.

Conclusion

The majority of pregnant women experienced low Hb levels during pregnancy. Changes in Hb levels during pregnancy were associated with parity, gravida, use of iron before pregnancy, and the presence of diabetes mellitus (type 1 or 2).

Evaluation of immunogenicity-induced DNA vaccines against different SARS-CoV-2 variants

by Se Eun Kim, So Hee Park, Woo-Jung Park, Gayeong Kim, Seo Yeon Kim, Hyeran Won, Yun-Ho Hwang, Heeji Lim, Hyeon Guk Kim, You-Jin Kim, Dokeun Kim, Jung-Ah Lee

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in 2019 and caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic worldwide. As of September 2023, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases has reached over 770 million and caused nearly 7 million deaths. The World Health Organization assigned and informed the characterization of variants of concern (VOCs) to help control the COVID-19 pandemic through global monitoring of circulating viruses. Although many vaccines have been proposed, developing an effective vaccine against variants is still essential to reach the endemic stage of COVID-19. We designed five DNA vaccine candidates composed of the first isolated genotype and major SARS-CoV-2 strains from isolated Korean patients classified as VOCs, such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta. To evaluate the immunogenicity of each genotype via homologous and heterologous vaccination, mice were immunized twice within a 3-week interval, and the blood and spleen were collected 1 week after the final vaccination to analyze the immune responses. The group vaccinated with DNA vaccine candidates based on the S genotype and the Alpha and Beta variants elicited both humoral and cellular immune responses, with higher total IgG levels and neutralizing antibody responses than the other groups. In particular, the vaccine candidate based on the Alpha variant induced a highly diverse cytokine response. Additionally, we found that the group subjected to homologous vaccination with the S genotype and heterologous vaccination with S/Alpha induced high total IgG levels and a neutralization antibody response. Homologous vaccination with the S genotype and heterologous vaccination with S/Alpha and S/Beta significantly induced IFN-γ immune responses. The immunogenicity after homologous vaccination with S and Alpha and heterologous vaccination with the S/Alpha candidate was better than that of the other groups, indicating the potential for developing novel DNA vaccines against different SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Associations of serum DNA methylation levels of chemokine signaling pathway genes with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD)

by Ting Zou, Xiaohui Zhou, Qinwen Wang, Yongjie Zhao, Meisheng Zhu, Lei Zhang, Wei Chen, Pari Abuliz, Haijun Miao, Keyimu Kabinur, Kader Alimu

Objective

To investigate the associations of serum DNA methylation levels of chemokine signaling pathway genes with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in elderly people in Xinjiang, China, and to screen out genes whose DNA methylation could distinguish AD and MCI.

Materials and methods

37 AD, 40 MCI and 80 controls were included in the present study. DNA methylation assay was done using quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (qMSP). Genotyping was done using Sanger sequencing.

Results

DNA methylation levels of ADCY2, MAP2K1 and AKT1 were significantly different among AD, MCI and controls. In the comparisons of each two groups, AKT1 and MAP2K1’s methylation was both significantly different between AD and MCI (p MAP2K1’s methylation was also significantly different between MCI and controls. Therefore, AKT1’s methylation was considered as the candidate serum marker to distinguish AD from MCI, and its association with AD was independent of APOE ε4 allele (p AKT1 hypermethylation was an independent risk factor for AD and MAP2K1 hypomethylation was an independent risk factor for MCI in logistic regression analysis (p Conclusion

This study found that the serum of AKT1 hypermethylation is related to AD independently of APOE ε4, which was differentially expressed in the Entorhinal Cortex of the brain and was an independent risk factor for AD. It could be used as one of the candidate serum markers to distinguish AD and MCI. Serum of MAP2K1 hypomethylation is an independent risk factor for MCI.

A comparative analysis of depressive-like behavior: Exploring sex-related differences and insights

by Ana Carolina Cavalcante Rodrigues, Caroline Vitória de Lima Moreira, Camila Carlos Prado, Luan Silvestro Bianchini Silva, Rafael Fernandes Costa, Adesina Paul Arikawe, Gustavo Rodrigues Pedrino, Elson Alves Costa, Osmar Nascimento Silva, Hamilton Barbosa Napolitano, Iranse Oliveira-Silva, James Oluwagbamigbe Fajemiroye

Profiling the variability related to the estrous cycle is essential for assessing depressive-like behavior and screening drugs. This study compares circulating plasma corticosterone levels [CORT] and behavioral alterations in mice exposed to sucrose preference, forced swimming, and tail suspension tests (SPT, FST, and TST, respectively). While SPT exposure did not significantly alter [CORT], FST and TST showed notable changes. Mice in the TST exhibited increased movement and decreased immobility time compared to FST, suggesting a lower likelihood of depressive-like behavior in male mice. Notably, during the proestrus phase, female mice displayed the highest tendency for depressive-like behavior and elevated [CORT], but similar response to antidepressants (imipramine and fluoxetine). The inherent stress of the FST and TST tasks appears to influence [CORT] as well as depressant and antidepressant effects. These comparisons provide valuable insights for further behavioral phenotyping, model sensitivity assessment, and deepen our neurobiological understanding of depression in the context of drug screening.

