bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of Rhizosphere Bacterial Communities to Near-Natural Forest Management and Tree Species within Chinese Fir Plantations
Authors: Lei Jie , Wu Hanbin , Li Xiaoyan , Guo Wenfu , Duan Aiguo , Zhang Jianguo
Published: January 2023

Near-natural forest management is an important way to change the soil fertility decline and productivity reduction of pure Chinese fir plantations. At present, many detailed studies have been carried out on the impact of near-natural forest management on Chinese fir plantations at home and abroad.
Rapid Diagnostic Tests for the Detection of the Four Dengue Virus Serotypes in Clinically Relevant Matrices
Authors: Pollak Nina M. , Olsson Malin , Ahmed Madeeha , Tan Javier , Lim George , Setoh Yin Xiang , Wong Judith Chui Ching , Lai Yee Ling , Hobson-Peters Jody , Macdonald Joanne , McMillan David
Published: January 2023

The efficient and accurate diagnosis of dengue, a major mosquito-borne disease, is of primary importance for clinical care, surveillance, and outbreak control. This study describes the evaluation of four rapid low-resource serotype-specific dengue tests for the detection of specific DENV serotypes in clinical sample matrices.
Fecal Microbiota Was Reshaped in UCP1 Knock-In Pigs via the Adipose-Liver-Gut Axis and Contributed to Less Fat Deposition
Authors: Pan Jianfei , Chui Linya , Liu Tianxia , Zheng Qiantao , Liu Xuexue , Liu Lulu , Zhao Ying , Zhang Lilan , Song Min , Han Jianlin , Huang Jiaojiao , Tang Chaohua , Tao Cong , Zhao Jianguo , Wang Yanfang
Published: January 2023

This article investigated the effect of the ectopic expression of UCP1 on the regulation of fecal microbiota composition and metabolites and which alters the fat deposition phenotype. Bacteria, including
Oscillospira
and
Coprococcus
, and the metabolite HDCA were found to be significantly increased in feces of UCP1 pigs and had a negative relationship with backfat thickness.
Vitamin D-induced hypercalcaemia and acute kidney injury in sarcoidosis
Authors: Doyle Dominic , Browne Una , Brickley Alexandra , Murphy Desmond
Published: January 2023

Vitamin D deficiency is relatively common, and its management in patients with sarcoidosis is challenging due to the risk of hypercalcaemia. Our patient had an autologous stem cell transplant for multiple sclerosis and was given high-dose vitamin D concurrently with immunosuppressive therapy. The patient subsequently presented with symptomatic hypercalcaemia and an acute kidney injury. A clinical and biochemical recovery was reached by withdrawing vitamin D and administering intravenous fluids. Interestingly, new evidence suggests that activated vitamin D can actually dampen the inflammatory process in sarcoidosis, and this was reflected in a reduction of our patient’s serological markers of sarcoidosis activity. One large study found no significant risk of hypercalcaemia when low doses of vitamin D were used in sarcoidosis. Where indicated, and until clear guidelines are established, we suggest using low doses of vitamin D with cautious monitoring of calcium and renal function.
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on essential health and nutrition service utilisations in Ghana: interrupted time-series analyses from 2016 to 2020
Authors: Kawakatsu Yoshito , Osei Ivy , Debpuur Cornelius , Ayi Atsu , Osei-Sarpong Felix , Shetye Mrunal , Aiga Hirotsugu , Augusto Orvalho , Wagenaar Bradley
Published: January 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the national-level and subnational-level effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on essential health and nutrition service utilisation in Ghana.

Design

Interrupted time-series.

Setting and participants

This study used facility-level data of 7950 governmental and non-governmental health facilities in Ghana between January 2016 and November 2020.

Outcome measures

As the essential health and nutrition services, we selected antenatal care (ANC); institutional births, postnatal care (PNC); first and third pentavalent vaccination; measles vaccination; vitamin A supplementations (VAS); and general outpatient care. We performed segmented mixed effects linear models for each service with consideration for data clustering, seasonality and autocorrelation. Losses of patient visits for essential health and nutrition services due to the COVID-19 pandemic were estimated as outcome measures.

Results

In April 2020, as an immediate effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of patients for all the services decreased except first pentavalent vaccine. While some services (ie, institutional birth, PNC, third pentavalent and measles vaccination) recovered by November 2020, ANC, VAS and outpatient services had not recovered to prepandemic levels. The total number of lost outpatient visits in Ghana was estimated to be 3 480 292 (95% CI: −3 510 820 to −3 449 676), followed by VAS (−180 419, 95% CI: −182 658 to −177 956) and ANC (−87 481, 95% CI: −93 644 to −81 063). The Greater Accra region was the most affected region by COVID-19, where four out of eight essential services were significantly disrupted.

Conclusion

COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the majority of essential healthcare services in Ghana, three of which had not recovered to prepandemic levels by November 2020. Millions of outpatient visits and essential ANC visits were lost. Furthermore, the immediate and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on service utilisation varied by service type and region.
Soreness or sng: a common symptom with differential clinical impact from pain in degenerative lumbar spine diseases
Authors: Chiu Hsiao-Yean , Su I-Wen , Yu Yu-Wen , Chen Yi-Chen , Chen Chih-Cheng , Lin Jiann-Her
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Soreness is a common complaint in patients who receive lumbar spine surgery (LSS) for degenerative lumbar spine diseases (DLSD). However, soreness is not assessed independently and its impacts on outcomes of LSS remains largely unknown. Sng(pronounced sә-ng, 痠) in Chinese language is the word with the closest meaning to soreness, and Chinese-speaking people naturally use sng to describe their non-pain ‘soreness’ symptom. This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence and impacts of soreness or sng on outcome of LSS by introducing Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of sng on back and leg.

