bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FACTORS INVOLVED IN FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE AFTER AN ISCHEMIC STROKE IN LATIN AMERICAN GERIATRIC PATIENTS
Authors: Hernández Jorge , Dulcey Luis , Gómez Jaime , Theran Juan , Ochoa Valentina , Torres Diego
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Worldwide, stroke is the main cause of disability and the second most prevalent cause of death (1). Important outcomes following a stroke include the physical and social well-being as stated by the patient. Methods: The QOL-index questionnaire and the Rankin score were utilized to gauge the participants' quality of life. According to their distribution, quantitative data are shown as mean ± standard deviation or median (interquartile range), whereas qualitative variables are shown as percentages.. Findings: The average age was 79.5 +/- 6.3 years, with 38% of the population being female and 62% being male. In 95% of patients, there was significant evidence of comorbidity burden and a Charlson score more than 3, and in 97% of patients, there was a Barthel score between 0 and 20 points. Among the comorbidities, vascular dementia accounted for the highest percentage (87%), followed by dyslipidemia (79%), arterial hypertension (72%), and pulmonary dementia (72%). These results are consistent with previous research that has been published. 100% of respondents reported having a low or mediocre quality of life, according to the correlation measured by QOL. Conclusions:Stroke has a variety of aftereffects, some of which include long-term functional impairments. One such consequence is an increase in functional dependency. A sufficient epidemiological characterisation of individuals suffering from ischemic cerebrovascular disease is necessary in order to lower healthcare expenditures and create sufficient primary and secondary preventive programs. Research teams in our area are invited to create studies assessing the consequences following an ischemic cerebrovascular incident.
Therapy with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in bone regeneration in children with osteonecrosis secondary to sickle cell disease
Authors: Teixeira Thiago Rhangel Gomes , Daltro Gildásio de Cerqueira , Sberge Fernando Luis , Barreto Eduardo Silva Reis , Silva Antônio Ferreira da
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to describe the evolution of bone regeneration in children with hip osteonecrosis associated with sickle cell disease, treated with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell implants at the Professor Edgar Santos University Hospital Complex.

Materials and methods

A non-randomized clinical trial was conducted with 48 patients of both sexes, aged between 11 and 18 years, diagnosed with femoral head osteonecrosis secondary to sickle cell disease. Patient selection was based on strict criteria, including confirmed diagnosis of sickle cell anemia and a stage of osteonecrosis compatible with the proposed treatment. Bone regeneration assessment was performed through radiographic examinations and magnetic resonance imaging, following the Ficat & Arlet criteria and the Salter-Thompson classification.

Results

Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between the patients’ age and positive treatment outcomes, suggesting that autologous bone marrow cell implantation is a safe and effective approach in the early stages of osteonecrosis. The majority of patients (87.5%) reported complete pain relief, while 10.42% experienced significant symptom improvement. Only one patient (2.08%) did not observe improvement. The results indicate that cell therapy can regenerate or slow the progression of bone necrosis, reducing the need for more invasive surgical procedures.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates the potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell implantation in treating hip osteonecrosis in children with sickle cell disease, emphasizing the importance of long-term monitoring of bone structure stability.
Evolution of black shale sedimentary environment and its impact on organic matter content and mineral composition: a case study from Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation in Southern and Eastern Sichuan Basin
Authors: Yang Xinrui , Yin Hongchuan , Yang Licheng , Xu Liangjun , Chen Junyu , Liu Dongxi , Jiang Chan , Jiang Zengzheng
Published: May 2024

Due to global geological events and differences in regional sedimentary environments, marine shale reservoirs of Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation in Eastern and Southern Sichuan Basin exhibit significant heterogeneity in organic matter content and mineral composition. In order to reveal the influence of paleoenvironment evolution on reservoir heterogeneity, key geochemical indicators of elements were used to reconstruct the sedimentary environment of marine shale in Eastern and Southern Sichuan Basin. The influence mechanism of paleoenvironment on organic matter content and mineral components was also explored. The results indicate that the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation in the Southern and Eastern Sichuan Basin can be divided into two third-order sequences (Sq 1 and Sq 2). Each third-order sequence is divided into a transgressive system tract (TST) and a highstand system tract (HST). The average TOC content in the Eastern Sichuan Basin is the highest during the TST1 period with reaching 4.2%, while reached its maximum at 3.9% during the TST2 period in the Southern Sichuan Basin. Due to the influence of high paleo-productivity, the organic matter accumulation and quartz content in the eastern Sichuan region were higher than those in the southern Sichuan region from the TST1 to the middle TST2 period. However, the organic matter accumulation and quartz content in the late TST2 period were lower than those in the southern Sichuan region due to the dilution of terrestrial debris. During the HST2 period, due to the influence of higher paleo-productivity, clay adsorption and preservation condition, the TOC content in the eastern Sichuan region slightly increased in the early stage. At the same time, the marine shale in the southern Sichuan region has a high content of quartz minerals and a low content of clay minerals due to strong weathering intensity and input of coarse-grained debris (silt-size quartz).
Case report: Novel genotype of ALG2-CDG and confirmation of the heptasaccharide glycan (NeuAc-Gal-GlcNAc-Man2-GlcNAc2) as a specific diagnostic biomarker
Authors: Martínez Duncker Ivan , Mata-Salgado Denisse , Shammas Ibrahim , Ranatunga Wasantha , Daniel Earnest James Paul , Cruz Muñoz Mario E. , Abreu Melania , Mora-Montes Héctor , He Miao , Morava Eva , Zafra de la Rosa Gildardo
Published: May 2024

