bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of septic cerebral embolism on prognosis and therapeutic strategies of infective endocarditis: a retrospective study in a surgical centre
Authors: Scheggi Valentina , Menale Silvia , Tonietti Barbara , Bigiarini Costanza , Giovacchini Jacopo , Del Pace Stefano , Zoppetti Nicola , Alterini Bruno , Stefàno Pier Luigi , Marchionni Niccolò
Published: June 2022

Background

Infective endocarditis still has high mortality and invalidating complications, such as cerebral embolism. The best strategies to prevent and manage neurologic complications remain uncertain. This study aimed to identify predictors of cerebral septic embolism and evaluate the role of surgery in these patients in a real-world surgical centre.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 551 consecutive patients admitted to our department with a definite diagnosis of non-device-related infective endocarditis; of these, 126 (23%) presented a neurologic complication.

Results

Cerebral embolism was significantly more frequent in patients with large vegetations (p = 0.004), mitral valve infection (p = 0.001), and Staphylococcus aureus infection (p = 0.025). At multivariable analysis, only vegetation length was an independent predictor of cerebral embolism (HR per unit 1.057, 95% CI 1.025–1.091, p 0.001), with a best predictive threshold of 10 mm at ROC curve analysis (AUC 0.54, p = 0.001). Patients with neurologic complications were more often excluded from surgery despite an indication to it (16% vs 8%, p = 0.001). If eligible, they were treated within two weeks from diagnosis in similar proportions as patients without cerebral embolism with a similar survival rate. Predictors of mortality were hemorrhagic lesions (p = 0.018), a GCS < 14 (p = 0.001) or a severe degree of disability (p = 0.001) at presentation. The latter was the only independent predictor of mortality at multivariable analysis (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.43–3.80, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

The present study highlights the prognostic value of functional presentation and the safety of cardiac surgery, when feasible, in patients with cerebral septic embolism.
Prevalence of pruritus associated with hemodialysis and its association with sleep quality among hemodialysis patients: a multicenter study
Authors: Daraghmeh Mefleh , Badran Montaser , Janajreh Ahmad , Hassan Mohanad , Taha Adham Abu , Koni Amer A. , Zyoud Sa’ed H.
Published: June 2022

Background

CKD-associated pruritus (chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus) is one of the common symptoms in hemodialysis patients, with a major effect on sleep quality because it occurs at night. The main objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of pruritus among hemodialysis (HD) patients and its impact on sleep and investigate factors associated with pruritus and sleep quality.

Methods

A cross-sectional study began in January until March of 2021 in HD centers of four different hospitals in the West Bank, Palestine. Patients with HD aged 18 years or older were included in our investigation. Pruritus and sleep problems were assessed by a 5-D itching score and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score.

Results

Of 280 HD patients, 250 were accepted to participate in our study. The mean age of the participants was (54.9 ± 15.08). 62.8% were male, and 42.4% of the participants were elderly (age ≥ 60yrs). Pruritus was observed in 121 (48.4%). The 5-D itching score had a median [IQR] of 5.0[5.0–15.0], and 57.2% had a score ≥ 6 points. Severe pruritus was reported in 28.1% of patients. The score was significantly associated with residency (p = 0.033) and chronic comorbidities (p = 0.026). The PSQI score has a median [IQR] of 8[5–12], and 66.4% are poor sleepers with a score of < 5. The score was significantly associated with age (p = 0.017), marital status (p = 0.022), occupational status (p = 0.007), chronic comorbidities (p > 0.001), chronic medication (p = 0.008), severity of pruritus (p = 0.003) and duration of pruritus (p = 0.003). Regression analysis showed that the 5-D itching score and the total number of comorbidities were significantly associated with the PSQI score.

Conclusions

Pruritus is a widespread complication among HD patients in Palestine. Pruritus also has major effects on sleep quality and is associated with poor sleep quality.
Case report: the management for a gestational hypertensive woman with influenza A virus pneumonia and peripartum cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ng Kwok-On , Chow Lok-Hi , Yeh Chun-Chang , Huang Eagle Yi-Kung , Liu Wei-Cheng , Tan Ping-Heng
Published: June 2022

Background

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is defined as an idiopathic cardiomyopathy occurring in the last month of pregnancy or the first 6 months postpartum without an identifiable cause. PPCM is suspected to be triggered by the generation of a cardiotoxic fragment of prolactin and the secretion of a potent antiangiogenic protein from the placental, but no single factor has been identified or defined as the underlying cause of the disease. Influenza virus can cause PPCM through immune-mediated response induced by proinflammatory cytokines from host immunity and endothelial cell dysfunction. We report a case in a parturient woman undergoing a cesarean delivery, who had influenza A pneumonia and PPCM.

Case presentation

A parturient woman at 40 weeks and 1 day of gestation who had experienced gestational hypertension accompanied by pulmonary edema developed hypotension after undergoing an emergency cesarean delivery. An elevation of N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was noted, and echocardiography revealed a left ventricular ejection fraction of 20%. She underwent a nasopharyngeal swab test, in which influenza A antigen was positive. She was diagnosed as having PPCM and received anti-viral treatment. After antiviral treatment, hemodynamic dysfunction stabilized. We present and discuss the details of this event.

