bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal antidepressant exposure and emotional disorders until age 22: a danish register study
Authors: Bliddal Mette , Wesselhoeft Rikke , Strandberg-Larsen Katrine , Ernst Martin T. , Weissman Myrna M. , Gingrich Jay A. , Talati Ardesheer , Pottegård Anton
Published: June 2023

Background

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants in pregnancy. Animal and some clinical studies have suggested potential increases in depression and anxiety following prenatal SSRI exposure, but the extent to which these are driven by the medication remains unclear. We used Danish population data to test associations between maternal SSRI use during pregnancy and children outcomes up to age 22.

Methods

We prospectively followed 1,094,202 single-birth Danish children born 1997–2015. The primary exposure was ≥ 1 SSRI prescription filled during pregnancy; the primary outcome, first diagnosis of a depressive, anxiety, or adjustment disorder, or redeemed prescription for an antidepressant medication. We used propensity score weights to adjust potential confounders, and incorporated data from the Danish National Birth Cohort (1997–2003) to further quantify potential residual confounding by subclinical factors.

Results

The final dataset included 15,651 exposed and 896,818 unexposed, children. After adjustments, SSRI-exposed had higher rates of the primary outcome than those of mothers who either did not use an SSRI (HR = 1.55 [95%CI:1.44,1.67] or discontinued the SSRI use ≥ 3 months prior to conception (HR = 1.23 [1.13,1.34]). Age of onset was earlier among exposed (9 [IQR:7–13] years) versus unexposed (12 [IQR:12–17] years) children (p < 0.01). Paternal SSRI use in the absence of maternal use during the index pregnancy (HR = 1.46 [1.35,1.58]) and maternal SSRI use only after pregnancy (HR = 1.42 [1.35,1.49]) were each also associated with these outcomes.

Conclusions

While SSRI exposure was associated with increased risk in the children, this risk may be driven at least partly by underlying severity of maternal illness or other confounding factors.
Intermittent theta-burst stimulation combined with physical therapy as an optimal rehabilitation in Parkinson’s disease: study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial
Authors: Jin Zhao-hui , Wang Yi-xuan , Meng De-tao , Qin Yi , Duan Yi-nan , Fang Jin-ping , Wang Rui-dan , Liu Yan-jun , Liu Cui , Wang Ping , Yan Hong-jiao , Zhen Yi , An Xia , Chen Ke-ke , Yu Xin , Lyu Diyang , Yan Xiao-Yan , Fang Bo-yan
Published: June 2023

Background

First-line rehabilitative strategies to improve motor deficits are based on functional training (physical or occupational therapy), which has been demonstrated to facilitate neural reorganisation. Accumulating evidence suggests that non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as repetitive TMS (rTMS), may enhance neuroplasticity, thereby facilitating neural reorganisation and recovery from Parkinson’s disease. Evidence also shows that intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) can improve motor function and quality of life in patients by promoting the excitability and neural remodelling of cerebral cortex. We aimed to combine iTBS stimulation with physiotherapy to improve the rehabilitation effect compared to physiotherapy alone in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Methods

This randomised, double-blind clinical trial will enrol 50 Parkinson’s disease patients aged 45–70 years with Hoehn and Yahr scale scores of 1–3. Patients are randomly assigned to either the iTBS + physiotherapy or sham-iTBS + physiotherapy group. The trial consists of a 2-week double-blind treatment period and a 24-week follow-up period. iTBS and sham-iTBS will be administered twice daily for 10 days based on physiotherapy. The primary outcome will be the third part of Movement Disorders–Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS III) from the baseline to the first 2 days following completion hospitalised intervention. The secondary outcome will be 39-item Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) at 4 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks after intervention. Tertiary outcomes are clinical evaluations and mechanism study outcomes such as NMSS, 6MWD, 10MT, TUG, BBS, MRI, and EEG, the length of time between the drug needs to be adjusted when symptoms fluctuate.

Discussion

The aim of this study is to demonstrate that iTBS can promote overall function and quality of life in Parkinson’s disease patients using physiotherapy and that this efficacy may be associated with altered neuroplasticity in exercise-related brain regions. The iTBS combined with physiotherapy training model will be evaluated during a 6-month follow-up period. With significant improvement in quality of life and motor function, iTBS combined with physiotherapy can be considered as a first-line rehabilitation option for Parkinson’s disease. The potential of iTBS to enhance neuroplasticity in the brain should have a more positive impact in increasing the generality and efficiency of physiotherapy, improving the quality of life and overall functional status of patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200056581. Registered on 8 February 2022.
Quantitative analysis of two COVID-19 antiviral agents, favipiravir and remdesivir, in spiked human plasma using spectrophotometric methods; greenness evaluation
Authors: Batubara Afnan S. , Abdelazim Ahmed H. , Almrasy Ahmed A. , Gamal Mohammed , Ramzy Sherif
Published: June 2023

