bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the effects of sperm selection methods on assisted reproduction outcomes in male infertility
Authors: ÖZER Gönül , ÖZMEN Sevinç
Published: June 2023

Objective: To compare physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection (PICSI) and the hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) sperm selection techniques in terms of embryo development, implantation rate and live birth rates in cases of severe or moderate oligoastheneospermia. Materials and Methods: The electronic material and files of cases admitted to the Medipol University IVF Centre between 2013 and 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. This research included a total of 143 cases with moderate or severe oligoasthenospermia, 80 cases with PICSI as sperm selection technique and 63 cases with HOST as sperm selection technique. Cases of severe or moderate oligoasthenospermia as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) are included in this study. The demographic parameters of both groups, including female age, paternal age, duration of infertility, AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone), body mass index (BMI), endometrial thickness, and the number of prior attempts, were analyzed. Implantation, pregnancy loss, and rates of live births were compared between two groups. Results: Female age, paternal age, AMH, endometrial thickness, BMI, and the number of previous trials were similar between the groups included in the study. There were not any significant differences between the groups in terms of fertilization (.18±6.92 vs 9.11±6.35, p=0.345), TQ-GQ blastocyst development (2.36±2.40 vs 1.64±2.35, p=0.097), and the number of embryos transferred (1.59±0.50 -1.76±0.44 p= 0.141). The live birth rates between the PICSI and HOST groups did not vary statistically (p=0.790), however, the rate of implantation was significantly higher in the HOST group (p=0.043). Sperm selection by PICSI or HOST method did not affect fertilization, TQ-GQ blastocyst development, and the rates of pregnancy loss and live birth. Conclusion: Although there were not any differences in embryo development, pregnancy loss, and live birth rates comparing the two methods, the HOST group had a higher implantation rate. Keywords: PICSI, HOST, Male infertlity, live birth
Relationship between the prostate cancer screening attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge levels of men working in a healthcare institution
Authors: OZDEMİR İrem Nur , ÇALIŞKAN Figen , DANACİOGLU Yavuz Onur
Published: June 2023

Objective: The attitudes and knowledge level of individuals toward prostate cancer screening are important factors affecting participation in screening. This study aimed to determine the relationship between prostate cancer screening attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge levels of men working in a tertiary healthcare institution. Material and Methods: A total of 236 healthcare personnel working in a tertiary education and research hospital were included in the study. In the collection of data, an information form, the Health Beliefs Model Scale for Prostate Cancer Screenings (HBM-PCS), and the Knowledge About Prostate Cancer Screening Questionnaire (KPCSQ) were used. Results: The mean age of the men participating in the study was 46.7±5.9 years. Of the participants, 16.1% had previously undergone a prostate-specific antigen test, and 67.4% had a low level of knowledge. When the subscales of HBM-PCS were examined, the participants had a mean score of 12.6±3.8 on susceptibility perception, 11.9±3.6 on seriousness perception, 32.9±7.6 on health motivation perception, 38.5±10.3 on barrier perception, and 24.8±5.7 on benefit perception. There was no significant difference in the participants’ HBM-PCS scores according to their KPCSQ scores. Conclusion: It was determined that the men participating in this study had a low level of knowledge, moderate levels of susceptibility, seriousness, and barrier perceptions, and high levels of health motivation and benefit perceptions concerning prostate cancer screening. It is important to raise the awareness of healthcare workers about the benefits of screening and early diagnosis of prostate cancer through training programs. Keywords: prostate cancer, screening, attitude, belief, knowledge level
Ultrasound of Abdomen in Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever: Case Study
Authors: Heru Nursama , Supriyono Puji , Sa’diah Halimatus , Rochimat Ade
Published: June 2023

The objective of study to evaluate technical scanning and Image result of dengue haemorragic fever (DHF) on abdominal ultrasound examination. The Methods was a case study Presentation from 3 patients, and observations were taken from March 2022 to July 2022 at the RSUD Cengkareng Jakarta. Using a 3.5 MHz frequency convex transducer, take longitudinal and transverse shots with the supine patient position. Scanning focuses on the peritoneal cavity to evaluate the presence of plasma fluid that fills the peritoneal cavities. The results showed that the abdominal ultrasound examination procedure with clinical DHF was well done with patient preparation not eating fibrous at least 4 hours, drinking 3-4 glasses of water and holding urination about 2 hours to fill the bladder. The results show that there is fluid in the peritoneal cavity
The Effect of Seven Developmental Care Models on Mothers' Stress and Premature Infants' Length of Hospitalization
Authors: Syamsu Andi Fatmawati , Kolomboy Fajrillah , Rizkaningsih Rizkaningsih
Published: June 2023

