bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Infections, Pandemic-Related Social and Economic Impacts, and Changes to Mental and Self-Rated Health Among Latinx Immigrant Housecleaners in New York City: The Safe and Just Cleaners Study
Authors: Baron Sherry , Cuervo Isabel , Shah Dhwanil , Gonzalez Ana , Harari Homero , Flores Deysi
Published: September 2023

Objectives. To estimate impacts of COVID-19 infections and social and economic sequelae on mental and self-rated health among Latinx immigrant housecleaners in New York City.

Methods. From March to June 2021, we conducted a follow-up study with 74% retention of 402 housecleaners initially surveyed before the pandemic between August 2019 and February 2020. We measured rates of self-reported COVID-19 infections, COVID-19 antibodies, and pandemic-related social and economic sequelae and examined predictors of mental and self-rated health changes using logistic regression models.

Results. Fifty-three percent reported COVID-19 infections, consistent with the rate demonstrating COVID-19 antibodies. During shutdown of nonessential services, from March 22 to June 8, 2020, 29% worked as housecleaners, although this was not associated with higher COVID-19 infection rates. COVID-19–related stigma at work, lost earnings owing to COVID-19 infections, housing insecurity, food insecurity, and unsafe homes, including experiencing intimate partner verbal abuse, were statistically associated with changes in mental or self-rated health compared with prepandemic measures.

Conclusions. The disproportionate impact and virtually nonexistent safety net housecleaners experienced during the first year of the pandemic highlight the importance of inclusive stopgap measures to mitigate economic insecurity and its sequelae. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(8):893–903. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307324 )
Promising Practices Observed in High-Throughput COVID-19 Vaccination Sites in the United States, February–May 2021
Authors: McColloch Caitlin E. , Samson Marsha E. , Parris KaeAnne , Stewart Amy , Robinson Judith A. , Cooper Barbara , Galloway Eboni , Garcia Robert , Gilani Zunera , Jayapaul-Philip Bina , Lucas Paul , Nguyen Kimberly H. , Noe Rebecca S. , Trudeau Aimée-Rika T. , Kennedy Erin D.
Published: September 2023

Objectives. To identify promising practices for implementing COVID-19 vaccination sites.

Methods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assessed high-throughput COVID-19 vaccination sites across the United States, including Puerto Rico, after COVID-19 vaccinations began. Site assessors conducted site observations and interviews with site staff. Qualitative data were compiled and thematically analyzed.

Results. CDC and FEMA conducted 134 assessments of high-throughput vaccination sites in 25 states and Puerto Rico from February 12 to May 28, 2021. Promising practices were identified across facility, clinical, and cross-cutting operational areas and related to 6 main themes: addressing health equity, leveraging partnerships, optimizing site design and flow, communicating through visual cues, using quick response codes, and prioritizing risk management and quality control.

Conclusions. These practices might help planning and implementation of future vaccination operations for COVID-19, influenza, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Public Health Implications. These practices can be considered by vaccination planners and providers to strengthen their vaccination site plans and implementation of future high-throughput vaccination sites. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(8):909–918. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307331 )
Lessons Ignored: Children and Pandemics
Authors: Connolly Cynthia , Golden Janet
Published: September 2023

Children became sick and died during pandemics roughly 100 years apart, but they are rarely the central focus of historical scholarship. Because children were not the largest group of victims in the 1918 pandemic or in the COVID-19 pandemic and because of their lack of political capital, their needs received little attention. Both pandemics exposed the many holes in the nation’s health and welfare infrastructure. We examine responses to children’s needs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the peak pandemic year of 1918 and then show how this legacy of the lack of any child policy infrastructure left the city underresourced during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(9):985–990. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307334 )
Ambient Temperature and Emergency Hospital Admissions in People Experiencing Homelessness: London, United Kingdom, 2011–2019
Authors: Hajat Shakoor , Sarran Christophe E. , Bezgrebelna Mariya , Kidd Sean A.
Published: September 2023

Objectives. To assess the impacts of ambient temperature on hospitalizations of people experiencing homelessness.

Methods. We used daily time-series regression analysis employing distributed lag nonlinear models of 148 177 emergency inpatient admissions with “no fixed abode” and 20 804 admissions with a diagnosis of homelessness in London, United Kingdom, in 2011 through 2019.

Results. There was a significantly increased risk of hospitalization associated with high temperature; at 25°C versus the minimum morbidity temperature (MMT), relative risks were 1.359 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.216, 1.580) and 1.351 (95% CI = 1.039, 1.757) for admissions with “no fixed abode” and admissions with a homelessness diagnosis, respectively. Between 14.5% and 18.9% of admissions were attributable to temperatures above the MMT. No significant associations were observed with cold.

Conclusions. There is an elevated risk of hospitalization associated with even moderately high temperatures in individuals experiencing homelessness. Risks are larger than those reported in the general population.

