bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Tox21 Screening Data to Evaluate the COVID-19 Drug Candidates for Their Potential Toxic Effects and Related Pathways
Authors: Sakamuru Srilatha , Huang Ruili , Xia Menghang
Published: July 2022

Currently, various potential therapeutic agents for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), a global pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), are being investigated worldwide mainly through the drug repurposing approach. Several anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-malarial, and anti-inflammatory drugs were employed in randomized trials and observational studies for developing new therapeutics for COVID-19. Although an increasing number of repurposed drugs have shown anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities in vitro, so far only remdesivir has been approved by the US FDA to treat COVID-19, and several other drugs approved for Emergency Use Authorization, including sotrovimab, tocilizumab, baricitinib, paxlovid, molnupiravir, and other potential strategies to develop safe and effective therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 infection are still underway. Many drugs employed as anti-viral may exert unwanted side effects (i.e., toxicity) via unknown mechanisms. To quickly assess these drugs for their potential toxicological effects and mechanisms, we used the Tox21 in vitro assay datasets generated from screening ∼10,000 compounds consisting of approved drugs and environmental chemicals against multiple cellular targets and pathways. Here we summarize the toxicological profiles of small molecule drugs that are currently under clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19 based on their in vitro activities against various targets and cellular signaling pathways.
Facile Fabrication of Single-Layer Janus Membrane for Underwater Bubble Unidirectional Transport
Authors: Liu Chunhua , Peng Yun , Huang Conglin , Shang Jiaoping , Liu Guohua , Li Yibao
Published: July 2022

Janus membranes with superwetting play an important role in many fields, such as oil/water separation, unidirectional fluid transportation, microfluidic devices, intelligent ion valve, mass/heat transfer applications, etc. Although there has been some progress in the preparation of the Janus membranes with unidirectional penetration, it still remains a great difficulty for facile fabrication of two dimensional Janus membranes with a large pore structure and stable bubble unidirectional transport in the water. Herein, a signal-layer Janus membrane with superwetting is fabricated via the method of liquid-regulated hydrophobic modification strategy. The resultant Janus mesh achieves underwater unidirectional penetration. Namely, Underwater bubbles can pass unidirectionally from superhydrophobic side to hydrophilic side, but are blocked from passing through in the opposite direction. Thus, this Janus membrane with the unidirectional underwater bubbles penetration “diode” performance. We believe this work can promote the development of multi-dimensional Janus materials for fluid directional transport.
SPH Analysis of Sliding Material Volume and Influence Range of Soil Slope Under Earthquake
Authors: Zhang Weijie , Yu Ruihua , Chen Yu , Chen Shuxin
Published: July 2022

The post-failure process of soil slope triggered by earthquake is usually characterized by large deformation, which can be properly addressed by SPH simulation. Meanwhile, it is of engineering significance to evaluate the sliding volume and influence range after the failure of soil slope. The simulation method is based on the Drucker–Prager constitutive model and the SPH method. The fixity boundary and free boundary particles are adopted to realize the application of ground motion and the simulation of free field boundary, and this study proposes a dynamic analysis model for the whole-failure process simulation of soil slope under earthquakes. By comparing the PGA amplification coefficients obtained from the model test and numerical simulation, the accuracy of ground motion input and ground motion response simulation is verified. Then, the proposed dynamic analysis method is used to simulate a shaking table test of soil slope in the literature. The results of the deformation of the soil slope after the test are compared to verify the accuracy of the analysis method in the soil slope displacement and the influence range under the earthquake action. Finally, by comparing the SPH results of slopes under different angles with and without vibration, this study obtains the variation rules of sliding material volume and the influence range of soil slope under seismic vibration. The greater the slope angle is, the greater the displacement of the slope will be with vibration, and the sliding material volume will present different trends under different displacement thresholds. Moreover, the horizontal displacement of the slope under the effect of an earthquake increases nonlinearly with the increase of slope incline angle.
Towards Routine Clinical Use of Dosimetry in [177Lu]Lu-PSMA Prostate Cancer Radionuclide Therapy: Current Efforts and Future Perspectives
Authors: Alsadi Rahaf , Djekidel Mehdi , Bouhali Othmane , Doherty Jim O’
Published: July 2022

