bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enzyme Mechanistic Studies of NMA1982, a Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase and Potential Virulence Factor in Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Wu Shuangding , Coureuil Mathieu , Nassif Xavier , Tautz Lutz
Published: August 2023

Protein phosphorylation is an integral part of many cellular processes, not only in eukaryotes but also in bacteria. The discovery of both prokaryotic protein kinases and phosphatases has created interest in generating antibacterial therapeutics that target these enzymes. NMA1982 is a putative phosphatase from Neisseria meningitidis, the causative agent of meningitis and meningococcal septicemia. The overall fold of NMA1982 closely resembles that of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). However, the hallmark C(X)5R PTP signature motif, containing the catalytic cysteine and invariant arginine, is shorter by one amino acid in NMA1982. This has cast doubt about the catalytic mechanism of NMA1982 and its assignment to the PTP superfamily. Here, we demonstrate that NMA1982 indeed employs a catalytic mechanism that is specific to PTPs. Mutagenesis experiments, transition state inhibition, pH-dependence activity, and oxidative inactivation experiments all support that NMA1982 is a genuine PTP. Importantly, we show that NMA1982 is secreted by N. meningitidis, suggesting that this protein is a potential virulence factor. Future studies will need to address whether NMA1982 is indeed essential for N. meningitidis survival and virulence. Based on its unique active site conformation, NMA1982 may become a suitable target for developing selective antibacterial drugs.
The regimen based on trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole combination of caspofungin and corticosteroids as the first-line therapy for non-HIV patients with severe pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia：a retrospective research of a tertiary hospital
Authors: Li Hao , Lu Yihe , Tian Guoxin , Wu Yongxing , Chen Tianjun , Zhang Jiangwei , Hu Nan , Wang Xiaoning , Gao Lan , Yan Jinqi , Zhou Linjing , Shi Qindong
Published: August 2023

Background: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is a life-threatening and severe disease in immunocompromised hosts. The synergic regimen based on sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMX-TMP) combination of caspofungin and glucocorticosteroid (GCS) may be a potential first-line therapy. Therefore, it is important to explore the efficacy and safety of this synergic therapy to treat non-HIV PJP patient.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 38 patients with non-HIV PJP at the the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University. Patients were divided into two groups: synergic therapy group (ST group, n=20) and monotherapy group (MT group, n=18). All patients were from ICU and defined as severe PJP. In ST group, all patients were treated by SMX-TMP (TMP 15-20 mg/kg per day) combined with caspofungin (70 mg as loading dose then 50 mg/day as maintenance dose) and GCS (methylprednisolone 40-80 mg/day). Patients in MT group were only treated by TMP-SMX (TMP 15-20 mg/kg per day). The clinical response, adverse events and mortality were compared between these two groups.
Results: The positive clinical response in ST group was significant higher than that in MT group, which was 100.00% vs 66.70% (P=0.005). The incidence of adverse events in MT group was higher than that in ST group, which was 50.00% vs 15.00% (P=0.022). Furthermore, the dose of TMP and duration of fever in ST group were remarkably lower than that in MT group, which were 15.71 mg/kg/day vs 18.35 mg/kg/day (P=0.001) and 7.00 days vs 11.50 days (P=0.029), respectively. However, there was no significant differences in all-cause mortality and duration of hospital stay between MT group and ST group.
Conclusions: In comparison with SMZ/TMP monotherapy, the synergic therapy (SMZ-TMP combination of caspofungin and GCS) to treatment non-HIV PJP can increase the positive clinical response rate and decrease the incidence of adverse events and shorten the duration of fever. These results indicated that the synergic therapy was efficacy and safety to treatment severe non-HIV PJP.
Impact of the Home-based Medical Integrated Program on Health Outcomes and Medical Resource Utilization in Taiwan
Authors: Ho Sam Yu-Chieh , Wang Chia-Ti , Weng Tzu-Chieh , Ho Chung-Han , Tsai Kang-Ting , Hsu Chien-Chin , Lin Hung-Jung , Chen Hsiu-Chin , Huang Chien-Cheng
Published: August 2023

Background
The home-based medical integrated program (HMIP) is a novel model for home healthcare (HHC) in Taiwan, initiated in 2016 to enhance care quality. However, the outcomes of this program remain unclear. Thus, we conducted this study to clarify it.
Methods
We utilized the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to identify HHC patients who received HMIP and those who did not between January 2015 and December 2017. A comparison was made between the two groups in terms of outcomes over a one-year follow-up period.
Results
A total of 4,982 HHC patients in the HMIP group and 10,447 patients in the non-HMIP group were identified for this study. The mean age in the HMIP group and non-HMIP group was 77.6 years and 76.1 years, respectively. Compared with the non-HMIP group, the HMIP group had lower total medical costs for HHC, fewer outpatient department visits and lower medical costs, lower medical costs for emergency department visits, fewer hospitalizations, and a lower mortality rate (34.6% vs. 41.2%, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
The HMIP is a promising model for improving care quality and reducing medical resource utilization in HHC patients. While this suggests that the non-HMIP model should be replaced, it’s important to note that both non-HMIP and HMIP models currently coexist. The HMIP may serve as an important reference for other nations seeking to improve care quality and reduce medical resource utilization in their own HHC systems.
Arfid Genes and Environment (ARFID-GEN): Study Protocol
Authors: Bulik Cynthia M. , Micali Nadia , BA Casey M MacDermod , Qi Baiyu , Munn-Chernoff Melissa A , Thornton Laura M , White Jennifer , Dinkler Lisa , Pisetsky Emily M. , Johnson Jessica , Devine Katelin R , Ortiz Shelby N , Silverman Ava E , Berthold Natasha , BA Alexis Dumain , Guintivano Jerry , Halvorsen Matthew , J James
Published: August 2023

