bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observation on the effect of intraoperative risk management combined with comfort nursing in gynecological laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Li Meixuan , Yao Xuan , Chao Li
Published: July 2023

To explore the effect of intraoperative risk management combined with comfort nursing in gynecological laparoscopic surgery. A retrospective analysis of 384 cases of laparoscopic surgery subjects admitted from February 2019 to June 2022 in the department of gynecology in our hospital were performed and divided into the control group (n = 192) and observation group (n = 192) according to the difference care that they received. Comfort nursing was taken in the control group, and intraoperative risk management combined with comfort nursing was given in the observation group. The coagulation indexes (activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and thrombin time), immune inflammation indexes (monocytes and neutrophils), the incidence of lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and the satisfaction of nursing care were compared between the 2 groups. After care, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and thrombin time in the observation group were significantly longer than those in the control group, and the counts of monocytes and neutrophils in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < .05). The incidence of DVT in the observation group was notablely lower than those in the control group (P = .008). The nursing satisfaction in the observation group was notablely higher than those in the control group (P < .001). Intraoperative risk management combined with comfort nursing intervention can improve the level of coagulation indicators and immune inflammation indicators after gynecological laparoscopic surgery, reduce the incidence of DVT, and improve subject nursing satisfaction.
Occipital bone defect caused by neurofibromatosis type I: A case report
Authors: Wang Yiquan , Song Shuyue , Li Zhen , Zhao Yujing , Miao Junjie , Wang Zhe
Published: July 2023

Rationale:

The synergistic effect between nonmalignant lesions can also cause a serious impact on patient survival. This disease involves different organ systems and presents with a variety of clinical manifestations, such as schwannoma, depigmentation, low-grade glioma, and skeletal abnormalities. We report a case of type I neurofibromatosis with an occipital bone defect.

Patient concerns:

We report a case of a 50-year-old man with type I neurofibromatosis with occipital bone defect.

Diagnosis:

The patient was accepted by the local hospital due to sudden right upper limb weakness accompanied by jitter without recognizable cause or inducement. A computerized tomography scan at a local hospital suggested subcutaneous neurofibromatosis with a left occipital cranial defect with thinning bone. On admission physical examination, diffuse multiple masses could be seen throughout the body and head of different sizes and composed of soft and tough textures. The largest one was located in the posterior occipital bone, approximately 8*8 cm in size, with a child tumor and tough texture. Multiple café-au-lait spots could be found on the chest and back, and multiple freckles can be seen in the armpit. The patient underwent surgery. Postoperative pathology showed a spindle cell tumor, which was determined to be neurofibromatosis type I according to immunopathology and clinical data.

Interventions:

The patient was admitted for surgical treatment. During the operation, the scalp mass was completely abducted and the tumor tissue at the skull defect was sharply separated. Postoperative pathology showed that the peripheral margin and the bottom margin were cleaned.

Outcomes:

Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed that the tumor was completely. There were not any surgical complications. The patient recovered well, was cured and was dismissed from the hospital.

Lessons:

The synergistic effect between nonmalignant lesions can also cause a serious impact on patient survival to encourage early medical intervention. The clinical presentation of neurofibromatosis type I am usually nonmalignant, and in this case, involvement of the skull with bone defect is very rare. Therefore, it is necessary to accumulate relevant cases, reveal the pathogenesis of the disease, predict the development and outcome, and provide more evidence for early therapeutic intervention of similar patients in the future.
“His Tongue Seems Shorter”: Experiences of Caregivers of Managing Communication With People With Parkinson Disease in Malaysia
Authors: Altaher Abeer , Chu Shin Ying , Tan Joo Siang , Sathiyasenan Sai Tarishini , Hersh Deborah , Mustaffa Kamal Rahayu
Published: July 2023

This qualitative study explored Malaysian caregivers' experiences when caring for people with Parkinson disease (PD). Semistructured interviews (n = 10) were conducted, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Four major themes and 9 subthemes emerged from the challenges faced by these caregivers. The 4 themes were “communication challenges,” “coping with communication challenges,” “becoming more dependent,” and “reduction in social participation.” Caregivers often demonstrated poor knowledge of PD and reported communication, physical, and psychosocial impacts affecting both them and the person with PD. To ensure the well-being of both caregivers and dependents with PD, the communication and social participation needs of caregivers and dependents should be considered during assessment and the planning of intervention.
Cancer Risk Following HLA-Incompatible Living Donor Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Motter Jennifer D. , Massie Allan B. , Garonzik-Wang Jacqueline M. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Yu Kelly J. , Segev Dorry L. , Engels Eric A.
Published: July 2023

Background.

Incompatible living donor kidney transplant recipients (ILDKTr) require desensitization to facilitate transplantation, and this substantial upfront immunosuppression may result in serious complications, including cancer.

Methods.

To characterize cancer risk in ILDKTr, we evaluated 858 ILDKTr and 12 239 compatible living donor kidney transplant recipients (CLDKTr) from a multicenter cohort with linkage to the US transplant registry and 33 cancer registries (1997–2016). Cancer incidence was compared using weighted Cox regression.

Results.

