bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Physician Assistant Psychiatry Interviewing Skills Using Standardized Patients
Authors: Roberts Amy Lynn , Rizzolo Denise , Bruza-Augatis Mirela , Zammit Christine , Banahan Mary , Pontrelli Gina
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The aim of this pilot study was to assess whether supplemental psychiatry training in the didactic year increases the scores on the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Psychiatry and Behavioral Health End of Rotation examination and psychiatry preceptor evaluation.

Methods

Data were obtained from the physician assistant (PA) students on PAEA Psychiatry and Behavioral Health End of Rotation examination and psychiatry preceptor evaluation for a single institution. Then, a comparison was performed for PA students who did not participate in supplemental psychiatry/behavioral health training (Cohort 1/historical control group; n = 62) and PA students who participated in supplemental psychiatric and behavioral health training (Cohort 2/experimental group; n = 63) to determine the effects of the groups.

Results

An independent t test demonstrated that the experimental group performed significantly better than the control group on both the Psychiatry and Behavioral Health PAEA End of Rotation examination and preceptor evaluation {control group (M = 83.4) and experimental group (M = 86.3; t[117] = 2.8; P < .05)} and the preceptor evaluation {control group (M = 90) and experimental group (M = 92.6; t[112] = 2.1; P < .05)}. In addition, both analyses demonstrated a moderate effect size (End of Rotation examination, d = 0.51; preceptor, d = 0.62). A multiple regression analysis was used to control for age, sex, grade point average (GPA), and training intervention. Age, sex, and GPA were found not to affect the results. However, treatment intervention was statistically significant for both the End of Rotation examination and preceptor evaluation scores.

Discussion

Supplemental training in behavioral health and psychiatry, which included a standardized patient encounter and an interactive session dedicated to psychiatry interviewing techniques, resulted in students performing better on the Psychiatry and Behavioral Health PAEA End of Rotation examination and preceptor evaluation.
Exploring Professional Anticipatory Socialization: Who Are the Messengers Influencing Future Physicians' Perceptions of Advanced Practice Providers?
Authors: Polansky Maura N. , Herrmann Debra , Koch Ulrich
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Evidence exists that physicians in training and practice often do not understand advanced practice providers (APPs) and their roles in professional practice. This study asked the question: What are the messages and messengers during the anticipatory professional socialization period that potentially influence how residents perceive APPs?

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 residents in one academic setting. Transcripts were analyzed using an inductive approach to coding to identify the messages and sources of those messages (messengers) that had influenced how residents perceived APPs.

Results

Participants reported limited exposure to APPs before medical school, although most had heard of APPs from family, friends, or advisors or through their own experience in a clinical setting. The messages that participants received were related to how physicians and APPs compare in their training and clinical roles, and how APPs and physicians (and the people who pursue these professions) differ based on their presumed personal attributes. Some messages appeared to support biases against APPs.

Conclusion

While interprofessional education in medical school aims to prepare physicians to collaborate across professions, attention to anticipatory professional socialization occurring before medical school may also be important to mitigate professional biases that interfere with effective teamwork.
Does Remote and/or Virtual Learning Prepare First-Year Physician Assistant Students for Clinical Rotations as Effectively as In-Person Learning?
Authors: Rupani Sonia , Trimble Nancy , Schweinle William , Hulse Betty
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has profoundly affected many lives, and the aftermath is still uncertain. Many aspects of life have been affected, including physician assistant (PA) education. The collective efforts of students and faculty, perseverance, and optimism have allowed the uninterrupted preparation of the next generation of PAs. The objective of this study was to understand PA students' perceptions of the effectiveness of remote and/or virtual learning in preparing PA students for clinical rotations.

Methods

This pilot study was a mixed-methods survey with quantitative and qualitative data involving 3 accredited PA programs in the United States. Statistics were analyzed using SAS 9.4.

Results

Ninety-four individuals responded to the survey with a response rate of 46.8%. Response distributions, standard deviations, and means were calculated. Likert scale response means for each survey item were used to estimate the overall perspective of the participants.

Conclusion

Most participants highlighted the advantages of flexibility and an opportunity to balance school and family life, but the participants did not favor remote and/or virtual learning platforms for effectively preparing students for their clinical phase. More research on a larger scale is warranted. Including students' hands-on skills performance measures in addition to perceptions could provide objective evidence for the efficacy of remote and/or virtual learning in preparing students for clinical rotations.
PET/CT imaging in invasive endometriosis: a way to minimize missed diagnosis and reduce invasive interventions
Authors: Phulia Ankita , Sharma Anshul , Sharma Jai Bhagwan , Singh Tejesh P. , Kumar Rakesh
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Heterogeneous and nonspecific symptoms make invasive endometriosis a difficult entity to diagnose. Small lesions with absent associated changes can be easily missed in cross-sectional imaging. Even when the lesions satisfy the thresholds for various investigations, their appearance changes with cyclical fluctuations in the hormonal levels. Therefore, newer approaches are needed to achieve correct diagnosis.

