bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stillbirth and its association with early rupture of membranes in Sub-Saharan Africa: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yelma Telksew , Dingeta Tariku , Assebe Tesfaye , Shalmeno Biruk
Published: January 2024

Background: The stillbirth rate is an important indicator of access to
quality antenatal and delivery care services. Many previous pocket
studies were conducted to assess the magnitude of stillbirth. Method:
Electronic databases were used for searching original articles. The
heterogeneity of the studies was checked. The random-effects method was
applied to estimate the pooled prevalence of stillbirth and the effect
size of the early rupture of membranes in sub-Saharan Africa. Subgroup
analysis was performed. A funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were
used to see publication bias. Result: Pooled prevalence of stillbirth in
sub-Saharan Africa was 6.4 % (95% CI: 5.5 - 7.3). In sub-group
analysis, Southern African regions had a higher stillbirth prevalence
and the western African regions had a lower than East and Southern
Africa. The prevalence of stillbirth in the region is increased from
4.1% (95% CI: 2.2 – 6.0) before 2015 to 7.1% (95% CI: 5.8 - 8.3)
after 2015. The pooled odds ratio results from seven studies showed the
non-significant effect of early rupture of membrane on stillbirth
(pooled OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 0.26 - 2.82). According to the regression
test (Egger test), there were no small study effects or publication bias
(P = 0.108). Conclusions: Pooled prevalence of stillbirth in sub-Saharan
Africa was relativity high. The analysis establishes the minimal effects
of early rupture of membrane on stillbirth. Therefore, we recommend that
strengthening the testing intervention is crucial to reduce the still
relatively high stillbirth. Keywords: Stillbirth, Early Rupture of
Membranes, sub-Saharan Africa
Exploring the therapeutic role of Anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) via a bioinformatic approach
Authors: SHEORAN SUMIT , Arora Swati , Velingkar Aayushi , Kala Shashi
Published: January 2024

Pathogens are spreading at an alarming rate throughout the world, posing
a global health threat. Because present treatment options have mostly
failed, new antibiotics are in high demand. Antimicrobial peptides
(AMPs) have emerged as a viable option in this circumstance due to their
broad-spectrum action, fast death, and frequently cell selectivity. They
are made up of several functional molecules with multiple
characteristics and varying biological activity. Their action mechanism
is uniquely changed according to the distinct amino acids and components
in its composition. Antimicrobial peptides are been derived from many
sources i.e. plants, Animals, marine etc. They have therapeutic promise,
however their usage is restricted due to its short plasma half-life.
With the aid of biotechnological techniques, AMP manufacturing may be
accomplished at a small price. As a result, once these obstacles are
addressed, the development of effective and long-lasting antimicrobial
medicines is anticipated. In this review article explains about the
applications of bioinformatics, mode of action, sources and many more.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Children and Adolescents with cancer infected with SARS-CoV2 at a Tertiary Care Medical Center in Jordan.
Authors: Al-Sweedan suleimman , Samara Dua' , Hamaidi Mo'ath , Al-Hamad Maram , Alsweedan Dalia
Published: January 2024

Background: Our knowledge about SARS-CoV2 infection is still evolving,
its effects and complications on children and adolescents with cancer
need to be studied more. The aim of this study is to present our
experience with SARS-CoV2 infection in this population and to highlight
specific complications and outcomes. Methods: This is a retrospective
and prospective observational study, involved 21 cancer patients below
the age of 18 years in north Jordan. Data regarding age, sex, cancer
type, phase of treatment, duration between infection and chemotherapy
and others were collected and reviewed. Results: A total of 21 patients
with malignancy were included. Mean age of 8.5 years. Two patients
(9.5%) had died; 4.7% is COVID related mortality and 4.7% related to
cancer progression. Four patients had disease progression following
SARS-CoV2 infection. Six cases developed hematological malignancy weeks
to months after SARS-CoV2 infection and one patient was diagnosed with
malignancy concomitantly with COVID-19 infection. Out of 15 patients
with pre-existing malignancy, 1 patient (7%) developed pulmonary
embolism, 4 (27%) patients were diagnosed with pneumonia and one
patient was diagnosed with pericarditis (7%), 2 (13%) patients were
admitted to pediatric intensive care unit. Regarding oxygen
requirements; a total of 3 (20%) patients required some form of Oxygen
supplementation. Conclusion: Diagnosis of COVID19 should not distract
physicians from investigating new malignancy or relapse as they may come
together or may be the result of COVID-19 infection. More studies and
investigations are needed to identify the contribution of corona virus
in pathogenesis of cancer.
Post-ART Immune Reconstitution Prediction Model in AIDS Patients with CD4 as the Grouping Variable
Authors: Li Min , Wang Qunwei , shen yinzhong
Published: January 2024

