bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
War Experience, Daily Stressors and Mental Health Among the Inter-taliban Generation Young Adults in Northern Afghanistan: A Cross-Sectional School-Based Study
Authors: Razjouyan Katayoon , Farokhi Hossein , Qaderi Farah , Qaderi Pashtoon , Masoumi Seyed Javad , Shah Asghar , Pourhoseingholi Mohamad Amin , Ahmadi Attaullah , Lucero-Prisno Don Eliseo III , Ozaki Akihiko , Kotera Yasuhiro , Shah Jaffer , Negin Fawzia , Qaderi Shohra
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The specific objectives of the study are to examine the mental health (depression and anxiety) of the first generation of post-Taliban government and compare these measures with its preceding generation, and to assess war experience of the first generation of post-Taliban government. We also wanted to assess the daily stressors and their contribution to the mental health, and to assess mental health as a result of war experiences and daily stressors with respect to demographic measures such as sex, marital status, age, mother's age, birth order, and ethnicities.

Methods

In a cross-sectional design, 621 high school students, were randomly selected to participate in the study to assess war experience, daily stressors, and mental health among the first generation of young adults under post-Taliban government.

Results

The participants had 17.37 ± 0.9 mean years of ages, 94.8% of them were unmarried. Poor mental health was significantly associated with higher exposure to war, but not with the age of participants (P = 0.08). There was no association between war experiences and the age and ethnicity of our participants (p = 0.9, p = 0.7). Age differences were negligible for daily stressors too (P = 0.07). Daily stressors scores were higher for female than male students (P = 0.02). The majority of young adults surveyed, declared themselves in agreement with statements such as the security situation in Afghanistan makes me frustrated (56%), air pollution as a concern (41%), and not having anyone to talk about what is in their heart (28.8%). Gender differences were highly significant for mental health, as appraised by both The Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL) –depression and HSCL-anxiety. Girls presented higher rates of depression, anxiety, and daily stressors than boys, and boys presented higher rates of war experiences than girls.

Conclusion

War experience, daily stressors, and mental health were irrelevant with age, ethnicity and marital status. Factor such as being the first-born child of the family, higher reported war experiences, and daily stressors all negatively impact mental health. Alongside war and its direct effects, the existing socio-cultural context must be considered as a potential factor mediating the mental health of girls in Afghanistan.
Paying Attention to Women's Ageing Bodies in Recovery From Substance Use
Authors: Shaw April , Reith Gerda , Pickering Lucy
Published: May 2022

Background

Health-related research on women who use drugs (WWUD) tends to focus on reproductive and sexual health and treatment. Missing from the picture is an exploration of mid-life and older women's bodily experiences of transitioning from long-term substance use into recovery. While there are a growing number of studies that explore the intersection of drug use and ageing, the gaps in analysis lie in the intersections between drug use, recovery, ageing, gender, and the body.

Methods

In-depth qualitative interviews were undertaken with 19 women in the UK who self-identified as “in recovery” from illicit drug use. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis techniques. The study received ethical approval from the University of Glasgow.

Results

Key findings from the interviews relate to the women's personal sense of power in relation to current and future health status, the challenges they endured in terms of ageing in recovery and transitioning through the reproductive life cycle, and the somatic effects of trauma on women's recovery. The findings demonstrate that health in recovery involves more than abstinence from drugs.

Discussion

Moving from the body in active drug use to the body in recovery is not without its challenges for mid-life and older women. New sensations and feelings—physical and mental—must be re-interpreted in light of their ageing and drug-free bodies. This study reveals some of the substantive sex-based differences that older women in active drug use and recovery experience. This has important implications for healthcare and treatment for women in drug services and women with histories of drug use more generally.
Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Among the General Population in Africa During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bello Umar Muhammad , Kannan Priya , Chutiyami Muhammad , Salihu Dauda , Cheong Allen M. Y. , Miller Tiev , Pun Joe Wing , Muhammad Abdullahi Salisu , Mahmud Fatima Ado , Jalo Hussaina Abubakar , Ali Mohammed Usman , Kolo Mustapha Adam , Sulaiman Surajo Kamilu , Lawan Aliyu , Bello Isma'il Muhammad , Gambo Amina Abdullahi , Winser Stanley John
Published: May 2022

Background

Medical and socio-economic uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have had a substantial impact on mental health. This study aimed to systematically review the existing literature reporting the prevalence of anxiety and depression among the general populace in Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine associated risk factors.

Methods

A systematic search of the following databases African Journal Online, CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted from database inception until 30th September 2021. Studies reporting the prevalence of anxiety and/or depression among the general populace in African settings were considered for inclusion. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Meta-analyses on prevalence rates were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-analysis software.

Results

Seventy-eight primary studies (62,380 participants) were identified from 2,325 studies via electronic and manual searches. Pooled prevalence rates for anxiety (47%, 95% CI: 40–54%, I2 = 99.19%) and depression (48%, 95% CI: 39–57%, I2 = 99.45%) were reported across Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sex (female) and history of existing medical/chronic conditions were identified as major risk factors for anxiety and depression.

