bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear model prediction of needle chlorophyll content of Picea koraiensis Nakai at different needle ages based on hyperspectral features
Authors: Wang Yiheng , Zhang Jinsong , Diao Shu , Xue Liang
Published: June 2023

Pigment content is a critical assessment indicator in the study of plant physiological metabolism, stress resistance, ornamental characteristics, and forest health. Spectral imaging technology is widely used for rapid and non-destructive determination of plant physicochemical parameters. To address the shortcomings of previous models of spectral reflectance prediction of chlorophyll content of needles only from the perspective of traditional algorithms and ignoring physical models, this research integrates variable complexity and refined classification of physical models to validate the increased accuracy of both the conventional partial least squares (PLS) method and the traditional neural network algorithm. The results of the conifer chlorophyll models of Picea koraiensis Nakai with different needle ages based on spectral reflectance and vegetation index parameters showed that the improved nonlinear state transition algorithm-backpropagation (STA-BP) neural network model approach (R2 of 0.73–0.89) and the nonlinear Stacking partial least squares (Stacking-PLS) model approach (R2 of 0. 67–0.85) is slightly more robust than the traditional algorithms nonlinear BP model (R2 of 0.63–0.82) and linear PLS model (R2 of 0.60–0.76). This finding suggests that the nonlinear fitting of chlorophyll content in needles of different needle ages in P. koraiensis Nakai surpasses the traditional linear model fitting methodology. Furthermore, the model fitting of chlorophyll content in conifers of different needle ages outperforms the mixed P. koraiensis Nakai model, suggesting that chlorophyll models using needle refinement classification help to improve model robustness. This study provides data and theoretical support for rapid and non-invasive characterization of physiological and biochemical properties of needles of different needle ages using spectral imaging techniques to predict growth and community structure productivity of forest trees in the coming years.
The preoperative platelet to neutrophil ratio and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio are superior prognostic indicators compared with other inflammatory biomarkers in ovarian cancer
Authors: Song Qian , Xu Song-Xiao , Wu Jun-Zhou , Ling Lin , Wang Sheng , Shu Xin-Hua , Ying Dan-Ni , Pei Wang-Wei , Wu Yu-Chen , Sun Su-Fang , Zhang Yi-Ning , Zhou Si-Hang , Shao Zhu-Yan
Published: June 2023

Background

Previous studies have suggested that the ratios of immune-inflammatory cells could serve as prognostic indicators in ovarian cancer. However, which of these is the superior prognostic indicator in ovarian cancer remains unknown. In addition, studies on the prognostic value of the platelet to neutrophil ratio (PNR) in ovarian cancer are still limited.

Methods

A cohort of 991 ovarian cancer patients was analyzed in the present study. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to choose the optimal cut-off values of inflammatory biomarkers such as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and PNR. The correlation of inflammatory biomarkers with overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) was investigated by Kaplan-Meier methods and log-rank test, followed by Cox regression analyses.

Results

Kaplan-Meier curves suggested that LMR<3.39, PLR≥181.46, and PNR≥49.20 had obvious associations with worse RFS (P<0.001, P=0.018, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis suggested that LMR (≥3.39 vs. <3.39) (P=0.042, HR=0.810, 95% CI=0.661-0.992) and PNR (≥49.20 vs. <49.20) (P=0.004, HR=1.351, 95% CI=1.103-1.656) were independent prognostic indicators of poor RFS. In addition, Kaplan-Meier curves indicated that PLR≥182.23 was significantly correlated with worse OS (P=0.039).

Conclusion

Taken together, PNR and LMR are superior prognostic indicators compared with NLR, PLR, and SII in patients with ovarian cancer.
Maximizing utility of nondirected living liver donor grafts using machine learning
Authors: Bambha Kiran , Kim Nicole J. , Sturdevant Mark , Perkins James D. , Kling Catherine , Bakthavatsalam Ramasamy , Healey Patrick , Dick Andre , Reyes Jorge D. , Biggins Scott W.
Published: June 2023

Objective

There is an unmet need for optimizing hepatic allograft allocation from nondirected living liver donors (ND-LLD).

Materials and method

Using OPTN living donor liver transplant (LDLT) data (1/1/2000-12/31/2019), we identified 6328 LDLTs (4621 right, 644 left, 1063 left-lateral grafts). Random forest survival models were constructed to predict 10-year graft survival for each of the 3 graft types.