Materials and methods

This prospective cohort study recruited patients who receive LSS for DLSD. Participants completed the patient-reported outcome measures at 1 week before and 1 years after LSS. The patient-reported outcome measures included (1) VAS for back pain, leg pain, back sng and leg sng, (2) Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and (3) RAND 36-item Short Form Health Survey. The minimal clinical important difference (MCID) of ODI and physical component health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was used.

Results

A total of 258 consecutive patients were included and 50 dropped out at follow-up. Preoperatively, the prevalence of sng was comparable to pain both on back and leg; postoperatively, the prevalence of sng was higher than pain. Leg and back sng were associated with preoperative and postoperative mental HRQoL, respectively. The reduction of sng on back and leg were significantly less than pain postoperatively. Leg sng was the only symptom independently associated with attaining MCID.

Conclusion

Soreness or sng should be assessed independently from pain in patients receiving LSS for DLSD because soreness or sng had substantial clinical impacts on the outcome of LSS.
Integrative oncology for palliative care nurses: pre–post training evaluation
Authors: Ben-Arye Eran , Tapiro Yehudit , Baruch Ruth , Tal Ahuva , Shulman Bella , Gressel Orit , Israeli Pesi , Dagash Jamal , Yosipovich Alexander , Shalom Sharabi Ilanit , Zimmermann Patricia , Samuels Noah
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Integrative oncology (IO) is increasingly being incorporated in supportive and palliative cancer care. This study examined an IO-palliative care training programme for nurses from community and hospital settings.

Methods

A 120-hour course, attended by 24 palliative care nurses without IO training, included precourse/postcourse questionnaires examining knowledge, attitudes and level of IO-palliative care skills. Qualitative analysis examined precourse and postcourse narratives.

Results

Most (18; 75%) completed study questionnaires, with knowledge and attitudes towards IO changing only modestly and IO-related skills significantly for guidance on herbal medicine and lifestyle changes, manual-movement and mind-body modalities. Greater consultation skills were reported for fatigue, stomatitis, nausea, appetite, constipation/diarrhoea, insomnia, peripheral neuropathy and hot flashes. Trainees reported improved skills for pain (p=0.003), emotional (p<0.001) and informal caregiver-related concerns (p<0.001), with no change in palliative care-related skills. Qualitative analysis found both personal and professional attitude changes, with enhanced mindfulness and an expressed intent to implement the learnt skills in daily practice.

Conclusions

The IO-palliative care nurse training programme increased IO-related and palliative care-related consultation skills for a wide range of quality of life-related concerns. Further research is needed to explore both short-term and long-term effects and the implementation of the learnt skills in clinical practice.

Trial registration number

NCT03676153.
The dynamics of a changing Lutz spruce (Picea×lutzii) hybrid zone on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Authors: Morton John M. , Wolf Diana E. , Bowser Matthew L. , Takebayashi Naoki , Magness Dawn R.
Published: January 2023

We investigated the genetic makeup of Lutz spruce, a natural hybrid between white and Sitka spruce on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. Microsatellites indicate 72% of individuals sampled had predominantly white spruce ancestry, whereas 14% had predominantly Sitka spruce ancestry; some individuals classified as white spruce had Sitka spruce plastid genotypes. As Picea mitochondria are maternally inherited and plastids are paternally inherited, it appears that white spruce was the ancestral seed parent of nearly all spruce on the western peninsula, whereas Sitka spruce alleles originated from pollen. Pollen records show that white spruce colonized the western peninsula ∼8500 YBP from glacial refugium, whereas Sitka spruce arrived on the eastern peninsula ∼4000 YBP after migrating up the Pacific coast. Our data suggest that Sitka spruce colonization west of the Kenai Mountains may have occurred not via seed dispersal but by long distance transport of wind-borne pollen and subsequent hybridization with established white spruce populations. Hybridization was an important mechanism that allowed Sitka spruce to expand the leading edge of its range in response to historical climate change. As the climate continues to warm, climate envelope modeling suggests Lutz spruce may ultimately displace white spruce on the western peninsula even as Sitka spruce is constrained to the eastern peninsula where it will continue to hybridize.
3D reservoir simulation of CO
2
injection in a deep saline aquifer of the Lower Paleozoic Potsdam Sandstone of the St Lawrence Platform, Gentilly Block, Quebec
Authors: Konstantinovskaya Elena , Rivero Jose A. , Vallega Valentina , Brodylo John , Coldham Peter
Published: January 2023

