bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wind power forecasting based on improved variational mode decomposition and permutation entropy
Authors: Qu Zhijian , Hou Xinxing , Hu Wenbo , Yang Rentao , Ju Chao
Published: June 2023

Due to the significant intermittent, stochastic and non-stationary nature of wind power generation, it is difficult to achieve the desired prediction accuracy. Therefore, a wind power prediction method based on improved variational modal decomposition with permutation entropy is proposed. First, based on the meteorological data of wind farms, the Spearman correlation coefficient method is used to filter the meteorological data that are strongly correlated with the wind power to establish the wind power prediction model data set; then the original wind power is decomposed using the improved variational modal decomposition technique to eliminate the noise in the data, and the decomposed wind power is reconstructed into a new subsequence by using the permutation entropy; with the meteorological data and the new subsequence as input variables, a stacking deeply integrated prediction model is developed; and finally the prediction results are obtained by optimizing the hyperparameters of the model algorithm through a genetic algorithm. The validity of the model is verified using a real data set from a wind farm in north-west China. The results show that the mean absolute error, root mean square error and mean absolute percentage error are improved by at least 33.1%, 56.1% and 54.2% compared with the autoregressive integrated moving average model, the support vector machine, long short-term memory, extreme gradient enhancement and convolutional neural networks and long short-term memory models, indicating that the method has higher prediction accuracy.
No Transcriptional Compensation for Extreme Gene Dosage Imbalance in Fragmented Bacterial Endosymbionts of Cicadas
Authors: Spencer Noah , Łukasik Piotr , Meyer Mariah , Veloso Claudio , McCutcheon John P
Published: June 2023

Bacteria that form long-term intracellular associations with host cells lose many genes, a process that often results in tiny, gene-dense, and stable genomes. Paradoxically, the some of the same evolutionary processes that drive genome reduction and simplification may also cause genome expansion and complexification. A bacterial endosymbiont of cicadas, Hodgkinia cicadicola, exemplifies this paradox. In many cicada species, a single Hodgkinia lineage with a tiny, gene-dense genome has split into several interdependent cell and genome lineages. Each new Hodgkinia lineage encodes a unique subset of the ancestral unsplit genome in a complementary way, such that the collective gene contents of all lineages match the total found in the ancestral single genome. This splitting creates genetically distinct Hodgkinia cells that must function together to carry out basic cellular processes. It also creates a gene dosage problem where some genes are encoded by only a small fraction of cells while others are much more abundant. Here, by sequencing DNA and RNA of Hodgkinia from different cicada species with different amounts of splitting—along with its structurally stable, unsplit partner endosymbiont Sulcia muelleri—we show that Hodgkinia does not transcriptionally compensate to rescue the wildly unbalanced gene and genome ratios that result from lineage splitting. We also find that Hodgkinia has a reduced capacity for basic transcriptional control independent of the splitting process. Our findings reveal another layer of degeneration further pushing the limits of canonical molecular and cell biology in Hodgkinia and may partially explain its propensity to go extinct through symbiont replacement.
The Next Critical Turn for Ageism Research: The Intersections of Ageism and Ableism
Authors: Gendron Tracey , Camp Alyssa , Amateau Gigi , Mullen Mia , Jacobs Kirsten , Inker Jenny , Marrs Sarah
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives

Aging includes multidimensional and multidirectional changes in biology, psychology, and social roles. With aging, individuals experience physiological changes that affect ability, stamina, and reserve capacity. Given the natural occurrence of physical decline accompanying aging, it is essential to understand if fear and prejudice toward disability (ableism) intersect and influence fear and anxiety about aging (ageism).

Research Design and Methods

A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using ResearchMatch for study recruitment, 913 individuals responded to questions regarding 3 types of ageism, including affinity for older people, internalized ageism, and relational ageism, as well as internalized and relational ableism.

Results

Internalized ageism was significantly associated with relational ageism, fear of physical disability, fear of cognitive disability, and affinity for older people. Relational ageism was associated with internalized ageism, relational ableism, fear of physical disability, fear of sensory disability, fear of cognitive disability, and affinity for older people.

Discussion and Implications

Examining the intersection of ageism and ableism represents the next pivotal juncture to developing effective anti-ageism interventions that address the root anxieties influencing negative attitudes about aging and fears of growing older. Public policy initiatives to address community-level interventions and targeted training to inform discourse that addresses the intersection between ageism and ableism are critical to addressing these issues and promoting age and ability inclusivity.
Starch deficiency in tomato causes transcriptional reprogramming that modulates fruit development, metabolism, and stress responses
Authors: Nicolas Philippe , Pattison Richard J , Zheng Yi , Lapidot-Cohen Taly , Brotman Yariv , Osorio Sonia , Fernie Alisdair R , Fei Zhangjun , Catalá Carmen
Published: June 2023

