Tag: pubmed

Front Public Health. 2021 Jun 4;9:651228. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.651228. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Concerns about weight and body image are common among adolescents since they are particularly vulnerable to body-image dissatisfaction due to the normal physiological, social, and psychological changes they are going through. This study aims to analyse the relationship between food choice motivations and physical activity in body-image perception among adolescents. Twelve to sixteen years old adolescents were recruited from three school districts. The Portuguese version of the Food Choices Questionnaire (FCQ) was used to assess food choice motivators, and the Quantification de l’Activité Physique en Altitude Chez les Enfants was used to assess physical activity and to calculate daily energy expenditure (DEE). Body image perception was measured using Collins’ sequence of seven silhouettes. Body image (dis)satisfaction was estimated by the present body shape minus the desired body shape. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to compare groups, and the post-hoc Bonferroni test was used to compare target groups. A multinominal logistic regression was performed to analyse the association between gender, age, hours of sport’s competition, FCQ, and body dissatisfaction. All analyses were performed in IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0. The sample comprised 286 adolescents (51.4% females). Means of FCQ categories varied between 0.33 and 0.97 (range: -2 to 2). Regarding the categories of FCQ, statistically significant differences were found in the category of body satisfaction and weight control among the three groups (p = 0.004). A preventive effect was found of choosing food regarding body satisfaction and weight control, on body-image dissatisfaction.

PMID:34150700 | PMC:PMC8213024 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2021.651228

Front Public Health. 2021 Jun 4;9:659701. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.659701. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Personal lifestyle and air pollution are potential risk factors for major non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, these risk factors have experienced dramatic changes in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region in recent years, and few cohorts have focused on identifying risk factors for major NCDs in this specific region. The current study is a large, prospective, long-term, population-based cohort study that investigated environmental and genetic determinants of NCDs in BTH areas. The results of this study may provide scientific support for efforts to develop health recommendations for personalized prevention. Methods: About 36,000 participants 18 years or older would be obtained by multistage, stratified cluster sampling from five cities for the baseline assessment. Participants underwent seven examinations primarily targeting respiratory and circulatory system function and filled out questionnaires regarding lifestyle behavior, pollutant exposure, medical and family history, medication history, and psychological factors. Biochemistry indicators and inflammation markers were tested, and a biobank was established. Participants will be followed up every 2 years. Genetic determinants of NCDs will be demonstrated by using multiomics, and risk prediction models will be constructed using machine learning methods based on a multitude of environmental exposure, examination data, biomarkers, and psychosocial and behavioral assessments. Significant spatial and temporal differentiation is well-suited to demonstrating the health determinants of NCDs in the BTH region, which may facilitate public health strategies with respect to disease prevention and survivorship-related aspects.

PMID:34150703 | PMC:PMC8212971 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2021.659701

Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2021 Jun 4;11:595554. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.595554. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Differential diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB infection (LTBI) remains a public health priority in high TB burden countries. Pulmonary TB is diagnosed by sputum smear microscopy, chest X-rays, and PCR tests for distinct Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) genes. Clinical tests to diagnose LTBI rely on immune cell stimulation in blood plasma with TB-specific antigens followed by measurements of interferon-γ concentrations. The latter is an important cytokine for cellular immune responses against Mtb in infected lung tissues. Sputum smear microscopy and chest X-rays are not sufficiently sensitive while both PCR and interferon-γ release assays are expensive. Alternative biomarkers for the development of diagnostic tests to discern TB disease states are desirable. This study’s objective was to discover sputum diagnostic biomarker candidates from the analysis of samples from 161 human subjects including TB patients, individuals with LTBI, negative community controls (NCC) from the province South Omo, a pastoral region in Ethiopia. We analyzed 16S rRNA gene-based bacterial taxonomies and proteomic profiles. The sputum microbiota did not reveal statistically significant differences in α-diversity comparing the cohorts. The genus Mycobacterium, representing Mtb, was only identified for the TB group which also featured reduced abundance of the genus Rothia in comparison with the LTBI and NCC groups. Rothia is a respiratory tract commensal and may be sensitive to the inflammatory milieu generated by infection with Mtb. Proteomic data supported innate immune responses against the pathogen in subjects with pulmonary TB. Ferritin, an iron storage protein released by damaged host cells, was markedly increased in abundance in TB sputum compared to the LTBI and NCC groups, along with the α-1-acid glycoproteins ORM1 and ORM2. These proteins are acute phase reactants and inhibit excessive neutrophil activation. Proteomic data highlight the effector roles of neutrophils in the anti-Mtb response which was not observed for LTBI cases. Less abundant in the sputum of the LTBI group, compared to the NCC group, were two immunomodulatory proteins, mitochondrial TSPO and the extracellular ribonuclease T2. If validated, these proteins are of interest as new biomarkers for diagnosis of LTBI.

