bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heteranthera yucatana (Pontederiaceae), a new, threatened species from the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula
Authors: CARNEVALI GERMÁN , DUNO DE STEFANO RODRIGO , RAMÍREZ-MORILLO IVÓN M. , GRANDE ALLENDE JOSÉ R. , BARRIOS YENI , TAPIA-MUÑOZ JOSÉ LUIS
Published: May 2022

A new species of Heteranthera (Pontederiaceae), H. yucatana, is described, discussed, and iconographically documented based on material from Yucatan state, Mexico. The species is known from a few small ponds along a narrow strip of dry forests and shrublands over limestone outcrops and derived soils along the northwestern edge of the Yucatan Peninsula. The new species is related and has been hitherto confused with H. seubertiana from eastern Brazil but is easily distinguishable by its substantially smaller habit and flowers. Furthermore, the perianth lobes are lilac with a white-greenish basal blotch with yellowish towards the apex (as opposed to yellow lobes with proximal brownish spots). Also, the two lateral filaments are conspicuously inflated obliquely, as in Heteranthera mexicana, from which it differs by its much smaller vegetative size and some floral characters. The conservation status of the new species is assessed as Endangered according to the IUCN criteria. The genus Heteranthera consists of three species in the Yucatan Peninsula: H. dubia, H. limosa, and H. yucatana. Distributional maps for all Heteranthera from the area covered are presented. Finally, we offer a key to Heteranthera of the area.
Handroanthus abayoy, a new species of Bignoniaceae endemic from Bolivia
Authors: VILLARROEL DANIEL , PARADA G. ALEXANDER , MARTINEZ-UGARTECHE MAIRA T. , KLITGAARD BENTE B.
Published: May 2022

Handroanthus abayoy is a new species endemic to the southern region of the department of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Morphologically the most similar species to H. abayoy is H. selachidentatus, both species are part of Tabebuia group II according to the classification proposed by Grose & Olmstead (2007). However, the two species have a different geographic distribution, and at least 15 morphological characteristics, both vegetative and reproductive, that distinguish one from the other.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell (BMSC) Downregulates Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Promotes the Apoptosis of Melanoma Cells
Authors: Huang Qin , Huang Ying , He Lan , Zhao Hongyan , Lu Yang , Jiang Ling
Published: May 2022

This study assessed BMSC’s effect on melanoma cells. The melanoma A375 cells were assigned into blank group, BMSC group, ERK agonist group, AKT agonist group, ERK + AKT agonist group and ERK + AKT repressor group followed by analysis of VEGF expression, cell apoptotic rate, and the expression of MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signal proteins. ERK and AKT agonist group showed highest VEGF expression, lowest cell apoptosis and Bcl-2 and Bcl-2/Bax expression as well as highest MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling proteins followed by ERK agonist group and AKT agonist group. The apoptosis of melanoma cells could be prompted by BMSC which might be through restraining the activity of MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signal pathway. In conclusion, the apoptosis of melanoma cells is prompted by BMSC through restraining the activity of MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signal pathway, indicating that BMSC might be used as a novel approach for the treatment of melanoma.
On-Line Monitoring Method of Carbon Fiber Composite Drilling Tool Wear Driven by Digital Twin
Authors: Shi Yao-Chen , Li Ze-Qi , Wei Zhi-Yuan , Yu Xue-Lian , Yin Chun-Mei , Bai Yi-Shi
Published: May 2022

Aiming at the problems of not being able to directly monitor the wear state of drill bit during vibration drilling and not being able to collect relevant dynamic data online during machining, a digital twin-driven online monitoring method for vibration drilling bit wear was proposed.
Firstly, feature extraction of multi-source signals in drilling process is carried out by wavelet analysis, and a double neural network model for bit wear recognition is established. Based on this, an online monitoring method for bit wear is proposed. The digital twinning system for bit wear
is implemented, and the dynamic data in drilling process is collected online, and the simulation of bit wear process is realized synchronously. Finally, the proposed prediction method is compared with Support vector machine (SVM) recognition method. The results show that the proposed method
can effectively predict the tool wear condition and realize the real-time identification of tool wear degree in machining process.
Threshold Voltage and Flat Band Voltage of Normally on Junction Less Field Effect Transistor
Authors: Talukdar Angshumala , Deva Sarma Kaushik Chandra
Published: May 2022

Threshold Voltage and Flat band Voltage model of Normally on JLFET is presented in this paper. The threshold voltage is the value of the gate to source voltages at which the depletion width equals to the thickness of the channel. For a normally on JLFET ideally, no current flows above
the threshold voltages. Flat band voltage is the value of the gate voltage at which channel is completely neutral. In other word the thickness of depletion layer and accumulation layer is zero at flat band voltage. The model is based on the minimum central and surface potential of the device.
The Threshold voltage is determined from the minimum central potential and the flat band voltage is determined by the minimum surface potential. The two models are validated by comparing them with results obtain from TCAD.
Investigation of Addition of Manganese Ferrite Nanoparticles (MnFe2O4 NPs) on Polyvinyl Alcohol/Polyethylene Glycol Blend for Magnetoelectronics and Optoelectronics Applications
Authors: Alhusaiki-Alghamdi H. M.
Published: May 2022