The Neonatal Integrative Developmental Care Model (NIDCM) is a holistic model of premature infant care that refers to the seven neuroprotective developmental care cores involving the family. This study aimed to assess the effect of the application of NIDCM on mothers’ stress response and length of stay in the neonatal care unit. This study used quasi-experimental with nonequivalent control group pre and posttest design. This study was carried out in the neonatal care unit at RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Makassar from January 2020 to April 2021. The samples were 76 subjects consisting of 38 premature infants (19 controls, 19 interventions) and 38 mothers (19 controls, 19 interventions) ethical clearance by the Health Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Hasanuddin No. 938/UN4.6.4.5.51/PP36/2009. The results show 1) NIDCM is proven to be able to reduce maternal stress more compared to routine Developmental Care (DC); 2) NIDCM is proven to shorten the length of stay compared to routine DC in infants with a gestational age of ≥33 weeks with BW ≥1800 grams (Median : 1900 grams), while in infants with a gestational age of <33 weeks and BW <1800 grams (Median : 1650 grams), NIDCM and routine DC are not proven to shorten the length of stay. It can be concluded that applying NIDCM reduces the stressors felt by mothers while their infants are in the neonatal room. In addition, the condition of infants with birth weights less than 1800 grams needs special attention with NIDCM intervention.
Energy-based response prediction of reinforced concrete buildings with steel damper columns under pulse-like ground motions
Authors: Fujii Kenji
Published: June 2023

The response of structures under pulse-like ground motions is characterized by the large amount of energy input in a few cycles. Consequently, structures with insufficient strength may suffer severe damage owing to excessive deformation. In a previous paper, the energy-based prediction procedure for the peak and cumulative response of a reinforced concrete (RC) frame building with steel damper columns was proposed (Fujii and Shioda, Buildings, 2023, 13, 401). Although this procedure was verified by comparison to the nonlinear time-history analysis (NTHA) results, the performance of the proposed procedure with pulse-like ground motion records has not been verified yet. In this study, the accuracy of the energy-based prediction procedure for an RC frame building with steel damper columns was investigated by considering pulse-like ground motions. The numerical analysis results reveal that the accuracy of the predicted peak response is satisfactory, which agrees with the results of the author’s previous study. However, the accuracy of the predicted total input energy to the building model depends on the ratio of the pulse period of the ground motion to the effective fundamental period of the building model. The reasons for this underestimation of the total input energy are discussed in this paper.
Prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus associated with a college-aged cohort: life-style factors that contribute to nasal carriage
Authors: Congdon Sean T. , Guaglione John A. , Ricketts Omario M. A. , Murphy Kyle V. , Anderson Megan G. , Trowbridge Darby A. , Al-Abduladheem Yousuf , Phillips Annabelle M. , Beausoleil Allison M. , Stanley Alexus J. , Becker Timothy J. , Silver Adam C.
Published: June 2023

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic human pathogen that can frequently be found at various body locations, such as the upper respiratory tract, nostrils, skin, and perineum. S. aureus is responsible for causing a variety of conditions, which range from minor skin infections and food poisoning to life-threatening sepsis and endocarditis. Furthermore, S. aureus has developed resistance to numerous antimicrobial agents, which has made treatment of S. aureus infections difficult. In the present study, we examined lifestyle factors that could increase the likelihood of S. aureus carriage, the overall prevalence of S. aureus, as well as assessed the antibiotic resistance profiles of the S. aureus isolates among a population of college students. Five hundred nasal samples were collected and analyzed via selective growth media, coagulase and protein A testing, as well as polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing. One hundred four out of the 500 samples collected (21%) were identified as containing S. aureus. The S. aureus isolates were resistant to penicillin (74%), azithromycin (34%), cefoxitin (5%), ciprofloxacin (5%), tetracycline (4%), and trimethoprim (1%), but sensitive to gentamicin and rifampin. Lastly, we identified several lifestyle factors (i.e., pet exposure, time spent at the university recreational facility, musical instrument usage, and tobacco usage) positively correlated with S. aureus nasal colonization.
CRISPR/Cas12a-based approaches for efficient and accurate detection of Phytophthora ramorum
Authors: Guo Yufang , Xia Hongming , Dai Tingting , Liu Tingli , Shamoun Simon Francis , CuiPing Wu
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Phytophthora ramorum is a quarantine pathogen that causes leaf blight and shoot dieback of the crown, bark cankers and death on a number of both ornamental and forest trees, especially in North America and northern Europe, where it has produced severe outbreaks. Symptoms caused by P. ramorum can be confused with those by other Phytophthora and fungal species. Early and accurate detection of the causal pathogen P. ramorum is crucial for effective prevention and control of Sudden Oak Death.

Methods

In this study, we developed a P. ramorum detection technique based on a combination of recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) with CRISPR/Cas12a technology (termed RPACRISPR/ Cas12a).

Results

This novel method can be utilized for the molecular identification of P. ramorum under UV light and readout coming from fluorophores, and can specifically detect P. ramorum at DNA concentrations as low as 100 pg within 25 min at 37°C.