Methods

Six females in reproductive age group (mean age = 32.5 ± 4.3 years) were retrospectively selected, wherein the diagnosis of invasive endometriosis was confirmed after 18F-FDG-PET/CT. Indications for PET/CT were staging in 4 patients, suspected progression in 1 and suspected inflammatory bowel disease in one patient. The study was repeated in proliferative phase in two patients and in the menstrual phase in another patient. FNAC was available in two patients and a drop in CA125 was documented in the last patient.

Results

In five patients metabolically active lesions were seen in PET/CT and in the last, activity was absent despite symptoms. Repeat menstrual phase imaging in the last patient confirmed the diagnosis. In two patients with metabolically active lesions at baseline, resolution was seen in proliferative phase PET/CT. In the other two patients, repeat study was not indicated as FNAC revealed normal endometrial tissue and in the last patient, significant drop in CA125 was documented after just 2 weeks. In all of these patients, the final diagnosis was of invasive endometriosis.

Conclusion

In reproductive-age women, PET/CT acquisition should be optimized in the context of menstrual cycle. This approach can be used to non-invasively rule in/rule out endometriosis, especially with repeat imaging in proper menstrual phase.
HBV viral replication markers and hepatic fibrosis in untreated chronic HBV infection with and without HIV coinfection in Zambia
Authors: Muula Guy K. , Bosomprah Samuel , Sinkala Edford , Nsokolo Bright , Musonda Taonga , Hamusonde Kalongo , Bhattacharya Debika , Lauer Georg , Chung Raymond T. , Mulenga Lloyd B. , Wandeler Gilles , Vinikoor Michael J.
Published: July 2023

Background:

To inform novel therapies, a more nuanced understanding of HIV's impact on hepatitis B virus (HBV) natural history is needed, particularly in high burden countries.

Methods:

In Lusaka, Zambia, we compared prospectively-recruited adults (18+ years) with chronic HBV infection, with and without HIV, pre-therapy. We excluded those with treatment-experience or HBV diagnosis due to clinical suspicion. We assessed HBV DNA levels, hepatitis B e antigen, CD4 (if coinfection), and liver disease (transient elastography [TE], serum alanine aminotransferase). In multivariable analyses, we evaluated the association of HIV overall and by level of CD4 count on these markers.

Results:

Among 713 adults analyzed, median age was 33 years, 63.0% were male, and 433 had HBV/HIV coinfection. Median CD4 count was 200 cells/mm3. HBV DNA was >2,000 IU/ml for 311 (51.0%) and 227 (32.5%) were HBeAg-positive. 15.5% had advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. HIV coinfection was associated with 5-fold increased HBV DNA levels (adjusted geometric mean ratio, 5.78; 95% confidence interval, 2.29–14.62) and 2 times the odds of HBeAg-positivity (adjusted odds ratio, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.59–4.08). These associations were significant only at CD4 counts 100–350 and <100 cells/mm3. HIV was not associated with markers of fibrosis or ALT.

Discussion:

HIV's impact on HBV natural history likely depends on the degree and duration of immune suppression. There is strong rationale to monitor HBV DNA in people with HBV/HIV coinfection and immune suppression. A better understanding is needed of mechanisms of increased liver-related mortality in people with HBV/HIV coinfection.
Career needs Assessment for Early Career Academic Surgeons using a Modified Accelerated Delphi Process
Authors: Fleming Christina A. , Augustinus Simone , Lemmers Daan H.L. , López- López Victor , Nitschke Christine , Farges Olivier , Salminen Paulina , O’Connell P. Ronan , Campos Ricardo Robles , Caiazzo Robert ,   on behalf of the European Surgical Association
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

Over the past two decades physicians wellbeing has become a topic of interest. It is currently unclear what the currents needs are of early career academic surgeons (ECAS).

Methods:

Consensus statements on academic needs were developed during a Delphi process, including all presenters from the previous European Surgical Association (ESA) meetings (2018-2022). The Delphi involved: (1) literature review, (2) Delphi form generation, (3) accelerated Delphi process. Delphi form was generated by a steering group that discussed findings identified within literature. The modified accelerated e-consensus approach included three rounds over a four week period. Consensus was defined as >80% agreement in any round.

Results:

Forty respondents completed all three rounds of the Delphi. Median age was 37 years (IQR 5), and 53% were female. Majority was consultant/attending (52.5%), followed by PhD (22.5%), fellowship (15%) and residency (10%). ECAS was defined as a surgeon in ‘development’ years of clinical and academic practice relative to their career goals (87.9% agreement). Access to split academic and clinical contracts are desirable (87.5%). Consensus on the factors contributing to ECAS underperformance included: burnout (94.6%), lack of funding (80%), lack of mentorship (80%) and excessive clinical commitments (80%). Desirable factors to support ECAS development included: access to e-learning (90.9%), face to face networking opportunities (95%), support for research team development (100%) and specific formal mentorship (93.9%).

Conclusion:

The evolving role and responsibilities of ECAS requires increasing strategic support, mentorship and guidance on structures career planning. This will facilitate workforce sustainability in academic surgery for the future.
The Shieh Score as a Risk Assessment Instrument for Reducing Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries
Authors: Shieh David , Sevilla Mia , Palmeri Anthony , Ly An H. , Shi Jiaxiao M. , Berringer Christine , Resurreccion Juji
Published: July 2023

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Shieh Score's effectiveness in decreasing the rate of hospital-acquired pressure injuries when combined with an early warning notification system and standard order set of preventative measures.