The burden of non-disabled frailty and its associated factors among older adults in Bangladesh

by Sabuj Kanti Mistry, A. R. M. Mehrab Ali, Uday Narayan Yadav, Saruna Ghimire, Afsana Anwar, Md. Nazmul Huda, Fouzia Khanam, Rashidul Alam Mahumud, Ateeb Ahmad Parray, Shovon Bhattacharjee, David Lim, Mark Fort Harris

Objective

The present study aims to measure the prevalence of non-disabled frailty and its associated factors among Bangladeshi older adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted during September and October 2021 among 1,045 Bangladeshi older adults (≥60 years). Telephone interviews, using a semi-structured questionnaire, were undertaken to collect data on participants’ characteristics and level of frailty. The non-disabled frailty was measured using the ‘Frail Non-Disabled (FiND)’ questionnaire. A multinomial logistic regression model assessed the factors associated with frailty among the participants.

Results

Around a quarter of the participants (24.8%) were frail. The multinomial regression analysis showed that older participants aged ≥80 years (RRR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.41–7.37) were more likely to be frail compared to participants aged 60–69 years. Likewise, the participants living in a large family with ≥4 members (RRR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.01–1.92) were more likely to be frail compared to those living in smaller families. Also, participants having memory or concentration problems (RRR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.12–2.17) were more likely to be frail compared to those who were not suffering from these problems. Moreover, participants whose family members were non-responsive to their day-to-day assistance (RRR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.06–2.03) were more likely to be frail compared to those whose family members were responsive. Furthermore, participants who were feeling lonely (RRR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.07–1.98) were more likely to be frail than their counterparts who were not feeling lonely.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study suggest developing tailored interventions to address the burden of frailty among the older populations in Bangladesh. In particular, providing long-term care and health promotion activities can be of value in preventing frailty and reducing adverse health outcomes among this vulnerable population group.

Clinical efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with coronavirus disease 2019: A living review and meta-analysis

by Su-Yeon Yu, Miyoung Choi, Seungeun Ryoo, Chelim Cheong, Kyungmin Huh, Young Kyung Yoon, Su Jin Jeong

Inhaled corticosteroids are known to be relatively safe for long-term use in inflammatory respiratory diseases and it has been repurposed as one of the potential therapies for outpatients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, inhaled corticosteroids have not been accepted for COVID-19 as a standard therapy because of its lack of proven benefits. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with COVID-19. Randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of inhaled corticosteroid treatment in patients with COVID-19 were identified through literature electronic database searches up to March 10, 2023. Meta-analyses were conducted for predefined outcomes, and the certainty of evidence was graded using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation approach. Overall, seven trials (eight articles) were included in this systematic review. Compared with usual care, inhaled corticosteroids was associated with significantly improved clinical recovery at 7 and 14 days in patients with COVID-19. In subgroup analysis, only budesonide showed significant efficacy in clinical recovery, whereas no significant benefit was observed for ciclesonide. Moreover, inhaled corticosteroids use was not significantly associated with all-cause hospitalization, all-cause mortality, admission to intensive care unit, or the use of mechanical ventilation. Our systematic review used evidence with very low to moderate certainty. Although based on limited evidence, our results suggest that inhaled corticosteroids treatment, especially budesonide, improves the clinical recovery of patients with COVID-19. More trials and meta-analyses are needed to assess the efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids for COVID-19 treatment.

