bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of long-term aspirin use on the patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Mao Xiuhua , Liang Chen , Li Xiaoqin , Shi Danping , Yang Qinfeng , Xie Hao , Liang Fangguo , Cui Yuhui
Published: November 2023

Background

Although aspirin is increasingly utilized to reduce the event of severe perioperative complications, the effect of long-term aspirin use (L-AU) on perioperative complications in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty (SA) has not been well studied. The goal of the present study is to identify the influence of L-AU on perioperative complications in individuals undergoing SA.

Methods

We selected data from the National Inpatient Sample database between 2010 and 2019, to identify adult patients with SA. Patients were subsequently categorized into L-AU and whole non-L-AU cohorts according to the presence of aspirin use. The demographic and comorbidity characteristics were matched using propensity score matching (PSM). The Pearson chi-square test, Wilcoxon rank test and logistic regression were utilized to assess the association of L-AU with perioperative complications.

Results

From 2010 to 2019, a total of 162,418 SA patients satisfied the inclusion criteria, with 22,659 (13.95%) using aspirin on a long-term basis. The vast majority of the patients with pre-existing L-AU were aged 65–74 years, female, White and had Medicare insurance. L-AU before surgery was linked to increased risks of perioperative complications, such as blood transfusion (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.339), genitourinary disease (aOR: 1.349), acute renal failure (aOR: 1.292), acute myocardial infarction (aOR: 1.494), higher total charge (L-AU vs. the whole non-L-AU vs. matched non-L-AU: $66,727.15 vs. $59,697.08 vs. $59,926.32), and prolonged hospitalization stay (LOS) (aOR: 0.837). However, L-AU was considered a protective factor of acute cerebrovascular disease (aOR: 0.722) and stroke (aOR: 0.725).

Conclusions

Our study is based on the largest open-access all-payer inpatient database, revealing a noteworthy finding of aspirin's protective and adverse impact on different postoperative complications in the US population, such as acute cardiovascular disease, and stroke, etc. Further studies assessing the optimum preoperative aspirin duration and dosage to meet the best benefit quantity for patients with planned joint arthroplasties are suggested.
Prenylated chromones and flavonoids isolated from the roots of Flemingia macrophylla and their anti-lung cancer activity
Authors: Wang Baolin , Wang Qinqin , Yuan Renyikun , Yang Shilin , Lu Meilin , Yuan Fuhong , Dong Zhidan , Mo Menghuan , Pan Qiming , Gao Hongwei
Published: November 2023

Background

The successful launch of icaritin, a therapeutic drug for liver cancer derived from Epimedium brevicornu, has provided new impetus for the development of prenylated flavonoids in the field of oncology. Flemingia macrophylla is reported to contain characteristic prenylated flavonoids which can regulate the p53 protein. We aimed to isolate these constituents and conduct activity evaluation, structure–activity relationship, and mechanism studies to provide candidate compounds for antitumor drug development.

Methods

In this study, chromatographic techniques combined with spectroscopic methods were used to separate, purify, and identify the constituents of Flemingia macrophylla methanol extract. The cytotoxic activity of the constituents was evaluated using an MTT assay with A549 and H1975 cells as the model. The binding mechanism between the compounds and the p53 protein was investigated with molecular docking and validated with cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA). Western blotting (WB) was employed to detect the expression of p53 protein and apoptosis-related proteins in cells.

Results

Chiral HPLC separation of racemates 1 and 7 provided two pairs of undescribed enantiomers (1a/1b and 7a/7b), along with eight known compounds (2 − 9) isolated from Flemingia macrophylla roots. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configurations of the enantiomers were determined from experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism data. Compounds 1 − 7, and the non-prenyl analogues 10 − 13, were evaluated for cytotoxic activity against the human lung cancer A549 and H1975 cell line. Compounds 5 − 7 displayed better cytotoxicity than the positive control icaritin in A549 and H1975, with IC50 values ranging from 4.50 to 19.83 μmol·L-1 and < 5 μmol·L-1, respectively. The structure–activity relationships of the chromone or flavonoid analogues against A549 cells were discussed. Molecular docking results demonstrated that compound 7a has strong interaction with p53 and WB indicated that 7a induced apoptosis by increasing the p53 protein, decreasing the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and activating the caspase family in A549 cells. These results suggest that prenylated flavonoids are potential p53 protein activators.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that Flemingia macrophylla is rich in prenylated flavonoid constituents, among which compounds 5 and 7 exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against A549 cells and served as reference candidates for the design and development of prenylated compounds as antitumor therapeutic drugs.

Graphical Abstract
Association of tea and coffee consumption with the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality among individuals with metabolic syndrome: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Wu E , Bao Ying-Ying , Wei Guo-Fang , Wang Wei , Xu Hong-Quan , Chen Jia-Yin , Xu Ya-Nan , Han Dan , Tao Lin , Ni Jun-Tao
Published: November 2023

Background

The relationship between tea and coffee consumption and mortality among patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains barely explored. Herein, this study aimed to examine the association between tea and coffee consumption and the likelihood of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in patients with MetS.

