bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges in remote sensing based climate and crop monitoring: navigating the complexities using AI
Authors: Han Huimin , Liu Zehua , Li Jiuhao , Zeng Zhixiong
Published: February 2024

The fast human climate change we are witnessing in the early twenty-first century is inextricably linked to the health and function of the biosphere. Climate change is affecting ecosystems through changes in mean conditions and variability, as well as other related changes such as increased ocean acidification and atmospheric CO2 concentrations. It also interacts with other ecological stresses like as degradation, defaunation, and fragmentation.Ecology and climate monitoring are critical to understanding the complicated interactions between ecosystems and changing climate trends. This review paper dives into the issues of ecological and climate monitoring, emphasizing the complications caused by technical limits, data integration, scale differences, and the critical requirement for accurate and timely information. Understanding the ecological dynamics of these climatic impacts, identifying hotspots of susceptibility and resistance, and identifying management measures that may aid biosphere resilience to climate change are all necessary. At the same time, ecosystems can help with climate change mitigation and adaptation. The processes, possibilities, and constraints of such nature-based climate change solutions must be investigated and assessed. Addressing these issues is critical for developing successful policies and strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting sustainable ecosystem management. Human actions inscribe their stamp in the big narrative of our planet’s story, affecting the very substance of the global atmosphere. This transformation goes beyond chemistry, casting a spell on the physical characteristics that choreograph Earth’s brilliant dance. These qualities, like heavenly notes, create a song that echoes deep into the biosphere. We go on a journey via recorded tales of ecological transformation as they respond to the ever-shifting environment in this text. We peek into the rich fabric of change, drawing insight from interconnected observatories. Nonetheless, this growing symphony is set to unleash additional transformational stories - narratives of natural riches and rhythms that are both economically and environmentally essential. Understanding these stories is essential for navigating this developing epic. A roadmap for sustainable development necessitates the ability to comprehend these stories, a problem that resonates across the breadth of monitoring programs, particularly in the infancy of integrated sites.
Effect of huankuile on colon injury in rats with ulcerative colitis by reducing TNF-α and MMP9
Authors: Wushouer Xilinguli , Aximujiang Kasimujiang , Kadeer Nafeisha , Aihemaiti Abulaiti , Zhong Li , Yunusi Kurexi
Published: February 2024

Objective

To explore the mechanism of huankuile (HKL) in colon injury repair in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

Fifty SPF Wistar male rats were divided randomly into a normal group, a negative control group, an HKL intervention group (‘HKL group’) and a 5-aminosalicylic acid intervention group (‘5-ASA group’). After 14 days of intervention with corresponding drugs, pathological scores were obtained using the results of immunohistochemical staining; morphological changes were observed by hematoxylin–eosin staining, and the mRNA expression levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) were detected by real-time quantitative PCR.

Results

After the successful construction of the rat model, it was compared with the rats in the normal group. In the negative group, it was found that the expression of TNF-α and MMP9 was significantly increased in the colonic mucosal epithelia of the rats, the pathological score was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, MMP9 and IL-13 were increased (P < 0.05). After treatment with HKL, the colonic morphology of the rats returned to normal, the expression of TNF-α and MMP9 in the colonic mucosal epithelium of the rats returned to normal, the pathological score grade was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), and the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, MMP9 and IL-13 were reduced; these results were largely consistent with those of the normal group, with no statistically significant difference.

Conclusion

HKL effectively improved the general symptoms and tissue injury in UC rats, and the therapeutic effect was better than that of 5-ASA group. Ulcerative colitis in rats increased the expression of TNF-α, MMP9 and IL-13. HKL repaired UC-induced colonic injury in rats by decreasing the expression of TNF-α, MMP9 and IL-13.
Large variation in anti-factor Xa levels with nadroparin as thromboprophylaxis in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 critically ill patients
Authors: de Maat Monique M.R. , van Leeuwen Henk J. , Roovers Lian , Ahlers Sabine J.G.M. , Lambers Jolanda , Hovens Marcel M.C.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Critically ill COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients receive thromboprophylaxis with the LMWH nadroparin. Whether a standard dosage is adequate in attaining the target anti-FXa levels (0.20–0.50 IU/ml) in these groups is unknown.

Methods

This study was a prospective, observational study in the ICU of a large general teaching hospital in the Netherlands. COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU who received LMWH in a prophylactic dosage of 2850 IU, 5700 IU or 11400 IU subcutaneously were eligible for the study. Anti-FXa levels were determined 4 h after administration. Relevant laboratory parameters, prespecified co-variates and clinical data were extracted from the electronic health record system. The primary goal was to evaluate anti-FXa levels in critically ill patients on a prophylactic dosage of nadroparin. The second goal was to investigate whether covariates had an influence on anti-FXa levels.

Results

A total of 62 patients were included in the analysis. In the COVID-19 group and non-COVID-19 group, 29 (96%) and 12 patients (38%) reached anti-FXa levels above 0.20 IU/ml, respectively. In the non-COVID-19 group, 63% of the patients had anti-FXA levels below the target range. When adjusted for nadroparin dosage a significant relation was found between body weight and the anti-FXa level (p = 0.013).

