bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic gain–based neural network backstepping control with its applications to a quad-rotor hover
Authors: Yang Jiaxing , Yang Xuebo , Zheng Xiaolong
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a novel neural network (NN) backstepping control method is proposed for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with unknown control direction functions. To solve the control problems caused by unknown control direction functions, a method called “virtual control coefficient” is presented using equivalence transformations. However, to improve the flexibility of the control method, a function named “dynamic gain” is introduced to design the feedback gains of the NN backstepping controllers. Moreover, instead of using σ-modification, gradient descent algorithm is applied to train the weights of NNs such that the unknown nonlinearities of the system can be well approximated by NNs. With the help of Lyapunov stability criterion, it can be proved that the system tracking error is semi-global uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control method is verified by the experimental results on a quad-rotor hover platform.
Longitudinal pathways from harsh parenting to adolescent depression via internal working models: The moderating role of adolescent trait mindfulness
Authors: Wang Mingzhong , Chen Qiuping , Deng Xueli
Published: June 2024

Theoretical and empirical research indicates that insecure attachment with parents may function as a mediator between aversive parenting and adolescent depression. However, no longitudinal research has differentiated the roles of internal representations of parental attachment, especially the roles of the two internal working models (i.e., the self-model and the other model) in the longitudinal relation from harsh parenting to adolescent depression and whether adolescent mindfulness can play a moderating role in such relationships. Six hundred and forty-five school children completed a paper-and-pencil questionnaire in school three times with two eight-month intervals (338 girls and 307 boys, mean age = 13.45), and data on harsh parenting, internal working models, and depression were collected at three time points, and mindfulness were collected only at Time 1. Results demonstrated that among adolescents low in mindfulness, harsh parenting could undermine positivity of the self-model, which could further elevate the risk of adolescent depression. In comparison, these predictive relations did not exist among highly mindful adolescents. To our knowledge, this study is the first one to differentiate the roles of the two elements of internal working models in a longitudinal research design, which highlights the significant role of the impaired self-model in the development of adolescent depression in the context of aversive parenting.
Withdrawing versus Withholding Treatments in Medical Reimbursement Decisions: A Study on Public Attitudes
Authors: Strand Liam , Sandman Lars , Persson Emil , Andersson David , Nedlund Ann-Charlotte , Tinghög Gustav
Published: June 2024

Background

The use of policies in medical treatment reimbursement decisions, in which only future patients are affected, prompts a moral dilemma: is there an ethical difference between withdrawing and withholding treatment?

Design

Through a preregistered behavioral experiment involving 1,067 participants, we tested variations in public attitudes concerning withdrawing and withholding treatments at both the bedside and policy levels.

Results

In line with our first hypothesis, participants were more supportive of rationing decisions presented as withholding treatments compared with withdrawing treatments. Contrary to our second prestated hypothesis, participants were more supportive of decisions to withdraw treatment made at the bedside level compared with similar decisions made at the policy level.

Implications

Our findings provide behavioral insights that help explain the common use of policies affecting only future patients in medical reimbursement decisions, despite normative concerns of such policies. In addition, our results may have implications for communication strategies when making decisions regarding treatment reimbursement.

Highlights

We explore public’ attitudes toward withdrawing and withholding treatments and how the decision level (bedside or policy level) matters. People were more supportive of withholding medical treatment than of withdrawing equivalent treatment. People were more supportive of treatment withdrawal made at the bedside than at the policy level. Our findings help clarify why common-use policies, which impact only future patients in medical reimbursement decision, are implemented despite the normative concerns associted with thesepolicies.
Text and Voice Message Distraction Detection: A Machine Learning Approach Using Vehicle Trajectory Data
Authors: Taherpour Abolfazl , Masoumi Parisa , Ansariyar Alireza , Yang Di , Ahangari Samira , Jeihani Mansoureh
Published: June 2024

Cellphone usage is often considered to be one of the major causes of distracted driving. Similarly, voice messaging is identified as a potential cause of distracted driving but has received limited attention in the literature. Thus, this study aims to develop supervised machine learning (ML) methods to detect distracted driving events caused by texting and voice messaging using vehicle trajectory data. Vehicle trajectory data was collected from 92 participants who drove a simulated network of the Baltimore metropolitan area using a driving simulator. Different key variables were extracted from the data to construct the features for developing the ML methods, including speed, brake usage, throttle, steering velocity, brake light, and offset from the road center. Several methods, including the support vector machine, k-nearest neighbor, decision tree, neural network, and adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), were examined on the data to achieve the best model. In addition, several metrics were used to assess the performance of the ML models, such as accuracy, sensitivity, precision, the Matthews correlation coefficient, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC). The results indicated that the AdaBoost algorithm had the best yields, with an accuracy of 74.67% and AUC-ROC of 82.5% on the independent test set. The findings of this study can be directly leveraged to develop in-vehicle driver warning systems to alert drivers with respect to distracted behavior, which lead to the reduction of distracted driving events and an improvement in traffic safety.
Exploring the Nexus Between Urban Planning and Boredom
Authors: Kosoff Hannah , Frolich Daniel , Jin Xia
Published: June 2024

