bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving thromboprophylaxis in the medical inpatients: The role of the resident in an academic hospital
Authors: Torres-Quintanilla Francisco J , Azpiri-López José R , Romero-Ibarguengoitia Maria E , Ponce-Sierra Tadeo H , Martínez-Gallegos Eunice P
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the main causes of preventable in-hospital death. It is recommended for hospitals to have an appropriate thromboprophylaxis (TP) protocol to avoid VTE complications.

Objective

To determine the effect of the resident physician feedback to the staff physician in TP appropriateness after the Caprini RAM score implementation.

Methods

Caprini RAM was implemented by the residents in medical patients. Patients were divided in low, moderate, high, and highest-risk groups, with TP recommendation accordingly. In cases with inadequate TP, the resident provided feedback to the staff physician for adjustment. Change to appropriate TP was assessed retrospectively.

Results

A total of 265 records were included. Before intervention, 193 (72.8%) patients had appropriate TP and post-intervention, 207 (78.1%) patients received adequate TP ( p < .001).

Conclusions

Feedback from the internal medicine resident to staff physician improves appropriate TP in medical inpatients as a quality of care strategy.
Effects of COVID-19 on sub-Saharan African library associations
Authors: Asare Comfort AB , Aggrey Samuel Bentil
Published: December 2022

Professional associations serve as a backbone for their members in Africa and globally. They promote the welfare of their members and have standards and principles that guide their activities. This is a quantitative study of 10 national library associations in sub-Saharan Africa. The study looks at some of the activities of the national library associations and how they were impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19. The findings show that the majority of the associations had to postpone their annual conferences and continuous professional education programmes. The study recommends that national library associations from sub-Saharan Africa take advantage of technological platforms to reach out to their members in the organization of conferences and training programmes. Also, national library associations should have a policy that can drive their activities in the future in the event of the occurrence of another pandemic.
The important contribution of renewable energy technologies in overcoming Pakistan's energy crisis: Present challenges and potential opportunities
Authors: Asghar Rafiq , Sulaiman Mohd H , Mustaffa Zuriani , Ullah Nasim , Hassan Waqas
Published: December 2022

In recent years, the environmental and economic consequences of coal, gasoline and other conventional energy sources have been widely discussed. Currently, Pakistan's energy output is highly dependent on these resources; as a consequence, the country is facing a severe energy crisis. The government spends more than $3.7 billion annually on fossil fuel imports, which has a significant impact on an already vulnerable economy. Moreover, the country is ranked as the seventh-most impacted region by climate change, making it critical for the government to take proactive measures. Renewable energy that is both economical and sustainable will become a realistic and viable choice for satisfying Pakistan's current and future energy demands. This article provides a detailed overview of Pakistan's long-standing energy scarcity concerns and discusses the country's current renewable energy challenges and opportunities. Additionally, Pakistan's efforts in the realm of renewable energy are compared to those of other Asian nations in order to understand how these countries are advancing renewable energy sources. Numerous statistics show that despite government initiatives, the amount of power generated from renewable sources falls short of the Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan’s (IGCEP’s) 2025 and 2030 targets. Achieving these aspirational targets will require competent policies, incentives, technological expertise and substantial political and financial commitments. Hence, this article also advised policymakers and city municipalities on how to enhance energy infrastructure, knowledge and the capacity for overcoming future challenges. In contrast, the development of renewable energy in Pakistan has been an extremely successful endeavour, but an effective and efficient approach is necessary to leverage the benefits of rapid progress.
Sound attenuation characteristics of acoustically lined curved pipes
Authors: Sarıgül A Saide
Published: December 2022

Boundary element solutions of the Helmholtz integral equation for the sound attenuation of acoustically lined curved pipes are presented. The curved pipes are in the form of cylindrical and toroidal coordinates. The main objective of the study is a comparative analysis of sound attenuation characteristics of lined toroidal pipes. Although toroidal pipes with circular cross-section are used extensively in industrial and agricultural applications, they have been taken little attention in literature. One reason may be the impossibility of theoretical solution since wave equation is not separable in toroidal coordinates. A numerical method should be utilized in the solution; in fact, not many researchers are familiar with toroidal coordinates on the contrary of other coordinate systems, such as cylindrical coordinates. The use of toroidal coordinates and generation of a pipe in these coordinates are illustrated herein. Sound waves in the pipes are produced by the vibrating inlet surface and resulting sound pressure distribution on the interior surfaces of side walls and anechoic exit are computed. Sound transmission loss of the pipes is represented by the ratio of inlet to exit pressures, as sound attenuation spectra. The results of cylindrical and toroidal pipes with the same cross-sectional area are compared. The sound attenuation performance of lined toroidal pipes is compared in terms of bend sharpness as a measure of curvature. The comparison is extended to cover the hard-walled and lined toroidal pipes to conclude their common and/or different acoustic behaviours.
Analysis of adverse events leading to dose reduction/interruption of lenvatinib treatment in patients with Child-Pugh B unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kimura Michio , Asano Hiroki , Usami Eiseki , Teramachi Hitomi , Yoshimura Tomoaki
Published: December 2022

Introduction

We aimed to compare the safety of lenvatinib as first-line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with Child-Pugh A (CP-A) and Child-Pugh B (CP-B) and to determine the adverse events (AEs) that cause dose reduction/interruption of treatment in patients with CP-B.