This report outlines the case of a child affected by a type of congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) known as ALG2-CDG (OMIM 607906), presenting as a congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) caused by variants identified in ALG2, which encodes an α1,3-mannosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.132) involved in the early steps of N-glycosylation. To date, fourteen cases of ALG2-CDG have been documented worldwide. From birth, the child experienced perinatal asphyxia, muscular weakness, feeding difficulties linked to an absence of the sucking reflex, congenital hip dislocation, and hypotonia. Over time, additional complications emerged, such as inspiratory stridor, gastroesophageal reflux, low intake, recurrent seizures, respiratory infections, an inability to maintain the head upright, and a global developmental delay. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed the presence of two ALG2 variants in compound heterozygosity: a novel variant c.1055_1056delinsTGA p.(Ser352Leufs*3) and a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) c.964C>A p.(Pro322Thr). Additional studies, including determination of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) revealed a mild type I CDG pattern and the presence of an abnormal transferrin glycoform containing a linear heptasaccharide consisting of one sialic acid, one galactose, one N-acetyl-glucosamine, two mannoses and two N-acetylglucosamines (NeuAc-Gal-GlcNAc-Man2-GlcNAc2), ALG2-CDG diagnostic biomarker, confirming the pathogenicity of these variants.
CD-Loop: a chromatin loop detection method based on the diffusion model
Authors: Shen Jiquan , Wang Yang , Luo Junwei
Published: May 2024

Motivation

In recent years, there have been significant advances in various chromatin conformation capture techniques, and annotating the topological structure from Hi-C contact maps has become crucial for studying the three-dimensional structure of chromosomes. However, the structure and function of chromatin loops are highly dynamic and diverse, influenced by multiple factors. Therefore, obtaining the three-dimensional structure of the genome remains a challenging task. Among many chromatin loop prediction methods, it is difficult to fully extract features from the contact map and make accurate predictions at low sequencing depths.

Results

In this study, we put forward a deep learning framework based on the diffusion model called CD-Loop for predicting accurate chromatin loops. First, by pre-training the input data, we obtain prior probabilities for predicting the classification of the Hi-C contact map. Then, by combining the denoising process based on the diffusion model and the prior probability obtained by pre-training, candidate loops were predicted from the input Hi-C contact map. Finally, CD-Loop uses a density-based clustering algorithm to cluster the candidate chromatin loops and predict the final chromatin loops. We compared CD-Loop with the currently popular methods, such as Peakachu, Chromosight, and Mustache, and found that in different cell types, species, and sequencing depths, CD-Loop outperforms other methods in loop annotation. We conclude that CD-Loop can accurately predict chromatin loops and reveal cell-type specificity. The code is available at https://github.com/wangyang199897/CD-Loop.
Real-time quality assurance and quality control for a high frequency radar network
Authors: Roarty Hugh , Updyke Teresa , Nazzaro Laura , Smith Michael , Glenn Scott , Schofield Oscar
Published: May 2024

This paper recommends end to end quality assurance methods and quality control tests for High Frequency Radar Networks. We focus on the network that is operated by the Mid Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS). The network currently consists of 38 radars making real-time measurements of the surface currents over the continental shelf for a variety of applications including search and rescue planning, oil spill trajectory modelling and providing a transport context for marine biodiversity observing networks. MARACOOS has been delivering surface current measurements to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) since May 2009. Data quality is important for all applications; however, since the USCG uses this surface current information to plan life-saving missions, delivery of the best quality data is crucial. We have mapped the components of the HF radar data processing chain onto the data levels presented in the NASA Earth Science Reference Handbook and have applied quality assurance and quality control techniques at each data level to achieve the highest quality data. There are approximately 400 High Frequency radars (HFRs) deployed globally and the presented techniques can provide a foundation for data quality checks and standardization of the data collected by the large number of systems operating today.
Complications of XEN gel stent implantation for the treatment of glaucoma: a systematic review
Authors: Gan Lu , Wang Lixiang , Chen Jun , Tang Li
Published: May 2024

Aim

This study was aimed to summarize the complications and their management associated with XEN gel stent implantation.

