bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflecting Upon the Past? Development Studies’ Ambivalent Relation to History
Authors: Harwood Jonathan
Published: May 2023

It has often been pointed out that development policy takes little notice of the history of development. Given the pressures under which policymakers have to operate, this is perhaps not altogether surprising. Occasionally, however, it is also suggested that Development Studies as a discipline also lacks a thorough-going appreciation of history. In view of the importance of historical perspective for any policy-relevant field, this claim deserves scrutiny. As a first step toward illuminating this issue, the article considers the ways in which development history is addressed in introductory textbooks used at British universities. It indicates that, with a few exceptions, texts’ discussion of history is generally weak in several respects. By contrast, the research literature in Development Studies is blessed with a large number of historically well-informed works. The defects of the textbooks, therefore, cannot be attributed to a dearth of appropriate source material. Instead, it would appear that textbook authors are failing to draw upon the research literature. In concluding, the article explores the possibility that Development Studies, like other policy-relevant disciplines in the social sciences, may be characterized by distinct knowledge traditions which operate largely in isolation from one another.
The Political Economy of Poverty Reduction in Malaysia
Authors: Asadullah M. Niaz , Joseph Jeron , Chin James
Published: May 2023

This article critically examines regional differences in poverty reduction in Malaysia with a focus on political economy factors. More specifically, we focus on the East–West regional divide in income poverty, between four historically poorer the West Malaysia and two states of Eastern Malaysia–Sabah and Sarawak during 1970–2019. Between 1970 and 1990, Malaysia implemented the New Economic Policy (NEP), arguably the longest and most ambitious race-based affirmative action programme in the world. In this context, we also assess whether and how its affirmative action policies succeeded in closing regional gaps. During the NEP, Sarawak saw greater and earlier reductions in income poverty and inequality than the resource-rich states of Sabah and Terengganu, where poverty largely persisted. We argue that politics played a key role in explaining Sabah’s different trajectory vis-à-vis Sarawak, Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu. The ethnicity-targeted policies of the NEP meant the Malays and Muslims were given priority over all other groups. The faster decline in poverty in Sarawak coincided with Muslim control since 1970. On the other hand, when Sabah was under the non-Muslim rule, there was little progress on poverty alleviation. The situation reversed when Sabah fell under Muslim control. The key lesson is that politics do matter during the implementation phase of poverty alleviation programme in Malaysia.
Young children and families’ home literacy and technology practices before and during COVID-19
Authors: Lin Naomi T , Molgaard Monica , Wishard Guerra Alison , Cohen Shana
Published: May 2023

The home is an important setting for young children’s learning and development. We examined home literacy practices and technology usage among families with children ages 5–6 years old ( N = 47) before as compared to during COVID-19 with bivariate analyses. Variations by household income were also investigated. Parents completed surveys on home literacy and technological practices and demographic information in the spring of transitional kindergarten and the following kindergarten year. Results demonstrated an increase in child technology usage for school related educational programs, from pre-COVID-19 to COVID-19 and a decrease in home book reading, storytelling, writing, and playing games during COVID-19 home learning. Transitional kindergarten parents from the upper-income bracket reported significantly lower technology use of educational games compared to those in the lower-income group pre-COVID-19. Kindergarten parents from the upper-income bracket reported significantly higher technology use of educational games and lower technology use in watching TV to fall asleep, compared to those in the lower-income group during COVID-19. Findings suggest that there are few differences in home learning environments across family income groups. By characterizing how parents utilize technology and literacy practices with their children, we can better understand how to support families through COVID-19 and beyond.
Restoration of coronary microvascular function by OGA overexpression in a high-fat diet with low-dose streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice
Authors: Cabrera Jody Tori , Si Rui , Tsuji-Hosokawa Atsumi , Cai Hua , Yuan Jason X-J , Dillmann Wolfgang H , Makino Ayako
Published: May 2023

Sustained hyperglycemia results in excess protein O-GlcNAcylation, leading to vascular complications in diabetes. This study aims to investigate the role of O-GlcNAcylation in the progression of coronary microvascular disease (CMD) in inducible type 2 diabetic (T2D) mice generated by a high-fat diet with a single injection of low-dose streptozotocin. Inducible T2D mice exhibited an increase in protein O-GlcNAcylation in cardiac endothelial cells (CECs) and decreases in coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR, an indicator of coronary microvascular function) and capillary density accompanied by increased endothelial apoptosis in the heart. Endothelial-specific O-GlcNAcase (OGA) overexpression significantly lowered protein O-GlcNAcylation in CECs, increased CFVR and capillary density, and decreased endothelial apoptosis in T2D mice. OGA overexpression also improved cardiac contractility in T2D mice. OGA gene transduction augmented angiogenic capacity in high-glucose treated CECs. PCR array analysis revealed that seven out of 92 genes show significant differences among control, T2D, and T2D + OGA mice, and Sp1 might be a great target for future study, the level of which was significantly increased by OGA in T2D mice. Our data suggest that reducing protein O-GlcNAcylation in CECs has a beneficial effect on coronary microvascular function, and OGA is a promising therapeutic target for CMD in diabetic patients.
Does Language Distance Modulate the Contribution of Bilingualism to Cognitive Reserve in Seniors? A Systematic Review
Authors: Carthery-Goulart Maria Teresa , Privitera Adam John , Weekes Brendan Stuart
Published: May 2023

