bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The function of BoTCP25 in the regulation of leaf development of Chinese kale
Authors: Zeng Jiajing , Yang Mengyu , Deng Jing , Zheng Dongyang , Lai Zhongxiong , Wang-Pruski Gefu , XuHan Xu , Guo Rongfang
Published: April 2023

XG Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea cv. ‘XiangGu’) is a variety of Chinese kale and has metamorphic leaves attached to the true leaves. Metamorphic leaves are secondary leaves emerging from the veins of true leaves. However, it remains unknown how the formation of metamorphic leaves is regulated and whether it differs from normal leaves. BoTCP25 is differentially expressed in different parts of XG leaves and respond to auxin signals. To clarify the function of BoTCP25 in XG Chinese kale leaves, we overexpressed BoTCP25 in XG and Arabidopsis, and interestingly, its overexpression caused Chinese kale leaves to curl and changed the location of metamorphic leaves, whereas heterologous expression of BoTCP25 in Arabidopsis did not show metamorphic leaves, but only an increase in leaf number and leaf area. Further analysis of the expression of related genes in Chinese kale and Arabidopsis overexpressing BoTCP25 revealed that BoTCP25 could directly bind the promoter of BoNGA3, a transcription factor related to leaf development, and induce a significant expression of BoNGA3 in transgenic Chinese kale plants, whereas this induction of NGA3 did not occur in transgenic Arabidopsis. This suggests that the regulation of Chinese kale metamorphic leaves by BoTCP25 is dependent on a regulatory pathway or elements specific to XG and that this regulatory element may be repressed or absent from Arabidopsis. In addition, the expression of miR319’s precursor, a negative regulator of BoTCP25, also differed in transgenic Chinese kale and Arabidopsis. miR319’s transcrips were significantly up-regulated in transgenic Chinese kale mature leaves, while in transgenic Arabidopsis, the expression of miR319 in mature leaves was kept low. In conclusion, the differential expression of BoNGA3 and miR319 in the two species may be related to the exertion of BoTCP25 function, thus partially contributing to the differences in leaf phenotypes between overexpressed BoTCP25 in Arabidopsis and Chinese kale.
Confirmatory and validation studies on experimental self-efficacy scale with applications to multiple scientific disciplines
Authors: Kolil Vysakh Kani , Parvathy S. U. , Achuthan Krishnashree
Published: April 2023

Laboratory education is essential for enhancing both the understanding of concepts and skills of students. A significant barrier to excelling in laboratory practices relates to a lack of self-efficacy. Being complementary to mainstream theoretical learning, the contribution of laboratory education to impart knowledge and hands-on proficiency is often under-represented. The aim of this research was to validate a novel experimental self-efficacy (ESE) scale and explore its relationship with laboratory outcomes, using gender and year of study as mediating variables. ESE refers to students' faith in their potential to carry out experiments and achieve desired outcomes in laboratory settings. When students possess strong ESE, they display more confidence in their abilities, accept tasks of greater difficulty levels, and have more tenacity to overcome obstacles. Data from 1,123 students were analyzed, focusing on the link between ESE constructs and laboratory experiments. Results indicated that ESE had a significant impact on laboratory performance in students of both genders and was related to factors such as laboratory hazards, conceptual understanding, the sufficiency of laboratory resources, and procedural complexities. The study affirms the validity and applicability of the ESE-scale to not only multiple disciplines such as chemistry, physics, and biology but also its relationship with students' academic outcomes in laboratories.
Multiple psychotherapeutic approaches and perspectives on eco-anxiety
Authors: Raile Paolo
Published: April 2023

In highly diverse psychotherapy practices, psychotherapists with their individual schemas and personalities treat patients who are just as individual, each with his/her own partially dysfunctional schema, personality, worldview, and life situation. Intuition gained through experience is often applied, and a wide range of perspectives, techniques, and treatment options appropriate to the specific situation and psychotherapist-patient relationship are required for successful treatment of eco-anxiety manifestations. Several examples will be used to present the approaches of different psychotherapeutic approaches to eco-anxiety such as analytical psychology, logotherapy and existential analysis, psychodrama, and Morita-therapy. The treatment-possibilities-expanding psychotherapy science is presented, which helps psychotherapists to look beyond their original learned approach and learn about new perspectives and treatment methods in a methodologically sound way, which they already do intuitively.
A single dose of hydrocortisone does not alter interhemispheric transfer of information or transcallosal integration
Authors: Berretz Gesa , Packheiser Julian , Wolf Oliver T. , Ocklenburg Sebastian
Published: April 2023