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit store carbon as starch during early development and mobilize it at the onset of ripening. Starch accumulation has been suggested to buffer fluctuations in carbon supply to the fruit under abiotic stress, and contribute to sugar levels in ripe fruit. However, the role of starch accumulation and metabolism during fruit development is still unclear. Here we show that the tomato mutant adpressa (adp) harbors a mutation in a gene encoding the small subunit of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase that abolishes starch synthesis. The disruption of starch biosynthesis causes major transcriptional and metabolic remodeling in adp fruit but only minor effects on fruit size and ripening. Changes in gene expression and metabolite profiles indicate that the lack of carbon flow into starch increases levels of soluble sugars during fruit growth, triggers a readjustment of central carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and activates growth and stress protection pathways. Accordingly, adp fruits are remarkably resistant to blossom-end rot, a common physiological disorder induced by environmental stress. Our results provide insights into the effects of perturbations of carbohydrate metabolism on tomato fruit development, with potential implications for the enhancement of protective mechanisms against abiotic stress in fleshy fruit.
Case Report of Improvement in Long-COVID Symptoms in an Air Force Medic Treated With Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Using Electro-Magnetic Brain Pulse Technique
Authors: Zhang Joe X , Zhang Jianzhong J
Published: June 2023

Long-coronavirus disease (COVID) is an ill-defined set of symptoms persisting in patients following infection with COVID-19 that range from any combination of persistent breathing difficulties to anosmia, impaired attention, memory, fatigue, or pain. Recently, noninvasive transcutaneous electrical brain stimulation techniques have been showing early signs of success in addressing some of these complaints. We postulate that the use of a stimulation technique with transcranial magnetic stimulation may also similarly be effective. A 36-year-old male suffering from symptoms of dyspnea, anosmia, and “brain fog” for 2 years following coronavirus infection was treated with 10 sessions of Electro-Magnetic Brain Pulse (EMBP®), a personalized transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol guided by the patient’s electroencephalograph (EEG). At the conclusion of the treatment, the patient had improvements in mood, sense of smell, and brain fogging. Dyspnea also decreased with a gain of 11% forced expiratory volume 1/forced vital capacity. A high-sensitivity athletic training cognitive test showed an overall 27% increase in aggregate score. A significant portion of this was attributed to changes in visual clarity and decision-making speed. Post-treatment EEG showed a shift from predominantly delta waves to more synchronized alpha wave patterns during the resting state. Brain stimulation techniques appear to be showing early signs of success with long-COVID symptoms. This is the first case describing the use of a magnetic stimulation technique with quantitative test results and recorded EEG changes. Given the early success in this patient with cognition, dyspnea, and anosmia, this noninvasive treatment modality warrants further research.
Intensive treatment for the progression of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients with low disease activity or remission
Authors: Mochizuki Takeshi , Koenuma Naoko , Yano Koichiro , Ikari Katsunori , Hiroshima Ryo , Okazaki Ken
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To investigate the effects of intensive treatment on joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) showing progression of joint damage and low disease activity or remission.

Methods

Eighty-nine patients who had change in the van der Heijde modified total Sharp score (TSS) of >0.5 points at baseline when compared with the score 1 year ago were enrolled and categorized into two groups to receive intensive (intensive group) or current (current group) treatment. The intensive and current groups were compared for change (Δ) from baseline to 1 year of erosion score, joint space narrowing score, and TSS.

Results

The ΔTSS values at 1 year in the intensive and current groups were 0.67 ± 1.09 and 1.79 ± 1.70, respectively (P < 0.001). In the intensive and current groups, the ΔTSS ≤ 0.5 at 1 year were 66.7% and 32.4%, respectively (P = 0.010).

Conclusions

The intensive treatment was more effective at suppressing joint damage than the current treatment. The progression of joint damage is an important target to consider for intensive treatment.
Subclinical enthesitis in enthesitis-related arthritis and sacroiliitis associated with familial Mediterranean fever
Authors: Sener Seher , Atalay Erdal , Yildiz Adalet Elcin , Kasap Cuceoglu Muserref , Basaran Ozge , Batu Ezgi Deniz , Bilginer Yelda , Ozen Seza
Published: June 2023

Objectives

In our study, we investigated the presence of subclinical enthesitis by ultrasonography (US) in asymptomatic patients with enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) and sacroiliitis associated with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).

Methods

A total of 50 patients, including 35 patients with ERA and 15 with sacroiliitis associated with FMF, were included in the study. All patients were evaluated with US by a paediatric radiologist. Enthesis of seven tendons (common extensor and flexor tendons, quadriceps tendon, proximal and distal patellar tendon, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia) was examined on both sides.

Results

Subclinical enthesitis was detected in 10 ERA (28.5%) and three FMF (20%) patients. Enthesitis was radiologically diagnosed in 16 (2.3%) out of 700 evaluated entheseal sites. The most frequent sites of enthesitis were Achilles (37.5%) and quadriceps (31.3%) tendons. All patients were in clinical remission and had no active complaints, and acute phase reactants were within normal limits. Therefore, the patients were followed up without treatment change. However, disease flare-up was observed in three of these patients (23.1%) during the follow-up, and their treatments were intensified.