Methods

A total of 118,872 participants with MetS at baseline from the UK Biobank cohort were included. Information on tea and coffee consumption was obtained during recruitment using a touchscreen questionnaire. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mortality were determined using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

During a median follow-up of 13.87 years, 13,666 deaths were recorded, with 5913, 3362, and 994 deaths from cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and respiratory disease (RD), respectively. This research showed a significant inverse association between tea intake and the risk of all-cause and cancer mortality, the respective HRs (95% CI) for consuming tea 2 vs. 0 cup/day were 0.89 (0.84–0.95), and 0.91 (0.83–0.99), and tea intake ≥ 4 cups/day could reduce CVD mortality by 11% (HR 0.89; 95% CI 0.81–0.98). The U-shaped nonlinear association between coffee intake and all-cause/CVD mortality was examined (all p-nonlinear < 0.001). The HRs (95% CI) for coffee consumption 1 vs. 0 cup/day were 0.93 (0.89–0.98) and 0.89 (0.80–0.99), and for ≥ 4 vs. 0 cup/day were 1.05 (1.01–1.11) and 1.13 (1.03–1.25), respectively. Notably, the combined intake of tea and coffee presented a protective effect against all-cause mortality (HR < 1).

Conclusions

The importance of daily tea and moderate coffee consumption in individuals with MetS to optimise health benefits are highlighted.
Breast ductography: to do or not to do? A pictorial essay
Authors: Alikhassi Afsaneh , Curpen Belinda
Published: November 2023

Nipple discharge is a frequent breast disease clinical presentation. Although most cases of nipple discharge are physiologic, pathologic nipple discharge is not uncommon. Eight to 15% of pathological nipple discharge is associated with malignancy, requiring investigation. Some specialists believe that ductography is a challenging procedure that is better to be substituted by other methods, such as MRI. However, an experienced physician can perform ductography quickly and easily and still play an essential role in some clinical scenarios. Conventional imaging, such as mammography and sonography, commonly fails to detect the underlying causes of pathological nipple discharge. MRI has limitations of low specificity, cost, lengthy exam duration, accessibility, and patient factors such as claustrophobia. In addition, we can make a specific diagnosis and appropriate treatment by coupling ductography with other methods, such as ultrasound-guided or stereotactic biopsy. This study aims to present the ductography technique, possible findings, and the clinical settings where ductography is useful.

Critical relevance statement Although ductography is currently less used in breast imaging, it still plays an essential role in some clinical scenarios. These clinical scenarios include pathological nipple discharge with negative conventional imaging, contraindicated MRI, unavailable MRI, unremarkable MRI results, and multiple MRI findings.

Key points

• Conventional imaging commonly fails to detect the underlying causes of pathological nipple discharge.

• MRI in the setting of nipple discharge has some limitations.

• Ductography still plays an essential role in some clinical scenarios.

• Coupling ductography with other methods helps make a specific diagnosis.

Graphical Abstract
The Irish bTB eradication programme: combining stakeholder engagement and research-driven policy to tackle bovine tuberculosis
Authors: Ryan Eoin , Breslin Philip , O’Keeffe James , Byrne Andrew W. , Wrigley Karina , Barrett Damien
Published: November 2023

A new Irish bovine tuberculosis (bTB) eradication strategy was launched in 2021. The strategy was formulated following extensive discussions with stakeholders, formal reviews of several aspects of the existing bTB policy and relevant inputs from the latest scientific research projects. A stakeholder discussion body, the TB Forum, had been established in 2018 and this continues under the new strategy, supported by three working groups (scientific, financial and implementation). The strategy sets out actions to address cattle-to-cattle and badger-to-cattle bTB transmission, along with actions to improve farm biosecurity and empower farmers to make their own choices to reduce bTB risk.

Large scale vaccination of badgers has been rolled out under the new strategy, with over 20,000 km2 covered by the vaccination programme and 6,586 badgers captured in vaccination areas in 2021. Vaccination efforts have been complemented by intensive communications campaigns, including a web enabled software application (“app”) enabling farmers to report the location of badger setts.

Cattle which test inconclusive to the tuberculin skin test have been re-tested using a gamma interferon blood test since April 2021, enabling truly infected cattle to be identified more effectively due to the higher sensitivity of this test. An enhanced oversight process has been put in place for herds experiencing extended or repeat bTB breakdowns. Whole genome sequencing is being used to investigate links between breakdowns, with the results supporting operational decision making in case management.

Communications, including biosecurity advice, are co-designed with stakeholders, in order to improve their effectiveness. A programme involving veterinary practitioners providing tailored biosecurity bTB advice to their clients was established in 2021 and was rolled out nationally during 2022.

