bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Fidelity of Supported Education Programs for First-Episode Psychosis To the Supported Employment Guidelines Adapted for Education
Authors: Thibaudeau Élisabeth , Lecomte Tania , Corbière Marc , Abdel-Baki Amal , Simard Andréanne , Roy Marc-André , Cellard Caroline
Published: January 2024

Introduction. Psychotic disorders are associated with academic
difficulties. Supported Employment Program (SEP) guidelines have become
the gold standard to improve occupational functioning in psychotic
disorders. More recently, these guidelines have been adapted to
education. In Canada, several community organizations and hospital
programs offer supported education to young people with psychotic
disorders. However, SEP guidelines are not systematically used. The
objective of this study was to assess the fidelity of 6 Canadian
(Quebec) organizations offering supported education services to young
people with psychotic disorders to the SEP guidelines adapted to
education. Methods. Six sites offering educational services to
young people with psychotic disorders were recruited. Semi-structured
interviews were conducted with one supported education professional and
one manager of each site, using the Quality of Supported Education
Implementation Scale (QSEDIS). This new scale has been developed from
the Quality of Supported Employment Implementation Scale. The QSEDIS
assesses the fidelity of the quality of the implementation of supported
education programs, using three subscales (Employees, Organization and
Services). Results. Acceptable fidelity scores were observed in
the three QSEDIS subscales for all six sites combined. The Services
subscale received the highest score of fidelity (4.4./5), followed by
the Supported Education Employee (4.1/5) and the Organization (3.7/5).
Conclusion. The results suggest that supported education
services offered to young people with psychotic disorders in the six
sites are generally consistent with SEP guidelines adapted to education.
Further research is warranted to validate whether acceptable SEP
guidelines fidelity according to the QSEDIS translates into educational
outcomes.
Aeroelastic effects of adhesive bond lines
Authors: Camarena Ernesto , Anderson Evan , Bonney Kirk
Published: January 2024

Increases in blade size and mass necessitates the reexamination of
modeling assumptions in various disciplines. The accuracy of the
responses produced from a geometrically exact beam model largely depends
on how well the cross-sectional analysis is handled. However, most
cross-sectional meshing tools do not account for the adhesive bond lines
or joints that typical wind blade manufacturing requires. Adhesives
layers can reach 30 mm in thickness and generous amounts of adhesive
“squeeze out” can introduce high uncertainty in the adhesive widths.
In this work, not only are adhesive layers accounted for, but a
sensitivity analysis is also performed on the aeroelastic response of a
turbine with 100m-long blades. The cross-sectional meshing capabilities
of a new code called pyNuMAD is established. Stiffness and mass matrices
are found to be consistent with a validated cross-sectional tool called
SONATA. Aeroelastic sensitives to adhesive thicknesses and widths at the
webs and trailing edges are presented. Adhesives were found to reduce
twist deformation by up to 5%. Loads along the blade span were found to
be nonconservative in most cases. In general, the trailing edge adhesive
tends to have greater impact on blade response when compared to web
adhesives, but this observation seems less certain at higher wind
speeds. Accounting for adhesives in aeroelastic simulations is
recommended.
Relating Prostate Specific-Antigen leakage with vascular tumor growth in a mathematical model of prostate cancer response to androgen deprivation
Authors: Barnaby Johnna , Sorribes Inmaculada , Jain Harsh
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) as a prognostic
indicator for prostate cancer (PCa) patients is controversial,
especially since it has been shown to correlate poorly with tumor
burden. The poor quality of PSA as a biomarker could be explained by
current guidelines not accounting for the mechanism by which it enters
circulation. Given that mature blood vessels are relatively impermeable
to it, we hypothesize that immature and leaky blood vessels, formed
under angiogenic cues in a hypoxic tumor, facilitate PSA extravasation
into circulation. Methods: To explore our hypotheses, we develop a
nonlinear dynamical systems model describing the vascular growth of PCa,
that explicitly links PSA leakage into circulation with changes in
intra-tumoral oxygen tension and vessel permeability. The model is
calibrated versus serum PSA and tumor burden time-courses from a mouse
xenograft model of castration resistant PCa response to androgen
deprivation. Results: The model recapitulates the experimentally
observed – and counter-intuitive – phenomenon of increasing tumor
burden despite decreasing serum PSA levels. The validated model is then
extended to the human scale by incorporating patient-specific parameters
and fitting individual PSA time-courses from patients with biochemically
failing PCa. Our results highlight the limitations of using time to PSA
failure as a clinical indicator of androgen deprivation efficacy. We
propose an alternative indicator, namely a treatment efficacy index, for
patients with castration resistant disease, to identify who would
benefit most from enhanced androgen deprivation. Conclusions: A critical
challenge in prostate cancer therapeutics is quantifying the
relationship between serum PSA and tumor burden. Our results underscore
the potential of mathematical modeling in understanding the limitations
of serum PSA as a prognostic indicator. Finally, we provide a means of
augmenting PSA time-courses in the diagnostic process, with changes in
intra-tumoral vascularity and vascular architecture .
Maternal serum cholesterol as predictive factor for large-for-gestational age newborn in pre-pregnant underweight women
Authors: Wang Zilian , Wang Dongyu , Ding Wenjing , Ding Chengcheng , Chen Haitian , Zhao weihua , Sun Bo
Published: January 2024

