bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infection of Respiratory Pathogenic Microorganisms Among Patients Hospitalized Before 20 January 2020 for Influenza Symptoms in Wuhan and Taiyuan, China
Authors: Han Huimin , Saed Yasin , Song Wenzhu , Wang Ming , Li Yafeng
Published: January 2024

Background: This study aims to find out whether patients admitted to
hospitals for influenza symptoms were potentially infected with novel
coronavirus [SARS-CoV-2] prior to nucleic acid testing in Wuhan and
Taiyuan, China, considering that it broke out during the influenza
season and its symptoms mimic influenza.
Methods:A total of 685 nucleic acid samples of respiratory pathogenic
 microorganisms were obtained from patients with flu-like symptoms 
admitted to Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital,
from 1 November 2019 to 20 January 2020. Samples were respectively
detected by 13 Respiratory Pathogen Multiplex Detection Kit and Novel
Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Nucleic Acid Diagnostic Kit. Results: In Wuhan,
human rhinovirus was the most frequent infectious pathogen in November
(31.5%), and human respiratory syncytial virus appeared the most in
December and January (37.1%, 8.6%, respectively). Generally, 115
patients of 616 patients (18.7%) from Wuhan were recognized as
COVID-19, and only two patients were co-infected with other respiratory
pathogens. In Taiyuan, influenza A virus was detected the most
frequently in December and January (30.3%, 12%, respectively) without
infection of SARS-COV-2 during study period. Conclusions: Some cases
confirmed as influenza before routine nucleic acid testing of SARS-CoV-2
were attributed to COVID-19.
Prediction of late-onset fetal growth restriction by umbilical artery velocities at 37 weeks' gestation
Authors: Liu hongli , Li Junnan , Huang shuai , Qi Hongbo , Zhang lan
Published: January 2024

Objectives: To explore the predictive capacity of the umbilical artery
velocities at 37 weeks’ gestation in identifying fetal growth
restriction (FGR), small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates and adverse
perinatal outcome (APO). Methods: We retrospectively recruited FGR and
SGA with normal umbilical artery Doppler at 37 weeks, and
adequate-for-gestational age (AGA) controls in a tertiary referral
center. All the parameters of the umbilical artery velocities were
measured at about 37 weeks’ gestation, including the umbilical artery
end-diastolic velocity (UA-EDV), umbilical artery peak systolic velocity
(UA-PSV), umbilical artery mean diastolic velocity (UA-MDV) and
umbilical artery time-averaged maximum velocity (UA-TAMXV). Results: A
total of 569 cases were included in the study and divided into three
groups: FGR group, SGA group and AGA group. Of these, 39 (6.9%) were
identified as FGR, 57 (10.0%) were SGA and 473 (83.1%) were AGA. Among
the three groups, the UA-MDV, UA-TAMXV, UA-PSV, and UA-EDV were
decreased with the severity of growth restriction. Multivariate logistic
regression analyses showed that the UA-TAMXV was independent predicting
factor of FGR. It had a moderate predictive value for FGR, with an area
under the ROC curve of 0.821 [95% confidence interval (CI):
0.785-0.853]. Conclusions: The UA velocities were decreased with the
severity of growth restriction and the UA-TAMXV was independently
predictive of FGR. The results suggest that UA-TAMXV might be a new
parameter to predict FGR.
The Role of Sleep-Disordered Breathing Symptoms in Neurocognitive Function Among Youth with Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Turner Elise , Koskela-Staples Natalie , Evans Corinne , Black Vandy , Heaton Shelley , Fedele David
Published: January 2024

Objective: Impairment in executive and attentional function is common in
youth with sickle cell disease (SCD) without history of stroke,
indicating that mechanisms other than infarction contribute to cognitive
deficits. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) may be a unique contributor
due to increased prevalence rates in SCD and well-established
associations with executive and attentional impairments in healthy
peers. The current study examines associations between SDB and executive
and attentional function in a heterogenous pediatric SCD sample.
Methods: Participants included 60 youth with SCD ages 8-18 years
(M=13.05, SD=3.10) and a caregiver. The Pediatric Sleep
Questionnaire (PSQ) was used as a proxy for SDB. Cognition was measured
by the Delis Kaplan Executive Function System (DKEFS) Trail Making Test,
Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT), and the Parent Report Behavior Rating
Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2). Results: Half
of youth (50%) met the clinical cut-off for SDB based on caregiver
ratings on the PSQ. Performance based measures of cognition (e.g.,
DKEFS, PVT) were consistent with impaired performance regardless of
stroke status, whereas caregiver ratings on the BRIEF-2 were not
consistent with impairment in everyday executive dysfunction. The PSQ
significantly predicted the BRIEF-2, F(1, 58)=37.95,
p<0.001, R=0.39,
f=0.64, but not the PVT or DKEFS,
p>0.05. Conclusions: Sleep-disordered breathing may
contribute to parent report of everyday executive dysfunction in
pediatric SCD. Future research is needed to delineate the impact of SDB
on cognition across youth with varying stroke status and SDB severity.
Stability and instability of the damped inhomogeneous and anisotropic elastic wave equation with a memory
Authors: Xing Yongli , Yang Fengyan , Liu Zihui , Ning Zhenhu
Published: January 2024

We consider the damped inhomogeneous and anisotropic elastic wave
equation with a memory on bounded domain. We apply the Morawetz
estimates and the compactness-uniqueness arguments to prove the
stability results. We also give a discussion of the instability of the
system when the proposed condition is not satisfied.
Differentiation of endospheric microbiota in ancient and modern wheat cultivars roots
Authors: Mauger Solène , Ricono Claire , Mony Cendrine , Chable Véronique , Serpolay Estelle , Biget Marine , Vandenkoornhuyse Philippe
Published: January 2024