Conclusion

A standard nadroparin dosage of 2850 IU sc in the critically ill patient is not sufficient to attain target anti-FXa levels in the majority of the studied patient group. We suggest a standard higher dosage in combination with body-weight dependent dosing as it leads to better exposure to nadroparin.

Clinical trials registration

Retrospectively registered, ClinicalTrials.gov ID NTC 05926518 g, date of registration 06/01/23, unique ID 2020/1725.
Can the regional 3D stress field according to the Wallace–Bott hypothesis predict fault slip directions of future large earthquakes?
Authors: Ishibe Takeo , Terakawa Toshiko , Hashima Akinori , Mochizuki Masashi , Matsu’ura Ritsuko S.
Published: February 2024

When evaluating strong ground motions and tsunamis from specified source faults, it is required that the input parameters, such as fault geometry, rake angle, and slip amount, do not deviate from those of a real earthquake. Recently, a regional three-dimensional (3D) tectonic stress field was used to estimate rake angles for mapped submarine faults with the Wallace–Bott hypothesis (WBH), the direction of fault slip was parallel to the resolved stress vector on a preexisting fault, and strong ground motions and tsunamis were simulated. However, this modeling technique has not been adequately validated. Additionally, it is necessary to examine how the stress field estimated from seismological data for a limited period (~ 10 years) can be used as a proxy for the long-term tectonic stress field. In this study, to provide such validation, we utilized two catalogs of focal mechanism solutions for earthquakes and compared the observed rake angles with those calculated from the regional 3D tectonic stress field with the WBH by fixing the fault strike and dip angles according to those from the focal mechanism data. The resulting misfit angles between the observed and calculated rake angles are generally small (ranging between − 30° and 30°), excluding several regions (e.g., the source and surrounding regions of the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku earthquake and swarm-like activities activated after the 2011 quake). We also confirmed that the calculated rake angles and classified fault types are consistent with geomorphologically and geologically evaluated types of faulting for major Quaternary active faults in the Kyushu district of southwest Japan. These results support the validity and effectiveness of estimating rake angles for a specific fault with known geometry from the above method and data, while also showing that close attention is needed to apply this method to, for example, seismically inactive regions where the inverted stress field includes significant uncertainties and/or near sites of recent and large earthquakes where the stress field has been perturbed.

Graphical Abstract
Genetic analysis of albinism caused by compound heterozygous mutations of the OCA2 gene in a Chinese family
Authors: Wang Yanan , Chang Yujie , Gao Mingya , Zang Weiwei , Liu Xiaofei
Published: February 2024

Background

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a group of rare genetic disorders characterized by a reduced or complete lack of melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes. Patients present with colorless retina, pale pink iris, and pupil, and fear of light. The skin, eyebrows, hair, and other body hair are white or yellowish-white. These conditions are caused by mutations in specific genes necessary for the production of melanin. OCA is divided into eight clinical types (OCA1-8), each with different clinical phenotypes and potential genetic factors. This study aimed to identify the genetic causes of non-syndromic OCA in a Chinese Han family.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive clinical examination of family members, screened for mutation loci using whole exome sequencing (WES) technology, and predicted mutations using In silico tools.

Results

The patient’s clinical manifestations were white skin, yellow hair, a few freckles on the cheeks and bridge of the nose, decreased vision, blue iris, poorly defined optic disk borders, pigmentation of the fundus being insufficient, and significant vascular exposure. The WES test results indicate that the patient has compound heterozygous mutations in the OCA2 gene (c.1258G > A (p.G420R), c.1441G > A (p.A481T), and c.2267-2 A > C), respectively, originating from her parents. Among them, c.1258G > A (p.G420R) is a de novo mutation with pathogenic. Our analysis suggests that compound heterozygous mutations in the OCA2 gene are the primary cause of the disease in this patient.

Conclusions

The widespread application of next-generation sequencing technologies such as WES in clinical practice can effectively replace conventional detection methods and assist in the diagnosis of clinical diseases more quickly and accurately. The newly discovered c.1258G > A (p.G420R) mutation can update and expand the gene mutation spectrum of OCA2-type albinism.
A study protocol for a predictive model to assess population-based avoidable hospitalization risk: Avoidable Hospitalization Population Risk Prediction Tool (AvHPoRT)
Authors: Rosella Laura C. , Hurst Mackenzie , O’Neill Meghan , Pagalan Lief , Diemert Lori , Kornas Kathy , Hong Andy , Fisher Stacey , Manuel Douglas G.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Avoidable hospitalizations are considered preventable given effective and timely primary care management and are an important indicator of health system performance. The ability to predict avoidable hospitalizations at the population level represents a significant advantage for health system decision-makers that could facilitate proactive intervention for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (ACSCs). The aim of this study is to develop and validate the Avoidable Hospitalization Population Risk Tool (AvHPoRT) that will predict the 5-year risk of first avoidable hospitalization for seven ACSCs using self-reported, routinely collected population health survey data.