Objective: To determine the relationship between lipid profile and risks
of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pre-pregnant underweight women. Design:
This study was part of an ongoing cohort study which Chinese gravidas
delivered from January 2015 to December 2016. Setting: Pre-pregnant body
mass index (pre-BMI) was classified into underweight (<18.5
kg/m2)， normal weight (18.5-22.9 kg/m2) and overweight/obesity (≥23
kg/m2). Population: There’re 1203 underweight- women, 3281 normal-weight
women and 1209 overweight women met the criteria. Methods: Data of 6233
women and medical information including lipid concentrations, pregnancy
complications, pregnancy and perinatal outcomes were analyzed. Results:
The proportion of underweight women 19.2% and overweight/obese
women19.4% was similar in South China. Serum TC level of underweight
women was significantly higher than overweight/obese women (p
< 0.001). After adjusting for maternal age, underweight women
with high TC level had significantly higher occurrence of LGA
[OR=2.24, 95%CI (1.08, 4.63)], and lower occurrence of SGA
[OR=0.71, 95%CI (0.59, 0.85)], while there were no significant
associations between TC and LGA or SGA in other groups. Conclusion:
Underweight women with high TC had higher occurrence of LGA, while there
was no association between TC levels and LGA in normal and
overweight/obese women. Thus, we should recommend underweight women to
manage the lipid. Funding: This work was supported by the National
Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No: 81771606), Shenzhen
Science and Technology Innovation Commission (Grant No:
JCYJ20170817172241688, JCYJ20180228163459314), and Clinical Medical
Project 5010 of Sun Yat-sen University, China (Grant No: 2012004). Key
words: underweight; cholesterol; LGA; overweight;
MiR-193a-3p targets LGR4 to promote the inflammatory response in endometritis
Authors: Yin Baoyi , umar talha , Ma Xiaofei , Chen Yu , Chen Nuoer , Wu Zhimin , Deng Ganzhen
Published: January 2024

Solving the reproductive barriers of dairy cows has become one of the
most critical factors determining the dairy industry’s development.
Clinically, inflammation disease like endometritis is one of the leading
causes in reducing dairy production’s financial viability. MiR-193
family can induce cells apoptosis and differentiation has been reported
in various diseases. LGR4 plays a vital role in reproductive system
development and immune system regulation, and it is closely related to
animal reproductive function and cytokine regulation. In this study, we
observed a negative relationship between miR-193a-3p and LGR4 expression
level in both inflammatory tissues and cells, and the expression level
of miR-193a-3p and LGR4 in bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BENDs)
is regulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation time and
dose-dependent. Subsequently, miR-193a-3p mimics and inhibitors were
used to explore its functions in the inflammation response process,
finding that overexpression of miR-193a-3p markedly increase the
expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS, such as
IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, while the group in which transfected inhibitor is
on the contrary. Of note, immunofluorescence and western blotting
results showed that miR-193a-3p enhances LPS-induced NF-κB p65
phosphorylation through targeting LGR4, whereas inhibiting miR-193a-3p
could suppress the activation of NF-κB pathway significantly. In
conclusion, our study firstly reported the mechanism by which
miR-193a-3p targets LGR4 to elevate the inflammatory response in bovine
endometrium injury, thereby implying that knockdown miR-193a-3p may lay
the theoretical and practical basis for drug development of alleviating
endometritis in dairy cows.
Existence and asymptotic behavior of positive solutions for fractional Kirchhoff type problems with steep potential well
Authors: Huang Ling , wang li , Feng shenghao
Published: January 2024

\begin{abstract} {In this paper we consider the
following fractional Kirchhoff equation with steep potential well
\begin{align*}
\renewcommand{\arraystretch}{1.25}
\begin{array}{ll} \ds
\left \{
\begin{array}{ll} \ds
\left(a+b\int_{\R^{3}}|(-\Delta)^\frac{s}{2}u|^2\,
dx\right)(-\Delta)^s
u+\lambda
V(x)u=|u|^{p-2}u,\,\,x\in\mathbb{R}^3,
\\ u\in
H^s(\R^3), \\
\end{array} \right .
\end{array} \end{align*} where
$a>0$ is a constant, $b$ and $\lambda$
are positive parameters. $2
Edge-to-edge mitral repair for iatrogenic chordal rupture related to Impella 5.0
Authors: Kitahara Hiroto , Najjar Samer , Ahmed Sara , Lam Phillip , Kadakkal Ajay , Rodrigo Maria , Hofmeyer Mark , Sheikh Farooq , Molina Ezequiel
Published: January 2024

Iatrogenic chordal rupture with severe mitral regurgitation is a rare
but serious complication associated with the use of Impella device. We
present a case of a 47-year-old man with ischemic cardiomyopathy who
presented in cardiogenic shock requiring insertion of extracorporeal
membrane oxygenation which was subsequently transitioned to an Impella
5.0 device. During Impella support, he developed acute pulmonary edema
secondary to newly diagnosed posterior mitral valve chordal rupture and
subsequent severe mitral regurgitation. He underwent implantation of a
durable left ventricular assist device with concomitant edge-to-edge
mitral valve repair through the apex. Transthoracic echocardiography at
three month showed mild regurgitation.
Accurate perceptions of the bright and dark soliton solutions to the modified nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Shehata Maha , Bekir Ahmet
Published: January 2024