Favipiravir and remdesivir have been included in the COVID-19 treatment guidelines panel of several countries. The main objective of the current work is to develop the first validated green spectrophotometric methods for the determination of favipiravir and remdesivir in spiked human plasma. The UV absorption spectra of favipiravir and remdesivir have shown some overlap, making simultaneous determination difficult. Due to the considerable overlap, two ratio spectra manipulating spectrophotometric methods, namely, ratio difference and the first derivative of ratio spectra, enabled the determination of favipiravir and remdesivir in their pure forms and spiked plasma. The ratio spectra of favipiravir and remdesivir were derived by dividing the spectra of each drug by the suitable spectrum of another drug as a divisor to get the ratio spectra. Favipiravir was determined by calculating the difference between 222 and 256 nm of the derived ratio spectra, while calculating the difference between 247 and 271 nm of the derived ratio spectra enabled the determination of remdesivir. Moreover, the ratio spectra of every drug were transformed to the first order derivative using ∆λ = 4 and a scaling factor of 100. The first-order derivative amplitude values at 228 and 251.20 nm enabled the determination of favipiravir and remdesivir, respectively. Regarding the pharmacokinetic profile of favipiravir (Cmax 4.43 µg/mL) and remdesivir (Cmax 3027 ng/mL), the proposed methods have been successfully applied to the spectrophotometric determination of favipiravir and remdesivir in plasma matrix. Additionally, the greenness of the described methods was evaluated using three metrics systems: the national environmental method index, the analytical eco-scale, and the analytical greenness metric. The results demonstrated that the described models were in accordance with the environmental characteristics.
Physiochemical and molecular responses of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum to illumination transitions
Authors: Ding Wei , Ye Ying , Yu Lihua , Liu Meijing , Liu Jin
Published: June 2023

Background

Light is a key regulatory factor for photosynthesis and metabolism of microalgae. The diatomPhaeodactylum tricornutumis capable of exhibiting metabolic flexibility in response to light fluctuations. However, the metabolic switching and underlying molecular mechanisms upon illumination transitions remain poorly understood for this industrially relevant marine alga. To address these, the physiochemical and molecular responses ofP. tricornutumupon high light (HL) and recovery (HLR) were probed.

Results

Upon HL,P. tricornutumexhibited quick responses, including decreases in cell division, major light harvesting pigments (e.g., chlorophylla,β-carotene, and fucoxanthin), chloroplastidic membrane lipids (e.g., monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, digalactosyldiacylglycerol, and sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol), and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., C20:5), as well as increases in carbohydrates and neutral lipids particularly triacylglycerol. During HLR stage when the stress was removed, these physiochemical phenotypes were generally recovered, indicative of a rapid and reversible changes ofP. tricornutumto cope with illumination transitions for survival and growth. Through the integrated analysis with time-resolved transcriptomics, we revealed the transcriptional control of photosynthesis and carbon metabolism inP. tricornutumresponding to HL, which could be reversed more or less during the HLR stage. Furthermore, we highlighted key enzymes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis and lipid metabolism ofP. tricornutumand identified monooxygenases putatively responsible for catalyzing the ketolation step towards fucoxanthin synthesis from neoxanthin.

Conclusions

The detailed profiling of physiochemical and transcriptional responses ofP. tricornutumto HL-HLR treatments advances our understanding on the adaption of the alga to illumination transitions and provides new insights into engineering of the alga for improved production of value-added carotenoids and lipids.
Associations of non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors and body mass index with metabolic syndrome in the Chinese elderly population
Authors: You Aijun , Li Yaxin , Shen Chaonan , Fan Huimin , He Jia , Liu Zhongmin , Xue Qian , Zhang Yuzhen , Zheng Liang
Published: June 2023

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a clustering of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), is currently one of the major global public health burdens. However, associations between MetS and non-traditional CVRF represented by uric acid (UA), homocysteine (HCY) and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (HsCRP) have not been well explored in the elderly population, especially when considering body mass index (BMI).

Methods

Participants from the Shanghai Elderly Cardiovascular Health (SHECH) study cohort in 2017 were analyzed. MetS was defined using the modified American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Scientific Statement. Logistic regression models were used to assess associations of non-traditional CVRF, BMI with MetS.

Results

Of the 4360 participants analyzed, 2378 (54.5%) had MetS, the mean (SD) UA was 331 (86) µmol/L, and the median (IQR) HCY and HsCRP were 15 (13–18) µmol/L and 1.0 (0.5–2.1) mg/L, respectively. Participants with higher non-traditional CVRF tended to have a higher significant risk of MetS (P < 0.001), which did not changed substantially in most population subgroups (P-interaction > 0.05). BMI mediated 43.89% (95%CI: 30.38–57.40%), 37.34% (95% CI: 13.86–60.83%) and 30.99% (95%CI: 13.16–48.83%) of associations of hyperuricemia (HUA), hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY) and high HsCRP (HHsCRP) with MetS, respectively. Abnormal non-traditional CVRF combined with overweight/obesity greatly increased MetS risk (adjusted OR(95%CI): HUA + Overweight: 5.860(4.059-8.461); 6.148(3.707–10.194); HHCY + Overweight: 3.989(3.107-5.121); HHCY + Obese: 5.746(4.064–8.123); HHsCRP + Overweight: 4.026(2.906-5.580); HHsCRP + Obese: 7.717(4.508–13.210)).