Modern plant breeding and agrosystems artificialization could have
altered plants’ ability to filter and recruit beneficial microorganisms
in its microbiota. Thus, compared to modern cultivars, we hypothesized
that root-endosphere microbiota in modern wheat cultivars are less
resistant to colonization by fungi and bacteria and thus more
susceptible to also recruit more pathogens. We used an in-field
experimental design including six wheat varieties (three ancient vs.
three modern) grown in monoculture and in mixture (three replicates
each). Endospheric microbiota of wheat roots were analyzed on four
individuals sampled randomly in each plot. Composition-based clustering
of sequences was then characterized from amplicon mass-sequencing. We
show that the composition of bacteria and fungi microbiota in wheat
roots differed between in ancient and modern cultivars. However, the
responses observed varied with the group considered. Modern cultivars
harboured higher richness of bacterial and fungal pathogens than ancient
cultivars. A synergistic effect was identified in mixtures of modern
cultivars with a higher root endospheric mycobiota richness than
expected from a null model. The present study shows the effect of plant
breeding on the microbiota associated plant roots. The results call for
making a diagnosis of the cultivar’s endospheric-microbiota composition.
These new results also suggest the importance of a holobiont-vision
while considering plant selection in crops and call for better
integration of symbiosis in the development of next-generation
agricultural practices.
Clinical analysis of pediatric systemic juvenile xanthogranulomas: A retrospective single-center study
Authors: Lian Hongyun , Wei Ang , He Lejian , Yang Ying , Ma Hong-hao , Zhang Li-ping , Guan Yitong , Zhang Qing , Wang Dong , Li Zhigang , zhang rui , Wang Tianyou
Published: January 2024

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment, and
prognosis of children with systemic juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG).
Methods Children with JXG from January 2012 to December 2019 were
retrospectively analyzed. Data relating to the clinical manifestations,
laboratory values, treatment, and prognosis of the children were
extracted from medical records. Patients underwent vindesine +prednisone
as the first-line treatment and cytarabine + vindesine + dexamethasone
+/- cladribine as the second-line treatment. Results Ten patients,
including 8 males and 2 females, with an onset age of 1.95 (0.80-7.30)
years, exhibited multi-system dysfunction. The median age of diagnosis
was 2.45 (1.30-12.10) years. The most common location of extracutaneous
lesions was the central nervous system (6 cases), followed by the lung
(5 cases) and bone (4 cases). Nine patients underwent first-line
chemotherapy, and 6 patients underwent second-line chemotherapy,
including 5 patients with poorly controlled disease after first-line
treatment. The median observation time was 20 (3-106) months. Nine
patients survived, whereas one patient died of respiratory failure
caused by pulmonary infection. By the end of follow-up, 7 patients were
in an active disease (AD) state but better (AD-better), and 2 patients
were in an AD-stable state. Three patients had permanent sequelae,
mainly, central diabetes insipidus. The first-line treatment response
rate was 40.0%, and the second-line treatment response rate was 66.7%.
Conclusion The chemotherapy protocol for Langerhans cell histiocytosis
(LCH) was effective for patients with systemic JXG, which also resulted
in good outcomes. Central nervous system involvement did not impact
overall survival, but serious permanent sequelae remained.
COVID-19 Pandemic and its Effect on Mental Health in General Population
Authors: Silwal Suvekshya
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic is a complex global public health crisis
presenting which has caused tremendous psychological problems in
different subpopulations and there is an urgent need to focus on the
strategies to prevent massive mental health impacts on the public. This
systematic review aims to assess and explore the psychological impact,
anxiety, depression, and stress on the general public during the initial
stage of the COVID-19 outbreak. Literature review is conducted based on
databases: Pubmed, Medline and Web of Science based on the selected
keywords of the study which includes mental assessment of the general
public on anxiety, depression and stress during COVID-19 pandemic.
Studies indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with
depression, anxiety, insomnia and acute stress in the general
population. Previous studies and preliminary evidence from current
lockdowns suggest that emergency measures protecting the public’s
physical health by dislocating individuals, families, and social
networks could well be causing a devastating public health crisis of
mental ill-health in the months and years to come. Health systems need
better and more timely data to govern through a pandemic-induced
transition period which helps to overcome those challenges with
appropriate psychological strategies, techniques and interventions, to
preserve and improve mental health of the general public, including
those who need routine assistance. Mitigating the hazardous effects of
COVID-19 on mental health is an international public health priority.
Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, mental health, general population
Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications of Dihydromyricetin in liver disease
Authors: zhu runzhi , fu junfen , chen jingnan , wang xitong , xia tian , bi yanhua
Published: January 2024

Recent studies demonstrated that dihydromyricetin (DHM) has prominent
therapeutic effects on liver injury and liver cancer. By summarizing the
current preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, the present review
examines the preventive and therapeutic effects of DHM in liver
disorders as well as its potential mechanisms. Briefly, in both
chemical- and alcohol-induced liver injury models, DHM ameliorates
hepatocyte necrosis and steatosis while promoting liver regeneration. In
addition, DHM can alleviate NAFLD via regulating lipid/glucose
metabolism, probably due to its anti-inflammatory or sirtuins-dependent
mechanisms. Furthermore, DHM treatment inhibits proliferation, induces
apoptosis and autophagy, regulates redox balance in the liver cancer
cells, thus exhibiting remarkable anti-cancer effects. With the
accumulating interests in utilizing natural products to target common
diseases, our work aims to improve the understanding of DHM acting as a
novel treatment for liver diseases and to accelerate its translation.
Influencing factors on the persistence of infliximab and adalimumab treatment in Crohn's disease
Authors: Giráldez-Montero Jose María , González-López Jaime , Campos-Toimil Manuel , Acosta Manuel Barreiro-de , Lamas MJ , Zarra-Ferro Irene
Published: January 2024

