bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of Vps4 in cancer development
Authors: Huang Li Juan , Zhan Shi Tong , Pan Yu Qin , Bao Wei , Yang Ye
Published: June 2023

VPS4 series proteins play a crucial role in the endosomal sorting complexes required for the transport (ESCRT) pathway, which is responsible for sorting and trafficking cellular proteins and is involved in various cellular processes, including cytokinesis, membrane repair, and viral budding. VPS4 proteins are ATPases that mediate the final steps of membrane fission and protein sorting as part of the ESCRT machinery. They disassemble ESCRT-III filaments, which are vital for forming multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and the release of intraluminal vesicles (ILVs), ultimately leading to the sorting and degradation of various cellular proteins, including those involved in cancer development and progression. Recent studies have shown a potential relationship between VPS4 series proteins and cancer. Evidence suggests that these proteins may have crucial roles in cancer development and progression. Several experiments have explored the association between VPS4 and different types of cancer, including gastrointestinal and reproductive system tumors, providing insight into the underlying mechanisms. Understanding the structure and function of VPS4 series proteins is critical in assessing their potential role in cancer. The evidence supporting the involvement of VPS4 series proteins in cancer provides a promising avenue for future research and therapeutic development. However, further researches are necessary to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the relationship between VPS4 series proteins and cancer and to develop effective strategies for targeting these proteins in cancer therapy. This article aims to review the structures and functions of VPS4 series proteins and the previous experiments to analyze the relationship between VPS4 series proteins and cancer.
Case report: The clinical utility of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in mucormycosis diagnosis caused by fatal Lichtheimia ramosa infection in pediatric neuroblastoma
Authors: Shen Huili , Cai Xiaodi , Liu Jing , Yan Gangfeng , Ye Ying , Dong Rui , Wu Jufang , Li Li , Shen Quanli , Ma Yutong , Ou Qiuxiang , Shen Meili , Chen Weiming , Lu Guoping
Published: June 2023

Lichtheimia ramosa (L. ramosa) is an opportunistic fungal pathogen of the order Mucorales that may result in a rare but serious mucormycosis infection. Mucormycosis could be angioinvasive, causing thrombosis and necrosis in the nose, brain, digestive tract, and respiratory tract. The infection is highly lethal, especially in immunocompromised hosts, and the incidence has been on the rise. However, due to its relatively low incidence in pediatric population and the challenges with diagnosis, the awareness and management experience for pediatric mucormycosis are extremely limited, which might lead to poor outcomes. In this study, we comprehensively reviewed the course of a fatal rhinocerebral mucormycosis case in a pediatric neuroblastoma patient receiving chemotherapy. Due to a lack of awareness of the infection, the standard care of amphotericin B treatment was delayed and not administered until the identification of L. ramosa by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS)-based pan-pathogen detection of the patient's peripheral blood sample. We also reviewed the literature on L. ramosa infection cases reported worldwide between 2010 and 2022, with an analysis of clinical manifestation, prognosis, and epidemiological data. Our study not only highlighted the clinical value of comprehensive mNGS in rapid pathogen detection but also raised awareness of recognizing lethal fungal infection early in immunocompromised hosts including pediatric cancer patients.
Comprehensiveness of online sources for patient education on hereditary hearing impairment
Authors: Duymaz Yaşar Kemal , Tekin Ahmet M. , D’Haese Patrick , Şahin Şamil , Erkmen Burak , Cırık Ahmet Adnan , Topsakal Vedat
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The present study aimed at investigating the readability of online sources on hereditary hearing impairment (HHI).

Methods

In August 2022, the search terms “hereditary hearing impairment”, “genetic deafness”, hereditary hearing loss”, and “sensorineural hearing loss of genetic origin” were entered into the Google search engine and educational materials were determined. The first 50 websites were determined for each search. The double hits were removed and websites with only graphics or tables were excluded. Websites were categorized into either a professional society, a clinical practice or a general health information website. The readability tests to evaluate the websites included: Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch–Kincaid grade level, Gunning–Fog Index, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, Coleman–Liau Index, Automated Readability Index.

Results

Twentynine websites were included and categorized as from 4 professional societies, 11 from clinical practices and 14 providing general information. All analyzed websites required higher reading levels than sixth grade. On average 12–16 years of education is required to read and understand the websites focused on HHI. Although general health information websites have better readability, the difference was not statistically significant.

Discussion

The readability scores of every type of online educational materials on HHI are above the recommended level indicating that not all patients and parents can comprehend the information they seek for on these websites.
Case report: Tackling the complexities of an extremely premature newborn with intrauterine growth restriction and congenital metabolic disorders through a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Roșca Ioana , Preda Andrei Gheorghe , Constantin Andreea Teodora , Coroleucă Ciprian , Severin Emilia , Teleanu Raluca Ioana , Turenschi Alina
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives

The premature birth of a newborn can present a complex challenge for healthcare providers, particularly in cases of extreme prematurity combined with intrauterine growth restriction and multiple metabolic deficiencies. In this report, we aim to shed light on the difficulties and considerations involved in the management of such a case. In addition, our study is aimed to raise awareness of the importance of a multidisciplinary team in managing an extreme premature case with multiple comorbidities.