In light of widely expanding personalized medicine applications and their impact on clinical outcomes, it is naturally befitting to explore all the dimensional aspects of personalized radionuclide therapy (RNT). Adoption of absorbed radiation dose into clinical practice in the field of RNT has been hampered by difficulties such as evidence of dose-effect correlation, technical requirements in quantitative imaging of the radiopharmaceutical, heterogeneity of methods between not only centers, but also across software, hardware and radionuclides used. Additionally, standardized agreed upon definition of outcome measures is being debated whether it be solely related to toxicity, quality of life, survival or other measures. Many clinical RNT activity administrations are still based on empirical/fixed activities, or scaled based on parameters such as body surface area. Although still challenging, a tremendous amount of progress has been made to facilitate routine clinical dosimetry with discussions regarding standardization, harmonization and automated processing techniques. This has also been aided by the development and FDA approval of several companion diagnostics allowing within the theranostic paradigm not only a crude qualitative predictive biomarker but also an objective dosimetry based predictive therapeutic biomarker. This work aims to review the literature of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA RNT, focusing on clinical trials and studies, with the goal to summarize the range of dosimetry techniques and the range of doses calculated to organs and tissues of interest from these techniques. A dosimetry method for [177Lu]Lu-PSMA RNT should be reliable, reproducible and encompassing the knowledge gained from all clinical trials evaluating it. Its translation into clinical routine practice can be achieved with the confirmation that dose calculation represents good clinical efficacy and low treatment-related toxicity. Finally, some future perspectives on the future of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA RNT are made, especially in the rapidly emerging field of artificial intelligence (AI), where deep learning may be able to play a large role in the simplification of dosimetry calculations to aid in their clinical adoption.
The Harm of Metabolically Healthy Obese and the Effect of Exercise on Their Health Promotion
Authors: Su Liqiang , Pan Yihe , Chen Haichun
Published: July 2022

Obesity and obesity-related diseases [type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer] are becoming more common, which is a major public health concern. Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) has become a type of obesity, accounting for a large proportion of obese people. MHO is still harmful to health. It was discovered that MHO screening criteria could not well reflect health hazards, whereas visceral fat, adiponectin pathway, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and histological indicators at the microlevel could clearly distinguish MHO from health control, and the biological pathways involved in these micro indicators were related to MHO pathogenesis. This review reveals that MHO’s micro metabolic abnormality is the initial cause of the increase of disease risk in the future. Exploring the biological pathway of MHO is important in order to develop an effective mechanism-based preventive and treatment intervention strategy. Exercise can correct the abnormal micro metabolic pathway of MHO, regulate metabolic homeostasis, and enhance metabolic flexibility. It is a supplementary or possible alternative to the traditional healthcare prevention/treatment strategy as well as an important strategy for reducing MHO-related health hazards.
Effects of High Ammonium Loading on Two Submersed Macrophytes of Different Growth Form Based on an 18-Month Pond Experiment
Authors: Yu Qing , Wang Haijun , Wang Hongzhu , Xu Chao , Liu Miao , Ma Yu , Li Yan , Ma Shuonan , Hamilton David P. , Jeppesen Erik
Published: July 2022

Ammonium (NH4-N) produces a paradoxical effect on submersed macrophytes because it is not only the preferred nitrogen source for the growth of plants but also threatens the growth of plants at high concentration. Whether short-term and small-scale physiological toxicity experiments at an individual level can reflect the effects of high ammonium on populations of submersed macrophytes in natural conditions is still unclear. In this study, an 18-month experiment was conducted in six 600 m2 ponds subjected to different levels of ammonium loading. The effects of high ammonium on populations of canopy-forming Myriophyllum spicatum and rosette-forming Vallisneria natans were explored. The results showed that M. spicatum and V. natans populations can develop high cover and height at high ammonium concentration (7 mg/L) at short-term exposures, and V. natans may be tolerant to 18 mg/L ammonium concentration. However, the cover of M. spicatum and the height of both species were inhibited at 2.4 mg/L at long-term exposures. The height of M. spicatum was two to six times higher than that of V. natans across all treatments and control by the end of the experiment, and the cover of M. spicatum was 7–11 times higher than that of V. natans in most NH4-N loading treatments, except the cover of M. spicatum in the highest NH4-N loading treatment with 18 mg/L NH4-N. The rosette-forming V. natans resists ammonium stress by slow growth (shoot elongation) to reduce consumption, while canopy-forming species resist ammonium stress by shoot elongation and canopy development to capture light. Although increasing ammonium concentration may induce severe stress on M. spicatum, the morphological characteristics of this species may, to some extent, release the plants from this stress. Our present study indicates that the negative effects of ammonium stress on the development of populations increased with exposure duration, and the submersed macrophyte community with stronger ability for light capture and dispersal may resist high ammonium stress. Nevertheless, in strongly ammonium-enriched systems, competition and succession cannot be neglected.
Halotolerant Bacillus altitudinis WR10 improves salt tolerance in wheat via a multi-level mechanism
Authors: Yue Zonghao , Chen Yanjuan , Wang Yifan , Zheng Limin , Zhang Qiaoyang , Liu Yongchuang , Hu Chunhong , Chen Can , Ma Keshi , Sun Zhongke
Published: July 2022