In this study, we will implement new perceptions for the bright and dark
soliton solutions to the modified nonlinear Schrödinger equation
(MNLSE)or forms of the rogue wave modes for a derivative nonlinear
Schrodinger model with positive linear dispersion which describe the
propagation of rogue waves in Ocean engineering as well as all similar
waves such as dynamics waveguides that have unexpected large
displacements, the waves which occur only in the regime of positive
cubic nonlinearity, regime that coincides exactly with the existence of
instabilities of plane waves , long-wave limit of a breather (a pulsing
mode). Two famous different schemas are involved for this purpose. The
first schema is the solitary wave ansatze method (SWAM), while the
second scheme is the extended simple equation method (ESEM). The two
schemas are implemented in the same vein and parallel to construct new
perceptions to the soliton solutions of this model. A comparison between
the obtained new perceptions with the old perceptions that achieved
previously by other authors has been demonstrated.
Environmental and physiological conditions that led to the emergence of intracellular calcification
Authors: Hohn Soenke , Corso Jacopo Dal , Hoke Kim , Thoms Silke , Merico Agostino
Published: January 2024

The emergence of intracellular calcification among marine unicellular
eukaryotes in the Late Triassic (237-201 Ma) had profound consequences
for the carbonate buffering capacity of the ocean. Research on the
appearance of calcification typically focuses on the reasons that made
this process successful on a global scale. The underlying environmental
and physiological conditions that led to its appearance, therefore, are
still obscure. Using gene tree analysis, we show that the physiological
machinery for calcification was already present in non-calcifying
ancestor cells. Additionally, by modelling the energy demands for
calcium transport in calcifying and non-calcifying cells, we demonstrate
that intracellular calcification does not require additional energy
investments. Since all eukaryotic cells export calcium across the plasma
membrane, our findings indicate that the onset of intracellular
calcification in Earth history only required the activation of calcium
transport proteins during their passage to the plasma membrane. Our work
sheds new light on the physiological and biogeochemical conditions that
led to one of the most important evolutionary innovations of the
Mesozoic era.
Seasonal influenza during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh
Authors: Akhtar Zubair , Chowdury Fahmida , Rahman Mahmudur , Ghosh Probir , Ahmed M , Islam Ariful , Mott Joshua , Davis William
Published: January 2024

During the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020,
limited data from several countries suggested reduced circulation of
seasonal influenza viruses. We applied the moving epidemic method (MEM)
to influenza surveillance data from 2016 to 2019 in Bangladesh to
estimate an average seasonal influenza curve and establish epidemic
thresholds. The 2020 influenza epidemic started 18 weeks later, was 7.5
weeks shorter, and was less intense than the average curve of the four
previous years. These findings contribute to a limited but growing body
of evidence that influenza seasons were altered globally in 2020.
A Phase I, single and continuous administration study of Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of neorudin, a noval recombinant anticoagulant protein, in healthy subjects
Authors: Liu Yu-bin , Wang Mei-xia , Dong Xiao-na , He Jia , Zhang Lin , Zhou Ying , Xia Xia , Dou Gui-fang , Wu Chu-tse , Jin Ji-de
Published: January 2024

AIMS: The aims of the study were to evaluate the tolerability, safety
and pharmacokinetics of single and continuous administration of
recombinant neorudin (EPR-hirudin, EH) by intravenous injection in
healthy subjects, and to provide a safe dosage range for phase II
clinical research. METHODS: A single and continuous administration dose
phase I clinical study was conducted. Forty-four subjects were received
EH as single-dose of 0.2-2.0 mg/kg by intravenous bolus plus drip;
Eighteen healthy subjects were randomly divided into 3 dose groups
(0.15-0.45 mg/kg/h) with 6 cases in each group in the continuous
administration trial. RESULTS: Single or continuous doses of neorudin
were generally well tolerated in healthy adult subjects. There were no
serious adverse events (SAEs), and all adverse events (AEs) were mild to
moderate. No subjects withdrew from the trial due to adverse events.
There were no clinically relevant changes in physical examination,
clinical chemistry, urinalysis or vital signs. The incidence of adverse
events was not significantly related to the dose and systemic exposure.
After the single-dose and continuous administration, the serum EH
concentration reached a peak at 0.083h，the exposure increased with the
increase of the administered dose with the mean half-life (T1/2) ranging
from 1.7 to 2.5h, the clearance (Cl) ranging from 123.9 to179.7 mL/h/kg,
and the apparent volume of distribution (Vd) ranging from 402.7 to 615.2
mL/kg. CONCLUSIONS: The safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics
characteristics of EH can be used to guide rational drug dosing and
choose therapeutic regimens in subsequent clinical studies.
Influenza versus COVID-19: Comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes in a pediatric hospital in Mexico City.
Authors: González Almudena Laris , Avilés-Robles Martha , Domínguez-Barrera Clemen , Parra-Ortega Israel , Huerta José Luis Sánchez , Ojeda-Diezbarroso Karla , Pellegrini Sergio Bonilla , Olivar-López Victor , López Adrián Chávez , Jimenez-Juarez RODOLFO N
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Respiratory viruses are among the leading causes of
disease and death among children. Co-circulation of influenza and
SARS-CoV2 can lead to diagnostic and management difficulties given the
similarities the clinical picture. Methods: This is a cohort of all
children hospitalized with SARS-CoV2 infection from March to September
3rd 2020, and all children admitted with influenza throughout five
flu-seasons (2013-2018) at a pediatric referral hospital. Patients with
influenza were identified from the clinical laboratory database. All
hospitalized patients with confirmed SARS-CoV2 infection were
followed-up prospectively. Results: A total of 295 patients with
influenza and 133 with SARS-CoV2 infection were included. The median age
was 3.7 years for influenza and 5.3 years for SARS-CoV2. Comorbidities
were frequent in both groups, but they were more common in patients with
influenza (96.6% vs 82.7%, p <0.001). Fever and cough were
the most common clinical manifestations in both groups. Rhinorrhea was
present in more than half of children with influenza but was infrequent
in those with COVID-19 (53.6 vs 5.8%, p<0.001). Overall,
6.4% percent of patients with influenza and 7.5% percent of patients
with SARS-CoV2 infection died. In-hospital mortality and the need for
mechanical ventilation among symptomatic patients were similar between
groups in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Influenza and COVID-19
have a similar picture in pediatric patients, which makes diagnostic
testing necessary for adequate diagnosis and management. Even though
most cases of COVID-19 in children are asymptomatic or mild, the risk of
death among hospitalized patients with comorbidities may be substantial,
especially among infants.
PTPRC overexpression predicts a poor prognosis in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia and is correlated with immune cell infiltration
Authors: Guo Gaili , Li Qianpeng , Li Chunpu , Li Ping , Guo Dongmei
Published: January 2024