DESIGN:

This was a prospective cohort study.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING:

This target population was nonpregnant, adult, hospitalized patients on inpatient and observation status at a tertiary hospital (Kaiser Permanente, Baldwin Park, California) during the 2020 year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS:

A new, risk assessment instrument, the Shieh Score, was developed in 2019 to predict hospitalized patients at high risk for pressure injuries. Data collection occurred between January 21, 2020, and December 31, 2020. When a hospital patient met the high-risk criteria for the Shieh Score, a provider-ordered pink-colored sheet of paper titled “Skin at Risk” was hung at the head of the bed and a standard order set of pressure injury preventative measures was implemented by nursing staff.

RESULTS:

Implementation of the program (Shieh Score, early warning system, and standard order set for preventive interventions) resulted in a 38% reduction in the annual hospital-acquired pressure injury rate from a mean incidence rate of 1.03 to 0.64 hospital-acquired pressure injuries per 1000 patient-days measured for the year 2020.

CONCLUSION:

The Shieh Score is a pressure injury risk assessment instrument, which effectively identifies patients at high risk for hospital-acquired pressure injuries and decreases the hospital-acquired pressure injury rate when combined with an early warning notification system and standard order set.
Crossmodal association between visual and acoustic cues in a tortoise (
Testudo hermanni
)
Authors: Loconsole Maria , Stancher Gionata , Versace Elisabetta
Published: July 2023

Humans spontaneously match information coming from different senses, in what we call crossmodal associations. For instance, high-pitched sounds are preferentially associated with small objects, and low-pitched sounds with larger ones. Although previous studies reported crossmodal associations in mammalian species, evidence for other taxa is scarce, hindering an evolutionary understanding of this phenomenon. Here, we provide evidence of pitch-size correspondence in a reptile, the tortoise
Testudo hermanni
. Tortoises showed a spontaneous preference to associate a small disc (i.e. visual information about size) with a high-pitch sound (i.e. auditory information) and a larger disc to a low-pitched sound. These results suggest that crossmodal associations may be an evolutionary ancient phenomenon, potentially an organizing principle of the vertebrate brain.
The chemistry of an insect ear: ionic composition of a liquid-filled ear and haemolymphs of Neotropical katydids
Authors: Sarria-S Fabio A. , Montealegre-Z Fernando , Gonzalez-Rodriguez Jose
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine and to compare the ionic composition of the haemolymph and the ear fluid of seven species of katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) with the aim of providing from a biochemical perspective a preliminary assessment for an insect liquid contained in the auditory organ of katydids with a hearing mechanism reminiscent of that found in vertebrates. A multi-element trace analysis by inductively coupled plasma optical-emission spectrometry was run for 16 elements for the ear liquid of seven species and the haemolymph of six of them. Based on the obtained results, it can be recognized that the ionic composition is variable among the studied insects, but sodium (Na
+
), potassium (K
+
), calcium (Ca
2+
) and magnesium (Mg
2+
) are the most prominent of the dissolved inorganic cations. However, the ion concentrations between the two fluids are considerably different and the absence or low concentration of Ca
2+
is a noticeable feature in the inner ear liquid. A potential relationship between the male courtship song peak frequency and the total ion (Na
+
, K
+
, Mg
2+
and Ca
2+
) concentration of the inner ear liquid is also reported.
Exploring the criticality hypothesis using programmable swarm robots with Vicsek-like interactions
Authors: Lei Xiaokang , Xiang Yalun , Duan Mengyuan , Peng Xingguang
Published: July 2023

A widely mentioned but not experimentally confirmed view (known as the ‘criticality hypothesis’) argues that biological swarm systems gain optimal responsiveness to perturbations and information processing capabilities by operating near the critical state where an ordered-to-disordered state transition occurs. However, various factors can induce the ordered–disordered transition, and the explicit relationship between these factors and the criticality is still unclear. Here, we present an experimental validation for the criticality hypothesis by employing real programmable swarm-robotic systems (up to 50 robots) governed by Vicsek-like interactions, subject to time-varying stimulus-response and hazard avoidance. We find that (i) not all ordered–disordered motion transitions correspond to the functional advantages for groups; (ii) collective response of groups is maximized near the critical state induced by alignment weight or scale rather than noise and other non-alignment factors; and (iii) those non-alignment factors act to highlight the functional advantages of alignment-induced criticality. These results suggest that the adjustability of velocity or directional coupling between individuals plays an essential role in the acquisition of maximizing collective response by criticality. Our results contribute to understanding the adjustment strategies of animal interactions from a perspective of criticality and provide insights into the design and control of swarm robotics.
Quantifying tissue growth, shape and collision via continuum models and Bayesian inference
Authors: Falcó Carles , Cohen Daniel J. , Carrillo José A. , Baker Ruth E.
Published: July 2023

