bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INFLUENCE OF TOP DRESSING WITH LIQUID COMPLEX FERTILIZER ON THE YIELD OF SOFT WHEAT
Authors: IVANOV Sergey , LOPUHOV Pavel , ZAHAROVA Irina , GLAZ Nikolay
Published: February 2024

Interest in liquid complex fertilizers increases in conditions of insufficient moisture during the growing season. The last four years in the Urals are dry; the values of long-term climatic norms of precipitation are not achieved. At the same time, the soils of the zone are predominantly deficient in phosphorus supply, and fertilizing with nitrogen is required. The most technologically advanced technique is foliar top dressing using sprayers. The use of liquid complex fertilizers PhosAgro (N11P37) (APALIQUA NP 11:37) containing both phosphorus and nitrogen in its composition was studied. The use of complex fertilizer APALIQUA NP 11:37 increased the wheat yield by 1.5 times compared to the control. With a single top dressing, an improvement in the quality of gluten was observed (the identified quality differentiation is 67, group I), with a double top dressing, the gluten content increased by 1.9 %, in both studied options, an increase in the natural weight of the grain was noted.
FODDER QUALITY ZOOTEKHNICAL EVALUATION AND STANDARDIZATION
Authors: Popov Vladimir
Published: February 2024

Over the half-century since its inception, the department of zootechnical evaluation of feed and feeding of farm animals has made a significant contribution to science and production. New methods for laboratory, semi-industrial and industrial evaluation of feed have been developed and existing ones have been improved. A comprehensive assessment was given of new species and varieties of cultivated plants and feed products prepared from them. Most developments have received the status of scientific and technical documents in the form of guidelines, instructions, standards, and patents
PARTICIPATION OF CLOVER COVER CROPS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DIRECT SOWING TECHNOLOGY IN THE CENTRAL REGION OF THE NON-CHERNOZEMZ ZONE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors: Belenkov Aleksey , Zhelezova Sof'ya , MEL'NIKOV Andrey , Lazarev Nikolay
Published: February 2024

The selection of cover crops for clover when cultivating them using zero tillage allowed us to draw some preliminary conclusions. The largest number of cover crop inputs was noted on the mustard and oat varieties, the smallest — on the buckwheat and phacelia varieties; therefore, buckwheat and phacelia do not germinate well when sowed using no-till technology. In all variants of the experiment, high weediness of crops was noted, when the number of weeds at the beginning of the growing season exceeded the economic thresholds of harmfulness, and the use of herbicide during the growing season was not provided for in this experiment, since all crops, with the exception of oats, are sensitive. For clover, at the end of the entire season, the highest biomass was noted in the variants under the cover of phacelia, buckwheat and without cover, where competition is minimal.
ASPECTOS DA TEORIA ATOR-REDE (ANT) E DA MEDIAÇÃO EM EXPOSIÇÕES DE ARTE: ESTRATÉGIAS TEÓRICO-METODOLÓGICAS PARA PESQUISAS EM MEDIAÇÃO CULTURAL
Authors: Carlin Andrew Martins
Published: February 2024

Este artigo apresenta uma definição operacional do conceito de mediação culturalenquanto procedimento institucional e/ou profissional de comunicação de eventos culturais.Na sequência, argumenta-se a favor da autonomia do processo de mediação cultural,concordando com autores como Jean Davallon (2007; 2010) e Yves Jeanneret (2009) quereiteram que, nos processos comunicacionais, os significados e os conhecimentos nuncasão simplesmente dados, havendo, antes, inúmeros elementos, humanos e não humanos,que carregam, transformam, criam e recriam as informações. Assim, neste recorte sobre otema, avaliam-se as principais diretrizes da Teoria Ator-Rede, associada aos conceitos demediação radical e comunicação associal (LEMOS, 2020), como uma estratégia teóricometodológicapara mapear a complexidade do processo comunicacional e, em especial, damediação cultural institucional e/ou profissional praticada em exposições de arte. Por fim,este estudo registra e exemplifica como uma exposição de arte pode ser analisada a partirde uma perspectiva ontológica plana não antropocêntrica.
A AUTONOMIA DA MULHER QUE DANÇA A DOIS PARA A ATUAÇÃO NAS RELAÇÕES SOCIAIS E DE ENSINO
Authors: Keiber Tatiana Maria Asinelli da Luz
Published: February 2024