Methods and analysis

The derivation cohort will consist of respondents to the first 3 cycles (2000/01, 2003/04, 2005/06) of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) who are 18–74 years of age at survey administration and a hold-out data set will be used for external validation. Outcome information on avoidable hospitalizations for 5 years following the CCHS interview will be assessed through data linkage to the Discharge Abstract Database (1999/2000–2017/2018) for an estimated sample size of 394,600. Candidate predictor variables will include demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, self-perceived health measures, health behaviors, chronic conditions, and area-based measures. Sex-specific algorithms will be developed using Weibull accelerated failure time survival models. The model will be validated both using split set cross-validation and external temporal validation split using cycles 2000–2006 compared to 2007–2012. We will assess measures of overall predictive performance (NagelkerkeR2), calibration (calibration plots), and discrimination (Harrell’s concordance statistic). Development of the model will be informed by the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) statement.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the University of Toronto Research Ethics Board. The predictive algorithm and findings from this work will be disseminated at scientific meetings and in peer-reviewed publications.
Ultrasound attenuation of cortical bone correlates with biomechanical, microstructural, and compositional properties
Authors: Jerban Saeed , Barrere Victor , Namiranian Behnam , Wu Yuanshan , Alenezi Salem , Dorthe Erik , Dlima Darryl , Shah Sameer B. , Chung Christine B. , Du Jiang , Andre Michael P. , Chang Eric Y.
Published: February 2024

Background

We investigated the relationship of two commonly used quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters, speed of sound (SoS) and attenuation coefficient (α), with water and macromolecular contents of bovine cortical bone strips as measured with ultrashort echo time (UTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

SoS and α were measured in 36 bovine cortical bone strips utilizing a single-element transducer with nominal 5 MHz center frequency based on the time of flight principles after accommodating for reflection losses. Specimens were then scanned using UTE MRI to measure total, bound, and pore water proton density (TWPD, BWPD, and PWPD) as well as macromolecular proton fraction and macromolecular transverse relaxation time (T2-MM). Specimens were also scanned using microcomputed tomography (μCT) at 9-μm isometric voxel size to measure bone mineral density (BMD), porosity, and pore size. The elastic modulus (E) of each specimen was measured using a 4-point bending test.

Results

α demonstrated significant positive Spearman correlations with E (R = 0.69) and BMD (R = 0.44) while showing significant negative correlations with porosity (R = -0.41), T2-MM (R = -0.47), TWPD (R = -0.68), BWPD (R = -0.67), and PWPD (R = -0.45).

Conclusions

The negative correlation between α and T2-MM is likely indicating the relationship between QUS and collagen matrix organization. The higher correlations of α with BWPD than with PWPD may indicate that water organized in finer structure (bound to matrix) provides lower acoustic impedance than water in larger pores, which is yet to be investigated thoroughly.

Relevance statement

This study highlights the importance of future investigations exploring the relationship between QUS measures and all major components of the bone, including the collagenous matrix and water. Investigating the full potential of QUS and its validation facilitates a more affordable and accessible tool for bone health monitoring in clinics.

Key points

• Ultrasound attenuation demonstrated significant positive correlations with bone mechanics and mineral density.

• Ultrasound attenuation demonstrated significant negative correlations with porosity and bone water contents.

• This study highlights the importance of future investigations exploring the relationship between QUS measures and all major components of the bone.

Graphical Abstract
Local studies provide a global perspective of the impacts of climate change on Indigenous Peoples and local communities
Authors: Reyes-García Victoria , García-Del-Amo David , Porcuna-Ferrer Anna , Schlingmann Anna , Abazeri Mariam , Attoh Emmanuel M. N. A. N. , Vieira da Cunha Ávila Julia , Ayanlade Ayansina , Babai Daniel , Benyei Petra , Calvet-Mir Laura , Carmona Rosario , Caviedes Julián , Chah Jane , Chakauya Rumbidzayi , Cuní-Sanchez Aida , Fernández-Llamazares Álvaro , Galappaththi Eranga K. , Gerkey Drew , Graham Sonia , Guillerminet Théo , Huanca Tomás , Ibarra José Tomás , Junqueira André B. , Li Xiaoyue , López-Maldonado Yolanda , Mattalia Giulia , Samakov Aibek , Schunko Christoph , Seidler Reinmar , Sharakhmatova Victoria , Singh Priyatma , Tofighi-Niaki Adrien , Torrents-Ticó Miquel ,   LICCI Consortium, Álvarez-Fernández Santiago , Bulamah Rodrigo C. , Chambon Mouna , Chao Ogi , Chen Zhuo , Chengula Fasco , Cruz-Gispert Albert , Demichelis Christophe , Dudina Evgeniya , Gallois Sandrine , Glauser Marcos , Guillerminet Théo , Hirsch Eric , Izquierdo Andrea E. , Junsberg Leneisja , Mariel Juliette , Miara Mohamed D. , Miñarro Sara , Porcher Vincent , Shrestha Uttam B. , Sharma Alpy , Ulambayar Tungalag , Wu Rihan , Zakari Ibrahim S. , Zant Marijn
Published: February 2024

