bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound assessment of quadriceps femoris muscle thickness in mechanically ventilated pediatric patients
Authors: Montoro Delia Valverde , Camacho Vanesa Rosa , González Lourdes Artacho , Alonso Jose M. Camacho
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Over the last decade, ultrasonography has taken on an increasingly important role in the daily management of critically patients and has recently been suggested for measuring muscle volume and architecture. The aims of this study were to assess the accuracy of ultrasound for measuring quadriceps femoris muscle thickness in mechanically ventilated pediatric patients and examine if demographic and clinical factors impact muscle loss in critically unwell children.
Methods: Prospective, observational, single-center study. All the children admitted to our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit requiring mechanical ven­tilation for more than 48 hours were included. Two trained clinicians measured the thickness of the quadriceps using a 12 MHz linear ultrasound transducer.
Results: In the entire cohort, quadriceps femoris muscle thickness decreased 4.67% (-13.4 to -0.59) between the first two assessments and 13% when considering the final measurement performed (-24% to -0.5%) or 1.57%/day (p < 0.001). Approximately half of all the children (23/41; 56%) experienced muscle atrophy (defined a priori as a >10% decrease in thickness). Bivariate analyses revealed that increasing age, being a child (vs. infant), cumulative energy and protein deficit, highest C-reactive protein value, exposure to neuromuscular blockers , and a longer stay in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit predicted a greater decrease in thickness. In a multivariate linear regression, exposure to NMB was linked with greater muscle loss.
Conclusions: In mechanically ventilated children, point-of-care ultrasonography can identify skeletal muscle atrophy. Limb muscle loss is strongly associated with the use of neuromuscular blockers. Ultrasound-based evaluation of the quadriceps femoris is a clinically useful tool for assessing muscle mass and it can serve as a surrogate for nutritional status and guide rehabilitation
Health Technology Readiness amongst Patients with Suspected Breast Cancer Using the READHY-tool - a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Sollie Martin , Hansen Marianne , Thomsen Jørn Bo
Published: May 2023

Purpose
Information technologies are increasingly used when informing patients about their disease, treatment and prognosis. These digital platforms have many advantages compared to traditional education interventions. There are concerns that some patients may have difficulty with this mode of information delivery. This warrants the question; are our patients ready for the transition towards more digital information technologies?
We aimed to assess health technology readiness profiles amongst women with a suspected breast cancer diagnosis. Secondly, we wanted to investigate the potential differences between these profiles according to sociodemographic factors and the patients´ current use of technology.
Methods
This cross-sectional study used the Readiness and Enablement Index for Health Technology (READHY) questionnaire. We included all patients (n=92) referred with suspected breast cancer.
Results
The cluster analyses identified three distinct profiles. Patients in profile 1 (n=54) demonstrated medium health technology readiness. Profile 2 (n=18) reported high scores on all parameters. Profile 3 (n=20) scored lowest on all parameters indicating problems with health literacy, eHealth literacy and insight into their health. Profile 3 also reported higher levels of emotional stress.
Conclusions
Our study found that most patients had medium to high health technology readiness, but we also identified a group with lower health technology readiness. Based on our results, healthcare personnel dealing with women with suspected breast cancer should be aware of patients struggling with health technology. Age and technology familiarity may indicate vulnerable patients. More studies investigating different modes of information delivery with follow-ups are needed.
Financial Behavior and Degrees of Financial Inclusion
Authors: Herrerias Renata , Alvarez Cecilia M. O.
Published: May 2023

We explore nationwide data from the 2018 National Inclusion Survey of Mexico to examine the association between four degrees of financial inclusion and five short- and long-term financial behaviors. Results show that individuals who are financially included tend to report better financial behavior, but the relationship depends on the degree of financial inclusion and the specific behavior at hand. Financial inclusion is related to positive financial behaviors only when the household reports holding more than one financial product and regularly using them. We found no behavioral differences between unbanked households and those with accounts opened by a third party. JEL classification D14, G21, O16
Governing shared mobility: a comparison of the public policy goals being pursued in three cities
Authors: Castellanos Sebastian , Wright Katy , Grant-Muller Susan
Published: May 2023

Shared mobility services such as shared scooters, bikes, and ridehailing services have transformed the urban mobility landscape in recent years. In this paper we identify the goals that local governments are pursuing when regulating these private services. We also analyse the circumstances and motivations that led to the pursuit of these goals. For this, we carried out three in-depth case studies of cities where private companies had deployed shared mobility services: Bogotá, Colombia; Paris, France; and Los Angeles, USA. We found that there is a wide range of goals (34 distinct goals) that the governments of these cities are pursuing when attempting to regulate shared mobility services. However, only between three and four of these goals tend to dominate most of their actions. We also identified a mix of motivations for the pursuit of these goals: from the public interest of redressing past inequities, to circumstantial motivations such as appeasing the incumbents that have seen their businesses endangered by these new technologies. The academic literature converges on sustainability and equitable access being two of the primary goals to be pursued in transport policy, but our findings suggest that practitioners and policymakers are pursuing a range of other goals that do not fit neatly into these two theoretical categories.
Identification of Itgb1 as a critical gene for radiation-induced injury by bioinformatic analysis combined with experimental verification
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Xiao Ning , Du Baiyinzi , Jiang Keer , Lin Yuhan , Yao Liuhuan , Liu Ruling , Liu Hu , Yuan Xuefei , Li Bailong , Cai Jianming
Published: May 2023