A core element of the new strategy is the continual improvement of policies in response to changing bTB risks, informed by scientific research and then implemented with stakeholder consultation.
CIA-CVD: cloud based image analysis for COVID-19 vaccination distribution
Authors: Prasad Vivek Kumar , Dansana Debabrata , Patro S Gopal Krishna , Salau Ayodeji Olalekan , Yadav Divyang , Bhavsar Madhuri
Published: November 2023

Due to the huge impact of COVID-19, the world is currently facing a medical emergency and shortage of vaccine. Many countries do not have enough medical equipment and infrastructure to tackle this challenge. Due to the lack of a central administration to guide the countries to take the necessary precautions, they do not proactively identify the cases in advance. This has caused Covid-19 cases to be on the increase, with the number of cases increasing at a geometric progression. Rapid testing, RT-PCR testing, and a CT-Scan/X-Ray of the chest are the primary procedures in identifying the covid-19 disease. Proper immunization is delivered on a priority basis based on the instances discovered in order to preserve human lives. In this research paper, we suggest a technique for identifying covid-19 positive cases and determine the most affected locations of covid-19 cases for vaccine distribution in order to limit the disease's impact. To handle the aforementioned issues, we propose a cloud based image analysis approach for using a COVID-19 vaccination distribution (CIA-CVD) model. The model uses a deep learning, machine learning, digital image processing and cloud solution to deal with the increasing cases of COVID-19 and its priority wise distribution of the vaccination.

Graphical Abstract
Estimating antibiotics consumption in a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad using a WHO’s defined daily dose methodology
Authors: Jabeen Naila , Ullah Waseem , Khalid Javeria , Samad Zia
Published: November 2023

Background

Antibiotics have helped to reduce the incidence of common infectious diseases in all modern healthcare systems, but improper use of antibiotics including their overuse and misuse can change the bacteria so much that antibiotics don’t work against them. In case of developing imposable selective pressure with regard to the proportion of hospitalized patients who receive antibiotics, the quantity of antibiotics that are prescribed to them, and the proportion of patients who receive antibiotic treatment is one of the major contributors to the rising global health issue of antimicrobial resistance. Concerning the levels of antibiotic consumption in Pakistani hospitals, there is negligible research data available.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate five-year inpatient antibiotic use in a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad using the World Health Organization (WHO) Recommended Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification / Defined Daily Dose (DDD) methodology.

Method

It was a descriptive study involving a retrospective record review of pharmacy records of antibiotics dispensed (amount in grams) to patients across different specialties of the hospital from January 2017 to December 2021 (i.e., 60 consecutive months). The antibiotic consumption was calculated by using the DDD/100-Bed Days (BDs) formula, and then relative percent change was estimated using Microsoft Excel 2021 edition.

Result

A total of 148,483 (77%) patients who received antibiotics were included in the study out of 193,436 patients admitted in the hospital. Antibiotic consumption trends showed considerable fluctuations over a five-year period. It kept on declining irregularly from 2017 to 2019, inclined vigorously in 2020, and then suddenly dropped to the lowest DDD/100 BDs value (96.02) in the last year of the study. The overall percentage of encounters in which antibiotics were prescribed at tertiary care hospital was 77% which is very high compared to the WHO standard reference value (< 30%). WATCH group antibiotics were prescribed (76%) and consumed more within inpatient settings than Access (12%) and Reserve (12%) antibiotics.

Conclusion

The hospital antibiotic consumption data is well maintained across different inpatient specialties but it is largely non-aligned with WHO AWaRe (Access-Watch-Reserve) antibiotics use and optimization during 2017–2021. Compared to the WHO standard reference figure, the overall percentage of antibiotics encountered was higher by about 47%. Antibiotic consumption trends vary with a slight increase in hospital occupancy rate, with positive relative changes being lower in number but higher in proportion than negative changes. Although the hospital antibiotics policy is in place but seems not to be followed with a high degree of adherence.
Protocols, policies and practices for antimicrobial stewardship in hospitalized patients in least-developed and low-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Mzumara Grace Wezi , Mambiya Michael , Iroh Tam Pui-Ying
Published: November 2023

Background

We aimed to identify interventions used to implement antimicrobial stewardship practices among hospitalized patients in least-developed countries.

Methods

The research team searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies of AMS interventions in the least developed and low-income countries, published between 2000 and 2023. Included studies had a population of hospitalized patients of all age groups in least-developed countries, implemented an AMS intervention, and reported its impact on prescription practices, clinical outcomes, or microbiological results. The risk of bias was assessed using the integrated quality criteria for review of multiple study designs. A total of 443 articles were identified, 386 articles were screened, 16 full-text papers were reviewed, and 10 studies were included in the analysis.

Results

The ten studies included three controlled before and after, two qualitative, one controlled interrupted time series, two non-controlled interrupted time series, one quasi-experimental study, and one randomized controlled trial. Three studies implemented either enabling, persuasive, or structural interventions respectively. The rest used bundled strategies, including a combination of persuasive, enabling, structural, and restrictive interventions. Bundled interventions using enabling and persuasive strategies were the most common. These involved creating a prescription guideline, training prescribers on updated methods, and subsequent review and feedback of patient files by members of an AMS team. Improved microbiological surveillance was important to most studies but, sustained improvement in appropriate prescriptions was dependent on enabling or persuasive efforts. Studies noted significant improvements in appropriate prescriptions and savings on the costs of antibiotics. None evaluated the impact of AMS on AMR.