Case presentation and main findings

We present the case of a 28-week premature female newborn with very low birth weight (660 g, percentile <10%) and intrauterine growth restriction. She was born through emergency cesarean delivery due to maternal Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count (HELLP) syndrome and had a high-risk pregnancy (spontaneous twin pregnancy, with one fetus stopping development at 16 weeks and maternal hypertension). In the first hours of life, she presented with persistent hypoglycemia requiring progressive glucose supplementation up to 16 g/kg/day to maintain normal blood glucose levels. The baby then showed favorable progress. However, from days 24 to 25, hypoglycemia recurred and did not respond to glucose boluses or supplementation in both intravenous and oral feeds, leading to the suspicion of a congenital metabolic disorder. Endocrine and metabolic screenings led to suspicion of primary carnitine deficiency and a deficiency in hepatic form of carnitine-palmitoyltransferase type I (CPT1) on the second screening.

Conclusion and clinical implications

The study highlights rare metabolic anomalies that can be due to both organ and system immaturity and delayed enteral feeding and excessive use of antibiotics. The clinical implications of this study emphasize the need for careful monitoring and comprehensive care of premature infants to prevent and manage potential metabolic abnormalities by neonatal metabolic screening.
Metasurface based symmetry transformation for single-shot angular momentum detection within a large mode space
Authors: Luo Yixiong , Zhang Runzhe , Guo Yinghui , Pu Mingbo , Li Xiaoyin , Zhang Qi , Zhang Fei , Xu Mingfeng , Zhou Rui , Zhao Zeyu , Luo Xiangang
Published: June 2023

The spin angular momentum (SAM) and orbital angular momentum (OAM) are unique properties of vortex beams and widely used in optical communication and sensing, wherein unambiguous detection of them is of significance. However, the existing methodologies mostly require complicated optical setups, bulky devices, multiple measurements and suffer from limited detection range and ability. Here, we propose a novel angular momentum (AM) detection mechanism that based on optical symmetry transformation for single-shot AM detection within a large mode space. We first give a detailed theoretical derivation and then carry numerical verification. Subsequently, an ultra-compact metasurface is designed so that an OAM mode high up to 150 orders can be determined with a single-shot measurement. Finally, a spin-decoupled metasurface combining the propagation and geometric phase is constructed, which allows simultaneous discrimination of SAM and OAM. Our proposed method may be promising for a wide range of applications in AM measurements and polarization singularity detection.
Is functional training an efficient approach to improve body composition in older people? A systematic review
Authors: Monteiro Marcos Raphael Pereira , Cardoso Alan Pantoja , de Resende-Neto Antônio Gomes , Vasconcelos Alan Bruno Silva , Camargo Enilton Aparecido , Gobbo Luis Alberto , Maté-Muñoz José Luis , Heredia-Elvar Juan Ramón , Behm David George , Da Silva-Grigoletto Marzo Edir
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Increases in fat mass and reductions in lean mass are associated with the frailty and mortality of older people. In this context, Functional Training (FT) is an option to increase lean mass and reduce fat mass in older people. Thus, this systematic review aims to investigate the effects of FT on body fat and lean mass in older people.

Methods: We included randomized controlled clinical trials, with at least one intervention group that employed FT, with the age of participants ≥60 years; and participants physically independent and healthy. We performed the systematic investigation in Pubmed MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. We extracted the information and used the PEDro Scale to assess the methodological quality of each study.

Results: Our research found 3,056 references with five appropriate studies. Of the five studies, three presented reductions in fat mass, all of them with interventions between three and 6 months, different training dose parameters, and 100% of the sample was composed of women. On the other hand, two studies with interventions between 10 and 12 weeks presented conflicting results.

Conclusion: Despite the limited literature about lean mass, it appears that long-term FT interventions may reduce fat mass in older women.

Clinical Trial Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=399257, identifier CRD42023399257
Comparative physiological, metabolomic, and transcriptomic analyses reveal mechanisms of apple dwarfing rootstock root morphogenesis under nitrogen and/or phosphorus deficient conditions
Authors: Xie Bin , Chen Yanhui , Zhang Yanzhen , An Xiuhong , Li Xin , Yang An , Kang Guodong , Zhou Jiangtao , Cheng Cungang
Published: June 2023