Conclusions

Our results showed that the US can be particularly helpful in detecting subclinical enthesitis and predicting disease flare-ups.
Exploring indicators for monitoring sociotechnical system transitions through portfolio networks
Authors: Penna Caetano C R , Romero Goyeneche Oscar Yandy , Matti Cristian
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we propose a method for tracking the evolution of sociotechnical niches supported by sustainability-focused project portfolios. Based on social network analysis (SNA), this method can be used to evaluate and monitor funding initiatives that seek to advance sociotechnical transitions. It is an important area of study because there is currently a lack of tools for measuring the success of efforts to promote transformative innovation. Conceptually, our approach is based on existing sociotechnical transition research and offers insights into how project networks evolve. We applied this method to a specific portfolio of food system projects that the European Institute for Innovation and Technology Climate-KIC supported. Our results show that SNA can provide a proper visual representation of the infrastructure that supports programme-based investment and can help us understand how specific network structures can support niche development and protect it from external pressures.
Maternal PBDE exposure disrupts gut microbiome and promotes hepatic proinflammatory signaling in humanized PXR-transgenic mouse offspring over time
Authors: Kim Sarah , Li Hao , Jin Yan , Armad Jasmine , Gu Haiwei , Mani Sridhar , Cui Julia Y
Published: June 2023

Developmental exposure to the persistent environmental pollutant, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), is associated with increased diabetes prevalence. The microbial tryptophan metabolite, indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), is associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and lower-grade inflammation and is a pregnane X receptor (PXR) activator. To explore the role of IPA in modifying the PBDE developmental toxicity, we orally exposed humanized PXR-transgenic (hPXR-TG) mouse dams to vehicle, 0.1 mg/kg/day DE-71 (an industrial PBDE mixture), DE-71+IPA (20 mg/kg/day), or IPA, from 4 weeks preconception to the end of lactation. Pups were weaned at 21 days of age and IPA supplementation continued in the corresponding treatment groups. Tissues were collected at various ages until 6 months of age (n = 5 per group). In general, the effect of maternal DE-71 exposure on the gut microbiome of pups was amplified over time. The regulation of hepatic cytokines and prototypical xenobiotic-sensing transcription factor target genes by DE-71 and IPA was age- and sex-dependent, where DE-71-mediated mRNA increased selected cytokines (Il10, Il12p40, Il1β [both sexes], and [males]). The hepatic mRNA of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) target gene Cyp1a2 was increased by maternal DE-71 and DE-71+IPA exposure at postnatal day 21 but intestinal Cyp1a1 was not altered by any of the exposures and ages. Maternal DE-71 exposure persistently increased serum indole, a known AhR ligand, in age- and sex-dependent manner. In conclusion, maternal DE-71 exposure produced a proinflammatory signature along the gut-liver axis, including gut dysbiosis, dysregulated tryptophan microbial metabolism, attenuated PXR signaling, and elevated AhR signaling in postweaned hPXR-TG pups over time, which was partially corrected by IPA supplementation.
Host- and Fusarium-Adapted Bacterial Consortia Alter Microbial Community Structures in Arabidopsis Roots and Suppress Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Kudjordjie Enoch Narh , Sapkota Rumakanta , Nicolaisen Mogens
Published: June 2023

The plant-associated microbiota confers beneficial traits to the plant host by promoting growth and preventing disease. However, it is not fully understood how the host and its associated microbiota interact with pathogens. In this work, we studied how the host plant modulates its associated microbiome to suppress disease. For this, we used two Arabidopsis thaliana lines with different host responses to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. mathioli (FOM). We isolated bacterial consortia (BCs) from FOM-infected or healthy host plants of the two lines of Arabidopsis and studied their effect on the root-associated microbiota and FOM progression in the following generations of Arabidopsis plants. Root bacterial and fungal communities were profiled using 16S ribosomal RNA and internal transcribed spacer amplicon sequencing, respectively, while quantitative PCR was used for assessment of FOM quantities in shoots of Arabidopsis. Host- or pathogen-adapted BCs significantly reduced FOM quantities in shoots of both the resistant Col-0 and the susceptible Ler-0 Arabidopsis lines. Several bacterial taxa, including Chthoniobacter, Bacillus, Chryseobacterium and Actinoplanes negatively correlated with FOM, suggestive of an antagonistic effect. Furthermore, both host- and pathogen-adapted BCs significantly affected community composition with distinct differentially abundant taxa and co-occurrence network structures. Taken together, our findings suggest that using a subcommunity selection approach is a potential route for exploiting plant-associated rhizosphere microbiomes for engineering disease resilient microbiomes.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .
Genetic Mapping of a Novel Gene PmAege7M from Aegilops geniculata Conferring Resistance to Wheat Powdery Mildew
Authors: Ma Chao , Qian Jiajun , Feng Yajun , Sehgal Sunish K. , Zhao Yue , Chen Qifan , Li Huanhuan , Liu Wenxuan
Published: June 2023

Powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), is one of the most damaging foliage diseases of wheat across the world. Aegilops geniculata Roth is a valuable gene resource for enhancing wheat resistance to powdery mildew. This study identified Ae. geniculata accession PI 487224 as immune and PI 487228 as susceptible to powdery mildew. Genetic analysis of the F1, F2, and F2:3 progeny derived from PI 487224 × PI 487228 showed that powdery mildew resistance in PI 487224 was controlled by two independent dominant genes located on two different nonhomologous chromosomes. By combing bulked segregant RNA-Seq, genetic linkage analysis of a single resistance gene segregation population, and marker analysis of a set of 14 wheat-Ae. geniculata chromosome addition lines, one of the resistance genes, temperately designated PmAege7M, was mapped to a 4.9-cM interval flanked by markers STS7-55926 and SNP7-45792/STS7-65911 on the long arm of chromosome 7 Mg of PI 487224, spanning 604.73 to 622.82 Mb on the 7D long arm based on the Ae. tauschii reference genome (Aet_v4.0). The map and closely linked markers of PmAege7M from Ae. geniculata in this study will facilitate the transfer of PmAege7M into common wheat and fine mapping of the gene.
Genetic Analysis and Molecular Identification of the Powdery Mildew Resistance in 116 Elite Wheat Cultivars/Lines
Authors: Jin Yuli , Xiao Luning , Zheng Jianpeng , Su Fuyu , Yu Ziyang , Mu Yanjun , Zhang Wenjing , Li Linzhi , Han Guohao , Ma Pengtao
Published: June 2023

Powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), is a destructive disease worldwide. Host resistance is the preferred method for limiting the disease epidemic, protecting the environment, and minimizing economic losses. In the present study, the reactions to powdery mildew for a collection of 600 wheat cultivars and breeding lines from different wheat-growing regions were tested using the Bgt isolate E09. Next, 116 resistant genotypes were identified and then crossed with susceptible wheat cultivars/lines to produce segregating populations for genetic analysis. Among them, 87, 19, and 10 genotypes displayed single, dual, and multiple genic inheritance, respectively. To identify the Pm gene(s) in those resistant genotypes, 16 molecular markers for 13 documented Pm genes were used to test the resistant and susceptible parents and their segregating populations. Of the 87 wheat genotypes that fitted the monogenic inheritance, 75 carried the Pm2a allele. Three, two, one, and two genotypes carried Pm21, Pm6, Pm4, and the recessive genes pm6 and pm42, respectively. Four genotypes did not carry any of the tested genes, suggesting that they might have other uncharacterized or new genes. The other 29 wheat cultivars/lines carried two or more of the tested Pm genes and/or other untested genes, including Pm2, Pm5, Pm6, and/or pm42. It was obvious that Pm2 was widely used in wheat production, whereas Pm1, Pm24, Pm33, Pm34, Pm35, Pm45, and Pm47 were not detected in any of these resistant wheat genotypes. This study clarified the genetic basis of the powdery mildew resistance of these wheat cultivars/lines to provide information for their rational utilization in different wheat-growing regions. Moreover, some wheat genotypes which may have novel Pm gene(s) were mined to enrich the diversity of resistance source.
PTK2B regulates immune responses of neutrophils and protects mucosal inflammation in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Zhou Guangxi , Zhu Fengqin , Zhang Hairong , Wang Yan , Yang Yonghong , Jin Guiyuan , Wang Yibo , Dong Guanjun , Xiong Huabao
Published: June 2023

Neutrophils participate in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) through regulating the intestinal homeostasis. Several inflammatory diseases are reported to be regulated by proline‐rich tyrosine kinase 2B (PTK2B). However, the role of PTK2B in regulating the function of neutrophils and the pathogenesis of UC remains unknown. In this study, the mRNA and protein levels of PTK2B in the colonic tissues from UC patients were measured by using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. TAE226, a PTK2B inhibitor, was used to inhibit the activity of PTK2B in neutrophils, and then, the pro‐inflammatory factors were analyzed by using qRT‐PCR and ELISA. To determine the role of PTK2B in intestinal inflammation, a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis model was established in PTK2B gene knockout (PTK2B KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice. We found that compared with healthy donor controls, the expression level of PTK2B was significantly elevated in inflamed mucosa from UC patients. In addition, expression of PTK2B was positively correlated with the severity of disease. Pharmacological inhibition of PTK2B could markedly reduce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and antimicrobial peptides (S100a8 and S100a9) in neutrophils. The vitro study showed that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α is involved in promoting the expression of PTK2B in neutrophils. As expected, UC patients treated with infliximab, an anti‐TNF‐α agent, showed significantly reduced level of PTK2B in neutrophils, as well as in the intestinal mucosa. Of note, compared with DSS‐treated WT mice, DSS‐treated PTK2B KO mice showed more severe colitis symptoms. Mechanistically, PTK2B could enhance neutrophil migration by regulating CXCR2 and GRK2 expression via the p38 MAPK pathway. Additionally, mice treated with TAE226 exhibited the same effects. In conclusion, PTK2B is involved in the pathogenesis of UC by promoting the migration of neutrophils and inhibiting mucosal inflammation, highlighting PTK2B as a new potential therapeutic target to treat UC.
Current State of Perioperative Buprenorphine Management—A National Provider Survey
Authors: Quaye Aurora , Mardmomen Niayesh , Mogren Grace , Ibrahim Yussr , Richard Janelle , Zhang Yi
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Buprenorphine maintenance for opioid use disorder (OUD) can present potential challenges for acute postoperative pain management. Provider practice and consistency of buprenorphine management strategies within institutions are unknown. This study aims to identify how providers nationwide manage patients on buprenorphine when they present for elective surgery.

