bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stressful life events, psychological symptoms, and social support of children and young asylum-seekers in Iceland
Authors: Cardenas Paola , Ásgeirsdóttir Bryndís Björk , Sam David Lackland , Doná Giorgia
Published: December 2022

Background:

Children and young asylum-seekers are often exposed to stressful life events (SLEs) and risk developing psychological symptoms. However, risk and protective factors can positively and negatively influence this vulnerable group’s mental health.

Aims:

To examine the SLE experiences and psychological symptoms of children and youth who seek refuge in Iceland. And to study the role that gender, travelling (un)accompanied and perceived social support play in the development of psychological symptoms for this population.

Methods:

Participants were 75 children and youth of ages 13 to 24 years who sought asylum in Iceland ( M = 19.7, SD =3.0, 66.7% male). Sociodemographic and social support data were collected via face-to-face interviews, with the help of interpreters when required, while SLEs, post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety and behavioural symptoms measures were administered to participants.

Results:

The results indicated that participants who travelled alone to Iceland had experienced more SLEs than those who travelled accompanied. SLE experiences were associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological symptoms. Results also revealed that SLE and perceived peer support played a significant role in predicting PTSD symptoms.

Conclusions:

Children and young asylum-seekers are exposed to a high number of SLEs, which increases their risk of developing psychological problems. This potential risk underlines the need for early assessments and intervention. Moreover, higher levels of social support were related to less severe PTSD symptoms, suggesting that social resources act as protective factors for these children and youth in helping them cope with SLEs.
Stick-slip stabilization in oil well drill-strings via optimal hybrid fractional order fuzzy logic control scheme
Authors: Talbi Billel , Laib Abdelbaset , Gharib Mohamed
Published: December 2022

Stick-slip vibration is regarded as one of the major factors that negatively influence the efficiency of the drilling processes. Therefore, it would be highly preferable to overcome the stick-slip vibration challenge through an effective control scheme. This study aims to address the stick-slip vibration problem in oil well drill-strings through a novel concept of an optimal hybrid fractional order fuzzy logic control (OH-FOFLC) scheme. By combining the robustness of fuzzy logic with the convergence speed of the fractional order method, the proposed scheme may enhance tracking performance in drill-strings under various operating conditions. In addition, the fuzzy logic controller for the OH-FOFLC scheme was designed by considering the minimum rules to decrease the computational burden as well as to reduce the controller’s cost. Furthermore, a particle swarm optimization algorithm was implemented for optimizing the coefficients of the OH-FOFLC scheme. To illustrate the overall performance and effectiveness of the OH-FOFLC, four different controllers, including proportional–integral–derivative (PID), fractional order PID, sliding mode control, and optimal hybrid fuzzy logic control approaches, are considered. The validity of the suggested OH-FOFLC was demonstrated through numerical simulations and comprehensive comparative studies which demonstrated that the OH-FOFLC scheme performs better than the four other controllers under various operating conditions.
Angiopathy and Stroke Associated with Homocystinuria in Childhood
Authors: Demartini Zeferino , Furtado Neves Pedro Juan , Carmo Andre Luis Santos do , Antoniuk Sergio , Bufara Danielle Caldas , Prestes Ana Clarice Bartosievicz , Rodrigues MD Liara Bohnert , Araujo Laura Ziemba , Cardoso-Demartini Adriane
Published: December 2022

A previously healthy 13 year-old boy presented with acute-onset headaches, aphasia and right-sided hemiparesis. Imaging showed cerebral ischemic infarction due to bilateral carotid occlusion, and investigation for stroke etiology diagnosed homocystinuria. Homocystinuria is an autosomal recessive condition that affects the metabolism of the amino acid methionine due to an enzyme deficiency. This disorder involves multiple organs systems, and complications include thromboembolic events, ectopia lentis, mental retardation, and skeletal abnormalities. The early diagnosis and treatment of hyperhomocystinemia can significantly improve outcomes. Therefore, metabolic screening for homocystinuria is strongly recommended for children presenting with stroke.
Computationally semi-numerical technique for solving system of intuitionistic fuzzy differential equations with engineering applications
Authors: Shams Mudassir , Kausar Nasreen , Kousar Sajida , Pamucar Dragan , Ozbilge Ebru , Tantay Bahadir
Published: December 2022