O presente artigo tem por objetivo discutir a autonomia da mulher nas danças a dois etrazer reflexões e outros parâmetros para o ensino dessas danças que, ainda é pautado, em grandeparte, na desigualdade entre gêneros, principalmente no que diz respeito às tomadas de decisãodurante as danças a dois. As mulheres vêm exercendo um papel importante na sociedade como umtodo, desempenhando cada vez mais protagonismo em âmbito pessoal, profissional e nas instânciaspolí­ticas, o que acaba por estimular uma reflexão sobre o desenvolvimento da autonomia da mulhernas danças de salão. A partir de revisão de literatura que apresenta um breve histórico sobre odesenvolvimento destas danças, nas quais as relações entre mulher e homem são dimensionadaspelas funções de dama e cavalheiro, se levanta uma definição de autonomia fundamentada comoparâmetro sistêmico, que possibilita entender a necessidade de se gerar ambientes e práticas paradesenvolvimento da autonomia das mulheres que dançam a dois, ou a duas, em virtude de que,autonomia não é algo dado a priori e sim, construí­do e estruturado nas experiências da vida. Odiálogo com os autores e histórico se dá articulado com as experiências que advém da práticaprofissional da autora deste artigo. Como dança social, as danças de salão tendem a apresentare refletir em suas práticas, as mesmas estruturas e caracterí­sticas sistêmicas da sociedade comomachismo, homofobia, racismo entre outros aspectos mantidos por uma tradição e conservadorismo,pouco discutido nestas danças. A dança social deve ser expressão de felicidade, de conhecimentode si, de potencialidades humanas e pesquisar autonomia nessa prática, é um estudo de amplapluralidade de conhecimento.
Dançar para sustentar a potência de um corpo plural
Authors: Sumikawa Spagnolo Mariah
Published: February 2024

Entrevista com Rosemeri Rocha
TSE-GAN: strain elastography using generative adversarial network for thyroid disease diagnosis
Authors: Song Anping , Li Tianyi , Ding Xuehai , Wu Mingye , Wang Ren
Published: February 2024

Over the past 35 years, studies conducted worldwide have revealed a threefold increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer. Strain elastography is a new imaging technique to identify benign and malignant thyroid nodules due to its sensitivity to tissue stiffness. However, there are certain limitations of this technique, particularly in terms of standardization of the compression process, evaluation of results and several assumptions used in commercial strain elastography modes for the purpose of simplifying imaging analysis. In this work, we propose a novel conditional generative adversarial network (TSE-GAN) for automatically generating thyroid strain elastograms, which adopts a global-to-local architecture to improve the ability of extracting multi-scale features and develops an adaptive deformable U-net structure in the sub-generator to apply effective deformation. Furthermore, we introduce a Lab-based loss function to induce the networks to generate realistic thyroid elastograms that conform to the probability distribution of the target domain. Qualitative and quantitative assessments are conducted on a clinical dataset provided by Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital. Experimental results demonstrate that thyroid elastograms generated by the proposed TSE-GAN outperform state-of-the-art image translation methods in meeting the needs of clinical diagnostic applications and providing practical value.
Retrospective study for correlation analysis of nutritional status with osteoporosis, sarcopenia and cognitive impairment in elderly patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Xu Xiao , Li Daohong , Zhang Shan
Published: February 2024

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is an abbreviation of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, which remains challenging for diagnosis and treatment. Current study aims to explore the correlation between geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and osteoporosis, sarcopenia, cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients with CHD, and to analyze the clinical diagnostic value of GNRI in the above complications. A total of 92 elderly patients with CHD treated in Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital from January 2020 to October 2023 were retrospectively collected as the experimental group, and 68 non-CHD subjects matched for sex and age in the same period of physical examination were randomly selected as the control group. Osteoporosis, sarcopenia and cognitive dysfunction were analyzed in all patients, and the correlation between GNRI and these indices in different populations was analyzed by Spearman's rank correlation. The diagnostic efficacy of GNRI in osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and cognitive impairment was analyzed by ROC curves. There was no significant difference in age, sex distribution, body mass index (BMI) and serum biological indexes between the elderly patients with CHD and the control group (all P > 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that GNRI level was positively correlated with bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD) T value and osteocalcin (OCN) (All r > 0, P < 0.05). In addition, GNRI levels were positively correlated with skeletal muscle mass (ASMI), grip strength and calf circumference (CC) (All r > 0, P < 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between GNRI levels and cognitive dysfunction-related indicators (P > 0.05). In the elderly and elderly with CHD, the diagnostic AUC of GNRI was 0.875 and 0.862 in osteoporosis, and 0.912 and 0.932 in sarcopenia, respectively. The level of GNRI is significantly correlated with osteoporosis and sarcopenia. GNRI level, as an auxiliary diagnostic tool in elderly patients with CHD, exerts important clinical significance for early detection of the risk of complications, such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia.
Towards an aesthetics of grammar learning: lifting the veil on language
Authors: Ainsworth Steph , Bell Huw
Published: February 2024

