bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The changes of neuroactivity of Tui Na (Chinese massage) at Hegu acupoint on sensorimotor cortex in stroke patients with upper limb motor dysfunction: a fNIRS study
Authors: Chen Yu-Feng , Mao Meng-Chai , Zhu Guang-Yue , Sun Cheng-Cheng , Zhao Jing-Wang , He Hao-Xiang , Chen Yu-Hui , Xu Dong-Sheng
Published: September 2023

Background

Tui Na (Chinese massage) is a relatively simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive intervention, and has been used to treat stroke patients for many years in China. Tui Na acts on specific parts of the body which are called meridians and acupoints to achieve the role of treating diseases. Yet the underlying neural mechanism associated with Tui Na is not clear due to the lack of detection methods.

Objective

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to explore the changes of sensorimotor cortical neural activity in patients with upper limb motor dysfunction of stroke and healthy control groups during Tui Na Hegu Point.

Methods

Ten patients with unilateral upper limb motor dysfunction after stroke and eight healthy subjects received Tui Na. fNIRS was used to record the hemodynamic data in the sensorimotor cortex and the changes in blood flow were calculated based on oxygenated hemoglobin (Oxy-Hb), the task session involved repetitive Tui Na on Hegu acupoint, using a block design [six cycles: rest (20 seconds); Tui Na (20 seconds); rest (30 seconds)]. The changes in neural activity in sensorimotor cortex could be inferred according to the principle of neurovascular coupling, and the number of activated channels in the bilateral hemisphere was used to calculate the lateralization index.

Result

1. For hemodynamic response induced by Hegu acupoint Tui Na, a dominant increase in the contralesional primary sensorimotor cortex during Hegu point Tui Na of the less affected arm in stroke patients was observed, as well as that in healthy controls, while this contralateral pattern was absent during Hegu point Tui Na of the affected arm in stroke patients. 2. Concerning the lateralization index in stroke patients, a significant difference was observed between lateralization index values for the affected arm and the less affected arm (P < 0.05). Wilcoxon tests showed a significant difference between lateralization index values for the affected arm in stroke patients and lateralization index values for the dominant upper limb in healthy controls (P < 0.05), and no significant difference between lateralization index values for the less affected arm in stroke patients and that in healthy controls (P = 0.36).

Conclusion

The combination of Tui Na and fNIRS has the potential to reflect the functional status of sensorimotor neural circuits. The changes of neuroactivity in the sensorimotor cortex when Tui Na Hegu acupoint indicate that there is a certain correlation between acupoints in traditional Chinese medicine and neural circuits.
Psychosocial work characteristics and sleep quality among early career registered nurses: a cross-sectional latent profile analysis
Authors: Lönnqvist Katri , Sinervo Timo , Kaihlanen Anu-Marja , Vehviläinen-Julkunen Katri , Elovainio Marko
Published: September 2023

Background

Individual psychosocial work characteristics have been associated with health and well-being of registered nurses. However, it is yet to be determined whether different types of psychosocial work characteristics form patterned profiles and how these profiles are associated with the health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to identify latent psychosocial work characteristic profiles, including procedural, interactional and distributive justice, job demand and job control, and examine whether the profiles are associated with sleep quality among early career registered nurses.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study comprising 632 early career registered nurses. Data were collected between November and December 2018 using an electronic survey with internationally validated measures including the Organizational Justice Scale, the Nurse Stress Index Scale, the Job Content Questionnaire, and the Sleep Problems Questionnaire. Latent profile analysis was used to identify groups with similar psychosocial work characteristic profiles. Multinomial and linear regression analyses were used to examine the association between latent work characteristics profiles and sleep quality.

Results

Analysis yielded four profiles. The profiles were named based on the descriptions of classes as high strain/low justice, medium strain/high justice, medium strain/medium justice, and low strain/high justice. The low strain/high justice profile group (p = < 0.001) and the medium strain/high justice profile group (p = 0.002) had statistically significantly better sleep quality compared to the high strain/low justice profile group.

Conclusions

High procedural and interactional justice may alleviate strain in early career registered nurses and protect them against sleep problems. Promoting organizational justice in early career stages seems an efficient way to enhance registered nurses’ well-being and sleep quality.
Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of using a digital patient educational programme as part of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with coronary artery disease – a qualitative study
Authors: Danielsbacka Jenny , Feldthusen Caroline , Bäck Maria
Published: September 2023

Background

Participation in cardiac rehabilitation in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) remains underutilised. Digital educational programmes, as part of cardiac rehabilitation, are emerging as a means of increasing accessibility, but healthcare professionals’ perceptions of implementing and using these programmes are not known. The aim of the study was therefore to explore healthcare professionals ̓ perceptions and experiences of implementing and using a digital patient educational programme (DPE) as part of cardiac rehabilitation after acute CAD.

Methods

Individual semi-structured interviews were performed with 12 nurses and physiotherapists, ten women with a median age of 49.5 (min 37- max 59) years, with experience of using the DPE as part of a phase II cardiac rehabilitation programme in Region Västra Götaland, Sweden. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed with inductive content analysis according to Graneheim and Lundman.

Results

An overall theme was identified throughout the unit of analysis: “Digital patient education – a complement yet not a replacement”. Within this theme, three main categories were identified: “Finding ways that make implementation work”, “Accessibility to information for confident and involved patients” and “Reaching one another in a digital world”. Each main category contains a number of sub-categories.