Conclusions

The evidence put forth in this synthesis demonstrates the substantial impact of the pandemic on the pervasiveness of these psychological symptoms among the general population. Governments and stakeholders across continental Africa should therefore prioritize the allocation of available resources to institute educational programs and other intervention strategies for preventing and ameliorating universal distress and promoting psychological wellbeing.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021228023, PROSPERO CRD42021228023.
The Mediating Role of Worker-Occupation Fit in the Relationship Between Occupational Stress and Depression Symptoms in 1988 Medical Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sun Ruican , Lv Keyao , He Zirui , Liao Liang , Wang Hongping , Lan Yajia
Published: May 2022

Objective

Occupational stress is generally acknowledged as a global phenomenon with significant health and economic consequences. The medical worker is a vulnerable group at a high-level risk for depression symptoms. This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of worker-occupation fit (WOF) in relation to occupational stress and depression symptoms among 1988 medical workers in China.

Methods

A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted during June and October 2020 in Henan Province, China. The participants were medical workers from four targeted hospitals (included one general and three specialized hospitals). The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21 Scale), Worker-Occupation Fit Inventory (WOFI), as well as questions about demographic and occupational information were administered in questionnaires distributed to 1988 medical workers. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to examine the mediating role of worker occupation fit.

Results

In this study, there are 43.5% (n = 864) of medical workers experienced depression symptoms. The mean score of WOF was 31.6 ± 7.1, characteristic fit, need supply fit and demand ability fit were 11.3 ± 2.5, 10.1 ± 2.7, 12.9 ± 2.2, respectively. The occupational stress was negatively related to worker occupation fit (r = −0.395, P < 0.001), characteristic fit (r = −0.529, P < 0.001), need supply fit (r = −0.500, P < 0.001), and demand ability fit (r = −0.345, P < 0.001). The occupational stress and depression symptoms have a positive relationship (r = 0.798, P < 0.001). The proportion of worker occupation fit mediation was 6.5% of total effect for depression symptoms.

Conclusion

Occupational stress has been identified as a risk factor for depression symptoms. Practical strategies for improving medical workers' WOF level would help them better cope with various work-related stressors to reduce depression symptoms. Hospital administrators could reduce medical workers' depression symptoms by taking comprehensive measures to improve the WOF.
Transforming Perspectives Through Virtual Exchange: A US-Egypt Partnership Part 1
Authors: Wood Elizabeth A. , Collins Sarah L. , Mueller Savanah , Stetten Nichole E. , El-Shokry Mona
Published: May 2022

With more classrooms within higher education mobilizing strategies for internationalization, collaborative online international learning (COIL), also referred to as virtual exchange, is an effective approach at offering intercultural competence through experiential learning. This strategy provides students who face barriers to international travel the opportunity to engage with students from other countries in meaningful ways, while enhancing and reinforcing course content. Grounded in the transformative learning theory, this study evaluates the effectiveness of a virtual exchange that was implemented within an undergraduate global public health course. The virtual exchange connected students from the University of Florida (within the US) with medical students in a microbiology course at Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt. Using adapted reflection prompts, we assessed the students' knowledge and learning before, during, and after the virtual exchange. This was coupled with a final paper to capture how personal backgrounds and experiences may contribute to their perception of the virtual exchange, as well as if they felt their global perspective had changed or shifted during the experience. Using directed content analysis for each of the measurements, two researchers coded the data independently to then present agreed upon salient themes to the larger group. Of the 28 randomly sampled students who participated in the virtual exchange, seven major themes emerged from the data: Connectedness; Openness; Acquisition of Knowledge and Skills; Communication; Cultural Identity; Anticipation of Options for New Roles, Relationships, and Actions; and Absence of Change. Through this evaluation it was clear there was a variance of different perspectives with many sampled students having diverse lived experiences that influenced their worldview prior to the virtual exchange. Despite course-related barriers, students acknowledged several facilitating factors that improved their intercultural competence and knowledge of course content. The integration of a virtual exchange within the classroom, with careful design and implementation, can provide a unique experience for students and an inclusive approach to learning.
Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Essential Workers in a Community-Based Cohort in the United States
Authors: Wei Chih-Fu , Lan Fan-Yun , Hsu Yu-Tien , Lowery Nina , Dibona Lauren , Akkeh Ream , Kales Stefanos N. , Yang Justin
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The objective of this paper is to identify the risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection that are related to occupation type as well as workplace conditions. Identifying such risk factors could have noteworthy implications in workplace safety enhancement and emergency preparedness planning for essential workers.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of visits at a community-based SARS-CoV-2 testing site in the greater Boston area between March 18th and June 19th, 2020, for individuals between 14 and 65 years of age. Nasopharyngeal swab specimen, medical review, and self-administered questionnaire were obtained, and SARS-CoV-2 infection was determined with real-time, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Medical record-verified job classification, customer-facing, and work patterns were extracted from each individual's response through chart review and validated by licensed clinicians. The occupational patterns were coded by occupational medicine physicians with pre-specified criteria and were analyzed with logistic regression and inverse probability weighting.