Methods

A prospective survey of anesthesiologists was performed nationwide between November 2021 and March 2022. Survey respondents were selected from academic institutions identified using public databases and were also distributed to online social media platforms where members are required to verify medical licensure and hospital affiliation. Survey results were calculated and interpreted as the percentage rate of response.

Results

Survey invitations were sent to 190 institutions and returned 54 responses (28% response rate). An additional 12 completed surveys were obtained from online social media distribution resulting in 66 responses. Only 36% of respondents reported an established protocol for perioperative management of buprenorphine at their institution. Regarding consistency of buprenorphine management within institutions, the majority of respondents endorsed buprenorphine continuation without dose reduction in procedures where minimal pain was anticipated. However, there was a large discrepancy in buprenorphine management for surgeries with moderate-severe pain. Perioperative dosing frequency of buprenorphine was also inconsistent.

Conclusions

The majority of institutions surveyed do not have an established protocol for perioperative buprenorphine management. In addition, there is provider variability in buprenorphine dosing for procedures with moderate-severe pain. This study highlights the need for dissemination of consensus guidelines for buprenorphine management.
Economic Analysis of Renal Replacement Therapy Modality in Acute Kidney Injury Patients With Fluid Overload
Authors: Ethgen Olivier , Murugan Raghavan , Echeverri Jorge , Blackowicz Michael , Harenski Kai , Ostermann Marlies
Published: June 2023

OBJECTIVES:

Acute kidney injury (AKI) and fluid overload (FO) are among the top reasons to initiate intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Prior research suggests CRRT provides more precise volume control, but whether CRRT is cost-effective remains unclear. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of CRRT for volume control compared with IHD from a U.S. healthcare payer perspective.

DESIGN:

Decision analytical model comparing health outcomes and healthcare costs of CRRT versus IHD initiation for AKI patients with FO. The model had an inpatient phase (over 90-d) followed by post-discharge phase (over lifetime). The 90-day phase had three health states: FO, fluid control, and death. After 90 days, surviving patients entered the lifetime phase with four health states: dialysis independent (DI), dialysis dependent (DD), renal transplantation, and death. Model parameters were informed by current literature. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate results robustness to parametric uncertainty.

SETTING:

ICU.

PATIENTS OR SUBJECTS:

AKI patients with FO.

INTERVENTIONS:

IHD or CRRT.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

The 90-day horizon revealed better outcomes for patients initiated on CRRT (survival: CRRT 59.2% vs IHD 57.5% and DD rate among survivors: CRRT 5.5% vs IHD 6.9%). Healthcare cost was 2.7% (+$2,836) higher for CRRT. Over lifetime, initial CRRT was associated with +0.313 life years (LYs) and +0.187 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) compared with initial IHD. Even though important savings were observed for initial CRRT with a lower rate of DD among survivors (–$13,437), it did not fully offset the incremental cost of CRRT (+$1,956) and DI survival (+$12,830). The incremental cost-per-QALY gained with CRRT over IRRT was +$10,429/QALY. Results were robust to sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our analysis provides an economic rationale for CRRT as the initial modality of choice in AKI patients with FO who require renal replacement therapy. Our finding needs to be confirmed in future research.
The Relationship Between Maternal and Infant Sleep Duration Across the First Two Years
Authors: Cai Tianying , Sutter Carolyn , Donovan Sharon M. , Fiese Barbara H.
Published: June 2023

Objectives:

The first objective of this study was to determine how mother-infant sleep duration is related across the first 2 years of life. The second objective was to determine whether these relationships change across the first 2 years of life. The third objective was to understand demographic and health predictors of the relationship between maternal and child sleep.

Methods:

Parents of 464 infants from the STRONG Kids 2 study reported their own and infants' nocturnal sleep duration and other health information (i.e., breastfeeding) at 3, 12, 18, and 24 months postpartum.

Results:

Latent transition models revealed 2 mother-infant sleep profiles exist at 3 to 24 months. The low maternal sleep (LMS) pattern was characterized by lower maternal sleep duration than the recommended amount and lower infant sleep duration. The average maternal sleep (AMS) pattern was characterized by average maternal sleep duration meeting the recommended standard and average infant sleep duration. Approximately half of the mothers who started in the LMS profile transitioned to the AMS profile after 12 months postpartum. The sleep profiles stabilized after 12 months postpartum with limited transitions across 12 to 24 months. More infant signaled nighttime wakings, later bedtimes, more infant sleep problems, and more exclusive breastfeeding were predictors of being in the LMS profile.