Stress has been suggested as a factor that may explain the link between altered functional lateralization and psychopathology. Modulation of the function of the corpus callosum via stress hormones may be crucial in this regard. Interestingly, there is evidence that interhemispheric integration and hemispheric asymmetries are modifiable by endocrinological influences. In previous studies, our group could show an enhancing effect of acute stress on interhemispheric integration. To investigate if this effect can be attributed to an increase in the stress hormone cortisol, 50 male participants received 20 mg hydrocortisone or a placebo in a double-blind crossover design. In each test session, we collected EEG data while participants completed a lexical decision task and a Poffenberger paradigm. In the lexical decision task, we found shorter latencies of the N1 ERP component for contralateral compared to ipsilateral presentation of lexical stimuli. Similarly, we replicated the classical Poffenberger effect with shorter ERP latencies for stimuli presented in the contralateral visual field compared to the ipsilateral visual field. However, no effect of cortisol on latency differences between hemispheres could be detected. These results suggest that a temporary increase in cortisol alone might not be enough to affect the interhemispheric transfer of information via the corpus callosum. Together with previous results from our group, this suggests that chronically elevated stress hormone levels play a more central role in the relationship between altered hemispheric asymmetries and a variety of mental disorders.
Assessing the effect of Alpinia galanga extract on the treatment of SSRI-induced erectile dysfunction: A randomized triple-blind clinical trial
Authors: Akbarzadeh Farzad , Eslamzadeh Mahboubeh , Behravan Ghazal , Ebrahimi Alireza , Emami Seyed Ahmad , Gilan Atefe , Hoseinian Najme Sadat
Published: April 2023

Objective

SSRIs are considered the first line in the medical treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. One of their most common side effects, sexual dysfunction, has led many patients to discontinuing their medication and treatment course. Alpinia galanga, a plant from the ginger family, has been shown to enhance androgenic activity and sexual function. This study aimed to assess whether the addition of Alpinia galanga extract to the treatment regimen of adult males consuming SSRIs can improve SSRI-induced erectile dysfunction.

Materials and methods

This triple-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 adult males who were being treated with SSRIs at the time of the study. The participants were divided into two groups, a group of 30 people receiving 500 mg of Alpinia galanga extract and a group of 30 subjects receiving placebo. The population were re-assessed on week 2 and week 4 of the study using the international index of erectile function (IIEF), the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. In all the tests, a p-value of 0.05 was considered as the cut-off for significance.

Results

At the beginning of the study, the IIEF scores of the placebo group and the intervention group were 10.6 ± 3.8 and 11.2 ± 4.8, respectively, which were not significantly different (p-value = 0.577). By week 4 of the study, the IIEF scores of the control group and the Alpinia galanga group had increased to 13.7 ± 4.3 and 17.4 ± 3.7 respectively, which demonstrates a remarkably larger increase in the group receiving Alpinia galanga extract in comparison to the placebo group (p-value < 0.001).

Conclusion

In this study, the effect of the addition of Alpinia galanga extract to the treatment regimen of male patients using SSRIs on the sexual dysfunction experienced by this group has been promising. Similar results, if proven, can aid both patients and clinicians in making and following better treatment plans with more pleasant outcomes.

Clinical trial registration

[https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [IRCT20101130005280N41].
Trends in economic burden of type 2 diabetes in China: Based on longitudinal claim data
Authors: Liu Xinyi , Zhang Luying , Chen Wen
Published: April 2023

Objective

Diabetes is a major health issue in China that has a significant economic burden on society. Understanding the economic impact of diabetes can help policymakers make informed decisions about healthcare spending and priorities. This study aims to estimate the economic burden of patients with diabetes in an urban setting in China and to identify the impact of hospitalization and complications on health care costs for people with diabetes.

Methods

The study was conducted in a sample city located in eastern China. All patients diagnosed with diabetes before January 2015 were identified from the official health management information system, and their social demographics and records of their health care uses and costs were extracted from the claim database from 2014 to 2019. Six groups of complications were identified according to ICD-10 codes. The diabetes-related direct medical cost (DM cost) was described for patients in stratified groups. A multiple linear regression model was applied to identify the effect of hospitalization and complications on the DM cost of diabetic patients.

Results

Our research included 44,994 patients with diabetes, the average annual DM costs for diabetic patients increased from 1,292.72 USD in 2014 to 2,092.87 USD in 2019. The costs of diabetes are closely related to hospitalizations and the type and number of complications. The average annual DM cost of patients who were hospitalized was 2.23 times that of those without hospitalization, and it rose as the number of complications increased. Cardiovascular complications and nephropathic complications were the complications that had the greatest impact on patients’ DM costs, increasing by an average of 65 and 54%, respectively.