Increasing demand in carbon dioxide storage volumes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 implies assessment of CO
2
storage capacity, including deep saline aquifers, even in tight sandstone reservoirs. 3D reservoir simulations of supercritical CO
2
injection were carried out in the Lower Paleozoic Potsdam Sandstone of the St Lawrence Platform (Gentilly Block), Quebec to predict safe CO
2
injection rates, evaluate reservoir pressure build-up in the presence of sealing and permeable faults, and estimate the gas injection cumulative. 3D one-way coupled reservoir–geomechanical modelling helped to analyse the interaction between reservoir pressure build-up and changes in
in situ
stresses, and estimate the risk of top and bottom seal failure and fault shear-slip reactivation. It is shown that a safe CO
2
injection rate per well for 20 years of continuous injection is estimated to range from 0.7 kg s
−1
(22.1 kt a
−1
) to 10 kg s
−1
(315.4 kt a
−1
) depending on the porosity and permeability of the Potsdam Sandstone varying from core-derived matrix values to ‘fracture-enhanced’ values. The corresponding injection CO
2
cumulative for 20 years ranges from 432.2 to 6013.5 kt per well. The implementation of a multiple-well injection plan will help to increase the injection CO
2
cumulative, given the considerable thickness and basin-scale dimensions of the Potsdam reservoir (3440 km
3
).
Physiological selectivity and plant–environment feedbacks during Middle and Late Pennsylvanian plant community transitions
Authors: Wilson Jonathan Paul , Oppler Gabriel , Reikowski Elizabeth , Smart Jessica , Marquardt Charles , Keller Brian
Published: January 2023

A series of vegetation changes take place in tropical ecosystems during the Pennsylvanian Subperiod. The most notable change, recognizable from palynology and plant macrofossils at the Middle and Late Pennsylvanian boundary in the Illinois Basin, is the extirpation, or local extinction, of certain lineages of arborescent lycopsids, followed by their replacement by stem group marattialean tree ferns. The leading hypothesis suggests a significant change in precipitation regime as the cause. To test this hypothesis, we examine the vascular anatomy and physiology of key lineages of Pennsylvanian plants: the sphenopsids, tree ferns, cordaitaleans, medullosans, lycophytes and extrabasinal stem group coniferophytes. Using scanning electron and light microscopy of fossilized anatomy, we provide new data on these plants’ vascular systems, quantifying their physiological capacity and drought resistance. We find that three Pennsylvanian plant lineages – the medullosans, arborescent lycopsids and
Sphenophyllum
– contain high hydraulic conductivity but are vulnerable to drought-induced damage, whereas others are resistant, including stem group tree ferns and coniferophytes. Relative abundance changes among these plants were likely driven by drought, and differences in water use efficiency would have amplified drought events as plant communities changed. The interaction of physiological selectivity and positive feedback between aridity and drought tolerance likely played a significant role in Late Paleozoic floral changes.
A Multi-Disciplinary Approach in the Management of Endo-Perio Lesions: A 4-year Follow-Up Case Report
Authors: Dwiyanti Stephani
Published: January 2023

Summary. This case report discusses the multi-disciplinary approach and long-term follow-up of a 66-year-old male who suffered a combined endodontic–periodontal lesion (EPL). As EPL is uncommon in daily practice and dentists’ knowledge and awareness of EPL is quite low, this case becomes of high interest and value to document and research. The objective of this study is to present the diagnosis, multi-disciplinary approach, and long-term follow-up of compromised teeth with EPL. It highlights the importance of the identification and elimination of all causative factors as well as the correct treatment sequence to achieve a predictable outcome. The patient was referred to the periodontist after multiple unsuccessful attempts by his previous dentist. He complained of recurrent dull pain and abscess on his upper left tooth (tooth #26) that had been present for the past three years. A diagnosis of combined EPL was obtained after thorough anamnesis, clinical evaluation, and radiographic examination. The clinician identified several predisposing factors, such as plaque, trauma from occlusion, and excessive force on tooth #26 due to incorrect denture design. Treatment involved multiple dental specialties. At the periodontist, the patient underwent scaling, root planning, and removal of overhanging part of the restoration. At the endodontist, root canal treatment (RCT) was completed. Two months after RCT, a periodontal regenerative procedure was done. The defect was filled with a combination of allograft/alloplastic bone graft and covered with a barrier membrane. Upon healing, the prosthodontist did the final restoration of fiber post with a metal crown on tooth #26 and constructed a new denture with a periodontal-friendly design. A follow-up at five months and four years showed excellent results. The patient was symptom-free, and tooth #26 showed no periodontal inflammation. Radiographic examination showed a good bone fill at the defect. Supportive periodontal therapy should be emphasized to achieve the long-term success of EPL.
Forging Temperature Effects on Crack Tip Creep Behaviour of Hot Hammer Forged Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Fang Xiurong , Liu Yan , Shao Yanru , Xu Huihui , Yang Fuqiang
Published: January 2023

The creep behaviour of hot hammer forged Ti-6Al-4V alloy under different forging temperatures has an essential influence on their high-temperature service performance. In this article, the high-temperature mechanical property and creep behaviour of Ti-6Al-4V alloy forging at different forging temperatures were first investigated experimentally. Then, in view of the critical effect of microcracks and other defects on the service life of components in forging, the creep characteristics at the tip of a 2 mm crack were characterized by the finite element method. The results show that when the Ti-6Al-4V alloy was forged at 1000°C, the high-temperature mechanical property was improved, and the steady-state creep rate and creep residual deformation were significantly reduced. In addition, the creep strain and creep rate at the crack tip were decreased apparently during creep, and the creep strain gradient in the crack tip region was also significantly reduced. This indicates that the creep deformation of Ti-6Al-4V alloy can be controlled by an appropriate forging temperature during hot hammer forging process and might delay the crack propagation to improve the service life of components.
Polyphyllin I Effects Candida albicans via Inhibition of Virulence Factors
Authors: Sun Ai-Mei , Wang Ying-Xian , Hu Guo-Xian , Li Li , Wang Rui-Rui
Published: January 2023