Conclusion

AMS practices generally involve multiple strategies to improve prescription practices. In the setting of least-developed countries, enabling and persuasive interventions are popular AMS measures. However, measured outcomes are heterogeneous, and we suggest that further studies assessing the impact of AMS should report changes in AMR patterns (microbiological outcomes), patient length of stay and mortality (patient outcomes), and changes in prescription practices (prescription outcomes). Reporting on these as outcomes of AMS interventions could make it easier for policymakers to compare which interventions have desirable outcomes that can be generalized to similar settings.
Newly isolated Lactobacillus paracasei strain modulates lung immunity and improves the capacity to cope with influenza virus infection
Authors: Kim Seungil , Lee Sohyeon , Kim Tae-Young , Lee Su-Hyun , Seo Sang-Uk , Kweon Mi-Na
Published: November 2023

Background

The modulation of immune responses by probiotics is crucial for local and systemic immunity. Recent studies have suggested a correlation between gut microbiota and lung immunity, known as the gut–lung axis. However, the evidence and mechanisms underlying this axis remain elusive.

Results

In this study, we screened various Lactobacillus (L.) strains for their ability to augment type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling using an IFN-α/β reporter cell line. We identified L. paracasei (MI29) from the feces of healthy volunteers, which showed enhanced IFN-I signaling in vitro. Oral administration of the MI29 strain to wild-type B6 mice for 2 weeks resulted in increased expression of IFN-stimulated genes and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lungs. We found that MI29-treated mice had significantly increased numbers of CD11c+PDCA-1+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells and Ly6Chi monocytes in the lungs compared with control groups. Pre-treatment with MI29 for 2 weeks resulted in less weight loss and lower viral loads in the lung after a sub-lethal dose of influenza virus infection. Interestingly, IFNAR1−/− mice did not show enhanced viral resistance in response to oral MI29 administration. Furthermore, metabolic profiles of MI29-treated mice revealed changes in fatty acid metabolism, with MI29-derived fatty acids contributing to host defense in a Gpr40/120-dependent manner.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the newly isolated MI29 strain can activate host defense immunity and prevent infections caused by the influenza virus through the gut–lung axis.
Effect of single intravenous injection of esketamine on postpartum depression after labor analgesia and potential mechanisms: a randomized, double-blinded controlled trial
Authors: Ling Bin , Zhu Yun , Yan Zelin , Chen Hao , Xu Hua , Wang Qi , Yu Wanyou , Wang Wei
Published: November 2023

Background

The study was designed to investigate effects of single intravenous injection of esketamine on the incidence of postpartum depression (PPD) after labor analgesia and explore the potential mechanisms.

Methods

A total of 120 women who underwent labor analgesia by epidural analgesia pump were enrolled and divided into two groups randomly. Esketamine at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg was intravenously injected after fetal disengagement in the test group and placebo was administered in the control group. The occurrence of PPD and side effects after delivery were recorded. Some indicators related to stress and inflammation were measured before labor analgesia and at 24 h, 1 week, and 6 weeks after delivery in this study. Data were analyzed by independent t-test, repeated measures analysis of variance and Chi-square test in SPSS software (version 25.0). It was considered statistically significant since a p value less than 0.05.

Results

The incidence of PPD was significantly decreased both for one week and six weeks after delivery by using of esketamine (3.4% vs. 15.3%, p = 0.004 and 5.2% vs. 18.6%, p = 0.006, respectively). There were also significant differences between the stress and inflammation-related indicators in different time points in this study, while the side effects for 48 h after delivery were similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

Single intravenous injection of esketamine after delivery in participants underwent labor analgesia can decrease the occurrence of postpartum depression for one week and six weeks after delivery, while the side effects were not increased. The antidepressant effects of esketamine may be related to the reduction of stress response and inflammation.

Trial registration

The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 5/30/2022 (CTRI registration number—ChiCTR2200060387). URL of registry: https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/home.
Grapevine bacterial communities display compartment-specific dynamics over space and time within the Central Valley of California
Authors: Swift Joel F. , Migicovsky Zoë , Trello Grace E. , Miller Allison J.
Published: November 2023

Background

Plant organs (compartments) host distinct microbiota which shift in response to variation in both development and climate. Grapevines are woody perennial crops that are clonally propagated and cultivated across vast geographic areas, and as such, their microbial communities may also reflect site-specific influences. These site-specific influences along with microbial differences across sites compose ‘terroir’, the environmental influence on wine produced in a given region. Commercial grapevines are typically composed of a genetically distinct root (rootstock) grafted to a shoot system (scion) which adds an additional layer of complexity via genome-to-genome interactions.

Results

To understand spatial and temporal patterns of bacterial diversity in grafted grapevines, we used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to quantify soil and compartment microbiota (berries, leaves, and roots) for grafted grapevines in commercial vineyards across three counties in the Central Valley of California over two successive growing seasons. Community composition revealed compartment-specific dynamics. Roots assembled site-specific bacterial communities that reflected rootstock genotype and environment influences, whereas bacterial communities of leaves and berries displayed associations with time.

