bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pediatric Swine Model of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Sepsis-Induced Coagulopathy, Disseminated Microvascular Thrombosis, and Organ Injuries
Authors: Nguyen Trung C. , Marini Juan C. , Guillory Bobby , Valladolid-Brown Christian , Martinez-Vargas Marina , Subramanyam Deepika , Cohen Daniel , Cirlos Sonya C. , Lam Fong , Stoll Barbara , Didelija Inka C. , Vonderohe Caitlin , Orellana Renan , Saini Arun , Pradhan Subhashree , Bashir Dalia , Desai Moreshwar S. , Flores Saul , Virk Manpreet , Tcharmtchi Hossein , Navaei Amir , Kaplan Sheldon , Lamberth Linda , Hulten Kristina G. , Scull Brooks P. , Allen Carl E. , Akcan-Arikan Ayse , Vijayan K. Vinod , Cruz Miguel A.
Published: May 2023

CONTEXT:

Sepsis-induced coagulopathy leading to disseminated microvascular thrombosis is associated with high mortality and has no existing therapy. Despite the high prevalence of Gram-positive bacterial sepsis, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), there is a paucity of published Gram-positive pediatric sepsis models. Large animal models replicating sepsis-induced coagulopathy are needed to test new therapeutics before human clinical trials.

HYPOTHESIS:

Our objective is to develop a pediatric sepsis-induced coagulopathy swine model that last 70 hours.

METHODS AND MODELS:

Ten 3 weeks old piglets, implanted with telemetry devices for continuous hemodynamic monitoring, were IV injected with MRSA (n = 6) (USA300, Texas Children’s Hospital 1516 strain) at 1 × 109 colony forming units/kg or saline (n = 4). Fluid resuscitation was given for heart rate greater than 50% or mean arterial blood pressure less than 30% from baseline. Acetaminophen and dextrose were provided as indicated. Point-of-care complete blood count, prothrombin time (PT), activated thromboplastin time, d-dimer, fibrinogen, and specialized coagulation assays were performed at pre- and post-injection, at 0, 24, 48, 60, and 70 hours. Piglets were euthanized and necropsies performed.

RESULTS:

Compared with the saline treated piglets (control), the septic piglets within 24 hours had significantly lower neurologic and respiratory scores. Over time, PT, d-dimer, and fibrinogen increased, while platelet counts and activities of factors V, VII, protein C, antithrombin, and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin-1 motifs (13th member of the family) (ADAMTS-13) decreased significantly in septic piglets compared with control. Histopathologic examination showed minor focal organ injuries including microvascular thrombi and necrosis in the kidney and liver of septic piglets.

INTERPRETATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS:

We established a 70-hour swine model of MRSA sepsis-induced coagulopathy with signs of consumptive coagulopathy, disseminated microvascular thrombosis, and early organ injuries with histological minor focal organ injuries. This model is clinically relevant to pediatric sepsis and can be used to study dysregulated host immune response and coagulopathy to infection, identify potential early biomarkers, and to test new therapeutics.
Practical Issues in a Culturally Tailored Technology-Based Intervention for Asian American Colorectal Cancer Survivors
Authors: Im Eun-Ok , Kim Seo Yun , Ujiie Miho , Wang Shitao , Chee Wonshik
Published: May 2023

Background

Despite an increasing number of culturally tailored technology-based interventions for racial/ethnic minorities, little is known about practical issues in conducting a culturally tailored technology-based intervention study among racial/ethnic minority groups, especially among Asian American colorectal cancer survivors.

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the practical issues in conducting a study using a culturally tailored technology-based intervention among Asian American colorectal cancer survivors.

Methods

In a technology-based colorectal cancer intervention study, research team members wrote memos on issues in conducting a culturally tailored technology-based intervention study among the specific population and plausible reasons for the issues. Then, a content analysis was used to analyze the research diaries and written records of the research team.

Results

The practical issues found in the research process included (a) unauthentic cases, (b) a low response rate, (c) high dropout rates, (d) technological literacy, (e) language issues, (f) cultural tailoring issues, and (g) time and geographical limitations.

Conclusions

These practical issues need to be considered in planning and implementing culturally tailored technology-based interventions among Asian American colorectal cancer survivors.

Implications for Practice

Multiple implications such as detailed information sheets, flexibility in languages, open attitudes toward cultural differences and variances, and continuous training of interventionists are proposed for culturally tailored technology-based interventions among this specific population.
Monitoring Patient-Reported Outcomes in Self-management of Postsurgical Symptoms in Oncology
Authors: Almeida Ana M. , Lima Lígia , Martins Teresa
Published: May 2023

Background

Surgery is used widely for cancer treatment, and in most types, after discharge, patients usually report multiple symptoms, which, if not controlled, can put postoperative recovery at risk. Understanding which patient-reported outcomes (PROs) should be monitored could have a significant impact on reducing the symptom burden associated with cancer and its treatment by playing a pivotal role in developing symptom self-management plans and designing tailored approaches to optimize patients’ symptom self-management behaviors.

Objective

To map the PROs used for patients’ postsurgical symptom self-management after hospital discharge following cancer surgery.