Automated surgical planning in spring-assisted sagittal craniosynostosis correction using finite element analysis and machine learning

by Jenson Jacob, Selim Bozkurt

Sagittal synostosis is a condition caused by the fused sagittal suture and results in a narrowed skull in infants. Spring-assisted cranioplasty is a correction technique used to expand skulls with sagittal craniosynostosis by placing compressed springs on the skull before six months of age. Proposed methods for surgical planning in spring-assisted sagittal craniosynostosis correction provide information only about the skull anatomy or require iterative finite element simulations. Therefore, the selection of surgical parameters such as spring dimensions and osteotomy sizes may remain unclear and spring-assisted cranioplasty may yield sub-optimal surgical results. The aim of this study is to develop the architectural structure of an automated tool to predict post-operative surgical outcomes in sagittal craniosynostosis correction with spring-assisted cranioplasty using machine learning and finite element analyses. Six different machine learning algorithms were tested using a finite element model which simulated a combination of various mechanical and geometric properties of the calvarium, osteotomy sizes, spring characteristics, and spring implantation positions. Also, a statistical shape model representing an average sagittal craniosynostosis calvarium in 5-month-old patients was used to assess the machine learning algorithms. XGBoost algorithm predicted post-operative cephalic index in spring-assisted sagittal craniosynostosis correction with high accuracy. Finite element simulations confirmed the prediction of the XGBoost algorithm. The presented architectural structure can be used to develop a tool to predict the post-operative cephalic index in spring-assisted cranioplasty in patients with sagittal craniosynostosis can be used to automate surgical planning and improve post-operative surgical outcomes in spring-assisted cranioplasty.

Impact of PARP inhibitor maintenance therapy in newly diagnosed advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: A meta-analysis

by Banghyun Lee, Suk-Joon Chang, Byung Su Kwon, Joo-Hyuk Son, Myong Cheol Lim, Yun Hwan Kim, Shin-Wha Lee, Chel Hun Choi, Kyung Jin Eoh, Jung-Yun Lee, Dong Hoon Suh, Yong Beom Kim

Objectives

This meta-analysis was undertaken to systematically evaluate the effects of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) maintenance therapy on the survival of newly diagnosed advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients.

Methods/Materials

A systematic literature search revealed 3,227 studies. A subsequent selection process identified seven suitable randomized studies that assessed the survival outcomes in newly diagnosed advanced EOC patients administered PARPi (n = 1921; the PARPi group) or placebo (n = 1150; the placebo group). The survival outcomes were compared with respect to the PARPi treatment regardless of bevacizumab maintenance therapy. All adverse events ≥ grade 3 were analyzed. Review Manager Version 5.4.1 software was used for the meta-analysis.

Results

The two-year progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly better in the PARPi group than the placebo (Hazard ratio [HR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41 to 0.68). Furthermore, patients in the PARPi group with the BRCA1/2 mutation (BRCAm), BRCA wild type, homologous-recombination deficiency (HRD), or HRD without BRCAm, but not with homologous-recombination proficiency had a significantly better two-year PFS than the patients in the placebo group. The five-year overall survival (OS) was comparable in the two groups, but patients in the PARPi group with BRCAm had a significantly better five-year OS than those in the placebo group (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.74). In addition, the adverse event rate (≥ grade 3) was significantly higher in the PARPi group than in the placebo group (HR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.13 to 7.63).

Conclusions

In patients with newly diagnosed advanced EOC, PARPi maintenance therapy was significantly more effective in terms of survival than no PARPi treatment. However, the risk of serious adverse events was higher for patients who received PARPi maintenance therapy.

Factors associated with infant mortality in Nigeria: A scoping review

by Loveth Dumebi Nwanze, Alaa Siuliman, Nuha Ibrahim

Background

Infant mortality persists as a global public health concern, particularly in lower-middle-income countries (LIMCs) such as Nigeria. The risk of an infant dying before one year of age is estimated to be six times higher in Africa than in Europe. Nigeria recorded an infant mortality rate of 72.2 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2020, in contrast to the global estimate of 27.4 per 1,000 live births. Several studies have been undertaken to determine the factors influencing infant mortality.

Objective

This scoping review sought to identify and summarise the breadth of evidence available on factors associated with infant mortality in Nigeria.

Methods

This review followed the five-stage principles of Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. Four electronic databases were searched with no limit to publication date or study type: Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL Complete, and Web of Science. Selected studies were imported into Endnote software and then exported to Rayyan software where duplicates were removed. Included articles were thematically analysed and synthesised using the socioecological model.

Results

A total of 8,139 references were compiled and screened. Forty-eight articles were included in the final review. At the individual level, maternal- and child-related factors were revealed to influence infant mortality; socioeconomic and sociocultural factors at the interpersonal level; provision and utilisation of health services, health workforce, hospital resources and access to health services at the organisational level; housing/neighbourhood and environmental factors at the community level; and lastly, governmental factors were found to affect infant mortality at the public policy level.

Conclusion

Factors related to the individual, interpersonal, organisational, community and public policy levels were associated with infant mortality in Nigeria.