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are essential phytomacronutrients, and deficiencies in these two elements limit growth and yield in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.). The rootstock plays a key role in the nutrient uptake and environmental adaptation of apple. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of N and/or P deficiency on hydroponically-grown dwarfing rootstock ‘M9-T337’ seedlings, particularly the roots, by performing an integrated physiological, transcriptomics-, and metabolomics-based analyses. Compared to N and P sufficiency, N and/or P deficiency inhibited aboveground growth, increased the partitioning of total N and total P in roots, enhanced the total number of tips, length, volume, and surface area of roots, and improved the root-to-shoot ratio. P and/or N deficiency inhibited NO3 − influx into roots, and H+ pumps played a important role in the response to P and/or N deficiency. Conjoint analysis of differentially expressed genes and differentially accumulated metabolites in roots revealed that N and/or P deficiency altered the biosynthesis of cell wall components such as cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin. The expression of MdEXPA4 and MdEXLB1, two cell wall expansin genes, were shown to be induced by N and/or P deficiency. Overexpression of MdEXPA4 enhanced root development and improved tolerance to N and/or P deficiency in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants. In addition, overexpression of MdEXLB1 in transgenic Solanum lycopersicum seedlings increased the root surface area and promoted acquisition of N and P, thereby facilitating plant growth and adaptation to N and/or P deficiency. Collectively, these results provided a reference for improving root architecture in dwarfing rootstock and furthering our understanding of integration between N and P signaling pathways.
Secondary metabolites in grapevine: crosstalk of transcriptional, metabolic and hormonal signals controlling stress defence responses in berries and vegetative organs
Authors: Ferrandino Alessandra , Pagliarani Chiara , Pérez-Álvarez Eva Pilar
Published: June 2023

Abiotic stresses, such as temperature, heat waves, water limitation, solar radiation and the increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration, significantly influence the accumulation of secondary metabolites in grapevine berries at different developmental stages, and in vegetative organs. Transcriptional reprogramming, miRNAs, epigenetic marks and hormonal crosstalk regulate the secondary metabolism of berries, mainly the accumulation of phenylpropanoids and of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Currently, the biological mechanisms that control the plastic response of grapevine cultivars to environmental stress or that occur during berry ripening have been extensively studied in many worlds viticultural areas, in different cultivars and in vines grown under various agronomic managements. A novel frontier in the study of these mechanisms is the involvement of miRNAs whose target transcripts encode enzymes of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. Some miRNA-mediated regulatory cascades, post-transcriptionally control key MYB transcription factors, showing, for example, a role in influencing the anthocyanin accumulation in response to UV-B light during berry ripening. DNA methylation profiles partially affect the berry transcriptome plasticity of different grapevine cultivars, contributing to the modulation of berry qualitative traits. Numerous hormones (such as abscisic and jasmomic acids, strigolactones, gibberellins, auxins, cytokynins and ethylene) are involved in triggering the vine response to abiotic and biotic stress factors. Through specific signaling cascades, hormones mediate the accumulation of antioxidants that contribute to the quality of the berry and that intervene in the grapevine defense processes, highlighting that the grapevine response to stressors can be similar in different grapevine organs. The expression of genes responsible for hormone biosynthesis is largely modulated by stress conditions, thus resulting in the numeourous interactions between grapevine and the surrounding environment.
Molecular characterization and transcriptional regulation analysis of the Torreya grandis squalene synthase gene involved in sitosterol biosynthesis and drought response
Authors: Zhang Feicui , Kong Congcong , Ma Zhenmin , Chen Wenchao , Li Yue , Lou Heqiang , Wu Jiasheng
Published: June 2023

The kernel of Torreya grandis cv. ‘Merrillii’ (Cephalotaxaceae) is a rare nut with a variety of bioactive compounds and a high economic value. β-sitosterol is not only the most abundant plant sterol but also has various biological effects, such as antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities. In this study, a squalene synthase gene from T. grandis, TgSQS, was identified and functionally characterized. TgSQS encodes a deduced protein of 410 amino acids. Prokaryotic expression of the TgSQS protein could catalyze farnesyl diphosphate to produce squalene. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing TgSQS showed a significant increase in the content of both squalene and β-sitosterol; moreover, their drought tolerance was also stronger than that of the wild type. Transcriptome data from T. grandis seedlings showed that the expression levels of sterol biosynthesis pathway-related genes, such as HMGS, HMGR, MK, DXS, IPPI, FPPS, SQS, and DWF1, increased significantly after drought treatment. We also demonstrated that TgWRKY3 directly bound to the TgSQS promoter region and regulated its expression through a yeast one-hybrid experiment and a dual luciferase experiment. Together, these findings demonstrate that TgSQS has a positive role in β-sitosterol biosynthesis and in protecting against drought stress, emphasizing its importance as a metabolic engineering tool for the simultaneous improvement of β-sitosterol biosynthesis and drought tolerance.
Transcriptome-wide m6A methylation in natural yellow leaf of Catalpa fargesii
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Junhui , Ma Wenjun , Lu Nan , Fu Pengyue , Yang Yingying , Zhao Linjiao , Hu Jiwen , Qu Guanzheng , Wang Nan
Published: June 2023