Although tissues are usually studied in isolation, this situation rarely occurs in biology, as cells, tissues and organs coexist and interact across scales to determine both shape and function. Here, we take a quantitative approach combining data from recent experiments, mathematical modelling and Bayesian parameter inference, to describe the self-assembly of multiple epithelial sheets by growth and collision. We use two simple and well-studied continuum models, where cells move either randomly or following population pressure gradients. After suitable calibration, both models prove to be practically identifiable, and can reproduce the main features of single tissue expansions. However, our findings reveal that whenever tissue–tissue interactions become relevant, the random motion assumption can lead to unrealistic behaviour. Under this setting, a model accounting for population pressure from different cell populations is more appropriate and shows a better agreement with experimental measurements. Finally, we discuss how tissue shape and pressure affect multi-tissue collisions. Our work thus provides a systematic approach to quantify and predict complex tissue configurations with applications in the design of tissue composites and more generally in tissue engineering.
Double‐donor surrogacy and the intention to parent
Authors: Baron Teresa
Published: July 2023

Assisted reproduction often involves biological contributions by third parties such as egg/sperm donors, mitochondrial DNA donors, and surrogate mothers. However, these arrangements are also characterised by a biological relationship between the child and at least one intending parent. For example, one or both intending parents might use their own eggs/sperm in surrogacy, or an intending mother might conceive using donor sperm or gestate a donor embryo. What happens when this relationship is absent, as in the case of 'double‐donor surrogacy' arrangements (DDS)? Here, a child is conceived using both donor eggs and sperm, carried by a surrogate, and raised by the commissioning parents. In this paper, I critically examine proposals to allow DDS in the United Kingdom, and the intentionalist justification for treating this practice distinctly (morally and legally speaking) from private adoption. I argue that the intentionalist approach cannot plausibly justify such a distinction and that other approaches to moral parenthood are also unlikely to succeed.
Discussion on “Optimal Test Procedures for Multiple Hypotheses Controlling the Familywise Expected Loss” by Willi Maurer, Frank Bretz, and Xiaolei Xun
Authors: Benjamini Yoav , Heller Ruth , Krieger Abba , Rosset Saharon
Published: July 2023

We discuss three issues. In the first part, we discuss the criteria emphasized by Maurer, Bretz, and Xun, warning that it modifies the per comparison error rate that does not address the concerns raised by multiple testing. In the second part, we strengthen the optimality results developed in the paper, based on our recent results. In the third part, we highlight the potentially important role that the use of weights may have in practice and discuss the difficulties in assigning weights that convey the importance in the gain and loss functions, especially as it pertains to multiple endpoints.
Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) dynamics matter for children's emotion regulation: RSA inertia and instability within a stress task
Authors: Xu Jianjie , Wang Hui , Morrow Kayley Elizabeth , Xu Yang , Gao Mengyu Miranda , Hu Yueqin , Suveg Cynthia , Han Zhuo Rachel
Published: July 2023

The present study employed two key dynamic indicators (i.e., inertia and instability) to the psychophysiological research of child emotion regulation (ER) and examined whether respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) dynamics were associated with child ER during a stress task. Eighty‐nine Chinese school‐age children (Mage = 8.77 years, SD = 1.80 years; 46.1% girls) and their primary caregivers participated in the study. After controlling for RSA static reactivity, multiple regression analyses indicated that lower RSA inertia was related to fewer in‐task negative emotions rated by children and their caregivers, and higher RSA instability was associated with better child trait ER. This study introduces physiological indicators of the dynamic aspects of parasympathetic activity to the study of child ER.
The effect of maternal position on placental blood flow and fetoplacental oxygenation in late gestation fetal growth restriction: a magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Jani Devanshi , Clark Alys , Couper Sophie , Thompson John M. D. , David Anna L. , Melbourne Andrew , Mirjalili Ali , Lydon Anna‐Maria , Stone Peter R.
Published: July 2023

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) and maternal supine going‐to‐sleep position are both risk factors for late stillbirth. This study aimed to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantify the effect of maternal supine position on maternal‐placental and fetoplacental blood flow, placental oxygen transfer and fetal oxygenation in FGR and healthy pregnancies. Twelve women with FGR and 27 women with healthy pregnancies at 34–38 weeks’ gestation underwent MRI in both left lateral and supine positions. Phase‐contrast MRI and a functional MRI technique (DECIDE) were used to measure blood flow in the maternal internal iliac arteries (IIAs) and umbilical vein (UV), placental oxygen transfer (placental flux), fetal oxygen saturation (FO2), and fetal oxygen delivery (delivery flux). The presence of FGR, compared to healthy pregnancies, was associated with a 7.8% lower FO2 (P = 0.02), reduced placental flux, and reduced delivery flux. Maternal supine positioning caused a 3.8% reduction in FO2 (P = 0.001), and significant reductions in total IIA flow, placental flux, UV flow and delivery flux compared to maternal left lateral position. The effect of maternal supine position on fetal oxygen delivery was independent of FGR pregnancy, meaning that supine positioning has an additive effect of reducing fetal oxygenation further in women with FGR, compared to women with appropriately grown for age pregnancies. Meanwhile, the effect of maternal supine positioning on placental oxygen transfer was not independent of the effect of FGR. Therefore, growth‐restricted fetuses, which are chronically hypoxaemic, experience a relatively greater decline in oxygen transfer when mothers lie supine in late gestation compared to appropriately growing fetuses.

image

Key points

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is the most common risk factor associated with stillbirth, and early recognition and timely delivery is vital to reduce this risk.