Conclusions

In the Chinese elderly population, HUA, HHCY, and HHsCRP were all significantly and independently associated with MetS, supporting the potential of focusing on non-traditional CVRF interventions for preventing and controlling MetS. BMI played moderate mediating roles in associations between non-traditional CVRF and MetS, and abnormal non-traditional CVRF combined with overweight/obesity had significant synergistic effects on MetS risk, highlighting the importance of better weight management in the elderly population.
Directional modulation design for multi-beam multiplexing based on hybrid antenna array structures
Authors: Li Maolin , Zhang Bo , Zhang Baoju , Liu Wei , Kim Taekon , Wang Cheng
Published: June 2023

For integrated sensing and communication, one important research direction is to employ various beamforming techniques to avoid interference between the two functions. In this work, based on a hybrid beamforming antenna array structure, a physical layer security technique called directional modulation (DM) is studied for multi-beam multiplexing applications. The proposed design can form a more effective directional transmission through both beamforming and DM, while multiplexing multiple user beams through a common set of analog coefficients. In this hybrid beamforming structure, only one digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is connected to each subarray, and finite-precision phase shifters are further considered. Design examples for dual-beam multiplexing with an interleaved subarray structure and a localized subarray structure, respectively, are provided, which show that the interleaved subarray structure can form narrower mainlobe and a lower sidelobe level than the localized structure and has an overall better performance.
Efficacy of front-of-pack warning label system versus guideline for daily amount on healthfulness perception, purchase intention and objective understanding of nutrient content of food products in Guatemala: a cross-over cluster randomized controlled experiment
Authors: Kroker-Lobos María Fernanda , Morales-Juárez Analí , Pérez Wilton , Kanda Tomo , Gomes Fabio S , Ramírez-Zea Manuel , Siu-Bermúdez Carolina
Published: June 2023

Background

Front-of-package warning labels (FOPWL) have been adopted in many countries aiming at reducing the consumption of unhealthy food and drink products and have also been considered in Guatemala. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of FOPWL versus Guidelines for Daily Amount (GDA) on products’ healthfulness perception (HP), purchase intention (PI) and the objective understanding of the nutrient content (UNC) in Guatemala.

Methods

Participants (children and adults) (n = 356) were randomly assigned to evaluate either FOPWL or GDA during a crossover cluster randomized experiment in rural and urban areas across 3 phases of exposure. During phase 1, participants evaluated mock-up images of single products (single task) and compared pairs of products within the same food category (comparison task) without any label. In phase 2, participants evaluated labels only (without any product), and during phase 3, they evaluated the same products and questions from phase 1, now depicting the assigned front-of-package label. We generated indicators for single-task questions and scores for comparison tasks, one for each HP, PI and UNC questions. We used intention-to-treat, difference-in-difference regression analysis to test whether exposure to FOPWL was associated with HP, PI and UNC, compared to GDA. We also tested models for children and adults and by area (rural/urban) separately adjusting for sociodemographic variables.

Results

In single tasks, FOPWL significantly decreased the PI (β -18.1, 95%CI -23.3, -12.8; p < 0.001) and the HP (β -13.2, 95%CI -18.4, -7.9; p < 0.001) of unhealthy food products compared to GDA. In the comparison task, FOPWL significantly increased the UNC (β 20.4, 95%CI 17.0, 23.9; p < 0.001), improved PI towards healthier choices (OR 4.5, 95%CI 2.9, 7.0 p < 0.001) and HP (OR 5.6, 95%CI 2.8, 11.1; p < 0.001) compared to GDA. Similar results were found in children and adults and in urban and rural settings.

Conclusions

FOPWL reduces products’ healthfulness perception and purchase intention, and increases understanding of products’ nutrient content compared to GDA.
Evaluation of a genetic risk score computed using human chromosomal-scale length variation to predict breast cancer
Authors: Ko Charmeine , Brody James P.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The ability to accurately predict whether a woman will develop breast cancer later in her life, should reduce the number of breast cancer deaths. Different predictive models exist for breast cancer based on family history, BRCA status, and SNP analysis. The best of these models has an accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, AUC) of about 0.65. We have developed computational methods to characterize a genome by a small set of numbers that represent the length of segments of the chromosomes, called chromosomal-scale length variation (CSLV).

Methods

We built machine learning models to differentiate between women who had breast cancer and women who did not based on their CSLV characterization. We applied this procedure to two different datasets: the UK Biobank (1534 women with breast cancer and 4391 women who did not) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) 874 with breast cancer and 3381 without.

Results

We found a machine learning model that could predict breast cancer with an AUC of 0.836 95% CI (0.830.0.843) in the UK Biobank data. Using a similar approach with the TCGA data, we obtained a model with an AUC of 0.704 95% CI (0.702, 0.706). Variable importance analysis indicated that no single chromosomal region was responsible for significant fraction of the model results.

Conclusion

In this retrospective study, chromosomal-scale length variation could effectively predict whether or not a woman enrolled in the UK Biobank study developed breast cancer.
The impact of ACE2 polymorphisms (rs1978124, rs2285666, and rs2074192) and ACE1 rs1799752 in the mortality rate of COVID-19 in different SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Sheikhian Farzaneh , Sadeghi Mofrad Sahar , Tarashi Samira , Ghazanfari Jajin Morteza , Sakhaee Fatemeh , Ahmadi Iraj , Anvari Enayat , Sheikhpour Mojgan , Fateh Abolfazl
Published: June 2023

Background

Clinical severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outcomes could be influenced by genetic polymorphisms in angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE1) and ACE2. This study aims to examine three polymorphisms (rs1978124, rs2285666, and rs2074192) on the ACE2 gene and ACE1 rs1799752 (I/D) in patients who have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with various SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Methods

Based on polymerase chain reaction-based genotyping, four polymorphisms in the ACE1 and ACE2 genes have been identified in 2023 deceased patients and 2307 recovered patients.

