bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cartilage tympanoplasty for retraction pocket of the tympanic membrane in children
Authors: Urík Milan , Sobotková Kateřina , Bartoš Michal , Machač Josef , Kruntorád Vít , Jarkovský Jiří
Published: February 2024

Background

Retraction pocket (RP) of the tympanic membrane (TM) is a common pathology in children that can cause ossicular chain erosion, cholesteatoma formation, and potentially life-threatening complications of cholesteatoma. This study assessed the functional and anatomical results of cartilage grafting in children with severe RP of the TM.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of 212 children from a tertiary referral center.

Results

We identified significant differences in hearing results, indication criteria, and location of TM fixation between stages II and III of RP (according to Charachon). We observed a significantly higher incidence of RP in boys than in girls.

Conclusions

Cartilage tympanoplasty for retraction pocket of the tympanic membrane in children is a safe procedure with good anatomical and hearing results.
It's more than just a bond: nurses and parents are great hospital business
Authors: Degl Jennifer , Discenza Deb , Eklund Wakako , Kenner Carole
Published: February 2024

A newborn's admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can be both stress inducing and frightening for a parent or caregiver. With nursing being a constant calming presence, a trusting bond between the parents and nurses often becomes the lifeline to survive the NICU journey. This bond impacts not only the baby and family, but also promotes the institution's reputation within the community. In today's climate of healthcare professional shortages, the power of the nurses' connections to families cannot be overlooked. It is critical in all neonatal units, especially where parents are being approached to enroll their infant in clinical research.
Outcomes of postnatal systemic corticosteroids administration in ventilated preterm newborns: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Boscarino Giovanni , Cardilli Viviana , Conti Maria Giulia , Liguori Federica , Repole Paola , Parisi Pasquale , Terrin Gianluca
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Prolonged mechanical ventilation, commonly used to assist preterm newborns, increases the risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). In recent decades, studies have demonstrated that systemic corticosteroids play a significant role in the prevention and management of BPD. In this systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we evaluated the association between the administration of systemic corticosteroids in preterm infants and its long-term outcomes, such as neurodevelopment, growth, extubation rate, and related adverse effects.

Methods

We conducted an electronic search in Medline, Scopus, and PubMed using the following terms: “premature infants” and “corticosteroids.” We considered all RCTs published up to June 2023 as eligible. We included all studies involving preterm newborns treated with systemic corticosteroids and excluded studies on inhaled corticosteroids.

Results

A total of 39 RCTs were evaluated. The influence of steroids administered systemically during the neonatal period on long-term neurological outcomes remains unknown, with no influence observed for long-term growth. The postnatal administration of systemic corticosteroids has been found to reduce the timing of extubation and improve respiratory outcomes. Dexamethasone appears to be more effective than hydrocortisone, despite causing a higher rate of systemic hypertension and hyperglycemia. However, in the majority of RCTs analyzed, there were no differences in the adverse effects related to postnatal corticosteroid administration.

Conclusion

Dexamethasone administered during the neonatal period appears to be more effective than hydrocortisone in terms of respiratory outcomes; however, caution should be taken when administering dexamethasone. Data derived from current evidence, including meta-analyses, are inconclusive on the long-term effects of the administration of systemic steroids in preterm infants or the possibility of neurodevelopmental consequences.
Transferring an extremely premature infant to an extra-uterine life support system: a prospective view on the obstetric procedure
Authors: van Haren Juliette S. , Delbressine Frank L. M. , Schoberer Mark , te Pas Arjan B. , van Laar Judith O. E. H. , Oei S. Guid , van der Hout-van der Jagt M. Beatrijs
Published: February 2024

To improve care for extremely premature infants, the development of an extrauterine environment for newborn development is being researched, known as Artificial Placenta and Artificial Womb (APAW) technology. APAW facilitates extended development in a liquid-filled incubator with oxygen and nutrient supply through an oxygenator connected to the umbilical vessels. This setup is intended to provide the optimal environment for further development, allowing further lung maturation by delaying gas exposure to oxygen. This innovative treatment necessitates interventions in obstetric procedures to transfer an infant from the native to an artificial womb, while preventing fetal-to-neonatal transition. In this narrative review we analyze relevant fetal physiology literature, provide an overview of insights from APAW studies, and identify considerations for the obstetric procedure from the native uterus to an APAW system. Lastly, this review provides suggestions to improve sterility, fetal and maternal well-being, and the prevention of neonatal transition.
An appraisal of traditional knowledge of plant poisoning of livestock and its validation through acute toxicity assay in rats
Authors: Rasool Faisal , Nizamani Zaheer Ahmed , Ahmad Khawaja Shafique , Parveen Fahmida , Khan Shahzad Akbar , Sabir Naveed
Published: February 2024

Background: Kashmir Himalaya hosts the most diverse and rich flora in the world, which serves as grazing land for millions of small ruminants in the area. While most plant species are beneficial, some can be poisonous, causing economic losses and animal health issues for livestock. Consequently, this study is the first comprehensive report on the traditional phyto-toxicological knowledge in District Muzaffarabad and the assessment of its authenticity through experimental studies in rats.