Methods

Sixty-six patients with lenvatinib as a first-line treatment for HCC at Ogaki Municipal Hospital (Ogaki, Japan) between April 2018 and January 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. We analyzed the treatment duration, AEs, and reasons for dose reduction/interruption associated with lenvatinib treatment in patients with CP-A and CP-B HCC.

Results

The CP-B group had significantly more cases of grade ≥ 2 fatigue and anorexia than the CP-A group ( p  =  0.045 and p  =  0.042, respectively). Regarding AEs that caused dose reduction/interruption of treatment, the CP-A group had significantly more cases of proteinuria than the CP-B group ( p  =  0.015), whereas the CP-B group had significantly more cases of hand-foot syndrome (HFS) than the CP-A group ( p  =  0.013).

Conclusion

Patients with CP-B have greater difficulty than patients with CP-A in continuing treatment with repeated dose reductions/interruption of treatment due to intolerable grade ≥ 2 AEs (fatigue and anorexia). HFS is more likely to cause dose reduction/interruption of treatment in CP-B than in CP-A unresectable HCC.
Gendered play behaviours in autistic and non-autistic children: A population-based cohort study
Authors: Hull Laura , Heuvelman Hein , Golding Jean , Mandy William , Rai Dheeraj
Published: December 2022

Gender-typical play is observed throughout childhood for non-autistic children. However, there has been limited research into the gender typicality of autistic children’s play compared to that of non-autistic children. In a longitudinal population-based cohort, we compared gendered play behaviours in autistic and non-autistic children using standardised parent-report (30, 42 and 57 months) and child-report (8 years) data ( N = 11,251). We observed no difference in gendered play behaviours between girls with or without autism at any time point. Autistic and non-autistic boys did not differ in the gender typicality of their play when aged 30 months, but the play of autistic boys appeared less masculine than that of non-autistic boys (β = −1.1, 95% confidence interval = −2.1 to −0.2; and β = −2.6, 95% confidence interval = −4.7 to −0.5) at 42 and 57 months. Autistic boys also self-reported less masculine play behaviours than non-autistic boys at 8 years of age (β = −3.4, 95% confidence interval = −6.6 to −0.2). We found that autistic boys’ play was less gender typical than that of non-autistic boys in middle and later childhood. Our findings highlight the importance of examining gendered play behaviours in a developmental context and have relevance for understanding the development of gender identity in autism.

Lay abstract

Non-autistic children tend to show gendered patterns of play behaviours – boys are more likely to play with ‘masculine’ toys, and girls are more likely to play with ‘feminine’ toys. However, little is known about whether autistic children follow these patterns as well. We looked at the masculinity and femininity of autistic and non-autistic children’s play behaviours at multiple time points. Parents reported their children’s play behaviours at ages 30, 42 and 57 months, and children reported their own play behaviours at 8 years old. We found no difference between autistic and non-autistic girls, who both showed more feminine play behaviours as they got older. Autistic boys’ play behaviours were reported as less masculine than non-autistic boys at 42 and 57 months, and at 8 years old. We also found that non-autistic boys’ play tended to become more masculine as they got older, but this was not the case for autistic boys. Our findings suggest that differences in autistic and non-autistic boys’ play behaviours may develop at around 42 months old.
Universal basic income as a source of inspiration for the future of social protection systems? A counter-agenda
Authors: Dumont Daniel
Published: December 2022

The case for a universal basic income helps to reflect on what could be done to bring social protection into the 21st century, but, it is argued, does not itself provide the most convincing solution to the difficulties rightly pointed out by its proponents. However, this plea constitutes a fruitful source of inspiration for other developments than that proposed. Three proposals are made here in this respect: reducing the influence of household composition on the amount of social benefits received, making the possibility of combining a social benefit with other financial resources more flexible, and relaxing the work integration requirements imposed in return for the granting of rights.
Tacit consent and political legitimacy
Authors: Cibik Matej
Published: December 2022

