bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complementary Characterization of Polycrystalline Copper-Nitride Films by UV-MIR (0.2-40 µm) Ellipsometry and FIB-SEM Microscopy
Authors: Márquez Emilio , Blanco Eduardo , Mánuel J. Manuel , Ballester Manuel , García-Gurrea Marcos , Fernández Susana , Rordríguez-Tapiador María Isabel , Willomitzer Florian , Katsaggelos Aggelos K.
Published: August 2023

Copper-nitride (Cu3N) material is attracting much attention as a potential next-generation thin-film solar-light absorber. In this work, polycrystalline Cu3N thin films were prepared using reactive-RF-magnetron sputtering, at room temperature,onto glass and silicon substrates. The optical properties of the Cu3N thin layers were studied by spectroscopic ellipsometry and transmission, to achieve a low-cost absorber material to replace conventional silicon. The reactive-RF-sputtered Cu3N films were also investigated by FIB-SEM microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy.
Expression and Activation of the NF-κB Pathway Correlates with Methotrexate Resistance and Cell Proliferation in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Canevarolo Rafael R. , Cury Nathalia M. , Yunes José Andrés
Published: August 2023

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer. Although prognosis continually improved along years, a significant proportion of patients still relapse from the disease due to leukemia resistance to therapy. Methotrexate (MTX), a folic acid antagonist, is a chemotherapy agent commonly used against ALL and a immune-system suppressant for rheumatoid arthritis, that presents multiple and complex mechanisms of action and resistance. Previous studies have shown that MTX modulates the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, an important family of transcription factors involved in inflammation, immunity, cell survival, and proliferation, frequently hyperactivated in ALL. Using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) on publicly available gene expression data from 161 newly diagnosed pediatric ALL patients, we found “TNF-α signaling pathway” to be the most enriched Cancer Hallmark in MTX poor responder patients. Transcriptomic analysis in a panel of ALL cell lines (6 BCP-ALL and 7 T-ALL) also identified the same pathway as differentially enriched among MTX resistant cell lines, as well as in slowly dividing cells. To better understand the crosstalk between NF-κB activity and MTX resistance, we genetically modified the cell lines to express luciferase under a NF-κB biding site promoter. We observed that the fold change in NF-κB activity triggered by TNF-α (but not MTX) treatment correlated with MTX resistance and proliferation across the lines. At the individual gene level, NFKB1 expression was directly associated with a poorer clinical response to MTX, and with both an increased TNF-α-triggered NF-κB activation and MTX resistance in the cell lines. Despite these results, pharmacological inhibition (with BAY 11-7082 and parthenolide) or stimulation (with exogenous TNF-α supplementation) of the NF-κB pathway did not alter MTX resistance of the cell lines significantly, evidencing a complex interplay between MTX and NF-κB in ALL.
ESTUDO DA VIOLÊNCIA DOMÉSTICA CONTRA A MULHER DURANTE A PANDEMIA DE COVID-19 NO ESTADO DE SERGIPE, BRASIL
Authors: Gomes Silvestre Barreto Ana Clara , Novais Ingryd Francine Laurindo , Batista Oliveira Danilo , Torres José Jorge Barreto , Borges Matheus Emanuel Santos , Papile Maciel Suzana
Published: August 2023

A violência contra a mulher corresponde a qualquer ação ou omissão, baseada em gênero, causando morte, lesão, sofrimento físico, sexual, entre outros, contrariando as leis de proteção à vítima, como a Lei Maria da Penha. Devido à alta exposição das estruturas anatômicas da face, é comum a presença de lesões nesta região. A análise pericial dessas áreas carece de conhecimento especializado acerca da anatomia bucomaxilofacial, portanto o cirurgião dentista é essencial no exame pericial, objetivando auxiliar na produção de provas e, consequentemente, na materialização da justiça. A COVID-19 trouxe como consequências o aumento da carga doméstica, estresse, limitações e tensões dentro dos lares. O objetivo do presente trabalho é explorar a violência doméstica contra a mulher durante a pandemia em Sergipe. Foram analisados 304 laudos no período de 2020-2021, no Instituto Médico Legal de Sergipe (IML-SE), exibindo a faixa etária mais acometida de 17 a 39 anos, agredidas pelo companheiro atual (35,86%). As agressões se iniciam verbalmente, evoluindo para violência física, com instrumentos contundentes (82,46%), produzindo lesões contusas (84,64%), na face (10,81%). Conclui-se que a violência doméstica persistiu como um problema de saúde pública, crescente, durante a pandemia, no estado de Sergipe. Sendo assim, sugere-se a discussão sobre formas de aplicação mais eficientes das medidas legais existentes, no sentido de controlar e prevenir tal situação.
PROCESSO DE OBTENÇÃO DE CONSENTIMENTO LIVRE E ESCLARECIDO PARA PESSOAS ANALFABETAS EM PROCEDIMENTOS DE SAÚDE
Authors: Lélis Lopes Estevão Lisiene , Martins Gatinho Jamila Johana , Charchar Campos Alves Raphael , Arantes Diandra Costa
Published: August 2023

O Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido (TCLE) é um documento que faz parte do processo de obtenção da anuência de pacientes ou de participantes de pesquisa, para garantir seus direitos e atribuir seus deveres. Caso o TCLE contenha um texto complexo, ele restringirá, de certa forma, a liberdade de decisão de indivíduos analfabetos. Objetivo: avaliar a percepção de analfabetos sobre o conhecimento do TCLE e suas formas de manifestação de anuência para procedimentos de saúde. Material e método: trata-se de uma pesquisa transversal quali-quantitativa, cuja coleta de dados foi realizada com alunos da Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA) por meio de entrevista gravada após leitura de um TCLE modelo. Os resultados qualitativos foram analisados segundo a Técnica de Análise de Conteúdo, proposta por Bardin. Os quantitativos foram analisados pelo teste qui-quadrado e por análise de regressão logística por meio do software JAMOVI. Resultados: participaram da pesquisa 32 alunos. Os dados obtidos mostraram que o conhecimento prévio acerca do TCLE era baixo (34,37%), apenas 46,87% dos participantes compreenderam o documento, sendo 38% da 4ª etapa da EJA. Quase todos os participantes entenderam os benefícios em aplicar o TCLE nas práticas clínicas e 75% informaram que imagens facilitariam a compreensão do documento. Conclusão: concluiu-se que baixas habilidades de alfabetização afetam diretamente a autonomia para anuência em TCLE. A dificuldade na compreensão do TCLE pode estar relacionada aos elementos textuais, como o tamanho da fonte, utilização de termos difíceis e apresentação de um texto extenso contendo muitas informações
Virtual Machine Allocation Using Optimal Resource Management Approach
Authors: Rawat Pradeep Singh
Published: August 2023

Resources are offered to customers on demand in the modern era of computing, communication, and technology. User demand of the resources depends on service provider and consumer. The optimal assignment of the cloud resources depends on fitness function and resource management technique. In this manuscript, the key focus is to proposed a model based on meta-heuristic evaluation technique. The meta-heuristic evaluation technique provides an optimal placement of the virtual machines to the user requests across the globe. The presented framework, elephant heard optimization with neural network (EHO-ANN) outperforms the existing static, dynamic and nature inspired techniques. The EHO-ANN is evaluated and analyzed against Max-Min, Genetic Approach and BB-BC cost aware approach. The evaluation and analysis include the performance metric, average execution time(ms), and cost.
Performance Analysis of Channel Estimator with Interference Detection Architecture
Authors: A immanuvel , D Arulanantham , S Kumarganesh , S Saranya
Published: August 2023

The evaluation of the wireless channel linking a transmitter and a receiver is essential in many applications. In receiver design, channel estimate is a fundamental and difficult problem. A recent mathematical theory called compressive sensing (CS) makes use of the idea of randomness in the signal to recover sparse or compressible signals. This research work also proposes an efficient channel estimator with interference detection architecture for Multiple Input Multiple Output- Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (MIMO - OFDM) method. The proposed interference finding architecture efficiently detects and removes the interference between received signals with low power consumption and current consumption with minimum hardware requirements. The power consumption and latency for Virtex Family devices are 19mW and 9 ns respectively. The channel estimator with interference detection architecture is used to achieve the power consumption and latency (CPLD Family devices) are 21.97 and 10.32.
RETRACTED: Speaker Identification using MFCC Feature Extraction ANN Classification Technique
Authors: Singh Mahesh
Published: August 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
RETRACTED: Identification of Speaker from Disguised Voice using MFCC Feature Extraction, Chi-Square and Classification Technique
Authors: Singh Mahesh
Published: August 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Enhanced MAC Protocol for the Road Monitoring in Intelligent Transportation Systems
Authors: Kim Jin-Woo , Kim Jaehee , Lee Jaeho
Published: August 2023

Wireless sensor networks are recognized as road networks to enhance driving safety and provide various services for drivers, and the IEEE 802.15.4 standard has been widely used as the international standard for wireless sensor networks. This standard considers networks consisting of low-power, low-cost devices, and is characterized by simplicity. The features of these IEEE 802.15.4 standards are expected to play a role in accelerating the application of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in intelligent transport systems (ITS). An ITS requires real-time and high reliability for safety, but the IEEE 802.15.4 standard does not satisfy these requirements of the ITS. Thus, we propose an enhanced superframe structure to support an ITS in the IEEE 802.15.4 network. The proposed scheme can provide reliability and Quality of Service (QoS) to the monitoring system of an ITS. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme guarantees reliability, real-time performance, and reduces the energy consumption of the entire network.
Bioactivity of amphidinol-like extracts of Amphidinium carterae grown under varying cultivation conditions
Authors: Barone Maria Elena , Barone Maria Elena , Murphy Elliot , Fierli David , Campanile Floriana , Fleming Gerard T. A. , Thomas Olivier P. , Touzet Nicolas
Published: August 2023