Results

Among the 780 individuals included in the final analysis, working in healthcare-related jobs was associated with a four-fold increase in risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection (Adjusted OR: 4.00, 95% CI: 1.45–11.02). Individuals with customer-facing jobs had a two times risk increase (Adjusted OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.12–3.45) in having a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR assay result compared to participants with non-customer facing positions.

Conclusions

In this U.S. community-based population during the initial wave of the pandemic, a significant increase in risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed in those employed in the healthcare sector or with customer-facing positions. Further research is warranted to determine if these correlations continued with the buildup of population immunity together with the attenuation of SARS-CoV-2 virulence.
Association Between Self-Rated Political Orientation and Attitude Toward the Cash Transfer Policy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey Conducted in South Korea
Authors: Kim Jin-Hwan , Jang Deok Hyun , Jang Won Mo
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study assessed the relationship between self-rated political orientation and attitude toward the cash transfer policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This cross-sectional study conducted in South Korea during the pandemic included a stratified sample of 1,004 respondents (aged 19 years and older). We tested the hypotheses that political orientation shapes attitudes toward social policies and that other socioeconomic factors might have relatively minor importance. Logistic regression was used to identify associations between political orientation and attitude toward the cash transfer policy. Average marginal effects were calculated to determine the effect size of each variable.

Results

Political orientation, age, and residential area were correlated with attitudes toward the policy. Compared to the conservatives, the non-committed and the moderate showed about 10% more favorable attitudes, and the progressive group showed robust support. People in their 30s and 40s showed similar attitudes to the 18–29 group, while older people showed much lower support. Compared to the Seoul metropolitan area, residents of the Ho-nam area showed favorable attitudes, and those of the Yeong-nam area had relatively unfavorable attitudes.

Conclusions

This study suggests that attitudes toward the cash transfer policy are mainly associated with political orientation. Although these results illuminate pandemics' social and political dimensions, further efforts are needed to fully understand the determinants and mechanisms of attitudes toward policies outside the traditional health policy scope.
Conflict or Coordination? Spatiotemporal Coupling of Urban Population–Land Spatial Patterns and Ecological Efficiency
Authors: Shan Ling , Jiang Yuehua , Liu Cuicui , Zhang Jing , Zhang Guanghong , Cui Xufeng
Published: May 2022

The coordinated relationship between urban population–land spatial patterns (UPLSPs) and ecological efficiency (EE) is conducive not only to the rational utilization of resources and environment and the sustainable development of society, but also to the provision of a living environment that benefits public health. Identifying the coupling relationship of urban development and EE can provide critical information for urban planning. Previous studies have mainly focused on the coupling relationship between urban population and land, urbanization, and ecological development, while ignoring that between UPLSPs and EE. This study integrates several models to construct a novel framework for coupling UPLSPs and EE. Taking Hubei Province as the research area, we calculate the UPLSPs, EE, and their coupling coordination degree for 12 cities from 2000 to 2019. The paper offers several conclusions. (1) the urban population–land spatial matching degree increased, but the overall matching level was not high; the average value of EE showed an “N”-shaped change trajectory, and its overall level was low, with small changes and obvious regional differences. (2) The average value of the coupling coordination degree between UPLSPs and EE was a slow upward trend, with a radial distribution high in the middle and low in the periphery. There was conflict between the spatial patterns and EE, and the former restricted the development of the latter. (3) There were strong correlations between coordination degree and various indicators of UPLSPs and EE. While we should revitalize the stock of construction land and optimize the upgrading of the industrial structure, we also must coordinate human and land resources and the ecological environment, and narrow regional development differences. This study provides a new framework for urban environmental assessment and urban planning decision-making.
A Survey on Robust Modulation Requirements for the Next Generation Personal Satellite Communications
Authors: Ssimbwa Julius , Lim Byungju , Lee Ju-Hyung , Ko Young-Chai
Published: May 2022