Interventions/Methods

Our scoping review process was guided by the steps for conducting scoping reviews recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Results

The search identified 97 potentially relevant studies, with 27 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. The most frequently assessed and monitored PROs were problems with surgical wounds, more general physical symptoms, psychological functioning outcomes, and quality of life.

Conclusions

Our results showed an overall uniformity among the PROs selected to be monitored in surgical cancer patients after hospital discharge. Monitoring through electronic platforms is widely used and seems useful to self-manage symptoms and optimize the recovery of cancer patients after discharge following surgery.

Implications for Practice

This study provides knowledge about PROs that can be applied in oncologic patients after surgery to self-report their symptoms following discharge.
Feasibility of Weekly Electronic Patient- and Proxy-Reported Outcome Measures in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Skrabal Ross Xiomara , Condon Paula , Yates Patsy , Walker Rick , Herbert Anthony , Bradford Natalie
Published: May 2023

Background

Electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) benefit adult cancer care, but their use in pediatric cancer care is limited.

Objectives

To explore the feasibility of collecting weekly ePROMs from pediatric cancer patients and/or their caregivers and to describe children’s levels of symptom burden, distress, and cancer-related quality of life.

Methods

A prospective and longitudinal cohort study was undertaken at one tertiary children’s cancer center. Children (2–18 years)/caregivers completed ePROMs with validated measures for distress, symptom burden, and cancer-related quality of life weekly for 8 weeks.

Results

Seventy children/caregivers participated in the study, and 69% completed ePROMs at all 8 weeks. Distress and cancer-related quality of life significantly improved over time. However, at week 8, almost half of the participants still reported high levels of distress. Symptom burden decreased over time, with the youngest and the oldest age groups (2–3 and 13–18 years) reporting the highest number of symptoms with severe burden.

Conclusions

Weekly collection of ePROMs in pediatric cancer care is feasible. Although distress, quality of life, and symptom burden improve over time, there is a need for timely assessment and interventions to improve symptoms, high levels of distress, and issues that negatively affect quality of life.

Implications for Practice

Nurses are ideally placed to intervene, assess, and monitor symptoms and to provide symptom management advice to pediatric cancer patients and caregivers. Findings from this study may inform the design of models of pediatric cancer care to improve communication with the healthcare team and patient experience of care.
Cytobacillus spongiae sp. nov. isolated from sponge Diacarnus spinipoculum
Authors: Gao Luyao , Song Qianqian , Sang Jin , Xiao Yilin , Li Zhiyong
Published: May 2023

A novel Gram-stain-positive, aerobic and motile bacterium, designated strain CY-GT, was isolated from a sponge (Diacarnus spinipoculum) collected from the Red Sea. The strain grew at 13–43 °C (optimum 30 °C), pH 5.5–10.0 (optimum pH 9.0) and with 0–8.0 % (w/v) (0–1.37 M) NaCl (optimum 0 %). The results of phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that CY-GT represents a member of the genus

Cytobacillus

, with the highest sequence identity to

Cytobacillus oceanisediminis

H2T (97.05 %), followed by

Cytobacillus firmus

IAM 12464T (96.76 %). The major cellular fatty acids (>5 % of the total) of CY-GT were C15 : 0iso, C16 : 0iso, C16 : 1ω7c alcohol, C16 : 0, C17 : 1iso ω10c and C17 : 0iso. The major polar lipids were glycolipid, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The major respiratory quinone is menaquinone-7 (MK-7). The cell-wall peptidoglycan contains meso-diaminopimelic acid. The total genome size of CY-GT is 4 789 051 bp. The DNA G+C content is 38.83 mol%. The average nucleotide identity and DNA–DNA hybridization among CY-GT and type strains of other species of the genus

Cytobacillus

were 76.79–78.97 % and 20.10–24.90 %, respectively. On the basis of the results of phylogenetic analysis, physiological and biochemical characterization, strain CY-GT represents a novel species of the genus

Cytobacillus

, for which the name Cytobacillus spongiae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CY-GT (=MCCC 1K06383T=KCTC 43348T).
Opacimonas viscosa gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel bacterium isolated from phycosphere
Authors: Lin Xuanru , Cai Runlin , Cai Guanjing , Xie Jianmin , Zhou Zhenyuan , Wang Hui
Published: May 2023

A novel strain of a member of the family

Alteromonadaceae

was isolated from the phycosphere of a diatom and designated as LMIT007T. LMIT007T could form milk-white, opaque, circular and smooth colonies on 2216E marine agar. LMIT007T cells were around 1.0–1.8 µm long, 0.8–1.8 µm wide, round or oval shaped and had polar flagella but were non-motile. Optimum conditions for growth were 25 °C, pH 7.0 and 6 % (w/v) NaCl. The results of 16S rRNA gene-based analysis indicated that LMIT007T had the highest similarity with the type strains Aestuaribacter halophilus JC2043T (95.95 %),

Alteromonas lipolytica

JW12T (95.60 %) and

Alteromonas halophila

KCTC 22164T (94.21 %). Furthermore, the results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and of phylogenomic analysis indicated that LMIT007T could be clustered into the family

