bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The V223I substitution in hemagglutinin reduces the binding affinity to human-type receptors while enhancing the thermal stability of the H3N2 canine influenza virus
Authors: Liu Liling , Wang Fujun , Wu Ying , Mi Weiyong , Zhang Yaping , Chen Lei , Wang Dongxue , Deng Guohua , Shi Jianzhong , Chen Hualan , Kong Huihui
Published: July 2024

Given the intimate relationship between humans and dogs, the H3N2 canine influenza viruses (CIVs) pose a threat to public health. In our study, we isolated four H3N2 CIVs from 3,758 dog nasal swabs in China between 2018 and 2020, followed by genetic and biological analysis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 15 genotypes among all available H3N2 CIVs, with genotype 15 prevailing among dogs since around 2017, indicating the establishment of a stable virus lineage in dogs. Molecular characterization identified many mammalian adaptive substitutions, including HA-G146S, HA-N188D, PB2-I292T, PB2-G590S, PB2-S714I, PB1-D154G, and NP-R293K, present across the four isolates. Notably, analysis of HA sequences uncovered a newly emerged adaptive mutation, HA-V223I, which is predominantly found in human and swine H3N2 viruses, suggesting its role in mammalian adaptation. Receptor-binding analysis revealed that the four H3N2 viruses bind both avian and human-type receptors. However, HA-V223I decreases the H3N2 virus’s affinity for human-type receptors but enhances its thermal stability. Furthermore, attachment analysis confirmed the H3N2 virus binding to human tracheal tissues, albeit with reduced affinity when the virus carries HA-V223I. Antigenic analysis indicated that the current human H3N2 vaccines do not confer protection against H3N2 CIVs. Collectively, these findings underscore that the potential threat posed by H3N2 CIVs to human health still exists, emphasizing the necessity of close surveillance and monitoring of H3N2 CIVs in dogs.
Effect of occupational therapy on the occurrence of delirium in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Jun , Fan Kaipeng , Zheng Suqin , Xie Guangyao , Niu Xuekang , Pang Jinkuo , Zhang Huihuang , Wu Xin , Qu Jiayang
Published: July 2024

Aim

Delirium poses a major challenge to global health care, yet there is currently a dearth of single effective interventions or medications. Particularly, addressing delirium induced by critical illness is a complex process. Occupational therapy is considered to have a high potential for use in the prevention of delirium, as it involves both cognitive training and training in ADL. To comprehensively analyze the effect of occupational therapy on delirium prevention, we evaluated the effects of occupational therapy vs. standard non-pharmacological prevention on incidence and duration of delirium, clinical outcomes and rehabilitation outcomes in critically ill patients.

Methods

The data sources, including PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, were comprehensively searched from their inception until 15 October 2023. Following the PICOS principle, a systematic screening of literature was conducted to identify relevant studies. Subsequently, the quality assessment was performed to evaluate the risk of bias in the included literature. Finally, outcome measures from each study were extracted and comprehensive analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4.

Results

A total of four clinical trials met the selection criteria. The pooled analysis indicated no significant difference in the incidence and duration of delirium between the OT group and standard non-pharmacological interventions. A comprehensive analysis of clinical outcomes revealed that OT did not significantly reduce the length of hospital stay or ICU stay. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in mortality rates between the two groups. It is noteworthy that although grip strength levels did not exhibit significant improvement following OT intervention, there were obvious enhancements observed in ADL and MMSE scores.

Conclusion

Although occupational therapy may not be the most effective in preventing delirium, it has been shown to significantly improve ADL and cognitive function among critically ill patients. Therefore, we contend that occupational therapy is a valuable component of a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to managing delirium. In the future, high-quality researches are warranted to optimize the implementation of occupational therapy interventions for delirium prevention and further enhance their benefits for patients.
Association between body fat distribution and asthma in adults: results from the cross-sectional and bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Kang , Chen Zhujun , Wei Zhengxiao , He Lijun , Gong Liang
Published: July 2024

Background

Many studies define obesity based on body mass index (BMI) and explore its relationship with adult asthma. However, BMI only considers height and weight, ignoring other factors such as body fat, which may have a greater impact on health. We investigated the relationship between body fat distribution and adult asthma using both a cross-sectional study and bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods

Weighted logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between body fat distribution measurements and adult asthma in the cross-sectional study from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2018. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves were employed to explore the dose–response relationship between them. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the main method of MR analysis to explore the causal effect of exposure on outcome.