Conclusion

The economic burden of diabetes in urban China has increased significantly. Hospitalization and the type and number of complications have significant impacts on the economic burden of patients with diabetes. Efforts should be made to prevent the development of long-term complications in the population with diabetes.
Insights from establishing a high throughput viral diagnostic laboratory for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing facility: challenges and experiences
Authors: Roy Pradhan Sanchita , Yashavarddhan M. H. , Gupta Ashish , Kumar Pramod , Kumar Anuj , Arif Nazneen , Agrawal Usha , Kumar R. Suresh , Singh Shalini
Published: April 2023

Background: The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a global pandemic on 11 March 2020. Identifying the infected people and isolating them was the only measure that was available to control the viral spread, as there were no standardized treatment interventions available. Various public health measures, including vaccination, have been implemented to control the spread of the virus worldwide. India, being a densely populated country, required laboratories in different zones of the country with the capacity to test a large number of samples and report test results at the earliest. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) took the lead role in developing policies, generating advisories, formulating guidelines, and establishing and approving testing centers for COVID-19 testing. With advisories of ICMR, the National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR) established a high-throughput viral diagnostic laboratory (HTVDL) for RT-PCR-based diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 in April 2020. HTVDL was established during the first lockdown to serve the nation in developing and adopting rapid testing procedures and to expand the testing capacity using “Real-Time PCR.” The HTVDL provided its testing support to the national capital territory of Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh, with a testing capacity of 6000 tests per day. The experience of establishing a high-throughput laboratory with all standard operating procedures against varied challenges in a developing country such as India is explained in the current manuscript which will be useful globally to enhance the knowledge on establishing an HTVDL in pandemic or non-pandemic times.
Impact of free hypertension pharmacy program and social distancing policy on stroke: A longitudinal study
Authors: Zhou Qi , Yu Meihua , Jin Meihua , Zhang Peng , Qin Guoyou , Yao Ye
Published: April 2023

Background

The estimated lifetime risk of stroke was the highest in East Asia worldwide, especially in China. Antihypertensive therapy can significantly reduce stroke mortality. However, blood pressure control is poor. Medication adherence is a barrier as patients’ out-of-pocket costs have risen. We aimed to take advantage of a free hypertension pharmacy intervention and quantified the impact on stroke mortality.

Methods

A free pharmaceutical intervention program was implemented in Deqing, Zhejiang province in April 2018. Another non-pharmaceutical intervention, social distancing due to the pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), was also key to affecting stroke mortality. We retrospectively collected the routine surveillance data of stroke deaths from Huzhou Municipal Center for Disease Prevention and Control in 2013–2020 and obtained within-city mobility data from Baidu Migration in 2019–2020, then we quantified the effects of both pharmaceutical intervention and social distancing using Serfling regression model.

Results

Compared to the predicted number, the actual number of stroke deaths was significantly lower by 10% (95% CI, 6–15%; p < 0.001) from April 2018 to December 2020 in Deqing. Specifically, there was a reduction of 19% (95% CI, 10–28%; p < 0.001) in 2018. Moreover, we observed a 5% (95% CI, −4 – 14%; p = 0.28) increase in stroke mortality due to the adverse effect of COVID-19 but it wasn’t statistically significant.

Conclusion

Free hypertension pharmacy program has great potential to prevent considerable stroke deaths. In the future, the free supply of low-cost, essential medications that target patients with hypertension at increased risk of stroke could be taken into account in formulating public health policies and guiding allocations of health care resources.
uRP: An integrated research platform for one-stop analysis of medical images
Authors: Wu Jiaojiao , Xia Yuwei , Wang Xuechun , Wei Ying , Liu Aie , Innanje Arun , Zheng Meng , Chen Lei , Shi Jing , Wang Liye , Zhan Yiqiang , Zhou Xiang Sean , Xue Zhong , Shi Feng , Shen Dinggang
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Medical image analysis is of tremendous importance in serving clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, as well as prognosis assessment. However, the image analysis process usually involves multiple modality-specific software and relies on rigorous manual operations, which is time-consuming and potentially low reproducible.

Methods

We present an integrated platform - uAI Research Portal (uRP), to achieve one-stop analyses of multimodal images such as CT, MRI, and PET for clinical research applications. The proposed uRP adopts a modularized architecture to be multifunctional, extensible, and customizable.

Results and Discussion

The uRP shows 3 advantages, as it 1) spans a wealth of algorithms for image processing including semi-automatic delineation, automatic segmentation, registration, classification, quantitative analysis, and image visualization, to realize a one-stop analytic pipeline, 2) integrates a variety of functional modules, which can be directly applied, combined, or customized for specific application domains, such as brain, pneumonia, and knee joint analyses, 3) enables full-stack analysis of one disease, including diagnosis, treatment planning, and prognosis assessment, as well as full-spectrum coverage for multiple disease applications. With the continuous development and inclusion of advanced algorithms, we expect this platform to largely simplify the clinical scientific research process and promote more and better discoveries.
Soil bacterial community structure at different plant maturity stages in an annual grass–legume production system
Authors: Xie Yixiao , Liu Wen , Li Ping , Bai Shiqie , Li Daxu , Zhang Lixia , Sun Hong , Zheng Yulong , Cheng Qiming , Wang Chunmei , Du Ermei , Gou Wenlong
Published: April 2023

Introduction

To infer changes in soil function and thus determine appropriate agronomic management practices, this study evaluated the effects of plant maturity stage on root characteristics, soil chemical and enzymatic properties, and soil bacterial community composition in an annual grass–legume production system.