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification in eukaryotic messenger RNA, and involved in various biological processes in plants. However, the distribution features and functions of mRNA m6A methylation have been poorly explored in woody perennial plants. In this study, a new natural variety with yellow-green leaves, named Maiyuanjinqiu, was screened from the seedlings of Catalpa fargesii. Based on the preliminary experiment, the m6A methylation levels in the leaves of Maiyuanjinqiu were significantly higher than those in C. fargesii. Furthermore, a parallel analysis of m6A-seq and RNA-seq was carried out in different leaf color sectors. The result showed that m6A modification were mostly identified around the 3’-untranslated regions (3’-UTR), which was slightly negatively correlated with the mRNA abundance. KEGG and GO analyses showed that m6A methylation genes were associated with photosynthesis, pigments biosynthesis and metabolism, oxidation-reduction and response to stress, etc. The overall increase of m6A methylation levels in yellow-green leaves might be associated with the decreased the expression of RNA demethylase gene CfALKBH5. The silencing of CfALKBH5 caused a chlorotic phenotype and increased m6A methylation level, which further confirmed our hypothesis. Our results suggested that mRNA m6A methylation could be considered as a vital epigenomic mark and contribute to the natural variations in plants.
Single-Cell RNA sequencing of leaf sheath cells reveals the mechanism of rice resistance to brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens)
Authors: Zha Wenjun , Li Changyan , Wu Yan , Chen Junxiao , Li Sanhe , Sun Minshan , Wu Bian , Shi Shaojie , Liu Kai , Xu Huashan , Li Peide , Liu Kai , Yang Guocai , Chen Zhijun , Xu Deze , Zhou Lei , You Aiqing
Published: June 2023

The brown planthopper (BPH) (Nilaparvata lugens) sucks rice sap causing leaves to turn yellow and wither, often leading to reduced or zero yields. Rice co-evolved to resist damage by BPH. However, the molecular mechanisms, including the cells and tissues, involved in the resistance are still rarely reported. Single-cell sequencing technology allows us to analyze different cell types involved in BPH resistance. Here, using single-cell sequencing technology, we compared the response offered by the leaf sheaths of the susceptible (TN1) and resistant (YHY15) rice varieties to BPH (48 hours after infestation). We found that the 14,699 and 16,237 cells (identified via transcriptomics) in TN1 and YHY15 could be annotated using cell-specific marker genes into nine cell-type clusters. The two rice varieties showed significant differences in cell types (such as mestome sheath cells, guard cells, mesophyll cells, xylem cells, bulliform cells, and phloem cells) in the rice resistance mechanism to BPH. Further analysis revealed that although mesophyll, xylem, and phloem cells are involved in the BPH resistance response, the molecular mechanism used by each cell type is different. Mesophyll cell may regulate the expression of genes related to vanillin, capsaicin, and ROS production, phloem cell may regulate the cell wall extension related genes, and xylem cell may be involved in BPH resistance response by controlling the expression of chitin and pectin related genes. Thus, rice resistance to BPH is a complicated process involving multiple insect resistance factors. The results presented here will significantly promote the investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the resistance of rice to insects and accelerate the breeding of insect-resistant rice varieties.
Row selection in remote sensing from four-row plots of maize and sorghum based on repeatability and predictive modeling
Authors: Tolley Seth A. , Carpenter Neal , Crawford Melba M. , Delp Edward J. , Habib Ayman , Tuinstra Mitchell R.
Published: June 2023

Remote sensing enables the rapid assessment of many traits that provide valuable information to plant breeders throughout the growing season to improve genetic gain. These traits are often extracted from remote sensing data on a row segment (rows within a plot) basis enabling the quantitative assessment of any row-wise subset of plants in a plot, rather than a few individual representative plants, as is commonly done in field-based phenotyping. Nevertheless, which rows to include in analysis is still a matter of debate. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate row selection and plot trimming in field trials conducted using four-row plots with remote sensing traits extracted from RGB (red-green-blue), LiDAR (light detection and ranging), and VNIR (visible near infrared) hyperspectral data. Uncrewed aerial vehicle flights were conducted throughout the growing seasons of 2018 to 2021 with data collected on three years of a sorghum experiment and two years of a maize experiment. Traits were extracted from each plot based on all four row segments (RS) (RS1234), inner rows (RS23), outer rows (RS14), and individual rows (RS1, RS2, RS3, and RS4). Plot end trimming of 40 cm was an additional factor tested. Repeatability and predictive modeling of end-season yield were used to evaluate performance of these methodologies. Plot trimming was never shown to result in significantly different outcomes from non-trimmed plots. Significant differences were often observed based on differences in row selection. Plots with more row segments were often favorable for increasing repeatability, and excluding outer rows improved predictive modeling. These results support long-standing principles of experimental design in agronomy and should be considered in breeding programs that incorporate remote sensing.
Advances in cloning functional genes for rice yield traits and molecular design breeding in China
Authors: Zhong Qianqian , Jia Qiwei , Yin Wenjing , Wang Yuexing , Rao Yuchun , Mao Yijian
Published: June 2023