Methods: The data regarding traditional knowledge was gathered from 70 key respondents through semi-structured interviews, which was quantitatively analyzed and authenticated through plant extract testing on Wistar female rats and comparison with published resources.

Results: A total of 46 poisonous plant species belonging to 23 families and 38 genera were reported to be poisonous in the study area. Results revealed that leaves were the most toxic plant parts (24 species, 52.1%), followed by the whole plant (18 species, 39.1%), stem (17 species, 36.9%), and seeds (10 species, 21.7%). At the organ level, liver as most susceptible affected by 13 species (28.2%), followed by the gastrointestinal tract (15 species, 32.6%), nervous system (13 species, 8.2%), dermis (8 species, 17.3%), renal (7 species, 15.2%), respiratory (4 species, 8.7%), cardiovascular system (3 species, 6.5%), and reproductive system (2 species, 4.3%). The poisonous plant species with high Relative frequency citation (RFC) and fidelity level (FL) were Nerium oleander (RFC, 0.6; FL, 100), Lantana camara (RFC, 0.6; FL, 100), and Ricinus communis (RFC, 0.6; FL, 100). Experimental assessment of acute toxicity assay in rats revealed that Nerium oleander was the most toxic plant with LD50 of (4,000 mg/kg), trailed by Ricinus communis (4,200 mg/kg), L. camara (4,500 mg/kg), and Datura stramonium (4,700 mg/kg); however, other plants showed moderate to mild toxicity. The major clinical observations were anorexia, piloerection, dyspnea, salivation, tachypnea, constipation, diarrhea, tremor, itchiness, and dullness.

Conclusion: This study showed that numerous poisonous plants pose a significant risk to the livestock industry within Himalayan territory, leading to substantial economic losses. Consequently, it is of utmost importance to conduct further comprehensive studies on the phytotoxicity of plants.
Utilization of nanotechnology and experimental design in the development and optimization of a posaconazole‒calendula oil nanoemulgel for the treatment of mouth disorders
Authors: Alissa Mohammed , Hjazi Ahmed , Abusalim Ghadah S. , Aloraini Ghfren S. , Alghamdi Suad A. , Alharthi Nahed S. , Rizg Waleed Y. , Hosny Khaled M. , Binmadi Nada
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Essential oil‒based nanoemulsions (NEs) are the subjects of extensive investigation due to their potential to address a variety of oral health issues. NEs are delivery systems that improve lipid medicine solubility and distribution to intended sites. The goal of the current study was to create and enhance a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery paradigm based on calendula oil (CO) and decorated with chitosan (CS) that could deliver posaconazole (PSZ) for the treatment of gingivitis.

Method: Employing a response-surface Box‒Behnken design, PSZ-CO-CS NEs were created with varying amounts of PSZ (10, 15, and 20 mg), percentages of CO (6%, 12%, and 18%), and percentages of CS (0.5%, 1.5%, and 2.5%).

Results and conclusion: The optimized formulation resulted in a 22-mm bacterial growth suppression zone, 25-mm fungal growth inhibition zone, droplet sizes of 110 nm, and a viscosity of 750 centipoise (cP). Using the appropriate design, the ideal formulation was produced; it contained 20 mg of PSZ, 18% of CO, and 1.35% of CS. Furthermore, the optimal formulation had a more controlled drug release, larger inhibition zones of bacterial and fungal growth, and desirable rheologic properties. Additionally, the optimized formulation substantially lowered the ulcer index in rats when tested against other formulations. Thus, this investigation showed that PSZ-CO-CS NEs could provide efficient protection against microbially induced gingivitis.
A Cyber-physical-social systems approach to the semantic segmentation of pulmonary embolism
Authors: Zhan Siyu , Lei Xin , Guo Lu , Xiong Mingxiu , Liu Tingyu , Liu Shuang , Yu Hao
Published: February 2024