Conclusion

PPCM is a heart disease that is often overlooked by medical personnel. Rapid swab tests, serum creatine kinase measurement, and echocardiography are imperative diagnostic approaches for the timely recognition of virus-associated cardiomyopathy in peripartum women with influenza-like disease and worsening dyspnea, especially during the epidemic season. Prompt antiviral treatment should be considered, particularly after PPCM is diagnosed.
Analysis of risk factors associated with acute respiratory infections among under-five children in Uganda
Authors: Nshimiyimana Yassin , Zhou Yingchun
Published: June 2022

Background

Globally, infectious diseases are the major cause of death in children under the age of 5 years. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia account for 95% of global child mortalities every year, where acute respiratory infections (ARI) remain the leading cause of child morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to analyze the risk factors of ARI disease symptoms among children under the age of 5 years in Uganda.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was used to analyze 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) data collected on 13,493 children under the age of 5 years in Uganda. Various methods, such as logistic regression, elastic net logistic regression, decision tree, and random forest, were compared and used to predict 75% of the symptom outcomes of ARI disease. Well-performing methods were used to determine potential risk factors for ARI disease symptoms among children under the age of 5 years.

Results

In Uganda, about 40.3% of children were reported to have ARI disease symptoms in the 2 weeks preceding the survey. Children under the age of 24 months were found to have a high prevalence of ARI disease symptoms. By considering 75% of the sample, the random forest was found to be a well-performing method (accuracy = 88.7%; AUC = 0.951) compared to the logistic regression method (accuracy = 62.0%; AUC = 0.638) and other methods in predicting childhood ARI symptoms. In addition, one-year old children (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.12–1.44), children whose mothers were teenagers (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.06–1.53), and farm workers (1.25; 95% CI: 1.11–1.42) were most likely to have ARI disease symptoms than other categories. Furthermore, children aged 48–59 months (OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.60–0.80), breastfed children (OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.76–0.92), usage of charcoal in cooking (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.69–0.87), and the rainy season effect (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.61–0.72) showed a low risk of developing ARI disease symptoms among children under the age of 5 years in Uganda.

Conclusion

Policy-makers and health stakeholders should initiate target-oriented approaches to address the problem regarding poor children’s healthcare, improper environmental conditions, and childcare facilities. For the sake of early child care, the government should promote child breastfeeding and maternal education.
Delayed ileal neobladder fistula caused by bladder stones: a case report
Authors: Lu Dongming , Wu Yongyang , Liao Shangfan , Xie Xueping , Zhu Dingjun , Ye Shuchao
Published: June 2022

Background

Ileal neobladder fistula is a rare complication after radical cystectomy, with an incidence of approximately 0.7%. At present, there are scattered reports of vesicoileal fistula, but there are no reports of ileal neobladder fistula (INF) caused by bladder stones. In this paper, a case of ileal neobladder fistula caused by chronic stimulation of bladder stones was successfully diagnosed and treated.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old man who had undergone radical cystectomy and an orthotopic ileal neobladder procedure 10 years prior presented with refractory diarrhoea and oliguria and was diagnosed with ileal neobladder fistula caused by chronic stimulation of bladder stones. We performed fistulectomy, cystotomy, partial ileectomy, and end-to-end ileal anastomosis, and the patient recovered and was discharged after the operation.

Conclusion

Urinary calculi are delayed complications of orthotopic neobladder construction after total cystectomy. Bladder stones are a rare complication of ileal neovesical fistula, which can cause neovesical cutaneous fistula. It is difficult to diagnose through routine examination and easily misdiagnosed as acute gastroenteritis. Surgery is an effective treatment for INF and can achieve a good prognosis.
Conclusions of the African Regional GIS Summit (2019): using geographic information systems for public health decision-making
Authors: Akpan Godwin Ubong , Mohammed Hani Farouk , Touray Kebba , Kipterer John , Bello Isah Mohammed , Ngofa Reuben , Stein Andrew , Seaman Vince , Mkanda Pascal , Cabore Joseph
Published: June 2022

The use of geographic information system (GIS) technologies to improve access to health is gaining momentum in Africa. This has become more pertinent with the increasing penetration of mobile-phone technology and internet use, and calls for innovative strategies to support implementation of the World Health Organization Sustainable Development Goals for universal health coverage on the continent. The huge potential benefits of GIS to advance health service delivery in Africa is, however, yet to be fully harnessed due to critical challenges such as proliferation of pilot projects, poor coordination, inadequate preparedness of the health workforce for GIS, lack of interoperability, and inadequate sustainable financing. To discuss these challenges and propose the way forward for rapid, cost-effective, and sustainable deployment of GIS, the African Regional GIS Summit was held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, on 7–10 October 2019 under the umbrella of the AFRO GIS Centre.
Highly efficient magnetic ablation and the contrast of various imaging using biocompatible liquid–metal gallium
Authors: Lee Chiang-Wen , Chiang Ming-Hsien , Wei Wen-Chun , Liao Shu-Hsien , Liu Yen-Bin , Huang Kuan-Chih , Chen Kuen-Lin , Kuo Wen-Cheng , Sung Yuan-Ching , Chen Ting-Yuan , Liu Ju-Fang , Chiang Yao-Chang , Shih Hsin-Nung , Peng Kuo-Ti , Chieh Jen-Jie
Published: June 2022

Background

Although the powerful clinical effects of radiofrequency and microwave ablation have been established, such ablation is associated with several limitations, including a small ablation size, a long ablation time, the few treatment positioning, and biosafety risks. To overcome these limitations, biosafe and efficient magnetic ablation was achieved in this study by using biocompatible liquid gallium as an ablation medium and a contrast medium for imaging.