Conclusions

This study adds new knowledge on healthcare professionals’ perceptions of a digital patient educational programme as a valuable and accessible alternative to centre-based education programmes as part of cardiac rehabilitation for patients with CAD. The participants highlighted the factors necessary for a successful implementation, such as support through the process and sufficient time from the employer to learn the system and to create new routines in daily practice. Future research is needed to further understand the impact of digital education systems in the secondary prevention of CAD. Ultimately, hybrid models, where the choice of delivery depends on the preferences of the individual patient, would be the optimal model of care for the future.
Patterns of presentation of adults with hearing impairment in a peri-urban community in South Africa: a qualitative study
Authors: Mtimkulu Thobekile Kutloano , Khoza-Shangase Katijah
Published: September 2023

Background

There is a wealth of research, globally, on the help-seeking behavior patterns of individuals with a variety of chronic medical conditions. Contextually relevant findings have been reported describing the influence of a disease and/or disorder together with the related personal, social, environmental, and region-specific factors. However, research related to help-seeking behavior patterns in hearing impairment is mostly found in high income countries (HICs) and tells a one-sided story indicating a knowledge gap in other contexts. As part of a bigger study titled “In pursuit of preventive audiology: Help-seeking behavior patterns of adults with hearing impairment in a peri-urban community in South Africa”, the main aim of this study was to describe the patterns of presentation of symptoms in adults with hearing impairment from a peri-urban community in South Africa.

Methods

Through a non-probability purposive sampling method, 23 adults with hearing impairment participated in semi-structured interviews using an interview guide from April – June 2021. Thematic analysis through a deductive analysis approach was adopted for data analysis.

Results

Participants’ patterns of presentation indicated a belief in a Western bio-medical causation to explain their hearing impairment. Help-seekers sought help mostly from healthcare workers at all levels of healthcare in the public (primary, secondary, and tertiary) and private healthcare sectors, followed by a few participants consulting their social networks. Only one participant used a traditional healthcare provider to resolve his hearing difficulties.

Conclusions

In a diverse country like South Africa, with a majority African population, the influence of cultural practices and beliefs proved to have a minimal influence on participants’ help-seeking behavior for their ear and hearing challenges. However, an interplay of factors related to one’s context at the time played a significant role in the patterns of presentation to the ear and hearing clinic. There is therefore a need to understand the perspectives of adults with hearing impairment from their environments to facilitate more contextual relevancy in healthcare provision within the preventive audiology field. Hearing health policymakers should also endeavor to consider the realities of health-seeking in each context and environment.
Interaction of the AKT and β-catenin signalling pathways and the influence of photobiomodulation on cellular signalling proteins in diabetic wound healing
Authors: Jere Sandy Winfield , Abrahamse Heidi , Houreld Nicolette Nadene
Published: September 2023

The induction of a cells destiny is a tightly controlled process that is regulated through communication between the matrix and cell signalling proteins. Cell signalling activates distinctive subsections of target genes, and different signalling pathways may be used repeatedly in different settings. A range of different signalling pathways are activated during the wound healing process, and dysregulated cellular signalling may lead to reduced cell function and the development of chronic wounds. Diabetic wounds are chronic and are characterised by the inability of skin cells to act in response to reparative inducements. Serine/threonine kinase, protein kinase B or AKT (PKB/AKT), is a central connection in cell signalling induced by growth factors, cytokines and other cellular inducements, and is one of the critical pathways that regulate cellular proliferation, survival, and quiescence. AKT interacts with a variety of other pathway proteins including glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) and β-catenin. Novel methodologies based on comprehensive knowledge of activated signalling pathways and their interaction during normal or chronic wound healing can facilitate quicker and efficient diabetic wound healing. In this review, we focus on interaction of the AKT and β-catenin signalling pathways and the influence of photobiomodulation on cellular signalling proteins in diabetic wound healing.
Sterilized Anopheles funestus can autodisseminate sufficient pyriproxyfen to the breeding habitat under semi-field settings
Authors: Kunambi Hamisi J. , Ngowo Halfan , Ali Ali , Urio Naomi , Ngonzi Amos J. , Mwalugelo Yohana A. , Jumanne Mohamed , Mmbaga Augustino , Tarimo Felista S. , Swilla Joseph , Okumu Fredros , Lwetoijera Dickson
Published: September 2023

Background

Anopheles funestus, the main malaria vector, prefer to oviposit in permanent and/or semi-permanent breeding habitats located far from human dwellings. Difficulties in identifying and accessing these habitats jeopardize the feasibility of conventional larviciding. In this way, a semi-field study was conducted to assess the potential of autodissemination of pyriproxyfen (PPF) by An. funestus for its control.

Methods

The study was conducted inside a semi-field system (SFS). Therein, two identical separate chambers, the treatment chamber with a PPF-treated clay pot (0.25 g AI), and the control chamber with an untreated clay pot. In both chambers, one artificial breeding habitat made of a plastic basin with one litre of water was provided. Three hundred blood-fed female An. funestus aged 5–9 days were held inside untreated and treated clay pots for 30 min and 48 h before being released for oviposition. The impact of PPF on adult emergence, fecundity, and fertility through autodissemination and sterilization effects were assessed by comparing the treatment with its appropriate control group.

