bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of complete blood cell count parameters in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis
Authors: Worku Minichil , Aynalem Melak , Biset Sirak , Woldu Berhanu , Adane Tiruneh , Tigabu Abiye
Published: July 2022

Background

Neonatal sepsis is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries like Ethiopia. The investigation of neonatal sepsis needs the application of inclusive diagnostic tools. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the role of CBC parameters in diagnosing neonatal sepsis.

Methods

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to November 2021 at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A total of 250 neonates were included using a convenient sampling technique. A structured questionnaire and a data collection sheet were used to obtain the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the study participants. A venous blood sample was collected for CBC and blood culture tests. Epi-Info Version 7 and SPSS Version 25 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. The data distribution was checked by the Shapiro-Wilk test. Then, an independent t-test was conducted to compare CBC parameters, and the significant parameters were recruited for the ROC curves analysis. The Younden index test was used to determine the cutoff point for the sensitivity and specificity. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Out of 250 study participants, 144 (57.6%) were males, with a median age of 6 days (IQR = 4 days). Early-onset and late-onset sepsis were developed in about 29.6% (37/250) and 70.4% (88/250) of the neonates, respectively. The TLC and ANC parameters were significantly lower in cases than in control groups. The TLC, Hgb, lymphocyte count, and ANC parameters have a sensitivity of 64.8, 68, 33.6, and 49.6%, respectively. Their specificity in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis was 64.8, 53.6, 83.2, and 90.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

Total leucocyte count, ANC, and platelet count all showed significant associations with neonatal sepsis. Besides, the TLC, ANC, and platelet counts had good sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing neonatal sepsis. Therefore, these parameters can be used as a diagnostic tool for neonatal sepsis in resource-limited areas.
An investigation into religious awareness as a crucial factor in adherence to COVID-19 medical directives in Palestine
Authors: Saeedi Munther , Al-Othman Nihad , Rabayaa Maha , Dwaikat Saeed
Published: July 2022

Background

Coping with the pandemic caused by the SARS-COV- 2 has been a global challenge. To this end, several measures have been adopted to control the transmission of the disease and to ensure public safety. One factor that has greatly affected the community’s behaviors, attitudes, and practices in Palestine has been religious beliefs.

Aim

This study aims to investigate the role of religion as a factor in adherence to the COVID-19 medical directives in Palestine.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed from August to October 2021. In this study, 1,353 participants were asked to complete a questionnaire that consisted of 20 items that measured the impact of religious beliefs and the role played by religious scholars in the promotion and application of medically-approved health directives and the rectification of COVID-19 related information. The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 22 software.

Results

More than 50% of the participants agreed that religion has a positive impact on community adherence to the health instructions in the majority of studied items. The responses were significantly variable based on the age and place of residence in most of the questions (p-value < 0.05). However, gender and to a lesser extent, the level of education affected the responses to many research aspects less significantly.

Conclusions

Religion could be an effective tool in dealing with challenging health issues such as COVID-19. Intervention programs can be developed based on the community’s religious beliefs, attitudes, and practices, to dispel myths regarding the disease and to encourage community commitment and adherence to health directives.
Stent patency rates and prognostic factors of endovascular intervention for iliofemoral vein occlusion in post-thrombotic syndrome
Authors: Chen Rencong , Feng Ruijia , Jiang Suiting , Chang Guangqi , Hu Zuojun , Yao Chen , Jia Benyuan , Wang Shenming , Wang Siwen
Published: July 2022

Objective

Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), an important complication of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), adversely affects patients’ quality of life. Endovascular intervention in PTS can relieve symptoms rapidly with high therapeutic value. This study mainly focuses on how to improve postoperative stent patency rates and aims to find prognostic factors impacting patency.

Methods

According to the specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, PTS patients who underwent endovascular intervention at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from December 1, 2014, to December 31, 2019, were included in this single-center prospective study. Follow-up data were collected and analyzed regularly over 2 years.

Results

Overall, 31 PTS patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of these patients was 55.39 ± 11.81, including 19 male patients. Stent implantation was successful in 22 PTS patients, with a technical success rate of 70.97%. The average Villalta scores of the stent-implanted group and the non-stent-implanted group were 5.95 ± 2.57 and 5.78 ± 2.95, respectively, with no significant difference observed. In the stent-implanted group, the perioperative patency rate was 81.81% (18/22), and the follow-up patency rates were 68.18% (15/22) within 3 months, 59.09% (13/22) within 6 months, 45.45% (10/22) within 1 year, and 36.36% (8/22) within 2 years. Based on the stent placement segments, the 22 PTS patients were divided into two subgroups: the iliofemoral vein balloon dilation + iliofemoral vein stent implantation (FV-S) subgroup and the iliofemoral vein balloon dilation + iliac vein stent implantation (FV-B) subgroup. In the FV-S subgroup, the perioperative patency rate was 100.00% (14/14), and the follow-up patency rates were 85.71% (12/14), 71.43% (10/14), 57.14% (8/14) and 50.00% (7/14), which were higher than those for overall stent patency of all patients. The postoperative patency rates in the FV-B subgroup were 50.00% (4/8), 37.50% (3/8), 37.50% (3/8), 25.00% (2/8), and 12.50% (1/8). The secondary postoperative patency rates in the FV-B subgroup were 100.00% (8/8), 87.50% (7/8), 75.00% (6/8), 62.50% (5/8) and 50.00% (4/8).