Methods

Annual ryegrass or rye was sown in combination with one of three legume species at a legume ratio of 50%. Eighteen plots (six plant combinations, three replicates per combination, 20 m × 25 m plots) were tilled to a depth of 20 cm after mowing. Soil samples from each plot were collected on four dates as the plants matured: January 4 (H1), March 14 (H2), April 21 (H3), and May 19 (H4). Bacterial community structures were characterized via 16S rRNA high-throught sequencing and the bio-informatics methods were used to evaluate the structural characteristics of soil bacteria.

Results

The most abundant root growth was observed at the H3 stage. No significant differences in organic matter, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium contents (p > 0.05) were observed on any sampling date. Soil collected at the H3 stage exhibited lower acid protease and urease activities (p < 0.05) and higher nitrate reductase activity (p < 0.05). The structure of the microbial community at stage H3 differed markedly from that at other stages, as evidenced by a higher abundance of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia (p < 0.05) and a lower abundance of Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Planctomycetes (p < 0.05). At the class level, the relative abundances of Sphingobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, and Gammaproteobacteria in soil was higher at H3 stage than those of other stages (p < 0.05). The order level for Sphingomonadales, Sphingobacteriales, and Burkholderiales and at the family level for Chitinophagaceae and Sphingomonadaceae showed the same trend toward higher.

Conclusion

Nutrient cycling in the soil was slowed at the H3 stage, and the loss of nitrogen would also be greater. Measures may need to be taken to improve the nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency to reduce denitrification and nitrous oxide production at this stage (the booting stage of grasses and budding stage of legumes).
Safety and efficacy of microwave ablation for abdominal wall endometriosis: A retrospective study
Authors: Liu Yujiang , Wen Wanwan , Qian Linxue , Xu Ruifang
Published: April 2023

Objectives

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation in the treatment of abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE).

Background

AWE is a rare form of endometriosis that often results in cyclic abdominal pain. The current treatment algorithm for AWE is not well established. Microwave ablation technology is a promising new thermal ablation technique for treating AWE.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of nine women with pathologically proven endometriosis of the abdominal wall. All patients were treated with ultrasound-guided microwave ablation. Grey-scale and color Doppler flow ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, and MRI were used to observe the lesions before and after treatment. The complications, pain relief, AWE lesion volume, and volume reduction rate were recorded 12 months after treatment to evaluate the treatment efficacy. Complications were classified according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events and the Society of Interventional Radiology classification system.

Results

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound showed that all lesions underwent successful treatment with microwave ablation. The average initial nodule volume was 7.11 ± 5.75 cm3, which decreased significantly to 1.85 ± 1.02 cm3 at the 12-month follow-up with a mean volume reduction rate of 68.77 ± 12.50%. Periodic abdominal incision pain disappeared at 1 month after treatment in all nine patients. The adverse events and complications were Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 1 or Society of Interventional Radiology classification grade A.

Conclusions

Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of AWE, and further study is warranted.
Correlation analysis between renal anatomical factors and residual stones after an ultrasound-guided PCNL
Authors: Zhu Shusheng , Fan Yanpeng , Hu Xia , Shao Mingming
Published: April 2023

Introduction

To predict the factors of residual stones after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) by analyzing the characteristics of the renal anatomical structure in intravenous urography, so as to make a reasonable operation plan, reduce the risk of residual stones in PCNL, and improve the stone-free rate (SFR).

Methods

A retrospective study was performed between January 2019 and September 2020 for patients treated with PCNL. According to the results of a kidney ureter bladder review after PCNL, 245 patients were divided into a residual stone group (71 patients, stone size >4 mm) and a stone-free group (174 patients, stone size ≤4 mm). An independent sample t-test was used to analyze the age, the length and width of channel calices, the angle between the channel calices and the involved calices, and the length and width of the involved calices. The gender, the channel types, the number of channels, the degree of hydronephrosis, and the number of involved calices were analyzed by using the chi-square test. A score of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. At the same time, logistic regression analysis was carried out to explore the independent influencing factors of the SFR after PCNL.

Results

A total of 71 patients developed residual stones after surgery. The overall residual rate was 29.0%. The width of the channel calices (p = 0.003), the angle between the channel calices and the involved calices (p = 0.007), the width of the involved calices (p < 0.001), the channel types (p = 0.008), and the number of involved calices (p < 0.001) were all significantly correlated with residual stones after PCNL. Logistic regression analysis showed that the width of the channel calices (p = 0.003), the angle between the channel calices and the involved calices (p = 0.012), the width of the involved calices (p < 0.001), the channel types (p = 0.008), and the number of involved calyces (p < 0.001) were all independent influencing factors of the SFR after PCNL.