Background
The Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Genes and Environment (ARFID-GEN) study is a study of genetic and environmental factors that contribute to risk for developing ARFID in children and adults.
Methods
A total of 3,000 children and adults with ARFID from the United States will be included. Parents/guardians and their children with ARFID (ages 7 to 17) and adults with ARFID (ages 18+) will complete comprehensive online consent, parent verification of child assent (when applicable), and phenotyping. Enrolled participants with ARFID will submit a saliva sample for genotyping. A genome-wide association study of ARFID will be conducted.
Discussion
ARFID-GEN, a large-scale genetic study of ARFID, is designed to rapidly advance the study of the genetics of eating disorders. We will explicate the genetic architecture of ARFID relative to other eating disorders and to other psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and metabolic disorders and traits. Our goal is for ARFID to deliver “actionable” findings that can be transformed into clinically meaningful insights.
Trial registration:
ARFID-GEN is a registered clinical trial: clinicaltrials.gov NCT05605067
Comprehensive evaluation of medical service ability and resource security level in Tianjin based on factor and cluster analyses
Authors: Lei Xiaoyu , Chu Zhenhai , Liu Dejin , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2023

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the differences in the medical and health service capacity and resource security levels of various municipal districts in Tianjin and to understand the restrictive factors for the improvement of medical service capacity in each jurisdiction.
Methods: Relevant variables of the 16 municipal districts in Tianjin in 2020 were selected as the research objects, and factor analysis and cluster analysis were used to comprehensively evaluate them.
Results: There were great differences in medical service capacity and resource security levels among the 16 municipal districts, and the development was unbalanced. The medical service capacity and resource security level of each municipal district showed a positive correlation with its economic development level.
Conclusion: The following development suggestions are proposed: speeding up the pace of regional economic development and increasing health support, promoting the government's regulatory and guiding role, rationally allocating medical resources, vigorously supporting the development of medical education and increasing the supply of medical talent.
Assessing the impact of contraceptive use on cancer risk among women of reproductive age – a systematic review
Authors: Jahanfar Shayesteh , Mortazavi Julie , Lapidow Amy , Cu Cassandra , Abosy Jude Al , Morris Kathyrn , Becerra-Mateus Juan Camilo , Steinfeldt Meredith , Maurer Olivia , Andrenacci Paula , Badawy Marwa , Bohang Jiang , Ali Moazzam
Published: August 2023

Objectives: This review investigates the effects of modern contraceptive use such as birth control pills, injectables, long-acting reversible contraceptives (e.g., intrauterine devices, implants), and condoms on cancer risk.
Methods: We searched the CINAHL, OVID Medline, EMBASE, Psycho INFO, Maternity & Infant Care, LILACS, clinical trial.gov, web of science, SCOPUS, and CENTRAL Database from inception until February 2022, with no geographical restrictions.
We included studies with the following study designs: parallel or cluster randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, controlled before and after studies, interrupted time series studies, cohort or longitudinal analyses, regression discontinuity designs, case-control studies. We only included studies that included a comparison group, using a control group with no contraceptive usage.
As appropriate, studies were combined for meta-analysis when identical modern contraceptive tools, drugs, dosages, or regimens were used. We calculated relative risk or mean difference with a 95% confidence interval for each dichotomous or continuous outcome, respectively. Forest plots were produced for each comparison and outcome when two or more data points were identified.
Main Results: Cohort studies suggest significant reductions in the risk of developing ovarian (RR 0.66 95% CI [0.62,0.70]), cervical (RR 0.54 [0.48, 0.62] and endometrial (RR 0.69 95% CI [0.64,0.74]) cancers among contraceptive users. No significant differences were reported between users and non-users who had breast or colorectal cancer.
Conclusions: Contraceptives can protect women from ovarian and endometrial cancers. However, we found contraceptive use to be associated with an increased risk for cervical cancer regardless of contraceptive use duration. The findings necessitate additional research regarding the link between hormonal contraceptive use and cancer incidence. Providers should select contraceptive methods according to the situation of women with contraceptive intentions, taking age, physical status, mental status, family history, etc. into account to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
Can China’s vehicular emissions regulation reduce air pollution? — A quasi-natural experiment based on the latest National Vehicular Emissions Standard (stage-Ⅵ)
Authors: Liu Xing-Yuan , Xu Ling-xia , Wu Xiao-qing , Wen Hong-xing
Published: August 2023