Alteromonadaceae

but formed a separate branch. The genome size of the strain was 2.95 Mbp and the DNA G+C content was 41.6 %. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) values of orthologous genes between LMIT007T and species of other closely related genera within the family

Alteromonadaceae

ranged from 66.9 to 69.2 %, and the average amino acid identity (AAI) values ranged from 60.0 to 65.7 %. The main respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8. The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c / C16 : 1ω6c) and C16 : 0. The polar lipid profile contain phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, aminolipid, two phospholipid and an unknown polar lipid. On the basis of the results of the polyphasic analysis, strain LMIT007T is suggested to represent a novel genus and species within the family

Alteromonadaceae

, for which the name Opacimonas viscosa gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LMIT007T (=MCCC 1K08161T=KCTC 92597T).
MRT-ModSeq – Rapid detection of RNA modifications with MarathonRT
Authors: Araujo Tavares Rafael de Cesaris , Mahadeshwar Gandhar , Wan Han , Pyle Anna Marie
Published: May 2023

Chemical modifications are essential regulatory elements that modulate the behavior and function of cellular RNAs. Despite recent advances in sequencing-based RNA modification mapping, methods combining accuracy and speed are still lacking. Here, we introduce MRT- ModSeq for rapid, simultaneous detection of multiple RNA modifications using MarathonRT. MRT-ModSeq employs distinct divalent cofactors to generate 2-D mutational profiles that are highly dependent on nucleotide identity and modification type. As a proof of concept, we use the MRT fingerprints of well-studied rRNAs to implement a general workflow for detecting RNA modifications. MRT-ModSeq rapidly detects positions of diverse modifications across a RNA transcript, enabling assignment of m1acp3Y, m1A, m3U, m7G and 2’-OMe locations through mutation-rate filtering and machine learning. m1A sites in sparsely modified targets, such as MALAT1 and PRUNE1 could also be detected. MRT-ModSeq can be trained on natural and synthetic transcripts to expedite detection of diverse RNA modification subtypes across targets of interest.
A Conserved Core Region of the Scaffold NEMO is Essential for Signal-induced Conformational Change and Liquid-liquid Phase Separation
Authors: DiRusso Christopher J. , DeMaria Anthony M. , Wong Judy , Jordanides Jack J. , Whitty Adrian , Allen Karen N. , Gilmore Thomas D.
Published: May 2023

Scaffold proteins help mediate interactions between protein partners, often to optimize intracellular signaling. Herein, we use comparative, biochemical, biophysical, molecular, and cellular approaches to investigate how the scaffold protein NEMO contributes to signaling in the NF-κB pathway. Comparison of NEMO and the related protein optineurin from a variety of evolutionarily distant organisms revealed that a central region of NEMO, called the Intervening Domain (IVD), is conserved between NEMO and optineurin. Previous studies have shown that this central core region of the IVD is required for cytokine-induced activation of IκB kinase (IKK). We show that the analogous region of optineurin can functionally replace the core region of the NEMO IVD. We also show that an intact IVD is required for the formation of disulfide-bonded dimers of NEMO. Moreover, inactivating mutations in this core region abrogate the ability of NEMO to form ubiquitin-induced liquid-liquid phase separation droplets in vitro and signal-induced puncta in vivo. Thermal and chemical denaturation studies of truncated NEMO variants indicate that the IVD, while not intrinsically destabilizing, can reduce the stability of surrounding regions of NEMO, due to the conflicting structural demands imparted on this region by flanking upstream and downstream domains. This conformational strain in the IVD mediates allosteric communication between N- and C-terminal regions of NEMO. Overall, these results support a model in which the IVD of NEMO participates in signal-induced activation of the IKK/NF-κB pathway by acting as a mediator of conformational changes in NEMO.
Distinct brain-wide presynaptic networks underlie the functional identity of individual cortical neurons
Authors: Inacio Ana R , Lam Ka Chun , Zhao Yuan , Pereira Francisco , Gerfen Charles R , Lee Soohyun
Published: May 2023

Neuronal connections provide the scaffolding for neuronal function. Revealing the connectivity of functionally identified individual neurons is necessary to understand how activity patterns emerge and support behavior. Yet, the brain-wide presynaptic wiring rules that lay the foundation for the functional selectivity of individual neurons remain largely unexplored. Cortical neurons, even in primary sensory cortex, are heterogeneous in their selectivity, not only to sensory stimuli but also to multiple aspects of behavior. Here, to investigate presynaptic connectivity rules underlying the selectivity of pyramidal neurons to behavioral state1-12in primary somatosensory cortex (S1), we used two-photon calcium imaging, neuropharmacology, single-cell based monosynaptic input tracing, and optogenetics. We show that behavioral state-dependent neuronal activity patterns are stable over time. These are minimally affected by neuromodulatory inputs and are instead driven by glutamatergic inputs. Analysis of brain-wide presynaptic networks of individual neurons with distinct behavioral state-dependent activity profiles revealed characteristic patterns of anatomical input. While both behavioral state-related and unrelated neurons had a similar pattern of local inputs within S1, their long-range glutamatergic inputs differed. Individual cortical neurons, irrespective of their functional properties, received converging inputs from the main S1-projecting areas. Yet, neurons that tracked behavioral state received a smaller proportion of motor cortical inputs and a larger proportion of thalamic inputs. Optogenetic suppression of thalamic inputs reduced behavioral state-dependent activity in S1, but this activity was not externally driven. Our results revealed distinct long-range glutamatergic inputs as a substrate for preconfigured network dynamics associated with behavioral state.
RETRACTED: Realization of chiral multifold semimetal RhSi crystalline thin films
Authors: Lv Hua , Lesne Edouard , Ibarra Rebeca , Sun Yan , Markou Anastasios , Felser Claudia
Published: May 2023

