bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Menstrual attitudes in adult women: A cross-sectional study on the association with menstruation factors, contraceptive use, genital self-image, and sexual openness
Authors: Kvalem Ingela Lundin , Dahr Nygaard Ida Maria , Træen Bente , Ivanova Anna , Dahlgren Camilla Lindvall
Published: April 2024

Background:

Menstruation is a central part of the everyday life of most women, and menstrual attitudes may impact health and well-being.

Objectives:

This article aimed to map menstrual attitudes among adult women and examine factors associated with these attitudes, such as aspects of menarche and current menstruation, and rarely studied factors, such as genital self-image and sexual openness.

Study Design:

A cross-sectional online survey.

Method:

A sample of 1470 women, aged 18–50 years, were recruited through social media sites. The Menstrual Self-Evaluation Scale was used to measure three different attitudes: menstruation as natural, shameful, and bothersome. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between each attitude and factors related to menarche and current menstruation, contraceptive use, genital self-image (assessed by Female Genital Self-Image Scale), and sexual openness ( Personal Comfort with Sexuality Scale). Sociodemographic variables were included into the models as covariates.

Results:

Agreeing with the attitude of menstruation as something natural was predicted primarily by positive emotions at menarche, experiencing less menstrual pain, using no or nonhormonal contraception, and having a positive genital self-image. Perceiving menstruation as bothersome was predicted by a lower educational level, experiencing stronger menstrual pain, having more perimenstrual psychological symptoms, and using hormonal contraceptives. Menstruation as something shameful was chiefly predicted by lower sexual openness and a negative genital self-image.

Conclusion:

Many women held attitudes about menstruation as both something natural and bothersome. Menarche and current menstruation experiences, and contraceptive method, played central roles in shaping attitudes toward menstruation as natural and bothersome. Viewing menstruation as shameful stood out from other attitudes by indicating a triad of self-objectified shame that includes menstruation, sexuality, and genital self-image. Further research into the relationships between menstruation, contraceptive use, sexuality, and body image is needed to enhance our understanding of women’s menstrual health.
Legitimizing video-sharing practices on local and global platforms: A multimodal analysis of menu design, folk genres and taxonomy
Authors: Zhang Leticia-Tian , Zhao Sumin
Published: April 2024

There have been extensive public and academic debates on the role platform algorithms play in shaping social media (sub)cultures. Little attention, however, has been paid to how platform (sub)cultures are discursively constructed by the design of the platform interface. This study examines Bilibili, a leading Chinese video platform, and investigates how it discursively frames video-sharing culture through platform menu design. We developed a three-level analytical framework that includes: 1) a multimodal social semiotic analysis of Bilibili’s menu design; 2) a contrastive analysis of YouTube’s video menu, and 3) a focused analysis of guichu or kichiku videos (as a linguistic phenomenon, a transcultural practice and a multimodal semiotic artefact). Our findings reveal that Bilibili discursively frames and legitimizes video-sharing practices by establishing a folk taxonomy of video genres and integrating subculture into its menu design. Furthermore, Bilibili controls access to cultural knowledge through explicit (gatekeeping) and implicit (semiotic) measures, in contrast to YouTube’s visual and superficial taxonomy. This study unveils different discursive strategies platforms use to shape unique online video cultures.
30-Day complications, operative time, and overnight admission following elective elbow arthroscopy
Authors: El-Najjar Dany , Mehta Apoorva , Gupta Puneet , Peterson Joel R , Rogalski Brandon , Marigi Erick M , Saltzman Bryan M , Jobin Charles M , Trofa David P
Published: April 2024

Background

Although arthroscopic procedures are generally considered safer than open procedures, they are not without complications. This study's purpose is to characterize patient demographics, medical complications, overnight admissions, and prolonged operative times for patients undergoing elective elbow arthroscopy using a national database.

Methods

This retrospective study used the ACS NSQIP database with data from 2015 to 2020. Patients undergoing elbow arthroscopy were identified, and those undergoing emergent surgery were excluded. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, medical comorbidities, 30-day complications, overnight admission rates, and operative times were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Overall, 815 patients undergoing elective elbow arthroscopy were included. The mean age was 46.8 years. Mean BMI was 29.7 kg/m2, and 75.2% (n = 613) were male sex. The most common comorbidity was smoking (14.8%, n = 121). The cumulative complication rate was 2.5% (n = 20). The most common complication was surgical site infection (n = 7, 0.9%). 10.7% of patients required at least one overnight hospital stay. 20.2% of patients had a prolonged operative time ≥ 120 min.

