bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methods and system for recording human physiological signals from implantable leads during spinal cord stimulation
Authors: Ramadan Ahmed , König Seth D. , Zhang Mingming , Ross Erika K. , Herman Alexander , Netoff Theoden I. , Darrow David P.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

This article presents a method–including hardware configuration, sampling rate, filtering settings, and other data analysis techniques–to measure evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) during spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in humans with externalized percutaneous electrodes. The goal is to provide a robust and standardized protocol for measuring ECAPs on the non-stimulation contacts and to demonstrate how measured signals depend on hardware and processing decisions.

Methods

Two participants were implanted with percutaneous leads for the treatment of chronic pain with externalized leads during a trial period for stimulation and recording. The leads were connected to a Neuralynx ATLAS system allowing us to simultaneously stimulate and record through selected electrodes. We examined different hardware settings, such as online filters and sampling rate, as well as processing techniques, such as stimulation artifact removal and offline filters, and measured the effects on the ECAPs metrics: the first negative peak (N1) time and peak-valley amplitude.

Results

For accurate measurements of ECAPs, the hardware sampling rate should be least at 8 kHz and should use a high pass filter with a low cutoff frequency, such as 0.1 Hz, to eliminate baseline drift and saturation (railing). Stimulation artifact removal can use a double exponential or a second-order polynomial. The polynomial fit is 6.4 times faster on average in computation time than the double exponential, while the resulting ECAPs’ N1 time and peak-valley amplitude are similar between the two. If the baseline raw measurement drifts with stimulation, a median filter with a 100-ms window or a high pass filter with an 80-Hz cutoff frequency preserves the ECAPs.

Conclusions

This work is the first comprehensive analysis of hardware and processing variations on the observed ECAPs from SCS leads. It sets recommendations to properly record and process ECAPs from the non-stimulation contacts on the implantable leads.
Literature review, report, and analysis of genotype and clinical phenotype of a rare case of ulnar-mammary syndrome
Authors: Zhang Xiwen , Chen Lifen , Li Lin , An Jingjing , He Qinyu , Zhang Xuelei , Lu Wenli , Xiao Yuan , Dong Zhiya
Published: March 2023

Objective

The clinical characteristics of Ulnar-mammary syndrome (UMS) caused by mutations in TBX3 (T-Box transcription factor 3) were studied and the correlation between genotype and clinical phenotype were analyzed to improve awareness and early diagnosis of the disease.

Methods

The clinical data of a boy aged 13 years and 5 months with left forearm deformity and growth retardation as the main features were analyzed. Genomic exon detection was performed, and the results were verified by Sanger sequencing. Simultaneously, we performed literature review to analyze the correlation between clinical phenotypes and genotypes.

Results

The clinical manifestations in the child were short stature, ulnar hypoplasia of the forearm, hypohidrosis, retracted nipple, micropenis, and cryptorchidism. Laboratory examination revealed hyperthyroidism, growth hormone deficiency, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Imaging results displayed delayed bone age, small pituitary gland, and persistence of Rathke's cleft cyst. The results of the exome sequencing revealed the deletion of AGA at positions 1121–1,124 of TBX3, which resulted in a frameshift mutation (c.1121–1124del AGAG; pGlu374fs). According to the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) assessment, the mutation is a pathogenic variant. A definitive diagnosis of UMS was made on the basis of the clinical phenotype of the patient. The Chinese and English literature were reviewed to analyze the correlation between TBX3 genotype and clinical phenotype.

Conclusion

UMS is a rare hereditary disease caused by mutations in TBX3. There is significant clinical heterogeneity associated with the variants of this gene. To our knowledge, this mutation site in TBX3 has been reported for the first time, thereby expanding the mutation spectrum of this gene.
Establishment and validation of a nomogram to predict cancer-specific survival in pediatric neuroblastoma patients
Authors: Chen Weiming , Lin Ping , Bai Jianxi , Fang Yifan , Zhang Bing
Published: March 2023

Background

The term “neuroblastoma (NB)” refers to a type of solid pediatric tumor that develops from undivided neuronal cells. According to the American Cancer Society report, between 700 and 800 children under the age of 14 are diagnosed with NB every year in the United States (U.S.). About 6% of all cases of pediatric cancer in the U.S. are caused by NB. NB is the most frequent malignancy in children younger than 1 year; however, it is rarely found in those over the age of 10 and above.

Objective

To accurately predict cancer-specific survival (CSS) in children with NB, this research developed and validated an all-encompassing prediction model.

Methods

The present retrospective study used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to collect information on 1,448 individuals diagnosed with NB between 1998 and 2019. The pool of potentially eligible patients was randomly split into two groups, a training cohort (N = 1,013) and a validation cohort (N = 435). Using multivariate Cox stepwise regression, we were able to identify the components that independently predicted outcomes. The accuracy of this nomogram was measured employing the consistency index (C-index), area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision-curve analysis (DCA).