Some complex problems in science and engineering are modeled using fuzzy differential equations. Many fuzzy differential equations cannot be solved by using exact techniques because of the complexity of the problems mentioned. We utilize analytical techniques to solve a system of fuzzy differential equations because they are simple to use and frequently result in closed-form solutions. The Generalized Modified Adomian Decomposition Method is developed in this article to compute the analytical solution to the linear system of intuitionistic triangular fuzzy initial value problems. The starting values in this case are thought of as intuitionistic triangular fuzzy numbers. Engineering examples, such as the Brine Tanks Problem, are used to demonstrate the proposed approach and show how the series solution converges to the exact solution in closed form or in series. The corresponding graphs at different levels of uncertainty show the example’s numerical outcomes. The graphical representations further demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method in comparison to Taylor’s approaches and the classical Decomposition method.
Potential immunological effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy in transgender people – an unexplored area of research
Authors: White Alice A. , Lin Ashleigh , Bickendorf Xander , Cavve Blake S. , Moore Julia K. , Siafarikas Aris , Strickland Deborah H. , Leffler Jonatan
Published: December 2022

There are well-described sex-based differences in how the immune system operates. In particular, cisgender (cis) females have a more easily activated immune system; associated with an increased prevalence of autoimmune diseases and adverse events following vaccinations. Conversely, cis males have a higher threshold for immune activation, and are more prone to certain infectious diseases, such as coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Oestrogen and testosterone have immune-modulatory properties, and it is likely that these contribute to the sexual dimorphism of the immune system. There are also important immune-related genes located on the X chromosome, such as toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8; and the mosaic bi-allelic expression of such genes may contribute to the state of immune hyperactivation in cis females. The scientific literature strongly suggests that sex-based differences in the functioning of the immune system are related to both X-linked genes and immune modulation by sex hormones. However, it is currently not clear how this impacts transgender (trans) people receiving gender-affirming hormonal therapy. Moreover, it is estimated that in Australia, at least 2.3% of adolescents identify as trans and/or gender diverse, and referrals to specialist gender-affirming care are increasing each year. Despite the improving social awareness of trans people, they remain chronically underrepresented in the scientific literature. In addition, a small number of case studies describe new onset autoimmune disorders in adult trans females following oestrogen use. However, there is currently minimal long-term research with an immunological focus on trans people. Therefore, to ensure the positive health outcomes of trans people, it is crucial that the role of sex hormones in immune modulation is investigated further.
A case of pheochromocytoma associated with liver abscess and intestinal pseudo-obstruction
Authors: Okazaki-Hada Mikiko , Fukuda Izumi , Nagaoka Ryuta , Nagao Mototsugu , Igarashi Takehito , Kobayashi Shunsuke , Oba Takeshi , Yamaguchi Yuji , Nagamine Tomoko , Sugitani Iwao , Sugihara Hitoshi
Published: December 2022

Pheochromocytomas can present with various symptoms. Nonspecific manifestations of pheochromocytoma include intestinal pseudo-obstruction and weight loss. Here, we present a case of pheochromocytoma in which prolonged intestinal pseudo-obstruction due to excess catecholamines was one of the factors leading to the development of a liver abscess. An 18-year-old male patient with a history of status epilepticus and severe intellectual disability was transferred to our hospital for a thorough examination of fever and constipation that had lasted for 2 months. When admitted to our hospital, he had fever, and his body mass index was 9.5 kg/m2. Upon comprehensive examination of the patient’s fever, the blood culture was found positive for Bacteroides. Computed tomography showed findings of intestinal pseudo-obstruction and a low density region in the liver that indicated a liver abscess. Imaging studies also revealed a right adrenal mass and endocrinological test showed elevated plasma norepinephrine and urine normetanephrine levels. In addition, the right adrenal mass showed uptake on 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy. These findings led to a definite diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. The patient was eventually diagnosed with a pheochromocytoma coexisting with a liver abscess. After treating the liver abscess with antibiotics and ultrasound-guided drainage, an adrenalectomy was performed. The pathological findings were consistent with pheochromocytoma. Postoperatively, the catecholamine excess normalized and intestinal pseudo-obstruction and weight loss improved. We suspected that prolonged intestinal pseudo-obstruction resulted in bacterial translocation and development of a liver abscess. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a pheochromocytoma associated with a liver abscess. Moreover, the clinical presentation of this patient was unusual for pheochromocytoma, as the patient did not have typical symptoms such as hypertension or tachycardia, but rather presented with constipation, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, and weight loss. This case provides valuable insight regarding the impact of catecholamine excess on the intestinal tract and body weight.
Effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors on patients with essential hypertension and pre-hypertension: a meta-analysis
Authors: Ren Bangjiaxin , Chen Ming
Published: December 2022

Background:

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are novel, hypoglycemic drugs exhibiting cardiovascular protective activities. If SGLT2 inhibitors can be successfully used as antihypertensive drugs, they can be administered to patients with both hypertension and type 2 diabetes, thus diminishing the risk of polypharmacy-related complications.

Aim:

The aim of this review was to evaluate the hypotensive efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with hypertension and pre-hypertension.

Data Sources and Methods:

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for randomized controlled trials comparing SGLT2 inhibitors and a placebo in patients with essential hypertension and pre-hypertension. Our main outcome was the mean change in office blood pressure (BP) and body weight. We assessed the pooled data using a fixed-effects model.