Paris polyphylla is often used in Chinese medicine to treat conditions such as carbuncles, trauma, snake bites, and mosquito bites. In the present study, we investigated the effect and mechanism of the morphological transition and extracellular phospholipase activity of Candida albicans treated with polyphyllin I (PPI). First, the minimum inhibitory concentration and antifungal activity of PPI were evaluated using the multiple microdilution method and time‐killing assays. Then, the effect of PPI on the morphological transition of Candida albicans in Spider liquid medium and Sabouraud‐dextrose liquid medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum was observed under an inverted microscope and by scanning electron microscopy. Finally, egg yolk agar plates were used to evaluate extracellular phospholipase activity. Gene expression was detected by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Our results suggest that PPI inhibited the transition from the yeast to the hyphal stage and decreased secreted aspartyl proteinase activity. We further confirmed that PPI significantly downregulated the expression of extracellular phospholipase genes and cAMP‐PKA signaling pathway‐related genes. Taken together, our results suggest that PPI exerts anti‐Candida albicans activity by inhibiting virulence characteristics, including the yeast‐to‐hyphal transition and the secretion of aspartyl proteases and phospholipases. The study results also indicated that PPI could be a promising therapeutic strategy for Candida albicans.
Anomaly Detection Using Multiscale C-LSTM for Univariate Time-Series
Authors: Lu Yi-Xiang , Jin Xiao-Bo , Liu Dong-Jie , Zhang Xin-Chang , Geng Guang-Gang
Published: January 2023

Computers generate network traffic data when people go online, and devices generate sensor data when they communicate with each other. When events such as network intrusion or equipment failure occur, the corresponding time-series will show abnormal trends. By detecting these time-series, anomalous events can be detected instantly, ensuring the security of network communication. However, existing time-series anomaly detection methods are difficult to deal with sequences with different degrees of correlation in complex scenes. In this paper, we propose three multiscale C-LSTM deep learning models to efficiently detect abnormal time-series: independent multiscale C-LSTM (IMC-LSTM), where each LSTM has an independent scale CNN; combined multiscale C-LSTM (CMC-LSTM), that is, the output of multiple scales of CNN is combined as an LSTM input; and shared multiscale C-LSTM (SMC-LSTM), that is, the output of multiple scales of CNN shares an LSTM model. Comparative experiments on multiple data sets show that the proposed three models have achieved excellent performance on the famous Yahoo Webscope S5 dataset and Numenta Anomaly Benchmark dataset, even better than the existing C-LSTM based latest model.
[Retracted] In Silico Structural and Functional Analyses of NLRP3 Inflammasomes to Provide Insights for Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Ghazi Behram Khan , Bangash Maria Hussain , Razzaq Anam Abdul , Kiyani Madiha , Girmay Shishay , Chaudhary Waleed Razzaq , Zahid Usman , Hussain Uzma , Mujahid Huma , Parvaiz Usama , Buzdar Irfan Ahmed , Nawaz Shah , Elsadek Mohamed Farouk
Published: January 2023

Inflammasomes are cytoplasmic intracellular multiprotein complexes that control the innate immune system’s activation of inflammation in response to derived chemicals. Recent advancements increased our molecular knowledge of activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes. Although several studies have been done to investigate the role of inflammasomes in innate immunity and other diseases, structural, functional, and evolutionary investigations are needed to further understand the clinical consequences of NLRP3 gene. The purpose of this study is to investigate the structural and functional impact of the NLRP3 protein by using a computational analysis to uncover putative protein sites involved in the stabilization of the protein‐ligand complexes with inhibitors. This will allow for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying these interactions. It was found that human NLRP3 gene coexpresses with PYCARD, NLRC4, CASP1, MAVS, and CTSB based on observed coexpression of homologs in other species. The NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain‐containing protein 3 is a key player in innate immunity and inflammation as the sensor subunit of the NLRP3 inflammasome. The inflammasome polymeric complex, consisting of NLRP3, PYCARD, and CASP1, is formed in response to pathogens and other damage‐associated signals (and possibly CASP4 and CASP5). Comprehensive structural and functional analyses of NLRP3 inflammasome components offer a fresh approach to the development of new treatments for a wide variety of human disorders.
Small-Molecule Polθ Inhibitors Provide Safe and Effective Tumor Radiosensitization in Preclinical Models
Authors: Rodriguez-Berriguete Gonzalo , Ranzani Marco , Prevo Remko , Puliyadi Rathi , Machado Nicole , Bolland Hannah R. , Millar Val , Ebner Daniel , Boursier Marie , Cerutti Aurora , Cicconi Alessandro , Galbiati Alessandro , Grande Diego , Grinkevich Vera , Majithiya Jayesh B. , Piscitello Desiree , Rajendra Eeson , Stockley Martin L. , Boulton Simon J. , Hammond Ester M. , Heald Robert A. , Smith Graeme C.M. , Robinson Helen M.R. , Higgins Geoff S.
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

DNA polymerase theta (Polθ, encoded by the POLQ gene) is a DNA repair enzyme critical for microhomology mediated end joining (MMEJ). Polθ has limited expression in normal tissues but is frequently overexpressed in cancer cells and, therefore, represents an ideal target for tumor-specific radiosensitization. In this study we evaluate whether targeting Polθ with novel small-molecule inhibitors is a feasible strategy to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy.

