bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide identification and characterization of the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) ARF, Aux/IAA, GH3 and SAUR gene families reveal their putative role in tuberization
Authors: Mathura Sarah , Sutton Fedora , Bowrin Valerie
Published: March 2023

Background Auxins are known to have roles in the tuberization process in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) and these effects are mediated by various auxin signalling gene families. In this study, an analysis of the sweet potato genome was performed to identify the ARF, Aux/IAA, GH3 and SAUR auxin signalling gene family members in this crop.
Results A total of 29 ARF, 39 Aux/IAA, 13 GH3 and 200 SAUR sequences were obtained, and their biochemical properties and gene expression profiles were analysed. The sequences were relatively conserved based on exon-intron structure, motif analysis and phylogenetic tree construction. In silico expression analyses of the genes in fibrous and storage roots indicated that many sequences were not differentially expressed in tuberizing and non-tuberizing roots. However, some ARF, Aux/IAA and SAUR genes were upregulated in tuberizing storage roots compared to non-tuberizing fibrous roots while many GH3genes were downregulated. Additionally, these genes were expressed in a variety of plant parts, with some genes being highly expressed in shoots, leaves and stems while others had higher expression in the roots. Quantitative RT-PCR confirmation of gene expression was also conducted, and the results were concordant with the in silicoanalyses. A protein-protein interaction network was predicted for the differentially expressed genes, suggesting that these genes likely form part of a complex regulatory network that controls tuberization.
Conclusion This study provides useful information on the auxin signalling gene families in Ipomoea batatas and suggests putative candidates for further studies on the role of auxin signalling in tuberization.
MAP4K4 promotes chlamydial infectivity and genital tract inflammatory injury by negatively regulating protective immunity in Chlamydia infection
Authors: Luo Fangzhen , Li Zhongyu
Published: March 2023

Persistent Chlamydia trachomatis infection is a risk factor for tubal infertility, and the pathology is largely due to the inflammatory response; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be elucidated. MAP4K4, which has been implicated in inflammation, was upregulated in Chlamydia persistent infection in our previous study. Here, we employed both in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate the role of MAP4K4 in Chlamydia infection. We demonstrated that MAP4K4 promoted Chlamydia infectivity and increased survival in the genital tract of mice and had a palliative effect on acute inflammation. Additionally, it was beneficial to the development of chronic oviduct lesions. Mechanistically, MAP4K4 downregulated cytokine secretion, regulating the bactericidal effect of the inflammatory response. In addition, MAP4K4 negatively regulates T cell immunity by reducing the proportion of CD8+ T cells and the secretion of IFN-γ and TNF-α by T cells. Thus, these data suggest that MAP4K4 is essential in regulating the host immune response that controls Chlamydia replication, driving the inflammation that causes complications such as infertility. This work provides a novel target for adjuvant therapy of Chlamydia infection.
Changes in serum albumin concentrations over 7 days in medical inpatients with and without nutritional support.
A secondary post-hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Boesinger Fabienne , Poggioli Alessia , Netzhammer Claudine , Bretscher Céline , Kaegi Nina , Tribolet Pascal , Gressies Carla , Kutz Alexander , Stanga Zeno , Mueller Beat , Schuetz Philipp , Schütz Philipp
Published: March 2023

Background
Serum albumin concentrations are frequently used to monitor nutritional therapy in the hospital setting but supporting studies are largely lacking. Within this secondary analysis of a randomized nutritional trial (EFFORT), we assessed whether nutritional support affects short-term changes in serum albumin concentrations and whether an increase in albumin concentration has prognostic implications regarding clinical outcome and response to treatment.
Methods
We analyzed patients with available serum albumin concentrations at baseline and day 7 included in EFFORT, a Swiss-wide multicenter randomized clinical trial that compared individualized nutritional therapy with usual hospital food (control group).
Results
Albumin concentrations increased in 320 of 763 (41.9%) included patients (mean age 73.3 years (SD ± 12.9), 53.6% males) with no difference between patients receiving nutritional support and controls. Compared with patients with decrease in albumin concentrations, those with an increase had a lower 180-day mortality [74/320 (23.1%) vs. 158/443 (35.7%); adjusted odds ratio 0.63, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.90; p = 0.012] and a shorter length of hospital stay [11.2 ± 7.3 vs. 8.8 ± 5.6 days, adjusted difference − 2.2 days (95%CI -3.1 to -1.2)]. Patients with and without an increase in albumin concentrations from baseline to day 7 showed a similar response to nutritional support.
Conclusion
Results from this secondary analysis indicate that nutritional support did not increase short-term concentrations of albumin, and changes in albumin did not correlate with response to nutritional interventions. However, an increase in albumin concentrations was associated with better clinical outcomes. Repeated in-hospital albumin measurements in the short-term is, thus, not indicated for monitoring of patients receiving nutritional support but provides prognostic information.
Trail Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02517476
Comparison of Frontal QRS-T Angle of Patients with Nasal Septal Deviation with Healthy Controls
Authors: KAPICI Olga BAYAR , Abuş Sabri , Ayhan Selçuk , Koparal Mehtap , Kaya Hakan
Published: March 2023