Though historically important, the notion of tacit consent plays little role in contemporary discussions of political legitimacy. The idea, in fact, is often dismissed as obviously implausible. The ambition of this paper is to challenge this assumption and show that tacit consent can become a key ingredient in a theory of legitimacy. Instead of defining tacit consent through residence (where, according to John Locke or Plato's Socrates, staying in the country amounts to tacitly consenting to its system of rule), the paper explores a different strategy, delimiting tacit consent as an absence of active dissent. The basic idea starts from the fact that widespread anti-government protests and demonstrations always carry a potent delegitimating force. Political legitimacy is therefore never permanent and unchangeable, regardless of the nature of the regime, and can be undermined at all times by active dissent from the population. Having established the relationship between dissent and delegitimation of political power, even the inverted, stronger claim is defended: the absence of active dissent (i.e., tacit consent) can, under certain circumstances, serve to legitimize political power. The paper sets up and defends several conditions that need to be met for the right normative mandate to be created by the population tacitly accepting the existing power arrangements. If those are fulfilled (especially when full freedom of expression and information is granted), tacit consent can become a vital element of political legitimacy.
The Effects of Steady Freddy, a Lidocaine-Based Pump Spray for the Treatment of Premature Ejaculation (PE)
Authors: Shariev Artur , Savdie Richard , Hart Kieran
Published: December 2022

Premature ejaculation (PE) is reported to be the most common sexual dysfunction in men and is defined as the inability to control or delay ejaculation. Steady Freddy is a lidocaine-based ejaculation-delaying spray. This article examines the effects of Steady Freddy on the sexual experience of men that have self-reported to suffer from PE. Under the conditions of a randomized single-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, 150 participants received either placebo or treatment for the duration of 12 weeks and completed an internet-based questionnaire for the quality of their sexual experience. Prior to product usage, participant average latency time was <1 min, 70% claimed to be very sexually dissatisfied, and 67% claimed to be very dissatisfied with ejaculation control. Upon product usage, sexual experience was significantly improved ( p<.01). Participant average latency time increased to >2 min, 80% claimed to be sexually satisfied, and 70% claimed to be satisfied with ejaculation control. These effects were not present in the placebo group throughout the trial. These findings provide evidence for the effectiveness of Steady Freddy in significantly improving the quality of sexual experience and suggest that Steady Freddy can assist with PE.
Effect of the grinding process on the surface quality of ultrafine cemented carbide with different Co content
Authors: Zhao Guangen , Xu Yongchao , Zheng Charles Ming , Tian Xiao , Lin Chen , Wang QianTing , Zhan Youji
Published: December 2022

By using a resin bonded diamond grinding wheel, the influence of grinding conditions on processing quality of the ultrafine cemented carbides with different Co content were investigated. Through grinding experiments, the effects of grinding wheel linear speed, feed speed and grinding depth on the surface morphology, roughness, and residual stress of cemented carbides were studied, and the relationship between grinding conditions and machining quality was established. Then, the evaluation and prediction of surface quality according to the grinding parameters can be realized by using ternary regression analysis. Finally, gray relational analysis was applied to optimize the multi-objective concerning surface quality to find the optimal grinding process parameters. The grinding test results show that with the increase of grinding linear speed as well as the decrease of feed speed and grinding depth, the maximum undeformed abrasive particle thickness decreases, which improves the surface plastic removal ratio and reduces the surface roughness. The multi-objective optimization of the grinding process can be achieved by using gray relational analysis, the resulting optimal process parameters achieve the lowest residual stress and surface roughness, which provides a theoretical basis for the prediction and control of the surface quality of cemented carbide in the grinding process.
Photophysical properties of furan-bridged dimeric boron-dipyrromethene derivatives (BODIPYs)
Authors: Jung Galam , Kim Namdoo , Bae Se Won
Published: December 2022

In order to investigate the changes in the spectroscopic properties of dimeric boron-dipyrromethenes (BODIPYs), four BODIPY derivatives are synthesized, including a monomer BODIPY in which a furyl group is substituted at the meso position and a dimer BODIPY with a furan group as a bridge. The four synthesized BODIPY derivatives are characterized through nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. Photophysical properties such as ultraviolet–visible absorbance and the fluorescence emission of monomers (mT1 and mT2) and dimers (biT1 and biT2) are studied in eight different solvents. In addition, the relationship of their structural properties and optical properties are also considered through density functional theory calculations. The covalent link between the two BODIPY units using a furan group has a profound effect on the optical properties of the dimeric BODIPYs. We believe that an understanding of the synthesis and physical properties of dimeric BODIPYs will have a promising perspective in designing new BODIPY derivatives and predicting their spectroscopic characteristics in the future.
Management of fetal hyperthyroidism caused by persistent autoimmune antibodies in a case of previously treated maternal Graves’ disease
Authors: Karri Susmita Reddy , Roy Priya Susan , Nandi Nirjhar , Shenoy Vasant , Watson David
Published: December 2022

Maternal Graves’ autoantibodies are well known to cause fetal and neonatal thyroid disturbances. Despite radioiodine therapy, Graves’ autoantibodies are known to persist, which can cross the placenta and cause hyperthyroidism in the fetus. We present the case of a 26-year-old woman in her first pregnancy, clinically and biochemically euthyroid with history of treated Graves’ disease, where the fetus showed signs of hyperthyroidism on antenatal scans. This was confirmed by amniotic fluid testing as fetal blood sampling was not feasible and successfully treated with maternal carbimazole whilst continuing thyroxine for the mother (block-replacement). We discuss the challenges in the diagnosis of fetal hyperthyroidism and treatment whilst maternal thyroid status is maintained on thyroxine.
Development of a shooting machine for the selection of arrows
Authors: Ohara Masashi , Kawasaki Naoki , Song Hyunwoo , Shinojima Ayane , Naka Yuma , Takada Yogo , Watanabe Hitoshi
Published: December 2022