American car-dependent suburbs in modern society are often stigmatized as “boring” in media, discussions, and general perceptions, depicted as dull places lacking excitement and vitality, embodying themes of discontent, conformity, and a longing for more. However, despite this usual judgement a comprehensive understanding of how urban planning influences the experience of boredom is sorely lacking. The complex relationship between urban design and boredom is examined here in detail, focusing on the potential for planners and policymakers to design socially connected, more engaging, and visually stimulating communities. By analyzing the design of communities and the effects of this design on boredom and undertaking a systematic review of the research conducted on the relationship between urban planning and boredom, the multifaceted problem of boredom in urban planning can be addressed through the creation of a framework to incorporate measures of boredom into urban planning.
Merit beyond metrics: Redefining the value of higher education
Authors: Donald William E.
Published: June 2024

In this provocative opinion piece, I challenge entrenched norms and encourage re-evaluating higher education’s true purpose and impact in today’s complex, volatile, and uncertain world. I argue for a paradigm shift to consider alternative ways to define the value of higher education beyond existing metrics. I propose (i) abandoning degree classifications, (ii) acknowledging that earnings alone fail to capture the full value of a degree, and (iii) ditching league table rankings to boost collaboration. By reconceptualising the value of higher education, we can foster a more inclusive environment and promote a sustainable career ecosystem to benefit all actors.
Moral foundations, moral emotions, and moral distress in NICU nurses
Authors: Barr Peter
Published: June 2024

Background

Moral distress is common in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between NICU nurses’ moral foundations, moral emotions, and moral distress.

Research design and method

This is an observational cross-sectional self-report questionnaire study.

Participants and research context

One hundred and forty-two (24%) of 585 Level 3–4 NICU nurses completed pen-and-paper self-report measures of moral foundations (harm, fairness, ingroup, authority, and purity) (Moral Foundations Questionnaire-20), proneness to self-conscious moral emotions (guilt and shame) (modified Personal Feelings Questionnaire-2), and moral distress (futile care, compromised care, and untruthful care) (modified Revised Moral Distress Scale).

Ethical considerations

Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The ethics committees of the participating hospitals approved the study protocol (HREC Reference: LNR/18/SCHN/316).

Results

Non-parametric statistical analyses showed medium to large correlations between moral foundations and moral emotions. Moral foundations and moral emotions had trivial to small correlations with moral distress. Using a liberal p-value of <.10 for statistical significance because of the small sample size, harm ( rs = 0.22) and fairness ( rs = 0.16) predicted futile care, ingroup predicted compromised care ( rs = 0.19) and untruthful care ( rs = 0.15), and purity predicted untruthful care ( rs = 0.15). Guilt-proneness predicted futile care ( rs = 0.15). Shame-proneness did not predict moral distress.

Conclusion

The correlations between moral foundations and moral emotions were significant. Moral foundations and guilt-proneness predicted one or more dimensions of moral distress. The smaller than expected effect sizes may have been owing to how moral foundations, moral emotions, and moral distress were conceptualized and measured, or to moral disengagement, including NICU nurses’ possible reluctance to countenance aversive but morally warranted feelings of guilt and especially shame. Understanding the nature of these relationships may complement the efforts of NICU administrators, educators, counsellors, and nurses themselves to mitigate moral distress.
Study of Sexual Maturation in Children With Juvenile Dermatomyositis
Authors: Soni Krishna , Kaur Harvinder , Gupta Anju , Singh Surjit , Saha S. C. , Bhalla A. K.
Published: June 2024

Objective:

There is complete absence of sexual maturity data on patients afflicted with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDMS) from the Indian subcontinent. Hence, this study aimed to unfold the effect of this disease on the sexual development of JDMS children.

Methods:

In the Growth Laboratory/Clinic of the Department of Pediatrics, 60 (25 male and 35 female) sexual maturity-related observations were made on 35 JDMS patients, aged 10–17 years, enrolled from the Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic. Breast development stage and age of onset of menarche were recorded among female patients. In male patients, besides, determining the genitalia development stage, measurement of stretched penile length and testicular volume was done. Appearance of pubic and axillary hair among JDMS patients of both sexes was recorded.

Results:

Most girls with JDMS (34.28%) were in breast development stage-B2 (mean age 10.91 ± 1.08 years) and 22.86% had attained menarche. However, breast stage B5 was attained at 14.62 ± 1.06 years. JDMS girls reached stage B2 at the same age as their normal healthy counterparts. Onset of menarche was delayed by almost a year in JDMS girls. Age of attainment of genitalia stage G2 in JDMS boys (12 years) was delayed by 6 months as compared to well-off Chandigarh boys (11.5 years), whereas it was advanced by 1.5 years when contrasted with affluent Indian counterparts (13.3 years).

