bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 vaccine in pregnant women and pregnancy outcomes: A historical cohort in center of Iran
Authors: Zare Sakhvidi Mahdi , Lotfi Mohammad Hassan , Fallahzadeh Hossein , Hosseini Saeed , Kalantari Forouzandeh , Taheri Soodejani Moslem
Published: September 2023

Background:

Starting vaccination in pregnant women; numerous theories have been proposed that the vaccine might affect the mother or the fetus.

Objective:

The goal of this research was to see whether there was a link between the Sinopharm vaccination and certain pregnancy outcomes in COVID-19-vaccinated women.

Study design:

This is a retrospective cohort study.

Method:

This study was conducted on pregnant women who delivered from 1 August 2021 to 1 January 2022 in Yazd city. We have followed the STROBE Guidelines when preparing the manuscript. In this period time, all pregnant women were 5787 people in which 5666 were in the second and third trimester. Among these women, 1222 women were randomly selected.

Results:

Among 1222 pregnant women, 558 (45.6%) women had received one dose vaccine, 162 (13.3%) people had received two doses, and 502 (41.1%) women had not been vaccinated. On crude analysis, there was no significant difference between vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups. After adjusting for maternal age, maternal body mass index, parity, stillbirth history, abortion history, and gestational diabetes in multivariate analysis, no differences were found between the groups in pregnancy as well.

Conclusion:

Vaccinations during pregnancy seem to have no negative effects on the mother or the baby. This finding may aid pregnant women in deciding whether or not to take the vaccination.
Voices from the emptiness. Developing the agentic rural on Spanish television
Authors: Castelló Enric
Published: September 2023

This article analyses rural representations in the documentary series Ruralitas (2020) on the Spanish TVE. The programme shows that the people living in the countryside have agency and do not conform to common rural stereotypes. Nevertheless, the stories flirt with ideas of the ‘rural idyll’ by focusing on the beauty of the landscape and traditional rural versus urban binaries. However, the series also develops what the author names an agentic rural. The agentic rural not only empowers countryside dwellers and portrays self-determined destinies in the countryside, but also highlights problems associated with depopulation.
Glucose Variability Analysis in Two Large-Scale and Real-World Data Sets of Open-Source Automated Insulin Delivery Systems
Authors: Cooper Drew , Reinhold Bernd , Shahid Arsalan , Lewis Dana M.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Open-source automated insulin delivery (OS-AID) systems combine commercially available insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors with open-source algorithms to automate insulin dosing for people with insulin-requiring diabetes. Two data sets (OPEN and the OpenAPS Data Commons) contain anonymized OS-AID user data.

Methods:

We assessed glycemic variability (GV) outcomes in the OPEN data set and characterized it alongside a comparison to the n = 122 version of the OpenAPS Data Commons. Glucose data are analyzed using an unsupervised machine learning algorithm for clustering, and GV metrics are quantified using statistical tests for distribution comparison. Demographic data are also analyzed quantitatively.

Results:

The n = 75 OPEN data set contains 36 827 days worth of data. Mean TIR is 82.08% (TOR < 70: 3.66%; TOR > 180: 14.3%). LBGI ( P < .05) differs by gender whereas HBGI distributions are similar ( P > .05). GV metrics (except TOR < 70, LBGI) show a statistically significant difference ( P < .05) between data sets.

Conclusions:

Both the OPEN and OpenAPS Data Commons data sets show TOR < 70, TIR, and TOR > 180 within recommended goals, adding additional evidence of real-world efficacy of OS-AID. Future research should evaluate in more detail potential data set differences and relationships between individual patterns of user behaviors and GV outcomes.
Dilemmas in pregnancies with pulmonary hypertension: Case report from a low-resource setting
Authors: Pusianawati Dini , Suryawan Alfonsus Zeus , Tjandraprawira Kevin Dominique , Cool Charlotte J
Published: September 2023

Little awareness persists of how pregnancy worsens cardiac diseases. We wish to highlight the challenges in managing pulmonary hypertension (PH) in pregnancy, within low socioeconomic environments. A 31-year-old G3P1A1 of 5 months gestation presented with worsening dyspnea and extremital edema. She had a history of heart disease with no cardiologist follow-up. She was diagnosed with type I/II PH at 4 months gestation. Her ultrasound revealed intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). She was referred for pregnancy termination. At presentation, she was tachypneic with SaO2 at 68%. After labor, she was transferred to a cardiac intensive care unit with SaO2 at 60%. Bedside echocardiography revealed a high probability of PH (pulmonary artery systolic pressure value: 109 mmHg). Unfortunately, she deteriorated and passed away a day later. Cardiac diseases in pregnancy contribute significantly to maternal mortality in Indonesia and other low socioeconomic countries. Traditional views on pregnancy and family and human rights advocate pregnancy as one of the rights, pregnancy complicated with cardiac diseases is detrimental and potentially lethal. Disparities in healthcare practices and low socioeconomic environments also contribute to such outcomes. Lack of awareness and improperly held beliefs on conception and family have led women to conceive amidst severe underlying cardiac diseases with dire outcomes.
Public narratives of the relationship between post-pandemic economic recovery and decarbonization: A case study of Toronto’s media sphere
Authors: Chen Sibo
Published: September 2023