In silico exploration of <i>Serratia</i> sp. BRL41 genome for detecting prodigiosin Biosynthetic Gene Cluster (BGC) and in vitro antimicrobial activity assessment of secreted prodigiosin

by Farhana Boby, Md. Nurul Huda Bhuiyan, Barun Kanti Saha, Subarna Sandhani Dey, Anik Kumar Saha, Md Jahidul Islam, Mahci Al Bashera, Shyama Prosad Moulick, Farhana Jahan, Md. Asad Uz Zaman, Sanjana Fatema Chowdhury, Showti Raheel Naser, Md. Salim Khan, Md. Murshed Hasan Sarkar

The raising concern of drug resistance, having substantial impacts on public health, has instigated the search of new natural compounds with substantial medicinal activity. In order to find out a natural solution, the current study has utilized prodigiosin, a linear tripyrrole red pigment, as an active ingredient to control bacterial proliferation and prevent cellular oxidation caused by ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species). A prodigiosin-producing bacterium BRL41 was isolated from the ancient Barhind soil of BCSIR Rajshahi Laboratories, Bangladesh, and its morphological and biochemical characteristics were investigated. Whole genome sequencing data of the isolate revealed its identity as Serratia sp. and conferred the presence of prodigiosin gene cluster in the bacterial genome. “Prodigiosin NRPS”, among the 10 analyzed gene clusters, showed 100% similarity with query sequences where pigC, pigH, pigI, and pigJ were identified as fundamental genes for prodigiosin biosynthesis. Some other prominent clusters for synthesis of ririwpeptides, yersinopine, trichrysobactin were also found in the chromosome of BRL41, whilst the rest displayed less similarity with query sequences. Except some first-generation beta-lactam resistance genes, no virulence and resistance genes were found in the genome of BRL41. Structural illumination of the extracted red pigment by spectrophotometric scanning, Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and change of color at different pH solutions verified the identity of the isolated compound as prodigiosin. Serratia sp. BRL41 attained its maximum productivity 564.74 units/cell at temperature 30˚C and pH 7.5 in two-fold diluted nutrient broth medium. The compound exhibited promising antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) and MBC (Minimum Bactericidal Concentration) values ranged from 3.9 to15.62 μg/mL and 7.81 to 31.25 μg/mL respectively. At concentration 500 μg/mL, except in Salmonella enterica ATCC-10708, prodigiosin significantly diminished biofilm formed by Listeria monocytogens ATCC-3193, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC-9027, Escherichia coli (environmental isolate), Staphylococcus aureus (environmental isolate). Cellular glutathione level (GSH) was elevated upon application of 250 and 500 μg/mL pigment where 125 μg/mL failed to show any free radical scavenging activity. Additionally, release of cellular components in growth media of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were facilitated by the extract that might be associated with cell membrane destabilization. Therefore, the overall findings of antimicrobial, antibiofilm and antioxidant activities suggest that in time to come prodigiosin might be a potential natural source to treat various diseases and infections.

Prevalence and clinical implications of respiratory viruses in asthma during stable disease state and acute attacks: Protocol for a meta-analysis

by Gioulinta S. Alimani, Sachin Ananth, Cristina Boccabella, Ekaterina Khaleva, Graham Roberts, Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos, Chris Kosmidis, Jørgen Vestbo, Effie Papageorgiou, Apostolos Beloukas, Alexander G. Mathioudakis

Introduction

Viruses are detected in over 50% of acute asthma attacks and in a notable proportion of patients with asthma during stable disease state They are associated with worse outcomes. We will conduct a series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses to quantify the prevalence and clinical burden of various respiratory viruses in stable asthma and acute asthma attacks. In addition, we will assess the viral loads of respiratory viruses during stable and acute asthma, to explore whether viral load could differentiate attacks triggered by viruses versus those where viruses are present as “innocent bystanders”.

Materials and methods

Based on a prospectively registered protocol (PROSPERO, ID: CRD42023375108) and following standard methodology recommended by Cochrane, we will systematically search Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and relevant conference proceedings for studies assessing the prevalence or clinical burden of respiratory viruses in asthma. Methodological rigour of the included studies will be appraised using a tool specific for prevalence studies and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale respectively. In anticipation of significant clinical and methodological heterogeneity, we will conduct random effect meta-analyses. For evaluating the prevalence of viruses, we will perform meta-analyses of proportions using the inverse variance method, and the Freeman-Tukey transformation. We will conduct meta-regression analyses for exploring heterogeneity.

Conclusion

We envisage that these systematic reviews and meta-analyses will quantify the prevalence and burden of respiratory viruses in stable and acute asthma and will drive future research and clinical practice.