bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arthroscopic Versus Open Ankle Arthrodesis
Authors: Abuhantash Monther , Veljkovic Andrea , Wing Kevin , Gagne Oliver , Qian Hong , Wong Hubert , Sadr Hooman , Penner Murray , Younger Alastair
Published: July 2022

Background:

End-stage ankle arthritis has long been managed surgically with open ankle arthrodesis (OAA). Since the first published report in 1983, arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis (AAA) has been thought to be associated with improved patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and fewer complications. The purpose of the present study was to compare the long-term PROMs, major complications, and reoperations for these 2 approaches at up to 15 years of follow-up.

Methods:

This longitudinal cohort study included patients at our institution who underwent primary ankle arthrodesis for the treatment of end-stage arthritis. Demographic data and preoperative COFAS (Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) ankle arthritis type were collected for all patients. PROMs were completed preoperatively, at 6 months, and annually thereafter to 5 years. PROMs were compared at all time points with use of a mixed-effects regression model that adjusted for preoperative variables and scores. Major complications and reoperations at the site of the ankle arthrodesis were also compared.

Results:

Of 1,294 patients who were screened for inclusion, 351 who had undergone ankle arthrodesis between 2003 and 2019 were eligible for the study. Of those, 223 had undergone AAA and 128 had undergone OAA. The 2 groups were similar preoperatively with respect to demographics, but COFAS Type-4 arthritis was relatively more common in the OAA group and Type-1 arthritis was relatively more common in the AAA group. In addition, the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) score and Ankle Arthritis Score (AAS) were better in the AAA group. In the mixed-effects model analysis, the differences in postoperative outcome scores between the groups were not significant. The risk of revision due to malunion or nonunion was similar in both groups (6% in the AAA group, compared with 4% in the OAA group). Deep infection and wound complications did not occur in the arthroscopic group but occurred in 4% of the patients in the OAA group.

Conclusions:

After adjustment for baseline patient characteristics, there were no differences in PROMs between the 2 techniques. Ankle arthrodeses done arthroscopically had a similar revision rate but lower infection rate compared with those done with the open technique.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Factores predictivos de fallo en la oxigenoterapia de alto flujo en pacientes con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda por Covid-19. Hospital María Auxiliadora, 2020-2021
Authors:   , Torres Mitacc Carmen Cindy
Published: July 2022

Objetivos del estudio: Determinar los factores predictivos de fallo en la oxigenoterapia de alto flujo en pacientes con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda por COVID-19 atendidos en el Hospital María Auxiliadora, 2020-2021. Metodología: investigación observacional, analítica (de caso-control) y retrospectiva. La población la conformarán todos los pacientes COVID-19 con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda que acudieron al Servicio de Emergencia del Hospital María Auxiliadora en el periodo de abril 2020 a mayo 2021. Se estimará una muestra representativa, de la cual se conformarán dos grupos: Grupo caso: conformado por pacientes COVID-19 con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda que si presentaron falla a la oxigenoterapia de alto flujo (OAF). Grupo control: conformado por pacientes COVID-19 con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda que no presentaron falla a la OAF. La variable dependiente será el fallo a la oxigenoterapia de alto flujo, mientras que la independiente; se considerarán factores predictivos (epidemiológicos y clínicos). Para determinar los factores predictivos de fallo en la oxigenoterapia de alto flujo en pacientes con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda por COVID-19 se construirá un modelo a través de la regresión logística.
Implementación de un sistema de planificación de recursos empresariales ERP para la gestión de logística de la empresa Overtrucks Transports S.A.C.
Authors:   , Jara Hidalgo Jarlinton Alexis
Published: July 2022

La finalidad del estudio se orientó a mejorar la eficiencia operativa de la empresa Overtrucks Transports S.A.C. por medio de la integración de las áreas involucradas en la cadena logística a través de una plataforma tecnológica ERP. Para ello, el diseño de investigación fue pre experimental con método hipotético-deductivo, tipo descriptiva-transversal y enfoque cuantitativo. Más del 30% de los resultados indican que la implementación de un sistema ERP influye positivamente en la gestión logística de una empresa de transporte. Por lo tanto, se infiere que el grado de influencia que pueda tener un sistema ERP dependerá de las características de cada empresa, en este caso, sumó una mejora a la ya existente tecnología con la que contaba la empresa al permitir centralizar los datos derivados de la gestión comercial por medio de la integración de al menos dos flujos, información y servicios, en tiempo real.
Influences of Metallic Biomaterial Design and Imaging Sequences on Mri Interpretation Challenges Due to Image Artefact
Authors: AKDOGAN Gulsen , ISTANBULLU Omer Burak
Published: July 2022