It is important to select reliable tools that archers should use in archery competitions. For this reason, we focused on the arrows among the tools and developed a shooting machine for selecting arrows. It is important to imitate the movement of the right finger to release the arrow and the forward movement of the bow after the arrow is released. Therefore, these factors were considered when designing the machine. In this study, a shooting experiment was conducted in which the shooting cycle of twelve ends of six arrows was repeated five times (one end is defined as six arrows). Next, using the data from the impact points on the target, specific arrows with a large dispersion were identified. Cluster analysis was then conducted to identify the arrows that showed a high similarity distribution. Based on the above results, we were able to identify arrows with the most flaws and select arrows that archers should use. The results indicate the effectiveness of the method of selecting reliable arrows by rejecting flawed arrows.
Mechanism and Experimental Verification of the Use of Rhodiola crenulata to Cytokine Storm Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Zhao Wanhua , Song Dan , Wang Pingyi , Tian Yu , Chang Senhao , Li Wenhua
Published: December 2022

Objective: To identify the potential biological mechanisms by which Rhodiola crenulata (RC) treats cytokine storm (CS) using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification. Methods: The ingredients and targets of RC were collected from the Organchem database. CS-related genes were collected using the GeneCards and OMIM databases. Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to construct the RC-CS network diagram. These data were inputted into the STRING database to construct a protein–protein interaction network. we performed gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis using DAVID and R software. Molecular docking of the active ingredient and pathway-related targets was carried out using AutoDock Vina and PyMOL, and then a CS model was established in rats induced by lipopolysaccharide for in vivo experimental verification. Results: The network pharmacology results showed that kaempferol was the most important active component of RC in the treatment of CS, and IL6 and STAT3 were identified as key targets. Molecular docking results showed that RC active components kaempferol had a good binding ability to IL6/STAT3. At the same time, compared with the model group, different doses of kaempferol could down-regulate the expression of inflammatory factors ( P < .05), and protect against systemic inflammatory response multiple organ damage. Conclusion: This study preliminarily revealed that RC can prevent and treat CS by regulating the expression of inflammatory factors, inhibiting the systemic inflammatory response induced by lipopolysaccharide, and providing a theoretical basis for the study of its pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of action.
Calcaneal reconstruction using a femoral head allograft and biologic adjuncts: A case report
Authors: Weiss Matthew B , Konopka Jaclyn A , Azam Mohammad T , Ubillus Hugo A , Mercer Nathaniel P , Kennedy John G
Published: December 2022

We present a case of calcaneal reconstruction after both an improvised explosive device injury and subsequent salvage procedures left the patient with a large calcaneal defect and damaged hindfoot soft tissue. A subtalar arthrodesis was performed with a femoral head allograft, where it was fused to the remaining calcaneus and superiorly through the talus, to successfully reconstruct this defect. Demineralized bone matrix, bone morphogenetic protein, and concentrated bone marrow aspirate were also added as adjuncts to promote bone remodeling. At final follow-up, the patient denied pain, was fully weight-bearing, and had resumed an active lifestyle.

Level of Evidence: Level V, Case Report
Systematic mapping of digital health apps – A methodological proposal based on the World Health Organization classification of interventions
Authors: Pernencar Claudia , Aguilar Paulo , Saboia Inga , Barreto Ivana , Theophilo Rebecca , Oliveira Deivith , Monteiro Luiz Odorico
Published: December 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 was identified as a pandemic and Brazil is one of the major epicentres. One of the Brazilian states affected is Ceará, where this research group works. This group was challenged by a Hospital stakeholder to develop a communication channel with the health professionals and the coronavirus disease 2019 patient's family. This article presents a part of this whole project. The main methodological approach was the user-centred design based on user experience elements. Benchmarking was applied to understand the state-of-art of Brazilian apps that were related to coronavirus disease 2019. The research process was based on a systematic approach that was carried out by a multidisciplinary team that worked through four work cycles (identification, classification, screening, analysis). This work was based on two main points: (a) World Health Organization digital health guidelines, specifically digital health interventions (b) System Usability Scale. As a result, apps features were gathered according to the digital health interventions and their experiences were analysed on System Usability Scale. This work has provided an overview of apps that were available and how they support the coronavirus disease 2019 context. Another valuable contribution is the understanding of how the industry was satisfying the user's needs. These two results can provide a holistic view for future product development that can be used in different contexts of health issues. One of the highlighted conclusions was that digital health interventions should be adapted to the local context because these World Health Organization guidelines were open. Moreover, the System Usability Scale is an effective method to compare different digital health solutions.
An innovative color-coding scheme for terrorism threat advisory system
Authors: Singh Prabal Pratap , Philip Deepu
Published: December 2022