Indigenous Peoples and local communities with nature-dependent livelihoods are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts, but their experience, knowledge and needs receive inadequate attention in climate research and policy. Here, we discuss three key findings of a collaborative research consortium arising from the Local Indicators of Climate Change Impacts project. First, reports of environmental change by Indigenous Peoples and local communities provide holistic, relational, placed-based, culturally-grounded and multi-causal understandings of change, largely focused on processes and elements that are relevant to local livelihoods and cultures. These reports demonstrate that the impacts of climate change intersect with and exacerbate historical effects of socioeconomic and political marginalization. Second, drawing on rich bodies of inter-generational knowledge, Indigenous Peoples and local communities have developed context-specific responses to environmental change grounded in local resources and strategies that often absorb the impacts of multiple drivers of change. Indigenous Peoples and local communities adjust in diverse ways to impacts on their livelihoods, but the adoption of responses often comes at a significant cost due to economic, political, and socio-cultural barriers operating at societal, community, household, and individual levels. Finally, divergent understandings of change challenge generalizations in research examining the human dimensions of climate change. Evidence from Indigenous and local knowledge systems is context-dependent and not always aligned with scientific evidence. Exploring divergent understandings of the concept of change derived from different knowledge systems can yield new insights which may help prioritize research and policy actions to address local needs and priorities.
Association of IL-4 (− 590 C/T) and IL-6 (− 174 G/C) gene polymorphism in South Indian CKD patients
Authors: Sevak Vandit , Chinniah Rathika , Pandi Sasiharan , Sampathkumar K. , Dinakaran T. , Karuppiah Balakrishnan
Published: February 2024

Aim

The present study was undertaken to examine the role of IL-4 (− 590 C/T) (rs2243250) and IL-6 (− 174G/C) (rs1800795) polymorphism and the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-6 in chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

The IL-4 (− 590C/T) and IL-6 (− 174 G/C) polymorphisms were genotyped in 132 CKD patients and 161 controls using PCR–RFLP. Serum IL-4 and IL-6 quantifications were performed by ELISA.

Results

Significant susceptible associations of CT genotype (OR = 4.56; p < 1.84 × 10–9) and T allele (OR = 1.56; p < 0.010) of IL-4 (− 590C/T) and CC genotype (OR = 2.63; p < 0.032) of IL-6 (− 174G/C) were observed for CKD. The CC genotype (OR = 0.27; p < 9.314 × 10–7) and C allele (OR = 0.63; p < 0.010) of IL-4 (− 590 C/T) revealed strong protective associations. Five-fold increased levels were observed for both IL-6 (p < 0.0001) and IL-4 (p < 0.0043) cytokines in CKD patients than the controls. The IL-4 serum levels (pg/ml) increased significantly in patients with CT and TT genotypes of IL-4 (− 590 C/T) than the controls (6.18 ± 1.80 vs. 3.33 ± 0.48 and 6.14 ± 1.96 vs. 3.21 ± 0.56 respectively). For IL-6 (− 174 G/C) polymorphism, the patients with CC genotype (6.50 ± 1.30 vs. 3.49 ± 1.39) revealed with higher IL-6 serum levels followed by GC genotype (5.00 ± 1.91 vs. 4.01 ± 1.74).

Conclusion

The genotypes of IL-4 (590 C/T) and IL-6 (174 G/C) polymorphisms contribute differential susceptibility in south Indian CKD patients. A fivefold increased serum levels of IL-4 (anti-inflammatory) and IL-6 (pro- and anti-inflammatory) cytokines were documented in CKD patients. There observed an opposite trend in disease association for these two cytokines and associated SNPs with CKD in south India.
Hematology and Oncology Fellow Education About Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Survey of Program Directors in the United States
Authors: Reese Jennifer Barsky , Bauman Jessica R. , Sorice Kristen A. , Frederick Natasha , Bober Sharon L.
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE

Clinical oncology guidelines recommend addressing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) concerns in routine cancer care. However, limited training often hinders clinicians' ability to do so effectively. The objective of this study was to understand the state of current fellowship education on SRH (ie, sexual health, safe sex practices, and fertility) through conducting a national survey of US hematology/oncology fellowship program directors (PDs).

METHODS

A survey was sent to all PDs of adult hematology/oncology fellowship programs in the United States via online link. PDs who did not complete the survey were sent up to four follow-up emails and a paper mailing. Descriptive statistics and McNemar tests were conducted.

RESULTS

One hundred-fourteen PDs responded (65%). Fewer programs offered formal instruction on sexual health (49%) and safe sex practices (37%) compared with fertility (75%). Informal training in SRH relied heavily on direct clinical experience (73%-78% of programs), with other methods (eg, case-based approaches, webinars, and journal clubs) being less common. Lack of experts to provide instruction was the most commonly cited barrier to offering training in SRH, endorsed by 74% for sexual health, 68% for safe sex practices, and 54% for fertility; difficulty finding space within the curriculum (50%; 54%; and 43%, respectively) and a lack of training requirements were also commonly endorsed (57%; 60%; and 35%, respectively). Barriers were endorsed more commonly for sexual health topics than fertility.