Public Health Implications. Greater emphasis should be placed on addressing homeless vulnerabilities during hot weather rather than cold. Activation thresholds for interventions such as the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) could be better aligned with health risks. Given elevated risks at even moderate temperatures, our findings support prioritization of prevention-oriented measures, rather than crisis response, to address homelessness. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(9):981–984. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307351 )
Diversity of the US Public Health Workforce Pipeline (2016–2020): Role of Academic Institutions
Authors: Vichare Anushree , Park Yoon Hong , Plepys Christine M.
Published: September 2023

Objectives. To develop a diversity index (DI) comparing the diversity of graduates across public health schools and programs in the United States and to examine characteristics associated with institutions’ graduate diversity.

Methods. We analyzed longitudinal data from the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) across 5 academic years (2016–2017 to 2020–2021) for 109 ASPPH members. The outcome was the percentage of underrepresented minority (URM) students among those with bachelor’s and graduate degrees in public health. The DI was constructed by dividing the percentage of URM graduates by the percentage of URM residents 20 to 35 years of age in the state where the ASPPH member was located.

Results. The mean DI score increased from 0.7 in 2016 to 0.8 in 2020, but URM students remain underrepresented. A 1-percentage-point increase in the proportion of URM faculty members was associated with a 0.7-percentage-point increase in the proportion of URM graduates (P < .001).

Conclusions. Although the diversity of the public health educational pipeline shows an upward trend, racial/ethnic minority students remain underrepresented in public health. We found that institutional characteristics such as faculty diversity, program degree level, and area of study were associated with student diversity. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(9):1000–1008. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307352 )
FORWARD: Building a Model to Hold Schools of Public Health Accountable for Antiracism Work
Authors: Garbers Samantha , Joseph Michael A. , Jankunis Bethany , O’Brien Maria , Fried Linda P.
Published: September 2023

Schools of public health have increasingly adopted programs, praxis, and competencies for antiracist work. Fighting Oppression, Racism and White Supremacy through Action, Research and Discourse (FORWARD) was founded to accelerate antiracist work at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York City. Seven action corps reporting to an accountability cabinet were established with 183 participants. FORWARD achieved progress across five core pillars. We describe how an iterative, dynamic structure and explicit framework for accountability can guide future antiracism work. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(10):1086–1088. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307356 )
The Crosscurrents Dialogue Model: 2019–2023
Authors: Bernier Roger H.
Published: September 2023

The failure to consult with the public in policymaking can result in less sound and supportable policies. The Crosscurrents Dialogue Model (CDM) was developed to explore if Americans with different political perspectives could have useful policy conversations. To date, the CDM participants have addressed 10 separate topics such as health care and immigration and reached agreements each time. CDM provides evidence that the divide between politically diverse Americans can be bridged adequately to agree on specific recommendations for action. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(10):1099–1101. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307359 )
Hemiarthroplasty Versus Total Hip Arthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fracture in Elderly Patients
Authors: Edelstein Adam I. , Dillingham Timothy R. , McGinley Emily L. , Pezzin Liliana E.
Published: September 2023

Background:

There is practice variation in the selection of a total hip arthroplasty (THA) or a hemiarthroplasty (HA) for the treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients. Large data sets are needed to compare the rates of rare complications following these procedures. We sought to examine the relationship between surgery type and secondary hip surgery (revision or conversion arthroplasty) at 12 months following the index arthroplasty, and that between surgery type and dislocation at 12 months, among elderly Medicare beneficiaries who underwent THA or HA for a femoral neck fracture, taking into account the potential for selection bias.

Methods:

We performed a population-based, retrospective study of elderly (>65 years of age) Medicare beneficiaries who underwent THA or HA following a femoral neck fracture. Two-stage, instrumental variable regression models were applied to nationally representative Medicare medical claims data from 2017 to 2019.

Results:

Of the 61,695 elderly patients who met the inclusion criteria, of whom 74.1% were female and 92.2% were non-Hispanic White, 10,268 patients (16.6%) underwent THA and 51,427 (83.4%) underwent HA. The findings from the multivariable, instrumental variable analyses indicated that treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures with THA was associated with a significantly higher risk of dislocation at 12 months compared with treatment with HA (2.9% for the THA group versus 1.9% for the HA group; p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the likelihood of 12-month revision/conversion between THA and HA.

Conclusions:

The use of THA to treat femoral neck fractures in elderly patients is associated with a significantly higher risk of 12-month dislocation, as compared with the use of HA, although the difference may not be clinically important. A low overall rate of dislocation was found in both groups. The risk of revision/conversion at 12 months did not differ between the groups.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
THE ROLE OF DRILLING PREDATION IN ISOLATED, NUTRIENT-POOR ECOSYSTEMS: FIRST INSIGHTS FROM RAPA NUI, POLYNESIA
Authors: MARTINELLI JULIETA C. , GORDILLO SANDRA , ARANZAMENDI M. CARLA DE , RIVADENEIRA MARCELO M.
Published: September 2023