Results

In this study, we found that age, primary location, tumor size, summary stage, chemotherapy, and surgery were all significant predictors of CSS outcomes and integrated them into our model accordingly. The C-index for the validation cohort was 0.812 (95% CI: 0.773–0.851), while for the training cohort it was 0.795 (95% CI: 0.767–0.823). The C-indexes and AUC values show that the nomogram is able to discriminate well enough. The calibration curves suggest that the nomogram is quite accurate. Also, the DCA curves demonstrated the prediction model's value.

Conclusion

A novel nomogram was developed and validated in this work to assess personalized CSS in NB patients, and it has been indicated that this model could be a useful tool for calculating NB patients’ survival on an individual basis and enhancing therapeutic decision-making.
Design, synthesis, antiviral activities of ferulic acid derivatives
Authors: Mao Jin-long , Wang Lei , Chen Shu-jie , Yan Bin , Xun Li-ying , Li Rui-cheng , Wang Pei-chen , Zhao Qi-tao
Published: March 2023

A series of novel ferulic acid derivatives were designed and synthesized, and the twenty-one compounds were evaluated for their antiviral activities against Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and enterovirus type 71 (EV71). These derivatives with the core structure of diphenyl acrylic acids had cis-trans isomers, which were confirmed by 1H NMR, HPLC, and UV-vis spectra for the first time. The A5 had a selective effect against RSV but no work on herpes simplex virus type 1 and enterovirus type 71, which showed a therapeutic index (TI) of 32 and was significantly better than ferulic acid. The A5 had no scavenging effect on free radicals, but the A2 as the degradation of A5 showed an obvious scavenging effect on DPPH· and ABTS+·. In addition, the A5 had no toxicity to endothelial cells and even showed a proliferative effect. Therefore, the A5 is worth further optimizing its structure as a lead compound and investigating the mechanism of inhibiting Respiratory syncytial virus.
Polarization singularities: Topological and dynamical aspects
Authors: Angelsky O. V. , Mokhun I. I. , Bekshaev A. Ya. , Zenkova C. Yu. , Zheng J.
Published: March 2023

The review describes general principles and characteristics of inhomogeneously polarized paraxial optical fields and, especially, the polarization singularities (PSs). Main parameters of the optical vector waves are discussed, with the emphasis on the physical relevance and topological distinctiveness of the PSs. Special features of the stochastic vector fields are considered in the context of the PSs’ genericity and structural stability. A detailed attention is paid to interrelations between the PSs and the phase singularities of scalar fields formed by the orthogonal polarization projections of the total field, and their derivatives (complex Stokes fields, phase-difference fields, etc.). On this base, the practical approaches are discussed for the experimental PS identification and characterization. A particular examination of the internal energy flows associated with the PSs, and accompanying distributions of the optical momentum and angular momentum, reveals meaningful dynamical features of PSs and supplies additional physically transparent and informative means for their studies and characterization.
Maize/peanut intercropping has greater synergistic effects and home-field advantages than maize/soybean on straw decomposition
Authors: Surigaoge Surigaoge , Yang Hao , Su Ye , Du Yu-He , Ren Su-Xian , Fornara Dario , Christie Peter , Zhang Wei-Ping , Li Long
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The decomposition of plant litter mass is responsible for substantial carbon fluxes and remains a key process regulating nutrient cycling in natural and managed ecosystems. Litter decomposition has been addressed in agricultural monoculture systems, but not in intercropping systems, which produce species-diverse litter mass mixtures. The aim here is to quantify how straw type, the soil environment and their combined effects may influence straw decomposition in widely practiced maize/legume intercropping systems.

Methods

Three decomposition experiments were conducted over 341 days within a long-term intercropping field experiment which included two nitrogen (N) addition levels (i.e. no-N and N-addition) and five cropping systems (maize, soybean and peanut monocultures and maize/soybean and maize/peanut intercropping). Experiment I was used to quantify litter quality effects on decomposition; five types of straw (maize, soybean, peanut, maize-soybean and maize-peanut) from two N treatments decomposed in the same maize plot. Experiment II addressed soil environment effects on root decomposition; soybean straw decomposed in different plots (five cropping systems and two N levels). Experiment III addressed ‘home’ decomposition effects whereby litter mass (straw) was remained to decompose in the plot of origin. The contribution of litter and soil effects to the home-field advantages was compared between experiment III (‘home’ plot) and I-II (‘away’ plot).