Methods

A systematic review of literature was conducted using Medline (via PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Library databases, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, from their inception to February 1, 2024.

Results

A total of 48 studies published between 2017 and 2024 were identified and included in the systematic review, including 16 original studies (retrospective or prospective clinical studies), 28 case reports, and 4 case series, which followed patients for up to 5 years. Early postoperative complications of XEN gel stent implantation include hypotony maculopathy (1.9–4.6%), occlusion (3.9–8.8%), suprachoroidal hemorrhage (SCH), choroidal detachment (0–15%), conjunctival erosion, and exposure of the XEN gel stent (1.1–2.3%), wound and bleb leaks (2.1%) and malignant glaucoma (MG) (2.2%). Mid-postoperative complications of XEN gel stent implantation included migration of XEN (1.5%), ptosis (1.2%), endophthalmitis (0.4–3%), macular edema (1.5–4.3%), hypertrophic bleb (8.8%) and subconjunctival XEN gel stent fragmentation (reported in 2 cases). Late postoperative complications reported in cases included spontaneous dislocation and intraocular degradation.

Conclusion

XEN gel stent implantation is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedure for glaucoma, known for its potential to minimize tissue damage and reduce surgical duration. However, it is crucial to note that despite these advantages, there remains a risk of severe complications, including endophthalmitis, SCH, and MG. Therefore, postoperative follow-up and early recognition of severe complications are essential for surgical management.
Impact of fluid balance and opioid-sparing anesthesia within enchanced recovery pathway on postoperative morbidity after transthoracic esophagectomy for cancer
Authors: Djukanovic Marija , Skrobic Ognjan , Stojakov Dejan , Knezevic Nebojsa Nick , Milicic Biljana , Sabljak Predrag , Simic Aleksandar , Milenkovic Marija , Sreckovic Svetlana , Markovic Dejan , Palibrk Ivan
Published: May 2024

Background

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for esophagectomy may reduce the high incidence of postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of properly conducted ERAS protocol with specific emphasis on fluid balance and opioid-sparing anesthesia (OSA) on postoperative major morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy.

Methods

Patients undergoing elective esophagectomy for esophageal cancer at the Hospital for Digestive Surgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, from December 2017 to March 2021, were included in this retrospective observational study. Patients were divided into two groups: the ERAS group (OSA, intraoperative goal-directed therapy, and postoperative “near-zero” fluid balance) and the control group (opioid-based anesthesia, maintenance mean blood pressure ≥ 65 mmHg, and liberal postoperative fluid management). The primary outcome was major morbidity within 30 days from surgery and 30-day and 90-day mortality. Multivariable analysis was used to examine the effect of the ERAS protocol.

Results

A total of 121 patients were divided into the ERAS group (69 patients) and the control group (52 patients). Patients in the ERAS group was received less fentanyl, median 300 (interquartile range (IQR), 200–1,550) mcg than in control group, median 1,100 (IQR, 650–1750) mcg, p < 0.001. Median intraoperative total infusion was lower in the ERAS group, 2000 (IQR, 1000–3,750) mL compared to control group, 3,500 (IQR, 2000–5,500) mL, p < 0.001. However, intraoperative norepinephrine infusion was more administered in the ERAS group (52.2% vs. 7.7%, p < 0.001). On postoperative day 1, median cumulative fluid balance was 2,215 (IQR, −150-5880) mL in the ERAS group vs. 4692.5 (IQR, 1770–10,060) mL in the control group, p = 0.002. After the implementation of the ERAS protocol, major morbidity was less frequent in the ERAS group than in the control group (18.8% vs. 75%, p < 0.001). There was no statistical significant difference in 30-day and 90-day mortality (p = 0.07 and p = 0.119, respectively). The probability of postoperative major morbidity and interstitial pulmonary edema were higher in control group (OR 5.637; CI95%:1.178–10.98; p = 0.030 and OR 5.955; CI95% 1.702–9.084; p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

A major morbidity and interstitial pulmonary edema after esophagectomy were decreased after the implementation of the ERAS protocol, without impact on overall mortality.
Bifidobacterium exopolysaccharides: new insights into engineering strategies, physicochemical functions, and immunomodulatory effects on host health
Authors: Sadeghi Mahsa , Haghshenas Babak , Nami Yousef
Published: May 2024