Conclusion

Elbow arthroscopy is not without complications and morbidity despite being a minimally invasive procedure and advances made in surgical technique. Surgeons should use this information to facilitate shared-surgical decision making, preoperative patient counselling, and preoperative patient optimization.
Single procedure tibialis anterior tendon shortening in combination with Achilles tendon lengthening in unilateral cerebral palsy improves swing phase dorsiflexion in gait
Authors: Widmer Michèle , Staganello Monica , Sangeux Morgan , Odorizzi Marco , Brunner Reinald , Viehweger Elke
Published: April 2024

Purpose:

Tibialis anterior tendon shortening combined with tendon Achilles lengthening showed satisfactory short- and long-term outcomes for pes equinus treatment. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a single tibialis anterior tendon shortening-tendon Achilles lengthening procedure for treating pes equinus, in a homogeneous unilateral cerebral palsy patient group.

Methods:

Gait analysis was conducted on 22 unilateral cerebral palsy patients (mean age at surgery = 13.3 years, standard deviation = 3 years) before and within 2.5 years (standard deviation = 0.61 years) after the tibialis anterior tendon shortening-tendon Achilles lengthening procedure. Primary outcome measures included foot drop occurrence in swing, foot dorsiflexion and the first ankle rocker presence compared to healthy reference data. Movement analysis profile and gait profile score were also calculated for the entire gait cycle. The clinical exam and the A2 peak ankle power were analyzed. Statistical analysis used the paired Wilcoxon’s sign rank test (p < 0.05).

Results:

Post-operatively, significant improvements were observed in ankle dorsiflexion during swing (p = 0.0006) and reduced foot drop in swing (p = 0.0107). The occurrence of a first ankle rocker did not significantly change (p = 0.1489). Significant improvements in gait profile score and movement analysis profile for all joints and planes indicate overall gait quality improvement. The foot progression changed significantly (p = 0.0285), with a greater external orientation. Nineteen out of 22 patients were able to quit wearing their ankle foot orthoses.

Conclusion:

Tibialis anterior tendon shortening and tendon Achilles lengthening combination yielded positive outcomes, showing increased foot dorsiflexion, first ankle rocker presence, and overall improved gait quality. These findings support the effectiveness of this surgical approach for treating pes equinus in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy.
Protective Effects of Curcumin Against Medulloblastoma: A Review
Authors: Elahi Mohammad , Arefnezhad Reza , Sattar-Shamsabadi Masoud , Heidari Negar , Goleij Pouya , Jafari-Ardakan Zahra , Soltani Zahra Ebrahim , Amirian Roshanak , Rezaei-Tazangi Fatemeh
Published: April 2024

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common childhood tumor with a poor prognosis. Primary approaches for treating MB comprise surgical resection along with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, these methods have not created a promising outlook for subjects with this neuroepithelial tumor due to their low efficiency. On the other hand, these therapeutic strategies are associated with many side effects. So, there is an unmet need to find an alternative way to overcome MB. Currently, there is a significant focus on natural compound-based therapies, particularly curcumin obtained from Curcuma longa, for ameliorating different disorders like cancer. Extensive research has also been conducted to provide evidence supporting the beneficial effects of curcumin in the treatment of MB. This polyphenolic compound can exert its suppressive effects on the proliferation and growth of MB cells by affecting several molecular pathways and agents, such as suppressing Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, and SHH signaling pathways, triggering apoptosis-related genetic effectors (eg, Bax, Bcl-2, PARP, caspase-3, and caspase-9), potentiating tubulin acetylation, and decreasing HDAC4 function. Hence, in this literature review, we aimed to debate documents pertaining to MB therapy with curcumin and other formulations in vitro and in vivo with a mechanistic insight.
The Recursive Cycle of Perceived Mindset and Psychological Distress in College
Authors: Kroeper Kathryn M. , Hildebrand Laura K. , Jiang Tao , Hernandez-Colmenares Ariana , Brown Katrina , Wilk Abigail V. , Spencer Steven J. , Heckler Andrew F. , Fujita Kentaro
Published: April 2024

College students are experiencing a significant mental health crisis, with rising rates of psychological distress. To help understand this trend, this study examines recursive relationships in the classroom between perceived mindset beliefs—that is, whether students perceive others in their classroom to view intelligence as malleable or fixed—and psychological distress. Across three time points, 288 undergraduates taking a physics course completed measures of perceived classroom mindset and psychological distress. Random intercept cross-lagged panel analyses, which controlled for demographic factors and students’ own mindset beliefs, revealed that perceiving the classroom culture as more fixed-minded early in the semester was associated with increased psychological distress later. Likewise, increased psychological distress early in the semester was associated with perceiving the classroom culture to be more fixed-minded later. These findings suggest that perceived mindset and distress are mutually reinforcing, highlighting the importance of addressing both in interventions aimed at alleviating student distress.
A case series on safety and tolerability of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells on patients in Malaysia
Authors: Yusof Basmullah , Kamal Iqmaliza , Lee Ka Man , Chai Siong Kiat , Zuo Xia Lin , Ravichandran Manickam , Ding Ke Xiang , Fuloria Neeraj Kumar , Tham Seng Kong
Published: April 2024

Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative therapy are a promising treatment option for chronic illnesses. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells offer several advantages over other sources, which makes them an attractive option in tissue repair and regeneration. This clinical study describes a 1-year follow-up on the safety and tolerance of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy on nine patients in Malaysia. Patients were assessed for adverse effects, and liver function tests were carried out on both pre- and post-treatments. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells’ effectiveness and safety were assessed by follow-up evaluations. All nine patients responded positively towards umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy, without any adverse effects. After umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy, a significant improvement was observed in liver functioning test outcomes, as haematological parameters and tumour markers were stable. The present study concludes that umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy is well tolerated by Malaysian patients; however, further clinical screening must be done over a large number of patients population.
The causes of income inequality in urban China: A household assets perspective
Authors: Liu Jiankun , He Xiaobin , Dong Yinxi
Published: April 2024

Despite income inequality in China being a heated topic in scholarship and public discussion, little research has explored the trend in income inequality since the mid-2010s or focused on the implications of household assets on income inequality. Using pooled cross-sectional data from the Chinese General Social Survey, we estimate income inequality at the household level from 2012 to 2021 and further examine the effects of two types of household assets (housing assets (HA) and financial assets (FA)) on income inequality in urban China, as well as the moderating effects of socioeconomic status (SES) and regional marketization. The results indicate that national income inequality was sustained at a high level between 2012 and 2021, while income inequality in urban households was higher than that in rural households. Both HA and FA were positively related to income inequality, and the latter assets had a stronger effect on income inequality. The association between the two types of household assets and income inequality strengthened along with an increase in family SES and regional marketization levels. The study highlights that FA, relative to HA, are a more important contributor to income inequality among urban households, thus extending the literature on inequality and social stratification in contemporary China by revealing the causes underlying rising income inequality from the household assets perspective.
Visual Branding: The Way Forward for Product Development and Customer Loyalty in Ghana
Authors: Kankam George
Published: April 2024

This article brings to light the powerful connection between the visual branding of a product leading and customer loyalty. Thus, the visual impact of a product development stages from the concept level, early sketches to trademarked logos, complements of branding approach or the final endorsement level. The study relied on a survey that had 150 respondents as the sample. Purposive sampling and simple random sampling procedures were used to select Nestle-limited graphic designers and customers. We show that visual branding acts as a mediator between product development and customer loyalty. A survey is distributed to graphic designers at Nestle Limited in the manufacturing sector to collect empirical data. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling are used to analyse the data. The data were gathered using a standardised inquiry form, specifically a five-point Likert scale. The results show that graphic designers contribute to product development and creation, leading to customer loyalty. We demonstrate that there is a partial mediating effect between product development and customer loyalty through visual branding. The main goal is to ensure that during product development stages, graphic designers use visual branding to communicate reliable information to customers through the drawing, colour, shape and design of a product, which would boost overall product performance, leading to customer loyalty.
Association Between Patellar Tendon Abnormality and Land-Jump Biomechanics in Male Collegiate Basketball Players During the Preseason
Authors: Kraszewski Andrew , Argentieri Erin , Harris Kindred , Toresdahl Brett , Drakos Mark , Hillstrom Howard , Allen Answorth , Nwawka O. Kenechi
Published: April 2024

Background:

Patellar tendinopathy is a degenerative condition that predominantly affects jumping athletes. Symptoms may be subtle or nonexistent at preseason, but structural abnormalities may be present. Assessing patellar tendon abnormality (PTA) through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US) and classifying symptoms using the Victorian Institute for Sport Assessment–Patellar tendon (VISA-P) may provide useful insights if combined with biomechanics measurements.

Purpose:

To (1) assess whether land-jump biomechanical patterns are associated with clinically pertinent PTA as seen on imaging and through VISA-P scores and (2) model the contributing risk and accuracy of biomechanics to classify PTA and symptomatic observations.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 26 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and II male basketball players (n = 52 limbs) were recruited during the preseason. We collected VISA-P scores, bilateral PTA through US and MRI morphology measurements, and bilateral 3-dimensional lower extremity kinematics and kinetics measurements from a land-jump test from an 18-inch-high (45.7-cm-high) box. Statistically, each limb was treated independently. The association of biomechanics with PTA and symptoms (VISA-P score <80) was tested with multivariate models and post hoc tests. Logistic regression modeled relative risk and accuracy of biomechanical variables to classify PTA and symptomatic limbs.