Results

The ACE2 rs2074192 TT genotype was associated with the COVID-19 mortality in all three variants, whereas the CT genotype was associated with the Omicron BA.5 and Delta variants. ACE2 rs1978124 TC genotypes were related to COVID-19 mortality in the Omicron BA.5 and Alpha variants, but TT genotypes were related to COVID-19 mortality in the Delta variant. It was found that ACE2 rs2285666 CC genotypes were associated with COVID-19 mortality in Delta and Alpha variants, and CT genotypes in Delta variants. There was an association between ACE1 rs1799752 DD and ID genotypes in the Delta variant and COVID-19 mortality, whereas there was no association in the Alpha or Omicron BA.5 variants. In all variants of SARS-CoV-2, CDCT and TDCT haplotypes were more common. In Omicron BA.5 and Delta, CDCC and TDCC haplotypes were linked with COVID-19 mortality. In addition to COVID-19 mortality, the CICT, TICT, and TICC were significantly correlated.

Conclusion

The ACE1/ACE2 polymorphisms had an impact on COVID-19 infection, and these polymorphisms had different effects in various SARS-CoV-2 variants. To confirm these results, however, more research needs to be conducted.
Comprehensive profiling of stem-like features in pediatric glioma cell cultures and their relation to the subventricular zone
Authors: Da-Veiga Marc-Antoine , Coppieters Natacha , Lombard Arnaud , Rogister Bernard , Neirinckx Virginie , Piette Caroline
Published: June 2023

Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are brain tumors occurring in children and adolescents associated with a dismal prognosis despite existing treatments. Therapeutic failure in both adult and pHGG has been partially imputed to glioma stem cells (GSC), a subset of cancer cells endowed with stem-like cell potential and malignant, invasive, adaptative, and treatment-resistant capabilities. Whereas GSC have largely been portrayed in adult tumors, less information has been provided in pHGG. The aim of our study was to comprehensively document the stem-like capacities of seven in-use pediatric glioma cell cultures (Res259, UW479, SF188, KNS42, SF8628, HJSD-DIPG-007 and HJSD-DIPG-012) using parallel in vitro assays assessing stem cell-related protein expression, multipotency, self-renewal and proliferation/quiescence, and in vivo investigation of their tumorigenicity and invasiveness. Data obtained from in vitro experiments revealed glioma subtype-dependent expression of stem cell-related markers and varying abilities for differentiation, self-renewal, and proliferation/quiescence. Among tested cultures, DMG H3-K27 altered cultures displayed a particular pattern of stem-like markers expression and a higher fraction of cells with self-renewal potential. Four cultures displaying distinctive stem-like profiles were further tested for their ability to initiate tumors and invade the brain tissue in mouse orthotopic xenografts. The selected cell cultures all showed a great tumor formation capacity, but only DMG H3-K27 altered cells demonstrated a highly infiltrative phenotype. Interestingly, we detected DMG H3-K27 altered cells relocated in the subventricular zone (SVZ), which has been previously described as a neurogenic area, but also a potential niche for brain tumor cells. Finally, we observed an SVZ-induced phenotypic modulation of the glioma cells, as evidenced by their increased proliferation rate. In conclusion, this study recapitulated a systematic stem-like profiling of various pediatric glioma cell cultures and call to a deeper characterization of DMG H3-K27 altered cells nested in the SVZ.
Variation of growth and transcriptome responses to arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in different foxtail millet lines
Authors: Chang Ou-Chi , Lin Wei-Yi
Published: June 2023

Background

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been applied to promote the growth of different crop species, but knowledge about the impacts of symbiosis on foxtail millet at the physiological and molecular levels have remained limited. In this study, we compared the mycorrhization phenotypes of one cultivar and three different landraces and performed a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis to assess the effects of genetic variation on the responses to symbiosis.

Results

Our results showed that colonization by AMF did not enhance biomass accumulation but significantly increased grain production only in three lines. More than 2,000 genes were affected by AMF colonization in all lines. Most AM symbiosis-conserved genes were induced, but the induction levels varied between lines. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that Biological Function terms related to nitrogen transport and assimilation were only enriched in TT8. Similarly, two of phosphate starvation-induced phosphate transporters were only simultaneously downregulated in TT8. In the other two lines, the enrichment of GO terms associated with cell wall reorganization and lignification was observed, though the effects were different.

Conclusion

This study reveals the impacts of genetic variation of millet lines on the responses to AM symbiosis and provides information regarding AMF application for millet production.
Implementation of virtual reality in healthcare: a scoping review on the implementation process of virtual reality in various healthcare settings
Authors: Kouijzer Marileen M. T. E. , Kip Hanneke , Bouman Yvonne H. A. , Kelders Saskia M.
Published: June 2023

Background

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly used in healthcare settings as recent technological advancements create possibilities for diagnosis and treatment. VR is a technology that uses a headset to simulate a reality in which the user is immersed in a virtual environment, creating the impression that the user is physically present in this virtual space. Despite the potential added value of virtual reality technology in healthcare, its uptake in clinical practice is still in its infancy and challenges arise in the implementation of VR. Effective implementation could improve the adoption, uptake, and impact of VR. However, these implementation procedures still seem to be understudied in practice. This scoping review aimed to examine the current state of affairs in the implementation of VR technology in healthcare settings and to provide an overview of factors related to the implementation of VR.

Methods

To give an overview of relevant literature, a scoping review was undertaken of articles published up until February 2022, guided by the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley (2005). The databases Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were systematically searched to identify records that highlighted the current state of affairs regarding the implementation of VR in healthcare settings. Information about each study was extracted using a structured data extraction form.