Results:

After screening 968 articles, nine trials were eligible ( n = 2450 participants). Compared to the mean changes in systolic and diastolic BP in patients who were given a placebo, those in patients who used SGLT2 inhibitors were −5.04 mmHg and −1.67 mmHg, respectively. An intensive dose of SGLT2 inhibitors resulted in a stronger BP-lowering effect than the regular dose. Compared to that in the placebo group, the mean change in mean body weight was −1.74 kg in the SGLT2 inhibitor group. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the risk of overall adverse events. The pooled effect estimates remained similar across all residual studies and their subgroups in the leave-one-out sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion:

SGLT2 inhibitors had a statistically significant BP-lowering effect on hypertension and pre-hypertension, which was further enhanced with increased drug dosage. SGLT2 inhibitors have the potential to be used as antihypertensive agents in patients with hypertension complicated by type 2 diabetes.
“You’re Just Playing the Victim”: Online Grieving and the Non-use of Social Media in Italy
Authors: Pasquali Francesca , Bartoletti Roberta , Giannini Lorenzo
Published: December 2022

Studies on death and digital media all agree that social media have changed how we mourn. However, they also highlight a considerable resistance to using social media in grieving. This article explores these resistances in greater depth based on a national research project on the Italian population (400 in-depth interviews and a representative survey) that includes non-users in the research into online death practices. Our theoretical framework is the paradigm of media and information and communications technologies (ICTs) domestication in everyday life and the study of the mediation of death from a socio-constructivist and non-platform/media-centric perspective. The article focuses on the findings of the interviews. Our research questions are as follows: What are the reasons for refusing or resisting social media use when mourning? Which type of social media domestication characterizes Italian users? How has social media changed the way we mourn? Online grieving emerges as a profitable area to study the resistance to and domestication of social media in everyday life. Social media are accepted differently in the various stages of the loss process. The most ritualized practices, like death announcements and condolences, are relatively approved. Instead, displays of grief online and, especially, the interaction with the digital remains of the dead are controversial. Social media have enhanced the everyday public visibility of death and bereavement and the public presence of the dead. However, social media have neither triggered a significant expansion of the enfranchisement of public displays of grief nor of continuing bonds online—not even in Italy.
Frailty and Mental Health Disorders Before and During COVID-19 Occurrence in Older Population in Iran: A Longitudinal Repeated-Measures Study
Authors: Aryaie Mohammad , Sokout Tahereh , Moradi Shahram , Abyad Abdulrazzak , Asadollahi Abdolrahim
Published: December 2022

Purpose:

Iranians’ worry over the number of older patients negatively impacted by COVID-19 surged dramatically throughout the 5 waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, which lasted from January 2020 to September 2021. The goal of this research was to assess the physical and mental health of Iranian older persons throughout the COVID-19 pandemic’s major waves.

Methods:

The health condition of 507 older persons with a positive examination for COVID-19 illness was assessed before and throughout the 5 waves of coronavirus in south Iran in analytical and hybrid longitudinal research.

Results:

The primary consequences of COVID-19 incidence on frailty and mental health issues were revealed in this investigation. Using a linear mixed model, we found a reduction of 0.33 in loneliness (β = −.33, 95% CI −0.39 to −0.26) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The probabilities of becoming depressed, anxious, or frail rose 4.61 (95% CI: 3.77-5.63), 1.85 (95% CI: 1.52-2.24), as well as 1.42 (95% CI: 1.17-1.42) time, subsequently, with COVID-19 occurrence, according to the mixed logistic models. Furthermore, the influence of COVID-19 incidence on loneliness result differs by gender; for depression, it varies by education; and for anxiety, it changes by comorbidities and living independently.

Conclusion:

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacts the mental health and frailty of older persons with the positive COVID-19 situation, and this scenario is gender-based too.
An Empirical Investigation of the EFL Learners Attitudes Toward the Effectiveness of Cooperative Learning
Authors: Al-Malki Eidhah Abdullah AbdulRaheem , Gulnaz Fahmeeda , Zahid Javid Choudhary , Chaudhry Maha Zahid
Published: December 2022

Peer collaboration in small groups has increasingly been recognized as an instructional technique that promotes interactive skills, socialization, learning and achievement across a range of subjects and disciplines. The study aims to measure Saudi female EFL learners’ attitudes toward the effectiveness of cooperative learning (CL) and its impact on their social and academic skills. In the present study, the researchers utilized a quantitative research tool to collect data from the participants. A 25-item Likert-scale opinionnaire was designed with closed-ended statements to measure five variables laid down by Johnson et al. tabulated into five sections. The survey was administered to 100 Saudi female EFL learners at undergraduate level to measure their attitudes toward the effectiveness of CL. The findings of the study indicate that CL enhances EFL learners’ social skills, maximizes inter-group relations, mastery of the course content and academic achievement. It further develops EFL learners’ individual and group accountability, leadership qualities and decision-making power. It is assumed that EFL learners’ cognitive faculties can be activated and optimum results can be obtained if this interactive strategy is implemented in a structured pattern with a properly designed rubric focusing on the five essential components of CL.
Is Teacher Effectiveness Stable Across School Contexts? An Examination of Teachers Who Transfer Into Turnaround Schools
Authors: Pham Lam D.
Published: December 2022