Radiation injury is a common side effect of nuclear and radiation accidents as well as clinical oncologic radiotherapy. The organism undergoes a series of pathological responses after irradiation, especially in the short term, accompanied by an intense inflammatory storm [1], and effective targets for intervention have not been identified [2]. In this study, we screened differential genes in gene microarray data from the GEO database and then identified the core gene Itgb1 by enrichment analysis. Subsequently, the expression of Itgb1 was knocked down by siRNA interference and was functionally blocked by RGD, a Itgb1 inhibitor. Next, the proliferation and apoptosis of irradiated cells was detected, and injury of lung tissues and hemopoietic system were also investigated. As a result, knockdown of Itgb1 protected pulmonary epithelial cells and blood cell from irradiation, and RGD remitted the irradiation-induced lung injury and hematopoietic injury. This study suggests that Itgb1 plays a key role in radiation injury and provides new ideas for the prevention and treatment of radiation therapy.
Digital Governance in the Internet of Things Context. Evidence from the EU, MENA and BRICS:
Authors: Covaci Brindusa , Covaci Mihai
Published: May 2023

Digital governance evolved considerably in the last decades, especially in the context of the 6G generation. Information Technology (IT) transformed humanity and the general paradigms of human beings. More, the Internet of Things (IoT) reframes the socio-economic environment. The paper analyses the specific context of digital governance from countries relevant to the mountain area belonging to the EU, MENA, and BRICS. The results revealed that the proposed hypothesis and indicators were validated. Digital governance offers the right way for leaders to focus on other responsibilities, rather than a decision-making network. The research proposes five new public and private governance indicators, especially for the IT dimension. The EU, MENA, and BRICS countries could follow standard IT governance models. Public and private governance becomes the strongest defense system against socioeconomic chaos and failure.
JEL codes: D73, G34, L86
Correlation between plasma saturated fatty acids and atrial fibrillation in a Chinese population
Authors: Jin Hui , Tao Yi-rao , Wang Xin-ke , Jiang Zong-dian , An Shuo , Yang Dong-hui
Published: May 2023

Background To investigate the correlation between plasma saturated fatty acids (SFA) and atrial fibrillation (AF) in a Chinese population.Methods A total of 486 patients with atrial fibrillation who were admitted to the Cardiology Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from June 2020 to May 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective study. An additional 486 individuals without atrial fibrillation who were matched for age and sex were selected as the control group. Data on the body mass index (BMI), history of smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, lipid-lowering therapy, and tumour history were collected from both groups. Plasma SFA levels were measured in both groups, including lauric acid (C12:0), myristic acid (C14:0), palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), arachidic acid (C20:0), behenic acid (C22:0), lignoceric acid (C24:0), total SFA, and other plasma fatty acid levels. Differences in general clinical indicators and fatty acids were compared between the two groups, and stepwise logistic regression was used to determine whether SFA was an independent correlate of atrial fibrillation. Plasma SFA levels were categorized and evaluated using quartiles as the reference index.Results After adjusting for other risk factors for atrial fibrillation, higher levels of plasma C16:0, C20:0, and total SFA were found to be independent correlates of atrial fibrillation and possibly also protective factors. The odds ratios [ORs] for the second and third quartiles of C16:0 compared to the lowest quartile were 0.481 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.256–0.905) and 0.366 (95% CI: 0.182–0.734); those for the third and fourth quartiles of C20:0 compared to the lowest quartile were 0.497 (95% CI: 0.275–0.898) and 0.514 (95% CI: 0.282–0.938); and those for the second and third quartiles of total SFA compared to the lowest quartile were 0.518 (95% CI: 0.277–0.967) and 0.372 (95% CI: 0.187–0.739), respectively (all P < 0.05).Conclusion Different SFAs may serve as circulating biomarkers for the diagnosis and prediction of atrial fibrillation.
Strategy for acute DeBakey type Ⅰ aortic dissection considering midterm results: A retrospective cohort study comparing ascending aortic replacement and total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk technique
Authors: Takagi Sho , Goto Yoshihiro , Yanagisawa Junji , Ogihara Yui , Okawa Yasuhide
Published: May 2023