Discussion

We have developed a simple, rapid, sensitive, unaided-eye visualization, RPA CRISPR/Cas12a-based detection system for the molecular identification of P. ramorum that does not require technical expertise or expensive ancillary equipment. And this system is sensitive for both standard laboratory samples and samples from the field.
Tissue characterization of benign cardiac tumors by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, a review of core imaging protocol and benign cardiac tumors
Authors: Haider Imran , Ullah Hameed , Fatima Mishaim , Karim Muhammad Sikandar , Haq Furqan Ul , Majid Abdul , Anwar Muhammad Saad , Nawaz Fatima Kausar , Ali Ijaz , Sarwar Atif Hussain , Anwar Muhammad Tayyab , Khan Abdul Wali , Humayun Omama , Alam Fazal
Published: June 2023

Generally, cardiac masses are initially suspected on routine echocardiography. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is further performed to differentiate tumors from pseudo-tumors and to characterize the cardiac masses based on their appearance on T1/T2-weighted images, detection of perfusion and demonstration of gadolinium-based contrast agent uptake on early and late gadolinium enhancement images. Further evaluation of cardiac masses by CMR is critical because unnecessary surgery can be avoided by better tissue characterization. Different cardiac tissues have different T1 and T2 relaxation times, principally owing to different internal biochemical environments surrounding the protons. In CMR, the signal intensity from a particular tissue depends on its T1 and T2 relaxation times and its proton density. CMR uses this principle to differentiate between various tissue types by weighting images based on their T1 or T2 relaxation times. Generally, tumor cells are larger, edematous, and have associated inflammatory reactions. Higher free water content of the neoplastic cells and other changes in tissue composition lead to prolonged T1/T2 relaxation times and thus an inherent contrast between tumors and normal tissue exists. Overall, these biochemical changes create an environment where different cardiac masses produce different signal intensity on their T1- weighted and T2- weighted images that help to discriminate between them. In this review article, we have provided a detailed description of the core CMR imaging protocol for evaluation of cardiac masses. We have also discussed the basic features of benign cardiac tumors as well as the role of CMR in evaluation and further tissue characterization of these tumors.
Growth pattern of Fortunian scalidophoran sclerites
Authors: Qin Jiachen , Liu Yunhuan , Shao Tiequan , Liu Mingjin , Zhang Yanan
Published: June 2023

Fortunian scalidophoran worms have shown high diversity, with 7 genera and species and 10 indeterminate forms. Current studies have mainly focused on morphology as well as early evolution, and studies on ontogeny have not been carried out due to the limited number of specimens. Here, we report new material of an Orsten-type preserved Indeterminate Form 3 from the Zhangjiagou section. Collected specimens of Indeterminate Form 3 with different annulus widths indicate the presence of several ontogenetic stages. We found newly formed sclerites on the annulus of Indeterminate Form 3 at different ontogenetic stages, suggesting that the sclerites of Indeterminate Form 3 become more numerous in addition to increasing in size during growth. The size of the large sclerites may also increase as the worms grow, however, their number may not change.
Pre-professional practice systematization and its relationship to research skills
Authors: Guerra Ayala Margit Julia , Reynosa Navarro Enaidy , Durand Gómez Emma Lourdes , Acero Apaza Yenny Rosario , Florez Lucana Apolinar , Callata Quispe Benigno , Guillén Núñez María del Pilar Lourdes , Payé Colquehuanca Roberto , Callejas Torres Juan Carlos
Published: June 2023

This article focuses on the examination of pre-professional practice systematization and proposes a theoretical-methodological model that draws from Oscar Jara’s framework and incorporates insights from neuroscience and critical complex thinking. The objective is to enhance the understanding and implementation of effective pre-professional practice. A sample of 1,150 students was selected from four universities and a pedagogical institute in Peru to investigate the systematization processes, efficiency levels, and research skill articulation of pre-professional practice. Among them, 289 students were chosen to participate in the application of the proposed model. Data collection was conducted using a virtual survey and questionnaire, employing descriptive-correlative and quasi-experimental designs. The study revealed a concerning level of inadequacy and limited research capacity in pre-professional practice systematization. The analysis also established a significant relationship between these variables and demonstrated the positive impact of the model’s application within an experimental group. Based on these findings, it is recommended that institutions allocate more resources and create additional opportunities for comprehensive systematization during pre-professional practice. This will facilitate the development of research skills among students and adequately prepare them for future research engagement. Overall, this study underscores the importance of an efficient systematization approach in pre-professional practice, highlighting the need for institutions to prioritize research skill cultivation in their educational programs.
Seasonal changes in foliar calcium oxalate concentrations in conifer and hardwood trees: a potentially bioavailable source of cellular calcium and/or oxalate under stress
Authors: Minocha Rakesh , Long Stephanie
Published: June 2023