Bifidobacteria are a prominent type of bacteria that have garnered significant research attention for their exceptional probiotic properties and capacity to produce exopolysaccharides (EPSs). These compounds exhibit diverse physical, chemical, and biological characteristics, prompting numerous investigations into their potential applications. Researchers have noted their beneficial effects as immune modulators within the host’s body across various industries. Extensive research has been conducted on the immunomodulatory effects of bifidobacteria-derived EPSs, with emerging engineering strategies aimed at enhancing their immune-modulating capabilities. Understanding the structure, physicochemical properties, and biological activities of these compounds is crucial for their effective utilization across different industries. Our review encompassed numerous studies exploring Bifidobacterium and its metabolites, including EPSs, across various sectors, drawing from diverse databases. The distinctive properties of EPSs have spurred investigations into their applications, revealing their potential to bolster the immune system, combat inflammation, and treat various ailments. Additionally, these compounds possess antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, making them suitable for incorporation into a range of products spanning food, health, and medicine.
Wearing a KN95/FFP2 facemask has no measureable effect on functional activity in a challenging working memory n-back task
Authors: Montandon Marie-Louise , Haller Sven , Rodriguez Cristelle , Herrmann François R. , Giannakopoulos Panteleimon
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Wide use of facemasks is one of the many consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We used an established working memory n-back task in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to explore whether wearing a KN95/FFP2 facemask affects overall performance and brain activation patterns. We provide here a prospective crossover design 3 T fMRI study with/without wearing a tight FFP2/KN95 facemask, including 24 community-dwelling male healthy control participants (mean age ± SD = 37.6 ± 12.7 years) performing a 2-back task. Data analysis was performed using the FSL toolbox, performing both task-related and functional connectivity independent component analyses.

Results

Wearing an FFP2/KN95 facemask did not impact behavioral measures of the 2-back task (response time and number of errors). The 2-back task resulted in typical activations in working-memory related areas in both MASK and NOMASK conditions. There were no statistically significant differences in MASK versus NOMASK while performing the 2-back task in both task-related and functional connectivity fMRI analyses.

Conclusion

The effect of wearing a tight FFP2/KN95 facemasks did not significantly affect working memory performance and brain activation patterns of functional connectivity.
Comparison of Dutch healthy eating and healthy eating indexes and anthropometry in patients with major depression with health subjects: a case-control study
Authors: Tohidi Nafe Melika , Movahedi Ariyo , Djazayery Abolghasem
Published: May 2024

Background

Diseases and disorders related to mental health are spreading like other chronic diseases all around the world. Considering the role of food in the prevention and treatment of these disorders, including major depression, investigating the relationship between different food patterns and this disorder is of particular importance. The aim of this study was to compare Dutch healthy eating and healthy eating indexes and anthropometry in patients with major depression with healthy individuals.

Methods

In this case-control study, the final analysis was performed on 67 men and 111 women with an age range of 20–30 years. Height (cm), weight (kg), food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), physical activity (MET-min/week), demographic and PHQ-9 questionnaires were taken from all participants. In the following, all the food ingredients and their components were extracted and used to calculate HEI-2015 and DHD. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software with independent t-test, logistic regression and chi-square.

Results

It was found that people with major depression in this study were mostly women and occupied. The average HEI-2015 in healthy people and those with major depression was 58 and 54.3, respectively. Also, the average DHD in these people was 60.5 and 55, respectively. HEI-2015 and DHD had a significant negative correlation with depression score (r = −0.16, p-value = 0.03) (r = −0.19, p-value = 0.01). Also, in the logistic regression model, before and even after adjusting confounders, HEI-2015 and DHD had a reduced odds ratio in people suffering from major depression. The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of the average factors of height, weight and body mass index (BMI).

Conclusion

It seems that HEI2015 and DHD have a significant relationship in reducing major depression. However, due to the small number of studies in this regard, especially in the field of DHD, the need for more studies seems necessary.
Testing Indonesia’s decisiveness: Vietnam’s continuous presence in the North Natuna Seas
Authors: Putra Bama Andika
Published: May 2024

In December 2022, Indonesia and Vietnam concluded the EEZ boundary lines that have been under negotiations for 12 years. Through this, it is expected that intrusions made by Vietnamese maritime constabulary forces into Indonesia’s North Natuna Seas can end. On the contrary, intrusions have risen in the first 8 months of 2023, indicating Vietnam’s intent to continue its maritime-based operations in the gray-zone areas of Indonesian waters. In making sense of this developing crisis, this article adopts secondary data from the Indonesia Open Justice Initiative between January 2023 and August 2023. In tracking the instances of intrusions, it utilizes an Automatic Identification System obtained from Marine Traffic. The analysis is made by framing the crisis under the maritime diplomatic framework, which concludes that Vietnam is persistent with its maritime diplomatic strategy of “paragunboat diplomacy” in showcasing effective occupancy in gray zone areas.
Perception of emotionally incongruent cues: evidence for overreliance on body vs. face expressions in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Abo Foul Yasmin , Arkadir David , Demikhovskaya Anastasia , Noyman Yehuda , Linetsky Eduard , Abu Snineh Muneer , Aviezer Hillel , Eitan Renana
Published: May 2024

Individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) may exhibit impaired emotion perception. However, research demonstrating this decline has been based almost entirely on the recognition of isolated emotional cues. In real life, emotional cues such as expressive faces are typically encountered alongside expressive bodies. The current study investigated emotion perception in individuals with PD (n = 37) using emotionally incongruent composite displays of facial and body expressions, as well as isolated face and body expressions, and congruent composite displays as a baseline. In addition to a group of healthy controls (HC) (n = 50), we also included control individuals with schizophrenia (SZ) (n = 30), who display, as in PD, similar motor symptomology and decreased emotion perception abilities. The results show that individuals with PD showed an increased tendency to categorize incongruent face-body combinations in line with the body emotion, whereas those with HC showed a tendency to classify them in line with the facial emotion. No consistent pattern for prioritizing the face or body was found in individuals with SZ. These results were not explained by the emotional recognition of the isolated cues, cognitive status, depression, or motor symptoms of individuals with PD and SZ. As real-life expressions may include inconsistent cues in the body and face, these findings may have implications for the way individuals with PD and SZ interpret the emotions of others.
Socio-ecological model as a framework to understand the low participation of Earth Hour among Chinese college students: conflict between belief and practice
Authors: Yin Keqin , Wang Yihui , Xu Huixin , Lei Man
Published: May 2024

Earth Hour, a global mass effort coordinated to show concern for green urban construction and sustainable development, was first organized by the World Wildlife Fund in Australia in 2007 with a growing trend of participation worldwide. However, analysis of participation in Earth Hour based on a large population are sparse, with only a few studies reporting details in positive results without a clear pattern that explains the potential low participation. This study focuses on the non-participants and analyzed the reasons for low participation in Earth Hour using a questionnaire with 401 college students based on the socio-ecological model. Two aspects are explored: (1) social-demographic features; (2) psychosocial traits (environmental awareness, acceptance for law, social support from family and friends and knowledge about the event). Barriers toward participation are included as mediators to explain how these basic features change students’ decision on joining large-scale environmental campaign. A participation analysis method using binary logistic regression and one-way MANOVA is applied in data analysis. This study highlights that the irrelevance between students’ belief and practice on environmental protection should not be overlooked, and that college students are inclined to join in groups in relevant activities—conversely, herd effect could greatly reduce their willingness to participation. The findings of this study have wider implications for school educators, practitioners and organizations involved in pro-environmental career. This paper highlights that, from an international perspective, the essence of collective action with a similar nature to Earth Hour and contributes to a global dialogue on fostering sustainable behaviors.
Urban safety and psychological distress during the pandemic: the results of a longitudinal study
Authors: Ferretti Fabio , Gualtieri Giacomo , Masti Alessandra , Uvelli Allison
Published: May 2024

Introduction

In the last decades, a large body of literature has explored the topic of perceived safety and fear of crime in urban environments. The effects of psychological factors on such feelings have been studied, but rarely using prospective studies, and never when these factors intercept a worldwide dramatic event like the pandemic. This research aimed to analyze the variations of the feelings of urban safety during the pandemic, the role of resiliency and the effect of psychological stressors such as anxiety, stress, and depression.

Methods

During 2019 and 2022, before and after the pandemic, a face-to-face interview was administered to the same group of 195 participants. The PUSAS scale was used to measure unsafety, the ER89-R to assess for resiliency, the DASS-21 to collect data about the general distress (anxiety, stress and depression), and the CAS scale was used to evaluate the specific coronavirus anxiety. Structural equation models were applied to test a theoretical framework grounded on the relationships between these measures.

Results

The research findings showed decreased feelings of unsafety across the pandemic, consistent with the literature. The positive effect of ego-resiliency was significant but only for its interaction with data collected before the pandemic, whilst stress and anxiety impacted unsafety in 2022 through different pathways. None of the symptoms of general distress influenced the concern about crime and sense of vulnerability, as the feelings of unsafety were found independent from the variations of the specific coronavirus anxiety.

Discussion

Although the research findings did not confirm the impact of coronavirus, they presented some facets that disconfirm what the literature reported about the relationships between psychological distress and fear of crime. Implications about measurement issues are discussed.
How diversification of overseas subsidiaries affects parent company innovation performance: evidence from China’s multinationals
Authors: Wang Siyi , Chen Xinni , Ye Jinsong , Zhong Changbiao
Published: May 2024

This paper examines the diversification of overseas subsidiaries on innovation performance of the parent company. Based on theoretical analysis and a combined Chinese firm dataset from 2000 to 2013, we find that diversification of overseas subsidiaries positively promotes the parent company innovation performance through the spillover effect of innovation capabilities. In addition, we determine that both the overseas and domestic investment layout can positively moderate the main effect. But there are differences between them. In concrete terms, the domestic investment layout plays a substitution effect in developed areas and acts a more pronounced moderating role in state-owned sample. Besides, the overseas investment layout plays a more important substitutive moderating role on non-state-owned enterprises. This research provides a special insight for studying the reverse spillover effect of OFDI in terms of the contribution of subsidiary linkages and offers several recommendations for multinational corporations to enhance the global competitiveness.
Interdisciplinary collaborative eye examinations to protect preterm infant neurodevelopment: a quality improvement project
Authors: McCarty Dana B. , Clary-Williams Erika , LeBLond Kristen D. , Liu Tianyi , Zbornik-Thompson Tika , Ulrich J. Niklas , Go Michelle S.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Infants born <31 weeks gestational age with birth weight ≤ 1,500 grams receive routine eye examinations to screen for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) while in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to help prevent vision threatening complications; however, preterm infants’ sensory systems are underdeveloped, and repeated exposure to painful stimuli is associated with worse developmental outcomes.