Results

After adjusting for all covariates, weighted logistic regression analysis indicated that fat mass in the left arm, left leg, right arm, right leg, trunk, and total body is associated with an increased risk of developing adult asthma (p < 0.05). RCS curves showed that all six fat mass indicators exhibit a J-shaped relationship with adult asthma. Forward MR analysis found a causal effect of six fat mass indicators on the increased risk of adult asthma (p < 0.05). However, reverse MR did not reveal any causal effect of adult asthma on these six fat mass indicators (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study supports a positive correlation and a unidirectional causality between body fat distribution measurements and the risk of adult asthma. Further studies are needed to validate our findings.
Optimizing treatment strategies for pediatric phimosis and redundant prepuce: a comparative study of traditional circumcision and disposable circumcision stapler
Authors: Zhang Guoyan , Luo Yongliang , Cheng Shangchao , Tu Yonglang , Meng Xiangyu , Wu Linde , Li Gang , Chen Xiyuan
Published: July 2024

Objective

To investigate the surgical outcomes and complication rates of traditional circumcision and disposable circumcision stapler in the treatment of pediatric patients with phimosis and redundant prepuce.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on pediatric patients with phimosis or preputial redundancy treated at our pediatric surgery department from January 2022 to December 2023. The patients were divided into two groups: treated with traditional circumcision (control group) and treated with a disposable circumcision stapler (experimental group). Surgical parameters (operation time, intraoperative bleeding), postoperative outcomes (postoperative pain scores, wound healing time, severe edge swelling, wound dehiscence, postoperative rebleeding, postoperative infection, aesthetic satisfaction), were compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 301 pediatric patients were included in our study, with 146 in the traditional group and 155 in the stapler group. The stapler group showed significantly lower values in operation time, intraoperative bleeding, and postoperative rebleeding compared to the traditional group (P < 0.05). However, the traditional group had a significant advantage in postoperative wound healing time and the occurrence of severe edge swelling (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of anesthetic drug dosage, postoperative pain level, postoperative infection rate, wound dehiscence, and aesthetic satisfaction (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

In the treatment of pediatric phimosis and redundant prepuce, the advantage of traditional circumcision lies in faster postoperative recovery and less severe edge swelling. The disposable circumcision stapler excels in thorough hemostasis, easy and safe operation, suitable for primary medical use, but lags behind in postoperative recovery compared to the traditional method. Each treatment approach has its own advantages, and the choice should be based on the actual condition and circumstances of the patient. Personalized treatment decisions should be made collaboratively to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes.
Regional cerebral oxygen saturation variability and brain injury in preterm infants
Authors: Ćaleta Tomislav , Ryll Martin J. , Bojanić Katarina , Dessardo Nada Sindičić , Schroeder Darrell R. , Sprung Juraj , Weingarten Toby N. , Radoš Milan , Kostović Ivica , Grizelj Ruža
Published: July 2024

Objective

To examine whether variation of regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) within three days after delivery predicts development of brain injury (intraventricular/cerebellar hemorrhage or white matter injury) in preterm infants.

Study design

A prospective study of neonates <32 weeks gestational age with normal cranial ultrasound admitted between 2018 and 2022. All received rScO2 monitoring with near-infrared spectroscopy at admission up to 72 h of life. To assess brain injury a magnetic resonance imaging was performed at term-equivalent age. We assessed the association between rScO2 variability (short-term average real variability, rScO2ARV, and standard deviation, rScO2SD), mean rScO2 (rScO2MEAN), and percentage of time rScO2 spent below 60% (rScO2TIME<60%) during the first 72 h of life and brain injury.

Results

The median [IQR] time from birth to brain imaging was 68 [59-79] days. Of 81 neonates, 49 had some form of brain injury. Compared to neonates without injury, in those with injury rScO2ARV was higher during the first 24 h (P = 0.026); rScO2SD was higher at 24 and 72 h (P = 0.029 and P = 0.030, respectively), rScO2MEAN was lower at 48 h (P = 0.042), and rScO2TIME<60% was longer at 24, 48, and 72 h (P = 0.050, P = 0.041, and P = 0.009, respectively). Similar results were observed in multivariable logistic regression. Although not all results were statistically significant, increased rScO2 variability (rScO2ARV and rScO2SD) and lower mean values of rScO2 were associated with increased likelihood of brain injury.

Conclusions

In preterm infants increased aberration of rScO2 in early postdelivery period was associated with an increased likelihood of brain injury diagnosis at term-equivalent age.
Comprehensively prognostic and immunological analyses of GLP-1 signaling-related genes in pan-cancer and validation in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhu Chaojun , Lai Yihong , Liu Chengdong , Teng Lan , Zhu Yuxin , Lin Xinyu , Fu Xinyi , Lai Qiuhua , Liu Side , Zhou Xiaohan , Fang Yuxin
Published: July 2024

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has crucial impact on glycemic control and weight loss physiologically. GLP-1 receptor agonists have been approved for treatment of diabetes and obesity. Emerging evidence suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists exert anticancer effect in tumorigenesis and development. However, the role and mechanism of GLP-1 signaling-related genes in pan-cancer still need further study.