Soil salinity is an important abiotic stress factor that seriously affects the crop growth and yield. Use of plant-derived microorganisms is a promising strategy to alleviate salt stress. In a previous study, the endophytic strain Bacillus altitudinis WR10 isolated from wheat roots showed high salt resistance. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of WR10 in improving the salt tolerance of wheat and its potential mechanisms using a hydroponic test. Under salt stress, WR10 inoculation significantly increased the lengths and dry weights of the roots and shoots, indicating that WR10 improves wheat salt tolerance at the seedling stage. WR10 inoculation significantly reduced Na+ accumulation and enhanced K+, P, and Ca2+ uptake in salt-stressed plants, which can be attributed to the upregulated gene expression of H+-ATPase as well as the P-solubilizing and biofilm-producing characteristics of WR10. At the transcriptional level, L-ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione (GSH) synthetase related to GSH biosynthesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis genes (CYP73A, 4CL, and CAD) were significantly upregulated, whereas those of GSH metabolism genes (glutathione S-transferase and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase) were significantly downregulated in WR10-applied wheat roots under salt stress. These changes increased the APX activity and GSH levels and resulted in a decrease in hydrogen peroxide levels. Additionally, a decrease in proline content was observed in WR10-inoculated plants under salt stress because of WR10-induced upregulation of proline dehydrogenase gene expression. These results provide supporting evidence that WR10 improves wheat salt tolerance via more than one mechanism and open a window of opportunity for WR10 application in salinized soil.
Surface Defect Detection of Cabbage Based on Curvature Features of 3D Point Cloud
Authors: Gu Jin , Zhang Yawei , Yin Yanxin , Wang Ruixue , Deng Junwen , Zhang Bin
Published: July 2022

The dents and cracks of cabbage caused by mechanical damage during transportation have a direct impact on both commercial value and storage time. In this study, a method for surface defect detection of cabbage is proposed based on the curvature feature of the 3D point cloud. First, the red-green-blue (RGB) images and depth images are collected using a RealSense-D455 depth camera for 3D point cloud reconstruction. Then, the region of interest (ROI) is extracted by statistical filtering and Euclidean clustering segmentation algorithm, and the 3D point cloud of cabbage is segmented from background noise. Then, the curvature features of the 3D point cloud are calculated using the estimated normal vector based on the least square plane fitting method. Finally, the curvature threshold is determined according to the curvature characteristic parameters, and the surface defect type and area can be detected. The flat-headed cabbage and round-headed cabbage are selected to test the surface damage of dents and cracks. The test results show that the average detection accuracy of this proposed method is 96.25%, in which, the average detection accuracy of dents is 93.3% and the average detection accuracy of cracks is 96.67%, suggesting high detection accuracy and good adaptability for various cabbages. This study provides important technical support for automatic and non-destructive detection of cabbage surface defects.
Financial Disruption and Psychological Underpinning During COVID-19: A Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Singh Sanjeet , Bedi Deepali
Published: July 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disastrous impacts on sustainability initiatives and worsened poverty, hunger, and health issues. The financial distress by this pandemic has resulted in psychological challenges among the people. The list of vulnerable sections of the psychological impacts of the financial problems during COVID-19 is led by students, pregnant women, children, old age people, parents, and many more. The recommendations of this article are to focus on coping strategies for managing psychological issues related to financial problems during the pandemic, facilitating social support, promoting public health facilities and health insurance, financial support for pregnant women, and child care. Special care for old-age people and support for troubling parents and students. This article also recommends interventions and policies for reviving the disrupted businesses and strengthening entrepreneurs. Measures for income generation, removal of hunger, and reducing addictions and gambling should also be on the priority list. Limited collaboration among countries was observed, but robust collaboration among the research institutions and authors.
Music aesthetic teaching and emotional visualization under emotional teaching theory and deep learning
Authors: Li Yang
Published: July 2022

The study aims to overcome the shortcomings of the traditional music teaching system, for it cannot analyze the emotions of music works and does not have the advantages in music aesthetic teaching. First, the relevant theories of emotional teaching are expounded and the important roles of emotional teaching and aesthetic teaching in shaping students’ personalities are described. Second, a music emotion classification model based on the deep neural network (DNN) is proposed, and it can accurately classify music emotions through model training. Finally, according to the emotional teaching theory and the model based on DNN, a visual system of music teaching is designed for visualizing the emotions, which is helpful to students’ understanding of music works and the improvement of teaching effect. The results show that: (1) the teaching system designed has five parts, namely the audio input layer, emotion classification layer, virtual role perception layer, emotion expression layer, and output layer. The system can classify the emotions of the current input audio and map it to the virtual characters for emotional expression. Finally, the emotions are displayed to the students through the display screen layer to realize the visualization of the emotions of music works, so that the students can intuitively feel the emotional elements in the works. (2) The accuracy of the music emotion classification model based on DNN is more than 3.4% higher than other models and has better performance. The study provides important technical support for the upgrading of the teaching system and improving the quality of music aesthetic teaching.
Understanding Motivation, Career Planning, and Socio-Cultural Adaptation Difficulties as Determinants of Higher Education Institution Choice Decision by International Students in the Post-pandemic Era
Authors: Zuo Kun
Published: July 2022