Background
Acute type A aortic dissection is treated with an emergency procedure that uses ascending aortic replacement (AAR). However, to avoid a residual dissected aorta with a false lumen, total arch replacement (TAR) is required. The frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique is a promising surgical approach that promotes false lumen obliteration in a single step without increasing operative risk. Therefore, this retrospective single-center study aimed to evaluate the operative outcomes of AAR and TAR with FET.
Methods
Between 2007 and 2021, 143 patients with acute DeBakey type Ⅰ aortic dissection underwent a central repair using AAR (n = 95) or TAR with FET (n = 43). All perioperative variables, the duration of all-cause mortality, and aortic events defined as dilatation of the distal aorta > 5 cm, new occurrences of aortic dissection, distal aortic surgery, and distal aortic rupture were recorded. We compared these patients' perioperative variables and mid-term results with an additional focus on distal aortic events.
Results
Patient background data did not differ between the two groups. Perioperative results for the TAR with FET group vs the AAR group showed similar operative times (306 vs 298 min, P = 0.862), but the TAR group had longer cardiopulmonary bypass times (154 vs 179 min, P < 0.001). The freedom from all-cause death for the TAR vs AAR groups using the Kaplan-Meier method was 81.9% vs 85.4% and 78.0% vs 85.4% (P = 0.407) at 1 and 3 years, respectively, and freedom from aorta-related events was 90.6% vs 97.6% and 69.3% vs 87.0% (P = 0.034) at 1 and 3 years, respectively.
Conclusions
TAR with FET had comparable perioperative results to AAR in acute DeBakey type Ⅰ aortic dissection and was considered a valuable method to avoid aorta-related events in the midterm.
Platelets as a prognostic factor for patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction
Authors: Feka Joy , Jomrich Gerd , Winkler Daniel , Ilhan-Mutlu Ayseguel , Kristo Ivan , Paireder Matthias , Rieder Erwin , Bologheanu Milena , Asari Reza , Schoppmann Sebastian F.
Published: May 2023

Objective: Aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic role of plasma platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV) and the combined COP-MPV score in patients with resectable adenocarcinomas of the gastroesophageal junction.
Background: Platelet activation, quantified by PLT and elevated MPV, plays an essential part in the biological process of carcinogenesis and metastasis. An increased preoperative COP-MPV is associated with poor survival in various tumour entities.
Methods: Data of 265 patients undergoing surgical resection for adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction were abstracted. COP-MPV score was defined for each patient. Utilizing univariate and multivariate COX proportional hazard analyses, survival was determined.
Results: In univariate analysis, elevated PLT (HR 3.58, 95% CI 2.61-4.80, P<0.001) and increased COP-MPV (HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.17-0.42, P<0.001 and HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.29-0.60, P<0.001) significantly correlated with shorter patients overall and disease-free survival, for all 256 patients, as well as in the subgroups of neoadjuvantly treated (p<0.001) and primarily resected patients (p<0.001). COP-MPV remained a significant prognostic factor in multivariate analysis for OS. However, PLT alone showed significant diminished OS and DFS in all subgroups (p<0.001) in univariate and multivariate analysis.
Conclusion: PLT is a potent independent prognostic biomarker for survival in a large prospective cohort of patients with resectable adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction. Additionally, we confirm that the COP- MPV score is significantly associated with worse outcome in these patients, but has no benefit in comparison to PLT.
Dickkopf1 (DKK1) as a Potential Biomarker in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Insulin Resistance: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Li Shengbing , Wang Hao , Li Ke , Liu Rui , Qiu Sheng , Lei Xiaotian , Yang Mengliu , Lai Yerui , He Jianguo , Liang Zerong
Published: May 2023

Background: Dickkopf1 (DKK1) isa protein with established links to metabolic diseases. However, its association with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance (IR) remains ambiguous.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 300 participants, including 100 healthy women, 100 women with PCOS, and 100 individuals with IR. We used the STRING database to identify proteins that interact with DKK1 and performed KEGG and GO analyses to determine the biological processes and signaling pathways that are enriched in DKK1-related proteins. Serum DKK1 levels and Adipoq were measured by ELISA kits. The expression of DKK1 in liver tissue wasdetected by western blotting.
Results: Relative to the control group, both the IR and PCOS cohorts exhibited markedly elevated serum DKK1 levels and noticeably reduced Adipoq levels. Correlation analyses revealeda positive relationship between serum DKK1 levels and body mass index(BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), body fat percentage (FAT%), systolic blood pressure (SBP), triglycerides (TG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FIns), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and a negative relationship between Adipoq levels and M-value. Multiple regression analysis indicated that BMI, FAT%, TG, and Adipoq were independent factors affecting DKK1. An analysis of multiple stepwise regressions revealed that DKK1 was a risk factor for IR and PCOS. In the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC) test, serum DKK1 levels exhibited a significant increase in the PCOS patients and a pronounced decrease in the IR patients at 30 minutes and returned to baseline at 60 minutes.
Conclusions: Our research revealedthat an increase in DKK1 levels in the blood was significantly associated with PCOS and IR, thereby highlighting the potential involvement of DKK1 in the pathogenesis of PCOS and IR. This insight paves the way for further investigations into the role of DKK1 in PCOS and IR.
Fathering a premature baby
Authors: BENNAOUI F. , LALAOUI A. , SLITINE N. ELIDRISSI , MAOULAININE F. M. R.
Published: May 2023

The hospitalization of premature infants is a difficult and anxiety-provoking experience for parents. Studies on the mother's experience are becoming increasingly numerous, while the father's experience remains little studied. Objective: To explore the experiences of fathers of premature infants and the psychopathological and social consequences following the birth of their children. A qualitative and quantitative study was carried out in the neonatology department of the Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakech among 80 men whose prematurely born child was still hospitalized in the neonatology department. 2 questionnaires were administered: the IES-R and the EPDS, and a semi-directive interview was also conducted. Several aspects were highlighted, such as the difficult experience of premature birth and hospitalization, and the ambivalence of returning home. The importance of establishing a positive father-child relationship, social support and the versatility of the father's role. Premature birth has a less traumatic impact on fathers. Promoting father/child contact and encouraging specific care could help men to take on their role as fathers, which is sometimes difficult to integrate.
Comparative Metabolic Study of two types of R. Cohrysanthums under UV-B Stress
Authors: Yu Wang , Gong Fushuai , Sun Li , Cao Kun , Xu Hongwei , Zhou Xiaofu
Published: May 2023