Results

Of the 5523 records identified, 29 were included in this study. Most studies focused on barriers and facilitators to implementation, highlighting similar factors related to the behavior of adopters of VR and the practical resources the organization should arrange for. However, few studies focus on systematic implementation and on using a theoretical framework to guide implementation. Despite the recommendation of using a structured, multi-level implementation intervention to support the needs of all involved stakeholders, there was no link between the identified barriers and facilitators, and specific implementation objectives or suitable strategies to overcome these barriers in the included articles.

Conclusion

To take the implementation of VR in healthcare to the next level, it is important to ensure that implementation is not studied in separate studies focusing on one element, e.g., healthcare provider-related barriers, as is common in current literature. Based on the results of this study, we recommend that the implementation of VR entails the entire process, from identifying barriers to developing and employing a coherent, multi-level implementation intervention with suitable strategies. This implementation process could be supported by implementation frameworks and ideally focus on behavior change of stakeholders such as healthcare providers, patients, and managers. This in turn might result in increased uptake and use of VR technologies that are of added value for healthcare practice.
Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative organisms, Beni-Suef, Egypt
Authors: Ghaith Doaa , Morsy Sara A. , Sebak Mohamed , Rabea Radwa A.
Published: June 2023

Background

Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative organisms (CRGNO) are a growing threat. We aimed in our study to determine the genotype of carbapenemases at Beni-Suef University Hospital by using newly introduced lateral flow assays in comparison with molecular techniques and test the effectiveness of ceftazidime/avibactam against them.

Methods

Screening for carbapenemase production was done by mSuperCARBA (CHROMagar™ company). Genotypic characterization was done using 3 different kits of lateral flow assays: the NG-Test CARBA5 assay (NG Biotech, Guipry, France), RESIST-3 O.K.N. (Coris BioConcept, Belgium) and Carbapenem-resistant K.N.I.V.O Detection K-Set (Beijing Gold Mountain river Tech Development Co, China), whereas genotypic characterization was done for blaVIM blaIMP, blaKPC, blaOXA-48, and blaNDM by PCR.

Results

The high prevalence of CRGNO in Beni-Suef University Hospital (29%) was dominated byKlebsiella pneumonia(83.3%) harboring OXA-48 (92%). Lateral flow immunoassays showed high sensitivity and specificity for each type of carbapenemases in comparison with PCR.

Conclusion

The coexistence of multiple carbapenemases genes in the same isolate increased resistance to new therapeutic options, e.g., CZA/AVI. Proper implementation of isolation measures in health care facilities can render the spread of CRGNO.
Portfolio diversification benefits before and during the times of COVID-19: evidence from USA
Authors: Attia Eman F. , Aly Sharihan Mohamed , ElRawas Ahmed said , Awad Ebtehal Orabi
Published: June 2023

This paper investigates the portfolio diversification benefits for Islamic and conventional investors in the USA with its major trading partners (United Kingdom, Canada, China, Japan, Malaysia, and Turkey) before and during the COVID-19 crisis period. Using daily data from 2007 to 2020, we employ three relevant time-varying and timescale-dependent techniques, the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) analysis, the wavelet multiple correlation (WMC), and the wavelet multiple cross-correlation (WMCC). The findings suggest that conventional and Islamic US investors who invest with major trading partners may reap large diversification benefits for very short investment horizons (4–8), except for Sharia Malaysia index. However, they may not reap benefits for investment horizons of 8–16 and longer, except for China. In addition, COVID-19 crisis caused a poor diversification opportunity for US investors regardless of the regime they follow (conventional or Islamic). Moreover, the American industrial market depicts a state of impending perfect market integration. Finally, the UK and Canada seem to be the potential market leaders in different wavelet scales. These findings yield important policy implications.
Analysis of the systematic conservation of China's petroleum industrial heritage: a case study and analysis of the petroleum industrial heritage in Daqing
Authors: Sun Zhimin
Published: June 2023

After a century of development, China's petroleum industry has introduced numerous and various petroleum industrial heritage elements, which collectively embody the value and significance of China's petroleum industrial heritage. Currently, all levels of government departments are trying to protect petroleum industrial heritage, but only limited heritage types and elements of the petroleum industry are included in official conservation lists, which is not conducive to the systematic conservation of China's petroleum industrial heritage. To achieve the systematic conservation of China's petroleum industrial heritage, this study introduced a global petroleumscape research method, taking the petroleum industrial heritage of China's Daqing Oil Field as the research object, and conducted a typological and spatiotemporal historical analysis of all the heritage elements in this oilfield. The results revealed that the current conservation of China's petroleum industrial heritage focuses on the industrial remains formed by the flow of petroleum materials but rarely on the remains formed by the flow of petroleum capital. Additionally, some common characteristics were observed in the overall spatiotemporal pattern of the petroleum industrial heritage, and these characteristics are closely related to the spatial distribution of petroleum resources, oilfield development strategy, dimension of urban areas, and urban development mode. Finally, this paper highlights several future research topics on the subsequent systematic conservation of China's petroleum industrial heritage and provides some reference value for the future systematic conservation of China's petroleum industrial heritage.
Pro-Con Debate: Role of Methadone in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols—Superior Analgesic or Harmful Drug?
Authors: D’Souza Ryan S. , Esfahani Kamilla , Dunn Lauren K.
Published: June 2023

