bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of preparing nursing students to deliver a parent-based sexual health intervention on attitudes and intentions for sexual health education and parent communication counseling: a mixed methods study
Authors: Coleman Deidra Carroll , Frederick Anitra , Cron Stanley , Markham Christine , Guilamo-Ramos Vincent , Santa Maria Diane
Published: October 2023

Background

Nurses are well positioned to promote sexual health but are not adequately prepared in their nursing programs to engage families on this topic and often lack the knowledge and confidence necessary to counsel families about sexual health communication. The purpose of this study was to determine how facilitating a parent-based sexual health intervention would impact nursing students’ attitudes and intentions about sexual health education and parent communication counseling.

Methods

Using an embedded mixed-methods design, which integrated a quasi-experimental framework, we examined the impact of participation in a parent-based sexual health intervention among 126 baccalaureate nursing students enrolled in a community/public health nursing clinical course. Independent t-tests, chi-squared tests, and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare intervention and control groups at baseline. Multiple linear regression was used to compare the groups for pre-post changes. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze exit interview transcripts.

Results

We found statistically significant differences in nursing students’ confidence to teach sexual health (p = < 0.001), satisfaction with skills as a sexual health educator (p = < 0.001), beliefs about the efficacy of parent-adolescent communication for reducing negative sexual outcomes among adolescents (p = < 0.001), and intentions to counsel parents on sexual health (p = < 0.001), with greater improvements in the intervention group than in the control group. Furthermore, we found statistically significant differences in nursing students’ intentions to counsel parents about the HPV vaccine (p = < 0.01) and to endorse the HPV vaccine (p = < 0.05), with greater improvements in the intervention group than in the control group. Across all survey categories, qualitative findings confirmed improvements seen on the pre-post survey.

Conclusion

Providing evidence-based adolescent sexual health training, including sexual health education content and discussion strategies, can prepare nursing students to strongly endorse sexual health communication and HPV vaccination uptake and to counsel parents on initiating and navigating these conversations with their youth. Our project exemplifies how a nursing program could organize an immersive experience, or elective within a specialty area, that aligns with the competency-based approach endorsed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Trial registration

This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02600884) on 09/01/2015; the first participant was recruited on 09/29/2015.
TMT-based quantitative proteomics reveals the targets of andrographolide on LPS-induced liver injury
Authors: Ge Shihao , Lian Wenqi , Bai Yongjiang , Wang Linzheng , Zhao Fuwei , Li Houmei , Wang Dongliang , Pang Quanhai
Published: October 2023

Background

Andrographolide (Andro) is a diterpenoid derived from Andrographis paniculate, which has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and hepatoprotective activities. Gram-negative bacterial infections can cause varying degrees of liver injury in chickens, although Andro has been shown to have a protective effect on the liver, its underlying mechanism of action and effects on liver proteins are not known.

Methods

The toxicity of Andro on the viability of leghorn male hepatoma (LMH) cells at different concentrations and times was analyzed by CCK-8 assays. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities in the culture supernatants were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer to evaluate the protective effect of androscopolide on LPS-induced injury of LMH cells. Subsequently, TMT proteomics analysis were performed on the negative control group (NC group), LPS, and LPS-Andro groups, and bioinformatics analysis was performed on the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs).

Results

It was found that Andro reduced ALT and AST levels in the cell supernatant and alleviated LPS-induced injury in LMH cells. Proteomic analysis identified 50 and 166 differentially expressed proteins in the LPS vs. NC group and LPS-Andro vs. LPS group, respectively. Andro may be involved in steroid metabolic processes, negative regulation of MAPK cascade, oxidative stress, and other processes to protect against LPS-induced liver injury.

Conclusions

Andro protects against LPS-induced liver injury, HMGCS1, HMGCR, FDPS, PBK, CAV1, PRDX1, PRDX4, and PRDX6, which were identified by differential proteomics, may be the targets of Andro. Our study may provide new theoretical support for Andro protection against liver injury.
Microbiological diagnosis of pulmonary invasive aspergillosis in critically ill patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: a bronchoalveolar study
Authors: Estella Ángel , Martín-Loeches Ignacio , Núñez María Recuerda , García Clara González , Pesaresi Liliana Marcela , Escors Alvaro Antón , Prieto Maria Dolores López , Calvo Juan Manuel Sánchez
Published: October 2023

Background

Diagnosing COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) can be challenging since radiological and clinical criteria in the critically ill patient are nonspecific. Microbiological diagnostic support is therefore crucial. The aim of this study was to document the incidence of aspergillosis using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as the diagnostic method and to determine the performance of the current mycological diagnostic tests most widely used for the diagnosis of CAPA, together with evaluation of the Asp lateral flow device (LFD).

Methods

Prospective cohort study conducted between March 2020 and June 2022. Inclusion criteria were critically ill patients admitted to the ICU with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. Diagnostic bronchoscopy and BAL were performed at the beginning of invasive mechanical ventilation. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV), positive and negative likelihood ratio (LR + and LR-) of BAL culture, direct examination with calcofluor white stain, ELISA (Platelia) and LFD (AspLFD) for detection of galactomannan (GM) were evaluated. Aspergillus-qPCR was applied when discrepancies between diagnostic tests arose.