Conclusion

A larger caliceal neck width and angle can reduce the risk of residual stones. The more calyces that are involved, the higher the risk of residual stones. There was no difference between F16 and F18, but F16 had a higher SFR than F24.
Risk factors associated with tendon adhesions after hand tendon repair
Authors: Jia Qiyu , Chen Dongsheng , Guo Jian , Luo Xuefeng , Alimujiang Abudusalamu , Zhang Jun , Hu Ningning , Liu Yanshi , Xie Zengru , Ma Chuang
Published: April 2023

Background

Tendon adhesions after hand tendon repair are one of the most difficult complications of hand surgery and can cause severe disability. This study aimed to assess the risk factors associated with tendon adhesions after hand tendon repair to provide a theoretical foundation for the early prevention of tendon adhesions in patients with tendon injuries. Moreover, this study intends to increase doctors' awareness of the issue and serves as a reference for developing new prevention and treatment strategies.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 1,031 hand trauma cases that underwent repair after finger tendon injury in our department between June 2009 and June 2019. Tendon adhesions, tendon injury zones, and other relevant information were collected, summarized, and analyzed. The significance of data was determined using a t-test or Pearson's chi-square test, and odds ratios (OR) were calculated using logistic regression tests to describe factors associated with post-tendon repair adhesions.

Results

A total of 1,031 patients were enrolled in this study. There were 817 males and 214 females with an average age of 34.98 (2–82) years. The injured side included 530 left and 501 right hands. Postoperative finger tendon adhesions occurred in 118 cases (11.45%), including 98 males and 20 females, 57 left and 61 right hands. The risk factors for the total sample in the descending order were degloving injury, no functional exercise, zone II flexor tendon injury, time from injury to surgery >12 h, combined vascular injury, and multiple tendon injuries. The flexor tendon sample shared the same risk factors as the total sample. Risk factors for the extensor tendon sample were degloving injury, no functional exercise.

Conclusions

Clinicians should pay close attention to patients with tendon trauma in hand having the following risk factors: degloving injury, zone II flexor tendon injury, lack of functional exercise, time from injury to surgery >12 h, combined vascular injury, and multiple tendon injuries. Due to the high risk of post-repair adhesions in patients with the conditions mentioned above, individualized treatment measures should be designed for the risk factors, and postoperative functional exercise of the hand is required.
Growth kinetics and fitness of fluoroquinolone resistant and susceptible Campylobacter jejuni strains of cattle origin
Authors: Goulart Debora Brito , Zhang Qijing , Sahin Orhan
Published: April 2023

Human enterocolitis is frequently caused by the Gram-negative microaerobic bacterium Campylobacter jejuni. Macrolides (e.g., erythromycin) and fluoroquinolones (FQs) (e.g., ciprofloxacin) are the preferred antibiotics for the treatment of human campylobacteriosis. Rapid emergence of FQ-resistant (FQ-R) Campylobacter during treatment with FQ antimicrobials is well known to occur in poultry. Cattle is also an important reservoir of Campylobacter for humans, and FQ-R Campylobacter from cattle has become highly prevalent in recent years. Even though the selection pressure may have contributed to the expansion of FQ-R Campylobacter, the actual impact of this factor appears to be rather low. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that the fitness of FQ-R Campylobacter may have also played a role in the rise seen in FQ-R Campylobacter isolates by employing a series of in vitro experiments in MH broth and bovine fecal extract. First, it was shown that FQ-R and FQ-susceptible (FQ-S) C. jejuni strains of cattle origin had comparable growth rates when individually cultured in both MH broth and the fecal extract with no antibiotic present. Interestingly, FQ-R strains had small but statistically significant increases over FQ-S strains in growth in competition experiments performed in mixed cultures with no antibiotic present. Lastly, it was observed that FQ-S C. jejuni strains developed resistance to ciprofloxacin more readily at high initial bacterial cell density (107 CFU/mL) and when exposed to low levels of the antibiotic (2–4 μg/mL) compared with that at a low level of initial bacterial cell density (105 CFU/mL) and exposure to a high level of ciprofloxacin (20 μg/mL) in both MH broth and the fecal extract. Altogether, these findings indicate that even though FQ-R C. jejuni of cattle origin may have a slightly higher fitness advantage over the FQ-S population, the emergence of FQ-R mutants from susceptible strains is primarily dictated by the bacterial cell density and the antibiotic concentration exposed under in vitro condition. These observation may also provide plausible explanations for the high prevalence of FQ-R C. jejuni in cattle production due to its overall fit nature in the absence of antibiotic selection pressure and for the paucity of development of FQ-R C. jejuni in the cattle intestine in response to FQ-treatment, as observed in our recent studies.
Helminth Lessons in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)
Authors: Atagozli Tyler , Elliott David E. , Ince Mirac Nedim
Published: April 2023