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are standardized and designed to provide superior analgesia, reduce opioid consumption, improve patient recovery, and reduce hospital length of stay. Yet, moderate-to-severe postsurgical pain continues to afflict over 40% of patients and remains a major priority for anesthesia research. Methadone administration in the perioperative setting may reduce postoperative pain scores and have opioid-sparing effects, which may be beneficial for enhanced recovery. Methadone possesses a multimodal profile consisting of µ-opioid agonism, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonism, and reuptake inhibition of serotonin and norepinephrine. Furthermore, it may attenuate the development of chronic postsurgical pain. However, caution is advised with perioperative use of methadone in specific high-risk patient populations and surgical settings. Methadone’s wide pharmacokinetic variability, opioid-related adverse effects, and potential negative impact on cost-effectiveness may also limit its use in the perioperative setting. In this PRO-CON commentary article, the authors debate whether methadone should be incorporated in ERAS protocols to provide superior analgesia with no increased risks.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Persistent Postoperative Pain After Thoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Lu , Yang Meng , Meng Wangtao
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND:

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of persistent (≥3 months) postoperative pain (PPP) after thoracic surgery.

METHODS:

For this purpose, Medline, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched for the prevalence and characteristics of PPP after thoracic surgery from their inception to May 1, 2022. Random-effect meta-analysis was used to estimate pooled prevalence and characteristics.

RESULTS:

We included 90 studies with 19,001 patients. At a median follow-up of 12 months, the pooled overall prevalence of PPP after thoracic surgery was 38.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 34.1–42.3). Among patients with PPP, 40.6% (95% CI, 34.4–47.2) and 10.1% (95% CI, 6.8–14.8) experienced moderate-to-severe (rating scale ≥4/10) and severe (rating scale ≥7/10) PPP, respectively. Overall, 56.5% (95% CI, 44.3–67.9) of patients with PPP required opioid analgesic use, and 33.0% (95% CI, 22.5–44.3) showed a neuropathic component.

CONCLUSIONS:

One in 3 thoracic surgery patients developed PPP. There is a need for adequate pain treatment and follow-up in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.
EPLIN-β is a novel substrate of ornithine decarboxylase antizyme 1 and mediates cellular migration
Authors: Li Dan , Neo Suat Peng , Gunaratne Jayantha , Sabapathy Kanaga
Published: June 2023

Polyamines promote cellular proliferation. Their levels are controlled by ornithine decarboxylase antizyme 1 (Az1, encoded by OAZ1), through the proteasome-mediated, ubiquitin-independent degradation of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the rate-limiting enzyme of polyamine biosynthesis. Az1-mediated degradation of other substrates such as cyclin D1 (CCND1), DNp73 (TP73) or Mps1 regulates cell growth and centrosome amplification, and the currently known six Az1 substrates are all linked with tumorigenesis. To understand whether Az1-mediated protein degradation might play a role in regulating other cellular processes associated with tumorigenesis, we employed quantitative proteomics to identify novel Az1 substrates. Here, we describe the identification of LIM domain and actin-binding protein 1 (LIMA1), also known as epithelial protein lost in neoplasm (EPLIN), as a new Az1 target. Interestingly, between the two EPLIN isoforms (α and β), only EPLIN-β is a substrate of Az1. The interaction between EPLIN-β and Az1 appears to be indirect, and EPLIN-β is degraded by Az1 in a ubiquitination-independent manner. Az1 absence leads to elevated EPLIN-β levels, causing enhanced cellular migration. Consistently, higher LIMA1 levels correlate with poorer overall survival of colorectal cancer patients. Overall, this study identifies EPLIN-β as a novel Az1 substrate regulating cellular migration.
Diving behaviour of southern elephant seals: new models of behavioural and ecophysiological adjustments of oxygen store management
Authors: Piot Erwan , Picard Baptiste , Badaut Jérôme , Gilbert Caroline , Guinet Christophe
Published: June 2023

Among pinnipeds, southern elephant seals (SESs, Mirounga leonina) are extreme divers that dive deeply and continuously along foraging trips to restore their body stores after fasting on land during breeding or moulting. Their replenishment of body stores influences their energy expenditure during dives and their oxygen (O2) reserves (via muscular mass), yet how they manage their O2 stores during their dives is not fully understood. In this study, 63 female SESs from Kerguelen Island were equipped with accelerometers and time–depth recorders to investigate changes in diving parameters through their foraging trips. Two categories of dive behaviour were identified and related to the body size of individuals, with smaller SESs performing shallower and shorter dives requiring greater mean stroke amplitude compared with larger individuals. In relation to body size, the larger seals had lower estimated oxygen consumption levels for a given buoyancy (i.e. body density) compared with smaller individuals. However, both groups were estimated to have the same oxygen consumption of 0.079±0.001 ml O2 stroke−1 kg−1 for a given dive duration and at neutral buoyancy when the cost of transport was minimal. Based on these relationships, we built two models that estimate changes in oxygen consumption according to dive duration and body density. The study highlights that replenishing body stores improves SES foraging efficiency, as indicated by increased time spent at the bottom of the ocean. Thus, prey–capture attempts increase as SES buoyancy approaches the neutral buoyancy point.
Effect of metabolic rate on time-lag changes in otolith microchemistry: an experimental approach using Salmo trutta
Authors: Vignon Matthias , Tabouret Hélène , Aymes Jean-Christophe , Pecheyran Christophe , Rives Jacques , Coste-Heinrich Pascale , Huchet Emmanuel , Bareille Gilles
Published: June 2023