Results

Of the 244 critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia admitted to the ICU, the majority (n = 200, 82%) required invasive mechanical ventilation. Diagnostic bronchoscopic procedures were performed in 160 patients (80%), who were enrolled in this study. The incidence of CAPA was 18.7% (n = 30). LFD-GM demonstrated a sensitivity of 84%, specificity of 99%, PPV 94%, NPV 97%, LR(+) of 84, and LR(-) of 0.16. At GM-ELISA indices of ≥ 0.5 and ≥ 1.0, sensitivity was 92% and 79%, specificity was 95% and 99%, PPV 76% and 91%, NPV 99% and 96%, LR(+) 18 and 79, and LR(-) 0.08 and 0.21, respectively. The optimal cut-off index from the ROC curve was 0.48, with sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 95%.

Conclusions

Using a diagnostic strategy based on bronchoscopy and BAL, we documented a high incidence of pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Asp-LFD showed moderate sensitivity and excellent specificity, with a high PPV, and could be used for rapid diagnosis of patients with suspected CAPA.
Analysis of clinical efficacy and safety of hand-sewn anastomosis for the digestive tract with Da Vinci robot in rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Feng Zhen , Sun Zhiwei , Zhang Qianshi , Ren Shuangyi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The study aimed to analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of hand-sewn anastomosis for the digestive tract with Da Vinci robot in rectal cancer surgery.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted to collect the clinical data from 27 patients who underwent Da Vinci robotic rectal cancer radical surgery in the department of gastrointestinal surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from August 2019 to February 2022. All patients received a manual suture for digestive tract reconstruction. After the posterior wall was sutured, the anterior wall was sutured continuously. Finally, a prilling thread was used to sew the junction of the front and rear walls. Perioperative indexes and complications were recorded.

Results

All 27 patients successfully underwent the operation. Neither conversion to laparotomy nor perioperative death occurred. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were 183.6 ± 44.8 min and 54.8 ± 34.4 ml, respectively. A total of 15.3 ± 7.8 lymph nodes were harvested. The pain score 24 h after operation was 1.3 ± 1.3. The time out of bed, the time to exhaust, and the time to eat were 15.6 ± 2.9 h, 2.2 ± 0.8 days, and 2.1 ± 0.6 days, respectively. A total of 4 patients (14.8%) developed complications after the operation. Grade B anastomotic leakage gradually resolved after drainage and antibiotic therapy in 1 case. A patient with grade C anastomotic leakage received a second operation for ileostomy. One patient with postoperative pneumonia recovered after anti-infective treatment. Another patient with intraperitoneal hemorrhage improved after symptomatic treatment with blood transfusion and hemostasis. The postoperative hospitalization time and total hospitalization costs were 8.9 ± 4.4 days and 89,236.1 ± 13,527.9 yuan, respectively.

Conclusions

Manual suture with Da Vinci robotic surgery system is safe and feasible for reconstructing the digestive tract in rectal cancer surgery.
Human iPSC-derived glia models for the study of neuroinflammation
Authors: Stöberl Nina , Maguire Emily , Salis Elisa , Shaw Bethany , Hall-Roberts Hazel
Published: October 2023

Neuroinflammation is a complex biological process that plays a significant role in various brain disorders. Microglia and astrocytes are the key cell types involved in inflammatory responses in the central nervous system. Neuroinflammation results in increased levels of secreted inflammatory factors, such as cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species. To model neuroinflammation in vitro, various human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based models have been utilized, including monocultures, transfer of conditioned media between cell types, co-culturing multiple cell types, neural organoids, and xenotransplantation of cells into the mouse brain. To induce neuroinflammatory responses in vitro, several stimuli have been established that can induce responses in either microglia, astrocytes, or both. Here, we describe and critically evaluate the different types of iPSC models that can be used to study neuroinflammation and highlight how neuroinflammation has been induced and measured in these cultures.
Quantitative analysis of acetylation in peste des petits ruminants virus-infected Vero cells
Authors: Meng Xuelian , Wang Xiangwei , Zhu Xueliang , Zhang Rui , Zhang Zhidong , Sun Yuefeng
Published: October 2023

Background

Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) is a highly contagious pathogen that strongly influences the productivity of small ruminants worldwide. Acetylation is an important post-translational modification involved in regulation of multiple biological functions. However, the extent and function of acetylation in host cells during PPRV infection remains unknown.

Methods

Dimethylation-labeling-based quantitative proteomic analysis of the acetylome of PPRV-infected Vero cells was performed.