Results:

There were 19 to 24 limbs with PTA depending on US and MRI measurements. Differences in hip and knee kinematic strategies and ground-reaction loads were associated with PTA and symptomatic limbs. Peak landing vertical ground-reaction force was significantly decreased (169 ± 26 vs 195 ± 29 %body weight; P = .001), and maximum hip flexion velocity was significantly increased (416 ± 74 vs 343 ± 94 deg/s; P = .005) in limbs with versus without PTA on imaging. Knee flexion at the initial contact was decreased in symptomatic versus healthy limbs (17°± 5° vs 21°± 5°, respectively; P = .045). Regression models classified PTA limbs and symptomatic limbs with 71.2% to 86.5% accuracy. Hip and knee maximum flexion velocity and vertical ground-reaction force variables were most common across models observing clinically pertinent PTA.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggested that functional kinematic and kinetic biomechanical strategies at the hip and knee were associated with PTA, identified on imaging, and symptomatic limbs.
The Patient's Experience of Working with Multiple Allied Health Professional Students – A Qualitative Interview Study
Authors: Anderson Adele , Morrow Julie , Knighton Anita , Lloyd Andrew , Noble Jane , Bradley Gemma
Published: April 2024

There are increasing numbers of learners in clinical settings as part of approaches to meet workforce demands. As a result, patients are now working with multiple learners at the same time, yet little is known about how people experience this. The aim of this study was to explore the patient experience of working with multiple allied health professional students. Structured interviews were carried out with 22 patients across hospital wards in one hospital in the North-West of England. Data was analysed using thematic analysis and four themes were identified: consent to work with multiple students; responses to working with multiple students; multiple students and feelings of safety; making connections with multiple students. Findings indicated that patients experienced positive relationships and feelings of safety with groups of students. However, patients were given limited advance or tailored information about working with a group of students which is an important area to address.
Serial Intravitreal Methotrexate Injections to Combat Recurrent Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Jiao George , Ferrone Philip J.
Published: April 2024

Purpose: To describe the use of serial intravitreal methotrexate to combat proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in a pediatric patient with recurrent retinal detachment (RD). Methods: A retrospective case analysis was performed. Results: A 6-year-old patient with bilateral panuveitis presented with recurrent RD in the right eye. After treatment with 2 RD surgeries performed elsewhere, the patient developed PVR that necessitated 5 additional surgeries for recurrent detachment. The patient subsequently received a total of 8 injections of methotrexate 400 µg/0.1 mL (0.1 mL) in the operating room at 1- to 2-week intervals over a 3-month period. Through 13 months of follow-up after the first methotrexate injection, there was no evidence of recurrent RD, PVR, or epiretinal membrane formation. Conclusions: Frequent serial intravitreal methotrexate injections apparently played a role in preventing recurrent PVR formation in this pediatric patient with a history of intraocular inflammation and recurrent RD.
Elucidating the multichromosomal structure within the Brasenia schreberi mitochondrial genome through assembly and analysis
Authors: Shan Yuanyu , Li Jingling , Duan Xinmei , Zhang Xue , Yu Jie
Published: April 2024

Brasenia schreberi, a plant species traditionally utilized in Chinese medicine and cuisine, represents an early evolutionary stage among flowering plants (angiosperms). While the plastid genome of this species has been published, its mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) has not been extensively explored, with a notable absence of thorough comparative analyses of its organellar genomes. In our study, we had assembled the entire mitogenome of B. schreberi utilizing the sequencing data derived from both Illumina platform and Oxford Nanopore. The B. schreberi mitogenome mostly exists as six circular DNA molecules, with the largest being 628,257 base pairs (bp) and the smallest 110,220 bp, amounting to 1.49 megabases (Mb). Then we annotated the mitogenome of B. schreberi. The mitogenome encompasses a total of 71 genes: 40 of these are coding proteins genes (PCGs), 28 are genes for transfer RNA (tRNA), and the remaining 3 are genes for ribosomal RNA (rRNA). In the analysis of codon usage, we noted a unique codon preference specific to each amino acid. The most commonly used codons exhibited an average RSCU of 1.36, indicating a noticeable bias in codon selection. In the repeat sequence analysis, a total of 553 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified, 1,822 dispersed repeats (comprising 1,015 forward and 807 palindromic repeats), and 608 long terminal repeats (LTRs). Additionally, in the analysis of homologous sequences between organelle genomes, we detected 38 homologous sequences derived from the plastid genome, each exceeding 500 bp, within the B. schreberi mitochondrial genome. Notably, ten tRNA genes (trnC-GCA, trnM-CAU, trnI-CAU, trnQ-UUG, trnN-GUU, trnT-GGU, trnW-CCA, trnA-UGC, trnI-GAU, and trnV-GAC) appear to have been completely transferred from the chloroplast to the mitogenome. Utilizing the Deepred-mt to predict the RNA editing sites in the mitogenome, we have identified 675 high-quality RNA editing sites in the 40 mitochondrial PCGs. In the final stage of our study, we performed an analysis of colinearity and inferred the phylogenetic relationship of B. schreberi with other angiosperms, utilizing the mitochondrial PCGs as a basis. The results showed that the non-coding regions of the B. schreberi mitogenome are characterized by an abundance of repetitive sequences and exogenous sequences, and B. schreberi is more closely related with Euryale ferox.
Characterization of a novel root-associated diazotrophic rare PGPR taxa, Aquabacter pokkalii sp. nov., isolated from pokkali rice: new insights into the plant-associated lifestyle and brackish adaptation
Authors: Sunithakumari V. S. , Menon Rahul R. , Suresh Gayathri G. , Krishnan Ramya , Rameshkumar N.
Published: April 2024