Conclusion:

Comparable pubertal attainments in JDMS males and somewhat delayed start of menarche in female JDMS patients as compared to their normal counterparts show that disease activity has a smaller effect on the sexual development of JDMS patients from north-western India.
GMCSF: More an Inflammatory Immune ‘Cytokine’ Than a Growth Factor
Authors: Khullar Aastha , Leishangthem Bidyalaxmi , Dhir Varun
Published: June 2024

GMCSF, discovered in 1977, was one of the first growth factors for myelopoiesis. However, over time, it has been found to be redundant for basal myelopoiesis. Rather, its important function seems to be its effect on mature myeloid cells and the immune system. It is produced by a variety of cells, including macrophages, endothelial cells, T-cells etc. and works on the GMCSF receptor, which is mainly expressed by mature myeloid cells such as neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages. It has been found to be an important mediator of at least two autoimmune diseases: rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Animal models prove that GMCSF produced from T-cells play a crucial role in their pathogenesis of both these autoimmune diseases. This has led to the development of therapeutics which target GMCSF or its receptor. Clinical trials have been carried out in rheumatoid arthritis, which have shown modest efficacy. In addition, anti-GMCSF therapy has shown promise in giant cell arteritis.
“I Will Die by My Own Hand”: Understanding the Development of Suicide Capability in the Narratives of Individuals Who Have Attempted Suicide
Authors: Bayliss Luke T. , Lamont-Mills Andrea , du Plessis Carol
Published: June 2024

Suicide capability is a multidimensional concept that facilitates the movement from suicidal ideation to suicide attempt. The three-step theory of suicide posits that three overarching contributors comprise suicide capability: acquired (fearlessness about death and high pain tolerance), dispositional (genetics), and practical (knowledge and access to lethal means) capability. Although extensive research has investigated relationships between individual contributors of capability and suicide attempts, little research has considered how an individual’s capability for suicide develops as a combination of contributors. Given suicide is multifaceted and complex, our understanding of capability development is relatively limited. This potentially negatively impacts prevention and capacity reduction–focused intervention efficacy. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how suicide capability develops. Fourteen community-based suicide attempt survivors were recruited using convenience sampling. Individual narratives were collected using open-ended interviews, and data were analysed using narrative analysis. Results indicated that participant narratives contained two elements. The first included how capability development and suicide attempt facilitation were often underpinned by the relational interplay between acquired and practical contributors. For example, participants without a high pain tolerance seeking attempt methods that were perceived to be painless. The second element contained a novel finding relating to the agentic role of participants when deciding and attempting suicide. Agency was revealed within and across narratives emphasising the active role the individual plays in their movement from ideation-to-action. The role of individual agency in coming to a decision to take one’s own life and then acting warrants further consideration within contemporary suicide theories.
Providing in a Pandemic: COVID-19, Masculinity, and Intimate Relationships in Uganda
Authors: Wyrod Robert , Bravo Matthew
Published: June 2024

A prominent area of COVID-19 research is the impact of the pandemic on gender relations in the home. The majority of this research has been in the United States and a key finding has been challenges working mothers faced balancing their careers with heightened childcare burdens. COVID-19’s impact on gender relations in the Global South, however, has received much less attention. This article helps fill this gap through a rare, in-depth analysis of the pandemic’s impact on gender power dynamics in heterosexual relationships in Africa. We argue that in Uganda it was men’s inability to fulfill the dominant economic provider role that proved to be the core issue. Surprisingly, we found a wide range of ways couples handled this core tension, from strategies that reproduced conventional gender norms to those with more egalitarian gender dynamics. These strategies had important consequences for how couples weathered the disruptions caused by COVID-19. They also shed light on how health crises can be intertwined with broader shifts in conceptions of masculinity, including new practices of men’s care work that are central to emerging manifestations of more caring masculinities.
Latent profiles of adolescents’ digital skills across six European countries
Authors: Hietajärvi Lauri , Mascheroni Giovanna , Waechter Natalia , Järvinen Jussi , Salmela-Aro Katariina
Published: June 2024

Digital skills are considered critical for functioning in contemporary society, yet there are differences between adolescents’ skills depending on demographic and socioeconomic variables. This study, utilising data from six EU countries ( N = 6221; Mage = 14.5; SD = 1.4), takes a person-oriented approach to examine adolescents digital skill profiles and associations with socioeconomic, digital activity, and socioemotional antecedents. Using latent profile analyses with tests of similarity across countries, we identified five profiles: All-rounders, Informationists, Content Creators, Communicators, and No high skills. The All-rounders reported the highest proportions of skills at a high level (~77–87%) across all dimensions and performed best across digital knowledge items, but Communicators were the largest profile across countries which showed adept acquisition (~67%) of high skills only regarding communication and interaction skills. Among the most important antecedents predicting high digital skills were being male, using computers, and having strong self-efficacy.
To evaluate the complication and patency rate of superficial femoral vein transposition in tertiary care center
Authors: Masood Bilal , Akhtar Hamza , Khan Junaid , Mir Shuah Ullah , Rehman Tanzeel Ur , Sindhi Yasir , Ahmed Abdirasak , Ali Bux , Sophie Ziad
Published: June 2024

Introduction

When all access options in the upper extremity have been exhausted, an autologous access can be created in lower extremity. The purpose of this study is to report our experience with superficial femoral vein transposition (SFVT) results in terms of postoperative complication and patency rate.