Microalgae have attracted interests from the bioenergy, bioremediation, cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors due to produce biofuels, pigments, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants or antimicrobial compounds. Among others, amphidinol-like compounds biosynthesised by dinoflagellate species of the genus Amphidinium have shown promising antimicrobial properties.
Here, a two-stage cultivation regime was used to grow A.carterae (subclade III), which was exposed to different conditions, including an illumination regime switch to LED blue light, a salinity enhancement treatment, sodium carbonate or hydrogen peroxide supplementation. A solid phase extraction of the dried biomass was carried out and returned 6 fractions for each treatment, which were analysed by LC-HRMS.
Amphidinol-like compounds AM-B, AM-C, AM-22 and AM-A were detected through their fragmentation patterns, mostly in Fraction-4 samples. AM-B was the major analogue in Fraction-4 (m/z 1463.69, 42.3+/-16.5 % of amphidinol composition), followed by AM-C (m/z 1343.84, 21.4+/-6.6 %). In Fraction-5, along with an unidentified analog with m/z AM-1320, AM-C was the most prevalent amphidinol (15.5+/-3.0 %) which was on average as abundant as in Fraction-4. This returned the highest antimicrobial activity against the pathogens S.aureus, E.faecalis and C.albicans, with MBC ranging from 1 to 512 µg×mL-1. Further analysis using the Bocillin competition assay showed that the antibacterial activity was not associated with the presence of compounds targeting penicillin binding proteins (PBPs) in the cell wall of bacteria.
Results indicate that the modulation of both amphidinol profile and fraction bioactivity can be induced by adjusting the cultivation parameters used to grow two-stage batch cultures of A. carterae.
Improving virtual cancer care for older Black adults: A qualitative study
Authors: Wankah Paul , Chandra Shivani , Lofters Aisha , Mohamednur Nebila , Osei Beverley , Makuwaza Tutsirai , Sayani Ambreen
Published: August 2023

Background
Health systems are rapidly promoting virtual cancer care models to improve cancer care of their populations. However, virtual cancer care can exacerbate inequities in cancer care for socially disadvantaged communities. Older Black cancer patients may face unique challenges to accessing and using virtual cancer care. This study focused on understanding the virtual cancer care experience of older Black patients, their caregivers and healthcare providers to identify strategies that can better support patient-centered care.
Methods
A theory-informed thematic analysis was conducted using data collected from six focus groups (N = 55 participants) conducted across ten Canadian provinces. Data was coded using the Patient Centered Care model and the synergies of oppression framework guided interpretation.
Results
Five overarching themes describe the experience of older Black patients, caregivers and healthcare providers in accessing and using virtual cancer care: Patient at the intersection of multiple systems of oppression; Shifting role of caregivers; Giving choice and choosing based on the purpose of care; Opportunity to meet health care needs through digital access; Communicating effectively through virtual care. We identified eight barriers to optimal virtual cancer care such as limited digital literacy, linguistic barriers in traditional African/Caribbean languages, and culturally mediated views of patients; and six facilitators to optimal virtual cancer care such as community-based cancer support groups, caregivers support and key features of digital technologies.
Conclusions
A multipronged approach that focuses on addressing barriers and leveraging culturally sensitive guides to virtual care can form the basis of health system efforts to improve access to virtual cancer care. A redesign of virtual cancer care programs, tailored to the needs of marginalized social groups like older Black patients can enhance the virtual care experience for all population groups. Public policies and organizational practices that address issues like availability of internet in remote areas, resources to support linguistic barriers or culturally sensitive training are important in responding to the complexity of access to virtual cancer care.
Are the Lists of Questionable Journals Reasonable: A Case Study of Early Warning Journal Lists
Authors: Tang Gengyan , Peng Jingyu
Published: August 2023

The lists of questionable journals are regarded a policy or tool to ensure research quality and integrity. However, due to their lack of clear criteria, they remain highly debated. Taking a typological perspective, we assess the reasonableness of the lists of questionable journals by examining how well it reflects the differences in bibliometric attributes among distinct groups when categorizing and labelling them, and whether these differences are consistent. Using the Early Warning Journal Lists released by the National Science Library of the Chinese Academy of Sciences as an example, we grouped listed journals based on warning levels and years. Subsequently, we compared them in groups to determine if there are differences in key academic indicators among different warning categories, thereby evaluating the reasonableness of the warning journal list. Our research findings suggest that Early Warning Journal Lists may have employed inconsistent criteria when assigning warning levels. Variations in the degrees of differences or the absence of differences were observed among groups across different key academic indicators. Additionally, citation metrics like journal impact factor and journal citation indicator might not have been treated as grouping criteria in the Early Warning Journal Lists, yet this lack of detailed explanation from the creators is evident. This highlights the need for a more scientific and meticulous assessment of the lists of questionable journals, along with a greater emphasis on sharing detailed standards and data. Furthermore, our study offers recommendations for future formulation of lists of questionable journals by various institutions.
Evaluation of the efficacy of the Z-plasty surgical technique vs. secondary wound healing mechanism in the treatment of the pilonidal sinus, A clinical trial
Authors: Vejdan Seyyed AmirKazem , Danesh Hoseinali , Amirian Fatemeh , Amirian Zahra
Published: August 2023