Methods: We comprehensively investigated the aberrant expression and genetic alterations of GLP-1 signaling-related genes in 33 cancer types. Next, GLP-1 signaling score of each patient in The Cancer Genome Atlas were established by the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis. In addition, we explored the association of GLP-1 signaling score with prognostic significance and immune characteristics. Furthermore, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry staining were applied to verify the expression profiling of GLP-1 signaling-related genes in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues. Wound-healing assays and migration assays were carried out to validate the role of GLP-1 receptor agonist in CRC cell lines.

Results: The expression profiling of GLP-1 signaling-related genes is commonly altered in pan-cancer. The score was decreased in cancer tissues compared with normal tissues and the lower expression score was associated with worse survival in most of cancer types. Notably, GLP-1 signaling score was strongly correlated with immune cell infiltration, including T cells, neutrophils, dendritic cells and macrophages. In addition, GLP-1 signaling score exhibited close association with tumor mutation burden, microsatellite instability and immunotherapy response in patients with cancer. Moreover, we found that the expression of GLP-1 signaling-related genes ITPR1 and ADCY5 were significantly reduced in CRC tissues, and GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide impaired the migration capacity of CRC cells, indicating its protective role.

Conclusion: This study provided a preliminary understanding of the GLP-1 signaling-related genes in pan-cancer, showing the prognosis significance and potential immunotherapeutic values in most cancer types, and verified the potential anticancer effect of GLP-1 receptor agonist in CRC.
The mechanism of low molecular weight fucoidan-incorporated nanofiber scaffolds inhibiting oral leukoplakia via SR-A/Wnt signal axis
Authors: Xu Ming , Sun Yu , Cong Beibei , Zhang Xiaopei , Li Zhenfeng , Liu Yingnan , Geng Lihua , Qin Qi , Wu Yingtao , Gao Meihua , Wang Wanchun , Wang Yuanfei , Xu Yingjie
Published: July 2024

Oral leukoplakia (OLK) is the most common oral precancerous lesion, and 3%–17% of OLK patients progress to oral squamous cell carcinoma. OLK is susceptible to recurrence and has no effective treatment. However, conventional drugs have significant side effects and limitations. Therefore, it is important to identify drugs that target OLK. In this study, scavenger receptor A (SR-A) was found to be abnormally highly expressed in the oral mucosal epithelial cells of OLK patients, whereas molecular biology studies revealed that low molecular weight fucoidan (LMWF) promoted apoptosis of dysplastic oral keratinocytes (DOK) and inhibited the growth and migration of DOK, and the inhibitory effect of LMWF on OLK was achieved by regulating the SR-A/Wnt signaling axis and related genes. Based on the above results and the special situation of the oral environment, we constructed LMWF/poly(caprolactone-co-lactide) nanofiber membranes with different structures for the in-situ treatment of OLK using electrospinning technology. The results showed that the nanofiber membranes with a shell-core structure had the best physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and therapeutic effect, which optimized the LMWF drug delivery and ensured the effective concentration of the drug at the target point, thus achieving precise treatment of local lesions in the oral cavity. This has potential application value in inhibiting the development of OLK.
Chemoreflex sensitization occurs in both male and female rats during recovery from acute lung injury
Authors: Kamra Kajal , Zucker Irving H. , Schultz Harold D. , Wang Han-Jun
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Sex-specific patterns in respiratory conditions, such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, obstructive sleep apnea, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, have been previously documented. Animal models of acute lung injury (ALI) have offered insights into sex differences, with male mice exhibiting distinct lung edema and vascular leakage compared to female mice. Our lab has provided evidence that the chemoreflex is sensitized in male rats during the recovery from bleomycin-induced ALI, but whether sex-based chemoreflex changes occur post-ALI is not known. To bridge this gap, the current study employed the bleomycin-induced ALI animal model to investigate sex-based differences in chemoreflex activation during the recovery from ALI.

Methods

ALI was induced using a single intra-tracheal instillation of bleomycin (bleo, 2.5 mg/Kg) (day 1). Resting respiratory frequency (fR) was measured at 1-2 days pre-bleo, day 7 (D7) post-bleo, and 1 month (1 mth) post-bleo. The chemoreflex responses to hypoxia (10% O2, 0% CO2) and normoxic-hypercapnia (21% O2, 5% CO2) were measured before bleo administration (pre-bleo) and 1 mth post-bleo using whole-body plethysmography. The apnea-hypopnea Index (AHI), post-sigh apneas, and sighs were measured at each time point.

Results

There were no significant differences in resting fR between male and female rats at the pre-bleo time point or in the increase in resting fR at D7 post-bleo. At 1 mth post-bleo, the resting fR was partially restored in both sexes but the recovery towards normal ranges of resting fR was significantly lower in male rats. The AHI, post-sigh apneas, and sighs were not different between male and female rats pre-bleo and 1 mth post-bleo. However, at D7 post-bleo, the male rats exhibited a higher AHI than female rats. Both male and female rats exhibited a sensitized chemoreflex in response to hypoxia and normoxic-hypercapnia with no significant differences between sexes.