Bio-metals cause signal loss and susceptibility artifact at the surrounding tissue resulting in deterioration in the Magnetic Resonance (MR) images. This metal-artifact effect may lead to interpretation challenges for MR images. Therefore, reducing the artifact is required to obtain higher-quality images. This paper aims to analyze the effects of imaging sequence and metallic biomaterial design on MR-image artifacts. With this respect, implant specimens were designed in thin, thick, and pointed forms, manufactured using 316LVM, 316L, CoCr-alloy, and Ti-alloy which are common materials in the biomaterials field. Specimens were placed in a phantom which simulates average human anatomy separately, scanned in a 1.5T MRI under four imaging conditions, “Axial-T1-Gradient-Echo (GRE)”, “Sagittal-T1-GRE”, “Axial-T2-Spin-Echo (SE)” and “Sagittal-T2-SE”. Images were analyzed regarding image artifact amount. It was concluded that the higher magnetic susceptibility of 316LVM SS caused %87 more deterioration than Ti-alloy specimens in the obtained MR images with the mean image artifact to specimen size ratio of 2.77. Thinner designs provided better performance regarding the metal artifact by reducing the artifact to specimen size ratio down to 0.66. T2SE provided obtaining 1.77 times better image quality than T1GRE for clinical interpretation. It can be concluded that image artifact directly depends on material content, geometry, and imaging sequence selection. Minor artifact effect of T2SE provide obtaining more accurate MR images than T1GRE regarding the interpretation of the images of the patients with bio-metal. The higher magnetic susceptibility of bio-metal causes more deterioration of the images.
Gabor Representation Combination of PCNN Deep Learning Method for Expression Recognition
Authors: 姚 丽莎 , Zhao Haifeng
Published: July 2022

Traditional recognition methods are simple to extract features and need to be manually extracted with high complexity and unstable accuracy. The expression recognition method of deep learning still has the problems of poor network representation ability and low recognition rate. In order to fully represent the complex texture and edge features of expression images, a deep learning method of expression recognition based on Gabor representation combined with PCNN was proposed. Firstly, different Gabor representations are obtained through a set of Gabor filter banks with different proportions and directions, and the corresponding convolutional neural network model is trained to generate G-CNNs. Then, the Pulse Coupled Neural Network (PCNN) was introduced to fuse the different outputs of G-CNNs. Experiments in CK+ and JAFFE databases show that the average recognition rates of this method obtained 94.87% and 96.91%. Compared with other methods, the proposed method achieves a better recognition effect.
Identifying recurrence risk factors in CT-confirmed acute appendicitis in adults managed non-operatively during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Richards Chris B , Pendower Laura K , Kotecha Pinky D , Elmqvist Karl , Chinaka Fungayi N , Tomasi Ivan
Published: July 2022

Background/ObjectiveAcute appendicitis is predominantly managed with appendectomy, but can be treated non-operatively, leading to recurrence risk. Non-operative management has been more common since the COVID-19 pandemic affected the feasibility of performing surgery. This case-control study analyzed non-operatively managed patients in order to identify clinical and radiological factors associated with recurrence risk. MethodsOver 12 months, 48 adults with CT-proven acute appendicitis managed non-operatively were identified, and followed up for at least 6 further months to assess them for recurrence (reattendance to hospital more than 14 days after discharge and after symptom resolution, requiring treatment for appendicitis). Clinical and CT data were collected and a Cox regression survival analysis was performed to produce hazards ratios. ResultsOf the 48 patients, 12 (25%) experienced a recurrence up until the end of the follow-up period, 8 of whom were then treated operatively. On the univariate analysis, greater recurrence risk was observed in patients with diabetes mellitus, higher pulse rate (on admission and maximum value during admission), lower white cell count and neutrophils and appendiceal wall thinning on CT. On the multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus (hazards ratio=7.72, p=0.021) and higher pulse rate (hazards ratio=1.08, p=0.018) were associated with statistically significant greater recurrence risk. ConclusionsDiabetes mellitus and higher pulse rate on admission are associated with greater recurrence risk of acute appendicitis managed non-operatively. No CT findings were associated with greater risk. Clinicians should therefore consider diabetes mellitus and pulse rate when making decisions on appendicitis management, during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Commercial cow’s milk supplementation affects synaptic proteins and behavioral patterns in mice
Authors: Lemos Felipe , Prins Caio , Martinez Ana , Carpi-Santos Raul , Neumann Arthur S , Luisetto Roberto , Mello-Coelho Valéria , Oliveira Felipe
Published: July 2022