Among ILDKTr, the median follow-up time was 6.7 y (maximum 16.1 y) for invasive cancers (ascertained via cancer registry linkage) and 5.0 y (maximum 16.1 y) for basal and squamous cell carcinomas (ascertained via the transplant registry and censored for transplant center loss to follow-up). Invasive cancers occurred in 53 ILDKTr (6.2%) and 811 CLDKTr (6.6%; weighted hazard ratio [wHR] 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76-1.35). Basal and squamous cell carcinomas occurred in 41 ILDKTr (4.8%) and 737 CLDKTr (6.0%) (wHR 0.99; 95% CI, 0.69-1.40). Cancer risk did not vary according to donor-specific antibody strength, and in an exploratory analysis, was similar between CLDKTr and ILDKTr for most cancer types and according to cancer stage, except ILDKTr had a suggestively increased risk of colorectal cancer (wHR 3.27; 95% CI, 1.23-8.71); however, this elevation was not significant after correction for multiple comparisons.

Conclusions.

These findings indicate that the risk of cancer is not increased for ILDKTr compared with CLDKTr. The possible elevation in colorectal cancer risk is unexplained and might suggest a need for tailored screening or prevention.
The longitudinal effect of disseminating handwashing public health education to children in India via co-created, culturally relevant resources.
Authors: Crosby Sapphire , Younie Sarah , Ujenia Harnesh Vijay , Laird Katie
Published: July 2023

Infectious diseases are a leading cause of death for children from Low-and Middle-Income-Countries (LMICs), often due to inadequate hand-hygiene. This study evaluates culturally-relevant educational resources as a vehicle to disseminate the importance of handwashing amongst children in India. Employing a Participatory Action Research (PAR) model and mixed methods, this follow-up longitudinal study evaluates a set of innovate educational handwashing resources and workshops specifically co-created for use in the State of Gujarat, and how they aid teachers in the teaching of hand-hygiene over a three-year period. Working alongside local NGOs on-the-ground, teacher questionnaires to assess the impact of trainer workshops (n=58) and focus groups including a brief questionnaire with teachers (n=35) in 2019 were conducted. In addition, pre- and post-workshop worksheets were conducted with children in India (n=98). Percentage change was calculated between children’s pre and post worksheet scores and a cumulative frequency of responses to each questionnaire criterion was measured. Data from the focus group found that the resources had been used in over 200 schools by more than 5000 children. In addition, 92.28% of teachers said they would use the resources within their classrooms in India, with 58.16% of pupils having an increased understanding of germs/handwashing directly after the workshop. Teachers reported that they are able to teach microbiology and handwashing more effectively. Furthermore, following a focus group, 100% of teachers noted a reduction in childhood vomiting and diarrhoeal illnesses linked with insufficient hand-hygiene across 46 schools in the State of Gujarat since using the Germ’s Journey resources.
Novel insights into hippocampal perfusion using high-resolution, multi-modal 7T MRI
Authors: Haast Roy A. M. , Kashyap Sriranga , Ivanov Dimo , Yousif Mohamed D. , DeKraker Jordan , Poser Benedikt A. , Khan Ali R.
Published: July 2023

We present a comprehensive study on the non-invasive measurement of hippocampal perfusion. Using high-resolution 7 Tesla arterial spin labelling data, we generated robust perfusion maps and observed significant variations in perfusion among hippocampal subfields, with CA1 exhibiting the lowest perfusion levels. Notably, these perfusion differences were robust and detectable even within five minutes and just fifty perfusion-weighted images per subject. To understand the underlying factors, we examined the influence of image quality metrics, various tissue microstructure and morphometry properties, macrovasculature and cytoarchitecture. We observed higher perfusion in regions located closer to arteries, demonstrating the influence of vascular proximity on hippocampal perfusion. Moreover,ex vivocytoarchitectonic features based on neuronal density differences appeared to correlate stronger with hippocampal perfusion than morphometric measures like gray matter thickness. These findings emphasize the interplay between microvasculature, macrovasculature, and metabolic demand in shaping hippocampal perfusion. Our study expands the current understanding of hippocampal physiology and its relevance to neurological disorders. By providingin vivoevidence of perfusion differences between hippocampal subfields, our findings have implications for diagnosis and potential therapeutic interventions. In conclusion, our study provides a valuable resource for extensively characterising hippocampal perfusion.
A mouse model of ATRX deficiency with cognitive deficits and autistic traits
Authors: Quesnel Katherine M. , Martin-Kenny Nicole , Bérubé Nathalie G.
Published: July 2023

ATRX is an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling protein with essential roles in safeguarding genome integrity and modulating gene expression. Deficiencies in this protein cause ATR-X syndrome, a condition characterized by intellectual disability and an array of developmental abnormalities, including features of autism. Previous studies demonstrated that deleting ATRX in mouse forebrain excitatory neurons postnatally resulted in male-specific memory deficits. Here, we introduce a new model where ATRX is deleted at earlier embryonic stages, resulting in a broader spectrum of impairments, including contextual fear memory deficits, decreased anxiety, hyperactivity, as well as self-injurious and stereotyped behaviours. Sex-specific alterations were also observed, with males displaying heightened aggression and impaired sensory gating, while females exhibit social avoidance. Collectively, the findings indicate that early developmental abnormalities arising from ATRX deficiency in neurons contribute to of the presentation of autistic-like behaviours.