Materials and Methods

In the time period from January 1, 2019 to April 30, 2021, thirty-five cases of SFVT performed at our large tertiary care center Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT). All patients had exhausted upper arm veins or had central vein obstructions . Medical records of all patients were traced, patients were interviewed using a standard proforma and evaluated the current AVF function in the OPD clinic or by telephone calls. Data including demographics and postoperative complications were collected.

Results

Thirty-nine cases of SFVT performed at our institute. Three were immediately lost to follow up so they were excluded from the study. Mean patient age was 30 ± 13.4 years. Most of our patients were females (57%) and 15 males (43%) with an average age of 29.05 years. The most common underlying renal disease was unknown in 16 (45%).Thirty-five patients included in the analysis; out of which primary failure observed in 4 patients, three patients were expired before fistula maturation and 3 were expired before 6 months. The remaining 25 fistulas patency rates were estimated. No any patient died due to fistulas related complication; patients died due to their primary disease.

Conclusion

Our study shows that with appropriate patient selection, SFVT have low infection rates and patency that is comparable with other access types.
Inhibition of calcium-stimulated adenylyl cyclase subtype 1 (AC1) for the treatment of pain and anxiety symptoms in Parkinson’s disease mice model
Authors: Zhou Zhaoxiang , Chen Qi-Yu , Zhuo Min , Xu Ping-Yi
Published: June 2024

Pain and anxiety are two common and undertreated non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD), which affect the life quality of PD patients, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. As an important subtype of adenylyl cyclases (ACs), adenylyl cyclase subtype 1 (AC1) is critical for the induction of cortical long-term potentiation (LTP) and injury induced synaptic potentiation in the cortical areas including anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and insular cortex (IC). Genetic deletion of AC1 or pharmacological inhibition of AC1 improved chronic pain and anxiety in different animal models. In this study, we proved the motor deficit, pain and anxiety symptoms of PD in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated mice model. As a lead candidate AC1 inhibitor, oral administration (1 dose and seven doses) of NB001 (20 and 40 mg/kg) showed significant analgesic effect in MPTP-treated mice, and the anxiety behavior was also reduced (40 mg/kg). By using genetic knockout mice, we found that AC1 knockout mice showed reduced pain and anxiety symptoms after MPTP administration, but not AC8 knockout mice. In summary, genetic deletion of AC1 or pharmacological inhibition of AC1 improved pain and anxiety symptoms in PD model mice, but didn’t affect motor function. These results suggest that NB001 is a potential drug for the treatment of pain and anxiety symptoms in PD patients by inhibiting AC1 target.
Embodied Thinking in the Practice of Qualitative Inquiry
Authors: Armanto Anna Riikka Airiina , Armanto Alina Siru Maria
Published: June 2024

With this mixed media collage I explore embodiment in the practice of qualitative inquiry. In my doctoral research, I study anticipation in climate-wise farming and sometimes I tend to struggle with Words. Writing about someone else’s futures is a delicate matter and the feelings of getting nowhere often embrace me. As I am sitting in front of my desk, staring outside of the window, trying to conceive how, (and sometimes why), I see the coniferous green, typical Finnish forest growing around our house. There is a need for me to get out, to come and go. I need to re-work the pattern of working as typing with stillness. To have a move and a movement to extend what can be thought as researching. What can be thought as working? Could I wander-around-wonder? I put on my rubber boots and went outside, looking for mushrooms. The first modest attempt to somehow let myself to be immersed rapidly flourished into joyfully thinking with the forest. I was what I found, the embodied personal anticipations right there in the existence and the golden yellow chantarelle ( Cantharellus cibarius) popping through the mass of moss like insights. It felt right. So, this piece emerged from the need to do differently. It works as an opening to the process of thinking with movement, to allow and appreciate bodily acts (more-than-typing) as integral to thinking and writing science. What is it to think with drawing, handwriting, walking, ice swimming, visualizing, watching skateboarders, with the forest, on the road, in the airport? Creating the collage of layered materials with my sister auto-manifests that thinking with is dynamic, and I keep on moving to stay again. With my acts I anticipate, and become as what I already am.
Identity Characteristics as Moderators of Discrepancy on Well-being
Authors: Gallagher Mary
Published: June 2024