Results and discussions

Straw type affected litter mass loss in the same soil environment (experiment I) and the mass loss values of maize, soybean, peanut, maize-soybean, and maize-peanut straw were 59, 77, 87, 76, and 78%, respectively. Straw type also affected decomposition in the ‘home’ plot environment (experiment III), with mass loss values of maize, soybean, peanut, maize-soybean and maize-peanut straw of 66, 74, 80, 72, and 76%, respectively. Cropping system did not affect the mass loss of soybean straw (experiment II). Nitrogen-addition significantly increased straw mass loss in experiment III. Decomposition of maize-peanut straw mixtures was enhanced more by ‘home-field advantage’ effects than that of maize-soybean straw mixtures. There was a synergistic mixing effect of maize-peanut and maize-soybean straw mixture decomposition in both 'home' (experiment III) and ‘away’ plots (experiment I). Maize-peanut showed greater synergistic effects than maize-soybean in straw mixture decomposition in their 'home' plot (experiment III). These findings are discussed in terms of their important implications for the management of species-diverse straw in food-production intercropping systems.
Dining comfort in elderly care facility dining rooms and influencing factors before and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mu Jingyi , Kang Jian
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed dining modes in elderly care facilities. This study explores the relationship between the dining environment of four elderly care facilities and the sensitivity of the elderly residents to it before and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The study examined differences in subjective comfort levels by measuring the facilities’ physical environment, analysing dining behavior, and surveying the elderly residents. And the study examined how the interaction between the physical environment factors, demographic factors, and dining mode affected the residents’ evaluation of their dining comfort.

Results

(1) The physical environmental parameters of the four dining rooms differed between the pre- and post-epidemic periods, as shown by increased Sound Pressure Level (SPL), humidity, and temperature levels. (2) The residents’ evaluations of physical environment comfort also changed after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The subjective comfort levels of the ‘dining with baffle’ and ‘dining across a seat’ modes decreased, though the level of the former was slightly higher than that of the latter. The elderly had stronger SPL tolerance in the dining with baffle mode and dining across a seat mode, and their subjective comfort levels for thermal environment and air quality were higher in the dining across a seat mode. (3) When dining time, crowd density, and communication frequency were kept equal, the subjective comfort level of the elderly in the dining with baffle mode and dining across a seat mode was lower than that in the ‘normal’ dining mode, when the level in the dining with baffle mode was lower than that in the dining across a seat mode. (4) Differences were observed in subjective comfort levels according to age, education level, and residence duration across the dining modes.

Discussion

The need for changes in dining modes during the COVID-19 isolation period require dining rooms in elderly care facilities to design their physical environments in a way that improves dining comfort for the elderly.
Impact of perceived supervisor support and leader-member exchange on employees’ intention to leave in public sector museums: A parallel mediation approach
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Li Mingxing , Hussain Abid , Jameel Arif , Hu Weijun
Published: March 2023

High staff turnover in certain public sector organizations in Pakistan is a challenging problem, and organizations strive to reduce this issue using different mechanisms. Therefore, this research investigates the parallel mediation impact of perceived organizational support (POS) and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) on the relationships among perceived supervisor support (PSS), leader-member exchange (LMX), and employee’s intention to leave (IL). Data were collected from 482 employees working in public sector museums in Pakistan in three waves. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with a two-step approach was used to evaluate the data. The research found that both POS and OCB mediate the negative relationship between PSS and IL and between LMX and IL in a parallel mediation mechanism. Public sector museums should focus on providing visible supervisory support and develop a healthy work environment where the exchange relationship between supervisors and subordinates strengthens to reduce the possibility of the employee’s leave intentions.
Cannabidiol enhances cerebral glucose utilization and ameliorates psychopathology and cognition: A case report in a clinically high-risk mental state
Authors: Koethe Dagmar , Rohleder Cathrin , Kracht Lutz , Leweke F. Markus
Published: March 2023

Adolescent individuals often present with subtle, sub-threshold psychiatric syndromes that fluctuate or persist for years. These symptoms have been classified as Clinically High-Risk mental states (CHR), negatively affecting these individuals’ psychosocial development and integration by reducing performance and affecting interpersonal relations. The pathophysiological underpinnings have not been studied in detail, contributing to the current lack of appropriate intervention strategies. This case report sheds new light on potential pathophysiological mechanisms of this condition, which may be addressed by novel treatment approaches such as cannabidiol. A 19-year-old student presented to our early intervention center with a marked cognitive decline within 6 months, anhedonia, ambivalence, social withdrawal, poverty of speech, and brief intermittent psychotic symptoms (delusions and hallucinations). He was diagnosed with CHR state, and we decided to treat him with the non-psychotomimetic phytocannabinoid cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is a promising compound carrying an orphan drug approval for rare certain childhood epilepsy types and is under investigation as an antipsychotic compound with a new mechanism of action compared to existing antipsychotics. We investigated the effect of oral cannabidiol (600  mg per day) over 4 weeks on psychopathology and cerebral glucose utilization. We observed no relevant side effects but a significant clinical improvement. In addition, positron emission tomography (PET) showed a considerable increase in cerebral [18F]fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in various brain regions.