The last few decades have seen growing interest in the field of disciplinary aesthetics. While the physical sciences and mathematics have attracted significant interest in this area, relatively little attention has been given to the aesthetic potential of learning about the structure of one’s own native language. Within this paper, we bring together ideas from evolutionary aesthetics, philosophy, psychology and neuroscience to explore the question of what might characterize an aesthetics of grammar learning. The paper connects our previous empirical findings with theoretical developments across these disciplines. We argue that explicit grammar learning has a particular potential to evoke aesthetic experience due to its role as a mediator between procedural and declarative knowledge. We suggest that by facilitating the transformation from knowhow to knowledge, grammar learning has the potential to generate cognitive consonance, experienced as an aesthetic-epistemic feeling of fittingness. The discussion draws parallels between the characteristics of grammar and the properties of entities more traditionally conceived to be aesthetic (such as art works and performances). In particular, we note that meta-linguistic labels (grammar terms) provide concrete tokens which facilitate virtual models, supporting the transition from ‘automatism’ to ‘conscious reflection’. The paper concludes by exploring the implications for the field of disciplinary aesthetics and for developing pedagogies which maximize the aesthetic potential of grammar.
Individual learning paths mastering teachers’ professional vision
Authors: Oellers Manuel , Junker Robin , Holodynski Manfred
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Promoting a professional vision of teaching as a key factor of teachers’ expertise is a core challenge for teacher professionalization. While research on teaching has evolved and successfully evaluated various video-based intervention programs, a prevailing emphasis on outcome measures can yet be observed. However, the learning processes by which teachers acquire professional vision currently remain a black box. The current study sought to fill this research gap. As part of a course dedicated to promoting a professional vision of classroom management, students were imparted knowledge about classroom management that had to be applied to the analysis of authentic classroom videos. The study aimed to determine the variety of individual strategies that students applied during their video analyses, and to investigate the relationship between these and the quality of the students’ analyses, measured by their agreement with an experts’ rating of the video clips.

Methods

The sample comprised 45 undergraduate pre-service teachers enrolled in a course to acquire a professional vision of classroom management. By applying their imparted knowledge of classroom management, students engaged in the analysis of classroom videos to learn how to notice and interpret observable events that are relevant to effective classroom management. Implementing a learning analytical approach allowed for the gathering of process-related data to analyze the behavioral patterns of students within a digital learning environment. Video-based strategies were identified by conducting cluster analyses and related to the quality of the students’ analysis outcomes, measured by their concordance with the experts’ ratings.

Results

We gained insight into the learning processes involved in video-based assignments designed to foster a professional vision of classroom management, such as the areas of interest that attracted students’ heightened attention. We could also distinguish different approaches taken by students in analyzing classroom videos. Relatedly, we found clusters indicating meticulous and less meticulous approaches to analyzing classroom videos and could identify significant correlations between process and outcome variables.

Discussion

The findings of this study have implications for the design and implementation of video-based assignments for promoting professional vision, and may serve as a starting point for implementing process-based diagnostics and providing adaptive learning support.
Influence of leptin and its receptors on individuals under chronic social stress behavior
Authors: Mélo Renata M. F. , Barbosa Rafaela S. , Ozório Victória L. , Oliveira Gabriel M. , Horita Samuel I. M. , Henriques-Pons Andrea , Araújo-Jorge Tânia C. , Fragoso Viviane M. S.
Published: February 2024

Stress is the body’s physiological reaction to a dangerous or threatening situation, leading to a state of alertness. This reaction is necessary for developing an effective adaptive response to stress and maintaining the body’s homeostasis. Chronic stress, caused mainly by social stress, is what primarily affects the world’s population. In the last decades, the emergence of psychological disorders in humans has become more frequent, and one of the symptoms that can be observed is aggressiveness. In the brain, stress can cause neuronal circuit alterations related to the action of hormones in the central nervous system. Leptin, for example, is a hormone capable of acting in brain regions and neuronal circuits important for behavioral and emotional regulation. This study investigated the correlation between chronic social stress, neuroendocrine disorders, and individual behavioral changes. Then, leptin and its receptors’ anatomical distribution were evaluated in the brains of mice subjected to a protocol of chronic social stress. The model of spontaneous aggression (MSA) is based on grouping young mice and posterior regrouping of the same animals as adults. According to the regrouping social stress, we categorized the mice into i) harmonic, ii) attacked, and iii) aggressive animals. For leptin hormone evaluation, we quantified plasma and brain concentrations by ELISA and evaluated its receptor and isoform expression by western blotting. Moreover, we verified whether stress or changes in leptin levels interfered with the animal’s body weight. Only attacked animals showed reduced plasma leptin concentration and weight gain, besides a higher expression of the high-molecular-weight leptin receptor in the amygdala and the low-molecular-weight receptor in the hippocampal region. Aggressive animals showed a reduction in the cerebral concentration of leptin in the hippocampus and a reduced high-and low-molecular-weight leptin receptor expression in the amygdala. The harmonic animals showed a reduction in the cerebral concentration of leptin in the pituitary and a reduced expression of the high-molecular-weight leptin receptor in the amygdala. We then suggest that leptin and its receptors’ expression in plasma and specific brain areas are involved in how individuals react in stressful situations, such as regrouping stress in MSA.
Value of markers of systemic inflammation for the prediction of postoperative progression in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Yang Liu , Fu Mengfei , Yu Li , Wang Hanyu , Chen Xiao , Sun Hui
Published: February 2024

Background

Non-invasive prognostic predictors for rare pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are lacking. We aimed to approach the prognostic value of preoperative systemic inflammatory markers in patients with PNETs.

Methods

The clinical data of 174 patients with PNETs undergoing surgical treatment were retrospectively analyzed to explore the correlation of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet to white blood cell ratio (PWR) with clinicopathological parameters and the progression of tumor after the operation. The optimal cutoff values for predictors and the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were estimated. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the relation between NLR, LMR, PLR, and progression-free survival (PFS), examined by the Kaplan–Meier and log-rank tests.