Cow's milk, a bioactive cocktail with essential nutritional factors widely consumed during early childhood development, has been associated with allergic responses, immune cell activation and typical autistic behaviors in children. In order to investigate whether cow’s milk consumption regulates autistic behavior, we used BALB/c mouse as experimental model because they were described by low sociability, significant stereotypes and restrict interest features. The major aims were focused in to investigate whether milk supplementation triggers mechanisms that interfere with behavioral patterns in genetically predisposed mice. Animals received orally commercial cow’s milk or water (controls), three times per day for one week. Milk consumption affected the distribution of Drebrin and Shank-3, both post-synaptic proteins, in the cerebral cortex. By immunohistochemistry and histomorphometry, we found that Drebrin+ and Shank-3+ cells significantly decreased in the cortex. No significant changes were observed in cortical cells expressing Synapotophysin (pre-synaptic protein). The milk intake enhanced the number of Iba-1+ cells in the cortical brain and cerebellum, and the number of Purkinje cells expressing nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2), suggesting neuroinflammatory and oxidative stress signals, respectively. These histological changes were correlated with disturbances on behavioral patterns after milk consumption. Mice supplemented with milk amplified pre-existing atypic movements, including significant stereotypies, restrict interest and low sociability. In addition, Global Motility Test revealed that milk-treated mice moved in repeated paths on the border of open field arena, exploring 40% less its perimeter than control group. On the other hand, milk consumption did not interfere with velocity, total distance explored, motor functions, fine motor skills or sensibility in hind limb paws of BALB/c mice. In conclusion, we suggest that milk consumption in genetically predisposed mice amplificated atypic behaviors involving mechanisms linked to synapse, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress regulation.
Medium and long-term effects of computerised cognitive training on cognitive and non-cognitive outcomes of people with mild cognitive impairment: Protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Sabates Julieta , Drake Marnie , Folmer Maximiliano , Lax Guido S. , Hampstead Benjamin M. , Bahar-Fuchs Alex
Published: July 2022

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a state of declining cognitive abilities with conserved everyday functioning. MCI has been linked with increased risk of dementia. Several non-pharmacological interventions have been investigated in this population. Computerised cognitive training (CCT) is a cognition-oriented treatment aimed at improving cognition. Most of the research on CCT has focused on the immediate or short-term effects on cognition and function of people with MCI. Thus, the aim of this review is to synthesise the current evidence on the medium- and long-term effects of CCT on people with MCI.Furthermore, this will be the first meta-analysis to be conducted with www.cogtale.com, an online repository of cognition-oriented treatment studies that automatises several steps of the evidence synthesis process.
New network analysis of therapeutic targets of human urine stem cells after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion
Authors: Chen Ji-Lin , Li Na , Liu Wen-Qiang , Zuo Zhong-Fu , Wang Ting-Hua
Published: July 2022

Objective: In order to verify that human urine stem cells can improve the neurological function of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion through animal experiments, and then analyze the changes of gene network of human urine stem cell transplantation on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion through bioinformatics. Methods: Human urine stem cells were cultured, and then the model was established in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Human urine stem cells were transplanted through the lateral ventricle. The success of the model was verified by behavioral NSS score. Using the keywords "Cerebral reperfusion" and "human urine stem cells", gene targets were searched and downloaded in Genecards, and the downloaded gene targets were made into The Venny intersection plot, and the resulting intersection genes were used. PubMed and CN.ORG searched literatures by keywords "Cerebral ischemia reperfusion, Stem cell transplantation" and sorted out genes that had been reported and not reported in the intersection genes. GO analysis, KEGG pathway analysis and PPI protein interaction map were used to analyze the interaction between genes. Results: Behavioral NSS score data were obtained on 1 day. Compared with the SHAM group, the neurological function of THE BI rats was significant. After injection of human urine stem cells into the lateral ventricle, the neurological function injury of the BI+USCs=LV group was higher than that of the BI group, P=0.028, which was statistically significant. There were 258 overlapping genes between Cerebral ischemia and human urine stem cells, and the remaining 252 overlapping genes were screened by PubMed and CNKI. GO enrichment analysis mainly involved neutrophil degranulation, neutrophil activation involved in immune response and platelet Positive regulation of degranulation, Hemostasis, blood coagulation, coagulation, etc. KEGG pathway analysis mainly involved Complement and coagulation cascades, ECM-receptor interaction, Hub gene was screened as:：CD44, ACTB, FN1,ITGB1, PLG, CASP3, ALB, HSP90AA1, EGF, GAPDH. We predict that these 10 genes have a regulatory role in cerebral ischemia reperfusionConclusion: Through animal experiments, it has been verified that human urine stem cells can improve the neural function of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion rats, and by studying their interaction relationship, enrichment analysis and pathway analysis, it has been expounded that human urine stem cells can regulate the functional recovery of cerebral ischemia.
Constructing Immune Related Prognosis Score Based on Signatures to Predict the Benefit of Immunotherapy in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Xiang Jun , Li JunHu , Liu YunXiao , Jing HaoYu , Fan BoYang , Cheng XiaoNan , Zhang Hao , Wang Yang , Wang ChunLin , Chang ZeWen , Wang HuFei , Liu ShiHao , Hu HanQing , Yu Lei , Wang GuiYu
Published: July 2022

Since FDA approved immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of colorectal cancer in 2017, there have been significant differences in the response of colorectal cancer patients to immune checkpoint inhibitors. In order to achieve better clinical benefits in patients with colorectal cancer in immunotherapy, we urgently need to find a biomarker to evaluate whether colorectal cancer patients respond to immunotherapy. The ssGSEA was implemented to construct immune related prognostic score (IRPS) of 2740 patients in 19 cohorts. Subsequently, an extensive analysis was performed to explore the relationship between IRPS and immune score, prognostic significance, microsatellite status, immunogenomic factors, cancer genotype. The IRPS is correlated to important immunophenotypic factors such as neoantigen load and mutation load. Further analysis confirmed that patients with high IRPS had a better response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Based on these results, we can find that the IRPS may be an available tool for the prediction of immunotherapy efficacy in colorectal cancer patients.
Differences in prescribing antibiotics for urinary tract infections: a cross-sectional study among general practitioners in Croatia
Authors: Vojvodić Željko , Popović Branislava , Quadranti Nives Radošević
Published: July 2022