Helminths are multicellular invertebrates that colonize the gut of many vertebrate animals including humans. This colonization can result in pathology, which requires treatment. It can also lead to a commensal and possibly even a symbiotic relationship where the helminth and the host benefit from each other’s presence. Epidemiological data have linked helminth exposure to protection from immune disorders that include a wide range of diseases, such as allergies, autoimmune illnesses, and idiopathic inflammatory disorders of the gut, which are grouped as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Treatment of moderate to severe IBD involves the use of immune modulators and biologics, which can cause life-threatening complications. In this setting, their safety profile makes helminths or helminth products attractive as novel therapeutic approaches to treat IBD or other immune disorders. Helminths stimulate T helper-2 (Th2) and immune regulatory pathways, which are targeted in IBD treatment. Epidemiological explorations, basic science studies, and clinical research on helminths can lead to the development of safe, potent, and novel therapeutic approaches to prevent or treat IBD in addition to other immune disorders.
Shift Happens: Emergency Physician Perspectives on Fatigue and Shift Work
Authors: Klinefelter Zachary , Hirsh Emily L. , Britt Thomas W. , George Caroline L. , Sulzbach Margaret , Fowler Lauren A.
Published: April 2023

Research has shown that shiftworkers experience poor sleep and high levels of fatigue. Although considerable research has been performed on fatigue within many shift-work occupations, very little has been done with emergency physicians (EPs). This qualitative study was conducted with the goal of gaining insight into EPs’ perceptions of fatigue at work. Twenty EPs from an academic medical center participated in virtual interviews, with nine open-ended questions asked in a semi-structured interview format. Twelve common topics with four main themes emerged from the interviews. Three of these common themes included sources of fatigue (including both work- and home-related sources), consequences of fatigue (including impacts on individuals and performance), and prevention and mitigation strategies to cope with fatigue. The fourth main theme was the belief in the inevitability of fatigue due to high cognitive load, emotionally taxing work experiences, work unpredictability, and the 24/7 shift-work nature of emergency medicine. EPs’ experiences with fatigue are consistent with but extend those of other types of shiftworkers. Our findings suggest that EPs tend to incorporate the inevitability of fatigue at work into their identity as EPs and experience a sense of learned helplessness as a result, suggesting areas for future interventions.
Impact of Race on Outcomes of Advanced Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Immunotherapy
Authors: Pasli Melisa , Kannaiyan Radhamani , Namireddy Praveen , Walker Paul , Muzaffar Mahvish
Published: April 2023

Background: The impact of race in advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is conflicting. Our study sought to examine racial disparities in time to treatment initiation (TTI), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) using a population that was almost equally black and white. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of stage IV NSCLC patients > 18 years receiving immunotherapy at our center between 2014 and 2021. Kaplan—Meier curves and the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model determined the predictors of OS and PFS. Analyses were undertaken using IBM PSAW (SPSS v.28). Results: Out of 194 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 42.3% were black (n = 82). In the multivariate analysis, there was no difference in PFS (HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.66,1.40; p = 0.846) or OS (HR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.66, 1.48; p = 0.966). No difference in treatment selection was observed between white and black patients (p = 0.363), nor was there a difference observed in median time to overall treatment initiation (p = 0.201). Conclusions: No difference was observed in OS and PFS in black and white patients. Black patients’ reception of timelier immunotherapy was an unanticipated finding. Future studies are necessary to better understand how race impacts patient outcomes.
How We Manage Patients with Indolent B-Cell Malignancies on Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: Practical Considerations for Nurses and Pharmacists
Authors: Nixon Shannon , Duquette Dominic , Doucette Sarah , Larouche Jean-Francois
Published: April 2023

The most common forms of B-cell malignancy, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), have seen a drastic shift in the treatment landscape over the last two decades with the introduction of targeted agents. Among them are Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, which have demonstrated excellent efficacy in indolent B-cell NHLs and CLL. Although BTK inhibitors are generally thought to be more tolerable than chemoimmunotherapy, they are associated with a unique safety profile including varying rates of rash, diarrhea, musculoskeletal events, cardiovascular events, and bleeding. Ibrutinib was the first BTK inhibitor to gain a Health Canada indication, followed by second-generation BTK inhibitors acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib, which have better safety profiles compared to ibrutinib, likely due to their improved selectivity for BTK. As BTK inhibitors are oral agents given continuously until disease progression, long-term adverse event (AE) monitoring and management as well as polypharmacy considerations are important for maintaining patient quality of life. This paper intends to serve as a reference for Canadian nurses and pharmacists on dosing, co-administration, and AE management strategies when caring for patients with indolent B-cell NHL or CLL being treated with BTK inhibitors.
A Nonlinear Adaptive Autopilot for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Based on the Extension of Regression Matrix
Authors: Hu Quanwen , Feng Yue , Wu Liaoni , Xi Bin
Published: April 2023