Cyber-Physical-Social Systems (CPSS) epitomize the modern era’s intelligent connectivity. They integrate physical devices, computer networks, and social networks, forming an innovative paradigm for intelligent systems. Utilizing CPSS to enhance intelligence, automation, and remote services in healthcare represents a primary research focus. Pulmonary embolism, a prevalent condition resulting from the blockage of the pulmonary artery and its branches by emboli, leads to a spectrum of clinical syndromes marked by impaired pulmonary circulation and right heart dysfunction, contributing to sudden and unpredictable fatalities. Nevertheless, the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism remains challenging due to non-specific clinical presentations, constrained diagnostic capabilities, delayed diagnoses, insufficient physician knowledge, and suboptimal diagnostic techniques. Consequently, we introduce the innovative LSCU-Net architecture within the CPSS framework, designed to develop an automated segmentation and intelligent assessment system for pulmonary embolism, facilitating its automated and intelligent detection. The experimental findings demonstrate that the model accurately segments pulmonary embolism, evidenced by a Jaccard index of 0.6958, a Dice coefficient of 0.8193, a Mean Pixel Accuracy (mPA) of 0.8519, and an accuracy of 0.9993. Empirical studies reveal that our proposed model substantially surpasses existing models in performance. Consequently, this model can aid physicians in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism during clinical practice. The established pulmonary embolism automatic segmentation and assessment system also showcases the application successes of CPSS in intelligent remote healthcare. The system’s development and deployment not only streamline physicians’ diagnostic processes but also elevate public health standards and advance CPSS research within the medical domain.
Identification and functional analysis of ovarian lncRNAs during different egg laying periods in Taihe Black-Bone Chickens
Authors: Huang Yunyan , Li Shibao , Tan Yuting , Xu Chunhui , Huang Xuan , Yin Zhaozheng
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) refers to a category of non-coding RNA molecules exceeding 200 nucleotides in length, which exerts a regulatory role in the context of ovarian development. There is a paucity of research examining the involvement of lncRNA in the regulation of ovary development in Taihe Black-Bone Chickens. In order to further investigate the egg laying regulation mechanisms of Taihe Black-Bone Chickens at different periods, transcriptome analysis was conducted on the ovarian tissues at different laying periods.

Methods: This study randomly selected ovarian tissues from 12 chickens for RNA-seq. Four chickens were selected for each period, including the early laying period (102 days, Pre), the peak laying period (203 days, Peak), and the late laying period (394 days, Late). Based on our previous study of mRNA expression profiles in the same ovarian tissue, we identified three differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE lncRNAs) at different periods and searched for their cis- and trans-target genes to draw an lncRNA-mRNA network.

Results and discussion: In three groups of ovarian tissues, we identified 136 DE lncRNAs, with 8 showing specific expression during the early laying period, 10 showing specific expression during the peak laying period, and 4 showing specific expression during the late laying period. The lncRNA-mRNA network revealed 16 pairs of lncRNA-target genes associated with 7 DE lncRNAs, and these 14 target genes were involved in the regulation of reproductive traits. Furthermore, these reproductive-related target genes were primarily associated with signaling pathways related to follicle and ovary development in Taihe Black-Bone Chickens, including cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, TGF-beta signaling pathway, tyrosine metabolism, ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). This study offers valuable insights for a comprehensive understanding of the influence of lncRNAs on poultry reproductive traits.
Taxonomic reinvestigation of the genus Tetradesmus (Scenedesmaceae; Sphaeropleales) based on morphological characteristics and chloroplast genomes
Authors: Cho Hyeon Shik , Lee JunMo
Published: February 2024

The genusTetradesmus(Scenedesmaceae; Sphaeropleales) comprises one of the most abundant green algae in freshwater environments. It includes morphologically diverse species that exhibit bundle-like, plane-arranged coenobia, and unicells, because several differentScenedesmus-like groups were integrated into this genus based on phylogenetic analysis. Nevertheless, there is no clear information regarding the phylogenetic relationship ofTetradesmusspecies, determined using several marker genes, because of low phylogenetic support and insufficient molecular data. Currently, genome information is available from diverse taxa, which could provide high-resolution evolutionary relationships. In particular, phylogenetic studies using chloroplast genomes demonstrated the potential to establish high-resolution phylogenetic relationships. However, only three chloroplast genomes are available from the genusTetradesmus. In this study, we newly generated 9 chloroplast genomes fromTetradesmusand constructed a high-resolution phylogeny using a concatenated alignment of 69 chloroplast protein sequences. We also report one novel species (T.lancea), one novel variety (T.obliquusvar.spiraformis), and two novel formae (T.dissociatusf.oviformis,T.obliquusf.rectilineare) within the genusTetradesmusbased on morphological characteristics (e.g., cellular arrangements and coenobial types) and genomic features (e.g., different exon–intron structures in chloroplast genomes). Moreover, we taxonomically reinvestigated the genusTetradesmusbased on these results. Altogether, our study can provide a comprehensive understanding of the taxonomic approaches for investigating this genus.
T-DNA characterization of genetically modified 3-R-gene late blight-resistant potato events with a novel procedure utilizing the Samplix Xdrop® enrichment technology
Authors: Zarka Kelly A. , Jagd Lea Møller , Douches David S.
Published: February 2024