Results

The scores of the NLR (P = 0.039) and PLR (P = 0.011) in the progression group were significantly higher than those in the progression-free group, and the LMR was significantly lower than those in the progression-free group (P = 0.001). The best cutoff values of NLR, LMR, and PLR before operation were 2.28, 4.36, and 120.91. The proportions of tumor progression in the high NLR group (P = 0.007) and high PLR group (P = 0.013) obviously increased, and the proportion of tumor development in the low LMR group was higher than that in the high LMR group (P < 0.001). The K-M survival curve showed that the progression-free survival rate was lower in the high NLR group (P = 0.004), the low LMR group (P < 0.001), and the high PLR group (P = 0.018). The results of the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model suggested that preoperative LMR (HR = 3.128, 95% CI: 1.107~8.836, P = 0.031) was an independent predictor of PFS.

Conclusion

The markers of systemic inflammation, especially LMR, can predict the postoperative progression of PNETs.
The impact of weight loss on renal function in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes: a comprehensive review
Authors: Gong Xuemei , Zeng Xiaoxi , Fu Ping
Published: February 2024

Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) are two highly prevalent diseases that exhibit a complex interplay between them. Obesity serves as a primary risk factor for the development of T2D, and conversely, individuals with T2D often exhibit comorbid obesity. Renal dysfunction emerges as a critical consequence of the convergence of obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, contributing significantly to the overall burden of complications associated with these conditions. Recognizing the profound implications of renal dysfunction in individuals contending with both obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, interventions targeting weight loss have gained prominence as potential therapeutic avenues. Weight loss not only addresses the primary risk factor of obesity but also holds the promise of mitigating the progression of Type 2 Diabetes and its associated renal complications. This comprehensive review aims to explore the impact of weight loss on renal function in individuals contending with the convergence of obesity and T2D.
Advancing precision in histocompatibility and immunogenetics: a comprehensive review of the UCLA exchange program
Authors: Zhang Qiuheng , Locke Arlene F. , Alvarez Andrea Carolina , Cabarong Maria L. , Liv Lek Ching , Alfaro Belen Garcia P. , Gjertson David W. , Reed Elaine F.
Published: February 2024

Precise typing of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) is crucial for clinical hematopoietic stem cell and solid organ transplantations, transfusion medicine, HLA-related disease association, and drug hypersensitivity analysis. The UCLA Cell Exchange program has played a vital role in providing educational and proficiency testing surveys to HLA laboratories worldwide for the past 5 decades. This article highlights the significant contribution of the UCLA Cell and DNA Exchange Programs in advancing HLA antibody testing, genotyping, crossmatches, and, more recently, virtual crossmatches. Additionally, we discuss future directions of the UCLA Cell Exchange program to support histocompatibility testing to adapt to the fast-evolving field of immunotherapy, tolerance and xenotransplantation.
Microbiota modulates the steroid response to acute immune stress in male mice
Authors: Vagnerová Karla , Gazárková Taťána , Vodička Martin , Ergang Peter , Klusoňová Petra , Hudcovic Tomáš , Šrůtková Dagmar , Petr Hermanová Petra , Nováková Lucie , Pácha Jiří
Published: February 2024

Microbiota plays a role in shaping the HPA-axis response to psychological stressors. To examine the role of microbiota in response to acute immune stressor, we stimulated the adaptive immune system by anti-CD3 antibody injection and investigated the expression of adrenal steroidogenic enzymes and profiling of plasma corticosteroids and their metabolites in specific pathogen-free (SPF) and germ-free (GF) mice. Using UHPLC-MS/MS, we showed that 4 hours after immune challenge the plasma levels of pregnenolone, progesterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone (CORT), 11-dehydroCORT and their 3α/β-, 5α-, and 20α-reduced metabolites were increased in SPF mice, but in their GF counterparts, only CORT was increased. Neither immune stress nor microbiota changed the mRNA and protein levels of enzymes of adrenal steroidogenesis. In contrast, immune stress resulted in downregulated expression of steroidogenic genes (Star, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, Hsd3b6) and upregulated expression of genes of the 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase pathway (Akr1c21, Dhrs9) in the testes of SPF mice. In the liver, immune stress downregulated the expression of genes encoding enzymes with 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) (Hsd3b2, Hsd3b3, Hsd3b4, Hsd3b5), 3α-HSD (Akr1c14), 20α-HSD (Akr1c6, Hsd17b1, Hsd17b2) and 5α-reductase (Srd5a1) activities, except for Dhrs9, which was upregulated. In the colon, microbiota downregulated Cyp11a1 and modulated the response of Hsd11b1 and Hsd11b2 expression to immune stress. These data underline the role of microbiota in shaping the response to immune stressor. Microbiota modulates the stress-induced increase in C21 steroids, including those that are neuroactive that could play a role in alteration of HPA axis response to stress in GF animals.
CD4/CD8 ratio and CD8+ T-cell count as prognostic markers for non-AIDS mortality in people living with HIV. A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ron Raquel , Martínez-Sanz Javier , Herrera Sabina , Ramos-Ruperto Luis , Díez-Vidal Alejandro , Sainz Talía , Álvarez-Díaz Noelia , Correa-Pérez Andrea , Muriel Alfonso , López-Alcalde Jesús , Pérez-Molina José A. , Moreno Santiago , Serrano-Villar Sergio
Published: February 2024

Background

In people living with HIV (PLHIV), the CD4/CD8 ratio has been proposed as a useful marker for non-AIDS events. However, its predictive ability on mortality over CD4 counts, and the role of CD8+ T-cell counts remain controversial.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies from 1996 to 2023, including PLHIV on antiretroviral treatment, and reporting CD4/CD8 ratio or CD8+ counts. The primary outcome was non-AIDS mortality or all-cause mortality. We performed a standard random-effects pairwise meta-analysis comparing low versus high CD4/CD8 ratio with a predefined cut-off point of 0.5. (CRD42020170931).