Results

Mean (95% CI) percentage of adult emergence was 15.5% (14.9–16.1%) and 70.3% (69–71%) in the PPF and control chamber for females exposed for 30 min (p < 0.001); and 19% (12–28%) and 95% (88–98%) in the PPF and control chamber for females exposed for 48 h (p < 0.001) respectively. Eggs laid by exposed mosquitoes and their hatch rate were significantly reduced compared to unexposed mosquitoes (p < 0.001). Approximately, 90% of females exposed for 48 h retained abnormal ovarian follicles and only 42% in females exposed for 30 min.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated sterilization and adult emergence inhibition via autodissemination of PPF by An. funestus. Also, it offers proof that sterilized An. funestus can transfer PPF to prevent adult emergence at breeding habitats. These findings warrant further assessment of the autodissemination of PPF in controlling wild population of An. funestus, and highlights its potential for complementing long-lasting insecticidal nets.
Novel genetic variants data for adaptation to hypoxia in native chickens
Authors: Moradi Atieh , Kharrati-Koopaee Hamed , Fardi Morteza , Farahmandzadeh Mehdi , Nowroozi Fatemeh
Published: September 2023

Objective

The genomic response and the role of genetic variants in hypoxia condition are always interesting issues about adaption pathways at genomic level. Herein, we carried out a comparative genomic study between highland and lowland native chickens, in order to identify the adaptive variants in hypoxia condition. We generated more than 20 million genetic variants in highland and lowland chickens. Finally, 3877 SNVs including the mtDNA ones, were discovered as novel adaptive genetic variants. The generated data set can provide new insight about mechanism of adaptation to hypoxia at genomic level.

Data description

To investigate the role of genetic variants in adaptation to hypoxia, 10 whole-genome sequencing data sets associated to highland and lowland native chickens were provided. DNA was extracted by salting-out protocol. Paired-end 125 bp short reads were sequenced by Illumina Hiseq 2000. Variants calling of highland and lowland native chickens were performed by fix ploidy algorithm in CLC Genomic Workbench. Total genetic variants of highland chickens were compared to lowland chickens in order to identify the differential genetic variants (DGVs) between highland and lowland chickens. In this way, 3877 novel SNVs (VCF format) including the mtDNA ones, were deposited at EBI database (https://identifiers.org/ena.embl:ERZ491574) for the first time.
Restrictive versus conventional ward fluid therapy in non-cardiac surgery patients and the effect on postoperative complications: a meta-analysis
Authors: Bosboom Joachim J. , Wijnberge Marije , Geerts Bart F. , Kerstens Martijn , Mythen Michael G. , Vlaar Alexander P. J. , Hollmann Markus W. , Veelo Denise P.
Published: September 2023

Background

Diligent fluid management is an instrumental part of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery. However, the effect of a ward regimen to limit intravenous fluid administration on outcome remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis investigating the effect of a restrictive versus a conventional fluid regimen on complications in patients after non-cardiac surgery in the postoperative period on the clinical ward.

Study design

We performed a systematic search in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases, from the start of indexing until June 2022, with constraints for English language and adult human study participants. Data were combined using classic methods of meta-analyses and were expressed as weighted pooled risk ratio (RR) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Quality assessment and risk of bias analyses was performed according to PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Seven records, three randomized controlled trials, and four non-randomized studies were included with a total of 883 patients. A restrictive fluid regimen was associated with a reduction in overall complication rate in the RCTs (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.95; P < .03; I2 = 35%). This reduction in overall complication rate was not consistent in the non-randomized studies (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.03; P 0.07; I2 = 45%). No significant association was found for mortality using a restrictive fluid regimen (RCTs OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.05 to 4.90; P = 0.56; I2 = 0%, non-randomized studies OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.06 to 1.46; P = 0.14; I2 = 0%). A restrictive fluid regimen is significantly associated with a reduction in postoperative length of stay in the non-randomized studies (MD − 1.81 days, 95% CI − 3.27 to − 0.35; P = 0.01; I2 = 0%) but not in the RCTs (MD 0.60 days, 95% CI − 0.75 to 1.95; P = 0.38). Risk of bias was moderate to high. Methodological quality was very low to moderate.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggests restrictive fluid therapy on the ward may be associated with an effect on postoperative complication rate. However, the quality of evidence was moderate to low, the sample size was small, and the data came from both RCTs and non-randomized studies.
Development and validation of a competitive risk model in patients with rectal cancer: based on SEER database
Authors: Hu Ruobing , Li Xiuling , Zhou Xiaomin , Ding Songze
Published: September 2023

Background

Rectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies. To predict the specific mortality risk of rectal cancer patients, we constructed a predictive nomogram based on a competing risk model.

Methods

The information on rectal cancer patients was extracted from the SEER database. Traditional survival analysis and specific death analysis were performed separately on the data.

Results

The present study included 23,680 patients, with 16,580 in the training set and 7100 in the validation set. The specific mortality rate calculated by the competing risk model was lower than that of the traditional survival analysis. Age, Marriage, Race, Sex, ICD-O-3Hist/Behav, Grade, AJCC stage, T stage, N stage, Surgery, Examined LN, RX SUMM-SURG OTH, Chemotherapy, CEA, Deposits, Regional nodes positive, Brain, Bone, Liver, Lung, Tumor size, and Malignant were independent influencing factors of specific death. The overall C statistic of the model in the training set was 0.821 (Se = 0.001), and the areas under the ROC curve for cancer-specific survival (CSS) at 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.842, 0.830, and 0.812, respectively. The overall C statistic of the model in the validation set was 0.829 (Se = 0.002), and the areas under the ROC curve for CSS at 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.851, 0.836, and 0.813, respectively.