In this study, manganese ferrite nanoparticles (MnFe2O4 NPs) were successfully prepared using the solvothermal method. XRD, HRTEM, FT-IR, and VSM techniques were used to characterize pure MnFe2O4 NPs. After that, the prepared MnFe2O4
NPs were added with different compositions to PVA/PEG polymer blend using a simple casting method. The XRD and FT-IR confirmed the insertion of MnFe2O4 NPs inside the PVA/PEG blend. Optical parameters affirmed that the addition of MnFe2O4 decreases
the optical band gap for PVA/PEG blend samples. FESEM and cross-section examination evident that the incorporation of MnFe2O4 NPs creates small pores inside PVA/PEG blend and also increased its surface roughness. Dielectric properties were measured at room temperature
in the range (0.1 Hz–20 MHz). Both dielectric constant and dielectric loss were shown to decrease with increasing frequency while increasing with increasing MnFe2O4 NPs. Loss tangent (tanδ) showed a peak with frequency, indicating that these nanocomposites
were dielectrically relaxed, with relaxation time decreasing with increasing MnFe2O4 NPs. The results showed that increasing the concentration of MnFe2O4 NPs leads to increase electrical conductivity. VSM results showed a great enhancement of magnetic
properties of PVA/PEG with increasing MnFe2O4 NPs which makes these nanocomposites were perfectly used in magnetoelectronics and optoelectronics devices.
Sensitivities of Maritime Tropical Trimodal Convection to Aerosols and Boundary Layer Static Stability
Authors: Sokolowsky G. Alexander , Freeman Sean W. , van den Heever Susan C.
Published: May 2022

A trimodal convective cloud distribution is commonly observed within the tropics due to the tropical-mean thermodynamic environment. The goal of this research has been to examine the integrated impacts of thermodynamic and aerosol properties on both the convective environment and the properties of the cloud modes themselves. This has been achieved by using LES experiments in which various thermodynamic and aerosol environments were independently and simultaneously perturbed. The key conclusions from this study are 1) large amounts of aerosol loading and low-level static stability suppress the bulk environment and the intensity and coverage of convective clouds; 2) cloud and environmental responses to aerosol loading tend to be stronger than those from static stability; 3) the effects of aerosol and stability perturbations modulate each other substantially; 4) the deepest convection and highest dynamical intensity occur at moderate aerosol loading, rather than at low or high loading; and 5) most of the strongest feedbacks due to aerosol and stability perturbations are seen in the boundary layer, though some are stronger above the freezing level. These results underscore the importance of considering the thermodynamic environment’s impact on aerosol-induced convective invigoration while highlighting the dominance of aerosol impacts on the trimodal distribution and revealing synergies between thermodynamics and aerosols.
Drivers of Biases in the CMIP6 Extratropical Storm Tracks. Part I: Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Priestley Matthew D. K. , Ackerley Duncan , Catto Jennifer L. , Hodges Kevin I.
Published: May 2022

The ability of climate models to represent extratropical storm tracks is vital to provide useful projections. In previous work, the representation of the extratropical storm tracks in the Northern Hemisphere was found to have improved from phase 5 to phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP). Here we investigate the remaining and persistent biases in models from phase 6 of CMIP, by contrasting the atmosphere-only simulations (AMIP6) with the historical coupled simulations (CMIP6). The comparison of AMIP6 and CMIP6 simulations reveals that biases in sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the coupled simulations across the North Pacific Ocean in winter modify the atmospheric temperature gradient, which is associated with an equatorward bias of the storm track. In the North Atlantic Ocean, cyclones do not propagate poleward enough in coupled simulations, which is partly driven by cold SSTs to the south of Greenland, decreasing the latent heat fluxes. In summer, excessive heating across central Asia and the Tibetan Plateau reduces the local baroclinicity, causing fewer cyclones to form and propagate from eastern China into the North Pacific in both the coupled and atmosphere-only simulations. Several of the biases described in the coupled models are reduced considerably in the atmosphere-only models when the SSTs are prescribed. For example, the equatorward bias of the North Pacific storm track is reduced significantly. However, other biases are apparent in both CMIP6 and AMIP6 (e.g., persistent reduction in track density and cyclogenesis over eastern Asia in summer), which are associated with other processes (e.g., land surface temperatures).
Rivaroxaban vs placebo for extended antithrombotic prophylaxis after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: Becattini Cecilia , Pace Ugo , Pirozzi Felice , Donini Annibale , Avruscio Giampiero , Rondelli Fabio , Boncompagni Michela , Chiari Damiano , De Prizio Marco , Visonà Adriana , De Luca Raffaele , Guerra Francesco , Muratore Andrea , Portale Giuseppe , Milone Marco , Castagnoli Giampaolo , Righini Marc , Martellucci Jacopo , Persiani Roberto , Frasson Stefania , Dentali Francesco , Delrio Paolo , Campanini Mauro , Gussoni Gualberto , Vedovati Maria Cristina , Agnelli Giancarlo
Published: May 2022