Background: This study compares frontal QRS-T angle (fQRS-T) in electrocardiogram (ECG) examinations of people with nasal septal deviation (NSD) with healthy controls (HC).
Methods: Eighty-two patients whom a radiologist with paranasal computed tomography definitively diagnosed with NSD were included in the study. 101 individuals without NSD were selected as HC.
Results: Compared to the HC group, the fQRS-T in was considerably wider in patients with NSD (p<.001). According to Spearman correlation analysis, fQRS-T and NSD angle, and platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were significantly correlated (p=.021, p<.001, and p=.003, respectively). In linear regression analysis where the fQRS-T was taken as a dependent variable, NSD angle and PLR predicted the fQRS-T significantly and positively (F(5.76)=8.451, R2=.357, Adjusted R2=.315 and p<.001).
Conclusion: Based on our findings and literature, the fQRS-T may predict cardiac outcomes in patients with NSD due to acute and persistent effects.
Incidental dural tear in spinal surgery complicated by pneumocephalus with abducens (VI) paralysis: a case-report and literature review
Authors: Marie-Hardy Laura , Kalamarides Michel , Pascal-Moussellard Hugues
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Incidental dural tears are a frequent complication of spinal surgery that may lead to various neurologic complications.
Case presentation: Here is describe the case of an 83 years-old female, that underwent a lumbar decompression revision surgery, complicated by an incidental dural. The patient presented in post-operative care an acute onset monocular horizontal diplopia with homolateral ptosis and multiple extra-axial bi-frontal signal voids on the cerebral CT-scan, evoking pneumencephalus. The symptomatology resolved with conservative treatment (dorsal decubitus, monocular external occlusion, and close monitoring). The initial presentation with predominant ophthalmologic clinical signs is at our knowledge the first one to be described after lumbar laminectomy.
Conclusion: Diplopia in a context of post-operative spinal surgery must evoke pneumencephalus and might require an urgent cerebral imaging to assess diagnosis.
Design of NoSQL Database in Oral English Teaching based on 5G Network and AI Recognition
Authors: Liu Liu
Published: March 2023

With the continuous development of science and technology, we have fully entered the information age, people's entertainment life is becoming more and more abundant, and the Internet has also provided people with a lot of convenience. The advent of the Internet age means that more and more various kinds of data are appearing, and the situation is becoming more and more abundant. The use of traditional relational databases can no longer store these data, nor can it be queried. With the continuous development of voice technology, database technology based on NoSQL has become a research hotspot. The availability of NoSQL databases is very high, the scalability is also very high, and the efficiency is very high when processing data. Based on the development of 5G networks and the development of big data technology, this research proposes a brand-new business architecture. This architecture can use the network to store data on the basis of massive data. At the same time, we also described the business scenario, providing a new idea for more intelligent education services. We use this model for teaching in schools, and we can transmit some spoken language resources to the school through the Internet for students to use for learning. Nowadays, the application range of AI technology and intelligent technology has become more and more extensive, and these technologies have also been applied in the education field. We can apply this brand-new technology in teaching to promote the development of teaching and improve students' enthusiasm and learning effect.
Approximating outcome probabilities of linear optical circuits
Authors: Lim Youngrong , Oh Changhun
Published: March 2023

Quasiprobability representation is an important tool for analyzing a quantum system, such as a quantum state or a quantum circuit.
In this work, we propose classical algorithms specialized for approximating outcome probabilities of a linear optical circuit using $s$-parameterized quasiprobability distributions. Notably, we can reduce the negativity bound of a circuit from exponential to at most polynomial for specific cases by modulating the shapes of quasiprobability distributions thanks to the symmetry of the linear optical transformation in the phase space.
Consequently, our scheme renders an efficient estimation of outcome probabilities within an additive error whose precision depends on the classicality of the circuit.
When the classicality is high enough, we reach a polynomial-time estimation algorithm of a probability within a multiplicative error by an efficient sampling from the log-concave function.
By choosing appropriate input states and measurements, our results provide plenty of quantum-inspired classical algorithms for approximating various matrix functions beating best-known results. Moreover, we give sufficient conditions for the classical simulability of Gaussian boson sampling using the approximating algorithm for any (marginal) outcome probability under the poly-sparse condition.
Voting by Mouth: Media Attention and Environmental Governance
Authors: Shi Peihao , Yin Lihui , Wu Chuanqing
Published: March 2023