Results

In total, 1068 proteins with 2641 modification sites were detected in response to PPRV infection, of which 304 differentially acetylated proteins (DAcPs) with 410 acetylated sites were identified (fold change < 0.83 or > 1.2 and P < 0.05), including 109 up-regulated and 195 down-regulated proteins. Gene Ontology (GO) classification indicated that DAcPs were mostly located in the cytoplasm (43%) and participated in cellular and metabolic processes related to binding and catalytic activity. Functional enrichment indicated that the DAcPs were involved in the minichromosome maintenance complex, unfolded protein binding, helicase activity. Only protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum pathway was enriched. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the identified proteins further indicated that a various chaperone and ribosome processes were modulated by acetylation.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on acetylome in PPRV-infected host cell. Our findings establish an important baseline for future study on the roles of acetylation in the host response to PPRV replication and provide novel insights for understanding the molecular pathological mechanism of PPRV infection.
Global priority for the care of orphans and other vulnerable children: transcending problem definition challenges
Authors: Shawar Yusra Ribhi , Shiffman Jeremy
Published: October 2023

Background

Tens of millions of children lack adequate care, many having been separated from or lost one or both parents. Despite the problem’s severity and its impact on a child’s lifelong health and wellbeing, the care of vulnerable children—which includes strengthening the care of children within families, preventing unnecessary family separation, and ensuring quality care alternatives when reunification with the biological parents is not possible or appropriate—is a low global priority. This analysis investigates factors shaping the inadequate global prioritization of the care of vulnerable children. Specifically, the analysis focuses on factors internal to the global policy community addressing children’s care, including how they understand, govern, and communicate the problem.

Methods

Drawing on agenda setting scholarship, we triangulated among several sources of data, including 32 interviews with experts, as well as documents including peer-reviewed literature and organizational reports. We undertook a thematic analysis of the data, using these to create a historical narrative on efforts to address children’s care, and specifically childcare reform.

Results

Divisive disagreements on the definition and legitimacy of deinstitutionalization—a care reform strategy that replaces institution-based care with family-based care—may be hindering priority for children’s care. Multiple factors have shaped these disagreements: a contradictory evidence base on the scope of the problem and solutions, divergent experiences between former Soviet bloc and other countries, socio-cultural and legal challenges in introducing formal alternative care arrangements, commercial interests that perpetuate support for residential facilities, as well as the sometimes conflicting views of impacted children, families, and the disability community. These disagreements have led to considerable governance and positioning difficulties, which have complicated efforts to coordinate initiatives, precluded the emergence of leadership that proponents universally trust, hampered the engagement of potential allies, and challenged efforts to secure funding and convince policymakers to act.

Conclusion

In order to potentially become a more potent force for advancing global priority, children’s care proponents within international organizations, donor agencies, and non-governmental agencies working across countries will need to better manage their disagreements around deinstitutionalization as a care reform strategy.
Anteromedial cannulated screw fixation for Hawkins II/III talus fractures in children: a retrospective study
Authors: Huang Xincheng , Ruan Siyuan , Lei Zhuolin , Cao Hong
Published: October 2023

Objective

To investigate the clinical effect of the anteromedial cannulated screw approach in the treatment of Hawkins II/III talus fractures in children.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 20 children with talar fractures admitted to Renmin Hospital from September 2018 to February 2022. The fracture healing and functional recovery of the affected limb were strictly followed up after the operation. There were 14 males and 6 females. The average age was 9 years (range 6–12 years). According to the Hawkins classification, there were 12 cases of talar neck fracture type II and 8 cases of type III. All patients were fixed with cannulated compression screws via an anteromedial approach. According to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle and hindfoot function scoring system, limb function was evaluated before and after the operation. A visual analog scale was used to evaluate the degree of postoperative pain.

Results

All 20 children were followed up for 12 months to 30 months, with an average of 15 months. We found that there was no significant difference in the excellent and good rate (76.9%) and necrosis rate (30.8%) between male children and female children (71.4%) and necrosis rate (28.6%) (P > 0.05). The excellent and good rates (92.9%) of children younger than 9 years old at the time of injury were higher than those of children older than 9 years old (33.3%), and the incidence of avascular necrosis of the talus was lower. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The average prognosis score of children who underwent surgery within 5 days after injury was 89.2 ± 6.4, which was significantly higher than that of children who underwent surgery after 5 days (72.9 ± 13.1), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between patients who underwent surgery within 5 days after injury (15.4%) and those who underwent surgery after 5 days (51.7%) (P > 0.05). The excellent and good rates of talar neck fracture type II and talar neck fracture type III were 90.1% and 55.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

The anteromedial approach combined with cannulated compression screws for the treatment of Hawkins II/III talus fractures in children not only has a clear surgical field, but the fracture can also be reduced and fixed under direct vision using this technique. It does not affect the stability of the ankle joint and is conducive to the recovery of ankle function. It can be used as a surgical scheme for the treatment of talar fractures in children.
Primary unifocal thymic Rosai-Dorfman disease: an extremely rare challenge in diagnostic practice
Authors: Liu Qian , Liao Fengxiang , Liu Yong , Cheng Yang , Qi Chubo
Published: October 2023