We report a systematic review and exploratory meta-regression investigating the hypothesis that the effects of bilingualism on cognitive reserve are modulated by the distance between the pair of languages a bilingual uses. An inclusive multiple database search was performed in order to identify all relevant published research conducted in bilingual seniors. A combination of qualitative and quantitative synthesis methods were used in order to investigate our research questions. Results suggest that healthy bilingual seniors speaking more distant language pairs show improved monitoring performance on cognitive tasks. Evidence regarding a modulatory influence of language distance (LD) on the age of dementia diagnosis was inconclusive due to the small number of published studies meeting our inclusion criteria. We recommend more detailed reporting of individual differences in bilingual experience to assess the impact of LD and other variables on typical cognitive aging and the development of dementia. Linguistic differences in samples should also be considered as a constraint on bilingual advantages in future studies. Preregistration: PROSPERO CRD42021238705; OSF DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/VPRBU.
Seizure Safari: Bridging the Treatment Gap in Rural Tanzania and Shaking Up Epilepsy Care
Authors: Marawar Rohit
Published: May 2023

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Assignment Negotiation: Critical Race Theory and Educational Leadership Preparation Program
Authors: Roland Ericka , Warren Daphne
Published: May 2023

The current tensions around racism in public schooling prompted Dr. Edwards, an assistant professor in educational leadership and policy studies, to teach critical race theory and assign a racism audit for doctoral students to use the theory in practice. Students were to complete their racism audit on their school campus. However, several students refused to complete the assignment. Some students refused for fear of job repercussions, while others accused Dr. Edwards of indoctrinating them with liberal political ideologies. This case explores the complexity and dilemmas that faculty encounter as they engage in antiracism leadership teaching during a time of racial reckoning.
Exploring the benefits of nature-based interventions in socio-economically deprived communities: a narrative review of the evidence to date
Authors: Harrison H , Burns M , Darko N , Jones C
Published: May 2023

Aim:

Socio-economic deprivation encompasses the relative disadvantage experienced by individuals or communities in relation to financial, material or social resources. Nature-based interventions (NBIs) are a public health approach that promote sustainable, healthy communities through engagement with nature and show potential to address inequalities experienced by socio-economically deprived communities. This narrative review aims to identify and evaluate the benefits of NBIs in socio-economically deprived communities.

Method:

A systematic literature search of six electronic publication databases (APA PsycInfo, CENTRAL, CDSR, CINAHL, Medline and Web of Science) was conducted on 5 February 2021 and repeated on 30 August 2022. In total, 3852 records were identified and 18 experimental studies (published between 2015 and 2022) were included in this review.

Results:

Interventions including therapeutic horticulture, care farming, green exercise and wilderness arts and craft were evaluated in the literature. Key benefits were observed for cost savings, diet diversity, food security, anthropometric outcomes, mental health outcomes, nature visits, physical activity and physical health. Age, gender, ethnicity, level of engagement and perception of environment safety influenced the effectiveness of the interventions.

Conclusion:

Results demonstrate there are clear benefits of NBIs on economic, environmental, health and social outcomes. Further research including qualitative analyses, more stringent experimental designs and use of standardised outcome measures is recommended.
Thrombectomy for Anterior Circulation Stroke in a Witnessed Late Time Window Versus Early Time Window
Authors: de Castro-Afonso Luís H. , Fornazari Vitor R. , Machado João P. , Nakiri Guilherme S. , Abud Thiago G. , Monsignore Lucas M. , Pontes-Neto Octávio M. , Abud Daniel G.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Thrombectomy is the standard treatment for anterior circulation stroke due to large vessel occlusions in a late time window (6 to 24 hours) for patients selected based on perfusion imaging. Most patients treated in late time window studies presented as unwitnessed or wake-up strokes. Whether patients presenting with unwitnessed stroke have an actual time window greater than 6 hours is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of thrombectomy in the treatment of patients presenting with anterior circulation large vessel stroke in an actual late time window of more than 6 hours.

Methods

This single-center registry of thrombectomy in the treatment of stroke caused by anterior circulation large vessel occlusions (LVOs) included 430 patients treated between 2011 and 2019. Patients were divided into 2 groups: an early time window (≤ 6 hours) group and a late time window group (> 6 hours).

Results

Outcomes of the early and the late time window groups, respectively, were recanalization of 86.8% vs 82.7% ( P = .29), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage of 8.2% vs 5.7% ( P = .40), good clinical outcome of 45.4% vs 41.3% ( P = .46), and mortality of 20.2% vs 25% ( P = .30) at 3 months.