Methods

An interdisciplinary NICU team designed a collaborative eye exam model (CEEM) incorporating best practice recommendations for infant pain control during exams. Pain scores and vital signs were recorded before, during, and after exams. Two sets of mixed-effects regression models with a random intercept on infants were established to investigate relationships between the intervention, birth gestational age (BGA), postmenstrual age (PMA), and outcomes associated with painful stimuli. Survey feedback was elicited from NICU stakeholders about the CEEM.

Results

Thirty standard of care (SC) and 35 CEEM exams of 37 infants were included in final analysis. In infants of the same BGA, the number of desaturation events was significantly reduced in the CEEM group (p = 0.003) and became 1.53 times smaller with each additional week of BGA (p = 0.009). Probability of heart rate recovery within 15 min lowered significantly in the CEEM group (p = 0.04). In SC or CEEM or between infants of the same PMA, no differences were observed for bradycardia, heart rate range, chance of heart rate recovery, or pain scores. Increases in tachycardia (p < 0.001) events and desaturations p = 0.006 were discovered in the CEEM group. When considering interaction effects, the CEEM appeared to reduce the number of desaturations to a greater degree for infants at earliest BGAs with attenuation of this effect with greater BGA. Regarding PMA, bradycardia and tachycardia events were reduced for infants across PMAs in the CEEM, but the effect for tachycardia improves with age, while the effect for bradycardia diminishes with age. Stakeholders agreed that the infant’s eye exam experience and the staff experience was “very much” improved by the CEEM.

Discussion

Despite variable findings in selected outcome measures, the CEEM was positively viewed by staff. Infants may benefit from the CEEM differently based on BGA and PMA.
Perception of having children through surrogacy in individuals with MRKH in Vietnam: a qualitative study
Authors: Le Thanh T. Q. , Le Nhung T. H. , Vu Tuan A. , Nguyen Hoa H. , Vuong Lan N.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH) is rare condition that has a negative impact on quality of life because affected women lack a uterus and vagina, and are therefore unable to engage in sexual intercourse and experience natural pregnancy. This study evaluated perceptions of surrogacy in Vietnamese women with MRKH who have started families.

Method

Women with MRKH who had undergone successful vaginal reconstruction, were married, and had started families participated in a semi-structured, in-depth, one-on-one online video interview with an experienced female psychologist. Open-ended questions were used to encourage participants to express their perceptions of surrogacy; prominent themes were discussed, compared, and combined.

Results

Twenty women (mean age 31 years) agreed to participate. Key themes identified from interviews were the importance of having genetic offspring, consideration of surrogacy as a preferred solution to infertility, the barriers to surrogacy in Vietnam, lack of reproductive information and counselling, individuals concealing their health condition, the impact of religion on the possibility of surrogacy, the economic cost of surrogacy, and the difficulty in finding a surrogate under the restrictions imposed by Vietnamese law.

Discussion

Based on the perceptions of women from MRKH from Vietnam, there is an opportunity to improve how infertility is managed in these people, including information about surrogacy. These data show that individuals with MRKH should be provided with information about the possibility of surrogacy, encouraged to be open and seek support, and be managed by a multidisciplinary team that includes psychological support; the provision of economic support for fertility treatments in women with MRKH should also be considered.
Musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life for Chilean teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic at the academic year-end
Authors: Vega-Fernández Gustavo , Gonzalez-Torres Carlos , Solis-Soto María , Lizana Pablo A.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Schoolteachers have reported multiple demands contributing to poor perceptions regarding their quality of life and high rates of musculoskeletal disorders. However, there are few studies about the association between musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life from the end of the academic period during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective

Evaluate musculoskeletal disorders rates and their association with quality of life perceptions among teachers from the last academic period during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants and methods

A total sample of 161 Chilean schoolteachers was included in a cross-sectional study musculoskeletal disorders prevalence was evaluated using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, and quality of life was evaluated through the Short-Form 12 Health Survey Instrument. A logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life perceptions adjusted by gender, age, and contract type.

Results

98% of teachers have suffered from some type of musculoskeletal disorders during the last 12 months, and 64% have had six or more painful regions. Women showed a higher musculoskeletal disorders rate than men. The group of teachers with the most musculoskeletal disorders (≥p50) saw significantly greater risk of low scores on the physical (OR: 2.16; p < 0.05) and mental components (OR: 4.86; p < 0.01) of quality of life, regardless of gender, age, and contract type.