Conclusions

For PTS patients with iliofemoral vein occlusion but patent inflow, iliofemoral vein stent implantation is a more efficient therapeutic option than iliofemoral vein balloon dilation with iliac vein stent implantation for PTS patients.
Quantitative proteomic analysis of Bi Zhong Xiao decoction against collagen-induced arthritis rats in the early and late stages
Authors: He Cailin , Wang Yang , Wen Yuqi , Li Teng , Hu En , Zeng Siqing , Xiong Xingui
Published: July 2022

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive, systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease. Bi Zhong Xiao decoction (BZXD) performs multiple functions for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment for decades. In this study, we aimed to study the protein alterations of BZXD in the early and late stages of RA.

Methods

Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into the Control, collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and BZXD groups. Clinical assessment, paw thickness, weight changes and serum inflammatory cytokine levels were used to evaluate anti-inflammatory effects. Histopathological tests were performed to assess the improvement of inflammation and synovial hyperplasia. Moreover, we analyzed the proteins profiling of synovial tissue samples with different time intervals after BZXD treatment by Isobaric Tag for Relative Absolute (ITRAQ) quantitative proteomics technology. To further explore the interrelationships among differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), we used DAVID Bioinformatics Resources v6.8 and STRING 11.0 for bioinformatics analysis. Besides, the western blot and immunohistochemistry were exerted to verify related proteins.

Results

In our study, BZXD ameliorated joint inflammation, and suppressed the pathological changes in arthrosis of CIA rats. The proteomic analysis demonstrated that CIA rats were mainly involved in two significant pathways (the focal adhesion and the ECM-receptor interaction) in the early stage. BZXD down-regulated the expression of proteins involved in these pathways, such as CAV1, CHAD, COL3A1, COL5A2, COL6A1, and COL6A5. Additionally, BZXD exerts anti-inflammatory effects in the late stage mainly by increasing the expression of FASN and affecting fatty acid metabolism.

Conclusion

BZXD exerts therapeutic effects on RA through multi-pathways in the early and late stages. This work may provide proteomic clues for treating RA by BZXD.
Access to healthcare for people experiencing homelessness in the UK and Ireland: a scoping review
Authors: McNeill Sarah , O’Donovan Diarmuid , Hart Nigel
Published: July 2022

Background

People experiencing homelessness (PEH) have poorer physical and mental health than the general population. They are also more likely to have less access to healthcare. These processes of access can be better understood using Levesque’s access framework which addresses both supply (service provision) and demand (user abilities).

Methods

Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines, electronic peer-reviewed databases were searched in February 2022 for studies published since 2000 related to access to healthcare for PEH ages 16 and older in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland. Retrieved articles were screened and those eligible were selected for data extraction. Qualitative and quantitative studies were included.

Results

Fifty-six papers out of 538 identified were selected and aliased. Six main themes were identified: staff education, flexibility of systems, service coordination, patient preparedness, complex health needs and holistic care. These relate to the Levesque access framework.

Conclusions

Improving access to healthcare for PEH requires changes to how services are provided and how service-user abilities are supported.
Harm reduction implementation among HIV service organizations (HSOs) in the U.S. south: a policy context analysis and results from a survey of HSOs
Authors: Stanton Megan C. , Ali Samira B. , McCormick Katie
Published: July 2022

Background

HIV service organizations are integral to serving communities disproportionately impacted by the HIV and opioid epidemics in the U.S. South. Addressing these intersecting epidemics requires implementation of evidence-based approaches, such as harm reduction. However, little is known about the extent to which Southern HIV service organizations implement harm reduction. This manuscript examines: 1) the implementation context of harm reduction in the South, 2) Southern HIV service organization implementation of harm reduction, and 3) the impact of different contexts within the South on HIV service organization implementation of harm reduction.

Methods

To examine implementation context, authors analyzed nation-wide harm reduction policy and drug-related mortality data. To examine HIV service organization implementation of harm reduction, authors performed frequency distributions on survey data (n = 207 organizations). Authors then constructed logistic regressions, using state mortality data and policy context as predictors, to determine what contextual factors predicted HIV service organization implementation of harm reduction.

Results

Drug-related mortality data revealed an increased need for harm reduction, and harm reduction policy data revealed an increased political openness to harm reduction. Frequency distributions revealed that approximately half of the HIV service organizations surveyed reported that their organizations reflect a harm reduction orientation, and only 26% reported providing harm reduction services. Despite low utilization rates, HIV service organizations indicated a strong interest in harm reduction. Logistic regressions revealed that while increased mortality rates do not predict HIV service organization implementation of harm reduction, a harm reduction-friendly policy context does.