As a biotic interaction, drilling predation is affected by the evolutionary histories of the predator and prey, as well as the environment. A unique location with distinctive evolutionary histories and environmental conditions is the remote island of Rapa Nui. For mollusks, an evolutionary history in relative isolation has led to high rates of endemism (35–40%), in an area that has some of the most nutrient-poor waters of the global ocean. Here, we use death assemblages collected in Rapa Nui to answer two main questions: (1) How does a pervasive interaction like drilling predation play out in an isolated, oligotrophic marine system? and (2) What role do the environment (exposed vs. sheltered sites) and species traits (feeding, mobility, life habit) play in ‘protecting' the prey? We predicted that predation would be low relative to other tropical and subtropical islands given the oligotrophic conditions and found that the average drilling frequency (DF) was 5.67% (n = 6122). We observed no significant differences in DF between feeding guilds, mobility types, or life habits. Sheltered sites dominated by the infaunal bivalve Ctena bella had higher predation. In terms of passive defenses for C. bella, larger body size was not an effective defense against drilling predators. We show that drilling predation in Rapa Nui is lower than in high-latitude regions, and it is dependent on how sheltered or exposed sites are. Historically and currently, Rapa Nui has been subject to multiple anthropogenic stressors, including over-extraction and tourism, making efforts to understand its endemic species and their interactions fundamental.
The Aminoglycoside Resistance Genes, pehX, blaCTXM, blaAmpC, and npsB among Klebsiella oxytoca Stool Samples
Authors: Hussein Mohanad , Owaif Hasan , Abdulateef Sura
Published: September 2023

Background: Klebsiella oxytoca may cause various infections, including respiratory, urinary, and bloodstream infections, often with multidrug-resistant strains posing challenges in treatment. The aim of this study was for molecular identification of K. oxytoca and to assess the existence of aminoglycoside resistance genes in biofilm and in toxin-producing and AmpC-positive isolates. Methods and Results: A total of 400 non-duplicate stool samples were collected from patients with colitis from 2019 to 2020 and were immediately cultured onto McConkey and blood agar (Merk, Germany). Antibiotic discs and Mueller-Hinton agar (MHA) culture medium (Merck, Germany) were used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The disk diffusion was done for susceptibility examination of them using CLSI 2020. Phenotypic detection of AmpC enzymes and biofilm formation were also determined. The PCR was performed to detect polygalacturonase (pehX) gene, blaCTX-M gene, npsB toxin-encoding gene, blaAmpC gene, and the aac(6′)-lb and aac(3′)-IIa AMEs genes. A total of 100 K. oxytoca were identified from stool samples. Most isolates were not susceptible to tetracycline, cotrimoxazole, or cefoxitin disks. Moreover, most were susceptible to amikacin and piperacillin-tazobactam disks. Among 100 isolates, 54% produced the AmpC enzyme in the combined disk method. Among them, 30 isolates were resistant to gentamicin. Strong biofilm formation was determined in 66% of isolates, and 30% of them produced moderate biofilms. Moreover, 4% of the isolates had weak biofilms. Among the 60 gentamicin-resistant K. oxytoca, 32 isolates had strong biofilms, and 11 isolates produced moderate ones. The pehX was used for the molecular identification of K. oxytoca; the results showed the presence of this gene in all isolates. The majority (98%) of K. oxytoca amplified the npsB toxin-encoding gene. The rate of blaCTX-M, blaAmpC, aac(6′)-lb, and aac(3)-IIa genes were 62%, 45%, 12%, 24%, respectively. Conclusion: In our study, more than half of K. oxytoca showed MDR phenotype. Moreover, half of the isolates carried the blaAmpC and blaCTX-M genes. Strong biofilm formation was observed in more than 60% of them.
Echocardiography predictors of sustained sinus rhythm after cardioversion of supraventricular arrhythmia in patients with septic shock
Authors: Balik Martin , Maly Michal , Brozek Tomas , Rulisek Jan , Porizka Michal , Sachl Robert , Otahal Michal , Brestovansky Petr , Svobodova Eva , Flaksa Marek , Stach Zdenek , Horejsek Jan , Volny Lukas , Jurisinova Ivana , Novotny Adam , Trachta Pavel , Kunstyr Jan , Kopecky Petr , Tencer Tomas , Pazout Jaroslav , Duska Frantisek , Krajcova Adela , Waldauf Petr
Published: September 2023