Turnaround interventions often require or encourage low-performing schools to replace teachers, assuming that schools will recruit high-performing teachers who remain effective after transferring. However, teacher effectiveness may change after transferring, which could explain why some teacher replacement efforts do not improve student achievement. This paper contributes new information on the stability of teacher effectiveness by examining teachers who transfer into turnaround schools relative to teachers who transfer into low-performing but non-turnaround schools. I examine this issue by using two turnaround models in Tennessee, one with documented positive effects and one producing no effects on student achievement. I find that teacher effectiveness increases after transferring into the model that produced positive effects and either decreases or stays the same after transferring into the model that did not improve student achievement. These findings suggest that heterogeneity in turnaround effects may be partly explained by changes in teacher effectiveness after they transfer into turnaround schools.
Using Our Superpowers to Meet the Global Challenge: Introducing the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals to Management Students
Authors: Meisel Steven , Mirchandani Dilip
Published: December 2022

Sustainable development is a powerful, significant, and occasionally controversial topic in management education. It usually refers to “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The broad view of sustainable development is articulated on the United Nations Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform and consists of 17 wide ranging goals including Zero Hunger, Justice worldwide, and Quality Education. This article offers a hands-on exercise demonstrating how this topic can be introduced to management students. The goal is to generate awareness and critical thinking regarding sustainable development goals.
Intraocular Methotrexate for the Treatment and Prevention of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy: A Review
Authors: McAllister Mark A. , Moore Spencer M. , Bullock Brenna , Christoforidis John B.
Published: December 2022

Purpose:

To review the current literature on the use of intravitreal methotrexate (IVT MTX) for the treatment and prevention of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).

Methods:

All reports of IVT MTX to treat and prevent PVR published in PubMed, Google Scholar, and EBSCOhost were reviewed. The relevant current studies are included in this report.

Results:

The literature search yielded 32 articles describing the use of MTX in PVR. These included preclinical studies, 1 case report, and several case series. Early studies found that IVT MTX is a promising medication for the treatment and prevention of PVR. MTX works as a potent anti-inflammatory agent through a new mechanism of action different from that of other medications for use in PVR. Few side effects have been reported and were mostly limited to mild reversible corneal keratopathy. There are 2 current ongoing randomized controlled clinical trials to further evaluate the efficacy of MTX for PVR.

Conclusions:

MTX is a safe and potentially efficacious medication for the treatment and prevention of PVR. Additional clinical trials are needed to further establish this effect.
‘Un-responsible’ Organization: How More Organization Produces Less Responsibility
Authors: Brunsson Nils , Gustafsson Nordin Ingrid , Tamm Hallström Kristina
Published: December 2022

As the world becomes more and more organized, it seems ever more difficult to find anyone responsible. Why is that? We argue that the extensive external organization of organizations in contemporary society provides the key. Formal organizations are collective orders with great potential for concentrating responsibility on top managers and the organization. But when they are organized by other organizations, this potential is undermined, and responsibility becomes diluted rather than concentrated. We explain this outcome by analysing the communication of decisions as a main producer of responsibility and by defining organization as a decided order. Our analysis draws upon and contributes to research about partial organization, but it also contributes to literatures on global governance and organizational institutionalism.
A Temporal Narrative View of Sensemaking
Authors: Hernes Tor , Obstfeld David
Published: December 2022

This paper contributes a narrative dimension for the temporality of organizational sensemaking. Reconciling sensemaking with a broader understanding of time not only provides a more in-depth treatment of time in sensemaking. It also helps overcome existing dichotomies in temporal theorizing to advance a more dynamic temporal theorizing in organizational research. To extend a temporal understanding of sensemaking, we discuss Ricoeur’s theory of narrative and time in light of his prefigurative, configurative, and refigurative modes of time. We then suggest ways that this framework illuminates how three corresponding temporal modes of sensemaking connect through time, drawing on Weick’s analysis of the Mann Gulch disaster to illustrate the framework. Finally, we discuss how the recursive features of our framework enable understanding of the situated dynamics by which actors move through time, thus contributing a way to deal with the “stationarity problem” of temporal theorizing.
Collaboration of Firms With New Forms of Organizing: Extending the Relational View
Authors: Kruse Deniz Philipp , Rövekamp Golo , Weber Christiana
Published: December 2022