Rice, a major food crop in China, contributes significantly to international food stability. Advances in rice genome sequencing, bioinformatics, and transgenic techniques have catalyzed Chinese researchers’ discovery of novel genes that control rice yield. These breakthroughs in research also encompass the analysis of genetic regulatory networks and the establishment of a new framework for molecular design breeding, leading to numerous transformative findings in this field. In this review, some breakthroughs in rice yield traits and a series of achievements in molecular design breeding in China in recent years are presented; the identification and cloning of functional genes related to yield traits and the development of molecular markers of rice functional genes are summarized, with the intention of playing a reference role in the following molecular design breeding work and how to further improve rice yield.
Exploring the influence of national music lessons on subjective well-being, self-esteem, and national identity among university students: a case study from China
Authors: Fu Hongyu , Tu Jinmei
Published: June 2023

This study aims to explore the influence of national music lessons on university students’ subjective well-being, self-esteem, and national identity. A Chinese university provided four national music courses spanning 8 weeks. The students’ subjective well-being, self-esteem, and national identity were measured before the commencement of the courses (T1), the fourth week of the courses (T2), and post the completion of the courses (T3). A total of 362 participants completed the Positive and Negative Affect Scales, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the National Identity Scale at T1, T2, and T3. Results indicated that national music lessons could improve university students’ subjective well-being, yet there was no effect on their national identity or self-esteem. Although high national identity and high self-esteem predicted a greater level of subjective well-being, self-esteem and national identity did not affect the influence of national music lessons on subjective well-being. National music lessons were particularly beneficial to students with low and middle levels of subjective well-being, in comparison to those with higher levels of subjective well-being. This paper verifies an efficient method to bolster students’ subjective well-being that can be conducted in educational practices.
The “Survival Pending Revolution” COVID-19 vaccination campaign: an example of critical communication theory in action
Authors: Schillinger Dean , Cortez Gabriel , Lee Michelle
Published: June 2023

Introduction

We carried out a two-phase, qualitative evaluation of a novel public health campaign to promote COVID-19 vaccination among youth and young adults of color (YOC), called Survival Pending Revolution. The campaign, commissioned by California's Department of Public Health, was created by YOC spoken word artists, under the direction of the organization, Youth Speaks.

Methods

In phase 1, we describe the communication attributes of the campaign's nine video-poems, coded the content of the pieces, and applied thematic analysis to describe the themes conveyed. In phase 2, we carried out a comparative health communication study to assess the content's potential value. We exposed a sample of the target audience (YOC) to the content of Survival Pending Revolution and a widely viewed comparator campaign (The Conversation). Using a focus group, we solicited participants' views using a semi-structured approach. Using thematic analysis, we summarized the reactions that arose when participants reflected on the attributes of each campaign.

Results

Findings from phase 1 reveal how engaging YOC artists who embrace Youth Speaks' philosophy of harnessing “life as primary text” resulted in content that is aligned with critical communication theory, focusing on structural determinants of health, including themes of overcoming oppressive systems, health and social inequities, and medical discrimination and mistrust. Findings from phase 2 reveal that this arts-based campaign based on such critical communication theory, when compared to a more traditional campaign, promotes message salience, fosters emotional engagement, and provides a form of validation among historically oppressed groups such that they may be more open to, and potentially act on, the COVID-19 vaccination communications to which they are exposed.

Discussion

As an example of critical communication, the Survival Pending Revolution campaign encourages health-promoting behavioral decisions while calling out the structural determinants of health that shape risks of exposure and constrain free choice. Engaging uniquely gifted members of marginalized populations as creators and messengers of campaigns lead to content that is aligned with a critical communication approach, whose goal is to aid disparity populations in both resisting and navigating systems that continue to locate them on the margins of society. Our evaluation of this campaign suggests that it represents a promising formative and interventional approach to engendering trust in public health messaging and promoting health equity.
Psychological distress among healthcare students in Poland from COVID-19 to war on Ukraine: a cross-sectional exploratory study
Authors: Hisato Tomomi , Nandy Shreya , Monga Eman M. , Sytek Paulina , Abouzid Mohamed , Ahmed Alhassan Ali
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Healthcare students went through a rough time in March 2022 due to extreme changes in the educational system (moving from online to stationary learning) and Ukrainian-Russian war circumstances. Our study aims to update knowledge about psychological distress and its impact on healthcare students in Poland after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by intense and political instability in Europe.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study on healthcare students from Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland, from March to April 2022. The questionnaire included subjective retrospective 5-point Likert-scales ratings of anxiety, stress, and depression and self-reported information on various psychological distress predictors.