This research develops an innovative terror threat advisory system capable of visually communicating variations in the terrorism levels to policymakers or the public and forecasts future levels. Earlier attempts to create similar advisory systems by policymakers were either discontinued or lost their relevance due to a trust deficit in the system. We propose a novel approach for creating a color scheme and utilize it to develop an intuitive caterpillar diagram summarizing various stages of terrorism. It incorporates Global Terrorism Impact Scores for a nation or region using the Global Terrorism Database (GTD). Further, color transitions in the caterpillar diagram between consecutive periods mimic a Markovian process, thereby enabling us to develop the forecasting model. We successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed caterpillar diagram and forecasting model for India, Iraq, and their respective regions. The forecasting model suggests that the aggressive terrorism stage depicted by red color and transient stages of ascent (yellow) and descent (cyan) are the most probable in these nations and their regions. The proposed caterpillar diagram is an innovative visualization approach to identify terrorism patterns, from which a Markovian forecasting model is developed to aid policymakers. Our approach applies to any event-based database like GTD. Finally, the caterpillar diagram is a domain-independent framework that can visualize variations in any univariate data series, thereby assisting in system monitoring.
Effectiveness of a Negotiated Syllabus on the Reading Achievement of Intermediate-Level EFL Learners
Authors: Khademi Abdolvahab
Published: December 2022

Few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of a negotiated syllabus on the reading skill of learners. The present study attempts to establish if a negotiated syllabus had any effect on the reading achievement of female EFL learners at intermediate level English proficiency. The study was conducted with the participation of 61 learners placed into the experimental group ( n = 32) and the control group ( n = 29). The element of negotiation in this study was the topic interests of the experimental group surveyed on an interest areas questionnaire on the basis of which instructional reading passages were selected. Topic interests were not surveyed in the control group and the texts given to them were selected by the teachers. Both groups were tested at the beginning of the experiment and retested at the end of the experiment with a valid reading comprehension test comprising 22 items. A two-sample t-test was performed to compare any means difference between the scores of the experimental group and the control group on the reading test. The results indicated that no statistically significant difference was observed between the mean scores of the experimental and control groups.
Immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with multiple myeloma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chuleerarux Nipat , Manothummetha Kasama , Moonla Chatphatai , Sanguankeo Anawin , Kates Olivia S. , Hirankarn Nattiya , Phongkhun Kasidis , Thanakitcharu Jaedvara , Leksuwankun Surachai , Meejun Tanaporn , Thongkam Achitpol , Mongkolkaew Thanuthong , Dioverti M. Veronica , Torvorapanit Pattama , Langsiri Nattapong , Worasilchai Navaporn , Plongla Rongpong , Chindamporn Ariya , Gopinath Shilpa , Nissaisorakarn Pitchaphon , Thaniyavarn Tany , Nematollahi Saman , Permpalung Nitipong
Published: December 2022

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) have a diminished immune response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. Risk factors for an impaired immune response are yet to be determined. We aimed to summarize the COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity and to identify factors that influence the humoral immune response in patients with MM. Two reviewers independently conducted a literature search in MEDLINE, Embase, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane library, and Clinicaltrials.gov from existence until 24 May 24 2022. (PROSPERO: CRD42021277005). A total of 15 studies were included in the systematic review and 5 were included in the meta-analysis. The average rate (range) of positive functional T-lymphocyte response was 44.2% (34.2%-48.5%) after 2 doses of messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccines. The average antispike antibody response rates (range) were 42.7% (20.8%-88.5%) and 78.2% (55.8%-94.2%) after 1 and 2 doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, respectively. The average neutralizing antibody response rates (range) were 25% (1 study) and 62.7% (53.3%-68.6%) after 1 and 2 doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, respectively. Patients with high-risk cytogenetics or receiving anti-CD38 therapy were less likely to have a humoral immune response with pooled odds ratios of 0.36 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.18, 0.69), I2 = 0% and 0.42 (95% CI, 0.22, 0.79), I2 = 14%, respectively. Patients who were not on active MM treatment were more likely to respond with pooled odds ratio of 2.42 (95% CI, 1.10, 5.33), I2 = 7%. Patients with MM had low rates of humoral and cellular immune responses to the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal doses of vaccines and evaluate the use of monoclonal antibodies for pre-exposure prophylaxis in this population.
Identification of a Saltol-Independent Salinity Tolerance Polymorphism in Rice Mekong Delta Landraces and Characterization of a Promising Line, Doc Phung
Authors: Nguyen Tam Thanh , Dwiyanti Maria Stefanie , Sakaguchi Shuntaro , Koide Yohei , Le Dung Viet , Watanabe Toshihiro , Kishima Yuji
Published: December 2022