Background
The spread of multidrug-resistant urinary pathogens in the outpatient setting requires strict adherence in prescribing the first-line antibiotics. We aimed to analyze the utilization of antibiotics for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in a sample of general practitioners (GPs) in uncomplicated and complicated infections together, and independently for uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections (uLUTIs) in women over 18 years. Prescribing of the first-line antimicrobials and fluoroquinolones was compared with the European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption (ESAC) quality indicators.
Methods
A cross sectional study on a sample of 42 GPs from all over Croatia was conducted between 1th March to 31th October 2019. Prescriptions related to diagnoses of UTIs were collected from electronic medical records, on a monthly basis, and consumption expressed in the absolute number of prescriptions and prescription rates per 100 patients. Additionally, the percentage of antibiotics for UTIs compared to the overall antibiotic consumption for systemic use and the relationship between clinical experience and specialization with the prescribing rates were analyzed.
Results
Out of 24,117 prescriptions of all antibiotics for systemic use (ATC J01), 22% were issued for both complicated and uncomplicated urinary infections in both sexes, and 14.8% for acute cystitis in women over 18 years of age. The prescription rates per 100 patients were 37,5/100 for antibiotics for systemic use, 7,9/100 for antibiotics in all UTIs and 5,3/100 for uLUTIs. Large differences between the highest and lowest prescribing rates/ 100 patients (6 times) have been recorded, not related to the number of patients in care. Prescribing rates did not differ significantly with regard to length of service and specialization. Most physicians prescribed outside the recommended ranges according to ESAC prescribing quality indicators.
Conclusion
Empirical treatment of UTIs in a sample of GPs was suboptimal regarding quality criteria. Large individual differences in the prescriptive practice were not related to the number of patients in care, but occurred probably due to incorrectly adopted prescriptive habits.
Adapting brief problem-solving therapy to improve health of women with antenatal depressive symptoms in primary healthcare in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Bitew Tesera , Keynejad Roxanne , Myers Bronwyn , Honikman Simone , Sorsdahl Katherine , Hanlon Charlotte
Published: July 2022

Background: Evidence-based brief psychological interventions are safe and effective for the treatment of antenatal depressive symptoms. However, adaptation of such interventions for low and middle-income countries has not been prioritized. This study aimed to select and adapt a brief psychological intervention for women with antenatal depressive symptoms attending primary healthcare (PHC) in rural Ethiopia. Methods: We employed the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for development and evaluation of complex interventions. Alongside this, we used the ADAPT-ITT model of process adaptation and the Ecological Validity Model (EVM) to guide content adaptation. We conducted formative work, comprising a qualitative study, a series of three participatory theories of change workshops and an expert adaptation workshop to assess the needs of the target population and to select an intervention for adaptation. The adaptation process followed a series of steps: (1) training Ethiopian mental health experts in the original South African problem-solving therapy (PST version 0.0) and an initial adaptation workshop leading to PST Version 1.0. (2) Version 1.0 was presented to perinatal women and healthcare professionals in the form of a ‘theatre test’, leading to further adaptations (version 2.0). (3) Local and international stakeholders reviewed version 2.0, leading to version 3.0, which was used to train 12 PHC staff using clinical cases. (4) Finally, feedback about PST version 3.0 and its delivery was obtained from PHC staff. Results: In the first step, we modified case examples and terminology from the South African model, introduced an in-session pictorial flipchart for this low literacy setting, and added strategies to facilitate women’s engagement before translating into Amharic. In the second step, adaptations included renaming of the types of problems and inclusion of more exercises to demonstrate proposed coping strategies. In the third step, the components of motivational interviewing were dropped due to cultural incongruence. In the final step, refresher training was delivered as well as additional training on supporting control of women’s emotions to address PHC staff training needs, leading to the final version (version 4.0).Conclusion: Using a series of steps, we have adapted the content and delivery of brief PST to fit the cultural context of this setting. The next step will be to assess feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and its delivery in antenatal care settings.
Prognostic models for short-term annual risk of severe acute complications and mortality in patients living with type 2 diabetes using a national medical claim database
Authors: Vimont Alexandre , Béliard Sophie , Valéro René , Leleu Henri , Durand-Zaleski Isabelle
Published: July 2022