The clinical benefit of extended prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) after laparoscopic surgery for cancer is unclear. The efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants for this indication are unexplored. PROphylaxis of venous thromboembolism after LAParoscopic Surgery for colorectal cancer Study II (PROLAPS II) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, investigator-initiated, superiority study aimed at assessing the efficacy and safety of extended prophylaxis with rivaroxaban after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer. Consecutive patients who had laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer were randomized to receive rivaroxaban (10 mg once daily) or a placebo to be started at 7 ± 2 days after surgery and given for the subsequent 3 weeks. All patients received antithrombotic prophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin from surgery to randomization. The primary study outcome was the composite of symptomatic objectively confirmed VTE, asymptomatic ultrasonography-detected deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or VTE-related death at 28 ± 2 days after surgery. The primary safety outcome was major bleeding. Patient recruitment was prematurely closed due to study drug expiry after the inclusion of 582 of the 646 planned patients. A primary study outcome event occurred in 11 of 282 patients in the placebo group compared with 3 of 287 in the rivaroxaban group (3.9 vs 1.0%; odds ratio, 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07-0.94; log-rank P = .032). Major bleeding occurred in none of the patients in the placebo group and 2 patients in the rivaroxaban group (incidence rate 0.7%; 95% CI, 0-1.0). Oral rivaroxaban was more effective than placebo for extended prevention of VTE after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer without an increase in major bleeding. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03055026.
Depletion of CLL cells by venetoclax treatment reverses oxidative stress and impaired glycolysis in CD4 T cells
Authors: van Bruggen J. A. C. , van der Windt G. J. W. , Hoogendoorn M. , Dubois J. , Kater Arnon P. , Peters F. S.
Published: May 2022

Acquired T-cell dysfunction is characteristic of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and is associated with reduced efficacy of T cell–based therapies. A recently described feature of dysfunctional CLL-derived CD8 T cells is reduced metabolic plasticity. To what extend CD4 T cells are affected and whether CD4 T-cell metabolism and function can be restored upon clinical depletion of CLL cells are currently unknown. We address these unresolved issues by comprehensive phenotypic, metabolic, transcriptomic, and functional analysis of CD4 T cells of untreated patients with CLL and by analysis of the effects of venetoclax plus obinutuzumab on the CD4 population. Resting CD4 T cells derived from patients with CLL expressed lower levels of GLUT-1 and displayed deteriorated oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and overall reduced mitochondrial fitness. Upon T-cell stimulation, CLL T cells were unable to initiate glycolysis. Transcriptome analysis revealed that depletion of CLL cells in vitro resulted in upregulation of OXPHOS and glycolysis pathways and restored T-cell function in vitro. Analysis of CD4 T cells from patients with CLL before and after venetoclax plus obinutuzumab treatment, which led to effective clearance of CLL in blood and bone marrow, revealed recovery of T-cell activation and restoration of the switch to glycolysis, as well as improved T-cell proliferation. Collectively, these data demonstrate that CLL cells impose metabolic restrictions on CD4 T cells, which leads to reduced CD4 T-cell functionality. This trial was registered in the Netherlands Trial Registry as #NTR6043.
PGD: a machine learning-based photosynthetic-related gene detection approach
Authors: Wang Yunchuan , Dai Xiuru , Fu Daohong , Li Pinghua , Du Baijuan
Published: May 2022

Background

The primary determinant of crop yield is photosynthetic capacity, which is under the control of photosynthesis-related genes. Therefore, the mining of genes involved in photosynthesis is important for the study of photosynthesis. MapMan Mercator 4 is a powerful annotation tool for assigning genes into proper functional categories; however, in maize, the functions of approximately 22.15% (9520) of genes remain unclear and are labeled “not assigned”, which may include photosynthesis-related genes that have not yet been identified. The fast-increasing usage of the machine learning approach in solving biological problems provides us with a new chance to identify novel photosynthetic genes from functional “not assigned” genes in maize.

Results

In this study, we proved the ensemble learning model using a voting eliminates the preferences of single machine learning models. Based on this evaluation, we implemented an ensemble based ML(Machine Learning) methods using a majority voting scheme and observed that including RNA-seq data from multiple photosynthetic mutants rather than only a single mutant could increase prediction accuracy. And we call this approach “A Machine Learning-based Photosynthetic-related Gene Detection approach (PGD)”. Finally, we predicted 716 photosynthesis-related genes from the “not assigned” category of maize MapMan annotation. The protein localization prediction (TargetP) and expression trends of these genes from maize leaf sections indicated that the prediction was reliable and robust. And we put this approach online base on google colab.