The existing evidence on the environmental effects of vehicular emissions regulation almost comes from developed countries, but the effectiveness of this policy tool in developing countries, especially in China, remains unclear. This study, for the first time, examined the mitigating effects of China's vehicular emissions regulation on air pollution at the prefecture level cities, by using the latest implementation of China's National Vehicular Emissions Standard VI (CHINA-VI) as a quasi-natural experimental process of policy shocks. To this end, monthly data from 2018 to 2020 was applied to construct a difference-in-differences (DID) model. The results showed that the air quality index (AQI) of pilot cities has significant decreased by 4.74 compared to non-pilot cities, after the implementation of CHINA-VI. Also, the concentration of PM2.5, PM10, and O3 has decreased by 3.6 μg∕m3, 6.4μg∕m3, and 3.0μg∕m3 respectively, which means the newly China’s vehicular emissions regulation has comprehensively improved air quality. The findings are still valid after a series of robustness tests using different estimation methods such as PSM-DID and IV-2SLS. In addition, we also found that heterogeneity in the environmental performance of CHINA-VI across cities. Specifically, cities with lower levels of green finance development and public environmental concern showed a greater emissions reduction effect, but smart cites showed a greater emissions reduction effect than non-smart cites.
Dietary Potassium liberalization with fruit and vegetables versus potassium restriction in people with Chronic Kidney Disease (DK-Lib CKD): a clinical trial protocol
Authors: Iman Yasmin , Balshaw Robert , Alexiuk Mackenzie , Hingwala Jay , Cahill Leah , Mollard Rebecca , Tangri Navdeep , Mackay Dylan
Published: August 2023

Background: Potassium regulation in the body is primarily done in the kidney. In addition to this, hyperkalemia, occurs in approximately 10% of individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with elevated all-cause mortality. Individuals with CKD are often told to restrict dietary potassium (K), however, this recommendation is based on low quality evidence. Reduced quality of life, limited dietary choices and nutritional deficiencies are all potential negative outcomes that may occur when restricting dietary K in CKD patients. There is a need for randomized controlled trials investigating the impact of dietary K modification on serum K concentrations in people with CKD.
Methods: A randomized 2-period crossover design comparing a liberalized K fruit and vegetable diet where participants will be required to consume ~ 3500 mg of dietary K daily, to a standard K restricted diet where participants will be required to consume < 2000 mg of dietary K daily. All participants will begin on a liberalized K run-in period for 2 weeks where they will receive fruit and vegetables home deliveries and for safety will have clinical chemistry, including serum potassium measurements taken after 1 week. Participants will then be randomized into either liberalized K or standard K diet for six weeks and then crossover to the other intervention for another 6 weeks after a 2-week washout period. Discussion: 30 male and female CKD outpatients, ≥18 years of age, who have an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 15 and 45 ml/min/1.73m2 and serum K between 4.5 and 5.5 mEq/L. This design would have greater than 80% power to detect a difference of 0.35 mEq/L serum K between groups. Anthropometric measurements, clinical chemistry, dietary recalls, physical function assessments, as well as a quality of life assessments will also be measured in this trial. These findings will provide high quality evidence for, or against, recommendations for dietary K restriction in individuals living with CKD. The removal of K restriction could provide individuals living with CKD more dietary choice leading to improved dietary status and quality of life.
Trial Registration: This trial has received approval from the University of Manitoba Research Ethics board (HS25191 (B2021:104)).
Prognostic factors and long-term outcomes of surgically treated acute SDH in a tertiary centre of developing country a prospective observational study
Authors: Sinha Mainak , KUMAR Anil , Kamal Vineet Kumar , Karthikeyan Venkatesh , Anwer Majid , Kumar Anurag , Kumar Shashikant , Kumari Rekha
Published: August 2023

Backgrounds
Acute traumatic subdural hematoma (SDH) can be a life-threatening neurosurgical emergency that necessitates immediate evacuation. Predictor data for functional outcomes are scarce and mostly retrospective. The purpose of this prospective research is to evaluate the clinical presentation, risk factors, and final outcomes of SDH patients who underwent surgical intervention.
Methodology
A prospective observational study was conducted on a consecutive series of patients with surgically treated subdural hematoma (SDH) from November 2022 to March 2023. A comparison was made between individuals with favourable and unfavourable 3-month outcomes (as measured by the Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] 0–3 versus 4–5) in terms of baseline clinical data, hospital and surgical course, complications, and imaging data. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed in order to determine the independent predictors of good outcomes. The nomogram was constructed by applying the model.
Results
101 SDH patients were surgically managed and followed up for 3 months. The admission GCS, haemoglobin, BUN, presence of brain bulge, and other associated injuries were found to be significantly different between good and poor outcome patients. The presence of a brain bulge was found to be significant in the multivariate model. A score of 30 can ensure a good functional outcome with a 95% probability.
Conclusion
The authors anticipate that the findings from this study, conducted at a single institution are helpful in preoperative discussions with patients and their families. These insights specifically pertain to the anticipated postoperative outcomes following the surgical evacuation of SDH.
Socioeconomic, demographic and obstetric factors associated with having four or more ANC at the Cuamba Health Facility, Niassa Province
Authors: Namalela Toze , Muaualo Miranda , Manuel Erica , Pupp Christopher , Maguele Maria Suzana Bata
Published: August 2023