Objective
Prognostic models in patients living with diabetes allow physicians to estimate individual risk based on medical records and biological results. Clinical risk factors are not always all available to evaluate these models so that they may be complemented with models from claims databases. The objective of this study was to develop, validate and compare models predicting the annual risk of acute severe complications and mortality in patients living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from a national claims data.
Research design and methods
Adult patients with T2D were identified in a national medical claims database through their history of treatments or hospitalizations. Prognostic models were developed using logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF) and neural network (NN) to predict annual risk of outcome: (1) severe acute cardiovascular (CV) complications, (2) other severe acute T2D-related complications, and (3) all-cause mortality. Risk factors included demographics, comorbidities, the adjusted Diabetes Severity and Comorbidity Index (aDSCI) and diabetes medications. Model performance was assessed using discrimination (C-statistics), balanced accuracy, sensibility and specificity.
Results
A total of 22,708 patients with T2D were identified, with mean age of 68 years and average duration of T2D of 9.7 years. Age, aDSCI, disease duration, diabetes medications and chronic cardiovascular disease were the most important predictors for all outcomes. Discrimination with C-statistic ranged from 0.715 to 0.786 for severe acute CV complications, from 0.670 to 0.847 for other severe complications and from 0.814 to 0.860 for all-cause mortality, with RF having consistently the highest discrimination.
Conclusion
The proposed models reliably predict acute severe complications and mortality in patients with T2D, without requiring medical records or biological measures. These predictions could be used by payers to alert primary care providers and high-risk patients living with T2D.
Multi-locus phylogeny and species delimitation in the catfish genus Ictalurus Rafinesque, 1820 (Actinopterygii, Siluriformes)
Authors: Pérez-Rodríguez Rodolfo , Domínguez-Domínguez Omar , Pedraza-Lara Carlos Carlos , Rosas-Valdez Rogelio , de León Gerardo Pérez-Ponce , García-Andrade Ana Berenice , Doadrio Ignacio
Published: July 2022

Background
Ictalurus is one of the most representative groups of North American freshwater fishes. Although this group has a well-studied fossil record, and has been the subject of several morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies, incomplete taxonomic sampling and insufficient taxonomic studies have produced a rather complex classification along with intricate evolutionary history patterns of the genus that are considered unresolved and remain under debate.
Results
Based on four loci and the most comprehensive taxonomic sampling analyzed to date, including currently recognized species, previously synonymized species, undescribed taxa, as well as poorly studied populations, this study produced a resolved phylogenetic framework that provided plausible species delimitation and an evolutionary time framework for the genus Ictalurus in North America.
Conclusions
Our phylogenetic hypothesis revealed that Ictalurus comprises at least 13 evolutionary units, partially corroborating the current classification and identifying populations that emerge as putative undescribed taxa. The divergence times of the species indicate that diversification of Ictalurus dates back to the early Oligocene, confirming its status as one of the oldest genera within the family Ictaluridae.
Comparison of antegrade robotic assisted VS laparoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy for penile cancer
Authors: Yang Mengjun , Liu Zhicheng , Tan Qi , Hu Xiaofei , Liu Yang , Wei Ling , Deng Chunyan , Zhou Shikai , Yang Nengrui , Duan Guangjie , Zheng Yiming , Li Xuemei , Chen Zhiwen , Zhou Zhansong , Zheng Ji
Published: July 2022

Background
Minimally invasive modifications of inguinal lymphadenectomy (IL), including laparoscopic IL (LIL) and robotic-assisted IL (RAIL), have been utilized for penile cancer. Comparative study is necessary to guide the decision about which minimally invasive technique to select for IL. Therefore we compared RAIL with LIL performed via an antegrade approach in terms of perioperative outcomes.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study of 43 patients who underwent RAIL (n = 20) or LIL (n = 23) for penile cancer from 2016 to 2020. The key surgical procedures and techniques are described. Complications were graded by the Clavien-Dindo classification, and operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), lymph nodal yield, nodal positivity, postoperative drain duration, and disease recurrence during follow-up were assessed. Categorical variables were compared using chi-squared whereas continuous variables were compared by t-tests.
Results
The operative time for RAIL was significantly shorter than that of LIL (median 83 vs 95 min). Significantly less blood loss was reported with RAIL than with LIL (median 10 vs 35 ml). Lymph node yield, pathological positive nodes, the hospital stay, postoperative drain duration, postoperative complications and recurrence were similar for RAIL and LIL.
Conclusions
For patients with penile cancer, perioperative outcomes of RAIL and LIL were similar, but there was less blood loss, a shorter operative time for robotic cases.
Allee effects in an invasive social wasp: an experimental study in colonies of Vespula germanica
Authors: Melo Romina , Masciocchi Maité , Corley Juan C.
Published: July 2022