Results

The anxiety levels at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic were higher than in April 2022. There was no significant reduction in stress and depression. Females had higher initial anxiety levels than post-pandemic levels. Higher reported levels of anxiety, stress, and depression were significantly correlated with political instability in Eastern Europe (Spearman ranxiety = 0.178, rstress = 0.169, rdepression = 0.154, p ≤ 0.001, respectively). The concern about moving towards online education showed a significant association only with stress level (rstress = 0.099, p = 0.034). We also observed a positive correlation between anxiety, stress, and depression and deteriorating sleep quality (Spearman ranxiety,=0.325, rstress = 0.410, rdepression = 0.440, p < 0.001), the feeling of worsening relationships with family and peers (ranxiety = 0.325, rstress = 0.343, rdepression = 0.379, p < 0.001), and the sense of loss of efficient time management (ranxiety = 0.321, rstress = 0.345, rdepression = 0.410, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Throughout the progression of the Ukrainian war and the COVID-19 pandemic, females reported improved (lower levels) levels of anxiety. Nevertheless, the current levels of self-reported anxiety post-pandemic remain alarming, while stress and depression levels remained unchanged. Mental, psychological, and social support activities are required for healthcare students, especially those away from their families. Time management, academic performance, and coping skills in relation to the additional stressors of war and the global pandemic require further research in this group of students.
Newly diagnosed HIV and use of HIV-PrEP among non-western born MSM attending STI clinics in the Netherlands: a large retrospective cohort study
Authors: Evers Ymke J. , Goense Cornelia J. D. , Hoebe Christian J. P. A. , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole H. T. M.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The World Health Organization recommends HIV-PrEP for all people at risk for HIV infection, which includes men who have sex with men (MSM). Substantial part of new HIV diagnoses in the Netherlands are in non-western born MSM. This study evaluated new HIV diagnoses and reported PrEP use among non-western born MSM and compared it to western-born MSM. To inform public health efforts in the context of equitable PrEP access, we further assessed sociodemographic factors related to higher HIV risk and lower PrEP use among non-western born MSM.

Methods

Surveillance data of consultations among MSM in all Dutch STI-clinics (2016–2021) were analyzed. STI-clinics provide PrEP via the national pilot-program since August 2019. In non-western born MSM (born in Eastern-Europe/Latin-America/Asia/Africa/Dutch-Antilles/Suriname), sociodemographic factors were evaluated for association with HIV (by multivariable generalized estimating equations) and reported PrEP use in the past 3 months (by multivariable logistic regression; restricted to an at-risk for HIV person-level data-subset from August 2019).

Results

New HIV infections were diagnosed among 1.1% (493/44,394) of non-western born MSM-consultations (vs. 0.4% among western-born MSM, 742/210,450). Low education (aOR: 2.2, 95%CI: 1.7–2.7, vs. high education) and age under 25 years (aOR: 1.4, 95%CI: 1.1–1.8, vs. age above 35 years) were associated with new HIV diagnoses. PrEP use in the past 3 months was 40.7% in non-western born MSM (1,711/4,207; 34.9% among western-born MSM, 6,089/17,458). PrEP use was lower among non-western born MSM aged under 25 years (aOR: 0.3, 95%CI: 0.2–0.4), living in less urban areas (aOR: 0.7, 95%CI: 0.6–0.8), and having low education level (aOR: 0.6, 95%CI: 0.5–0.7).

Conclusion

Our study confirmed that non-western born MSM are an important key population in HIV prevention. Access to HIV prevention, including HIV-PrEP, should be further optimized to all non-western born MSM at risk for HIV, and specifically to those who are younger, live in less urban areas, and have a low education level.
Mental wellbeing of frontline health workers post-pandemic: lessons learned and a way forward
Authors: Grünheid Thorsten , Hazem Ahmad
Published: June 2023

Objective

To assess the state of mental wellbeing among medical and dental frontline health workers as the COVID-19 pandemic transitions to an endemic phase and to determine what employer-provided intervention strategies these workers perceive as effective and desirable to improve their mental wellbeing.

Methods

An anonymous online survey distributed to frontline health workers in a hospitalist program of a tertiary care medical center and a university dental school in Minnesota in September 2022. The survey contained validated tools to measure depression severity, levels of perceived stress, and mental health status as well as questions to determine effective strategies to improve emotional wellbeing among these health workers. Data was evaluated on an aggregate level as well as stratified by level (e.g., physician, staff) and field (e.g., medicine, dentistry).

Results

On average, all groups of health workers suffered from moderate to moderately severe depression, had a much higher perceived stress level than average, and had a fair mental health status. There were no significant differences in depression severity, stress level, or mental health status among physicians, dentists, medical staff, and dental staff. The majority of the respondents perceived adjusted work hours, rewards and incentives, and teamwork as the most effective and desirable strategies to improve their mental wellbeing.

Conclusion

The current mental wellbeing of frontline health workers is poor. Many are dissatisfied with healthcare and consider leaving the industry. To improve their employees’ mental wellbeing, healthcare employers might want to consider adjusted work hours, rewards, and teamwork as these intervention strategies are perceived as most effective and desirable by the intended recipients.
Maternal and paternal depressive symptoms and parental vocalisation behaviours in infancy: findings from UK-based birth cohort
Authors: Campbell Amy , Lewis Gemma , Costantini Ilaria , Cordero Miguel , Skinner Andy , Dermott Esther , Miller Tina , Kennedy Mari-Rose , Culpin Iryna
Published: June 2023

Background

Both maternal and paternal postnatal depression (PND) are associated with increased risk of less optimal offspring developmental outcomes. Early exposure to differences in maternal and paternal vocalisation behaviours associated with maternal and paternal PND may be important in this relationship. However, little research has captured vocalisation patterns at home without researchers present.