Salinity impacts crop growth and productivity and lowers the activities of rhizosphere microbiota. The identification and utilization of habitat-specific salinity-adapted plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are considered alternative strategies to improve the growth and yields of crops in salinity-affected coastal agricultural fields. In this study, we characterize strain L1I39T, the first Aquabacter species with PGPR traits isolated from a salt-tolerant pokkali rice cultivated in brackish environments. L1I39T is positive for 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase activity and nitrogen fixation and can promote pokkali rice growth by supplying fixed nitrogen under a nitrogen-deficient seawater condition. Importantly, enhanced plant growth and efficient root colonization were evident in L1I39T-inoculated plants grown under 20% seawater but not in zero-seawater conditions, identifying brackish conditions as a key local environmental factor critical for L1I39T-pokkali rice symbiosis. Detailed physiological studies revealed that L1I39T is well-adapted to brackish environments. In-depth genome analysis of L1I39T identified multiple gene systems contributing to its plant-associated lifestyle and brackish adaptations. The 16S rRNA-based metagenomic study identified L1I39T as an important rare PGPR taxon. Based on the polyphasic taxonomy analysis, we established strain L1I39T as a novel Aquabacter species and proposed Aquabacter pokkalii sp nov. Overall, this study provides a better understanding of a marine-adapted PGPR strain L1I39T that may perform a substantial role in host growth and health in nitrogen-poor brackish environments.
Genome-wide identification of Aux/IAA gene family in white clover (Trifolium repens L.) and functional verification of TrIAA18 under different abiotic stress
Authors: Qi Tiangang , Yang Weiqiang , Hassan Muhammad Jawad , Liu Jiefang , Yang Yujiao , Zhou Qinyu , Li Hang , Peng Yan
Published: April 2024

Background

White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is an excellent leguminous cool-season forage with a high protein content and strong nitrogen-fixing ability. Despite these advantages, its growth and development are markedly sensitive to environmental factors. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is the major growth hormone in plants, regulating plant growth, development, and response to adversity. Nevertheless, the specific regulatory functions of Aux/IAA genes in response to abiotic stresses in white clover remain largely unexplored.

Results

In this study, we identified 47 Aux/IAA genes in the white clover genome, which were categorized into five groups based on phylogenetic analysis. The TrIAAs promoter region co-existed with different cis-regulatory elements involved in developmental and hormonal regulation, and stress responses, which may be closely related to their diverse regulatory roles. Collinearity analysis showed that the amplification of the TrIAA gene family was mainly carried out by segmental duplication. White clover Aux/IAA genes showed different expression patterns in different tissues and under different stress treatments. In addition, we performed a yeast two-hybrid analysis to investigate the interaction between white clover Aux/IAA and ARF proteins. Heterologous expression indicated that TrIAA18 could enhance stress tolerance in both yeast and transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana.

Conclusion

These findings provide new scientific insights into the molecular mechanisms of growth hormone signaling in white clover and its functional characteristics in response to environmental stress.
Comparative transcriptomic profiling of the two-stage response of rice to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola interaction with two different pathogenic strains
Authors: Bi Yunya , Yu Yue , Mao Shuaige , Wu Tao , Wang Tao , Zhou Ying , Xie Kabin , Zhang Hua , Liu Li , Chu Zhaohui
Published: April 2024

Background

Two-tiered plant immune responses involve cross-talk among defense-responsive (DR) genes involved in pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity (PTI), effector-triggered immunity (ETI) and effector-triggered susceptibility (ETS). Bacterial leaf streak (BLS), caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) is an important bacterial disease that causes serious threats to rice yield and quality. Transcriptomic profiling provides an effective approach for the comprehensive and large-scale detection of DR genes that participate in the interactions between rice and Xoc.

Results

In this study, we used RNA-seq to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in susceptible rice after inoculation with two naturally pathogenic Xoc strains, a hypervirulent strain, HGA4, and a relatively hypovirulent strain, RS105. First, bacterial growth curve and biomass quantification revealed that differential growth occurred beginning at 1 day post inoculation (dpi) and became more significant at 3 dpi. Additionally, we analyzed the DEGs at 12 h and 3 days post inoculation with two strains, representing the DR genes involved in the PTI and ETI/ETS responses, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) functional and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed on the common DEGs, which included 4380 upregulated and 4019 downregulated genes and 930 upregulated and 1383 downregulated genes identified for the two strains at 12 h post inoculation (hpi) and 3 dpi, respectively. Compared to those at 12 hpi, at 3 dpi the number of common DEGs decreased, while the degree of differential expression was intensified. In addition, more disease-related GO pathways were enriched, and more transcription activator-like effector (TALE) putative target genes were upregulated in plants inoculated with HGA4 than in those inoculated with RS105 at 3 dpi. Then, four DRs were randomly selected for the BLS resistance assay. We found that CDP3.10, LOC_Os11g03820, and OsDSR2 positively regulated rice resistance to Xoc, while OsSPX3 negatively regulated rice resistance.