Maternal supine going‐to‐sleep position is found to increase the risk of late stillbirth but when combined with having a FGR pregnancy, maternal supine position leads to 15 times greater odds of stillbirth compared to supine sleeping with appropriately grown for age (AGA) pregnancies.

Using MRI, this study quantifies the chronic hypoxaemia experienced by growth‐restricted fetuses due to 13.5% lower placental oxygen transfer and 26% lower fetal oxygen delivery compared to AGA fetuses.

With maternal supine positioning, there is a 23% reduction in maternal‐placental blood flow and a further 14% reduction in fetal oxygen delivery for both FGR and AGA pregnancies, but this effect is proportionally greater for growth‐restricted fetuses.

This knowledge emphasises the importance of avoiding supine positioning in late pregnancy, particularly for vulnerable FGR pregnancies.
Dominant Salmonella Serovars in Australian Broiler Breeder Flocks and Hatcheries: a Longitudinal Study
Authors: Willson N.-L. , Chousalkar K.
Published: July 2023

This study identified prevalent and dominant
Salmonella enterica
subsp in Australian Broiler Breeder flocks, as well as in hatcheries post chick hatch and removal, from eggs originating from these donor parent flocks. The captured
Salmonella
data was further compared to the most common
Salmonella
serovars isolated from broilers, as well as human salmonellosis notification data, which is useful for consideration of the circulating serovars within the chicken meat industry and their significance in public health.
Fifteen-minute consultation: The prepubescent gender-diverse child: how to answer parents’ questions
Authors: Barbi Ludovica , Roia Anna , Cosentini Dora , Bresciani Giulia , De Zen Lucia , Sandri Federico , Tornese Gianluca
Published: July 2023

Parents and caregivers may seek help with different questions or concerns on how to handle the diverse gender expressions of their children. Sometimes the issue may be evident while seeking medical advice for other concerns. Because of the many uncertainties around this topic, clinicians need to know what to say and what can be done to provide the best possible care for gender-diverse children.
Polymyoclonus, ventricular fibrillation and Takotsubo after accidental spinal injection of tranexamic acid
Authors: Costa Laura , Costa Marina , Martins José , Castro Rui
Published: July 2023

Several factors have been identified as contributing to medication administration errors, including look-alike, sound-alike (LASA) errors. LASA errors are important causes of serious adverse events arising from spinal injection of tranexamic acid, which can be confused with ampoules of local anaesthesia.

We present a case of accidental injection of 250 mg of tranexamic acid rather than prilocaine during spinal anaesthesia. The patient developed lower extremities myoclonus, followed by generalised convulsions and ventricular fibrillation, that was reverted within 6 min. Severe cardiogenic shock requiring both inotropic and vasopressor therapy followed, along with a classic apical ballooning pattern on echocardiography and elevated myocardial injury markers, indicating Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The patient’s condition progressively improved to full recovery, and she was discharged from hospital after 1 month with no neurological deficit or cardiac dysfunction.

To our knowledge, this is the 28th reported case of accidental spinal injection of tranexamic acid. We present a brief review of previously published cases.
Immunotherapy-induced exclusively cutaneous sarcoid-like reaction
Authors: Mazumder Anika , Mehrmal Sino , Chaudhry Sofia
Published: July 2023

Sarcoid-like reactions (SLRs) are rare, granulomatous inflammatory reactions to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that can involve any organ but frequently affect the lungs, mediastinal lymph nodes and skin. We present a rare case of an exclusively cutaneous SLR due to pembrolizumab that clinically resembled dermatomyositis. A literature review yielded only 12 previously reported cases of ICI-induced cutaneous SLR without any systemic involvement. Our case highlights the diversity of presentations of cutaneous SLR and emphasises the importance of histological evaluation of new cutaneous eruptions.
Identification of alternative splicing and RNA-binding proteins involved in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Feng Li , Guo Min , Jin Chunrong
Published: July 2023

Alternative splicing (AS) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have been implicated in various cardiovascular diseases. Yet, a comprehensive understanding of their role in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI) remains elusive. We aimed to identify potential therapeutic targets for MIRI by studying genome-wide changes in AS events and RBPs. We analyzed RNA-seq data from ischemia–reperfusion mouse models and the control group from the GSE130217 data set using Splicing Site Usage Variation Analysis software. We identified 28 regulated alternative splicing events (RASEs) and 47 differentially expressed RBP (DE-RBP) genes in MIRI. Most variable splicing events were involved in cassette exon, alternative 5′ splice, alternative 3′ splice, and retained intron types. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes (KOBAS 2.0 server) and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses showed that the differentially expressed variable splicing and RBP genes were mainly enriched in pathways related to myocardial function. The RBP–RASE network demonstrated a common variance relationship between DE-RBPs and RASEs, indicating that RBPs regulate variable shear events in MIRI. This study systematically identified important alterations in RASEs and RBPs in MIRI, expanding our understanding of the underlying pathogenesis of MIRI.
WGC and WCC for charged black holes with quintessence and cloud of strings
Authors: Alipour Mohammad Reza , Sadeghi Jafar , Shokri Mehdi
Published: July 2023

