bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alterations of Prefrontal-Posterior Information Processing Patterns in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Zhao Hai-Chen , Lv Rui , Zhang Guang-Yu , He Le-Min , Cai Xiao-Tao , Sun Qiang , Yan Chun-Yan , Bao Xiang-Yuan , Lv Xin-Yue , Fu Bin
Published: January 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by different levels of repetitive and stereotypic behavior as well as deficits in social interaction and communication. In this current study, we explored the changes in cerebral neural activities in ASD. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether there exists a dysfunction of interactive information processing between the prefrontal cortex and posterior brain regions in ASD. We investigated the atypical connectivity and information flow between the prefrontal cortex and posterior brain regions in ASD utilizing the entropy connectivity (a kind of directional connectivity) method. Eighty-nine patients with ASD and 94 typical developing (TD) teenagers participated in this study. Two-sample t-tests revealed weakened interactive entropy connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and posterior brain regions. This result indicates that there exists interactive prefrontal-posterior underconnectivity in ASD, and this disorder might lead to less prior knowledge being used and updated. Our proposals highlighted that aforementioned atypical change might accelerate the deoptimization of brain networks in ASD.
Magnetic Ligand Fishing Using Immobilized Cyclooxygenase-2 for Identification and Screening of Anticoronary Heart Disease Ligands From Choerospondias axillaris
Authors: Chi Miaomiao , Wang Hongsen , Yan Zhankuan , Cao Lei , Gao Xun , Qin Kunming
Published: January 2022

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity is an effective way for treatment of coronary heart disease. And as an important source of COX-2 inhibitors, bioactive compounds of Choerospondias axillaris and pharmacological mechanisms remained lacking in prospective researches. Therefore, for the purpose of accelerating the discovery of natural products targeting designed inhibitors, the COX-2 microreactor composed of functionalized microspheres and magnetic ligand fishing was developed and applied in Choerospondias axillaris, and the physicochemical properties of the COX-2 functionalized microspheres were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, the bioactive compounds singled out from ethanol decoction without prepurification were dissociated and identified by ultraperformance liquid chromatography plus Q-Exactive Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS/MS). Consequently, 21 bioactive compounds consisting of 6 organic acids, 8 flavonoids, and 7 others were separated and characterized from Choerospondias axillaris, which were reported to participate in the COX-2 inhibitory pathway to varying degrees. Therefore, this method could provide a prospective solution for the extraction and identification of active pharmaceutical ingredients and the rapid screening of some enzyme inhibitors in the complex mixtures.
Case Report: Food Protein-Induced Protein Losing Enteropathy (FPIPLE) in Infancy
Authors: Feketea Gavriela , Popp Alina , Ionescu Daniela Marcela , Berghea Elena Camelia
Published: January 2022

Food-protein induced protein-losing enteropathy (FPIPLE) is a mixed IgE and non-IgE food allergy in infants along with eosinophilic gastrointestinal (GI) diseases (EGID). It is characterized by poor weight gain, edema, due to hypoproteinemia/hypoalbuminemia by enteral loss of proteins, anemia, eosinophilia, raised fecal α1-antitrypsin (α1AT), and specific-IgE and allergy skin prick test (SPT) positive for offending foods. Here, we describe 4 cases with the same clinical pattern (edema due to hypoproteinemia/hypoalbuminemia from enteral loss of proteins, confirmed by high α1AT in the stools and no other pathological findings explaining the hypoproteinemia including normal kidney and liver function parameters), and propose the term “food-protein induced protein-losing enteropathy” (FPIPLE) to define this clinical entity. We also propose diagnostic criteria and an empirical algorithm of a practical approach to the diagnosis and management for children suspected to have FPIPLE. These infants can be managed successfully with dietary modification. In our 4 cases, initially, an empirical elimination diet was applied, comprising the foods that had benn introduced in the infant's diet during the last month and, an extensively hydrolyzed or elemental formula was given. In a second approach, after evaluation by a pediatric allergist, an allergy test-directed dietary elimination alimentation was implemented, for mother and/or infant. It has yet to be demonstrated whether patients with FPIPLE are a subset of patients with EGID, and whether early intervention modifies the natural course.
A Successfully Treated Multiple Metastatic Choriocarcinoma Coexistent With Live Fetus: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ding Wei , Zhang Na , Rao Yang , Xu Xiaoning , Nie Tonggang , Qu Pengpeng
Published: January 2022