Findings

We identified 2,479 studies for screening. 20 studies were included in the systematic review. Seven studies found an association between low CD4/CD8 ratio categories and increased mortality risk, with variable cut-off points between 0.4-1. Four studies were selected for meta-analysis, including 12,893 participants and 618 reported deaths. Patients with values of CD4/CD8 ratio below 0.5 showed a higher mortality risk (OR 3.65; 95% CI 3.04 - 4.35; I2 = 0.00%) compared to those with higher values. While the meta-analysis of CD8+ T-cell counts was not feasible due to methodological differences between studies, the systematic review suggests a negative prognostic impact of higher values (>1,138 to 1,500 cells/uL) in the long term.

Conclusions

Our results support the use of the CD4/CD8 ratio as a prognostic marker in clinical practice, especially in patients with values below 0.5, but consensus criteria on ratio timing measurement, cut-off values, and time to event are needed in future studies to get more robust conclusions.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020170931, identifier CRD42020170931.
Narrative review of magnetic resonance imaging in quantifying liver iron load
Authors: Feng Qing , Yi Jixing , Li Tao , Liang Bumin , Xu Fengming , Peng Peng
Published: February 2024

Objective

To summarize the research progress of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in quantifying liver iron load.

Methods

To summarize the current status and progress of MRI technology in the quantitative study of liver iron load through reviewing the relevant literature at home and abroad.

Results

Different MRI sequence examination techniques have formed a series of non-invasive methods for the examination of liver iron load. These techniques have important clinical significance in the imaging diagnosis of liver iron load. So far, the main MRI methods used to assess liver iron load are: signal intensity measurement method (signal intensity, SI) [signal intensity ratio (SIR) and difference in in-phase and out-of-phase signal intensity], T2/R2 measurement (such as FerriScan technique), ultra-short echo time (UTE) imaging technique, and susceptibility weighted imaging (including conventional susceptibility weighted imaging) (SWI), quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), T2*/R2* measurement, Dixon and its derivative techniques.

Conclusion

MRI has become the first choice for the non-invasive examination of liver iron overload, and it is helpful to improve the early detection of liver injury, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer caused by liver iron overload.
A combinatory genetic strategy for targeting neurogliaform neurons in the mouse basolateral amygdala
Authors: Ozsvár Attila , Sieburg Meike Claudia , Sietam Monica Dahlstrup , Hou Wen-Hsien , Capogna Marco
Published: February 2024

The mouse basolateral amygdala (BLA) contains various GABAergic interneuron subpopulations, which have distinctive roles in the neuronal microcircuit controlling numerous behavioral functions. In mice, roughly 15% of the BLA GABAergic interneurons express neuropeptide Y (NPY), a reasonably characteristic marker for neurogliaform cells (NGFCs) in cortical-like brain structures. However, genetically labeled putative NPY-expressing interneurons in the BLA yield a mixture of interneuron subtypes besides NGFCs. Thus, selective molecular markers are lacking for genetically accessing NGFCs in the BLA. Here, we validated the NGFC-specific labeling with a molecular marker, neuron-derived neurotrophic factor (NDNF), in the mouse BLA, as such specificity has been demonstrated in the neocortex and hippocampus. We characterized genetically defined NDNF-expressing (NDNF+) GABAergic interneurons in the mouse BLA by combining the Ndnf-IRES2-dgCre-D transgenic mouse line with viral labeling, immunohistochemical staining, and in vitro electrophysiology. We found that BLA NDNF+ GABAergic cells mainly expressed NGFC neurochemical markers NPY and reelin (Reln) and exhibited small round soma and dense axonal arborization. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings indicated that most NDNF+ interneurons showed late spiking and moderate firing adaptation. Moreover, ∼81% of BLA NDNF+ cells generated retroaxonal action potential after current injections or optogenetic stimulations, frequently developing into persistent barrage firing. Optogenetic activation of the BLA NDNF+ cell population yielded both GABAA- and GABAB receptor-mediated currents onto BLA pyramidal neurons (PNs). We demonstrate a combinatory strategy combining the NDNF-cre mouse line with viral transfection to specifically target adult mouse BLA NGFCs and further explore their functional and behavioral roles.
Effects of peak ankle dorsiflexion angle on lower extremity biomechanics and pelvic motion during walking and jogging
Authors: Rao Yi , Yang Nan , Gao Tianyu , Zhang Si , Shi Haitao , Lu Yiqun , Ren Shuang , Huang Hongshi
Published: February 2024

Objective

Ankle dorsiflexion during walking causes the tibia to roll forward relative to the foot to achieve body forward. Individuals with ankle dorsiflexion restriction may present altered movement patterns and cause a series of dysfunction. Therefore, the aim of this research was to clearly determine the effects of peak ankle dorsiflexion angle on lower extremity biomechanics and pelvic motion during walking and jogging.