1. Allee effects are based on the existence of mutually beneficial intraspecific interactions which make individual fitness and per capita growth rate increase along with the increase in the number of individuals in a population or group. Allee effects are often noted when individuals fall below a given number and the success of a group or population drops. 2. In eusocial insects, cooperation is an evident defining feature, since conspecifics are essential to successfully perform different tasks, such as foraging and breeding. Such interactions suggest that social insects are susceptible to Allee effects. 3. We studied Allee effects in the eusocial yellowjacket wasp Vespula germanica. We experimentally explored component Allee effects and the underlying mechanism through the removal of workers in experimental colonies. In nests with different removal percentages, we quantify the number of gynes produced, the body mass of gynes and the amount of protein-food collected by foragers. 4. We found that the worker removal was associated with a reduction in the number of gynes produced and affected food gathering. Also, colonies in which worker removal was higher than 44.4% did not produce any gynes. We suggest that a possible mechanism that could be producing the component Allee effect is cooperative food collecting. 5. Our results highlight the importance of the worker caste in the success of eusocial species. We also provide for the first time, evidence of Allee effects at nest level of V. germanica, which can have practical significance for the management on this invasive wasp.
2,4-dinitroyoluene (2,4-DNT) exposure induced liver developmental damage and perturbs lipid metabolism and oxygen transport gene expression in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Su Liangxia , Sha Hang , Liu Jun , Yu Le , Li Huanhuan , Wang Rui
Published: July 2022

2,4-dinitrotoluene (2, 4-DNT) is a common environmental pollutant. The toxic effect on mammalian of 2,4-DNT has been well studied, but its toxicity on aquatic organisms is little known. In this study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to 0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 mg/L 2,4-DNT to first determine 96 h semi-lethal concentrations (LC50), and then exposed to 0, 2, 4 and 8 mg/L for 5 d, determine liver toxicity of 2,4-DNT. Exposed zebrafish developed hypoxia features, such as floating head and breathing rapidly, and then died. 96h LC50 of 2,4-DNT in zebrafish was 9.36 mg/L. Histological data revealed that 2,4-DNT severely damaged the liver tissues, following with the round nucleus, dense interstitial tissue, dense arranged hepatocyte cords and more inflammatory cells. Additionally, the results of qPCR result indicated that the lower levels of lipid transport and metabolism (apoα2, mtp, ppar-α and acox) were noticed. But, exposed to 2,4-DNT for 5 d significantly upregulated the expression levels of genes involved in respiration (hif1a, tfa and ho1.). These results indicated that 2,4-DNT exposure disturbed lipid transport and metabolism and oxygen supply in zebrafish, which could contribute to severe damage in liver and death.
Heavy metals concentrations and accumulation characteristics of dominant woody plants in iron and lead-zinc mining areas in Jiangxi, Southeast China
Authors: Li Yanglong , Wang Chaoqun , Yan Chaowu , Liu Shaowen , Chen Xiangteng , Zeng Mansheng , Dong Yuhong , Jiao Ruzhen
Published: July 2022

Phytoremediation using woody plants can effectively reduce heavy metals (HMs) concentrations in soils. However, the remediation capacity of woody plants depends on soil and environmental conditions. To evaluate the HMs remediation potential of woody plants from different mining areas, we analyzed the HMs accumulation characteristics of roots, shoots and leaves of 12 dominant native woody plants in iron and lead-zinc mining areas. The distribution of HMs in plants varied with the type of HMs pollution in the two mining area. Available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK) in soil were potential factors for the uptake of HMs by woody plants. In areas heavily contaminated with Pb, Cd and As, abilities of woody plants to accumulate Pb, Cd and Zn from soil were suppressed by AP, and the abilities to accumulate Pb, Zn, Cr and Ni from soil were suppressed by AK. Cyclobalanopsis glauca and Rhododendron simsii had strong enrichment and translocation abilities for Cd and Mn, Pinus elliottii for Cd, Liquidambar formosana for Mn and Paulownia fortunei for Zn. Castanopsis sclerophylla, Rhus chinensis, Rhododendron simsii, Liquidambar formosana, Photinia × fraseri,and Paulownia fortunei could grow under ultra-high concentration of As. The plants listed above can be used as potential species for phytoremediation in iron and lead-zinc mining areas.
Income Inequality and Economic Complexity in Africa: Interaction Effect of Governance Quality
Authors: Beyene Amsalu Bedemo
Published: July 2022

This study examines the effect of economic complexity on income inequality through the interaction role of governance factors. The study used data obtained from 24 African countries from 2000 to 2018. The systems GMM method of estimation was employed to predict the effect of variables of interest on income inequality. The findings show that economic complexity has a positive significant effect on income inequality. However, the coefficient of the interaction term is negative and significant implying that while economic complexity increases income inequality, that increase in inequality was significantly offset by the governance factor. The estimated results for disaggregated governance factors suggest similar findings except for political stability. Unlike other dimensions of governance, political stability further deteriorates the effect of economic complexity on income inequality. The overall result entails important policy implications in that for economic complexity to have a weaker deteriorating effect on income inequality, it should be accompanied by an improvement in the governance factors.
Effect of en bloc esophagectomy and meso-esophagectomy on esophageal cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Su Feng , Jiao Heng , Yin Jun , Fang Yong , Tan Lijie , Shen Yaxing
Published: July 2022