Background
Rhododendron chrysanthum Pall (R. chrysanthum.), a plant with UV-B resistance mechanisms that can be adapted to alpine environments, has gained attention as an important plant resource with the ability to cope with UV-B stress. Research on the complex mechanism of plant adaptation to UV-B will be aided by these results.
Results
In this study, metabolomics analysis and physiological measurements were used to reveal the response of Rhododendron chrysanthumseedlings to UV-B stress. After UV-B irradiation, 404 metabolites were detected. The domesticated R. chrysanthum had high amino acid and SOD content.
Conclusions
The study shows that the domesticated R. chrysanthum showed significant UV-B resistance. 26 of these different metabolites were classified as UV-B-responsive metabolites. Glyceric acid is used as a potential UV-B stress biomarker.
Higher-order statistical learning for joint motion estimation and segmentation in video
Authors: ALAOUI El Mehdi ISMAILI
Published: May 2023

The paper describes a scheme for moving objects in image sequence. The scheme adopts a distribution-based model approach to moving object detection. The methodology involves pattern classification using higher-order statistics (HOS) in a clustering framework. The proposed method effectively combines statistical knowledge about the class of moving objects with motion information. The unknown distribution of the image patterns of objects is approximately modeled using HOS information derived from sample images. Our proposed algorithm uses an HOS-based decision measure which is derived from a series expansion of the multivariate probability density function in terms of the multivariate Gaussian and the Hermite polynomial. A data clustering that uses HOS is proposed to facilitate the decision process. The higher-order closeness measure is used to classify test clusters as foreground or background.
WITHDRAWN: Bamboo as Potential Substrate for Sea Cage Culture of Abalone Haliotis asinina
Authors: Creencia Lota A. , Alcantara Lutgardo B. , Juan Riza G. San
Published: May 2023

Abalone is highly priced marine gastropod in both domestic and overseas markets, but increased fishing pressure has caused a significant decline in the wild abalone population. To meet market demand, there is increasing interest in the cage culture of abalone juveniles. However, the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) substrate, the most used substrate in cage culture, has been associated with environmental and health risks. Thus, this study investigated the potential of bamboo slat (BS) as an alternative substrate for the bottom sea cage culture and suspended sea cage culture of tropical abalone Haliotis asinina fed with the red seaweed Gracilaria firma. The results showed, during the 60–120 days of culture, abalone juveniles grown with BS substrate had significantly higher weight gain and specific growth rate compared to those reared with PVC substrate (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, the t-test conducted on day 150 indicated that the mean weight of abalone juveniles with the BS substrate was not significantly different from those with PVC substrate. The findings also indicate that abalone juveniles grown with BS substrate had significantly higher shell length growth rates than abalone juveniles grown with PVC substrate (p < 0.05). In addition, abalone juveniles on BS substrate showed positive allometric growth after 90 days and 150 days of culture compared to abalone juveniles on PVC substrates, which showed isometric growth. Furthermore, the t-test showed that survival rates of abalone juveniles with BS substrate are not significantly different compared with abalone juveniles with PVC substrate (p < 0.05). Since abalone juveniles cultured in cages with BS substrate have high growth and survival rates; thus, they are recommended as an alternative for abalone juvenile culture because they are indigenous, inexpensive, and environmentally safe.
Dietary Clostridium butyricum enhances antioxidant capacity by altering intestinal flora in broilers
Authors: Wang Simeng , Shen Jiakun , Ji Linbao , Zhang Lian , Zhang Xin , Ma Xi , Nie Cunxi , Wang Pei
Published: May 2023

Recently, there has been a growing interest in usingClostridium butyricum(C. butyricum) as an alternative to antibiotics, Because of its prospective benefits in strengthening the intestinal barrier and promoting broiler growth, the current research focused on understanding the impacts ofC. butyricumsupplementation on growth attributes, antioxidant capability, and intestinal microbiota in AA broilers. In this study, a control group (Con) and aC. butyricumgroup (Cb) were randomly established from a sample of 120 AA broilers. The basic diet for the Con group, in contrast, the Cb group's diet was the same but included a supplement of 2.88×109CFU/gC. butyricum. (SLZX19-05, CN113583915B). The study showed that incorporatingC. butyricumled to notable advancements in the growth and digestive abilities of AA broilers while effectively diminishing oxidative stress. High-throughput sequencing indicated thatC. butyricumprovided protective effects on the diversity of intestinal microflora, particularly increasing ileal intestinal microflora diversity. Lefse analysis revealed that the abundance ofOscillospiraceae,Butyricoccaceae, andLactobacillusin the Cb group increased. Correlation analysis between intestinal microflora and antioxidant indicators suggested thatC. butyricumsupplementation might enhance antioxidant levels by increasingLactobacillusabundance, especially the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Based on this study, supplementing AA broilers withC. butyricummay improve growth performance, digestive capacity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microflora regulation. These findings offer new insights into the role ofC. butyricumin enhancing antioxidant capacity and provide a foundation for understanding the relationship between intestinal microflora and antioxidant.
Survival Outcome and Prognostic Factors Post Inadvertent Hysterectomy in Carcinoma Cervix Treated With Salvage Chemo-Radiation
Authors: Mishra Ritusha , Pandey Ankita , Mishra Himanshu , Singh Shreya , Jain Pallavi , Singh Tej Bahadur , Mandal Abhijeet , Singh Pramod Kumar
Published: May 2023