Background: Supraventricular arrhythmias (SVA) are associated with two to five times increased mortality in septic shock and are fraught with high rates of recurrences. The echocardiography parameters may predict the maintenance of sinus rhythm after cardioversion and success of the rhythm control approach.
Methods: Patients in septic shock with an onset of an SVA, a normal to moderately reduced LV systolic function (EF_LV˃̳35%) and on a continuous noradrenaline of less than 1.0 ug/kg.min were included. Echocardiography was performed at the arrhythmia onset, 1h and 4h post cardioversion on an infusion of propafenone or amiodarone. Electric cardioversions were indicated in low cardiac output and/or insufficient perfusion pressures due to arrhythmia. The primary aim of the study was to define suitable echocardiography parameters which may be predictive of single or multiple (>3) arrhythmia recurrences during the antiarrhythmic infusion.
Results: Cardioversion was achieved in 201 (96%) of the 209 enrolled patients within a median time of 6h (1.8-15.6) and 134 patients (64.1%) experienced at least one recurrence of an SVA after cardioversion. With cardioversion the left atrial end-systolic diameter (LA_ESD 40 (35-45) mm) and indexed biplanar volume (LAVI 31 (26-39) ml/m2) did not change. The left atrial emptying fraction (36 (29-45)% at 4h, p=0.005) and the trans-mitral A-wave velocity-time integral (Avti 7.7(6.1-9.4) cm at 4h, p˂0.001) were increased proportionally to decreasing numbers of arrhythmia recurrences (p<0.001 and p=0.007, respectively). The LA_EF at 4h (cut-off 38.4%, AUC 0.69, p˂0.001), and Avti at 4h (cut-off 6.8 cm, AUC 0.65, p=0.001) showed as limited predictors of arrhythmia recurrence. The elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure taken by echocardiography at 4h (p=0.007) and enlarged LA_ESD at arrhythmia onset (p=0.04) were related only to multiple recurrences (˃3). LAVI (p=0.06) and arrhythmia history (p=0.09) were not useful.
Conclusion: There is a period of atrial functional recovery after restoration of electrical sinus rhythm in patients with septic shock complicated by an SVA. The left atrial functional 2D and Doppler echocardiography parameters are related to arrhythmia recurrences post-cardioversion suggesting potential guidance to the choice between rhythm and rate control strategies.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03029169, registered on 24th of January 2017
Investigation of Sars-CoV-2 Infection in Children of families affected by COVID-19
Authors: Khalooei Ali , Farrokhnia Mehrdad , Hosseininasab Ali , Anjomshoa Ahmad
Published: September 2023

Coronaviruses belong to the Coronaviridae family. SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, is a type of betacoronavirus. Many vital issues, characteristics, quarantine measures, and the treatment of children living in infected families with SARS-CoV-2 remain unknown. This study aimed to assess clinical features and frequency of PCR-positive tests among children in close contact with household COVID-19 cases. Three hundred thirty-three children in family clusters with confirmed COVID-19 infection were examined, and a nasopharyngeal sample was taken from each participant to be tested for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We have defined the characteristics of children from infected family clusters and have considered the need for special medical attention for these children in the current viral crisis. The children's mean (SD) and median age were 8.18 (3.96) and eight years, respectively. Almost half (n = 165) of the children had at least one sign or symptom related to COVID-19. More than 42% (n = 141) of all the children had at least one general sign or symptom associated with COVID-19, followed by respiratory (27.9%, n = 93) and gastrointestinal (26.1, n = 87) signs and symptoms. Of the children exposed to cases of COVID-19 in their families, 42.3% (n = 141) were PCR positive for COVID-19and only four patients were hospitalized. The frequencies of SARS-CoV-2 infection in symptomatic children and asymptomatic ones were 43.6% and 41.1%, respectively (P > 0.5). Also, the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection showed no significant difference in sex, age, childbirth order, number of family members, underlying disease, and history of drug use (P > 0.05). In this study, almost all SARS-CoV-2 infection is mainly asymptomatic or mild during childhood. The importance of asymptomatic pediatric infection in transmitting the disease to others needs further investigation.
Thermal treatment of water-soluble particles formed by
compounds composed of carbon nanobelts and C60 molecules
Authors: Maekawa Toru , Kurosu Shunji , Hata Sayaca , Ukai Tomofumi , Mashiko Yuta , Choi Sieun , Minakawa Takanobu , Tanuma Yuri
Published: September 2023

It was previously shown that spherical particles are self-assembled by compounds composed of C60-(6,6)CNB-C60, where CNB stands for “carbon nanobelt”, by mixing two individual solutions of C60 and (6,6)CNB molecules dissolved in 1,2-dichlorobenzene at room temperature. The particles are monodisperse in water thanks to their high absolute value of the zeta potential in water. In this communication, we investigate the effect of thermal treatment of the particles on some changes in the physical properties and structures. We find that the particles become electrically conductive after thermal treatment at 600 °C for 1 h. We suppose that the change in the electrical characteristics might have been caused by the structural change of (6,6)CNBs into opened-up ribbons composed of fused benzene rings, which construct networks supported by C60 molecules in the particles, judging by the change in the absorption and mass spectra of the particles after thermal treatment and analysis of a possible change in the structure of C60-(6,6)CNB-C60 based on quantum calculations.
Increased Infiltration of M2-Polarized Tumour-Associated Macrophages is Highly Associated with Advanced Disease Stage and High Expression of PD-L1 in Buccal Mucosa Carcinoma
Authors: Sun Hao-Jia , Zheng Zhui-Feng , Zhang Li-Jun , Fang Le , Fu Hua , Chen Shao-Yang , Feng Rong-Xiu , Liu Xiao-Yang , Tang Qing-Nan , Liu Xue-Wen
Published: September 2023