The present study compared seasonal changes in the concentrations of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals and total calcium (Ca) in the foliage of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.), white pine (Pinus strobus L.), black oak (Quercus velutina L.), and sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall) trees. Samples were collected from the same four replicate trees of each species starting in June 2014 through September 2015 for a total of six times for conifers and four times for hardwoods. Calcium oxalate was extracted from tissues using a method developed in our laboratory in 2015. The purity of the extracted CaOx was indicated by an r2 of 0.98 between Ca and oxalate (Ox) for the data pooled across all species and all sampling times. As expected, the concentrations of CaOx varied between species. We hypothesized that the only role of CaOx crystals is to bind excess Ca, so based on this hypothesis the concentrations of CaOx would increase over the growing season both in conifer and hardwood trees, and in conifers, its quantities would be higher in the older relative to the younger needles. However, we found, that for most species, CaOx concentrations were not significantly different from each other for all collection times. In addition, relative to total Ca, the percent of Ca that existed in the form of CaOx varied widely with species, time of collection within a species, and needle age. Thus, no specific trend was observed for CaOx accumulations with changes in seasons. Concentrations of CaOx were indeed higher in older spruce and pine needles. Based on the available literature on this topic and our data, this could mean that CaOx amounts are dynamic and are continuously being adjusted according to the metabolic needs of cells for either Ca or Ox while still performing the function of shedding off excess Ca.
ATHLETIQUE: interest of an adapted physical activity program in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a feasibility and preliminary effectiveness study
Authors: Py Stéphanie , Maylié Florine , Parmentier Anne-Laure , Vidal Chrystelle , Cuinet Benjamin , Mauny Fréderic , Lohse Anne , Toussirot Eric , Yoshimasa Sagawa , Tordi Nicolas , Binda Delphine , Ballot-Schmit Claire
Published: June 2023

Background

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is associated with joint inflammation, pain and limited joint mobility, impacting the practice of physical activities. Adapted Physical Activities (APA) are an increasingly used method of rehabilitation, but additional studies are needed to define the nature of the most appropriate physical activity for patients with JIA. The “ATHLETIQUE” project aims to evaluate the impact of a program integrating APA sessions with use of a pedometer watch, on disease activity in patients with JIA.

Methods

This study will be a randomized, multicenter, open-label, controlled clinical trial with 2 parallel arms. The patients included in this study will be children and adolescents with JIA, aged 6 to 17 years. The experimental group (30 patients) will participate in an APA program for 3 months and will use a pedometer watch for one year. We will evaluate and compare the change in disease activity measurements (primary objective), fatigue, pain, quality of life, level of physical activity, functional capacities, and muscle strength (secondary objectives) after 14, 26 and 50 weeks. The control group (10 patients) will undergo the same evaluations as the experimental group but will not participate in the APA program and will not wear the pedometer watch.

Expected results

The APA program may help to promote an active lifestyle with regular physical activity, preventing comorbidities and motor disability. Promising results on disease activity, functional capacities and quality of life would enable us to envisage a larger research program with a view to optimizing and assessing APA for children with JIA.

Discussion

This study will be conducted in the short and medium-term, with one-year follow-up, including 3 months of APA sessions for the experimental group. The sessions proposed during the APA program will mainly be aerobic and bodyweight exercises. Furthermore, in contrast to previous studies on this topic, our study will integrate a novel element, namely the use of a pedometer watch. This watch will help to implement strategies to address motivation. This study aims to improve physical and mental well-being, provide a basis for the design of a larger study, and propose recommendations adapted to children with JIA.

Trial registration

Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under the number NCT05572424
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists toward the management of acne vulgaris in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alrabiah Ziyadh , Wajid Syed , Babelghaith Salmeen D. , Al Arifi Mohamed N.
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives

In Saudi Arabia, Acne vulgaris is a very predominant ailment and Pharmacists currently have standardized protocols at their disposal for the treatment of acne. Pharmacists often prescribe medications for minor cases of acne. Therefore, this study aimed to explore community pharmacists (CPs)’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward acne management in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

An online cross-sectional study was conducted among CPs working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from January and April 2021, using a self-administered, questionnaire, was divided into four sections that collected information from the CP’s Knowledge, attitudes, and practices and the management of acne vulgaris. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 (SPSS).

Result

A total of 313 CPs were enrolled in the study who successfully returned the questionnaire. The mean score of knowledge on etiology, pathophysiology, and therapy for AV was 5.3 ± (SD = 1.5). However, the majority of CPs had a moderate level of knowledge (80.8%), followed by mild to moderate (12.8%). This study showed that CPs had an insufficient level of knowledge about ace management, about 6% of CPs have a high level of knowledge. Inadequate knowledge was revealed in their management practice, only 0.3% of CPs treated patients with acne on their own without a referral. In addition, CPs showed a positive attitude toward acne management.