Summary Statement

Mice with embryonic loss of ATRX in excitatory neurons represent a clinically relevant model to study sexually dimorphic alterations in cognitive and autistic traits.
A Taxonomically-informed Mass Spectrometry Search Tool for Microbial Metabolomics Data
Authors: Zuffa Simone , Schmid Robin , Bauermeister Anelize , Gomes Paulo Wender P. , Caraballo-Rodriguez Andres M. , Abiead Yasin El , Aron Allegra T. , Gentry Emily C. , Zemlin Jasmine , Meehan Michael J. , Avalon Nicole E. , Cichewicz Robert H. , Buzun Ekaterina , Terrazas Marvic Carrillo , Hsu Chia-Yun , Oles Renee , Ayala Adriana Vasquez , Zhao Jiaqi , Chu Hiutung , Kuijpers Mirte C. M. , Jackrel Sara L. , Tugizimana Fidele , Nephali Lerato Pertunia , Dubery Ian A. , Madala Ntakadzeni Edwin , Moreira Eduarda Antunes , Costa-Lotufo Leticia Veras , Lopes Norberto Peporine , Rezende-Teixeira Paula , Jimenez Paula C. , Rimal Bipin , Patterson Andrew D. , Traxler Matthew F. , de Cassia Pessotti Rita , Alvarado-Villalobos Daniel , Tamayo-Castillo Giselle , Chaverri Priscila , Escudero-Leyva Efrain , Quiros-Guerrero Luis-Manuel , Bory Alexandre Jean , Joubert Juliette , Rutz Adriano , Wolfender Jean-Luc , Allard Pierre-Marie , Sichert Andreas , Pontrelli Sammy , Pullman Benjamin S , Bandeira Nuno , Gerwick William H. , Gindro Katia , Massana-Codina Josep , Wagner Berenike C. , Forchhammer Karl , Petras Daniel , Aiosa Nicole , Garg Neha , Liebeke Manuel , Bourceau Patric , Kang Kyo Bin , Gadhavi Henna , de Carvalho Luiz Pedro Sorio , dos Santos Mariana Silva , Pérez-Lorente Alicia Isabel , Molina-Santiago Carlos , Romero Diego , Franke Raimo , Brönstrup Mark , de León Arturo Vera Ponce , Pope Phillip Byron , La Rosa Sabina Leanti , Barbera Giorgia La , Roager Henrik M. , Laursen Martin Frederik , Hammerle Fabian , Siewert Bianka , Peintner Ursula , Licona-Cassani Cuauhtemoc , Rodriguez-Orduña Lorena , Rampler Evelyn , Hildebrand Felina , Koellensperger Gunda , Schoeny Harald , Hohenwallner Katharina , Panzenboeck Lisa , Gregor Rachel , O’Neill Ellis Charles , Roxborough Eve Tallulah , Odoi Jane , Bale Nicole J. , Ding Su , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Guan Xueli Li , Cui Jerry J. , Ju Kou-San , Silva Denise Brentan , Ribeiro Silva Fernanda Motta , da Silva Gilvan Ferreira , Koolen Hector H. F. , Grundmann Carlismari , Clement Jason A. , Mohimani Hosein , Broders Kirk , McPhail Kerry L. , Ober-Singleton Sidnee E. , Rath Christopher M. , McDonald Daniel , Knight Rob , Wang Mingxun , Dorrestein Pieter C.
Published: July 2023

MicrobeMASST, a taxonomically-informed mass spectrometry (MS) search tool, tackles limited microbial metabolite annotation in untargeted metabolomics experiments. Leveraging a curated database of >60,000 microbial monocultures, users can search known and unknown MS/MS spectra and link them to their respective microbial producers via MS/MS fragmentation patterns. Identification of microbial-derived metabolites and relative producers, withouta prioriknowledge, will vastly enhance the understanding of microorganisms’ role in ecology and human health.
Seafloor Incubation Experiments at Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents Reveal Distinct Biogeographic Signatures of Autotrophic Communities
Authors: Fullerton Heather , Smith Lindsey , Enriquez Alejandra , Butterfield David , Wheat C. Geoffrey , Moyer Craig L.
Published: July 2023

The discharge of hydrothermal vents on the seafloor provides energy sources for dynamic and productive ecosystems, which are supported by chemosynthetic microbial populations. These populations use the energy gained by oxidizing the reduced chemicals contained within the vent fluids to fix carbon dioxide and support multiple trophic levels. Hydrothermal discharge is ephemeral and chemical composition of such fluids varies over space and time, which can result in geographically distinct microbial communities. To investigate the foundational members of the community, microbial growth chambers were placed within the hydrothermal discharge at Axial Seamount (Juan de Fuca Ridge), Magic Mountain Seamount (Explorer Ridge), and Kama’ehuakanaloa Seamount (Hawai’i hotspot). Campylobacteria were identified within the nascent communities, but different amplicon sequence variants were present at Axial and Kama’ehuakanaloa Seamounts, indicating that geography in addition to the composition of the vent effluent influences microbial community development. These results provide insights to nascent microbial community structure and shed light on the development of diverse lithotrophic communities at hydrothermal vents.
A positive association between gut microbiota diversity and vertebrate host performance in a field experiment
Authors: Härer Andreas , Thompson Ken A. , Schluter Dolph , Rennison Diana J.
Published: July 2023