CONCLUSION

The results highlight the scarcity of training in SRH, particularly in sexual health, within hematology/oncology fellowship programs. The heavy reliance on informal instruction methods may lead to inconsistent and inadequate education. Efforts to integrate comprehensive training in SRH into fellowship programs are crucial to ensuring that such concerns are included in routine cancer care.
Approach to the Patient: Investigation of Pediatric Hypoglycemia in the Emergency Department—A Practical Algorithm
Authors: Thornton Paul S , Hawkes Colin P
Published: February 2024

Hypoglycemia in the pediatric population tends to present in the newborn period or during metabolic crisis triggered by prolonged fasting and intercurrent illness. Current recommendations to investigate all children presenting with hypoglycemia for the first time are cumbersome and costly but necessary to identify those with serious conditions who predispose to hypoglycemia.

We describe a practical and cost-effective method of evaluating children who present to the emergency department with previously undiagnosed hypoglycemia. Glucose and point-of-care (POC) beta-hydroxybutyrate levels should be measured on all children with a low screening POC glucose level, and a full history and physical examination will identify those requiring further investigation. This approach is suggested to identify patients with serious and life-threatening disease with the same fidelity as the currently recommended approach of performing a critical sample on all children with hypoglycemia. Our streamlined approach will reduce the cost to approximately 10% of the current approach per patient diagnosed with a serious underlying disease. Further, children without underlying hypoglycemia-predisposing disorders will be identified and discharged without unnecessary intervention.
The salamander limb: a perfect model to understand imperfect integration during skeletal regeneration
Authors: Riquelme-Guzmán Camilo , Sandoval-Guzmán Tatiana
Published: February 2024

Limb regeneration in salamanders is achieved by a complex coordination of various biological processes and requires the proper integration of new tissue with old. Among the tissues found inside the limb, the skeleton is the most prominent component, which serves as a scaffold and provides support for locomotion in the animal. Throughout the years, researchers have studied the regeneration of the appendicular skeleton in salamanders both after limb amputation and as a result of fracture healing. The final outcome has been widely seen as a faithful re-establishment of the skeletal elements, characterised by a seamless integration into the mature tissue. The process of skeletal integration, however, is not well understood, and several works have recently provided evidence of commonly occurring flawed regenerates. In this Review, we take the reader on a journey through the course of bone formation and regeneration in salamanders, laying down a foundation for critically examining the mechanisms behind skeletal integration. Integration is a phenomenon that could be influenced at various steps of regeneration, and hence, we assess the current knowledge in the field and discuss how early events, such as tissue histolysis and patterning, influence the faithful regeneration of the appendicular skeleton.
Artificial tethering of constitutive centromere-associated network proteins induces CENP-A deposition without Knl2 in DT40 cells
Authors: Cao JingHui , Hori Tetsuya , Ariyoshi Mariko , Fukagawa Tatsuo
Published: February 2024

The kinetochore is an essential structure for chromosome segregation. Although the kinetochore is usually formed on a centromere locus, it can be artificially formed at a non-centromere locus by protein tethering. An artificial kinetochore can be formed by tethering of CENP-C or CENP-I, members of the constitutive centromere-associated network (CCAN). However, how CENP-C or CENP-I recruit the centromere-specific histone CENP-A to form an artificial kinetochore remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed this issue using the tethering assay combined with an auxin-inducible degron (AID)-based knockout method in chicken DT40 cells. We found that tethering of CENP-C or CENP-I induced CENP-A incorporation at the non-centromeric locus in the absence of Knl2 (or MIS18BP1), a component of the Mis18 complex, and that Knl2 tethering recruited CENP-A in the absence of CENP-C. We also showed that CENP-C coimmunoprecipitated with HJURP, independently of Knl2. Considering these results, we propose that CENP-C recruits CENP-A by HJURP binding to form an artificial kinetochore. Our results suggest that CENP-C or CENP-I exert CENP-A recruitment activity, independently of Knl2, for artificial kinetochore formation in chicken DT40 cells. This gives us a new insight into mechanisms for CENP-A incorporation.
Clinical significance of the combined test of seven blood coagulation indexes, lipids and platelet agglutination on hypercoagulable state of blood in parturient women
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Yu Tao , Wang Yunshuang , Hu Meili , Gao Tianxiang
Published: February 2024

Objective: To investigate the value of the combined test of seven blood coagulation indexes, lipids and platelet agglutination on the evaluation of the hypercoagulable state of blood in parturient women.

Methods: This is a retrospective study. Total 50 high risk parturient women who underwent an antenatal examination in Baoding Maternal and Child Health Hospital from June 2021 to January 2023 were selected as the observation group, while 50 normal parturient women who underwent antenatal examination without comorbidities and complications were randomly collected in a ratio of 1:1 as the control group. All subjects had venous blood drawn for testing of seven blood coagulation indexes, lipids and platelet agglutination before delivery, and their general data were recorded.

Results: The activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT) in the observation group was lower than that in the control group, while thrombin time(TT) and D-dimer(DD) were both higher than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences(p<0.05); total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) in the observation group were both higher than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences (p<0.05); adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and arachidonic acid (AA) in the observation group were both higher than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences (p<0.05). Moreover, the overall incidence of adverse pregnancy was higher in the observation group than in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05).