Discussion

This study highlights how regions within a high-income country can face unique barriers to healthcare and therefore require a unique understanding of implementation context. Study findings indicate a rapidly changing implementation context where increased need meets increased political opportunity to implement harm reduction, however there is a lag in HIV service organization adoption of harm reduction. Financial resources, capacity building, and continued policy advocacy are required for increased HIV service organization adoption of harm reduction.
Exploring the role of leaders in enabling adaptive capacity in hospital teams – a multiple case study
Authors: Fagerdal Birte , Lyng Hilda Bø , Guise Veslemøy , Anderson Janet E. , Thornam Petter Lave , Wiig Siri
Published: July 2022

Background

Resilient healthcare research studies how healthcare systems and stakeholders adapt and cope with challenges and changes to enable high quality care. Team leaders are seen as central in coordinating clinical care, but research detailing their contributions in supporting adaptive capacity has been limited. This study aims to explore and describe how leaders enable adaptive capacity in hospital teams.

Methods

This article reports from a multiple embedded case study in two Norwegian hospitals. A case was defined as one hospital containing four different types of teams in a hospital setting. Data collection used triangulation of observation and interviews with leaders, followed by a qualitative content analysis.

Results

Leaders contribute in several ways to enhance their teams’ adaptive capacity. This study identified four key enablers; (1) building sufficient competence in the teams; (2) balancing workload, risk, and staff needs; (3) relational leadership; and (4) emphasising situational understanding and awareness through timely and relevant information.

Conclusion

Team leaders are key actors in everyday healthcare systems and facilitate organisational resilience by supporting adaptive capacity in hospital teams. We have developed a new framework of key leadership enablers that need to be integrated into leadership activities and approaches along with a strong relational and contextual understanding.
Persistence of Staphylococcus spp. in milk from cows undergoing homeopathy to control subclinical mastitis
Authors: Ferreira Elka Machado , Romero Letícia Castilho , Cunha Maria de Lourdes Ribeiro de Souza d , Malagó Junior Wilson , Camargo Carlos Henrique , Barioni Júnior Waldomiro , Zafalon Luiz Francisco
Published: July 2022

Background

Mastitis is one of the major diseases in dairy cattle, as it causes great economic losses to producers due to the reduction of milk production and changes in the quality of the product. The disease is mainly caused by bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus spp., these microorganisms can express various virulence factors, such as biofilms for example. In herds with organic management, producers and technicians use unconventional ways to treat and control the disease, such as homeopathy. However, it is not known if this type of treatment is able to control pathogenic bacteria such as those of the genus Staphylococcus, of relevance to animal and human health. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the production of biofilm in vitro and its genes by Staphylococcus spp. isolated in the milk of cows treated with homeopathy, as well as the persistence of microorganisms in animals.

Methods

Ninety-nine isolates of Staphylococcus spp. from cows treated and not treated with homeopathy were identified by internal transcribed space-polymerase chain reaction and investigated for the presence of the icaABCD, bap, aap, atlE, and bhp genes and in vitro biofilm production using the adhesion method on polystyrene plates. The enzyme restriction profile was determined by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis. Clusters of S. aureus and S. epidermidis with three or more isolates had an isolate selected for Multilocus Sequence Typing.

Results

The frequency of S. aureus isolations was similar in treated and untreated cows, while 71.4% of the coagulase-negative identified were isolated in cows treated with homeopathy. The distribution of the operon ica genes was similar in animals with and without treatment, except for the icaD gene, more frequent in treated cows. Production of biofilm was associated with presence of one or more genes from the icaADBC operon. S. aureus revealed a greater diversity and greater dissemination in cows treated and not treated with homeopathy. Sequence Types ST1, ST5, and ST126 were identified in S. aureus.

Conclusions

The presence of biofilm-associated genes and the in vitro production of biofilms, combined with the persistence of clonal profiles of Staphylococcus spp. demonstrate other forms of control for bovine mastitis should be researched for organic production herds.
Identification of a novel heterozygous missense TP63 variant in a Chinese pedigree with split-hand/foot malformation
Authors: Miao Mingzhu , Lu Shoulian , Sun Xiao , Zhao Meng , Wang Jue , Su Xiaotan , Jin Bai , Sun Lizhou
Published: July 2022

Background

Tumor protein p63 is an important transcription factor regulating epithelial morphogenesis. Variants associated with the TP63 gene are known to cause multiple disorders. In this study, we determined the genetic cause of split-hand/foot malformation in a Chinese pedigree.

Methods

For this study, we have recruited a Chinese family and collected samples from affected and normal individuals of the family (three affected and two normal). Whole exome sequencing was performed to detect the underlying genetic defect in this family. The potential variant was validated using the Sanger sequencing approach.