Recent research indicates that the economic downturn brought by the COVID-19 pandemic has bolstered a “climate delay” discourse. This has led environmental scholars and policymakers to express concern over how the relationship between economic recovery and decarbonization is being framed in current public discussions about post-pandemic economic recovery. To better understand how the climate delay discourse is mediated by local media and its potential impact on public support for green transformation, this article examines relevant coverage published by popular Toronto local media throughout 2020. A qualitative thematic analysis reveals a rising public demand for decarbonizing the Canadian economy. However, this demand has also been challenged by a counter storyline that seeks to divert public attention from the severe structural crisis underlying the fossil fuel sector. The study concludes by cautioning against “climate delay” narratives’ potential suppression of public support for green economic recovery.
Use of the Occlutech pmVSD Device for Hybrid Closure of a Large Mid-Muscular Ventricular Septal Defect in a Small Infant Born With Hypoplastic Aortic Arch
Authors: Minocha Prashant K. , Caputo Massimo , Ramroop Ronand , Morgan Gareth J.
Published: September 2023

We describe the perventricular device closure of a large mid-muscular ventricular septal defect (VSD) in a 2.9 kg infant born with hypoplastic aortic arch and VSD using an Occlutech perimembranous occluder. In this case, the anatomy required a short low-profile device and hence a perimembranous occluder was used. To our knowledge, this is the first described use of this device for hybrid closure of a muscular VSD and the application of this technique in a patient <3 kg.
Characteristics Associated With Noncompliance of Current Pitch Smart Guidelines in High School Baseball Pitchers Throughout the United States
Authors: Erickson Brandon J. , Bowman Eric N. , Camp Christopher , Freehill Michael T. , Smith Matthew V. , Serio Nicholas , Ishikawa Hiroaki , Smith Karch , Chalmers Peter N.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Although pitch count and rest guidelines have been promoted for youth and adolescent baseball players for nearly 2 decades, compliance with guidelines remains poorly understood.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of compliance with Major League Baseball (MLB) Pitch Smart guidelines as well as the association between compliance and range of motion (ROM), strength, velocity, injury, and pitcher utilization. It was hypothesized that pitchers in violation of current recommendations would have increased strength, velocity, and injury.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

This was a prospective, multicenter study of 115 high school pitchers throughout the United States. Pitchers were surveyed about their compliance with current off-season, rest-related guidelines, and history of injury. During the preseason, pitchers underwent standardized physical examinations, and pitch velocity was measured. Pitch counts were collected during the baseball season that followed. Dynamometer strength testing of shoulder forward flexion, and external rotation as well as grip strength was recorded. We compared pitchers who were compliant with recommendations with those who were noncompliant using Student t and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results:

Based on preseason data, 84% of pitchers had violated current Pitch Smart guidelines. During the season, 14% had at least 1 violation of the Pitch Smart guidelines. Across both the preseason survey and in-season pitch counts, 89% of players had at least 1 violation of the Pitch Smart guidelines. While there were no significant differences in ROM or strength, the noncompliant group had higher maximum pitch velocity than the compliant group (74 ± 8 vs 69 ± 5 mph [119 ± 13 vs 111 ± 8 kph], respectively; P = .009). Players’ self-reported velocity differed significantly from the direct measurement, for both peak velocity (80 ± 6 vs 73 ± 8 mph [129 ± 9 vs 117 ± 13 kph], respectively; P < .001) and mean velocity (73 ± 8 vs 53 ± 27 mph [117 ± 13 vs 85 ± 43 kph], respectively; P < .001).

Conclusion:

Most high school pitchers were not fully compliant with current Pitch Smart guidelines, and they tended to overestimate their peak velocity by 7 mph (11 kph). Pitchers who threw with greater velocity were at higher risk for violating Pitch Smart recommendations.
Systematic Review of Complications Associated With Proximal Hamstring Tendon Repair
Authors: Lawson Jonathan J. , Abraham Eliza A. , Imbergamo Casey M. , Sequeira Sean B. , Dreese James C. , Gould Heath P.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Although several complications of proximal hamstring tendon ruptures have been reported in the literature, few studies have comprehensively analyzed the complication profile of proximal hamstring tendon repair.

Purpose:

To identify the overall rate of complications following proximal hamstring tendon repair and to differentiate these complications into categories.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Included in this review were studies that examined surgical repair of proximal hamstring tendon ruptures; all studies were in English and had an evidence level of 4 or higher. No restrictions were made regarding publication date or methodological quality. Data regarding complications were extracted to calculate the overall complication rate as well as the rate of major and minor complications. A quantitative data synthesis was conducted using the chi-square test to compare the proportion of patients who experienced complications with the endoscopic versus open approach.

Results:

A total of 43 articles including 2833 proximal hamstring tendon repairs were identified. The overall postoperative complication rate was 15.3% (n = 433). The rate of major complications was 4.6%, including a 1.7% rate of sciatic nerve injury, 0.8% rate of venous thromboembolism, 0.8% reoperation rate, 0.8% rerupture rate, and 0.4% rate of deep infection. Minor complications included a 2.4% rate of posterior femoral cutaneous nerve injury, 2.3% rate of persistent hamstring myopathy, 2.2% rate of persistent sitting pain, 1.8% rate of peri-incisional numbness, 1.1% rate of superficial infection, and 0.8% rate of hematoma/seroma.