Background: Prenatal care is recognized as one of the measures to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. Many of the causes of maternal and neonatal death can be prevented, detected and treated during antenatal consultations. Mozambique still registers low rates of coverage of the minimum of 4 ANC. Only 59% of women who underwent ANC in 20220 had a record of 4 or more prenatal visits. This research aimed to analyse the influence of socioeconomic, demographic and obstetric factors on the performance of 4 or more prenatal consultations.
Methods: A sample of 131 women attended at postpartum consultations were recruited through a convenience sample to participate in the survey. Descriptive data analysis, Chi-square and Fisher association tests were performed to find the association between socioeconomic, demographic and obstetric variables in the performance of 4 or more ANC and a multivariable binary logistic regression model was built to predict completion of 4 or more ANC by women.
Results:About 60% of the participants had 4 or more ANC. This would be the same as saying: that having 4 or more ANC is associated with primiparity, secondary education, marital status and knowledge about the importance of ANC when they are more likely to have 4 or more ANC. with (OR=8.25; CI-95%: 1.03;65.97), (OR=4.31; CI-95%: 1.64;11.51), (OR=2.69 ;95%CI: 1.02;7.10) and (OR=5.68;95%CI: 2.35;13.76) respectively. The estimated binary and multivariate logistic regression model showed a predictive capacity of 76.8% and the probability of women having 4 or more ANC of 60%.
Conclusions: The results show the influence of socioeconomic, demographic and obstetric factors on the performance of 4 or more ANC. Strategies to promote and strengthen school, community and institutional education on the importance of carrying out ANC must be intensified.
Challenges and Opportunities of English as the Medium of Instruction in Diploma Midwifery Programs in Bangladesh: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Williams Anna , Stevens Jennifer , Begum Farida , Anderson Rondi , Bogren Malin
Published: August 2023

Background English is generally recognized as the international language of science and most research on evidence-based medicine is produced in English. While Bangla is the dominant language in Bangladesh, public midwifery degree programs use English as a medium of instruction (EMI). This enables faculty and student access to the latest evidence-based midwifery content, which is essential for provision of quality care later. Yet, it also poses a barrier as limited English mastery among students and faculty limits both teaching and learning.Methods This mixed-methods case study investigates the challenges and opportunities associated with the implementation of EMI in the context of diploma midwifery education in Bangladesh. Surveys were sent to principals at 38 public midwifery education institutions, and 14 English instructors at those schools. Additionally, ten key informant interviews were held with select knowledgeable stakeholders with key themes identified.Results Surveys found that English instructors are primarily guest lecturers, trained in general or business English, without a standardized curriculum or functional English Language Laboratories. Three key themes were identified in the key informant interviews. First, in addition to students’ challenges with English, faculty mastery of English presented challenges as well. Second, language labs were poorly maintained, often non-functional, and lacked faculty. Thirdly, an alternative education model, for example the English for Specific Purposes (ESP) curriculum model, may be the most beneficial for existing programs to strengthen English competencies within midwifery schools.Conclusions ESP, which teaches English for application in a specific discipline, is one option available in Bangladesh for midwifery education. Native language instruction and the middle ground of multilingualism are also useful options. Although a major undertaking, investing in an ESP model and translation of technical midwifery content into relevant mother tongues may provide faster and more complete learning. In addition, a tiered system of requirements for English competencies tied to higher levels of midwifery education could build bridges to students to help them access global evidence-based care resources. Higher levels might emphasize English more heavily, while the diploma level would follow a multilingualism approach, teach using an ESP curriculum, and have complementary emphasis on the mother tongue.
Mediating roles of positive cognitive emotion regulation and sense of coherence in the relationship between family hardiness and post-traumatic growth among patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy
Authors: Liu Na , Lixia Gao , Fang XiaoQing , Li Qing , Li Min , Wang Lin , Ma Kun , Ding Xuemei , Zhang Xiaoli
Published: August 2023

Background: Patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy develop post-traumatic growth after a traumatic experience of lung cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment, which is closely related to their quality of life. Although some studies have reported the effects of family hardiness (FH) on post-traumatic growth (PTG), the psychological mechanisms between them remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether positive cognitive emotion regulation (PCER) and sense of coherence (SOC) mediate the relationship between FH and PTG in patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 321 patients with lung cancer who underwent chemotherapy between April and September 2022 at two hospitals in Shandong Province, China. Data were collected using the Family Hardiness Index (FHI), Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), Sense of Coherence Scale, and Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and mediation analyses were used.
Results: PTG was positively associated with FH (r = 0.33, P < 0.01), PCER (r = 0.31, P < 0.01), and SOC (r = 0.37, P < 0.01). FH was positively associated with PCER (r = 0.31, P < 0.01) and SOC (r = 0.40, P < 0.01). PCER was positively associated with SOC (r = 0.32, P < 0.01). The mediation analysis showed that FH affected PTG (β = 0.250, P = 0.025) directly and indirectly through PCER and SOC (β = 0.093, 0.160, P < 0.05). The mediating effects of PCER and SOC accounted for 18.49% and 31.81%, respectively, of the total effect(FH→PTG).
Conclusion: PCER and SOC mediated the relationship between FH and PTG in patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Thus, future interventional studies should consider PCER and SOC as targets for developing post-traumatic growth in patients with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy.
Household-level effects of seasonal malaria chemoprevention in the Gambia
Authors: Soremekun Seyi , Conteh Bakary , Nyassi Abdoullah , Soumare Harouna , Etoketim Blessed , Ndiath Mamadou , Bradley John , D’Alessandro Umberto , Bousema Teun , Erhart Annette , Moreno Marta , Drakeley Chris
Published: August 2023