Objective: To assess the infiltration characteristics of tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) in buccal mucosa carcinoma (BMC) and the correlation of these features with clinicopathological factors.
Materials and methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of TAM-related markers (CD68, CD163, CD206), CD8+ T cell markers, PD-L1, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in 46 patients with mucosal cancer after radical surgery. In addition, the correlation between TAM infiltration and clinical characteristics, PD-L1 expression, and EGFR expression was analysed.
Results: A high infiltration level of M2-polarized (CD206+) TAMs and M2c-polarized (CD163+) TAMs was more common in stage T3-T4, N+, III-IV patients than in other patient groups (P < 0.05). The infiltration degree of M2-polarized (CD68+) TAMs was positively correlated with the PD-L1 TPS (P = 0.0331). The infiltration level of M2-polarized (CD206+) TAMs was higher in the EGFR high expression group than in the EGFR low expression group (P = 0.040).
Conclusion: High infiltration of M2-polarized TAMs is highly associated with advanced disease stage and higher expression of PD-L1 and EGFR in BMCs, suggesting that M2-polarized macrophage infiltration can serve as a potential therapeutic target.
Functionalization of a cast NaAl/binary ZnO/SiO2 nanohybrid with amine and Schiff base ligands as an adsorbent of divalent cations in water system
Authors: Moridi Hadis , Gh Azar Bagheri
Published: September 2023

Casting method was used to synthesize a novel sodium alginate nanohybrid functionalized with aminated ZnO/SiO2 Schiff base for adsorption of nickel and copper divalent cations in single and binary water system. The cast Schiff base nanohybrids were investigated using FESEM, XRD, BET, FTIR, TGA and XPS analyses. The influence of unfunctionalized binary ZnO/SiO2 nano oxides and aminated Schiff base ligands formed by the reaction between salicylaldehyde and O-phenylenediamine on the adsorption of divalent nickel and copper ions was evaluated. The results confirmed that the aminated Schiff base ligands led to a higher adsorption ability of cast nanohybrids containing interaction of divalent cations with nitrogen and oxygen atoms, carboxyl and hydroxyl groups. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm for both ions followed double-exponential model and Redlich-Peterson model, respectively. The maximum monolayer capacity was found to be 249.8 mg/g for copper cation and 96.4 mg/g for nickel cation. The endothermic and spontaneous adsorption with entropy increment was found by thermodynamic investigation. Furthermore, the synthesized Schiff base adsorbent could be easily reused over five times. The simultaneous adsorption in a binary system exhibited a higher adsorption selectivity of the cast Schiff base nanohybrid for copper cation compared to nickel cation.
Two cases of severe psittacosis pneumonia complicated with Coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Li Huifeng , Tian Xin , Chen Weijie , Chen Yuequn
Published: September 2023

Chlamydia psittaci complicated with Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) infection is rarely reported at present, and the severe pneumonia caused by them can significantly prolong the hospitalization time and even affect the prognosis of patients, so early diagnosis and accurate treatment are needed. Two patients with severe pneumonia caused by Chlamydia psittaci during the opening of the epidemic situation of COVID-19 in China were reported. The main manifestations were high fever, respiratory failure and multiple organ dysfunction. The diagnosis of Chlamydia psittaci complicated with COVID-19 infection was diagnosed by metagenome next-generation sequencing (mNGS). One patient was discharged from hospital after treatment with azithromycin combined with moxifloxacin for anti-infection, mechanical ventilation, antiviral, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory and symptomatic support, and the other patient died of underlying disease complicated with multiple organ failure. Through the treatment of these two patients, the author also summarized the relevant clinical characteristics and experience of severe pneumonia caused by parrot fever combined with COVID-19 infection for scholars to read and reference. The aim is to improve the medical staff's early identification and timely treatment of this kind of disease.
Surgical and Oncological Outcomes of Laparoscopic Colon Resection for Colorectal Cancer.
Authors: Muhammed Sarhang Hussein , Asad Neyan Mohammed , Dewana Azhy Muhammed , Ahmed Baderkhan Saeed , Al-Dabbagh Ali
Published: September 2023