Conclusions

By using an enrichment method for RNA-seq, we identified a group of DEGs related to the two stages of response to the Xoc strain, which included four functionally identified DR genes.
Strengthening care for emergencies: what is the level of awareness and utilization of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in FCT, Nigeria?
Authors: Nto Sunday Eke , Oluwatola Toluwani , Samuel Olugbemisola , Okagbue Hilary , Atobatele Sunday , Ibanga Andikan , Adegoke Abdullahi , Emuren Doubra , Dumbulwa Saidu Ahmed , Sampson Sidney , Isiaka Saheed Dipo , Sadiq Salamatu
Published: April 2024

Background

As part of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s desire to increase medical coverage among the citizenry, the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance Scheme (NEMSAS) was set up and piloted in the FCT in 2022. To gauge the progress so far, this study sought to assess the level and determinants of public awareness and utilization of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) among residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2023 among 1177 respondents residing in FCT Abuja at the time of the survey. Data was collected by trained research assistants using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and purposive sampling was adopted. The level of awareness and the socio-demographic determinants of the level of awareness in the FCT were assessed. Logistic regression was used to find predictors of EMS awareness and utilization.

Results

57.8% of respondents are aware of EMS, while 42.2% are not. 62.7% are uncertain about the source of information for EMS with only a minority relying on word of mouth (17.7%), traditional media (11.1%), or social media (8.5%). 91.4% have not accessed or utilized EMS via the toll-free emergency line, while only 8.6% reported doing so. There are median EMS awareness and utilization differences across gender, age, location, and employment status of the respondents. Additionally, the multivariate logistic regression showed that age, location, and employment status are significant predictors of EMS awareness and utilization. Males have lower odds of awareness and utilization of EMS compared to females. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between EMS access and utilization (Chi-square = 80.748, p < 0.001). However, awareness did not necessarily translate to utilization.

Conclusion

The relationship between EMS awareness and utilization and the unmasked predictors in this paper should be factored into the design of interventions to increase access and utilization of EMS in Nigeria.
Exploring the consequences of nurses’ involvement in disaster response: findings from a qualitative content analysis study
Authors: Farokhzadian Jamileh , Shahrbabaki Parvin Mangolian , Farahmandnia Hojjat , Eskici Gülcan Taskiran , Goki Faezeh Soltani
Published: April 2024

Background

The presence of nurses during disasters can lead to many consequences. Understanding the nurses’ experiences of these consequences can provide valuable insights. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the experiences of Iranian nurses regarding the consequences they faced when being present during disasters.

Methods

This qualitative descriptive study employed a content analysis approach to examine the topic at hand. 20 nurses working in the emergency units of Kerman hospitals were selected through purposive sampling. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect the data. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. MAXQDA 10 was used to manage data.

Results

After analysis of the interviews, two main categories were identified: overlapping of job frustrations and acquiring experience in difficult conditions. The main category of acquiring experience in difficult conditions comprised the following subcategories: improved quality of care, experience and dedication in fulfilling the role, reduced stress, occupational motivation and enthusiasm, increased self-confidence, and improved social status. On the other hand, the category of overlapping of job frustrations also consisted of the subcategories of physical strength deterioration, psychological and emotional distress, discontinued from supports, feelings of hopelessness, increased exposure to violence and aggression, and occurrence of family problems.

Conclusion

Being present during disasters and obtaining the necessary competencies can have positive consequences that serve as turning points in the personal and professional growth of nurses. Additionally, favorable outcomes can help nurses cope with adverse circumstances. Managers can utilize the findings of this study to develop strategies aimed at reducing negative outcomes and enhancing positive ones among nurses during disasters.
Protocol for combined N-of-1 trials to assess cerebellar neurostimulation for movement disorders in children and young adults with dyskinetic cerebral palsy
Authors: San Luciano M , Oehrn C R , Wang S S , Tolmie J S , Wiltshire A , Graff R E , Zhu J , Starr P A
Published: April 2024

Background

Movement and tone disorders in children and young adults with cerebral palsy are a great source of disability. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of basal ganglia targets has a major role in the treatment of isolated dystonias, but its efficacy in dyskinetic cerebral palsy (DCP) is lower, due to structural basal ganglia and thalamic damage and lack of improvement of comorbid choreoathetosis and spasticity. The cerebellum is an attractive target for DBS in DCP since it is frequently spared from hypoxic ischemic damage, it has a significant role in dystonia network models, and small studies have shown promise of dentate stimulation in improving CP-related movement and tone disorders.