This finding suggests that cannabidiol may enhance cerebral glucose utilization, possiblyviaactivation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) by its endogenous ligand anandamide or related N-acylethanolamines. This mechanism may represent a new innovative treatment approach for CHR, especially given that many individuals with CHR and early psychosis do not substantially benefit from current psychopharmacological interventions.
The mental wellbeing of prison staff in England during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Johnson Luke , Czachorowski Maciej , Gutridge Kerry , McGrath Nuala , Parkes Julie , Plugge Emma
Published: March 2023

Background

COVID-19 is likely to have had an impact on the mental wellbeing of prison staff because of the high risk for infectious disease outbreaks in prisons and the pre-existing high burden of mental health issues among staff.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of staff within 26 prisons in England was carried out between 20th July 2020 and 2nd October 2020. Mental wellbeing was measured using the Short-version of Warwick-Edinburgh Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS). Staff wellbeing was compared to that of the English population using indirectly standardised data from the Health Survey for England 2010–13 and a one-sample t-test. Multivariate linear regression modelling explored associations with mental wellbeing score.

Results

Two thousand five hundred and thirty-four individuals were included (response rate 22.2%). The mean age was 44 years, 53% were female, and 93% were white. The sample mean SWEMWBS score was 23.84 and the standardised population mean score was 23.57. The difference in means was statistically significant (95% CI 0.09–0.46), but not of a clinically meaningful level. The multivariate linear regression model was adjusted for age category, sex, ethnicity, smoking status, occupation, and prison service region. Higher wellbeing was significantly associated with older age, male sex, Black/Black British ethnicity, never having smoked, working within the health staff team, and working in certain prison regions.

Interpretation

Unexpectedly, prison staff wellbeing as measured by SWEMWBS was similar to that of the general population. Reasons for this are unclear but could include the reduction in violence within prisons since the start of the pandemic. Qualitative research across a diverse sample of prison settings would enrich understanding of staff wellbeing within the pandemic.
An AI-enabled research support tool for the classification system of COVID-19
Authors: Tiwari Arti , Bhattacharjee Kamanasish , Pant Millie , Srivastava Shilpa , Snasel Vaclav
Published: March 2023

The outbreak of COVID-19, a little more than 2 years ago, drastically affected all segments of society throughout the world. While at one end, the microbiologists, virologists, and medical practitioners were trying to find the cure for the infection; the Governments were laying emphasis on precautionary measures like lockdowns to lower the spread of the virus. This pandemic is perhaps also the first one of its kind in history that has research articles in all possible areas as like: medicine, sociology, psychology, supply chain management, mathematical modeling, etc. A lot of work is still continuing in this area, which is very important also for better preparedness if such a situation arises in future. The objective of the present study is to build a research support tool that will help the researchers swiftly identify the relevant literature on a specific field or topic regarding COVID-19 through a hierarchical classification system. The three main tasks done during this study are data preparation, data annotation and text data classification through bi-directional long short-term memory (bi-LSTM).
Understanding online health information seeking behavior of older adults: A social cognitive perspective
Authors: Ma Xiumei , Liu Yunxing , Zhang Pengfei , Qi Rongtao , Meng Fanbo
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Online health information seeking has been verified to play a crucial role in improving public health and has received close scholarly attention. However, the seeking behavior of older adults, especially the underlying mechanism through which they are motivated to seek health information online, remains unclear. This study addresses the issue by proposing a theoretical model leveraging social cognitive theory.

Methods

IT self-efficacy and IT innovativeness were identified as personal factors and professional support and social support were identified as environmental factors. We conducted a survey that included 347 older people in China and examined the research hypotheses with a structural equation model.

Results

IT self-efficacy and IT innovativeness facilitate older adults to seek health information online by increasing their perceived benefit of using the internet. Additionally, professional support and social support enhanced older adults' online seeking behavior by promoting their health awareness. We also found that perceived benefit displayed a stronger impact than health awareness on older adults' behavior related to searching for health information online.

Conclusion

This study reveals that IT self-efficacy, IT innovativeness, professional support, and social support will promote older adults to seek health information online by enhancing their health awareness and perceived benefit. The findings of this study provide significant theoretical and practical implications.
Long-term care insurance, mental health of the elderly and its spillovers
Authors: Chen Yunfei , Zhao Hong
Published: March 2023

The paper studies the effects of the long-term care insurance (LTCI) program in China on the mental health of older adults and the wellbeing of their families. We employ the staggered difference-in-differences approach based on the LTCI pilots from 2015 to 2017. First, we find the LTCI program improves older adults' happiness and reduces depression symptoms significantly. The effects on the improvement in memory and cognition are associated with the elderly with activities of daily living-related need for care. Second, the effects of LTCI are partially mediated through providing community services, relieving care burdens, and reducing the incidence of diseases. More importantly, LTCI coverage improves caregivers' physical health and social activities, reflecting its welfare spillover effects. Furthermore, the relationship between LTCI and mental health differs due to the difference in LTCI designs and older adults' demographic characteristics. This presents a need to consider mental health in the services and evaluation criteria of LTCI.
From social and natural vulnerability to human-centered climate resilient coastal cities
Authors: Niamir Leila , Pachauri Shonali
Published: March 2023