External oversight is critical to enhancing environmental protection. In this paper, we investigate the implication of media attention on corporate environmental governance during the period 2011–2021 by taking China’s public companies as samples. The empirical results indicate that media attention can significantly and persistently amplify corporate environmental governance, and this result is stable after considering both endogeneity and a series of alternative robustness tests. Additionally, in areas with higher marketization and better rules of law environments, media attention can be better in favor of improving corporate environmental performance. Further analysis finds that media attention is favorable to corporate environmental governance through the "supervisory effect" mechanisms, including raising public awareness, improving internal management efficiency, as well as leveraging innovation to reduce environmental damage. The conclusions of this study provide empirical evidence for enhancing external supervision and corporate governance.
Joint effect of whole blood metals exposure with dyslipidemia in representative U.S adults in NHANES 2011-2020
Authors: Liang Jing-hong , Pu Ying-qi , Liu Mei-ling , Hu Li-xin , Bao Wen-wen , Zhang Yu-shan , Kakaer Aerziguli , Zhao Yu , Chen Yi-can , Pu Xue-ya , Huang Shao-yi , Jiang Nan , Huang Shan , Dong Guang-hui , Chen Ya-jun
Published: March 2023

With little knowledge on the joint effects of metal exposure on dyslipidemia, we aimed to investigate the relationship between exposure to metal and dyslipidemia among U.S adults based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES). Based on the five NHANES waves(2011-2020), we selected five metals in blood as exposure, namely, Cadmium(Cd), Lead(Pb), Total Mercury(Hg), Manganese(Mn) and Selenium(Se), which were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Survey-multivariable logistic regression, Generalized Weighted Quantile Sum(WQS) and Bayesian kernel machine regression(BKMR) were performed to determine whether dyslipidemia was associated with single metals or mixed metals. Our study included 12,526 participants aged from 20 to 80, representing 577.1 million non-institutionalized U.S. adults. We found a positive association between several metals including Pb [Adjusted odds ratio(AOR)=1.332, 95%CI:1.165, 1.522], Total Hg(AOR=1.264, 95%CI:1.120, 1.427), Mn(AOR=1.181, 95%CI:1.046, 1.334) and Se(AOR=1.771, 95%CI:1.576, 1.992) and dyslipidemia. According to the WQS approach, metal mixtures were positively associated with dyslipidemia(AOR:1.310, 95%CI: 1.216, 1.411) after a full-model adjustment. As is shown in the BKMR model, mixed metals tended to be positively associated with dyslipidemia ratios in a significant manner. Females, non-Hispanic white populations, people aged over 60 and those who did a little physical activity had a greater risk for dyslipidemia. Our findings suggest metals including Cd, Pb, Hg, Mn and Se and their combinations may adversely affect dyslipidemia among U.S adults. Due to the cross-sectional nature of the study, it is possible that reverse causation may exist.
Optimized impulsive noise filtering method for rolling bearing signal enhancement
Authors: Xu Yuanbo , Wei Yu , Qu Junsuo
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we discuss the issue of bearing fault diagnosis in impulsive environments. Such impulsive signals have significant spike impulse characteristics and show the obvious non-Gaussian property. Compare to the cyclic impulsive signals generated by bearing local damage, the impulsive components can be considered to be a special kind of noise, namely impulsive noise. Unfortunately, the impulsive nature of the noise often leads to significant degradation of the performance of the signal processing techniques based on the Gaussian model. To overcome this issue, an impulsive noise filtering method based on Alpha-stable distribution (α-stable filter for short) is designed. Besides, to avoid the blind selection of the order parameter in the designed α-stable filter, the classical particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to combine with the designed α-stable filter for an optimal parameter. We apply the optimized α-stable filter is applied to both simulated and real signals. The obtained results demonstrate that the filtering method is effective in canceling impulsive noise and enhances the ability to bearing fault detection.
Novel uAUG creating variants in the 5’UTR of ENG causing Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Soukarieh Omar , Tillet Emmanuelle , Proust Carole , Dupont Charlène , Jaspard-Vinassa Béatrice , Soubrier Florent , Goyenvalle Aurélie , Eyrie Mélanie , Trégouët David-Alexandre
Published: March 2023