Conclusion:

Proximal hamstring tendon repair is associated with an overall complication rate of 15.3%, including a 4.6% rate of major complications.
Tutorial: Power Analyses for Interaction Effects in Cross-Sectional Regressions
Authors: Baranger David A. A. , Finsaas Megan C. , Goldstein Brandon L. , Vize Colin E. , Lynam Donald R. , Olino Thomas M.
Published: September 2023

Interaction analyses (also termed “moderation” analyses or “moderated multiple regression”) are a form of linear regression analysis designed to test whether the association between two variables changes when conditioned on a third variable. It can be challenging to perform a power analysis for interactions with existing software, particularly when variables are correlated and continuous. Moreover, although power is affected by main effects, their correlation, and variable reliability, it can be unclear how to incorporate these effects into a power analysis. The R package InteractionPoweR and associated Shiny apps allow researchers with minimal or no programming experience to perform analytic and simulation-based power analyses for interactions. At minimum, these analyses require the Pearson’s correlation between variables and sample size, and additional parameters, including reliability and the number of discrete levels that a variable takes (e.g., binary or Likert scale), can optionally be specified. In this tutorial, we demonstrate how to perform power analyses using our package and give examples of how power can be affected by main effects, correlations between main effects, reliability, and variable distributions. We also include a brief discussion of how researchers may select an appropriate interaction effect size when performing a power analysis.
Factors influencing second victim experiences and support needs of OB/GYN and pediatric healthcare professionals after adverse patient events
Authors: Rivera-Chiauzzi Enid Y , Riggan Kirsten A , Huang Lily , Finney Robyn E , Allyse Megan A
Published: September 2023

There is growing recognition that clinical and nonclinical healthcare professionals may become “second victims” following adverse patient events, medical errors, or patient-related injuries. In addition to the trauma-associated symptoms experienced by second victims, unprocessed second victim experience (SVE) can lead to burnout and leaving the healthcare workforce. To better understand the risk factors and support needs of affected healthcare professionals after a SVE, we conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with twelve staff in obstetrics & gynecology and pediatrics at a large academic medical institution in the upper Midwest of the U.S. Several participants indicated that it was not the patient outcome itself that precipitated the SVE, but associated factors such as moral distress or communication challenges. Participants discussed the role of their work unit culture in post-SVE processing, expressing that units perceived as blame-seeking or where adverse events were not openly discussed, hindered their recovery. While desired support mechanisms were individualized, participants stressed the importance of immediate and proactive support, such as through a peer support program, and long-term support mechanisms for lingering symptoms. As attrition of the healthcare workforce continues to be a significant concern, it is essential that we understand and meet the post-SVE support needs of affected staff, to promote holistic care following adverse patient events.
Efficacy and safety of self-expanding metal stents in patients with inoperable esophageal cancer: a real-life study
Authors: Jiménez-Gutiérrez José Miguel , Alonso-Lárraga Juan Octavio , Hernández-Guerrero Angélica I. , Lino-Silva Leonardo Saul , Olivas-Martinez Antonio
Published: September 2023

Background:

Dysphagia is the most frequent symptom in patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are the current palliative treatment of choice for dysphagia in patients with non-curable esophageal cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and adverse events (AEs) of different types of SEMS for palliation of dysphagia.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with advanced esophageal cancer and SEMS placement for dysphagia palliation in a tertiary care center. The primary outcome was the clinical success defined as an improvement in dysphagia (reduction of at least 2 points in the Mellow–Pinkas scoring system for dysphagia) after SEMS placement.

Results:

Between January 1999 and May 2020, 295 patients with esophageal cancer were identified. Among them, 75 had a SEMS placement for dysphagia palliation. The mean age of the patients was 61.3 years (standard deviation: 13.4), 69 patients (92%) were men, and the mean Mellow–Pinkas scoring for dysphagia pre- and post-SEMS placement were 3.1 and 1.4 (change from baseline −1.7), respectively. Technical success and clinical success were achieved in 98.6% and 58.9%, respectively. AEs were identified in 35/75 patients (46.7%), and SEMS migration was the most frequent AE in 22/75 patients (29.3%). There were no significant differences in improvement in dysphagia ( p = 0.054), weight changes ( p = 0.78), and AE ( p = 0.73) among fully covered SEMS (fc-SEMS) and partially covered SEMS (pc-SEMS). The median follow-up was 89 days (interquartile range: 29–221).

Conclusion:

SEMS placement was associated with a rapid improvement in dysphagia, high technical success, and a modest improvement in dysphagia with no major AE among fc-SEMS and pc-SEMS.
Comprehensive brain tissue metabolomics and biological network technology to decipher the mechanism of hydrogen-rich water on Radiation-induced cognitive impairment in rats
Authors: Liu Xiaoming , Liu Mengya , Liu Huan , Yuan Hui , Wang Yong , Chen Xiaoman , Li Jianguo , Qin Xiujun
Published: September 2023

Background

Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has been shown to prevent cognitive impairment caused by ionizing radiation. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of HRW on ionizing radiation by coupling the brain metabolomics and biological target network methods.