Aim The aim of the study was to define and compare persistence of
infliximab and adalimumab according to the treatment line. The secondary
objectives were to identify factors that influence persistence. Methods
We performed an observational, retrospective, single-center study with
adult patients diagnosed with Crohn’s disease between November 2001 and
May 2020. A total of 309 patients were included. Survival analysis and
Cox regression were used. The following factors were studied: gender,
body mass index, use of concomitant immunosuppressants, time from
diagnosis to the beginning of the biological, trough drug levels on
target, year where the anti-TNFα began and initial patient
characteristics at the beginning of the treatment. Results The median
persistence associated with the first-line of anti-TNFα treatment showed
a statistically significant difference with respect to the second-line
(7.0 vs 5.2, p= 0.0082). Differences between infliximab and adalimumab
were not statistically significant (7.8 vs 6.5, p= 0.91). The
multivariate Cox analysis shows that only drug concentrations on target
and year of initiation of anti-TNFα were associated with higher
persistence in first-line treatment (p= 0.04). In the second-line the
difference between the infliximab and adalimumab subgroups was not
statistically significant (5.1 vs 5.2, p= 0.5). Only the year of
initiation of treatment showed an influence on persistence. Conclusion
Persistence was greater in the first-line. No differences in persistence
were observed between infliximab and adalimumab. The most important
influencing factors were the year of initiation of treatment and target
drug concentrations.
Comparison of different HPV-based screening strategies and cytology in routine cervical cancer screening programme in China: a population-based study
Authors: Wang Shi , Li Ling , Yang Jie , Han Na , Bao Heling , Wang Haijun
Published: January 2024

To compare the performance of human papillomavirus (HPV)-based screening
to cytology-based screening in the real-world programme in China. A
cross-sectional study. Tongzhou district, Beijing, China. Women aged
35-64 years old underwent both cytology and high-risk HPV genotyping
testing. The study assessed the real-world performance of four common
screening strategies, including cytology with HPV testing triage
(Strategy 1), HPV testing with cytology triage (Strategy 2), HPV testing
with HPV-16/18 genotyping and reflex cytology for other high-risk HPV
types (Strategy 3), and co-testing with HPV genotyping testing and
cytology (Strategy 4). Sensitivity, specificity, and colposcopy referral
rate. The study included 50,933 eligible women. HPV prevalence was 7.0%
(95% confidential interval [CI]: 6.8%-7.2%), and cytology
abnormal rate was 3.5% (3.3%-3.6%). Strategy 4 had the highest
sensitivity for CIN3+ (90.6%, 95%CI: 84.5%-94.5%), followed by
Strategy 3 (84.8%, 77.5%-90.1%), which were significantly higher than
Strategy 1 (65.0%, 56.3%-72.8%). Strategy 2 had the equivalent
sensitivity (59.2%, 50.5%-67.4%) compared with Strategy 1. The
specificities slightly differed within four screening strategies ranging
from 97.3% to 98.7%. The colposcopy referral rates in Strategy 4
(2.3%) and Strategy 3 (2.0%) were significantly higher than that in
Strategy 2 (1.3%) and Strategy 1 (1.4%). Co-testing or HPV testing
incorporating HPV-16/18 genotyping provided higher sensitivity, similar
specificity, and a slight increase of colposcopy referrals compared with
cytology-based screening in a large-scale cervical cancer screening
programme, supporting the utilization of HPV-based screening in the real
world. National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant no 81903328).
Cervical cancer screening, performance, HPV, cytology.
On n-dimension Extended cubic B-splines collocation algorithms
Authors: raslan kamal , Ali khalid k.
Published: January 2024

In this work, we present a solution to a major problem that most
researchers meet, which is the solution of differential equations of
different dimensions by presenting a new structure to n-dimensions for
the Extended cubic B-spline collocation algorithm. The Extended cubic
B-spline collocation forms are displayed in one, two and three
dimensions. These constructs are of prime importance in solving
mathematical models that have applications in various sciences. The
efficiency and accuracy of these algorithms through a few test problems
in two and three dimensions. Also, comparing our solutions and with the
results obtained by using other numerical methods available in the
literature as much as possible.
Predictors of patient satisfaction following septorhinoplasty: a prospective case series
Authors: Mahamud Ishtiak , Ashraf Nadia
Published: January 2024