Objectives

This study sought to examine the associations between maternal and paternal PND and various aspects of parental vocalisation behaviours.

Methods

Mothers (n = 104) and fathers (n = 34) of six-months old infants from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children Generation-2 (ALSPAC-G2) provided video footage of mother- and father-infant interactions filmed at home using the head-worn video cameras (headcams) without the need for researchers to be present. Twenty-five mother-infant and father-infant interactions were coded on multiple aspects of parental and infant vocalisation behaviours using the micro-behavioural observational coding system. Parental (PND) was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS; total score).

Results

Frequencies and duration of vocalisation behaviours were similar in mothers and fathers. However, there was an indication that fathers demonstrated higher frequency and duration of commands, exclamations and ironic/sarcastic tone, and criticisms compared to mothers, while mothers engaged in more teaching compared to fathers. Linear regression models indicated that maternal and paternal PND were not associated with the majority of vocalisation behaviours. However, there were some specific patterns observed, mostly related to the emotional tone of the vocalisations. Higher levels of maternal PND were associated with lower frequency of speech in a neutral tone, frequency and duration of use of humour, and increased duration of speech in a positive tone. Higher levels of paternal PND were associated with higher mean duration of speech, infant-directed speech, higher frequency and duration of laughing, and increased duration of speech using questions and encouragement.

Conclusion

These findings extend existing research by investigating the associations between maternal and paternal PND and a wide range of vocalisation behaviours captured and coded using innovative methods and in a more ecologically valid way than previous studies.
Results of sclerotherapy and mucopexy with haemorrhoidal dearterialization in II and III degree haemorrhoids. A 4 years' single centre experience
Authors: Lobascio Pierluigi , Laforgia Rita , Pezzolla Angela
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Haemorrhoidal disease (HD) affects a considerable portion of the adult population. The aim of this study is to confirm the safety and efficacy of the treatments and to report the long-term outcomes of Sclerotherapy (ST) and Mucopexy and Haemorrhoidal Dearterialization (MHD) performed over the last 4 years in a single tertiary centre. The secondary outcome is to evaluate the usefulness of both techniques and to demonstrate how those can be associated as a bridge to surgery.

Materials and methods

Patients affected by second–third-degree haemorrhoids and undergoing ST or non-Doppler guided MHD between 2018 and 2021 were enrolled. Safety and efficacy, recurrence rate, Haemorrhoid Severity Score (HSS) and pain resulting from both techniques were evaluated.

Results

Out of 259 patients, 150 underwent ST. Further, 122 (81.3%) patients were male and 28 (18.7%) were female. The mean age was 50.8 (range 34–68) years. Most of the patients (103, 68.6%) were affected by second-degree HD, while 47 (31.4%) were affected by third-degree HD. The overall success rate was 83.3%. The median pre-operative HSS score was 3 (IQR 0–4, p = 0.04) and at 2 year the median HSS was 0 (IQR 0–1, p = 0.03). No intraoperative complications and no drug-related side effects occurred. The mean follow-up for ST was 2 years (range 1–4; SD ±0.88). MHD was performed on 109 patients. In detail, 80 patients (73.4%) were male while 29 patients (26.6%) were female. The mean age in this group was 51.3 (range 31–69). Further, 72 patients (66.1%) were affected by third-degree HD and 37 (33.9%) by second-degree HD. The median HSS score was 9 (IQR 8–10, p = 0.001) preoperatively two years after treatment was 0 (IQR 0–1, p = 0.004). Major complications occurred in three patients (2.75%). The overall success rate was 93.5% (second degree 89.2% vs. third degree 95.8%). The mean follow-up for MHD was 2 years (range 1–4; SD ±0.68).

Conclusions

The results confirm the usefulness of those techniques, which can be considered safe and easily repeatable procedures, with a low recurrence rate after 2 years of median follow-up.
Instruálás hatásának vizsgálata a szájápolási ismeretekre és szokásokra fix fogszabályozót viselő felnőttek körében
Authors: Stok Zsófia , Biró Edit Magdolna
Published: June 2023