New forms of organizing (NFOs) such as crowds and communities are increasingly relevant as novel collaboration partners for organizations. Although the motivations and goals that prompt organizations to collaborate (the why) have not changed over time, the way they collaborate (the how) seems to have changed significantly. Surprisingly, research to theorize these new forms of collaboration is still sparse. This conceptual paper investigates the extent to which a widely established theoretical framework—the relational view—can capture this new and mostly undertheorized setting of firm–NFO collaborations. More precisely, we ask whether and how the relational view also applies to this new context of interaction between firms and NFOs. Adopting the relational view’s four determinants as a framework, we systematically analyse and disentangle firms’ collaborations with NFOs. We ground this investigation in two analytical dimensions, the degree of NFO self-organizing and the degree of firm-relatedness. They enable us to exemplify the variety of new forms of collaboration and, most important, to delineate clear differences between firm–NFO collaboration and traditional interorganizational collaboration. We stress the boundaries of the relational view, suggest expanding its scope to capture the variety of firm–NFO collaborations, and propose ways of doing so.
Expert Authority in Crisis: Making Authority Real Through Struggle
Authors: Reed Cara , Reed Michael
Published: December 2022

There is an emerging consensus both within the social scientific research community and more widely in the public domain that expert authority is “in trouble.” However, there is much greater disagreement over the scope and scale of this trouble and what it might mean for the nature, status, and significance of expert authority in the 21st century. This paper identifies and assesses three different narratives concerning the crisis in expert authority. These constitute the delegitimation narrative, the demystification narrative, and the decomposition narrative. They can be seen as responses to the breakdown in the implicit social contract between experts, publics, and states under the extreme and continuous pressures exerted on expert authority by disjunctive change. We evaluate these various interpretations of the crisis in expert authority, particularly in terms of what they suggest about the future potency and stability of the concept of expert authority. In this process of evaluation, we also highlight the emergence of reflexive expert authority and its implications for organizational governance as potential outcomes of this ongoing crisis in the legitimacy and status of expert workers. Consequently, the paper provides a general analytical framework for understanding the emergent narratives around expert authority in democracies and highlights how all three narratives point to serious problems in sustaining this authority in the face of destabilizing change. Furthermore, in developing the notion of reflexive expert authority, we contend that theorization of expert authority needs to privilege the deeper dynamics of trust and control at the core of its analytical focus within organization theory.
Outcome Measures for Achalasia: Beyond the Eckardt Score
Authors: Shemmeri Ealaf , Louie Brian E. , Katz Philip O.
Published: December 2022

Primary achalasia is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The goal of therapy is to disrupt the lower esophageal sphincter to improve emptying while avoiding reflux. Patient reported outcomes continue to be the primary measure of success of myotomy but objective measures of myotomy adequacy, GERD development, and reinterventions are also critical outcomes post treatment. A simple, tabular broad based scoring card that captures each of these testing measures can better display the changes that arise after intervention and allow for comparison.
Floral attractants in the black orchid Brasiliorchis schunkeana (Orchidaceae, Maxillariinae): clues for presumed sapromyophily and potential antimicrobial activity
Authors: Lipińska Monika M. , Gołębiowski Marek , Szlachetko Dariusz L. , Kowalkowska Agnieszka K.
Published: December 2022

Background

Orchids have evolved various strategies that aim to ensure their reproduction success. These may include the production of rewards for pollinators, or on the contrary, deception. Specific sets of features such as flower morphology, color, nectar, and odor presence (or lack thereof) are considered to determine suitability for pollination by different groups of animals. Stingless bees are thought to be the primary pollinators of the orchids of the Neotropical subtribe Maxillariinae. However, almost black flowered Brasiliorchis schunkeana at first glance presents floral adaptations that may suggest another pollination syndrome—sapromyophily.

Results

A few traces of secretion were noticed on the glabrous lip callus and lip apex built by conical to villiform papillae (SEM analysis). Histochemical studies revealed huge amounts of lipids in the epidermis, subepidermis, and some parenchyma cells (SBB test) with various stages of lipids accumulation between cells. Further TEM analysis showed a heterogeneous (lipoid and phenolic) nature of secretion. The dense osmiophilic cytoplasm contained organelles (RER, free ribosomes, dictyosomes, plastids with plastoglobuli, nucleus) and vesicles migrating to plasmalemma. The vesicles, osmiophilic globules, and flocculent material were visible in periplasmic space. The central vacuole possessed osmiophilic phenolic content and flocculent material. GC–MS analysis revealed in floral extract the presence of 7,9-di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione (77.06%) and 2,5-di-tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone (16.65%). Both compounds are known for their biological activity.