In 2022 the WHO recommended the discretionary expansion of the eligible age range for seasonal malaria chemoprevention to children older than 4 years. Older children are at lower risk of clinical disease and severe malaria so there has been uncertainty about the cost benefit for national control programmes. However a growing body of laboratory research suggests school-age children are the majority contributors to the infectious reservoir for malaria, and extended age SMC programmes may have significant impacts on malaria transmission. Evidence for this effect in routinely implemented SMC programmes at scale is limited. In 2021 the Gambia extended the eligible age range for SMC to 9 years. We use a household-level mixed modelling approach in a population cohort covering 2210 inhabitants of 10 communities in the Upper River Region to demonstrate the hazard of clinical malaria in older participants aged 10 + years ineligible for SMC decreases by 20% for each additional SMC round per child 0–9 years in the same household. Older inhabitants also benefitted from reduced risk of asymptomatic infections in high SMC coverage households. We assessed these effects for spatial autoregression and showed that impacts are highly localised, with no detectable spillover from nearby households.
Safety and efficacy of therapeutic hypothermia in neonates with mild hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Wang Zheng , Zhang Dan , Zhang Peng , Zhou Wenhao , Hu Liyuan , Wang Laishuan , Cheng Guoqiang
Published: August 2023

Background
Though there has been an increase in the number of neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) treated by therapeutic hypothermia (TH) in recent years, the effect of therapeutic hypothermia on mild HIE neonates is still uncertain.
Objectives
This study aims to explore the safety and efficacy of therapeutic hypothermia in neonates with mild HIE.
Methods
Retrospectively collected between January 2010 to December 2022 at Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, neonates with mild HIE were divided into TH and non-TH groups. Clinical data of the mild HIE neonates and their mothers’ general information during pregnancy were collected. SPSS 23.0 was used to compare the general condition, the incidence of adverse events, and efficacy in the two groups.
Results
A total of 71 neonates with mild HIE were included, including 31 in the TH group and 40 in the non-TH group. Compared with the non-TH group, the TH group had significantly lower 5-minute Apgar scores [6 (5–7) points vs. 7 (5–8) points, P = 0.033 ], but a higher rate of tracheal intubation at birth (67.7%, 21/31 vs. 40%, 16/40, P = 0.02), a higher rate of chest compressions > 30 seconds (38.7%, 12/31 vs. 15%, 6/40, P = 0.023), the later initiation enteral feeding [4 (3–4) days vs. 1 (1–2) days, P < 0.001], a higher usage rate of analgesic and sedative drugs (45.2%, 14/31 vs. 17.5%, 7/40, P = 0.011) and the longer hospital stay [12.5 (11–14) days vs. 9 (7-13.9) days, P = 0.003]. There was no death in 71 mild HIE neonates. The incidence of brain injury in the TH group was significantly lower than that in the non-TH group (16.1% vs. 42.5%, P = 0.017). There was no statistical significance in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups.
Conclusion
Therapeutic hypothermia can reduce the incidence of brain injury in neonates with mild HIE.
Dissecting and tracing the gut microbiota of infants with botulism: A cross sectional and longitudinal study
Authors: Wang Dai , Li Kexin , Wang Lijuan , Teng Zhongqiu , Luo Xia , Sun Hui , Huang Ying , Hu Songnian , Xu Xuefang , Lan Ruiting , He Zilong , Xu Jianguo
Published: August 2023

Background. Infantile botulism is caused by botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), which is mainly produced by Clostridium botulinum.However, there is a lack of longitudinal cohort study on infant botulism. Herein, we have constructed a cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort of infants infected with C. botulinum. Our goal was to reveal the differences in the intestinal microbiota of botulism-infected and healthy infants as well as the dynamic changes over time through multi-omics analysis.
Methods. We performed 16S rRNA sequencing and whole genome sequencing of 20 infants’ stools over a period of 3 months. Through bioinformatics analysis, we focused on the changes in the infants’ intestinal microbiota as well as function over time series.
Results. We found that Enterococcus was significantly enriched in the infected group and declined over time, whereas Bifidobacterium was significantly enriched in the healthy group and gradually increased over time. All isolates carried the type B botulinum toxin gene with identical sequence. in silicoMultilocus sequence typing found that 20 C. botulinum isolates from the patients were typed into ST31 and ST32.
Conclusions. Differences of intestinal microbiota and functions in infants were found with botulism through cross-sectional and longitudinal studies and Bifidobacterium may play a role in the recovery of infected infants.
Pre-harvest foliar application of bio-resources: A strategy to reduce post-harvest losses in garlic (Allium sativum L.)
Authors: Gaur Ekta , Chandel Sunita
Published: August 2023