Conclusions

Thrombectomy for anterior circulation large vessel occlusions after 6 hours of symptoms onset seems to be as safe and effective as the standard thrombectomy within 6 hours from symptoms onset, even without perfusion analysis. Randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Strokes in Patients With Injection Drug Use and Tricuspid Valve Endocarditis – A Case Series
Authors: Hingorani Karan S. , Barnes Erin , Carneiro Thiago , Sader Elie , Anand Pria , Ong Charlene J. , Chung David , Daneshmand Ali , Suchdev Kushak , Takahashi Courtney , Greer David , Shulman Julie G. , Aparicio Hugo J. , Nguyen Thanh N. , Romero Jose. Rafael , AbdalKader Mohamad , Feske Steven K. , Kimmel Simeon D. , Weinstein Zoe M. , Fagan Maura , Dobrilovic Nikola , Awtry Eric , Cervantes-Arslanian Anna M.
Published: May 2023

Research Design: In this study, we describe patients from a tertiary care safety-net hospital endocarditis registry with tricuspid valve infective endocarditis (TVIE), and concomitant acute or subacute ischemic stroke predominantly associated with injection drug use (IDU). We retrospectively obtained data pertinent to neurologic examinations, history of injection drug use (IDU), blood cultures, transthoracic/transesophageal echocardiography (TTE/TEE), neuroimaging, and Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at discharge. Only those patients with bacteremia, tricuspid valve vegetations, and neuroimaging consistent with acute to subacute ischemic infarction and microhemorrhages in two cases were included in this series. Results: Of 188 patients in the registry, 66 patients had TVIE and 10 of these were complicated by ischemic stroke. Neurologic symptoms were largely non-specific, eight patients had altered mental status and only 3 had focal deficits. Nine cases were associated with IDU. Two patients had evidence of a patent foramen ovale on echocardiography. Blood cultures grew S. aureus species in 9 of the patients, all associated with IDU. Three patients died during hospitalization. The mRS score at discharge for survivors ranged 0-4. Conclusions: Patients with strokes from TVIE had heterogeneous presentations and putative mechanisms. We noted that robust neuroimaging is lacking for patients with TVIE from IDU and that such patients may benefit from neuroimaging as a screen for strokes to assist peri-operative management. Further inquiry is needed to elucidate stroke mechanisms in these patients.
A staghorn kidney stone or extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the kidney? A case report and literature review
Authors: Emadi Torghabeh Ali , Gharib Masoumeh , Zahed Anaraki Siavash , Rabiei Parisa
Published: May 2023

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma (ESOS) is a very rare entity among renal malignancies. There are few reports of renal ESOS in the database. Renal ESOS was found to have a high rate of local recurrence and distant metastasis. In most reports, the overall survival of patients was less than 1 year. We present a 51-year-old man who presented with gross hematuria and a clinical diagnosis of a staghorn stone in the left kidney. He underwent radical nephrectomy. The pathologic diagnosis of osteosarcoma was evident.
Risk factors for the long-term incidence and progression of knee osteoarthritis in older adults: role of nonsurgical injury
Authors: Pelletier Jean-Pierre , Paiement Patrice , Dorais Marc , Raynauld Jean-Pierre , Martel-Pelletier Johanne
Published: May 2023

Background:

For one of the most chronic medical conditions, osteoarthritis, uncertainties remain on the impact of injury chronology, the role of repeat injury on the incidence/progression of this disease and the need for knee arthroplasty.

Objectives:

To explore, in an older adult population, how nonsurgical knee injuries relate to osteoarthritis incidence/progression and the weight of independent risk factors for arthroplasty.

Design:

A cohort study design evaluates the long-term impact of injuries on knee osteoarthritis outcomes.

Methods:

Knees with no prior injury ( n = 6358) and with at least one injury ( n = 819) ⩽20 years before study inclusion were from the Osteoarthritis Initiative cohort. Sociodemographic, clinical and structural [X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] data at study inclusion and changes within 96 months were analysed. Statistics included a mixed model for repeated measurements, generalized estimating equations and multivariable Cox regression with covariates.

Results:

At inclusion, knees with prior injury demonstrated greater incidence and severity of osteoarthritis ( p ⩽ 0.001). At 96 months, there was a greater increase in symptoms [Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, p = 0.002], joint space width (JSW, p = 0.039) loss, medial cartilage volume loss (CVL, p ⩽ 0.001) and bone marrow lesion size (BML, p ⩽ 0.049). Knees with/without injury at inclusion but with new ones over time had a pronounced increase in symptoms (all WOMAC scores, p ⩽ 0.001), JSW loss, lateral (without) and medial CVL, lateral (without) and medial meniscal extrusion and medial BML (without; all p ⩽ 0.030). Levels of lateral and medial meniscal extrusion (without) and symptoms (with/without; all WOMAC scores, p ⩽ 0.001) were all accentuated with a repeated new injury. Risk factors associated with the highest knee arthroplasty occurrence are new meniscal extrusion and new injury ( p ⩽ 0.001).