The Mekong Delta River in Vietnam is facing salinity intrusion caused by climate change and sea-level rise that is severely affecting rice cultivation. Here, we evaluated salinity responses of 97 rice accessions (79 landraces and 18 improved accessions) from the Mekong Delta population by adding 100 mM NaCl to the nutrient solution for up to 20 days. We observed a wide distribution in salinity tolerance/sensitivity, with two major peaks across the 97 accessions when using the standard evaluation system (SES) developed by the International Rice Research Institute. SES scores revealed strong negative correlations (ranging from − 0.68 to − 0.83) with other phenotypic indices, such as shoot elongation length, root elongation length, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight. Mineral concentrations of Na+ in roots, stems, and leaves and Ca2+ in roots and stems were positively correlated with SES scores, suggesting that tolerant accessions lower their cation exchange capacity in the root cell wall. The salinity tolerance of Mekong Delta accessions was independent from the previously described salinity tolerance–related locus Saltol, which encodes an HKT1-type transporter in the salinity-tolerant cultivars Nona Bokra and Pokkali. Indeed, genome-wide association studies using SES scores and shoot dry weight ratios of the 79 accessions as traits identified a single common peak located on chromosome 1. This SNP did not form a linkage group with other nearby SNPs and mapped to the 3′ untranslated region of gene LOC_Os01g32830, over 6.5 Mb away from the Saltol locus. LOC_Os01g32830 encodes chloroplast glycolate/glycerate translocator 1 (OsPLGG1), which is responsible for photorespiration and growth. SES and shoot dry weight ratios differed significantly between the two possible haplotypes at the causal SNP. Through these analyses, we characterize Doc Phung, one of the most salinity-tolerant varieties in the Mekong Delta population and a promising new genetic resource.
Ocular symptoms in COVID-19 infection: a survey study
Authors: McHarg Matthew , Wang Yujuan , Yakin Mehmet , Zeleny Alex , Caplash Sonny , Sen H Nida , Kodati Shilpa
Published: December 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) systemic symptoms and sequelae have been studied extensively, but less is known about the characterization, duration, and long-term sequelae of ocular symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection. The purpose of this study was to analyze the frequency, spectrum, and duration of ocular symptoms in participants with COVID-19 infection treated in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Methods

A retrospective electronic survey was distributed to NIH employees and the public who reported testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. The anonymous survey collected information on demographics, past ocular history, systemic COVID-19 symptoms, and ocular symptoms.

Results

A total of 229 (21.9% male and 78.1% female, mean age 42.5 ± 13.9) survey responses were included. Ocular symptoms were reported by 165 participants with a mean of 2.31 ± 2.42 symptoms. The most commonly reported ocular symptoms were light sensitivity (31.0%), itchy eyes (24.9%), tearing (24.9%), eye redness (24.5%), and eye pain (24.5%). Participants with ocular symptoms had a higher number of systemic symptoms compared to participants without ocular symptoms (mean 9.17 ± 4.19 vs 6.22 ± 3.63; OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.11 – 1.32; p < 0.001). Ocular symptoms were more common in those who reported a past ocular history compared to those who did not (81.8% vs 67.1%; OR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.08 – 4.37; p = 0.03). Additionally, the onset of ocular symptoms occurred most frequently at the same time as systemic symptoms (47.5%), and 21.8% reported symptoms lasting ≥ 14 days.

Conclusions

Ocular surface-related symptoms are the most frequent ocular manifestations, and systemic disease severity is associated with the presence of ocular symptoms. Additionally, our results show that ocular symptoms can persist post-COVID-19 infection. Further work is needed to better understand ocular symptoms in COVID-19 and long-term sequelae.
Clinical Prognostic Factors and Integrated Multi-Omics Studies Identify Potential Novel Therapeutic Targets for Pediatric Desmoid Tumor
Authors: Ning Bo , Huang Peng , Zhu Lining , Ma Zhijie , Chen Xiaoli , Xu Haojun , Ma Ruixue , Yao Chengyun , Zheng Pengfei , Xia Tian , Xia Hongping
Published: December 2022

Background

Desmoid tumor (DT), also known as desmoid-type fibromatosis (DTF) or aggressive fibromatosis (AF) is a rare mesenchymal tumor affecting both children and adults. It is non-metastasis but infiltrative, growing with a high recurrence rate to even cause serious health problems. This study investigates the biology of desmoid tumors through integrated multi-omics studies.

Methods

We systematically investigated the clinical data of 98 extra-abdominal cases in our pediatric institute and identified some critical clinical prognostic factors. Moreover, our integrated multi-omics studies (Whole Exome Sequencing, RNA sequencing, and untargeted metabolomics profiling) in the paired PDT tumor/matched normal tissues identified more novel mutations, and potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for PDTs.

Results

The top mutation genes, such as CTNNB1 (p.T41A and p.S45F) and MUC4 (p.T3775T, p.S3450S, etc.), were observed with a mutation in more than 40% of PDT patients. We also identified a panel of genes that are classed as the FDA-approved drug targets or Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related genes. The integrated analysis identified pathways and key genes/metabolites that may be important for developing potential treatment of PDTs. We also successfully established six primary PDT cell lines for future studies.