Conclusions

This study reveals a new approach for mining novel genes related to a specific functional category and provides candidate genes for researchers to experimentally define their biological functions.
DeSP: a systematic DNA storage error simulation pipeline
Authors: Yuan Lekang , Xie Zhen , Wang Ye , Wang Xiaowo
Published: May 2022

Background

Using DNA as a storage medium is appealing due to the information density and longevity of DNA, especially in the era of data explosion. A significant challenge in the DNA data storage area is to deal with the noises introduced in the channel and control the trade-off between the redundancy of error correction codes and the information storage density. As running DNA data storage experiments in vitro is still expensive and time-consuming, a simulation model is needed to systematically optimize the redundancy to combat the channel's particular noise structure.

Results

Here, we present DeSP, a systematic DNA storage error Simulation Pipeline, which simulates the errors generated from all DNA storage stages and systematically guides the optimization of encoding redundancy. It covers both the sequence lost and the within-sequence errors in the particular context of the data storage channel. With this model, we explained how errors are generated and passed through different stages to form final sequencing results, analyzed the influence of error rate and sampling depth to final error rates, and demonstrated how to systemically optimize redundancy design in silico with the simulation model. These error simulation results are consistent with the in vitro experiments.

Conclusions

DeSP implemented in Python is freely available on Github (https://github.com/WangLabTHU/DeSP). It is a flexible framework for systematic error simulation in DNA storage and can be adapted to a wide range of experiment pipelines.
Deciphering resistance to Zymoseptoria tritici in the Tunisian durum wheat landrace accession ‘Agili39’
Authors: Ferjaoui Sahbi , Aouini Lamia , Slimane Rim B. , Ammar Karim , Dreisigacker Suzanne , Schouten Henk J. , Sapkota Suraj , Bahri Bochra A. , Ben M’Barek Sarrah , Visser Richard G. F. , Kema Gert H. J. , Hamza Sonia
Published: May 2022

Background

Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by Zymoseptoria tritici (Z. tritici), is an important biotic threat to durum wheat in the entire Mediterranean Basin. Although most durum wheat cultivars are susceptible to Z. tritici, research in STB resistance in durum wheat has been limited.

Results

In our study, we have identified resistance to a wide array of Z. tritici isolates in the Tunisian durum wheat landrace accession ‘Agili39’. Subsequently, a recombinant inbred population was developed and tested under greenhouse conditions at the seedling stage with eight Z. tritici isolates and for five years under field conditions with three Z. tritici isolates. Mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) resulted in the identification of two major QTL on chromosome 2B designated as Qstb2B_1 and Qstb2B_2. The Qstb2B_1 QTL was mapped at the seedling and the adult plant stage (highest LOD 33.9, explained variance 61.6%), conferring an effective resistance against five Z. tritici isolates. The Qstb2B_2 conferred adult plant resistance (highest LOD 32.9, explained variance 42%) and has been effective at the field trials against two Z. tritici isolates. The physical positions of the flanking markers linked to Qstb2B_1 and Qstb2B_2 indicate that these two QTL are 5 Mb apart. In addition, we identified two minor QTL on chromosomes 1A (Qstb1A) and chromosome 7A (Qstb7A) (highest LODs 4.6 and 4.0, and explained variances of 16% and 9%, respectively) that were specific to three and one Z. tritici isolates, respectively. All identified QTL were derived from the landrace accession Agili39 that represents a valuable source for STB resistance in durum wheat.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that Z. tritici resistance in the ‘Agili39’ landrace accession is controlled by two minor and two major QTL acting in an additive mode. We also provide evidence that the broad efficacy of the resistance to STB in ‘Agili 39’ is due to a natural pyramiding of these QTL. A sustainable use of this Z. tritici resistance source and a positive selection of the linked markers to the identified QTL will greatly support effective breeding for Z. tritici resistance in durum wheat.
Variation, coordination, and trade-offs between needle structures and photosynthetic-related traits across five Picea species: consequences on plant growth
Authors: Wang Junchen , Ouyang Fangqun , An Sanping , Wang Lifang , Xu Na , Ma Jianwei , Wang Junhui , Zhang Hanguo , Kong Lisheng
Published: May 2022

Background

Picea species are distributed and planted world-wide due to their great ecological and economic values. It has been reported that Picea species vary widely in growth traits in a given environment, which reflects genetic and phenotypic differences among species. However, key physiological processes underlying tree growth and the influencing factors on them are still unknown.