Background: Esophagectomy offers the chance of cure for esophageal cancer, however, the optimal circumferential extent of surgery remains uncertain. Yet, the practice of en bloc esophagectomy (EBE) and meso-esophagectomy (TME) reached inconsistent results, which led to the proposal of this study was to evaluate the surgical and oncological effect of EBE and TME on the esophageal cancer patients.Methods: Five databases were searched through March 1st, 2022, and the references of eligible studies were further searched in the databases and assessed. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of EBE or TME were included. The outcomes were recorded in the forms of mean difference (MD), risk ratio (RR), odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) with its corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Overall, a total of 14 RCTs involving 3106 subjects were included. Compared with standard resection, a higher blood loss (MD=56.29, (14.80, 97.77), P=0.008), more lymph nodes acquired (MD=14.39, (9.79, 19.00), P<0.001) and better long-term outcomes for early (OS: HR=0.31, (0.10, 0.96), p =0.04; DFS: HR=0.71, (0.41, 1.21), P=0.21) and advanced staged esophageal cancer patients (OS: HR=0.47, (0.33, 0.66), p <0.001; DFS: HR=0.62, (0.38, 0.99), P=0.05) were observed in the EBE surgery group, while TME showed less blood loss (MD=-74.03, (-96.69, -51.38), p <0.001), shorter operation time (MD=-32.37, (-65.12, 0.37), p =0.05) and better overall survival (HR=0.74, (0.55, 0.98), p =0.04).Conclusion: EBE is highly technically demanding and associated with comparable surgical trauma and better long-term outcomes. And TME is accompanied with better long-term prognosis without improving operative bleeding and operation time. Further prospective studies are required to verify the efficacy of EBE and TME.
Deep Encoder-Decoder Network-based Wildfire Segmentation and Detection Using Drone Images in Real Time
Authors: Muksimova Shakhnoza , Mardieva Sevara , Cho Young Im
Published: July 2022

Wildfire is a hazardous natural phenomenon that leads to significant human fatalities, catastrophic environmental damages, and economic losses. Over the past few years, the intensity and frequency of fires have increased worldwide. Studies have been conducted to develop distinctive solutions to minimize forest fires. Systems for distant fire detection and monitoring have been established, showing improvements in data collection and fire characterization. However, wildfires cover vast areas, making other proposed ground systems unsuited for optimal coverage. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become the subject of active research in recent years. Deep learning-based image processing methods demonstrate improved performance in various tasks, including detection and segmentation, which can be utilized to develop modern forest firefighting techniques. In this study, we established a novel two-pathway encoder-decoder-based model to detect and accurately segment wildfires and smoke from the images captured using UAVs in real time. Our proposed nested decoder uses pre-activated residual blocks and an attention-gating mechanism, thereby improving segmentation accuracy. Moreover, to facilitate robust and generalized training, we prepared a new dataset comprising actual incidences of forest fires and smokes, varying from small to large areas. In terms of practicality, the experimental results reveal that our method significantly outperforms existing detection and segmentation methods despite being lightweight. In addition, the proposed model is reliable and robust for detecting and segmenting drone camera images from different viewpoints in the presence of wildfire and smoke.
Citizen scientist efforts in tracking the distribution of the Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis)
Authors: Goldberg Nisse , Sharples Alexis D.
Published: July 2022

To understand the distribution of the invasive Cuban treefrog (CTF, Osteopilus septentrionalis) along eastern Florida, USA, observational records from the Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS) app were compared for numbers of observations, relative abundances per observation, estimated sizes, and habitat descriptions among eastern Florida counties from 1996-2021. EDDMapS is a reporting tool for invasive species that citizen scientists can upload observations that are then confirmed by experts. The mean annual number of observations per county from 2013-2021 was more than five times greater than those from 1996-2012. CTFs were primarily associated with yards and residential buildings. Mean lengths were 2.3-3.9 cm with greatest lengths of 7.0 and 8.0 cm recorded in 2019 and 2020. County mean latitude was not correlated with number of records or CTF lengths. Southern counties and northern Duval County had the greatest public engagement. The contributions and documentation of citizen scientists’ observations in coordination with regional experts can be used to inform local management efforts designed to control CTF populations, an invasive parasite-spreading species that negatively impacts local diversity.
In silico evidence of the ribosomal protein uS19’s interactions with multiple proteins during oncogenesis.
Authors: Chee Cassandra Sheau-Mei , Sim Edmund , Lee Choon-Weng , Narayanan Kumaran
Published: July 2022

Objective: The ribosomal protein, uS19, is known to be associated with cancers but the molecular mechanisms underlying its involvement in oncogenesis is not fully understood. Herein, we report the findings from an in silico approach to predict the collaborative partners of uS19 in oncogenic pathways. Results: Using the bioinformatics tools of VAST (to identify candidate partners), ClusPro and PatchDock/FireDock (to simulate protein-protein interaction/docking), our analysis revealed 9 computationally-supported interacting partners of uS19 that have relevance to cancer pathways. These proteins are TMEM237, SLC22A23, SLC13A4, SLC7A1, CUBN, CBLIF, RRP1B, LMP2, and EBNA1. Our findings suggest that the role of uS19 in neoplastic malignancies may involve multiple pathways via interaction with various proteins.
Analysis of Odor Distribution in Urban Landscape With GIS
Authors: Çeven Elif Ayan , Belkayalı Nur , Aydın Miraç
Published: July 2022