Background: Laparoscopy is one of the major advances in surgery in the last 30 years with many benefits including a lower incidence of postoperative ileus, less postoperative pain, shortened hospital stay, quicker return to daily activity, less wound-related complications and improved cosmetic results. Although initially laparoscopy was used for colon resection for benign cases, it’s now widely used for colorectal cancer resections after strong evidence has confirmed its safety and efficacy. We aim to report both surgical and oncological outcomes of our first series of laparoscopic colorectal cancer resections.
Methods: Laparoscopic colorectal resection service was set up in 2013. Data of all consecutive colorectal cancers were collected prospectively. Patients with locally advanced diseases and who required emergency operations for bowel obstruction or perforation were excluded. We analysed demographic, operative, postoperative and histopathological data for all patients who were included in the study.
Results: A total of 124 patients were presented to our unit between January 2013 and January 2023. Only 112 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and underwent laparoscopic resections. The median age of patients was 54.5 ( 19-92) years. Majority of patients were men, 55.4% of them. In 35% of cases, the cancer was located in the sigmoid and in the rectum in 33.5%. Laparoscopic anterior resection was the commonest procedure, 45%, followed by right hemicolectomy in 15% of cases. The conversion rate to open surgery was 8%. The commonest cause to convert to open were dilated bowel loops and tumour adherence to other structures. The mean operative time was 190 minutes (130-280). The mean hospital stay was 3 (2-7) days. No complication has been reported in 84% of patients. Among the complications, wound infection was the most common one, 6.3%. There were 6 anastomotic leaks (5.4%). The mean lymph node number harvested was 13 (3 – 66). In 62.5% lymph node count was 12 or more. The distal resection margin was over 2 cm in 89.3%. The 5 years disease-free survival rate was 87.3%.
Conclusion: This study showed that initiation of laparoscopic colorectal resection is feasible and safe both surgically and oncologically with the benefits of short hospital stay, adequate resection margins and lymph node harvested
Morphological observation and changes of defense enzyme activity of different cut roses in response to downy mildew
Authors: Yang Xiao , Zhu Zhengjin , Wang Qigang , Li Qiushi , Yang Shiqiu , Ma Xujun , Zhang Hao , Qiu Xianqin
Published: September 2023

In order to understand the infection process of Peronospora sparsa Berk in the leaves of cut rose and the regulation mechanism of different resistant varieties of cut rose in response to downy mildew. In this paper, post-inoculated downy mildew diseased leaves were observed by the naked eye, electron microscope, scanning electron microscope and paraffin section. Subsequently, the high resistant R hybrida ‘Chizizhixin’ and the high susceptibility R hybrida ‘Nightingale’ of cut rose were chosen as experimental materials to inoculate downy mildew, based on the findings of the field survey. At 0 h, 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, and 48 h after inoculation, the changes in leaf microstructure and defense enzyme activities were continually monitored to elucidate the regulation mechanism of response to downy mildew of various resistant kinds of cut rose. The results showed that conidia could be seen 12 h after inoculation, and the leaves began to show disease changes. The majority of the mature conidiangium came off 48 h after inoculation, and the leaf structure was essentially damaged. The leaves of R hybrida ‘Chizizhixin’ with high resistance were shiny, their stomatal density and stomatal opening were smaller than those of R hybrida ‘Nightingale’ with high susceptibility, and the infection time of pathogenic bacteria was later than R hybrida ‘Nightingale’. The activity of defense enzymes (CAT, SOD, MDA, PPO, POD) were higher than that of R hybrida ‘Nightingale’ when not inoculated. POD activity and PPO activity of the two varieties showed a trend of continuous growth after inoculation, MDA and CAT activity showed a trend of first increase and then drop, while SOD activity showed a trend of continuous reduction. The results will provide a theoretical basis for the researchers to further comprehend the pathogen's biological properties, as well as to conduct early preventive actions against downy mildew and produce disease-resistant varieties.
Statistical Evaluation for the formulation of low-cost Single cell protein production in Food waste medium by Pichia occidentalis: A sustainable valorization approach
Authors: Sagar Priya Rajkumar
Published: September 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this research is to determine the optimal combination of media components and concentrations for improving single cell protein production using statistical methodologies, while also taking into consideration the economic feasibility of employing food waste as a media formulation. Further study includes the use of an artificial intelligence tool called Support Vector Machine (SVM) in the R programming language to analyze the data generated during the experimentation process, assisting in understanding the relationship between different variables and their effect on SCP production.
Method
SCP producing microorganisms were isolated from food scrap waste. The highest amount of SCP production with a greater microbial conversion efficiency was determined using ITS gene sequencing. This study focuses on optimizing the components of the food waste medium for SCP production using statistical technique to identify the primary factors affecting media ingredients and their optimum concentrations. The One-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) approach followed by statistical optimization was used for maximizing the components of food waste medium. The model was then evaluated using an AI-driven SVM and compared to a conventional RSM for improved SCP production.
Result
The results showed that Pichia occidentalis (NCBI Accession No: OP605590) was the most efficient at generating SCP, with a microbiological conversion efficiency of 97.27%. The production effectively rose after statistical optimization (25.75 g/L from 1.58 g/L). The selected strain's microbial conversion efficiency with the selected salad peel waste was found to be 94.04%. Following that, model validation using SVM against RSM revealed that SVM (R2 = 0.9972) performed better in data modeling than RSM (R2 = 0.8881).
Conclusion
The finding assists in the advancement of a waste-to-protein valorization technique driven by yeast for forthcoming feed and food sources. The produced SCP can be utilized as a high-quality feed supplement for livestock and aquaculture, enhancing nutrient intake and promoting healthy growth while also contributing to food security and decreasing reliance on traditional protein sources.
On the Reduction of Mixed Gaussian and Impulsive Noise in Heavily Corrupted Color Images
Authors: Smolka Bogdan , Kusnik Damian , Radlak Krystian
Published: September 2023