Research finds that discrepancies between individuals’ self-views and their perceptions of how others view them decrease psychological well-being. According to identity theory, certain characteristics of identities may exacerbate the impact of discrepancy on well-being, while stress process theory suggests they may have the opposite, weakening effect. Using telephone survey data from a national probability sample of adults, I investigate whether several identity characteristics—subjective importance of an identity (prominence), extensiveness (interactional commitment) and intensiveness of ties (affective commitment) to others that are based on an identity, and the potential costs of failing to fulfill the role obligations of an identity (role-based commitment)—moderate associations between discrepancy and well-being (depressive symptoms and self-esteem) in two types of identities (obligatory and voluntary). I find that identity commitment buffers the effects of discrepancy in obligatory identities and exacerbates the effects of discrepancy in voluntary identities. Implications of these findings are discussed.
The Effect of Electronic Portfolio-Based Writing Instruction on the Second Language Writing Performance and Writing Self-Efficacy of EFL Learners: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Guo Hongyu , Li Dandi
Published: June 2024

This research sought to examine the impact of electronic portfolio -based writing instruction on the second language writing performance and writing self-efficacy of Chinese English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. A total of 64 participants were divided into two groups, an experimental group ( n = 31) and a control group ( n = 33). The experimental group was given electronic portfolio-based instruction via Edmodo platform, while the control group received only traditional in-class writing instruction without the use of Edmodo. Two sample IELTS tasks and Writing Self-efficacy scale were administered to collect the quantitative data. Further, semi-structured interviews were carried out with participants in the experimental group to gather qualitative data on their perceptions and experiences with electronic portfolio-based writing instruction. The results of paired samples t-tests and ANCOVAs indicated that electronic portfolio-based writing instruction significantly improved global writing performance and its underlying components, namely content, organization, language use, vocabulary, and mechanics, as well as the writing self-efficacy of Chinese EFL learners. Qualitative results revealed several themes, including increased motivation, improved feedback, enhanced collaboration, improved writing skills, and increased writing self-efficacy. Overall, the study demonstrates that electronic portfolio can be a valuable tool for EFL writing instruction and has a positive impact on writing performance and writing self-efficacy for Chinese EFL learners.
Does Implementation of ’Citizen’s Charter Make Any Difference in Service Delivery? Comparing the Performance of Local Councils between Plain and Hilly Areas—A Case of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahsan A H M Kamrul , Chakma Bidhan , Panday Pranab Kumar , Huque Ahmed Shafiqul , Prodip Mahbub Alam
Published: June 2024

This paper compares the impact of citizen’s charters in delivering services by Union Parishads in Bangladesh in Bengali-majority and tribal areas. Using a qualitative research method, the case study was used to look at CC implementation in a comprehensive and in-depth way. Interview and observation methods were employed to collect data. One hundred interviewees from each union, including service providers, service users, and LG officials, were consulted in equal numbers from May to July 2019. The findings of this study reveal that, although Union Parishads of both areas are implementing charters, their performance differs. Subjects of performance variation are timeliness of service delivery, cost of services and responsiveness of the service providers. Performance variation results from varying degrees of implementation of the citizen’s charter, attributable to several factors that include citizens’ awareness, knowledge and skills, implementation willingness, and performance monitoring of the local officials.
Deep Sleep, Olfactory Loss, and Cognition in Early-stage Parkinson’s Disease: Pilot Study Results
Authors: Young Vanessa M. , Bernal Rebecca , Pollet Erin , Serrano-Rubio Luis , Gaona Carlos , Himali Jayandra Jung , Seshadri Sudha , González David Andrés , Gonzales Mitzi M.
Published: June 2024

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have a higher risk of developing dementia compared to age-matched controls. Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and hyposmia can influence symptoms severity. We report associations between polysomnography-assessed sleep architecture, olfactory identification, and cognition. Twenty adults with early-stage PD (mean age 69 ± 7.9; 25% female) completed cognitive assessments, the Brief Smell Identification Test (BSIT), and overnight in-clinic polysomnography. A global cognitive score was derived from principal component analysis. Linear regression models examined associations between sleep variables, BSIT performance, and cognition. Cognitive performance was compared between participants with and without RBD. Deep sleep attainment (β ± SE: 1.18 ± 0.45, p = .02) and olfactory identification (0.37 ± 0.12, p = .01) were associated with better cognition. Light sleep, REM sleep, arousal index, and sleep efficiency were not (all p > .05). Participants with RBD had significantly worse cognition ( t-test = −1.06 ± 0.44, p = .03) compared to those without RBD; none entered deep sleep. Deep sleep attainment was associated with better memory (1.20 ± 0.41, p = .01) and executive function (2.94 ± 1.13, p = .02); sleep efficiency was associated with executive function (0.05 ± 0.02, p = .02). These findings suggest interrelationships between lack of deep sleep, hyposmia, and poorer cognition in PD, particularly among individuals with RBD. Assessing these markers together may improve early identification of high-risk individuals and access to interventions.
Primary Motor Area Activity in Phantom Limb Imagery of Traumatic Unilateral Lower Limb Amputees With Phantom Limb Pain
Authors: Sugawara André Tadeu , De Pretto Lucas Ramos , Simis Marcel , Fregni Felipe , Battistella Linamara Rizzo
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Estimates of the worldwide increase in amputees raises the awareness to solve long-standing problems. Understanding the functional brain modifications after a lower limb amputation (LLA) is one of the first steps towards proposing new rehabilitation approaches. Functional modifications in the central nervous system due the amputation could be involved in prosthesis use failures and Phantom Limb Pain (PLP), increasing costs and overwhelming the health services.