Before the commercialization of genetically modified crops, the events carrying the novel DNA must be thoroughly evaluated for agronomic, nutritional, and molecular characteristics. Over the years, polymerase chain reaction-based methods, Southern blot, and short-read sequencing techniques have been utilized for collecting molecular characterization data. Multiple genomic applications are necessary to determine the insert location, flanking sequence analysis, characterization of the inserted DNA, and determination of any interruption of native genes. These techniques are time-consuming and labor-intensive, making it difficult to characterize multiple events. Current advances in sequencing technologies are enabling whole-genomic sequencing of modified crops to obtain full molecular characterization. However, in polyploids, such as the tetraploid potato, it is a challenge to obtain whole-genomic sequencing coverage that meets the regulatory approval of the genetic modification. Here we describe an alternative to labor-intensive applications with a novel procedure using Samplix Xdrop® enrichment technology and next-generation Nanopore sequencing technology to more efficiently characterize the T-DNA insertions of four genetically modified potato events developed by the Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership: DIA_MSU_UB015, DIA_MSU_UB255, GRA_MSU_UG234, and GRA_MSU_UG265 (derived from regionally important varieties Diamant and Granola). Using the Xdrop® /Nanopore technique, we obtained a very high sequence read coverage within the T-DNA and junction regions. In three of the four events, we were able to use the data to confirm single T-DNA insertions, identify insert locations, identify flanking sequences, and characterize the inserted T-DNA. We further used the characterization data to identify native gene interruption and confirm the stability of the T-DNA across clonal cycles. These results demonstrate the functionality of using the Xdrop® /Nanopore technique for T-DNA characterization. This research will contribute to meeting regulatory safety and regulatory approval requirements for commercialization with small shareholder farmers in target countries within our partnership.
Did Kant suffer from misophonia?
Authors: Norena Arnaud
Published: February 2024

Misophonia is a disorder of decreased tolerance to specific sounds, often produced by humans but not always, which can trigger intense emotional reactions (anger, disgust etc.). This relatively prevalent disorder can cause a reduction in the quality of life. The causes of misophonia are still unclear. In this article, we develop a hypothesis suggesting that misophonia can be caused by a failure in the organization of the perceived world. The perceived world is the result of both the structure of human thought and the many conditioning factors that punctuate human life, particularly social conditioning. It is made up of abstract symbols that map the world and help humans to orient himself in a potentially dangerous environment. In this context, the role of social rules acquired throughout life is considerable. Table manners, for example, are a set of deeply regulated and controlled behaviors (it’s considered impolite to eat with the mouth open and to make noise while eating), which contribute to shape the way the perceived world is organized. So it’s not surprising to find sounds from the mouth (chewing etc.) among the most common misophonic sound triggers. Politeness can be seen as an act of obedience to moral rules or courtesy, which is a prerequisite for peaceful social relations. Beyond this example, we also argue that any sound can become a misophonic trigger as long as it is not integrated into the perceived ordered and harmonious world, because it is considered an “anomaly,” i.e., a disorder, an immorality or a vulgarity.
Promoting informed decision making about maternal pertussis vaccination: the systematic development of an online tailored decision aid and a centering-based group antenatal care intervention
Authors: Anraad Charlotte , van Empelen Pepijn , Ruiter Robert A. C. , Rijnders Marlies , van Groessen Katja , van Keulen Hilde M.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Maintaining and enhancing vaccine confidence continues to be a challenge. Making an informed decision not only helps to avoid potential future regret but also reduces susceptibility to misinformation. There is an urgent need for interventions that facilitate informed decision-making about vaccines. This paper describes the systematic development of two interventions designed to promote informed decision making and indirectly, acceptance of maternal pertussis vaccination (MPV) in the Netherlands.

Materials and methods

The 6-step Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol was used for the development of an online tailored decision aid and Centering Pregnancy-based Group Antenatal Care (CP) intervention. A needs assessment was done using empirical literature and conducting a survey and focus groups (1), intervention objectives were formulated at the behavior and determinants levels (2), theoretical methods of behavior change were selected and translated into practical applications (3), which were further developed into the two interventions using user-centered design (4). Finally, plans were developed for implementation (5), and evaluation (6) of the interventions.

Results

The needs assessment showed that pregnant women often based their decision about MPV on information sourced online and conversations with their partners, obstetric care providers, and peers. Responding to these findings, we systematically developed two interactive, theory-based interventions. We created an online tailored decision aid, subjecting it to four iterations of testing among pregnant women, including those with low literacy levels. Participants evaluated prototypes of the intervention positively on relevance and usability. In addition, a CP intervention was developed with midwives.

Conclusion

Using IM resulted in the creation of an online decision aid and CP intervention to promote informed decision making regarding MPV. This description of the systematic development of the interventions not only serves to illustrate design rationales, it will also aid the interpretation of the evaluation of the interventions, the development of future interventions promoting informed decision and acceptance of vaccines, and comparisons with other interventions.
A retrospective study of variations in the kinds of diseases discharged from the Department of Infectious Diseases of a large general hospital in Central China during 2013–2019
Authors: Ye Pian , Zhao Lei , Pang Ran , Zheng Xin
Published: February 2024

Objective

To analyze the changing trend of the absolute number and constituent ratio of various in-patient diseases in the Department of Infectious Diseases of a large general hospital in Central China during 2013–2019.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the diagnostic data of discharged patients for seven consecutive years, from 2013 to 2019. The first discharge diagnosis is used as the basis for the disease classification. The absolute number, constituent ratio, and changing trend of major diseases in hepatobiliary diseases and infectious diseases were analyzed.

Results

The changing trend of the diseases during 2013–2019 showed that the absolute number of cases of hepatobiliary disease did not change significantly (p = 0.615), while the constituent ratio decreased significantly, from 68.01% in 2013 to 55.29% in 2019 (p<0.001). The absolute number (constituent ratio) of cases of infectious diseases increased significantly from 585 (21.91%) in 2013 to 1,244 (36.86%) in 2019 (p = 0.015, p<0.001). The major part of the increase was non-communicable infectious diseases (NCIDs).