Results

Donor-to-recipient body surface area ratio was an important predictor in all 3 models. Other predictors in all 3 models were: malignant diagnosis, medical location at LDLT (inpatient/ICU), and moderate ascites. Biliary atresia was important in left and left-lateral graft models. Re-transplant was important in right graft models. C-index for 10-year graft survival predictions for the 3 models were: 0.70 (left-lateral); 0.63 (left); 0.61 (right). Similar C-indices were found for 1-, 3-, and 5-year graft survivals. Comparison of model predictions to actual 10-year graft survivals demonstrated that the predicted upper quartile survival group in each model had significantly better actual 10-year graft survival compared to the lower quartiles (p<0.005).

Conclusion

When applied in clinical context, our models assist with the identification and stratification of potential recipients for hepatic grafts from ND-LLD based on predicted graft survivals, while accounting for complex donor-recipient interactions. These analyses highlight the unmet need for granular data collection and machine learning modeling to identify potential recipients who have the best predicted transplant outcomes with ND-LLD grafts.
Cardiac resident macrophages: key regulatory mediators in the aftermath of myocardial infarction
Authors: Chen Cong , Wang Jie , Liu Chao , Hu Jun
Published: June 2023

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a prevalent and highly fatal global disease. Despite significant reduction in mortality rates with standard treatment regimens, the risk of heart failure (HF) remains high, necessitating innovative approaches to protect cardiac function and prevent HF progression. Cardiac resident macrophages (cMacs) have emerged as key regulators of the pathophysiology following MI. cMacs are a heterogeneous population composed of subsets with different lineage origins and gene expression profiles. Several critical aspects of post-MI pathophysiology have been shown to be regulated by cMacs, including recruitment of peripheral immune cells, clearance and replacement of damaged myocardial cells. Furthermore, cMacs play a crucial role in regulating cardiac fibrosis, risk of arrhythmia, energy metabolism, as well as vascular and lymphatic remodeling. Given the multifaceted roles of cMacs in post-MI pathophysiology, targeting cMacs represents a promising therapeutic strategy. Finally, we discuss novel treatment strategies, including using nanocarriers to deliver drugs to cMacs or using cell therapies to introduce exogenous protective cMacs into the heart.
Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of nanoparticle formulations of L-SseB against Salmonella infection
Authors: Das Sayan , Howlader Debaki R. , Lu Ti , Whittier Sean K. , Hu Gang , Sharma Simran , Dietz Zackary K. , Ratnakaram Siva S. K. , Varisco David J. , Ernst Robert K. , Picking William D. , Picking Wendy L.
Published: June 2023

Salmonella enterica, a Gram-negative pathogen, has over 2500 serovars that infect a wide range of hosts. In humans, S. enterica causes typhoid or gastroenteritis and is a major public health concern. In this study, SseB (the tip protein of the Salmonella pathogenicity island 2 type III secretion system) was fused with the LTA1 subunit of labile-toxin from enterotoxigenic E. coli to make the self-adjuvanting antigen L-SseB. Two unique nanoparticle formulations were developed to allow multimeric presentation of L-SseB. Mice were vaccinated with these formulations and protective efficacy determined via challenging the mice with S. enterica serovars. The polysaccharide (chitosan) formulation was found to elicit better protection when compared to the squalene nanoemulsion. When the polysaccharide formulation was used to vaccinate rabbits, protection from S. enterica challenge was elicited. In summary, L-SseB in a particulate polysaccharide formulation appears to be an attractive candidate vaccine capable of broad protection against S. enterica.
Evolution of marine heatwaves in warming seas: the Mediterranean Sea case study
Authors: Martínez Justino , Leonelli Francesca Elisa , García-Ladona Emilio , Garrabou Joaquim , Kersting Diego K. , Bensoussan Nathaniel , Pisano Andrea
Published: June 2023