Management of metastatic choriocarcinoma coexistent with live fetus is tricky for gynecologists. There is no consensus on treatment because of its rarity. We present a unique case of gestational choriocarcinoma with multiple metastases, who received EP chemotherapy in the third trimester. At 31 + 5 weeks, a healthy male baby was delivered by cesarean section. Then, she received six cycles of EMA/CO as postpartum chemotherapy. Her beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level decreased to the normal range, and the metastases vanished. The patient had no clinical symptoms 4 years after discharge, and the baby was also free from this disease. Short tandem repeat polymorphism (STR) analysis was performed to determine the genotype of the choriocarcinoma, placenta, and normal curettage tissue of the maternal uterine. Comparing the polymorphic genetic markers revealed that the tumor was gestational choriocarcinoma, but did not originate from the coexistent pregnancy. In spite of extensive metastases, antepartum chemotherapy is an effective and safe treatment for patients with gestational choriocarcinoma concurrent with pregnancy. STR analysis can be useful in distinguishing gestational choriocarcinoma from non-gestational, as well as the causative pregnancy, and serve as a helpful examination tool for guiding clinical management.
Acute Phase Proteins as Early Predictors for Immunotherapy Response in Advanced NSCLC: An Explorative Study
Authors: Schneider Marc A. , Rozy Adriana , Wrenger Sabine , Christopoulos Petros , Muley Thomas , Thomas Michael , Meister Michael , Welte Tobias , Chorostowska-Wynimko Joanna , Janciauskiene Sabina
Published: January 2022

In the last decade, targeting the immune system became a promising therapy in advanced lung cancer stages. However, in a clinical follow-up, patient responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors widely differ. Peripheral blood is a minimally invasive source of potential biomarkers to explain these differences. We blindly analyzed serum samples from 139 patients with non-small cell lung cancer prior to anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 therapies to assess whether baseline levels of albumin (ALB), alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP), alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT), alpha2-macroglobulin (A2M), ceruloplasmin (CP), haptoglobin (HP), alpha1-antichymotrypsin (ACT), serum amyloid A (SAA), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), have a predictive value for immunotherapy success. Disease progression-free survival (PFS) was calculated based on RECIST 1.1 criteria. A multivariate Cox regression analysis, including serum levels of acute-phase proteins and clinical parameters, revealed that higher pre-therapeutic levels of HP and CP are independent predictors of a worse PFS. Moreover, a combined panel of HP and CP stratified patients into subgroups. We propose to test this panel as a putative biomarker for assessing the success of immunotherapy in patients with NSCLC.
MECOM/PRDM3 and PRDM16 Serve as Prognostic-Related Biomarkers and Are Correlated With Immune Cell Infiltration in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Meng , Ren Hui , Zhang Yanpeng , Liu Na , Fan Meng , Wang Ke , Yang Tian , Chen Mingwei , Shi Puyu
Published: January 2022

Background

The MDS1 and EVI1 complex locus (MECOM, also called PRDM3) and PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16) are two highly related zinc finger transcription factors associated with many malignancies. However, the mechanisms of MECOM and PRDM16 in prognosis and tumor immune infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remain uncertain.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Oncomine, UALCAN, GEPIA, and TIMER databases were searched to determine the relationship between the expression of MECOM and PRDM16, clinicopathological features, immune infiltration, and prognosis in LUAD. Coexpressed genes of the two genes were investigated by CBioPortal, and the potential mechanism of MECOM- and PRDM16-related genes was elucidated by GO and KEGG analyses. STRING database was utilized to further construct the protein-protein interaction network of the coexpressed genes, and the hub genes were identified by Cytoscape. Finally, qRT-PCR was performed to identify the mRNA levels of the target genes in LUAD.

Results

mRNA levels of MECOM and PRDM16 were downregulated in LUAD (p < 0.05), and the low expression of the two genes was associated with the age, gender, smoking duration, tissue subtype, poor stage, nodal metastasis status, TP53 mutation, and prognosis in LUAD (p < 0.05). MECOM and PRDM16 were also found to be correlated with the expression of a variety of immune cell subsets and their markers. KEGG analysis showed that both of them were mainly enriched in the cell cycle, cellular senescence, DNA replication, and p53 signaling pathway. Importantly, the mRNA levels of the two genes were also found to be decreased in the clinical samples of LUAD by qRT-PCR.

Conclusion

MECOM and PRDM16 may serve as potential prognostic biomarkers which govern immune cell recruitment to LUAD.
Adverse Effects of Vemurafenib on Skin Integrity: Hyperkeratosis and Skin Cancer Initiation Due to Altered MEK/ERK-Signaling and MMP Activity
Authors: Tham Marius , Stark Hans-Jürgen , Jauch Anna , Harwood Catherine , Pavez Lorie Elizabeth , Boukamp Petra
Published: January 2022

The BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib, approved for treating patients with BRAF V600E-mutant and unresectable or metastatic melanomas, rapidly induces cutaneous adverse events, including hyperkeratotic skin lesions and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC). To determine, how vemurafenib would provoke these adverse events, we utilized long-term in vitro skin equivalents (SEs) comprising epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts in their physiological environment. We inserted keratinocytes with different genetic background [normal keratinocytes: NHEK, HaCaT (p53/mut), and HrasA5 (p53/mut+Hras/mut)] to analyze effects depending on the stage of carcinogenesis. We now show that vemurafenib activates MEK-ERK signaling in both, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts in vitro and in the in vivo-like SEs. As a consequence, vemurafenib does not provide a growth advantage but leads to a differentiation phenotype, causing accelerated differentiation and hyperkeratosis in the NHEK and normalized stratification and cornification in the transformed keratinocytes. Although all keratinocytes responded very similarly to vemurafenib in their expression profile, particularly with a significant induction of MMP1 and MMP3, only the HrasA5 cells revealed a vemurafenib-dependent pathophysiological shift to tumor progression, i.e., the initiation of invasive growth. This was shown by increased proteolytic activity allowing for penetration of the basement membrane and invasion into the disrupted underlying matrix. Blocking MMP activity, by the addition of ilomastat, prevented invasion with all corresponding degradative activities, thus substantiating that the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK/MMP axis is the most important molecular basis for the rapid switch towards tumorigenic conversion of the HrasA5 keratinocytes upon vemurafenib treatment. Finally, cotreatment with vemurafenib and the MEK inhibitor cobimetinib prevented MEK-ERK hyperactivation and with that abolished both, the epidermal differentiation and the tumor invasion phenotype. This suggests that both cutaneous adverse events are under direct control of vemurafenib-dependent MEK-ERK hyperactivation and confirms the dependence on preexisting genetic alterations of the skin keratinocytes that determine the basis towards induction of tumorigenic progression.
Results of ARI-0001 CART19 Cells in Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Richter’s Transformation
Authors: Ortiz-Maldonado Valentín , Frigola Gerard , Español-Rego Marta , Balagué Olga , Martínez-Cibrián Nuria , Magnano Laura , Giné Eva , Pascal Mariona , Correa Juan G. , Martínez-Roca Alexandra , Cid Joan , Lozano Miquel , Villamor Neus , Benítez-Ribas Daniel , Esteve Jordi , López-Guillermo Armando , Campo Elías , Urbano-Ispizua Álvaro , Juan Manel , Delgado Julio
Published: January 2022

CART19 cells are emerging as an alternative therapy for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Here we report the outcome of nine consecutive patients with CLL treated with ARI-0001 CART19 cells, six of them with Richter’s transformation (RT). One patient with RT never received therapy. The cytokine release syndrome rate was 87.5% (12.5% grade ≥3). Neurotoxicity was not observed in any patient. All patients experienced absolute B-cell aplasia, and seven (87.5%) responded to therapy. With a median follow-up of 5.6 months, two patients with RT experienced a CD19-negative relapse. In conclusion, ARI-0001 cell therapy was feasible, safe, and effective in patients with high-risk CLL or RT.
Liver-Directed Treatment Options Following Liver Tumor Recurrence: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Aquina Christopher T. , Eskander Mariam F. , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: January 2022

Recurrence following curative-intent hepatectomy for colorectal cancer liver metastasis, hepatocellular carcinoma, or cholangiocarcinoma is unfortunately common with a reported incidence as high as 75%. Various treatment modalities can improve survival following disease recurrence. A review of the literature was performed using PubMed. In addition to systemic therapy, liver-directed treatment options for recurrent liver disease include repeat hepatectomy, salvage liver transplantation, radiofrequency or microwave ablation, intra-arterial therapy, and stereotactic body radiation therapy. Repeat resection can be consider for patients with limited recurrent disease that meets resection criteria, as this therapeutic approach can provide a survival benefit and is potentially curative in a subset of patients. Salvage liver transplantation for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma is another option, which has been associated with a 5-year survival of 50%. Salvage transplantation may be an option in particular for patients who are not candidates for resection due to underlying liver dysfunction but meet criteria for transplantation. Ablation is another modality to treat patients who recur with smaller tumors and are not surgical candidates due to comorbidity, liver dysfunction, or tumor location. For patients with inoperable disease, transarterial chemoembolization, or radioembolization with Yttrium-90 are liver-directed intra-arterial therapy modalities with relatively low risks that can be utilized. Stereotactic body radiation therapy is another palliative treatment option that can provide a response and local tumor control for smaller tumors.
Risk Factors for Mortality From Late-Onset Sepsis Among Preterm Very-Low-Birthweight Infants: A Single-Center Cohort Study From Singapore
Authors: Goh Guan Lin , Lim Charis Shu En , Sultana Rehena , De La Puerta Rowena , Rajadurai Victor Samuel , Yeo Kee Thai
Published: January 2022

Objective

To determine the risk factors for mortality associated with late onset sepsis (LOS) among preterm very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants.

Study Design

We performed a retrospective cohort study of infants born <32 weeks gestation and <1,500 gm admitted to a Singaporean tertiary-level neonatal intensive care unit. We determined the clinical, microbial, and laboratory risk factors associated with mortality due to culture-positive LOS in this cohort.