Objectives: Careful patient selection in septorhinoplasty is critical to
good patient outcomes. Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a known risk
factor for poor postoperative satisfaction. Our aim was to refine
factors influencing patient satisfaction following septorhinoplasty and
identifying relative risk of BDD. Design: A prospective cohort study was
conducted. All participants completed SCHNOS and BDDQ (Body Dysmorphic
Disorder Questionnaire) pre- and post-operatively; both validated tools
in septorhinoplasty assessment. Setting: ENT clinic, district general
hospital, UK Participants: 16 patients undergoing septorhinoplasty by a
single surgeon, and 32 controls. Main outcome measures: Incidence of BDD
in septorhinoplasty patients compared to control group. Identifying
patient groups at high risk of BDD at presentation Results and
Conclusions: Mean obstructive SCHNOS score improved from 79.7 to 35.9
following septorhinoplasty (22.5 in controls), p<0.01, 95%CI
[28.6-58.9] and mean cosmetic SSCHNOS from 71.9 to 29.2 (1.7 in
controls), p<0.001, 95%CI [27.2-58.2]. 38% (five female
and one male) screened positively preoperatively on BDDQ and 31% (four
male and one female) were borderline (0% in controls). Postoperatively
19% screened positively on BDDQ; one male identified preoperatively,
and two males converting from borderline to BDD. All female patients
positive on BDDQ preoperatively were non-BDD postoperatively. BDDQ is a
useful screening tool for patients who may be dissatisfied with
septorhinoplasty outcome. Satisfaction is high in female patients
overall, although they are more likely to screen positive for BDD
preoperatively. Particular caution should be exercised in male patients
scoring borderline or positive on BDDQ.
“Azygous Vein Coil Implantation in Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients: Hands-on Approach”
Authors: Brar Vijaywant , Towheed Arooge , O'Donoghue Susan , Worley Seth
Published: January 2024

Background: Recently there have been reports of LVAD patients presenting
with multiple ineffective ICD shocks. In such patients, azygous vein
coil placement by providing an alternative anterior-posterior trajectory
of the electrical shock vector can enable successful defibrillation.
Objective: This review provides a hands-on approach to azygous vein coil
implantation. Additionally, we compare our tools and technique to those
that have been previously described by other operators. Methods: From
2018 to 2021, 8 patients were identified who underwent azygous vein coil
implantation at MedStar Washington hospital center using specific tools
and technique. Demographic and procedural data were obtained by
retrospective review of patient charts, procedure logs, fluoroscopy, and
venography performed during device implantation. Results: The indication
for azygous vein coil implantation was ineffective ICD shocks in 7
patients. The presenting rhythm was VF in 6/8 (75%) cases and sustained
VT in 2/8 (25%) cases. Using the approach described, we were able to
successfully implant an azygous vein coil in all 8 (100%) patients.
There were no procedure-related complications. Post implantation,
defibrillation testing (DFT) was successfully performed in 6/8 (75%)
patients. One patient failed DFT testing despite the placement of an
azygous vein coil. In another patient, DFT testing was not performed
because the patient was in atrial fibrillation and was not systemically
anticoagulated. Conclusion: Placement of an azygous vein coil in LVAD
patients with failed ICD shocks using the tools and technique described
in this review is safe and highly efficacious (successful in 100%
cases).
EVALUATION OF MATERNAL AND NEONATAL OUTCOMES OF 523 PREGNANT WOMEN WITH COVID-19 IN A SINGLE-CENTRE : A RETROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Koca Erdogan , ÖKMEN Fırat , ÜN Burak , HAYTOGLU Eren , PINAR Arzu , CAVUS Yeliz
Published: January 2024

Objective: To evaluate the maternal, perinatal and neonatal outcomes for
pregnant women having tested positive for COVID-19 with the reverse
transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Design:
Retrospective study. Setting: University‐affiliated hospital.
Population: Pregnant women with confirmed COVID-19 infection. Methods:
PCR tests were administered to the women presenting with clinical
complaints indicative of suspected COVID-19, or admitted to the hospital
for obstetric reasons. The present study used clinical records to
collect data such as general characteristics, clinical signs and
symptoms, laboratory findings and radiological imaging results of the
pregnant women, as well as the types of delivery and RT-PCR data of the
newborns from the women who gave birth. Main outcome measures: Data
related to the courses of pregnancy, maternal symptoms, types of
delivery, and neonatal outcomes. Results: 523 pregnant women tested
positive for COVID-19 with RT-PCR technique. Of these pregnant women,
411 had asymptomatic while 112 women showed at least one symptom. Of the
523 pregnant women in total, 384 maintained their pregnancies.
Eventually, 135 women gave birth. Twelve pregnant women (2.2%) in total
were treated in the intensive care unit, and three (0.6%) died with
COVID-19. All the newborns tested with the RT-PCR technique. All the
test results were negative. Conclusion: The existing data show that
pregnant women with COVID-19 infection may need to be admitted to
intensive care, and they may even be under a serious risk of maternal
morbidity which may result in maternal death. Funding: None
Leptospirosis, a neglected tropical zoonotic disease of public health importance: Multi-sectorial prioritization to control through “One Health Approach in India: An integrative review”
Authors: Karpagam Krishnan Baby , Ganesh Balasubramanian , Kumar Pesingi , Thankappan Sabarinath
Published: January 2024