Ecologists have long been interested in relevant techniques to track the field movement patterns of fish. The elemental composition of otoliths represents a permanent record of the growing habitats experienced by a fish throughout its lifetime and is increasingly used in the literature. The lack of a predictive and mechanistic understanding of the individual kinematics underlying ion incorporation/depletion limits our fine-scale temporal interpretation of the chemical signal recorded in the otolith. In particular, the rate at which elements are incorporated into otoliths is hypothesized to depend on fish physiology. However, to date, time lags have mostly been quantified on a population scale. Here, we report results from controlled experiments (translocation and artificially enriched environment) on individual trace element incorporation/depletion rates in Salmo trutta (Salmonidae). We reported significant lags (i.e. weeks to months) between changes in water chemistry and the subsequent change in otolith composition and highlighted substantial inter-individual variations in the timing and magnitude of Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca responses. These differences are partially linked to the energetic status (i.e. metabolic rate) of the individuals. It therefore appears that individuals with the highest metabolic rate are more likely to record detailed (i.e. brief) temporal changes than individuals having lower metabolic values. The time taken for environmental changes to be reflected in the growing otolith thus can no longer be assumed to remain a constant within populations. Results from the current study are a step towards the fine reconstruction of environmental histories in dynamic environments.
Η συμβολή του Χαλκηδόνος Μελίτωνος Χατζή στην αντιμετώπιση διορθοδόξων και διαχριστιανικών θεμάτων
Authors: Κάτσινας-Μπραέσσα Συμεών
Published: June 2023

Ἒργο τῆς παρούσης διατριβῆς εἶναι ἡ ἒρευνα, μελέτη, ἀνάδειξη καί προβολή τῆς μέγιστης, καίριας, καί καθοριστικῆς προσφορᾶς καί συμβολῆς τῆς ἐμβληματικῆς προσωπικότητας τοῦ Μητροπολίτου Γέροντος Χαλκηδόνος Μελίτωνος Χατζῆ στήν Διορθόδοξη ἑνότητα καί τόν Διαχριστιανικό Διάλογο, μέ τήν ἐπιτυχῆ ἐπίλυση καί διευθέτηση τῶν κατά καιρούς ἀνακυψάντων Διορθοδόξων καί Διαχριστιανικῶν θεμάτων, δηλ. τήν ἐπωφελῆ καί ἐποικοδομητική συνεισφορά του στήν ἑδραίωση καί προώθηση τῆς Πανορθόδοξης καί Διαχριστιανικῆς ἑνότητας καί τήν Οἰκουμενική Κίνηση, ἐφ’ ὃσον σκοπός καί στόχος τῆς ζωῆς του ὑπῆρξε ἡ ἀνακαίνιση καί ἡ ἑνότητα σέ Πανορθόδοξο καί Διαχριστιανικό Ἐπίπεδο, ἡ «ἱερά ὑπόθεσις» τῆς καταλλαγῆς, τῆς συμφιλίωσης καί «τῆς τῶν πάντων ἑνώσεως». Ἀποτελεῖται ἀπό τέσσερα κεφάλαια, συμπεράσματα, βιβλιογραφία καί φωτογραφικό ὑλικό.Α΄ Κεφάλαιο: Συνοπτική βιογραφική σκιαγράφηση τοῦ Χαλκηδόνος Μελίτωνος.Β΄ Κεφάλαιο: Ἱστορική ἀναδρομή ἀπό τήν Γαλλική Ἐπανάσταση, ὃπου ὁ λαός γιά πρώτη φορά ἐπίσημα ἀγωνίζεται γιά ἀδελφωσύνη, καταλλαγή καί ἑνότητα, ἓως τά πρῶτα χρόνια τῆς δημιουργικῆς παρουσίας τοῦ Χαλκηδόνος στή Διορθόδοξη καί Διαχριστιανική πραγματικότητα Γ΄ Κεφάλαιο: Ἐξετάζεται ἐνδελεχῶς ἡ τεράστια Διορθόδοξη προσφορά καί συμβολή του τόσο γιά τήν ἀνακαίνιση τῆς Ὀρθοδοξίας ἀλλά καί τήν ἀρραγῆ ἑνότητά της διά μέσῳ τῶν Πανορθοδόξων Διασκέψεων καί τήν προετοιμασία τῆς Ἁγίας καί Μεγάλης Συνόδου. (Χωρίζεται σέ πέντε ἐπιμέρους ἑνότητες).Δ΄ Κεφάλαιο: Ἐρευνᾶται καί προβάλλεται ἡ ἐμβληματική συμβολή καί συνεισφορά του στόν Διαχριστιανικό Διάλογο καί την Οἰκουμενική Κίνηση μέ τήν ἐνεργό καί καθοριστική παρουσία καί συμβολή του στίς Γενικές Συνελεύσεις τοῦ Π.Σ.Ε καί τῶν Τμημάτων του καί κυρίως στήν ἒναρξη τοῦ «ἐπί ἲσοις ὂροις» Διαλόγου μετά τῆς ΡΚθολικῆς Ἐκκλησίας καί τήν Ἂρση τῶν ἀναθεμάτων. Χωρίζεται σέ ὀκτώ ἐπιμέρους ἑνότητες διά τῶν ὁποίων καταδεικνύεται ὁ ἑνωτικός καί συμφιλιωτικός του προσανατολισμός, ἡ ἀνυπέρβλητη προσφορά, ἡ σοφία, ἡ σύνεση, ἡ διπλωματικότητα, ἡ ὑπομονή καί ἐπιμονή στή στήριξη τῶν θέσεών του καί ἡ σοφή του συνδρομή στήν ἐπίλυση διαφόρων διαχριστιανικῶν θεμάτων, ἰδιαίτερα κατά τίς Δ΄ καί Ε΄ Γεν. Συνελεύσεις τοῦ Π.Σ.Ε. ὃπου καί διετέλεσε Πρόεδρος τῆς Ὀρθόδοξης Ἀντιπροσωπείας. Τέλος τά Συμπεράσματα ἀναφέρονται συγκεντρωτικά ὡς πορίσματα τῆς ἒρευνα.
Analyzing the relationship between pricing strategy and customer retention in hotels: A study in Albania
Authors: Trebicka Brunela , TARTARAJ AZETA , Harizi Ariola
Published: June 2023