Anomalous warming of the upper ocean is increasingly being observed in the Mediterranean Sea. Extreme events, known as marine heatwaves (MHWs), can have a profound impact on marine ecosystems, and their correct detection and characterization are crucial to define future impact scenarios. Here, we analyze MHWs observed over the last 41 years (1982–2022) in the Mediterranean sea surface temperatures (SSTs). We show that the intensification in frequency, intensity, and duration of Mediterranean MHWs in recent years is mainly due to a shift in SST mean that occurred in the last two decades and largely reduced when analyzing detrended SST data. Detrending thus allows the use of a fixed climatology without overestimating MHW properties over time and distinguishes long-term warming (i.e., trend) from transient and abrupt SST changes. Analogous results are also found over a shorter temporal period, by analyzing 13 years (2007–2020) of in situ data collected at different depths (5 to 40 m) at Columbretes Islands. Additionally, the in situ analysis reveals that atmospheric summer heatwaves could affect a layer of 10 m in depth. Lastly, a catalogue of the major Mediterranean MHWs that have occurred since 1982 is presented. This catalogue evidences an exceptionally long-lasting and intense MHW, starting in May 2022 and persisting, at least, until the end of the year, resulting in the event with the highest cumulative intensity just after the well-known 2003 MHW event.
Temperature and phosphorus: the main environmental factors affecting the seasonal variation of soil bacterial diversity in Nansi Lake Wetland
Authors: Chen Lei , Shi Yuying , Wang Shen , Sun Mengyao , Wang Meng , Ren Xiaoyue , Gao Zenghao , Zhou Yiping , Zhang Jie , Zhuang Weijing , Su Xinyue , Fu Yongchao , Wu Mengmeng
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The soil bacteria promote the circulation conversion of lake nutrients and play an important role in maintaining the balance of the lake ecosystem. Few studies have investigated the association of seasonal variation in bacteria and environmental factors in inland freshwater lake wetlands. Nansi Lake is a large shallow freshwater lake in northern China. It is an important hub of the eastern route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project.

Methods

In this study, bacterial 16S rRNA genes were used to analyze the variation of soil bacterial community diversity in Nansi Lake Wetland and its influencing factors in different seasons.

Results

It is showed that the phylum, family, and genus with the largest relative abundance in the soil of Nansi Lake Wetland are Proteobacteria, Nitrosomonadaceae, and MND1, respectively. There were significant seasonal differences in soil bacterial diversity in Nansi Lake Wetland, which was significantly higher in summer than in winter. Seasonal variation in environmental factors was significantly correlated with the variation in bacterial communities. Temperature and the content of available phosphorus may be the key factors influencing seasonal variation in bacterial diversity.

Discussion

The results of this study further enhance our understanding of the relationship between bacterial community diversity and environmental factors in the lake wetland ecosystem, which can provide scientific data for the conservation of Nansi Lake Wetland.
Rational design of an acidic erythritol (ACER) medium for the enhanced isolation of the environmental pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei from soil samples
Authors: Assig Karoline , Lichtenegger Sabine , Bui Linh N. H. , Mosbacher Bettina , Vu Anh T. N. , Erhart Daniel , Trinh Trung T. , Steinmetz Ivo
Published: June 2023

The soil bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei causes melioidosis, a potentially fatal and greatly underdiagnosed tropical disease. Detection of B. pseudomallei in the environment is important to trace the source of infections, define risk areas for melioidosis and increase the clinical awareness. Although B. pseudomallei polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based environmental detection provides important information, the culture of the pathogen remains essential but is still a methodological challenge. B. pseudomallei can catabolize erythritol, a metabolic pathway, which is otherwise rarely encountered among bacteria. We recently demonstrated that replacing threonine with erythritol as a single carbon source in the pH-neutral threonine-basal salt solution (TBSS-C50) historically used improved the isolation of B. pseudomallei from rice paddy soils. However, further culture medium parameters for an optimized recovery of B. pseudomallei strains from soils are still ill-defined. We, therefore, aimed to design a new erythritol-based medium by systematically optimizing parameters such as pH, buffer capacity, salt and nutrient composition. A key finding of our study is the enhanced erythritol-based growth of B. pseudomallei under acidic medium conditions. Our experiments with B. pseudomallei strains from different geographical origin led to the development of a phosphate-buffered acidic erythritol (ACER) medium with a pH of 6.3, higher erythritol concentration of 1.2%, supplemented vitamins and nitrate. This highly selective medium composition shortened the lag phase of B. pseudomallei cultures and greatly increased growth densities compared to TBSS-C50 and TBSS-C50-based erythritol medium. The ACER medium led to the highest enrichments of B. pseudomallei as determined from culture supernatants by quantitative PCR in a comparative validation with soil samples from the central part of Vietnam. Consequently, the median recovery of B. pseudomallei colony forming units on Ashdown’s agar from ACER subcultures was 5.4 times higher compared to TBSS-C50-based erythritol medium (p = 0.005) and 30.7 times higher than TBSS-C50 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, our newly developed ACER medium significantly improves the isolation of viable B. pseudomallei from soils and, thereby, has the potential to reduce the rate of false-negative environmental cultures in melioidosis risk areas.
Comparative genomic analysis of Campylobacter hepaticus genomes associated with spotty liver disease, Georgia, United States
Authors: Ienes-Lima Julia , Becerra Roel , Logue Catherine M.
Published: June 2023