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is currently considered a group of neoplastic diseases of unknown etiology, with monoclonal proliferation of histiocytes, showing unique histopathologic features and varying clinical presentation. Primary thymic RDD is an extremely rare extranodal form of this disorder. In this study, we describe the case of an otherwise healthy 64-year-old Chinese man who presented with an isolated, asymptomatic soft tissue density lesion in the anterior mediastinum detected by computed tomography. Histology of the surgical specimen revealed infiltration of thymic tissue by sheets of large histiocytes with mixed lymphocytes and plasma cells, and background fibrosis. Immunohistochemical staining of the histiocytes was positive for S100, CD68, CD163, OCT2 and cyclin D1, but negative for CD1a and BrafV600E expression, thus supporting a diagnosis of RDD. Primary thymic RDD is extremely rare and may be a diagnostic challenge when presenting as mediastinal lesion.
N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide is associated with clinical outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Yu Jun , Wang Wei
Published: October 2023

Background

Limited data on the prognostic value of periprocedural changes of plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods

Data of plasma NT-proBNP were retrospectively collected in 357 patients before TAVR procedure and at discharge from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2021 in our single center. Patients were grouped as responders and non-responders according to the NT-proBNP ratio (postprocedural NT-proBNP at discharge/ preprocedural NT-proBNP). Responders were defined as NT-proBNP ratio < 1 and non-responders were defined as NT-proBNP ratio ≥ 1. Outcomes were defined according to the Valve Academy Research Consortium (VARC)-3 criteria.

Results

A total of 234 patients (65.5%) and 123 patients (34.5%) were grouped as the responders and the non-responders, respectively. Responders and non-responders were significantly different in both median preprocedural (2103.5 vs. 421.0 pg/ml, p < 0.001) and postprocedural (707.6 vs. 1009.0, p < 0.001) NT-proBNP levels. Patients in the non-responder group were more inclined to have comorbidities of hypertension (73.2% vs. 51.7%, p < 0.001), hyperlipidaemia (46.3% vs. 34.6%, p = 0.031), peripheral vascular disease (20.3% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.001) and pure aortic insufficiency (15.4% vs. 4.3%, p < 0.001). In the contrast, patients in the responder group had higher prevalence of maximum transvalvular velocity (4.6 vs. 4.2 m/s, p < 0.001), reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (58.0% vs. 63.0%, p < 0.001), heart failure (9.4% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.014), mitral regurgitation ≥ moderate (13.7% vs. 4.9%, p = 0.010), tricuspid regurgitation ≥ moderate (12.0% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.002), and pulmonary hypertension (32.9% vs. 13.0%, p < 0.001). Patients in the non-responder group were moderately longer than the responder group in total hospitalization length (14 vs. 12 days, p < 0.001). The non-responder group were significantly associated with cumulative all-cause mortality (p = 0.009) and cardiac mortality (p < 0.001) during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Periprocedural changes of NT-proBNP is clinically useful for the risk stratification of survival in patients after TAVR.
Isoforskolin modulates AQP4-SPP1-PIK3C3 related pathway for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease via cAMP signaling
Authors: Lin Haochang , Cheng Sha , Yang Songye , Zhang Qian , Wang Lueli , Li Jiangya , Zhang Xinyue , Liang Liju , Zhou Xiaoqian , Yang Furong , Song Jingfeng , Cao Xue , Yang Weimin , Weng Zhiying
Published: October 2023

Background

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels are directly activated by adenylate cyclase (AC) and play an anti-inflammatory role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Previously, we have shown that isoforskolin (ISOF) can effectively activate AC1 and AC2 in vitro, improve pulmonary ventilation and reduce the inflammatory response in COPD model rats, supporting that ISOF may be a potential drug for the prevention and treatment of COPD, but the mechanism has not been explored in detail.

Methods

The potential pharmacological mechanisms of ISOF against COPD were analyzed by network pharmacology and multi-omics based on pharmacodynamic study. To use specific agonists, inhibitors and/or SiRNA for gene regulation function studies, combined qPCR, WB were applied to detect changes in mRNA and protein expression of important targets PIK3C3, AKT, mTOR, SPP1 and AQP4 which related to ISOF effect on COPD. And the key inflammatory factors detected by ELISA.

Results

Bioinformatics suggested that the anti-COPD pharmacological mechanism of ISOF was related to PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, and suggested target protein like PIK3C3, AQP4, SPP1, AKT, mTOR. Using the AQP4 inhibitor,or inhibiting SPP1 expression by siRNA-SPP1 could block the PIK3C3-AKT-mTOR pathway and ameliorate chronic inflammation. ISOF showed cAMP-promoting effect then suppressed AQP4 expression, together with decreased level of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate ISOF controlled the cAMP-regulated PIK3C3-AKT-mTOR pathway, thereby alleviating inflammatory development in COPD. The cAMP/AQP4/PIK3C3 axis also modulate Th17/Treg differentiation, revealed potential therapeutic targets for this disease.
Kruppel-like factor 13 acts as a tumor suppressor in thyroid carcinoma by downregulating IFIT1
Authors: Liu Yang , Song Yixuan , He Yuqin , Kong Ziren , Li Han , Zhu Yiming , Liu Shaoyan
Published: October 2023

Background

Kruppel-like factor 13 (KLF13) is a transcription factor and plays an important role in carcinogenesis. However, the significance of KLF13 in thyroid carcinoma (THCA) is underdetermined. In this study, we aimed to explore the clinical relevance and function of KLF13 in the progress of THCA.