Objective To explore if CD4 can be used as an index to guide the ART
compliance and predict the feasibility of post-ART immune
reconstitution. Methods The data of outpatients with AIDS visiting the
research unit from August 2009 to April 2021 were used. The patients
were divided according to the grouping variable (CD4 in the last 1-6
consecutive times ≥ 500 cells/μL) into good immune reconstitution and
poor immune reconstitution groups. Based on the baseline CD4 value, the
patients were classified into 6 types. The optimal grouping variable was
used to establish the post-ART immune reconstitution prediction models,
and inference rules were generated. Results A total of 7,872 pieces of
valid data were obtained, including 4,834 in the incomplete immune
reconstitution group (CD4 ≥ 500 cells/μL or < 500 cells/μL).
Taking CD4 in the last 6 consecutive times ≥ 500 cells/μL as the optimal
grouping variable, 6 immune reconstitution prediction models were
established, with accuracies ranging within 89.4-93.29%, and 29
inference rules were generated. Good immune reconstitution rules were
more complex than poor immune reconstitution rules and had more
additional conditions; the confidence was high. It was found to usually
take 42 months of adherence to ART treatment to enter a good immune
reconstitution state. Conclusion The model established based on the
optimal grouping variable of CD4 in the last 6 consecutive times ≥ 500
cells/μL and the corresponding inference rules can effectively guide
ART, assess the post-ART immune reconstitution status and lower the
medical burden of ART.
Subdividing ART-Treated Patients by Modeling of CD4 Cell Count and Analysis of the Medical Burden
Authors: Li Min , Wang Qunwei , shen yinzhong
Published: January 2024

Objective: AIDS patients need life-long ART, the cost of which has
become a heavy medical burden on health systems. In this study, the CD4
cell count variable is modeled to subdivide the ART-treated patients,
aiming to reduce the medical burden. Methods: The data of outpatients at
the research unit between August 2009 and December 2020 were exported. A
recency-frequency (RF) model was established to distinguish and preserve
ART-treated patients. The common factor analysis (CFA) was conducted on
the three indicators of the baseline/mean/last CD4 cell counts to obtain
critical variables, which were then subjected to k-means modeling to
subdivide ART-treated patients, and their medical burden was analyzed.
Results: A total of 12,106 pieces of ART-treated patients were preserved
by RF modeling. The baseline/mean/last CD4 cell counts served as
important variables employed for modeling. The patients were divided
into 15 types, including two types with poor compliance and poor immune
reconstitution, two types with good compliance but poor immune
reconstitution, four types with poor compliance but good immune
reconstitution and seven types with good compliance and good immune
reconstitution. The frequency of visits was 5.25-9.95
visits/person/year, and the percentage of examination fees was
44.24-59.05%, with a medical burden of 4,114-12,677 yuan/person/year,
of which 42.62-70.09% was reducible. Poor compliance and poor immune
reconstitution lead to excessive visits and frequent examination, which
were the leading causes of the heavy medical burden of ART. Conclusion:
RF modeling can be used to distinguish ART-treated patients, which can
be subdivided by the CD4 cell count.
Existence of stable standing waves for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with mixed power-type and Choquard-type nonlinearities
Authors: shi chao
Published: January 2024

The aim of this paper is to study the existence of stable standing waves
for the following nonlinear Schr\”{o}dinger type
equation with mixed power-type and Choquard-type nonlinearities
\[ i\partial_t
\psi+\Delta
\psi+\lambda |
\psi|^q
\psi+\frac{1}{|x|^\alpha}\left(\int_{\mathbb{R}^N}\frac{|
\psi|^p}{|x-y|^\mu|y|^\alpha}dy\right)|
\psi|^{p-2} \psi=0,
\] where $N\geq3$,
$0<\mu0$,
$\alpha\geq0$,
$2\alpha+\mu\leq{N}$,
$0
Productivity effects of single plant growth promoting rhizobacterium inoculation on Cannabis sativa L. morphological development and flower yield
Authors: Lyu Dongmei , Backer Rachel , Smith D.L.
Published: January 2024

The legalization of cannabis and awareness of its end-use applications
has resulted in the renewed consumer demand. An important challenge is
achievement of high yield with minimum input for indoor production. The
beneficial phytomicrobiome as a sustainable approach gives its potential
and ability to enhance plant growth has already been evaluated for a
range of plants. This study evaluated three individual plant growth
promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR, Bacillus sp., Mucilaginibacter sp. and
Pseudomonas sp.) on cannabis (cv. CBD Kush) cuttings’ root development
and subsequent plant growth. Our hypothesis was that the PGPR would
improve rooting speed of cuttings, yield attributes, and physiological
variables. When compared to control (mock inoculation with MgSO4),
inoculation with PGPR increased root length at vegetative stage and
enhanced flower fresh weight by 5.13%, 6.94% and 11.45%, inoculating
with Bacillus sp., Mucilaginibacter sp. and Pseudomonas sp.
respectively. While the plant height, node number, branch number and
leaf area treated with PGPR was rarely different from control.
Throughout growth (vegetative and reproductive), inoculation with
Pseudomonas sp. resulted in the greatest increase in photosynthetic
rate. Future research should investigate the effects of PGPR on the
cannabinoid profile and the effect of various cell densities at
inoculation, or different inoculation timings.
The Analysis of the characteristics, standard diagnosis and treatment and prognosis of children with vestibular dysfunction
Authors: Tian Ruru , zhang hai , xie dao , ding ji , jiang jian , Ren qinzhan
Published: January 2024