Objective:

This study analyses orphan primary motor area (M1-Orphan) hemodynamic and metabolic behaviour, which previously controlled the limb that was amputated, in comparison with the M1-Preserved, responsible for the intact limb (IL) during phantom limb imagery moving during Mirror Therapy (MT), compared to Isolated Intact Limb Movement Task (I-ILMT).

Methodology:

A case-control study with unilateral traumatic LLA with moderate PLP who measured [oxy-Hb] and [deoxy-Hb] in the M1 area by Functional Near InfraredSpectroscopy (fNIRS) during the real (I-ILMT) and MT task.

Results:

Sixty-five patients, with 67.69% of men, young (40.32 ± 12.91), 65.63% amputated due motorcycle accidents, 4.71 ± 7.38 years ago, predominantly above the knee (57.14%). The M1 activation in the orphan cortex did not differ from the activation in the intact cortex during MT ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

The perception of the Phantom limb moving or intact limb moving is metabolically equivalent in M1, even in the absence of a limb. In other words, the amputation does not alter the brain metabolism in control of phantom movement.
Doppler Sonography Evaluation of Median Nerve Intraneural Blood Flow: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yao Buwen , Yang Luming , Evans Kevin D. , Roll Shawn C.
Published: June 2024

Objective:

This systematic review aims to determine the extent, scope, and nature of research using the sonographic measurement of intraneural blood flow within the median nerve and to identify, characterize, and compare image acquisition and analysis protocols that have been reported as potential candidate techniques for standardizing research and clinical applications.

Materials and Methods:

This systematic review summarizes image acquisition protocols and analysis methodologies from 52 current research studies using Doppler ultrasound to examine median nerve intraneural blood flow.

Results:

Four types of Doppler technologies were identified: power Doppler, color Doppler, spectral Doppler, and Superb Microvascular Imaging, but there were inconsistencies in how images were acquired and analyzed. Intraneural blood flow measurements were categorized into four types based on a combination of measurement level (e.g., binary, ordinal, continuous) and type of flow indicator (e.g., pixel count, intensity, velocity).

Conclusion:

Standardized imaging protocols and reporting guidelines are needed to improve consistency. Future studies should evaluate the accuracy and reliability of different image acquisition methods and analysis measurements.
A Cautionary Tale of Vascular Abnormalities in Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Paris Marissa , Henderson Emily , Sharrock Dee , Clem Douglas W.
Published: June 2024

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by a port-wine stain birthmark, venous anomalies, and soft-tissue hypertrophy. Diagnosis of KTS is made based on two of the three characteristic diagnostic features. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is unilateral and more commonly affects the lower extremities. This case report describes a unique patient who lacked a patent deep system in the affected limb, making the traditional treatment of varicosities a dangerous outcome for this patient.
Entourage: all-in-one sequence analysis software for genome assembly, virus detection, virus discovery, and intrasample variation profiling
Authors: Phumiphanjarphak Worakorn , Aiewsakun Pakorn
Published: June 2024

Background

Pan-virus detection, and virome investigation in general, can be challenging, mainly due to the lack of universally conserved genetic elements in viruses. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing can offer a promising solution to this problem by providing an unbiased overview of the microbial community, enabling detection of any viruses without prior target selection. However, a major challenge in utilising metagenomic next-generation sequencing for virome investigation is that data analysis can be highly complex, involving numerous data processing steps.

Results

Here, we present Entourage to address this challenge. Entourage enables short-read sequence assembly, viral sequence search with or without reference virus targets using contig-based approaches, and intrasample sequence variation quantification. Several workflows are implemented in Entourage to facilitate end-to-end virus sequence detection analysis through a single command line, from read cleaning, sequence assembly, to virus sequence searching. The results generated are comprehensive, allowing for thorough quality control, reliability assessment, and interpretation. We illustrate Entourage's utility as a streamlined workflow for virus detection by employing it to comprehensively search for target virus sequences and beyond in raw sequence read data generated from HeLa cell culture samples spiked with viruses. Furthermore, we showcase its flexibility and performance on a real-world dataset by analysing a preassembled Tara Oceans dataset. Overall, our results show that Entourage performs well even with low virus sequencing depth in single digits, and it can be used to discover novel viruses effectively. Additionally, by using sequence data generated from a patient with chronic SARS-CoV-2 infection, we demonstrate Entourage's capability to quantify virus intrasample genetic variations, and generate publication-quality figures illustrating the results.

