Nevin Manimala

PLoS One. 2023 Dec 20;18(12):e0295792. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295792. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

Ronald Inglehart’s postmaterialist theory suggests that with the advancement of industrialization and economic prosperity, there will be a significant transformation in people’s societal values. Concurrently, their forms of political participation shift from conventional activities to unconventional politic activities. However, most research on this topic has been predominantly focused on Western countries. In fact, rural farmers in China serve as an excellent experimental group for testing this theory since they have experienced rapid economic growth while still being deeply influenced by traditional authoritarianism culture.Using a sample of 6,689 respondents from the 2019 Chinese Social Survey (CSS) and employing a Binary Logistic Regression Model, we discovered that Chinese farmers’ perception of overall societal justice exhibits a U-shaped relationship with various forms of political participation. Specifically, it shows a significant negative correlation with non-institutional political participation, such as contact-officer participation, but a significant positive correlation with institutional political participation types like community participation and election participation.Our further research indicates that the three subtypes of perception of societal justice are significantly negatively correlated only with non-institutional political participation, while their statistical relationship with institutional political participation is not significant. We believe that the underlying reason for this phenomenon lies in the unique interpretation of societal justice within Chinese traditional culture. Additionally, through a comparative analysis of models on political participation behavior and willingness, we found that despite significant inequalities and disparities in institutional structures and levels of economic development between rural and urban areas in China, rational considerations of the risks and costs associated with defying the government deter Chinese farmers from engaging in non-institutional politic activities unless their emotional resentment towards unjust practices reaches a certain threshold.

PMID:38117839 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0295792

PLoS Pathog. 2023 Dec 20;19(12):e1011861. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011861. eCollection 2023 Dec.

ABSTRACT

Age at HIV acquisition may influence viral pathogenesis in infants, and yet infection timing (i.e. date of infection) is not always known. Adult studies have estimated infection timing using rates of HIV RNA diversification, however, it is unknown whether adult-trained models can provide accurate predictions when used for infants due to possible differences in viral dynamics. While rates of viral diversification have been well defined for adults, there are limited data characterizing these dynamics for infants. Here, we performed Illumina sequencing of gag and pol using longitudinal plasma samples from 22 Kenyan infants with well-characterized infection timing. We used these data to characterize viral diversity changes over time by designing an infant-trained Bayesian hierarchical regression model that predicts time since infection using viral diversity. We show that diversity accumulates with time for most infants (median rate within pol = 0.00079 diversity/month), and diversity accumulates much faster than in adults (compare previously-reported adult rate within pol = 0.00024 diversity/month [1]). We find that the infant rate of viral diversification varies by individual, gene region, and relative timing of infection, but not by set-point viral load or rate of CD4+ T cell decline. We compare the predictive performance of this infant-trained Bayesian hierarchical regression model with simple linear regression models trained using the same infant data, as well as existing adult-trained models [1]. Using an independent dataset from an additional 15 infants with frequent HIV testing to define infection timing, we demonstrate that infant-trained models more accurately estimate time since infection than existing adult-trained models. This work will be useful for timing HIV acquisition for infants with unknown infection timing and for refining our understanding of how viral diversity accumulates in infants, both of which may have broad implications for the future development of infant-specific therapeutic and preventive interventions.

PMID:38117834 | DOI:10.1371/journal.ppat.1011861

PLoS One. 2023 Dec 20;18(12):e0293522. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293522. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Every child around the globe should get routine childhood vaccination, which is mostly affected by the country’s economic capacity besides the socioeconomic differences. However, how well countries with different economic capacities address equitable child vaccination remains unanswered.

METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the latest Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) database of Mali, Bangladesh, and South Africa was used for this study. The dependent variable was full child vaccination, and wealth-based inequality was assessed using rate-ratio, concentration curve, and concentration index. A multilevel Poisson regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of inequalities. A risk ratio (RR) with a p-value of 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. All analysis was weighted.