Results

Magnetic fields with a frequency (f) lower than 200 kHz and an amplitude (H) × f value lower than 5.0 × 109 Am−1 s−1 were generated using the proposed method. These fields could generate an ablation size of 3 cm in rat liver lobes under a temperature of approximately 300 °C and a time of 20 s. The results of this study indicate that biomedical gallium can be used as a contrast medium for the positioning of gallium injections and the evaluation of ablated tissue around a target site. Liquid gallium can be used as an ablation medium and imaging contrast medium because of its stable retention in normal tissue for at least 3 days. Besides, the high anticancer potential of gallium ions was inferred from the self-degradation of 100 µL of liquid gallium after around 21 days of immersion in acidic solutions.

Conclusions

The rapid wireless ablation of large or multiple lesions was achieved through the simple multi-injection of liquid gallium. This approach can replace the currently favoured procedure involving the use of multiple ablation probes, which is associated with limited benefits and several side effects.

Methods

Magnetic ablation was confirmed to be highly efficient by the consistent results obtained in the simulation and in vitro tests of gallium and iron oxide as well as the electromagnetic specifics and thermotherapy performance comparison detailed in this study Ultrasound imaging, X-ray imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging were found to be compatible with the proposed magnetic ablation method. Self-degradation analysis was conducted by mixing liquid gallium in acidic solutions with a pH of approximately 5–7 (to imitate a tumour-containing microenvironment). X-ray diffraction was used to identify the gallium oxides produced by degraded gallium ions.
Combination of whole body cryotherapy with static stretching exercises reduces fatigue and improves functioning of the autonomic nervous system in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Kujawski Sławomir , Słomko Joanna , Godlewska Beata R. , Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska Agnieszka , Murovska Modra , Newton Julia L. , Sokołowski Łukasz , Zalewski Paweł
Published: June 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to explore the tolerability and effect of static stretching (SS) and whole body cryotherapy (WBC) upon fatigue, daytime sleepiness, cognitive functioning and objective and subjective autonomic nervous system functioning in those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) compared to a control population.

Methods

Thirty-two CFS and eighteen healthy controls (HC) participated in 2 weeks of a SS + WBC programme. This programme was composed of five sessions per week, 10 sessions in total.

Results

A significant decrease in fatigue was noted in the CFS group in response to SS + WBC. Some domains of cognitive functioning (speed of processing visual information and set-shifting) also improved in response to SS + WBC in both CFS and HC groups. Our study has confirmed that WBC is well tolerated by those with CFS and leads to symptomatic improvements associated with changes in cardiovascular and autonomic function.

Conclusions

Given the preliminary data showing the beneficial effect of cryotherapy, its relative ease of application, good tolerability, and proven safety, therapy with cold exposure appears to be an approach worth attention. Further studies of cryotherapy as a potential treatment in CFS is important in the light of the lack of effective therapeutic options for these common and often disabling symptoms.
Fatty acids role in multiple sclerosis as “metabokines”
Authors: Yu Haojun , Bai Shuwei , Hao Yong , Guan Yangtai
Published: June 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS), as an autoimmune neurological disease with both genetic and environmental contribution, still lacks effective treatment options among progressive patients, highlighting the need to re-evaluate disease innate properties in search for novel therapeutic targets. Fatty acids (FA) and MS bear an interesting intimate connection. FA and FA metabolism are highly associated with autoimmunity, as the diet-derived circulatory and tissue-resident FAs level and composition can modulate immune cells polarization, differentiation and function, suggesting their broad regulatory role as “metabokines”. In addition, FAs are indeed protective factors for blood–brain barrier integrity, crucial contributors of central nervous system (CNS) chronic inflammation and progressive degeneration, as well as important materials for remyelination. The remaining area of ambiguity requires further exploration into this arena to validate the existed phenomenon, develop novel therapies, and confirm the safety and efficacy of therapeutic intervention targeting FA metabolism.
Electrical stimulation of the splenic nerve bundle ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice
Authors: Brinkman David J. , Simon Thomas , ten Hove Anne S. , Zafeiropoulou Konstantina , Welting Olaf , van Hamersveld Patricia H. P. , Willemze Rose A. , Yim Andrew Y. F. Li , Verseijden Caroline , Hakvoort Theodorus B. M. , Luyer Misha D. , Vervoordeldonk Margriet J. , Blancou Philippe , de Jonge Wouter J.
Published: June 2022

Background

Vagus nerve stimulation has been suggested to affect immune responses, partly through a neuronal circuit requiring sympathetic innervation of the splenic nerve bundle and norepinephrine (NE) release. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of action remain elusive. Here, we investigated the therapeutic value of this neuromodulation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by applying electrical splenic nerve bundle stimulation (SpNS) in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis.