Negligence in healthcare system paves to become major cause for
occurrence and recurrence of most infectious diseases. Leptospirosis is
one among those neglected 17 tropical infections listed by WHO.
Leptospirosis is epidemic in tropical country like India and prevalent
throughout the nation. About 60% of human infections are of zoonotic
origin and 75% of these infections are emerging and re-emerging. The
pathogenic infection gets transmitted to humans by animals via infected
water bodies (indirect transmission) or by direct contact with them.
From the inferred data it can be concluded that people of different
occupations namely irrigation/ agricultural people, sewage workers,
fishermen, volunteers for natural disasters, people involved in fresh
water sports are susceptible to indirect transmission. In case of
direct/ indirect transmission via animals, veterinary healthcare service
providers, butchers, animal caretakers, etc., are susceptible for
acquiring the infection. Being zoonosis, the intervention or policy
making for controlling the infection must be multi-sectorial and
holistic. ‘One Health Concept’ is a holistic approach, which has been in
practice dating back to Hippocrates period and now gaining popularity.
The concept encompasses human, animal and environmental health equally
and facilitates in controlling infection by either controlling two or
all the factors. The study will review on imparting one health concept
as a suitable approach for tackling against the Leptospirosis infection
since this approach could possibly hinder the transmission cycle of the
infection that is almost believed to be impossible to manage. This
review extensively discusses about the major research gap that needs to
be addressed immediately to apply one health approach to control
leptospirosis and how to bring out relevant information with the limited
available data. The key inference area of transmission and one health
approach to control leptospiral infection is proposed and the
repercussions discussed in detail.
VitaminD3 regulates T cell immune responses in allergen and Rhinovirus induced asthma
Authors: Haag Patricia , Andreev Daria , Li Nina , Kiefer Alexander , Rauh Manfred , Gleich Luisa , Wirtz Stefan , Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Finotto Susetta
Published: January 2024

Background: Serum 25(OH)-Vitamin D3 (VitD3) deficiency during infancy
has been associated with asthma. The potential therapeutic role of VitD3
given in the airways and its interference with the allergen and
Rhinovirus was the objective of this study. Methods: In two cohorts of
children with and without asthma, serum levels of the C-reactive protein
(CRP) were correlated to Serum VitD3 and in peripheral blood T cell
inhibitor marker Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) mRNA was
analyzed. In a murine model, VitD3 was given intranasally in vivo and in
vitro to lung cells with allergen and Rhinovirus. Results: In the
cohorts of pre-school age children without (control) asthma, CRP and
VitD3 levels inversely correlated. In preschool asthmatic children that
did not receive VitD3 supplementation as infant had more episode of
asthma exacerbation associated with high CRP serum level. In peripheral
blood cells from control but not asthmatic children with higher serum
levels of VitD3 had lower PD1 mRNA levels. In murine model, OVA
intranasal challenge induced Innate Lymphoid Cells type 2
(ILC2)-associated markers and Eosinophils in BALF and VitD3 inhibited
lung inflammation and ILC2 markers. Furthermore, VitD3 given
intranasally, induced CD4+T cells and reduced PD1, T regulatory cells in
the lung. Similarly, VitD3 had a suppressive role on CD4+PD1+ T cells
involved in T cell exhaustion in the airways in the absence of ST2 after
Rhinovirus infection. Conclusion: These data support an inhibitory role
of VitD3 on T cell exhaustion after allergen and rhinovirus infection
that is relevant for pediatric asthma.
COVID-VU - a national survey of the use of flexible endoscopy for the upper aerodigestive tract in clinical practice amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Loizidou Avgi , Tatla Taran , Harvey Ian , Aibibula Miriayi , Roe Justin , Sethi Neeraj , Schilder Anne
Published: January 2024

Keywords Flexible nasendoscopy, COVID-19, upper aerodigestive tract,
aerosol generating procedure Objectives Flexible nasendoscopy (FNE) is
an invaluable multi-disciplinary tool for upper aerodigestive tract
(UADT) examination. During the COVID-19 pandemic concerns were raised
that FNE had the potential of generating aerosols resulting in human
cross-contamination when performed on SARS-COV2 carriers. ENT UK issued
guidelines restricting FNE to essential cases, specifying that FNE
should be performed in a well-ventilated room, preferably with a monitor
screen and wearing enhanced PPE. We surveyed ENT UK members and Royal
College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) members to determine
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on FNE practice of the UADT. Design
An observational internet-based survey Setting FNE practice in community
clinics, outpatient departments, inpatient wards, ICUs, emergency
departments and operating theatres. Participants UK-based ENT surgeons
and speech and language therapists using FNE in clinical practice. Main
outcome measures Frequency, indication and local guidelines of FNE of
the UADT before, during and emerging from the COVID-19 first peak.
Results 314 responses: 82% from ENT clinicians, 17% from SLTs and 1%
from nurse practitioners (NP) and physician associates (PA). Overall,
there has been a large reduction in the volume and indications for FNE
during the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic with limited recovery by
mid-August. Cancer and airway assessments were impacted less. A wide
range of FNE protocols are reported varying in choice of endoscope,
extent of PPE and sterilization methods. Recommended practice appears
influenced predominantly by local factors. The majority of services used
reusable endoscopes manually cleaned with Tristel wipes or sent for
central sterilization at non-uniform intervals, while a minority of
services exclusively used single-use video-endoscopes. When there was no
dedicated AGP rooms, centers managed with simple window opening and a
widely variable room “down-time” between patients. Endoscope
preference reflected user familiarity. ENT trainees expressed a
preference for single-use video capturing endoscopes for continuing
service models. Conclusion Despite guidance, local practice of FNE
remains interrupted and highly variable nationally. A collaborative
approach is required to re-introduce FNE safely across UK healthcare
setting to ensure timely diagnosis and optimal patient care.
Ten-year Trends in the Incidence of Microtia: A Nationwide Population-based Study from Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Yen-Fu , Xirasagar Sudha , Liu Tsai-Ching , Kuo Nai-Wen , Lin Herng-Ching
Published: January 2024