Conclusion

During 2013–2019, the proportion of cases of hepatobiliary disease gradually decreased. The absolute number and proportion of cases of infectious diseases, especially NCIDs, have increased rapidly.
Mediating effects of social support and presenteeism on turnover intention and post-traumatic stress disorder among Chinese nurses in the post-pandemic era: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Jingshuo , Yang Xin , Zhang Xiaoman , Liu Yuping , Liu Mengshi , Fang Yu , Liu Mengjie , Wu Min
Published: February 2024

Background

The shift in national policies for epidemic prevention and control in the post-pandemic era is undoubtedly a challenge for health care professionals. Nurses, as an important part of the health care professional population, have an even greater impact on their mental health and occupational safety. This may expose nurses to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and presenteeism, and ultimately lead to their turnover.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between turnover intention and post-traumatic stress disorder among Chinese nurses during post-pandemic era, and the mediating role of social support and presenteeism.

Methods

In this study, a multicentre cross-sectional survey was conducted in April 2023 among nursing staff in several tertiary general hospitals in northern China, with online data collection using the Turnover intention Scale (PTSD), the Impact of Events Scale (IES), the Social Support Scale (SSS), and the Stanford presenteeism Scale (STAS) and the relationship between variables was analyzed using hierarchical multivariate regression, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder and the Turnover intention from the pathway between.

Results

Data were collected from 2,513 nurses who met the inclusion criteria, in which general information such as age, department, specific department, Professional title, history of alcohol consumption, form of employment, Years of working, and Average working hours per day were statistically significant with the difference in the turnover intention. The results of the study showed a 32% high turnover intention among nurses in the post-pandemic era, which was lower than the turnover intention during the pandemic. The results of hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that post-traumatic stress disorder, social support, and presenteeism were significant predictors of turnover intention. The total effect of post-traumatic stress disorder on turnover intention to work was 0.472 [bias modified 95% confidence interval (0.415–0.483), p < 0.001]. Social support and attendance played a partially intermediate role in post-traumatic stress disorder and propensity to leave (an indirect effect of 26% of the total effect).

Conclusion

Turnover intention and post-traumatic stress disorder levels are high and social support plays an important role in the tendency to leave the job and post-traumatic stress disorder, healthcare institution can be achieved by strengthening social support for nurses in the post-epidemic era and preventing the occurrence of presenteeism.
Transporting and implementing a caregiver-mediated intervention for toddlers with autism in Goa, India: evidence from the social ABCs
Authors: Brian Jessica A. , Dowds Erin M. , Bernardi Kate , Velho Andre , Kantawalla Mahera , de Souza Nandita
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Autism is a global health priority with an urgent need for evidence-based, resource-efficient, scalable supports that are feasible for implementation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Initiating supports in the toddler years has potential to significantly impact child and family outcomes. The current paper describes the feasibility and outcomes associated with a Canadian-developed caregiver-mediated intervention for toddlers (the Social ABCs), delivered through a clinical service in Goa, India.

Methods

Clinical staff at the Sethu Centre for Child Development and Family Guidance in Goa, India, were trained by the Canadian program development team and delivered the program to families seen through their clinic. Using a retrospective chart review, we gathered information about participating families and used a pre-post design to examine change over time.

Results

Sixty-four families were enrolled (toddler mean age = 28.5 months; range: 19–35), of whom 55 (85.94%) completed the program. Video-coded data revealed that parents learned the strategies (implementation fidelity increased from M = 45.42% to 76.77%, p < .001, with over 90% of caregivers attaining at least 70% fidelity). Toddler responsivity to their caregivers (M = 7.00% vs. 46.58%) and initiations per minute (M = 1.16 vs. 3.49) increased significantly, p's < .001. Parents also reported significant improvements in child behaviour/skills (p < .001), and a non-significant trend toward reduced parenting stress (p = .056).

Discussion

Findings corroborate the emerging evidence supporting the use of caregiver-mediated models in LMICs, adding evidence that such supports can be provided in the very early years (i.e., under three years of age) when learning may be optimized.
Machine learning data sources in pediatric sleep research: assessing racial/ethnic differences in electronic health record–based clinical notes prior to model training
Authors: Davenport Mattina A. , Sirrianni Joseph W. , Chisolm Deena J.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Pediatric sleep problems can be detected across racial/ethnic subpopulations in primary care settings. However, the electronic health record (EHR) data documentation that describes patients' sleep problems may be inherently biased due to both historical biases and informed presence. This study assessed racial/ethnic differences in natural language processing (NLP) training data (e.g., pediatric sleep-related keywords in primary care clinical notes) prior to model training.