Conclusions

These results provide further evidence of a microbial terroir within the grapevine root systems but also reveal that the microbiota of above-ground compartments are only weakly associated with the local soil microbiome in the Central Valley of California.
Risk assessment of aflatoxin B1 in herbal medicines and plant food supplements marketed in Malaysia using margin of exposure and RISK21 approaches
Authors: Ab Dullah Siti Soleha , Sabran Mohd Redzwan , Hasiah Ab Hamid , Abdullah Rozaini
Published: November 2023

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin produced by several species of Aspergillus fungi which can cause liver cancer in animals and humans. This study aims to perform the risk assessment of AFB1 in herbal medicines and plant food supplements (PFS) in Malaysian market. A total of 31 herbal medicines and PFS were purchased through online platforms and over the counter using a targeted sampling strategy. Of 31 samples analysed using the ELISA method, 25 (80.6%) were contaminated with AFB1 at levels ranged from 0.275 to 13.941 μg/kg. The Benchmark Dose Lower Confidence level of 10 (BMDL10) of 63.46 ng/kg bw/day and the estimated dietary intake of the adult population ranged from 0.006 to 10.456 ng/kg bw/day were used to calculate the Margin of Exposure (MOE). The MOEs for 24 (96%) out of the 25 positive samples were lower than 10,000. The RISK21 matrix revealed that AFB1 exposure levels from herbal medicines and PFS differed greatly over the world. The calculated population risk of acquiring liver cancer from AFB1 exposure ranged from 0 to 0.261 cancers/100,000 populations/year and accounted for an estimated percentage of liver cancer incidence ranged from 0.002 to 4.149%. This study revealed a moderate risk of liver cancer attributable to AFB1 from herbal medicine and PFS among Malaysian populations and emphasised an urgency for risk management actions.
Low-carbon economic multi-objective dispatch of integrated energy system considering the price fluctuation of natural gas and carbon emission accounting
Authors: Qin Minglei , Yang Yongbiao , Zhao Xianqiu , Xu Qingshan , Yuan Li
Published: November 2023

Natural gas is the main energy source and carbon emission source of integrated energy systems (IES). In existing studies, the price of natural gas is generally fixed, and the impact of price fluctuation which may be brought by future liberalization of the terminal side of the natural gas market on the IES is rarely considered. This paper constructs a natural gas price fluctuation model based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Dynamic Bayesian networks (DBN) algorithms. It uses the improved epsilon constraint method and fuzzy multi-weight technology to solve the Pareto frontier set considering the system operation cost and carbon emission. The system operation cost is described using Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) to predict the stochastic output of the renewable energy source, and a penalty function based on the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) model to describe the thermal comfort of the user. This is analyzed using the Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithm. Carbon emissions are calculated using the carbon accounting method, and a ladder penalty mechanism is introduced to define the carbon trading price. Results of the comparison illustrate that the Pareto optimal solution tends to choose less carbon emission, electricity is more economical, and gas is less carbon-intensive in a small IES for end-users when the price of natural gas fluctuates. The impacts of various extents of natural gas price fluctuation for the same load are also discussed.
Research on fault tracing method of traction drive control system
Authors: Yin Jintian , He Zhilong , Liu Li , Shao Wu , Li Hui , Sun Dabing
Published: November 2023

Fault propagation is a common occurrence in traction drive control systems. The propagation of faults among components creates difficulties in traceability. Therefore, this paper focuses on the traction transmission control system and proposes a fault tracing method based on fault propagation. First, establish a fault propagation model that includes spatiotemporal characteristics. Then, extract the fault characteristics and the time it takes for faults to propagate at various observation points throughout system operation. Finally, match the spatiotemporal characteristics of the corresponding observation points in the fault propagation model, so as to determine the fault type and location, allowing for fault traceability. The proposed method’s feasibility is verified using a system example. The effectiveness of the proposed method in the traction drive control system was verified through system examples, which can meet the requirements of rapid fault tracing and is effective for weak faults.
Mental health needs and accessing specialised healthcare in Mexican children with mental disorders: gender- and diagnosis-dependent differences
Authors: Diaz-Castro Lina , Hoffman Kurt , Marquez-Caraveo Maria Elena , Cabello-Rangel Hector
Published: November 2023

Background

Access describes factors that influence the initial contact or use of services, emphasising both the characteristics of patients and the health resources that influence the use of health services.

Aims

To compare Mexican boys and girls with mental disorders, with respect to primary diagnosis, symptom onset, and seeking and accessing specialised mental health services (SMHS).

Method

Longitudinal data were collected from primary caregiver-reported assessments of 397 child–caretaker dyads (child mean age 12.17 years, range 5–18 years, 63% male) that were obtained in two psychiatric hospitals specialising in child mental healthcare. Student t-tests and χ2-tests were applied to compare boys and girls regarding their diagnosis and variables associated with the seeking of and access to SMHS.

Results

Hyperkinetic disorder was the most prevalent diagnosis in boys, whereas depressive disorder and anxiety disorder were most prevalent in girls. The mean age at symptom onset for boys was 7 years, compared with 10 years for girls. Hyperkinetic disorder had the earliest symptom onset (mean 5.9 years), followed by depressive disorder (mean 9.8 years) and anxiety disorder (mean 12 years). Delayed access to SMHS was associated with initially seeking care from a psychologist, whereas quicker access was associated with affiliation with the (now defunct) Popular Insurance, a programme that served low-income and uninsured individuals.