Results

A total of 1,740 infants were admitted, of which 169 (9.7%) developed LOS and 27 (16%) died. Compared to survivors, those who died had lower birth gestational age (median 24 vs. 25 weeks, p = 0.02) and earlier LOS occurrence (median 10 vs. 17 days, p = 0.007). There was no difference in the incidence of meningitis (11.1 vs. 16.9%, p = 0.3), NEC (18.5 vs. 14.8%, p = 0.6), or intestinal surgery (18.5 vs. 23.3%, p = 0.6) among infants who died compared to survivors. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 21/27 (77.8%) LOS-associated deaths and almost all (13/14, 93%) fulminant episodes. The presence of multiorgan failure, as evidenced by the need for mechanical ventilation (100 vs. 79.0%, p = 0.008), elevated lactate (12.4 vs. 2.1 mmol/L, p < 0.001), and inotropic support (92.6 vs. 37.5%, p < 0.001), was significantly associated with mortality. Infants who died had significantly lower white blood cell (WBC) counts (median 4.2 × 109/L vs. 9.9 × 109/L, p = 0.001), lower platelet count (median 40 × 109/L vs. 62 × 109/L, p = 0.01), and higher immature to total neutrophil (I: T) ratio (0.2 vs. 0.1, p = 0.002). Inotrope requirement [AOR 22.4 (95%CI 2.9, 103.7)], WBC <4 × 109/L [AOR 4.7 (1.7, 13.2)], and I: T ratio >0.3 [AOR 3.6 (1.3, 9.7)] were independently associated with LOS mortality.

Conclusions

In a setting with predominantly Gram-negative bacterial infections, the need for inotropic support, leukopenia, and elevated I: T ratio were significantly associated with LOS mortality among preterm VLBW infants.
SS31 Ameliorates Podocyte Injury via Inhibiting OMA1-Mediated Hydrolysis of OPA1 in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Yang Qianqian , Xie Wenjia , Wang Xiao , Luo Jing , Zhou Yang , Cao Hongdi , Sun Qi , Jiang Lei , Yang Junwei
Published: January 2022

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is currently one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Mitochondrial dysfunction in podocyte is involve in DKD development. However, whether early mitochondrial stabilization delays or reverses DKD progression has not been elucidated. SS31 is a novel tetrapeptide compound that targets the inner mitochondrial membrane and protects mitochondria by reducing ROS and inhibiting cardiolipin oxidation. Our study discovered that SS31 might have a long-term podocyte protection in DKD. In this study, we examined the glomerular pathological damage and proteinuria at different stages of diabetes. Results revealed that podocyte mitochondrial injury appeared at the early stage of DKD. Early treatment with SS31 could protect podocyte and alleviate the development of DKD via inhibiting OMA1-mediated hydrolysis of OPA1. Those data indicate that SS31 might be a promising agent in delaying the development of DKD and OMA1-mediated hydrolysis of OPA1 in mitochondria, and SS31 is a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of DKD.
A Qualitative Analysis of the Culture of Antibiotic Use for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections Among Patients in Northwest Russia
Authors: Cantarero-Arevalo Lourdes , Nørgaard Lotte S. , Sporrong Sofia K. , Jacobsen Ramune , Almarsdóttir Anna Birna , Hansen Johanne M. , Titkov Dmitry , Rachina Svetlana , Panfilova Ekaterina , Merkulova Viktoria , Eseva Olga , Riabkova Nadezhda , Kaae Susanne
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Due to the globally persistent threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), the purpose of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the antibiotic (AB) practices, knowledge and attitudes among patients residing in five regions in the northwest part of Russia. Given the high prevalence, this study focused on ABs for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI).

Methods: The qualitative, semi-structured interviews followed a guide organized by major themes such as common symptoms, consultations with doctors and external influences in decision-making. Patient participants were recruited via convenience sampling. Fifty-five interviews were conducted among patients using ABs for URTIs purchased with or without prescription. Data was analyzed using a direct content analysis and validation rounds were conducted between interviewers and data analyzers.

Results: Self-medication with ABs seemed a common practice across all five Russian regions; in some cases, patients tried to persuade pharmacists into selling them ABs without prescription. Factors, such as time spent going to the doctor, need of a sick leave or self-persuasion, influenced the decisions of whether or not to seek the doctor for symptoms of URTIs. Knowledge of ABs and AMR was generally low; however, some patients with seemingly good knowledge practiced self-medication from time to time. Family members and friends were often involved in decisions about how to handle symptoms of URTIs, especially among those patients using ABs without prescription. Few patients had noticed ABs awareness campaigns, and very few reported having learned something important from them.

Conclusion: Despite enforced regulation of AB use in Russia, self-medication still exists. Knowledge is not always linked to appropriate use of AB, and the few campaigns conducted were not always noticed.
Behavioral and Evolutionary Perspectives on Visual Lateralization in Mating Birds: A Short Systematic Review
Authors: Soma Masayo
Published: January 2022