Results

Using whole-exome and Sanger sequencing, we identified a novel heterozygous pathogenic missense variant in TP63 (NM_003722.5: c.921G > T; p.Met307Ile). This variant resulted in the substitution of methionine with isoleucine. Structural analysis suggested a resulting change in the structure of a key functional domain of the p63 protein.

Conclusion

This novel missense variant expands the TP63 variant spectrum and provides a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis of families with split-hand/foot malformation or other TP63-related diseases.
Transient neuroinflammation following surgery contributes to long-lasting cognitive decline in elderly rats via dysfunction of synaptic NMDA receptor
Authors: Chen Bo , Qin Guangcheng , Xiao Jingyu , Deng Xiaoyuan , Lin Aolei , Liu Hongliang
Published: July 2022

Background

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PNDs) are considered the most common postoperative complication in geriatric patients. However, its pathogenesis is not fully understood. Surgery-triggered neuroinflammation is a major contributor to the development of PNDs. Neuroinflammation can influence N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) expression or function which is closely associated with cognition. We, therefore, hypothesized that the persistent changes in NMDAR expression or function induced by transient neuroinflammation after surgery were involved in the development of PNDs.

Methods

Eighteen-month-old male Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to abdominal surgery with sevoflurane anesthesia to establish the PNDs animal model. Then, we determined the transient neuroinflammation by detecting the protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines and microglia activation using ELISA, western blot, immunohistochemistry, and microglial morphological analysis from postoperative days 1–20. Persistent changes in NMDAR expression were determined by detecting the protein levels of NMDAR subunits from postoperative days 1–59. Subsequently, the dysfunction of synaptic NMDAR was evaluated by detecting the structural plasticity of dendritic spine using Golgi staining. Pull-down assay and western blot were used to detect the protein levels of Rac1-GTP, phosphor-cofilin, and Arp3, which contribute to the regulation of the structural plasticity of dendritic spine. Finally, glycyrrhizin, an anti-inflammatory agent, was administered to further explore the role of synaptic NMDAR dysfunction induced by transient neuroinflammation in the neuropathogenesis of PNDs.

Results

We showed that transient neuroinflammation induced by surgery caused sustained downregulation of synaptic NR2A and NR2B subunits in the dorsal hippocampus and led to a selective long-term spatial memory deficit. Meanwhile, the detrimental effect of neuroinflammation on the function of synaptic NMDARs was shown by the impaired structural plasticity of dendritic spines and decreased activity of the Rac1 signaling pathways during learning. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory treatment reversed the downregulation and hypofunction of synaptic NR2A and NR2B and subsequently rescued the long-term spatial memory deficit.

Conclusions

Our results identify sustained synaptic NR2A and NR2B downregulation and hypofunction induced by transient neuroinflammation following surgery as important contributors to the development of PNDs in elderly rats.
Aging of severely mentally ill patients first admitted before or after the reorganization of psychiatric care in Sweden
Authors: Bülow Pia H. , Finkel Deborah , Allgurin Monika , Torgé Cristina Joy , Jegermalm Magnus , Ernsth-Bravell Marie , Bülow Per
Published: July 2022

Background

The concept of deinstitutionalization started in the 1960s in the US to describe closing down or reducing the number of beds in mental hospitals. The same process has been going on in many countries but with different names and in various forms. In Europe, countries like Italy prescribed by law an immediate ban on admitting patients to mental hospitals while in some other European countries psychiatric care was reorganized into a sectorized psychiatry characterized by open psychiatric care. This sectorization has not been studied to the same extent as the radical closures of mental hospitals, even though it entailed major changes in the organization of care. The deinstitutionalization in Sweden is connected to the sectorization of psychiatric care, a protracted process taking years to implement.

Methods

Older people, with their first admission to psychiatric care before or after the sectorization process, were followed using three different time metrics: (a) year of first entry into a mental hospital, (b) total years of institutionalization, and (c) changes resulting from aging. Data from surveys in 1996, 2001, 2006, and 2011 were used, together with National registers.

Results

Examination of date of first institutionalization and length of stay indicates a clear break in 1985, the year when the sectorization was completed in the studied municipality. The results show that the two groups, despite belonging to the same age group (birthyears 1910–1951, mean birthyear 1937), represented two different patient generations. The pre-sectorization group was institutionalized at an earlier age and accumulated more time in institutions than the post-sectorization group. Compared to the post-sectorization group, the pre-sectorization group were found to be disadvantaged in that their level of functioning was lower, and they had more unmet needs, even when diagnosis was taken into account.

Conclusions

Sectorization is an important divide which explains differences in two groups of the same age but with different institutional history: “modern” and “traditional” patient generations that received radically different types of care. The results indicate that the sectorization of psychiatric care might be as important as the Mental Health Care Reform of 1995, although a relatively quiet revolution.
Oxygenation versus driving pressure for determining the best positive end-expiratory pressure in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Rezaiguia-Delclaux Saida , Ren Léo , Gruner Aurélie , Roman Calypso , Genty Thibaut , Stéphan François
Published: July 2022

Objective

The aim of this prospective longitudinal study was to compare driving pressure and absolute PaO2/FiO2 ratio in determining the best positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) level.