The world is facing an unprecedented health crisis with the spread of COVID-19 across different corners of the globe. This pandemic has raised more significant concerns about international students’ learning environment, personality development, and career planning, particularly in high-ranked institutes in China. Now the question concerning this dilemma is, would the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affect students’ education and the country culture where they are bound to seek information and the subject education? Therefore, this study examines the impact of innovative learning environment, career planning, and socio-cultural adaptation-related difficulties faced by international students as determinants of higher education institution choice decisions made by international students in the post-pandemic era. This quantitative study examined international students in high-ranked universities across China. The data from 260 students were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the AMOS technique. Moreover, it has been observed that the current global health crisis has intensified social inequalities across different international higher education systems. Countries fail to maintain the scale of the innovative international learning environment. The results further indicated that international students are more considerate of innovative learning environments, cultural adoption, career planning, and personality development, specifically after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has drastically affected the global higher education system. Unusually, more than half of the participants wanted to maintain the option of overall distance education after the pandemic. However, apart from this argument, it is appropriate to demand significant changes in post-pandemic education adapted to the post-digital era and to satisfy the concerns and expectations of the students.
The Impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder on Parents in Arab Countries: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Alkhateeb Jamal M. , Hadidi Muna S. , Mounzer Wissam
Published: July 2022

Background

Having a child with autism spectrum disorder can have significant psychological effects on parents. This systematic review summarizes the current state of literature underscoring the impact of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on parents in Arab countries

Methods

A systematic search of seven databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Google Scholar, ERIC, Academic Search Complete, and PsycINFO) was performed, which identified 24 studies (20 quantitative studies and four qualitative studies) that included 3,299 parents or caregivers of children with ASD. These studies were conducted in 10 Arab countries (Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Emirates, Palestine, Qatar, and Lebanon).

Results

The majority of the included studies found that ASD has a significant negative impact on the mental health and wellbeing of Arab parents. It was found that parents of children with ASD have a poor quality of life (QoL) and an increased risk of psychological disorders. These findings were in contrast to findings of parents of typically developing children and children with other developmental disorders. Challenges faced by parents of children with ASD were associated with several child- and parent-related factors. The most common coping strategy used by parents was religious coping.

Conclusion

The impact of ASD on parents has only recently gained traction among researchers in Arab countries. Despite several knowledge gaps, published studies have provided useful information outlining the impact of ASD on parents in some of these countries. Further research comprising larger random samples and using varied research and data-collection methods is required to understand the multifaceted challenges experienced by parents raising children with ASD in Arab countries.
Mediating Mechanisms of Perfectionism: Clinical Comorbidity of OCD and ED
Authors: Reivan Ortiz Geovanny Genaro , Rivera Tapia Cristhian Javier , Elizalde Martínez Braulio Andrés , Icaza Daniel
Published: July 2022

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and eating disorders (ED) share common causal factors and often represent similar entities. Studies on obsessive-compulsive disorders and eating disorders reveal a significant correlation between maladaptive perfectionism. The objective of this study is to evaluate the predictive variables of perfectionism in patients diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and OCD using a structural equation model (SEM). The sample consisted of 187 participants (60.9% women, 39.1% men) with a mean age of 26.68 (SD = 10.97). The findings reveal that the model is the same in all the disorders evaluated, achieving an adequate fit: χ2 = 7.95 (p= 0.000), RMSEA = 0.087 (95% confidence interval: 0.00 to 0.02), CFI = 0.991, TLI = 0.951 and with an overall predictive capacity of around 30% (CD = 0.318). It is recommended that future studies address the subtypes of disorders evaluated using longitudinal designs.
Lamotrigine and Lithium Combination for Treatment of Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder: Results From Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhihan Gao , Fengli Sun , Wangqiang Lv , Dong Shen , Weidong Jin
Published: July 2022

Objective

The objective of this study is to observe the effect of combination of lithium and lamotrigine in treatment of rapid-cycling bipolar disorder (RCBD).

Method

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library in English and CBM, CNKI, WANFANG, and CSSCI in Chinese to find literature from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2020 related to the combination of lithium carbonate and lamotrigine for treatment of RCBD.

Results

Five comparison studies with 265 subjects of 131 cases in a study group and 134 cases in a control group met the inclusion criteria and were included for the final meta-analysis. The comprehensive analysis shows that the study group had a significant lower score in mental symptoms than the control group (Z = 2.34, P = 0.02) with a random model (X2 = 33.02, df = 7, P < 0.01). However, the differences were only shown in PANSS (Z = 5.18, P < 0.01) and BPRS (Z = 3.08, P < 0.01). There was no difference in response rate (54.9 vs. 45.7%; OR = 1.47; 95% CI: 0.79~2.73; Z = 1.21, P > 0.05,) and remission rate (47.9 vs. 45.9%; OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.49~2.25; Z = 0.13, P > 0.05,) found between the two groups. The response rate of lamotrigine and lithium combination was significantly higher compare to that of monotherapy of lithium in patients with no treatment resistant (82 vs. 54%; OR = 4.26; 95% CI: 1.65~10.99; Z = 3.99, P < 0.01) with the fixed effect model (X2 = 0.89, df = 1, P > 0.05, I2 = 0%).