Introduction:
The standard of care for treating early invasive cervical cancer is radical hysterectomy or radiation alone while chemo-radiation is a definitive treatment for advanced disease. Occasionally, simple hysterectomy is performed in cancer cervix and these patients merit adjuvant treatment in view of high chances of loco-regional recurrences. Aim of the study was to analyze the survival outcome of these patients treated with salvage chemo-radiotherapy and also to determine the prognostic factors affecting survival.
Materials and methods
The medical records of all patients of cervical cancer post simple hysterectomy outside and who received salvage treatment in our department between 2014 and 2020 were retrieved. The data regarding clinical, treatment details and survival were analyzed.
Results
A total of 198 patients were included. Median follow up duration was 45.5 months. Gross disease and lymphadenopathy was seen in 60% and 28% patients, respectively. The 5-year progression free survival(PFS) and overall survival(OS) was 75% and 76%, respectively. Concurrent chemotherapy alone or in combination with induction chemotherapy using three drug regimens showed better survival compared to those treated by radiation alone. On multivariate analysis, factors found to be adversely affecting OS and PFS were lymph node (LN) size of more than 2cm, non squamous histology, overall treatment time(OTT) of more than 12 weeks and use of non three drug chemotherapy regimen.
Conclusion
Subtotal hysterectomy results in higher incidence of local recurrence of disease. Factors that impair the outcome in this sub-group of patients are gross lymphadenopathy, non-squamous histology and prolong OTT.
Beamforming Design and Power Allocation Aided by Relay Selection in Cooperative Massive MIMO Network
Authors: Hassan Jamal A. , Ghoreishian MJ.
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we study the relay selection and power allocation to maximize the achievable sum rate of all the users in the cooperative Massive Multiple Input-Multiple Output (mMIMO) system. Some users have direct paths to the base station (BS) to communicate in the considered system model. In contrast, there is no direct path for the rest users, and the relay helps transmit information signals from BS to these users (indirect users). Firstly, we design a beamforming matrix at BS and relay according to the block diagonalization (BD) and Zero-Forcing (ZF) methods, respectively. Then, relay selection and power allocation problems are analyzed. Generally, the joint power allocation and relay selection problem is a combinatorial problem, and it needs a global search algorithm to solve, which is complex and time-consuming. Therefore, we convert this joint problem into two sub-problems. The first sub-problem selects the suitable relay based on some criteria. The convex optimization method solves the power allocation problem in the second sub-problem based on the selection. The simulation results showed that the proposed algorithms are significantly close to the benchmark methods.
WITHDRAWN: Application of molecular image technology in the detection of fungal toxins in rice and identification of their producing bacteria
Authors: Deng Bo , Feng DongSheng , Song YuYin , Zhou YuMen , Wang Ming , Zhu ChunYan , Mei Bo , Han YiYi , Wang Xia , Zhang WeiYi
Published: May 2023

Objective. To explore theoretical basis and feasibility of using computer image processing technology for rapid analysis of rice mold, to promote application of this technology for rice quality analysis, and to make a new exploration for safety of rice in China to realize sustainable development of rice resources in China.
Methods. Four types of rice (Zhengdan 958, Xiangyu 335, Yu'an 13, and Jundan 20) were used as research materials to simulate process of rice mildew in a specific environment (temperature 25°C, humidity 60%). Then, a correlation analysis was performed with amount of bacteria and mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, vomitoxin, rice gibberellin, ochratoxin) in rice and a discriminant model was established. A BP neural network was used to identify degree of moldiness of rice.
Results. The amount of bacteria in rice samples tended to increase with time, and color of rice grains became darker and duller as mold deepened. On 41st day, sample was seriously deteriorated and experiment could not be conducted. According to amount of bacteria, four rice samples were judged to be normal on days 1-5, pre-mold on days 7-11, mid-mold on days 13-33, and post-mold on days 33. The correlation analysis showed that there was a good correlation between amount of moldy rice and some color characteristics parameters. Y=5020.67-41.661XRt+20.199X1 value, R2=0.934; modeling process of bacterial load of Yu'an 13 introduced color characteristic parameters of B, S, I, modeled as Y=-15602.569+463.54XBn+75209.492Xsm-367.105X1t, R2=0.96; Jundan 20 The modeling process of amount of bacteria carried was introduced with color characteristic parameter I, modeled as Y=2696.205-15.445X1 value, R2=0.823 .
Integration of knowledge and competencies regarding sex, gender and further diversity aspects into the curricula of health professions education in Germany – barriers and supporting factors
Authors: Ludwig Sabine , Dettmer Susanne , Kohl Raphael , Kühn Kristin , Kaczmarczyk Gabriele , Seeland Ute
Published: May 2023