Conclusions: The combined test of seven blood coagulation indexes, lipids and platelet agglutination results in excellent performance in predicting and judging the presence or absence of the hypercoagulable state of blood in parturient women, with the combination of APTT+TT+DD+TG+ADP+AA being the preferred test.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.7530

How to cite this: Zhang W, Yu T, Wang Y, Hu M, Gao T. Clinical significance of the combined test of seven blood coagulation indexes, lipids and platelet agglutination on hypercoagulable state of blood in parturient women. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(4):741-746.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.7530

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
COVID-19 Vaccine hesitancy and influencing factors: An example from Turkey
Authors: SARIMEHMET Didem , SARIMEHMET Yakup Kadri , CANDAS ALTINBAS Bahar , ARDIÇ Cüneyt
Published: February 2024

Objective: To find out the opinions concerning vaccine hesitancy of people and influencing factors who had not received COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. It was carried out between February and April 2022 with individuals who were not vaccinated against COVID-19. It included 634 participants registered at a family health center in Rize, Turkey. Data were collected by telephone using a questionnaire. For statistical analysis, the R programming language was used. The Boruta algorithm was used to rank the variables associated to the reasons for not trusting the vaccine.

Results: “I do not trust vaccines (67%)” is the most frequently cited reason for not being vaccinated. The most often cited reasons for not trusting vaccinations are that vaccines are produced for the benefit of foreign companies (56.2%), vaccines are ineffective (55.5%), and vaccines have not undergone sufficient scrutiny (53.2%). According to Boruta analyses, the top three variables most closely associated with not trusting COVID-19 vaccines were belief that vaccines are produced for the benefit of foreign countries/vaccines companies, imported vaccines have not undergone sufficient scrutiny, and vaccines being ineffective.

Conclusions: People do not get vaccinated because they do not trust vaccinations due to concerns about their safety, effectiveness, political influences, and potential adverse effects.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.7979

How to cite this: Sarimehmet D, Sarimehmet YK, Altinbas BC, Ardic C. COVID-19 Vaccine hesitancy and influencing factors: An example from Turkey. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(4):730-735. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.7979

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography in diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Shaukat Aamir , Aamir Hooria , Ahmad Zaheer , Ahmad Umair
Published: February 2024

Objective: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of Ultrasonography, considering nerve conduction study (NCS) as the gold standard diagnostic modality for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Neurology Department of Allied Hospital, Faisalabad from August, 2020 to January, 2021. NCS and Ultrasonography of wrist were performed for diagnosis of CTS. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), and diagnostic accuracy (DA) were calculated for the screening test (Ultrasonography of the wrist), taking NCS as the gold standard.

Results: The mean age of the study population was 41.53 ± 8.80 years, with female pre-dominance (71.66%). The right hand was involved in 24(40%) patients, left hand was involved in 4(6.66%) patients, and both hands were involved in 32(53.33%) patients. Among 60 patients, ultrasonography diagnosed 56 (TP+FN) as having CTS, confirmed via nerve conduction study. Sensitivity, specificity, NPV, PPV, and DA of Ultrasonography of the wrist for CTS were 92.8%, 75%, 42.8%, 98.1%, and 91.6%, respectively.

Conclusion: Based on the sensitivity and specificity, Ultrasonography may assist in diagnosing CTS.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.8332

How to cite this: Shaukat A, Aamir H, Ahmad Z, Ahmad U. Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography in diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(4):753-756. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.8332

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Quantity and quality of book reading to infants and toddlers: their effect on early communication and language development
Authors: Karousou Αlexandra , Economacou Dimitra
Published: February 2024

Among the various parent-child interactions taking place in a typical family context, interactive shared book reading (ISBR) has been shown to have a superior value in fostering language development. Although many studies have established the linguistic benefits of ISBR in preschoolers, results on children younger than 3 years are scarce. This cross-sectional parental report study explores the contribution of the quantity and quality of shared book reading to the communicative and language skills of a large sample of infants and toddlers growing up in Greek-speaking families. The parents of 740 children aged 6 to 36 months filled in the Interactive Shared Book Reading Strategies Questionnaire that assesses the number and frequency of interactive strategies adopted by caregivers during shared book reading. Parents were also administered the Communication Development Report, a standardized instrument for assessing Greek-speaking children's communication and language skills. Results are presented on (a) shared book reading quantity (frequency) and quality (interactive strategies), (b) the effect of these two factors on children's nonverbal communication (nonvocal and vocal), as well as their language development (comprehension, expressive vocabulary, morphology, and syntax), and (c) the effect of several contextual factors on this association. Results highlight the large effect of both the quantity and the quality of shared book reading in different dimensions of the children's communication and language. Birth order, siblings, and maternal education affected the quantity (but not the quality) of shared book reading. Overall, results confirm and extend previous findings regarding the benefits of shared book reading to children's vocabulary, morphology and syntax, pointing to the significant contribution of its quality rather than its quantity. They also add interesting findings regarding the significant contribution of shared book reading to children's nonverbal communicative skills. Results are discussed based on previous relevant findings for their theoretical implications. Their applied interest in the early prevention of language difficulties is also discussed.
Cosas recogidas y cosas vistas en la pintura filosófica de la Ciencia Nueva de Vico.
Authors: Chaves dos Santos Vladimir
Published: February 2024