The unrelenting technological advancement in the generation of wireless networks in recent years has awakened the motion concerning the inclusion of satellites in personal communications. Leveraging their ability to provide wide coverage, uniform services, wide bandwidth, and so forth, Satellite systems will be expected to co-exist with the current state-of-the-art infrastructure of terrestrial networks. Herein, we present a comparative study on the representative digital modulation techniques for use in personal satellite communications. We discuss the advantages and limitations of different modulation techniques, such as phase shift keying, continuous phase modulation, amplitude phase shift keying, and quadrature amplitude modulation. We also perform evaluations based on spectral efficiency, power efficiency, modulation error ratio, error vector magnitude, and peak-to-average power ratio in the presence of high power amplifier nonlinearities and Doppler effects. Comparisons in the form of tables, illustrations, and curves are also presented. In correspondence to the comparisons made basing on the aforementioned metrics, we conclude that continuous phase modulation is the best candidate modulation scheme for personal satellite communications since it outperforms other schemes by compromising the trade-off between power efficiency, bandwidth efficiency, and immunity to errors. We further present open issues that would reinforce personal satellite communications in terms of reliability, throughput and latency, other than power and spectral efficiency, if combined with appropriate modulation schemes.
Returning To Sports After A Head Injury
Authors: Khan Sefia , Xu Addison , Karim Zuena , Osorio Celeste Gonzalez , Osier Nico
Published: May 2022

When most people think of a sports injury, they picture a broken leg or arm. However, concussions and other head injuries are also common. Head injuries can cause physical issues like bruising and bleeding and can also cause issues like memory problems. Because every athlete recovers differently, it is best to use guidelines for their return to play. Head injuries can have long-term effects on an athlete’s mental health. This article will discuss the impact of and recovery from head injuries, and how athletes can safely return to sports.
Prognostic and Immune Implications of a Novel Pyroptosis-Related Five-Gene Signature in Breast Cancer
Authors: Zheng Yuanyuan , Wang Kainan , Li Ning , Zhang Qianran , Chen Fengxi , Li Man
Published: May 2022

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with enormous heterogeneity. Pyroptosis has a significant impact on the development and progression of tumors. Nonetheless, the possible correlation between pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) and the BC immune microenvironment has yet to be investigated.

Materials and methods

In The Cancer Genome Atlas Breast Cancer cohort, 38 PRGs were shown to be significantly different between malignant and non-malignant breast tissues. The 38 PRGs’ consensus clustering grouped 1,089 individuals into two pyroptosis-related (PR) patterns. Using univariate and LASSO-Cox analyses, a PR five-gene predictive signature was constructed based on the differentially expressed genes between two clusters. The tools estimation of stromal and immune cells in malignant tumours using expression data (ESTIMATE), cell type identification by estimating relative subsets Of RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT), and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) were used to investigate the BC tumor microenvironment (TME).

Results

In TME, the two PR clusters displayed distinct clinicopathological characteristics, survival outcomes, and immunocyte infiltration features. The developed five-signature model (SEMA3B, IGKC, KLRB1, BIRC3, and PSME2) classified BC patients into two risk groups based on the estimated median risk score. Patients in the low-scoring category had a higher chance of survival and more extensive immunocyte infiltration. An external validation set can yield similar results.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that PRGs have a significant impact on the BC immunological microenvironment. The PR clusters and associated predictive signature stimulate additional research into pyroptosis in order to optimize therapeutic strategies for BC patients and their responses to immune therapy.
Breast Reconstruction Does Not Affect the Survival of Patients with Breast Cancer Located in the Central and Nipple Portion: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database Analysis
Authors: Xiong Mingchen , Liu Zeming , Lv Wenchang , Zhao Chongru , Wang Yichen , Tan Yufang , Zhang Qi , Wu Yiping , Zeng Hong
Published: May 2022

Background

Tumors in the central and nipple portion (TCNP) are associated with poor prognosis and aggressive clinicopathological characteristics. The availability and safety of postmastectomy reconstruction in breast cancer patients with TCNP have still not been deeply explored. It is necessary to investigate whether reconstruction is appropriate for TCNP compared with non-reconstruction therapy in terms of survival outcomes.

Methods

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we enrolled TCNP patients diagnosed between the years 2010 and 2016. The propensity score matching (PSM) technique was applied to construct a matched sample consisting of pairs of non-reconstruction and reconstruction groups. Survival analysis was performed with the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were applied to estimate the factors associated with breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

In the overall cohort, a total of 6,002 patients were enrolled. The patients in the reconstruction group showed significantly better BCSS (log-rank, p < 0.01) and OS (log-rank, p < 0.01) than those in the non-reconstruction group (832 patients) after PSM. However, the multivariate Cox regression model revealed that breast reconstruction was not associated with worse BCSS and OS of TCNP patients.

Conclusion

Our study provided a new perspective showing that breast reconstruction did not affect the survival and disease prognosis in the cohort of TCNP patients from SEER databases, compared with non-reconstruction. This finding provides further survival evidence supporting the practice of postmastectomy reconstruction for suitable TCNP patients, especially those with a strong willingness for breast reconstruction.
A Signature of Three Apoptosis-Related Genes Predicts Overall Survival in Breast Cancer
Authors: Zou Rongyang , Zhao Wanjun , Xiao Shuguang , Lu Yaxing
Published: May 2022

Background

The commonest malignancy in women is known as breast cancer (BC). Numerous studies demonstrated that apoptosis appears to be critical to the management and clinical outcome of BC patients. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential connection between apoptosis and BC and establish the apoptosis-associated gene signature in BC.