The division of cognitive processing between the two hemispheres of the brain causes lateralized eye use in various behavioral contexts. Generally, visual lateralization is shared among vertebrates to a greater extent, with little interspecific variation. However, previous studies on the visual lateralization in mating birds have shown surprising heterogeneity. Therefore, this systematic review paper summarized and analyzed them using phylogenetic comparative methods. The review aimed to elucidate why some species used their left eye and others their right to fixate on individuals of the opposite sex, such as mating partners or prospective mates. It was found that passerine and non-passerine species showed opposite eye use for mating, which could have stemmed from the difference in altricial vs. precocial development. However, due to the limited availability of species data, it was impossible to determine whether the passerine group or altricial development was the primary factor. Additionally, unclear visual lateralization was found when studies looked at lek mating species and males who performed courtship. These findings are discussed from both evolutionary and behavioral perspectives. Possible directions for future research have been suggested.
Divergent Selection for Seed Ability to Germinate at Extreme Temperatures in Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)
Authors: Ghaleb Wagdi , Barre Philippe , Teulat Béatrice , Ahmed Lina Qadir , Escobar-Gutiérrez Abraham J.
Published: January 2022

Various adaptive mechanisms can ensure that seedlings are established at the most favourable time and place. These mechanisms include seed dormancy i.e., incapacity to germinate in any environment without a specific environmental trigger and inhibition i.e., incapacity to germinate in an unfavourable environment (water availability, temperature: thermoinhibition and light). The objective of this research was to study in the temperate range for germination of forage and turf grass species perennial ryegrass, if the thermal requirements for germination are under genetic controlled and could be selectively bred. Two divergent selections of three cycles were realized on a natural population: one to select for the capacity to germinate at 10°C vs. the impossibility to germinate at 10°C, and one to select for the capacity to germinate at 32°C vs. the impossibility to germinate at 32°C. Seeds of all the lots obtained from the two divergent selections were then germinated at constant temperatures from 5 to 35°C to evaluate their germination ability. Concerning the positive selection, the first cycle of positive selection at 10°C was highly efficient with a very strong increase in the germination percentage. However, afterward no selection effect was observed during the next two cycles of positive selection. By contrast, the positive selection at 32°C was efficient during all cycles with a linear increase of the percentage of germination at 32°C. Concerning the negative selection, we observed only a large positive effect of the first cycle of selection at 10°C. These findings demonstrate that seed thermoinhibition at 10 and 32°C observed in a natural population of perennial ryegrass has a genetic basis and a single recessive gene seems to be involved at 10°C.
Functional Traits Drive Dispersal Interactions Between European Waterfowl and Seeds
Authors: Almeida Bia A. , Lukács Balázs A. , Lovas-Kiss Ádám , Reynolds Chevonne , Green Andy J.
Published: January 2022

Endozoochory by waterfowl is important for a broad range of angiosperms, most of which lack a fleshy fruit. This dispersal function contributes to the formation and maintenance of plant communities and may allow range shifts for plant species under global change. However, our current understanding of what seed or plant traits are important for this dispersal mechanism, and how they relate to variation in waterbird traits, is extremely limited. We addressed this question using a unique dataset identifying the plant species whose seeds are ingested by 31 different waterfowl species in Europe. We used RLQ and fourth-corner analyses to explore relationships between (1) bird morphological and foraging strategy traits, and (2) plant traits related to seed morphology, environmental preferences, and growth form. We then used Generalized Additive Models to identify relationships between plant/seed traits and the number of waterfowl species that disperse them. Although many waterfowl feed intentionally on seeds, available seed trait data provided little explanation for patterns compared to plant traits such as Ellenberg indicators of habitat preference and life form. Geese were associated with terrestrial plants, ingesting seeds as they graze on land. Diving ducks were associated with strictly aquatic plants, ingesting seeds as they feed at greater depths. Dabbling ducks ingest seeds from plants with high light and temperature requirements, especially shoreline and ruderal species growing in or around the dynamic and shallow microhabitats favored by these birds. Overall, the number of waterfowl vector species (up to 13 per plant species) increases for plants with greater soil moisture requirements and salinity tolerance, reflecting the inclination of most waterfowl species to feed in coastal wetlands. Our findings underline the importance of waterfowl dispersal for plants that are not strictly aquatic, as well as for plants associated with high salinities. Furthermore, our results reveal a soil moisture gradient that drives seed-bird interactions, in line with differences between waterfowl groups in their microhabitat preferences along the land-water continuum. This study provides an important advance in our understanding of the interactions that define plant dispersal in wetlands and their surroundings, and of what plants might be affected by ongoing changes in the distributions of waterfowl species.
Variations in Pedicel Structural Properties Among Four Pear Species (Pyrus): Insights Into the Relationship Between the Fruit Characteristics and the Pedicel Structure
Authors: Cui Zhenhua , Sun Haoqi , Lu Yuqin , Ren Lixin , Xu Xinrui , Li Dingli , Wang Ran , Ma Chunhui
Published: January 2022