Methods

Cuff electrodes were implanted around the splenic nerve bundle in mice, whereupon mice received SpNS or sham stimulation. Stimulation was applied 6 times daily for 12 days during DSS-induced colitis. Colonic and splenic tissues were collected for transcriptional analyses by qPCR and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). In addition, murine and human splenocytes were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the absence or presence of NE. Single-cell RNA-seq data from publicly available data sets were analyzed for expression of β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs).

Results

Colitic mice undergoing SpNS displayed reduced colon weight/length ratios and showed improved Disease Activity Index scores with reduced Tumor Necrosis Factor α mRNA expression in the colon compared with sham stimulated mice. Analyses of splenocytes from SpNS mice using RNA-seq demonstrated specific immune metabolism transcriptome profile changes in myeloid cells. Splenocytes showed expression of β-ARs in myeloid and T cells. Cytokine production was reduced by NE in mouse and human LPS-stimulated splenocytes.

Conclusions

Together, our results demonstrate that SpNS reduces clinical features of colonic inflammation in mice with DSS-induced colitis possibly by inhibiting splenic myeloid cell activation. Our data further support exploration of the clinical use of SpNS for patients with IBD.
Flea index predicts plague epizootics among great gerbils (Rhombomys opimus) in the Junggar Basin China plague focus
Authors: Mou Wenting , Li Bo , Wang Xiaojun , Wang Ying , Liao Peihua , Zhang Xiaobing , Gui Youjun , Baokaixi Guliayi , Luo Yongjun , Aihemaijiang Mukedaisi , Wang Qiguo , Liu Feng
Published: June 2022

Background

The Junggar Basin plague focus was the most recently identified natural plague focus in China. Through extensive field investigations, great gerbils (Rhombomys opimus) have been confirmed as the main host in this focus, and the community structure of their parasitic fleas is associated with the intensity of plague epizootics. The aim of this study is to provide an indicator that can be surveyed to evaluate the risk of plague epizootics.

Methods

Between 2005 and 2016, rodents and fleas were collected in the Junggar Basin plague focus. The parasitic fleas on great gerbils were harvested, and anti-F1 antibody in the serum or heart infusion of great gerbils was detected through indirect hemagglutination assay. Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis) was isolated from the liver and spleen of great gerbils and their parasitic fleas using Luria-Bertani plates. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of flea index.

Results

Between 2005 and 2016, 98 investigations were performed, and 6778 great gerbils and 68,498 fleas were collected. Twenty-seven rodents were positive for Y. pestis isolation with a positivity rate of 0.4%; 674 rodents were positive for anti-F1 antibody with a positivity rate of 9.9%. Among these 98 investigations, plague epizootics were confirmed in 13 instances by Y. pestis-positive rodents and in 59 instances by anti-F1 antibody-positive rodents. We observed a higher flea index among rodents with confirmed plague epizootic compared to the negative ones (P = 0.001, 0.002), with an AUC value of 0.659 (95% CI: 0.524–0.835, P = 0.038) for Y. pestis-positive rodents and an AUC value of 0.718 (95% CI: 0.687–0.784, P < 0.001) for anti-F1 antibody-positive rodents.

Conclusions

Significantly higher flea index was associated with confirmed plague epizootic cases among great gerbils and could be used to predict plague epizootics in this focus.

Graphical Abstract
What MRI-based tumor size measurement is best for predicting long-term survival in uterine cervical cancer?
Authors: Lura Njål , Wagner-Larsen Kari S. , Forsse David , Trovik Jone , Halle Mari K. , Bertelsen Bjørn I. , Salvesen Øyvind , Woie Kathrine , Krakstad Camilla , Haldorsen Ingfrid S.
Published: June 2022

Background

Tumor size assessment by MRI is central for staging uterine cervical cancer. However, the optimal role of MRI-derived tumor measurements for prognostication is still unclear.

Material and methods

This retrospective cohort study included 416 women (median age: 43 years) diagnosed with cervical cancer during 2002–2017 who underwent pretreatment pelvic MRI. The MRIs were independently read by three radiologists, measuring maximum tumor diameters in three orthogonal planes and maximum diameter irrespective of plane (MAXimaging). Inter-reader agreement for tumor size measurements was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Size was analyzed in relation to age, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) (2018) stage, histopathological markers, and disease-specific survival using Kaplan–Meier-, Cox regression-, and time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (tdROC) analyses.

Results

All MRI tumor size variables (cm) yielded high areas under the tdROC curves (AUCs) for predicting survival (AUC 0.81–0.84) at 5 years after diagnosis and predicted outcome (hazard ratios [HRs] of 1.42–1.76, p < 0.001 for all). Only MAXimaging independently predicted survival (HR = 1.51, p = 0.03) in the model including all size variables. The optimal cutoff for maximum tumor diameter (≥ 4.0 cm) yielded sensitivity (specificity) of 83% (73%) for predicting disease-specific death after 5 years. Inter-reader agreement for MRI-based primary tumor size measurements was excellent, with ICCs of 0.83–0.85.