Background
Knowledge of sex, gender and further diversity categories is important to achieve equitable and individualized healthcare. An official statement of the German government stipulates the mandatory integration of sex and gender aspects into the curricula of health professions. Here we aim at evaluating the extent of curricular integration as well as barriers and factors supporting the integration.
Methods
The study was conducted online between January and March 2020. Three semi-standardized questionnaires were developed and sent to the deans of all medical faculties and a random sample of 197 (36.7%) heads of nursing schools (NS) and 97 (33.9%) heads of physiotherapy schools (PS). They were asked about the extent of curricular integration of diversity aspects as well as barriers and aspects facilitating the integration.
Results
The response rate was 75.6% (n=31; MS), 52.5% (n=94; NS) and 54.6% (n=53; PS). The highest level of curricular integration was achieved by 3.7% (MS), 4.8% (NS) and 6.4% (PS). Teachers were indicated to be mainly responsible for the integration (MS: 36%; NS: 73%; PS: 65%). Sociocultural aspects were integrated to a lesser extent in MS curricula compared to NS and PS. Qualitative analysis showed lack of gender theory in curricula.
Conclusions
Sex and gender aspects are integrated into around 30% of medical, nursing and physiotherapy curricula. Main supporting factors were the integration into the German National Learning Catalogue of Medicine and framework curricula. Case discussions were considered to be the most suitable teaching format. Future directions are the integration of gender theories.
Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus is at risk of extinction in Benin: a result of its poaching for belief-based use and decreasing food availability
Authors: DABONÉ Clément , ADJAKPA Jacques Boco , DANSI Mathias Fanou , THOMPSON Lindy J. , DISSOU Florent Essin , WEESIE Peter D. M.
Published: May 2023

In recent years, the situation of Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus in West Africa has gone sour. However, in some restricted area in this region the species is still found in relative abundance. To find out more about the situation in West Africa, we set out to assess and ascertain the status of the Hooded Vulture in Northern Benin. We conducted road counts, on paved and unpaved roads and along small trails over a total length of 1451 km linking a total of 33 towns and townships. While the road counts were being conducted, we also explored and examined potential threats in Hooded Vultures based on interviews conducted with local abattoir watchmen, veterinarians, butchers and foresters. A total of 52 Hooded Vultures were counted mostly in the departments of Atacora (32) but also in Alibori (10) and Borgou (10). The relative abundance was four Hooded Vultures per 100 km, highlighting the near extirpation of this bird from Benin. A total of 49 interviews revealed that poaching for belief-based use (through shooting, and traps) and decreasing food availability remain the most important threats for Hooded Vultures in Northern Benin. If these threats are not mitigated, we predict the extirpation of the Hooded Vulture in the years ahead in Benin. Conservation measures including awareness campaigns, and the improvement and enforcement of legislation to guarantee the protection of Hooded Vultures, must be urgently implemented for their conservation.
Typen von Festuca-Namen im Herbarium des Naturhistorischen Museums Wien (W). II. Typen aus Hackels Herbarium
Authors: Foggi Bruno , Signorini Maria Adele , Pignotti Lia
Published: May 2023

Für neun Festuca-Taxa aus dem Herbarium von Eduard Hackel im Herbarium des Naturhistorischen Museums in Wien (W) werden Typisierungen vorgenommen.
Festuca guestfalica – ein westfälischer Lokalendemit oder eine in Mittel- und Westeuropa weit verbreitete Sippe?
Authors: Gregor Thomas , Kasperek Gerwin , Raabe Uwe
Published: May 2023

Wie bereits von Wilkinson & Stace (1987) ausgeführt, unterscheidet sich der Typus von Festuca guestfalica deutlich von Pflanzen, die bisher allgemein als F. guestfalica angesehen werden und in Deutschland und Frankreich weit verbreitet sind. Wir bestätigen die Meinung von Englmaier (1995), dass es sich bei F. guestfalica um ein isoliertes Taxon von devonischen Kalkfelsen im Sauerland handelt. Die weit verbreitete, bisher als F. guestfalica angesehene Sippe wurde kürzlich als F. g. subsp. kerguelenii neu beschrieben. Bei Zusammenfassung mit ähnlichen auf Schwermetallböden wachsenden Pflanzen wäre auf Artebene der Name F. ophioliticola für diese in Mittel- und Westeuropa weit verbreitete Sippe anwendbar.
Schriftenschau
Authors: Ritz Christiane M. , Et al.
Published: May 2023

Schriftenschau
Hydrodynamics with triangular point group
Authors: Friedman Aaron J. , Cook Caleb Q. , Lucas Andrew
Published: May 2023

When continuous rotational invariance of a two-dimensional fluid is broken to the discrete, dihedral subgroup D_6D6 - the point group of an equilateral triangle - the resulting anisotropic hydrodynamics breaks both spatial-inversion and time-reversal symmetries, while preserving their combination. In this work, we present the hydrodynamics of such D_6D6-symmetric fluids, identifying new symmetry-allowed dissipative terms in the hydrodynamic equations of motion. We propose two experiments - both involving high-purity solid-state materials with D_6D6-invariant Fermi surfaces - that are sensitive to these new coefficients in a D_6D6-invariant electron fluid. In particular, we propose a local current imaging experiment (which is present-day realizable with nitrogen vacancy center magnetometry) in a hexagonal device, whose D_6D6-exploiting boundary conditions enable the unambiguous detection of these novel transport coefficients.
Life has become more colourful: the social and economic outcomes of community-led sanitation initiatives in the rural Philippines
Authors: Sorcher Rachael , Cloete Elene , Salazar Ami Dasig , Gatchalian Elvis , Gonzales Juanjoe
Published: May 2023