Conclusions

The juxtaposition of results led us to the conclusion that the labellar tissue produces lipoid and phenolic material, which is responsible for the glossiness and rotten herring scent. This type of secretion could be classified as a phenolic resin. The chemical analysis revealed the presence of five semiochemicals that are known to be attractants for some Diptera, which together with the rest of the results constitutes a strong premise that representatives of this order could be potential pollinators of B. schunkeana. Field observations however are still needed to confirm this pollination syndrome.
Analysis of proteomic changes in cassava cv. Kasetsart 50 caused by Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus infection
Authors: Siriwan Wanwisa , Hemniam Nuannapa , Vannatim Nattachai , Malichan Srihunsa , Chaowongdee Somruthai , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Charoenlappanit Sawanya , Sawwa Aroonothai
Published: December 2022

Background

Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus (SLCMV) is a plant virus causing significant economic losses throughout Southeast Asia. While proteomics has the potential to identify molecular markers that could assist the breeding of virus resistant cultivars, the effects of SLCMV infection in cassava have not been previously explored in detail.

Results

Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS–MS) was used to identify differentially expressed proteins in SLCMV infected leaves, and qPCR was used to confirm changes at mRNA levels. LC/MS–MS identified 1,813 proteins, including 479 and 408 proteins that were upregulated in SLCMV-infected and healthy cassava plants respectively, while 109 proteins were detected in both samples. Most of the identified proteins were involved in biosynthetic processes (29.8%), cellular processes (20.9%), and metabolism (18.4%). Transport proteins, stress response molecules, and proteins involved in signal transduction, plant defense responses, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration, although present, only represented a relatively small subset of the detected differences. RT-qPCR confirmed the upregulation of WRKY 77 (A0A140H8T1), WRKY 83 (A0A140H8T7), NAC 6 (A0A0M4G3M4), NAC 35 (A0A0M5JAB4), NAC 22 (A0A0M5J8Q6), NAC 54 (A0A0M4FSG8), NAC 70 (A0A0M4FEU9), MYB (A0A2C9VER9 and A0A2C9VME6), bHLH (A0A2C9UNL9 and A0A2C9WBZ1) transcription factors. Additional upregulated transcripts included receptors, such as receptor-like serine/threonine-protein kinase (RSTK) (A0A2C9UPE4), Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) (A0A2C9V5Q3), leucine rich repeat N-terminal domain (LRRNT_2) (A0A2C9VHG8), and cupin (A0A199UBY6). These molecules participate in innate immunity, plant defense mechanisms, and responses to biotic stress and to phytohormones.

Conclusions

We detected 1,813 differentially expressed proteins infected cassava plants, of which 479 were selectively upregulated. These could be classified into three main biological functional groups, with roles in gene regulation, plant defense mechanisms, and stress responses. These results will help identify key proteins affected by SLCMV infection in cassava plants.
Changes in sucrose metabolism patterns affect the early maturation of Cassava sexual tetraploid roots
Authors: Lai Hanggui , Zhou Yangjiao , Chen Weiwen , Deng Yajie , Qiu Yue , Chen Xia , Guo Jianchun
Published: December 2022

Background

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important multiuse crop grown for economic and energy purposes. Its vegetative organs are storage roots, in which the main storage material is starch. The accumulation characteristics of starch in cassava roots can directly affect the yield, starch content and maturation of cassava storage roots. In this study, we used a cassava sexual tetraploid (ST), which showed early maturation heterosis in previous work, as the main test material. We analyzed the sucrose metabolism and starch accumulation characteristics of the ST and its parents from the leaf “source” to the storage root “sink” during different developmental stages and explored the regulatory mechanisms of ST storage root early maturation by combining the transcriptome data of the storage roots during the expansion period.

Results

The results showed that the trends in sucrose, glucose and fructose contents in the ST leaves were similar to those of the two parents during different stages of development, but the trends in the ST storage roots were significantly different from those of their parents, which showed high sucrose utilization rates during the early stage of development and decreased utilization capacity in the late developmental stage. Transcriptome data showed that the genes that were expressed differentially between ST and its parents were mainly involved in the degradation and utilization of sucrose in the storage roots, and four key enzyme genes were significantly upregulated (Invertase MeNINV8/MeVINV3, Sucrose synthase MeSuSy2, Hexokinase MeHXK2), while the expressions of key enzyme genes involved in starch synthesis were not significantly different.

Conclusions

The results revealed that the pattern of sucrose degradation and utilization in the cassava ST was different from that of its parents and promoted early maturation in its tuberous roots. Starch accumulation in the ST from sucrose mainly occurred during the early expansion stage of the storage roots, and the starch content during this period was higher than that of both parents, mainly due to the regulation of invertase and hexokinase activities during sucrose metabolism. This study provides a basis for further genetic improvements to cassava traits and for breeding varieties that mature early and are adapted well to provide starch supply requirements.
Patient characteristics and dispatch responses of urinary tract infections in a prehospital setting in Copenhagen, Denmark: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Verhoeven Jeske , Christensen Helle Collatz , Blomberg Stig Nikolaj , Böbel Simone , Scholz Mirjam , Krafft Thomas
Published: December 2022

Background

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is particularly common in young women and the elderly. The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Copenhagen, Denmark can be reached by calling either of two dedicated telephone lines: 1–1-2 in case of an emergency and 1813 during general practitioner’s (GP) out-of-office hours (OOH). This study investigated characteristics of patients with symptoms of UTI calling the Copenhagen EMS and the response they received.