Introduction:
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare vascular disorder causing abnormal vessel formation and characterized by autosomal dominant transmission. About 80% of HHT cases are caused by pathogenic coding variants in ACVRL1 (also known as ALK1) and ENG, and 15% remain unexplained. We identified 2 variants, c.-79C > T and c.-68G > A, in the 5’UTR of ENG in 2 unrelated HHT patients. They are predicted to create upstream AUGs (uAUGs), which are in frame with a stop codon located within the CoDing Sequence (CDS), thus generating Overlapping upstream Open reading frames (uoORFs).
Methods
In order to assess the pathogenicity of these variants, we performed in vitro functional assays based on the expression of wild-type and mutant constructs in human cells and evaluated their effect on ALK1 activity in a BMP-response element (BRE) assay. This assay is a mandatory element before providing a definitive molecular diagnosis and has been so far applied only on coding ENG variants.
Results
We found that these 5’UTR variants were associated with a decrease of protein levels in HeLa and HUVEC cells and a decreased ability to activate BMP9-stimulated ALK1 receptor. We applied the same experimental workflow on 3 additional uoORF-creating variants (c.-142A > T, c.-127C > T and c.-10C > T) located in the 5’UTR of ENG and previously reported in HHT patients. We found that all the analyzed variants alter endoglin levels and function. Moreover, additional experiments relying on an artificial deletion in our mutated constructs show that identified uAUGs are able to initiate the translation indicating that the associated effect is likely caused by an alteration of the translation mechanism.
Conclusion
Overall, we here identified two 5’UTR ENG variations in HHT patients and shed new lights on the role of upstream ORFs on ENG regulation. Our findings contribute to the amelioration of molecular diagnosis in HHT.
Hematologic health services and practical characteristics: report of a nationwide survey among Chinese hematologists
Authors: Chen Jia , Gu Jiali , Ru Yuhua , Wang Jianxiang , Hu Yu , Liu Kaiyan , Liu Qifa , Zhang Xiaohui , Xiao Zhijian , Zhao Weili , Xu Yang , Huang Xiaojun , Wu Depei
Published: March 2023

Background: In the past 40 years, China has experienced tremendous economic development, but the current situation of hematologists has rarely been reported. A landscape survey of human resources is essential for healthcare development and policy formulation in the future.
Methods: The Chinese Society of Hematology initiated a survey of Chinese hematologists in mainland China for evaluating demographic and practice characteristics. Respondents were anonymous, and there were no limitations regarding their age, sex, etc.
Results: Totally 2032 hematologists responded, with a median age bracket of 36-45 years. Respondents were well engaged into subspecialties, and 28.1% acquired doctorates of philosophy. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) centers have been established all over China. Higher-GDP regions reported more advantages, including bigger scale of transplant centers (P < 0.001), younger age structure (P = 0.039), better education qualifications (P = 0.001) and less turnover intentions (P = 0.004), despite of increased risk of medical disputes (P = 0.028). Although females accounted for 65.5% of hematologists, males were older (P < 0.001), and had more senior professional titles (P < 0.001), academic positions (P < 0.001), opportunities for continuing education (P < 0.001), and paper publishing in the recent two years (P = 0.001). For turnover intention, the higher GDP regions led to an independently reduced risk (HR = 0.673, 95%CI [0.482-0.940], P = 0.020), whereas medical disputes resulted in an increased the risk (HR = 2.037, 95%CI [1.513-2.743], P < 0.001). Considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, majority of respondents believed that the decline in patient visits and delay in treatment was within 30%. 67.9% of respondents reported a decrease of the use of bone marrow as grafts but 18.8% reported an increase of cord blood units. 35.0% of the respondents switched their daily work to support the anti-epidemic medical activities.
Conclusions: We concluded the discipline of hematology in China has flourished in recent years with a young workforce, while regional economic and gender disparities warrant further continuous optimization. Joint efforts against the impact of COVID-19 are needed in the post-pandemic era.
“Be honest and gain trust”: A mixed methods study to understand factors associated with building trust in local government related to COVID-19 and vaccination in three historically disinvested neighborhoods in New York City
Authors: Shiman Lauren J. , Diallo Fatoumata , Nieves Christina I. , Brooks Brandon , Dannefer Rachel , Dorvil Sheena , Lejano Maria , Pierre Jennifer
Published: March 2023

Background
Distrust in government among people of color is a response to generations of systemic racism that have produced preventable health inequities. Higher levels of trust in government are associated with better adherence to government guidelines and policies during emergencies, but factors associated with trust and potential actions to increase trust in local government are not well understood.
Methods
The COVID-19 Community Recovery study sampled participants from the New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Healthy NYC, a probability-based survey panel who complete health surveys periodically. Participants who lived in one of three historically disinvested communities in NYC where the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has dedicated resources to reduce health inequities were included. The cross-sectional survey was fielded from September 30 to November 4, 2021 and could be self-administered online or conducted via CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) in English, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese by phone). Demographic data were summarized by descriptive statistics. Crude and adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to assess factors predictive of trust in local government as a source of information about COVID-19 vaccines. Open-ended responses about strengthening residents’ trust in local government were coded using an iteratively generated codebook.
Results
In total, 46% of respondents indicated NYC local government was a trusted source of information about COVID-19 vaccines, relatively high compared to other sources. In bivariate analyses, race/ethnicity, age group, educational attainment, length of time living in NYC, and household income were significantly associated with identifying NYC government as a trusted source of information about COVID-19 vaccines. In multivariable logistic regression, no variables remained significant predictors of selecting local government as a trusted source of information. Key recommendations for local government agencies to build residents’ trust include communicating clearly and honestly, addressing socioeconomic challenges, and enhancing public COVID-19 protection measures.
Conclusions
Study findings demonstrate that nearly half of residents in three historically divested NYC communities consider local government to be a trusted source of information about COVID-19 vaccines. Strategies to increase trust in local government can help reduce community transmission of COVID-19 and protect public health.
The Protective Effect of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist on Kidney Function: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Park Sehoon , Cho Jeong Min , Koh Jung Hun , Kim Seong Geun , Lee Soojin , Kim Yaerim , Cho Semin , Kim Kwangsoo , Kim Yong Chul , Han Seung Seok , Lee Hajeong , Lee Jung Pyo , Joo Kwon Wook , Lim Chun Soo , Kim Yon Su , Kim Dong Ki
Published: March 2023