Methods

The data of BC patient transcripts and related clinical information comes from the Cancer Genome Atlas Database (TCGA), and the genes related to apoptosis come from the Molecular Characterization Database (MSigDB). We identified the abnormally expressed apoptosis-related genes in BC samples. The optimal apoptosis-related genes screened by Cox regression analysis were designed to construct a prognostic model for predicting BC patients. Using the Nom Chart to Predict 1-Year, 3-Year, and 5-Year overall survival for BC patients. The gene signature-related functional pathways were explored by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).

Results

Three genes [alpha subunit of the interleukin 3 receptor (IL3RA), apoptosis-inducing factor mitochondrial-associated 1 (AIFM1), and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase catalytic alpha (PIK3CA)] correlated with apoptosis were shown to be strongly linked to the overall survival of BC. Survival analysis shows that the risk score is directly proportional to the poor prognosis of BC patients. Risk assessment based on three genetic characteristics (age, pathological stage N, and pathological stage M) can independently predict the prognosis of patients with BC. The Nom chart is most suitable for assessing the long-term survival rate of BC patients. The results of GSEA demonstrated that numerous cell cycle-related pathways were abundant in the high-risk group.

Conclusion

We constructed an apoptosis-associated gene signature in BC, which had a potential clinical application prospect for BC patients.
Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia After Liver Transplant; It’s All in the Presentation
Authors: Chen Allen K. , Lunow-Luke Tyler , Yamaguchi Seiji , Praglin Claudia , Agudelo Eliana , Mehta Neil , Dirks Rachel , Braun Hillary J. , Gardner James M. , Roberts John P. , Syed Shareef M. , Roll Garrett R.
Published: May 2022

There is a paucity of data on nodular regenerative hyperplasia after liver transplant. We aim to define the clinical disease trajectory and identify predictors of outcome for this rare diagnosis. This is a retrospective review of postulated risk factors and outcome in patients with nodular regenerative hyperplasia. Patients were classified as having a late presentation if nodular regenerative hyperplasia was diagnosed > 48 months from transplant, and symptomatic if portal hypertensive symptoms were present. Forty-nine of 3,711 (1.3%) adult recipients developed nodular regenerative hyperplasia, and mortality was 32.7% with an average follow up of 84.6 months. The MELD-Na 6 months after diagnosis did not change significantly. Patients with symptomatic portal hypertension at the time of diagnosis had a significantly higher risk of mortality (51.8%) compared to patients with liver test abnormalities alone (10.5%). 44.9% of patients had no previously postulated risk factor. Anastomotic vascular complications do not appear to be the etiology in most patients. The results suggest the vast majority of patients presenting with liver test abnormalities alone have stable disease and excellent long term survival, in contrast to the 56.3% mortality seen in patients that present more than 48 months after LT with symptomatic portal hypertension at diagnosis.
Internal Orifice Alloy Closure—A New Procedure to Treat Anal Fistula
Authors: Li Ming , Fang Xiaoli , Zhang Jun , Deng Heng
Published: May 2022

Background

The internal orifice plays an important role in the pathogenesis and treatment of the most complex fistula-in-ano. The treatment of the internal orifice is considered to be the key to the success of anal fistula surgery. The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a new sphincter-sparing surgical approach for anal fistula.

Materials and Methods

All hospitalized anal fistula patients were included in this study. Preoperative anorectal ultrasound was done on all the patients. Transanal internal orifice alloy closure (IOAC) was performed through a disposable titanium nickel alloy anal fistula stapler. The external sphincter was not cut. An anal fistula brush was used to curette and clean fistulas. Postoperative anorectal color ultrasound was used for evaluation 2 months postoperatively.

Results

Twenty-one patients (male/female: 18/3, age: 39.7 ± 10.5 years) with fistula-in-ano were included (follow-up: 6–11 months).In total, 38.1% (8) had multiple tracts, and 9.5% (2) belonged to a high anal fistula. In total, 23.8% (5) of anal fistula patients were complicated by Crohn’s disease. The fistula healed completely in 85.7% (18/21) and did not heal in 14.3% (3/21). Three patients who did not heal had conventional surgery reperformed and eventually healed. Except for three patients undergoing additional traditional anal fistula surgery, the Wexner incontinence scores of other patients did not change after surgery compared with before surgery.

Conclusions

IOAC is a novel sphincter-saving technique that is simply effective in treating anal fistula containing Crohn’s anal fistula.
Combination of the Ilizarov Method and Intramedullary Fixation for the Treatment of Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia in Children: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Yalikun Ainizier , Yushan Maimaiaili , Hamiti Yimurang , Lu Cheng , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) is a rare disease in children, and its treatment remains a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. The purpose of this study was to evaluate treatment outcomes of patients with CPT treated by using the Ilizarov method combined with intramedullary fixation.