One of the important problems with the existence of weak gravity conjecture (WGC) is the violation of the cosmic censorship. Such a cosmic phenomena is important and consistent in general relativity. It means that for a charged black hole in four dimensions and in the normal state, the WGC cannot hold due to the violation of the weak cosmic censorship conjecture (WCCC). But in this paper, in order to eliminate such a violation, we try to consider RN black hole at two cases, with quintessence, quintessence and cloud of strings in asymptotically flat and non-asymptotically flat. By using such metric background and applying restrictions on its parameters, we show that there will be a good compatibility between WGC and WCCC. Here, we can also see that quintessence case has less freedom in establishing compatibility than quintessence and cloud of strings. Because in the second case, the number of parameters is more and there is a degree of freedom to better establish the compatibility of two theories. Also, here we explain charged black hole in presence of quintessence and cloud of string for $$Q>M$$

Q
>
M

and use some interesting figures we show the corresponding the black hole has an event horizon.
Global Value Chains and Digitalization under Industry 4.0: The Hansen Threshold Regression Model in the Case of Africa
Authors: Nasser Feriel , Ouerghi Feryel
Published: July 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the vulnerabilities of global value chains (GVCs), leading to discussions on how to enhance their resilience, security, and sustainability through adjustments to Industry 4.0 roadmaps. While some argue that digitization under Industry 4.0 could be a potential solution to make GVCs more resilient, others suggest that it could potentially reverse the trend toward GVCs and favor near-shoring or reshoring. However, empirical research on the impact of digital technologies on GVCs proliferation is lacking. This study addresses this gap by using a panel data set covering 27 African countries from 2005 to 2018 to examine how digitalization under Industry 4.0 affects the participation of African countries in GVCs. The findings reveal that digital infrastructure and skills positively and significantly impact GVCs participation. However, based on the Hansen threshold model, we find that when digital skills are below a certain threshold, digital infrastructure negatively affects both forward and backward linkages to GVCs. Conversely, when digital skills are above the threshold, digital infrastructure has a positive impact only on backward linkages. Nonetheless, digital skills consistently and significantly impact the participation of African countries in GVCs, irrespective of the level of digital infrastructure. As a conclusion, this study highlights the importance of digital infrastructure and skills in shaping the participation of African countries in GVCs, and underscores the need for further research in this area.
A comparative study on the treatment of lumbar disc herniation by traditional Chinese medical massage
Authors: Zhou Sihan
Published: July 2023

Lumbar disc herniation is the main cause of low back and leg pain. It is a common and frequently occurring disease. At present, the basic research, diagnosis and treatment of lumbar disc herniation have made great progress. Compared with hand surgery, it has less trauma, can relieve pain effectively, and is widely used in clinical practice. The purpose of this paper is to compare the advantages of different massage manipulations in the treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation, to understand the characteristics of medical massage manipulations of different ethnic groups, and to expand the ideas of massage for the treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.
Inflammatory and antiviral responses to influenza A virus infection are dysregulated in pregnant mice with allergic airway disease
Authors: Vanders Rebecca L. , Gomez Henry M. , Hsu Alan C. , Daly Katie , Wark Peter A. B. , Horvat Jay C. , Hansbro Philip M.
Published: July 2023

Influenza A virus (IAV) infection during pregnancy with asthma is a major health concern leading to increased morbidity for both mother and baby. Using murine models, we show that IAV infection in pregnancy with allergic airway disease is associated with impaired global antiviral and antimicrobial responses, increased lung inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Targeting specific β-defensins or microRNAs (miRNAs) may prove useful in future treatments for IAV infection during pregnancy.
Identification of interacting neural populations: methods and statistical considerations
Authors: Kass Robert E. , Bong Heejong , Olarinre Motolani , Xin Qi , Urban Konrad N.
Published: July 2023

As improved recording technologies have created new opportunities for neurophysiological investigation, emphasis has shifted from individual neurons to multiple populations that form circuits, and it has become important to provide evidence of cross-population coordinated activity. We review various methods for doing so, placing them in six major categories while avoiding technical descriptions and instead focusing on high-level motivations and concerns. Our aim is to indicate what the methods can achieve and the circumstances under which they are likely to succeed. Toward this end, we include a discussion of four cross-cutting issues: the definition of neural populations, trial-to-trial variability and Poisson-like noise, time-varying dynamics, and causality.
Locomotor pattern generation and descending control: a historical perspective
Authors: Dubuc Réjean , Cabelguen Jean-Marie , Ryczko Dimitri
Published: July 2023