Anthropogenic climate change is increasingly affecting every city in the world, including through more intense weather and climate extremes. Climate impacts and risks are magnified in cities, which are home to more than half the world's population. Projections show one billion people will live in areas at risk of coastal hazards by 2050. Sea level rise jeopardizes cities to complicated wind, water, and coastal hazards. Potential impacts on wellbeing include damage to housing, transportation, and energy infrastructure as well as human health. Yet, attention thus far has focused on incremental adaptation responses, with a focus more on infrastructure and technology transitions in coastal cities. Comprehensive transformative actions that specifically incorporate behavioral, cultural and institutional options are largely neglected. In this perspective, we emphasize that immediate and massive effort and involvement from individuals to social entities across sectors, institutions, and systems is required for a transformation toward climate-resilient coastal cities. We conclude by emphasizing that dichotomies between ambitious adaptation and mitigation actions need to be bridged to enhance resilience to warming in coastal cities, and that this requires appropriate multi-level governance mechanisms to coordinate across agents and sectors.
Galápagos and the plastic problem
Authors: Muñoz-Pérez Juan Pablo , Lewbart Gregory A. , Alarcón-Ruales Daniela , Skehel Alice , Cobos Esteban , Rivera Roberth , Jaramillo Alexis , Vivanco Henry , Zurita-Arthos Leo , Wallace Bryan , Valle Carlos A. , Townsend Kathy A.
Published: March 2023

Plastic pollution (PP) is an ongoing, pervasive global problem that represents a risk to the Galápagos archipelago, despite it being one of the world's most pristine and well-protected regions. By working closely with citizen scientists, we aimed to quantify and map the magnitude and biological effects of PP. With macroplastic abundance ranging from 0.003 to 2.87 items/m2, our research indicates that all five sampled Galápagos bioregions are contaminated with PP along their coastlines. The distribution of this debris is not uniform, with macroplastics significantly higher on the windward shores. Based on the identification information found on the examined items, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the most predominant type of plastic originating from both consumer and fisheries-based products deriving primarily from Perú, China, and Ecuador. The top three manufacturers were AjeCroup, Coca-Cola, and Tingy Holding Corporation. Through citizen science, we documented PP exposure in 52 species (20 endemic) in Galápagos terrestrial and marine environments, with exposure occurring in two ways: entanglement and ingestion. These included reptiles (8 species), birds (13 species), mammals (4 species), cartilaginous fish (7 species), bony fish (14 species), and invertebrates (6 species). The top five species with the greatest risk of serious harm due to entanglement (in decreasing order) were identified as green sea turtles, marine iguanas, whale sharks, spine-tail mobulas, and medium-ground finches. In contrast, Santa Cruz tortoises, green sea turtles, marine iguanas, black-striped salemas, and Galápagos sea lions were at the highest risk of harm due to the ingestion of plastics. Our research indicates that PP is a growing problem in the Galápagos archipelago and that additional work is necessary to mitigate its impact now and in the future.
The effect of a home exercise program on visio-vestibular function in concussed pediatric patients
Authors: Roby Patricia R. , Podolak Olivia E. , Grady Matthew , Arbogast Kristy B. , Master Christina L.
Published: March 2023

Background

A visio-vestibular home exercise program (VV-HEP) can provide an equitable and cost-effective method for therapy targeted towards visio-vestibular deficits that are common following concussion. The effects of a VV-HEP on improving concussion symptoms and visio-vestibular function are unclear.

Purpose

Determine the effect of VV-HEP on symptoms and visio-vestibular function in concussed pediatric patients.

Methods

This study included 527 patients [294 female (55.8%); age = 14.4 ± 2.1 years] reporting to a specialty care concussion center within 28 days of injury and for a first follow-up within 60 days of injury. Patients completed the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI) and Visio-Vestibular Examination (VVE). Patients were prescribed the VV-HEP at initial visit, with exercises including saccades, gaze stability, convergence, and balance, and instructed to complete these 1–2 times/day. At follow-up, patients self-reported their VV-HEP progress as (1) has not done, (2) in progress, or (3) completed. Primary outcomes included VV-HEP progress at follow-up, PCSI endorsement and severity, VVE subtests (normal/abnormal), and total VVE score (abnormal = 2 + abnormal subtests). Kruskal-Wallis tests and chi-square were used to determine if concussion symptoms or the proportion of abnormal VVE outcomes, respectively, were associated with VV-HEP status. Post-hoc pairwise comparisons with Bonferonni corrections were used to determine concussion symptom (α = 0.017 a priori) and VVE (α = 0.005 a priori) differences in VV-HEP status.