Conclusions

Programmes aimed at children's mental health education and early intervention should consider gender- and diagnosis-related differences in symptom onset and trajectory. Access to SMHS might be improved by rapid identification by parents, educators, primary-care physicians and psychologists.
Quasinormal ringing of regular Einstein-Yang-Mills black hole
Authors: Pu Yang , Yang Yi
Published: November 2023

In this letter, we study quasinormal modes of regular non-minimal Einstein-Yang-Mills (EYM) black holes. We mainly consider the scalar field perturbation and axial gravitational perturbation of the EYM black hole. The corresponding effective potential is derived by solving the field equations. The quasinormal ringing of EYM black hole under scalar field perturbation and axial gravitational perturbation is given through time domain integration. Our results show that the magnetic charge Q will reduce the damping rate of the gravitational waves generated by the EYM black hole after being disturbed.
Interhemispheric Vertical Hemispherotomy: Technique, Outcome, and Pitfalls—A Bicentric Retrospective Case Series of 39 Cases
Authors: Pilioneta Martin , Chen Hsin-Hung , Losito Emma , Bourgeois Marie , Chémaly Nicole , Eiserman Monika , Guida Lelio , Dangouloff-Ros Volodia , Fumagalli Luca , Kaminska Anna , Boddaert Nathalie , Auvin Stéphane , Nabbout Rima , Sainte-Rose Christian , Blauwblomme Thomas
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

When seizure onset affects a whole hemisphere, hemispheric disconnections are efficient and safe procedures. However, both lateral peri-insular hemispherotomy and vertical paramedian hemispherotomy approaches report a failure rate around 20%, which can be explained by residual connections giving rise to persistent seizures. In this study, we present the interhemispheric vertical hemispherotomy (IVH), a technical variation of the vertical paramedian hemispherotomy approach, that aims to increase seizure control avoiding residual connections while exposing the corpus callosum.

METHODS:

This is a retrospective study of IVH in two centers, with analysis of clinical and MRI data and outcomes. A detailed description of the technique is provided with a video.

RESULTS:

IVH was performed in 39 children. The mean age at surgery was 7.2 years, and etiologies were as follows: malformations of cortical development (n = 14), Rasmussen's encephalitis (n = 10), stroke (n = 10), post-traumatic (3), and Sturge-Weber Syndrome (2). Hemispheric disconnection was complete on postoperative MRI in 34 cases. There was no mortality, hydrocephalus occurred in one case, and subdural collection occurred in four cases. A second surgery was performed in four cases because of seizure relapse (n = 3) and/or incomplete disconnection on MRI (n = 4). With a mean follow-up of 3.2 years, International League Against Epilepsy class I epilepsy outcome was obtained for 37/39 patients.

CONCLUSION:

IVH is a safe and effective variation of the vertical approaches for hemispheric disconnection. It allows a good exposure and anatomic control of the corpus callosum, which is a frequent site of incomplete disconnection. IVH may be limited by the thalamic volume and the ventricular size, notably in hemimegalencephaly cases.
Το ιεροκοσμικό ανθολόγιο του Νίκωνα
Authors: Φιορίνο Ουμπέρτο
Published: November 2023

Η παρούσα εργασία επιχειρεί τη μελέτη και την έκδοση του Ανθολογίου του Νίκωνα, μια ιεροκοσμική συλλογή παραδιδόμενη αποκλειστικά από τον κώδικα Princeton MS 180 (University Library), ο οποίος χρονολογείται στα τέλη του 13ου αιώνα. Το ανθολόγιο, το οποίο συλλέγει 786 σύντομα αποσπάσματα θύραθεν και θρησκευτικών συγγραφέων, εντάσσεται στην παραγωγή ιεροκοσμικών συλλογών και παρουσιάζει ειδικό ενδιαφέρον για την αλφαβητική δομή της καθώς και για τα περιεχόμενά της. Πάνω από εκατό αποσπάσματά του είναι αταύτιστα. Η διατριβή διαρθρώνεται σε τέσσερα μέρη. Tο πρώτο, τα προλεγόμενα, διαιρείται σε πέντε κεφάλαια. Στο πρώτο από αυτά παρουσιάζονται εν συντομία τα ιεροκοσμικά ανθολόγια, με αναφορές στην πιο πρόσφατη και συνάμα πλούσια βιβλιογραφία. Ακολουθεί ένα κεφάλαιο αφιερωμένο στην προσπάθεια ανίχνευσης της προσωπικότητας του Νίκωνα καθώς και στη λεπτομερή περιγραφή της φύσης, της δομής, των περιεχομένων του ανθολογίου και των σχέσεών του με τις άλλες συλλογές. Στο τρίτο κεφάλαιο παρουσιάζονται αναλυτικότερα οι κύριες συλλογές που έχουν στενότερη σχέση με εκείνη του Νίκωνα. Στο τέταρτο κεφάλαιο προσφέρονται κάποιες πληροφορίες για το χειρόγραφο και περιγράφονται οι ιδιαιτερότητες που αφορούν τη ορθογραφία και στίξη του. Στο πέμπτο κεφάλαιο εκτίθενται οι αρχές που ακολουθούνται στην παρούσα έκδοση. Στο δεύτερο μέρος περιλαμβάνεται η έκδοση του κειμένου με τα υπομνήματα (κριτικών, παραλλήλων και πηγών). Το τρίτο μέρος αποτελείται από τον πίνακα στον οποίο φαίνονται οι σχέσεις μεταξύ των έως τώρα εκδεδομένων ιεροκοσμικών συλλογών και τα αποσπάσματα τα οποία το ανθολόγιο του Νίκωνα μοιράζεται με αυτές τις τελευταίες. Η εργασία ολοκληρώνεται με μερικές φωτογραφίες του χειρογράφου.Το τέταρτο μέρος της εργασίας αποτελείται από τα ευρετήρια (αρχών, παραθεμάτων και ονομάτων).
Fabrication and metrology of SiC cladding and seals for containment and heat transfer applications
Authors: Phillips Mason , Ang Caen , Shaver Brandon
Published: November 2023