Background:Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a molecularly heterogeneous
disease that accounts for approximately 25% of childhood leukemia
cases. In this study, we purposed to identify survival-associated genes
in pediatric AML patients and investigate potential immunotherapy
targets. Methods: After retrieving and processing the data from Gene
Expression Omnibus (GEO) web resource, we determined hub genes in AML by
the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) assessment and the weighted
correlation network analysis (WGCNA). The prognostic signiﬁcance of the
hub gene was further evaluated with the Kaplan-Meier survival based on
TARGET dataset. GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes
and Genomes) analyses of DEGs were performed. Then, via the CIBERSORT
algorithm approach, we investigate the association between the key gene
and the infiltration levels of tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Results:
High PTPRC expression was linked to a worse overall survival rate
(p<0.001) in 287 pediatric AML patients. Risk subgroup
analysis showed similar results in low and high risk group, respectively
(p=0.007; p=0.013). Meanwhile, multivariate analysis indicated that high
PTPRC expression was an independent favorable prognostic factor for
overall survival (p=0.04, HR=1.24, 95% CI=1.01-1.5). Moreover, the
immune infiltration assessment results demonstrated that the expression
of PTPRC level was significantly correlated with invading levels of
activated dendritic cells (p<0.001). Conclusion:
Overexpression of PTPRC indicates poor prognosis, and its expression
level is correlated with invading levels of activated dendritic cells.
PTPRC could be a promising immunotherapy target for pediatric AML.
Atrioesophageal fistula following pulmonary vein isolation via radiofrequency ablation presenting as infective endocarditis
Authors: Liñares Andrea Rueda , Marschall Alexander , Carnevali Hugo Del Castillo , Torres Diego Rodrígez , Sánchez David Martí , Sanz Cristina Fraile , Antón Salvador Álvarez
Published: January 2024

Catheter ablation(CA) is an increasingly used therapeutic tool for the
treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) is
one of the most dreaded complications of CA and its incidence ranges
from <0.1% to 0.25% .Despite its rarity, AEF accounts for a
high proportion among fatal complications of AF ablation. We present a
rare case of AEF after cryo-ablation presenting as infective
endocarditis. A 73-year-old male with history of pulmonary vein
isolation using radiofrequency ablation 4 weeks prior to admission,
presented with fever and abdominal pain.Shortly after admission the
patient presented with severely depressed level of consciousness and
seizure. Cerebral computer tomography (CT) was normal, whereas abdominal
CT showed a small splenic infarction.Subsequent magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) of the brain demonstrated extensive cortical and
subcortical ischemic lesions via diffusion weighed MRI (Panel A).
Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) revealed two oscillating masses,
compatible with infectious vegetations, at the insertion of the superior
pulmonary vein and at the superior left atrial wall (Panel B, arrows,
Supplementary Data online, Videos 1-3).Mitral, aortic, tricuspid and
pulmonary valves did not present vegetations.The left atrial appendage
was free of thrombus. Contrast enhanced chest CT showed free air between
the left oesophageal wall and the posterior left atrial wall, as well as
inside the left atrium (Panel C, arrow), thus confirming the diagnosis
of iotrogenic atrioesophageal fistula. At the time of diagnosis the
patient presented clinical signs of decerebration. Given the severe
neurological deterioration, surgical intervention was not considered and
the patient deceased shortly after extubation.
Re-emergence of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in a piglet-producing farm in Jiangxi province in China in 2020
Authors: Gao Qi , Zezhong Zheng , Wang Heng , Zhang Guihong , Gong Lang
Published: January 2024

On October 30, 2020, piglets and sows in the farrowing house of a pig
farm in Jiangxi showed clinical symptoms such as anorexia, watery
diarrhea, and vomiting. Epidemiological test, clinical necropsy, and
RT-PCR test were carried out on the pig farm for diagnosis. After
comprehensive considerations, the disease was judged as porcine epidemic
diarrhea virus infection. Thereafter, a series of comprehensive
prevention and control measures such as emergency vaccination with
autogenous vaccines were adopted. Half a month after inoculation with
autogenous vaccines for the farm, the mortality rate of newborn piglets
in the farrowing house began to decline, and production gradually
returned to being stable. The second-generation sequencing analysis and
phylogenetic analysis showed that the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus
(PEDV) sequence obtained from the stool and small intestine samples of
the diseased pigs on the farm was 97.8% homologous to the vaccine
strain. At the same time, antibody testing found that the vaccinated
pigs on the pig farm had satisfactory immune response, indicating that
the PEDV outbreak on the pig farm might aggravate owing to the strain
being mutated and could escape the immune protection of the existing
vaccine. This case has accumulated technical data for the clinical
prevention and control of porcine epidemic diarrhea.
Epidemiology of bovine brucellosis using Real-time PCR from whole blood samples in Colombia's leading dairy region.
Authors: Ramirez Olga Herrán , Santos Huarrisson Azevedo , Paulino Patricia Gonzaga , Meer Carolina Soares Van De , Bautista Jose Rodriguez , Delgado Ingrid Jaramillo , Obando Juliana Gonzales , Garcia René Ramírez , Angelo Isabele da Costa
Published: January 2024