Campylobacter hepaticus has re-emerged as an important cause of disease in egg laying birds worldwide, resulting in morbidity, mortality, and significant losses in eggs for the breeding and table egg laying industries. Although birds may appear asymptomatic, the disease is characterized by spots on the liver of birds and histopathological analysis reveals multifocal fibrogranulocytic necrotizing hepatitis microscopically. The re-emergence of C. hepaticus may be linked with housing practices as the disease appears more prevalent in pasture raised birds with outside exposure. Here we describe, the whole genome sequences and comparative analysis of four C. hepaticus genomes associated with an outbreak on pasture raised breeders from a farm in Georgia, United States. All four genomes were relatively similar in size and virulence genes harbored. Using these genomes, comparison with current C. hepaticus genomes available in NCBI and other databases and other members of the Campylobacter species was carried out. Using current tools available, virulence gene factor content was compared, and it was found that different tools lead to different numbers of factors identified. The four genomes from this study were relatively similar to C. hepaticus HV10 the type strain from Australia but differed from the other sequenced US strains from Iowa and Florida. C. hepaticus was found to have an overall lower gene content for genes associated with virulence and iron acquisition compared to other Campylobacter genomes and appears to cluster differently than UK genomes on phylogenetic analysis, suggesting the emergence of two lineages of C. hepaticus. This analysis provides valuable insight into the emerging pathogen C. hepaticus, its virulence factors and traits associated with disease in poultry production in the US, potentially providing insight into targets for its control and treatment for laying birds. Our analysis also confirms genes associated with iron acquisition are limited and the presence of the multidrug efflux pump CmeABC in C. hepaticus which may promote survival and persistence in the host niche – the chicken liver/bile. One unique aspect of this study was the finding of a close genetic relationship between C. hepaticus and Campylobacter fetus species and evidence of genome reduction in relation to host niche specificity.
Examining electroencephalogram signatures of people with multiple sclerosis using a nonlinear dynamics approach: a systematic review and bibliographic analysis
Authors: Hernandez Christopher Ivan , Kargarnovin Shaida , Hejazi Sara , Karwowski Waldemar
Published: June 2023

Background

Considering that brain activity involves communication between millions of neurons in a complex network, nonlinear analysis is a viable tool for studying electroencephalography (EEG). The main objective of this review was to collate studies that utilized chaotic measures and nonlinear dynamical analysis in EEG of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and to discuss the contributions of chaos theory techniques to understanding, diagnosing, and treating MS.

Methods

Using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA), the databases EbscoHost, IEEE, ProQuest, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for publications that applied chaos theory in EEG analysis of MS patients.

Results

A bibliographic analysis was performed using VOSviewer software keyword co-occurrence analysis indicated that MS was the focus of the research and that research on MS diagnosis has shifted from conventional methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging, to EEG techniques in recent years. A total of 17 studies were included in this review. Among the included articles, nine studies examined resting-state, and eight examined task-based conditions.

Conclusion

Although nonlinear EEG analysis of MS is a relatively novel area of research, the findings have been demonstrated to be informative and effective. The most frequently used nonlinear dynamics analyses were fractal dimension, recurrence quantification analysis, mutual information, and coherence. Each analysis selected provided a unique assessment to fulfill the objective of this review. While considering the limitations discussed, there is a promising path forward using nonlinear analyses with MS data.
Alpha-pinene moderates memory impairment induced by kainic acid via improving the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway in rat hippocampus
Authors: Hashemi Paria , Ahmadi Shamseddin
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The potential benefits of natural ingredients in the alleviation of neurodegenerative disorders are of great interest. Alpha-pinene (APN) is an essential oil belonging to monoterpenes with multiple beneficial effects. In this study, the possible improving effects of alpha-pinene on memory impairment induced by kainic acid and the underlying molecular mechanisms were examined.

Methods

Memory impairment was induced by i.c.v. injection of kainic acid (KA) in male Wistar rats. Alpha-pinene (50 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was injected for 21 days, including 14 days before the KA injection and seven days afterward. Spatial working memory and inhibitory avoidance (IA) memory performance were assessed five and even days following KA injection, respectively. The hippocampal protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tropomyosin-like receptor kinase B (TrkB), cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), and neuronal loss in the CA1 region were also examined.

Results

Results revealed that the i.c.v. injection of KA triggered memory impairment, which was notably diminished by alpha-pinene pre-and post-treatment. Histopathological evaluation revealed that alpha-pinene significantly moderated the attenuation in CA1 alive neurons induced by KA injection. Western blotting analysis confirmed that alpha-pinene pre-and post-treatment significantly reversed the KA-induced decreases in the hippocampal levels of BDNF, TrkB, phosphorylated TrkB, CREB, and phosphorylated CREB.