Background
The most important step in the treatment of a pilonidal sinus is eradication by surgical excision. Over the years, a wide variety of surgical techniques have been reported for wound closure, yet their management still poses a challenge. The current study compares the results of two different methods of wound management: secondary wound healing versus the Z-plasty surgical technique.
Material and Method:
The current clinical trial recruited 86 uncomplicated pilonidal sinus patients who were to undergo complete surgical excision of the pilonidal sinus. For wound healing, the 86 subjects were equally divided into two groups of 43 patients each. One group was selected for Z-plasty surgical wound closure and the other for the secondary healing mechanism. Outcomes measured for both groups consisted of demographic data, length of operation, complications, severity of pain, number of dressings, recurrence, and complete healing time.
Result
In both groups, there were no significant differences observed in demographic data (age, sex, and BMI). The number of dressings applied in the Z-plasty group was significantly fewer than that in the secondary wound healing group. The duration for complete wound healing among the Z-plasty subjects was statistically significantly shorter in comparison with the other study group. The length of operation for secondary wound healing patients was significantly shorter than that for the Z-plasty group. During the first 24 hours after surgical excision of the pilonidal sinus, the severity of pain, measured by the VAS (Visual Analogs Scale), was the same for the two groups. However, after the first 24-hour postoperative period, the severity of pain was significantly less for Z-plasty patients than for the secondary wound healing group (based on lower use of analgesics and higher satisfaction).
Conclusion
Z-plasty is a safe and effective procedure in terms of wound complications and recurrence rate. This method is also cost-effective and better received by patients, since its shorter healing time, easier wound care, and lower degree of pain facilitate a faster return to work. Therefore, Z-plasty can be considered an alternative to traditional treatment methods.
Trial registration:
The trial is registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT id: IRCT20111211008375N16) in 01/06/2018.
An analytical framework for breast cancer public policies in Sub-Saharan Africa: results from a comprehensive literature review and an adapted policy Delphi
Authors: Gbenonsi Gloria Yawavi , Martini Jessica , Mahieu Céline
Published: August 2023

BackgroundBreast cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer in women and is a major public health problem worldwide. Resource-poor countries, particularly those in Sub-Saharan Africa, have high mortality rates despite low incidence rates of the disease. These poor results reflect the weakness in public health policies. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the effective control of breast cancer by designing a framework for a comprehensive and systemic analysis of these policies in Sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsThis research is based on a literature review that adopted a systematic approach followed by a modified policy Delphi involving breast cancer experts in Sub-Saharan Africa. We included narrative reviews and systematic reviews/meta-analyses published between 2015 and 2022 as well as official documents in the analysis. We integrated the World Health Organization’s health system building blocks with Walt and Gilson's policy analysis triangle to analyse the information collected and develop our analytical framework.ResultsA total of 22 reviews and documents were included in the study. Sixteen breast cancer experts from Sub-Saharan Africa participated in the first Delphi round, and nine participated in the second round. The different components identified for a comprehensive and systemic analysis of effective breast cancer policies can be classified into policy content divided according to the health system building blocks and related policy processes; individual, organized national and international policy stakeholders; and policy contexts.ConclusionThis study enabled the design of a framework suitable for the comprehensive and systemic analysis of breast cancer control policies in Sub-Saharan Africa. This framework can be used as a checklist for stakeholders to guide the planning, implementation and evaluation of policies and specific breast cancer control programmes at the national and facility levels.
The Role of Diabetes on the mortality rate of Patients with COVID-19: A systematic review
Authors: Saki Forough , Nemati Marzieh , Ebrahimi Bahareh , Kashkooli Nima Rahimi , Azadnik Salar
Published: August 2023

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) as a burgeoning health concern in the context of COVID-19 emphasizes the need for solicitous attention and tailored preventive strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality risk. Consistent with this attitude, this systematic review aimed to highlight a wide range of predictive factors that could be related to worse outcomes in COVID-19_DM patients.
Methods: The search was done in Pub Med, Web of Sciences, and Science Direct databases using keywords Diabetes, COVID-19, and mortality rates from September 2020 until April 2022 to identify and evaluate the numerous possible prognostic factors that are associated with significant mortality rates in COVID-19_DM patients.
Results: Among more than 1200 Studies, 10 articles were considered eligible for more evaluation and were taken forward to the full-text review. Additionally, among more than 25000 COVID-19 patients and more than 6000 COVID-19_DM patients, older age and male gender were the most important mortality-related predictors in COVID-19_DM patients which were pointed out in 5 and 4 studies respectively. It should be noted, that high D-dimer and blood glucose levels could potentiate the risk of death in COVID-19_DM patients.
Conclusion: In conclusion and in addition to older age, male gender, high D-dimer, and blood glucose levels, there were several determinant factors like high ferritin, Procalcitonin, A1C (HBA1C), White Blood Cell (WBC), C-Reactive Protein (CRP) level, and also lower Oxygen (O2) saturation and lymphocyte count that are related with the mortality risk in patients. Likewise, pulmonary involvement and some medications like exogenous insulin could result in a debilitating condition in COVID-19_DM patients.
A Dark Energy Paradigm: II. Cold Dark Matter Model to Predict Galactic Dynamics as Evidence
Authors: Moon Yong-Jae , Koh Wook
Published: August 2023