A través del método etimológico de Vico es posible ver relaciones entre un enfoque materialista y los temas de la infancia y el mundo primitivo, lo que implica un interés por cuestiones históricas vinculadas al mundo agrícola y religioso de los orígenes y cuestiones cognitivas vinculadas a las relaciones entre tacto, visión e intelecto. La etimología de cogitare como “recoger” y de intelligere como “leer” proporciona las bases para una teoría de la cognición decididamente aplicada a la Dipintura de la Ciencia nueva, que sirve de introducción a la obra y que revela el horizonte gnoseológico de sus pretensiones ya puestas a prueba en sus primeros textos, especialmente en lo que se refiere al tema de la racionalidad y del ingenio humano.
Vico y Jung: el sentido de los orígenes en los mitos y en los lenguajes.
Authors: Megale Claudia
Published: February 2024

Este artículo examina las analogías entre las “visiones” del mundo de Vico y de Jung, las cuales tratan de reflexionar sobre el sentido de los orígenes en los mitos y en los lenguajes de la historia humana. Los arquetipos del inconsciente colectivo junguianos, así como los universales fantásticos de Vico utilizan símbolos que entrañan en sí mismos una concepción cósmica y antropológica; cada símbolo ha formado el mundo, cristalizándolo en una imagen, eternizándolo en una expresión “estética”, proyectando en este todo el sentir del hombre.
Un “diferencial de la historia”. Vico, Tolstoi, Deleuze.
Authors: Montefameglio Alessandro
Published: February 2024

El presente artículo examina algunos tópicos histórico-teoréticos que ligan la filosofía de la historia de Giambattista Vico con el pensamiento postmoderno, particularmente el de Gilles Deleuze. Concepto sostenedor de nuestro trabajo es el de diferencial tal como es elaborado por León Tolstoi en Guerra y paz para construir, a partir de su significado matemático, una original teoría de la historia como integración de la multiplicidad de pulsiones humanas. No obstante, Vico, a diferencia de Deleuze, no emplea directamente dicho concepto, lo que resulta teórica e históricamente relevante ya sea para comprender cómo Vico, a partir de las consideraciones físico-metafísicas implementadas en el De antiquissima en torno a los conceptos de momento y conato y a su confrontación con las físicas estoicas y epicúreas, desarrolla su original idea de una circularidad providencial de la historia, o sea para la construcción, en Deleuze, de una filosofía de la diferencia opuesta en los fundamentos a la de Vico, pero sorprendentemente cercana a ella por lo que respecta al palimpsesto autoral y conceptual del que el filósofo se sirve.
Ingenio, humor y risa como categorías serias de civilidad según Vico.
Authors: Sevilla Fernández José Manuel
Published: February 2024

En este ensayo el autor pone en directa relación la Digresión acerca del ingenio humano, las agudezas y ocurrencias y la risa que con tal motivo se origina, incluida en las Vici Vindiciae de Vico, con las tesis de la Ciencia nueva acerca de la facultad “verdadera” del ingenio y del carácter exclusivo humano de la risa. Con ello, la risa –junto al ingenio–se nos presenta como un elemento clave en la cadena de conquista de humanidad: el que representa el paso del ‘hombre bestial’ al ‘hombre humano’ (“uomo ridente”).
Cómo nace un símbolo: Vico y Warburg.
Authors: Valagussa Francesco
Published: February 2024

El artículo versa sobre el concepto de símbolo en el pensamiento de Giambattista Vico. El símbolo en Vico no se encuentra indagando una presunta “naturaleza de las cosas” detrás de la mente, ni puede ser entendido como un producto que surge en la mente humana como si esta última existiese ya en su pureza prescindiendo de la dinámica simbólica. Más bien, el símbolo hace a la mente y la mente hace al símbolo: la mente se desvela en Vico como facultad originariamente simbólica, capaz de conectar, de unir los muchos, contando fábulas, como se muestra en el caso de Homero. Desde este punto de vista, se puede instaurar un paralelismo entre la dinámica del símbolo en Vico y la determinación de extensión que caracteriza la noción de símbolo en Warburg
La doble acepción de los simbólico en la Ciencia nueva.
Authors: Vanzulli Marco
Published: February 2024

Este ensayo se ocupa de lo simbólico en la Ciencia nueva de Giambattista Vico, según dos acepciones ligadas entre sí: la hermenéutica de las fábulas arcaicas y el carácter simbólico de las prácticas sociales. Bajo el primer aspecto, se resalta el mito como «vera narratio» y la centralidad de la «llave maestra» de la obra viquiana, la teoría de los universales fantásticos, géneros de fantasía. En los mitos esta contenida no la historia como crónica, sino que se encuentran sedimentados las relaciones materiales y sociales en su generalidad. De aquí la atribución al mito, por parte de Vico, de un significado originario, de tipo civil, mientras todos los otros significados, incluso el naturalista, habrían sido posteriores. Las prácticas sociales tienen en Vico un carácter de reproducción de la vida social que incluye en sí el aspecto ideal, que no puede perderse en una dimensión únicamente utilitarista, so pena de perdida de la misma humanidad, que a su vez no es un dato sino un efecto de las prácticas civiles.
Mówimy po arabsku
Authors: Siwiec Paweł
Published: February 2024