Evaluation of different bio-resources, as pre-harvest foliar sprays on the three predominant major diseases of garlic (basal plate rot, purple blotch and Stemphylium blight) in vitro and in field conditions and management of pathological and physiological losses in the storage were undertaken during 2020-21 on cultivar “Solan Selection”. Amongst different bio-resources cow urine recorded maximum mycelial inhibition (63.01%, 93.20% and 92.22%) in vitro and maximum disease reduction under field conditions (15.83%, 22.00% and 5.73%) achieved in three fungi, respectively. Cow urine, lemon grass and darek in general enhanced the growth parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, bulb yield and bulb number to maximum level. Under storage period of 3 months bio-resources treated bulbs with cow urine and darek were most effective in reducing the storage rot (13.89% and 14.92%) and the frequency of storage pathogens was recorded minimum in cow urine and bougainvillea (4.82% and 5.16%) for Fusarium oxysporum, darek and cow urine (2.59% and 3.25%) for Aspergillus niger, nirgundi (1.01%) for Penicillium allii and cow urine and darek (5.56 and 6.17%) for bacterial rot while physiological losses in the form of hollow bulbs were recorded to be managed by most of the bio-resources and percentage of hollow bulbs ranged between 7.78–13.34%, disintegrated bulbs were recorded minimum in cow urine and darek (1.11% and 2.22%) while minimum per cent weight loss was observed in darek (20.26%) after 3 month storage period.
Digital finance and green innovation efficiency: Empirical data from Chinese listed manufacturing companies
Authors: Lu Hongyu , Cheng Zhao
Published: August 2023

Employing Chinese A-share listed manufacturing businesses between 2011 and 2021, this research conducts an empirical analysis to study the effect of digital finance on corporate green innovation efficiency. Our discoveries suggest that digital finance improves manufacturing firms’ green innovation efficiency. After a few robustness tests, our results are still accurate. The effect is more pronounced in Zhejiang Province and central and western regions. According to a mechanism analysis, digital finance increases the effectiveness of green innovation by removing financing constraints. The findings offer policy suggestions for manufacturing companies to implement green innovation and improve its efficiency. Firstly, digital finance development should be accelerated. Secondly, keep an eye on the variations in digital finance. Finally, there has to be more regulation of digital finance.
Resveratrol dimer, Gnetin-C, inhibits the growth and virulence of Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Yokose Mako , Ikeda Yuichi , Komatsu Keiji , Shiba Takahiko , Tanaka Daiki , Takeuchi Yasuo , Iwata Takanori
Published: August 2023

Gnetin-C, a dimer of resveratrol, is a polyphenol that has been reported to have various health-promoting effects. In periodontal tissue, Gnetin-C has also been demonstrated to promote alveolar bone healing in animal experiments. However, its effects on bacteria have not yet been investigated. In this study, we have compared the effect of Gnetin-C, monomeric resveratrol, and Melinjo seed extract, the source of Gnetin-C, on the periodontopathic bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and examined its mechanism of action. The results illustrated that Gnetin-C more strongly inhibited bacterial growth, bacterial cell adhesion, and biofilm binding than monomeric resveratrol. Melinjo seed extract also displayed greater effectiveness than monomeric resveratrol but lower effectiveness than Gnetin-C. RNA sequencing analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction highlighted marked changes in the gene expression profiles of P. gingivalis. The expression of genes related to fimbriae, iron metabolism, protease, and amino acid and vitamin metabolic pathways were significantly suppressed, whereas a significant increase in the expression of oxidative stress-related genes was observed. Reactive oxygen species levels were also significantly decreased by Gnetin-C treatment. These results revealed that Gnetin-C could inhibit the growth of P. gingivalis while may also attenuate its pathogenesis.
Soybean triggers morphological responses of tomato roots by modifying P capture under low P condition
Authors: Zhang Xiu , Yan Jingfan , Zhou Xingang , Liu Xinxin , Wu Fengzhi
Published: August 2023

Background and aims
Plant roots alter morphology to respond nutrients and neighbors, but whether neighbors influence the root architecture by modifying the availability of N and P nutrients is still unclear. Here we aimed to screen intercropping plants that cause changes in tomato root architecture and explore the role of nutrients.
Methods
We carried out the experiments of tomato-neighbor interactions to survey root morphological responses of target tomato seedlings. Then we investigated root plastic response to intercropping soybean under different P (0, 100, 200 mg P205 kg− 1 soil) or N (0, 100, 200 mg N kg− 1 soil) levels. In addition, we investigated the effects and physiological mechanisms of intercropping soybean on P capture of tomato seedlings.
Results
The intercropping soybean changed the horizontal symmetry of tomato roots, the dry weight and total root length of tomato roots in the ‘Toword’ region were significantly higher than those in the ‘Away’ region, while other intercropping plants did not. P rather than N levels, significantly affected the phenotypic plasticity of tomato roots in soybean intercropping systems. Under phosphorus deficiency condition, tomato roots showed a tendency to soybean. This phenomenon disappeared when the P supply increased in the soil. Under low P condition, intercropped soybean significantly increased the P concentration of tomato plants and the available P content of rhizosphere soil. Compared with tomatoes, soybean roots secreted more acid phosphatase, protons and organic acids.
Conclusions
Soybean triggers morphological responses of tomato roots through modifying P capture mediated by root exudates under low P condition.
Determinants of antibody responses after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in older persons. The Doetinchem Cohort Study
Authors: Kuijpers Yunus , Picavet H. Susan J. , de Rond Lia , de Zeeuw-Brouwer Mary-lène , Rutkens Ryanne , Gijsbers Esther , Slits Irene , Engelfriet Peter , Buisman Anne-Marie , Verschuren W. M. Monique
Published: August 2023