Background: In the consumer-centric global economy of the 21st century, customer retention is a vital concept in the hospitality industry for building and sustaining long-term relationships. Recognizing the challenges of acquiring new customers, the industry acknowledges the significance of retaining existing ones. To achieve their goals, hospitality businesses need a comprehensive strategy that extends beyond price targets, emphasizing the development of effective pricing strategies from the outset.

Methods: Data collection took place between June 2022 and January 2023, involving a random sample of seven international hotels located in Tirana, Durres, and Vlora. Quantitative data was collected through surveys utilizing Likert-scale questions. Statistical analysis, including crosstab tests, was employed to explore the relationship between economy pricing strategies and customer retention.

Results: The study encompassed 572 participants representing diverse demographic characteristics. Analysis revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between economy pricing strategies and customer retention in international hotels in Albania. These findings underscore the importance of implementing effective pricing strategies to enhance customer loyalty and guide the development of improved strategies within the hotel industry.

Conclusions: This study provides empirical evidence of a significant positive relationship between economy pricing strategies and customer retention in international hotels in Albania. Effective pricing strategies play a crucial role in fostering customer loyalty. However, the study's limitations, primarily its focus on specific hotels in Albania, call for further research to validate the generalizability of these findings. The insights gained from this study inform policymakers and industry stakeholders in formulating strategies to enhance customer retention within the hospitality sector.
Development of dish-based population-specific food frequency questionnaire for dietary assessments in Afghanistan
Authors: Joya Muhammad Reza , Barekzai Ahmad Mujtaba , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Dietary intake assessment has an essential role in chronic disease studies and general public health outcomes. To measure dietary intakes in epidemiologic studies, various dietary assessment methods are used. Among them, food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) can provide useful measures of dietary intake. This study aimed to report the development of a population-specific dish-based food frequency questionnaire (DFQ) to assess long-term usual dietary intakes in Afghanistan.

Design/Methodology/Approach: We considered the Willet format and followed these steps; listing commonly consumed Afghani foods, determining food groups, defining portion sizes, and determining the frequency response options for each food item. We prepared a comprehensive list of foods and dishes commonly used in Afghanistan. We categorized dishes and food items in the questionnaire into eight major groups. Portion sizes for food items and mixed dishes were defined based on the most commonly consumed and understandable portion sizes for each item among the Afghan general population. The frequency response options for each food item were defined separately in a row against the food list.

Findings: We developed a new population-specific DFQ in Afghanistan containing 103 food items or dishes, which can be used as an instrument for the assessment of long-term dietary intakes as well as diet-disease associations in Afghanistan.

Originality/Value: This is the first ever-developed dietary assessment tool in Afghanistan.
Framework for virtual education of COVID-19 vaccines for Mandarin-speaking learners: an educational intervention module
Authors: Wang JiCi , Moy Benjamin M. , Kaufhold Ross T. , Muzaurieta Aurelio , Xia Yang , Jiang Shannon , Yim Angela , Chang Miller Jane , Zhou Shiwei , Lee Pearl , Hou Lisa , Lee Janilla , Heung Michael
Published: June 2023

Background: In the United States, patients with limited English proficiency face significant barriers to comprehending and acting upon health-related information, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ability of health professionals to communicate COVID-19-related information to Mandarin-speaking patients has proved critical in discussions about vaccine efficacy, side effects, and post-vaccine protection.

Methods: The authors created a one-hour educational module to help Mandarin-speaking medical students better convey COVID-19 vaccine information to Mandarin-only speakers. The module is composed of an educational guide, which introduced key terminology and addressed commonly asked questions, and pre- and post-surveys. The authors recruited 59 Mandarin-speaking medical students all of whom had previously completed a medical Mandarin elective. The module and surveys were distributed and completed in August 2021. Data analysis measured the change in aggregate mean for subjective five-point Likert-scale questions and change in percent accuracy for objective knowledge-based questions.

Results: 86.4% of participants were primary English speakers with variable levels of Mandarin proficiency. The educational module significantly improved participants' subjective comfort level in discussing the COVID-19 vaccine in English and Mandarin. The largest improvement in both English and Mandarin was demonstrated in participants' ability to explain differences between the COVID-19 vaccines, with an aggregate mean improvement of 0.39 for English and 1.48 for Mandarin. Survey respondents also demonstrated increased percent accuracy in knowledge-based objective questions in Mandarin.

Conclusions: This module provides Mandarin-learning medical students with skills to deliver reliable information to the general population and acts as a model for the continued development of educational modules for multilingual medical professionals.