Experimental Design:

We characterized the response to Polθ inhibition in combination with ionizing radiation in different cancer cell models in vitro and in vivo.

Results:

Here, we show that ART558 and ART899, two novel and specific allosteric inhibitors of the Polθ DNA polymerase domain, potently radiosensitize tumor cells, particularly when combined with fractionated radiation. Importantly, noncancerous cells were not radiosensitized by Polθ inhibition. Mechanistically, we show that the radiosensitization caused by Polθ inhibition is most effective in replicating cells and is due to impaired DNA damage repair. We also show that radiosensitization is still effective under hypoxia, suggesting that these inhibitors may help overcome hypoxia-induced radioresistance. In addition, we describe for the first time ART899 and characterize it as a potent and specific Polθ inhibitor with improved metabolic stability. In vivo, the combination of Polθ inhibition using ART899 with fractionated radiation is well tolerated and results in a significant reduction in tumor growth compared with radiation alone.

Conclusions:

These results pave the way for future clinical trials of Polθ inhibitors in combination with radiotherapy.
Effect of the First Assistant on Anastomotic Leakage after Rectal Cancer Surgery with Double-Stapling Anastomosis: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Lee Soo Young , Lee Sola , Song Ook , Lee Jaram , Park Hyeong-min , Kim Chang Hyun , Kim Hyeong Rok
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Proper handling and firing of the circular stapler are important for secure anastomosis in rectal cancer surgery. This study aimed to investigate the association between the first assistant and anastomotic leakage (AL) after rectal cancer surgery with double-stapling anastomosis. Methods: Patients with primary rectal cancer who underwent low anterior resection with double-stapling anastomosis between January 2015 and September 2019 were included. Data on clinicopathological characteristics, including the first assistant’s sex and experience level, were retrospectively reviewed, and the risk factors for AL were analyzed using propensity score matching analysis. Results: Among 758 rectal cancer surgeries, residents participated in 401 (52.9%) surgeries, and fellows participated in 357 (47.1%) surgeries as first assistants. After propensity score matching (n = 650), AL occurred in 5.4% (35/650). The first assistant’s experience level (resident: 5.5% vs. fellow: 5.2%, p = 0.862) and sex (male: 5.4% vs. female: 4.9%, p = 0.849) were not associated with the occurrence of AL. Male sex in patients was the only significant predictive factor for AL (odds ratio = 2.804, 95% confidence interval 1.070–7.351, p = 0.036). Discussion/Conclusion: The first assistant’s sex and experience level were not associated with AL after rectal cancer surgery with double-stapling anastomosis. These findings may justify resident participation in rectal cancer surgeries in which circular staplers are used.
Benefits of Caregiver Counseling in Patients with Dementia: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Chen Po-Chih , Lee Hsun-Hua , Chan Lung , Hu Chaur-Jong
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Patients with dementia have a 1.42 times higher risk of hospitalization than those without. Preparing and educating caregivers by counseling may attenuate the frequency of hospitalization and the financial burden on the health-care system. We conducted a retrospective observational study to verify whether caregiver counseling would benefit patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Methods: The primary caregivers of patients with MCI or dementia at our Dementia Center from January 2017 to December 2018 were included in this study. Of the 532 caregivers who received counseling on caregiving for patients with dementia, 350 with complete data were included. The incidences of the patients’ emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and durations of hospitalizations in 2 years prior to and after their caregivers received counseling were compared. A paired t test was used to test the frequency of patients’ hospitalizations and emergency visits before and after counseling, and a p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The incidence of emergency visits (before counseling: 0.67 times/year, standard deviation [SD] = 0.823; after counseling: 0.25 times/year, SD = 0.549; p < 0.001) and hospitalizations (before counseling: 1.104 times/year, SD = 0.882; after counseling: 0.719 times/year, SD = 0.642; p < 0.001) decreased significantly after caregivers received counseling. The durations of hospitalization before and after counseling were 9.74 (SD = 6.940) days and 9.23 (SD = 6.908) days, respectively (p = 0.136). Conclusion: Counseling for caregivers of patients with MCI or dementia can significantly decrease the incidences of patients’ emergency visits and hospitalizations but not durations of hospitalization. In multifaceted disease like dementia, counseling for caregivers is beneficial and reduces the burden on the health-care system. Further large-scale studies are warranted to verify this finding.
Nonpainful Trigeminal Neuropathy Associated with a Solitary Pontine Lesion: A Case Series
Authors: Özdemir Hüseyin Nezih , Çelebisoy Neşe
Published: January 2023