Fruit pedicel is the bridge linking the parent tree and the fruit, which is an important channel for water and nutrients transport to the fruit. The genetic specificity determines the characteristics of the pedicel and the fruit, but the relationship between the pedicel structure and the fruit characteristics is unexplored. Combining the investigation of fruit characteristics, the statistical analysis of the pedicel structural properties, and the 2D and 3D anatomical observation of the pedicel, this study found distinctive contributions of the pedicel elements to the fruit characteristics in four pear species. The European pear (Conference) showed distinct fruit shape index and pedicel structural properties compared with the oriental pears (Akizuki, Yali, and Nanguoli). The fruit size positively correlated with pedicel length, fiber area, pedicel diameter, the area percentage of the cortex, and the area percentage of phloem; however, fruit firmness and soluble solids concentration are showed a stronger positive correlation with xylem area, pith area, the area percentage of xylem, the area percentage of sieve tube, and the area percentage of pith. Pedicel elements, including pith, fiber, and cortex, likely play a certain role in the fruit growth due to the variations of their characteristics demonstrated in the four pear species. The porosity, the ratio of the surface area to the volume, and the spatial arrangement of the vessels showed significant variations across the pear species, indicating the distinction of the hydraulic conductance of the pedicels. Our findings provided direct evidence that pedicel structural elements contributed distinctively to the fruit characteristics among pear species.
Stress and Turnover Intentions Within Healthcare Teams: The Mediating Role of Psychological Safety, and the Moderating Effect of COVID-19 Worry and Supervisor Support
Authors: Hebles Melany , Trincado-Munoz Francisco , Ortega Karina
Published: January 2022

Employees at healthcare organizations are experiencing more stress than ever given the current COVID-19 pandemic. Different types of stress are affecting diverse organizational outcomes, including the employees’ voluntary turnover. This is the case of cognitive stress, a type of stress that affects how individuals process information, which can influence employees’ turnover intentions. In this study, we look at the mechanisms that can reduce the adverse effects of cognitive stress on turnover intentions, particularly the role of employees’ perceived psychological safety (i.e., how safe they perceive the interactions with their colleagues are). We hypothesize that psychological safety mediates the relationship between cognitive stress and turnover intentions, and COVID-19 worry and supervisor support moderate the relationship between cognitive stress and psychological safety. To test our hypothesis, we invited two public health care organizations in Chile to join this study. In total, we obtained a sample of 146 employees in 21 different teams. Using a multilevel model, we found that psychological safety prevents the harmful effects of cognitive stress on employees’ turnover intentions. In addition, while COVID-19 worry can worsen the relationship between cognitive stress and psychological safety, supervisor support only directly affects psychological safety. This study contributes to expanding the stress and psychological safety literature and informs practitioners in healthcare organizations about how to deal with cognitive stress in the “new normality” that the pandemic has brought.
Concepts Describing and Assessing Individuals’ Environmental Sustainability: An Integrative Review and Taxonomy
Authors: Wallnoefer Laura M. , Riefler Petra
Published: January 2022

Graphical Abstract
Personality Traits and Escape Behavior in Traffic Accidents: Experiment and Modeling Analysis
Authors: Xie Yaohua , Xu Xueming , An Wenjuan
Published: January 2022

In this article, we tried to reveal the relationship between personality traits and escape behavior in traffic accidents. Different from common computer simulations, this study, for the first time, established a real database recording the escape behavior and personality traits of subjects when watching a first-person-view driving video with explosion. Then, we used a modeling method of general linear to establish a quantitative model of the influence of personality traits, explosion, and their interaction on escape behavior. In the model, we introduced escape response time, escape time, escape direction, escape speed, escape trajectory, and other motion characteristics to study individual escape behavior in accidents. Through the analysis, we concluded several conclusions, including that high neurotic individuals tend to escape with shorter response time and slower speed by choosing doors far from the explosion source. These conclusions may provide some references for the effective escape of the crowd and the successful escape of the individual under traffic accidents.
Measuring Multidimensional Health Poverty in China
Authors: Chi Xin-Xin , Liu Xi-Hua , Zhang Ze-Zhong
Published: January 2022

This article defines the concept of “multidimensional health poverty,” considering both the monetary aspects and multidimensional health deprivation of health poverty. Moreover, we set up the multidimensional health poverty index (MHPI) to measure health poverty in China by revising the traditional A-F MPI method, specifically we use the Catastrophic Health Expenditure (CHE) as a sufficient condition and income poverty as a necessary condition, and take physical, mental, and social health into account. The measurement result evidences that physical health, monetary dimensions (CHE and income poverty), and mental health contribute most to health poverty in China. In addition, the MHPI is significantly higher in rural areas than urban because of higher out-of-pocket medical payments and health deprivation in more dimensions. Compared with the traditional method, the MHPI is more accurate, stable, and comprehensive, making it more suitable for measuring health poverty.
The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depressive Symptoms Among Medical Students in Bangladesh During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study
Authors: Biswas Md. Abdullah Al Jubayer , Hasan M. Tasdik , Samir Nora , Alin Sayma Islam , Homaira Nusrat , Hassan Md. Zakiul , Khatun Mst Rabeya , Anjum Afifa , Hossain Sahadat , Koly Kamrun Nahar , Safa Farhana , Alam Syeda Fatema , Rafi Md. Abdur , Osman Biswas Md. Abdullah al , Yasmin Farida , Podder Vivek , Trisa Tonima Islam , Azad Dewan Tasnia , Nodi Rhedeya Nury , Ashraf Fatema , Akther S. M. Quamrul , Ahmed Helal Uddin
Published: January 2022

Background

Whilst very limited studies have demonstrated a correlation between the COVID-19 pandemic and depressive symptoms amongst Bangladeshi medical students, the prevalence and associated factors of depressive symptoms as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) remains widely unknown.