Conclusion

A sex difference in resting ventilatory parameters occurs post ALI with a prolonged increase in resting fR and larger AHI in male rats. On the other hand, we did not find any sex differences in the chemoreflex sensitization that occurs at 1 mth post-bleo. This work contributes to a better understanding of sex-based variations in lung disorders.
A lightweight Color-changing melon ripeness detection algorithm based on model pruning and knowledge distillation: leveraging dilated residual and multi-screening path aggregation
Authors: Chen Guojun , Hou Yongjie , Chen Haozhen , Cao Lei , Yuan Jianqiang
Published: July 2024

Color-changing melons are a kind of cucurbit plant that combines ornamental and food. With the aim of increasing the efficiency of harvesting Color-changing melon fruits while reducing the deployment cost of detection models on agricultural equipment, this study presents an improved YOLOv8s network approach that uses model pruning and knowledge distillation techniques. The method first merges Dilated Wise Residual (DWR) and Dilated Reparam Block (DRB) to reconstruct the C2f module in the Backbone for better feature fusion. Next, we designed a multilevel scale fusion feature pyramid network (HS-PAN) to enrich semantic information and strengthen localization information to enhance the detection of Color-changing melon fruits with different maturity levels. Finally, we used Layer-Adaptive Sparsity Pruning and Block-Correlation Knowledge Distillation to simplify the model and recover its accuracy. In the Color-changing melon images dataset, the mAP0.5 of the improved model reaches 96.1%, the detection speed is 9.1% faster than YOLOv8s, the number of Params is reduced from 6.47M to 1.14M, the number of computed FLOPs is reduced from 22.8GFLOPs to 7.5GFLOPs. The model’s size has also decreased from 12.64MB to 2.47MB, and the performance of the improved YOLOv8 is significantly more outstanding than other lightweight networks. The experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method in complex scenarios, which provides a reference basis and technical support for the subsequent automatic picking of Color-changing melons.
The impact of social isolation on smartphone addiction among college students: the multiple mediating effects of loneliness and COVID-19 anxiety
Authors: Wang Ye , Ma Qianying
Published: July 2024

Background

The widespread use of smartphones has significantly increased smartphone addiction among college students, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, university campuses in mainland China have strictly followed the Chinese government’s strict quarantine policy, including closed campus management, prohibitions against gatherings, and social distancing, increasing student loneliness and anxiety and thus increasing the risk of smartphone addiction. Extant Studies have revealed that social isolation is a prominent predictor of smartphone addiction but have failed to systematically explore the complex relationship between social isolation and smartphone addiction in the context of COVID-19; therefore, the underlying mechanisms of these factors in the post-pandemic era are unclear.

Objective

This study is the first attempt to consider loneliness, COVID-19 anxiety and social isolation as a whole and to clarify the underlying mechanisms of social isolation and smartphone addiction by constructing a multiple mediating model.

Method

This study included students enrolled at eight higher education institutions in Conghua District (Guangzhou city). Quota proportional sampling was adopted, 900 self-report questionnaires were distributed through the WeChat groups of these universities from December 10 to December 15, 2022, and 868 valid questionnaires (620 females, 248 males) were ultimately obtained.

Results

The direct effect of social isolation on smartphone addiction was significant, and loneliness and COVID-19 anxiety mediated the association between social isolation and smartphone addiction in both parallel and sequential ways. Moreover, a reverse mediation model with COVID-19 anxiety as the first mediator and loneliness as the second mediator was found.

Conclusion

College students who experience social isolation are at greater risk for smartphone addiction, and the core factor leading to their smartphone addiction is the subjective psychological state triggered by campus isolation and social distancing, such as loneliness and anxiety. These risky behaviors of people should receive extra attention, and psychological factors such as loneliness and COVID-19 anxiety should be considered in future therapies aimed at reducing addiction.
Mental toughness and choking susceptibility in athletes
Authors: Thiessen Burgandy , Blacker Mishka , Sullivan Philip
Published: July 2024

Choking susceptibility refers to the propensity of an athlete to choke under pressure. Mesagno has operationalized choking susceptibility as a combination of scores on self-consciousness, anxiety and coping. Despite the potential of Mesagno’s protocol, there is currently limited support for its validity. Secondly, although mental toughness (MT) has a relationship with sport performance, there is limited research on its relationship to choking under pressure, specifically. The current study investigated the relationship between choking susceptibility and mental toughness. It was hypothesized that choking susceptible athletes will have significantly lower levels of mental toughness than those who are not choking susceptible. Data from a heterogeneous sample of athletes (N = 415) was obtained through a Qualtrics research panel. Results of a Mann–Whitney U showed that self-reported mental toughness was not significantly different in athletes categorized as choking susceptible and non-choking susceptible. Correlational analyses also highlighted differences between mental toughness and the composite scores of choking susceptibility, which provide researchers with avenues for future research in this area alongside a need for each construct to be examined in relation to choking behavior in sport.
Perioperative/postoperative anxiety and its interventions in gynecological cancers: a comprehensive review of clinical evidence
Authors: Chen Beibei , Chen Chunyan , Zhao Xiumin , Wu Xiaoxia
Published: July 2024