Background
Immune responses to vaccination vary widely between individuals. The aim of this study was to identify health-related determinants of antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in older persons. We recruited participants in the long-running Doetinchem Cohort Study (DCS) who underwent vaccination as part of the national COVID-19 program, and measured antibody concentrations to SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein (S1) and Nucleoprotein (N) at baseline (T0), and a month after both the first vaccination (T1), and the second vaccination (T2). Associations between the antibody concentrations and demographic variables, including age, sex, socio-economic status (SES), comorbidities (cardiovascular diseases and immune mediated diseases), various health parameters (cardiometabolic markers, inflammation markers, kidney- and lung function) and a composite measure of frailty (‘frailty index’, ranging from 0 to 1) were tested using univariate and multivariate models.
Results
We included 1457 persons aged 50 to 92 years old. Of these persons 1257 were infection naïve after their primary vaccination series. The majority (N = 954) of these individuals were vaccinated with two doses of BNT162b2 (Pfizer) and their data were used for further analysis. A higher frailty index was associated with lower anti-S1 antibody responses at T1 and T2 for both men (rT1 = -0.095, pT1 = 0.05; rT2 = -0.11, pT2 = 0.02) and women (rT1 = -0.24, pT1 < 0.01; rT2 = -0.15, pT2 < 0.01). After correcting for age and sex the frailty index was also associated with the relative increase in anti-S1 IgG concentrations between the two vaccinations (β = 1.6, P < 0.01). Within the construct of frailty, history of a cardiac catheterization, diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, a cognitive speed in the lowest decile of the population distribution, and impaired lung function were associated with a lower antibody response after both vaccinations.
Conclusions
Frailty plays a key role in the primary vaccination response to the BNT162b2 vaccine within an ageing population. Frail older persons have a lower immune response after their first vaccination, and while they see a stronger increase after their second vaccination compared to healthy people, they still have a lower antibody response after their second vaccination.
Heat and Mass transfer characteristics of natural and synthetic polymeric fibrous assemblies using Infrared (IR) Imaging
Authors: Abbas Adeel , Anas Muhammad Sohaib , Ashraf Waqas , khan Tabrej , Sebaey Tamer A.
Published: August 2023

Plaited jersey fabrics are always engineered to enhance the thermal conductivity characteristics, providing thermal equilibrium among the wearer and clothing. However, these can also be architected with higher thermal resistance/heat insulation characteristics and is a crucial area of interest. The study focuses on developing plaited jersey gloves using Thermolite, Acrylic, and Wool yarns in alternative main and plaiting configurations. Thermal characterizations were conducted to ascertain heat and mass transfer properties, such as fluid transmission and thermal resistance. Infrared (IR) imaging visualized heat retention in terms of temperature gradients. Mechanical characteristics, such as pilling and bursting, were assessed to determine the gloves durability to physical abrasions and stresses. Thermolite knitted gloves possessed superior heat and mass transfer properties with improved fluid transmission and thermal resistance. Infrared imaging revealed the highest body temperature rise of 34.43oC for Thermolite, and mechanical properties were also found adequate. Fluid transfer (air permeability) was acquired highest for wool samples (1770mm/sec); however, Thermolite exhibited 28% lower air permeability than wool, validating its heat retention. Thermolite knits with the lowest areal density of 226 g/m2 and the smoothest Thermolite surface had the highest OMMC index of 0.46 due to generated capillaries. The statistical analysis of the characterization data indicated the significance (p-value < 0.05) of the main and plating yarns, proving the plaiting a solution to achieve desired heat and mass transfer characteristics.
Effect of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Right Ventricle Contractile Function and its Coupling to Pulmonary Circulation in Hypertensive Patients using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Hassan Ayman Khairy M. , Dimitry Salwa Roshdy , Hussein Aliaё AR Mohamed , Bakhiet Mary Zakher , Osman Mohamed
Published: August 2023