Conclusions

The predictive nomogram based on a competing risk model for time-specific mortality in patients with rectal cancer has very desirable accuracy. Thus, the application of the predictive nomogram in clinical practice can help physicians make clinical decisions and follow-up strategies.
CYFIP2 serves as a prognostic biomarker and correlates with tumor immune microenvironment in human cancers
Authors: Peng Qiliang , Ren Bixin , Xin Kedao , Liu Weihui , Alam Md Shahin , Yang Yinyin , Gu Xuhao , Zhu Yaqun , Tian Ye
Published: September 2023

Background

The mechanisms whereby CYFIP2 acts in tumor development and drives immune infiltration have been poorly explored. Thus, this study aimed to identifying the role of CYFIP2 in tumors and immune response.

Methods

In this study, we first explored expression patterns, diagnostic role and prognostic value of CYFIP2 in cancers, particularly in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Then, we performed functional enrichment, genetic alterations, DNA methylation analysis, and immune cell infiltration analysis of CYFIP2 to uncover its potential mechanisms involved in immune microenvironment.

Results

We found that CYFIP2 significantly differentially expressed in different tumors including LUAD compared with normal tissues. Furthermore, CYFIP2 was found to be significantly correlated with clinical parameters in LUAD. According to the diagnostic and survival analysis, CYFIP2 may be employed as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. Moreover, genetic alterations revealed that mutation of CYFIP2 was the main types of alterations in different cancers. DNA methylation analysis indicated that CYFIP2 mRNA expression correlated with hypomethylation. Afterwards, functional enrichment analysis uncovered that CYFIP2 was involved in tumor-associated and immune-related pathways. Immune infiltration analysis indicated that CYFIP2 was significantly correlated with immune cells infiltration. In particular, CYFIP2 was strongly linked with immune microenvironment scores. Additionally, CYFIP2 exhibited a significant relationship with immune regulators and immune-related genes including chemokines, chemokines receptors, and MHC genes.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that CYFIP2 may serve as a prognostic cancer biomarker for determining prognosis and might be a promising therapeutic strategy for tumor immunotherapy.
Ameliorative effect of hesperidin against high dose sildenafil-induced liver and testicular oxidative stress and altered gene expression in male rats
Authors: Laila Ibrahim M. Ibrahim , Kassem Samar HassabAllah , Diab Marwa Salah ElDin Mohamed
Published: September 2023

Background

The clinical use of sildenafil citrate (Viagra), a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction, is limited because of its many side effects on tissues. In this context, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of hesperidin, a citrus flavonoid, on hepatic and testicular damage induced by a high dose of sildenafil citrate in male rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups. The first group was used as the control group. The second group was orally administered sildenafil citrate at a high dose of 75 mg/kg thrice a week. In the third group, hesperidin was administered orally at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day. The fourth group was administered 75 mg/kg sildenafil citrate three times a week with 50 mg/kg hesperidin daily. The experiment lasted for 28 days.

Results

In the sildenafil-treated groups, blood indices were altered, liver function tests were deranged, and serum testosterone levels were reduced. In the liver and testicular tissue, sildenafil citrate treatment resulted in significant reductions in catalase and total antioxidant capacity; as well as increased malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, and nitrous oxide levels. In addition, sildenafil citrate treatment caused abnormal histopathological patterns in both the liver and the testes. Liver vascular endothelial growth factor and testicular steroidogenic acute regulatory protein gene expression were upregulated.

Conclusions

Hesperidin attenuated the harmful effects of intensive sildenafil citrate treatment on liver and testicular functions, alleviated oxidative stress and normalized blood indices. Therefore, hesperidin could be protective against sildenafil citrate-induced oxidative damage that may develop over the long term.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-harm and self-harm/suicide ideation: population-wide data linkage study and time series analysis
Authors: Paterson Euan Neil , Kent Lisa , O'Reilly Dermot , O'Hagan Denise , O'Neill Siobhan M. , Maguire Aideen
Published: September 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns were predicted to have a major impact on suicidal behaviour, including self-harm. However, current studies have produced contradictory findings with limited trend data.

Aims

Nine years of linked individual-level administrative data were utilised to examine changes in hospital-presenting self-harm and ideation (thoughts of self-harm or suicide) before and during the pandemic.

Method

National self-harm registry data were linked to demographic and socioeconomic indicators from healthcare registration records (n = 1 899 437). Monthly presentations of self-harm or ideation were split (pre-COVID-19 restrictions: April 2012 to February 2020; and during restrictions: March to September 2020). Auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models were trained in R taking into consideration trends and seasonal effects. Forecast (‘expected’) monthly values were compared with ‘actual’ values, stratified by demographic factors and method of harm.

Results

The number of individuals presenting with self-harm or ideation dropped significantly at the beginning of the pandemic (March–May 2020), before returning mostly to expected trends from June 2020. Stratified analysis showed similar presentation trends across most demographic subgroups except for those aged over 65 years, living alone or in affluent areas, where presentations remained unaffected, and those aged under 16 years, where numbers presenting with self-harm or ideation increased above expected levels.