Background SiC is a candidate material for high-temperature nuclear applications due to its high corrosion resistance, thermomechanical strength, and low neutron cross-section. Traditional manufacturing methods include sintering to a near-net shape with post-sinter finish machining. Methods Analysis of the metrology from fabricated SiC casings was conducted. SiC was fabricated using spark plasma sintering (SPS) under constant temperature and pressure (~2,000K; ~10MPa). Samples were then sandblasted to remove excess graphite and underwent metrological evaluation. Results Metrology indicates that dimensions may not be sufficiently predictable for net-shape fabrications. The process of mass dosing, human input, and sinter-forging lead to standard deviations of up to ~7%, suggesting that alternative tooling approaches are required to decrease the amount, and subsequent cost, of post-sinter machining. Dimensional compatibility trials using surrogate pellets show that machining is required. Conclusions The consequences of poor tolerances are discussed with respect to theoretical applications. This is an expected outcome for a ceramic fabrication process.
Systemic treatment with cigarette smoke extract affects zebrafish visual behaviour, intraocular vasculature morphology and outer segment phagocytosis
Authors: Gómez Sánchez Alicia , Colucci Patrizia , Moran Ailis , Moya López Alexandro , Colligris Basilio , Álvarez Yolanda , Kennedy Breandán N.
Published: November 2023

Introduction Cigarette smoking adversely affects multiple aspects of human health including eye disorders such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and dry eye disease. However, there remains a knowledge gap in how constituents of cigarette smoke affect vision and retinal biology. We used zebrafish to assess effects of short-term acute exposure to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on visual behaviour and retinal biology. Methods Zebrafish larvae with a developed visual system at three days post-fertilization (dpf) were exposed to CSE for 4, 24 or 48 hours. Visual behaviour, hyaloid vasculature morphology, retinal histology, oxidative stress gene expression and outer segment phagocytosis were investigated using visual behavioural optokinetic and visual motor response assays (OKR and VMR), microscopy (light, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy), and real-time PCR. Results In zebrafish larvae, 48 hours of CSE treatment resulted in significantly reduced visual behaviour. Larvae treated with 10, 15 or 20 μg/mL CSE showed an average of 13.7, 10.7 or 9.4 saccades per minute, respectively, significantly lower compared with 0.05% DMSO controls (p=0.0093, p=0.0004 and p<0.0001, respectively) that exhibited 19.7 saccades per minute. The diameter of intraocular vessels increased from 4.833 μm in 0.05% DMSO controls to 5.885 μm in the 20 μg/mL CSE-treated larvae (p=0.0333). Biometry analysis highlighted a significant axial length elongation in 20 μg/mL CSE-treated larvae (216.9 μm, p<0.0001) compared to 0.05% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) controls (205.1 μm). Larvae exposed to 20 μg/mL CSE had significantly (p=0.0002) higher numbers of RPE phagosomes compared to vehicle controls (0.1425 and 0.093 phagosomes/μm RPE, respectively). Conclusions Zebrafish larvae with a developed visual system display apparent defects in visual behaviour and retinal biology after acute exposure to CSE, establishing a valuable in vivo model to investigate ocular disorders related to cigarette smoke.
Preventing deaths due to tuberculosis: An assessment of global targets with a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Quevedo Cruz Luz , Carballo-Jimenez Paula P , Datta Sumona , Evans Carlton A.
Published: November 2023

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is believed to have caused more deaths than any other infection since records began. The “Sustainable Development Goals”, previous “Millennium Development Goals”, World Health Organisation “End TB Strategy” and the second and third “Global Plans to Stop TB” all prioritise(d) key targets to reduce deaths due to TB. However, there seems to be limited research evidence available to inform how this may best be achieved. We therefore aim to summarise, critically appraise, and synthesise the trial evidence that interventions decrease deaths due to TB.