Gynecological cancers are prevalent malignancies among females, and surgical intervention is the primary therapeutic approach offering the possibility of a definitive cure. Recent research has highlighted the susceptibility of gynecological cancer patients to experiencing anxiety symptoms during the perioperative and postoperative phases, with this psychological condition being linked to suboptimal recovery following surgery. Nevertheless, certain interventions have shown promise in mitigating perioperative and postoperative anxiety in gynecological cancer patients. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive review to collect the existing evidence on this subject. Through a systematic search across six common databases, we screened and included 28 pertinent studies. The current review emphasizes the elevated occurrence of perioperative and postoperative anxiety among patients with gynecological cancers (i.e., uterine, cervical, ovarian, endometrial, and vulval cancers). Specific nursing interventions (i.e., crisis intervention nursing, multidisciplinary collaborative continuous nursing, psychological nursing, comprehensive psychological nursing, reminiscence therapy involved care, cognitive behavioral stress management, hospital-family integrated continuation nursing, high-quality nursing care, relaxation-focused nursing program, and relaxation/counseling intervention) and psychotropic medications may serve as dependable approaches to mitigate perioperative and postoperative anxiety. This study represents a novel contribution to the literature by providing a characterization of perioperative and postoperative anxiety in the context of gynecological oncology. The findings underscore the significance of addressing perioperative and postoperative anxiety as a critical clinical concern for individuals with gynecological cancers, emphasizing the need for further research to develop effective interventions.
Sociodemographic disparities in postnatal care coverage at comprehensive health centers in Hamedan City
Authors: Maleki Azam , Soltani Farzaneh , Abasalizadeh Maryam , Bakht Rafat
Published: July 2024

Background

Postnatal care (PNC) is a crucial component of continuous healthcare and can be influenced by sociodemographic factors. This study aimed to examine the sociodemographic disparities in PNC coverage in Hamedan City.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we utilized existing data recorded in the Health Integrated System of Hamedan City, located in Iran, from 2020 to 2021. The study population consisted of 853 women who were over 15 years old and had given birth within the past 42 days. The Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) software was used to evaluate the socioeconomic inequalities in PNC coverage.

Results

Overall, 531 (62.3%) of the women received three postnatal visits. The absolute concentration index (ACI) indicates that women aged 20–35 years, illiterate women, housewives, insured individuals, and urban residents experience a higher magnitude of inequality in PNC coverage. The negative values of the ACI suggest that the health index is concentrated among disadvantaged groups, with educational level inequalities being more pronounced than those related to age.

Conclusion

Postnatal care coverage among mothers was relatively adequate; however, sociodemographic inequalities existed in the utilization of PNC services. It is recommended that policymakers make efforts to increase access to PNC services for mothers from low socio-economic groups.
Continuous nursing for infants with congenital talipes equinovarus undergoing Ponseti therapy and telehealth education for their parents via WeChat: a single center retrospective study
Authors: Wang Xiangxuan , Lin Kainan , Lin Jinrun , Xu Wenchen , Chen Hui
Published: July 2024

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of continuous nursing and telehealth education via WeChat in infants with congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) undergoing Ponseti therapy on reducing complications, care burden, and improving the quality of life for parents.

Methods

This is a single-center retrospective study. From July 2021 to December 2022, 44 CTEV children who undergoing Ponseti treatment in our hospital who received continuous nursing and telehealth education via WeChat (experimental group). In addition, during January 2020 to June 2021, 44 children with CTEV treated with Ponseti in our hospital who received routine nursing and traditional health education were selected as the control group. The incidence of complications, parental care burden and parental quality of life were compared between the two groups.

Results

There was no significant difference in the demographic characteristics of patients and parents between the two groups, and the groups were comparable (p > 0.05). The incidence of complications including plaster loosens, plaster falling off, pressure ulcer was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Parents in the intervention group experienced significantly lower care burdens compared to those in the control group (p < 0.05). The quality of life of parents in the intervention group was significantly higher than that for the control group (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in the incidence of complications, the care burden of parents and the quality of life of parents between the two groups.