Conclusion

High musculoskeletal disorders rates suggest that preventive and informative actions must be taken regarding these disorders in order to protect teachers’ mental and physical health, considering the effects of the school year and the COVID-19 health crisis.
Incidence and spontaneous clearance of gonorrhea and chlamydia infections among men who have sex with men: a prospective cohort study in Zhuhai, China
Authors: Lyu Hang , Tang Haotong , Feng Yunlong , Hu Shuyan , Wang Yuyu , Zhou Lanlan , Huang Shanzi , Li Jiarun , Zhu Huamei , He Xi , Tang Weiming , Zhou Yi , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2024

Background

Men who have sex with men (MSM) face significant risks of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infection. Nevertheless, only limited studies have looked into the site-specific infection and clearance of CT/NG. In order to prevent transmission, it is essential to understand the underlying factors that drive infection and spontaneous clearance.

Methods

A 12-week cohort study examined the association between CT/NG infection, self-clearance, and sexual behaviors among MSM. The Willingness Service recruited participants who completed weekly questionnaires and provided urine, throat, and rectal swab samples.

Results

The study involved 151 men, in which 51 (33.8%) were diagnosed with CT/NG infection during the study period. HIV (OR = 11.31), kissing (OR = 1.59), receptive oral sex (OR = 36.64), and insertive anal sex (OR = 19.73) constituted significant risk factors. 100% condom use (OR = 5.78) and antibiotic (OR = 7.53) were more likely to cause spontaneous clearance.

Discussion

MSM may engage in riskier sexual behaviors due to insufficient knowledge and awareness of STI prevention, leading to increased susceptibility to NG/CT. It is crucial to concentrate on enhancing health education for MSM.

Conclusion

This study found that the rectum was the most prevalent site of CT/NG and sexual behavior can influence the infection. Additionally, the appropriate use of antibiotics and consistent condom use may contribute to clear spontaneously.
Cell signaling error control for reliable molecular communications
Authors: Borges Ligia F. , Barros Michael T. , Nogueira Michele
Published: May 2024

Molecular communication (MC) allows implantable devices to communicate using biological data-transmission principles (e.g., molecules as information carriers). However, MC faces significant challenges due to molecular noise, which leads to increased communication errors. Thus, error control techniques become critical for reliable intra-body networks. The noise management and error control in these networks must be based on the characterization of the environment dynamics, i.e., characteristics that increase noise, such as the stochastic behavior of the intercellular channels and the presence of pathologies that affect communication. This work proposes an adaptive error control technique for cell signaling–based MC channels (CELLECs). Using an information-theoretic approach, CELLEC mitigates errors in cellular channels with varying noise conditions. The characteristics of the cellular environment and different noise sources are modeled to evaluate the proposal. The additive white Gaussian tissue noise (AWGTN) produced by stochastic chemical reactions is theorized for healthy cells. The MC model also considers the noise of cells affected by one pathology that disrupts cells’ molecular equilibrium and causes them to become reactive (i.e., Alzheimer’s disease). Analyses show that reactive cells have a higher signal-to-noise ratio (21.4%) and path loss (33.05%) than healthy cells, highlighting the need for an adaptive technique to deal with cellular environment variability. Results show that CELLEC improves communication channel performance by lowering the bit error rate (18%).
Comparison of two hydrodynamic models for their rain-on-grid technique to simulate flash floods in steep catchment
Authors: Godara Nitesh , Bruland Oddbjørn , Alfredsen Knut
Published: May 2024

In this study, two hydrodynamic models, TELEMAC-2D and HEC-RAS 2D, were compared for their Rain-on-Grid (RoG) technique with a particular focus on runoff generation processes in a small and steep catchment. Curve number (CN) method was applied in both the models to simulate two single storm events up to 20 h of duration, whereas the Green-Ampt Redistribution (GAR) method was additionally applied in HEC-RAS 2D for a multi-peak flood event with sustained flow between the peaks. CN and GAR methods were compared for this flood event, and a sensitivity analysis of the GAR parameters was also done. Moreover, the two models were compared for their calibration process, computational time, mesh size and shape, and model availability, in general, as well as the results including inundated areas, water depth, and velocity. The results indicate that both the models are capable of reproducing short duration single storm floods. NSE and R2 for both models ranged from 0.70 to 0.90 and from 0.93 to 0.95. However, the models struggled to reproduce the long- duration multi-peak flood event. The sensitivity analysis showed that the results are not very sensitive to the two GAR parameters which are responsible to influence the flow of the second peak in the flood event. Neither the CN nor the GAR infiltration method successfully replicated such events because the hydraulic models permanently lose infiltrated water from the domain. The returned sub-surface flow significantly contributes to river flow during these flood events; however, none of the model incorporates a return flow algorithm.
The gendered behaviors displayed by Disney protagonists
Authors: Clarke Lucy L. , Hine Benjamin , England Dawn , Flew Poppy P. M. S. , Alzahri Ritaj , Juriansz Stepheni N. , Garcia Ma. J. B. C.
Published: May 2024