The vertebrate gut microbiota is a critical determinant of organismal function, yet it remains unclear if and how gut microbial communities affect host fitness under natural conditions. Here, we investigate associations between growth rate (a fitness proxy) and gut microbiota diversity and composition in a field experiment with threespine stickleback fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus). We detected on average 63% more bacterial taxa in the guts of high-fitness fish compared to low-fitness fish (i.e., higher α-diversity), suggesting that higher diversity promotes host growth. The microbial communities of high-fitness fish had higher similarity (i.e., lower β-diversity) than low-fitness fish, supporting the Anna Karenina principle— that there are fewer ways to have a functional microbiota than a dysfunctional microbiota. Our findings provide a basis for functional tests of the fitness consequences of host-microbiota interactions.

Significance statement

The vertebrate gut microbiota is important for many aspects of their hosts’ biology—such as nutrient metabolism and defense against pathogens—that could ultimately affect host fitness. However, studies investigating the effects of gut microbiota composition on vertebrate host fitness under natural conditions remain exceedingly rare. We tested for associations between gut microbiota diversity and growth rate (a fitness proxy) in threespine stickleback fish reared in large outdoor ponds. We found evidence that a more diverse gut microbiota was predictive of higher growth rate and therefore increased host fitness. Notably, high-fitness fish had higher gut microbiota similarity to one another than did low-fitness fish, providing experimental evidence for the Anna Karenina principle—that there are fewer ways to have a functional microbiota than a dysfunctional microbiota—as it relates to host fitness.
Carbon dioxide emissions and the economic growth: competitiveness and economic development view
Authors: Hamdan Allam
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to shed light on the experience of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in balancing three main pillars: the environmental criteria, the reduction of CO2 emissions and the economic growth. Based on the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) framework, it will assess the causal relationship between economic indicators such as gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, trade openness and energy use and environmental indicators such as CO2 emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis relies on a period of 40 years (1981–2020) where data is extracted from the World Bank database. This study uses the unit root test for time series stationarity, the optimal lag length test, the “Johansen” test for co-integration and the vector error correction model.

Findings

The paper concludes to two major findings. On a short-term basis, CO2 emissions and economic indicators are negatively correlated, whereas on a long-term basis, there is no association between CO2 emissions and economic indicators in the UAE.

Research limitations/implications

The research ends with important recommendations. It illustrates the importance of rationalizing the use of primary resources and the necessity to embrace successful and efficient policies in the energy production.

Practical implications

More specifically, UAE is urged to address the problem of CO2 emissions in the electricity sector and increase awareness of the use of environmentally friendly processes in the transport and industrial sectors. While setting their economic agendas, UAE are encouraged to meet environmental criteria and invest in renewable energy projects such as “Shams 1”, the largest solar power plant outside of Spain and the USA.

Originality/value

The current study is significant in its research on the environmental impact of economic development, trade openness and energy use policies in the UAE. It uses CO2 emissions as an environmental proxy and evaluates the environmental policies adopted in the UAE to reduce its impact.
The effects of national and international tourism on income inequality: evidence from Asia-Pacific economies
Authors: Paramati Sudharshan Reddy , Nguyen Thanh Pham Thien
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper explores the effect of tourism (national and international) indicators on income inequality in a sample of 21 Asia Pacific economies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses panel data set from 1995 to 2020 and employs panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method for the empirical investigation.

Findings

The empirical findings from the panel ARDL models suggest that all of the considered tourism indicators have significant negative impacts on income inequalities. The results remain consistent with alternative indicators and methods.

Social implications

The findings of this study will be critical for the policymakers to take effective measures to reduce the income inequality. Such measures could include promoting tourism in general, focusing on attracting international tourists or domestic tourists, and putting more weight on developing leisure or business tourism, which will boost the overall economic performance and alleviates inequalities in the society.

Originality/value

This is the first study to consider various forms of tourism indicators to see their impact on income inequality in the Asia–Pacific region, and offers important implications for the policy actions.
Automation of tree‐ring detection and measurements using deep learning
Authors: Poláček Miroslav , Arizpe Alexis , Hüther Patrick , Weidlich Lisa , Steindl Sonja , Swarts Kelly
Published: July 2023

Core samples from trees are a critical reservoir of ecological information, informing our understanding of past climates, as well as contemporary ecosystem responses to global change. Manual measurements of annual growth rings in trees are slow, labour‐intensive and subject to human bias, hindering the generation of big datasets. We present an alternative, neural network‐based implementation that automates detection and measurement of tree‐ring boundaries from coniferous species.

We trained our Mask R‐CNN extensively on over 8000 manually annotated ring boundaries from microscope‐imaged Norway Spruce Picea abies increment cores. We assessed the performance of the trained model after post‐processing on real‐world data generated from our core processing pipeline.