Conclusion

Among all MRI-derived tumor size measurements, MAXimaging was the only independent predictor of survival. MAXimaging ≥ 4.0 cm represents the optimal cutoff for predicting long-term disease-specific survival in cervical cancer. Inter-reader agreement for MRI-based tumor size measurements was excellent.
Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells not only ameliorate blood glucose but also protect vascular endothelium from diabetic damage through a paracrine mechanism mediated by MAPK/ERK signaling
Authors: Liu Yi , Chen Jingan , Liang Haowei , Cai Yueqin , Li Xinyue , Yan Li , Zhou Li , Shan Letian , Wang Hui
Published: June 2022

Background

Endothelial damage is an initial step of macro- and micro-vasculature dysfunctions in diabetic patients, accounting for a high incidence of diabetic vascular complications, such as atherosclerosis, nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. However, clinic lacks effective therapeutics targeting diabetic vascular complications. In field of regenerative medicine, mesenchymal stem cells, such as human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hucMSCs), have great potential in treating tissue damage.

Methods

To determine whether hucMSCs infusion could repair diabetic vascular endothelial damage and how it works, this study conducted in vivo experiment on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model to test body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels, histopathology and immunohistochemical staining of aorta segments. In vitro experiment was further conducted to determine the effects of hucMSCs on diabetic vascular endothelial damage, applying assays of resazurin staining, MTT cell viability, wound healing, transwell migration, and matrigel tube formation on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and molecular experiment were conducted to clarify the mechanism of hucMSCs.

Results

The in vivo data revealed that hucMSCs partially restore the alterations of body weight, FBG, serum ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels, histopathology of aorta and reversed the abnormal phosphorylation of ERK in diabetic rats. By using the conditioned medium of hucMSCs (MSC-CM), the in vitro data revealed that hucMSCs improved cell viability, wound healing, migration and angiogenesis of the high glucose-damaged HUVECs through a paracrine action mode, and the altered gene expressions ofIL-6, TNF-α,ICAM-1,VCAM-1,BAX,P16,P53andET-1were significantly restored by MSC-CM. RNAseq incorporated with real-time PCR and Western blot results clarified that high glucose activated MAPK/ERK signaling in HUVECs, while MSC-CM reversed the abnormal phosphorylation of ERK and overexpressions ofMKNK2,ERBB3,MYCandDUSP5in MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.

Conclusions

HucMSCs not only ameliorated blood glucose but also protected vascular endothelium from diabetic damage, in which MAPK/ERK signaling mediated its molecular mechanism of paracrine action. Our findings provided novel knowledge of hucMSCs in the treatment of diabetes and suggested a prospective strategy for the clinical treatment of diabetic vascular complications.
Appraisal of lead (Pb) contamination and potential exposure risk associated with agricultural soils and some cultivated plants in gold mines
Authors: Darma Aminu , Ibrahim Sani , Sani Ali , Zandi Peiman , Yang Jianjun
Published: June 2022

Background

Artisanal gold mining has been one of the major contributors to soil pollution. These types of soil have potential environmental implications and varying degrees of health risk due to agricultural product cultivation. The contamination level of Pb in soils under cultivation by maize and spinach from gold mines in Abare, Dareta and Bagega mines of Anka local government Zamfara state was examined. Three levels of soil depths (0–21, 21–40 and 41–60 cm) from study sites were considered for vertical distributions of the Pb. The samples were digested and analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Varian model-AA240FS).

Results

The total Pb concentration ranges from 326.2 to 383.43 (Abare), 67.74–76.44 (Bagega) and 17.88–42.00 mg/kg (Dareta), which are all within the environmental protection agency (EPA) 400 mg/kg permissible limits, while only those analyzed from Abare were above the 85 mg/kg department of petroleum resources of Nigeria (DPR) threshold. From the result, the spinach grown in those areas exceeded the FAO/WHO 0.3 mg/kg threshold.

Conclusion

Additionally, all study sites from all areas revealed the highest Pb concentrations at a 0–20 cm soil depth. This study further indicates all the soils from these areas are within safety limits based on the single pollution index (SPI) and Nemerow composite pollution index (NCPI). This information will significantly help provide greater insight into developing more effective remediation strategies for the affected localities. More research is needed into the speciation, chemical forms, bioavailability, and biogeochemical mechanisms that influence Pb mobility in those areas.
Toxicological effects of nanoselenium in animals
Authors: Bano Iqra , Skalickova Sylvie , Arbab Safia , Urbankova Lenka , Horky Pavel
Published: June 2022

The productivity and sustainability of livestock production systems are heavily influenced by animal nutrition. To maintain homeostatic balance in the body of the animal at different phases of life, the percentage of organically active minerals in livestock feed must be optimized. Selenium (Se) is a crucial trace mineral that is required for the maintenance of many functions of the body. Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) attracted considerable interest from researchers for a variety of applications a decade ago, owing to their extraordinary properties. SeNPs offer significant advantages over larger-sized materials, by having a comparatively wider surface area, increased surface energy, and high volume. Despite its benefits, SeNP also has toxic effects, therefore safety concerns must be taken for a successful application. The toxicological effects of SeNPs in animals are characterized by weight loss, and increased mortality rate. A safe-by-strategy to certify animal, human and environmental safety will contribute to an early diagnosis of all risks associated with SeNPs. This review is aimed at describing the beneficial uses and potential toxicity of SeNPs in various animals. It will also serve as a summary of different levels of SeNPs which should be added in the feed of animals for better performance.
The relationship between epistemological beliefs, reflective thinking, and science identity: a structural equation modeling analysis
Authors: Guo Xipei , Hao Xuemin , Deng Wenbo , Ji Xin , Xiang Shuoqi , Hu Weiping
Published: June 2022