We studied the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using apnea-hypopnea indexes (1) and its effect on right ventricular function using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and right ventricle – pulmonary artery coupling (RV-PA) circulation in OSA. All adult hypertensive patients diagnosed OSA referred to our hospital were included. 120 patients got detailed echocardiography with tissue doppler imaging (TDI) and CMR in the same day within 3 months of diagnosis. Patients were sub-divided into 3 groups according to AHI: mild OSA (17.8%), moderate OSA (35.6%) and severe OSA (46.6%). The CMR derived end diastolic (ED) and systolic (ES) volumes showed no significant difference between 3 groups. However, RV ejection fraction (EF) (44 ± 3.6% vs. 50 ± 3.7% and 52 ± 1.4%; P < 0.001) and stroke volume (SV) (44 ± 2.6ml vs. 53 ± 9.4ml and 59 ± 9.6ml; P < 0.001) showed significant reduction among severe OSA. A strong negative correlation was observed between AHI and both RVEF (r= -0.83, P < 0.001) and RVSV (r= -0.71, P < 0.001). RV-PA coupling was impaired in all OSA patients by both formulas derived from CMR volumes and from echocardiography. RV–PA coupling showed inverse relationship with the severity of OSA (1.09 ± 0.1, 1.03 ± 0.2, 0.78 ± 0.1, 1.94 ± 0.3 in Mild-/Moderate-/Severe-OSA/Controls, P < 0.001). In conclusion both CMR derived RV function and RV-SV have inverse relationship with the severity of OSA based on AHI. Non-invasive RV-PA coupling showed inverse relationship with the severity of OSA. (NCT03267667)
Induction of altered states of consciousness during Floatation-REST is associated with the dissolution of body boundaries and the distortion of subjective time
Authors: Hruby Helena , Schmidt Stefan , Feinstein Justin , Wittmann Marc
Published: August 2023

Floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) is a sensory isolation technique where subjects are immersed in an environment without sound or light while they float in thermoneutral water that is supersaturated with Epsom salt. Here we investigated the relationship between altered states of consciousness (ASC) and its association with the affective changes induced by Floatation-REST. Using a within-subject crossover design, 50 subjects were randomized to either 60 minutes of Floatation-REST or 60 minutes of Bed-REST. ASC was assessed using the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI), the Perceived Body Boundaries Scale (PBBS), and visual analogue scales targeting time perception. Emotional changes were assessed both before and after each REST session. Compared to Bed-REST, Floatation-REST significantly reduced perceived body boundaries and distorted time perception. Two subscales of the PCI showed stronger ASC during Floatation-REST versus Bed-REST. Subjects felt more relaxed, less anxious, and less tired after Floatation-REST. Dissolution of body boundaries mediates anxiety reduction, revealing a novel anxiolytic mechanism.
Communication breakdown! How information loss affects behavioral responses in the Great-Billed Seed-Finch, Sporophila maximiliani (Thraupidae: Passeriformes)
Authors: Santos Gabriela Sales dos , Leal Lara Louredo , Nomura Fausto
Published: August 2023

Communication is a central process in animals' interactions and the transmission of information depends on the signal quality. As signals degrade, the resulting loss of information has the potential to increase the ambiguity about the interaction context. Thus, the information loss has the potential to generate stress and motivational conflict, as has already been demonstrated for anuran species. We tested whether the information loss affects the behavioral response of Sporophila maximiliani using (i) a playback experiment, to simulate an acoustic signal, and (ii) a mirror experiment, to simulate a visual signal. We found that the quality of the acoustic signal and, therefore, the quality of information, affected the behavior of the species. The degradation of the acoustic signal increased the emission of maintenance behaviors, which suggests an increase in stress and a state of motivational conflict. Also, calls’s modulation from lower to higher peak frequency indicates that fear is driving such behavioral changes. Conversely, the degradation of visual signal resulted in lower stress, with a decrease in alert and maintenance behaviors displays. We found that the signal degradation and the loss of information can change the motivational state of S. maximiliani when exposed to degraded acoustic signals and result in a motivational conflict due to the ambiguity of the interaction context. The emission of maintenance behaviors as displacement activities is an indicator of the higher stress endured by the individuals exposed to partially degraded signals. Furthermore, a partially comprehensible signal is more harmful than a totally degraded one.
Epidemiological Investigation and Bioinformatics Analysis of PRRSV, PCV2, and PCV3 in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Yuan Zhongmao , Sun Yawei , Niu Xinni , Zeng Weijun , Yan Quanhui , Du Pengfei , Xie Kaiyuan , Fang Yiqi , Fan Shuangqi , Chen Jinding
Published: August 2023

• Background:
Reproductive disorders and multiple organ damage in pigs can be caused by various pathogens. Among them, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) and Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) and Type 3 (PCV3) have coexisted in Chinese pig farms for over 20 years. Recently, the emergence of new outbreaks of these three viruses indicates possible changes in their genetic characteristics.
• Results:
We conducted detection and isolation of suspected PRRSV and Porcine Circovirus(PCV) infections from multiple pig farms in Guangdong Province between 2020 and 2022. The sample positivity rates for PRRSV, PCV2, and PCV3 reached 33.2% (75/226), 37.6% (85/226), and 7.5% (17/226), respectively. Bioinformatics analysis of the isolated variant strains revealed their alignment with the current dominant epidemic trends. PRRSV strains were mainly composed of HP-PRRSV and NADC30-like, and notably, all isolated strains were wild-type, including three recombinant strains and seven highly virulent strains. PCV2 exhibited high genetic variability, primarily in the form of subtypes 2b and 2d, while PCV3, in comparison, demonstrated more stability and was concentrated in PCV3a-IM.
• Conclusions:
In conclusion, this study provides the latest investigative and analytical data on the epidemiological characteristics and genetic evolution of PRRSV, PCV2, and PCV3 in Guangdong Province, emphasizing their significant practical implications for disease prevention and control.