Nonmagnetic topological semimetals that combine chirality in real and momentum spaces host unconventional multifold fermions and exhibit exotic electronic and optical properties endowed by their topologically nontrivial electronic band structure. Although the synthesis of nonmagnetic chiral single crystals with a noncentrosymmetric cubic B20 structure is well established, their heteroepitaxial growth in crystalline thin films remains a notable challenge. In this study, we present the structural, magnetic, and electrical magnetotransport properties of 24- and 51-nm-thick films of a B20-RhSi stoichiometric compound grown by magnetron sputtering. RhSi crystalline thin films on Si (111) single-crystal substrates exhibit a preferred (111) orientation with twin domains. The RhSi films display a nonmagnetic ground state, and their electrical resistivity demonstrates a clear and nonsaturating metallic behavior from 300 to 5 K. Magnetotransport measurements reveal that hole-type carriers dominate the Hall response with multiband contributions to electronic transport in the system. The good agreement with the Bloch-Grüneisen model and our first-principles calculations confirms that temperature-dependent electrical resistivity is governed by electron-phonon scattering. The ability to grow textured-epitaxial thin films of nonmagnetic B20 chiral topological semimetals is an important step toward accessing and controlling their remarkable topological surface states for designing chiraltronic devices with novel optoelectronic or spintronic functionalities.

Published by the American Physical Society
2023
Golden oldies: ten crystallography articles that we think must be read
Authors: Massera Chiara , Helliwell John R.
Published: May 2023

We have selected a set of ten `golden oldies', diverse crystallography articles to illustrate important moments in the development of our field of science and which form landmark papers in crystallography. They are a mixture of `science pull and technology push'. For each of our choices, we firstly created a new title that emphasizes how the paper's importance worked out from today's perspective. Then we describe the core details and impacts of each paper, with some quotations and a selected figure or two. Ten is an arbitrary number of highlights and our choice is personal.
The great Canadian recovery: The impact of COVID‐19 on Canada's labour market
Authors: Jones Stephen R.G. , Lange Fabian , Craig Riddell W. , Warman Casey
Published: May 2023

The Canadian labour market experienced a period of unprecedented turmoil following the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic. We analyze the main changes using standard labour force statistics and new data on job postings. Envisaging a phase of temporary severing of employment relationships followed by a phase of more standard labour market search and matching, we use stock and flow data to understand key developments. We find dramatic changes in employment, unemployment and labour market attachment in the first few months of the pandemic and a broad though gradual recovery through to the end of 2021.
Investigation of the presence of specific neural antibodies in dogs with epilepsy or dyskinesia using murine and human assays
Authors: Hemmeter Lea , Bien Christian G. , Bien Corinna I. , Tipold Andrea , Neßler Jasmin , Bathen‐Nöthen Andrea , Matiasek Kaspar , Dahlhoff Maik , Rusbridge Clare , Rotter Black Carina , Rentmeister Kai , Volk Holger A. , Fischer Andrea
Published: May 2023

Background

Autoimmune mechanisms represent a novel category for causes of seizures and epilepsies in humans, and LGI1‐antibody associated limbic encephalitis occurs in cats.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To investigate the presence of neural antibodies in dogs with epilepsy or dyskinesia of unknown cause using human and murine assays modified for use in dogs.

Animals

Fifty‐eight dogs with epilepsy of unknown cause or suspected dyskinesia and 57 control dogs.

Methods

Serum and CSF samples were collected prospectively as part of the diagnostic work‐up. Clinical data including onset and seizure/episode type were retrieved from the medical records. Screening for neural antibodies was done with cell‐based assays transfected with human genes for typical autoimmune encephalitis antigens and tissue‐based immunofluorescence assays on mouse hippocampus slices in serum and CSF samples from affected dogs and controls. The commercial human und murine assays were modified with canine‐specific secondary antibody. Positive controls were from human samples.