In applications of the L1 adaptive flight control system, we found two limitations to be extended: (1) the system cannot meet the demands of engineering in terms of nonlinearity and adaptation in most flight scenarios; (2) the adaptive control law generates a transient response in the tracking error, hindering the system from reaching the steady-state error, and ultimately decreasing control accuracy. In response to these problems, an extended flight control system for L1 adaptive theory is proposed and rigorously proved. This system involves considering the nonlinear function matrix of state variables, which serves as an extension of the regression matrix in the original L1 adaptive control system, thus enhancing its nonlinear characteristics. The problem of calculating the adaptive laws, caused by the extended regression matrix, is solved by using the pseudo-inverse matrix. To eliminate the transient response, the state vector and its estimate are recorded and employed just like an integrator. Finally, the proposed system is verified on a high-subsonic flight subject to nonlinear uncertainties, with simulation results showing improved control accuracy and enhanced robustness. The proposed system resolves the limitations of the L1 adaptive control system in nonlinearity, providing the possibility for further theoretical development to improve the performance of adaptive control systems.
Use of Ensemble Model for Modeling the Larval Fish Habitats of Different Ecological Guilds in the Yangtze Estuary
Authors: Wan Rong , Song Pengbo , Li Zengguang , Long Xiangyu , Wang Dong , Zhai Lu
Published: April 2023

Estuaries provide nursery habitats for a variety of fish species of different ecological guilds and have complicated environmental conditions. In this study, we applied ensemble species distribution models (SDMs) to four abundant and different ecological guild larval fish species (Hemiculter bleekeri (freshwater guild), Pseudolaubuca sinensis (freshwater guild), Coilia mystus (brackish water guild), and Engraulis japonicus (marine guild)) to explore their suitable habitats and the fish–habitat relationships in the Yangtze Estuary. The results showed that random forest (RF) demonstrated the best performance in all single algorithms and the surface range envelop (SRE) model was scarcely accurate. The ensemble SDMs demonstrated a superior predictive ability compared with any single algorithm, with the true skill statistic (TSS) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) scores being above 0.899 and 0.641, respectively. Binary presence–absence maps showed the different spatial distribution patterns of the four species. We primarily found the freshwater species (P. sinensis and H. bleekeri) present in the South Branch (west of 122° E), whereas we found the marine species (E. japonicus) anywhere except inside the South Branch (west of 121.8° E). The area for P. sinensis (1615.93 km2) was relatively larger than that for H. bleekeri (1136.87 km2). We predicted that the brackish water species (C. mystus) would most likely be present inside the North Branch (west of 122° E), Eastern Chongming, and outside the South Branch (east of 121.8° E). Salinity, as a key environmental variable, contributed to the spatial variability. A low salinity (sea surface salinity (SSS) < 3) was beneficial for P. sinensis and H. bleekeri but was not suitable for E. japonicus. The SSS suitable range for C. mystus was 5–10 and 12–20. Multiple ecological guild species dwelled in the confluence of salt and fresh water. Our results will play an important role in the design of specific conservation strategies for fishery resources in this area.
Suppression of the Spatial Hydrodynamic Instability in Scale-Resolving Simulations of Turbulent Flows Inside Lined Ducts
Authors: Shur Mikhail , Strelets Mikhail , Travin Andrey
Published: April 2023

This paper addresses one of the major obstacles arising in the high-fidelity scale-resolving simulations of turbulent flows inside ducts with the walls covered by acoustic liners in order to attenuate the sound radiated from the duct. It consists of the development of spatial hydrodynamic (convective) instability over the treated walls at the low values of the acoustic resistance of the liner. For reasons that remain unclear, the growth rate of this instability and its effect on sound propagation through the duct is strongly overestimated by the CFD simulations using the macroscopic concept of the locally reacting acoustic impedance. A new damping volume source term (“body force”) is proposed, whose introduction into the momentum equation resolves this issue by means of artificially suppressing the instability while remaining within the framework of the computationally efficient model of the impedance wall, i.e., without trying to simulate the liner microscopically. Examples are presented of the application of the developed methodology to the flows in the grazing impedance tubes with two different liners. They suggest that the proposed form of the damping source term can be considered universal and that the suppression of the hydrodynamic instability ensured by this term is not accompanied by any significant distortion of the propagation of the sound waves and the turbulence statistics, except for a very narrow near-wall region.
The Role of Maltodextrin Concentration in Maintaining Storage Stability of Dried Fruit Foams Texturized Using Plant Protein–Polysaccharide Blends
Authors: Ozcelik Mine , Kulozik Ulrich
Published: April 2023