Background
Interleukins (ILs), key cytokine family of inflammatory response, are closely associated with kidney function. However, the causal effect of various ILs on kidney function needs further investigation.
Methods
We performed two-sample summary-level mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Genetic variants with strong association with serum IL levels were obtained from a previous genome-wide association study meta-analysis. Summary-level data for eGFR were obtained from CKDGen database. A replication analysis was performed in the independent UK Biobank data. As a main MR analysis, multiplicative random-effect inverse-variance weighed method was performed. Pleiotropy-robust MR analysis, including MR-Egger with bootstrapped error and weighed-median methods, were also implemented.
Results
We tested the causal estimates from nine ILs on eGFR traits. Among the results, higher genetically predicted serum IL-1ra level was significantly associated with higher eGFR values, both in the CKDGen and the UK Biobank data. In addition, the result was consistent towards eGFR decline phenotype of the outcome database. Otherwise, nonsignificant association was identified between other genetically predicted ILs and eGFR outcome.
Conclusions
These findings support the clinical importance of IL-1 associated pathway in relation to kidney function in the general individuals, particularly highlighting the importance of IL-1ra.
3D Printing of Flexible, Scaled Neuron Models
Authors: Habbal Osama , Farhat Ahmad , Khalil Reem , Pannier Christopher
Published: March 2023

Microscopy-based 3D neuronal reconstructions are freely available online, including in the NeuroMorpho.Org file repository. Each neuron’s dendritic structure is intricate and diverse, making it challenging to produce accurate physical 3D models for instruction or visualization. This work examines several methods for producing 3D models of neuronal reconstructions and compares their cost and accessibility. In response to high cost of direct 3D printing methods, we develop a new casting method which uses 3D-printed, single-use dissolvable molds and achieves lower cost for producing 3D neuron models. The casting method uses a consumer-grade desktop fused filament fabrication 3d printer, water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol filament, and a two-part casting material such as polyurethane resin or silicone rubber. Physical models of a diverse set of neuron morphologies including purkinje, pyramidal, medium spiny, and retinal ganglion cells were produced using the casting method with good fidelity to the neuronal reconstruction file and sufficient detail and strength for hands-on use in neuroscience education and research. The average cost of producing the four neuron models using the proposed casting method was reduced by 58% relative to the cost of using the least expensive 3D printing method by a service provider. Production time for one neuronal model using the proposed method was found to be in the range of 1-3 days while service-provided neurons required a minimum of a week from order placement to delivery.
A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Of Intraoperative Autologous Transfusion In Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery: A Single-center Retrospective Study
Authors: Chi Wen , Luo Zhenguo , Wu Zanqing , Hao Jianhong
Published: March 2023