Conclusions

These studies may promote the development of novel drugs and therapeutic strategies for PDTs.
Protocatechuic acid, ferulic acid and relevant defense enzymes correlate closely with walnut resistance to Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis
Authors: Zhang Qian , Li Meixuan , Yang Guiyan , Liu Xiaoqiang , Yu Zhongdong , Peng Shaobing
Published: December 2022

Background

Juglans regia L. is an important nut tree that has a wide range of distribution in temperate regions of the world. In some walnut orchards, walnut blight can become a problematic disease that affects the growth of walnut trees. To explore the correlation between biochemical response and walnut resistance, we inoculated four walnut cultivars with Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis (Xaj). The walnut cultivars were, namely, ‘Xiangling’, ‘Xiluo 2’, ‘Yuanfeng’ and ‘Xifu 2’. Total phenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were measured, whereby nine major phenolic compounds and several relevant enzymes were identified.

Results

The results showed that the most resistant and susceptible walnut varieties were ‘Xiluo 2’ and ‘Xifu 2’ respectively. The reaction of walnut to Xaj was characterized by the early accumulation of phenolic compounds in the infected site. After inoculation with Xaj, we found that the resistant variety ‘Xiluo 2’ show the significant differences with other varieties at different time points through the determination of related antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD). Meanwhile, the phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) of ‘Xiluo 2’ increased significantly at 8 day post infection (dpi) and made differences from the control samples, while other varieties changed little. And the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was significantly higher than in the control at 16 dpi, maintaining the highest and the lowest activity in ‘Xiluo 2’ and ‘Xifu 2’ respectively. It was also found that the content of protocatechuic acid in all cultivars increased significantly at 4 dpi, and ‘Xiluo 2’ was significantly higher than that of the control. In the early stage of the disease, ferulic acid content increased significantly in ‘Xiluo 2’.

Conclusion

Our findings confirmed that the metabolism of phenolic compounds and related defense enzymes are of great significance in the response of walnut to Xaj.
GhAAO2 was observed responding to NaHCO3 stress in cotton compared to AAO family genes
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Cui Yupeng , Kang Ruiqin , Zhang Hong , Huang Hui , Lei Yuqian , Fan Yapeng , Zhang Yuexin , Wang Jing , Xu Nan , Han Mingge , Feng Xixian , Ni Kesong , Jiang Tiantian , Rui Cun , Sun Liangqing , Chen Xiugui , Lu Xuke , Wang Delong , Wang Junjuan , Wang Shuai , Zhao Lanjie , Guo Lixue , Chen Chao , Chen Quanjia , Ye Wuwei
Published: December 2022

Background

Abscisic acid (ABA) is an important stress hormone, the changes of abscisic acid content can alter plant tolerance to stress, abscisic acid is crucial for studying plant responses to abiotic stress. The abscisic acid aldehyde oxidase (AAO) plays a vital role in the final step in the synthesis of abscisic acid, therefore, understanding the function of AAO gene family is of great significance for plants to response to abiotic stresses.

Result

In this study, 6, 8, 4 and 4 AAO genes were identified in four cotton species. According to the structural characteristics of genes and the traits of phylogenetic tree, we divided the AAO gene family into 4 clades. Gene structure analysis showed that the AAO gene family was relatively conservative. The analysis of cis-elements showed that most AAO genes contained cis-elements related to light response and plant hormones. Tissue specificity analysis under NaHCO3 stress showed that GhAAO2 gene was differentially expressed in both roots and leaves. After GhAAO2 gene silencing, the degree of wilting of seedlings was lighter than that of the control group, indicating that GhAAO2 could respond to NaHCO3 stress.

Conclusions

In this study, the AAO gene family was analyzed by bioinformatics, the response of GhAAO gene to various abiotic stresses was preliminarily verified, and the function of the specifically expressed gene GhAAO2 was further verified. These findings provide valuable information for the study of potential candidate genes related to plant growth and stress.
Readiness of health facilities to provide safe childbirth in Liberia: a cross-sectional analysis of population surveys, facility censuses and facility birth records
Authors: King Jessica , Tarway-Twalla Alfred K. , Dennis Mardieh , Twalla Musu Pusah , Konwloh Patrick K. , Wesseh Chea Sanford , Tehoungue Bentoe Zoogley , Saydee Geetor S. , Campbell Oona , Ronsmans Carine
Published: December 2022

Background

The provision of quality obstetric care in health facilities is central to reducing maternal mortality, but simply increasing childbirth in facilities not enough, with evidence that many facilities in sub-Saharan Africa do not fulfil even basic requirements for safe childbirth care. There is ongoing debate on whether to recommend a policy of birth in hospitals, where staffing and capacity may be better, over lower level facilities, which are closer to women’s homes and more accessible. Little is known about the quality of childbirth care in Liberia, where facility births have increased in recent decades, but maternal mortality remains among the highest in the world. We will analyse quality in terms of readiness for emergency care and referral, staffing, and volume of births.