Conclusions

Although population trends show an overall drop in presentations before a return to ‘normal’ from June 2020, the demographic profile of those presenting with self-harm or ideation varied significantly, with increases in children under the age of 16 years. This highlights important potential target groups who may have been most negatively affected by the pandemic.
Pretest Video Education Versus Genetic Counseling for Patients With Prostate Cancer: ProGen, A Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rana Huma Q. , Stopfer Jill E. , Weitz Michelle , Kipnis Lindsay , Koeller Diane R. , Culver Samantha , Mercado Joanna , Gelman Rebecca Sue , Underhill-Blazey Meghan , McGregor Bradley A. , Sweeney Christopher J. , Petrucelli Nancie , Kokenakes Courtney , Pirzadeh-Miller Sara , Reys Brian , Frazier Arthur , Knechtl Andrew , Fateh Salman , Vatnick Donna Rachel , Silver Rebecca , Kilbridge Kerry E. , Pomerantz Mark M. , Wei Xiao X. , Choudhury Atish D. , Sonpavde Guru P. , Kozyreva Olga , Lathan Christopher , Horton Carrie , Dolinsky Jill S. , Heath Elisabeth I. , Ross Theodora Suzanne , Courtney Kevin Dale , Garber Judy E. , Taplin Mary-Ellen
Published: September 2023

In this large, multisite RCT, pretest video education shows promise for men with prostate cancer.
Arterial Hyperoxemia During Cardiopulmonary Bypass Was Not Associated With Worse Postoperative Pulmonary Function: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kelava Marta , Milam Adam J. , Mi Junhui , Alfirevic Andrej , Grady Patrick , Unai Shinya , Elgharably Haytham , McCurry Kenneth , Koprivanac Marijan , Duncan Andra
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

Arterial hyperoxemia may cause end-organ damage secondary to the increased formation of free oxygen radicals. The clinical evidence on postoperative lung toxicity from arterial hyperoxemia during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is scarce, and the effect of arterial partial pressure of oxygen (Pao
2) during cardiac surgery on lung injury has been underinvestigated. Thus, we aimed to examine the relationship between Pao
2 during CPB and postoperative lung injury. Secondarily, we examined the relationship between Pao
2 and global (lactate), and regional tissue malperfusion (acute kidney injury). We further explored the association with regional tissue malperfusion by examining markers of cardiac (troponin) and liver injury (bilirubin).

METHODS:

This was a retrospective cohort study including patients who underwent elective cardiac surgeries (coronary artery bypass, valve, aortic, or combined) requiring CPB between April 2015 and December 2021 at a large quaternary medical center. The primary outcome was postoperative lung function defined as the ratio of Pao
2 to fractional inspired oxygen concentration (Fio
2); P/F ratio 6 hours following surgery or before extubation. The association between CPB in-line sample monitor Pao
2 and primary, secondary, and exploratory outcomes was evaluated using linear or logistic regression models adjusting for available baseline confounders.

RESULTS:

A total of 9141 patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 8429 (92.2%) patients had complete baseline variables available and were included in the analysis. The mean age of the sample was 64 (SD = 13), and 68% were men (n = 6208). The time-weighted average (TWA) of in-line sample monitor Pao
2 during CPB was weakly positively associated with the postoperative P/F ratio. With a 100-unit increase in Pao
2, the estimated increase in postoperative P/F ratio was 4.61 (95% CI, 0.71–8.50; P = .02). Our secondary analysis showed no significant association between Pao
2 with peak lactate 6 hours post CPB (geometric mean ratio [GMR], 1.01; 98.3% CI, 0.98–1.03; P = .55), average lactate 6 hours post CPB (GMR, 1.00; 98.3% CI, 0.97–1.03; P = .93), or acute kidney injury by Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria (odds ratio, 0.91; 98.3% CI, 0.75–1.10; P = .23).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our investigation found no clinically significant association between Pao
2 during CPB and postoperative lung function. Similarly, there was no association between Pao
2 during CPB and lactate levels, postoperative renal function, or other exploratory outcomes.
Translating Line Breaks: A View from Persian Poetics
Authors: Tahmasebian Kayvan , Gould Rebecca Ruth
Published: September 2023

Line breaks are arguably the defining feature of poetry, in the absence of which a text becomes prose. Consequently, the translation of line breaks is a decisive issue for every poetry translator. Classical and modern literary theorists have argued that the potential for enjambment, which we understand as the effect that makes line breaks possible in poetry, constitutes the difference between poetry and prose. Yet, the translation of line breaks is among the least studied areas of translation theory. This essay explores the challenge of translating classical and modernist line breaks through examples from Persian and European literary canons. From Shams-i Qays’s classic treatise on Persian prosody to Arthur Rimbaud and William Carlos Williams to modernist poet Bijan Elahi’s poetic rewriting of One Thousand and One Nights, we explore the options open to the translator-poet who seeks to create a new poem in and through translation.
Quantifying Patient-Initiated Upper Extremity Movement After Surgical Reconstruction for Adult Pan-Brachial Plexus Injury
Authors: Muhlestein Whitney E. , Chang Tommy Nai-Jen , Chang Kate W.-C. , Lu Johnny Chuieng-Yi , Chen Pei-Ju , Chung Kevin C. , Yang Lynda J.-S. , Brown Susan H. , Chuang David Chwei-Chin
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Determining functional recovery in adult patients with traumatic pan-brachial plexus injury (pBPI) is hampered by the fact that most outcome measures are collected in the clinical setting and may not reflect arm use in the real world. This study's objectives were to demonstrate the feasibility of using wearable motion sensor technology to quantify spontaneous arm movement in adult patients with pBPI after surgical reconstruction and report the time and intensity with which the affected arm was used.