The CNN after post‐processing performed well, with recognition of over 98% of ring boundaries (recall) with a precision in detection of 96% when tested on real‐world data. Additionally, we have implemented automatic measurements based on minimum distance between rings. With minimal editing for missed ring detections, these measurements were 98% correlated with human measurements of the same samples. Tests on other three conifer species demonstrate that the CNN generalizes well to other species with similar structure.

We demonstrate the efficacy of automating the measurement of growth increment in tree core samples. Our CNN‐based system provides high predictive performance in terms of both tree‐ring detection and growth rate determination. Our application is readily deployable as a Docker container and requires only basic command line skills. Additionally, an easy re‐training option allows users to expand capabilities to other wood types. Application outputs include both editable annotations of predictions as well as ring‐width measurements in a commonly used .pos format, facilitating the efficient generation of large ring‐width measurement datasets from increment core samples, an important source of environmental data.
Low‐molecular‐weight heparin in thrombophilic women receiving in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Jingsi , Bie Jia , Jiang Fangjie , Wu Yanzhi , Pan Zhengmei , Meng Yushi , Song Jiamei , Liu Yang
Published: July 2023

Introduction

This meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) on pregnancy outcomes in thrombophilic women receiving in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI).

Material and methods

A systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing LMWH with no treatment or placebo published from database inception until February 19, 2023. Primary outcomes were the clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate, and secondary outcomes were the live birth rate, miscarriage rate, and the risk of bleeding events. The certainty of the evidence was rated using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system. Meta‐analysis was conducted using STATA 14.0.

Results

Five RCTs involving 1094 thrombophilic women receiving IVF/ICSI were finally included. Administration of LMWH was associated with statistically higher clinical pregnancy rate (4 RCTs, risk ratio [RR] 1.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23–1.82, p < 0.001, low certainty evidence), implantation rate (5 RCTs, RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.25–1.78, p < 0.001, very low certainty evidence), and live birth rate (2 RCTs, RR 2.15, 95% CI 1.60–2.89, p < 0.001, very low certainty evidence), but with statistically lower miscarriage rate (2 RCTs, RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.15–0.86, p = 0.021, very low certainty evidence). However, using LMWH was linked to a higher risk of bleeding events (2 RCTs, RR 2.36, 95% CI 1.49–3.74, p < 0.001, very low certainty evidence).

Conclusions

Very low certainty evidence suggests that administration of LMWH may benefit pregnancy outcomes in thrombophilic women receiving IVF/ICSI treatment, although it may also increase the risk of bleeding events. However, before putting our findings into practice, healthcare professionals should conduct an in‐depth evaluation of the available evidence and specific patient situations. Furthermore, due to the low methodological quality of the included studies, more high‐quality studies are needed to validate our findings in the future.
Sexual health in diabetes care is a ‘hot topic’–A qualitative study with Diabetes Specialist Nurses
Authors: Yin Janina , Rämgård Margaret , Wangel Anne‐Marie
Published: July 2023

Aim

The aim of this study is to illuminate Diabetes Specialist Nurses' experiences of having a conversation about sexual health with adults with diabetes.

Background

It is well known that diabetes mellitus may affect a person's sexual function. Interview studies with men and women living with diabetes show that conversations about sexual health are important. However, research on Diabetes Specialist Nurses' experiences of having such conversations is limited.

Design

A qualitative approach, with individual interviews, was used.

Method

Purposive sampling was used to recruit 12 informants from adult diabetes care, within primary health care and within hospital settings in southern Sweden, between September and November 2021. A qualitative latent content analysis was used for data analysis. The COREQ guidelines were followed to ensure rigour for this study.

Results

One theme, ‘Sexual health is a hot topic’, could be understood in light of three categories: ‘Obstructive factors that complicate the conversation’, ‘Promoting factors that facilitate the conversation’ and ‘Improvements that may facilitate the conversation’. The findings embrace the Diabetes Specialist Nurses' experiences of having a conversation about sexual health with persons with diabetes.

Conclusions

Diabetes Specialist Nurses often experience difficulty having a conversation about sexual health with their patients. The findings provide a deeper understanding of their experiences of obstructive as well as promoting factors related to conversations about what is considered a ‘hot topic’.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

To increase knowledge on how to have a conversation about sexual health within diabetes care, support is needed from the organisation; the organisation could, for instance, support the diabetes care staff in gaining education and training regarding sexual health.

Patient or Public Contribution

Not applicable due to the current method.
Histone deacetylase MdHDA6 is an antagonist in regulation of transcription factor MdTCP15 to promote cold tolerance in apple
Authors: Guo Meimiao , Wang Shicong , Liu Han , Yao Senyang , Yan Jinjiao , Wang Caixia , Miao Bingjie , Guo Junxing , Ma Fengwang , Guan Qingmei , Xu Jidi
Published: July 2023