Methods

Ten children and young adults with DCP and disabling movement disorders with or without spasticity will undergo bilateral DBS in the dorsal dentate nucleus, with the most distal contact ending in the superior cerebellar peduncle. We will implant Medtronic Percept, a bidirectional neurostimulator that can sense and store brain activity and deliver DBS therapy. The efficacy of cerebellar DBS in improving quality of life and motor outcomes will be tested by a series of N-of-1 clinical trials. Each N-of-1 trial will consist of three blocks, each consisting of one month of effective stimulation and one month of sham stimulation in a random order with weekly motor and quality of life scales as primary and secondary outcomes. In addition, we will characterize abnormal patterns of cerebellar oscillatory activity measured by local field potentials from the intracranial electrodes related to clinical assessments and wearable monitors. Pre- and 12-month postoperative volumetric structural and functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging will be used to identify candidate imaging markers of baseline disease severity and response to DBS.

Discussion

Our goal is to test a cerebellar neuromodulation therapy that produces meaningful changes in function and well-being for people with CP, obtain a mechanistic understanding of the underlying brain network disorder, and identify physiological and imaging-based predictors of outcomes useful in planning further studies.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06122675, first registered November 7, 2023.
Feeding characteristics and growth among children with prenatal exposure to Zika virus with and without microcephaly in the microcephaly epidemic research group pediatric cohort
Authors: Oliveira Danielle Maria da Silva , de Barros Miranda-Filho Demócrito , de Alencar Ximenes Ricardo Arraes , Montarroyos Ulisses Ramos , Brickley Elizabeth B. , Pinto Maria Helena Teixeira , Martelli Celina Maria Turchi , Ramos Regina Coeli , de Araújo Thalia Velho Barreto , Eickmann Sophie Helena , da Silva Paula Fabiana Sobral , Carvalho Maria Durce Costa Gomes , de Sousa Martins Olga Sophia , dos Santos Ana Célia Oliveira
Published: April 2024

Objective

To describe the feeding characteristics and growth of children with prenatal exposure to Zika virus (ZIKV) from birth to 48 months.

Design

Using data from the prospective Microcephaly Epidemic Research Group Pediatric Cohort (MERG-PC), children without microcephaly born to mothers with evidence of ZIKV infection during pregnancy (ZIKV-exposed children without microcephaly) and children with Zika-related microcephaly were compared using repeated cross-sectional analyses within the following age strata: birth; 1 to 12; 13 to 24; 25 to 36; and 37 to 48 months. The groups were compared in relation to prematurity, birth weight, breastfeeding, alternative feeding routes, dysphagia and anthropometric profiles based on the World Health Organization Anthro z-scores (weight-length/height, weight-age, length/height-age and BMI-age).

Results

The first assessment included 248 children, 77 (31.05%) with microcephaly and 171 (68.95%) without microcephaly. The final assessment was performed on 86 children. Prematurity was 2.35 times higher and low birth weight was 3.49 times higher in children with microcephaly. The frequency of breastfeeding was high (> 80%) in both groups. On discharge from the maternity hospital, the frequency of children requiring alternative feeding route in both groups was less than 5%. After 12 months of age, children with microcephaly required alternative feeding route more often than children without microcephaly. In children with microcephaly, the z-score of all growth indicators was lower than in children without microcephaly.

Conclusions

Children with Zika-related microcephaly were more frequently premature and low birth weight and remained with nutritional parameters, i.e., weight-for-age, weight-for-length/height and length/height-for-age below those of the children without microcephaly.
Rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis: Charcot Neuro-osteoarthropathy
Authors: Luo Zhiyuan , Ding Xinxiang , Yuan Yu , Hou Lei
Published: April 2024

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease.However, there are few cases of Charcot Neuro-osteoarthropathy (CN) caused by rheumatoid diseases in clinical reports. It is not easy to pay attention to the diagnosis of CN in the complications of rheumatoid disease, which greatly increases the probability of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. This case reported a rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis, Charcot arthritis, and the molecular mechanism and diagnosis and treatment of CN caused by RA were systematically discussed.

Case presentation

The patient, a 79-year-old woman, was hospitalized due to bilateral shoulder pain, limited activity for half a year, aggravated for 4 months to the hospital. During this period, the symptoms did not improve after treatment with acupuncture and Chinese medicine. The patient was previously diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis for more than 3 years and intermittent irregular use of methylprednisolone and methotrexate for 2 years. She had a history of osteoporosis. Physical examination: symmetrical malformed swelling of the finger joints of both hands; Bilateral supraspinatus and deltoid muscle atrophy, tenderness at the acromion, and attachment of the long head tendon of the biceps brachii were observed. The left Dugas test and the right Dugas test were positive.Blood test: anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (A-CCP) 33.10U/ml (normal range: 0-5RU/ml); antinuclear antibody quantification (ANA) 47.40AU/ml (normal range: Negative or < 32); anti-double stranded DNA IgG antibody quantification (dsDNA) 31.00 IU/ml (normal range: 0-100 IU/ml); D-Dimer 6.43 µg/ml (normal range: 0–0.5 mg/L); erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 27 mm/h (normal range: < 20 mm/60 min). C-reactive protein (CRP) 39.06 mg/L(0.068-8 mg/L).MRI 3.0 T enhancement of bilateral shoulder joints, cervical spine and thoracic spine showed: 1.Large bone destruction, cartilage injury, multiple effusion, synovitis, obvious on the right side. 2.Intervertebral disc degeneration, cervical 3/4, 4/5, 5/6, 6/7 disc herniation, with cervical 3/4 obvious, posterior central herniation;