Methods and results

HRW significantly improves the cognitive impairment in rats exposed to ionizing radiation. Based on metabolomics and biological network results, we identified 54 differential metabolites and 93 target genes. The KEGG pathway indicates that glutathione metabolism, ascorbic acid and aldehyde acid metabolism, pentose and glucuronic acid interconversion, and glycerophospholipid metabolism play important roles in ionizing radiation therapy.

Conclusion

Our study has systematically elucidated the molecular mechanism of HRW against ionizing radiation, which can be mediated by modulating targets, pathways and metabolite levels. This provides a new perspective for identifying the underlying pharmacological mechanism of HRW.
Ancient mitogenomes reveal a high maternal genetic diversity of Pleistocene woolly rhinoceros in Northern China
Authors: Yuan Junxia , Sun Guojiang , Xiao Bo , Hu Jiaming , Wang Linying , Taogetongqimuge  , Bao Lei , Hou Yamei , Song Shiwen , Jiang Shan , Wu Yong , Pan Dong , Liu Yang , Westbury Michael V. , Lai Xulong , Sheng Guilian
Published: September 2023

Background

Woolly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis) is a typical indicator of cold-stage climate that was widely distributed in Northern Hemisphere during the Middle-Late Pleistocene. Although a plethora of fossils have been excavated from Northern China, their phylogenetic status, intraspecific diversity and phylogeographical structure are still vague.

Results

In the present study, we generated four mitogenomes from Late Pleistocene woolly rhinoceros in Northern China and compared them with published data. Bayesian and network analyses indicate that the analyzed individuals contain at least four maternal haplogroups, and Chinese samples fall in three of them. One of our samples belongs to a previously unidentified early diverging clade (haplogroup D), which separated from other woolly rhinoceros around 0.57 Ma (95% CI: 0.76–0.41 Ma). The timing of this clade’s origin coincides with the first occurrence of woolly rhinoceros, which are thought to have evolved in Europe. Our other three samples cluster in haplogroup C, previously only identified from one specimen from Wrangel Island (ND030) and initially considered to be an isolated clade. Herein, our findings suggest that ND030 is likely descended from a northward dispersal of the individuals carrying haplogroup C from Northern China. Additionally, Chinese woolly rhinoceros specimens exhibit higher nucleotide diversity than those from Siberia.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight Northern China as a possible refugium and a key evolution center of the Pleistocene woolly rhinoceros.
The genetic variation in drought resistance in eighteen perennial ryegrass varieties and the underlying adaptation mechanisms
Authors: Wang Dan , Zhang Yuting , Chen Chunyan , Chen Ruixin , Bai Xuechun , Qiang Zhiquan , Fu Juanjuan , Qin Tao
Published: September 2023

Background

Drought resistance is a complex characteristic closely related to the severity and duration of stress. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) has no distinct drought tolerance but often encounters drought stress seasonally. Although the response of perennial ryegrass to either extreme or moderate drought stress has been investigated, a comprehensive understanding of perennial ryegrass response to both conditions of drought stress is currently lacking.

Results

In this study, we investigated the genetic variation in drought resistance in 18 perennial ryegrass varieties under both extreme and moderate drought conditions. The performance of these varieties exhibited obvious diversity, and the survival of perennial ryegrass under severe stress was not equal to good growth under moderate drought stress. ‘Sopin’, with superior performance under both stress conditions, was the best-performing variety. Transcriptome, physiological, and molecular analyses revealed that ‘Sopin’ adapted to drought stress through multiple sophisticated mechanisms. Under stress conditions, starch and sugar metabolic enzymes were highly expressed, while CslA was expressed at low levels in ‘Sopin’, promoting starch degradation and soluble sugar accumulation. The expression and activity of superoxide dismutase were significantly higher in ‘Sopin’, while the activity of peroxidase was lower, allowing for ‘Sopin’ to maintain a better balance between maintaining ROS signal transduction and alleviating oxidative damage. Furthermore, drought stress-related transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms, including the upregulation of transcription factors, kinases, and E3 ubiquitin ligases, facilitate abscisic acid and stress signal transduction.

Conclusion

Our study provides insights into the resistance of perennial ryegrass to both extreme and moderate droughts and the underlying mechanisms by which perennial ryegrass adapts to drought conditions.
“We have to save him”: a qualitative study on care transition decisions in Ontario’s long-term care settings during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Carbone Sarah , Berta Whitney , Law Susan , Kuluski Kerry
Published: September 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to a global crisis in long-term care (LTC) with devastating consequences for residents, families and health professionals. In Ontario, Canada the severity of this crisis has prompted some care partners to move residents home with them for the duration or a portion of the pandemic. This type of care transition, from LTC to home care, was highly unusual pre-pandemic and arguably suboptimal for adults with complex needs. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study to better understand how residents, care partners, and health professionals made care transition decisions in Ontario’s LTC settings during the pandemic.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 residents, care partners and health professionals who considered, supported or pursued a care transition in a LTC setting in Ontario during the pandemic. Crisis Decision Theory was used to structure the analysis.