Results

At follow-up, patients who had completed the VV-HEP reported lower symptom endorsement (median = 1, IQR = 0–3) and lower symptom severity (median = 1, IQR = 0–4) relative to patients who had not started the VV-HEP (endorsement median = 7, IQR = 1–13, p < 0.0001; severity median = 15.5, IQR = 2–32.5, p < 0.0001) and those in progress (endorsement median = 8, IQR = 3–14, p < 0.0001; severity median = 15, IQR = 4–30, p < 0.0001). A lower proportion of patients who completed the VV-HEP reported with abnormal vestibular-ocular reflex (22.2%), tandem gait (0%), and total VVE score (22.2%) relative to those who had not started or those in progress (p < 0.005).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that patients who completed the VV-HEP had lower symptom burden and improved visio-vestibular function relative to those who did not start or were in progress. This suggests that a VV-HEP can effectively reduce visio-vestibular dysfunction following concussion and may serve as a means to minimize inequities in access to care.
A novel surgical technique for cervical laminoplasty in patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy: A case report and literature review
Authors: Huang Xinyi , Liu Daming , Yang Yipeng , Qiu Haiyang , Ma Zhensheng , Lei Wei , Zhang Yang
Published: March 2023

Cervical laminoplasty is a posterior-based surgical decompression technique for the treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) that may improve the preservation of cervical mobility, spinal canal structure, and natural lordosis. Although this procedure is considered to be comparatively safe, with fewer complications than those seen with laminectomy, several postoperative problems have been noted, including axial neck pain, C5 nerve palsy, and failed resolution of radiculopathy. Hence, various modifications have been made to improve the safety and effectiveness of this technique. Here, we report the case of a 74-year-old man with multilevel CSM who underwent posterior cervical laminoplasty in the C3–C7 segments using a novel surgical technique, termed alternating-side cervical laminoplasty. Preoperative and postoperative assessments, including visual analog scale, modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association, neck disability index scores, and imaging data, were collected and analyzed. The results of a 5-year follow-up indicated that the patient recovered well, with no development of axial neck pain. This is the first report of this modified open-door laminoplasty, which we propose may be a better surgical option for preventing postoperative axial neck pain in patients with multilevel CSM. Additionally, opening the laminae on the alternating sides during laminoplasty could provide a flexible approach to complete decompression on different radiculopathy sides.
Impact of Improved Maize Varieties on Production Efficiency in Nigeria: Separating Technology from Managerial Gaps
Authors: Olasehinde Toba Stephen , Qiao Fangbin , Mao Shiping
Published: March 2023

Researchers and policymakers are concerned about the substantial and increasing yield gap between sub-Saharan Africa and the rest of the world. High-yielding improved varieties are widely perceived as a means to close this gap. This study combines impact evaluation and production analysis techniques, which mitigate estimation biases stemming from observed and unobserved heterogeneity, to estimate the effects of improved varieties on maize productivity using a unique, recent, and nationally representative household survey. A linear endogenous treatment–effect model based on a matched sample obtained from propensity score matching indicated that the improved maize varieties increased yield by 38.7%. Simultaneously, selectivity-corrected and stochastic metafrontier approaches show that the yield advantage of improved varieties is mainly due to technological change; however, the technical efficiency of improved varieties is similar to those of traditional varieties.
Soil and Root System Attributes of Forage Cactus under Different Management Practices in the Brazilian Semiarid
Authors: Coêlho Diego de Lima , Dubeux José Carlos Batista , Santos Mércia Virginia Ferreira dos , Mello Alexandre Carneiro Leão de , Cunha Márcio Vieira da , Santos Djalma Cordeiro dos , Freitas Erinaldo Viana de , Santos Erick Rodrigo da Silva
Published: March 2023

Drylands cover 40% of the global surface and house more than 2 billion people. Drought-tolerant crops are becoming more important in these regions, not only to provide food, fodder, and energy, but also to sequester soil organic carbon. This study evaluated soil and root system attributes of forage cactus ‘Orelha de Elefante Mexicana’ (Opuntia stricta Haw.) managed using different agronomic practices in the Brazilian Semiarid. The experiment was established in June 2011 and the design was split-plot in a randomized complete blocks, where the main plot was the different planting density, and the subplots were the factorial arrangement between harvest frequency and harvest intensity. Soil samples were collected at 0 to 10 and 10 to 20 cm depths and response variables included root biomass, soil bulk density (BD), and soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) contents and stocks. Sampling occurred in August 2019, but for root biomass and soil BD analysis it also occurred in September 2021. There were no significant effects from management practices on root biomass at 0 to 10 and 10 to 20 cm depth (p > 0.05), with respective averages of 12.45 Mg ha−1 and 6.06 Mg ha−1. Soil BD was similar at 10 to 20 cm depth (p > 0.05) averaging 1.28 g cm−3. Soil organic carbon (SOC) stock varied with management and reached almost 100 Mg C ha−1 in the 0 to 20 cm layer, indicating the potential of cactus to store carbon. Plants with a more developed root system are more likely to survive the drought climatic condition; therefore, less dense plantings could result in more resilient plants for drier regions, but could potentially negatively affect biomass productivity per area.
Response of Water-Nitrogen Distribution and Use to Water Deficit under Different Applied Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates in Bromus inermis Grassland
Authors: Kang Yanxia , Yin Minhua , Ma Yanlin , Tang Zhongxia , Jia Qiong , Qi Guangping , Wang Jinghai , Jiang Yuanbo , Wang Aixia
Published: March 2023