The ability to generate and control locomotor movements depends on complex interactions between many areas of the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system, and the environment. How the nervous system manages to accomplish this task has been the subject of investigation for more than a century. In vertebrates, locomotion is generated by neural networks located in the spinal cord referred to as central pattern generators. Descending inputs from the brain stem initiate, maintain, and stop locomotion as well as control speed and direction. Sensory inputs adapt locomotor programs to the environmental conditions. This review presents a comparative and historical overview of some of the neural mechanisms underlying the control of locomotion in vertebrates. We have put an emphasis on spinal mechanisms and descending control.
Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Elastography to Evaluate the Early Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Tan Hong Chang , Shumbayawonda Elizabeth , Beyer Cayden , Cheng Lionel Tim-Ee , Low Albert , Lim Chin Hong , Eng Alvin , Chan Weng Hoong , Lee Phong Ching , Tay Mei Fang , Kin Stella , Chang Jason Pik Eu , Bee Yong Mong , Goh George Boon Bee
Published: July 2023

Background. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity and reduces the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the long term. Less is known about the effects of bariatric surgery on liver fat, inflammation, and fibrosis during the early stages following bariatric surgery. Aims. This exploratory study utilises advanced imaging methods to investigate NAFLD and fibrosis changes during the early metabolic transitional period following bariatric surgery. Methods. Nine participants with morbid obesity underwent sleeve gastrectomy. Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) were performed at baseline, during the immediate (1 month), and late (6 months) postsurgery period. Liver fat was measured using proton density fat fraction (PDFF), disease activity using iron-correct T1 (cT1), and liver stiffness using MRE. Repeated measured ANOVA was used to assess longitudinal changes and Dunnett’s method for multiple comparisons. Results. All participants (Age

45.1
±
9.0

years, BMI

39.7
±
5.3
 
kg
/

m

2

) had elevated hepatic steatosis at baseline (PDFF >5%). In the immediate postsurgery period, PDFF decreased significantly from

14.1
±
7.4
%

to 8

.9
±
4.4
%

(

p
=
0.016

) and cT1 from

826.9
±
80.6
 
ms

to

768.4
±
50.9
 
ms

(

p
=
0.047

). These improvements continued to the later postsurgery period. Bariatric surgery did not reduce liver stiffness measurements. Conclusion. Our findings support using MRI as a noninvasive tool to monitor NAFLD in patient with morbid obesity during the early stages following bariatric surgery.
A Novel Regimen of Transdermal Botulinum Toxin Delivery Using Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency for Treatment of Erythema in Rosacea
Authors: Park Jin Seo , Lee So Yeon , Kim Jin Cheol , Park Chun Wook , Kim Hye One , Chung Bo Young
Published: July 2023

Facial erythema is a representative symptom of rosacea patients that greatly impairs quality of life. Recently, the therapeutic effects of intradermal injection of botulinum toxin type‐A on erythema have been investigated. Fractional microneedling radiofrequency has been reported to be effective in dermal remodeling and anti‐inflammation. To obtain enhanced therapeutic effects with a less painful and easier approach, a treatment regimen using transdermal botulinum toxin delivery with fractional microneedling radiofrequency was developed. We aimed at investigating the efficacy and safety of transdermal botulinum toxin delivery with fractional microneedling radiofrequency in treating the erythema of rosacea. This was a retrospective review of 20 patients with facial erythema associated with rosacea. All patients underwent two sessions of treatment at 4‐week intervals. Standardized photographs were taken, and the clinicians′ erythema assessment (CEA), erythema index (EI) measured through a spectrophotometer, investigator’s global assessment (IGA), and subjective satisfaction and side effects were evaluated at the baseline and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the baseline. Compared to the baseline, CEA levels significantly decreased after 8 weeks (P = 0.018) and 12 weeks (P = 0.005). As an objective measure, EI was observed to decrease significantly at 4 weeks (P = 0.04) and 8 weeks after the baseline (P = 0.005) compared with the baseline. Ninety‐five percent of patients were either very satisfied or satisfied with the treatment. None of the patients experienced remarkable side effects. A novel treatment regimen involving transdermal botulinum toxin delivery and fractional microneedling radiofrequency may be an effective and safe option for reducing the facial erythema of rosacea.
Effects of Error Modulation-Based Visual and Haptic Feedback Fusion Strategies on Motor Learning and Motivation
Authors: Meng Jingyan , Li Na , Hu Yang , Zhao Dazheng , Li Guoning , Hu Jingyan , Song Tao , Ma Yehao , Fu Rongzhen , Zuo Guokun , Tao Liang , Tang Min , Liu Yunfeng , Shi Changcheng
Published: July 2023