Background

Science identity is widely regarded as a key predictor of students’ persistence in STEM fields, while the brain drain in STEM fields is an urgent issue for countries to address. Based on previous studies, it is logical to suggest that epistemological beliefs about science and reflective thinking contribute to the development of science identity. However, few empirical studies have focused on the relationship between these three variables. Therefore, using structural equation modeling, the present study constructed a model to explore the relationship between epistemological beliefs, reflective thinking, three science identity shaping constructs (interest, competence/performance beliefs, external recognition), and the holistic impression on science identity (a single indicator).

Results

The results indicated that the epistemological beliefs were positively correlated with interest and reflective thinking, as well as the direct effects of reflective thinking on interest or competence/performance beliefs were significant. In terms of indirect effect, interest plays a mediating role in the relationship between epistemological beliefs and holistic impression on science identity, while the mediation effect of competence/performance beliefs was not significant. Epistemological beliefs contributed to the holistic impression on science identity via reflective thinking, competence/performance beliefs, and interest or external recognition.

Conclusion

The results of this study reveal that epistemological beliefs and reflective thinking have a direct effect on science identity. In addition, epistemological beliefs have an indirect effect on scientific identity through reflective thinking. These provide insights for educators to figure out how to develop students’ science identity by enhancing their epistemological beliefs and reflective thinking. Practical educational implications are also further discussed in the present study.
Microtremor array surveys and development of the velocity model in the Hakodate Plain, Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Asano Kimiyuki , Iwata Tomotaka , Yoshida Kunikazu , Inoue Naoto , Somei Kazuhiro , Miyakoshi Ken , Ohori Michihiro
Published: June 2022

The Hakodate Plain in the southern part of the Oshima Peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan, is a sedimentary basin surrounded by mountains. The vertical displacements caused by active faults along the western margin of the Hakodate Plain increased the basin depth in the western part of the Hakodate Plain. Small-to-large-sized microtremor array surveys were conducted at five sites in the Hakodate Plain to estimate the S-wave velocity structure down to the seismic bedrock for each site to develop a detailed velocity structure model. A new three-dimensional velocity structure model of the Hakodate Plain was developed by integrating the results of microtremor array surveys and other existing geophysical explorations data. This three-dimensional velocity model was modeled as a stack of homogeneous isotropic layers to facilitate its incorporation into the present nation-wide three-dimensional velocity model for ground motion prediction. The bottom depth of the Quaternary sediments is deep along the western margin of the Hakodate Plain. The total thickness of the Quaternary and Neogene sedimentary layers reaches 2.9 km in the western Hakodate Plain. The proposed velocity model was validated by gravity anomaly modeling and ground motion simulation of a moderate-sized inland earthquake. The location of the low-gravity anomaly around the coastline of the Hakodate Bay was improved using the new model. The numerical ground motion simulation using FDM also demonstrated that the amplification and long duration observed in the western part of the Hakodate Plain were reproduced effectively using this velocity model. The spatial variation in long-period ground motion amplifications (period > 1 s) is discussed based on numerical simulations utilizing our three-dimensional velocity model. The highest amplifications at periods of 4 and 5 s were expected in the southwestern Hakodate Plain. The amplification at a period of 3 s was relatively high near the western margin of the plain. Conversely, the spatial characteristics below 2 s were quite complex due to interference of the seismic wavefield inside the basin structure. Variation due to the source location was also relatively high in the shorter period range.

Graphical abstract
Arthroscopic release of the pectoralis minor tendon from the coracoid for pectoralis minor syndrome
Authors: Haeni David , Martinez-Catalan Natalia , Esper Ronda N. , Wagner Eric R. , El Hassan Bassem T. , Sanchez-Sotelo Joaquin
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The term “pectoralis minor syndrome” refers to this constellation of symptoms that can occur when the pectoralis minor (Pm) is shortened and contracted. Release of the tendon of the Pm from the coracoid has been reported to provide substantial clinical improvement to patients presenting with pectoralis minor syndrome. The purpose of this study was (1) to describe the technique for endoscopic release of pectoralis minor tendon at the subdeltoid space, (2) to classify the pectoralis minor syndrome according to its severity and (3) and to report the short-term outcomes of this procedure in a consecutive series of patients diagnosed with pectoralis minor syndrome.

Methods

Endoscopic release of the pectoralis minor tendon was performed in a series of 10 patients presenting with pectoralis minor syndrome. There were six females and four males with a median age at the time of surgery of 42 (range from 20 to 58) years. Four shoulders were categorized as grade I (scapular dyskinesis), and six as grade II (intermittent brachial plexopathy). Shoulders were evaluated for pain, motion, satisfaction, subjective shoulder value (SSV), quick-DASH, ASES score, and complications. The mean follow-up time was 19 (range, 6 to 49) months.