RESULTS: Full child vaccination status was 30.15%, 62.18%, and 46.94% in Mali, Bangladesh, and South Africa respectively. Even if the disparity is higher in Mali, the full vaccination favors the better-off family both in Mali, and Bangladesh respectively [CInd: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.09], [CInd: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.03], wealth status did not have an effect in South Africa. The multilevel poison regression indicated maternal age, occupation, wealth of household, and frequency of watching television to positively affect full vaccination, whereas the number of children in the house negatively affected full vaccination.

CONCLUSION: Wealth-based inequality in child vaccination was higher in Mali followed by Bangladesh. There was no observable significant equity gap in South Africa. Wealth status, maternal occupation, maternal age, frequency of watching television, and number of children were predictors of full child vaccination.

PMID:38117824 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0293522

PLoS One. 2023 Dec 20;18(12):e0295623. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295623. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

The aims of this study in elite youth French players were to 1) describe the anthropometric and physical characteristics of international and non-international players from U16 to U20, and 2) compare these characteristics across age categories and playing standard (international or non-international). Altogether, 1423 players from the French Rugby Federation’s academies participated in a physical testing battery, part of its national young player development pathway. From seasons 2010 to 2020, players were assessed for anthropometric (body mass and height), off-field (bench press; isometric squat, vertical jump) and on-field physical characteristics (aerobic capacity: maximal aerobic speed [MAS]; speed: 10-m, 50-m sprint). A 2-way mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare physical characteristics across age categories and playing standards. Two separate models were used for forwards and backs. A main statistical effect was observed for age category and playing standard (range p < 0.05 -p < 0.001). Pair-wise category comparisons showed that older players were generally taller, heavier, stronger, faster and demonstrated better aerobic qualities than younger peers. The same results were observed for INT compared with NI players while INT forwards were also taller and heavier than NI peers (range p < 0.01 -p < 0.001). Findings revealed a clear progression in anthropometric characteristics and physical qualities throughout the age development pathway in elite young French rugby players. Findings also identified certain physical qualities (strength, power and speed) necessary at younger levels to achieve international standard.

PMID:38117784 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0295623

PLoS One. 2023 Dec 20;18(12):e0293146. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293146. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

This study establishes a risk index system to evaluate the financial risks of foreign agricultural investment in Belt and Road countries. Agricultural foreign investment risk prevention has emerged as a crucial concern across various sectors globally. We assess the four key dimensions such as political and military risk, economic market risk, social and cultural risk, and resource and environmental risk. We employ the Vertical and Horizontal Leveling Method and Entropy Weighting Method (VHSD-EM) for measuring and analyzing foreign agricultural investment risk levels in Belt and Road countries from 2014 to 2021. Moreover, we used spatial correlation analysis, the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic, to identify hot and cold spots of agricultural foreign investment risks. First political & military, and environmental risks are the main influencing factors of agricultural foreign investment risk. The average AFDI level exceeded in Southeast and South Asia, and certain spillover effects were found in Southeast Asia. Second, the Belt and Road” initiative effectively reduces the risk of AFDI and helps to weaken the spillover effect among fellow countries. A significant spillover effect in AFDI from neighboring countries can lead to high-risk areas for sustained AFDI formation. Third to address such challenges, the Chinese government has prerequisites to enhance foreign agricultural investments in Belt and Road countries and establish a measurement index for agricultural investment risks. Government needs to establish a public service system to enhance the development of large-scale multinational agricultural enterprises. Foreign cooperation is essential for multi and bilateral investment negotiation and optimizing the financial tools to mitigate agricultural foreign direct investment risk in Belt and Road countries.

PMID:38117758 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0293146

Medicina (B Aires). 2023;83(6):927-938.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Pregnant women often experience food aversions and cravings, of which little is known about their characteristics and consequences. The objective was to know the prevalence of food cravings and aversions, the characteristics of the pattern of foods that are craved or avoided, and the reasons behind their presence.

METHODS: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study. A validated questionnaire was applied to 370 pregnant and postpartum women in public hospitals. Maternal and neonatal variables were measured with descriptive statistics and those associated with the phenomena under study were identified using logistic regression models and cluster analysis using the multivariate technique.