Various dark matter models have been developed to explain dark matter halos, but have difficulties in predicting observed properties in galactic dynamics. On the other hand, Milgrom's law, which is the keystone of modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND), can successfully predict a variety of galactic phenomena that are difficult to explain by dark matter models. However, it is not a complete and self-contained physical theory, but rather an empirically motivated algorithm. In this paper, we propose a cold dark matter (CDM) model based on the dark energy paradigm in which a fundamental structure underlying Milgrom's law can be derived without actually modifying Newtonian dynamics. We find that the empirical evidence for MOND can be equally well interpreted as evidence for CDM. We find that the relation between a galaxy's total baryonic mass M and its asymptotic rotation velocity v is M ~ v4 by modeling CDM creation in force equilibrium. Furthermore, we also find that a0=1.2 x 10-10 m/s2 - a fundamental constant marking the transition between the Newtonian and deep-MOND regimes - can be derived by modeling CDM as a new type of lepton. Furthermore, we find that the dark energy paradigm has another evidence of "predicting lepton masses" which is presented in an accompanying paper.
RETRACTED: The impact of COVID-19 news on the mental health of Bahrainis
Authors: Aldoseri Marwa , Alhadi Noora , Alghatam Latifa , Abdulla Shoog , Alrayes Hala , Aldoseri Fajer , Almudahka Danat , Hasan Retaj , Shareeda Shoog , Alzobbae Lena , Almarabheh Amer , Ahmed Jamil
Published: August 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Genomic and co-expression network analyses reveal candidate genes for oil accumulation based on an introgression population in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Authors: MA Jianjiang , Jia Bing , Bian Yingying , Pei Wenfeng , Wu Man , Wang Wenkui , Shahzad Kashif , Wang Li , Song Jikun , Zhang Bingbing , Feng Pan , Yang Liupeng , Zhang Jinfa , Yu Jiwen
Published: August 2023

Cotton is an economical source of edible oil for the food industry. The genetic mechanism that regulates oil biosynthesis in cottonseeds is essential for the genetic enhancement of oil content (OC). To explore the functional genomics of OC, this study utilized an interspecific backcross inbred line (BIL) population to dissect the quantitative trait locus (QTL) interlinked with OC. In total, nine OC QTLs were identified, four of which were novel, and each QTL explained 3.62-34.73% of the phenotypic variation of OC. The comprehensive transcript profiling of developing cottonseeds revealed 3,646 core genes differentially expressed in both inbred parents. Functional enrichment analysis determined 43 genes were annotated with oil biosynthesis processes. Implementation of weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed that 803 differential genes had a significant correlation with the OC phenotype. Further integrated analysis identified seven important genes located in OC QTLs. Of which, the GhHSD1 gene located in stable QTL qOC-Dt3-1 exhibited the highest functional linkages with the other network genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed significant evolutionary differences in the HSD1 sequences between oilseed- and starch- crops. Furthermore, the overexpression of GhHSD1 in Arabidopsis yielded almost 6.78% higher seed oil. This study not only uncovers important genetic loci for oil accumulation in cottonseed, but also provides a set of new candidate genes that potentially influence the oil biosynthesis pathway in cottonseed.
Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from stem-callus extract of Centella asiatica L. demonstrating antibacterial activity.
Authors: Ganie Irfan Bashir , Shahzad Anwar , Shahid Mohammad , Khan Mo Ahmad , Kumar Sachin , Hashmi Md Amiruddin
Published: August 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Chorioamnionitis Caused by Morganella Morganii in a Patient With Recent Infection by Sars-cov-2: A Case Report
Authors: Pineda Johanna Carolina Arango , Casañas Andrés Mauricio Hernández , Hoyos Juan José Saldarriaga , Caipe Natalia Catalina Riascos , Rua Diana Marcela Paez
Published: August 2023

INTRODUCTION: Morganella morganii is a facultative anaerobic gram-negative bacillus that has been described as a cause of neonatal sepsis, meningitis and chorioamnionitis, however in observational studies it has been reported as a rare cause.
CASE SUMMARY: 36-year-old pregnant patient, gravida 2 cesarean sections 1, with 24.1 weeks of gestation presented with chorioamnionitis caused by Morganella Morganii with comorbidity of recent SARS-COV2 infection. Termination of pregnancy by cesarean section was required, associated with fatal neonatal outcome. She received dual antibiotic therapy without experiencing any other maternal complications.
CONCLUSION: Chorioamnionitis caused by M. morganii is a rare entity but represents a significant cause of morbidity for the maternal-fetal binomial. It is important to identify other comorbidities in pregnant women that can be considered as possible predisposing factors for this entity, so early identification and treatment should be sought.
A patient-centered view of symptoms, functional impact, and priorities in post-COVID-19 syndrome: Cross-sectional results from the Québec Action Post-COVID cohort
Authors: Mayo Nancy , Brouillette Marie-Josée , Falcone Emilia Liana , Fellows Lesley
Published: August 2023