Results

Here, we examined needle structures, needle chemical components, physiological characteristics and growth traits across five Picea species in a common garden in Tianshui, Gansu province in China: Picea glauca, P. mariana, P. likiangensis, P. koraiensis, and P. crassifolia, among which P. glauca and P. mariana were introduced from North America, P. likiangensis was from Lijiang, Yunan province in China, P. koraiensis was from Yichun, Heilongjiang province in China, and P. crassifolia was native to the experimental site. It was found that nearly all traits varied significantly among species. Tissue-level anatomical characteristics and leaf mass per area (LMA) were affected by needle size, but the variations of them were not associated with the variations in photosynthetic and biochemical capacity among species. Variations in area-based maximum photosynthesis (Pnmax) were affected by stomatal conductance (gs), mesophyll conductance (gm) and biochemical parameters including maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax), and maximum electron transport rate (Jmax). The fraction of N allocated to different photosynthetic apparatus displayed contrasting values among species, which contributed to the species variations in photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE) and Pnmax. Additionally, all growth traits were positively correlated with Pnmax and PNUE.

Conclusion

Needle structures are less important than needle biochemical parameters in determining the variations in photosynthetic capacity across the five Picea species. Pnmax and PNUE are closedly associated with the fraction of N allocated to photosynthetic apparatus (Pphoto) compared with leaf N content per area (Narea). The tremendous growth differences among the five Picea species were substantially related to the interspecies variation in Pnmax and PNUE.
Association of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio with preterm necrotizing enterocolitis: a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Mu Yuju , Wang Hua
Published: May 2022

Background

There have been few studies on the relationship between the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We conducted a retrospective case-control study to investigate this relationship in preterm neonates.

Methods

A total of 199 preterm neonates diagnosed with NEC between January 2018 and January 2020 were included in this study. For each preterm infant with NEC that was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), controls were preterm neonates (matched for gestation and year of birth) who were not diagnosed with NEC. Exclusion criteria were post-maturity, small or large for gestational age (week of pregnancy), congenital major anomalies, and cyanotic congenital heart disease. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the association between NLR and preterm NEC.

Results

This study included 93 preterm neonates with NEC and 106 matched controls. There were no significant differences in gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), age, sex, vaginal delivery (VD), chorioamnionitis (CA), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) between the groups. Compared with the control group, the lower and higher NLR levels in the NEC group were statistically different. Following univariate analysis, NLR was a risk factor for NEC (odds ratio [OR], 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–1.90; P = 0.042), and according to multivariate analysis, risk factors for NEC were NLR ≥ 3.20 and NLR < 1.60, within 1 week before NEC diagnosis. Thus, NLR values of ≥ 1.60 and < 3.20 were determined as the predictive cut-off values for protecting preterm infants from NEC (Model I: OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.10–0.40; P < 0.001) and (Model II: OR, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.00–0.40; P < 0.001].

Conclusions

NLR ≥ 1.60 and NLR < 3.20 were associated with a decreased risk of NEC in preterm infants.
The assistance gaps in combating COVID-19 in Brazil: for whom, where and when vaccination occurs
Authors: Moreira Rafael da Silveira , Costa Emilly Guaris , dos Santos Lucas Fernando Rodrigues , Miranda Luiz Henrique Lélis , de Oliveira Raiany Rodrigues , Romão Ricardo Fusano , Cozer Rodolfo Ferreira , Guedes Sarah Cavalcanti
Published: May 2022

Background

Following the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of infected Brazilian people has increased dramatically since February 2020, with Brazil being amongst the countries with the highest number of cases and deaths. Brazilian vaccination began in January 2021, aimed at priority groups. This study analysed the spatial and temporal evolution of vaccination in Brazil between the 3rd and 21st epidemiological weeks (EW) of 2021.

Methods

Spatial and temporal analyses were performed comprising 19 EW. Cases were structured into priority groups—elderly population (EP); healthcare workers (HW); indigenous and quilombola populations (I/Q), dose, vaccine (CoronaVac or AstraZeneca), and place of vaccination. A sweep test was performed to identify vaccination rate clusters. Vaccination rates (VR) were calculated according to a spatial window for each Health Region, indicating clusters above/below expected VR. Based on the discrete Poisson probability model, spatial analysis was performed to detect high/low VR clusters, which were converted into Kernel maps. Points were generated from SaTScan analyses associated with Health Region centroids. Temporal analysis of VR was carried out to identify significant trends, and results were converted into temporal cluster graphs. P-value ≤ 0.05 was adopted.

Results

Southeast region concentrated most of the vaccines of EP and HW, followed by the Northeast. The latter region had the largest contingent of I/Q vaccinated. In all priority age groups and all regions, a higher percentage of complete CoronaVac vaccination schedules were observed compared with AstraZeneca. The temporal analysis identified high VR clusters of CoronaVac first and second dose in the early weeks, except for the EP; of AstraZeneca first dose, only for HW in the early weeks, and for EP and I/Q in the final weeks; of AstraZeneca second dose for all priority groups in the final weeks. I/Q populations had the lowest general VR. The spatial profile of VR indicated significant regional cluster differences between the priority groups.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of establishing vaccination priority groups, considering the asymmetries that a pandemic can trigger, notably in vast geographic areas, to contemplate the main objective of vaccination: to prevent casualties.
Comparison of reader agreement, correlation with liver biopsy, and time-burden sampling strategies for liver proton density fat fraction measured using magnetic resonance imaging in patients with obesity: a secondary cross-sectional study
Authors: Cao Di , Li Mengyi , Liu Yang , Jin He , Yang Dawei , Xu Hui , Lv Han , Liu JIa , Zhang Peng , Zhang Zhongtao , Yang Zhenghan
Published: May 2022

Background

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based proton density fat fraction (PDFF) has become popular for quantifying liver fat content. However, the variability of the region-of-interest (ROI) sampling strategy may result in a lack of standardisation of this technology. In an effort to establish an accurate and effective PDFF measurement scheme, this study assessed the pathological correlation, the reader agreement, and time-burden of different sampling strategies with variable ROI size, location, and number.