Previous research suggests that the portrayal of male and female protagonists in Disney animations may be changing over time. The current study examined the portrayal of gendered behaviors displayed within some of Disney's most successful animated feature length films, including those beyond the Disney princess franchise. Extending the scope of the Disney animated films analyzed was important because both young girls and young boys report little personal interest in male characters within the Disney princess animations. This suggests that it is important to look beyond the Disney princess franchise to understand the gendered behaviors displayed by potentially influential male Disney protagonists. The current study also considered a greater number of masculine and feminine behaviors as well as some gender-neutral traits which had yet to be incorporated. A quantitative content analysis of 39 Disney protagonists from films released between 1937 and 2021 was conducted. The results revealed that male and female protagonists were statistically higher in feminine than masculine traits. Female protagonists from the earliest animations were the most feminine. However, there was no statistical difference in the gendered portrayals of females in the animations released in the 1990s and those released from 2009 to 2021 suggesting some continued stereotyping in females' profiles. Alternatively, male characters were more feminine relatively consistently across time-points. This study concludes that Disney is persistently portraying stereotyped female protagonists, and this could have implications on young females' behavioral profiles. However, the extent to which feminine traits are being celebrated when displayed by male protagonists needs to be examined, as well as the potential relationship between such messages and boys' behaviors and children's conceptualizations of gender more broadly.
Experimental modeling of atmospheric discharge phenomena and charged dust particle interactions
Authors: Abdelaal Mohamad E. , Dokuchaev Igor. V. , Malinovskaya Elena A. , Klimov Stanislav I. , Dolnikov Genady G. , Zakharov Alexander V.
Published: May 2024

The upper atmosphere, comprising the mesosphere and thermosphere, is intricately influenced by various atmospheric and magnetospheric impacts. Various atmospheric waves excited in the troposphere can propagate into the mesosphere-thermosphere (M-T) region, altering its dynamics. Additionally, large-scale disturbances in the middle atmosphere, such as sudden stratospheric warming and geomagnetic disturbances induced by solar activity, affect the upper atmosphere. To better understand these complex processes, observations from multiple platforms and instruments, along with modeling studies, are necessary. This study presents experimental investigations into the electromagnetic signatures generated by atmospheric discharge conditions, including breakdown events and interactions of charged dust particles. A vacuum chamber was used to simulate upper atmospheric conditions. An electromagnetic signal analyzer (EMA) registered signals generated from the atmospheric discharge and the electromagnetic signature of charged dust particles. The results of the experimental investigations revealed distinctive electromagnetic processes occurring during breakdown events and charged particle interactions within Earth’s atmosphere. Signals recorded by the electromagnetic signal analyzer provided valuable insights into the characteristics of atmospheric discharge conditions and the behavior of charged dust particles. The findings contribute to our understanding of the complex interactions in the upper atmosphere. Further analysis of the results highlights the significance of the atmospheric discharge, electromagnetic processes, and dust particle interactions in shaping the dynamics of this region. The experimental approach presented in this study offers a valuable tool for studying atmospheric processes and their implications for space weather dynamics.
Modelling Rigid Body Potential of Small Celestial Bodies for Analyzing Orbit–Attitude Coupled Motions of Spacecraft
Authors: Lee Jinah , Park Chandeok
Published: May 2024

The present study aims to propose a general framework of modeling rigid body potentials (RBPs) suitable for analyzing the orbit–attitude coupled motion of a spacecraft (S/C) near small celestial bodies, regardless of gravity estimation models. Here, ‘rigid body potential’ refers to the potential of a small celestial body integrated across the finite volume of an S/C, assuming that the mass of the S/C has no influence on the motion of the small celestial body. First proposed is a comprehensive formulation for modeling the RBP including its associated force, torque, and Hessian matrix, which is then applied to three gravity estimation models. The Hessian of potential plays a crucial role in calculating the RBP. This study assesses the RBP via numerical simulations for the purpose of determining proper gravity estimation models and seeking modeling conditions. The gravity estimation models and the associated RBP are tested for eight small celestial bodies. In this study, we utilize distance units (DUs) instead of SI units, where the DU is defined as the mean radius of the given small celestial body. For a given specific distance in Dus, the relative error of the gravity estimation model at this distance has a similar value regardless of the small celestial body. However, the difference value between the potential and RBP depends on the DU; in other words, it depends on the size of the small celestial body. This implies that accurate gravity estimation models are imperative for conducting RBP analysis. The overall results can help develop a propagation system for orbit–attitude coupled motions of an S/C in the vicinity of small celestial bodies.