Conclusion:

This study highlights the importance of nonsurgical knee injury in older adults as an independent risk factor for knee osteoarthritis and arthroplasty. These data will be beneficial in clinical practice as they will help identify individuals at greater risk of significant disease progression and worst disease outcomes for a customized therapeutic approach.
Multifunctional 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds: Recent strategies for osteosarcoma treatment
Authors: Liu Xingran , Liu Yihao , Qiang Lei , Ren Ya , Lin Yixuan , Li Han , Chen Qiuhan , Gao Shuxin , Yang Xue , Zhang Changru , Fan Minjie , Zheng Pengfei , Li Shuai , Wang Jinwu
Published: May 2023

Osteosarcoma is the most prevalent bone malignant tumor in children and teenagers. The bone defect, recurrence, and metastasis after surgery severely affect the life quality of patients. Clinically, bone grafts are implanted. Primary bioceramic scaffolds show a monomodal osteogenesis function. With the advances in three-dimensional printing technology and materials science, while maintaining the osteogenesis ability, scaffolds become more patient-specific and obtain additional anti-tumor ability with functional agents being loaded. Anti-tumor therapies include photothermal, magnetothermal, old and novel chemo-, gas, and photodynamic therapy. These strategies kill tumors through novel mechanisms to treat refractory osteosarcoma due to drug resistance, and some have shown the potential to reverse drug resistance and inhibit metastasis. Therefore, multifunctional three-dimensional printed bioceramic scaffolds hold excellent promise for osteosarcoma treatments. To better understand, we review the background of osteosarcoma, primary 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds, and different therapies and have a prospect for the future.
Clinicians’ knowledge and attitude towards early mobilization in intensive care units in Ethiopian tertiary hospitals: A multi-centre study
Authors: Dagnachew Tasew Kelemu , Woldegerima Berhe Yophtahe , Yalew Mustofa Salh , Birlie Chekol Wubie
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

To assess clinicians’ knowledge, attitude and associated factors towards patients’ early mobilization in intensive care units in the tertiary hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods:

A multi-centre, cross-sectional study was conducted at the tertiary hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia from April to June, 2022. Data were collected by using self-administered, structured questionnaire; ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed and associations were described in adjusted odds ratios.

Results:

A total of 304 clinicians were included (response rate of 89.7%). The proportions of poor, fair and good knowledge towards early mobilization in intensive care unit among clinicians were 16.8%, 57.9% and 25.3%, respectively; while that of negative, fair and positive attitude were 16.4%, 60.2% and 23.4%, respectively. Factors associated with better knowledge were being a physiotherapist (adjusted odds ratio = 2.9, confidence interval = 1.2–6.7), having a total work experience >5 years (adjusted odds ratio = 4.6, confidence interval = 1.7–12.1), having an intensive care unit work experience >5 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.8, confidence interval = 1.1–6.8), previous in-service training (adjusted odds ratio = 1.8, confidence interval = 1.1–3.0) and reading guidelines (adjusted odds ratio = 1.9, confidence interval = 1.1–3.2). Better attitude was associated with in-service training (adjusted odds ratio = 1.9, confidence interval = 1.2–3.1), attending early mobilization courses (adjusted odds ratio = 1.8, confidence interval = 1.1–3.0), presence of mobilization advocators (adjusted odds ratio = 1.7, confidence interval = 1.0–2.8), good knowledge (adjusted odds ratio = 2.6, confidence interval = 1.2–5.8) and fair knowledge (adjusted odds ratio = 2.5, confidence interval = 1.3–4.8).

Conclusion:

Most of the clinicians had demonstrated fair knowledge and attitude towards early mobilization in intensive care unit. However, there were significant proportion of clinicians who had poor knowledge and negative attitude. We recommended active engagement of physiotherapists and experienced clinicians in intensive care units. Clinicians need to have self-learning habits and attend regular training/courses related to early mobilization in intensive care unit.
Case of Vibrio Vulnificus bacteremia in a patient heterozygous for HFE p.C282Y mutation and alcoholic liver cirrhosis
Authors: Strubchevska Kateryna , Kozyk Marko , Marijanovich Nicole
Published: May 2023

Vibrio vulnificus is a Gram-negative bacterium, a member of the Vibrionaceae family. V. vulnificus is the main cause of seafood-related deaths in the United States because it can cause severe wound infections or sepsis. This microorganism is highly dependent on iron availability. Therefore, patients with high body iron levels are more susceptible to the infection. Prompt treatment with cephalosporins as well as doxycycline is usually administered. We present a case of V. vulnificus bacteremia in a patient heterozygous for HFE p.C282Y mutation and underlying alcoholic liver cirrhosis.
The Alphafly Outcry: Distance Running, Technological Doping, and the Rhetoric of Stigma
Authors: Milford Mike
Published: May 2023

Eliud Kipchoge’s sub-two-hour marathon in 2019 generated both wide-ranging celebration and stern denigration from members of the running community. The latter, motivated by an unexpectedly superior result, turned to stigma rhetoric to protect what they saw as a danger to their sport: the Nike Alphafly. Stigma is an othering strategy that brands its objects as undesirable and threatening to the ideological center of a community. In Kipchoge’s case, his shoe was characterized as technological doping, and rhetors used the framework provided by stigma to imbue the shoe with a moral dimension to warn others away from the threat to the running community’s egalitarianism. This case demonstrates how sport communities perceive and respond to threats to their essential natures through common rhetorical frameworks.
Revisiting Health Disparities Linked to “Some College”: Incorporating Gender and High School Experiences
Authors: Andersson Matthew A. , Wilkinson Renae , Maralani Vida
Published: May 2023