Objective By investigating into the characteristics of vestibular
dysfunction in children, this study attempts to provide some guidance
and reference for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Methods
Retrospective analysis was performed on 80 children, aged between 4 and
17, with peripheral vestibular dysfunction. Results The group aged from
6 to 12 years significantly outnumbered the other two age
groups(P<0.001). We also found the positive rate of Mann test
was the highest, while the positive rate of cVEMP (cervical vestibular
evoked myogenic potential) was the lowest (P=0.007<0.05). The
positive rate of caloric testing and Romberg/Mann test was significantly
superior to others (P=0.024 <0.05). Among the etiologic
factors of vestibular dysfunction in children, Benign paroxysmal vertigo
of Childhood was the most common, accounted for 72.50%, following by
Vestibular migraine (5.00%) and Vestibular neuritis (10.00%). It
should also be noted that 27.50% were associated with other diseases
such as sinusitis (18.75%). Conclusion This paper found that there was
no obvious difference in age, gender and onset ear side of those
children with vestibular dysfunction. However, children in primary
school were more likely to suffer from vestibular dysfunction. In most
cases, the cause of vestibular dysfunction in children is unclear. Thus
special attention should by drawn on differential diagnosis. At the same
time, detailed medical history of the children should be acknowledged
and appropriate vestibular function examination should be selected, in
order to give timely, effective and accurate treatment plan for the
children.
Existence of ground state solutions for generalized quasilinear Schr\”{o}dinger equations with asymptotically periodic potential
Authors: Xue Yanfang , Yu Liju , Han Jianxin
Published: January 2024

This article is concerned with the existence of positive ground state
solutions for an asymptotically periodic quasilinear
Schr\”{o}dinger equation. By using a Nehari-type
constraint, we get the existence results which improve the ones in Shi
and Chen [Comput. Math. Appl. 71, 2016, 849-858]. Moreover, we give
an application of our results, which extends the results in Li
[Commun. Pure Appl. Anal. 14, 2015, 1803-1816].
Does age impact adverse events in adolescents and young adults treated with PEG-asparaginase treatment at a Canadian pediatric tertiary hospital? A retrospective review examining the role of age in the presentation of PEG-asparaginase side effects
Authors: Abbott Lesleigh , Claveau Maia , Tang Kenneth , Cameron Jameason , Gouet Genevieve
Published: January 2024

Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer have less
favorable outcomes than other populations for lymphoid malignancies.
Pediatric patients have a better survival rate for lymphoid malignancies
and current evidence suggests that asparaginase plays a role in improved
response to treatment. This study aimed to evaluate if AYA patients at a
pediatric hospital were more likely to experience PEG-asparaginase
(PEG-ASP) related adverse events than younger patients. Methods: A
retrospective chart review from 2007-2017 was conducted in the pediatric
population at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). Only
patients having received PEG-ASP were included. Event incidence and risk
related to age at diagnosis was assessed through parameter estimates and
Wald Chi Square analysis. Results: In total, 75 adverse events were
observed: 34/186 (18.3%) experienced allergic reactions, 8/186 (4.3%)
pancreatitis, 31/186 (16.7%) thrombosis and 2/186 (1.1%) hemorrhage.
182 patients had complete information for inclusion in in our model. A
correlation between age at diagnosis and higher risk of allergic
reaction (p<0.001) and pancreatitis (p<0.035) was
observed. Conclusion: Allergic reaction and pancreatitis upon
administration of PEG-ASP have a higher risk of occurrence as age of
diagnosis increases. This includes the AYA population and warrants
precaution as PEG-ASP is included in older populations treatment
regimens at pediatric centers.
An upwind-block-centered finite difference method for a semiconductor device of heat conduction and its numerical analysis
Authors: Yuan Yirang , Li Changfeng , Song Huailing
Published: January 2024

The mathematical model is formulated by a nonlinear system of
initial-boundary problem including four partial differential equations:
an elliptic equation for electrostatic potential, two
convection-diffusion equations for electron concentration and hole
concentration, a heat conduction equation for temperature. The electric
field potential is solved by the conservative block-centered method, and
the first order of the accuracy is improved by the electric potential.
The concentrations and temperature are computed by the
upwind-block-centered difference method. The block-centered method is
used to discretize the diffusion. The upwind difference is applied to
approximate the convection to avoid numerical dispersion and nonphysical
oscillation. The block-centered difference simulates diffusion,
concentrations, temperature, and the adjoint vector functions
simultaneously. It has the local conservation of mass. An optimal order
error estimates is obtained. Numerical examples are provided to show the
effectiveness and viability of this method.
ILDR1 promotes influenza A virus replication through binding to PLSCR1
Authors: Liu Yueyue , Lin Shuqian , Xie Yunhui , Zhao Lu , Du Haibo , Yang Shifa , Yin Bin , Li Guiming , Zhao Zengcheng , Huang Zhongli , Xu Zhigang , Wu Jiaqiang
Published: January 2024

As a natural antiviral regulator, phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) has
been shown to inhibit influenza virus replication in infected cells
through interacting with NP of influenza A virus (IAV). But its
antiviral function as well as the underlying regulatory mechanism has
not been examined in vivo. In the present work, we show that
PLSCR1 expression is decreased in H1N1 SIV-infected mice, and
Plscr1mice are more susceptible to H1N1 SIV
infection. By performing yeast two-hybrid screening, we identified
immunoglobulin-like domain-containing receptor 1 (ILDR1) as a novel
PLSCR1-binding partner. ILDR1 is highly expressed in the lungs, and its
expression level is increased after virus infection. Interestingly,
ILDR1 could not directly interact with virus NP protein, but could
combine with PLSCR1 competitively. Our data indicates that there is a
previously unidentified PLSCR1-ILDR1-NP regulatory pathway playing a
vital role in limiting IAV infection, which provides novel insights into
IAV-host interactions.
Green Synthesis of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles and evaluation as Photocatalytic Degradation of Imidacloprid Pesticide
Authors: Iqbal Amna , Naqvi Syed Ali Raza , Haq Atta Ul , Saeed Muhammad
Published: January 2024