In this paper, a novel approach to the mixed Gaussian and impulsive noise reduction in color images is proposed. The described denoising framework is based on the Non-Local Means (NLM) technique, which proved to efficiently suppress only the Gaussian noise. To circumvent the incapacity of the NLM filter to cope with impulsive distortions, a robust similarity measure between image patches, which is insensitive to the impact of impulsive corruption, was elaborated. To increase the effectiveness of the proposed approach, the blockwise NLM implementation was applied. However, instead of generating a stack of output images that are finally averaged, an aggregation strategy combining all weights assigned to pixels from the processing block was developed and proved to be more efficient. Based on the results of comparisons with the existing denoising schemes, it can be concluded that the novel filter yields satisfactory results when suppressing high-intensity mixed noise in color images. Using the proposed filter the image edges are well preserved and the details are retained while impulsive noise is efficiently removed. Additionally, the computational burden is not significantly increased, compared with the classic NLM, which makes the proposed modification applicative for practical image denoising tasks.
Auditory and Vestibular Rehabilitation In Corpus Callosum Agenesis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Daban Zeynep , EROL Ozan , ÖZER Ayşe
Published: September 2023

Background
Corpus callosum agenesis occurs when the commissural fibers between the two hemispheres cannot complete their development for various reasons. Axons from cortical areas sensitive to auditory and auditory input are transmitted from the midline through the corpus callosum. It has been shown that congenital aplasia of the corpus callosum or damage at an early age leads to disorders in the understanding of stimuli that require dichotic listening and auditory interhemispheric transmission, auditory pattern perception of sound, auditory figure, ground perception, and localization of sound. In the studies on sound lateralization, it has been revealed that compensation may be possible in cases of agenesis with corpus callosum neural plasticity and compensation mechanism. This study aims to evaluate rehabilitation, especially the auditory therapy process, and to be a reference for further studies in these cases.
Case presentation:
After the diagnosis of the corpus callosum, the patient, whose detailed examinations were made, was referred to the rehabilitation center by an external center. The 1,5-year-old patient received psychomotor, occupational therapy, and auditory therapy for 14 months during the rehabilitation process, which was applied immediately after the diagnosis process.
Conclusions
Although auditory rehabilitation is an uncommon approach in corpus callosum agenesis, the fact that the case in question has progressed in all developmental areas shows that the therapy approach is correct. This study revealed the necessity of early auditory rehabilitation in corpus callosum agenesis and laid the groundwork for future studies.
The canonical HPA axis facilitates and maintains light adaptive behavior
Authors: Lee Han , Shams Soaleha , Thi Viet Ha Dang , Boyum Grace , Modhurima Rodsy , Hall Emma , Green Izzabella , Cervantes Elizabeth , Miguez Fernando , Clark Karl
Published: September 2023

The vertebrate stress response (SR) is mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and contributes to generating context appropriate physiological and behavioral changes. Although the HPA axis plays vital roles both in stressful and basal conditions, research has focused on the response under stress. To understand broader roles of the HPA axis in a changing environment, we characterized an adaptive behavior of larval zebrafish during ambient illumination changes. The glucocorticoid receptor (nr3c1) was necessary to maintain basal locomotor activity in light and darkness. The HPA axis was required to adapt to light more efficiently but became dispensable when longer illumination was provided. Light adaptation was more efficient in dimmer light and did not require the mineralocorticoid receptor (nr3c2). Our findings show that the HPA axis contributes to the SR at various stages, facilitating the phasic response and maintaining an adapted basal state, and that certain adaptations occur without HPA axis activity.
Effectiveness of D-dimer in predicting distant metastasis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen yazhuo , Wang Xuan , zhang xin
Published: September 2023

Purpose
Patients with cancer often present with a hypercoagulable state, which is closely associated with tumor progression. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic efficacy of D-dimer in predicting distant metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC).
Methods
This study included 529 patients diagnosed with CRC at our hospital between January 2020 and December 2022. Plasma coagulation indicators and tumor markers were collected prior to treatment and their diagnostic efficacy for predicting CRC metastasis was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Independent risk factors for evaluating tumor metastasis were obtained by multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Results
The level of D-dimer in the metastatic group was significantly higher than that in the non-metastatic group (P < 0.001). The results of the multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that lower level of prealbumin and platelet, and higher level of glucose, CEA and D-dimer were independent risk factors for distant metastasis in patients with CRC (P < 0.05, respectively). The combination of prealbumin, glucose, D-dimer, platelet and tumor markers (PRE2) was found to be significantly more effective in predicting metastasis of CRC when compared to the combination of tumor marker alone (PRE1, P < 0.001).
Conclusion
Plasma D-dimer may be a novel tumor marker for screening metastases of CRC.
Memory Enhancing and Neuroprotective Effects of Apomorphine in a Rat Model of Dementia
Authors: Ikram Huma , Zakir Rumaisa , Haleem Darakhshan Jabeen
Published: September 2023