Method

Eighteen patients evaluated retrospectively from January 2009 to January 2020 were treated using the Ilizarov method combined with intramedullary fixation. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and complications were all recorded and investigated during the period of follow-up. Ankle function was evaluated by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores at the last follow-up.

Result

The average follow-up was 39.2 months (25–85 months) for all 18 patients. The mean age was 6.2 years (3.5–11.2 years). Fourteen (77.8%) patients had a primary bone union at the site of pseudarthrosis, while four obtained union after secondary surgical intervention. The mean duration of the Ilizarov method was 8.1 months (4.2–13.5 months). Eight (44.4%) patients had a pin-tract infection during treatment. Four (22.2%) patients had proximal tibial valgus with a mean angle of 12.1° (5–25°), while seven (38.9%) patients had ankle valgus deformities with a mean of 10.3° (5–20°). Eleven (61.1%) patients had an average 1.4 cm of limb length discrepancy (LLD) (0.6–3.1 cm) postoperatively. Five (27.8%) patients had refracture and recovered after a secondary surgery. At the last follow-up, the average postoperative AOFAS score was 72 (55–84).

Conclusion

The Ilizarov method combined with intramedullary fixation is an effective method for the treatment of CPT, which can facilitate bony union and help to prevent refracture. Management of fibular pseudarthrosis is associated with functional outcomes. It is necessary to follow up until skeletal maturity and evaluate long-term clinical outcomes.
A Novel Trajectory for a Transpedicular Approach in the Treatment of a Highly Downward-Migrated Lumbar Herniation with a Full Endoscopic Technique
Authors: Jiang Yi , Zuo Rujun , Yuan Shuai , Li Jian , Liu Chang , Zhang Jiexun , Ma Ming
Published: May 2022

Background

To evaluate the clinical outcome of full endoscopic discectomy using a novel trajectory via a transpedicular approach.

Method

Thirty-five patients were enrolled in this retrospective study between July 2014 and October 2019 in the Beijing Haidian Hospital. All patients were treated with full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy via a transpedicular approach with an oblique trajectory. The imaging parameters, including pedicle height and angle of trajectory, were recorded. The preoperative and postoperative clinical data were collected for statistical analysis.

Results

All patients underwent successful surgery without severe complications. We compared the visual analogue scale and Oswestry disability index scores before and after surgery. The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). According to the modified Macnab criteria, the good-to-excellent rate was 85.7% at the last follow-up. The average angles of trajectory in the sagittal and coronal planes were 34.5° ± 2.9° and 47.1° ± 5.0°, respectively.

Conclusion

The new trajectory of the transpedicular approach with a full endoscopic technique for an extremely downward-migrated disc herniation showed excellent results in a small sample study. A precise surgical plan is required, comprising measurements of the pedicle height and angle of the bone tunnel.
Silage Fermentation Quality, Anthocyanin Stability, and in vitro Rumen Fermentation Characteristic of Ferrous Sulfate Heptahydrate-Treated Black Cane (Saccharum sinensis R.)
Authors: Suong Ngo Thi Minh , Paengkoum Siwaporn , Salem Abdelfattah Zeidan Mohamed , Paengkoum Pramote , Purba Rayudika Aprilia Patindra
Published: May 2022

Pretreatment of lignocellulose agricultural biomass with iron prior to ensiling is required to accelerate biomass breakdown during fermentation, which could result in functional microorganisms and chemicals that reduce nutrition loss, harmful substances, and improve animal performance. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of increasing dilutions of ferrous sulfate heptahydrate (FS) pretreatment at fresh matter concentrations of 0, 0.015, and 0.030% on the fermentation quality of black cane (BC) silage, anthocyanin stability, ruminal biogas, rumen fermentation profile, and microbial community. Pre-ensiled and silage materials were evaluated. High moisture, fiber, anthocyanin, and lignification of biomass, as well as undesirable ensiling microorganisms, were found in BC' pre-ensiled form. Increasing dilutions of FS incorporated into silages were observed to linearly decrease dry matter, anthocyanin, and nutritive value losses. The lignin values decreased linearly as the percentage of FS increased up to 0.030%. Given that the ruminants were fed pre-ensiled materials, BC silage treated with 0.030% FS dilution had comparable results to pre-ensiled BC in terms of increasing in vitro volatile fatty acid concentrations, maintaining total gas production, and reducing methane production, when compared to other FS-treated silages. In addition, BC silage treated with a 0.030% FS dilution inhibited methanogenic bacteria and regulated cellulolytic bacteria in rumen fluid. Overall, the anthocyanin content of BC remained constant throughout the rumen fermentation process after increasing dilutions of FS, indicating that BC is a viable ruminant feedstock and that pretreatment of BC with dilute FS-assisted ensiling at 0.030% could be used to generate ruminant diets.
An Overview of Waste Milk Feeding Effect on Growth Performance, Metabolism, Antioxidant Status and Immunity of Dairy Calves
Authors: Ma Yulin , Khan Muhammad Zahoor , Xiao Jianxin , Alugongo Gibson Maswayi , Chen Xu , Li Shengli , Wang Yajing , Cao Zhijun
Published: May 2022