Methods

The expression of KLF13 in thyroid carcinoma and normal tissue was investigated by qPCR and IHC assay. The expression of KLF13 and IFIT1 in cell samples was investigated with Western blot assay. Cell proliferation ability was detected with CCK8 and colony formation assay. Cell growth in vivo with or without KLF13 overexpression was evaluated on a xenograft model. Cell migration ability was measured with Transwell assay. Cell cycle was detected with flow cytometer. The downstream genes of KLF13 were screened using RNA-seq assay. Luciferase activity was employed to assess the transcriptional regulation of KLF13 on IFIT1 promoter.

Results

KLF13 expression was downregulated in THCA samples. KLF13 knockdown and overexpression promoted and inhibited the proliferation and migration of THCA cells, respectively. The RNA-seq, RT-qPCR and immunoblotting data showed that KLF13 knockdown significantly potentiated IFIT1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Luciferase assays showed that KLF13 suppressed the transcription activity of IFIT1 promoter. Besides, IFIT1 upregulation was critical for the proliferation and migration of THCA cell lines. Lastly, silencing of IFIT1 greatly reversed the proliferation and migration induced by KLF13 knockdown.

Conclusions

In conclusion, KLF13 may function as an anti-tumor protein in THCA by regulating the expression of IFIT1 and offer a theoretical foundation for treating thyroid carcinoma.
Doxapram versus placebo in preterm newborns: a study protocol for an international double blinded multicentre randomized controlled trial (DOXA-trial)
Authors: Poppe Jarinda A. , Flint Robert B. , Smits Anne , Willemsen Sten P. , Storm Kelly K. , Nuytemans Debbie H. , Onland Wes , Poley Marten J. , de Boode Willem P. , Carkeek Katherine , Cassart Vincent , Cornette Luc , Dijk Peter H. , Hemels Marieke A. C. , Hermans Isabelle , Hütten Matthias C. , Kelen Dorottya , de Kort Ellen H. M. , Kroon André A. , Lefevere Julie , Plaskie Katleen , Stewart Breanne , Voeten Michiel , van Weissenbruch Mirjam M. , Williams Olivia , Zonnenberg Inge A. , Lacaze-Masmonteil Thierry , Pas Arjan B.te , Reiss Irwin K. M. , van Kaam Anton H. , Allegaert Karel , Hutten G. Jeroen , Simons Sinno H. P.
Published: October 2023

Background

Apnoea of prematurity (AOP) is one of the most common diagnoses among preterm infants. AOP often leads to hypoxemia and bradycardia which are associated with an increased risk of death or disability. In addition to caffeine therapy and non-invasive respiratory support, doxapram might be used to reduce hypoxemic episodes and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation in preterm infants, thereby possibly improving their long-term outcome. However, high-quality trials on doxapram are lacking. The DOXA-trial therefore aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of doxapram compared to placebo in reducing the composite outcome of death or severe disability at 18 to 24 months corrected age.

Methods

The DOXA-trial is a double blinded, multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted in the Netherlands, Belgium and Canada. A total of 396 preterm infants with a gestational age below 29 weeks, suffering from AOP unresponsive to non-invasive respiratory support and caffeine will be randomized to receive doxapram therapy or placebo. The primary outcome is death or severe disability, defined as cognitive delay, cerebral palsy, severe hearing loss, or bilateral blindness, at 18–24 months corrected age. Secondary outcomes are short-term neonatal morbidity, including duration of mechanical ventilation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and necrotising enterocolitis, hospital mortality, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics and cost-effectiveness. Analysis will be on an intention-to-treat principle.

Discussion

Doxapram has the potential to improve neonatal outcomes by improving respiration, but the safety concerns need to be weighed against the potential risks of invasive mechanical ventilation. It is unknown if the use of doxapram improves the long-term outcome. This forms the clinical equipoise of the current trial. This international, multicentre trial will provide the needed high-quality evidence on the efficacy and safety of doxapram in the treatment of AOP in preterm infants.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04430790 and EUDRACT 2019-003666-41. Prospectively registered on respectively June and January 2020.
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals a peripheral landscape of immune cells in Schistosomiasis japonica
Authors: Li Junhui , Zhang Yu , Li Hao , Jiang Jie , Guo Chen , Zhou Zhaoqin , Luo Yulin , Zhou Chen , Ming Yingzi
Published: October 2023

Background

Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a devastating parasitic disease. This progressive and debilitating helminth disease is often associated with poverty and can lead to chronic poor health. Despite ongoing research, there is currently no effective vaccine for schistosomiasis, and praziquantel remains the only available treatment option. According to the progression of schistosomiasis, infections caused by schistosomes are classified into three distinct clinical phases: acute, chronic and advanced schistosomiasis. However, the underlying immune mechanism involved in the progression of schistosomiasis remains poorly understood.