Objective

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with depression symptoms among Bangladeshi medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period.

Method

In this web-based cross-sectional pilot study, medical students' data was collected using the Google Forms web survey platform after obtaining electronic informed consent. A total of 425 medical students were selected using a systematic sampling technique to accumulate depression symptoms and demographic and pandemic-related information. Depression was measured by a self-administered, validated English version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) tool. The descriptive analysis utilized frequency and percentages, while the stepwise binary logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors associated with depressive symptoms.

Result

Among 425 medical students, 62.3% were female, 97.4% unmarried. Almost 80.2% of medical students had mild to severe levels of depressive symptoms as characterized by PHQ-9. A significantly higher probability of depression was found amongst female students (adjusted OR = 1.8), those who struggled to stay away from social media (adjusted OR = 1.8), those who tried to be optimistic for maintaining better psychology (adjusted OR = 11.1), and those who always had a sleeping difficulty in the last 4 weeks (adjusted OR = 8.9).

Conclusion

A very high prevalence of depression symptoms among Bangladeshi medical students was found across the majority of socio-demographic variables. The alarming prevalence and associated factors of depression suggests the need for follow-intensity psychosocial interventions designed for medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Scholarly Knowledge Ecosystem: Challenges and Opportunities for the Field of Information
Authors: Altman Micah , Cohen Philip N.
Published: January 2022

The scholarly knowledge ecosystem presents an outstanding exemplar of the challenges of understanding, improving, and governing information ecosystems at scale. This article draws upon significant reports on aspects of the ecosystem to characterize the most important research challenges and promising potential approaches. The focus of this review article is the fundamental scientific research challenges related to developing a better understanding of the scholarly knowledge ecosystem. Across a range of disciplines, we identify reports that are conceived broadly, published recently, and written collectively. We extract the critical research questions, summarize these using quantitative text analysis, and use this quantitative analysis to inform a qualitative synthesis. Three broad themes emerge from this analysis: the need for multi-sectoral cooperation and coordination, for mixed methods analysis at multiple levels, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Further, we draw attention to an emerging consensus that scientific research in this area should by a set of core human values.
Practices, Attitudes, and Knowledge Among Healthcare Providers and Oncologists in China Regarding Male Fertility Preservation
Authors: Huang Chuan , Xu Ying Chun , Kuang Li Hua , Lan Qiong Yu , Hu Jing , Zhu Wenbing , Fan Liqing , Li Qing
Published: January 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to help to promote a better understanding of the male fertility preservation status in China.

Methods

In this cross-sectional survey, 1,912 healthcare providers and oncologists were surveyed anonymously using 16 questions carried out at community oncology practices in China from September 2018 to April 2021. 16 questions were designed to evaluate their knowledge on male fertility preservation in cancer patients, assess the factors they considered when deciding whether to discuss male fertility preservation with their patients.

Results

Among the 1,912 healthcare providers (42.2% male), 1,713 (89.6%) considered that patients with cancer should be recommended for fertility preservation. 1,264 (66.1%) respondents were aware of male fertility preservation, but only 248 (13.0%) respondents knew the correct institutions. Whether a healthcare provide recommended fertility preservation to their patients depended on the provider's educational background, professional qualifications, hospital grade, area, department, and age. Among the healthcare providers, the three main factors for not recommending fertility preservation for patients with cancer were lack of suitability of the patient for fertility (28.2%), lack of knowledge of fertility preservation (28.6%), and lack of knowledge concerning the institutes that provide fertility preservation (25.4%).

Conclusion

Despite this, healthcare providers and oncologists in China showed a positive attitude toward fertility preservation in patients with cancer. Hence, the education of physicians should include fertility preservation, with the aim of increasing their knowledge and awareness. There should be more collaboration between oncologists and reproductive medicine specialists.
“I'm a Referee, Not a Female Referee”: The Experiences of Women Involved in Football as Coaches and Referees
Authors: Drury Scarlett , Stride Annette , Fitzgerald Hayley , Hyett-Allen Nia , Pylypiuk Laura , Whitford-Stark Jodie
Published: January 2022