Understanding the molecular regulation of plant cold response is the basis for cold resistance germplasm improvement. Here, we revealed that the apple histone deacetylase MdHDA6 can perform histone deacetylation on cold‐negative regulator genes and repress their expression, leading to the positive regulation of cold tolerance in apples. Moreover, MdHDA6 directly interacts with the transcription factor MdTCP15. Phenotypic analysis of MdTCP15 transgenic apple lines and wild types reveals that MdTCP15 negatively regulates cold tolerance in apples. Furthermore, we found that MdHDA6 can facilitate histone deacetylation of MdTCP15 and repress the expression of MdTCP15, which positively contributes to cold tolerance in apples. Additionally, the transcription factor MdTCP15 can directly bind to the promoter of the cold‐negative regulator gene MdABI1 and activate its expression, and it can also directly bind to the promoter of the cold‐positive regulator gene MdCOR47 and repress its expression. However, the co‐expression of MdHDA6 and MdTCP15 can inhibit MdTCP15‐induced activation of MdABI1 and repression of MdCOR47, suggesting that MdHDA6 suppresses the transcriptional regulation of MdTCP15 on its downstream genes. Our results demonstrate that histone deacetylase MdHDA6 plays an antagonistic role in the regulation of MdTCP15‐induced transcriptional activation or repression to positively regulate cold tolerance in apples, revealing a new regulatory mechanism of plant cold response.
Rose bengal–encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles for the photodynamic treatment of Trichophyton species
Authors: Bekmukhametova Alina , Antony Anu , Halliday Catriona , Chen Sharon , Ho Chun‐Hoong , Uddin Mir Muhammad Nasir , Longo Leonardo , Pedrinazzi Christian , George Laurel , Wuhrer Richard , Myers Simon , Mawad Damia , Houang Jessica , Lauto Antonio
Published: July 2023

Rose bengal (RB) solutions coupled with a green laser have proven to be efficient in clearing resilient nail infections caused by Trichophyton rubrum in a human pilot study and in extensive in vitro experiments. Nonetheless, the RB solution can become diluted or dispersed over the tissue and prevented from penetrating the nail plate to reach the subungual area where fungal infection proliferates. Nanoparticles carrying RB can mitigate the problem of dilution and are reported to effectively penetrate through the nail. For this reason, we have synthesized RB‐encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles with a peak distribution size of ~200 nm and high reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The RB‐encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles aPDT were shown to kill more than 99% of T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and T. interdigitale spores, which are the common clinically relevant pathogens in onychomycosis. These nanoparticles are not cytotoxic against human fibroblasts, which promotes their safe application in clinical translation.
Hydrogen peroxide at the poles of Ganymede
Authors: Trumbo Samantha K. , Brown Michael E. , Bockelée-Morvan Dominique , de Pater Imke , Fouchet Thierry , Wong Michael H. , Cazaux Stéphanie , Fletcher Leigh N. , de Kleer Katherine , Lellouch Emmanuel , Mura Alessandro , Poch Olivier , Quirico Eric , Rodriguez-Ovalle Pablo , Showalter Mark R. , Tiscareno Matthew S. , Tosi Federico
Published: July 2023

Ganymede is the only satellite in the solar system known to have an intrinsic magnetic field. Interactions between this field and the Jovian magnetosphere are expected to funnel most of the associated impinging charged particles, which radiolytically alter surface chemistry across the Jupiter system, to Ganymede’s polar regions. Using observations obtained with JWST as part of the Early Release Science program exploring the Jupiter system, we report the discovery of hydrogen peroxide, a radiolysis product of water ice, specifically constrained to the high latitudes. This detection directly implies radiolytic modification of the polar caps by precipitation of Jovian charged particles along partially open field lines within Ganymede’s magnetosphere. Stark contrasts between the spatial distribution of this polar hydrogen peroxide, those of Ganymede’s other radiolytic oxidants, and that of hydrogen peroxide on neighboring Europa have important implications for understanding water-ice radiolysis throughout the solar system.
The astrocytic TRPA1 channel mediates an intrinsic protective response to vascular cognitive impairment via LIF production
Authors: Kakae Masashi , Nakajima Hiroki , Tobori Shota , Kawashita Ayaka , Miyanohara Jun , Morishima Misa , Nagayasu Kazuki , Nakagawa Takayuki , Shigetomi Eiji , Koizumi Schuichi , Mori Yasuo , Kaneko Shuji , Shirakawa Hisashi
Published: July 2023

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) refers to cognitive alterations caused by vascular disease, which is associated with various types of dementia. Because chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) induces VCI, we used bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) mice as a CCH-induced VCI model. Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), the most redox-sensitive TRP channel, is functionally expressed in the brain. Here, we investigated the pathophysiological role of TRPA1 in CCH-induced VCI. During early-stage CCH, cognitive impairment and white matter injury were induced by BCAS in TRPA1-knockout but not wild-type mice. TRPA1 stimulation with cinnamaldehyde ameliorated BCAS-induced outcomes. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that BCAS increased leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in astrocytes. Moreover, hydrogen peroxide–treated TRPA1-stimulated primary astrocyte cultures expressed LIF, and culture medium derived from these cells promoted oligodendrocyte precursor cell myelination. Overall, TRPA1 in astrocytes prevents CCH-induced VCI through LIF production. Therefore, TRPA1 stimulation may be a promising therapeutic approach for VCI.
Numerical Investigation of the Electrothermal Properties of SOI FinFET Transistor
Authors: Nasri Faouzi , Salama Husien
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates the non-Fourier transient heat transfer in an SOI FinFET transistor. The calibrated drift-diffusion (D-D) model in conjunction with the ballistic diffusive (BDE) model is used as an electrothermal model to predict phonon and electron transports in the quasi-ballistic regime. The finite element method has been employed to generate the numerical results. The proposed mathematical formulation was found to capture the transfer characteristics and the temporal temperature as given by TCAD simulation and experimental data. On the other hand, we have demonstrated that after 100 ns, the 14 nm Bulk FinFET supports better temperature distribution than the 14 nm SOI FinFET.
Novel Multi-State QDC-QDG FETs and Gate All Around (GAA) FETs for Integrated Logic and QD-NVRAMs
Authors: Jain F. , Gudlavalleti R. H. , Chandy J. , Heller E.
Published: July 2023