In the United States, “some college” is attained more frequently than a 4-year college degree. However, attainments below 4-year college vary considerably in terms of credentials and years of higher education, and gender differences in health disparities remain overlooked. Additionally, high school experiences may confound any estimated health gains. We draw on national longitudinal data (Add Health; Waves IV and V) to estimate associations between subbaccalaureate education and general health during young adulthood and again at early midlife. Relative to attaining no education past high school, women’s greater self-rated health with all levels of postsecondary attainment is robust to high school experiences, with the exception of vocational/technical training without a degree, in young adulthood and in early midlife. Greater health gains are linked to associate degrees compared to some college without a degree. For men, health benefits are found only among 4-year degree holders. For both genders, depressive symptom buffering linked to subbaccalaureate education is inconsistent and sometimes not robust to high school experiences. Overall, these findings offer a compelling case for recasting college health gains in terms of distinct postsecondary endpoints by gender.
CRISPR-cas9 screening identified lethal genes enriched in Hippo kinase pathway and of predictive significance in primary low-grade glioma
Authors: Mijiti Maimaitili , Maimaiti Aierpati , Chen Xiaoqing , Tuersun Maidina , Dilixiati Miershayiti , Dilixiati Yilidanna , Zhu Guohua , Wu Hao , Li Yandong , Turhon Mirzat , Abulaiti Aimitaji , Maimaitiaili Nuerailijiang , Yiming Nadire , Kasimu Maimaitijiang , Wang Yongxin
Published: May 2023

Background

Low-grade gliomas (LGG) are a type of brain tumor that can be lethal, and it is essential to identify genes that are correlated with patient prognosis. In this study, we aimed to use CRISPR-cas9 screening data to identify key signaling pathways and develop a genetic signature associated with high-risk, low-grade glioma patients.

Methods

The study used CRISPR-cas9 screening data to identify essential genes correlated with cell survival in LGG. We used RNA-seq data to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to cell viability. Moreover, we used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method to construct a genetic signature for predicting overall survival in patients. We performed enrichment analysis to identify pathways mediated by DEGs, overlapping genes, and genes shared in the Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). Finally, the study used western blot, qRT-PCR, and IHC to detect the expression of hub genes from signature in clinical samples.

Results

The study identified 145 overexpressed oncogenes in low-grade gliomas using the TCGA database. These genes were intersected with lethal genes identified in the CRISPR-cas9 screening data from Depmap database, which are enriched in Hippo pathways. A total of 19 genes were used to construct a genetic signature, and the Hippo signaling pathway was found to be the predominantly enriched pathway. The signature effectively distinguished between low- and high-risk patients, with high-risk patients showing a shorter overall survival duration. Differences in hub gene expression were found in different clinical samples, with the protein and mRNA expression of REP65 being significantly up-regulated in tumor cells. The study suggests that the Hippo signaling pathway may be a critical regulator of viability and tumor proliferation and therefore is an innovative new target for treating cancerous brain tumors, including low-grade gliomas.

Conclusion

Our study identified a novel genetic signature associated with high-risk, LGG patients. We found that the Hippo signaling pathway was significantly enriched in this signature, indicating that it may be a critical regulator of tumor viability and proliferation in LGG. Targeting the Hippo pathway could be an innovative new strategy for treating LGG.
Sediment Erosion on Pelton Turbines: A Review
Authors: Ge Xinfeng , Sun Jie , Chu Dongdong , Liu Juan , Zhou Ye , Zhang Hui , Zhang Lei , Chen Huixiang , Kan Kan , Binama Maxime , Zheng Yuan
Published: May 2023

The Pelton turbine has been widely used to develop high-head water resources with sediments because of its advantages in life cycle costs. When a flood or monsoon season occurs, the sediment concentration in the river increases suddenly, causing severe erosion to the nozzle, needle, and runner of Pelton turbines. After decades of development, researchers have developed practical engineering experience to reduce the sediment concentration of the flow through the turbine and ensure the safety and efficiency of power generation. Research on the mechanism of sediment erosion, development of anti-erosion materials, and establishment of erosion prediction models have attracted scholarly interest in recent years. Extensive research has been conducted to determine a complete and valuable syndication erosion model. However, owing to the complexity of the flow and wear mechanisms, the influence of specific parameters of erosion and the syndication effect is still difficult to determine. Computational fluid dynamics and erosion monitoring technology have also been evaluated and applied. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the erosion of Pelton turbines, some of the latest technical methods, and possible future development directions.
Culturable endophytic fungi community structure isolated from Codonopsis pilosula roots and effect of season and geographic location on their structures
Authors: Fan Lili , Li Yuanli , Wang Xiaoli , Leng Feifan , Li Shaowei , Zhu Ning , Chen Kai , Wang Yonggang
Published: May 2023

Background

Rhizosphere soil physicochemical, endophytic fungi have an important role in plant growth. A large number of endophytic fungi play an indispensable role in promoting plant growth and development, and they can provide protection for host plants by producing a variety of secondary metabolites to resist and inhibit plant pathogens. Due to the terrain of Gansu province is north–south and longitudinal, different climatic conditions, altitude, terrain and growth environment will affect the growth of Codonopsis pilosula, and the changes in these environmental factors directly affect the quality and yield of C. pilosula in different production areas. However, In C. pilosula, the connection between soil nutrients, spatiotemporal variation and the community structure of endophytic fungi isolated from C. pilosula roots has not been well studied.