METHODS:

Twenty-nine patients with pBPI who underwent surgical reconstruction at least 2 years prior were included in this study. Study participants wore an accelerometer on bilateral arms for 7 days. The vector time (VT) and magnitude with which each arm moved were collected and divided by the same values collected from the uninjured arm to generate a ratio (VT and vector magnitude [VM], respectively) to quantify differences between the arms. Correlations between VT, VM, and patient demographic and physician-elicited clinical measures were calculated. Patients were enrolled at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taiwan, and data analysis was performed at the University of Michigan.

RESULTS:

Twelve patients had pan-avulsion injuries, and 17 patients had C5 rupture with C6-T1 avulsion injuries. All underwent nerve reconstruction with contralateral C7 or ipsilateral C5 nerve roots as donors. At mean 7.3 years after surgery, the mean VT ratio was 0.54 ± 0.13 and the mean VM ratio was 0.30 ± 0.13. Both VT and VM ratios were significantly correlated with patient employment and movements at the elbow and forearm.

CONCLUSION:

Wearable motion detection technology can capture spontaneous, real-world movements of the arm in patients who have undergone surgical reconstruction for pBPI. Despite severe injuries, these patients are able to use their affected arm 50% of the time and with 30% of the intensity of their unaffected arm, which is positively correlated with return to work after injury. These data support the use of surgical reconstruction for pBPI.
Environmental effects on the integrity of type 316H stainless steel of an AGR coolant
Authors: Γρέδης Αθανάσιος
Published: September 2023

Οι πυρηνικοί σταθμοί Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) του Ηνωμένου Βασιλείου, που λειτουργούν από την EDF Energy, χρησιμοποιούν ψυκτικό αερίου πρωτεύοντος κυκλώματος με βάση το CO2. Οι λέβητες αυτών των αντιδραστήρων έχουν πολυάριθμα εξαρτήματα από ανοξείδωτο χάλυβα, τα οποία μπορεί να παρουσιάσουν πρόωρη ρωγμή λόγω των εξαιρετικά επιθετικών περιβαλλόντων. Τα εξαρτήματα από ανοξείδωτο χάλυβα λειτουργούν σε περιβάλλον ενανθράκωσης υπό το καθεστώς ερπυσμού, και έτσι υφίστανται ενανθράκωση με την πάροδο του χρόνου, η οποία με τη σειρά της μεταβάλλει τις μηχανικές ιδιότητες στην επιφάνεια των εξαρτημάτων. Το ενανθρακωμένο υλικό είναι πιο ευαίσθητο σε πρόωρη ερπυστική ρωγμή λόγω της ευθραυστότητας της εξωτερικής επιφάνειας, επομένως απαιτείται νέα και θεμελιώδης κατανόηση των μηχανισμών υποβάθμισης και αστοχίας προκειμένου να παραταθεί η διάρκεια ζωής των AGR με ασφάλεια και οικονομία. Αυτή η μελέτη εστιάζει στη χρήση εργαστηριακών πειραμάτων οξείδωσης υπό ερπυσμό για τη διερεύνηση της αλληλεπίδρασης του περιβάλλοντος ενανθράκωσης σε συνδυασμό με την παραμόρφωση ερπυσμού. Για την περαιτέρω διερεύνηση των ιδιοτήτων παραμόρφωσης του ενανθρακωμένου στρώματος χρησιμοποιήθηκαν μητρικό, επεξεργασμένο εν ψυχρώ, υλικό με ρωγμή, καθώς και προ-ανθρακωμένο υλικό. Πειράματα οξείδωσης υπό ερπυσμό με συμβατικά και κωνικά δείγματα, αποκάλυψαν ότι υπήρχε ενανθράκωση σε υλικό που υποβλήθηκε σε εφαρμοζόμενη τάση ενώ οξείδωση παρατηρήθηκε σε δείγματα που υπέστησαν σημαντική πλαστική παραμόρφωση σε υψηλή θερμοκρασία. Η εν-ψυχρώ κατεργασία έδειξε ευεργετική επίδραση, καθώς μειώθηκαν τόσο η οξείδωση και η ενανθράκωση όσο και η συνολική επιμήκυνση λόγω ερπυσμού. Συνολικά, η προετοιμασία της επιφάνειας, η εν-ψυχρώ κατεργασια και η χημεία του ψυκτικού μπορούν να επιλεγούν προσεκτικά για τον έλεγχο του επιπέδου οξείδωσης και ενανθράκωσης, διασφαλίζοντας την ασφαλή λειτουργία των εξαρτημάτων από ωστενιτικό ανοξείδωτο χάλυβα στις εγκαταστάσεις AGR. Πειράματα με δείγματα που εμπερείχαν ρωγμή τόνισαν τις επιδράσεις του περιβάλλοντος ενανθράκωσης στην οξείδωση και τη συμπεριφορά ρωγμής του 316H ανοξείδοτου χάλυβα και επιτόπου πειράματα HRDIC με ενανθρακωμένο υλικό διερεύνησαν τη συμπεριφορά ρωγμής του ενανθρακωμένου στρώματος, αν και χρειάζεται περαιτέρω έρευνα για να διερευνηθεί η απόκρισή του σε παραμόρφωση. Συνολικά, αυτά τα ευρήματα μπορούν να χρησιμοποιηθούν για την αύξηση της διάρκειας ζωής αυτών των εξαρτημάτων μέσω παρέκτασησ της συμπεριφοράς των υλικών για μακροχρόνιες εκθέσεις, αλλά χρειάζεται περισσότερη έρευνα με παρατεταμένους χρόνους έκθεσης, καθώς ο χρόνος έκθεσης των 500 ωρών που χρησιμοποιείται σε αυτή τη μελέτη ενδέχεται να μην είναι απολύτως αντιπροσωπευτικό των συνθηκών και της μακροχρόνιας εκθεσης που συναντάται στους πυρινικούς αντιδραστήρες AGR.
Technology integration during teaching and learning: the COVID-19 context
Authors: Mudau Awelani V. , Sikhosana Lettah
Published: September 2023