Background: Intraoperative autologous transfusion(IAT) has been used in scoliosis surgery for decades; however, its cost-effectiveness remains debatable. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of IAT in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery with different blood loss volumes.
Methods: The medical records of 402 patients who underwent AIS surgery were reviewed. Depending on the volume of blood lost during the operation, the patients were divided into three groups: A (≥500 to <1000 mL), B (≥1,000 to <1,500 mL), and C (≥1,500mL). Depending on whether IAT was used, each group was further divided into the IAT and no-IAT groups. The volume of blood loss, volume of transfused allogeneic red blood cells (RBC),and RBC transfusioncosts were analyzed.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the independent risk factors of massive intraoperative blood loss (≥1,000 mL and ≥1,500 mL). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the cutoff values of the factors contributing to massive intraoperative blood loss.
Results: In group B, the IAT group had a lower volume of allogeneic RBC transfused than the no-IAT group, whereas the total RBC transfusion cost in the IAT group was significantly higher than that in the no-IAT group. In group C, the volume of allogeneic RBC transfused in the IAT group reduced significantly more than that in the no-IAT group. The number of vertebral levels fused was found to be an independent risk factor for massive intraoperative blood loss.
Conclusion: The cost-effectiveness of IAT in AIS is related to the volume of blood lost. The number of fused vertebral levels is an independent risk factor that can effectively predict massive intraoperative blood loss.
Elective surgery cancellations in pediatric surgery: rate and reasons
Authors: Mansour Maha Ben , Lassioued Oussama , Chakroun Sawsen , Slimene Amine Ben , Youssef Sabrine Ben , Ksiaa Amine , Gahbiche Mourad
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Canceling pediatric elective surgery leads to multiple disturbances regarding the inefficient operating room (OR) management, the financial repercussions, and the psychological impact on the patient and his family. This study aims to identify the reasons for cancellations among the pediatric population in our setting and suggest some convenient solutions.
Methods: We carried out a prospective and descriptive study over 12 months in the pediatric surgery department of Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital.
Results: 1426 patients were scheduled for surgery at the pediatric surgery department, of whom 131 (9.2%) were canceled. Medical and anesthesia-related reasons accounted for 62.6% of all cancellations, followed by surgical reasons at 16 %, organizational or administrative issues at 11.5%, and patient-related reasons at 10 %. The most significant causes were upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in 36.6%, abnormal blood test results in 16%, and non-adherence to preoperative fasting in 9.2%.
Conclusions: The rate of pediatric elective surgery cancellations at Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital was higher than the accepted average rate (5%). Therefore, to prevent these cancellations as much as possible, efforts should be made to promote children's medical care, operation scheduling, and efficient institution resource utilization.
General Practitioner perceptions and experiences of managing perinatal mental health: a scoping review
Authors: Frayne Jacqueline , Seddon Sarah , Lebedevs Tamara , Milroy Talila , Teh Beverly , Nguyen Thinh
Published: March 2023

Background
General Practitioners (GPs) manage the majority of preconception, early pregnancy, and postnatal care. Overall, mental health remains a significant contributor to disease burden affecting 1 in 4 pregnant women. Psychotropic medication prescribing occurs in almost 1 in 12 pregnancies, and appears to be increasing, along with the prevalence of mental health disorders in women of reproductive age. Perinatal mental health management is therefore not an unlikely scenario within their clinical practice. This scoping review aims to map current research related to GPs perceptions and experiences managing perinatal mental health, particularly exploring their experiences of diagnosis, medication use, guideline adherence and management of care.
Method
A comprehensive search strategy using nine electronic databases, and grey literature was undertaken between December 2021 and February 2023. Relevant studies were sourced from peer review databases using key terms related to perinatal mental health and general practitioners. Search results were screened on title, abstract and full text to assess those meeting inclusion criteria and relevance to the research question.
Results
After screening, 16 articles were included in the scoping review. The majority of articles focused on perinatal depression. Findings support that GPs are largely confident with diagnosing perinatal depression. However, over the last two decades, prescribing confidence in perinatal mental health remains variable with concerns for the safety profile of medication, low level of confidence in providing information and a strong reliance on personal experience. Despite the establishment of perinatal guidelines by countries, the utilisation of these and other existing resources by GPs appears to be infrequent. Many challenges exist for GPs around time pressures, a lack of information and resources, and difficulty accessing referral to services.
Conclusion
Recommendations following this scoping review include targeted perinatal education programs specific for GPs and embedded in training programs. The development of practice guidelines and resources specific to general practice that recognises time, services, and funding limitations. Future research is needed on how guidelines and resources can be developed and best delivered to optimise GP engagement to improve knowledge and enhance patient care.
Evaluation of the Acute flaccid paralysis surveillance indicators in Zambia from 2015-2021: A retrospective analyses
Authors: Bessing Barnabas , Dagoe Edward A. , Tembo Deborah , Kanyanga Muzala Kapina , Matapo Belem B , Mwangombe Alice , Bobo Patricia M. , Manneh Fadinding , Chipoya Musole , Eboh Victor A. , Kayeye Princess L. , Masumbu Penelope K. , Muzongwe Chilweza , Bakyaita Nathan N. , Zomahoun Delayo , Tuma Jude N.
Published: March 2023