Conclusions

Entourage is an all-in-one, versatile, and streamlined bioinformatics software for virome investigation, developed with a focus on ease of use. Entourage is available at https://codeberg.org/CENMIG/Entourage under the MIT license.
Optimization of a deep mutational scanning workflow to improve quantification of mutation effects on protein–protein interactions
Authors: Bendel Alexandra M , Skendo Kristjana , Klein Dominique , Shimada Kenji , Kauneckaite-Griguole Kotryna , Diss Guillaume
Published: June 2024

Deep Mutational Scanning (DMS) assays are powerful tools to study sequence-function relationships by measuring the effects of thousands of sequence variants on protein function. During a DMS experiment, several technical artefacts might distort non-linearly the functional score obtained, potentially biasing the interpretation of the results. We therefore tested several technical parameters in the deepPCA workflow, a DMS assay for protein–protein interactions, in order to identify technical sources of non-linearities. We found that parameters common to many DMS assays such as amount of transformed DNA, timepoint of harvest and library composition can cause non-linearities in the data. Designing experiments in a way to minimize these non-linear effects will improve the quantification and interpretation of mutation effects.
Deregulation of oxidative phosphorylation pathways in embryos derived in vitro from prepubertal and pubertal heifers based on whole-transcriptome sequencing
Authors: Traut Milena , Kowalczyk-Zieba Ilona , Boruszewska Dorota , Jaworska Joanna , Gąsiorowska Sandra , Lukaszuk Krzysztof , Ropka-Molik Katarzyna , Piórkowska Katarzyna , Szmatoła Tomasz , Woclawek-Potocka Izabela
Published: June 2024

Background

Although, oocytes from prepubertal donors are known to be less developmentally competent than those from adult donors it does not restrain their ability to produce full-term pregnancies. The transcriptomic profile of embryos could be used as a predictor for embryo’s individual developmental competence. The aim of the study was to compare transcriptomic profile of blastocysts derived from prepubertal and pubertal heifers oocytes. Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were obtained by ovum pick- up method from prepubertal and pubertal heifers. After in vitro maturation COCs were fertilized and cultured to the blastocyst stage. Total RNA was isolated from both groups of blastocysts and RNA-seq was performed. Gene ontology analysis was performed by DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery).

Results

A higher average blastocyst rate was obtained in the pubertal than in the pre-pubertal group. There were no differences in the quality of blastocysts between the examined groups. We identified 436 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between blastocysts derived from researched groups, of which 247 DEGs were downregulated in blastocysts derived from pubertal compared to prepubertal heifers oocytes, and 189 DEGs were upregulated. The genes involved in mitochondrial function, including oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) were found to be different in studied groups using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes (KEGG) pathway analysis and 8 of those DEGs were upregulated and 1 was downregulated in blastocysts derived from pubertal compared to prepubertal heifers oocytes. DEGs associated with mitochondrial function were found: ATP synthases (ATP5MF-ATP synthase membrane subunit f, ATP5PD- ATP synthase peripheral stalk subunit d, ATP12A- ATPase H+/K + transporting non-gastric alpha2 subunit), NADH dehydrogenases (NDUFS3- NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit core subunit S3, NDUFA13- NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit A13, NDUFA3- NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit A3), cytochrome c oxidase (COX17), cytochrome c somatic (CYCS) and ubiquinol cytochrome c reductase core protein 1 (UQCRC1). We found lower number of apoptotic cells in blastocysts derived from oocytes collected from prepubertal than those obtained from pubertal donors.

Conclusions

Despite decreased expression of genes associated with OXPHOS pathway in blastocysts from prepubertal heifers oocytes, the increased level ofATP12Atogether with the lower number of apoptotic cells in these blastocysts might support their survival after transfer.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi by inducing watermelon roots secretion phthalates, altering soil enzyme activity and bacterial community composition to alleviate the watermelon wilt
Authors: Li Wei , Zhu Chengshang , Song Yulu , Yuan Yufan , Li Min , Sun Yingkun
Published: June 2024

Background

Long-term continuous cropping has resulted in the frequent occurrence of fusarium wilt of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus). AMF inoculation can alleviate the continuous cropping barrier and reduce the incidence of fusarium wilt of watermelon. Our previous study found that the root exudates of mycorrhizal watermelon can enhance watermelon resistance to this disorder. It is necessary to further isolate and identify the specific compounds in root exudates of mycorrhizal watermelon and explore their control effects on fusarium wilt of continuous cropping watermelon.

Result

The results of this study showed that the root system of watermelon seedlings inoculated with AMF (Funneliformis mosseae or Glomus versiforme) secreted diisooctyl phthalate (A) and dibutyl phthalate (B). Compared with water treatment, treatment with 0.1 ml/L (A1, B1), 0.5 ml/L (A2, B2) and 1 ml/L (A3, B3) of A or B significantly increased soil enzyme activities, the numbers of bacteria and actinomycetes, and the bacteria/fungi ratio in the rhizosphere. Furthermore, the Disease indexes (DI) of A1 and B3 were 25% and 20%, respectively, while the prevention and control effects (PCE) were 68.8% and 75%, respectively. In addition, diisooctyl phthalate or dibutyl phthalate increased the proportions of Gemmatimonadetes, Chloroflexi, and Acidobacteria in the rhizosphere of continuous cropping watermelon, and decreased the proportions of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, with Novosphingobium, Kaistobacter, Bacillus, and Acinetobacter as the predominant bacteria. Compared with the water treatment, the abundance of Neosphingosaceae, Kateybacterium and Bacillus in the A1 group was increased by 7.33, 2.14 and 2.18 times, respectively, while that in the B2 group was increased by 60.05%, 80.24% and 1 time, respectively. In addition, exogenous diisooctyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate were shown to promote growth parameters (vine length, stem diameter, fresh weight and dry weight) and antioxidant enzyme system activities (SOD, POD and CAT) of continuous cropping watermelon.