Background: The aim of this paper was to explore how the Fourth Industrial Revolution shapes teaching and learning during COVID-19 in some of the schools located in the Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa. This paper employed qualitative interpretative multiple case study design. Purposive sampling was used to sample our participants.

Methods: We selected four teachers who separately taught at the early childhood development stage, intermediate phase, senior phase, and further education and training phases. Data was collected telephonically through semi-structured interviews with teachers from Limpopo, Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa. Data was collected from their experiences of COVID-19 from 2019 to 2021. Collected data was analysed using a typology approach whereby themes that derived from the literature reviewed and research questions were used.

Results: We inferred from the results of the paper that teachers had challenges with teaching and availability of learning resources, such as limited access to internet and socio-economic backgrounds, which hindered the integration of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the teaching and learning process. There were also challenges related to teachers’ background on the usage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the lack of school management teams support. The paper revealed that the integration of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in teaching and learning was affected negatively by the existence of the above-mentioned challenges, which needs to be addressed.

Conclusions: Therefore, we recommended that the government and stakeholders within the education sector provide resources such as smart-boards, computers, and network access in schools lacking such facilities, as well as providing professional development interventions and training teachers to have an in-depth understanding of the Fourth Industrial Revolution within the teaching and learning context.
Study of the effect of external use of a brown algae product on the structural-functional continuum
Authors: Nasibullin B. , Gushcha S. , Dekhtyar Yu. , Volyanska V.
Published: September 2023

The authors, in a study on 25 outbred Wistar white rats weighing 180-200 g, determined the effect of Lamidana (a product from sea brown algae) on the structural-functional continuum, that is, the correlation of the functional activity of the liver parenchyma and its structural characteristics. Methods. The detoxifying function of the liver was studied by the duration of sleep of animals due to the action of anesthesia - intraperitoneal administration of sodium thiopental (estimate the rate of metabolism of thiopental, carried out by the cytochrome-P-450-dependent monooxygenase system of hepatocytes). The structural and functional state of the liver parenchyma was assessed according to the study of histological preparations. The results of the studies showed that under the influence of the external application of "Lamidin" in the test rats, the liver1s detoxification function is enhanced (significantly significant decrease in the duration of sleep of animals). At the same time, structural signs of increased functional activity of hepatocytes are determined in the parenchyma. Conclusions. The authors believe that "Lamidan", due to the peculiarities of its chemical composition, enhances the metabolic and functional activity of hepatocytes but does not damage the correlative relationships between the structure and function of hepatocytes.
Omics for Elucidating Heat Stress Tolerance Mechanisms in Wheat: A Review Update
Authors: Chatterjee Avishek , Sen Poulomi , Chattopadhyay Tirthartha , Maji Anirban , Gorai Shouvik , Sarkar Apurba , Ali Md. Nasim
Published: September 2023

For the vast majority of people on earth, wheat is a primary staple food crop. It is one of the most vulnerable crops, the production of which significantly suffers from the harmful effects of climate change. As the predicted increase in global temperature is supposed to jeopardize production, wheat improvement towards heat stress-resilience has gained pivotal importance. The large and complex allohexaploid wheat genome represents a genetic puzzle, where deciphering any trait-genetics is always challenging. Fortunately, the advancement in the ‘omics’ approach has paved the way for solving these issues in a multidisciplinary convergent manner. The approach has significantly contributed towards the complex molecular mechanisms of the heat stress tolerance in wheat. In the recent past, salient attainments have been observed in exploring heat tolerance mechanisms in wheat addressed through omics technologies. All these approaches have identified some of the key regulators behind this complex trait, the conglomeration of which is definitely promising for achieving heat tolerant cultivars. Besides, the epigenetic regulation of this important trait as well as the significant achievements in developing heat tolerant lines through a transgenic approach has been enumerated. This summarized review of an issue of global importance should enlighten the understanding of the complex regulation of heat tolerance mechanism in wheat, which is a prerequisite for the development of stable heat tolerant wheat cultivars in near future. Here we discussed current research on the genetic and molecular variables that alter one's ability to tolerate heat, including the effects of epigenetic regulation. At the end, we concluded the review by discussing integrative methods for enhancing heat tolerance through the use of current germplasm, such as contemporary cultivars, landraces, and related species.
Plants Stress: Salt Stress and Mechanisms of Stress Tolerance
Authors: Kumar Sharma Manoj
Published: September 2023