Patients and methods

In 122 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, PEEP was increased until plateau pressure reached 30 cmH2O at constant tidal volume, then decreased at 15-min intervals, to 15, 10, and 5 cmH2O. The best PEEP by PaO2/FiO2 ratio (PEEPO2) was defined as the highest PaO2/FiO2 ratio obtained, and the best PEEP by driving pressure (PEEPDP) as the lowest driving pressure. The difference between the best PEEP levels was compared to a non-inferiority margin of 1.5 cmH2O.

Main results

The best mean PEEPO2 value was 11.9 ± 4.7 cmH2O compared to 10.6 ± 4.1 cmH2O for the best PEEPDP: mean difference = 1.3 cmH2O (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.4–2.3; one-tailed P value, 0.36). Only 46 PEEP levels were the same with the two methods (37.7%; 95% CI 29.6–46.5). PEEP level was ≥ 15 cmH2O in 61 (50%) patients with PEEPO2 and 39 (32%) patients with PEEPDP (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Depending on the method chosen, the best PEEP level varies. The best PEEPDP level is lower than the best PEEPO2 level. Computing driving pressure is simple, faster and less invasive than measuring PaO2. However, our results do not demonstrate that one method deserves preference over the other in terms of patient outcome.

Clinical trial number: #ACTRN12618000554268. Registered 13 April 2018.
Considerations in the management of hereditary angioedema due to C1-INH deficiency in women of childbearing age
Authors: Hsu Florence Ida , Lumry William , Riedl Marc , Tachdjian Raffi
Published: July 2022

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare, autosomal disorder that manifests with unpredictable episodes of severe swelling of the skin and mucous membranes. These attacks can be highly disfiguring and range in severity from mild to—in cases of airway swelling—life-threatening. Fluctuations in female sex hormones—such as the changes that occur during puberty, menses, contraceptive use, pregnancy, and menopause—can all affect the frequency and severity of HAE attacks. Disease management decisions for women of childbearing age may be more complex and require additional considerations since they could develop complications related to contraception, pregnancy, labor, delivery, and lactation. In addition, some HAE treatment options are contraindicated during pregnancy. Discussions about medications used to treat HAE should include a risk–benefit assessment of the woman’s health status, her preferences, and other factors that are relevant to the choice of therapy. Planning prophylactic therapies that are effective and safe before, during, and after pregnancy can prevent gaps in treatment, ensure continuity of care, and reduce both disease burden and risk of adverse fetal outcomes. The 2020 US Hereditary Angioedema Association (HAEA) Medical Advisory Board and 2021 World Allergy Organization/European Academy of Allergy and Immunology (WAO/EAACI) Guidelines outline key considerations for managing HAE in females of childbearing age (15–45 years), with the goal of improving treatment efficacy and safety for this cohort of patients. Treatment decisions made in a collaborative manner involving the patient, HAE specialist and obstetric/gynecologic specialist, is the best approach to ensure optimal HAE management and safety in this patient population.
Use of ambr®250 to assess mucic acid production in fed-batch cultures of a marine Trichoderma sp. D-221704
Authors: Tamminen Anu , Turunen Rosaliina , Barth Dorothee , Vidgren Virve , Wiebe Marilyn G.
Published: July 2022

Mucic acid, a diacid with potential use in the food, cosmetic, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, can be produced by microbial conversion of D-galacturonic acid, which is abundant in pectin. Using the ambr®250 bioreactor system, we found that a recently generated transformant (D-221704, formerly referred to as T2) of a marine Trichoderma species produced up to 53 g L−1 mucic acid in glucose-limited fed-batch culture with D-galacturonic acid in the feed at pH 4, with a yield of 0.99 g mucic acid per g D-galacturonic acid consumed. Yeast extract was not essential for high production, but increased the initial production rate. Reducing the amount of glucose as the co-substrate reduced the amount of mucic acid produced to 31 g L−1. Mucic acid could also be produced at pH values less than 4.0 (3.5 and 3.0), but the amount produced was less than at pH 4.0. Furthermore, the yield of mucic acid on D-galacturonic acid at the end of the cultivations (0.5 to 0.7 g g−1) at these low pH levels suggested that recovery may be more difficult at lower pH on account of the high level of crystal formation. Another strain engineered to produce mucic acid, Trichoderma reesei D-161646, produced only 31 g L−1 mucic acid under the conditions used with D-221704.
CircGAK inhibits cell growth, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma via miR-1323/HHIP axis
Authors: Zhu Hongchun , Lv Shihong , Yang Baijing , Liu Zhuoxi , Zhang Dan
Published: July 2022