Conclusion

This study found that continuous nursing and telehealth education via WeChat group during Ponsetis treatment of children with CTEV can effectively reduce complications, reduce the care burden of parents and improve the quality of life of parents. This method is simple and convenient, especially worthy of application and promotion in medically underdeveloped areas.
Competency in responding to infectious disease outbreaks among nurses in primary healthcare institutions: a quantitative, cross-sectional multicentre study
Authors: Zhu Wei , Zhang Jizhen , Yang Liyao , Li Jiping , Guo Hongxia
Published: July 2024

Background

Nurses’ competencies are crucial for infectious disease prevention and control. We aimed to investigate competencies in responding to infectious disease outbreaks of nurses in primary healthcare institutions and identify their training needs.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2022, recruiting nurses from primary healthcare institutions across Sichuan Province. Their competencies and training needs were assessed using a modified Emergency Response Competency Scale for Infectious Diseases. Additionally, their sociodemographic characteristics and experience in infectious disease outbreak trainings were collected. Univariate analyses were used to compare competencies and training needs by participant characteristics. Multiple linear regression was conducted to identify determinants of their competencies.

Results

A total of 1,439 nurses from 44 primary healthcare institutions participated in this study. The overall competency and training needs had a median of 3.6 (IQR [3.1, 4.0]) and 4.0 (IQR [3.9, 4.7]), respectively. Age (β = −0.074, p = 0.005), experience in higher authority hospitals (β = 0.057, p = 0.035), infectious disease outbreak trainings attended within the last 5 years (β = 0.212, p < 0.001), and regions where the institutions located were determinants of the competencies.

Conclusion

The competencies in responding to infectious disease outbreaks among nurses in primary healthcare institutions were at a moderate level, influenced by varied factors.
Individual and community-level factors of availability of observed water, soap, and other cleansing agents for hand washing practice in Ethiopia: a multilevel mixed-effects analysis of the 2021 performance monitoring for action Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Natnael , Delie Amare Mebrat , Ketema Bogale Eyob , Anagaw Tadele Fentabel , Talie Fenta Eneyew , Adal Ousman
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This study delves into individual and community-level factors influencing the availability of water, soap, and cleansing agents for handwashing in Ethiopia. Its comprehensive exploration offers nuanced insights, informing targeted interventions and policies to effectively enhance handwashing resources across Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess individual and community-level factors of availability of observed water, soap, and other cleansing agents for hand washing practices in Ethiopia.

Methods

Data from the 2021 PMA-ET, encompassing 24,747 household participants, informed this study. Employing STATA version 17.0, a multi-level mixed-effect logistic regression analysis was performed to identify individual and community-level factors. Adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval conveyed the strength and direction of associations, with significance determined at p < 0.05.

Results

Significant factors affecting handwashing resources availability: water, soap, and cleansing agents included education status such as Participants aged below 25 and between 25 and 64 (OR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.0891, 1.7631) and (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.1431, 1.8621) respectively, individuals with no formal education and those with only primary education were 40 and 39% less likely (OR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0. 47,191, 0. 77,317) and (OR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0. 46,526, 0. 80,124) respectively, those who had poor and had middle wealth status were (OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0. 24,955, 0.37165) and (OR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.31465, 0. 44,973) respectively, who had media exposure (OR = 2.88; 95% CI: 2.5565, 3.2615), water sources, various sources like Piped Water, tube well, dug well, spring, rainwater, and surface water were less likely to provide access compared to bottled water. Furthermore, clusters with a lower proportion of primary education [AOR = 0.13, 95% CI: (0.04303, 0.44515)], and those with a higher proportion of middle wealth status [AOR = 3.26, 95% CI: (1.071, 9.9245)].

Conclusion

The study uncovered individual and community-level factors impacting the availability of water, soap, and cleansing agents for handwashing in Ethiopia. Individual factors like age, education, wealth, water source, media exposure, Community factors such as education levels and wealth status showed significant associations. Community initiatives should boost primary education and equitable wealth distribution to ensure widespread access to hand-washing resources, fostering improved hygiene practices.
Surgical outcomes and complications associated with ovariectomy in the southern stingray Hypanus americanus
Authors: George Robert H. , Buckner Chris , Baine Katherine , Steeil James , White Stacia , Handsel Tim , Wyffels Jennifer T.
Published: July 2024

Southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus) are relatively large rays that are common and popular in public aquariums because of their size and gentle nature. In aquariums, as well as in the wild, female southern stingrays are fecund. They have a short gestation cycle and can sustain multiple pregnancies each year, each culminating with 2–10 young. This reproductive rate could quickly outpace capacity in managed care and result in a ray surplus. To prevent overpopulation, many aquaria have resorted to single sex groups with a preference for female-only populations. This is an effective way to control population growth, but forces the maintenance of two separated populations of rays; for females this interrupts normal reproductive cycling and replaces it with a protracted non-pregnant condition. An additional consideration is development of reproductive disease in females which is recognized by an enlarged, misshapen, and congested ovary with an abundance of cystic structures and an enlarged uterus with a thickened wall that is often filled with histotroph despite a non-pregnant status. There are no effective long-lasting medical treatments for this type of reproductive disease and mortality is often the result. This report describes a surgical technique for ovariectomy in southern stingrays including outcomes and complications. Ovariectomy as a surgical method prevents unwanted reproduction and has the benefit of reducing reproductive pathologies commonly observed in southern stingrays as they age. Seven stingrays 1–5.2 years old and 42–83.5 cm disc width underwent ovariectomy. After anesthesia, the ovary and a small amount of epigonal was excised via a left para-lumbar incision. Four of the seven rays survived five or more years post-procedure. Two rays died acutely of coelomitis and one ray died of complications unrelated to the procedure. This report details a surgical procedure for ovariectomy in southern stingrays including outcomes, complications, and recommendations.
Analysis of genomic copy number variations through whole-genome scan in Yunling cattle
Authors: Dang Dong , Zhang Lilian , Gao Lutao , Peng Lin , Chen Jian , Yang Linnan
Published: July 2024