Results

The results highlighted significant individual and group differences in how participants assessed the severity of the crisis and evaluated response options. Key factors that had an impact on decision trajectories included the individuals’ emotional responses to the pandemic, personal identities and available resources.

Conclusions

The findings from this study offer novel important insights regarding how individuals and groups perceive and respond to crisis events.
Informed choice and routinization of the second-trimester anomaly scan: a national cohort study in the Netherlands
Authors: Lust Eline E.R. , Bronsgeest Kim , Henneman Lidewij , Crombag Neeltje , Bilardo Caterina M. , van Vliet-Lachotzki Elsbeth H. , Galjaard Robert-Jan H. , Sikkel Esther , Haak Monique C. , Bekker Mireille N.
Published: September 2023

Background

Since 2007 all pregnant women in the Netherlands are offered the second-trimester anomaly scan (SAS) in a nationwide prenatal screening program. This study aims to assess the level of informed choice of women opting for the SAS and to evaluate the presence of routinization 16 years after its implementation. It further explores decisional conflict and women’s decision making.

Methods

This prospective national survey study consisted of an online questionnaire which was completed after prenatal counseling and before undergoing the SAS. Informed choice was measured by the adapted multidimensional measure of informed choice (MMIC) and was defined in case women were classified as value-consistent, if their decision for the SAS was deliberated and made with sufficient knowledge.

Results

A total of 894/1167 (76.6%) women completed the questionnaire. Overall, 54.8% made an informed choice, 89.6% had good knowledge, 59.8% had deliberated their choice and 92.7% held a positive attitude towards the SAS. Women with low educational attainment (p=0.004) or respondents of non-Western descent (p=0.038) were less likely to make an informed choice. Decisional conflict was low, with a significantly lower decisional conflict score in women that made an informed choice (p<0.001). Most respondents (97.9%) did not perceive pressure to undergo the SAS.

Conclusions

Our study showed a relatively low rate of informed choice for the SAS, due to absence of deliberation. Therefore, some routinization seem to be present in the Netherlands. However, most women had sufficient knowledge, did not perceive pressure and experienced low decisional conflict.
Comparation of robotic-assisted surgery and laparoscopic‑assisted surgery in children with Hirschsprung’s disease: a single-centered retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Shuhao , Cai Duote , Zhang Yuebin , Pan Tao , Chen Ken , Jin Yi , Luo Wenjuan , Huang Zongwei , Hu Di , Chen Qingjiang , Gao Zhigang
Published: September 2023

Background

There are few studies comparing robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) and laparoscopic-assisted surgery (LAS) in Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR). This study aimed to compare intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between RAS and LAS performed during the same period.

Methods

All consecutive 75 patients with pathologically diagnosed as HSCR who underwent Swenson pull-through surgery from April 2020 to Nov 2022, were included. Patients were divided into RAS group and LAS group and a retrospective analysis was performed based on clinical indexes and prognosis.

Results

A total of 75 patients were included, among which, 31 patients received RAS and 44 received LAS. The RAS and LAS groups had similar ages, sex, weight, postoperative hospital stays, and fasting times. Compared with LAS, blood loss (p = 0.002) and the incidence of Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (p = 0.046) were significantly lower in the RAS group. The first onset of Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis in patients younger than 3 months occurred significantly earlier (p = 0.043). Two patients experienced anastomotic leakage in the LAS group and one patient experienced incisional hernia in the RAS group. The cost of RAS was significantly higher than that of LAS (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

RAS is a safe and effective alternative for HSCR children, and a delaying primary surgery until later in infancy (> 3 months) may improve outcomes.
Detection of Salmonella DNA and drug-resistance mutation by PCR-based CRISPR-lbCas12a system
Authors: Wang Shan , Wang Shang , Hao Tongyu , Zhu Shimao , Qiu Xinying , Li Yuqing , Yang Xiaoxu , Wu Song
Published: September 2023

Salmonella is an important foodborne pathogen, which can cause serious public health problems. Rapid and accurate detection of Salmonella infection and drug resistance mutations in patients will provide timely guidance for clinical treatment and avoid disease progression and other related clinical problems. Here, we established a highly sensitive and quick method for Salmonella and drug resistance mutation detection based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and CRISPR-lbCas12a system and evaluated its practicability with clinical samples.