Increasing evidence demonstrates that circular RNA (circRNA) plays a pivotal role in the development of disease, especially in Cancer. A previous circRNA microarray study showed that circGAK (hsa_circ_0005830) was remarkably down-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues. However, the role of circGAK in HCC remains largely unclear. The candidate circRNAs were screened via integrating the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE164803) analysis with the online program GEO2R. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was employed to measure the expression of circGAK miR-1323, and hedgehog-interacting protein (HHIP) in HCC tissues and cells. The biological function of circGAK in HCC was examined using colony formation assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, wound healing assay, transwell cell invasion assay, endothelial tubular formation assay, western blot assay, and xenograft mouse model. Bioinformatics analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, and dual-luciferase reporter assay were utilized to test the interaction between miR-1323, and circGAK or HHIP. The expression of circGAK was abnormally down-regulated in HCC tissues and was associated with the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage. Overexpression of circGAK remarkably impeded HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and endothelial tube formation in vitro, and tumor growth in vivo. Bioinformatics predicted that circGAK interacted with miR-1323, which targeted the HHIP mRNA 3'untranslated regions (UTR). Furthermore, upregulation of miR-1323 or shRNA-mediated HHIP suppression could recover circGAK-mediated malignant behaviors of HCC cells and tube formation of endothelial cells. Taken together, the circGAK/miR-1323/HHIP axis could suppress the progression of HCC and may provide potential new targets for the diagnosis and therapy of HCC.
Qualitative research with patients and caregivers of patients with PIK3CA related overgrowth spectrum: content validity of clinical outcome assessments
Authors: Raymond Kimberly , Vallow Susan , Saucier Cory , Jackson Kristi , White Michelle K. , Lovley Andrew , D’Alessio Denise
Published: July 2022

Background

PIK3CA-Related Overgrowth Spectrum (PROS) are rare syndromes caused by a mutation in the PIK3CA gene, including fibroadipose hyperplasia or overgrowth; congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformations, epidermal nevi, scoliosis/skeletal and spinal (CLOVES); megalencephaly-capillary malformation (MCAP or M-CM); fibro-adipose vascular anomaly (FAVA); Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KT; also known as, Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome); capillary, lymphatic, and venous malformations (CLVM); and lymphatic malformation (LM). Characterized by malformations and tissue overgrowth, PROS manifests at birth or in early childhood. Pain and functional limitations associated with these conditions may greatly impact the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of persons with PROS including physical functioning, work/school, social functioning, and emotional well-being.

Results

Selected clinical outcome assessments (COAs), identified during a literature review, were tested with adults with PROS, and children with PROS and their caregivers to determine comprehensibility, relevance, and appropriateness for measuring symptom severity and HRQoL. Tested were the Patient Global Impression of Symptom Severity (PGI-S), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Wong-Baker FACES, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Profile, PROMIS Pediatric Short Form Sleep Disturbance, and PROMIS Dyspnea Severity. Qualitative interviews tested the self-report adult, self-report pediatric, and observer-report COAs with adults with PROS, and children with PROS and their caregivers.

Ten adults (≥ 18 years old) with PROS, and 20 children (6–17 years old) with PROS and their caregivers, participated. All reported positive feedback on item relevance. Adults and children over the age of 12 comprehended and responded to self-reported items. Secondary objectives examined the age children could self-report their conditions using pediatric versions and assessed available observer-report versions of the COAs with caregivers. Some participants under the age of 12 had trouble understanding some terminology. Further, adults and children with cognitive impairment associated with MCAP/M-CM sometimes had difficulty with self-report. Caregivers were able to report their child’s symptoms and impacts using observer-report COAs. Participant feedback prompted further consideration of the measurement of pain in this population, including variability of pain over time, location of pain, and type.

Conclusions

This study provided valuable information from patients about PROS, supporting the content validity of the COAs, with recommended revisions. COAs are easily understood by persons with PROS and caregivers and are appropriate for measuring symptoms and disease-related impacts across diverse PROS syndromes in clinical trials.
A multipath mitigation algorithm for GNSS signals based on the steepest descent approach
Authors: Qiu Wenqi , Zeng Qinghua , Xu Rui , Liu Jianye , Shi Jinheng , Meng Qian
Published: July 2022

Multipath interference seriously degrades the performance of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning in an urban canyon. Most current multipath mitigation algorithms suffer from heavy computational load or need external assistance. We propose a multipath mitigation algorithm based on the steepest descent approach, which has the merits of less computational load and no need for external aid. A new ranging code tracking loop is designed based on the steepest descent method, which can save an early branch or a late branch compared with the narrow-spacing correlation method. The power of the Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) signal is weaker than that of the Line-of-Sight (LOS) signal when the LOS signal is not obstructed and with a relatively high Carrier Noise Ratio (CNR). The peak position in the X-axis of the ranging code autocorrelation function does not move with the NLOS interference. Meanwhile, the cost function is designed according to this phenomenon. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms the narrow-spacing correlation and the Multipath Estimated Delay Locked Loop (MEDLL) in terms of the code multipath mitigation and computation time. The Standard Deviation (STD) of the tracking error with the proposed algorithm is less than 0.016 chips. Moreover, the computation time of the proposed algorithm in a software defined receiver is shortened by 24.21% compared with the narrow-spacing correlation.
Fiber laser development enabled by machine learning: review and prospect
Authors: Jiang Min , Wu Hanshuo , An Yi , Hou Tianyue , Chang Qi , Huang Liangjin , Li Jun , Su Rongtao , Zhou Pu
Published: July 2022