A solitary pontine lesion (SPL) is a single brainstem lesion on the trigeminal nerve pathway without any other central nervous system lesion. This research aimed to investigate the demographic and clinical features of nonpainful TNO patients with SPL and identify the most frequently affected anatomical areas using lesion mapping techniques. Demographic and clinical features were retrospectively reviewed from the patients’ charts. Brain lesions were mapped using MRIcroGL software. The study included 6 patients (three females and three males) with an SPL. The median age of the patients was 57 (range: 46–68) years. Cranial MRI displayed lesions in the dorsolateral pons and the cerebellar peduncle. The lesion mapping revealed that the lesions were on the trigeminal nerve pathway. SPL is an uncommon cause of TNO. Nonpainful SPL patients have demographic, clinical, and radiological features similar to those of painful SPL patients. The lesion mapping showed that the same brainstem areas are affected in painful and nonpainful SPL patients.
The Lived Experiences of Family Members and Carers of People with Psychosis: A Bottom-Up Review Co-Written by Experts by Experience and Academics
Authors: Estradé Andrés , Onwumere Juliana , Venables Jemma , Gilardi Lorenzo , Cabrera Ana , Rico Joseba , Hoque Arif , Otaiku Jummy , Hunter Nicholas , Kéri Péter , Kpodo Lily , Sunkel Charlene , Bao Jianan , Shiers David , Bonoldi Ilaria , Kuipers Elizabeth , Fusar-Poli Paolo
Published: January 2023

Informal caregivers of individuals affected by psychotic disorder can play a key role in the recovery process. However, little research has been conducted on the lived experiences of carers and family members. We conducted a bottom-up (from lived experience to theory) review of first-person accounts, co-written between academics and experts by experience, to identify key experiential themes. First-person accounts of carers, relatives, and individuals with psychosis were screened and discussed in collaborative workshops involving individuals with lived experiences of psychosis, family members, and carers, representing various organizations. The lived experiences of family members and carers were characterized by experiential themes related to dealing with the unexpected news, the search for a reason behind the disorder, living with difficult and negative emotions, dealing with loss, feeling lost in fragmented healthcare systems, feeling invisible and wanting to be active partners in care, struggling to communicate with the affected person, fighting stigma and isolation, dealing with an uncertain future, and learning from one’s mistakes and building resilience and hope. Our findings bring forth the voices of relatives and informal carers of people with psychosis, by highlighting some of the common themes of their lived experiences from the time of the initial diagnosis and throughout the different clinical stages of the disorder. Informal carers are key stakeholders who can play a strategic role, and their contributions in the recovery process merit recognition and active support by mental health professionals.
Golden Hour Treatment With tPA (Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator) in the BEST-MSU Study
Authors: Mackey Jason , Yamal Jose-Miguel , Parker Stephanie A. , Silnes Kelly , Rajan Suja S. , Jacob Asha P. , Wang Mengxi , Singh Noopur , Jones William J. , Spokoyny Ilana , Navi Babak B. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Grotta James C. ,   for the BEST-MSU Study Group
Published: January 2023

Background:

Treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke on mobile stroke units (MSUs) improves outcomes compared with management by standard emergency medical services ambulances and is associated with more patients treated with intravenous tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator) in the first golden hour after last known normal. We explored the predictors and outcomes of first-hour treatment (FHT) compared with later treatment in an alternating-week cluster-controlled trial of MSUs.

Methods:

We analyzed all patients treated with intravenous tPA in the BEST-MSU Study (Benefits of Stroke Treatment Delivered by a Mobile Stroke Unit Compared to Standard Management by Emergency Medical Services). After stratifying by treatment timeframe, we identified factors associated with FHT. We performed adjusted analyses of the association between FHT and clinical outcome and modeled the shape of the relationship between last known normal–to–treatment time and excellent outcome.

Results:

Among 941 tPA-treated patients, 206 (21.8%) had lytic started within 60 minutes. Treatment on the MSU, older age, male sex, alert by 911, faster arrival on-scene and imaging, more severe stroke, atrial fibrillation, and absence of heart failure and pretreatment antihypertensive treatment were associated with FHT. Compared with later treatment, FHT was associated with higher adjusted odds ratio for 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 1 (odds ratio, 1.87 [95% CI, 1.25–2.84];
P
=0.003). Among FHT patients, 68% achieved a 90-day modified Rankin Scale of 0 or 1 or returned to their baseline status. FHT was not associated with higher risk of hemorrhage and was associated with reduced risk of treating neurovascular mimics.

Conclusions:

FHT almost doubles the odds of excellent clinical outcome without increased risk compared with later treatment, which supports the use of MSUs.
Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage After Endovascular Stroke Treatment: External Validation of Prediction Models
Authors: van der Ende Nadinda A.M. , Kremers Femke C.C. , van der Steen Wouter , Venema Esmee , Kappelhof Manon , Majoie Charles B.L.M. , Postma Alida A. , Boiten Jelis , van den Wijngaard Ido R. , van der Lugt Aad , Dippel Diederik W.J. , Roozenbeek Bob ,   on behalf of the MR CLEAN Registry Investigators
Published: January 2023

Background:

Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) is a severe complication of reperfusion therapy for ischemic stroke. Multiple models have been developed to predict sICH or intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) after reperfusion therapy. We provide an overview of published models and validate their ability to predict sICH in patients treated with endovascular treatment in daily clinical practice.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic search to identify models either developed or validated to predict sICH or ICH after reperfusion therapy (intravenous thrombolysis and/or endovascular treatment) for ischemic stroke. Models were externally validated in the MR CLEAN Registry (n=3180; Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands). The primary outcome was sICH according to the Heidelberg Bleeding Classification. Model performance was evaluated with discrimination (c-statistic, ideally 1; a c-statistic below 0.7 is considered poor in discrimination) and calibration (slope, ideally 1, and intercept, ideally 0).