RESULTS: A presence of cravings from 71 to 80% and aversions from 55 to 65% was detected. The most craved foods were fruits and sweet foods and the most avoided meats and mate. The maternal characteristics predictive of cravings were: being younger (OR 0.94), vomiting (OR 2.23), and having gained more weight than expected were negatively associated with the presence of cravings (OR 0.44). The variables associated with the aversions were the absence of a history of hypertension (OR 0.13), a history of macrosomia (OR 2.70), nausea (OR 1.86) and complications during pregnancy (OR 2.23).

DISCUSSION: This work allowed to characterize food cravings and aversions during pregnancy and to know their high frequency.

PMID:38117712

Medicina (B Aires). 2023;83(6):890-899.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is an epileptic syndrome with onset in childhood and adolescence with myoclonus, absences, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Reflex stimuli such as sensitivity to light or photosensitivity, eyelid opening and closing, and praxis induction produce epileptiform discharges and seizures. These reflex triggers are not all systematically studied.

OBJECTIVE: Examine reflex features in patients with JME.

METHODS: One hundred adolescents and adults with JME who received different anti-seizure treatments were evaluated consecutively. A standard electroencephalogram was performed with an intermittent light stimulation (SLI) protocol and another for the evaluation of praxias through neurocognitive activity (CNA). The statistical analysis was descriptive and of correlation with a p > 0.05.

RESULTS: Current age was 28±11 (14-67). The seizure began at 15 years ±3 (Range 8-25 years). They presented myoclonus and generalized tonic-clonic seizures in 58%. 50% received valproic acid and 31% continued with seizures. Epileptiform discharges at rest 20%; hyperventilation 30%; eyelid opening and closing 12%; photoparoxysmal response in SLI 40%; CNA 23%. Higher percentage of discharges and delay in performing CNA in those who presented seizures. Valproic acid compared to other drugs did not demonstrate superiority in seizure control.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm the importance of studying reflex traits for diagnosis, follow-up, and therapeutic control.

PMID:38117708

Cancer Biol Ther. 2024 Dec 31;25(1):2287120. doi: 10.1080/15384047.2023.2287120. Epub 2023 Dec 20.

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of relevant parameters of ¹⁸F-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-1007 PET/CT in predicting the pathological grade of primary prostate cancer. Briefly, a prospective analysis was performed on 53 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer by systematic puncture biopsy, followed by ¹⁸F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT examination prior to treatment within 10 d. The patients were grouped in accordance with the Gleason grading system revised by the International Association of Urology Pathology (ISUP). They were divided into high-grade group (ISUP 4-5 group) and low-grade group (ISUP 1-3 group). The differences in maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), tumor-to-background ratio (TBR), intraprostatic PSMA-derived tumor volume (iPSMA-TV), and intraprostatic total lesion PSMA (iTL-PSMA) between the high- and low-grade group were statistically significant (p < .001). No significant difference was found for mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) between the high- and low-grade groups (Z = -1.131, p = .258). Besides, binary multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only iPSMA-TV and iTL-PSMA were independent predictors of the pathological grading, for which the odds ratios were 18.821 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.040-173.614, p = .010] and 0.758 (95% CI: 0.613-0.938, p = .011), respectively. The area under the ROC of this regression model was 0.983 (95% CI: 0.958-1.00, p < .001). Only iTL-PSMA was a significant parameter for distinguishing ISUP-4 and ISUP-5 groups (Z = -2.043, p = .041). In a nutshell, ¹⁸F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT has good application value in predicting the histopathological grade of primary prostate cancer. Three-dimensional volume metabolism parameters iPSMA-TV and iTL-PSMA were found to be independent predictors for pathological grade.