In recent years, machine learning, especially various deep neural networks, as an emerging technique for data analysis and processing, has brought novel insights into the development of fiber lasers, in particular complex, dynamical, or disturbance-sensitive fiber laser systems. This paper highlights recent attractive research that adopted machine learning in the fiber laser field, including design and manipulation for on-demand laser output, prediction and control of nonlinear effects, reconstruction and evaluation of laser properties, as well as robust control for lasers and laser systems. We also comment on the challenges and potential future development.
Mediastinal teratoma presented with nonimmune hydrops and chylothorax: a case report
Authors: Kostekci Yasemin Ezgi , Kraja Elvis , Ergun Ergun , Demir Berrin , Okulu Emel , Erdeve Omer , Yagmurlu Aydın , Fitoz Omer Suat , Ceyhan Koray , Atasay Begum , Arsan Saadet
Published: July 2022

Background

Nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) can be caused by different types of etiologies. Some rare intrathoracic lesions are associated with NIHF. Combination of mediastinal teratoma, NIHF, and chylothorax is extremely rare. Mediastinal teratomas which are located in midline should be difficult to be detected. Thoracic imaging should be performed with unknown etiology for hydrops, and in case of chylothorax, the presence of a mass compressing the ductus thoracicus should be considered primarily.

Case presentation

An infant was born with a diagnosis of NIHF. Bilateral chest tubes were inserted cause of bilateral pleural effusions. After enteral feeding, the previously clear pleural fluid became chylous. Medium-chain triglyceride infant formula and somatostatin analog octreotide were initiated. A mass was appeared on her neck with the disappearance of skin edema. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a large, heterogeneous mass which was suggesting immature teratoma originating from thyroid gland. Complete surgical excision of the mass was performed. Histology confirmed high-grade immature teratoma. The neonate made an uneventful recovery. Following complete cessation of pleural fluid drainage, octreotide was stopped. She was discharged home on exclusive breast milk on day 34 of life.

Conclusions

Mediastinal teratomas are rare masses that cause hydrops fetalis. Although the association of NIHF and mediastinal teratoma is rare, thoracic imaging can be performed if an etiology cannot be found despite basic evaluations for hydrops. In case of chylothorax, the presence of a mass compressing the ductus thoracicus should be considered primarily, and thoracic imaging should be performed.
Analysis of the workload of Dock 16 Ilir workers sing Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, Ovako Working Analysis System, and Nordic Body Map Methods: A quantitative case study
Authors: Desi Kusmindari Christofora , Indriani Poppy , Nu'man A Harits , Muthmainah Salma Mutia , Erina Ira
Published: July 2022

Abstract: Industry players are encouraged to automate as a result of technological advancements. However, due to lack of finances several businesses continue to require human labor in the production process, particularly in the operation of transferring items . Transportation activities at Dock 16 Ilir in Palembang City, starts  with delivering items from the shop to the ship or vice versa by utilizing human strength in less ergonomic work positions with little consideration for the weight of the load. Whencarrying goods , the body is bent, the neck is bent, and the arms are distant from the body, putting the body  at a very high risk of injury. This type of working position causes muscle aches ranging from mild to severe. The personnel seen in this investigation were rice transporters and cement transporters. The aim  of this study is to quantify the workload and provide a design tool to help lessen worker concerns. The Nordic Body Map, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and Ovako Working Analysis System (OWAS)methodologies were used in this investigation. The study's findings showed that the five cement transport workers and four rice transport workers were at risk of developing muscoskeletal illnesses, with a risk level of 3 to 4, indicating that the risk category is very high and comprehensive treatment is required as soon as feasible. According to the OWAS technique, the posture of rice transportation employees has a value of 3, indicating that they are at high danger. Meanwhile, the working posture of cement transportation has a score of 7 with a risk level of 4, indicating that the danger of MSDS is very high. The developing aids are projected to lower the danger of Muscoskeletal Disorders in a backpack-like style that can resist large loads and reduce the risk of Muscoskeletal Disorders.
T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 in unexposed South African women
Authors: Nunes Marta C. , Johnson Michael J. , Kwatra Gaurav , Weinberg Adriana , Madhi Shabir A.
Published: July 2022

Background: A potential explanation for the fact that the high rate of infection of SARS-CoV-2 in South Africa did not translate into high rates of severe illness and death may be the presence of cross-reactive immunity induced by common cold coronaviruses (CCoV).

Methods: We used SARS-CoV-2 peptide pools and whole virus antigen to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected pre-2020 from South African women. Dual-colour FluoroSpot assay was used to measure interferon gamma (IFNγ) and interleukin 2 (IL2) production.