Results:

We included 39 studies describing 40 models. The most frequently used predictors were baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; n=35), age (n=22), and glucose level (n=22). In the MR CLEAN Registry, sICH occurred in 188/3180 (5.9%) patients. Discrimination ranged from 0.51 (SPAN-100 [Stroke Prognostication Using Age and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale]) to 0.61 (SITS-SICH [Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage] and STARTING-SICH [STARTING Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage]). Best calibrated models were IST-3 (intercept, −0.15 [95% CI, −0.01 to −0.31]; slope, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.50−1.09]), SITS−SICH (intercept, 0.15 [95% CI, −0.01 to 0.30]; slope, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.38−0.87]), and STARTING−SICH (intercept, −0.03 [95% CI, −0.19 to 0.12]; slope, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.35−0.76]).

Conclusions:

The investigated models to predict sICH or ICH discriminate poorly between patients with a low and high risk of sICH after endovascular treatment in daily clinical practice and are, therefore, not clinically useful for this patient population.
Incongruent Enjambments: The Case of Classical French Verse
Authors: Dell François , Benini Romain
Published: January 2023

In versified texts, congruence is one facet of the concordance between the edges of metrical constituents and those of grammatical constituents. Congruence may be characterized roughly as the requirement that no element within a syntactic constituent be in a stronger metrical position than the final element in that constituent. If break strength is defined in terms applicable to any constituent structure tree, syntactic as well as metrical, incongruences are discrepancies between the relative strengths of two breaks in metrical structure and the relative strengths of their counterparts in syntactic structure. Although our primary source of data is classical French verse, the characterization of congruence we present is a rather abstract one that does not make reference to features that are specific to French poetic forms or to the grammatical structure of the French language. This should make this characterization applicable in other poetic traditions.
Ritual Syntax Revisited
Authors: Payne Richard K.
Published: January 2023

The syntactic analysis of ritual initiated by Frits Staal (1979) provides an effective means for the study of differences between rituals within a particular ritual culture, of changes to a ritual over time, and of changes as rituals are transmitted from one ritual culture to another. The utility of a syntactic approach continues to be obscured by Hans Penner’s critique (1985), which when examined in the first section of this article, “Clearing the Ground,” proves to be faulty. Despite Penner’s critique, some scholars have employed syntactic analyses, and the work of five of them is discussed in the second section, “Existing Constructive Projects.” The following section, “Foundations,” examines the methodological bases of ritual syntax – formalism and abstraction, the difference between production and analysis – and distinguishes three levels of syntactic analysis that parallel linguistic analyses of sentences and sentence structures. The final section, “Extending the Construction,” further develops the technical aspects of a syntactic analysis of ritual into new areas, including alternative diagramming of syntactic structures.
Taxonomic and nomenclatural notes on Andryala glandulosa subsp. cheiranthifolia (Cichorieae, Asteraceae) from Madeira Island, Portugal
Authors: FERREIRA MARIA ZITA , ÁLVAREZ FERNÁNDEZ INÉS , DE SEQUEIRA MIGUEL MENEZES
Published: January 2023

Currently two subspecies of Andryala glandulosa endemic to Madeira (Portugal) are recognized: A. glandulosa subsp. glandulosa and A. glandulosa subsp. cheiranthifolia. A thorough revision of both taxonomical and nomenclatural aspects led us to the conclusion that the subspecific epithet cheiranthifolia was misapplied. Thus, we suggest to synonymize Andryala glandulosa with A. cheiranthifolia and accept A. glandulosa as the correct name for the taxon presently known as A. glandulosa subsp. glandulosa. The taxon currently recognized as A. glandulosa subsp. cheiranthifolia exhibits distinct vegetative and reproductive structures when compared to A. glandulosa subsp. glandulosa and should, therefore, be treated as a separate species, for which the name A. subglabrata is hereby proposed. A detailed description and illustration of A. subglabrata are provided and its lectotype is designated. Diagnostic characters are discussed and compared with those of A. glandulosa.
Oropetium almeidanum (Poaceae: Chloridoideae): a new species from The Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India
Authors: SHINDE RAJENDRA D. , LANDGE SHAHID NAWAZ , KULLOLI R.N. , CHORGHE ALOK R.
Published: January 2023

Oropetium almeidanum, a new species has been described from Thar Desert, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan based on the specimens collected recently from Jaisalmer and a specimen present in the Blatter Herbarium (BLAT). The new grass is allied to three African species viz.,O. minimum, O. capense and O. aristatum. Detailed description, photo plate and illustration of a new species along with a brief discussion on its close affinities are given. Key to distinguish all the species of Oropetium in the world along with the table of their detailed morphological comparison is provided to facilitate their proper identification.
Aubrieta birolmutlui (Brassicaceae), a new species from Eastern Turkey with molecular phylogenetic support
Authors: DÖNMEZ ALİ A. , AYDIN ZÜBEYDE UĞURLU , KAYA YASİN , YÜZBAŞIOĞLU İ. SIRRI
Published: January 2023