Methods

We used a predefined keyword features set containing 178 Peds B-SATED keywords. We then queried all the clinical notes from patients seen in pediatric primary care between the ages of 5 and 18 from January 2018 to December 2021. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model was used to investigate whether there were racial/ethnic differences in the documentation of Peds B-SATED keywords. Then, mixed-effects logistic regression was used to determine whether the odds of the presence of global Peds B-SATED dimensions also differed across racial/ethnic subpopulations.

Results

Using both LASSO and multilevel modeling approaches, the current study found that there were racial/ethnic differences in providers' documentation of Peds B-SATED keywords and global dimensions. In addition, the most frequently documented Peds B-SATED keyword rankings qualitatively differed across racial/ethnic subpopulations.

Conclusion

This study revealed providers' differential patterns of documenting Peds B-SATED keywords and global dimensions that may account for the under-detection of pediatric sleep problems among racial/ethnic subpopulations. In research, these findings have important implications for the equitable clinical documentation of sleep problems in pediatric primary care settings and extend prior retrospective work in pediatric sleep specialty settings.
The Transformative Impact of Community-Led Monitoring in the South African Health System: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Tshuma Ndumiso , Elakpa Daniel Ngbede , Moyo Clinton , Soboyisi Melikhaya , Moyo Sehlule , Mpofu Sihlobosenkosi , Chadyiwa Martha , Malahlela Mokgadi , Tiba Caroline , Mnkandla David , Ndhlovu Tshepo M. , Moruthoane Tsenolo , Mphuthi David D. , Mtapuri Oliver
Published: February 2024

Objectives: Community-led monitoring (CLM) is an emerging approach that empowers local communities to actively participate in data collection and decision-making processes within the health system. The research aimed to explore stakeholder perceptions of CLM data and establish a CLM Data Value Chain, covering data collection and its impact.

Methods: Qualitative data were collected from stakeholders engaged in health programs in South Africa. Data analysis involved a collaborative workshop that integrated elements of affinity diagramming, thematic analysis, and the systematic coding process outlined in Giorgi’s method. The workshop fostered joint identification, co-creation of knowledge, and collaborative analysis in developing the data value chain.

Results: The findings showed that CLM data enabled community-level analysis, fostering program advocacy and local collaboration. It enhanced program redesign, operational efficiency, and rapid response capabilities. Context-specific solutions emerged through the CLM Data Value Chain, promoting sustainable and efficient program implementation.

Conclusion: CLM is a powerful tool for improving program implementation, quality, and advocacy in South African healthcare. It strengthens accountability, trust, and transparency by involving local communities in data-driven decision-making. CLM addresses context-specific challenges and tailors interventions to local needs.
Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica F.) Effectively Absorbs and Accumulates Microplastics at the Micron Level—A Study of the Co-Exposure to Microplastics with Varying Particle Sizes
Authors: Zhao Yachuan , Hu Can , Wang Xufeng , Cheng Hui , Xing Jianfei , Li Yueshan , Wang Long , Ge Tida , Du Ao , Wang Zaibin
Published: February 2024

The absorption of microplastics (MPs; size < 5 mm) by plants has garnered increasing global attention owing to its potential implications for food safety. However, the extent to which leafy vegetables can absorb large amounts of MPs, particularly those > 1 μm, remains insufficiently demonstrated. To address this gap in knowledge, we conducted water culture experiments using water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica F.) as a model plant. The roots of water spinach were exposed to a mixed solution that contained fluorescently labeled polystyrene (PS) beads with particle sizes of 200 nm and 1 μm for 10 d. We utilized laser confocal scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to record the absorption, migration, and patterns of accumulation of these large particle sizes of MPs within water spinach. Our findings revealed that micron-sized PS beads were absorbed by the roots in the presence of submicron PS beads and subsequently transported through the exosomes to accumulate to significant levels in the leaves. Short-term hydroponic experiments further indicated that high concentrations of PS bead solutions significantly inhibited the growth of water spinach owing to their large specific surface area that hindered the uptake of water and nutrients by the roots. In conclusion, both sizes of PS beads were found to be absorbed by water spinach, thereby increasing the risk associated with direct human consumption of microplastics in fruits and vegetables. This study provides valuable scientific insights to assess the pollution risks related to fruits and vegetables, as well as ensuring vegetable safety.
Elevating Sorghum Prosperity: Unveiling Growth Trends through Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculation in Phosphate-Enriched Substrates
Authors: Aliyat Fatima Zahra , El Guilli Mohammed , Nassiri Laila , Lahlali Rachid , Barka Essaid Ait , Ibijbijen Jamal
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to elucidate the impact of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation on sorghum growth within substrates derived from phosphate solid sludge, with the overarching objective of repurposing phosphate sludge to be a viable agricultural substrate. Four PSB strains (Serratia rubidaea, Enterobacter bugandensis, Pantoea agglomerans, Pseudomonas sp.) were meticulously selected from phosphate solid sludge, along with two AMF strains (Rhizophagus intraradices and Funneliformis mosseae), constituting the experimental inocula. Phosphate solid sludge was judiciously blended with peat at varying volumetric proportions (0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60%), providing the matrix for sorghum cultivation, and concomitantly subjected to inoculation with PSB and AMF. Following a meticulously monitored two-month duration, a comprehensive evaluation of diverse morphological parameters, biomass accrual, nitrogen content, total phosphorus concentration, potassium levels, calcium content, and root colonization in sorghum plants was conducted. The empirical findings underscored a discernible decline in the assessed parameters with escalating concentrations of phosphate solid sludge. Particularly noteworthy was the pronounced amelioration observed in plants inoculated with AMF in comparison to both the control and PSB-inoculated counterparts. In conclusion, the application of raw phosphate solid sludge as an agricultural substrate is deemed unsuitable, prompting the imperative need for further in-depth investigations to ascertain the nuanced intricacies underlying these outcomes.
Poisoning by Nerium oleander L. in Franconia Geese
Authors: Pugliese Nicola , Tinelli Antonella , Crescenzo Giuseppe , Nieddu Maria , Baralla Elena , Schiavone Antonella , Zizzo Nicola , Samarelli Rossella , Dessì Filomena , Circella Elena , Zizzadoro Claudia , Saleh Medhat S. , Camarda Antonio
Published: February 2024