Conclusions

Rheumatoid arthritis complicated with Charcot's joint is rare. Clinically, patients with rheumatoid diseases should not ignore Charcot's joint complications because of rareness. Early blood inflammatory markers, neuro electrophysiology, and imaging MRI of rheumatoid CN are of great significance for the diagnosis of this mild or early neurovascular inflammation. Early diagnosis and treatment are helpful to prevent further joint injury. The clinical diagnosis, treatment, and molecular mechanism of osteolysis in RA and peripheral sensory nerve injury remain to be further revealed.
Is private insurance enough to address barriers to accessing dental care? Findings from a Canadian population-based study
Authors: Abdelrehim Mona , Singhal Sonica
Published: April 2024

Background

In Canada, as in many other countries, private dental insurance addresses financial barriers to a great extent thereby facilitating access to dental care. That said, insurance does not guarantee affordability, as there are issues with the quality and level of coverage of insurance plans. As such, individuals facing barriers to dental care experience poorer oral health. Therefore, it is important to examine more keenly the socio-demographic attributes of people with private insurance to particularly identify those, who despite having insurance, face challenges in accessing dental care and experience poorer oral health.

Methods

This study is a secondary data analysis of the most recent available cycle (2017-18) of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), a national cross-sectional survey. Univariate analysis was conducted to determine the characteristics of Ontarians with private insurance (n = 17,678 representing 6919,814 Ontarians)—bivariate analysis to explore their financial barriers to dental care, and how they perceive their oral health. Additionally, logistic regressions were conducted to identify relationships between covariates and outcome variables.

Results

Analysis shows that the majority of those with private insurance do not experience cost barriers to dental care and perceive their oral health as good to excellent. However, specific populations, including those aged 20–39 years, and those earning less than $40,000, despite having private dental insurance, face significantly more cost barriers to access to care compared to their counterparts. Additionally, those with the lowest income (earning less than $20,000 annually) perceived their oral health as “fair to poor” more than those earning more. Adjusted estimates revealed that respondents aged 20–39 were six times more likely to report cost barriers to dental care and ten times more likely to visit the dentist only for emergencies than those aged 12–19. Additionally, those aged 40–59 were two times more likely to report poorer oral health status compared to those aged 12–19.

Conclusion

Given the upcoming implementation of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, the results of this study can support in identifying vulnerable populations who currently are ineligible for the Plan but can be benefitted from the coverage.
The relationship between social support and professional identity of health professional students from a two-way social support theory perspective: chain mediating effects of achievement motivation and meaning in life
Authors: Luo Jian , Liu Xiao-Bo , Yao Qian , Qu Yi , Yang Jin , Lin Ke , Pan Shi-Rong , Wang Tian-Yi , Dai Yun , Chen Huan-Yu , Chen Jian-Min , Yang Zheng
Published: April 2024

Background

Studies has suggested that receiving social support improves the professional identity of health professional students. According to the two-way social support theory, social support includes receiving social support and giving social support. However, the effect of the two-way social support on health professional students’ professional identity has not been clarified yet.

Methods

To explore the mechanism of how two-way social support affects health professional students’ professional identity, an observational, cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenience and cluster sample of 1449 health professional students from two medical schools in western China. Measures included a short version of the two-way social support scale, a health professional students’ professional identity questionnaire, an achievement motivation scale, and a meaning in life scale. (Data were analyzed by use of SPSS26.0 software, Amos 28.0 software, and PROCESSv4.0 plug-in.).

Results

Receiving social support, giving social support, achievement motivation, meaning in life, and professional identity were positively correlated with each other. Receiving and giving social support not only directly predicted health professional students’ professional identity, but also indirectly predicted health professional students’ professional identity through the mediating roles of achievement motivation and meaning in life, and the chain mediating roles of achievement motivation and meaning in life, respectively. The effectiveness of predicting health professional students’ professional identity varied among different types of two-way social support, which could be depicted as two-way social support > mainly giving social support > mainly receiving social support > low two-way social support.

Conclusion

In the medical education, the awareness and ability of health professional students to receive and give social support should be strengthened. More attention should be drawn on the chain mediating effect of achievement motivation and meaning in life between two-way social support and professional identity. The current results shed new light on exploring effective ways of improving health professional students’ professional identity, which suggested that more attention should be paid to the positive effects of mainly giving social support and two-way social support rather than only on the effects of receiving social support.