Oxidative stress from generation of increased reactive oxygen species or has been reported to play an important role in dementia. Oxidative stress due to free radicals of oxygen or reactive oxygen species could be precipitating factors in the etiology of dementia. Apomorphine has been reported to have neuroprotective effects. To monitor memory enhancing and neuroprotective effects of apomorphine, we determined the antioxidant enzymes activities, lipid peroxidation, acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity in brain and plasma, following repetitive administration of apomorphine in rat model of dementia. Biogenic amine levels were also monitored in hippocampus. Repeated administration of scopolamine was taken as an animal model of dementia. Decreased glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were observed in these animal models of dementia. While increased lipid peroxidation was also observed in the brain and plasma samples. The results showed significant effects of apomorphine. The activities of antioxidant enzymes displayed increased activities in both brain and plasma. Glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities were found to be significantly higher in brain and plasma of apomorphine treated rats. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly decreased in plasma of saline injected rats; and a decreased tendency (non-significant) of SOD in brain was also observed. AChE activity in brain and plasma was significantly decreased in scopolamine treated rats. Learning and memory of rats in the present study was assessed by Morris Water Maze (MWM). Short-term memory and long-term memory was impaired significantly in scopolamine treated rats, which was prevented by apomorphine. Moreover, a marked decrease in biogenic amines was also found in the brain of scopolamine treated rats and was reverted in scopolamine treated rats. Results showed that scopolamine-treatment induced memory impairment and induced oxidative stress in rats as compared to saline-treated controls. These impairments were significantly restored by apomorphine administration. In conclusion, our data suggests that apomorphine at the dose of 1mg/kg could be a potential therapeutic agent to treat dementia and related disorders.
MTMR14 as a novel prognostic predictor and potential immunotherapy target in uveal melanoma
Authors: Su Yihua , Yu Fenfen , Wang Congyao , Wan Pengxia
Published: September 2023

Background: Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most prevalent primary aggressive intraocular tumor, often exhibiting low immunogenicity. Therefore, identifying novel immune-related therapeutic targets for UM are crucial.
Methods: The public bioinformatics database was used to comprehensively examine the link between MTMR14 expression, immune checkpoint blockade molecules, and the clinical data of patients with UM. Moreover, the potential predictive value of MTMR14 during immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy was investigated. Using gene expression databases, we examined the expression of MTMR14, as well as its genetic alterations, functional networks, and cancer immune infiltrates.
Results: The expression of MTMR14 gradually declined as UM tumors progressed, and low MTMR14 expression was linked to poor overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Secondly, functional network analysis indicated a role for MTMR14 in regulating endoplasmic reticulum localization as well as kinase protein receptor activity in patients with UM. Notably, MTMR14 exhibited a close positive link toimmune-stimulatory molecules and a significant negative correlation with immune-suppressive molecules in patients with UM.
Conclusions: These findings suggested that MTMR14 is useful in predicting the therapeutic effect of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy due to its close correlation with immune cell infiltration as well as immune checkpoint molecule expression, thereby providing a solid framework for future investigation into the immunomodulatory function of MTMR14 in UM.
Central auditory test performance predicts future neurocognitive function in children living with and without HIV
Authors: Joseph J. , Niemczak C. , Lichtenstein J. , Kobrina A , Magohe A , Leigh S , Ealer C , Fellows A , Reike C , Massawe E , J Gui , Buckey JC
Published: September 2023

Tests of the brain’s ability to process sound (central auditory tests) correlate with overall measure of neurocognitive performance. In the developing world where resources to do detailed cognitive testing is limited, objective tests that use the central auditory system may provide a novel and useful way to track neurocognitive performance. This could be particularly useful for children with HIV. To assess this, we examined whether central auditory tests given early in a child’s life could predict tests of later neurocognitive performance. We used a machine learning technique to incorporate other factors known to affect performance on neurocognitive tests, such as education. The results show that central auditory tests are useful predictors of neurocognitive performance and perform as well or in some cases better than factors such as education. Central auditory tests may offer an objective way to track neurocognitive performance in children living with HIV.
Orchestrating the climate choir The boundaries of scientists’ expertise, the relevance of experiential knowledge and quality assurance in the public climate debate
Authors: Nicolaisen Peter Busch
Published: September 2023

Scientific knowledge is at the heart of discussions about climate change. However, it has been proposed that the apparent predominance of climate science in the societal debate should be reconsidered and that a more inclusive approach is warranted. Further, the introduction of new communication technology has made the information environment more fragmented, possibly endangering the quality of societal deliberation on climate-related issues. Using focus group methodology, this paper explores how climate scientists, climate journalists, and citizens perceive scientific experts’ mandate when they communicate publicly, the role of experiential knowledge in discussions of climate-related issues, and who they prefer to guard the quality of the climate information exchanged in the public sphere. The findings show that scientific experts are perceived to carry a high degree of legitimacy, but only within their own narrow specialty, while experiential knowledge was seen as more useful in applied domains of science than in arcane research fields. In the new media landscape, journalists are still generally preferred as gatekeepers by all three actor types.