Background
Health services planning and mechanism-focused research would benefit from a clearer picture of symptoms, impact, and personal priorities in post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). This study aimed to provide estimates of the symptom, function, and quality of life (QOL) impact of PCS.
Methods
People living in Quebec, aged ≥ 18, were eligible for the Québec Action for/pour le Post-COVID (QAPC) study if they had symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks post-acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, with or without a positive COVID-19 test. Recruitment was through conventional and social media between September 2022-January 2023. Standardized and individualized questionnaires, in French or English, were accessed through an online portal. We report cross-sectional results from the baseline visit of the first 414 participants in this ongoing longitudinal study.
Results
Individuals spontaneously reported symptoms attributable to an average of 4.5 organ systems. Fatigue was most frequent. Effects on function and quality of life were moderate to severe, and had already persisted for a year or more in the majority. Personal intervention priorities included fatigue and post-exercise malaise, cognitive symptoms, shortness of breath, and impaired taste and smell. Women and men were similar on PCS impact, while older age was associated with lower impact.
Conclusion
Symptom clusters defined a range of severity, with fatigue a pervasive symptom at all levels of severity. Participants in this study are likely to be representative of those seeking health care for post-COVID-19 symptoms in Canada and the results can inform next steps for clinical, research, and health services planning.
Soil Nitrogen Cycling Following the Invasion and Removal of the Shrub Rosa multiflora along a Nitrogen Availability Gradient
Authors: Moore Eric R. , Pouyat Richard V. , Trammell Tara L. E.
Published: August 2023

Invasive plants often alter ecosystem functions and processes, especially soil N cycling. In urban or recently disturbed forest stands, soil N is often more available and may facilitate plant invasion, which in turn increases N mineralization and available N. In eastern United States forests, the shrub Rosa multiflora (“rose”) is the dominant invader, yet potential effects on N cycling are poorly understood. Moreover, invasive plant management can impact soil N cycling by decreasing plant N uptake and disturbing the soil. The objectives of this study were to evaluate N cycling along a gradient of rose invasion and investigate potential changes to N cycling under four different management strategies: 1) do nothing (i.e., the control), 2) invasive plant removal, 3) removal followed by native seed mix addition, 4) removal, native seed mix, and chipped woody stem addition. We selected three forest sites experiencing a low, medium, or high amount of shrub invasion, and measured N cycling in the early (June) and late (September) growing seasons. We found N was immobilized in June and mineralized in September. One year after experimental management strategies were implemented, removal alone had no effect on N cycling compared to control plots, but addition of native seed mix and chipped stems reduced early-season nitrification in our medium invasion site. Our findings suggest that initial N cycling under different amounts of rose invasion and subsequent responses to management are complex, and that N cycling responds differentially to management in the year following invasive plant removal.
Turnover intention of foreign trained physicians in German rehabilitation facilities – a quantitative study
Authors: Jansen Eva , Schmidt Johanna , Marquardt Manuela
Published: August 2023

Background
Germany’s medical specialist shortage is an acute challenge, especially in the rehabilitation segment. One countermeasure is to recruit foreign trained physicians (FTP), but the high turnover of FTP is a burden on the departments that train them and integrate them professionally. Preliminary research showed that currently one in three physician positions in German Pension Insurance (DRV) contract facilities is filled by FTP.This paper examines the turnover intention of FTP in German rehabilitative departments.
Methodology
In spring 2022, we conducted an online survey of FTP that captured sociodemographic and professional biographical data, turnover intention, satisfaction, difficulties with professional integration and structural characteristics. The data was evaluated in a subgroup analysis using chi-square tests.
Results
The sample includes n = 145 FTP, 119 stating no turnover intention and 27 with turnover intention. More than half of FTP with turnover intention wished to move to an acute care hospital. They are significantly (p < 0.05) younger, have worked in Germany and in their current medical institutions for a shorter time, and have studied in more countries than FTP without turnover intention. The latter are proportionally more likely to have a German specialist title and management responsibilities. FTP with turnover intention are far less satisfied, particularly with career prospects and institution location. Structurally, FTP with turnover intention are proportionately more likely to be based in peripheral regions than conurbations, which are where all FTP without turnover intention are based. FTP with turnover intention have reported a much higher rate of discrimination by colleagues who are not physicians.
Discussion and conclusion
The results reveal a group of "established FTP" whose professional integration has been successfully completed. FTP with turnover intention are comparatively younger, career-oriented physicians for whom work in a rehabilitative facility is a career springboard to gain a foothold in acute care clinics.
Factors associated with physical activity following total knee arthroplasty for knee osteoarthritis: a longitudinal study
Authors: Fujita Remi , Ota Susumu , Yamamoto Yuri , Kataoka Akito , Warashina Hideki , Hayashi Takahiro , Matsunaga Naomichi , Sugiura Hideshi
Published: August 2023