Method

This study involved 51 subjects tested for both walking and jogging. The motion capture system and force measuring platforms were used to synchronously collect kinematics and kinetics parameters during these activities. Based on the peak ankle dorsiflexion angle during walking, the 51 subjects were divided into a restricted group (RADF group, angle <10°) and an ankle dorsiflexion-unrestricted group (un-RADF group, angle >10°). Independent-Sample T-tests were performed to compare the pelvic and lower limb biomechanics parameters between the groups during walking and jogging test on this cross-sectional study.

Results

The parameters that were significantly smaller in the RADF group than in the un-RADF group at the moment of peak ankle dorsiflexion in the walking test were: ankle plantar flexion moment (p < 0.05), hip extension angle (p < 0.05), internal ground reaction force (p < 0.05), anterior ground reaction force (p < 0.01), pelvic ipsilateral tilt angle (p < 0.05). In contrast, the external knee rotation angle was significantly greater in the RADF group than in the un-RADF group (p < 0.05). The parameters that were significantly smaller in the RADF group than in the un-RADF group at the moment of peak ankle dorsiflexion in the jogging test were: peak ankle dorsiflexion angle (p < 0.01); the anterior ground reaction force (p < 0.01), the angle of pelvic ipsilateral rotation (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study shows that individuals with limited ankle dorsiflexion experience varying degrees of altered kinematics and dynamics in the pelvis, hip, knee, and foot during walking and jogging. Limited ankle dorsiflexion alters the movement pattern of the lower extremity during walking and jogging, diminishing the body’s ability to propel forward, which may lead to higher injury risks.
The value of CT-based radiomics in predicting hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischemic stroke patients without recanalization therapy
Authors: Huang Yin-hui , Chen Zhen-jie , Chen Ya-fang , Cai Chi , Lin You-yu , Lin Zhi-qiang , Chen Chun-nuan , Yang Mei-li , Li Yuan-zhe , Wang Yi
Published: February 2024

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical value of radiomics based on non-enhanced head CT in the prediction of hemorrhage transformation in acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Materials and methods

A total of 140 patients diagnosed with AIS from January 2015 to August 2022 were enrolled. Radiomic features from infarcted areas on non-enhanced CT images were extracted using ITK-SNAP. The max-relevance and min-redundancy (mRMR) and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used to select features. The radiomics signature was then constructed by multiple logistic regressions. The clinicoradiomics nomogram was constructed by combining radiomics signature and clinical characteristics. All predictive models were constructed in the training group, and these were verified in the validation group. All models were evaluated with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

Of the 140 patients, 59 experienced hemorrhagic transformation, while 81 remained stable. The radiomics signature was constructed by 10 radiomics features. The clinicoradiomics nomogram was constructed by combining radiomics signature and atrial fibrillation. The area under the ROC curve (AUCs) of the clinical model, radiomics signature, and clinicoradiomics nomogram for predicting hemorrhagic transformation in the training group were 0.64, 0.86, and 0.86, respectively. The AUCs of the clinical model, radiomics signature, and clinicoradiomics nomogram for predicting hemorrhagic transformation in the validation group were 0.63, 0.90, and 0.90, respectively. The DCA curves showed that the radiomics signature performed well as well as the clinicoradiomics nomogram. The DCA curve showed that the clinical application value of the radiomics signature is similar to that of the clinicoradiomics nomogram.

Conclusion

The radiomics signature, constructed without incorporating clinical characteristics, can independently and effectively predict hemorrhagic transformation in AIS patients.
Comparative efficacy of various exercise interventions on sleep in patients with cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Junlei , Liu Yan , Sun Qingling , Shi Jing , Ni Jingnian , Li Ting , Long Ziyi , Wei Mingqing , Tian Jinzhou
Published: February 2024

Background

Sleep disturbances are an early indicator of cognitive impairment and exacerbate its progression. While pharmacological treatments for sleep disorders exist, their side-effect profile includes an increased risk of falls and the potential to exacerbate cognitive impairment. Non-pharmacological treatments such as physical exercise should be considered. However, uncertainties persist. We aimed to assess the potential benefits of exercise interventions on sleep in patients with cognitive impairment and determine the specific effects of various exercise modalities.

Materials and methods

A systematic search was performed on seven databases for eligible studies published before Nov 2022. Randomized controlled trials of exercise for patients with cognitive impairment (mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease) were included. All analyses were conducted using RevMan version 5.4. Meta-analysis and The Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluations (GRADE) quality ratings were performed on sleep quality and objective sleep data.