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted in which 7.5 years of telephone data on UTI from the EMS in Copenhagen were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression were used to analyze patient characteristics, the timing of the incident and response. Patients’ age and gender were assessed and the use of urinary catheters, the timing of the incident, and the impact on the response were evaluated.

Results

A total of 278.961 calls were included (78% female, mean age 47), with an average of 120 patients with UTI symptoms calling each day. Most people contacted the 1813-medical helpline (98%) and of those, the majority were referred to the emergency department (ED)(37%). Patients were more likely to be referred to the ED during the weekend compared to a weekday and less likely during OOH compared to in-office hours (IH). Patients with a urinary catheter were more likely to receive specialized care referred to as ‘other’. For the smaller proportion of patients calling 1–1-2, most people got a B (urgent) response (1.5%). The most likely response to be given was an A (emergency) or F (non-emergency) response during OOH compared to IH and on weekends compared to weekdays. Patients with a urinary catheter were more likely to receive a D (unmonitored transport) response.

Conclusions

Since 2015, there was a decrease in 1813 antibiotic prescription rates and a subsequent increase in referral to the ED of UTI patients. Patients were referred less to the ED during OOH as they were likely to be sent to their GP the next day. During the weekend, patients were referred more to the ED for the likely reason that their GP is closed.
Impact of malaria control interventions on malaria infection and anaemia in low malaria transmission settings: a cross-sectional population-based study in Sudan
Authors: Elmardi Khalid Abdelmutalab , Adam Ishag , Malik Elfatih Mohamed , Kafy Hmooda Toto , Abdin Mogahid Sheikheldien , Kleinschmidt Immo , Kremers Stef , Gubbels Jessica Sophia
Published: December 2022

Background

The past two decades were associated with innovation and strengthening of malaria control interventions, which have been increasingly adopted at large scale. Impact evaluations of these interventions were mostly performed in moderate or high malaria transmission areas. This study aimed to evaluate the use and performance of malaria interventions in low transmission areas on malaria infections and anaemia.

Methods

Data from the 2016 Sudan malaria indicator survey was used. Multi-level logistic regression analysis was used to assess the strength of association between real-life community-level utilization of malaria interventions [diagnosis, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) and long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs)] and the study outcomes: malaria infections and anaemia (both overall and moderate-to-severe anaemia).

Results

The study analysis involved 26,469 individuals over 242 clusters. Malaria infection rate was 7.6%, overall anaemia prevalence was 47.5% and moderate-to-severe anaemia prevalence was 4.5%. The average community-level utilization was 31.5% for malaria diagnosis, 29.9% for ACTs and 35.7% for LLINs. The odds of malaria infection was significantly reduced by 14% for each 10% increase in the utilization of malaria diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) per 10% utilization 0.86, 95% CI 0.78–0.95, p = 0.004). However, the odds of infection was positively associated with the utilization of LLINs at community-level (aOR per 10% utilization 1.20, 95% CI 1.11–1.29, p < 0.001). No association between malaria infection and utilization of ACTs was identified (aOR per 10% utilization 0.97, 95% CI 0.91–1.04, p = 0.413). None of the interventions was associated with overall anaemia nor moderate-to-severe anaemia.

Conclusion

There was strong evidence that utilization of malaria diagnosis at the community level was highly protective against malaria infection. No protective effect was seen for community utilization of ACTs or LLINs. No association was established between any of the interventions and overall anaemia or moderate-to-severe anaemia. This lack of effectiveness could be due to the low utilization of interventions or the low level of malaria transmission in the study area. Identification and response to barriers of access and low utilization of malaria interventions are crucial. It is crucial to ensure that every suspected malaria case is tested in a timely way, notably in low transmission settings.
Significance of thyroid dysfunction in the patients with primary membranous nephropathy
Authors: Gu Qiu-hua , Cao Xin , Mao Xiao-ming , Jia Jun-ya , Yan Tie-kun
Published: December 2022

Background

Thyroid dysfunction is common in patients with nephrotic syndrome, especially patients with primary membranous nephropathy (pMN). In view of both MN and thyroid dysfunction are associated with autoimmunity, the current study aimed to elucidate the significance of thyroid dysfunction in patients with pMN.

Methods

Four hundred and twenty patients with biopsy-proven pMN from 2018–2021 were retrospectively enrolled. Clinical and pathological parameters, and treatment response of patients with and without thyroid dysfunction were analyzed.