This article considers the impact of improved sanitation beyond physical well-being. Based on the experiences of women from three community-based organisations (CBOs) in the rural Philippines, this article expands on documented non-health related outcomes of health, safety and security, cleaner surroundings, and ownership, to also include those linked to household income, livelihood, and CBOs. Drawing from the participatory and qualitative methods of Photovoice and Most Significant Change, semi-structured interviews and individual photo conversations were conducted among 13 CBO leaders and 50 sanitation project participants, respectively. Findings suggest that CBOs enable improved sanitation, and such improvements include a personal and communal change in the form of reformed sanitation and hygiene practices, enhanced independence, privacy, and security, and improved ability to reclaim spaces for personal and public use, cultivation, and economic stimulation. Findings also underscore the idea that people may be more likely to adopt and sustain improved sanitation efforts if they are made aware of the additional non-physical health advantages of doing so.
Precipitation trend identification with a modified innovative trend analysis technique over Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Alifujiang Yilinuer , Abuduwaili Jilili , Abliz Abdugheni
Published: May 2023

The main concern of this study is using a new type of innovative trend analysis (ITA) method with a particular graphical illustration. It compares the results with the classic MK trend test at a 95% confidence level. Among the 15 annual and seasonal data series (3 weather stations annually, spring, summer, autumn, and winter) studied, the MK trend test found significant increasing trends of 3 data series (20%). However, using the new ITA method, 6 data series (40%) ‘high’ and ‘low’ simultaneously showed a significant increasing trend. The new ITA method can also detect all significant trends identified by the MK trend test. As for the new ITA method, the ‘high’ values of the 12 data series (80%) exhibited significant increasing patterns, and the 9 data series (60%) displayed significant increasing patterns for ‘low’ values. According to the ‘low’ and ‘high’ values, a gain one data series (6.7%) manifested significant decreasing trends. These results detailed annual and seasonal precipitation data series patterns by evaluating ‘low’ and ‘high’ values. The findings also demonstrated that the new method runs counter to the previous ITA.
Osimertinib-induced Keratitis and Secondary Toxic Epidermal Necrotic
Drug Eruption- A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Xu Yunhua , Li Yong , Luo Jie , Tang Rong
Published: May 2023

Background:

Osimertinib is a third-generation Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor, mainly used
in non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutation. Its efficacy and safety have been confirmed by
clinical practice. Toxic epidermolysis necrotizing disease (TEN) is a severe drug eruption that is
rare in clinics and has a high mortality rate. Toxic epidermal necrotic drug rash caused by
Osimeritinib is even rarer.

Objective:

investigate the rare side effects of Osimertinib through a case of toxic Epidermal
necrosis.

Case Presentation:

A 63-year-old female patient was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma with
brain metastases, and genetic testing revealed an EGFR21 exon mutation. The disease progressed
24 days after the administration of gefitinib, then the patient switched to Osimertinib (80 mg QD)
and, resulting in keratitis and secondary systemic toxic epidermolysis necrotizing disease (TEN).
Finally, the patient died.

Conclusion:

Although the clinical use of osimertinib is becoming widespread, the side effects may
not be fully understood. Clinicians should pay more attention to the occurrence of the side reaction
and deal with it in time.
E7386 is not a Specific CBP/β-Catenin Antagonist
Authors: Kahn Michael , Higuchi Yusuke , Nguyen Cu , Chimge Nyam-Osor , Ouyang Ching , Teo Jia-Ling
Published: May 2023

Background and Objective:

The first clinically evaluated CBP/β-catenin antagonist, PRI-724, displayed an excellent safety profile administered intravenously via continuous infusion. Eisai recently disclosed a third-generation, orally available, reportedly CBP/β-catenin antagonist, E7386. However, several structural features and the reported cytotoxicity of E7386 were unexpected for a specific CBP/β-catenin antagonist. Therefore, we undertook a comparison of E7386 versus the highly specific bona fide CBP/β-catenin antagonists, ICG-001 and C82, the active agents derived from the prodrug PRI-724.

Introduction:

CBP/β-catenin antagonists rebalance the equilibrium between CBP/β-catenin and p300/β-catenin dependent transcription and may be able to treat or prevent many diseases of aging via maintenance of somatic stem cell pool and regulating mitochondrial function and metabolism involved in differentiation and immune cell function. The safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential of the specific CBP/β-catenin antagonists, ICG-001, and the second-generation compound, C82, the active agent derived from the pro-drug PRI-724, have been studied extensively in a variety of preclinical disease models and in the clinic for oncology and hepatic fibrosis. However, the lack of oral bioavailability has hampered the further development of PRI-724. Thus, Eisai recently proposed a third-generation, orally available, reportedly CBP/β-catenin antagonist E7386. Here, we have performed a comparative analysis of E7386 with the highly specific bona fide CBP/β-catenin antagonists, ICG-001 and C82.