Conclusion:

Mother-infant sleep profiles stabilized after age 12 months, and mother-infant sleep profiles are driven by infant sleep quality during the night. The findings suggest the need to establish a healthy sleep routine for mothers and infants in the first year of life to promote longer-term sleep hygiene.
Lens thickness in atopic cataract: case–control study
Authors: Iida Masanobu , Masuda Yoichiro , Sano Kei , Ichihara Kosuke , Komatsu Koji , Shiba Takuya , Iwaki Hisaharu , Oki Kotaro , Tatemichi Masayuki , Nakano Tadashi
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

To examine whether atopic cataracts are associated with thinner lenses.

Setting:

Department of Ophthalmology, Jikei University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.

Design:

Retrospective matched case–control study.

Methods:

31 eyes with atopic cataracts, 62 with nonatopic cataracts, and 31 without cataracts were analyzed. Each group was matched for age (±4 years) and sex.

Results:

The mean lens thickness (LT) was 3.76 ± 0.40 mm, 3.94 ± 0.49 mm, and 4.11 ± 0.40 mm in eyes with atopic cataracts, nonatopic cataracts, and normal lenses, respectively. Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed that the LT in the atopic cataract group was significantly thinner than that in the nonatopic cataract (P = .036) and normal lens (P < .001) groups. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, a thinner LT was negatively correlated with age (odds ratio [OR], 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86-0.96) and positively correlated with anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC) (OR, 5.61; 95% CI, 1.97-15.99). Atopy was not a significant factor. 24 (38.7%) of the 62 eyes with nonatopic cataracts and 24 (77.4%) of the 31 eyes with atopic cataracts had ASC.

Conclusions:

The lenses of eyes with atopic cataracts were thinner than those of controls. Atopic cataracts frequently present with anterior subcapsular opacity, which is associated with lens thinning.
An Assessment of HIV Risk, Perceptions of Risk, and Potential Adherence to Preexposure Prophylaxis Among HIV-Negative People With Injection Drug Use Who Access Mobile Outreach Services
Authors: Champion Jane Dimmitt , Recto Pam
Published: June 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess HIV risk, perceptions of risk, and potential adherence to preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of HIV infection among people who inject drugs (PWID), who self-report HIV negative status and access mobile outreach intravenous drug use (IVDU) services.

Methods/Sample

Participants (N = 93) were non-Hispanic White (59.1%) and Hispanic (36.6%), between the ages of 18 and 63 years, primarily male (58.1%), who reported a length of IVDU between 1 and >20 years and accessed mobile outreach IVDU services in a metropolitan area of the Southwestern United States; all self-reported HIV-negative status. Self-report questionnaires completed via iPad included HIV risk behavior, perceived risk of HIV, and beliefs about medicines.

Results

PWID perceived themselves at a low risk for HIV with minimal concerns about contracting HIV. High levels of comorbidities (schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, hepatitis, diabetes, and hypertension), substance use, and limited HIV protective behavior and social support existed; women reported significantly more risk behaviors and comorbidities. Positive attitudes toward and interest in use of medication for HIV prevention were present, however, with concurrent concerns regarding long-term medication use and the potential to forget medications.

Conclusions

PrEP adherence for PWID presents challenges for clinicians. Addressing perceptions of PrEP, perceived and actual risk for contracting HIV, potential barriers to PrEP adherence, social support, and treatment of comorbidities in primary care and IVDU outreach services potentially enhances PrEP maintenance among PWID, notably women.
Nurses' Perception of Caring for Patients With Substance Use Disorder
Authors: Antill Keener Tina , Tallerico Jennifer , Harvath Ruth , Cartwright-Stroupe Lya , Shafique Saima , Piamjariyakul Ubolrat
Published: June 2023

The objective of this research was to explore the perceptions of nurses regarding patients with substance use disorder (SUD), healthcare provided, and desired resources to care for this population properly. This study used a cross-sectional, descriptive design. Data were collected via an anonymous 12-item survey and three open-ended questions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis. Nurses with less than 1 year of experience reported more significant challenges when caring for patients with SUD. These challenges included difficulties in managing pain, implementing alternative pain management techniques, and knowing who to contact when problems occur. The study revealed many needs of nurses to provide compassionate care for patients with SUD. Findings indicate a need for education for nurses, especially novice nurses, who care for patients with SUD.
Meta-Analysis of Medication Administration Errors in African Hospitals
Authors: Alemu Wudma , Cimiotti Jeannie P.
Published: June 2023