E-book ten jest efektem adaptacji strony internetowej https://www.mowimypoarabsku.pl do formatu epub. Wychodzi on naprzeciw tym użytkownikom, którzy chcieliby mieć pod ręką coś, co układem przypomina książkę i jednocześnie nie wymaga dostępu do Internetu. Ujęty w nim materiał językowy odzwierciedla w pełni treści prezentowane na ww. stronie internetowej. Są to więc podstawy gramatyki arabskiej, testy gramatyczne, słowniczki tematyczne oraz wprowadzenie do dialektu irackiego. Zachowane też zostały w zasadzie wszystkie komponenty interfejsu użytkownika łącznie z nagraniami dźwiękowymi i elementami interaktywnymi. Nadzieją autora jest, że publikacja ta okaże się przydatnym uzupełnieniem strony internetowej i będzie dodatkową zachętą do poznawania języka arabskiego.
Exploiting Data Locality to Improve Performance of Heterogeneous Server Clusters
Authors: Zhao Zhisheng , Mukherjee Debankur , Wu Ruoyu
Published: February 2024

We consider load balancing in large-scale heterogeneous server systems in the presence of data locality that imposes constraints on which tasks can be assigned to which servers. The constraints are naturally captured by a bipartite graph between the servers and the dispatchers handling assignments of various arrival flows. When a task arrives, the corresponding dispatcher assigns it to a server with the shortest queue among [Formula: see text] randomly selected servers obeying these constraints. Server processing speeds are heterogeneous, and they depend on the server type. For a broad class of bipartite graphs, we characterize the limit of the appropriately scaled occupancy process, both on the process level and in steady state, as the system size becomes large. Using such a characterization, we show that imposing data locality constraints can significantly improve the performance of heterogeneous systems. This is in stark contrast to either heterogeneous servers in a full flexible system or data locality constraints in systems with homogeneous servers, both of which have been observed to degrade the system performance. Extensive numerical experiments corroborate the theoretical results.

Funding: This work was partially supported by the National Science Foundation [CCF. 07/2021–06/2024].
Revisiting the conservation genetics of Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)
Authors: Gonzalez Susana , Repetto Leticia , Gutiérrez Verónica , Olivera María Eugenia , Corbi Botto Claudia , Leone Yanina , Merino Mariano L. , Góss Braga Fernanda , Barbanti Duarte José Mauricio , Maldonado Jesús Eduardo , Cosse Mariana
Published: February 2024

The Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) is a unique species of neotropical cervid, that inhabits a wide range of open habitats including grasslands, pampas, savannas, and cerrado (Brazil) from -5° to -41° S.  The reduction of the area encompassed by these habitats has been dramatically reduced to less than 2 % by human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and poaching.  Three decades ago, we initiated a molecular genetic study of the Pampas deer based on representative samples from throughout their geographic range.  Our aim is to reevaluate the effect that habitat fragmentation has had on gene flow among eight wildlife Pampas deer populations and one from the captive breeding centre Estación de Cría de Fauna Autóctona (ECFA).  We examined DNA sequences from three mitochondrial markers: the control region (D-loop), Cytochrome b (Cytb), and Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI).  Furthermore, we compared the resolution of the different mitochondrial markers to elucidate the phylogenetic and phylogeographic patterns of the species to define Evolutionary Significant Units (ESU`s).  The amount of gene flow was correlated with geographic distance among groups and populations and was consistent with limited dispersal being the primary determinant of genetic differentiation between populations.  Our results showed that the D-loop was the most appropriate marker for defining Evolutionary Significant Units.  We found that the critically endangered Paraná population showed significant genetic distance from the others and revealed unique haplotypes with all the mitochondrial markers.  The molecular genetic results provide a mandate for habitat restoration and design a management plan to conserve these relictual populations.
Baird´s Tapir social interactions, activity patterns, and site fidelity at ponds of the Maya Forest
Authors: Reyna-Hurtado Rafael , Arias-Domínguez Nicolas
Published: February 2024

The Baird's tapir is an endangered species of the Neotropical Forest. The Maya Forest of southern México hold one of the most important populations of the species. Tapir are solitary, shy and nocturnal animals of which behavioral observations are very limited. Using camera traps, we revised the social behavior of tapirs that are visiting ponds in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve along 10 years. We have found that tapirs are solitary animals but dedicated some percentage of their time to socialize with other individuals and these associations can last for months, maybe years. We reported in individuals that have visited some specific sites for periods of 4 and 10 years. There is a male biased sex ratio among the individuals we could identified sexually, and tapirs showed nocturnal but with preferences for early hours of the night. This is a unique study because it is the first time that social behavior, site fidelity and sex ratio are presented for the species along several sites and along 10 years. We hope to advance in the knowledge of the social and ranging behavior of this endangered species of the Neotropical forests.