PMID:34150670 | PMC:PMC8212885 | DOI:10.3389/fcimb.2021.595554

J Med Trop. 2021 Jan-Jun;23(1):76-83. doi: 10.4103/jomt.jomt_24_20. Epub 2021 Apr 28.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Standard safety precautions are essential in health care delivery regardless of the presumed infectious state of the patients. Safe handling practices as detailed in the universal safety precaution guidelines are available to health care workers globally. However, there have been documentation of suboptimal adherence to it especially in the developing countries including Nigeria. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the level of safe handling practices and its determinants among resident doctors in Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau state, Nigeria.

METHODS: This was a cross sectional study conducted among 192 resident doctors using quantitative method of data collection in 2018.SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis with chi square test used to identify the determinants of safe handling practices. Crude odds ratio as well as 95% confidence interval were used with a p-value of < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents in the study was 33 ± 3 years with 119 (62.0%) of the respondents being males. Good knowledge of infection, prevention and control was reported among 120 (62.5%) while 137 (71.3%) were found to have engaged in safe handling practices. Sex (OR = 4.5; 95% CI = 2.05-9.85) and level of knowledge (OR = 1.97; 95% CI = 1.05-3.72) were found as the determinants of safe handling practice.

CONCLUSION: This study has brought to light the need for improvement in the level of compliance with safe handling practices as it is far from the optimum.

PMID:34150680 | PMC:PMC8211140 | DOI:10.4103/jomt.jomt_24_20

Front Public Health. 2021 Jun 4;9:606801. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.606801. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Background: The anxiety caused by the emergence of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) globally has made many Nigerians resort to self-medication for purported protection against the disease, amid fear of contracting it from health workers and hospital environments. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the knowledge level, causes, prevalence, and determinants of self-medication practices for the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between June and July 2020 among the Nigerian population, using a self-reported questionnaire. Statistical analysis of descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses was done using STATA 15. Results: A total of 461 respondents participated in the survey. Almost all the respondents had sufficient knowledge about self-medication (96.7%). The overall prevalence of self-medication for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 was 41%. The contributing factors were fear of stigmatization or discrimination (79.5%), fear of being quarantine (77.3%), and fear of infection or contact with a suspected person (76.3%). The proximal reasons for self-medication were emergency illness (49.1%), delays in receiving hospital services (28.1%), distance to the health facility (23%), and proximity of the pharmacy (21%). The most commonly used drugs for self-medication were vitamin C and multivitamin (51.8%) and antimalarials (24.9%). These drugs were bought mainly from pharmacies (73.9%). From the multivariable logistic regression model, males (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.07-0.54), and sufficient knowledge on SM (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.19-0.77) were significantly associated with self-medication. Conclusion: The key finding of this study was the use of different over-the-counter medications for the prevention (mainly vitamin C and multivitamins) and treatment (antibiotics/antimicrobial) of perceived COVID-19 infection by Nigerians with mainly tertiary education. This is despite their high knowledge and risk associated with self-medication. We suggest that medication outlets, media and community should be engaged to support the rational use of medication.