Yunling cattle is a new breed of beef cattle bred in Yunnan Province, China, which has the advantages of fast growth, excellent meat quality, improved tolerance ability, and important landscape value. Copy number variation (CNV) is a significant source of gene structural variation and plays a crucial role in evolution and phenotypic diversity. Based on the latest reference genome ARS-UCD2.0, this study analyzed the genome-wide distribution of CNVs in Yunling cattle using short-read whole-genome sequencing data (n = 129) and single-molecule long-read sequencing data (n = 1), and a total of 16,507 CNVs were detected. After merging CNVs with overlapping genomic positions, 3,728 CNV regions (CNVRs) were obtained, accounting for 0.61% of the reference genome. The functional analysis indicated significant enrichment of CNVRs in 96 GO terms and 57 KEGG pathways, primarily related to cell adhesion, signal transduction, neuromodulation, and nutritional metabolism. Additionally, 111 CNVRs overlapped with 76 quantitative trait loci (QTLs), including Subcutaneous fat thickness QTL, Longissimus muscle area QTL, and Marbling score QTL. Several CNVR-overlapping genes, including BZW1, AOX1, and LOC100138449, overlap with regions associated with meat color and quality QTLs. Furthermore, Vst analysis showed that PSMB4, ERICH1, SMC2, and PPP4R3A were highly divergent between Yunling and Brahman cattle. In summary, we have constructed the genomic CNV map of Yunling cattle for the first time using whole-genome resequencing. This provides valuable genetic variation resources for the study of the Yunling cattle genome and contributes to the study of economic traits in Yunling cattle.
Field assessment of potential exposure of dogs to leptospirosis by measuring antibody titers in dogs: a multisite study in five geographic regions of the United States
Authors: Carithers Doug , Loebach Ed , Williams Troy , Sponseller Jerlyn , Schreibman Andrew , Platts Diane
Published: July 2024

Leptospirosis vaccine for dogs in the United States is considered a lifestyle or non-core vaccine, making individual veterinary practitioners responsible for determining if vaccination is necessary for their patients. Veterinary professionals often base their vaccination decisions on local rates of clinical cases. However, even subclinical leptospirosis infections have zoonotic potential. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) is effective for screening unvaccinated animals, but previous vaccination can lead to inconsistent results and variable MAT titers over time. This prospective research survey evaluated if local experience was sufficient to justify selective vaccination for leptospirosis. MAT analyses were performed on sera collected from well-cared-for, unvaccinated dogs residing in five different geographies across the United States: South-Central (East Texas), New England, the Mid-Atlantic (North Carolina and Virginia), Midwest (Wisconsin/northern Illinois), and Southwest (southern California). Thirty-eight clinics participated, submitting a total of 1345 qualified samples from unvaccinated dogs over 1 year of age. 11.6% of these unvaccinated dogs had MAT titers for one or more serogroups of Leptospira. While seropositivity does not necessarily indicate that disease will result or that a specific serovar is involved, these MAT-positive cases do indicate that the potential for exposure exists and clinical signs or a carrier-state could result from infection. These survey results would indicate that a more aggressive vaccination protocol for leptospirosis should be considered.
The Possibilities of Using Artificial Intelligence as a Key Technology in the Current Employee Recruitment Process
Authors: Koman Gabriel , Boršoš Patrik , Kubina Milan
Published: July 2024

The current business environment faces numerous new challenges closely linked to the rapid development of information and communication technologies, which influence the corporate landscape. This article focuses on exploring the possibilities of integrating artificial intelligence, as one of the key technologies of today, into the recruitment process. Its aim is to examine the potential applications of artificial intelligence across various stages of employee recruitment. To achieve this goal, the authors employed various methods and techniques, including the PICOS framework, scientific mapping, and case study analysis. The outcome of this study identifies opportunities for leveraging artificial intelligence in the employee recruitment process within corporate settings. The results reflect the current research gaps concerning the analysis of the personnel processes and conceptualizing the implementation possibilities of artificial intelligence in these processes. The contribution of this article to the academic community lies in its conceptualization, providing a foundation for further research focused on analyzing the impacts of integrating AI into recruitment processes.
Why Do Companies Cook the Books? Empirical Study of the Motives of Creative Accounting of Slovak Companies
Authors: Michulek Jakub , Gajanova Lubica , Krizanova Anna , Blazek Roman
Published: July 2024