Results

Seven hundred six strains of endophytic fungi were obtained using tissue isolation and the hyphaend-purification method from C. pilosula roots that picked at all seasons and six districts (Huichuan, HC; Longxi, LX; Zhangxian, ZX; Minxian, MX; Weiyuan, WY; and Lintao, LT) in Gansu Province, China. Fusarium sp. (205 strains, 29.04%), Aspergillus sp. (196 strains, 27.76%), Alternaria sp. (73 strains, 10.34%), Penicillium sp. (58 strains, 8.22%) and Plectosphaerella sp. (56 strains, 7.93%) were the dominant genus. The species composition differed from temporal and spatial distribution (Autumn and Winter were higher than Spring and Summer, MX and LT had the highest similarity, HC and LT had the lowest). physical and chemical of soil like Electroconductibility (EC), Total nitrogen (TN), Catalase (CAT), Urease (URE) and Sucrase (SUC) had significant effects on agronomic traits of C. pilosula (P < 0.05). AK (Spring and Summer), TN (Autumn) and altitude (Winter) are the main driving factors for the change of endophytic fungal community. Moreover, geographic location (such as altitude, latitude and longitude) also has effects on the diversity of endophytic fungi.

Conclusions

These results suggested that soil nutrients and enzyme, seasonal variation and geographical locations have an impact on shaping the community structure of culturable endophytic fungi in the roots of C. pilosula and its root traits. This suggests that climatic conditions may play a driving role in the growth and development of C. pilosula.
Genetic diversity, population genetic structure and gene flow in the rare and endangered wild plant Cypripedium macranthos revealed by genotyping-by-sequencing
Authors: Wu Qi , Dong Shang , Zhao Yuxin , Yang Lei , Qi Xiujin , Ren Zhihe , Dong Shubin , Cheng Jin
Published: May 2023

Background

Genetic diversity, genetic structure, and gene flow in plant populations and their influencing factors are important in conservation biology. Cypripedium macranthos is one of the few wild orchids with high ornamental value in northern China. However, over the past decade, excessive collection, trading, tourism development, habitat fragmentation, deceptive pollination, and seed germination difficulties have all caused a sharp decline in the number of C. macranthos individuals and its population. In order to propose a scientific and effective conservation strategy, the genetic diversity, genetic structure and gene flow of the current CM population are urgent scientific issues to be clarified.

Results

Here, 99 individuals of C. macranthos from north and northeast China were analyzed to evaluate the genetic diversity, gene flow among populations, and genetic structure by genotyping-by-sequencing. More than 68.44 Gb high-quality clean reads and 41,154 SNPs were obtained. Our data based on bioinformatics methods revealed that C. macranthos has lower genetic diversity, high levels of historical gene flow, and moderate-to-high genetic differentiation between populations. The gene migration model revealed that the direction of gene flow was mainly from northeast populations to north populations in China. The results of genetic structure analysis showed that 11 C. macranthos populations can be considered as two groups, and further divided into four subgroups. Moreover, the Mantel test detected no significant “Isolation by Distance” between populations.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that the present genetic diversity and genetic structure of C. macranthos populations were mainly caused by biological characteristics, human interference, habitat fragmentation, and restricted gene flow. Finally, constructive measures, which can provide a basis for the proposal of conservation strategies, have been suggested.
Effectiveness of betadine-coating gastrostomy tube to reduce peristomal infection after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chen Yu-Jen , Hou Ming-Chih , Yang Tsung-Chieh , Lee Pei-Chang , Wang Yen-Po , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Lee Fa-Yauh
Published: May 2023

Background

Peristomal wound infection is a common complication in patients receiving percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). The main reason for peristomal infection might be the oral microbes coating the gastrostomy tube during implantation. Povidone-iodine solution can be applied for skin and oral decontamination. We designed a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a Betadine® (povidone-iodine) coated gastrostomy tube to reduce peristomal infection after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy.

Methods

A total of 50 patients were randomized to Betadine and control groups (25 patients in each group) from April 2014 to August 2021 at a tertiary medical center. All patients received the pull method for PEG implantation using a 24-french gastrostomy tube. The primary endpoint was peristomal wound infection rate 2 weeks after the procedure.

Results

Changes in Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio (N/L ratio) and C-Reative protein (Delta CRP) at 24 h after PEG were higher in the control group than in the Betadine group (N/L ratio, 3.1 vs. 1.2, p = 0.047; CRP, 2.68 vs.1.16, p = 0.009). The two groups did not differ in post-PEG fever, peristomal infection, pneumonia, or all-cause infection. Delta CRP could predict peristomal infection and all-cause infection within 2 weeks (AUROC 0.712 vs. 0.748; p = 0.039 vs. 0.008). The best cut-off-point of Delta CRP for the diagnosis of peristomal wound infection was 3 mg/dl.

Conclusion

The betadine coating gastrostomy tube method could not reduce peristomal infection after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. CRP elevation of less than 3 mg/dl may be used to exclude the potential peristomal wound infection.