Specific CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) and primers are designed for Salmonella DNA and parC gene S80I mutation diagnosis. CrRNAs with and without phosphorylated modification and different crRNA preparation methods are used to assess the effect on the detection system. After optimization, we detected as low as one copy of Salmonella DNA and drug resistance mutation parC S80I with the Salmonella DNA standard. For 94 clinical samples, this method also showed high sensitivity (100%, 95% CI: 84.98–100%) and specificity (98.48%, 95% CI: 90.73–99.92%) with less time (3 h) than plate culture (16 h) and conventional antimicrobial susceptibility testing (over 16 h). Besides, one parC S80I mutant strain was detected, which is consistent with the result of DNA sequencing. Taken together, we established a highly sensitive and specific method for Salmonella infection and parC S80I drug resistance mutation detection with fewer reagents and ordinary instruments. This assay has wide application prospects for fast detection of pathogen (bacterium and virus) infection, drug resistance determination, and proper treatment guidance.
Biodegradation of isoproturon by Escherichia coli expressing a Pseudomonas putida catechol 1,2-dioxygenase gene
Authors: Elarabi Nagwa I. , Abdelhadi Abdelhadi A. , Nassrallah Amr A. , Mohamed Mahmoud S. M. , Abdelhaleem Heba A. R.
Published: September 2023

The phenylurea herbicides are persistent in soil and water, necessitating the creation of methods for removing them from the environment. This study aimed to examine the soil microbial diversity, searching for local bacterial isolates able to efficiently degrade the phenylurea herbicide isoproturon, 3-(4-isopropylphenyl)-1, 1-dimethylurea (IPU). The best isolates able to effectively degrade IPU were selected, characterized, and identified as Pseudomonas putida and Acinetobacter johnsonii. The catechol 1, 2-dioxygenase enzyme's catA gene was amplified, cloned, and expressed in E. coli M15. The Expressed E. coli showed high degradation efficiency (44.80%) as analyzed by HPLC after 15 days of inoculation in comparison to P. putida (21.60%). The expression of the catA gene in P. putida and expressed E. coli was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results displayed a significant increase in the mRNA levels of the catA gene by increasing the incubation time with IPU. Hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) mass spectrometry analysis revealed that three intermediate metabolites, 1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-3-methylurea (MDIPU), 4-Isopropylaniline (4-IA) and 1-(4-isopropylphenyl) urea (DDIPU) were generated by both P. putida and expressed E. coli. In addition, IPU-induced catA activity was detected in both P. putida and expressed E. coli. The supernatant of both P. putida and expressed E. coli had a significant influence on weed growth. The study clearly exhibited that P. putida and expressed E. coli were capable of metabolizing IPU influentially and thus could be utilized for bioremediation and biodegradation technology development.
Clinical impact of screening computed tomography in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Collins Patrick D. , Giosa Lorenzo , Kathar Sushil , Camarda Valentina , Palmesino Filippo , Eshwar Darshan , Barrett Nicholas A. , Retter Andrew , Vasques Francesco , Sanderson Barnaby , Mak Sze M. , Rose Louise , Camporota Luigi
Published: September 2023

Background

Data on the prevalence and clinical impact of extrapulmonary findings at screening computed tomography (CT) on initiation of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) are limited. We aimed to identify the prevalence of extrapulmonary findings on screening CT following V-V ECMO initiation. We hypothesized that extrapulmonary findings would influence clinical management and outcome.

Methods

Retrospective analysis (2011–2021) of admission screening CT including head, abdomen and pelvis with contrast of consecutive patients on initiation of V-V ECMO. CT findings identified by the attending consultant radiologist were extracted. Demographics, admission physiological and laboratory data, clinical decision-making following CT and ECMO ICU mortality were recorded from the electronic medical record. We used multivariable logistic regression and Kaplan–Meier curves to evaluate associations between extrapulmonary findings and ECMO ICU mortality.

Results

Of the 833 patients receiving V-V ECMO, 761 underwent routine admission CT (91.4%). ECMO ICU length of stay was 19 days (IQR 12–23); ICU mortality at the ECMO centre was 18.9%. An incidental extrapulmonary finding was reported in 227 patients (29.8%), leading to an invasive procedure in 12/227 cases (5.3%) and a change in medical management (mainly in anticoagulation strategy) in 119/227 (52.4%). Extrapulmonary findings associated with mortality were intracranial haemorrhage (OR 2.34 (95% CI 1.31–4.12), cerebral infarction (OR 3.59 (95% CI 1.26–9.86) and colitis (OR 2.80 (95% CI 1.35–5.67).

Conclusions

Screening CT frequently identifies extrapulmonary findings of clinical significance. Newly detected intracranial haemorrhage, cerebral infarction and colitis were associated with increased ICU mortality.
Animal tuberculosis control in a disease-free country, France: does the long and winding road really lead to eradication?
Authors: Boschiroli María Laura
Published: September 2023

It took France almost fifty years to attain its officially animal tuberculosis (TB) free status in 2000, granting the country a favourable position for international live animal trading. The initial TB control program has been adapted at different times in its history in order to suit changing epidemiological contexts: it was first focused on detection and elimination of infected animals while later on protecting TB free herds became a priority.

In spite of all the efforts put into the program, final eradication has still not been achieved. Instead, the eradication process has stalled, most probably due to changes in breeding practices in the last 30 years. Indeed, the beef industry has overtaken the milk industry, which has led to the occurrence of new TB risks. Novel epidemiological situations in some regions of extensive beef cattle farming, where wildlife species (wild boar, badger) are also infected, have emerged. More adapted measures have thus been implemented, progressively evaluated and improved in order to reinforce prevention of infection, to follow up with the eradication goal and to strengthen, coordinate and re-motivate field resources. These include, among others, introduction of biosecurity measures in the herd, risk based surveillance and management of wildlife and cattle, improvement of screening in the field and at the abattoir, better diagnosis, but also improvement of communication, awareness, training activities of the main field actors. Very importantly, this new plan has been established through the participation of the majority of involved stakeholders -the farmer industry, hunter associations, veterinarians, scientists and the government-, through coordinated specific steering committees and ad hoc working groups.