Waste milk (WM) is a part of the milk produced on dairy farms, which is usually unsuitable for human consumption. The WM contains transition milk, mastitis milk, colostrum, milk with somatic cells, blood(Hemolactia),harmful pathogens, pathogenic and antibiotic residues. Due to the high cost of milk replacer (MR), dairy farmers prefer raw WM to feed their calves. It has been well established that WM has a greater nutritive value than MR. Hence WM can contribute to improved growth, rumen development, and immune-associated parameters when fed to dairy calves. However, feeding raw WM before weaning has continuously raised some critical concerns. The pathogenic load and antibiotic residues in raw WM may increase the risk of diseases and antibacterial resistance in calves. Thus, pasteurization has been recommended as an effective method to decrease the risk of diseases in calves by killing/inhibiting the pathogenic microorganisms in the raw WM. Altogether, the current review provides a brief overview of the interplay between the positive role of raw WM in the overall performance of dairy calves, limitations of raw WM as a feed source and how to overcome these issues arising from feeding raw WM.
Evaluation of Soil Evolution After a Fire in the Southeast of Spain: A Multiproxy Approach
Authors: Martín Lorenzo Daniel , Rodríguez Tovar Francisco Javier , Martín Peinado Francisco José
Published: May 2022

Fire is considered as part of the ecological dynamic in Mediterranean forests and is strongly related to an anthropogenic origin. The aim of this study is to evaluate the evolution of soil properties after a fire in the short term (20 months) by the use of soil quality indicators. The work is based on a multiproxy approach about three basic aspects: 1) the study of changes in soil properties; 2) the estimation of erosion rates; and 3) the evaluation of colonization evolution by soil arthropods through ichnological analysis. Three sectors were selected for this study: a burned and intervened area, a burned and not intervened area, and a reference area. Soil samples were taken randomly from each plot and their main physico-chemical properties analyzed. The assessment of soil erosion was estimated for each plot from three transects (20 m in length) perpendicular to the maximum slope, and the same transects were used for the ichnological study to identify the different bioturbations and the producers. An increase in pH and K values and C/N ratio, and a decrease in total N, available P, CEC, and respiration rate were observed among the fire-affected areas and the reference area; however, there were no significant differences in soil organic carbon. According to erosion, the hydrological correction measures based on the construction of barriers with trunks and branches favored higher runoff and erosion rates in the intervened areas with respect to the not intervened areas. The ichnological analysis showed that arthropods of Formicidae family and Lycosidae sp. genre were the main organisms that recolonized post-fire scenarios; moreover, a lower ichnodiversity is observed in the not intervened area, although with a greater abundance, with respect to the intervened and reference area. According to our results, 20 months after the fire most soil physical-chemical properties did not experiment significant differences in relation to unburned reference area. Our erosion estimation suggested the hydrological correction measures were not appropriate to reduce erosion rates and led to higher soil losses. Moreover, our ichnological study supports the domination by pioneer and opportunist organisms in the recolonization of burned areas.
Subjective Difficulty Scale in Liver Transplantation: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Kitano Yuki , Pietrasz Daniel , Fernandez-Sevilla Elena , Golse Nicolas , Vibert Eric , Sa Cunha Antonio , Azoulay Daniel , Cherqui Daniel , Baba Hideo , Adam René , Allard Marc-Antoine
Published: May 2022

Graphical Abstract
A Qualitative Study in Family Units on Organ Donation: Attitude, Influencing Factors and Communication Patterns
Authors: Luo Aijing , He Haiyan , Xu Zehua , Ouyang Wei , Chen Yang , Li Ke , Xie Wenzhao
Published: May 2022

Graphical Abstract
LASAM Model: An Important Tool in the Decision Support System for Policymakers and Farmers
Authors: Pilvere Irina , Nipers Aleksejs , Krievina Agnese , Upite Ilze , Kotovs Daniels
Published: May 2022