Background
To objectively measure physical activity by intensity before and 6 months after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using accelerometers and to determine factors associated with physical activity levels at 6 months after TKA.
Methods
A total of 82 patients (mean age 74.5 ± 6.4 years) with moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis (OA) underwent evaluation of knee function, including knee flexion/extension range-of-motion, knee-extension muscle strength, and knee pain; the timed up-and-go test; and physical activity measurements using an accelerometer. To clarify the factors associated with physical activity at 6 months after TKA, hierarchical multiple regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and presence of diabetes mellitus was performed.
Results
A higher average daily step count at 6 months after TKA was significantly associated with greater preoperative knee-extension muscle strength on the operated side (β = 0.155, p = 0.028) and a higher preoperative average daily step count (β = 0.834, p < 0.001). Similarly, longer light-intensity physical activity (LPA) time at 6 months after TKA was significantly associated with greater preoperative knee-extension muscle strength on the operated side (β = 0.151, p = 0.037) and longer preoperative LPA time (β = 0.818, p < 0.001). Furthermore, longer moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) time was significantly associated with longer preoperative MVPA time (β = 0.723, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Greater preoperative knee-extension muscle strength on the operated side and a higher preoperative average daily step count were associated with a higher average daily step count at 6 months after TKA. In addition, the greater the preoperative knee-extension muscle strength on the operated side and the longer the preoperative LPA time, the longer the LPA time at 6 months after TKA. Furthermore, the longer the preoperative MVPA time, the longer the MVPA time at 6 months after TKA.
The Temozolomide-Doxorubicin paradox in Glioblastoma in vitro-in silico preclinical drug-screening
Authors: Oraiopoulou Mariam-Eleni , Tzamali Eleftheria , Psycharakis Stylianos , Tzedakis Giorgos , Makatounakis Takis , Manolitsi Katina , Drakos Elias , Vakis Antonis , Zacharakis Giannis , Papamatheakis Joseph , Sakkalis Vangelis
Published: August 2023

Background:Adjuvant Temozolomide is considered the front-line Glioblastoma chemotherapeutic treatment; yet not all patients respond. Latest trends in clinical trials usually refer to Doxorubicin; yet it can lead to severe side-effects if administered in high doses. While Glioblastoma prognosis remains poor, little is known about the combination of the two chemotherapeutics.
Methods: Patient-derived spheroids were generated and treated with a range of Temozolomide/Doxorubicin concentrations either as monotherapy or in combination. Optical microscopy was used to monitor the growth pattern and cell death. Based on the monotherapy experiments, we developed a probabilistic mathematical framework in order to describe the drug-induced effect at the single-cell level and simulate drug doses in combination assuming probabilistic independence.
Results: Doxorubicin was found to be effective in doses even four orders of magnitude less than Temozolomide in monotherapy. The combination therapy doses tested in vitro were able to lead to irreversible growth inhibition at doses where monotherapy resulted in relapse. In our simulations, we assumed both drugs are anti-mitotic; Temozolomide has a growth-arrest effect, while Doxorubicin is able to cumulatively cause necrosis. Interestingly, under no mechanistic synergy assumption, the in silico predictions underestimate the in vitro results.
Conclusions: The predicted and validated doses indicate a supra-additive response when both drugs are combined. Our results suggest a Temozolomide-Doxorubicin dual chemotherapeutic scheme to both disable proliferation and increase cytotoxicity against Glioblastoma.
Variation in Covid-19 vaccination rates is mediated by poverty and race and not by access to care: A case study in Chicago
Authors: Keegan Grace , Zhu Mengqi , BS Maria Paz , Kang Hyojung , Patel Ajanta , Baig Arshiya A.
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Chicago’s deeply-rooted racial and socioeconomic residential segregation is a pattern mirrored in other major cities, making it a prototype for studying the uptake of public health interventions across the US. Residential segregation is related to availability of primary care, sense of community, and trust in the healthcare system, components which are essential in the response to crises like Covid-19. We aimed to evaluate the association between rates of access to primary care and community-belonging with Covid-19 vaccination within Chicago’s neighborhoods. Methods: Data from Chicago Department of Public Health (12/2020-6/2022) on Covid-19 vaccination rates, race/ethnicity (% Black and % Hispanic/Latinx residents), age (% >65), gender (% female), socioeconomic status (% below the federal poverty line), access to needed care rate, rate of households with a primary care physician, and rate of self-reported sense of community-belonging on the neighborhood level were analyzed. Linear mixed models (LMMs) were used to study the impact of variables on vaccination; each neighborhood was added as a random effect to adjust for between-community variation. Results: The average Covid-19 vaccination rates across Chicago’s neighborhoods was 79%, ranging from 37 to 100%, with median 81%. We found that Covid-19 vaccination rates were positively correlated with access to needed care (p < 0.001) and community-belonging (p < 0.001). Community areas that had lower vaccination rates had greater percentage of Black residents (p < 0.0001) and greater poverty rates (p < 0.0001). After adjusting for poverty, race, gender and age in the models, the association between vaccination rates and access to care or community-belonging were no longer significant, but % Black residents and poverty remained significant. Conclusions: Though access to needed primary care and community-belonging are correlated with vaccination rates, this association was not significant when controlling for demographic factors. The association between poverty, race and vaccination status remained significant, indicating that socioeconomic and racial disparities across Chicago drive Covid-19 vaccine recommendation adherence regardless of care access. Understanding how poverty, and its intersectional relation to race and primary care access, affects vaccination should be a priority for public health efforts broadly.
Effect of eyelid hygiene on functional visual acuity after cataract surgery: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Yokobori Kento , Ayaki Masahiko , Kawashima Motoko , Torii Hidemasa , Yotsukura Erisa , Masui Sachiko , Negishi Kazuno
Published: August 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of eyelid hygiene after cataract surgery on eyelid and ocular surface findings, subjective symptoms and visual function, including functional visual acuity (FVA) and higher order aberration, in a randomized controlled study.
Methods: Fifty patients who underwent cataract surgery at a single institution were involved. Twenty-five patients were instructed to wipe their eyelids twice a day from one to four weeks postoperatively, whereas the other 25 patients did not perform any eyelid hygiene. Optical measurement, FVA, meibomian glands, the grade of meibum, lid margin findings, fluorescein corneal staining findings, dry eye-related subjective symptoms and surgical satisfaction were assessed both preoperatively and one month postoperatively.
Results: In the eyelid hygiene group, the visual maintenance ratio of FVA improved significantly (p = 0.048) and the higher order aberration of the 4th + 6th order deteriorated less (p = 0.027) compared with the control group. Multiple regression analyses showed that the change in visual maintenance ratio was associated with surgical satisfaction (p = 0.003), change in corneal staining score (p = 0.007), history of eye diseases (p = 0.029) and eyelid hygiene (p = 0.048).
Conclusions: Eyelid hygiene after cataract surgery may be effective for visual function measured with an FVA test.
Trial registration: UMIN000038320. Registered on October 17, 2019.
COVID-19 Impact in Crohn’s Disease Patients Submitted to Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
Authors: Ruiz Milton Artur , Kaiser Roberto Luiz , Pinho Tainara Souza , Castiglioni Lilian , Quadros Luiz Gustavo , Piron-Ruiz Lilian
Published: August 2023