Without doubt, the main challenge for the next few years is reinforcing communication to encourage and strengthen the program in an already faltering agro-social system. In addition, it will be essential to continue sustaining national research and international collaborations to feed the program with relevant scientific data enabling the authorities to undertake the most pertinent measures for tackling the disease in the short term.
Evidence of anticipatory forest use behaviours under policy introduction: a systematic map protocol
Authors: Llopis Jorge Claudio , Haddaway Neal Robert , Omirbek Nurzhan , Simmons Blake Alexander , Garrett Rachael , Jones Julia Patricia Gordon
Published: September 2023

Background

Forest conservation is a major global policy goal, due to the role forests play in climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. It is well recognized that the introduction of policies, whether aimed at forest conservation or with other objectives, has the potential to trigger unintended outcomes, such as displacement or leakage, which can undermine policy objectives. However, a set of outcomes that has escaped detailed scrutiny are anticipatory forest use behaviours, emerging when forest stakeholders anticipate policy implementation, deploying for example pre-emptive forest clearing, resulting in detrimental environmental outcomes. Lack of understanding of the extent and sectorial scope of these behaviours prevents us from devising strategies to address their potential detrimental consequences.

Methods

This protocol presents the methodology that will be followed to conduct a systematic map to identify, compile, review and describe the evidence available on anticipatory forest use behaviours in the context of policy introduction around the world. We will use two complementary search strategies, which we have tested before submitting this protocol. First, a systematic bibliographic search, and second, a citation chase approach. We will include articles based on a pre-defined set of criteria defined according to a Population, Intervention and Outcome (i.e. PIO) design. To support identification of knowledge gaps and clusters, we will report results of the systematic map in a narrative synthesis, an evidence atlas and other visualisations.
Stability and Metastability of Li3YCl6 and Li3HoCl6
Authors: Ito Hiroaki , Nakahira Yuki , Ishimatsu Naoki , Goto Yosuke , Yamashita Aichi , Mizuguchi Yoshikazu , Moriyoshi Chikako , Toyao Takashi , Shimizu Ken-ichi , Oike Hiroshi , Enoki Masanori , Rosero-Navarro Nataly Carolina , Miura Akira , Tadanaga Kiyoharu
Published: September 2023

Metastable solid electrolytes exhibit superior conductivity compared to stable ones, making them a subject of considerable interest. However, synthesis of the metastable phase is affected by multiple thermodynamic and kinetic parameters, leading to ambiguity in the organization of stability and metastability. In this study, we organized remnant and intermediate metastability based on temperature. The intermediate metastable phase, which is less stable than the temperature-independent stable phase, typically transforms into the stable phase(s) at high temperatures. In contrast, the remnant metastable phase is formed by first obtaining most stable phase at specific temperatures and then “trapping” it by rapidly changing the temperature. By investigating Li+ conducting chlorides, Li3MCl6 (M = Y and Ho), we demonstrated that heating starting materials to approximately 600 K produced low-temperature Li3MCl6 phase with one formula unit while further heating resulted in high-temperature Li3MCl6 phase with three formula units. Annealing quenched Li3MCl6 at 573 K resulted in a phase transition from the high-temperature to low-temperature phase, indicating that the high-temperature phase was remnant metastable at low temperatures.
Diagnostic value of high-frequency ultrasonography for painful talocalcaneal coalition and its complications
Authors: Song Bing , Zhang Xiaohong , Wang Hongjun , Zhang Qinglin , Zhang Heng , Zhang Chengzheng
Published: September 2023

Objective:

To investigate the value of high-frequency ultrasonography in the diagnosis of painful talocalcaneal coalition (TCC) and its complications.

Methods:

Seventy-seven patients (84 feet) with abnormal mass and pain in the medial malleolus were suspected of TCC pre-operatively and examined by high-frequency ultrasonography, radiograph, and CT. The sonographic characteristics of the affected feet were analyzed pre-operatively and compared with the surgical findings.

Results:

During the operation, 49 feet with TCC and 35 feet with non-TCC were confirmed; pre-operative ultrasonography diagnosed 48 feet with TCC and 36 feet with non-TCC; taking surgery as the gold-standard, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive-predictive value and negative-predictive value of ultrasound diagnosis of TCC were 87.8%, 85.7%, 86.9%, 89.6%, and 83.3%, respectively. The two were consistent, with κ = 0.732, p < 0.001. High-frequency ultrasonography had high diagnostic efficacy for TCC, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.867. The accuracy of ultrasound and CT in the diagnosis of TCC was significantly higher than that of radiograph, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.0167). High-frequency ultrasound could also accurately diagnose complications of TCC, such as tibial nerve compression and tendon displacement, while CT and radiograph cannot show these complications.