Conclusion

There is a need to improve CPs’ understanding of acne care and to contribute to participating in organized training sessions on the management of AV.
Behavioral effects of zonisamide on L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease model mice
Authors: Sano Hiromi , Nambu Atsushi
Published: June 2023

Zonisamide (ZNS; 1,2-benzisoxazole-3-methanesulfonamide) was initially developed and is commonly used as an anticonvulsant drug. However, it has also shown its beneficial effects on Parkinson's disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain. Recent clinical studies have suggested that ZNS can also have beneficial effects on L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID), which is a major side effect of long-term L-DOPA treatments for PD. In the present study, we examined the behavioral effects of ZNS on LID in PD model mice. Acute ZNS treatment did not have any observable behavioral effects on LID. Contrastingly, chronic ZNS treatment with L-DOPA delayed the peak of LID and reduced the severity of LID before the peak but increased the duration of LID in a dose-dependent manner of ZNS compared to PD model mice treated with L-DOPA alone. Thus, ZNS appears to have both beneficial and adverse effects on LID.
Relationship between temporal dynamics of intrinsic brain activity and motor function remodeling in patients with acute BGIS
Authors: Chen Xiaoling , Li Wenmei
Published: June 2023

Background

patients with acute basal ganglia ischemic stroke (BGIS) show changes in local brain activity represented by the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), but the time-varying characteristics of this local nerve activity are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the abnormal time-varying local brain activity of patients with acute BGIS by using the ALFF method combined with the sliding-window approach.

Methods

In this study, 34 patients with acute BGIS with motor dysfunction and 44 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. The dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (dALFF) was employed to detect the alterations in brain activity induced by acute BGIS patients. A two-sample t-test comparison was performed to compare the dALFF value between the two groups and a Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between the local brain activity abnormalities and clinical characteristics.

Results

Compared with HCs, the activity of neurons in the left temporal pole (TP), parahippocampal gyrus (paraHIP), middle occipital gyrus (MOG), dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus (SFGdl), medial cingulate cortex (MCC), right rectus, precuneus (PCu) and right cerebellum crus1 were significantly increased in patients with BGIS. In addition, we found that there was a negative correlation (r = −0.458, p = 0.007) between the dALFF value of the right rectus and the scores of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and a positive correlation (r = 0.488, 0.499, p < 0.05) with the scores of the Barthel Index scale (BI) and the Fugl Meyer motor function assessment (FMA). ROC analysis results demonstrated that the area under the curves (AUC) of the right rectus was 0.880, p<0.001.

Conclusion

The pattern of intrinsic brain activity variability was altered in patients with acute BGIS compared with HCs. The abnormal dALFF variability might be a potential tool to assess motor function in patients with acute BGIS and potentially inform the diagnosis of this disease.
Single-cell chromatin accessibility profiling of cell-state-specific gene regulatory programs during mouse organogenesis
Authors: Deng Qiuting , Wang Shengpeng , Huang Zijie , Lan Qing , Lai Guangyao , Xu Jiangshan , Yuan Yue , Liu Chang , Lin Xiumei , Feng Weimin , Ma Wen , Cheng Mengnan , Hao Shijie , Duan Shanshan , Zheng Huiwen , Chen Xiaoyan , Hou Yong , Luo Yingjie , Liu Longqi , Liu Chuanyu
Published: June 2023

In mammals, early organogenesis begins soon after gastrulation, accompanied by specification of various type of progenitor/precusor cells. In order to reveal dynamic chromatin landscape of precursor cells and decipher the underlying molecular mechanism driving early mouse organogenesis, we performed single-cell ATAC-seq of E8.5-E10.5 mouse embryos. We profiled a total of 101,599 single cells and identified 41 specific cell types at these stages. Besides, by performing integrated analysis of scATAC-seq and public scRNA-seq data, we identified the critical cis-regulatory elements and key transcription factors which drving development of spinal cord and somitogenesis. Furthermore, we intersected accessible peaks with human diseases/traits-related loci and found potential clinical associated single nucleotide variants (SNPs). Overall, our work provides a fundamental source for understanding cell fate determination and revealing the underlying mechanism during postimplantation embryonic development, and expand our knowledge of pathology for human developmental malformations.
Does cardiac imaging surveillance strategy influence outcomes in patients with early breast cancer?
Authors: Wu Kai Yi , Parent Sarah , Xu Lingyu , Yaqoob Maryam , Black W. Allan , Shysh Andrea , Mackey John R. , King Karen , Becher Harald , Pituskin Edith , Paterson D. Ian
Published: June 2023

Background

Many patients with breast cancer receive therapies with the potential to cause cardiotoxicity. Echocardiography and multiple-gated acquisition (MUGA) scans are the most used modalities to assess cardiac function during treatment in high-risk patients; however, the optimal imaging strategy and the impact on outcome are unknown.

Methods

Consecutive patients with stage 0-3 breast cancer undergoing pre-treatment echocardiography or MUGA were identified from a tertiary care cancer center from 2010-2019. Demographics, medical history, imaging data and clinical events were collected from hospital charts and administrative databases. The primary outcome is a composite of all-cause death or heart failure event. Clinical and imaging predictors of outcome were evaluated on univariable and multivariable analyses.