Conclusion

The combination of lithium and lamotrigine resulted in better improvement of psychotic symptoms and higher response rate in patients with RCBP with no treatment resistant.
Leveraging Innovative Financing Strategy to Increase Coverage and Resources Among Informal Sector for Social Health Insurance Within the Nigerian Context of Devolution: Evidence From Adoption Model Implementation
Authors: Onyemaechi Simeon Beluonwu , Ezenwaka Uchenna Rita
Published: July 2022

Background

Enrollment in sub-national social health insurance schemes (SSHIS) can be challenging in developing countries like Nigeria, particularly among people in the informal sector. This could be due to a lack of knowledge on its mode of operation and benefits, distrust in government, inimical religious and traditional beliefs, as well as constraining economic factors. A complementary and innovative financing strategy such as the philanthropist adoption model (ADM) could be beneficial in improving SSHIS coverage and financial resources among persons in the informal sector. The study provides new evidence on how ADM influenced health insurance coverage and resources within SSHIS among informal settings in Nigeria. It also highlights contextual factors influencing the implementation of ADM.

Methods

This study employed a mixed-methods case-study approach undertaken in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria. Data were collected through in-depth interviews (n = 14), document review (n = 12), and quantitative (enrollment data) methods. The respondents were purposively selected based on their involvement with the implementation of the SSHIS. Data analysis for qualitative data was done using the manual thematic framework approach while descriptive analysis was performed for the quantitative data.

Results

The implementation of ADM was a valuable and effective strategy for improving knowledge, coverage, and resource mobilization (annual premium pool) within the SSHIS in the informal sector. The main enablers of the implementation of ADM include strong political will and commitment, wider stakeholders' consultation and collaboration, numerous public-spirited philanthropists, and legal institutionalization of health insurance. Other enablers include organizational factors like good teamwork among Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) staff, enabling work environment (incentives, supervision, office space), and experienced marketers in the agency. However, ADM had several barriers that affected its implementation—acceptability issues due to distrust for government and the health system, health systems barriers including substandard health facilities and equipment, and inimical cultural and religious beliefs about health insurance.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates a case for the implementation of innovative ADM as a strategy for enhancing SSHIS financial sustainability and coverage of persons in the informal sector. Hence, the strategy should be adopted in settings where philanthropy abounds for increasing access to quality healthcare delivery to poor beneficiaries toward achieving universal health coverage in developing countries.
Time to Recovery From Moderate Acute Malnutrition and Its Predictors Among Children 6–59 Months of Age Enrolled in Targeted Supplementary Feeding Program in Darolebu District, Eastern Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Rashid Mohammed Yahya , Kebira Jemal Yusuf , Oljira Lemessa , Dheresa Merga
Published: July 2022

Background

Acute malnutrition is a major global public health problem, particularly in low and middle-income countries. A targeted supplementary feeding program is an approach recommended to address moderate acute malnutrition in food insecure settings. Preventing and treating moderate acute malnutrition requires identifying factors shown to affect the treatment outcome and duration of stay on treatment. This study aimed to determine the treatment outcome and predictors of recovery time from moderate acute malnutrition among children 6–59 months of age in Darolebu district, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study design was conducted on 540 children with moderate acute malnutrition. A Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to estimate the recovery time. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to determine the association between the independent and the outcome variables. The proportional hazard assumption of the model was checked graphically and statistically. Any violation of the proportional hazard assumption of the model was also considered and adjusted in the analysis. Finally, a variable with a P-value <0.05 in the multivariate cox regression model was considered statistically significant.

Results

The overall recovery rate was 73% (95% CI 69.4–76.4%) with the median time to recovery of 16 weeks. Being between the ages of 24 and 59 months (AHR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.01–1.54), having a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) at admission between 11.5 and 11.9 cm (AHR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.34–2.61), walking for an hour or less to receive services (AHR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.02–1.89), using ready-to-use supplementary food (AHR= 1.8, 95%CI: 1.38–2.39) were significant predictors of recovery time.

Conclusion

The recovery rate was slightly below the accepted minimum international standard, suggesting that further work is needed to improve the treatment outcomes and mortality and morbidity associated with moderate acute malnutrition.
Case Report: First Case of Endophthalmitis Caused by an Emerging Pathogen: Nocardia huaxiensis
Authors: Liu Chang , Zhang Lei , Liu Lili , Wang Ye , Cui Yanhui , Liang Tianwei , Chen Tianming , Jiang Yongqiang , Liu Gang , Li Li
Published: July 2022