Hydrocolloids are widely used in food processing because of their texture-forming abilities, which help to preserve the quality of sensitive compounds, e.g., in dried fruit foams, which have recently emerged in healthier alternative snacks. Our aim was to investigate the protective role of maltodextrin in improving the storage stability of fruit foams. This study evaluated the effect of maltodextrin concentrations on the stability of the following quality parameters: anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, color, texture, and sensory perception of dried foamed raspberry pulp during storage. This study compared three concentrations (5%, 15%, and 30% w/w) of maltodextrin in mixtures, evaluating their effect on the stability of these parameters over a 12-week storage period. The foam samples were stored at 37 °C to accelerate chemical reactions under vacuum packaging conditions which excluded oxygen. The addition of 30% maltodextrin to the raspberry pulp blend resulted in the highest retentions in all compounds tested, i.e., 74% for ascorbic acid and 87% for anthocyanins. Color and texture were similarly preserved. Adding 30% maltodextrin to the mixture did not negatively influence the acceptability of sensory perception. Maltodextrin thus represents an effective protective agent for preserving nutritional and sensory qualities for a longer storage period. Hence, using MD together with potato protein was optimal for enhancing the storage stability of fruit foam, which is important for the food industry.
Short-Term Effects of PJE Administration on Metabolic Parameters in Diet-Induced Obesity Mice
Authors: Choi Jun-Hui , Kim Ki-Man , Park Se-Eun , Kim Myung-Kon , Kim Seung
Published: April 2023

The study investigated the effects of Petasites japonicus (Siebold & Zucc.) Maxim. extract (PJE) and fenofibrate on diet-induced obesity (DIO) in mice. PJE was found to contain various bio-active polyphenolic compounds, including kaempferol, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, rutin, protocatechuic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, p-coumaric acid, apigenin, and 1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid. The results showed that PJE treatment up to 1000 μg/mL did not affect the viability of 3T3-L1 cell line, and it reduced the feed efficiency ratio in DIO mice. PJE administration also resulted in a significant reduction in body weight gain and fat accumulation in the liver compared to the DIO control group. Additionally, PJE administration improved the levels of lipid and related parameters, including total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, leptin, and atherogenic or cardiac indexes compared to the DIO control group. The study suggested that PJE may have a beneficial effect on insulin resistance, lipid profiles, atherogenesis, adipokines, and cardiac risk associated with diet-induced obesity.
A Preconditioned Iterative Method for a Multi-State Time-Fractional Linear Complementary Problem in Option Pricing
Authors: Chen Xu , Gong Xinxin , Lei Siu-Long , Sun Youfa
Published: April 2023

Fractional derivatives and regime-switching models are widely used in various fields of finance because they can describe the nonlocal properties of the solutions and the changes in the market status, respectively. The regime-switching time-fractional diffusion equations that combine both advantages are also used in European option pricing; however, to our knowledge, American option pricing based on such models and their numerical methods is yet to be studied. Hence, a fast algorithm for solving the multi-state time-fractional linear complementary problem arising from the regime-switching time-fractional American option pricing models is developed in this paper. To construct the solution strategy, the original problem has been converted into a Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation, and a nonlinear finite difference scheme has been proposed to discretize the problem with stability analysis. A policy-Krylov subspace method is developed to solve the nonlinear scheme. Further, to accelerate the convergence rate of the Krylov method, a tri-diagonal preconditioner is proposed with condition number analysis. Numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed nonlinear scheme and the efficiency of the proposed preconditioned policy-Krylov subspace method.
Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasies Questionnaire: The Development and Validation of the Erotic Fantasy Use Scale (SDEF2) on Experience, Attitudes, and Sharing Issues
Authors: Nimbi Filippo Maria , Galizia Roberta , Limoncin Erika , Levy Tom , Jannini Emmanuele Angelo , Simonelli Chiara , Tambelli Renata
Published: April 2023

Background: The investigation of sexual fantasies is a delicate issue within sex research. Most studies have focused on the content of these fantasies, rather than on use, experiences, attitudes, and sharing issues, which are fundamental aspects within sexual therapy. The main aim of the present study was to develop and validate the “Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasies questionnaire-Part 2. Use of Erotic Fantasies (SDEF2)”. Methods: The SDEF2 was completed by 1773 Italian participants (1105 women, 645 men, and 23 other genders). Results: The final 21-item version presented a five-factor structure (fantasies frequency, fantasies normality, fantasies importance, negative emotions, and sharing and experiencing). The SDEF2 showed good psychometric properties, internal reliability, construct, and discriminant validity, appearing to be able to differentiate between sexually clinical and functional women and men (based on the FSFI and IIEF cut-off scores). Conclusions: The possibility of assessing fantasies frequency, attitudes, and emotions may be extremely useful both for research and clinical purposes. The current study seems to validate that the SDEF2 is a useful measure of assessing the different aspects related to a fantasizing activity, which was shown to be associated with sexual functioning and satisfaction.