Results

A total of 8 randomized controlled trials were included with a sample size of 486 subjects. For patients with cognitive impairment, physical exercise had a beneficial effect on sleep quality [MD = −3.55 (−5.57, −1.32), Z = 3.13, p = 0.002] and total sleep time [MD = 33.77 (23.92, 43.62), Z = 6.72, P < 0.00001]. No improvement was found in sleep efficiency and nocturnal awakening time. Subgroup analysis showed that multi-component exercise produced superior results.

Conclusion

Physical exercise may improve sleep quality and total sleep time for patients with cognitive impairment. Multi-component exercise designed individually is more effective. Large-scale randomized controlled trials with objective sleep outcome measurements are warranted.

Clinical trial registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42022377221.
Development of standardized nursing terminology for the process documentation of patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Pu Shi , Peng Hongmei , Li Yang , Huang Xia , Shi Yu , Song Caiping
Published: February 2024

Introduction

European Nursing care Pathways (ENP) is a professional care language that utilizes software to map care processes and utilize the data for research purposes, process control, and personnel requirement calculations. However, there is a lack of internationally developed terminology systems and subset specifically designed for the nutritional management of CKD. The aim of this study was to create a subset of the standardized nursing terminology for nutrition management in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Materials and methods

According to the guidelines for subset development, four research steps were carried out: (i) Translation of version 3.2 of the ENP (chapter on kidney diseases) and understanding of the framework structure and coding rules of the ENP; (ii) Identification of relevant six-dimensional nursing terms; (iii) Creation of a framework for the subset; (iv) Review and validation by experts.

Results

A subset for CKD nutritional care was created as part of this project, comprising 630 terms, with 17 causal relationships related to nursing diagnoses, 115 symptoms, 31 causes, 34 goals/outcomes, 420 intervention specifications and 13 resources, including newly developed care terms. All terms within the subset have been created using a six-step maintenance procedure and a clinical standard pathway for nutrition management in the SAPIM mode.

Implications for nursing practice

This terminology subset can facilitate standardized care reports in CKD nutrition management, which is used to standardize nursing practice, quantify nursing, services, guidance on care decisions, promoting the exchange and use of CKD nutrition data and serve as a reference for the creation of standardized subset of nursing terminology in China.
Maternal cobalt concentration and risk of spontaneous preterm birth: the role of fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles
Authors: Huang Junhua , Zheng Wei , Wang Aili , Han Weiling , Chen Junxi , An Hang , Yan Lailai , Li Zhiwen , Li Guanghui
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Spontaneous preterm birth (SPB) is a significant cause of neonatal mortality, yet its etiology remains unclear. Cobalt, an essential trace element, might be a risk factor for SPB. This study aims to investigate the relationship between maternal serum cobalt concentration and SPB, and to clarify the role of blood lipids and fasting blood glucose (FBG) in this relationship.

Methods

We conducted a nested case-control study within the Beijing Birth Cohort Study. Serum samples were obtained from 222 pregnant women with SPB and 224 controls during the first (7–13 weeks of pregnancy) and third trimesters (32–42 weeks of pregnancy). Serum cobalt concentration was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fasting blood glucose and lipids levels were detected using a fully automated biochemical immunoassay instrument. Logistic regression models and linear regression models were established to explore the association between serum cobalt concentration and the risk of SPB in pregnant women, and to test the mediating effect of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and lipids.

Results

We found that the serum cobalt concentration in mothers with SPB and controls was similar in the first trimester, with values of 0.79 (0.58–1.10) ng/mL and 0.75 (0.51–1.07) ng/mL, respectively. However, in the third trimester, the cobalt concentration increased to 0.88 (0.59–1.14) ng/mL and 0.84 (0.52–1.19) ng/mL, respectively. In the logistic regression model, when considering the third trimester of pregnancy, after adjusting for ethnicity, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), maternal age, education, income, and parity, it was observed that the medium level of cobalt concentration (0.63–1.07 ng/ml) had a negative correlation with the risk of SPB. The odds ratio (OR) was 0.56, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.34–0.90 ng/mL and a p-value of 0.02. This suggests that cobalt in this concentration range played a protective role against SPB. Additionally, it was found that FBG in the third trimester of pregnancy had a partial intermediary role, accounting for 9.12% of the association. However, no relationship between cobalt and SPB risk was found in the first trimester.

Conclusion

During the third trimester, intermediate levels of maternal cobalt appear to offer protection against SPB, with FBG playing a partial mediating role. To further clarify the optimal cobalt concentrations during pregnancy for different populations, a multi-center study with a larger sample size is necessary. Additionally, exploring the specific mechanism of FBG’s mediating role could provide valuable insights for improving the prevention of SPB.
Predictive value of 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomics for EGFR mutation status in non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Ning , Yang Weihua , Wang Qiannan , Cui Caozhe , Hu Yiyi , Wu Zhifang
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the value of 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomics in predicting EGFR gene mutations in non-small cell lung cancer by meta-analysis.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CNKI databases were searched from the earliest available date to June 30, 2023. The meta-analysis was performed using the Stata 15.0 software. The methodological quality and risk of bias of included studies were assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 and Radiomics Quality Score criteria. The possible causes of heterogeneity were analyzed by meta-regression.