Results

The commercial assays used in this study did not provide unequivocal evidence for presence of neural antibodies in dogs including one dog with histopathologically proven limbic encephalitis. Low titer IgLON5 antibodies were present in serum from one dog from the epilepsy/dyskinesia group and in one dog from the control group.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Specific neural antibodies were not detected using mouse and human target antigens in dogs with epilepsy and dyskinesia of unknown origin. These findings emphasize the need for canine‐specific assays and the importance of control groups.
Philosophy's past: Cognitive values and the history of philosophy
Authors: Corkum Phil
Published: May 2023

Recent authors hold that the role of historical scholarship within contemporary philosophical practice is to question current assumptions, to expose vestiges or to calibrate intuitions. On these views, historical scholarship is dispensable, since these roles can be achieved by nonhistorical methods. And the value of historical scholarship is contingent, since the need for the role depends on the presence of questionable assumptions, vestiges or comparable intuitions. In this paper I draw an analogy between scientific and philosophical practice, in order to float one role for historical scholarship that is nonreplicable and noncontingent. It has long been acknowledged that cognitive values – features of theories that facilitate understanding, such as ontological parsimony, ideological simplicity, computational ease and fecundity – play a key role within science. The role of some of these values within philosophy also has received attention but left understudied are the values of novelty and conservativeness. These values influence theory choice, the selection of methodology, the setting of research agenda, and the presentation of results; and are best assessed with a historically informed evaluation. This role for historical scholarship is not replicable by nonhistorical methods, and is not contingent on the presence of questionable assumptions, vestiges or comparable intuitions.
Automatic Laser Engraving Machine for Different Materials based on Microcontroller
Authors: Yousif Israa Fayez , Alsudani Mustafa Qahtan , Waheed Safa Riyadh , Khudhair Zaid Nidhal , Adnan Myasar Mundher , Al-khaykan Ameer
Published: May 2023

In this article, we looked at how to go about creating a CNC pen or drawing machine of your own. Inkscape, which translates graphics and text into g- code format, was utilized as the controller for this project, with the microcontroller serving as the interface between the computer and the language of the CNC machine. The g-code transmits a series of x, y, and z coordinates to the motors; the servo motor controls the pen's movement in response to the Z coordinates; stepper motor 1 controls the rail's horizontal motion; and stepper motor 2 controls the rail's vertical motion in response to the X coordinate. The laser machine employs industrial applications to expedite manufacturing and perform engraving and cutting, resulting in a superior and expertly finished output. The carbon laser beam emitted by the laser engraving machine may be used for engraving, cutting, and shaping a wide variety of materials and end products.
Proyecto de modernidad y tendencias discursivas sobre interculturalidad. ¿Hay relación entre decolonialidad e interculturalidad?
Authors: Arciniegas Sigüenza Arciniegas Sigüenza
Published: May 2023

Para entender la articulación entre decolonialidad e interculturalidad, es necesario el análisis de categorías que incluyen, por un lado, aspectos históricos y, por otro, relaciones de poder y asimetrías. De esta manera, se concreta la necesidad de asumir una postura crítica desde los conceptos de cultura y colonialidad. El objetivo de este artículo es comprender cómo desde el conocimiento occidental se ha generado un proyecto de modernidad, mediante discursos en los cuales la construcción de la alteridad pasa por diferentes procesos de asimilación e incorporación del otro. Estos condicionan el ajuste de la otredad, según los estándares sociales dominantes, a partir de concepciones esencialistas, que termina en procesos de diferenciación y discriminación. El método empleado es la revisión documental crítica. El trabajo concluye que la descolonización plantea el desafío de desvincularse de conocimientos que tergiversan la realidad, y debe distanciarse de las racionalidades que fragmentan, clasifican, etiquetan y generan retóricas con las cuales se refuerza la división social y se legitiman la segregación y la exclusión.
Two new Phyllocoptine species (Acariformes: Eriophyidae: Phyllocoptinae) from northern Iran
Authors: Ranjbar-Varandi Forough , Irani-nejad Karim Haddad , Lotfollahi Parisa
Published: May 2023

Two new Phyllocoptine species (Eriophyidae: Phyllocoptinae) including Shevtchenkella acerutinis sp. nov. and Epitrimerus cupresservirens sp. nov. were collected from Acer velutinum Boiss. (Sapindaceae) and Cupressus sempervirens L. (Cupressaceae), respectively in Sari county, Mazandaran province, North of Iran. They are described and illustrated. This is the first report of eriophyoid mite species in association with Acer velutinum and Cupressus sempervirens plants.
Feasibility and Utility of a Fitbit Tracker Among Ambulatory Children and Youth With Disabilities
Authors: Bremer Emily , Arbour-Nicitopoulos Kelly P. , Tsui Brianna , Ginis Kathleen A. Martin , Moore Sarah A. , Best Krista L. , Voss Christine
Published: May 2023

Purpose: To examine the feasibility and utility of the Fitbit Charge HR to estimate physical activity among ambulatory children and youth with disabilities. Method: Participants (4–17 y old) with disabilities were recruited and asked to wear a Fitbit for 28 days. Feasibility was assessed as the number of participants who adhered to the 28-day protocol. Heat maps were generated to visually examine variability in step count by age, gender, and disability group. Between-group differences for wear time and step counts by age, gender, and disability type were assessed by independent sample t tests for gender and disability group, and a 1-way analysis of variance for age group. Results: Participants (N = 157; median age = 10 y; 71% boys; 71% nonphysical disabilities) averaged 21 valid days of wear time. Wear time was higher in girls than boys (mean difference = 18.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.8 to 29.1), and in preadolescents (mean difference = 27.6; 95% CI, 15.5 to 39.7) and adolescents (mean difference = −21.2; 95% CI, −33.6 to −8.7) than children. More daily steps were taken by boys than girls (mean difference = −1040; 95% CI, −1465 to −615) and individuals with a nonphysical disability than a physical disability (mean difference = −1120; 95% CI, −1474 to −765). The heat maps showed peaks in physical activity on weekdays before school, at recess, lunchtime, and after school. Conclusion: The Fitbit is a feasible tool for monitoring physical activity among ambulatory children and youth with disabilities and may be useful for population-level surveillance and intervention.
Large-scale phylogenomics of aquatic bacteria reveal molecular mechanisms for adaptation to salinity
Authors: Jurdzinski Krzysztof T. , Mehrshad Maliheh , Delgado Luis Fernando , Deng Ziling , Bertilsson Stefan , Andersson Anders F.
Published: May 2023