Conclusion:

High-frequency ultrasonography can accurately diagnose TCC and its complications, and locate the body surface accurately. Therefore, high-frequency ultrasonography can be used as a routine examination method to supplement CT and provide clinical assistance in precise surgery.

Advances in knowledge:

This study is the first to use high-frequency ultrasonography to examine TCC and compare its findings with surgical results to explore the diagnostic value of ultrasonography for TCC and its complications.
Altered morphological characteristics and structural covariance connectivity associated with verbal working memory performance in ADHD children
Authors: Liang Shengxiang , Huang Li , Zhan Shiqi , Zeng Yi , Zhang Qingqing , Zhang Yusi , Wang Xiuxiu , Peng Lixin , Lin Bohong , Xu Hui
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

Deficits in verbal working memory (VWM) observed in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children can persist into adulthood. Although previous studies have identified brain regions that are activated during VWM tasks, the neural mechanisms underlying the relationship between VWM deficits remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the structural covariance network connectivity and brain morphology changes that are associated with VWM performance in ADHD children.

Methods:

For this study, we selected 26 ADHD children and 26 healthy control (HC) participants. Participants were instructed to perform an n-back VWM task and their accuracy and response times were subsequently recorded. This research utilised voxel-based morphometry to measure the grey matter (GM) volume and conducted structural covariance connectivity network analysis to explore the changes of brain in ADHD.

Results:

Voxel-based morphometry analysis showed that lower GM volume in the right cerebellum lobule VI and the left parahippocampal gryus in ADHD children. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between the GM volume in the right cerebellum lobule VI and the accuracy of 2-back VWM task with verbal, small reward, and delayed feedback (VSD). Structural covariance network analysis found decreased structural connectivity between right cerebellum lobule VI and right precentral gyrus, right postcentral gyrus, left paracentral lobule, right superior parietal gyrus, and left hippocampus in ADHD children.

Conclusions:

The low GM volume and altered structural covariance connectivity in the right cerebellum lobule VI might potentially affect VWM performance in ADHD children.

Advances in knowledge:

The innovation of this study lies in its more focused discussion on the morphological characteristics and structural covariance connectivity of VWM deficits in ADHD children, and the innovative finding of a positive correlation between grey matter volume in the right cerebellum lobule VI and accuracy in completing the 2-back VWM task with verbal instructions, small reward, and delayed feedback (VSD). This expands upon previous research by elucidating the specific brain structures involved in VWM deficits in ADHD children and highlights the potential importance of the cerebellum in this cognitive process. Overall, these innovative findings advance our understanding of the neural basis of ADHD and may have important implications for the development of targeted interventions for VWM deficits.
Becoming-Alice
Authors: Στούκου Ειρήνη
Published: September 2023

Η διατριβή μου διερευνά το πλούσιο μωσαϊκό των αφηγήσεων της Αλίκης του Lewis Carroll και τις σύγχρονες επανεκτελέσεις τους στην οθόνη, για να προσφέρει νέες ιδέες για τη μετα-ανθρώπινη δυσπραγία. Η εξέταση των έξι επιλεγμένων επανεκτελέσεων, που εκτείνονται από το 1966 έως το 2016, ανιχνεύει τη σύγκλιση του μετα-ανθρωπισμού και του μετα-ανθρωποκεντρισμού, καθώς και τις προκλήσεις και τους τόπους αντίστασης που προκύπτουν σε σχέση με το πλαίσιο κάθε έργου. Η μελέτη αυτή αξιοποίησε τα ισχυρά εργαλεία της μετα-ανθρώπινης κριτικής σκέψης για να αποκωδικοποιήσει και να ερμηνεύσει έργα που επηρεάζονται από τις δυναμικές έννοιες του «ανθρωπου», λαμβάνοντας ως αφετηρία τις παραστάσεις και τις διαδικασίες του γίγνεσθαι για να αναλύσει τη μετα-ανθρώπινη κατάστασή μας. Ειδικότερα, το βαθύ θεωρητικό πλαίσιο της Rosi Braidotti και το έργο της για τον μετάνθρωπο έχουν συμβάλει καθοριστικά στη διαμόρφωση αυτής της διερεύνησης. Αντανακλώντας τη μετανθρώπινη θέση, η έρευνά μου είναι ουσιαστικά διεπιστημονική, πάντα σε διάλογο με τις λογοτεχνικές και πολιτισμικές σπουδές, τις κινηματογραφικές σπουδές, τη φεμινιστική θεωρία, τη νομαδική θεωρία, τις τεχνοεπιστημονικές σπουδές, και τις περιβαλλοντικές σπουδές. Η πρωταρχική συμβολή της παρούσας διατριβής έγκειται στην ανάδειξη του τρόπου με τον οποίο οι περίπλοκες βικτωριανές ιστορίες της Carroll, μαζί με τις επανεκτελέσεις τους, χρησιμεύουν ως εξαιρετικές πλατφόρμες για τον στοχασμό και την επανεκτίμηση της μετανθρώπινης κατάστασης—μια διάσταση στην οποία λίγα λογοτεχνικά έργα του 19ου αιώνα έχουν αποτολμήσει με τέτοιο βάθος και πολυπλοκότητα.