Trial registration

NCT04249570 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04249570).
Quantifying social contact patterns in Minnesota during stay-at-home social distancing order
Authors: Dorélien Audrey M. , Venkateswaran Narmada , Deng Jiuchen , Searle Kelly , Enns Eva , Alarcon Espinoza Giovann , Kulasingam Shalini
Published: May 2023

SARS-CoV-2 is primarily transmitted through person-to-person contacts. It is important to collect information on age-specific contact patterns because SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility, transmission, and morbidity vary by age. To reduce the risk of infection, social distancing measures have been implemented. Social contact data, which identify who has contact with whom especially by age and place are needed to identify high-risk groups and serve to inform the design of non-pharmaceutical interventions. We estimated and used negative binomial regression to compare the number of daily contacts during the first round (April–May 2020) of the Minnesota Social Contact Study, based on respondent’s age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, and other demographic characteristics. We used information on the age and location of contacts to generate age-structured contact matrices. Finally, we compared the age-structured contact matrices during the stay-at-home order to pre-pandemic matrices. During the state-wide stay-home order, the mean daily number of contacts was 5.7. We found significant variation in contacts by age, gender, race, and region. Adults between 40 and 50 years had the highest number of contacts. The way race/ethnicity was coded influenced patterns between groups. Respondents living in Black households (which includes many White respondents living in inter-racial households with black family members) had 2.7 more contacts than respondents in White households; we did not find this same pattern when we focused on individual’s reported race/ethnicity. Asian or Pacific Islander respondents or in API households had approximately the same number of contacts as respondents in White households. Respondents in Hispanic households had approximately two fewer contacts compared to White households, likewise Hispanic respondents had three fewer contacts than White respondents. Most contacts were with other individuals in the same age group. Compared to the pre-pandemic period, the biggest declines occurred in contacts between children, and contacts between those over 60 with those below 60.
Clinically stable covid-19 patients presenting to acute unscheduled episodic care venues have increased risk of hospitalization: secondary analysis of a randomized control trial
Authors: Bledsoe Joseph , Woller Scott C. , Brooks Maria , Sciurba Frank C. , Krishnan Jerry A. , Martin Deborah , Hou Peter , Lin Janet Y. , Kindzelski Andrei , Handberg Eileen , Kirwan Bridget-Anne , Zaharris Elaine , Castro Lauren , Shapiro Nancy L. , Pepine Carl J. , Majercik Sarah , Fu Zhuxuan , Zhong Yongqi , Venugopal Vidya , Lai Yu-Hsuan , Ridker Paul M. , Connors Jean M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Assessment for risks associated with acute stable COVID-19 is important to optimize clinical trial enrollment and target patients for scarce therapeutics. To assess whether healthcare system engagement location is an independent predictor of outcomes we performed a secondary analysis of the ACTIV-4B Outpatient Thrombosis Prevention trial.

Methods

A secondary analysis of the ACTIV-4B trial that was conducted at 52 US sites between September 2020 and August 2021. Participants were enrolled through acute unscheduled episodic care (AUEC) enrollment location (emergency department, or urgent care clinic visit) compared to minimal contact (MC) enrollment (electronic contact from test center lists of positive patients).We report the primary composite outcome of cardiopulmonary hospitalizations, symptomatic venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischemic attack, systemic arterial thromboembolism, or death among stable outpatients stratified by enrollment setting, AUEC versus MC. A propensity score for AUEC enrollment was created, and Cox proportional hazards regression with inverse probability weighting (IPW) was used to compare the primary outcome by enrollment location.

Results

Among the 657 ACTIV-4B patients randomized, 533 (81.1%) with known enrollment setting data were included in this analysis, 227 from AUEC settings and 306 from MC settings. In a multivariate logistic regression model, time from COVID test, age, Black race, Hispanic ethnicity, and body mass index were associated with AUEC enrollment. Irrespective of trial treatment allocation, patients enrolled at an AUEC setting were 10-times more likely to suffer from the adjudicated primary outcome, 7.9% vs. 0.7%; p < 0.001, compared with patients enrolled at a MC setting. Upon Cox regression analysis adjustment patients enrolled at an AUEC setting remained at significant risk of the primary composite outcome, HR 3.40 (95% CI 1.46, 7.94).

Conclusions

Patients with clinically stable COVID-19 presenting to an AUEC enrollment setting represent a population at increased risk of arterial and venous thrombosis complications, hospitalization for cardiopulmonary events, or death, when adjusted for other risk factors, compared with patients enrolled at a MC setting. Future outpatient therapeutic trials and clinical therapeutic delivery programs of clinically stable COVID-19 patients may focus on inclusion of higher-risk patient populations from AUEC engagement locations.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04498273.
Assessing secular trends in HIV rapid diagnostic test uptake and positivity in Northeast Iran, a country in MENA region; ingredients for target-specific prevention policies
Authors: Yousefli Zahra , Maharlouei Najmeh , Dadgar Moghaddam Maliheh , Hosseinpour Ali Mohammad , Ghiami Roohollah
Published: May 2023

Background

Iran is amongst the first three countries in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region where two-thirds of region’s new HIV infections are reported. HIV testing at the population level is key to interrupting the HIV transmission chain. The current study aimed to evaluate the history of HIV rapid diagnostic testing (HIV-RDT) and its correlates in northeast Iran.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, de-identified records of HIV-RDTs were extracted by the census method from the electronic health information system of 122 testing facilities between 2017 and 2021. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with HIV-RDT uptake and risks and drivers of HIV-RDT positivity, separately among men and women.