Copper oxide and nickel oxide photocatalysts were synthesized using
Abelmoschus esculentus leaf extract and their photocatalytic properties
were evaluated by degrading recalcitrant pesticide imidacloprid. A
rapid, economical, and environment friendly biosynthesis produced
high-surface-area CuO and NiO photocatalyst nanoparticles. The CuO and
NiO nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy,
energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermo-gravimetric/differential
thermal analysis. The XRD studies showed that the synthesized
nanoparticles have a face-centered cubic structure. Photocatalytic
degradation study showed nanoparticles bear good potential to degrad
Imidacloprid. The degradation was found to be affected by the
Imidacloprid concentration, solution pH, and photocatalyst dosages. The
pesticide degradation percentage (~99%) was attained by
CuO photocatalyst that was higher than for NiO photocatalyst
(~81%). The degradation follows pseudo-first-order
kinetic model, and the apparent rate constant (Kapp) decreased from
0.028/min for CuO to 0.0076/min for NiO photocatalyst. The nanoparticles
demonstrated high water stability and recyclability.
Study on compatibility of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction on hypertension treatment in rats
Authors: li Minhui , yang huimin , gu yuxin , cheng huijuan , bai xue , men lianhui , yang feifei , chen cheng , li wenqi , huang zhihua , liao boting , zhang honghua , tian qingchang , xu nan , wang shuling
Published: January 2024

Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction (BBTD), a classical compound of
traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been clinically used for
hypertension treatment. There are so many components in this formula
that it is necessary to explore whether each component plays a
positiverole in anti-hypertension treatment. After hypertension models
were established with high-fat diet for 6 weeks, rats in each group were
treated with full prescription, no principle prescription, no
ministerial prescription and no adjuvant prescription for 6 weeks
respectively. It was found that BBTD was effective in reducing body
weight gain, decreasing serum TG and T-CHO, as well as lowering
diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Total
28 metabolites in model rats were identified to be different from that
of control group, which focusing on 12 important metabolic pathways: (a)
Phenylalanine, Tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, (b) Linoleic acid
metabolism, (c) Starch and sucrose metabolism, etc. Eight different
metabolites (Talose, Oleic acid, L-Proline, etc) were identified between
the full prescription group and the model group, which are mainly
involved in 4 metabolic pathways (Arginine and proline metabolism,
Biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, Amino sugar and nucleotide
sugar metabolism and Aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis). Furthermore, it also
indicated that the principle drugs ie. Pinellia ternata and Gastrodia
elata was better than the other drug treatment. In a word, BBTD has a
therapeutic effect on hypertension in rats, and Pinellia ternata and
Gastrodia elata play an important role in the treatment. The study
provides theoretical basis for further optimization of BBTD formula.
WHAT THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC TAUGHT US IN CHILDREN
Authors: GENÇELİ MUSTAFA , Akcan Ozge Metin , Pekcan Sevgi , Akın Fatih , Özdemir Mehmet , KILIÇ Ahmet Osman , Yazar Abdullah
Published: January 2024

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic is an important cause of morbidity and
mortality, which has had a negative impact worldwide. We aimed to
contribute to the medical literature by sharing the knowledge and
experience of pediatric patients who were diagnosed as having COVID-19
in a one-year period. Method: Patients aged 1 month to 18 years who were
diagnosed as having COVID-19 in our clinic, between March 2020 and April
2020, from when COVID-19 was declared as a pandemic, were included in
the study. Results: Four hundred sixty-seven children were included in
the study. There were 34 (7.3%) patients under one year of age, 111
(23.8%) between 1-5 years, 98 (30.4%) between 5-10 years, 142 (30.4%)
between 11-15 years, and 82 (17.6%) age over 15 years. Fever (88.2%),
vomiting (32.4%), and diarrhea (29.4%) in patients aged under 1 year,
sore throat (36.6%) in patients aged 11-15 years, and dysgeusia (11%),
anosmia (14.6%), headache (18.3%), malaise (40.8%), myalgia (28%),
and dyspnea (17.1%) in those aged over 15 years of age were found
significantly more common compared with the other age groups.
Thirty-five (7.5%) patients were asymptomatic, 365 (78.1%) had mild
disease, 35 (7.5%) were moderate, 27 (5.8%) were severe, and five
(1.07%) were critical. Leukocyte count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate,
ferritin, and C-reactive protein values were significantly higher in
hospitalized patients. Four patients died during the study period
(0.8%, 4/494). Conclusion: Although COVID-19 has an asymptomatic and
mild course in children, it should be kept in mind that it may have a
severe course.
Genetic predisposition to allergic rhinitis in relation to 11 psychiatric disorders
Authors: Zhang Xiaowen , Liao Wenjing , Song Lijuan , Xie Junyang , Chen Gui , Liang Tianhao , Li Ang , Zhang Chunyi , Xu Meiqian , Li Hao , Xie Jianlei , Yang Pingchang , Han Deming , Zhong Nanshan
Published: January 2024