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Antioquia, Colombia, the
country’s leading dairy region, currently under brucellosis quarantine
declaration, to recover Brucella spp. DNA from bovine whole-blood
samples through Probe-based Real-time PCR (Probe-qPCR) detection. The
associated factors for the presence of Brucella-DNA at the animal and
herd levels were reported and evaluated using logistical regression
models. A total of 656 random cows from 40 herds were selected. Template
DNA was obtained based on not organic salting-out protocol modified. The
Probe- qPCR assay using bcsp31 gene amplification had an efficiency of
92.35%, with a slope of -3.52 reached in the standard curve. The qPCR
assay detected 9.5% (n = 62/656; 95% CI: 7.3,12.0) of the animals with
Brucella-DNA presence, and 62.5% (n = 25/40; 95% CI: 45.8,77.3) of the
herds with Brucella-DNA presence. Using SNP-based assay, all positive
samples were identified as field Brucella strains. In the final
regression model at the animal-level, five variables were associated
with Brucella-DNA presence: the use of bulls for mating recorded history
of reproductive problems, pregnant cows, parlor milking, and cows
belonging to farms ≤ 200 m from the main road. At the herd-level, two
variables were associated with Brucella-DNA presence: recorded history
of reproductive problems and bulls’ use for mating. Given the fluctuant
brucellosis prevalence in endemic areas, updated local epidemiological
studies are necessary to evaluate if established prevention and control
measures have been effective or need to be adjusted. The Probe-qPCR
assay was able to detect Brucella-DNA from whole blood samples in cows.
Once adequately validated, qPCR could be used as an additional tool to
verify latent or acute infection states in individual animals when the
antibody response is not yet evident. The current research highlights
that management practices, mainly associated with reproduction, favors
Brucella infection and propagation in livestock in Antioquia, Colombia.
Early-life cytomegalovirus infection is associated with changes in the intestinal microbiota and increased risk of atopy
Authors: Sbihi Hind , Simmons Karen , Sears Malcolm , Moraes Theo , Becker Allen , Mandhane Piush , Subbarao Padmaja , Dai Darlene , Finlay B. Brett , Turvey Stuart , Gantt Soren
Published: January 2024

Background: The ‘old friends’ hypothesis posits that reduced exposure to
previously ubiquitous microorganisms is one factor involved in the
increased rates of allergic diseases. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) may be one
of the “old friends” hypothesized to help prevent allergic diseases.
We sought to elucidate whether early-life CMV infection is associated
with childhood atopy via perturbations of the gut microbiota. Methods:
Participants were recruited from a population-based birth cohort (CHILD
study) and followed prospectively until age five years in four Canadian
cities. A total of 928 participants provided stool microbiome data,
urine for CMV testing, skin-prick tests, and questionnaires-based
detailed environmental exposures. CMV infection was assessed in the
first year of life while the main outcome was defined by persistent
sensitization to any allergen at ages 1, 3, and 5 years. Results: Early
CMV infection was associated with increased beta and decreased alpha
diversity of the gut microbiota. Both changes in diversity measures and
early CMV infection were associated with persistent allergic
sensitization at age 5 years (aOR= 2.08; 95%CI: 1, 4.33). Mediation
analysis demonstrated that perturbation of gut microbial composition
explains 30% of the association. Conclusions: Early-life CMV infection
is associated with an alteration in the intestinal microbiota, which
mediates the effect of the infection on childhood atopy. This work
indicates that preventing CMV infection would not put children at
increased risk of developing atopy. Rather, a CMV vaccine, in addition
to preventing CMV-associated morbidity and mortality, might reduce the
risk of childhood allergic diseases.
Long transients may be temporal visits of hidden alternative stable states
Authors: Chen Ning , Zhao Chang-ming
Published: January 2024

Ecosystems may exhibit transient (the period toward stable state) and
alternative stable states, where positive feedback(s) generally plays
important roles. However, the outline between transient and alternative
stable states may blur when involving multiple positive feedbacks, which
may shift dominance along environmental gradient. Therefore, a common
theoretical framework considering multiple positive feedbacks is needed.
Specifically, this study employed a mechanic model to explain a long
transient state of a dryland ecosystem after restoration under effects
of two positive feedbacks. We found that the long transient state might
be a temporal visit of a hidden alternative stable state, maintained by
the previously on-acting positive feedback and then pulled out by the
upcoming feedback due to dominance shifting. This work proposes a novel
perspective to study system dynamics – switch of positive feedbacks,
and discovers a new type of transient state – temporal visit of hidden
alternative stable states, which will benefit ecosystem interventions in
practical.
The impact of disasters on contraception in OECD member countries: a scoping review
Authors: Freed Benjamin , Hillman Sarah , Shantikumar Saran , Bick Debra , Dale Jeremy , Gauly Julia
Published: January 2024