Results

Conducting 66,548 HIV-RDTs among clients with a mean age of 30.31 years, 63% female, 75.2% married, and 78.5% with high school education or below, yielded 312 (0.47%) positive results. Test uptake was comparatively low among men and the unmarried sub-population. Prenatal care and high-risk heterosexual intercourse were the most frequent reasons for taking HIV-RDT among women and men, respectively (76% and 61.2%). High-risk heterosexual contact, tattooing, mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), having a partner at risk of HIV infection, and injecting drugs were test seekers’ most reported transmission routes. One-third of the newly-infected female clients were identified through prenatal testing. Multivariate analysis revealed older age at the time of testing (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) = 1.03), divorce (AOR = 2.10), widowhood (AOR = 4.33), education level of secondary school (AOR = 4.67), and unemployment (AOR = 3.20) as significant demographic predictors of positive HIV-RDT (P-value < 0.05). However, clients’ nationality, testing history, duration of HIV exposure, and reported reasons for taking HIV-RDT were not associated with the test result (P-value > 0.05).

Conclusion

Innovative strategies are required to scale up test uptake and positive yields among the key population in the region. The current evidence strongly suggests implementing gender-targeted strategies, according to the differences in demographic and behavioral risk between men and women.
Frequency of pleural effusion in dengue patients by severity, age and imaging modality: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kaagaard Molly D. , Matos Luan Oliveira , Evangelista Marliton V. P. , Wegener Alma , Holm Anna Engell , Vestergaard Lasse S. , Do Valle Suiane C. N. , Silvestre Odilson M. , Lacerda Marcus Vinícius Guimarães , de Souza Rodrigo Medeiros , Barreto dos Santos Flavia , Biering-Sørensen Tor , Brainin Philip
Published: May 2023

Background

Identification of pleural effusion (PE) in dengue infection is an objective measure of plasma leakage and may predict disease progression. However, no studies have systematically assessed the frequency of PE in patients with dengue, and whether this differs across age and imaging modality.

Methods

We searched Pubmed, Embase Web of Science and Lilacs (period 1900–2021) for studies reporting on PE in dengue patients (hospitalized and outpatient). We defined PE as fluid in the thoracic cavity detected by any imaging test. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021228862). Complicated dengue was defined as hemorrhagic fever, dengue shock syndrome or severe dengue.

Results

The search identified 2,157 studies of which 85 studies were eligible for inclusion. The studies (n = 31 children, n = 10 adults, n = 44 mixed age) involved 12,800 patients (30% complicated dengue). The overall frequency of PE was 33% [95%CI: 29 to 37%] and the rate of PE increased significantly with disease severity (P = 0.001) such that in complicated vs. uncomplicated dengue the frequencies were 48% and 17% (P < 0.001). When assessing all studies, PE occurred significantly more often in children compared to adults (43% vs. 13%, P = 0.002) and lung ultrasound more frequently detected PE than conventional chest X-ray (P = 0.023).

Conclusions

We found that 1/3 of dengue patients presented with PE and the frequency increased with severity and younger age. Importantly, lung ultrasound demonstrated the highest rate of detection. Our findings suggest that PE is a relatively common finding in dengue and that bedside imaging tools, such as lung ultrasound, potentially may enhance detection.
Delayed interval delivery in a quadruplet pregnancy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Li Yanan , Chu Ran , Li Yarong , Zhang Meiling , Ma Yuyan
Published: May 2023

Background

As the rate of multiple pregnancies increases, delayed interval delivery (DID) is increasingly being implemented to improve perinatal outcomes. But there are no international guidelines for DID in multiple pregnancies. We report a case of DID in a quadruplet pregnancy and review the relevant literature to summarize the management of DID in multiple pregnancies.

Case presentation

A 22-year-old woman, 22 2/7 weeks' gestation, with quadruplets, was admitted to the hospital for a first cervical cerclage due to cervical dilation. Twenty-five days later, it was found that the cervix was dilated again, so after removing the cervical cerclage, the first quadruplet was delivered vaginally (25 6/7 weeks), and a second cervical cerclage was performed. Four days later, due to re-dilation of the cervix, after removal of the cervical cerclage, the second quadruplet was delivered vaginally (26 3/7 weeks), followed by a third cervical cerclage. Six days later, the pregnancy was terminated by cesarean section due to fetal distress, and the third and fourth quadruplets were delivered (27 2/7 weeks). The patient had no postoperative complications, and all four infants were treated in the neonatal intensive care unit and discharged successfully.

Conclusion

This case emphasizes that comprehensive management of delayed interval delivery can improve perinatal outcomes in multiple pregnancies, including anti-infection, tocolytic therapy, practice to promote fetal lung, and cervical cerclage.