Methods

Six-echo spoiled gradient-recalled-echo magnitude-based fat quantification was performed for 50 patients with obesity, using a 3.0-T MRI scanner. Two readers used different ROI sampling strategies to measure liver PDFF, three times. Intra-reader and inter-reader agreement was evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficients and Bland‒Altman analysis. Pearson correlations were used to assess the correlation between PDFFs and liver biopsy. Time-burden was recorded.

Results

For pathological correlations, the correlations for the strategy of using three large ROIs in Couinaud segment 3 (S3 3L-ROI) were significantly greater than those for all sampling strategies at the whole-liver level (P < 0.05). For inter-reader agreement, the sampling strategies at the segmental level for S3 3L-ROI and using three large ROIs in Couinaud segment 6 (S6 3L-ROI) and the sampling strategies at the whole-liver level for three small ROIs per Couinaud segment (27S-ROI), one large ROI per Couinaud segment (9L-ROI), and three large ROIs per Couinaud segment (27S-ROI) had limits of agreement (LOA) < 1.5%. For intra-reader agreement, the sampling strategies at the whole-liver level for 27S-ROI, 9L-ROI, and 27L-ROI had both intraclass coefficients > 0.995 and LOAs < 1.5%. The change in the time-burden was the largest (100.80 s) when 9L-ROI was changed to 27L-ROI.

Conclusions

For hepatic PDFF measurement without liver puncture biopsy as the gold standard, and for general hepatic PDFF assessment, 9L-ROI sampling strategy at the whole-liver level should be used preferentially. For hepatic PDFF with liver puncture biopsy as the gold standard, 3L-ROI sampling strategy at the puncture site segment is recommended.
Between commitment and avoidance – working age stroke survivors’ perceptions of physical activity and sedentary behaviour: a qualitative study
Authors: Roaldsen Kirsti S. , Walter Charlotte , Gäverth Johan , Dohrn Ing-Mari
Published: May 2022

Background

It is critical for stroke survivors in working age to develop skills and confidence for long-term self-management of physical activity and exercise training to maintain a healthy lifestyle and decrease the risk of recurrent stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Still, knowledge is scarce about concerns and experiences of physical activity and sedentary behaviour after stroke in working age, and further qualitative studies are required. The aim of this study was to explore and describe perceptions of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in stroke survivors under 65 years who are living with disability.

Methods

A qualitative design with individual semi-structured interviews was selected to generate rich data. Ten informants aged 36–61 years were interviewed 0.5–25 years after their stroke. The interviews were analysed with qualitative content analysis, with an inductive and interpretive approach.

Results

A two-sided contradictory relationship to physical activity and sedentary behaviour was identified. The overarching theme found was “Physical activity and sedentary behaviour – between commitment and avoidance”, comprising three main themes; “Physical activity – medicine for body and mind”, “Physical activity reminds of limitations”, and “Sedentary behaviour – risk, rest, and alternative”. The informants perceived physical activity as medicine, important for both physical and mental functioning, but also as a constant reminder of having a body that no longer functions as it used to. These mixed perceptions and feelings influenced the informants’ behaviours related to physical activity and sedentary behaviour, and both commitment and avoidance were clear strategies.

Conclusions

Working age stroke survivors expressed a clear positive perception of the importance of physical activity for health. However, physical activity was also described as a strong reminder of limitations which paradoxically could lead to sedentary behaviour. To support a physically active lifestyle post stroke, effective interventions as well as health promotion, counselling and patient education are imperative. These should be delivered by appropriately skilled health care professionals.
Hypertension in obese children is associated with vitamin D deficiency and serotonin dysregulation
Authors: Krivošíková Katarína , Krivošíková Zora , Wsolová Ladislava , Seeman Tomáš , Podracká Ľudmila
Published: May 2022

Background

Obesity and hypertension represent serious health issues affecting the pediatric population with increasing prevalence. Hypovitaminosis D has been suggested to be associated with arterial hypertension. Serotonin by modulating nitric oxide synthase affect blood pressure regulation. The biological mechanism by which vitamin D specifically regulates serotonin synthesis was recently described. The aim of this paper is to determine the associations between vitamin D, serotonin, and blood pressure in obese children.