This scoping review explored the impact of disasters on contraception in
high-income countries. Comprehensive searches were conducted and
extracted data analysed thematically. 110 articles were included. The
majority focused on the Zika virus outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Four key themes were identified: importance of contraception during
disasters, impact of disasters on contraceptive behaviour, barriers to
contraception during disasters and ways of improving uptake of
contraception during disasters. Despite efforts to increase access to
contraception, barriers to uptake meant unmet need persisted. To prevent
adverse health outcomes and reduce health costs, efforts to remove
barriers to uptake should be intensified.
Differential diagnosis between LQT1 and LQT2 by QT/RR relationships using 24-hour Holter monitoring: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Yodogawa Kenji , Aiba Takeshi , Sumitomo Naotaka , Yamamoto Teppei , Murata Hiroshige , Iwasaki Yu-ki , Kokubo Yoshihiro , Shimizu Wataru
Published: January 2024

Background The clinical course and therapeutic strategies in the
congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) are genotype-specific. However,
accurate estimation of LQTS-genotype is often difficult from the
standard 12-lead ECG. Objectives This study aims to evaluate the utility
of QT/RR slope analysis by the 24-hour Holter monitoring for
differential diagnosis of LQTS-genotype between LQT1 and LQT2. Methods
This cross-sectional study enrolled 54 genetically identified LQTS
patients (29 LQT1 and 25 LQT2) recruited from 3 medical institutions.
The QT-apex (QTa) interval and the QT-end (QTe) interval at each
15-second were plotted against the R-R intervals and the linear
regression (QTa/RR and QTe/RR slopes, respectively) were calculated from
the entire 24-hour and separately during the day or night-time periods
of the Holter recordings. Results The QTe/RR and QTa/RR slopes at the
entire 24-hour were significantly steeper in LQT2 compared to those in
LQT1 patients (0.262 +/- 0.063 vs 0.204 +/- 0.055, P = 0.0007; 0.233 +/-
0.052 vs 0.181 +/- 0.040, P = 0.0002, respectively). The QTe interval
was significantly longer, QTe/RR and QTa/RR slopes at daytime were
significantly steeper in LQT2 than in LQT1 patients. The receiver
operating curve analysis revealed that the QTa/RR slope of 0.211 at the
entire 24-hour Holter was the best cut-off value for differential
diagnosis between LQT1 and LQT2 (sensitivity: 80.0%, specificity:
75.0% and area under curve: 0.804 [95%CI = 0.68-0.93]). Conclusion
The continuous 24-hour QT/RR analysis using the Holter monitoring may be
useful to predict the genotype of congenital LQTS, particularly for LQT1
and LQT2.
SARS-CoV-2 variants -- molecular properties, virulence, and epidemiology
Authors: subbaram kannan , P Shaik Syed Ali , Ali Sheeza
Published: January 2024

SARS-CoV-2 are enveloped RNA viruses that belong to the family
Coronaviridae of genus Beta coronavirus, responsible for the COVID-19
pandemic. The mutation rate is high among RNA viruses and in particular,
coronavirus replication is error prone with an estimated mutation rate
of 4x10 nucleotide substitutions per site per year.
Different variants of SARS-CoV-2 have been reported from various
countries including United Kingdom, South Africa, Denmark and Brazil.
These variants were evolved due to mutations on spike gene responsible
for the synthesis of spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2. These variants /
lineages from different countries were designated as cluster 5 or
SARS-CoV-2 variant of Denmark, B.1.351 lineages or 501.V2 variant or
SARS-CoV-2 variant of South Africa, lineage B.1.1.248 or lineage P.1 of
Brazil and lineage B.1.1.7 or Variant of Concern (VOC) 202012/01 from
United Kingdom. Due to mutations in S gene, the variants acquired
changes in S protein resulting in increased transmissibility of the
mutated virus. As on date, alterations in virulence or pathogenicity
have been reported from these lineages, from many parts of the globe. In
our opinion, since the S protein is significantly altered, the
suitability of existing vaccine targeting the S protein of SARS-CoV-2
variants is a major concern. We also presume that the mutations in
SARS-CoV-2 is a continuous and evolving process that may result in the
transformation of naïve SARS-CoV-2 into totally new subsets of
antigenically different SARS-CoV-2 viruses over a period of time.
Essential Considerations During Vaccine Design against COVID-19 and Review of Pioneering Vaccine Candidate Platforms
Authors: Bayat Maryam , Asemani Yahya
Published: January 2024

The calamity of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus
2 (SARS-CoV2), COVID-19, is still a global human tragedy. To date, no
specific antiviral drug or therapy has been able to break the widespread
of SARS-CoV2. It has been generally believed that stimulating protective
immunity via universal vaccination is the individual strategy to manage
this pandemic. Achieving an effective COVID-19 vaccine requires
attention to the immunological and non-immunological standpoints that
mentioned in this article. Here, we try to introduce the considerable
immunological aspects, potential antigen targets, appropriate adjuvants
as well as key points in the various stages of COVID-19 vaccine
development. Also, the principal features of the preclinical and
clinical studies of pioneering COVID-19 vaccine candidates were pointed
out by reviewing the available information. Finally, we discuss the key
challenges in the successful design of the COVID-19 vaccine, and address
the most fundamental strengths and weaknesses of common vaccine
platforms.
The effect of MG53 for modulating TGF-β1/Smad pathway in the nasal epithelial repair of nasal polyps.
Authors: An Deqiang , Jiang Xianyao , Jiang Xiaocong , Jiang Yu , Pan Min , Liu Jie , Ke Xia , Shen Yang , Huang Jiangju , Xiao Hua , Yang Yucheng
Published: January 2024