Background: The resurgence of poliovirus infection in previously polio free regions and countries calls for renewed commitment to the global polio eradication efforts including strengthening of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance systems. Zambia is one of the countries substantially at risk for the importation of poliovirus infection from neighbouring countries including Malawi, Mozambique, and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This study describes a seven-year AFP surveillance, assesses the surveillance indicators, and highlights areas for improvement.
Methods: We conducted retrospective analyses of the routinely collected AFP surveillance data from January 2015 to December 2022. The AFP surveillance indicators performance was assessed using the World Health Organisation’s recommended minimum AFP surveillance indicators performance.
Results: Cumulatively, a total of 1715 AFP cases were reported over the study period. More than half, 891 (52%) of reported cases were aged <5 years with 917 (53.5%) of males. More than half, 1186 (69.2%) had fever at onset, 718 (41.9%) had asymmetric paralysis and 1164 (67.9%) had their paralysis progressed within 3 days of onset. The non-polio AFP rate ranges from 3.4 to 6.4 per 100,000 children < 15 years old and stool adequacy ranging from 70.9% to 90.2% indicating sensitive surveillance with late detection of cases. The percentage of cases with early stool collection, timely transportation was above the World Health Organisation (WHO) minimum of 80% but with declining proportion of stools arriving in the laboratory in optimal condition. Completeness of 60-days follow-up evaluation was suboptimal ranging from 0.9% to 28.2%.
Conclusion: The AFP surveillance system in Zambia is doing well. However, additional efforts are needed to improve early detection of cases; stool sample collection, transportation and monitoring to ensure arrival in good condition in the laboratory; and improve 60-days follow-up evaluation for evidenced-based classification of inadequate AFP cases and proper care.
"Ser Criança" – an oral health literacy program for vulnerable children and families
Authors: Veiga Nélio Jorge , Mello-Moura Anna Carolina Volpi , Dias Beatriz , Oliveira Mário , Correia Patrícia , Couto Patrícia , Correia Maria , Duarte Ana
Published: March 2023

Background:Over the years, there has been an increasing and effective integration and participation of oral health in the concept of general health. The absence of educational interventions, and behavioral strategies for children´s oral health are still considered gaps in today's society. The main objective of this work was to define strategies of educational interventions in children's oral health.Methods:The intervention for the “Ser Criança” Program involved the development of a website - “Ser Criança – Aprender a Sorrir” (A Child - Learn to Smile) for three target groups: children, parents and educators / teachers. With this proposition, it is expected that children, families, and school communities improve behavioral habits related to oral health. Also, the “Ser Criança” Program involves a specific protocol defining oral health literacy strategies and dental appointments among the children and families.Results:The “Ser Criança” Program involves a specific protocol defining oral health literacy strategies and dental appointments for children and families. It is crucial to emphasize that most recreational activities are beneficial in the transmission of motivational values. The use of educational games, exploration of macro dental models, theatre and music are valid examples of these activities. Interventions based on digital media (applications or"apps"and the Internet) also prove to be a constant demonstration of success for children's personal and cognitive growth. Aiming on a digital tool for pre-school and elementary school children, through a web-based platform allows, especially amongst the hard-to-reach communities, an immeasurable access to multiple possibilities.Conclusions:Educating future generations using attractive educational, didactic and, above all pedagogical interventions can greatly improve health interventions, especially in the field of dental medicine.
The general attributes and competence for nurses in a single responder unit. A modified Delphi study.
Authors: Tikkanen Viivi , Arsic Marija , Henricson Maria
Published: March 2023

Aim
The aim of this study was to describe the general attributes and competence that nurses in the ambulance's single responder units are considered to need.
Background
The development of ambulance care has led to an increased need for new units and working methods. Single responder unit is a single crewed unit that often uses for the patient assessments, to refer patients to the right level of care and to release regular ambulances. There is a lack of description of the needed competence for the nurses within single responder unit.
Methods
Modified Delphi with three rounds was used. The first round was conducted with focus group interviews and analysed with content analysis. The second and third rounds were conducted through surveys using a 4-point Likert scale and analysed with descriptive statistics.
Results
Five competence categories were identified. 39 of 80 statements reached consensus. The ability to communicate with other actors to achieve one’s goal, the ability to create a good encounter alone and to have appropriate professional experience were identified as the most important general attributes and competencies.
Conclusions
Increased understanding of the needed competence within single responder unit can be implemented in prehospital recruitment and education. Further research on the function of single responder unit and the most appropriate formal competence of the emergency nurses in single responder units is needed.
Management of anomalous origin of right coronary artery from left coronary sinus
Authors: Mangel Tobin , Divya Aabha , De Silva Ravi
Published: March 2023

Aberrant origin of coronary artery is a rare congenital anomaly associated with increased risk of myocardial ischemia and sudden death, with the highest risk lesions being those arising from the opposite sinus of Valsalva. The unpredictable nature of the anomalous origin of coronary artery from the opposite sinus warrants surgical correction and reimplantation is a safe, effective and reproducible technique. We report a case with an aberrant right coronary artery arising superior to the left coronary cusp, with a slit-like ostium, having an interarterial and intramural course through the aortic root, that underwent repositioning of the right coronary artery.
Mesoscopic Study on Seepage Characteristics with Shear Displacement in a Single Fracture
Authors: Feng Peichao , Ma Haichun , Qian Jiazhong , Deng Yaping
Published: March 2023