Aubrieta birolmutlui is described as a new species from the eastern part of Turkey based on morphological and molecular data. The new species is confined to limestone rock and is most similar to A. macrostyla, but it differs by having only rosette-like basal leaves, larger and entire leaves with sparse indumentum, bigger fruit and short style. The new species is also close to A. libanotica and A. canescens according to the morphological data. The morphological characters of the new species distinguishing it from its relatives are given in a comparative table and discussed. This new species, the closest relative taxa, and some of the Aubrieta species have been studied by sequencing the most commonly used plastid markers in the genus, namely trnS- ycf9, trnL-F and trnL intron. All the sequences have been evaluated by Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian approaches and the results support the morphological species delimitation. A detailed morphological description, photographs from the habitat of the new species, and a phylogenetic consensus tree are provided herein. The new species is assigned to the CR threat category of the IUCN.
New records of false spider mites (Acari: Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae) in Greece
Authors: STATHAKIS THEODOROS I. , VRETTOS DIMITRIOS P. , PANOU ELENI N. , KAPAXIDI ELEFTHERIA V.
Published: January 2023

Two false spider mite species (Tetranychoidea: Tenuipalpidae) are reported in Greece. One new species, Aegyptobia insularis Stathakis and Vrettos sp. nov., collected from the Mediterranean shrub Phagnalon rupestre ssp. graecum (Asteraceae), is described. Dolichotetranychus summersi Pritchard and Baker is found on a new and probably natural host plant, the common couch grass Elymus repens (Poaceae); this is the first record of this mite in the Palearctic region. Females and deutonymphs of D. summersi are redescribed, based on the specimens from Greece.
New taxonomic status of the Pseudotachycines procerus guizhouensis Zhu & Shi, 2022 (Rhaphidophoridae: Aemodogryllinae: Aemodogryllini)
Authors: HUANG SHIHUI , LIN CHUN , LUO CHANGQING
Published: January 2023

The genus Pseudotachycines belongs to the tribe Aemodogryllini of the subfamily Aemodogryllinae. In the present paper, we examined the morphological features of male and female adults of the subspecies P. procerus guizhouensis, and suggested that this subspecies should be treated as a separate species. We redescribed the male of P. guizhouensis in detail. The morphological information and some related photographs of the female of this species were provided for the first time in this study. The morphological differentiation between P. guizhouensis and P. procerus was discussed.
Improving Indian Higher Education Quality: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Deb Rajat
Published: January 2023

The core purpose of publicly funded Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) has been to extend the frontier of knowledge and cutting-edge quality research across disciplines. Accordingly, the HEIs should be such that can tackle social and economic questions and impact public policy. Interestingly, for attaining the desired and meaningful outcomes, HE funding should be accompanied by a corresponding development of faculty capabilities, including nurturing a vibrant academic culture and placing an emphasis on quality research. Moreover, every HEI should develop an institution-based research thrust across disciplines as envisaged in the New Education Policy, 2020.
Tracheopexy and aortopexy for circumflex aortic arch on a small infant
Authors: Poolthananant Nisit , Thapmongkol Siraphop , Srisingh Klaita , Phuaksaman Chutima , Sripariwuth Apichaya
Published: January 2023

Circumflex aortic arch is a rare vascular ring anomaly, which is often associated with tracheobronchomalacia. Aortic uncrossing is the definitive repair of this condition, which is a major high-risk operation; therefore, it is not suitable for small patients such as newborn infants or individuals who have severe comorbidities. We present a case of the circumflex aortic arch with tracheobronchomalacia in a 2.7-kg infant who underwent successful innovative combined surgery of the airway and the aorta.
The effect of dietary patterns on maternal anaemia in North Shewa, Ethiopia: A case–control study with Propensity Score Analysis
Authors: Kibret Kelemu Tilahun , Chojenta Catherine , D’Arcy Ellie , Loxton Deborah
Published: January 2023

Objective

This study aimed to assess the effect of dietary patterns during pregnancy on anaemia.

Design, Setting and Participants

A case–control study with propensity score analysis was conducted among pregnant women selected from five health facilities in North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia from November 2018 to March 2019. A multivariable conditional logistic regression model was applied after propensity score matching to assess the effect of dietary patterns on anaemia, and a p < 0.05 was taken as significant. Four hundred and seventeen pregnant women were included (105 cases and 312 controls) with a 1:3 case-to-control ratio. Cases were pregnant women with a haemoglobin level <11 gram/Deci litter (g/dL), and controls were pregnant women with a haemoglobin level ≥11.0 g/dL.

Results

A low dietary diversity score (adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 2.14; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24, 3.69), reducing food intake (AOR = 6.89; 95% CI: 3.23, 14.70) and having no formal education (AOR = 3.13; 95% CI: 1.18, 8.32) were associated with higher odds of anaemia among pregnant women.

Conclusions

During pregnancy, intake of a low diversified diet, reduced food intake and low educational status were associated with higher odds of anaemia. Dietary counselling should be emphasised and strengthened in the existing prenatal health service program, with women strongly encouraged to increase their diversified food intake instead of reducing it during pregnancy.