The crossing of environmental barriers poses major adaptive challenges. Rareness of freshwater-marine transitions separates the bacterial communities, but how these are related to brackish counterparts remains elusive, as do the molecular adaptations facilitating cross-biome transitions. We conducted large-scale phylogenomic analysis of freshwater, brackish, and marine quality-filtered metagenome-assembled genomes (11,248). Average nucleotide identity analyses showed that bacterial species rarely existed in multiple biomes. In contrast, distinct brackish basins cohosted numerous species, but their intraspecific population structures displayed clear signs of geographic separation. We further identified the most recent cross-biome transitions, which were rare, ancient, and most commonly directed toward the brackish biome. Transitions were accompanied by systematic changes in amino acid composition and isoelectric point distributions of inferred proteomes, which evolved over millions of years, as well as convergent gains or losses of specific gene functions. Therefore, adaptive challenges entailing proteome reorganization and specific changes in gene content constrains the cross-biome transitions, resulting in species-level separation between aquatic biomes.
Adenosquamous carcinoma of the gallbladder: a rare entity and dilemmas in its management
Authors: Zishan Muhammed Ali , Tee Chin Li
Published: May 2023

Gallbladder carcinomas are the most common form of biliary tract malignancies with adenocarcinomas, by far the most common variant while adenosquamous (adenosquamous carcinoma of the gallbladder) or pure squamous cell carcinomas representing only 2%–10% of all gallbladder carcinomas. Despite being a minority, these tumours demonstrate aggressive behaviour resulting in delayed presentations with widespread local invasion. We report a case involving a woman in her 50s who was diagnosed on imaging with a suspected gallbladder malignancy in the community. She proceeded to have a laparoscopic extended cholecystectomy with a cuff of segment 4b and 5 liver resection and cystic node sampling revealing a T3N1 lesion which on further recommendation by the multidisciplinary team proceeded to have an open portal lymphadenectomy yielding another positive lymph node. This case report highlights the dilemmas encountered in the management of this rare histological subtype in the absence of well-defined treatment algorithm and evolving guidelines.
Uptake of four or more doses of sulfadoxine pyrimethamine for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria during pregnancy in Zambia: findings from the 2018 malaria in pregnancy survey
Authors: Sinyange Danny , Mukumbuta Nawa , Mutale Lwito Salifya , Mumbole Hudson , Hamainza Busiku , Sialubanje Cephas
Published: May 2023

Objective

To determine the prevalence and predictors of the uptake of four or more doses of sulfadoxine pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP 4+) in Zambia.

Design

A cross-sectional study using secondary data from the malaria in pregnancy survey (Malaria Indicator Survey) data set conducted from April to May 2018.

Setting

The primary survey was conducted at community level and covered all the 10 provinces of Zambia.

Participants

A total of 3686 women of reproductive age (15–45 years) who gave birth within the 5 years before the survey.

Primary outcome

Proportion of participants with four or more doses of IPTp-SP.

Statistical analysis

All analyses were conducted using RStudio statistical software V.4.2.1. Descriptive statistics were computed to summarise participant characteristics and IPTp-SP uptake. Univariate logistic regression was carried out to determine association between the explanatory and outcome variables. Explanatory variables with a p value less than 0.20 on univariate analysis were included in the multivariable logistic regression model and crude and adjusted ORs (aORs) along with their 95% CIs were computed (p<0.05).

Results

Of the total sample of 1163, only 7.5% of participants received IPTp-SP 4+. Province of residence and wealth tertile were associated with uptake of IPTp-SP doses; participants from Luapula (aOR=8.72, 95% CI (1.72 to 44.26, p=0.009)) and Muchinga (aOR=6.67, 95% CI (1.19 to 37.47, p=0.031)) provinces were more likely to receive IPTp-SP 4+ compared with to those from Copperbelt province. Conversely, women in the highest wealth tertile were less likely to receive IPTp-SP 4+ doses compared with those in the lowest quintile (aOR=0.32; 95% CI (0.13 to 0.79, p=0.014)).