Methods

We assessed the readiness of the Liberian health system to provide safe care during childbirth use using three data sources: Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), Service Availability and Readiness Assessments (SARA), and the Health Management Information System (HMIS). We estimated trends in the percentage of births by location and population caesarean-section coverage from 3 DHS surveys (2007, 2013 and 2019–20). We examined readiness for safe childbirth care among all Liberian health facilities by analysing reported emergency obstetric and neonatal care signal functions (EmONC) and staffing from SARA 2018, and linking with volume of births reported in HMIS 2019.

Results

The percentage of births in facilities increased from 37 to 80% between 2004 and 2017, while the caesarean section rate increased from 3.3 to 5.0%. 18% of facilities could carry out basic EmONC signal functions, and 8% could provide blood transfusion and caesarean section. Overall, 63% of facility births were in places without full basic emergency readiness. 60% of facilities could not make emergency referrals, and 54% had fewer than one birth every two days.

Conclusions

The increase in proportions of facility births over time occurred because women gave birth in lower-level facilities. However, most facilities are very low volume, and cannot provide safe EmONC, even at the basic level. This presents the health system with a serious challenge for assuring safe, good-quality childbirth services.
The Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND diets and the incident of hypertension over a median follow-up of 7.4 years in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Razmpoosh Elham , Moslehi Nazanin , Abdollahi Shima , Soltani Sepideh , Mirmiran Parvin , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: December 2022

Background

Despite the favorable effects of well-known dietary patterns in the treatment of hypertension (HTN), such as the Mediterranean (MED) and Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets, it is uncertain if adherence to these diets can reduce the risk of HTN, especially in non-Mediterranean populations. Moreover, none of the previous studies evaluated the association between the MED-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet adherence and the incidence of HTN. Therefore, we aimed to assess the association of adherence to these diets with the development of HTN in adults.

Methods

This prospective study included 2706 adults free of HTN who were selected from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. The MED, DASH, and MIND diet scores were computed at baseline using dietary information collected with the food frequency questionnaire. Associations between the dietary indices and risk of HTN over a median follow-up of 7.4 years were examined using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Results

The baseline mean age of participants was 37.9 ± 12.5 years (age range: 20–79 years), and 52.4% were women. During the 18262 person-years follow-up, 599 incidents of HTN were identified. There was no significant relationship between the dietary scores and the risk of HTN, either as continuous or categorical variables, even after excluding individuals with early/late HTN diagnosis, prehypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease at baseline. A significant interaction was found between body mass index (BMI) and DASH (P-interaction < 0.001). Stratified analyses based on baseline BMI status revealed an inverse association between DASH and HTN risk in individuals with normal-weight (HR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.71–0.98, P = 0.031), although this association did not reach statistical significance across the tertiles of DASH.

Conclusions

In this study, MED, DASH, and MIND showed no significant association with the occurrence of HTN in adults. Further prospective studies on diverse populations are required to assess whether adherence to the MED, DASH, and MIND diets is an effective strategy for reducing the occurrence HTN.
Dental caries at enamel and dentine level among European adolescents – a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Skeie Marit S. , Sen Abhijit , Dahllöf Göran , Fagerhaug Tone Natland , Høvik Hedda , Klock Kristin S.
Published: December 2022

Background

In contrast with the last century, caries epidemiology has begun integrating enamel caries into determinations of caries prevalence and experience. The objective of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the caries status including estimations of enamel caries, of European adolescents.

Method

Four databases (Medline Ovid, Embase, CINAHL, and SweMed+) were systematically searched from 1 January 2000 through 20 September 2021 for peer-reviewed publications on caries prevalence and caries experience in 12–19-year-olds; that also included evaluations of enamel lesions. Summary estimates were calculated using random effect model.

Results

Overall, 30 publications were selected for the systematic review covering 25 observational studies. Not all studies could be used in the meta-analyses. Caries prevalence was 77% (n = 22 studies). Highest prevalence was reported in the age groups 16–19 years, and in studies where caries examinations were done before 2010. The overall mean DMFS score was 5.93 (n = 14 studies) and it was significantly lower among Scandinavian adolescents than among other European adolescents (4.43 vs. 8.89). The proportion of enamel caries (n = 7 studies) was 50%, and highest in the lowest age group (12–15 years). Results from the present systematic review reflected the caries distribution to be skewed at individual-, tooth- and surface levels; at tooth and surface level, also changed according to age.

Conclusions

Although studies in which the caries examinations had been done in 2010 or later documented a reduction in caries prevalence, caries during adolescence still constitutes a burden. Thus, the potential for preventing development of more severe caries lesions, as seen in the substantial volume of enamel caries during early adolescence, should be fully exploited. For this to happen, enamel caries should be a part of epidemiological reporting in national registers.