A diverse combination of biotic and abiotic pressures makes up the environment that plants naturally inhabit. These pressures cause similarly complicated responses in plants. The purpose of the review is to critically evaluate the effects of various stress stimuli on higher plants with an emphasis on the typical and distinctive dose-dependent responses that are essential for plant growth and development. In order to improve agricultural productivity, breed new salt-tolerant cultivars, and make the most of saline land, it is essential to comprehend the mechanisms underlying plant salt tolerance. Soil salinization has emerged as a global problem. Locating regulatory centres in complex networks is made possible by systems biology techniques, enabling a multi-targeted approach. The goal of systems biology is to organise the molecular constituents of an organism (transcripts, proteins, and metabolites) into functioning networks or models that describe and forecast the dynamic behaviours of that organism in diverse contexts. This review focuses on the molecular, physiological, and pharmacological mechanisms that underlie how stress affects genomic instability, including DNA damage. Additionally, a summary of the physiological mechanisms behind salt tolerance, including the removal of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and osmotic adjustment, has been provided. The salt overly sensitive (SOS), calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), and abscisic acid (ABA) pathways are the four main signalling pathways for stress. According to earlier research, salt stress causes harm to plants by inhibiting photosynthesis, upsetting ion homeostasis, and peroxiding membranes. listed a few genes that are sensitive to salt stress and correspond to physiological systems. The review describes the most recent tactics and procedures for boosting salt tolerance in plants. We can make predictions about how plants will behave in the field and better understand how they respond to different levels of stress by understanding both the positive and negative aspects of stress responses, including genomic instability. The new knowledge can be put to use to enhance crop productivity and develop more resilient plant kinds, ensuring a consistent supply of food for the global population, which is currently undergoing rapid expansion.
Phytotoxicity Studies of Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King and H. Robinson. Through Seed Germination Bioassays
Authors: Nandan Nirgundikar Meher , Amarendra Ghayal Nivedita , Prakashrao Patil Niranjan
Published: September 2023

Invasive or alien weeds are those which are introduced to new areas intentionally or unintentionally. They are undesirable plants which affect crop production, their quality and quantity, other resource utilization and income generation activities of the humans. Chromolaena odorata is one such invasive or alien weed which has invaded Maval region in Pune district. Chromolaena odorata has shown gradual increase in its abundance and decrease in natural Phytodiversity and crop diversity over frequent field visits. The present study was therefore undertaken to investigate allelopathic potential of leachates of root, stem, and leaf of Chromolaena odorata on common legumes in Maval tehsil like Horsegram, Lentil, and Mothbean in seed germination bioassay experiment. Petri plate bioassay study revealed that lower concentrations of leachates promoted root length, shoot length, Vigour index but higher concentration (20%) of aqueous leachates reduced seed germination in Horsegram, Lentil, and Mothbeans significantly as compared to other concentrations (4%, 8%, 12%, 16% and control). Treatment with higher concentration caused a remarkable increase in the rate of inhibition. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of Flavonoids, Saponins, Tannins, Alkaloids, Steroids and Terpenoids. The inhibitory effects on seed germination revealed allelopathic potential of weed Chromolaena odorata. Toxicity effect was more in 20% concentration of leaf leachates than in root and stem. This may be due to presence of more allelochemicals in leaf than in root and stem.
Hyponatremia and Its Effects on Prognosis in A Tertiary Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: AKSOY Özlem Yüksel , KESKİN Şuayip , DUYAR Mustafa Orhan , DURSUN Adem , ÖZSOYLU Serkan , ÇELİK Binnaz , DOĞAN Murat , BAŞTUĞ Funda
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Hyponatremia is accepted as an independent risk factor in pediatric intensive care units. Many comorbidities such as infectious diseases, central nervous system problems and incorrect replacement solutions are blamed in the pathogenesis of hyponatremia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the etiology and prognosis of hyponatremia in a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit.

Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 342 pediatric patients hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit of Kayseri City Hospital. Patients with a serum sodium level below 135 mEq/L were considered hyponatremia. Critical hyponatremia was defined as serum sodium less than 125 mEq/L. Data on length of hospital stay, mortality and comorbidities were analyzed.

Results: The data of 342 pediatric patients were evaluated. The male/female ratio was 192/150 (56.1% vs. 43.9%). The mean age of the patients was 41.78 months (±57.7) (min-max 1-212). Twenty-five patients had serum sodium below 125 mEq/L, which could be defined as critical hyponatremia. The mean sodium was 131 (±3.3) mEq/L (min-max: 109-134). The levels of serum creatinine significantly differs before and after treatment (p<0.001). The mean resolution time of hyponatremia was 2.1 days (±1.29) (min-max: 1-12) Serum sodium was 125 mEq/L and below in a total of 23 patients. The mortality rate was 23% in all patients at the end of their follow-up.

Conclusions: Hyponatremia is a common problem in pediatric intensive care unit. Especially severe hyponatremia can be related with increased mortality. Close monitoring of sodium is needed in especially trauma patients and central pathologies as well as bronchopneumonia patients.