Background: Growing evidence from observational studies
suggests a link between
Allergic [rhinitis](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/rhinitis) (AR)
and psychiatric disorders; whether these associations represent causal
relationships remains uncertain. Methods: We performed
bi-directional two-sample mendelian randomization (MR) using summary
statistics from European genome-wide association studies to examine
evidence of causality, specificity and direction of association of AR
with 11 different psychiatric disorders or relevant traits. MR was
conducted using the inverse-variance weighted method (IVW), MR-Egger and
weighted median methods. Sensitivity analyses included the MR-Egger
regression and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier test.
Results: AR from 2 different GWAS data was positively
associated with bipolar disorder (OR=1.649, 95% CI: 1.077-2.526;
P=0.021; OR=1.599; 95%CI 1.058-2.417; P=0.026). AR was also associated
with major depressive disorder (OR=1.539; 95%CI 1.007-2.353; P=0.047).
There were no significant association between AR and other 9 psychiatric
disorders. Bidirectional analyses showed that bipolar disorder is
negatively associated with AR (OR=0.964; 95%CI: 0.936-0.993; P=0.015).
There was no evidence for potential causal schizophrenia and effects of
attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder on risk of AR by MR method,
but, MR pleiotropy residual outlier test suggested that attention
deficit/hyperactivity disorder is negatively associated with AR after
outlier correction (OR=0.976, 95%CI: 0.958-0.995, P=0.012).
Conclusions: This MR study indicated that AR was a causal risk
factor for bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, but not for
other psychiatric disorders. Bipolar disorder and attention
deficit/hyperactivity disorder may be a protective factor for AR.
Further studies could be carried out to leverage these new found insight
into better clinical and experimental research in AR and psychiatric
disorders.
Project Rebuild the Evidence Base (REB): a method to interpret randomised clinical trials and their meta-analysis to present solid benefit-risk assessments to patients.
Authors: Boussageon Rémy , Blanchard Clara , Charuel Elodie , Menini Thibault , Pereira Bruno , naudet florian , Kassai Behrouz , Gueyffier François , Cucherat Michel , Vaillant-Roussel Hélène
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Evidence-based medicine is the cornerstone of
shared-decision making in healthcare today. The public deserves clear,
transparent and trust-worthy information on drug efficacy. Yet today,
many drugs are prescribed and used without solid evidence of efficacy.
Moreover, meta-analyses are the staple to test for drug efficacy and
adverse effects, but spins can lead to unconvincing conclusions. In a
shared medical decision-making approach, general practitioners need drug
assessment to be based on patient-important outcomes. The aim of project
Rebuild the Evidence Base (REB) is to bridge the gap between the data
needed in clinical practice and the data available from clinical
research. Methods and Analysis: The drugs will be assessed on clinical
patient important outcomes and for a population. Using the Cochrane
tools, we propose to analyse for each population and outcome : 1) a
meta-analysis, based on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with low
risk of bias overall ; 2) Confirmatory RCT with low risk of biais
overall; 3) Heterogeneity between RCT, and 4) Publication bias
assessment. Depending on the results of these analyses, evidence would
be rated according to 4 levels: firm evidence, evidence, results to be
confirmed (but no evidence) or lack of evidence. Conclusion: Project REB
proposes a method for reading and interpreting randomized clinical
trials and their meta-analysis to produce quality data for general
practitioners to focus on benefit-risk assessment in the interest of
patients. If this data does not exist, it could enable clinical research
to better its aim.
Leafhopper diversity blueprint along the elevation gradient of North-Western Himalayas, India.
Authors: Thakur Priyanka , Rana Rajinder , Meshram Naresh , Sharma Krishan , Challa Nalini , Gaikwad Mahesh
Published: January 2024

Species richness pattern along the elevation gradient forms precious
tools in understanding diversity gradients and their principal
mechanisms. Himachal Pradesh, one of the hubs of biological diversity
has congenial atmospheric conditions and is homeland for large number of
insects. Despite being one of the major biodiversity hotspots several
insect families remain poorly studied in the state including,
Cicadellidae: Hemiptera. A total of 85 leafhoppers species belonging to
61 genera of 12 subfamilies of Cicadellidae were recorded from all the
12 districts of the state covering 25 locations. Four species, Gurawa
monorcephala Pruthi, Leofa pulchellus Distant, Olidiana kirkaldyi
(Walker) and Paralimnellus cingulatus (Dlabola) appeared to be new
records from Himachal Pradesh and one species, Pseudosubhimalus sp. Nov
was new from India. Species richness as well as diversity increased with
rising altitude from Sub-mountain low hills zone I (350-650m amsl) with
a hump at mid hills zone II (651-1800m amsl) following a declining trend
towards high hills wet temperate zone III (1801-2200m amsl) and high
hills dry temperate zone IV (above 2200m amsl). This elevational
disparity in species richness might be due to variations in the
physiological requirements, host preference and changing climate.
Abundance of leafhopper species as observed in temperate regions is of
serious concern of global warming, due to their job in transmission of
plant viruses and phytoplasmas, of which the world has still no control,
therefore the future of food security lies in the paradigm of
uncertainty.
Metabolic mapping of drought tolerance: revealing how citrus rootstocks modulate plant metabolism under varying water availability
Authors: Silva Simone , Miranda Marcela , Cunha Camila , Domingues Adilson , Aricetti Juliana , Caldana Camila , Machado Eduardo , Ribeiro Rafael
Published: January 2024