Conclusion

Lower watermelon fusarium wilt incidence in mycorrhizal watermelons was associated with phthalate secretion in watermelons after AMF inoculation. Exogenous diisooctyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate could alleviate the continuous cropping disorder of watermelon, reduce the incidence of fusarium wilt, and promote the growth of watermelon by increasing the enzyme activities and the proportion of beneficial bacteria in rhizosphere soil. In addition, the low concentration of phthalate diisooctyl and high concentration of phthalic acid dibutyl works best. Therefore, a certain concentration of phthalates in the soil can help alleviate continuous cropping obstacles.
The association of cumulative low-density lipoprotein cholesterol exposure and carotid intima-media thickness in a young adulthood population
Authors: Huang Wei , Nie Weiqi , Zhao Jianqiu , Fan Zhihui , Wang Dan , Wu Xia , Hao Yujing , Wu Shouling
Published: June 2024

Objective

To investigate the association between cumulative exposure to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in the young adulthood population.

Methods

Young adult subject (18-45 year old) from the Kailuan Study group who participated in the same period of follow-up and received carotid artery ultrasound were selected as the observation subjects. Among them, 3651 cases met the inclusion criteria, which required that carotid artery color ultrasound examinations be completed from 2010 to 2016, with complete IMT measurements, LDL-C data collected at least twice before carotid ultrasound, and participants’ age to be ≤ 45 years at the time of carotid artery color ultrasound examination. Linear regression was used to analyze the correlation between time-weighted average (TWA) to LDL-C cumulative exposure and IMT the young population. Logistic regression was used to analyze the effects of different TWA groups on IMT thickening. Considering that the use of anti hypertensive drugs and lipid-lowering drugs may affect TWA LDL-C, this study excluded people taking antihypertensive drugs and lipid-lowering drugs, and conducted a repeat analysis of the main results.

Results

There was a positive correlation between TWA LDL-C and IMT, with IMT increasing by 0.017 mm when TWA LDL-C increased by 1 mmol/L * year. The TWA LDL-C in the highest group was identified as a risk factor for IMT thickening, with odds ratio (OR) values of 1.812(1.027 ~ 3.200) in the T3 group. After excluding patients taking antihypertensive drugs and lipid-lowering drugs, the results still showed that the T3 group with the highest TWA LDL-C was a risk factor for IMT thickening, with anORvalue of 1.850(0.988–3.464),Pfor trend is 0.043.

Conclusion

This cohort study revealed that TWA LDL-C is positively correlated with IMT in young adulthood for risk stratification, and control LDL-C levels at an earlier age may reduce the lifetime risk of developing atherosclerotic disease.

Trial registration

ChiCTR-TNC-11001489.
Newborn readmissions and virtual primary care delivery: a population-based case-control study
Authors: Cohen Eyal , Stukel Therese A. , Wang Xuesong , Altaf Azmina , Kopec Monica , Davidov Ori , Raveendran Tharani , Saunders Natasha R.
Published: June 2024

Background

Early post-discharge assessments for newborns are recommended. Virtual care has become more prevalent during the pandemic, providing an opportunity to better understand its impact on the quality of post-discharge newborn care. The objective of this study was to understand whether primary care visit modality (in-person vs. virtual) is associated with early newborn hospital readmissions and emergency department (ED) visits.

Methods

We conducted a population-based, case-control study using linked health administrative databases between September 1, 2020 and March 31, 2022 in Ontario, Canada. We compared the modality of primary care visits among cases (hospital readmission within 14 days of life) and controls (newborns without a readmission), matched on infant sex, gestational age, and maternal parity. We included an alternative definition of cases as a composite of either a newborn hospital readmission or emergency department (ED) visit or in-hospital death within the first 14 days of life. Conditional logistic regression models were used to model odds ratios (ORs), comparing those exposed to a virtual visit versus in-person visit, adjusting for infant birth weight, birth hospitalization length of stay, neighbourhood level material deprivation, rurality and presence of active maternal comorbidities.

Results

Among 73,324 eligible newborns, 2,220 experienced a hospital readmission within 14 days of life and were matched to 8,880 controls. Jaundice was the primary reason for readmission (75% of readmissions). Compared to newborns who were seen in-person post-discharge, newborns who were seen virtually had higher odds of hospital readmission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.41 (95% CI 1.09, 1.83); the magnitude of effect was not different using the composite outcome (aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.05, 1.75).

Conclusions

Newborns who receive a virtual post-discharge visit are more likely than those who receive an in-person visit to require hospital readmission.