Methods

We employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to profile the immune landscape of Schistosomiasis japonica infection based on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a healthy control group (n = 4), chronic schistosomiasis group (n = 4) and advanced schistosomiasis group (n = 2).

Results

Of 89,896 cells, 24 major cell clusters were ultimately included in our analysis. Neutrophils and NK/T cells accounted for the major proportion in the chronic group and the healthy group, and monocytes dominated in the advanced group. A preliminary study showed that NKT cells were increased in patients with schistosomiasis and that CXCR2 + NKT cells were proinflammatory cells. Plasma cells also accounted for a large proportion of B cells in the advanced group. MHC molecules in monocytes were notably lower in the advanced group than in the chronic group or the healthy control group. However, monocytes in the advanced group exhibited high expression of FOLR3 and CCR2.

Conclusions

Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the immune mechanisms involved in schistosomiasis. It provides a transcriptional atlas of peripheral immune cells that may contribute to elimination of the disease. This preliminary study suggests that the increased presence of CCR2 + monocyte and CXCR2 + NKT cells might participate in the progression of schistosomiasis.

Graphical Abstract
Design and development of multiband PIFA antenna for vehicular LTE/5G and V2X communication
Authors: Nikam Amruta A. , Patil Rupali B.
Published: October 2023

This paper aims to introduce a custom-designed multiband planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) suitable for automotive applications in LTE/5G schemes operating under 6 GHz, as well as Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communications. The PIFA antenna has a broad bandwidth capability, resonating from 950 MHz to 6 GHz. The proposed PIFA antenna is divided into three parts: the top, front, and back, resulting in a unique and effective antenna structure. The antenna is fabricated using a substrate made of FR4 material with a dielectric constant of 4.4. The whole measurements of the antenna are 54 × 38 × 25 mm3.The proposed PIFA antenna has been tested and has achieved a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of less than 2 across the entire frequency range of 950 MHz to 6 GHz. Additionally, the maximum gain achieved by the antenna is 7.08 dBi at a frequency of 5.5 GHz, 6.81 dBi at 5.2 GHz, and 6.65 dBi at 5.9 GHz. The antenna also achieved a gain of 6.67 dBi at 3.8 GHz and a gain of 3.31 dBi at 1.7 GHz. Overall, this paper presents a well-designed and effective multiband PIFA antenna that is appropriate for use in vehicular applications. The antenna ability to cover a wide range of bandwidth and achieve high gain makes it an excellent candidate for use in LTE/5G systems and V2X communications.
Determinants of behavioral intention toward telemedicine services among Indonesian Gen-Z and Millenials: a PLS–SEM study on Alodokter application
Authors: Pramudita Eka , Achmadi Hendra , Nurhaida Hansa
Published: October 2023

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite, Younger generations are more fluent in using technology, previous study shows that older generations (Gen-X) are more satisfied in using telemedicine compared to younger generations. This study aims to identify the factors influencing user satisfaction and behavioral intention toward Alodokter's telemedicine service application usage among Millennials and Gen-Z in Indonesia. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using a purposive sampling technique. A total of 160 Millenials and Gen-Z respondents who had used the Alodokter telehealth application within the past year were chosen in this study. The data were collected by means of an online questionnaire that was distributed through widely used social media platforms. The questionnaire consisted of 30 questions that assessed variables, such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, price value, customer satisfaction, and behavioral intention. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Square–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS–SEM) with SmartPLS software version 3.2.9. The findings reveal that customer satisfaction positively affects behavioral intention. Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, price value, and social influence positively impact customer satisfaction. Price value was shown to have the most positive influence on behavioral intention. This study provides insights into the factors influencing user satisfaction and behavioral intention toward telemedicine service application usage among younger generations in Indonesia. The results can be used to improve telemedicine services and enhance the experience of users, particularly Millennials and Gen-Z.
Association between ferritin to albumin ratio and 28-day mortality in patients with sepsis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Feng , Liu Zhengting
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The ratio of ferritin to albumin (FAR) has been proposed as a novel prognostic indicator for COVID-19. However, the role of FAR in predicting the all-cause mortality rate in patients with sepsis has not been evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study is to elucidate the correlation between FAR and the 28-day all-cause mortality rate in patients with sepsis.

Methods

This study used data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database (v2.0) for a retrospective cohort analysis. The study focused on adult patients with sepsis who were admitted to the intensive care unit. The primary objective was to assess the predictive capability of FAR in determining the 28-day all-cause mortality rate among patients with sepsis.