The development of the Women's Super League (WSL) in English football, increased media coverage of the game, and an expansion of grassroots opportunities indicate a bright future for women and girls who want to play. Yet this vision must be tempered against compelling evidence of deep rooted and enduring gender inequalities within the game. This is the case for both players, and women who undertake non-playing roles, which is reflected in the relatively low numbers of women coaches and referees. Whilst The Football Association (The FA) has signalled addressing these inequalities as a key priority, critics argue that such efforts amount to superficial and limited efforts to support meaningful change. This paper departs from a concern with playing the game and responds to calls for more research to explore the experiences of women involved in football in non-playing roles. More specifically, it focuses on women coaches and referees, and addresses the following question: how do women in positions of power in football negotiate their place in what remains a distinctly male-dominated profession? In addressing this question, we take a theoretical position located at the nexus between radical and post-structural feminism, acknowledging the significance of structural power relations and individual agency in shaping daily lived social realities. Data were generated from interviews with 14 women coaches and 10 women referees. These interviews explored the structure and culture of the game and its impact on women's experiences of men's and women's competitive and grassroots football. Through a rigorous process of thematic analysis, three themes were identified: gendered entry into football careers; reinforcement of women's difference on the football field; and coping strategies for remaining in the game. Centralising the women's voices in this research highlights the insidious and persistent nature of gendered microaggressions, the sexism of football culture, and the ways in which these women negotiate this masculine terrain in their pursuit of being coaches and referees.

“Andy Gray and Richard Keys hauled off air for sexist comments” (The Guardian, 24 January, 2011)

“Crystal Palace Women goalkeeper accuses clubs of ignoring FA protocols after she was subjected to sexist abuse” (The Telegraph, 16 January, 2020)

“Football manager demands ban on women referees” (The Guardian, 12 November, 2006)

“Richard Scudamore sexism scandal intensifies as conspirator in sexist emails investigated by own law firm” (The Telegraph, 16 May, 2014)

“Soccer chief's plan to boost women's game? Hotpants” (The Guardian, 16 January, 2004)

“Women in Football survey a damning indictment of sexism in the workplace” (HRreview, 11 March, 2014)

“Clattenburg criticised for claim female referees must pick career or children” (The Telegraph, 1 October, 2021)
Determinants of Modern Paediatric Healthcare Seeking in Rural Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Koné Siaka , Fink Günther , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Essé Clémence , Utzinger Jürg , N’Goran Eliézer K. , Tanner Marcel , Jaeger Fabienne N.
Published: January 2022

Objectives: To determine factors that influence healthcare seeking among children with fatal and non-fatal health problems.

Methods: Last disease episodes of surviving children and fatal outcomes of children under 5 years of age were investigated by means of an adapted social autopsy questionnaire administered to main caregivers. Descriptive analysis and logistic models were employed to identify key determinants of modern healthcare use.

Results: Overall, 736 non-fatal and 82 fatal cases were assessed. Modern healthcare was sought for 63.9% of non-fatal and 76.8% of fatal cases, respectively. In non-fatal cases, young age, caregiver being a parent, secondary or higher education, living <5 km from a health facility, and certain clinical signs (i.e., fever, severe vomiting, inability to drink, convulsion, and inability to play) were positively associated with modern healthcare seeking. In fatal cases, only signs of lower respiratory disease were positively associated with modern healthcare seeking. A lack of awareness regarding clinical danger signs was identified in both groups.

Conclusion: Interventions promoting prompt healthcare seeking and the recognition of danger signs may help improve treatment seeking in rural settings of Côte d’Ivoire and can potentially help further reduce under-five mortality.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Algorithms in 2021
Authors:   Algorithms Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Impact of Ecological Factors on the Occurrence and Spatial-Taxonomic Structure of Keratinophilic Fungi and Their Co-Occurrence in Arable Soils
Authors: Bohacz Justyna , Możejko Michał , Korniłłowicz-Kowalska Teresa , Siebielec Grzegorz
Published: January 2022

Fungi that decompose keratinized animal remains are an important component of the arable soil microbiome. The aim of the study is to characterize the communities of keratinophilic and co-inhabiting (non-keratinophilic) fungi in four cultivated soils that differ in physico-chemical properties, with particular emphasis on granulometric fractions, which have so far been omitted from studies concerning the ecology of these micromycetes. Fungi were isolated using the keratin-baiting method. Fungal species identification was carried out on the basis of their macro- and micromorphological features. The Simpson diversity index and Marczewski–Steinhaus similarity index were calculated for precise determination of the relationships between fungal communities. In the studied soils, Trichophyton ajelloi and Ctenomyces serratus dominated among keratinophilic fungi, while Purpureocillium lilacinum and Metacordyceps chlamydosporia, from the orders Eurotiales and Hypocreales, were dominant among non-keratinophilic fungi. The frequency of keratinophilic fungi was significantly positively correlated with pH and the content of two granulometric fractions, as opposed to non-keratinophilic fungi. This was reflected in the higher growth rates of keratinomycetes in loamy soil, chernozem, and rendzina, i.e., soils with a higher content of silt and clay fractions compared to sandy soil characterized by a high content of sand fractions. The species composition of both groups of fungi was most similar between loamy soil and chernozem, whereas the greatest differences were found for sandy soil and rendzina. Chernozem was characterized by the highest diversity of fungal species from both groups of fungi. The study, in addition to providing information about ecological factors, provided a collection of keratinomycete strains that can be used as a starting material for subsequent research stages regarding keratinolytic activity of these fungi and their potential use in agricultural practices.