Results

Ninety-one (21.7%) patients with pMN suffered from thyroid dysfunction, among which subclinical hypothyroidism (52.7%) was the main disorder. Compared to patients with normal thyroid function, patients with thyroid dysfunction presented with a higher level of proteinuria, a lower level of serum albumin, a higher level of serum creatinine and more severe tubulointerstitial injury at the time of biopsy. But the positive rate and level of circulating anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibody were comparable between these two groups. Though following the similar treatment, the percentage of no response to treatment were significantly higher in the patients with thyroid dysfunction (38.6 vs. 20.0%, P = 0.003). Similar to the urinary protein and the positivity of anti-PLA2R antibody, multivariate COX analysis showed thyroid dysfunction was also identified as an independent risk factor for the failure to remission (HR = 1.91, 95%CI, 1.07–3.40, P = 0.029).

Conclusion

In conclusion, thyroid dysfunction is common in the patients with pMN and might predict a severe clinical manifestation and a poor clinical outcome, which indicated that the thyroid dysfunction might be involved in the disease progression of pMN.
Ectopic pregnancy in China during 2011–2020: a single-centre retrospective study of 9499 cases
Authors: Xu Haihua , Lin Guan , Xue Lifang , Wu Weifang , Ding Jinlian , Liu Chaobin
Published: December 2022

Background

Previous studies have shown that the incidence of ectopic pregnancy (EP) is increasing in China. It is unclear, however, whether the incidence of EP has changed after the implementation of the universal two-child policy in the context of China’s aging population and declining fertility rate.

Methods

Data concerning EP from January 2011 to December 2020 were collected from the hospital’s electronic medical records, which included the annual number of delivery, caesarean section rate, ectopic pregnancies, treatment of tubal pregnancy, and average costs and length of hospitalization. Trends of the EP incidence were analysed and annual percentage change (APC) was calculated using connected point regression analyses.

Results

A total of 9499 cases of EP were collected, among which caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) accounts for the second highest (6.73%). The EP per 100 deliveries revealed a downward trend, from 7.60% in 2011 to 4.28% in 2020 with an APC of -1.87 (P < 0.05). The maternal age was increased, especially after the implementation of the universal two-child policy. The constituent ratio for the advanced maternal age (≥ 35) and the caesarean section rate, but not the CSP, were also increased. Laparoscopic salpingectomy was the main surgical method, whereas the adoption of laparotomy and laparoscopic salpingostomy was decreasing year by year.

Conclusions

Although no obvious effect of the two-child policy on EP has been observed under the conditions of this study, the change in EP especially in advanced-age women after the policy implementation needs further evaluation. A decreased caesarean section rate, in primipara is beneficial to reducing the CSP.
Health and service utilization among a sample of gender-diverse youth of color: the TRUTH study
Authors: Rusow Joshua A. , Hidalgo Marco A. , Calvetti Sam , Quint Meg , Wu Su , Bray Bethany C. , Kipke Michele D.
Published: December 2022

Background

While there is growing research considering the experiences of transgender youth whose identities align with the gender binary, especially among young trans women, there are significantly fewer studies that accurately capture data about nonbinary youth, and even fewer studies capturing the experiences of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth of color. The purpose of this research was to assess the prevalence of sexual health behaviors, mental health challenges, substance use, and healthcare utilization among Black/African American, Latinx, Asian/Pacific Islander, indigenous and multi-racial/ethnic TGD youth, who have been largely underrepresented in research.

Methods

A total of 108 TGD youth ages 16–24 were recruited into the Trans Youth of Color Study (TRUTH). Each participant completed a 90-min survey administered by a research assistant with more sensitive information collected using ACASI. In addition to a completing a survey administered by research staff, participants also participated in specimen collection, which included urine sampling to assess recent substance use without a prescription, self-collected rectal/frontal and throat swabs to test for gonorrhea and chlamydia, and a blood draw to test for recent use of drugs, gonorrhea and chlamydia, and syphilis. The sample was recruited at public venues, community outreach and referral, through social media outreach, and via participant referral. Cross-sectional analyses were from a single study visit.

Results

Compared to rates among their cisgender peers, participants reported experiencing adverse social and structural determinants of health—e.g. food insecurity (61%), housing instability (30%), and limited access to healthcare (26% had no place to go for healthcare)—and elevated rates of illicit drug use (19–85%), mental health problems (e.g. 60% self-reported depression), and involvement in sexual risk-related behaviors (e.g. among those reporting penetrative sex 57–67% reported sex without a condom).

Conclusions

This study adds descriptions of both mental and sexual health outcomes of a non-clinical sample of TGD youth to the literature, particularly among young transgender men and gender nonbinary youth, who have frequently been excluded from previous studies of sexual health. The findings document experiences and behaviors among TGD youth that contribute to mental and sexual health concerns, including rates of substance use, and healthcare utilization.