The incidence of medication administration errors (MAEs) and associated patient harm continue to plague hospitals worldwide. Moreover, there is a lack of evidence to address this problem, especially in Africa. This research synthesis was intended to provide current evidence to decrease the incidence of MAEs in Africa. Standardized search criteria were used to identify primary studies that reported the incidence and/or predictors of MAEs in Africa. Included studies met specifications and were validated with a quality-appraisal tool. The pooled incidence of MAEs in African hospitals was estimated to be 0.56 (CI: 0.4324–0.6770) with a 0.13–0.93 prediction interval. The primary estimates were highly heterogeneous. Most MAEs are explained by system failure and patient factors. The contribution of system factors can be minimized through adequate and ongoing training of nurses on the aspects of safe medication administration. In addition, ensuring the availability of drug use guidelines in hospitals, and minimizing disruptions during the medication process can decrease the incidence of MAEs in Africa.
Denoising Tc-99m DMSA images using Denoising Convolutional Neural Network with comparison to a Block Matching Filter
Authors: Chaudhary Jagrati , Phulia Ankita , Pandey Anil Kumar , Sharma Param D. , Patel Chetan
Published: June 2023

Introduction

A DnCNN for image denoising trained with natural images is available in MATLAB. For Tc-99m DMSA images, any loss of clinical details during the denoising process will have serious consequences since denoised image is to be used for diagnosis. The objective of the study was to find whether this pre-trained DnCNN can be used for denoising Tc-99m DMSA images and compare its performance with block matching 3D (BM3D) filter.

Materials and methods

Two hundred forty-two Tc-99m DMSA images were denoised using BM3D filter (at sigma = 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25) and DnCNN. The original and denoised images were reviewed by two nuclear medicine physicians and also assessed objectively using the image quality metrics: SSIM, FSIM, MultiSSIM, PIQE, Blur, GCF, and Brightness. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied to find the statistically significant difference between the value of image quality metrics of the denoised images and the corresponding original images.

Results

Nuclear medicine physicians observed no loss of clinical information in DnCNN denoised image and superior image quality compared to its original and BM3D denoised images. Edges/boundaries of the scar were found to be well preserved, and doubtful scar became obvious in the denoised image. Objective assessment also showed that the quality of DnCNN denoised images was significantly better than that of original images at P-value <0.0001.

Conclusion

The pre-trained DnCNN available with MATLAB Deep Learning Toolbox can be used for denoising Tc-99m DMSA images, and the performance of DnCNN was found to be superior in comparison with BM3D filter.
Evaluation of myocardial viability by a secondary delayed 99mTc-MIBI nuclear scanning in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients with delay in referral and nonviable myocardium in the first scintigraphy: a preliminary cohort study
Authors: Farsavian Ali Asghar , Ghadirzadeh Erfan , Yazdani Charati Jamshid , Rahmanzade Hadi , Khalilizad Majid , Abedi Seyed Mohammad
Published: June 2023

Objective

In the management of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), if the treatment has not been initiated within the first 24 h and the patient no longer exhibits any symptoms, the decision to begin revascularization therapy is based on myocardial viability. If the tissue is nonviable, current guidelines advise against further revascularization therapy; however, collateral vessels represent an alternative source of blood supply and may help the damaged tissue to resume function; though at first, this tissue may not be considered viable. Thus, in patients whose first myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) revealed nonviable myocardium, a secondary MPS to assess viability may be beneficial and alter the course of treatment strategies.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was conducted on 30 STEMI patients referred to Mazandaran Heart Center. If no myocardial viability was found using 99mTc-MIBI MPS, the patient was referred for a secondary MPS after 3 months.

Results

In total, out of 30 patients, 3 became viable. There was no significant relationship between the viability of different Rentrop classes. Comparison of viability between patients with different numbers of occluded vessels showed no significant relationship. Three patients (17%) among 17 patients with Rentrop class nonzero became viable in the second MPS. Also, among four patients (13.3%) with Rentrop class three, one patient (25%) became viable and among seven patients (23.3%) with Rentrop class one, two patients (28.6%) became viable.

Conclusion

Considering the results of this study, although nonsignificant, this subject requires further investigation to reach a definite conclusion.
Comparison of shear wave elastography and dimercaptosuccinic acid renal cortical scintigraphy in pediatric patients
Authors: Salan Ahmet , Menzilcioglu Mehmet Sait , Guler Ahmet Gokhan , Dogan Kamil
Published: June 2023

Background

Although it causes low-dose radiation exposure, dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal cortical scintigraphy is the gold standard examination method in the noninvasive diagnosis of renal scar tissue (RST). Shear wave elastography (SWE) has recently come to the fore as a technique for measuring kidney stiffness in the examination of RST. The present study aims to compare DMSA and SWE tests to evaluate whether SWE can be used instead of DMSA as a test that does not cause radiation exposure in pediatric patients.

Methods

In this prospective study, sonographic elastography was performed on pediatric patients with DMSA images. In the SWE examination, measurements were made from each kidney’s upper, middle and lower parts. DMSA and elastography data were compared for the diagnosis of RST.