Visual or haptic feedback based on error modulation has been used to improve the effect of robot-assisted rehabilitation training. However, there are several investigations on the effects of error modulation-based visual and haptic feedback fusion strategies on motor learning and motivation. To observe the influence of different feedback fusion strategies on motor learning and motivation, a parallel controlled study was conducted, dividing 30 healthy subjects into three groups with similar skill levels. The no error modulation group received visual and haptic feedback without error modulation; the visual amplification haptic reduction group received visual error amplification combined with haptic error reduction, and the visual reduction haptic amplification (VRHA) group received visual error reduction combined with haptic error amplification. Each subject implemented a trajectory-tracking task with an upper limb rehabilitation robot. They went through baseline, training, assessment, and generalization tests and completed 340 consecutive tracking movements. To evaluate motor learning and motivation, the average tracking error, the root mean square (RMS) of surface electromyography (sEMG) signals, and the intrinsic motivation inventory scale were all examined. In the assessment tests, the average tracking error was significantly decreased in all three groups. In particular, the VRHA group had a larger reduction in average tracking error in the generalization test, lower RMS of sEMG signals both in the assessment and generalization tests and higher perceived competence in the assessment tests. The VRHA fusion strategy significantly improved the subjects’ motor learning and transfer ability, decreased muscle activation, and increased motor learning motivation. These findings may provide some new insights for multisensory feedback fusion technology in the application of rehabilitation robots.
Sustainable Flame Retardant Coatings Derived from Chinese Lacquer Blend with Synergistic Flame Retardant Silicon-Modified Ammonium Polyphosphate
Authors: Li Shuyun , Gao Renjin , Xue Hanyu , Zhang Yuchi , Ye Yuansong , Lin Qi , Zeng Qingyou , Liu Linshishui , Cao Changlin , Xia Jianrong
Published: July 2023

The intumescent flame retardant has a high efficiency of carbonization, oxygen barrier, and thermal interruption effect, which is considered to be a promising green and environmentally friendly flame retardant. Herein, we demonstrated a new approach to improve the flame retardant performance of Chinese lacquer films by adding silicon modified ammonium polyphosphate (SAPP), leading to superior flame retardant. SAPP drastically raised the limiting oxygen index (LOI) from 20.1% to 30.6%, and at the same time, the impact resistance was increased from 7 cm to 20 cm without changing the hardness of the lacquer films. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the chemical components and morphology of the residual char of Chinese lacquer and SAPP composite films. The thermal degradation process of films was detected and analyzed by thermogravimetry and microcalorimetry, and the possible flame retardant mechanism was discussed. This simple approach opens up a new way to design for improved flame retardancy of organic film polymers.
Associations between Ambient Air Pollutants and Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential
Authors: Leiser Claire L. , Whitsel Eric A. , Reiner Alexander , Rich Stephen S. , Rotter Jerome I. , Taylor Kent D. , Tracy Russel P. , Kooperberg Charles , Smith Albert Vernon , Manson JoAnn E. , Mychaleckyj Josyf C. , Bick Alexander G. , Szpiro Adam A. , Kaufman Joel D.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is an age-related somatic mutation associated with incident hematologic cancer. Environmental stressors which, like air pollution, generate oxidative stress at the cellular level, may induce somatic mutations and some mutations may provide a selection advantage for persistence and expansion of specific clones.

Methods:

We used data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) N = 4,379 and the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) N = 7,701 to estimate cross-sectional associations between annual average air pollution concentrations at participant address the year before blood draw using validated spatiotemporal models. We used covariate-adjusted logistic regression to estimate risk of CHIP per interquartile range increases in particulate matter (PM2.5; 4 μg/m3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2; 10 ppb) as ORs (95% confidence intervals).

Results:

Prevalence of CHIP at blood draw (variant allele fraction > 2%) was 4.4% and 8.7% in MESA and WHI, respectively. The most common CHIP driver mutation was in DNMT3A. Neither pollutant was associated with CHIP: ORMESA PM2.5 = 1.00 (0.68–1.45), ORMESA NO2 = 1.05 (0.69–1.61), ORWHI PM2.5 = 0.97 (0.86–1.09), ORWHI NO2 = 0.98 (0.88–1.10); or with DNMT3A-driven CHIP.

Conclusions:

We did not find evidence that air pollution contributes to CHIP prevalence in two large observational cohorts.

Impact:

This is the first study to estimate associations between air pollution and CHIP.
The Sponges of the Carmel Pinnacles Marine Protected Area
Authors: TURNER THOMAS L. , LONHART STEVE I.
Published: July 2023

California's network of marine protected areas was created to protect the diversity and abundance of native marine life, but the status of some taxa is very poorly known. Here we describe the sponges (phylum Porifera) from the Carmel Pinnacles State Marine Reserve, as assessed by a SCUBA-based survey in shallow waters. Of the 29 sponge species documented, 12 (41%) of them were previously unknown. Using a combination of underwater photography, DNA sequencing, and morphological taxonomy, we greatly improve our understanding of the status and distribution of previously described species and formally describe the new species as Hymedesmia promina sp. nov., Phorbas nebulosus sp. nov., Clathria unoriginalis sp. nov., Clathria rumsena sp. nov., Megaciella sanctuarium sp. nov., Mycale lobos sp. nov., Xestospongia ursa sp. nov., Haliclona melissae sp. nov., Halichondria loma sp. nov., Hymeniacidon fusiformis sp. nov., Scopalina carmela sp. nov., and Obruta collector gen. nov., sp. nov. An additional species, Lissodendoryx topsenti (de Laubenfels 1930), is moved to Hemimycale, and H. polyboletus comb. nov., nom. nov. is created due to preoccupation by H. topsenti (Burton, 1929). Several of the new species appear to be rare and/or have very restricted distributions, as they were not found at comparative survey sites outside of Carmel Bay. These results illustrate the potential of qualitative presence/absence systematic surveys of understudied taxa to discover and document substantial novel diversity.