Methods

One hundred and seventy-one children were enrolled in the prospective cross-sectional study. Two groups of children divided according to body mass index status to obese (BMI ≥95th percentile; n = 120) and non-obese (n = 51) were set. All children underwent office and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and biochemical analysis of vitamin D and serotonin. Data on fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA, uric acid, and complete lipid profile were obtained in obese children.

Results

Hypertension was found only in the group of obese children. Compared to the control group, obese children had lower vitamin D and serotonin, especially in winter. The vitamin D seasonality and BMI-SDS were shown as the most significant predictors of systolic blood pressure changes, while diastolic blood pressure was predicted mostly by insulin and serotonin. The presence of hypertension and high-normal blood pressure in obese children was most significantly affected by vitamin D deficiency and increased BMI-SDS.

Conclusions

Dysregulation of vitamin D and serotonin can pose a risk of the onset and development of hypertension in obese children; therefore, their optimization together with reducing body weight may improve the long-term cardiovascular health of these children.
Epidemiology and lifestyle survey of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in school-age children and adolescents in Shenyang, Liaoning
Authors: Lin Guan , Xinhe Zhang , Haoyu Tian , Xing Jin , Dan Li , Ningning Wang , Jing Sun , Xue Wang , Zilu Zeng , Yiling Li
Published: May 2022

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is diagnosed increasingly in children and adolescents. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and related influencing factors of NAFLD in school-aged children and adolescents in Shenyang, Liaoning Province. Furthermore, we analyzed the relationship between lifestyle and fatty liver.

Methods

We conducted aprospective cohort study of 1309 school-aged children and adolescents between the ages of 7 and 18 years who underwent physical examination from November to December 2019. In addition, they were collected age, gender, learning stage, height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-hip ratio. Finally, a portion of the population was selected to complete a questionnaire survey to explore the impact of lifestyle habits on fatty liver disease.

Results

NAFLD was present in 23.83% of subjects. The prevalence of children and adolescents was 22.73% and 24.43%, respectively. Fatty liver prevalence differs significantly by gender and learning stages. The highest rate of fatty liver was seen in obese children (71.68%). Moreover, exercise, diet, and parental factors can affect children with fatty liver.

Conclusions

NAFLD is very prevalent in children and adolescents in Shenyang city. Due to the close relationship between NAFLD and obesity, lifestyle plays a major role in the occurrence of NAFLD.

Trial registration

The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, [2020] 2020–258-2. Registered 6 June 2020—Retrospectively registered.
Early-onset neonatal sepsis and antibiotic use in Indonesia: a descriptive, cross-sectional study
Authors: Salsabila Khansa , Toha Nadira Mohammad Ali , Rundjan Lily , Pattanittum Porjai , Sirikarn Prapassara , Rohsiswatmo Rinawati , Wandita Setya , Hakimi Mohammad , Lumbiganon Pagakrong , Green Sally , Turner Tari
Published: May 2022

Background

Early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic treatment are crucial to reducing morbidity and mortality of early-onset sepsis (EOS) in neonates. However, this strategy remains challenging due to non-specific clinical findings and limited facilities. Inappropriate antibiotics use is associated with ineffective therapy and adverse outcomes. This study aims to determine the characteristics of EOS and use of antibiotics in the neonatal-intensive care units (NICUs) in Indonesia, informing efforts to drive improvements in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of EOS.

Methods

A descriptive study was conducted based on pre-intervention data of the South East Asia-Using Research for Change in Hospital-acquired Infection in Neonates project. Our study population consisted of neonates admitted within 72 h of life to the three participating NICUs. Neonates who presented with three or more clinical signs or laboratory results consistent with sepsis and who received antibiotics for 5 consecutive days were considered to have EOS. Culture-proven EOS was defined as positive blood or cerebrospinal fluid culture. Type and duration of antibiotics used were also documented.

Results

Of 2,509 neonates, 242 cases were suspected of having EOS (9.6%) with culture-proven sepsis in 83 cases (5.0% of neonatal admissions in hospitals with culture facilities). The causative organisms were mostly gram-negative bacteria (85/94; 90.4%). Ampicillin / amoxicillin and amikacin were the most frequently prescribed antibiotics in hospitals with culture facilities, while a third-generation cephalosporin was mostly administered in hospital without culture facilities. The median durations of antibiotic therapy were 19 and 9 days in culture-proven and culture-negative EOS groups, respectively.

Conclusions

The overall incidence of EOS and culture-proven EOS was high in Indonesia, with diverse and prolonged use of antibiotics. Prospective antibiotic surveillance and stewardship interventions are required.
Healthcare professionals’ experiences with education in short term medical missions: an inductive thematic analysis
Authors: Novak Milanka , Drummond Katharine , Kumar Arunaz
Published: May 2022

Background

Short-term medical mission (STMM) providers supplement healthcare delivery and education in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Despite numerous providers working in this space, the views of volunteers who contribute their time and skills to these programs are rarely sought.