This study describes the acute poisoning of four 3-month-old Franconia geese (Anser anser) by oleander plants (Nerium oleander). After the accidental ingestion of oleander clippings, the geese exhibited a rapid onset of severe symptoms, leading to mortality within 15–90 min. Necropsy revealed cardiac and renal lesions. Specifically, interstitial edema, red blood cell infiltration, and myofibril loss were observed in the cardiac muscle, and tubular epithelial degeneration, interstitial edema, and hemorrhages were evident in the kidneys. Oleandrin, a glycoside with cardiac effects, was detected in the liver, kidneys, heart, brain, and muscles. The clinical implications underscore the urgency of veterinary intervention upon oleander ingestion, and the specific findings contribute valuable insights into the pathological effects of acute oleander poisoning in geese, aiding veterinarians in prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Salicornia ramosissima Biomass as a Partial Replacement of Wheat Meal in Diets for Juvenile European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Authors: Barreto André , Couto Ana , Jerónimo Daniel , Laranjeira Adriana , Silva Bruna , Nunes Catarina , Veríssimo Ana C. S. , Pinto Diana C. G. A. , Dias Jorge , Pacheco Mário , Costas Benjamin , Rocha Rui J. M.
Published: February 2024

The green tips of Salicornia ramosissima are used for human consumption, while, in a production scenario, the rest of the plant is considered a residue. This study evaluated the potential of incorporating salicornia by-products in diets for juvenile European seabass, partially replacing wheat meal, aspiring to contribute to their valorization. A standard diet and three experimental diets including salicornia in 2.5%, 5% and 10% inclusion levels were tested in triplicate. After 62 days of feeding, no significant differences between treatments were observed in fish growth performances, feeding efficiency and economic conversation ratio. Nutrient digestibility of the experimental diets was unaffected by the inclusion of salicornia when compared to a standard diet. Additionally, salicornia had significant modulatory effects on the fish muscle biochemical profiles, namely by significantly decreasing lactic acid and increasing succinic acid levels, which can potentially signal health-promoting effects for the fish. Increases in DHA levels in fish fed a diet containing 10% salicornia were also shown. Therefore, the results suggest that salicornia by-products are a viable alternative to partially replace wheat meal in diets for juvenile European seabass, contributing to the valorization of a residue and the implementation of a circular economy paradigm in halophyte farming and aquaculture.
Predicting Risk of Ammonia Exposure in Broiler Housing: Correlation with Incidence of Health Issues
Authors: Barbosa Leonardo V. S. , Lima Nilsa Duarte da Silva , Barros Juliana de Souza Granja , de Moura Daniella Jorge , Estellés Fernando , Ramón-Moragues Adrian , Calvet-Sanz Salvador , García Arantxa Villagrá
Published: February 2024

The study aimed to forecast ammonia exposure risk in broiler chicken production, correlating it with health injuries using machine learning. Two chicken breeds, fast-growing (Ross®) and slow-growing (Hubbard®), were compared at different densities. Slow-growing birds had a constant density of 32 kg m−2, while fast-growing birds had low (16 kg m−2) and high (32 kg m−2) densities. Initial feeding was uniform, but nutritional demands led to varied diets later. Environmental data underwent selection, pre-processing, transformation, mining, analysis, and interpretation. Classification algorithms (decision tree, SMO, Naive Bayes, and Multilayer Perceptron) were employed for predicting ammonia risk (10–14 pmm, Moderate risk). Cross-validation was used for model parameterization. The Spearman correlation coefficient assessed the link between predicted ammonia risk and health injuries, such as pododermatitis, vision/affected, and mucosal injuries. These injuries encompassed trachea, bronchi, lungs, eyes, paws, and other issues. The Multilayer Perceptron model emerged as the best predictor, exceeding 98% accuracy in forecasting injuries caused by ammonia. The correlation coefficient demonstrated a strong association between elevated ammonia risks and chicken injuries. Birds exposed to higher ammonia concentrations exhibited a more robust correlation. In conclusion, the study effectively used machine learning to predict ammonia exposure risk and correlated it with health injuries in broiler chickens. The Multilayer Perceptron model demonstrated superior accuracy in forecasting injuries related to ammonia (10–14 pmm, Moderate risk). The findings underscored the significant association between increased ammonia exposure risks and the incidence of health injuries in broiler chicken production, shedding light on the importance of managing ammonia levels for bird welfare.
Real-Time Salt Contamination Monitoring System and Method for Transmission Line Insulator Based on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Lin Yen-Ting , Kuo Cheng-Chien
Published: February 2024