Results

The study involved 1553 sepsis patients in total. Based on the survival status of sepsis patients within 28 days, they were divided into two groups: a survival group consisting of 973 patients, and a death group consisting of 580 patients. The results revealed a 28-day mortality rate of 37.35% among sepsis patients. The multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that FAR was an independent predictor of the 28-day all-cause mortality rate in patients with sepsis (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.17–1.19; 95% confidence interval 1.11–1.26; P < 0.001). The FAR demonstrated a higher area under the curve (AUC) of 61.01% (95% confidence interval 58.07–63.96%), compared to serum ferritin (60.48%), serum albumin (55.56%), and SOFA score (56.97%). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis determined the optimal cutoff value for FAR as 364.2215. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a significant difference in the 28-day all-cause mortality rate between patients with FAR ≥ 364.2215 and those with FAR < 364.2215 (P < 0.001). Furthermore, subgroup analysis showed no significant interaction between FAR and each subgroup.

Conclusions

This study revealed a significant correlation between FAR and the 28-day mortality rate in patients with sepsis. Higher FAR values were strongly associated with increased mortality rates within 28 days.
Multi-faceted attributes of salivary cell-free DNA as liquid biopsy biomarkers for gastric cancer detection
Authors: Swarup Neeti , Cheng Jordan , Choi Irene , Heo You Jeong , Kordi Misagh , Aziz Mohammad , Arora Akanksha , Li Feng , Chia David , Wei Fang , Elashoff David , Zhang Liying , Kim Sung , Kim Yong , Wong David T.W.
Published: October 2023

Background

Recent advances in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis from biofluids have opened new avenues for liquid biopsy (LB). However, current cfDNA LB assays are limited by the availability of existing information on established genotypes associated with tumor tissues. Certain cancers present with a limited list of established mutated cfDNA biomarkers, and thus, nonmutated cfDNA characteristics along with alternative biofluids are needed to broaden the available cfDNA targets for cancer detection. Saliva is an intriguing and accessible biofluid that has yet to be fully explored for its clinical utility for cancer detection.

Methods

In this report, we employed a low-coverage single stranded (ss) library NGS pipeline “Broad-Range cell-free DNA-Seq” (BRcfDNA-Seq) using saliva to comprehensively investigate the characteristics of salivary cfDNA (ScfDNA). The identification of cfDNA features has been made possible by applying novel cfDNA processing techniques that permit the incorporation of ultrashort, ss, and jagged DNA fragments. As a proof of concept using 10 gastric cancer (GC) and 10 noncancer samples, we examined whether ScfDNA characteristics, including fragmentomics, end motif profiles, microbial contribution, and human chromosomal mapping, could differentiate between these two groups.

Results

Individual and integrative analysis of these ScfDNA features demonstrated significant differences between the two cohorts, suggesting that disease state may affect the ScfDNA population by altering nuclear cleavage or the profile of contributory organism cfDNA to total ScfDNA. We report that principal component analysis integration of several aspects of salivary cell-free DNA fragmentomic profiles, genomic element profiles, end-motif sequence patterns, and distinct oral microbiome populations can differentiate the two populations with a p value of < 0.0001 (PC1).

Conclusion

These novel features of ScfDNA characteristics could be clinically useful for improving saliva-based LB detection and the eventual monitoring of local or systemic diseases.
Impacts of plant growth-promoting bacteria, compost and biodynamic compost preparations for alleviating the harmful effects of salinity on essential oil characteristics of lavender
Authors: Khatami Seyed Ahmad , Kasraie Porang , Oveysi Meysam , Tohidi Moghadam Hamid Reza , Ghooshchi Farshad
Published: October 2023

Background

Biodynamic agriculture and the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPBs) have been demonstrated to offer various benefits for achieving agricultural sustainability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of PGPBs Azotobacter and Azospirillum, compost, and compost with biodynamic preparations (BD) on the essential oil (EO) characteristics of lavender under salinity stress.

Research methods

The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse for 2 years and involved three factors: four PGPBs, three types of compost, and three levels of salinity stress.

Results

The results indicated that the essential oil (EO) characteristics increased with 50 mM NaCl but decreased with 100 mM NaCl. Salt stress reduced the cell membrane stability (CMS) and auxin content, while increasing proline contents. However, the application of PGPBs, compost, and compost with biodynamic preparations had an opposite effect on CMS, auxin, and proline parameters compared to salt stress. Based on the results, the treatment that combined compost + BD with Azotobacter was found to be the most effective in enhancing the EO characteristics under both mild and severe salinity stress conditions.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that compost, biodynamic compost preparations, and PGPBs could be useful in enhancing the EO in medicinal plants and alleviating the adverse effects of salt stress on plants.