Nocardia endophthalmitis is a relatively uncommon form of endophthalmitis seen in clinical patients. In general, Nocardia endophthalmitis tends to carry a poor prognosis. Here, we report a 3-year-old child who was admitted to the hospital due to a rupture of the left eye. The suturing and anterior chamber formation were performed immediately. Approximately, 16 days after the operation, massive whitish plump and tufted exudates gathered in the pupil area and at the bottom of the anterior chamber, and the child was diagnosed with endophthalmitis. The infection was initially considered to be caused by fungal pathogens for that the hyphae and spores were observed in the smear. However, the isolate obtained after 4 days of culturation was identified as actinomycetes using MALDI–TOF. We further classified it as Nocardia huaxiensis by next-generation sequencing (NGS) based on the MinION platform. Amikacin and sulfamethoxazole tablets were used to control the infection and the ocular inflammation subsided gradually. Intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is planned to be performed at an appropriate future time to improve his vision. Nocardia endophthalmitis is rare and usually caused by ocular trauma or surgery. In conclusion, Nocardia huaxiensis should be considered as an emerging pathogen and deserves more attention.
Computer Visual Syndrome in Medical Students From a Private University in Paraguay: A Survey Study
Authors: Coronel-Ocampos Johanna , Gómez Jonathan , Gómez Alexis , Quiroga-Castañeda Pedro P. , Valladares-Garrido Mario J.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To determine the prevalence and factors associated with computer vision syndrome in medical students at a private university in Paraguay.

Methods

A survey study was conducted in 2021 in a sample of 228 medical students from the Universidad del Pacífico, Paraguay. The dependent variable was CVS, measured with the Computer Visual Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q). Its association with covariates (hours of daily use of notebook, smartphone, tablet and PC, taking breaks when using equipment, use of preventive visual measures, use of glasses, etc.) was examined.

Results

The mean age was 22.3 years and 71.5% were women. CVS was present in 82.5% of participants. Higher prevalence of CVS was associated with wearing a framed lens (PR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03–1.20). In contrast, taking a break when using electronic equipment at least every 20 min and every 1 h reduced 7% (PR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87–0.99) and 6% (PR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89–0.99) the prevalence of CVS, respectively.

Conclusion

Eight out of 10 students experienced CVS during the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of framed lenses increased the presence of CVS, while taking breaks when using electronic equipment at least every 20 min and every 1 h reduced CVS.
Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines and Risk of Kidney Stones: A Cross-Sectional Study in US Adults
Authors: Zhang Guangyuan , Zou Xiangyu , Mao Weipu , Chen Ming
Published: July 2022

Background

Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are a group of harmful substances produced while cooking meat at high temperatures. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between HAAs and the occurrence of kidney stones.

Methods

Data on the level of four HAAs, including 2-Amino-9H-pyrido [2, 3-b] indole (A-α-C), 1-Methyl-9H-pyrido [3, 4-b] indole (Harman), 9H-Pyrido [3, 4-b] indole (Norharman), and 2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo [4, 5-b] pyridine (PhIP), in the urine from adult participants were extracted from the 2013–2014 NHANES database. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance confounding variables between the stone former and non-stone former groups, and logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between HAAs and the occurrence of kidney stones.

Results

Of the 1,558 eligible participants, a history of kidney stones was self-reported by 140 (9.0%). Compared to non-stone formers, stone formers had higher concentrations of A-α-C, Harman, and Norharman and lower concentrations of PhlP in urine. After adjusting for all other confounding variables, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the high-Harman group had a higher risk of kidney stones than the low-Harman group [adjusted odds ratios (aOR) = 1.618, 95% CI: 1.076–2.433, p = 0.021]. After PSM analysis, Harman concentration remained a risk factor for kidney stones (high-Harman group vs. low-Harman group: aOR = 1.951, 95% CI: 1.059–3.596, p = 0.032).

Conclusion

Increased urinary Harman concentrations are associated with an increased risk of kidney stones in the general US population.
Reliability of Evidence to Guide Decision-Making in the Use of Acupuncture for Postpartum Depression
Authors: Hu Xiuwu , Fan Qian , Ma Li , Jin Rui , Gong Rui , Zhao Xiaoying , Qiu Fenfen , Zhou Liang
Published: July 2022

Background

There is conflicting evidence on the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). This study aimed to assess previous systematic reviews/meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) on the effectiveness of acupuncture to treat PPD.

Method

SRs/MAs regarding the use of acupuncture for PPD were identified from the establishment of digital databases to November 2021. The Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2) was applied to evaluate the methodological quality of included SRs/MAs. The Grades of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was utilized to evaluate the evidence quality for outcomes of interest.

Results

Six studies that conducted quantitative syntheses were included. According to AMSTAR-2, the methodological quality of these SRs/MAs was critically low owing to limitations of items 2, 4, and 7. According to GRADE, no study included high-quality evidence and most studies included low-quality evidence.