Water stress is a major environmental factor affecting Citrus spp. and
Rangpur lime is a drought-tolerant rootstock used to improve orange
yield in rainfed orchards. Aiming a comprehensive spatio-temporal
evaluation of citrus responses to drought, we combined
morpho-physiological analyses with metabolic profiling of roots and
leaves of Valencia orange scions grafted onto Rangpur lime, Swingle
citrumelo or Sunki mandarin rootstocks under water deficit. Plant
responses were evaluated during the initial phase of reduction in water
availability, when water deficit was maximum and after rehydration.
Fifty-eight primary metabolites were modulated by water deficit, mainly
amino acids, organic acids and sugars. Metabolic changes indicated
adjustments related to osmotic, energetic and redox processes under low
water availability, which were dependent on rootstock and varied between
roots and leaves and along the experimental period. Water deficit
induced minor metabolic changes in Swingle citrumelo rootstock, while
Sunki mandarin invested more energy in protective compounds. Regarding
the drought tolerant rootstock, our data revealed a more advantageous
strategy of Rangpur lime when facing water deficit, which combines cell
protection through the reinforcement of antioxidant metabolism and the
maintenance of energy supply to first improve root growth during water
shortage and then shoot growth just after rewatering.
Simultaneous Detection of SARS-CoV-2 and Six Other Human Coronaviruses by Multiplex PCR and MALDI-TOF MS
Authors: Liu Tingting , Kang Lin , Li Yanwei , Huang Jing , Guo Zishuo , Hu Yi , Zhai Zhixiang , Kang XIaoping , Jiang Tao , Li Hao , Song Hexing , Wang Jing , Gao Shan , Li Jiaxin , Zhou Xiaoguang , Yuan Yuan , Wang Jinglin , Zhao Baohua , Xin Wenwen
Published: January 2024

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2) is challenging the health systems worldwide, and large
population testing is a vital step to control this pandemic. Here, we
developed a new method (named HCoV-MS), which combines multiplex PCR
with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass
spectrometry to simultaneously detect and differentiate seven human
coronaviruses (HCoVs). The HCoV-MS method had good specificity and
sensitivity, with a detection limit of 1-5 copies/reaction. To validate
the HCoV-MS method, we tested 151 clinical samples, and the results
showed good concordance with real-time PCR. In addition, 41 D614G
variants were identified, which were consistent with the sequencing
results. This method was also used in EQAE-SARS-COV in 2020, and all the
samples were accurately identified. Taken together, HCoV-MS could be
used as an effective method for large-scale detection. It was also
capable of detecting key single nucleotide polymorphism about variants.
Evidence-based Information Systems (IS) research: the case of systematic literature review (SLR)
Authors: Yusif Salifu , Hafeez-Baig Abdul
Published: January 2024

Over the last decades there have been increased in the application of
information systems (IS) in the form of digital health technologies to
enhance access to healthcare services, improve healthcare quality and
efficiency of healthcare systems. Evidence on the efficiency of digital
health technologies in clinical settings to enable the adoption and
scaling up of such technologies is buried in ever increasing and complex
extant literature including grey due to lack of the application of
robust evidence-based research in IS. By and large, in the medical and
health domain, decision-making is based on evidence-based research. In
this study, we advocate for the increased use of evidence-based research
using systematic literature review (SLR) as reference point in IS
interventions especially in healthcare settings as digital health
interventions increase. We believe the increased use/application of
evidence-based research in the domain of IS will be key to identifying
and scaling up relevant digital health technologies, and one step
forward from “potential” as they are known for. We demonstrate this by
liking IS research to medical research in various aspects. We also
provide a step-by-step guide to conducting systematic review in IS
including strategies on how to harness evidence through strategic use of
the contentious grey literature.
Result and Technique Consideration of Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Tachycardia in Patients with Dextrocardia
Authors: Zhang Yuekun , Sun Liping , Luo Fangyuan , Li Jiaju , Sun Yibo , Dong Jianzeng
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Patients with tachycardia and dextrocardia could benefit
from catheter ablation. However, anatomical complexities create
challenges for that. We aimed to retrospectively summarize the clinical
characteristics and the safety and efficiency, and recommended the
technique considerations of these patients. Methods and Results:
Twenty-one cases from 19 patients with tachycardia and dextrocardia who
underwent catheter ablation between 2009 and 2021 were enrolled. All
patients underwent echocardiography and computed tomography (CT) to
confirm the anatomical malformations. Transseptal puncture was guided by
fluoroscopy or intracardiac echocardiography when left atrial access was
necessary and the ablation process was guided by three-dimensional
mapping. Six cases exhibited situs solitus while nine cases exhibited
situs inversus. Fourteen cases exhibited atrial fibrillation, seven
cases exhibited atrial flutter, and two cases exhibited atrioventricular
reentrant tachycardia (AVRT)；two cases exhibited atrial fibrillation
combined with atrial flutter. Acute success was achieved in 18 cases
(85.7%, 18/21). The three-dimensional mapping system was not employed
in the three cases which failed. During long-term follow-up (20.71 ±
21.86 months), eight cases (72.7%, 8/11) of atrial fibrillation with
dextrocardia successfully attained sinus rhythm. None of AVRT cases had
recurrence. Half of the atrial flutter cases with dextrocardia,
especially those with a history of surgical correction treatment for
heart malformations, underwent recurrence. One case had tamponade.
Conclusion: Catheter ablation for tachycardia patients with
dextrocardia, is safe, efficient, and feasible. It is imperative to
integrate echocardiography, cardiac computer tomography, and
three-dimensional mapping, and apply three-dimensional reconstruction to
facilitate the success of catheter ablation.
Persistent left superior vena cava -a benign or a sinister finding in fetal life: a review
Authors: Gupta Neha
Published: January 2024

Persistent left side superior vena cava (PLSVC) is an uncommon venous
anomaly that occurs as a result of persistence of caudal part of left
anterior cardinal vein (LACV). When isolated, PLSVC is of no hemodynamic
significance and is considered as a benign variant. However, a detailed
fetal and post-natal echocardiogram is advised to rule out any
structural heart defects. Its presence should be documented as it is
important while doing cardiac procedures later in life.
The PI3K/AKT Pathway is Pivotal in TCM-Based Treatment of Stroke
Authors: Gu Chenyang , Long Jun , Li Yajing , Zhang Qiankun , Li Zhinuo , Zou Huihui , Ahmed Waqas , Chen Wanghao , Huang Shiying , Chen Lukui
Published: January 2024