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the 10-year secular
trends in the incidence of microtia and/or anotia from 2008 to 2017
using nationwide population-based data. Study design: A cross-sectional
study Setting: Taiwan Participants: Patient data were retrieved from
Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Dataset, after identifying 1,152
children aged ≤1 year with a first-time diagnosis of microtia or anotia
between January 2008 and December 2017. The annual microtia-anotia
incidence rate was the sum of new microtia-anotia cases in a year
divided by total infant population in the year. Method: We used the
annual percent change (APC) to study the secular trend in
microtia-anotia incidence rate. Results: The annual incidence rate of
microtia-anotia averaged across the 10-year period was 57.7 per 100,000
infants (standard deviation=8.6). The annual incidence rates of microtia
and anotia were 53.3 and 4.4 per 100,000 infants, respectively, during
this period. Furthermore, female infants had a higher incidence than
males (63.3 vs. 52.4 per 100,000). The incidence of microtia-anotia
gradually decreased between 2008 and 2017 with an APC of -5.64% (95%
CI= -9.31%~-1.18%, p=0.004). Since 2011, females had a
significantly higher annual incidence rate of microtia-anotia than
males. Conclusions: The incidence of microtia-anotia was 57.7 per
100,000 infants in Taiwan, which declined during the study period
2008-2017. The female-to-male incidence ratio was 1.21:1.
Mathematical study on a dynamical predator-prey model with constant prey harvesting and proportional harvesting in predator
Authors: Mortuja Md Golam , Chaube Mithilesh , Kumar Santosh
Published: January 2024

A dynamical predator-prey model with constant prey harvesting,
proportional harvesting in predator has been studied. The square root
functional response also has been incorporated in the system to describe
the prey herd behavior, assuming the average handling time is zero. The
existence and the local stability of equilibria of the system have been
discussed. It is examined that, two types of bifurcation occur in the
system. The two types of bifurcations have been analyzed, and it has
been found by analyzing the saddle-node bifurcation that, there is a
maximum sustainable yield . At >(1/4) , the prey population
will abolish from the system and then extinction of the predator
population will happen. But if 0
A meshless method to solve the variable-order fractional diffusion problems with fourth-order derivative term
Authors: Safari Farzaneh , Ji Lin , Li Jing
Published: January 2024

A highly-efficient meshless collocation method is developed for the
fourth-order variable-order fractional diffusion problems, particularly
with nonlinear terms. Here approximations to fractional derivative term
are obtained by weighted and shifted Gr\”unwald
difference (WSGD) approximation formula. The difficulty caused by the
nonlinear terms is carefully handled by quasilinearization technique.
Using the radial basis functions, the solution of the problem is written
in terms of the primary approximation, and the related correcting
functions at each time step. Then the approximation is substituted back
to the governing equations where the unknown parameters can be
determined. Finally, the method is supported by several numerical
experiment on irregular domains.
Effect of aluminum on phosphate absorption under acidic condition
Authors: Huang Zhiwei , Xue Zhiyong , Chen Ranran , Zhu Qian , Shi Ping , Shen Yuhu
Published: January 2024

Soil acidification has become an increasingly serious problem. Due to
aluminum toxicity and phosphorus deficiency, the root development of
many crops is hindered. In this study, we aimed to investigate the
mechanism involved in aluminum toxicity and reduction of phosphorus
absorption under acidic conditions using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a
model organism. The high-affinity phosphate transporter PHO84 was
sensitive to aluminum under low-phosphorus conditions, and the addition
of phosphate alleviated this sensitivity. The reduction of phosphate
absorption induced by aluminum is dependent on PHO84. The sensitivity
assay of corresponding gene mutations in the phosphate signaling
transduction pathway indicated that the effect of aluminum on PHO84 is
related to the phosphate signaling transduction pathway system and
regulated by PHO4/PHO2; however, aluminum did not affect the pho84p
transport mediated by Pho86p through the sensitivity detection of pho86Δ
to aluminum. Our results corroborate the finding that aluminum reduces
phosphorus absorption and inhibits the growth of the plant in acidic
media. Additionally, the high-affinity phosphate transporter NtPT1 in
tobacco exhibits a similar role to PHO84 in yeast cells, indicating that
the reduction of phosphorus absorption caused by aluminum depends on
NtPT1 in tobacco. Altogether, our results may provide basis for the
engineering of aluminum-resistant microorganisms or plants and the
treatment of acidic soil.
Use of Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain to predict Reverse Left Ventricular Remodeling after MitraClip repair
Authors: Herner Maranda , Salcedo Ernesto , Quaife Robert , Gill Edward , Mercandetti Jennifer , Carroll John
Published: January 2024

Background: Mitral Regurgitation (MR) can cause left ventricular
dilation (remodeling). Reverse remodeling describes improved volumes
after intervention. Reverse remodeling carries favorable prognoses, but
not all MitraClip patients undergo reverse remodeling. We hypothesized
pre-procedural global longitudinal strain (pre-GLS) will predict reverse
remodeling one-year post MitraClip in all-cause MR patients. Materials
and Methods: Of the 189 MitraClips performed at our institution between
2007-2019, 57 patients had complete echocardiographic data,.
Echocardiograms 0-120 days prior to and 6-24 months after procedure were
retrospectively reviewed. Reverse remodeling was defined as reduction in
end diastolic volume (EDV). Results: In 20 sample echocardiograms, intra
and inter-reader GLS variability was r=0.95 and r=0.90, respectively.
Our population consisted of 55.2% female, 12.3% functional , 61.4%
degenerative and 26.3% mixed mitral regurgitation. A reduction in EDV
was demonstrated in 38 patients (67%). EDV, ESV, LAVi, and RVSP
significantly decreased post-clip (all p<0.01) but not LVEF.
Regression models showed pre-EDV (p<0.01) and pre-ESV
(p<0.01) had significant crude and adjusted linear
associations and │pre-GLS│ had a significant crude curvilinear
association (linear p=0.04, quadratic p =0.04) with EDV reductions post
clip. The curvilinear association showed among lower, more abnormal
│pre-GLS│ values, higher │pre-GLS│ was associated with greater
reductions in EDV. When adjusted for pre-EDV and pre-ESV, GLS lost
significance(linear p=0.29, quadratic p=0.29). Conclusion: Our study
shows a majority of MitraClip patients demonstrate reverse remodeling
and pre-GLS to be associated with reverse remodeling, though not
robustly. Further study with large sample sizes can better define the
association.
COVID-19 and lung ultrasound: reasons why pediatricians can support adult COVID-19 unites during critical epidemiologic periods
Authors: Rose Cristina De , Pierantoni Luca , Buonsenso Danilo
Published: January 2024