Methods:

We utilized a series of previously validated biochemical and transcriptional assays to investigate the selective targeting of the CBP/β-catenin interaction in conjunction with global transcriptional profiling to compare the three small molecules, ICG-001, C82, and E7386.

Results:

Our data cast significant doubt that the mechanism of action of E7386 is via specific CBP/β-catenin antagonism.

Conclusion:

It can thus be concluded that E7386 is not a specific CBP/β-catenin antagonist.
Advancement of Nanocarriers-based Therapeutics for Effective Management of
Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ashique Sumel , Garg Ashish , Kumar Prashant , Mishra Neeraj , Hussain Afzal , Upadhyay Aakash , Kumar Shubneesh , Farid Arshad
Published: May 2023

Background:

Colorectal cancer is still challenging for scientists and healthcare professionals. Conventional treatment methods are associated with various limitations in clinical bed and patient compliance. However, novel nanocarrier-based approaches have opened a new window for improved therapy and a new future perspective.

Introduction:

Cancer is the deadliest disease globally and is challenging to healthcare systems. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world, affecting all age groups and is the most common cancer in 23 countries, as per the World Health Organization (WHO).

Methods:

In this review, we addressed the nanocarrier-based strategic treatment of colorectal cancer, along with major findings, limitations, and future perspectives. For this, we thoroughly reviewed several literatures downloaded from prime sources, such as google scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, and Publon. To filter the exact data needed, we used keywords alone or in combination. Various relevant articles were obtained from the reference section of the selected papers.

Result and Discussion:

It is necessary to have an effective and targeted treatment option to control CRC other than available remedies. Nanotechnology has been widely used to diagnose and treat several cancer types. Advances in nanomedicine and phytonanomedicine have promoted novel identification methods to treat colorectal cancer patients. There are several nanocarriers recommended for clinical purposes. However, to date, only a few clinically approved nanocarriers can load anticancer moieties and selectively bind to cancer cells. Some nanocarriers transport and release treatments to the target colorectal area but provide few benefits.

Conclusion:

In this review, various nanoparticles (NPs) with unique properties have been discussed in relation to managing colorectal cancer, along with major outcomes of clinical trials and successful patents published so far.
Kadınların istenmeyen gebeliklerini resmi sağlık kuruluşu dışında sonlandırma deneyimi: Nitel bir çalışma
Authors: PARLAKYILDIZ BİLECEN Ayşegül , FİLİZ Emel
Published: May 2023

Amaç: Bu nitel çalışmanın amacı, kadınların istenmeyen gebeliklerini sağlık kuruluşları dışında isteyerek düşükle sonlandırma sürecini betimlemektir. Yöntem: Çalışma grubunu, kartopu ve amaçlı örneklem yöntemi ile belirlenen, istenmeyen gebelik/isteyerek düşük deneyimi olan 13 kadın oluşturmuştur. Kadınlara yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu aracılığıyla düşük deneyimlerine ilişkin sorular derinlemesine görüşme yöntemi ile sorulmuştur. Görüşmelerden elde edilen veriler elle kodlama yapılarak kategorize edilmiş ve temalara ulaşılmıştır. Bulgular: Çalışmada, (i) kadınların sağlık hizmetlerinden etkili bir şekilde yararlanamadığı, (ii) bu konuda bilgi ve farkındalıklarının düşük olduğu, (iii) istenmeyen gebelikleri nedeniyle damgalanma korkusu yaşadıkları ve (iv) deneyimledikleri düşük/kürtaj sonrası sağlık sorunları yaşamalarına rağmen aynı koşullarda tekrar düşük/kürtaja başvurma riski taşıdıkları belirlenmiştir. Sonuç: Birinci basamakta ücretsiz ve ulaşılabilir olmasına rağmen aile planlaması hizmetlerinden kadınların etkili bir şekilde yararlanamadığı görülmektedir. Kadınlar aynı koşullarda tekrar düşük/kürtaja başvurma riski taşımaktadırlar. Bulgularımız, birinci basamak sağlık çalışanlarının kadınların aile planlaması hizmetlerine erişiminin önündeki engellerin farkında olması, doğurganlık çağındaki her kadını karşılanamayan aile planlaması gereksinimi yönünden değerlendirmesi ve istenmeyen gebelik yaşayan kadınların düşük/kürtaj hizmetine erken dönemde ve sağlıklı koşullarda erişimlerini sağlaması gerektiğini ortaya koymuştur.
Spatial Effects on Rice Exports in ASEAN Countries
Authors: Herliana Sri , Hakim Dedi , Novianti Tanti , Syaukat Yusman
Published: May 2023

Rice trade was also influenced by the proximity factor between regions. This study analyzed the influence of spatial effects on rice exports in ASEAN countries. The analytical method used in this study is a quantitative method and Spatial panel data regression was used in analyzing spatial effects using panel data regression analysis. The data used was panel data with a time series from 2005 to 2019 and between individuals covering 10 ASEAN member countries, namely the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Data processing was assisted by using the R Studio application. Based on the regression analysis of spatial panel data to see the spatial effect on intra-ASEAN rice exports, it can be concluded that there was a spatial effect on intra-ASEAN rice exports. In addition, the results of this study also show that there was a relatively weak spatial agglomeration in rice exports in the ASEAN region.