This study was about the water-nitrogen regulation model and its soil nutrient environment effect for increasing the yield and efficiency of Bromus inermis in the Hexi Corridor, Gansu Province, China. Bromus inermis was used as the research object in this study and four irrigation management types and four nitrogen application levels were set. The four irrigation management types (controlled by the percentage of field capacity (θf) at the jointing stage) were 75–85% (W0), 65–85% (W1), 55–85% (W2) and 45–85% (W3). The four nitrogen application levels were pure nitrogen 0 kg·ha−1 (N0), 60 kg·ha−1 (N1), 120 kg·ha−1 (N2) and 180 kg·ha−1 (N3). The effects of water-nitrogen regulation on the spatial and temporal distribution of soil moisture and nitrate nitrogen (NO3−–N), plant height, chlorophyll content, yield and water-nitrogen use efficiency of Bromus inermis were studied. Results demonstrated that (1) soil water content (SWC) was mainly affected by irrigation and W1 treatment helped maintain shallow soil (0–40 cm) water’s stability and avoided water redundancy or deficit in the 60–80 cm soil layer. The distribution of soil NO3−–N was mainly affected by nitrogen application. The N2 treatment could effectively increase the NO3−–N content in shallow soil (0–40 cm) and prevent nitrate-nitrogen leaching in the 60–100 cm soil layer. (2) Irrigation and nitrogen application could significantly increase the plant height and chlorophyll content of each cut of Bromus inermis. The average plant height and chlorophyll content of the N2W1 treatment were 66.99% and 30.30% higher than N0W3. (3) At the same time, irrigation and nitrogen application could significantly increase the yield of each cut of Bromus inermis, and the interaction between the two had a significant effect on the total yield. The total yield of the N2W1 treatment was the highest (12,259.54 kg·ha−1), 157.95% higher than N0W3. Irrigation and nitrogen application could significantly improve the water-nitrogen use efficiency of Bromus inermis, and their interaction only significantly impacted the partial-factor productivity of the applied nitrogen (PFPN). Meanwhile, the N2W2 treatment had the highest water use efficiency (WUE) (23.12 kg·m−3), and the N1W1 treatment had the highest PFPN (170.87 kg·kg−1). In summary, the moderate nitrogen application rate (120 kg·ha−1) combined with mild water deficit (65–85% θf at the jointing stage) could not only promote the high yield of Bromus inermis, but also avoid the leaching of water and nitrogen in deep soil. It is a suitable water and nitrogen management mode for Bromus inermis in the Hexi Corridor of Gansu Province, China.
Fermentation Quality, In Vitro Digestibility, and Aerobic Stability of Ensiling Spent Mushroom Substrate with Microbial Additives
Authors: Yi Qixuan , Wang Peng , Tang Hongyu , Yu Meng , Zhao Tianyue , Sheng Ziyang , Luo Hailing
Published: March 2023

This experiment investigated the effects of lactic acid bacteria and cellulase on the fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility, and aerobic stability of Flammulina velutipes spent mushroom substrate silage (F-silage) and Pleurotus eryngii spent mushroom substrate silage (P-silage). Silage treatments included groups without any additives (control), with lactic acid bacteria (L), with cellulase (E), and with lactic acid bacteria and cellulase (M). Data analysis was performed using independent sample t-test and analysis of variance. After 45 days of ensiling, the pH in F-silage and P-silage from the L, E, and M groups were lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The pH, acetic acid (AA), and propionic acid (PA) levels in P-silage were lower than those in F-silage, and the LA content in P-silage was higher than that in F-silage (p < 0.05). Compared with the control, the E treatment increased in vitro neutral detergent fibre digestibility (IVNDFD) and in vitro acid detergent fibre digestibility (IVADFD) in F-silage and P-silage (p < 0.05). The aerobic stability of F-silage inoculated with L increased (p < 0.05) by 24 h compared to the control. The aerobic stability of P-silage inoculated with M increased (p < 0.05) by 6 h compared to the control. The improvement in fermentation quality and aerobic stability is extremely large in terms of applying M in F-silage and P-silage. The E is effective in improving the in vitro digestibility of P-silage. The research results provide a theoretical basis for the production of high-quality spent mushroom substrate fermented feed.
The Influence of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation on Antibiotic Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Peitz Gregory J. , Murry Daryl J.
Published: March 2023

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is becoming increasingly utilized to support critically ill patients who experience life-threatening cardiac or pulmonary compromise. The provision of this intervention poses challenges related to its complications and the optimization of medication therapy. ECMO’s mechanical circulatory support is facilitated via various devices and equipment that have been shown to sequester lipophilic- and protein-bound medications, including anti-infectives. Since infectious outcomes are dependent on achieving specific anti-infectives’ pharmacodynamic targets, the understanding of these medications’ pharmacokinetic parameters in the setting of ECMO is important to clinicians. This narrative, non-systematic review evaluated the findings of the most recent and robust pharmacokinetic analyses for commonly utilized anti-infectives in the setting of ECMO. The data from available literature indicates that anti-infective pharmacokinetic parameters are similar to those observed in other non-ECMO critically ill populations, but considerable variability in the findings was observed between patients, thus prompting further evaluation of therapeutic drug monitoring in this complex population.
Managing Patient and Clinician Expectations of Phage Therapy in the United Kingdom
Authors: Jones Joshua D. , Stacey Helen J. , Brailey Arlene , Suleman Mehrunisha , Langley Ross J.
Published: March 2023

Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is a promising alternative antimicrobial approach which has the potential to transform the way we treat bacterial infections. Phage therapy is currently being used on a compassionate basis in multiple countries. Therefore, if a patient has an antibiotic refractory infection, they may expect their clinician to consider and access phage therapy with the hope of improvement. The expectations of clinicians may be similar and may also include expectations around data collection. However, there are multiple biological and practical barriers to fulfilling patient and clinician expectations. While it is possible to access phage therapy, the path to acquisition is not straightforward and expectations therefore need to be managed appropriately to avoid raising false hope and undermining confidence in phage therapy. Phage scientists have an important contribution to make in educating clinicians and the broader public about phage therapy. However, it is clinicians that are responsible for managing the expectations of their patients and this relies on clear communication about the barriers and limitations.
Cheminformatics Bioprospection of Sunflower Seeds’ Oils against Quorum Sensing System of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: S’thebe Nosipho Wendy , Aribisala Jamiu Olaseni , Sabiu Saheed
Published: March 2023

Clinically significant pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa evade the effects of antibiotics using quorum sensing (QS) systems, making antimicrobial resistance (AMR) a persistent and potentially fatal global health issue. Hence, QS has been identified as a novel therapeutic target for identifying novel drug candidates against P. aeruginosa, and plant-derived products, including essential oils, have been demonstrated as effective QS modulators. This study assessed the antipathogenic efficacy of essential oils from two sunflower cultivars (AGSUN 5102 CLP and AGSUN 5106 CLP) against P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 in vitro and in silico. At the sub-inhibitory concentrations, both AGSUN 5102 CLP (62.61%) and AGSUN 5106 CLP (59.23%) competed favorably with cinnamaldehyde (60.74%) and azithromycin (65.15%) in suppressing the expression of QS-controlled virulence phenotypes and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. A further probe into the mechanism of anti-QS action of the oils over a 100-ns simulation period against Las QS system revealed that phylloquinone (−66.42 ± 4.63 kcal/mol), linoleic acid (−53.14 ± 3.53 kcal/mol), and oleic acid (−52.02 ± 3.91 kcal/mol) had the best affinity and structural compactness as potential modulators of LasR compared to cinnamaldehyde (−16.95 ± 1.75 kcal/mol) and azithromycin (−32.08 ± 10.54 kcal/mol). These results suggest that the identified compounds, especially phylloquinone, could be a possible LasR modulator and may represent a novel therapeutic alternative against infections caused by P. aeruginosa. As a result, phylloquinone could be further studied as a QS modulator and perhaps find utility in developing new therapeutics.
Isolation and Identification of Dihydrophenanthrene Derivatives from Dendrobium virgineum with Protective Effects against Hydrogen-Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium ARPE-19 Cells
Authors: Panuthai Pongsawat , Phumsuay Rianthong , Muangnoi Chawanphat , Maitreesophone Porames , Kongkatitham Virunh , Mekboonsonglarp Wanwimon , Rojsitthisak Pornchai , Likhitwitayawuid Kittisak , Sritularak Boonchoo
Published: March 2023

Oxidative stress is a significant factor in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which results from cell damage, dysfunction, and death in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). The use of natural compounds with antioxidant properties to protect RPE cells from oxidative stress has been explored in Dendrobium, a genus of orchid plants belonging to the family Orchidaceae. Two new compounds and seven known compounds from the MeOH extract of the whole plant of Dendrobium virgineum were successfully isolated and structurally characterized. Out of all the compounds isolated, 2-methoxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene-4,5-diol (3) showed the highest protective effect against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress in human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells. Therefore, it was selected to evaluate its protective effect and mechanism on oxidative-stress-induced ARPE-19 cells. Cells were pre-treated with compound 3 at 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL for 24 h and then induced with 400 µM H2O2 for 1 h. The results demonstrated that compound 3 significantly (p < 0.05) increased cell viability by 10–35%, decreased ROS production by 10–30%, and reduced phosphorylation of p38, ERK1/2, and SAPK/JNK by 20–70% in a dose-dependent manner without toxicity. Furthermore, compound 3 significantly (p < 0.05) modulated the expression of apoptosis pathway proteins (cytochrome c, Bax and Bcl-2) by 20–80%, and enhanced SOD, CAT, and GPX activities, and GSH levels in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that compound 3 protects ARPE-19 cells against oxidative stress through MAPKs and apoptosis pathways, including the antioxidant system. Thus, compound 3 could be considered as an antioxidant agent for preventing AMD development by protecting RPE cells from oxidative stress and maintaining the retina. These findings open up new possibilities for the use of natural compounds in the treatment of AMD and other oxidative-stress-related conditions.