The massive raise of COVID-19 cases all over the world is leading to
unprecedented pressures on healthcare services. Growing evidence is
highlighting that COVID-19 is a systemic condition that requires doctors
with multiple expertise. Paediatricians are trained in these skills.
Considering the issue of staff shortage that is facing every country in
the world, and the complexity of COVID-19, paediatricians may represent
an important source of ready and skilled specialists that can quickly
translate the paediatric practice in the COVID-19 care. We report our
experience by making several parallels between the paediatric clinical
practice and clinical conditions described in patients with COVID-19
with particular reference to the use of lung ultrasound in paediatric
clinical practice and in that of adult COVID-19 units.
Cordycepin ameliorates synaptic dysfunction and dendrite morphology damage of hippocampal CA1 via A1R in cerebral ischemia
Authors: Chen Zhao-Hui , Han Yuan-Yuan , Shang Ying-Jie , Zhuang Si-Yi , Huang Jun-Ni , Wu Bao-Yan , Li Chu-Hua
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Cerebral ischemia always led to learning and memory
impairments. Cordycepin has been proved to improve cognition but the
potential mechanisms are unclear so far. Plasticity of synaptic
structure and synaptic function are considered as the neural mechanisms
of learning and memory. Therefore, we investigated the effects of
cordycepin on dendritic morphology and synaptic function in cerebral
ischemia and explored the relevant molecular mechanisms. Experimental
Approach: The impact of cordycepin was studied using global cerebral
ischemia (GCI) and oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) models. Behavioral
long-term potentiation (LTP) and synaptic transmission were investigated
with electrophysiological recordings. Dendritic morphology and
histological assessment were assessed by Golgi staining and HE staining,
respectively. And the densities of adenosine receptors and adenosine
content were evaluated with western blotting and HPLC, respectively. Key
Results: Cordycepin alleviated the GCI-induced damages of dendritic
morphology and behavioral LTP in hippocampal CA1, and improved the
learning and memory abilities and up-regulated the expression of A1R but
not A2AR. In the in vitro experiments, cordycepin pre-perfusion could
reduce the hippocampal slices injury and synaptic transmission
impairment induced by OGD, accompanied with the increase of adenosine
content. Furthermore, the protection of cordycepin on synaptic
transmission against OGD was eliminated by using the antagonist of A1R
instead of A2AR. Conclusion and Implications: These findings indicated
that cordycepin alleviated synaptic dysfunction and dendritic injury in
ischemia by modulating A1R, which provide conclusive evidence that
cordycepin could be used as potential drug for the treatment of
cognitive impairment induced by cerebral ischemia
Features of the Remodeling of Atria and Pulmonary Veins in CHF Patients with Paroxysmal AF and Permanent AF
Authors: Kirillova Venera
Published: January 2024