PMID:34150693 | PMC:PMC8213209 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2021.606801

Front Oncol. 2021 Jun 4;11:691197. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2021.691197. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In 2020, around 1.4 million new prostate cancer (PCa) cases were recorded worldwide. Early detection of PCa by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening remains debated, leading to different specialist-specific recommendations in PCa guidelines. This study aimed to assess attitudes toward and use of PSA testing among urologists in Germany and general practitioners (GPs) in Lower Saxony (Germany).

METHODS: A nationwide questionnaire was sent to urologists via the mailing lists of the Professional Association of German Urologists and the German Urological Society. A version of the questionnaire for GPs was sent to email addresses via the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians Lower Saxony. The online questionnaires covered use of PSA testing, information communication, handling of test results, and handling of/knowledge about national and international guidelines and recommendations on early detection of PCa. Statistical analysis was performed at a descriptive level.

RESULTS: In total, 432 of 6,568 urologists (6.6%) and 96 of 1,579 GPs (6.1%) participated in this survey. Urologists and GPs differed in their attitudes and approaches toward PSA testing. Most urologists (86.8%, n=375) judged the test as “very meaningful” or “meaningful”, compared with 52.1% (n=50) of GPs. Almost two-thirds of the urologists (64.4%, n=278) viewed the PCa mortality reduction by PSA testing as proven, compared with one-fifth of GPs (20.8%, n=20). Almost 80% of male urologists (79.9%, n=291) indicated that they would undergo a PSA test in the future (again), compared with 55.1% of male GPs (n=38). In addition, 56.3% (n=243) of urologists stated that “considerably more than half” or “almost all” men aged 45 years or older received a PSA test, compared with 19.8% (n=19) of GPs.

CONCLUSIONS: Urologists are more convinced about the PSA test than GPs. PSA testing is therefore used more often in urological settings, although the preselected patient population must be considered. In accordance with specialist-specific recommendations, GPs show a more reserved approach toward PSA testing. Instead of focusing on different attitudes and recommendations on PSA testing, the exchange between specialist groups should be improved to achieve a consistent approach to PSA testing.

PMID:34150662 | PMC:PMC8213068 | DOI:10.3389/fonc.2021.691197

Front Oncol. 2021 Jun 3;11:692535. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2021.692535. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

To explore the role of metastasis-related long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) signature for predicting the prognosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients. Firstly, metastasis-associated genes were identified to establish a metastasis-related lncRNA signature by statistical analysis. Secondly, the ccRCC patients were grouped into high-risk or low-risk group according to the established signature, and the different pathways between the 2 groups were identified by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Finally, investigations involving PCR, transwell migration and invasion assay were carried out to further confirm our findings. The metastasis-related lncRNA signature was successfully constructed according to 7-metastasis-related genes (ADAM12, CD44, IL6, TFPI2, TGF-β1, THBS2, TIMP3). The diagnostic efficacy and the clinically predictive capacity of the signature were evaluated. Most of the values of the area under the time-dependent receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) were greater than 0.70. The nomogram constructed by integrating clinical data and risk scores confirmed that the risk score calculated from our signature was a good prognosis predictor. GSEA analysis showed that some tumor-related pathways were enriched in the high-risk group, while metabolism-related pathways were enriched in the low-risk group. In carcinoma tissues, the SSR3-6, WISP1-2 were highly expressed, but the expression of UBAC2-6 was low there. Knocking down SSR3-6 decreased the ability of migration and invasion in ccRCC cells. In conclusion, we successfully constructed a metastasis-related lncRNA signature, which could accurately predict the survival and prognosis of ccRCC patients.

PMID:34150667 | PMC:PMC8209488 | DOI:10.3389/fonc.2021.692535

Front Oncol. 2021 Jun 3;11:681130. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2021.681130. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of tumour arising from the central nervous system. GBM remains an incurable disease despite advancement in therapies, with overall survival of approximately 15 months. Recent literature has highlighted that GBM releases tumoural content which crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and is detected in patients’ blood, such as circulating tumour cells (CTCs). CTCs carry tumour information and have shown promise as prognostic and predictive biomarkers in different cancer types. Currently, there is limited data for the clinical utility of CTCs in GBM. Here, we report the use of spiral microfluidic technology to isolate CTCs from whole blood of newly diagnosed GBM patients before and after surgery, followed by characterization for GFAP, cell-surface vimentin protein expression and EGFR amplification. CTCs were found in 13 out of 20 patients (9/20 before surgery and 11/19 after surgery). Patients with CTC counts equal to 0 after surgery had a significantly longer recurrence-free survival (p=0.0370). This is the first investigation using the spiral microfluidics technology for the enrichment of CTCs from GBM patients and these results support the use of this technology to better understand the clinical value of CTCs in the management of GBM in future studies.