Results

Arthroscopic release of the tendon of the Pm led to substantial resolution of pectoralis minor syndrome symptoms in all but one shoulder, which was considered a failure. Preoperatively, the median VAS for pain was 8.5 (range, 7–10) and the mean SSV was 20% (range, 10% - 50%). At most recent follow-up the mean VAS for pain was 1 (range, 0–6) and the mean SSV 80% (range, 50% - 90%). Before surgery, mean ASES and quick-DASH scores were 19.1 (range, 10–41.6) and 83.1 (range, 71 and 95.5) points respectively. At most recent follow-up, mean ASES and quick-DASH scores were 80.1 (range, 40–100) and 19.3 (range, 2.3–68) points respectively. No surgical complications occurred in any of the shoulder included in this study.

Conclusions

Endoscopic release of the tendon of the pectoralis minor from the coracoid improves pain, function and patient reported outcomes in the majority of patients presenting with the diagnosis of isolated pectoralis minor syndrome.
Bioactive glass grants equivalent fusion compared to autologous iliac crest bone for ALIF: a within-patient comparative study
Authors: Szadkowski Marc , Bahroun Sami , Aleksic Ivan , Vande Kerckhove Michiel , Ramos-Pascual Sonia , Saffarini Mo , Fière Vincent , d’Astorg Henri
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To determine within-patient fusion rates of chambers filled with bioactive glass versus autologous iliac crest bone on computed tomography (CT) following anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF).

Methods

A consecutive series of 40 patients (58 levels) that underwent single-level (L5-S1 only) or two-level (L5-S1 and L4-L5) ALIF were assessed. Indications for fusion were one or more of the following: degenerative disc disease with or without Modic changes, spondylolisthesis, and stenosis. Each intervertebral cage had a middle beam delimiting two chambers, one of which was filled with bioactive glass and the other with autologous iliac crest bone. CT scans were graded using the Bridwell classification (grade I, best; grade IV, worst). Patients were evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and by rating pain in the lower back and legs on a Visual Analog Scale (pVAS); complications and reoperations were noted.

Results

At 15 ± 5 months follow-up, there were no significant differences in fusion across chambers filled with bioactive glass versus chambers filled with autologous bone (p = 0.416). Two patients with Bridwell grade III at both chambers of the L4-L5 cages required reoperation using posterior instrumentation. Clinical assessment of the 38 remaining patients (54 levels) at 25 ± 2 months, revealed ODI of 15 ± 12, lower back pVAS of 1.4 ± 1.5 and legs pVAS of 1.9 ± 1.6.

Conclusions

For ALIF at L5-S1 or L4-L5, within-patient fusion rates were equivalent for bioactive glass compared to autologous iliac crest bone; thus, bioactive glass can substitute autologous bone, avoiding increased operative time and blood loss, as well as donor site morbidity.
Sleep Regularity and Predictors of Sleep Efficiency and Sleep Duration in Elite Team Sport Athletes
Authors: Halson Shona L. , Johnston Rich D. , Piromalli Laura , Lalor Benita J. , Cormack Stuart , Roach Gregory D. , Sargent Charli
Published: June 2022

Background

Many elite athletes have suboptimal sleep duration and efficiency, potentially due to factors that may impact sleep onset and offset times. Variability in sleep onset and offset may negatively influence sleep. The sleep regularity index (SRI) is a novel metric for sleep regularity, however there are no published descriptions of SRI in elite athletes. Further, contributors to sleep efficiency and duration in elite athletes using objective measures have not been explored.

Methods

Sleep was monitored over a minimum of seven consecutive days (7 to 43)—in 203 elite team sport athletes (age range = 19–36 years; female, n = 79; male, n = 124, total sleep nights = 1975) using activity monitoring and sleep diaries. The sleep regularity index (SRI) was calculated to reflect the night-to-night shifts in sleep by accounting for changes in sleep onset and sleep offset. Sleep characteristics were compared between regular and irregular sleepers and important contributors to sleep efficiency and total sleep time were assessed using multiple linear regression models.

Results

The median sleep regularity index and interquartile range were 85.1 (81.4 to 88.8). When compared to irregular sleepers, regular sleepers demonstrated (1) significantly greater sleep efficiency (p = 0.006; 0.31 medium effect size [ES]), (2) significantly less variability in total sleep time (− p ≤ 0.001; − 0.69, large ES) and sleep efficiency (− 0.34, small ES), (3) similar total sleep time and (4) significantly less variation in sleep onset (p ≤ 0.001; − 0.73, large ES) and offset (p ≤ 0.001; − 0.74, large ES) times. Sleep characteristics explained 73% and 22% of the variance in total sleep time and sleep efficiency, respectively. The most important contributor to total sleep time was a later sleep offset time, while the most important contributors to sleep efficiency were an earlier bedtime and less variable sleep onset times.