Methods: We will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We will search the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases for peer reviewed English/Spanish language publications focused on evaluating interventions to reduce deaths due to TB as primary or secondary trial outcomes. We plan to use the following search terms: tuberculosis OR TB; death OR mortality OR fatality OR survival; prevent* OR reduce* OR decrease*; AND trial. Eligible publications will be selected by two independent reviewers and a third will resolve any discrepancies. Key information will be extracted using a shared cloud-based spreadsheet, publications categorised and summarised and critically appraised. Key data will be extracted and synthesised. Meta-analysis will be carried out if there are three or more studies investigating similar interventions with a similar outcome. The quality of trial evidence and any risk of bias will be formally assessed using the Cochrane tools.

Conclusions: We report a protocol for a systematic review of the published literature involving trial evidence assessing whether interventions reduce deaths due to TB and a meta-analysis of the quantitative evidence. We aim to clarify research gaps and to synthesise evidence in order to guide future policy and research.

PROSPERO registration: Record number CRD42023387877
The genome sequence of a hoverfly, Pocota personata (Harris, 1780)
Authors: Falk Steven , Woodcock Katie J. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: November 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Pocota personata (a hoverfly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Syrphidae). The genome sequence is 845.2 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 5 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.04 kilobases in length.
Extreme-Case Distortion Risk Measures: A Unification and Generalization of Closed-Form Solutions
Authors: Shao Hui , Zhang Zhe George
Published: November 2023

Extreme-case risk measures provide an approach for quantifying the upper and lower bounds of risk in situations where limited information is available regarding the underlying distributions. Previous research has demonstrated that for popular risk measures, such as value-at-risk and conditional value-at-risk, the worst-case counterparts can be evaluated in closed form when only the first two moments of the underlying distributions are known. In this study, we extend these findings by presenting closed-form solutions for a general class of distortion risk measures, which consists of various popular risk measures as special cases when the first and certain higher-order (i.e., second or more) absolute center moments, alongside the symmetry properties of the underlying distributions, are known. Moreover, we characterize the extreme-case distributions with convex or concave envelopes of the corresponding distributions. By providing closed-form solutions for extreme-case distortion risk measures and characterizations for the corresponding distributions, our research contributes to the understanding and application of risk quantification methodologies.

Funding: H. Shao acknowledges support from the Yangtze River Delta Science and Technology Innovation Community Joint Research Program [Grant 2022CSJGG0800]. Z. G. Zhang acknowledges support from the Canadian Network for Research and Innovation in Machining Technology, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada [Grant RGPIN-2019-06364].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/moor.2022.0156 .
The development of genially-based interactive learning multimedia for elementary school students
Authors: Putra Lovandri Dwanda , Afrina Nuryah
Published: November 2023

This research focuses on producing genially-based interactive multimedia learning for fifth-grade elementary/MI students. This research belongs to the type of research and development research and development (RND). The procedure for developing genially-based interactive learning multimedia uses a development model developed by Sugiyono with ten stages, namely potential and problems, data collection, product design, design validation, product revision, initial trial, product revision, usage trial, product revision, and mass production. However, in the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic and the limited time, conditions, and costs, researchers only carried out these stages, only to stage 9, namely product revision. The results of the validation by media experts with a score of 71 in the good category, material experts with a score of 86.6 in the very good category, and learning experts with a score of 80 in the very good category, so that genially-based interactive learning multimedia is feasible to use. The results of the responses of the SD Muhammadiyah Karangkajen II class teachers in the initial trial, namely by obtaining a score of 82.2 with a very good category, then the results of the responses of the students of SD Muhammadiyah Karangkajen II in the initial trial with the subject of 4 students with a score of 90 in the very good category, while the response of students in the use trial with the subject of 19 students with a score of 95.2 with a very good category. Then, the average value of student responses is 92.6. Based on the results of teacher and student responses, genially based interactive multimedia learning is feasible to use.
Influential Factors in Friendship Establishment Decisions Instagram Users in the Disruptive Era
Authors: Izza Hafidz Nurul
Published: November 2023

Instagram is a highly popular social media platform worldwide, including in Indonesia. In this disruptive era, both men and women extensively use Instagram for various purposes, making efforts to expand their social connections on the platform. Unfortunately, studies on the factors influencing men and women in forming friendships are relatively scarce. This research aims to uncover the aspects that influence Instagram users' decisions in forming friendships, based on gender in the disruptive era. The researcher employed a qualitative method, collecting data using a semi-open questionnaire. A total of 52 informants were involved in the study, meeting three inclusive criteria: active Instagram users, willingness to participate as research informants, and a minimum of two years' experience using Instagram. After tabulating the data based on simple frequency distribution, the researcher found that on Instagram, men and women tend to make different decisions when it comes to forming friendships. Men use Instagram as a means of entertainment, as they are inclined to be friends with individuals who share similar interests and preferences and enjoy entertaining posts. On the other hand, women use Instagram to develop themselves, as in addition to making friends with those who share common interests, they also appreciate posts that provide information and knowledge. This research has broad implications for various purposes, highlighting the importance of considering gender aspects in the use of Instagram