Stroke is associated with a high disability and fatality rate, and
adversely affects the quality of life of patients and their families.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used effectively in the
treatment of stroke for more than 2000 years in China and surrounding
countries and regions, and over the years, this field has gleaned
extensive clinical treatment experience. The Phosphatidylinositol 3
kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (AKT) pathway is important for
regulation of cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and
apoptosis, and plays a vital role in vascularization and oxidative
stress in stroke. Current Western medicine treatment protocols for
stroke include mainly pharmacologic or mechanical thrombectomy to
restore blood flow. This review collates recent advances in the past
five years in the TCM treatment of stroke involving the PI3K/AKT
pathway. TCM treatment significantly reduces neuronal damage, inhibits
cell apoptosis, and delays progression of stroke via various
PI3K/AKT-mediated downstream pathways. In the future, TCM can provide
new perspectives and directions for exploring the key factors, and
effective activators or inhibitors that affect occurrence and
progression of stroke, thereby facilitating treatment.
Large-scale miRNA-Target Data Analysis to Discover miRNA Co-regulation Network of Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Soybeans
Authors: Chang Haowu , Zhang Hao , Zhang Tianyue , Su Lingtao , Qin Qing-Ming , Li Gui-Hua , Li Xueqing , Wang Li , Zhao Tianheng , Zhao Enshuang , Zhao Hengyi , Liu Yuanning , Stacey Gary , Xu Dong
Published: January 2024

Although growing evidence shows that microRNA (miRNA) regulates plant
growth and development, miRNA regulatory networks in plants are not well
understood. Current experimental studies cannot characterize miRNA
regulatory networks on a large scale. This information gap provides a
good opportunity to employ computational methods for global analysis and
to generate useful models and hypotheses. To address this opportunity,
we collected miRNA-target interactions (MTIs) and used MTIs from
Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicago truncatula to predict homologous MTIs
in soybeans, resulting in 80,235 soybean MTIs in total. A multi-level
iterative bi-clustering method was developed to identify 483 soybean
miRNA-target regulatory modules (MTRMs). Furthermore, we collected
soybean miRNA expression data and corresponding gene expression data in
response to abiotic stresses. By clustering these data, 37 MTRMs related
to abiotic stresses were identified including stress-specific MTRMs and
shared MTRMs. These MTRMs have gene ontology (GO) enrichment in
resistance response, iron transport, positive growth regulation, etc.
Our study predicts soybean miRNA-target regulatory modules with high
confidence under different stresses, constructs miRNA-GO regulatory
networks for MTRMs under different stresses and provides miRNA targeting
hypotheses for experimental study. The method can be applied to other
biological processes and other plants to elucidate miRNA co-regulation
mechanisms.
Unexpected positive lupus anticoagulant and isolated prolongation of aPTT following infection
Authors: Liu Lu-Qiong , Jin Zhen , Zhang Ying , He Chen-lu , Xie Zhen-Rong , Huang Yong-kun
Published: January 2024

As an uncommon cause, prolonged aPTT caused by lupus anticoagulant (LA)
after infection is easily overlooked. Here, we describe two cases like
this. A 3-year-old boy received many tests until dilute Russell’s viper
venom time screening, mixing tests, and confirmatory tests were
programed. Time and cost consuming, mental stress of the child and his
parents were seen. After that, a 4-year-old girl was identified isolated
prolonged aPTT at screening before adenotonsillectomy. Fortunately, she
was quickly diagnosed. The two cases reveal the construction of the
relationship among infection, LA and isolated prolonged aPTT plays a
vital role in the clinic practice.
Recent advances in Biosensor devices for HER-2 cancer biomarker detection
Authors: Chupradit Supat , Jasim Saade Abdalkareem , Bokov Dmitry , Mahmoud Mustafa Z. , Roomi Ali B. , HACHEM Kadda , Rudiansyah Mohammad , Suksatan Wanich , Bidares Ramtin
Published: January 2024

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein, is a member of
the epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR or ErbB) family and is a
transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor and, also is high regulated in
the ovarian, lung, gastric, oral, and breast cancers. The low
specificity and the lack of sensitivity are important restriction in the
traditional diagnosis method and other disadvantages such as complex,
expensive in FISH, immunohistochemistry and PCR methods led to needing
more studies for alternative methods. Biosensor technology has highly
effected on the quality of human life through its capacity in
sensitivity, specificity, and rapid diagnosis and monitoring of
different patient diseases. In this review article, we discuss these
biosensors, considering that they have been categorized based on
transducer including piezoelectric biosensors, optical sensors such as
Fluorescence, Colorimetric and Surface Plasmon resonance, and
electrochemical types to the diagnosis of HER-2 and the effectiveness of
some drugs against that.
The potential mechanism of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 combined with ATP-sensitive potassium channel in severe preeclampsia
Authors: Zhou Xianyi , Li Wei , Lin Hairui , Tan Yingjun , Fu Xiaodong
Published: January 2024