This paper presents experimental I-V characteristics of a QDC-QDG FET that exhibited 5-states and has the potential to introduce additional states (e.g. 8) by utilizing Ge QDSL mini-energy sub-bands. Mini-energy bands are formed in an asymmetric Si quantum dot channel (QDC) comprising of two silicon oxide cladded Si quantum dots (QDs), where the upper layer has a smaller core diameter and thicker upper oxide cladding serving as tunnel oxide. Quantum simulations are presented to show more states when additional two germanium oxide cladded Ge dots are added on top of Si QD layers in the gate region. This paper also proposes Gate all around (GAA) FETs, when integrated with nonvolatile random access memories (NVRAMs) that have the potential for wafer scale integration, similar to vertical NANDs. Novel Si and Ge Quantum-dot-based device configurations discussed in this paper open the pathway forward to implement hardware platform for emerging applications using low power consumption and smaller footprint.
Schemes for Allocation of Benefits from Contracted Water-Saving: The Case of Irrigated Field Projects in China
Authors: Zhu Jiwei , Wang Jiangrui , Fang Wenxing , Yu Shijia
Published: July 2023

The shortage of water resources has seriously restricted the sustainable development of China’s economy. Contracted water-saving management (WSMC) has emerged as an important measure to effectively alleviate this problem. However, the rationality and fairness of benefit allocation affect the stakeholders’ enthusiasm for participating in the project. The lack of a water-saving benefit allocation scheme is one of the critical obstacles hindering the implementation and promotion of the project. This study identifies the core stakeholders in WSMC projects in Field-project in an irrigation district. Then, with comprehensive consideration of the importance, cost input, risk-taking, and effort of each participant, we examined the benefit allocation scheme in the WSMC projects of Field-project in an irrigation district by building a model based on Nash Equilibrium, Shapley value method, and modified Shapley value method. We found that the case in which the WUA E implements the WSMC project alone yields the lowest total revenue of the schemes considered, and each participant’s benefit is also at the lowest. Nash Equilibrium can achieve the maximum expected return for both participants. With the Shapley value method, the WUA E earns the largest benefits, accounting for 57.5% of total revenue, followed by the WSSE D. Under the calculation principle of the modified Shapley value model, the WUA E’s benefit decreases significantly, implying that the revenues previously earned by the WUA E are transferred to the WSSE D. This result is due to the below-average levels of importance, cost input risk-taking, and effort for WUA E in the project. It can be seen that the modified Shapley value method is more suitable for benefit allocation of the WSMC project of Field-project in an irrigation district. Finally, a typical case study in China on a shared WSMC project of Field-project in an irrigation district showed how the proposed method works. Then, we proposed policy implications for promoting project implementation from three perspectives: stakeholders, income distribution, and risk management, and identified the limitations of the research and outlined the future research directions.
Association of CYP2C9∗3 and CYP2C8∗3 Non-Functional Alleles with Ibuprofen-Induced Upper Gastrointestinal Toxicity in a Saudi Patient
Authors: Bagher Amina M.
Published: July 2023