Conclusions

Acupuncture m be beneficial for PPD, however, due to limitations of current evidence and inconsistent findings, further studies are needed to provide stronger evidence to draw definitive conclusions.
Effects and Interaction of Meteorological Factors on Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Urumqi, China, 2013–2019
Authors: Nie Yanwu , Lu Yaoqin , Wang Chenchen , Yang Zhen , Sun Yahong , Zhang Yuxia , Tian Maozai , Rifhat Ramziya , Zhang Liping
Published: July 2022

Background

Most existing studies have only investigated the delayed effect of meteorological factors on pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). However, the effect of extreme climate and the interaction between meteorological factors on PTB has been rarely investigated.

Methods

Newly diagonsed PTB cases and meteorological factors in Urumqi in each week between 2013 and 2019 were collected. The lag-exposure-response relationship between meteorological factors and PTB was analyzed using the distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM). The generalized additive model (GAM) was used to visualize the interaction between meteorological factors. Stratified analysis was used to explore the impact of meteorological factors on PTB in different stratification and RERI, AP and SI were used to quantitatively evaluate the interaction between meteorological factors.

Results

A total of 16,793 newly diagnosed PTB cases were documented in Urumqi, China from 2013 to 2019. The median (interquartile range) temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and PTB cases were measured as 11.3°C (−5.0–20.5), 57.7% (50.7–64.2), 4.1m/s (3.4–4.7), and 47 (37–56), respectively. The effects of temperature, relative humidity and wind speed on PTB were non-linear, which were found with the “N”-shaped, “L”-shaped, “N”-shaped distribution, respectively. With the median meteorological factor as a reference, extreme low temperature was found to have a protective effect on PTB. However, extreme high temperature, extreme high relative humidity, and extreme high wind speed were found to increase the risk of PTB and peaked at 31.8°C, 83.2%, and 7.6 m/s respectively. According to the existing monitoring data, no obvious interaction between meteorological factors was found, but low temperature and low humidity (RR = 1.149, 95%CI: 1.003–1.315), low temperature and low wind speed (RR = 1.273, 95%CI: 1.146–1.415) were more likely to cause the high incidence of PTB.

Conclusion

Temperature, relative humidity and wind speed were found to play vital roles in PTB incidence with delayed and non-linear effects. Extreme high temperature, extreme high relative humidity, and extreme high wind speed could increase the risk of PTB. Moreover, low temperature and low humidity, low temperature and low wind speed may increase the incidence of PTB.
Biodiversity Research in Central America: A Regional Comparison in Scientific Production Using Bibliometrics and Democracy Indicators
Authors: Morales-Marroquín Jonathan A. , Solis Miranda Regina , Baldin Pinheiro José , Zucchi Maria Imaculada
Published: July 2022

Central America science production on biodiversity topics is important in planning future adaptive and conservation policies in a climate-related risk region that is considered a biodiversity hotspot but has the lowest Human Development Index of Latin America. Science production on biodiversity is related to geo-referenced species occurrence records, but the accessibility depends on political frameworks and science funding. This paper aims at foregrounding how the democratic shifts throughout the years have had an impact on science production on biodiversity research, and species records. For this exploration we developed a novel systematic scientometric analysis of science production on biodiversity topics, we used Bio-Dem (open-source software of biodiversity records and socio-political variables) and briefly analyzed the history—from 1980 to 2020—of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. With a data set of 16,304 documents, our analysis shows the significant discrepancies between the low science production of Central American Northern countries (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua), the prolific production from the Southern (Costa Rica and Panama), and how this relates to democratic stability. Scientific production tends to be more abundant when democratic conditions are guaranteed. The state capture phenomenon and colonial-rooted interactions worldwide have an effect on the conditions under which science is being produced in Central America. Democracy, science production, funding, and conservation are core elements that go hand in hand, and that need to be nourished in a region that struggles with the protection of life and extractive activities in a climate change scenario.
Over 300 Radiation Caries Papers: Reflections From the Rearview Mirror
Authors: Pedroso Caique Mariano , Migliorati Cesar Augusto , Epstein Joel B. , Ribeiro Ana Carolina Prado , Brandão Thaís Bianca , Lopes Márcio Ajudarte , de Goes Mário Fernando , Santos-Silva Alan Roger
Published: July 2022

Radiation caries (RC) is an aggressive oral toxicity in head and neck cancer survivors, which develops 6 to 12 months after head and neck radiotherapy. It initially affects the tooth cervical/incisal surfaces, and if not promptly diagnosed/managed, progresses to dental crown amputation and risk of osteoradionecrosis. It results from a multidimensional cluster of treatment-induced oral symptoms, including hyposalivation, dietary changes, and oral hygiene impairment. Although recognized as a frequent complication of radiotherapy and extensively assessed by a myriad of retrospective, in vitro, and in situ studies, RC patients are still orphans of clinically validated methods for risk prediction, prevention, and treatment of early lesions. This review provides a historical overview of science-based concepts regarding RC pathogenesis and treatment, emphasizing the growing demand for interventional clinical studies (randomized trials).
Direct Evidence of Magnetic Reconnection Onset via the Tearing Instability
Authors: Bakrania Mayur R. , Rae I. Jonathan , Walsh Andrew P. , Verscharen Daniel , Smith Andy W. , Forsyth Colin , Tenerani Anna
Published: July 2022