Objective To investigate the potential mechanism of transient receptor
potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) and ATP-sensitive potassium channel
(KATP) in severe preeclampsia. Design Basic research. Setting The
pathogenesis of severe preeclampsia. Samples Human placental arterioles
and HUVECs. Methods (1) Tissue level: The samples were divided into the
normotensive pregnancy (NP) group and severe preeclampsia (SP) group.
Hematoxylin-eosin staining, quantitative PCR, Western blotting and
immunohistochemistry were performed. (2) Cellular level: The samples
were divided into the control group, TRPV1 agonist group (capsaicin),
and TRPV1 inhibitor group (capsazepine), quantitative PCR and Western
blotting were performed. Main Outcome Measures The relative expression
of TRPV1, KATP subtype Kir6.1/SUR2B, nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in
placental arterioles ; the relative expression of TRPV1, Kir6.1/SUR2B,
and eNOS in the cell groups. Results (1) The endothelial cell layer in
the SP group was obviously damaged. The relative gene and protein
expression of TRPV1, Kir6.1, SUR2B and eNOS was significantly lower than
that in the NP group (P<0.01). (2) The relative gene and
protein expression of TRPV1, Kir6.1, SUR2B and eNOS in the control group
were significantly lower than those in the capsaicin group
(P<0.01) and were significantly higher than those in the
capsazepine group (P<0.01). Conclusion TRPV1 plus the
downregulation of KATP downregulates the expression of eNOS, reducing
vasodilation, which may be critical in the pathogenesis of severe
preeclampsia. Funding Luzhou Science and Technology Bureau (
2020-SYF-27). Key words: Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1;
ATP-sensitive potassium channel; Endothelial nitric oxide synthase;
Nitric oxide; Severe preeclampsia
Development and preliminary validation of the Anaphylaxis Quality of Life Scale for Adults (A-QOL-Adults)
Authors: Knibb Rebecca , Huissoon Aarnoud , Baretto Richard , Ekbote Anjali , Onyango-Odera Sham , Screti Cassandra , L Kristina Newman , KRISHNA MAMIDIPUDI THIRUMALA
Published: January 2024

Background: Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially
life-threatening allergic reaction which can have a detrimental impact
on quality of life (QoL). There are no validated scales to measure the
impact of anaphylaxis on QoL of adults. The aim of this study was to
develop and assess the reliability and validity of a QoL scale for
adults with anaphylaxis (the A-QoL-Adults). Methods: Interviews
were conducted with 13 adults with anaphylaxis; data was analysed using
thematic analysis to extract items for a QoL scale. A 28-item prototype
QoL scale was then completed by 115 participants (with a confirmed
diagnosis of anaphylaxis as per the WAO diagnostic criteria) alongside
validated scales to measure generic QoL (WHOQoL BREF), anxiety and
depression (HADS) and stress (PSS). All participants were recruited from
a specialist allergy clinic. Results: After factor analysis,
the A-QoL-Adults scale was reduced to 21 items which had excellent
internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha=0.96). Factor analysis produced 3
sub-scales: Emotional Impact; Social Impact; Limitations on Life. Each
had excellent internal reliability (0.92; 0.92; 0.91 respectively).
Poorer anaphylaxis-related QoL (total A-QoL-Adults score and sub-scale
scores) correlated significantly with poorer general QoL and greater
anxiety, depression and stress (all p<0.01 with medium to
large effect sizes). Conclusions: The A-QoL-Adults scale is a
reliable measure of QoL in adults with anaphylaxis and shows good
construct validity. It will offer healthcare professionals a means to
further understand the impact of anaphylaxis on adult patients and could
help direct and monitor clinical care and the need for further
psychological intervention.
High accuracy extrapolation cascadic Newton multigrid computation for two-dimensional nonlinear Poisson equations
Authors: Li Ming , LI Chenglin
Published: January 2024

An extrapolation cascadic Newton multigrid (ECNMG) method is proposed
for high accuracy numerical solutions of two-dimensional nonlinear
Poisson equations, by incorporating the fourth-order compact difference
schemes, the extrapolation techniques and the existing Newton multigrid
method. A series of grid level dependent computational tolerances are
discussed to distribute computational cost on different grids, and an
extrapolation interpolation strategy and a bi-quartic polynomial
interpolation are used for two fourth-order approximations from current
and previous grids to provide an extremely accurate initial guess on the
next finer grid, which can greatly reduce the iterations of the Newton
multigrid computation for computing an approximation with
discretization-level accuracy. Additionally, a completed Richardson
extrapolation technique is adopted for the fourth-order computed
solution to generate a sixth-order extrapolated solution cheaply.
Numerical results of two-dimensional nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann
equations with five different fourth-order compact difference schemes
are conducted to demonstrate the new ECNMG algorithm achieve sixth-order
accuracy and keep less cost simultaneously, more efficient than the
existing Newton-MG method.
Hepatic cirrhosis in two patients with neuroblastoma receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Hori Daiki , Kobayashi Ryoji , Suzuki Daisuke , Sano Hirozumi , Yanagi Masato , Matsushima Satoru , Kobayashi Kunihiko
Published: January 2024

Hepatic cirrhosis is a very rare complication of hematopoietic stem cell
transplantation (SCT) and of neuroblastoma. We encountered two patients
developing cirrhosis after SCT against neuroblastoma. A 6-year-old boy
who had received allogeneic bone marrow transplantation developed
cirrhosis 10 years after the SCT with the massive upper gastrointestinal
hemorrhage. A 27-year-old man receiving allogeneic cord blood
transplantation against recurrence of neuroblastoma, died of liver
failure due to histological cirrhosis 1 year after the SCT. We could not
detect the definite etiologic candidates of cirrhosis; however, careful
monitoring appears warranted to avoid overlooking the onset and
progression of cirrhosis after SCT.