Research objective: the aim is to study the features of the remodeling
of the left atrium and pulmonary veins in CHF patients with paroxysmal
AF, with permanent AF, and without arrhythmia (n=225). Materials and
methods. The features of the remodeling of the left atrium and pulmonary
veins were studied echocardiographically in patients having chronic
heart failure with paroxysmal AF (n=38) and permanent AF (n=36) and
without arrhythmia (n=225). Results. Structural changes of the left
atrium and pulmonary veins in patients with chronic heart failure having
permanent atrial fibrillation were significantly more distinct than
those in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, in patients
without arrhythmia, and in the control group. Thus, respectively, LA in
the left lateral position was 46.35±1.93, 41.26±1.49, 38.60±0.90, and
29.57±0.68 mm; LAVI was 67.16±6.14, 58.81±5.92, 44.28±1.34, and
23.64±0.47; the maximum diameter of the left inferior pulmonary vein was
23.91±1.07, 22.21±0.69, 20.64±0.41, and 13.51±0.16 mm; the minimum
diameter of the pulmonary vein was 15.10±1.06, 13.15±1.07, 10.51±0.41,
and 5.70±0.09 mm, with higher E/e’ values of 14.78±1.45, 11.34±1.81,
10.03±0.47, and 6.26±0.28 mm. Conclusion. A more evident dilatation of
the left atrium with the dilatation of pulmonary veins was diagnosed in
patients with permanent AF as compared to that in patients with
paroxysmal AF and patients having CHF without arrhythmia.
The fractional p(.,.)-Neumann boundary conditions for the nonlocal p(.,.)-Laplacian operator
Authors: IRZI Nawal , Kefi Khaled
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we deal with the fractional p(.,.)-Laplacian problem with
nonlocal Neumann boundary conditions. Applying the Ekeland principle and
the variational method, under appropriate assumptions, we show that the
above problem has nontrivial weak solutions.
Deep Learning and Extreme Learning Machine for the Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Mishra Ashutosh , Arora Priya , Jaiswal Akshay , Mazumdar Bireshwar
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study to analyze the performance of some of the
significant methods using machine learning techniques for diagnosis the
Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Deep learning methods have been widely used in
the AD diagnosis but Extreme learning machine (ELM) and kernel (ELM)
methods have been hardly ever used. Before the deployment of these
methods for computation, we present a short review in the section on
related work. A series of three different cases consisting of
classification models in deep learning is used. We show the
computational results of three of its methods CNN, MLP and LSTM. Data
set has been taken from ADNI and has been pre-processed using PCA and 10
cross-fold validation. The dataset is divided into three cases: case1,
case2 and case3. The results are evaluated using two performance
measures in terms of Accuracy and Error analysis. The ranking of
computation methods are measured based on its performance matrices. It
is observed that the performance of the proposed study to classify
subjects as infected or fit using Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging
Initiative (ADNI*) dataset. The three cases are shuffling of presence or
absence of Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and k-fold
cross-validation in our operation carried out for the diagnosis. Then, a
comparative study of accuracy and error as performance measures,
obtained by these methods has been performed to select the best method
for prediction of AD with maximum accuracy and minimum error and it is
computed that the MLP deep learning method is having maximum accuracy of
82% with least error in the case3.
Multichannel Signal Processing Techniques And Sensor Selection Algorithms
Authors: Niknam Sajad , Khashayar Arman , Mohammadi Mohammad Soltani
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we rank different channels in order to separate the noise
channels from the cardiac signal channels. To rank the channels we have
used the main characteristics of a cardiac signal that is
pseudo-periodic ,we have proposed six methods for rating And then
introducing a new benchmark that combines six of the above, We have been
ranking cardiac signals. This is a fairly qualitative issue Because the
quality of the ECG signal is also dependent on application.
The Effect of Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy Surgical Volume on Oncology Outcomes in Early-Stage Cervical Cancer
Authors: Chen Chunlin , Liu Jiaqi , Li Pengfei , Wang Li , Kang Shan , Yang Ying , Guo Jianxin , Yao Jilong , Lu Anwei , Wang Zhonghai , Ling Bin , Li Zhiqiang , Bin Xiaonong , Lang Jinghe , Liu Ping
Published: January 2024

Objective: To analyze the effect of surgical experience with
laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) on oncological outcome in
cervical cancer patients. Methods: We retrospectively compared the
oncological outcomes of 1469 patients with stage IB1 cervical cancer
receiving LRH from 2004 to 2016. The surgical volume for each surgeon
was defined as low (fewer than 50 surgeries), mid (51-100 surgeries),
and high (100 surgeries or more). Kaplan-Meier curves and the Cox
proportional hazards model were used to estimate the effect of surgical
experience on the oncological outcomes of patients. Results:A total of
1405 cases were included in this study. The average operative times of
the low-volume (n = 427), mid-volume (n = 396) and high-volume (n=582)
groups were 270, 260 and 227 minutes, respectively (P <
0·001), and mean blood loss was 218 ml, 197 ml and 179 ml, respectively
(P = 0·004). The 5-year OS of the low-volume, mid-volume and high-volume
groups was 96·1%, 93·1% and 92·5%, with 5-year DFS rates of 92·0%,
87·5% and 87·6%, respectively. There was no significant difference
among the three groups. However, surgery volume was not an independent
risk factor for shorter OS or DFS after controlling for case mix, nor
was surgeons’ experience after 1:1 PSM (Propensity score matching)
between each two of the three groups. Conclusion: The results showed
that surgeons’ surgical volume did not affect the oncological outcome of
LRH but that operative time and blood loss were significantly improved
with a higher surgical volume.
Changes in the laryngopharyngeal reflux After UPPP for OSA: A Clinical Observational Study
Authors: Tang Xiaojun , Li Shisheng , Yang Xinming , Tang qinglai , zhang ying , zeng shiying , li mengmeng , jiang kang , guo lu , huang peiying
Published: January 2024

Objectives. The study used re¬flux symptom index (RSI) and Reflux
Finding Score (RFS) questionnaire to estimate laryngopharyngeal reflux
(LPR) change after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for obstructive
sleep apnea (OSA). Design. An observational, retrospective study.
Setting. University, tertiary level hospital. Participants. 91 subjects
were recruited and divided into three groups: control group (n=27), OSA
mild to moderate group (n=29) and OSA severe group (n=35) according to
polysomnography. All subjects completed preoperative RSI and RFS under
electronic laryngoscope. 34 OSA patients with UPPP surgery completed
postoperative polysomnography, again after 6-month follow-up. Main
outcome measures. Polysomnography, RSI and RFS questionnaire. Results.
RSI and RFS in OSA patients were higher than non-OSA patients. Severe
OSA patients also had higher RSI and RFS than mild to moderate OSA. LPR
symptoms had positive and L-SpO2 had negative correlation with AHI and
CT90. The mean RSI and RFS before UPPP surgery were 15.88±4.85 and
13.18±4.80; these number decreased to 9.53±4.16 and 8.65±4.87 after
surgery (P<0.05). In 25 successful-surgery patients, RSI and
RFS scores and individual variables of RSI were downward after surgery.
Conclusion. LPR symptoms are common among OSA patients, the coexistence
of OSA and LPR cannot be ignored. Successful UPPP surgery as a treatment
for OSA patients, poten¬tially reduces laryngeal reflux symptoms and
improves laryngoscope signs by alleviating sleep respiratory disorder.