Magnetic reconnection is a sporadic process responsible for energy release in space and laboratory plasmas. It is believed that the tearing mode instability may be responsible for the onset of reconnection in the magnetotail. However, due to its elusive nature, there is an absence of in-situ observations of the tearing instability prior to magnetic reconnection in our nearest natural plasma laboratory. Using neural network outlier detection methods in conjunction with Cluster spacecraft data, we find unique electron pitch angle distributions that are consistent with simulation predictions of the tearing instability and the subsequent evolution of plasma electrons and reconnection. We evaluate tearing stability criterion for the events identified via our neural network outlier method, and find signatures of magnetic reconnection minutes after the majority of tearing observations. Our analysis of the tearing instability provides new insights into the fundamental understanding of the mechanism responsible for reconnection, a process that is ubiquitous in different astrophysical plasma regimes across the Universe and in laboratory experiments on Earth.
Harry Potter's Occlusion: Report of a Case of Pumpkin Seed Bezoar Rectal Impact
Authors: Gentile Maurizio , Vergara Lorenzo , Schiavone Vincenzo , Cestaro Giovanni , Sivero Luigi
Published: July 2022

Bezoar is a term from Arabic “bāzahr” or ultimately from Middle Persian “p'tzhl” (pādzahr, “bezoar antidote” or less commonaly ægagropile or egagropile (2–4). It was believed to have the power of a universal antidote that works against any poison, and a glass containing a bezoar could neutralize any poison poured into it. In science, it is a mass of hair or undigested vegetable matter found in a human or animal intestines, similar to a hairball. Otherwise, the name could derive from a kind of Turkish goat whose name is just bezoar. Usually, it is found trapped in every part of the gastrointestinal system and must be distinguished by pseudobezoar, which is an nondigestible object voluntarily introduced into the digestive tract. The most common causes are a previous gastric surgery such as a gastric band (for weight loss) or gastric bypass, a reduced stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) or decreased stomach size, and a delayed gastric emptying, typically due to diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or mixed connective tissue disease. Seed bezoars are usually found in the rectum of patients without predisposing factors, causing constipation and pain. Rectal impaction is common after ingestion of seeds, while a true occlusion is rare. Although several cases of phytobezoars composed of various types of seeds are reported in the literature, bezoars of pumpkin seeds have rarely been reported. The authors report a case of fecal impaction by pumpkin seed bezoars with abdominal pain: a difficulty to void with subsequent rectal inflammation and hemorrhoid enlargement was observed. The patient underwent a successful manual disimpaction.
Neuroimaging in the Epileptic Baboon
Authors: Szabo C. Akos , Salinas Felipe S.
Published: July 2022

Characterization of baboon model of genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) is driven both electroclinically and by successful adoption of neuroimaging platforms, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). Based upon its phylogenetic proximity and similar brain anatomy to humans, the epileptic baboon provides an excellent translational model. Its relatively large brain size compared to smaller nonhuman primates or rodents, a gyrencephalic structure compared to lissencephalic organization of rodent brains, and the availability of a large pedigreed colony allows exploration of neuroimaging markers of diseases. Similar to human idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE), structural imaging in the baboon is usually normal in individual subjects, but gray matter volume/concentration (GMV/GMC) changes are reported by statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analyses. Functional neuroimaging has been effective for mapping the photoepileptic responses, the epileptic network, altered functional connectivity of physiological networks, and the effects of anti-seizure therapies. This review will provide insights into our current understanding the baboon model of GGE through functional and structural imaging.
Key miRNAs and Genes in the High-Altitude Adaptation of Tibetan Chickens
Authors: Chen Binlong , Li Diyan , Ran Bo , Zhang Pu , Wang Tao
Published: July 2022

Tibetan chickens living at high altitudes show specific physiological adaptations to the extreme environmental conditions. However, the regulated base of how chickens adapt to high-altitude habitats remains largely unknown. In this study, we sequenced 96 transcriptomes (including 48 miRNA and 48 mRNA transcriptomes of heart, liver, lung, and brain) and resequenced 12 whole genomes of Tibetan chickens and Peng'xian yellow chickens. We found that several miRNAs show the locally optimal plastic changes that occurred in miRNAs of chickens, such as miR-10c-5p, miR-144-3p, miR-3536, and miR-499-5p. These miRNAs could have effects on early adaption to the high-altitude environment of chickens. In addition, the genes under selection between Tibetan chickens and Peng'xian yellow chickens were mainly related to oxygen transport and oxidative stress. The I-kappa B kinase/NF-kappa B signaling pathway is widely found for high-altitude adaptation in Tibetan chickens. The candidate differentially expressed miRNAs and selected genes identified in this study may be useful in current breeding efforts to develop improved breeds for the highlands.