Results

A total of 17 studies involving 3763 non-small cell lung cancer patients were finally included. We analyzed 17 training cohorts and 10 validation cohorts independently. Within the training cohort, the application of 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomics in predicting EGFR mutations in NSCLC demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.70-0.81) and a specificity of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.74-0.82), accompanied by a positive likelihood ratio of 3.5 (95% CI:3.0-4.2), a negative likelihood ratio of 0.31 (95% CI: 0.24-0.39), a diagnostic odds ratio of 11.0 (95% CI: 8.0-16.0), and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.80-0.87). In the validation cohort, the values included a sensitivity of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.67-0.83), a specificity of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.68-0.80), a positive likelihood ratio of 3.0 (95% CI:2.4-3.8), a negative likelihood ratio of 0.32 (95% CI: 0.24-0.44), a diagnostic odds ratio of 9 (95% CI: 6-15), and an AUC of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.78-0.85). The average Radiomics Quality Score (RQS) across studies was 10.47 ± 4.72. Meta-regression analysis identifies the application of deep learning and regions as sources of heterogeneity.

Conclusion

18F-FDG PET/CT radiomics may be useful in predicting mutation status of the EGFR gene in non-small cell lung cancer.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022385364.
Latamoxef dosing regimen adjustments and pharmaceutical care in pediatrics
Authors: Zhang Ailin , Zuo Meiling , Sun Yuxuan , Chen Jingtao , Zhu Liqin , Liu Wei
Published: February 2024

Latamoxef is a semi-synthetic, broad-spectrum oxacephem antibiotic used primarily to treat infectious diseases, but the adverse drug reactions, such as the risk of fatal bleeding, once caused physicians to use it less frequently. However, with the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, latamoxef is being used again to treat infectious diseases, especially in pediatrics. The pharmacokinetic parameters of latamoxef are highly variable, given the changes in body composition, organ maturation, and development that occurs in pediatrics. Therefore, an appropriate dosing regimen is essential. Latamoxef dosing optimization in pediatrics should adequately account for current body weight, postnatal age, postmenstrual age, and different minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. In addition, attention should also be paid to some of the adverse reactions associated with latamoxef, such as coagulation disorders and bleeding risks, disulfiram-like reactions, as well as hypersensitivity and anaphylactic shock. This review summarizes the dosing regimens and some key points of pharmaceutical care for latamoxef in pediatrics in order to provide a better reference for its application in clinical practice.
Implementation of a high fidelity simulation based training program for physicians of children requiring long term invasive home ventilation: a study by ISPAT team
Authors: Bas Ikizoglu Nilay , Atag Emine , Ergenekon Pinar , Gokdemir Yasemin , Uyan Zeynep Seda , Girit Saniye , Kilinc Sakalli Ayse Ayzit , Erdem Eralp Ela , Cakir Erkan , Guven Feray , Aksoy Mehmet Emin , Karadag Bulent , Karakoc Fazilet , Oktem Sedat
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The number of children requiring long-term invasive home ventilation (LTIHV) has increased worldwide in recent decades. The training of physicians caring for these children is crucial since they are at high risk for complications and adverse events. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a comprehensive high-fidelity simulation-based training program for physicians caring for children on LTIHV.

Methods

A multimodal training program for tracheostomy and ventilator management was prepared by ISPAT (IStanbul PAediatric Tracheostomy) team. Participants were subjected to theoretical and practical pre-tests which evaluated their knowledge levels and skills for care, follow-up, and treatment of children on LTIHV. Following the theoretical education and hands-on training session with a simulation model, theoretical and practical post-tests were performed.

Results

Forty-three physicians from 7 tertiary pediatric clinics in Istanbul were enrolled in the training program. Seventy percent of them had never received standardized training programs about patients on home ventilation previously. The total number of correct answers from the participants significantly improved after the theoretical training (p < 0.001). The number of participants who performed the steps correctly also significantly increased following the hands-on training session (p < 0.001). All of the 43 participants who responded rated the course overall as good or excellent.

Conclusion

The knowledge and skills of clinicians caring for children on LTIHV can be enhanced through a comprehensive training program consisting of theoretical training combined with hands-on training in a simulation laboratory.
Extensive tip-splitting of injected organic liquid into an aqueous viscoelastic fluid
Authors: Yoshii Kiwamu , Otoguro Kojiro , Sato Ayane Pygoscelis , Sumino Yutaka
Published: February 2024

The injection of a fluid into another fluid causes a spatiotemporal pattern along the injection front. Viscous fingering is a well-known example when the replaced material is a viscous fluid. Notably, most fluids are, in reality, viscoelastic, i.e., they behave as an elastic solid over short timescales. For this reason, it is important to study the situation when the replaced fluid is viscoelastic. In this study, we observed a dynamics of fluids when an incompressible organic liquid was injected into an oleophilic Hele–Shaw cell filled with an aqueous viscoelastic fluid made of a wormlike micellar solution. We found extensive tip splitting of the injection front, which led to thin fingers with a characteristic size comparable to four times the cell thickness. We examined the material properties and suggest that the thin fingering pattern observed in our system is due to the delamination of viscoelastic fluid from the bottom substrate surface. Our result shows that the effect of interfacial energy in the existing solid layer should be considered in the injection process.