Results

1028 patients underwent pre-treatment MUGA and 1032 underwent echocardiography. The groups were well matched for most clinical characteristics except patients undergoing MUGA were younger, had more stage 3 breast cancer and more HER2 over-expressing and triple negative cases. Routine follow-up cardiac imaging scan was obtained in 39.3% of patients with MUGA and 38.0% with echocardiography. During a median follow-up of 2448 (1489, 3160) days, there were 194 deaths, including 7 cardiovascular deaths, and 28 heart failure events with no difference in events between the MUGA and echocardiography groups. There were no imaging predictors of the primary composite outcome or cardiac events. Patients without follow-up imaging had similar adjusted risk for the composite outcome compared to those with imaging follow-up, hazard ratio 0.8 (95% confidence interval 0.5,1.3), p=0.457.

Conclusion

The selection of pretreatment echocardiography or MUGA did not influence the risk of death or heart failure in patients with early breast cancer. Many patients did not have any follow-up cardiac imaging and did not suffer worse outcomes. Cardiovascular deaths and heart failure event rates were low and the value of long-term cardiac imaging surveillance should be further evaluated.
Using computed tomography angiography and computational fluid dynamics to study aortic coarctation in different arch morphologies
Authors: Qin Jinjie , Ouyang Da , Yan Taocui , Wang Haoru , Guo Kui , Jin Xin , Pan Zhengxia , He Ling
Published: June 2023

Objective

To study the differences in computed tomography angiography (CTA) imaging of gothic arches, crenel arches, and romanesque arches in children with Aortic Coarctation (CoA), and to apply computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to study hemodynamic changes in CoA children with gothic arch aorta.

Methods

The case data and CTA data of children diagnosed with CoA (95 cases) in our hospital were retrospectively collected, and the morphology of the aortic arch in the children was defined as gothic arch (n = 27), crenel arch (n = 25) and romanesque arch (n = 43). The three groups were compared with D1/AOA, D2/AOA, D3/AOA, D4/AOA, D5/AOA, and AAO-DAO angle, TAO-DAO angle, and aortic arch height to width ratio (A/T). Computational fluid dynamics was applied to assess hemodynamic changes in children with gothic arches.

Results

There were no significant differences between D1/AOA and D2/AOA among gothic arch, crenel arch, and romanesque arch (P > 0.05). The differences in D3/AOA, D4/AOA, and D5/AOA among the three groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05), D4/AOA, D5/AOA of the gothic arch group were smaller than the crenel arch group, and the D3/AOA and D5/AOA of the gothic arch group were smaller than the romanesque arch group (P < 0.05). The difference in AAO-DAO angle among the three groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05), and the AAO-DAO angle of gothic arch was smaller than that of romanesque arch and crenel arch group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the TAO-DAO angle between the three groups (P > 0.05). The difference in A/T values among the three groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05), and the A/T values: gothic arch > romanesque arch > crenel arch (P < 0.05). The CFD calculation of children with gothic arch showed that the pressure drop between the distal stenosis and the descending aorta was 58 mmHg, and the flow rate at the isthmus and descending aorta was high and turbulent.

Conclusion

Gothic aortic arch is common in CoA, it may put adverse effects on the development of the aortic isthmus and descending aorta, and its A/T value and AAO-DAO angle are high. CFD could assess hemodynamic changes in CoA.
Regulatory and functional divergence among members of Ibβfruct2, a sweet potato vacuolar invertase gene controlling starch and glucose content
Authors: Zhang Kai , Wu Zhengdan , Wu Xuli , Han Haohao , Ju Xisan , Fan Yonghai , Yang Chaobin , Tang Daobin , Cao Qinghe , Wang Jichun , Lv Changwen
Published: June 2023

Sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] is an important food and industrial crop. Its storage root is rich in starch, which is present in the form of granules and represents the principal storage carbohydrate in plants. Starch content is an important trait of sweet potato controlling the quality and yield of industrial products. Vacuolar invertase encoding gene Ibβfruct2 was supposed to be a key regulator of starch content in sweet potato, but its function and regulation were unclear. In this study, three Ibβfruct2 gene members were detected. Their promoters displayed differences in sequence, activity, and cis-regulatory elements and might interact with different transcription factors, indicating that the three Ibβfruct2 family members are governed by different regulatory mechanisms at the transcription level. Among them, we found that only Ibβfruct2-1 show a high expression level and promoter activity, and encodes a protein with invertase activity, and the conserved domains and three conserved motifs NDPNG, RDP, and WEC are critical to this activity. Only two and six amino acid residue variations were detected in sequences of proteins encoded by Ibβfruct2-2 and Ibβfruct2-3, respectively, compared with Ibβfruct2-1; although not within key motifs, these variations affected protein structure and affinities for the catalytic substrate, resulting in functional deficiency and low activity. Heterologous expression of Ibβfruct2-1 in Arabidopsis decreased starch content but increased glucose content in leaves, indicating Ibβfruct2-1 was a negative regulator of starch content. These findings represent an important advance in understanding the regulatory and functional divergence among duplicated genes in sweet potato, and provide critical information for functional studies and utilization of these genes in genetic improvement.
The role of manual gestures in second language comprehension: a simultaneous interpreting experiment
Authors: Arbona Eléonore , Seeber Kilian G. , Gullberg Marianne
Published: June 2023