Background: The occurrence of nasal polyps is related to mucosal barrier
damage. The role of MG53, an important epithelial repair regulator, in
nasal polyps remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role
of MG53 in nasal epithelial repair. Methods: We divided the patients
into the following three groups (n=15 each): chronic rhinosinusitis
without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
(CRSwNP) and septal deviation (control). We performed qRT-PCR and
western blotting to determine the expression of MG53, TGF-β1, Smad2/3,
zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1), and collagen-a1 (Col-a1) in nasal tissues and
human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs). HNECs were cultured to investigate
the regulatory role of MG53 and the TGF-β1/Smad pathway in the repair of
nasal epithelial cells. Results: We found that the expression of MG53,
TGF-β1, Smad2/3, ZO-1, and Col-a1 was upregulated in the CRSsNP group,
whereas it was downregulated in the CRSwNP group. In the HNECs of nasal
polyps, the expression of TGF-β1, Smad2/3, ZO-1, and Col-a1 was
downregulated after overexpressed MG53, whereas this was reversed by the
knockdown of MG53. Additionally, we found that TGF-β1 stimulation
resulted in significantly upregulated MG53 expression, which was impeded
by TGF-β1 inhibitors. MG53 expression facilitated proliferation,
promoted the secretion of Col-a1, and inhibited apoptosis in HNECs.
Conclusion: MG53 inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad pathway and fibrosis,
enhanced the proliferation of nasal epithelial cells, and supported
nasal epithelial repair. The results of this study provide a new
therapeutic regimen for the treatment of nasal polyps. Keywords:
epithelial repair; mitsugumin53; nasal polyps; tight junction;
TGF-β1/Smad.
A local Picard iteration method with geometric stability for multispecies Lotka-Volterra models
Authors: Ghorbani Asghar , AGARWAL PRAVEEN
Published: January 2024

In this article, an efficient modification of the Picard iteration
method for solving the multispecies Lotka-Volterra modelss (MLVMs) is
firstly proposed. Then the convergence and stability of the modified
method are discussed. In order to indicate the efficiency of the
modified method, three cases of the MLVMs are given. The obtained
results evidence that the developed approach is a useful semi-analytical
scheme for the solution of the MLVMs.
Comparison of clinical and diagnostic features of pediatric oncology patients with or without Covid-19 infection. A retrospective chart review
Authors: Shahid Saba , Jabbar Naeem , Mansoor Neelum , Rafiq Naila , Maqsood Sidra
Published: January 2024

Abstract Background: There is scarcity of data summarizing the clinical
picture, laboratory, and imaging findings as well as outcome in children
with malignancy and Covid-19 infection. This study characterizes a
detailed comparison of pediatric oncology patients with and without
Covid infection. Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted from
March 2020-June 2020 at The Indus hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Pediatric
oncology patients (1 month-18 years) with and without covid infection
were included in the study. Clinical presentation, laboratory and
imaging findings, disease severity and outcome was compared between both
cohorts. Results: The mean age of children with and without Covid, was
8.0 ± 4.9 years and 7.4 ± 4.1years respectively. Hematological
malignancy comprises the largest number of patients followed by solid
tumours. Lymphocytosis and low NLR is observed in covid positive group.
Cardiac dysfunction (1.4% vs 0), ARDS (8%vs 0) and lower SpO2/FiO2
ratio (473 vs486) found to be associated with severe disease in covid
positive group (p-value<0.05). Overall mortality in children
with covid was 6.8% versus 2.7% in children without covid. Conclusion:
Pediatric patients with malignancy have different clinical features and
laboratory parameters as compare to children without malignancy. ARDS,
absolute lymphocytosis and low NLR is associated with severe disease in
children with malignancy and covid infection. In contrast to adults,
biochemical markers and CBC parameters are not helpful in recognizing
covid infection in pediatric patients with malignancy.
Thermal Shock Magneto-Thermoelasticity Stressed Considering Two Temperatures and LS Model
Authors: Hussian Nahed , Abd-Alla A. , Abo-Dahab S.M. , Alshehri Hajr , Bayones Fatma
Published: January 2024

The present investigation is intended to demonstrate the magnetic field,
relaxation time, hydrostatic initial stress, and two temperatures on the
thermal shock problem. The governing equations are formulated in the
context of the Lord-Shulman theory with the presence of body force, two
temperatures, thermal shock, and hydrostatic initial stress. We obtained
the exact solution using the normal mode technique with appropriate
boundary conditions. The field quantities were calculated analytically
and displayed graphically under the thermal shock problem with the
effect of external parameters with respect to space coordinates. The
results obtained are in agreement with the previous results obtained by
others when the new parameters vanish.
Biomass stock and growth are modulated by anthropogenic pressures, canopy structure and tree biodiversity in fragmented Atlantic Rainforest
Authors: Silva Daniel da , Pfeifer Marion , Vibrans Alexander
Published: January 2024