A component of urban landscape, smell sources affect the urban atmosphere based on various activities. In this atmosphere, several unpleasant odors and pleasant smells are present and dispersion of these smells vary based on spatial attributes. Thus, in the present study, urban smellscapes in Kastamonu province urban center with various smellscapes and diverse physical structure were determined with human evaluator and smell measurement device to determine whether urban physical structure and climatic factors were effective on the dispersion modeled with the IDW method in GIS. Since the odor density changes depending on temperature and humidity, the study was carried out in all seasons for 1 year and serial measurements were analyzed for 1 month in August in the most suitable climatic period. The study findings demonstrated that smell sources and intensity varied based on spatial and climatic properties on a route with different occupancy types; thus, smell did not affect the space at different point but as an area. Therefore, the element of smell should be integrated into planning and design work based on the dispersion property of smell.
Self-management strategies for chronic low back pain: a systematic narrative review
Authors: Zhou Tianyu , Salman David , McGregor Alison
Published: July 2022

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting nearly 60-80% of the general population within their lifetime. Given the large numbers of people affected, self-management approaches offer a potentially cost-effective approach to manage this condition. Our study sought to determine the core components of, and outcomes for, successful self-management of CLBP. Methods: This narrative review was conducted using a systematic approach to search journal articles in English that focused on CLBP self-management. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases were used to identify publications with terms relating to back pain and self-management from 2016 until 2022.Results: In total, 53 studies were found suitable for inclusion in the review. Core components of self-management strategies include exercise, education, and psychological interventions. The most common outcomes to assess self-management focused on functional disability, and pain intensity, followed by health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression, spine flexibility, and trunk muscle endurance.Conclusions: Inconsistencies in the content of self-management interventions and outcome measures used for assessing self-management programmes were found across the literature. A consensus on the key components of self-management interventions, and how they should be evaluated, will pave the way for research to determine if self-management can effectively manage CLBP.
Evidence of association of Toxoplasma gondii infection with brain tumors in Southern Iran: A case-control study
Authors: Arefkhah Nasir , Asgari Qasem , Rajabi Farshad , Sajadian Fattaneh , Bahreini Mohammad Saleh
Published: July 2022

Considerable evidence points to a dominant role of inflammation in the tumor pathology. The biological response of the immune system can be triggered by Toxoplasma gondii as a common brain-tropic parasite. The aim of this study was to investigate an association between Toxoplasma infection and brain tumors. This case-control study was performed on sera of brain tumor patients (n=124) and age- and sex-matched control subjects (n=124) in Southern Iran. Data related to tumor site and type were collected during sample collection. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Seroprevalence anti-Toxoplasma IgG was significantly higher in brain tumor patients 30.6% (38/124) compared with 12.1% (15/124) of the healthy controls (OR 3.211; 95% CI 1.658 to 6.219; p=0.001). The highest seroprevalence was detected in pa­tients with ependymoma (100%), followed by glioblastoma (83%), pituitary adenoma (47.3%), astrocytoma (27.2%), schwannoma (23%), and meningioma (22.6%). The parasite infection was correlated to brain tumor’s location i.e., the patients with frontal lobe and sella region tumors had higher seropositivity compared with others (P<0.05). The higher prevalence of Toxoplasma infection among patients with brain tumor compared with the control group indicates a probable association between the infection and brain tumors.
The Effects and Client Experiences of Online and Face-to-Face Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Emotion Dysregulation: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Whitchurch Mabel , Humayun Sajid , Robinson Oliver C.
Published: July 2022

Background: This research examines whether the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) differs between online and face-to-face therapeutic modalities, and explores the experience of participation in these modalities. Methods: In Study 1, we compared DBT’s effectiveness between modalities by analysing pre-collected client self-report measures from a London-based charity (N = 59) across two non-randomised groups; online clients and face-to-face clients seen between 2018 and 2021. In Study 2, we conducted semi-structured interviews with a subsample of Study 1 participants (N = 10) with the primary aim of capturing the client experience of each modality, and the secondary aim of capturing the general client experience of DBT. Results: It was hypothesised that emotion dysregulation would reduce following DBT regardless of modality, which results supported. It was also hypothesised that DBT would be less effective online, but no difference was identified. A model of the general client experience was proposed, consisting of five themes: ‘the process of learning’, ‘from feeling alone to a sense of community’, ‘physical factors’, ‘improvements in my life’, and ‘DBT beyond the course’. Differences in experience between modalities were identified, and each contributed to the effectiveness of the therapy in distinct ways. Conclusions: Emotion dysregulation reduces following face-to-face and online DBT. The implications are that practitioners may wish to continue to deliver online DBT beyond the Covid-19 pandemic, thereby reducing costs and increasing accessibility. Trial Registry: The trial has been retrospectively registered with the Open Science Framework (www.osf.io).