Studies on creative accounting date back to the latter part of the 20th century. Creative accounting is still a big challenge in financial accounting. The problem of financial statement manipulation might be investigated, for instance, from an accounting, legal, ethical, or psychological perspective. This research aims to identify the main motives for the use of creative accounting and to find out whether corporate culture has an impact on the motives leading to the use of creative accounting. Data collection took place from 18 November 2023 to 18 December 2022. In the research, we used Pearson’s χ2 test to determine the dependence of the studied variables in contingency tables. Subsequently, correspondence analysis was used. The type of corporate culture does not have an impact on the motives that lead to creative accounting. It was proven that the type of corporate culture has an impact on the performance of creative accounting actions based on the request of a senior employee. The uniqueness of the research lies in the investigation of creative accounting from a psychological and managerial point of view in the territory of the Slovak Republic.
Experimental Study of the Aerodynamic Performance and Flow Characteristics of an Integrated UAV Inlet with Double 90° Bends
Authors: Ren Jiahao , Wu Zhenlong , Tan Huijun , Wang Ziyun , He Xiaoming , Li Dongpo , Zhou Yi
Published: July 2024

Many UAVs today have an S-bend inlet for the sake of stealth; however, the majority of them have a relatively gentle transition of the flow channel. This study presents an experimental investigation of the aerodynamic performance and swirl flow characteristics of a UAV inlet with double 90° bends, which is also integrated with an aircraft fuselage as well as a volute. The influences of angle of attack, sideslip angle, AIP Mach number and freestream speed are explored in detail. The influences of the deflectors installed ahead of the first 90° bend of the inlet and the baffle installed at the bottom of the volute are revealed. It is found that both the deflectors and the baffle are beneficial in enhancing the aerodynamic performance of the inlet and alleviating the intensity of the swirl flow inside the volute.
Safe and Efficient Exploration Path Planning for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in Forest Environments
Authors: Hong Youkyung , Kim Suseong , Kwon Youngsun , Choi Sanghyouk , Cha Jihun
Published: July 2024

This study presents an enhanced exploration path planning for unmanned aerial vehicles. The primary goal is to increase the chances of survival of missing people in forest environments. Exploration path planning is an essential methodology for exploring unknown three-dimensional spaces. However, previous studies have mainly focused on underground environments, not forest environments. The existing path planning methods for underground environments are not directly applicable to forest environments. The reason is that multiple open spaces exist with various obstacles, such as trees, foliage, undergrowth, and rocks. This study mainly focused on improving the safety and efficiency to be suitable for forests rather than underground environments. Paths closer to obstacles are penalized to enhance safety, encouraging exploration at a safer distance from obstacles. A potential field function is applied based on explored space to minimize overlapping between existing and new paths to increase efficiency. The proposed exploration path planning method was validated through an extensive simulation analysis and comparison with state-of-the-art sampling-based path planning. Finally, a flight experiment was conducted to verify further the feasibility of the proposed method using onboard real hardware implementation in a cluttered and complex forest environment.
Molecular Identification and Survey of Cyclospora spp. in Cattle in Shanxi Province, North China
Authors: Wu Ze-Xuan , Kang Yu , Huang Shi-Bo , Liu Ya-Ya , Mei Jin-Jin , Liu Qing , Zhu Xing-Quan
Published: July 2024

To date, more than 20 species in the genus Cyclospora have been reported. Among them, Cyclospora cayetanensis has been recognized as the causative agent of human cyclosporiasis, which is characterized by severe intestinal injury and prolonged diarrhea in patients with immune dysfunction. The presence of C. cayetanensis in cattle has been confirmed. To date, however, no surveillance data are available on the occurrence and prevalence of Cyclospora spp. in cattle in Shanxi Province, North China. In the present study, a total of 761 fecal samples collected from cattle in three representative counties (Qi, Jishan, and Shanyin) in this Province were examined for Cyclospora spp. by using a polymerase-chain-reaction–restriction-fragment-length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) test based on the nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. The prevalence of Cyclospora spp. in cattle was 2.1%, and region, age, sex, and breed were not identified to be risk factors. Molecular evolutionary analysis based on the SSU rRNA sequences revealed that all 12 of the isolates were relatively distant from the human pathogen C. cayetanensis; seven isolates were grouped with Cyclospora colobi, whereas the others were grouped with cattle Cyclospora spp. reported previously. Though C. cayetanensis was not detected in cattle in the present study, more investigations should be performed in human populations, other animal species, or cattle from other regions of Shanxi Province and other environmental sources from the One Health perspective.