Graphical Abstract
Variations in the crustal structure and strength of plate coupling along the Ryukyu subduction zone
Authors: Doo Wen-Bin , Lo Chung-Liang , Huang Yin-Sheng , Wu Wen-Nan , Wang Shiou-Ya
Published: October 2023

The Ryukyu trench-arc-back arc system is part of the subduction margins of the Philippine Sea plate. Previous studies have indicated that several geophysical and geological characteristics reveal significant variations (including convergent rate, topography, subducting slab angle etc.) along this subduction system. In addition, the strength of plate coupling and the potential of large earthquake occurrence in the Ryukyu subduction zone have been major subjects of debate for decades. To gain new insights into the spatial variations in the crustal structure and strength of plate coupling along the Ryukyu subduction zone, in the present study, based on three P-wave seismic velocity profiles, we construct density models for 2-D gravity modeling. Then, we estimate the mantle lithosphere buoyancy (Hm) using these three density models to determine the strength of plate coupling between the subducting Philippine Sea plate and the overriding Eurasian plate, which could provide information for evaluating large earthquakes potential. 2-D gravity modeling results reveal that oceanic plateaus and/or submarine ridges with obviously less dense and thick oceanic crust are subducting in the northern and central parts of the Ryukyu Trench, which could increase the slab buoyancy in these regions. The Hm results indicate that the strength of plate coupling is almost weak in the north and is relatively strong in the central Ryukyu subduction zone.
Moderating impact of non-performing loans on the relationship between sustainable development goals and the financial performance of banks
Authors: Iqbal Saba , Nosheen Safia
Published: October 2023

Sustainability is a vital perspective for banks to keep their survival in the long run. While nonperforming loans (NPLs) also impact sustainability, this study aims to examine the moderating impact of NPLs on the adoption of sustainable development goals and the financial performance of the banks. The central hypothesis assumes that even after adopting sustainable development goals, banks cannot get high profits if their NPLs are high. Economic, social, and environmental indicators represent SDG measurement using an ESE index. We are performing panel data analysis through regression and the GMM technique. This study also conducts independent research on economic, social, and environmental indicators. We found that NPL significantly moderates the relationship between the SDGs and the financial performance. This paper has the following vital contribution. Bank that adopts sustainable development goals may have low profits if it has a high nonperforming loan ratio so banks must focus on the customer to whom they offer loans. The novelty of this study is adopting the ESE index for measuring the adoption of SDGs.
Sparse prior-net: A sparse prior-based deep network for seismic data interpolation
Authors: Wu Mengyi , Fu Lihua , Fang Wenqian , Cao Jiajia
Published: October 2023

Seismic data interpolation plays a crucial role in obtaining dense and regularly sampled data, contributing to improving the quality of seismic data in seismic exploration. Sparsity-promoting methods use a two-step iteration to gradually recover missing traces, by exploiting the sparsity representation of seismic data in transform domains, such as Fourier, wavelet, and curvelet transform, within the framework of the projection onto convex sets (POCS). In the first step, the missing traces are restored by applying the thresholding shrinkage to the transform coefficients. In the second step, the observed data are inserted into the updated result. However, this method relies on a preselected transform and lacks the capability to adaptively capture sparse representations. In addition, determining the optimal threshold parameters can pose difficulties. These limitations yield unsatisfactory reconstruction results. To address this issue, we propose a novel approach called sparse prior-based seismic interpolation network (SP-net) that combines the sparsity-promoting method with a deep neural network. Unlike traditional end-to-end networks, our proposed neural network integrates the widely used POCS method into its architecture, enabling automatic learning of the sparse transform, and threshold parameters from the training data set. By combining the merits of the sparsity-promoting techniques and data-driven deep-learning approaches, SP-net achieves enhanced adaptability and more accurate interpolation results. Through experiments conducted on synthetic and field seismic data, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method.
Solutions of a slowly rotating Kerr flat-horizon black hole in dynamical Chern-Simons modified gravity
Authors: Nashed G. G. L. , Bamba Kazuharu
Published: October 2023

Solutions of a slowly rotating Kerr flat-horizon black hole are explored in dynamical Chern-Simons modified gravity with cylindrical metrics, which approach asymptotically the anti-de Sitter spacetime. It is shown that the cross-term of a metric component is unaffected by the perturbations of the Chern-Simons scalar independently of whether the dynamical Chern-Simons field equation is uncharged or charged with an electric field. From this result, it is ensured that the Chern-Simons scalar field can affect the spaces of the metric that approach asymptotically the flat spacetime only.
Archaism and Actuality
Authors: Harootunian Harry
Published: October 2023

In Archaism and Actuality eminent Marxist historian Harry Harootunian explores the formation of capitalism and fascism in Japan as a prime example of the uneven development of capitalism. He applies his theorization of subsumption to examine how capitalism integrates and redirects preexisting social, cultural, and economic practices to guide the present. This subsumption leads to a global condition in which states and societies all exist within different stages and manifestations of capitalism. Drawing on Japanese philosophers Miki Kiyoshi and Tosaka Jun, Marxist theory, and Gramsci's notion of passive revolution, Harootunian shows how the Meiji Restoration of 1868 and its program dedicated to transforming the country into a modern society exemplified a unique path to capitalism. Japan's capitalist expansion in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, rise as an imperial power, and subsequent transition to fascism signal a wholly distinct trajectory into modernity that forecloses any notion of a pure or universal development of capitalism. With Archaism and Actuality, Harootunian offers both a retheorization of capitalist development and a reinterpretation of epochal moments in modern Japanese history.