PMID:38117551 | DOI:10.1080/15384047.2023.2287120

Cancer Res. 2023 Dec 20. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-23-0900. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Cigarette smoke, containing both nicotine and carcinogens, causes lung cancer. However, not all smokers develop lung cancer, highlighting the importance of the interaction between host susceptibility and environmental exposure in tumorigenesis. Here, we aimed to delineate the interaction between metabolizing ability of tobacco carcinogens and smoking intensity in mediating genetic susceptibility to smoking-related lung tumorigenesis. Single-variant and gene-based associations of 43 tobacco carcinogen-metabolizing genes with lung cancer were analyzed using summary statistics and individual-level genetic data, followed by causal inference of Mendelian randomization, mediation analysis, and structural equation modeling. Cigarette smoke-exposed cell models were used to detect gene expression patterns in relation to specific alleles. Data from the International Lung Cancer Consortium (29,266 cases and 56,450 controls) and UK Biobank (2,155 cases and 376,329 controls) indicated that the genetic variant rs56113850 C>T located in intron 4 of CYP2A6 was significantly associated with decreased lung cancer risk among smokers [odds ratio (OR) = 0.88, 95% confidence interval = 0.85-0.91, P = 2.18×10-16], which might interact (Pinteraction = 0.028) with and partially be mediated (ORindirect = 0.987) by smoking status. Smoking intensity accounted for 82.3% of the effect of CYP2A6 activity on lung cancer risk but entirely mediated the genetic effect of rs56113850. Mechanistically, the rs56113850 T allele rescued the downregulation of CYP2A6 caused by cigarette smoke exposure, potentially through preferential recruitment of transcription factor HLTF. Together, this study provides additional insights into the interplay between host susceptibility and carcinogen exposure in smoking-related lung tumorigenesis.

PMID:38117513 | DOI:10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-23-0900

JAMA Netw Open. 2023 Dec 1;6(12):e2347195. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.47195.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Home-delivered meals promote food security and independence among homebound older adults. However, it is unclear which of the 2 predominant modes of meal delivery, daily-delivered vs mailed (or drop-shipped) frozen meals, promotes community living for homebound older adults with dementia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of nursing home admission within 6 months between homebound individuals receiving daily-delivered vs drop-shipped frozen meals.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This pilot, multisite, 2-arm, pragmatic clinical trial included older adults with self-reported dementia on waiting lists for meals at 3 Meals on Wheels (MOW) programs in Texas and Florida between April 7 and October 8, 2021, to assess time to nursing home placement.

INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomized to receive either meals delivered by an MOW driver or frozen meals that were mailed to participants’ homes every 2 weeks. Participants received their assigned intervention for up to 6 months.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary study outcome was days from randomization to a Minimum Data Set nursing home admission assessment within 6 months. Feasibility of conducting this type of study was examined by tracking enrollment, examining baseline characteristics, monitoring participants’ intervention fidelity, measuring the proportion of participants linked with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data, and analyzing the primary study outcome.

RESULTS: Among 325 eligible participants who were randomized, 243 enrolled in the study (mean [SD] age, 81 [8.0] years; 152 (62.6%) were female): 128 to the daily-delivered meals group and 115 to the drop-shipped frozen meals group; 119 participants (49.0%) lived alone. Among the total participants enrolled, 227 (93.4%) were linked deterministically to their CMS data; probabilistic methods were used to link the remaining 16 participants (6.6%). At 6 months from randomization, 160 participants (65.8%) were still receiving meals, and 25 (10.1%; 95% CI, 6.3%-14.0%) were admitted to a nursing home. After adjusting for sex, race and ethnicity, age, program, and living arrangement and the use of death as a censoring event, the adjusted log hazard ratio of nursing home placement between daily-delivered and drop-shipped frozen meals was -0.67 (95% CI, -1.52 to 0.19).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This pilot randomized clinical trial demonstrated the feasibility of enrolling participants with self-reported dementia on waiting lists at MOW programs, linking their data, and evaluating outcomes. While this pilot study was not powered to detect meaningful, statistically significant differences in nursing home placement, its feasibility and initial results warrant exploration in a follow-on, adequately powered trial.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04850781.

PMID:38117500 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.47195