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) widely used to alleviate pain and inflammation. Although it is generally considered safe, common adverse drug reactions of ibuprofen include stomach pain, nausea, and heartburn. It can also cause gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, especially in individuals with a history of GI ulcers or bleeding disorders. Ibuprofen is predominantly metabolized by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes CYP2C9 and CYP2C8. Individuals carrying the CYP2C9∗3 or CYP2C8∗3 non-functional alleles have reduced enzyme activities resulting in elevated ibuprofen plasma concentrations and half-life. We presented a case of a 31-year-old Saudi female patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who had taken ibuprofen at 600 mg twice daily for eight weeks. The patient presented to the emergency department with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and black tarry stools. An emergency esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed on the patient, which revealed a deep bleeding ulcer measuring 1 × 1 cm in the antrum of the stomach. Laboratory investigations indicated anemia (hemoglobin: 7.21 g/dL and hematocrit: 22.40 g/dl). The patient received intravenous proton pump inhibitors and a packed red blood cell transfusion. Genetic analysis revealed that the patient was a carrier of CYP2C9∗3 and CYP2C8∗3 variant alleles, indicating that the patient is a poor metabolizer for both enzymes. The patient’s symptoms improved over the subsequent days, and she was discharged with instructions to avoid NSAIDs. This is the first reported Saudi patient homozygous for CYP2C9∗3 and CYP2C8∗3 variant alleles, which led to ibuprofen-induced upper GI toxicity. This case demonstrates the importance of contemplating CYP2C9 and CYP2C8 genetic variations when administrating NSAIDs like ibuprofen. Careful assessment of the risks and benefits of NSAID therapy in each patient and consideration of alternative pain management strategies must be conducted when appropriate.
Gene Expression and Early Radiation Response of Two Distinct Neuroblastoma Cell Lines
Authors: Ritner Carissa , Popović Jelena , Abouzeid Aushra , Li Ya , Paunesku Tatjana , Papineni Rao , Woloschak Gayle
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Neuroblastoma is one of the most common childhood cancers with one of the lowest survival rates, accounting for 15% of childhood cancer mortality. Approximately half of children treated for high-risk neuroblastoma will relapse following remission, while another 15% of patients do not respond to initial treatment. External beam radiation is infrequently used for treatment of pediatric cancer such as neuroblastoma, typically reserved for palliative care in patients with aggressive metastatic disease who fail to respond to alternative treatments. Understanding effects of radiation on neuroblastoma cells could improve efficacy of this final means of therapy to decrease tumor burden and stabilize the disease. Methods: In this study, we found that two microRNAs with opposite functions were expressed in two neuroblastoma cell lines with marked differences in radiosensitivity. Clonogenic assays were used to evaluate the radiation responses for these 2 cell lines, designated SK-N-AS and SK-N-DZ; cells were then irradiated at doses that cause 90% cell killing based on clonogenic assay and their RNA isolated and subjected to microarray analysis. In addition, cells were transfected with pre-miRNA constructs that led to overexpression of microRNAs miR-34a and miR-1228 to determine possible microRNA regulation of radiation response. Results: Statistically significant differences were detected for expression of several thousand genes when the 2 cell lines were compared with each other. In comparison, radiation exposure resulted in only minor gene expression differences of less than 2-fold at the 1 h postirradiation timepoint in both cell lines. Overexpression of miR-34a and miR-1228 in either cell line did not alter this outcome. Discussion: While these two neuroblastoma cell lines are phenotypically diverse and gene expression differences between them are extensive, we observed that the regulation of gene expression in both cell lines is in a stable equilibrium at early timepoints after exposure to ionizing radiation.
Sequential Extracorporeal Blood Purification Is Associated with Prolonged Survival among ICU Patients with COVID-19 and Confirmed Bacterial Superinfection
Authors: Premuzic Vedran , Situm Ivan , Lovric Daniel , Erceg Ante , Karmelic Dora , Mogus Mate , Jurjevic Matija , Nedeljkovic Vanja , Mazar Mirabel , Mihaljevic Slobodan , Villa Gianluca , Ronco Claudio
Published: July 2023

Introduction: This study investigates the impact of sequential extracorporeal treatments with oXiris® or CytoSorb® plus Seraph-100® on the clinical and laboratory parameters of critically ill COVID-19 patients with bacterial superinfection. Methods: Patients admitted to the intensive care unit with COVID-19, bacterial superinfection, and undergoing blood purification (BP) were enrolled in this prospective, single-center, observational study. “standard BP” with oXiris® or CytoSorb® were used in 35 COVID-19 patients with bacterial infection. Seraph-100® was added in 33 patients when available serially in the same oXiris® circuit or as sequential treatment with CytoSorb® as a sequential BP. Results: A significant reduction in SOFA score 3 days after treatment was observed in patients undergoing sequential BP (11.3 vs. 8.17, p < 0.01) compared to those undergoing “standard BP” (11.0 vs. 10.3, p > 0.05). The difference between the observed and expected mortality rate based on APACHE IV was greater in the sequential BP group (42.4% vs. 81.7%, p < 0.001) than the “standard BP” (74.2% vs. 81.7%, p > 0.05). Patients treated with sequential BP had a longer survival than those treated with “standard BP” (22.4 vs. 18.7 months; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The sequential approach may enhance the positive effect of BP on organ dysfunction among critically ill patients with COVID-19 and bacterial superinfection.
Cardiovascular Adaptations of Space Travel: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sharma Shay N. , Meller Leo L.T. , Sharma Ajay Nair , Amsterdam Ezra A.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Space travel imposes significant gravitational and radiation stress on both cellular and systemic physiology, resulting in myriad cardiovascular changes that have not been fully characterized. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the cellular and clinical adaptations of the cardiovascular system after exposure to real or simulated space travel in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched in June 2021 for all peer-reviewed articles published since 1950 related to the following search terms entered in separate pairs: “cardiology and space” and “cardiology and astronaut.” Only cellular and clinical studies in English concerning the investigation of cardiology and space were included. Results: Eighteen studies were identified, comprising 14 clinical and 4 cellular investigations. On the genetic level, pluripotent stem cells in humans and cardiomyocytes in mice displayed increased beat irregularity, with clinical studies revealing a persistent increase in heart rate after space travel. Further cardiovascular adaptations included a higher frequency of orthostatic tachycardia but no evidence of orthostatic hypotension, after return to sea level. Hemoglobin concentration was also consistently decreased after return to Earth. No consistent change in systolic or diastolic blood pressure or any clinically significant arrhythmias were observed during or after space travel. Conclusion: Changes in oxygen carrying capacity, blood pressure, and post-flight orthostatic tachycardia may serve as reasons to further screen for pre-existing anemic and hypotensive conditions among astronauts.