Method

A qualitative study of 24 volunteers for Pangea Global Health Education (Pangea) was undertaken using semi-structured interviews to better understand their perspectives on program design and delivery, personal and professional outcomes of their volunteer experiences and the resulting implications for STMM program design. An inductive thematic analysis of their responses was completed. Social constructionist theory was utilised to contextualise themes and implications for program design.

Results

Participants highlighted the importance of co-creation with local learners and staff, the necessity to understand clinical context and the importance of relating to culture in the advancement of patient care. They reported personal growth, including a better understanding of others, and identifying commonalities between people. Professionally, participants reported learning from their colleagues, including new medical content, as well as refining their teaching practices. They also reported learning from those they taught and respecting the resourcefulness of medical and nursing staff working in LMIC.

Conclusion

STMM providers may benefit from co-creation with their learners in the development of health professional education programs. A deep understanding of local context and culture provides for a richer learning environment and enables sustainable long-term program delivery. Utilising a social constructionist framework enables a better understanding of cultural barriers, which inhibit group learning, including the tendency to maintain hierarchical divides; addressing these will allow for optimised patient care.
Current status and influencing factors of digital health literacy among community-dwelling older adults in Southwest China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Siqi , Zhao Hongyan , Fu Jingjing , Kong Dehui , Zhong Zhu , Hong Yan , Tan Jing , Luo Yu
Published: May 2022

Background

The rapid development of digital health has reduced the time and cost of medical treatment, bringing efficient and economical benefits. However, older adults all over the world are deficient in digital health knowledge and skills to varying degrees. This study intends to investigate the current status and influencing factors of digital health literacy among community-dwelling older adults in Southwest China, so as to provide theoretical reference for global digital health researches and the construction of gerontological digital health service models.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 2020 to April 2021 in Chongqing, China. 572 community-dwelling older adults (≥ 65 years) were surveyed by stratified sampling. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, Internet usage, attitude towards Internet health information and digital health literacy were collected. Wherein, the digital health literacy assessment adopted the Digital Health Literacy Assessment Scale for community-dwelling older adults, which was developed by the research group, proven to be with good internal consistency (0.941), split-half reliability (0.889), test–retest reliability (0.941), content validity (0.967), criterion validity (0.938) and construct validity. The influencing factors were explored by univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

The average score of digital health literacy was 37.10 (SD 18.65). Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in the comparison of digital health literacy according to 16 variables, such as different age and education levels. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that education level, marital status, self-rated health status, degree of health concerns, duration of Internet usage, time spent using the Internet per day, frequency of Internet usage, frequency of receiving guidance passively from family members, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived reliability were positively correlated with digital health literacy, while age and perceived risk were negatively correlated with digital health literacy.

Conclusion

The overall digital health literacy of community-dwelling older adults in Southwest China is relatively low. In the future, health professionals should fully consider the diverse influencing factors of digital health literacy, assess individual differences and provide targeted intervention programs. Meanwhile, global public health authorities should integrate health resources effectively, and seek health service models for older adults in line with the development of the digital age to narrow the digital divide.
Public health and social measures to mitigate the health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey, Egypt, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Poland during 2020–2021: situational analysis
Authors: Kitamura Noriko , Abbas Kaja , Nathwani Dilip
Published: May 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic had a colossal impact on human society globally. There were similarities and differences in the public health and social measures taken by countries, and comparative analysis facilitates cross-country learning of contextual practices and sharing lessons to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic impact. Our aim is to conduct a situational analysis of the public health and social measures to mitigate the health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey, Egypt, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Poland during 2020–2021.

Methods

We conducted a situational analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic response in Turkey, Egypt, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Poland from the perspectives of the health system and health finance, national coordination, surveillance, testing capacity, health infrastructure, healthcare workforce, medical supply, physical distancing and non-pharmaceutical interventions, health communication, impact on non-COVID-19 health services, impact on the economy, education, gender and civil liberties, and COVID-19 vaccination.

Results

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Turkey, Egypt, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Poland have expanded COVID-19 testing and treatment capacity over time. However, they faced a shortage of healthcare workforce and medical supplies. They took population-based quarantine measures rather than individual-based isolation measures, which significantly burdened their economies and disrupted education. The unemployment rate increased, and economic growth stagnated. Economic stimulus policy was accompanied by high inflation. Despite the effort to sustain essential health services, healthcare access declined. Schools were closed for 5–11 months. Gender inequality was aggravated in Turkey and Ukraine, and an issue was raised for balancing public health measures and civil liberties in Egypt and Poland. Digital technologies played an important role in maintaining routine healthcare, education, and public health communication.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed weaknesses in healthcare systems in the emerging economies of Turkey, Egypt, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Poland, and highlighted the intricate link between health and economy. Individual-level testing, isolation, and contact tracing are effective public health interventions in mitigating the health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in comparison to population-level measures of lockdowns. Smart investments in public health, including digital health and linking health security with sustainable development, are key for economic gain, social stability, and more equitable and sustainable development.