Conclusions

Bedtime and a consistent sleep onset time are important factors associated with sleep efficiency in athletes, while sleep offset is an important factor for total sleep time. Coaches and staff can assist their athletes by providing training schedules that allow for both regularity and sufficiency of time in bed where possible.
Ocular inflammation after agitation of siliconized and silicone oil-free syringes: a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial
Authors: da Cruz Natasha Ferreira Santos , Polizelli Murilo Ubukata , Muralha Felipe Picanço , de Morais Clarice Neuenschwander Lins , Junior Octaviano Magalhães Silva , Maia Mauricio , Melo Gustavo Barreto , Farah Michel Eid
Published: June 2022

Background

Noninfectious endophthalmitis may be misdiagnosed, leading to serious clinical implications. So far, its causative factors remain unknown. Therefore, this study assessed the role of silicone oil and syringe agitation in the development of inflammation after intravitreal injection of aflibercept.

Methods

A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial included subjects with an indication of intravitreal antiangiogenic therapy prior to vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Aflibercept was injected 48 h before surgery. The control group received the injection without agitation, while the intervention group was injected with a previously agitated syringe by flicking with either a siliconized or silicone oil-free syringe. The primary endpoint was the presence of anterior chamber reaction (ACR) at 48 h. Aqueous samples were collected and underwent cytometric bead array analysis for quantification of interleukins and chemokines.

Results

Forty-one individuals were included (21 in the agitation group and 20 in the no-agitation group). None of the included eyes showed baseline signs of AC cells, hyperemia or pain complaint, while 10% of control group and 80% of agitation group showed AC cells 48 h after injection of aflibercept with SR syringe. There were no differences in the mean variations of all cytokines and chemokines by agitation status. However, there was a marginally significant increase between the mean variations of IP-10 (p = 0.057) and IL-8 (p = 0.058) in the siliconized one.

Conclusion

This clinical trial discloses a potential role of agitation and siliconized syringes in the development of inflammation after an intravitreal injection of aflibercept. These findings have important clinical implications for all healthcare practitioners who perform intravitreal injections.

Trial Registration:Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials, RBR-95ddhp. Registered 12 May 2019,http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-95ddhp/
Lineup identification in young and older witnesses: does describing the criminal help or hinder?
Authors: Holdstock Juliet S. , Dalton Polly , May Keith A. , Boogert Stewart , Mickes Laura
Published: June 2022

The world population is getting older and, as a result, the number of older victims of crime is expected to increase. It is therefore essential to understand how ageing affects eyewitness identification, so procedures can be developed that enable victims of crime of all ages to provide evidence as accurately and reliably as possible. In criminal investigations, witnesses often provide a description of the perpetrator of the crime before later making an identification. While describing the perpetrator prior to making a lineup identification can have a detrimental effect on identification in younger adults, referred to as verbal overshadowing, it is unclear whether older adults are affected in the same way. Our study compared lineup identification of a group of young adults and a group of older adults using the procedure that has consistently revealed verbal overshadowing in young adults. Participants watched a video of a mock crime. Following a 20-min filled delay, they either described the perpetrator or completed a control task. Immediately afterwards, they identified the perpetrator from a lineup, or indicated that the perpetrator was not present, and rated their confidence. We found that describing the perpetrator decreased subsequent correct identification of the perpetrator in both young and older adults. This effect of verbal overshadowing was not explained by a change in discrimination but was consistent with participants adopting a more conservative criterion. Confidence and response time were both found to predict identification accuracy for young and older groups, particularly in the control condition.
Assessment of the perturbation induced by chitin synthesis inhibitors lufenuron, flufenoxuron and hexaflumuron in the house fly, Musca domestica vicina (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors: Tanani Mohammad A. , Hasaballah Ahmed I. , Hussein Rehab M.
Published: June 2022

Background

The larvicidal and biochemical effects of chitin synthesis inhibitors (CSIs), namely lufenuron, flufenoxuron and hexaflumuron against the newly molted penultimate instar larvae of the house fly Musca domestica, were investigated.

Methods

Different concentrations from each tested compound were applied on forty individuals of M. domestica 2nd instar larvae. Four replicates were used for each concentration.

Results

The recorded LC25 and LC75 values were (166.11, 68.33 and 56.43 ppm) and (732.33, 283.02 and 248.45 ppm) for lufenuron, flufenoxuron and hexaflumuron, respectively. The results showed significant (P < 0.05) increase of mortality in larvae treated with different tested CSIs compounds. Mortality was greater in larvae treated by hexaflumuron than lufenuron and flufenoxuron. The main metabolites were tested in the larval whole-body tissue homogenate and findings could be summarized as follows: tested concentrations of CSIs (a) predominantly reduced the total carbohydrate, protein, lipid and cholesterol content at certain ages tested. (b) Disturbed the total carbohydrate content particularly for larvae treated with LC75 concentration of hexaflumuron. (c) Exerted the protein and lipid profiles and this effect was much more pronounced in larvae treated with hexaflumuron. (d) Reduced the quantitative cholesterol content and this reduction was found to be increased with development.

Conclusions

Tested CSIs in particular hexaflumuron showed remarkable larval toxicity and reduced the main metabolites content in the larval whole-body tissue homogenate of the house fly, M. domestica.