Manual gestures and speech form a single integrated system during native language comprehension. However, it remains unclear whether this hold for second language (L2) comprehension, more specifically for simultaneous interpreting (SI), which involves comprehension in one language and simultaneous production in another. In a combined mismatch and priming paradigm, we presented Swedish speakers fluent in L2 English with multimodal stimuli in which speech was congruent or incongruent with a gesture. A picture prime was displayed before the stimuli. Participants had to decide whether the video was related to the prime, focusing either on the auditory or the visual information. Participants performed the task either during passive viewing or during SI into their L1 Swedish (order counterbalanced). Incongruent stimuli yielded longer reaction times than congruent stimuli, during both viewing and interpreting. Visual and audio targets were processed equally easily in both activities. However, in both activities incongruent speech was more disruptive for gesture processing than incongruent gesture was for speech processing. Thus, the data only partly supports the expected mutual and obligatory interaction of gesture and speech in L2 comprehension. Interestingly, there were no differences between activities suggesting that the language comprehension component in SI shares features with other (L2) comprehension tasks.
Data-driven categorization of postoperative delirium symptoms using unsupervised machine learning
Authors: Sri-iesaranusorn Panyawut , Sadahiro Ryoichi , Murakami Syo , Wada Saho , Shimizu Ken , Yoshida Teruhiko , Aoki Kazunori , Uezono Yasuhito , Matsuoka Hiromichi , Ikeda Kazushi , Yoshimoto Junichiro
Published: June 2023

Background

Phenotyping analysis that includes time course is useful for understanding the mechanisms and clinical management of postoperative delirium. However, postoperative delirium has not been fully phenotyped. Hypothesis-free categorization of heterogeneous symptoms may be useful for understanding the mechanisms underlying delirium, although evidence is currently lacking. Therefore, we aimed to explore the phenotypes of postoperative delirium following invasive cancer surgery using a data-driven approach with minimal prior knowledge.

Methods

We recruited patients who underwent elective invasive cancer resection. After surgery, participants completed 5 consecutive days of delirium assessments using the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 (DRS-R-98) severity scale. We categorized 65 (13 questionnaire items/day × 5 days) dimensional DRS-R-98 scores using unsupervised machine learning (K-means clustering) to derive a small set of grouped features representing distinct symptoms across all participants. We then reapplied K-means clustering to this set of grouped features to delineate multiple clusters of delirium symptoms.

Results

Participants were 286 patients, of whom 91 developed delirium defined according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, criteria. Following the first K-means clustering, we derived four grouped symptom features: (1) mixed motor, (2) cognitive and higher-order thinking domain with perceptual disturbance and thought content abnormalities, (3) acute and temporal response, and (4) sleep–wake cycle disturbance. Subsequent K-means clustering permitted classification of participants into seven subgroups: (i) cognitive and higher-order thinking domain dominant delirium, (ii) prolonged delirium, (iii) acute and brief delirium, (iv) subsyndromal delirium-enriched, (v) subsyndromal delirium-enriched with insomnia, (vi) insomnia, and (vii) fit.

Conclusion

We found that patients who have undergone invasive cancer resection can be delineated using unsupervised machine learning into three delirium clusters, two subsyndromal delirium clusters, and an insomnia cluster. Validation of clusters and research into the pathophysiology underlying each cluster will help to elucidate the mechanisms of postoperative delirium after invasive cancer surgery.
Emotional abuse and depressive symptoms among the adolescents: the mediation effect of social anxiety and the moderation effect of physical activity
Authors: Xu Huiming , Luo Xuerong , Shen Yanmei , Jin Xingyue
Published: June 2023

Background

Childhood maltreatment has been identified as a risk factor for depressive symptoms. Social anxiety is closely associated with depression. Physical activity has been regarded as an underlying protective factor. Little is known about the complex relations among these factors in Chinese middle school students. This study aimed to explore whether social anxiety mediated the association between childhood maltreatment and depressive symptoms and investigate whether physical activity moderated the indirect or direct effect of the mediation model.

Methods

A total of 1,570 middle school students were recruited and measured for childhood maltreatment (measured by Childhood Trauma Questionnaire—Short Form Chinese version), social anxiety (as the mediator, measured by the Chinese simplified version of Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents), depressive symptoms (measured by the Chinese version of Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21), physical activity (as the moderator), and covariates such as age, sex, and nationality. The proposed relationships were tested using mediation and moderated mediation models.