Conclusion

These findings confirm a low uptake of four or more doses of IPTp-SP in the country. Strategies should focus on increased coverage of IPTp-SP in provinces with much higher malaria burden where the risk is greatest and the ability to afford healthcare lowest.
Anchor conditions for estimated unsaturated shear strength functions
Authors: Tran Thi Phuong An , Fredlund D.G. , Vanapalli S.K.
Published: May 2023

Since the mid-1990s, several empirical unsaturated shear strength equations have been proposed for use in geotechnical engineering practice. Most of the equations have been based on information associated with the measured drying soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) in combination with the effective shear strength parameters of the saturated soil. There have been few studies, however, undertaken on verifying and comparing the suitability of the proposed unsaturated shear strength equations. This study involves consideration of a wide range of possible drying SWCCs plotted as a relationship between the degree of saturation and suction (saturation soil-water characteristic curve ( S-SWCC)). The study forms the basis for comparing five methodologies that have been proposed for the estimation of the shear strength of unsaturated soils. The SWCCs are defined by the fitting parameters for the Fredlund and Xing (1994) sigmoidal equation. This study supports the use of unsaturated soil shear strength empirical estimation methods using the S-SWCC anchor points of air-entry value and residual suction of the soil.
The US–China Financial Decoupling and Its Implications for Vietnam
Authors: Dang Thuy T. , Cuong Nguyen Xuan , Thuong Nguyen Le Thy , Nguyen Pham Thuy
Published: May 2023

Experts and scholars are increasingly discussing the trend of US–China decoupling in the context of the two countries’ intensifying strategic conflict. This inevitable trend, though only in the early stages, has already had a significant impact in a variety of fields, including technology, investing, and banking, and is predicted to continue to grow in the future. In areas including capital markets, financial services, investments, and financial institutions, the paper clarifies the financial decoupling between the US and China. As a result of the two countries’ intense competitiveness with one another in a wide range of industries, there was a financial decoupling between the US and China. China is seeking to create its own system which includes independent financial institutions from the US-established or US-based institutions, thereby, creating independence and competing with US’s position. The US, for its part, has been proactive in conducting strong decoupling in the stock market by restricting investment in China and increasing scrutiny of the presence of some Chinese military-related companies on the US stock market. However, due to mutual interests, both countries seem to have the dilemma of separating from each other. The two countries continue the trend of decoupling but at the same time, increase cooperation in various areas including financial services. The decoupling process between the world’s two leading powers has a direct, multi-dimensional, lasting and profound impact not only on the two countries but also on the global system of institutions, rules and standards, in which the challenge side is bigger than the opportunity side. As a partner of both the US and China, Vietnam also faces direct challenges from the financial decoupling of these two powers.
Positive Function of Social Conflict: Decoding State–Church Interaction in China
Authors: Hu Jieren , Zhang Lanyu
Published: May 2023

Conflict between local state and churches in China has increased both in number and intensity in recent years due to the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) tightened regulation and control over religious affairs and religious groups. Drawing on the theoretical insight of the positive function of social conflict proposed by Coser and the empirical findings in China, this paper tries to decode the impact of China’s religious policies on state–church interaction under Xi Jinping’s rule. It finds that the overall impacts of state intensified control over religions are twofold. On the one hand, state intervention paradoxically serves as a facilitating factor to enhance religious group’s internal cohesion, reinforce their group identity and help them reflect on and change their survival and development strategies. On the other hand, increased state control at the same time generates an unpleasant outcome that is not beneficial for a peaceful state–church interaction.
Computational Insight into Electronic, Optical and Photophysical Properties of Small Compounds for Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Chaudhry Aijaz Rasool , Obaidat Yahia A. H. , Muhammad Shabbir , DaifAllah Saifedin Y. , Haq Bakhtiar Ul
Published: May 2023

Thiophene-based small molecules COMP.1 and COMP.2 are explored for optical, electronic and photophysical properties by using theoretical approach. The density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP/6-31G** level of theory is used to optimize both molecules COMP.1 and COMP.2 at ground state, while for excited state, the time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) is utilized at the same level of theory. The optoelectronic and photophysical parameters specify that these materials would be good charge transport materials. Computed global reactivity descriptors indicate that COMP.2 T is more stable exhibiting smaller chemical reactivity. High electron mobility of COMP.1 as 0.78[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text]V[Formula: see text]s[Formula: see text] revealing that COMP.1 might be good n-type material. COMP.1 has been anticipated to be a decent n-type material as compared to COMP.2 and might be good material for solar cell applications.
A Novel Feature Selection Method for Risk Management in High-Dimensional Time Series of Cryptocurrency Market
Authors: Varedi Erfan , Boostani Reza
Published: May 2023

In this study, a novel approach for feature selection has been presented in order to overcome the challenge of classifying positive and negative risk prediction in the cryptocurrency market, which contains high fluctuation. This approach is based on maximizing information gain with simultaneously minimizing the similarity of selected features to achieve a proper feature set for improving classification accuracy. The proposed method was compared with other feature selection techniques, such as sequential and bidirectional feature selection, univariate feature selection, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. To evaluate the feature selection techniques, several classifiers were employed: XGBoost, k-nearest neighbor, support vector machine, random forest, logistic regression, long short-term memory, and deep neural networks. The features were elicited from the time series of Bitcoin, Binance, and Ethereum cryptocurrencies. The results of applying the selected features to different classifiers indicated that XGBoost and random forest provided better results on the time series datasets. Furthermore, the proposed feature selection method achieved the best results on two (out of three) cryptocurrencies. The accuracy in the best state varied between 55% to 68% for different time series. It is worth mentioning that preprocessed features were used in this research, meaning that raw data (candle data) were used to derive efficient features that can explain the problem and help the classifiers in predicting the labels.
Multimodal Exercise in Older Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Undergoing First-Line Chemotherapy: A Case Series Examining Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy
Authors: Luo Hao , Galvão Daniel A. , Newton Robert U. , Tang Colin I. , Spry Nigel , Taaffe Dennis R.
Published: May 2023