Results: Among the 97 study participants, IFNγ responses were observed in 29.9% of the women and IL2 among 39.2%. Overall, 51.6% of women demonstrated response to at least one stimulant.

Conclusion: We demonstrate the presence of cross-reactive immunity to SARS-CoV-2, which might have been induced by past exposure to CCoV.
Methodological approaches in aggregate formation and microscopic analysis to assess pseudoislet morphology and cellular interactions
Authors: Wieland Fredrik , Schumacher Anika , Roumans Nadia , van Blitterswijk Clemens , LaPointe Vanessa , Rademakers Timo
Published: July 2022

Microscopy has revolutionised our view on biology and has been vital for many discoveries since its invention around 200 years ago. Recent developments in cell biology have led to a strong interest in generating spheroids and organoids that better represent tissue. However, the current challenge faced by many researchers is the culture and analysis of these three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures. With the technological improvements in reconstructing volumetric datasets by optical sections, it is possible to quantify cells, their spatial arrangement, and the protein distribution without destroying the physical organization. We assessed three different microwell culture plates and four analysis tools for 3D imaging data for their applicability for the analysis of 3D cultures. A key advantage of microwell plates is their potential to perform high-throughput experiments in which cell cultures are generated and analysed in one single system. However, it was shown that this potential could be impacted by the material composition and microwell structure. For example, antibody staining was not possible in a hydrogel microwell, and truncated pyramid–structured microwells had increased background fluorescence due to their structure. Regarding analysis tools, four different software, namely CellProfiler, Fiji/ImageJ, Nikon GA3 and Imaris, were compared for their accuracy and applicability in analysing datasets from 3D cultures. The results showed that the open-access software, CellProfiler and Fiji, could quantify nuclei and cells, yet with varying results compared to manual counting, and may require post-processing optimisation. On the other hand, the GA3 and Imaris software packages showed excellent versatility in usage and accuracy in the quantification of nuclei and cells, and could classify cell localisation. Together these results provide critical considerations for microscopic imaging and analysis of 3D cell cultures.
IS DOOMSDAY APPROACHING? A CRITIQUE OF MALTHUS
Authors: Heavey Katharine , Block Walter
Published: July 2022

This paper discusses the pervasive arguments that overpopulation and dwindling resources have already doomed humanity or will soon do so. These Malthusian arguments take on many forms but are primarily concerned with increasing populations and limited resources. We evaluate these Malthusian theories both in their original conception and modern applications to examine their logic and appeal, as well as their flaws. We also examine historical evidence such as technology, the effect of the Black Death, and the existence of art to assess the strength of this argument. The thesis of this paper is that Malthusian economics is based on fundamentally flawed logic supported not by evidence but by existential anxiety. What are the specifics? They are that in the view of this famous economist, agricultural products can only increase in arithmetic progression, while the population is not so limited; it can expand geometrically. How will the gap between these two series be reconciled, given that there will be a food shortage? In Malthus’ view, the reconciliation will include war, famine, and disease, unless people can be led to have fewer children, a strategy he had little faith in. The present paper attempts to demonstrate the flaws in his analysis.
MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGEMENT FINANCING OPPORTUNITIES
Authors: Iordachi Victoria , Timus Angela
Published: July 2022

Developing countries face various obstacles to proper and sustainable waste management. Their authorities cannot manage waste properly because this process requires significant financial resources. Our analysis highlighted the problems of poverty and unstable finances, more precisely, the main reason waste management does not appropriate is the lack of budgets at the local or state level. The administrations need to allocate more funds for integrated sustainable waste management to achieve better results. This article describes different options for municipal waste management projects' financing based on the experience of several selected countries. Particularly it focuses on problems and challenges of the Republic of Moldova in municipal waste sector financing. In conclusion, we gave several recommendations for improving the waste sector financing policy. Also, we underlined that it is necessary to develop a methodology for calculating tariffs. At present, the local public administration has developed those tariffs based on old regulations, which are already outdated in time and do not reflect actual costs for adequate waste management.
Particularities of the Accounting Spare on Enterprise of the Small Business
Authors: Polenova S.
Published: July 2022

The article considers and analyses the most essential positions FSBU 5/2019 «Spares» for enterprise of the small business and micro business, using general and simplified systems of the accounting and reporting.
Editorial
Authors: Dudek Dominika , Mielimąka Michał , Sobański Jerzy , Klasa Katarzyna
Published: July 2022

bez streszczenia
Evaluating equine anaesthetic risk
Authors: Loomes Kate
Published: July 2022

Currently, evaluation of equine anaesthetic risk is largely based on the American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status classification system. However, a recent survey of experienced equine anaesthetists indicated that anaesthetic risk could also be based on patient factors and factors associated with the intended procedure including positioning, anticipated duration and ability or desire to assist recovery. Furthermore, additional anaesthesia-related risk factors have been identified through clinical research, which may warrant consideration when assessing individual patient risk.