Results

Emotional abuse was directly associated with depression, and the association between emotional abuse and depression was partially mediated by social anxiety. The associations between emotional abuse with depression and with social anxiety were moderated by physical activity.

Conclusion

This study revealed the mediating role of social anxiety and the moderating role of physical activity between emotional abuse and depression, which emphasizes the potential benefits of sufficient physical activity to reduce social anxiety and depressive symptoms, and more intervention studies should be conducted to explore the direct influence of sufficient physical activity in the future.
Effect of antenatal care on low birth weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis in Africa, 2022
Authors: Engdaw Garedew Tadege , Tesfaye Amensisa Hailu , Feleke Maru , Negash Aragaw , Yeshiwas Amanuel , Addis Wabiw , Angaw Dessie Abebaw , Engidaw Melaku Tadege
Published: June 2023

Background

Risk identification, as well as the prevention and management of diseases associated with pregnancy or other conditions that may occur concurrently, is the essential component of ANC.

Method

The observational follow-up and cross-sectional studies on the effect of antenatal care on low birth weight in Africa were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Five computerized bibliographic databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Hinari Direct were searched for published studies written in English till May 2022. The risk of bias assessment tools developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute for cross-sectional and observational follow-up research was used, and the caliber of each included study was assessed. Seven papers were included, with a total of 66,690 children participating in the study.

Results

Seven studies met the selection criteria. Prenatal care and low birth weight were linked in four of the seven studies included in the review. The pooled odd ratio for low birth weight in the random-effects model was 0.46 (95% CI: 0.39, 0.53). The pooled odds ratio for low birth weight was 0.21 (95% CI: 0.19, 0.22) and 0.21 (95% CI: 0.19, 0.22), respectively, among pregnant women who had no antenatal care follow-up and those who had antenatal care follow up.

Conclusion

Women who attended at least one antenatal care appointment were more likely than their counterparts to have a baby of normal weight. Interventions to reduce low birth weight in Africa should focus on providing adequate antenatal care and quality healthcare services to women with low socioeconomic status.
Association between obesity and dental caries among adolescents in UAE: a pilot cross sectional study
Authors: Awad Manal , Bani Issa Wegdan , Radwan Hadia , Fakhry Randa , Al-Yateem Nabeel , Rossiter Rachel
Published: June 2023

Background

Obesity and dental caries among adolescents is a growing worldwide public health issue. They share some common and modifiable influences. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between obesity and dental caries among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods

This pilot cross-sectional study enrolled 161 adolescents 13–19 years old from private and public schools in the UAE. Participants were classified as normal weight, underweight, overweight or obese. Dental caries was diagnosed according to the criteria recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Independent t-tests were used to compare average number of decayed, missing and filled surfaces (DMFS) by age, sex, school type, mothers’ employment, BMI categories, waist circumference, oral health habits and plaque index. Additionally, a multiple linear regression model was applied to analyze the association between BMI, waist circumference and dental caries, adjusted for confounding factors considered in this study.

Results

The average age of the participants was 16.2 ± 1.4 years old. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 42% (N = 68) measured by BMI. In addition, 82% (N = 132) had average waist circumference and 18% (N = 29) with above average waist circumference. Overall, the average DMFS score was 4.35 ± 4.5, with significantly lower dental caries rates among girls ([3.3 (SD:4.0)] than boys (6.7 (SD:5.3), (p < 0.05). The linear regression model revealed that, being a male, attending a public school and having average waist circumference were all positively and significantly associated with dental caries (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Obesity measured by waist circumference was significantly associated with dental caries among adolescents in the UAE. Further research is required to investigate the complex association between obesity and dental caries and how dietary habits, oral hygiene habits, and parental socioeconomic status mediate the association between obesity and dental caries.
Parental resources and heritability as factors shaping children's health. An analysis of twins' self-rated health using TwinLife
Authors: Holzwarth Bärbel , Wolf Christof
Published: June 2023

We assess the relative and joint contributions of genetic and environmental factors on health during childhood and assume that parental resources are part of the environmental factors shaping children's health. We discuss theoretical background and empirical evidence concerning the effects of parental resources and heritability on children's health. Based on these findings we formulate six hypotheses guiding our empirical analysis, using data from TwinLife, a nationally representative sample of same sex twin pairs in Germany. We analyze self-rated health of 1,584 twin pairs aged 4–18. We did find strong support for the idea that parental resources influence children's health: household income and fathers' education consistently show positive effects. In contrast to our expectation, we did not find that genetic factors influence the health of well-off children less than the health of children living in families with lower SES. We also did not find that the genetic influence on health increases during childhood and adolescence. On the contrary our results indicate that the role played by genetic factors diminishes whereas environmental factors gain importance for health of children while growing up. This finding is good news for those interested in improving health chances of children from lower SES backgrounds because it demonstrates the malleability of children's health.