To understand the change of fluid hydraulic behavior in the fracture under different shear displacements, fluid flow simulation at different flow velocity is carried out based on the Navier-Stokes equation. We characterize and make statistics on the change and distribution of fracture aperture under different shear displacements, especially the measurement of the contact area under shear displacement, which is helpful to accurately study the effect of shear displacement on fracture fluid flow. The research results show the shear displacement of the fracture can be regarded as the dislocation between the upper and lower fracture surfaces. The fluid flow velocity becomes larger near the contact sites, and the streamlines become denser. The resulting hydraulic aperture shows a negative correlation with the contact area. The relationship between volumetric flow rate and pressure gradient during flow field simulation can be well fitted by the Forchheimer equation, and the steepness of the curves is related to the contact area. The linear coefficient a and the nonlinear coefficient b in the Forchheimer equation are positively correlated with the contact area. From the measured flow velocity, the mechanical aperture is usually an order of magnitude larger than the hydraulic aperture. The linear relationship between mechanical aperture and hydraulic aperture is described. The positive correlation between permeability and mechanical aperture profiled during shear explains the hydraulic behavior in the flow field.
Comparison of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion for lumbar degenerative diseases: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Chen Hao , Zheng Goudi , Bian Zhenyu , Hou Changju , Li Maoqiang , Zhang Zhen , Zhu Liulong , Wang Xuepeng
Published: March 2023

Background: Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) and endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-LIF) are both new minimally invasive interbody fusion procedures for lumbar degenerative diseases. In this study, we attempted to compare the clinical efficacy and postoperative outcomes of MIS-TLIF and Endo-LIF for lumbar degenerative diseases.
Methods: The study cohort comprised 99 patients with lumbar degenerative diseases treated by MIS-TLIF or Endo-LIF from January 2019 to July 2021. The clinical outcomes (visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and MacNab criteria) preoperatively, 1 month postoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, and 1 year postoperatively were compared between the two groups.
Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in sex, age, disease duration, affected spine segment, and complications (P > 0.05). The operation time was significantly longer in the Endo-LIF group than the MIS-TLIF group (155.25 ± 12.57 vs. 123.14 ± 14.50 minutes; P < 0.05). However, the Endo-LIF group had a significantly smaller blood loss volume (61.79 ± 10.09 vs. 259.97 ± 14.63 ml) and shorter hospital stay (5.46 ± 1.11 vs. 7.06 ± 1.42 days) than the MIS-TLIF group. In both groups, the ODI and VAS scores for lower back pain and leg pain were significantly lower at each postoperative timepoint than preoperatively (P < 0.05). Although there were no significant differences between the two groups in the ODI and VAS scores for lower back pain and leg pain (P > 0.05), the VAS for lower back pain was lower in the Endo-LIF group than the MIS-TLIF group at each postoperative timepoint. The MacNab criteria showed that the improvement rate was 92.2% in the MIS-TLIF group and 91.7% in the Endo-LIF group, with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusions: There were no signiﬁcant differences in short-term surgical outcomes between the MIS-TLIF and Endo-LIF groups. Compared with the MIS-TLIF group, the Endo-LIF group incurred less damage to surrounding tissues, experienced less intraoperative blood loss, and had less lower back pain, which is more conducive to recovery.
Characterization of loss of Y chromosome in peripheral blood of Chinese Han male patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Jiang Lanrui , Song Mengyuan , Song Feng , Zhou Yuxiang , Yao Hewen , Li Gangqin , Luo Haibo
Published: March 2023

Background
Schizophrenia has a global prevalence of 1% and is a threat to life expectancy and mortality. There is growing evidence that the risk of developing this disorder is higher in males than in females and tends to develop in early adulthood. The Y chromosome is thought to be involved in biological processes other than sex determination and spermatogenesis that affect male health and disease. Studies have found that Loss of Y chromosome (LOY) in peripheral blood is associated with a variety of diseases, cancer and increased all-cause mortality, so an analysis of the relationship between LOY and schizophrenia is warranted.
Methods
The study included 442 Chinese males (271 patients with schizophrenia vs 171 controls). The copy numbers of Y and X chromosome were detected by the positive droplets targeted with Amelogenin gene (AMEL) located on the Y chromosome and X chromosome (AMELY and AMELX) using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), respectively. The LOY percentage was defined as the difference between the concentration of AMELX and the concentration of AMELY divided by the concentration of AMELX, denoted as (X - Y)/X.
Results
There was no significant difference in the presence of LOY between the schizophrenia and control groups in Chinese Han population. A remarkable correlation was found between the disease duration and (X - Y)/X ratio by using the mean (R2 = 0.51, p = 0.032). The logistic regression analysis implied that the risk of suffering LOY increases by 5.8% and 5.7% per year with age at onset and duration of the disease, respectively (ponset = 0.013, pduration = 0.017).
Conclusions
For the Chinese Han population, age of onset and duration of schizophrenia might be risk factors for LOY development in peripheral blood. More clinical information and larger sample size need to be collected for more in-depth and specific analyses.