Insulators on overhead power lines have long been exposed to the outdoors and are susceptible to pollution and salt contamination. Due to factors such as wind and gravity, pollution in the atmosphere gradually deposits on the surface of the insulator. In humid and windy conditions, conductive pollutants begin to dissolve in the water on the surface of the insulator, increasing the leakage current and affecting insulation performance. This study mainly uses a data acquisition system to measure the leakage current of the insulator and weather parameters (including temperature, relative humidity, pressure, wind speed, and ultraviolet) around the insulator. Artificial intelligence is then applied to establish a prediction model for leakage current based on weather parameters. The established model accurately predicts insulator leakage current through weather parameters. In order to observe the real-time status of the insulator, this study establishes a monitoring platform that integrates the predicted leakage current with weather parameters. It allows users or maintenance personnel to connect to the server through the network to observe the predicted results and weather parameters. The results can establish a real-time salt contamination monitoring system for insulators on transmission lines, enabling operation and maintenance personnel to understand the actual insulation situation of the insulator in real-time. This can not only prevent power outages due to salt contamination or pollution but also reduce the workload for maintenance personnel. Moreover, the maintenance strategy is upgraded from time-base maintenance to condition-base maintenance, significantly improving the efficiency of operation and maintenance for power lines.
TSE-UNet: Temporal and Spatial Feature-Enhanced Point Cloud Super-Resolution Model for Mechanical LiDAR
Authors: Ren Lu , Li Deyi , Ouyang Zhenchao , Zhang Zhibin
Published: February 2024

The mechanical LiDAR sensor is crucial in autonomous vehicles. After projecting a 3D point cloud onto a 2D plane and employing a deep learning model for computation, accurate environmental perception information can be supplied to autonomous vehicles. Nevertheless, the vertical angular resolution of inexpensive multi-beam LiDAR is limited, constraining the perceptual and mobility range of mobile entities. To address this problem, we propose a point cloud super-resolution model in this paper. This model enhances the density of sparse point clouds acquired by LiDAR, consequently offering more precise environmental information for autonomous vehicles. Firstly, we collect two datasets for point cloud super-resolution, encompassing CARLA32-128in simulated environments and Ruby32-128 in real-world scenarios. Secondly, we propose a novel temporal and spatial feature-enhanced point cloud super-resolution model. This model leverages temporal feature attention aggregation modules and spatial feature enhancement modules to fully exploit point cloud features from adjacent timestamps, enhancing super-resolution accuracy. Ultimately, we validate the effectiveness of the proposed method through comparison experiments, ablation studies, and qualitative visualization experiments conducted on the CARLA32-128 and Ruby32-128 datasets. Notably, our method achieves a PSNR of 27.52 on CARLA32-128 and a PSNR of 24.82 on Ruby32-128, both of which are better than previous methods.
Effect of Non-Saccharomyces Species Monocultures on Alcoholic Fermentation Behavior and Aromatic Profile of Assyrtiko Wine
Authors: Tzamourani Aikaterini , Evangelou Alexandra , Ntourtoglou George , Lytra Georgia , Paraskevopoulos Ioannis , Dimopoulou Maria
Published: February 2024

Six wild-type non-Saccharomyces strains, belonging to the species Zygosaccharomyces bailii, Priceomyces carsonii, Trigonopsis californica, and Pichia manshurica, were evaluated for white wine production using Assyrtiko grapes from Santorini in Greece. Fermentation kinetics, in terms of glucose and fructose consumption and sensory analysis, was first employed to test the enological potential of the yeast strains. Based on their performance, two strains of Z. bailii (Zb-A19Y5 and Zb-K29Y2) and one strain of T. californica (Tc-A9Y1) selected for further analysis. The selected strains were tested in larger fermentation volumes for sugar consumption, while the produced wines were assessed for classical enological parameters, volatile compounds (GC/MS), and sensory analysis. Tc-A9Y1 could lead to dry wine (1 g/L of residual sugars) with 1.6 vol (12%) less alcohol than the other experimental wines. The wines that were fermented with the strain Zb-K29Y2 exhibited very high concentrations of isoamyl alcohol (604.33 ± 76.8 mg/L), but at the same time, they were characterized by low fruity notes. None of the produced wines presented any off-flavor aromas. Exploiting non-Saccharomyces strains with great fermentation capacity, which are able to produce high-quality wines and adapted to global warming conditions, is a new challenge for the wine industry.