Today’s global food system (including production, transportation, processing, packing, storage, retail sale, consumption, losses and waste) provides income to more than a billion people all over the world and makes up a significant part of many countries’ economies. The 21st century’s food systems that bring food from “farm to fork” face various challenges, including a shortage of agricultural land and water, competition with the energy industry, changes in consumption preferences, a rising global population, negative effects of climate change, etc. Therefore, many countries are working on creating various models to function as an important decision support system tool for policymakers, farmers and other stakeholders. Various agricultural sector models see particularly extensive use in the European Union (EU), determining the impact of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and helping to create future development scenarios. This is why a special model adapted to the national conditions, called LASAM (Latvian Agricultural Sector Analysis Model), was created in Latvia, making it possible to use historical data on the development of agricultural sectors, medium-term price projections for agricultural products in the EU, changes in support policy, as well as the necessity for the resources used to project the long-term (up to 2050) development of agriculture. The LASAM model covers the crop sector, the animal sector and the overall socioeconomic development, as well as the growth of organic farming and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This paper discusses the main objectives achieved in developing a decision support tool and presenting the research results: LASAM was used to prepare projections of the possible development of Latvia’s principal sectors of agriculture until 2050, considering the necessity to reduce GHG emissions, made available through the LASAM web application. Given that the projection data obtained by LASAM are public, they can be used (1) for national policy making in rural business development, which affects the development of the economy as a whole; and (2) internationally, to compare the projections made in Latvia with those obtained through various agricultural sector models and projected development trends.
Historical Review of Simultaneously Extracted Metal Copper Sediment Concentrations in Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Areas
Authors: Hall Lenwood W. , Anderson Ronald D.
Published: May 2022

The objectives of this study were to: (1) summarize Simultaneously Extracted Metal (SEM) copper sediment concentrations based on a historic review from 54 study areas in 16 different countries with different land use activities and (2) compare SEM copper sediment concentrations from among the four land use categories: all study areas; non-agricultural study areas; agricultural study areas; and reference/control study areas. Based on over 1000 measurements, the mean SEM copper concentrations in non-agricultural area (26.0 μg/g) was higher than the mean concentrations for all sites (20.0 μg/g), agricultural sites (19.8 μg/g), and reference/control sites (3.87 μg/g). The 90th centile for non-agricultural sites (89.0 μg/g) was also higher than all sites (61.9 μg/g), agricultural sites (54.8 μg/g), and reference/control sites (17.1 μg/g). The maximum SEM copper concentration for the non-agricultural sites (902 μg/g) was approximately an order of magnitude higher than the maximum value for the agricultural sites (96.6 μg/g). The various potential sources of SEM copper may be responsible for the higher concentrations in non-agricultural areas, as the primary single anthropogenic source for copper in agricultural areas is likely copper use as a plant protection product (PPP). Future research efforts are recommended to expand the spatial and temporal scale of SEM copper sediment data, address actual SEM copper ecological risk to resident benthic communities with multiple stressor field studies, and compile a historical review of acid volatile sulfide (AVS) data used to determine bioavailable concentrations of SEM copper.
Genetic Improvement of Heat Stress Tolerance in Cereal Crops
Authors: Hill Camilla Beate , Li Chengdao
Published: May 2022

Crop heat stress is a threat to food supply, with heatwaves expected to increase in frequency and intensity globally. In addition to yield loss, heat stress dramatically reduces fertility and seed-setting rate, grain quality and weight, and seed germination and growth. Genetic variability for heat stress tolerance can be used in breeding programs to develop tolerant genotypes. The availability of genome assemblies with high-confidence sequences for many cereal crops, including rice, maize, wheat and barley, now allows the identification of heat stress tolerance-associated genes and gene networks. This review focuses on synthesizing current advances in understanding the detrimental effects of heat stress on cereal crop production at the physiological and genetic levels. It provides an account of available genomic resources, genetic variation, candidate genes, and molecular markers for heat stress tolerance. Lastly, this review offers insight into crop genetic improvement for heat stress tolerance, including germplasm screening in glasshouse and field trials, marker-assisted selection, mapping genomic loci and identification of candidate genes, and genomic-assisted breeding.
Metabolomic Analysis Reveals That the Moor Frog Rana arvalis Uses Both Glucose and Glycerol as Cryoprotectants
Authors: Shekhovtsov Sergei V. , Bulakhova Nina A. , Tsentalovich Yuri P. , Zelentsova Ekaterina A. , Meshcheryakova Ekaterina N. , Poluboyarova Tatiana V. , Berman Daniil I.
Published: May 2022

The moor frog Rana arvalis is one of a few amphibians that can tolerate freezing to low temperatures, up to −16 °C. In this study, we performed metabolomic analysis of the liver and hindlimb muscles of frozen and control R. arvalis. We found that the moor frog synthesizes glucose and glycerol in similar concentrations as low molecular weight cryoprotectants. This is the first such case reported for the genus Rana, which was believed to use glucose only. We found that freezing upregulates glycolysis, with the accumulation of several end products: lactate, alanine, ethanol, and, possibly, 2,3-butanediol. To our knowledge, this is also the first report of ethanol as an end product of glycolysis in terrestrial vertebrates. We observed highly increased concentrations of nucleotide degradation products, implying high level of stress. The Krebs cycle arrest resulted in high concentrations of succinate, which is common for animals. However, we found almost no signs of adaptations to reoxygenation stress, with overall low levels of antioxidants. We also performed metabolomics analysis of subcutaneous ice that was found to contain glucose, glycerol, and several other substances.