Results

A total of 64 patients were included in the present study. There were 68.8% female (n = 44) and 31.2% (n = 20) male patients. There were 45 pediatric patients [Female 30 (66.7%), male 15 (33.3%)] in group 1 (pathological group) and 19 pediatric patients [Female 14 (73.7%), male 5 (26.3%)] in the control group. When DMSA data and SWE values were compared, it was found that elastography did not show a statistically significant performance in predicting renal scarring

Conclusion

In the existing literature, various studies reported different values for the diagnosis of renal stiffness using SWE. Similar to some previous studies, the present study observed no significant correlations between DMSA and SWE. Thus, DMSA preserves its major role and effectiveness as an important predictor of RST in pediatric patients.
Incidentally detected 18F-FDG PET-CT-avid thyroid nodules in patients with advanced malignancy: long-term oncological outcomes from a single-centre retrospective cohort
Authors: Owens Cara , Fitzhugh Alex , Harrington Kevin , Paleri Vinidh , Sharma Bhupinder , Shur Joshua , ap Dafydd Derfel
Published: June 2023

Objectives

In this retrospective study, we assessed the clinical outcomes of patients with a primary malignancy who had incidentally detected thyroid avidity on their staging 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET-computed tomography (18F-FDG PET-CT) examinations.

Methods

A focused retrospective search was made using a Radiology Information System to identify only patients with positive thyroid nodules on their 18F-FDG PET-CT imaging between January 2012 and December 2017. Patient demographics, principal oncological diagnosis, and stage were recorded. The sonographic appearances of thyroid nodules, number of fine needle aspiration (FNA) attempts, final cytology, management plan, and clinical outcome were recorded. Follow-up records were available for between 2 and 7 years.

Results

Following exclusions, 136 patients were found to have incidental thyroid avidity on their 18F-FDG PET-CT. A total of 50 of these patients proceeded to thyroid ultrasound assessment. Of these, 37 patients underwent FNA (average 1.3 FNA attempts) with 17 having atypical cytology and 6 diagnosed with an incidental thyroid cancer either by FNA or thyroidectomy. Four patients who underwent surgery had benign pathology. All thyroid cancers identified were indolent papillary cancers without any impact on the treatment plan or survival.

Conclusion

The clinical outcomes of patients with an established primary malignancy are determined by their primary cancer and not by incidentally detected thyroid cancer. It may therefore be reasonable not to formally investigate a proportion of incidental 18F-FDG PET-CT positive thyroid nodules where added benefit is unlikely. In such cases, a ‘watch-and-wait’ approach to the thyroid might be considered more appropriate.
A Randomized Trial Comparing Standard Treatment and Stress-Relieving Therapies to Improve Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms
Authors: Lancsek Lori , Faber Steven , Rutledge Carolyn , Maduro Ralitsa S. , Morgan Merri K. , Zimbro Kathie S.
Published: June 2023

Background:

Abdominal pain is stressful, accounting for a large proportion of emergency and primary care visits. Clinical workups for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are often without abnormal findings and symptoms can be severe, diminishing patients' IBS-related quality of life (IBS-QOL).

Purpose:

The efficacy of stress-relieving therapies to manage IBS symptoms was explored.

Methods:

Participants were randomly assigned to standard care or an intervention group (ie, walking, music, and essential oils). The IBS-QOL, gastrointestinal (GI) distress, and general health questionnaires were completed at baseline and 6-week visits.

Results:

The intervention explained 20% of the variance for IBS-QOL, 19% for GI distress, and 27% for general health, after controlling for baseline scores. IBS-QOL and general health were improved, with GI distress minimized for the walking and essential oils groups.

Conclusions:

Adding walking and essential oils to an established IBS treatment regimen can positively impact health and well-being.
Digital Danger in Our Pockets
Authors: Yasin Sedat , Altunisik Erman , Tak Ali Zeynal Abidin
Published: June 2023

Smartphones have become essential to life in Western society. This situation reached its peak, especially during the pandemic period. The possibility that smartphone use has negative impact on brain activity has attracted increasing interest among researchers. Medical faculty students were contacted via e-mail and invited to participate in the study. Participants completed the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), the Mental Fatigue Scale (MFS), and the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI). The total SAS scores of participants with mental fatigue were significantly higher than those of participants without mental fatigue (p < 0.001). In the smartphone addiction tendency group, the total MFS scores were significantly higher, and the total CFI scores were significantly lower than the scores of the control group (p < 0.001 for both). In the logistic regression analysis, the total SAS score was associated with the development of mental fatigue (B coefficient, 0.031, p < 0.001). This study identified potential relationships between smartphone addiction, mental fatigue, and cognitive flexibility. We suggest that smartphone overuse may be an independent risk factor for the development of mental fatigue.
Ovarian Metastasis From Diffuse Epithelioid Malignant Mesothelioma Revealed by 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Hou Guozhu , Jin Yujing , Peng Pan , Zheng Rong
Published: June 2023

Diffuse epithelioid malignant mesothelioma (MM) with metastasis to the ovary is rare. We reported FDG PET/CT findings in a 39-year-old woman with ovarian metastasis from diffuse epithelioid MM. The ultrasound findings at the external hospital revealed multiple masses in the hepatic hilus. FDG PET/CT examination was recommended to evaluate the nature of the lesions. It showed that 2 hypodense lesions in the perihepatic space had intense activity, and there was an additional FDG lesion in the right ovary, which was later confirmed as diffuse epithelioid MM with ovarian metastasis by pathological examination.