Fragmented landscapes are becoming the norm in tropical regions.
Understand how fragmentation can affect the ‘biodiversity-productivity’
relationship is essential to access the biomass budget and understand
forest dynamics in these landscapes. Here, we used data from 108
permanent plots (4,000 m² each) of the National Forest Inventory to test
the effect of tree species richness, species composition, leaf area
index (LAI) and edge effect on biomass stock and change (5-year
interval) in Santa Catarina, Brazil. We found an average biomass stock
of 133.59 (± 67.24) Mg ha-1, and biomass change of 9.36 (± 12.08) Mg ha
5yr-1. Distance to forest edge interacted with species richness and
composition limiting biomass stock, while LAI positively affected the
stock. Biomass change increased in plots with higher number of pioneer
species and located distant from the forest edge. Our results show how
pervasive human pressure can be in fragmented landscapes.
A case of liver abscess after permanent pacemaker implantation
Authors: Hao Fei , Guo Yanqing , Guo Liping , Wang Haixiong
Published: January 2024

Liver abscess after pacemaker operation has not been reported before. We
reported a 68-year-old male patient who developed a liver abscess after
permanent pacemaker implantation. After 2 weeks of anti-infection
treatment, the patient’s symptoms were relieved.
COVID 19 Prevalence And Survival Outcome In Pediatric Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Study From Tertiary Cancer Center Of North-East India
Authors: HAZARIKA MUNLIMA , reddy raghavender , rai avdhesh , ROY PARTHA , IqBAL ASIF , BARBHUIYAN SUHANI , DANIEL NITHIN , MALLIK SREYA , SARANGI SATYA
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND: Pediatric cancer patients are considered one of vulnerable
group for covid-19 infections and its associated complication. We
assessed in this study, covid-19 prevalence and implications in
pediatric cancer patients of North-East India METHODS: A total of sixty
three pediatric cancer patients were tested for covid-19 by RT-PCR
between July 2020 to September 2020. All the patients received
chemotherapy as per their cancer types. Patients within age group one
year to eighteen years were included. Retrospectively medical records of
pediatric cancer patients were analyzed for clinical outcome between
COVID positive and negative group. RESULTS: Among sixty three patient,
19(30%) were found positive for COVID-19. Among COVID-19 positive
patients, fourteen patients have hematological malignancies. Fever was
the main presenting symptom along with cough and sore throat there were
no statistically significant association observed between COVID-19
positive and negative group for gender, cancer type, total WBC count and
absolute neutrophil count. Survival outcome has shown statistically
significant association (p=0.0065) between COVID-19 positive and
negative pediatric cancer patients. Four deaths occurred in COVID-19
positive patients but there was no death in COVID-19 negative patients.
Statistically significant association was also observed between COVID-19
positivity in patients being symptomatic (p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: We
conclude from our present study that among pediatric cancer patients of
North-East India, COVID-19 positivity was significantly high in
symptomatic patients compared to asymptomatic. Among COVID-19 positive
pediatric cancer patients risk of death was significantly higher
compared to COVID-19 negative patients.
EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE IN A LOW RESOURCE SETTING: PERSPECTIVES AND EXPERIENCES OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN NIGERIA
Authors: Odunaiya Nse , Adebisi Oluwafemi , OJO Joshua , Odole Adesola
Published: January 2024

Rationale, aims and objectives: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an
important tool for facilitating the uptake of research findings in
physiotherapy. It is the best way in which clinicians can meet the
ethical imperative of providing the best available care for patients.
Translation of evidence into practice requires training, resources and
commitment by health care professionals as well as policy formulation
and implementation. This study explored the perspectives and experiences
of physiotherapists regarding evidence-based practice in Nigeria
Methods: The study utilized an exploratory qualitative design.
Twenty-seven physiotherapists from seven selected public hospitals in
Nigeria were purposively selected for the study. Four sessions of Focus
Group Discussions were conducted with six to eight participants in each
session at three different hospitals. A developed focus guide was used
during the focus group discussions. An individual knowledgeable in the
techniques of focus group discussion moderated the FGDs. Data collected
were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content thematic analysis.
Results: A total of five themes and twelve sub-themes emerged from the
study. The themes are knowledge /understanding of evidence-based
practice, access to evidence, experiences in implementation of evidence
based practice, perceived challenges and possible solutions for evidence
translation. Some of the participants with postgraduate degrees and
recent graduates of Physiotherapy had fair knowledge of evidence-based
practice. Participants experienced difficulties accessing and
implementing evidence; some of which were personal and other challenges
were context specific Conclusion: Physiotherapists in Nigeria have fair
knowledge of evidence-based practice but lack adequate skill, resources
and policy for evidence-based practice implementation. Poor remuneration
and high workload are serious challenges, which will not encourage
implementation of evidence-based practice even when skills and resources
are available. There is need for context specific solutions through the
government policy and Physiotherapy regulatory board for effective
implementation of evidence based practice in Nigeria
A rare presentation of Lymphoblastic T cell lymphoma with cardiac tamponade masking restrictive cardiomyopathy
Authors: Gawalkar Atit , Ghosh Soumitra , Bootla Dinakar , Revaiah Pruthvi , Singh Charanpreet , Otaal Parminder
Published: January 2024

T cell lymphoma involves cardiac structures rarely and tends to be more
aggressive. Pericardial effusion is the most common manifestation of
cardiac involvement with restrictive cardiomyopathy due to tumor
infiltration being extremely rare. The presence of paroxysmal nocturnal
dyspnea and orthopnea in a patient presenting with pericardial effusion
or tamponade should alert the physician towards possible myocardial
disease warranting re-evaluation after pericardiocentesis. We describe a
14-year-old boy with advanced T cell lymphoma presenting with cardiac
tamponade. Repeat echocardiography after pericardiocentesis revealed
mediastinal mass infiltrating cardiac chambers and great vessels along
with features of restrictive cardiomyopathy secondary to tumor
infiltration.