SARS COV 2 is the virus responsible for COVID-19, a disease that has been blamed for inducing or exacerbating symptoms in patients with autoimmune diseases. Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects genetically susceptible patients who develop an abnormal mucosal immune response to the intestinal microbiota. Patients who underwent Hematopoietic Stem cell Transplantation are considered at risk for COVID-19. The objective of this report was to describe for the first time the impact of COVID-19 in a group of 50 patients with Crohn's Disease (CD, 28 females, and 22 male) with a mean age of 38 years, previously submitted to Autologous, non-myeloablative, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (Auto HSCT) between 2013 and 2021. In this series, 19 patients were diagnosed with positive COVID-19. In two (2) patients there was a report of the occurrence of two infectious episodes. Parameters related to HSCT, such as time elapsed since the procedure, vaccination status, CD status before and after infection, and clinical manifestations resulting from COVID-19, were evaluated. Among the patients with COVID-19, in three, submitted to Auto HSCT less than six (6) months ago, there was a change in the CD status, and one of them, in addition to the CD symptoms, started to present thyroid impairment with positive anti-TPO. Only one of the patients required hospitalization for five days to treat COVID-19 and remained in CD clinical remission. Nine patients reported late symptoms that may be related to COVID-19. There were no deaths, and the statistical evaluation of the series of COVID-19 patients after HSCT and those who did not present an infectious episode did not present significant data regarding the analyzed parameters. Despite the change in CD status in three patients and the presence of nine patients with late symptoms, we can conclude that there was no significant adverse impact concerning COVID-19 in the evaluated patients who underwent HSCT to treat CD.
Coupling between beta band and high frequency oscillations as a clinically useful biomarker for DBS
Authors: Rektor Ivan , Bočková Martina , Lamoš Martin , Chrastina Jan , Daniel Pavel , Kupcová Silvia , Říha Ivo , Šmahovská Lucia , Baláž Marek
Published: August 2023

Background The aim of this work was to study the potential clinical usefulness of beta power phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) with high frequency oscillations (HFOs).Objective Beta hypersynchrony was recently introduced into clinical practice in Parkinson’s disease (PD) to identify the best stimulation contacts and for adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) sensing. However, many other oscillopathies accompany the disease and beta power sensing may not be optimal for all patients.Methods Subthalamic nucleus (STN) local field potentials (LFPs) from externalized DBS electrodes were recorded and analyzed in PD patients (n = 19). Beta power and HFOs were evaluated in a resting-state condition; the PAC was then studied and correlated with the electrode contact positions and structural connectivity.Results Beta-HFO PAC (mainly in the 200–500 Hz range) was observed in all subjects. PAC was detectable more specifically in the motor part of the STN compared to beta power and HFOs. Moreover, the presence of PAC better corresponds to the stimulation setup based on the clinical effect. PAC is also sensitive to the laterality of symptoms, where the greater PAC cluster reflects the more affected side.Conclusion Coupling between beta power and HFOs increases with beta power synchronization, which is known to be a correlate of the PD “off” state. Beta-HFO PAC seems to be more sensitive than beta power fluctuation itself and could be more helpful in the best stimulation contact clinical selection and probably also as a potential future input signal for aDBS.