Bevezetés: Rögzített fogszabályozó készülék viselése esetén speciális odafigyelés szükségeltetik, hiszen több olyanfelszín keletkezik a szájüregben, ami miatt nehezebbé válik a szájápolás, ennek okán később ínygyulladás, majdfogágygyulladás alakulhat ki. Ezért elengedhetetlen a teljes körű tájékoztatás a szájápolási szokásokkal és ismeretekkelkapcsolatban, amely dentálhigiénikusi kompetenciakörbe tartozik. Az elvégzett hathetes longitudinális vizsgálat célja voltfelmérni a különböző módon nyújtott szájhigiénés instrukciók hatását rögzített fogszabályozó készülék felhelyezésénekidőszakában felnőtt populáció bevonásával.Vizsgálati anyag és módszer: Az instruálás hatásának vizsgálata két csoportban (szóbeli tájékoztatás és videóanyagbemutatása) zajlott, az orálhigiénés ismeretekre és szokásokra vonatkozóan két adatfelvételi időpontban történt mega páciensek önbeszámoláson alapuló tesztbattériával való felmérése mindösszesen 47 fő bevonásával. Az első adatfelvételiidőpont során a tesztbattéria kitöltését követően megtörtént a fix fogszabályozó készülék felhelyezése, illetvea csoportbesorolásnak megfelelő instruálás, majd hat hét elteltével, az első aktiválás során zajlott a második adatfelvétela tesztbattéria ismételt kitöltésével.Eredmények: A hathetes vizsgálat során mindkét vizsgálati csoport fejlődést mutatott az orálhigiénés eszközök ismeretében,és szájápolási szokásaik is pozitív irányba változtak, ugyanakkor elmondható, hogy ezen változások a videóanyagosinstruálás hatására intenzívebbek voltak.Megbeszélés: A vizsgálat rávilágított arra, hogy a pontos és jól követhető instruálás rendkívül fontos fix fogszabályozókészülék felhelyezésekor, és célszerű, ha az átadott információ a későbbiekben is elérhető, visszanézhető.
Physics-Informed Deep Learning for Traffic State Estimation: A Survey and the Outlook
Authors: Di Xuan , Shi Rongye , Mo Zhaobin , Fu Yongjie
Published: June 2023

For its robust predictive power (compared to pure physics-based models) and sample-efficient training (compared to pure deep learning models), physics-informed deep learning (PIDL), a paradigm hybridizing physics-based models and deep neural networks (DNNs), has been booming in science and engineering fields. One key challenge of applying PIDL to various domains and problems lies in the design of a computational graph that integrates physics and DNNs. In other words, how the physics is encoded into DNNs and how the physics and data components are represented. In this paper, we offer an overview of a variety of architecture designs of PIDL computational graphs and how these structures are customized to traffic state estimation (TSE), a central problem in transportation engineering. When observation data, problem type, and goal vary, we demonstrate potential architectures of PIDL computational graphs and compare these variants using the same real-world dataset.
Limitations of Curl and Directional Filters in Elastography
Authors: Parker Kevin J.
Published: June 2023

In the approaches to elastography, two mathematical operations have been frequently applied to improve the final estimate of shear wave speed and shear modulus of tissues. The vector curl operator can separate out the transverse component of a complicated displacement field, and directional filters can separate distinct orientations of wave propagation. However, there are practical limitations that can prevent the intended improvement in elastography estimates. Some simple configurations of wavefields relevant to elastography are examined against theoretical models within the semi-infinite elastic medium and guided waves in a bounded medium. The Miller–Pursey solutions in simplified form are examined for the semi-infinite medium and the Lamb wave symmetric form is considered for the guided wave structure. In both cases, we examine simple but practical wave combinations that can prevent the curl and directional filter operations from directly providing an improved measure of shear wave speed and shear modulus. Additional factors including signal-to-noise and the support of filters also restrict the applicability of these strategies for improving elastographic measures. Thus, some implementations of shear wave excitations applied to the body and to bounded structures within the body are shown to involve waves that are not easily resolved by the vector curl operator and directional filters. These limitations may be overcome by more advanced strategies or simple improvements in baseline parameters including the size of the region of interest and the number of shear waves propagated within.
Evolutionary Computation-Based Active Mass Damper Implementation for Vibration Mitigation in Slender Structures Using a Low-Cost Processor
Authors: Peláez-Rodríguez César , Magdaleno Alvaro , Iglesias-Pordomingo Álvaro , Pérez-Aracil Jorge
Published: June 2023

This work is devoted to design, implement and validate an active mass damper (AMD) for vibration mitigation in slender structures. The control law, defined by means of genetic algorithm optimization, is deployed on a low-cost processor (NI myRIO-1900), and experimentally validated on a 13.5-m lively timber footbridge. As is known, problems arising from human-induced vibrations in slender, lightweight and low-damped structures usually require the installation of mechanical devices, such as an AMD, in order to be mitigated. This kind of device tends to reduce the movement of the structure, which can be potentially large when it is subjected to dynamic loads whose main components match its natural frequencies. In those conditions, the AMD is sought to improve the comfort and fulfil the serviceability conditions for the pedestrian use according to some design guides. After the dynamic identification of the actuator, the procedure consisted of the experimental characterization and identification of the modal properties of the structure (natural frequencies and damping ratios). Once the equivalent state space system of the structure is obtained, the design of the control law is developed, based on state feedback, which was deployed in the low-cost controller. Finally, experimental adjustments (filters, gains, etc.) were implemented and the validation test was carried out. The system performance has been evaluated using different metrics, both in the frequency and time domain, and under different loads scenarios, including pedestrian transits to demonstrate the feasibility, robustness and good performance of the proposed system. The strengths of the presented work reside in: (1) the use of genetic evolutionary algorithms to optimize both the state estimator gain and the feedback gain that commands the actuator, whose performance is further tested and analyzed using different fitness functions related to both time and frequency domains and (2) the implementation of the active control system in a low-cost processor, which represents a significant advantage when it comes to implement this system in a real structure.