PMID:34150645 | PMC:PMC8210776 | DOI:10.3389/fonc.2021.681130

Front Oncol. 2021 Jun 4;11:684781. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2021.684781. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

MOTIVATION: The evolution of complex diseases can be modeled as a time-dependent nonlinear dynamic system, and its progression can be divided into three states, i.e., the normal state, the pre-disease state and the disease state. The sudden deterioration of the disease can be regarded as the state transition of the dynamic system at the critical state or pre-disease state. How to detect the critical state of an individual before the disease state based on single-sample data has attracted many researchers’ attention.

METHODS: In this study, we proposed a novel approach, i.e., single-sample-based Jensen-Shannon Divergence (sJSD) method to detect the early-warning signals of complex diseases before critical transitions based on individual single-sample data. The method aims to construct score index based on sJSD, namely, inconsistency index (ICI).

RESULTS: This method is applied to five real datasets, including prostate cancer, bladder urothelial carcinoma, influenza virus infection, cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The critical states of 5 datasets with their corresponding sJSD signal biomarkers are successfully identified to diagnose and predict each individual sample, and some “dark genes” that without differential expressions but are sensitive to ICI score were revealed. This method is a data-driven and model-free method, which can be applied to not only disease prediction on individuals but also targeted drug design of each disease. At the same time, the identification of sJSD signal biomarkers is also of great significance for studying the molecular mechanism of disease progression from a dynamic perspective.

PMID:34150649 | PMC:PMC8212786 | DOI:10.3389/fonc.2021.684781

Front Oncol. 2021 Jun 4;11:665235. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2021.665235. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gliomas are the most common and aggressive tumors of the central nervous system. A robust and widely used blood-based biomarker for glioma has not yet been identified. In recent years, a plethora of new research on blood-based biomarkers for glial tumors has been published. In this review, we question which molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, circulating cells, and metabolomics, are most promising blood-based biomarkers for glioma diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring and other purposes, and align them to the seminal processes of cancer.

METHODS: The Pubmed and Embase databases were systematically searched. Biomarkers were categorized in the identified biomolecules and biosources. Biomarker characteristics were assessed using the area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity and/or specificity values and the degree of statistical significance among the assessed clinical groups was reported.

RESULTS: 7,919 references were identified: 3,596 in PubMed and 4,323 in Embase. Following screening of titles, abstracts and availability of full-text, 262 articles were included in the final systematic review. Panels of multiple biomarkers together consistently reached AUCs >0.8 and accuracies >80% for various purposes but especially for diagnostics. The accuracy of single biomarkers, consisting of only one measurement, was far more variable, but single microRNAs and proteins are generally more promising as compared to other biomarker types.

CONCLUSION: Panels of microRNAs and proteins are most promising biomarkers, while single biomarkers such as GFAP, IL-10 and individual miRNAs also hold promise. It is possible that panels are more accurate once these are involved in different, complementary cancer-related molecular pathways, because not all pathways may be dysregulated in cancer patients. As biomarkers seem to be increasingly dysregulated in patients with short survival, higher tumor grades and more pathological tumor types, it can be hypothesized that more pathways are dysregulated as the degree of malignancy of the glial tumor increases. Despite, none of the biomarkers found in the literature search seem to be currently ready for clinical implementation, and most of the studies report only preliminary application of the identified biomarkers. Hence, large-scale validation of currently identified and potential novel biomarkers to show clinical utility is warranted.

PMID:34150629 | PMC:PMC8211985 | DOI:10.3389/fonc.2021.665235