Purpose. Exercise is emerging as an adjunct therapy to cancer treatment; however, its role in older patients with advanced pancreatic cancer undergoing first-line chemotherapy is unclear. The aim of this study was to primarily provide evidence on feasibility with an exploratory examination of the initial efficacy of exercise in this clinical setting. Materials and Methods. Six patients aged 60–75 years with de novo or recurrent advanced pancreatic cancer undergoing first-line chemotherapy consented to participate in twice-weekly exercise that included resistance and aerobic training and boxing-related activities for up to 12 weeks. Patients were monitored for attendance, adherence, and adverse events. Body composition, muscle strength, functional ability, patient-reported outcome measures, and patient-reported experience measures were assessed at baseline and/or postintervention. Results. Of the 6 patients, 1 withdrew after baseline testing and 5 attended 42%–95% of planned sessions and adhered to 28%–83% of the prescribed exercise. There were no serious exercise-emergent adverse events. All 5 patients increased or maintained lean mass (0.1%–4.4%) and 4 reduced fat mass (−0.4%–−8.6%). Improvements were observed in 4 or all 5 patients for muscle strength (7.1%–75%), 5 times sit-to-stand (1.3%–21.4%), 6-m backward walk (16.5%–35.8%), and patient-reported outcomes. Furthermore, all patients perceived exercise as very helpful in managing their cancer and expressed a strong willingness to continue exercise in the future. Conclusion. A multimodal exercise program appears feasible with potential physical and psychological benefits for older patients with advanced pancreatic cancer undergoing first-line chemotherapy. Further research including a larger sample size is warranted.
NCG-TSM: A Noncooperative Game for the Taxi Sharing Model in Urban Road Networks
Authors: Yan Liping , Peng Chan , Tang Yue , Zhang Wenbo , Wang Jing , Cai Yu
Published: May 2023

Taxi sharing is a promising method to save resource consumption and alleviate traffic congestion while satisfying people’s commuting needs. Existing research methods include taxi dispatching methods based on intelligent algorithms, single vehicle route recommendation algorithms, and route recommendation algorithms based on vehicle traffic history. However, these studies either focus on how to efficiently dispatch satisfactory vehicles for passengers, ignoring the effect of efficient routes on vehicle travel efficiency, or let vehicles follow the shortest detour distance recommended by the system, ignoring the traffic congestion caused by the influx of vehicles into the same road. To address the abovementioned problems, a noncooperative game for a taxi sharing model (NCG-TSM) in urban road networks is proposed in this paper combined with the traffic conditions of the optional routes, and a distribution estimation algorithm for the shared taxi game is designed to make multivehicle route selections reach Nash equilibrium. The effectiveness of NCG-TSM is verified through simulation experiments. When the number of vehicles reaches the congestion capacity of the road segment, compared to the three common frameworks, the travel time cost and fuel consumption cost can be reduced by 5.8% to 9.1% and 3.5% to 8.9%, respectively. Besides, the occupancy rate has been improved, especially compared to the BMP framework, by 5.5% to 40%.
Screening of Preliminary Phytochemicals, Molecular Identification, and Antimicrobial and Anti‐Inflammatory Activity of Justicia gendarussa
Authors: Ali Md. Firoz , Mahmud Shahin , Mohiuddin Ramisa Binti , Chowdhury Kamal , Mohiuddin A. K. M.
Published: May 2023

Justicia gendarussa is a well‐known medicinal plant from ancient times that has been using to treat a variety of ailments. The main objectives of the current study were to assess the phytochemicals, molecular identification of the plant, and determination of MIC, as well as antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory activities of various types of plant extracts (aqueous, ethanolic, methanolic, diethyl‐ether, dichloromethane, and ethyl‐acetate extracts) of J. gendarussa (leaves) against 11 human pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. In the present study, J. gendarussa was identified as a medicinal plant based on ITS gene amplification by PCR. The screening of the presence of important phytochemicals that carry high significance from a therapeutic standpoint was also carried out. The antimicrobial activity was assessed by following the disc diffusion and broth dilution procedures. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed against S. aureus (16 mm), S. flexneri (15 mm), and C. albicans (15 mm) compared with gentamicin (10 μg/disc) and fluconazole (25 μg/disc). Besides this, methanolic extract showed the highest anti‐inflammatory activity (76% membrane protection). The MIC values (8–2048 μg/ml) of aqueous extract were observed against both types of bacteria and fungi, with the highest MIC value recorded at (2048 μg/ml) for S. flexneri. This study is the primary investigation in Bangladesh where molecular identification of this medicinal plant was carried out and the anti‐inflammatory activity of this plant was evaluated by the HRBC membrane stabilization method. In conclusion, our findings suggest that this plant may be useful in research and development for discovering a broad spectrum of modern herbal medicines.