Discussion

These findings suggest that alpha-pinene pre-and post-treatment moderate memory impairment induced by KA by restoring the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway in the rat hippocampus.
LC/MS- and GC/MS-based metabolomic profiling to determine changes in flavor quality and bioactive components of Phlebopus portentosus under low-temperature storage
Authors: Li Xiao-Bei , Hu Chen-Menghui , Li Cai-Hong , Ji Guang-Yan , Luo Shun-Zhen , Cao Yang , Ji Kai-Ping , Tan Qi , Bao Da-Peng , Shang Jun-Jun , Yang Rui-Heng
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Low temperature is the most common method used to maintain the freshness of Phlebopus portentosus during long-distance transportation. However, there is no information regarding the nutritional changes that occur in P. portentosus preserved postharvest in low temperature.

Methods

In this study, the changes in flavor quality and bioactive components in fruiting bodies stored at 4 °C for different storage periods were determined through LC/MS and GC/MS analyses. Sampling was performed at 0, 3, 5, 7, and 13 days storage.

Results and Discussion

Based on the results, the metabolites present in caps and stipes were different at the same period and significantly different after 7 days of storage. A total of 583 and 500 different metabolites were detected in caps and stipes, respectively, and were mainly lipids and lipid-like molecules, organic acids and derivatives, organic oxygen compounds and others. Except for prenol lipids and nucleotides, the expression levels of most metabolites increased with longer storage time. In addition, geosmin was identified as the major contributor to earthy-musty odors, and the level of geosmin was increased when the storage time was short.

Conclusion

The variations in these metabolites might cause changes in flavor quality and bioactive components in P. portentosus. Variations in these metabolites were thoroughly analyzed, and the results revealed how storage processes affect the postharvest quality of P. portentosus for the first time.
Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI combined with T1 mapping and clinical factors to predict Ki-67 expression of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Qiu Ganbin , Chen Jincan , Liao Weixiong , Liu Yonghui , Wen Zhongyan , Zhao Yue
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To explore the predictive value of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with T1 mapping and clinical factors for Ki-67 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 185 patients with pathologically confirmed solitary HCC from two institutions. All patients underwent preoperative T1 mapping on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI. Patients from institution I (n = 124) and institution II (n = 61) were respectively assigned to the training and validation sets. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to assess the correlation of clinico-radiological factors with Ki-67 labeling index (LI). Based on the significant factors, a predictive nomogram was developed and validated for Ki-67 LI. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated on the basis of its calibration, discrimination, and clinical utility.

Results

Multivariable analysis showed that alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels > 20ng/mL, neutrophils to lymphocyte ratio > 2.25, non-smooth margin, tumor-to-liver signal intensity ratio in the hepatobiliary phase ≤ 0.6, and post-contrast T1 relaxation time > 705 msec were the independent predictors of Ki-67 LI. The nomogram based on these variables showed the best predictive performance with area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) 0.899, area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC) 0.946 and F1 score of 0.912; the respective values were 0.823, 0.879 and 0.857 in the validation set. The Kaplan–Meier curves illustrated that the cumulative recurrence probability at 2 years was significantly higher in patients with high Ki-67 LI than in those with low Ki-67 LI (39.6% [53/134] vs. 19.6% [10/51], p = 0.011).

Conclusions

Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI combined with T1 mapping and several clinical factors can preoperatively predict Ki-67 LI with high accuracy, and thus enable risk stratification and personalized treatment of HCC patients.
E2F3 accelerates the stemness of colon cancer cells by activating the STAT3 pathway
Authors: Gao Qingkun , An Ke , Lv Zhe , Wang Yanzhao , Ding Changmin , Huang Wensheng
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Colon cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies and causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Thus, further research is required to explicate the latent molecular mechanisms and look for novel biomarkers. E2F3 has been confirmed to be an oncogene in a variety of cancers. However, the particular regulation of E2F3 in colon cancer needs further investigation.

Methods

The self-renewal ability was detected through a sphere formation assay. The tumorigenic ability was measured through nude mice in vivo assay. The protein expression of genes was examined through a Western blot. The expression of E2F3 in tumor tissues was detected through an IHC assay. The resistance to cisplatin was assessed through the CCK-8 assay. The cell migration and invasion abilities were measured after upregulating or suppressing E2F3 through the Transwell assay.

Results

Results uncovered that E2F3 was upregulated in spheroid cells. In addition, E2F3 facilitates stemness in colon cancer. Moreover, E2F3 facilitated colon cancer cell migration and invasion. Finally, it was revealed that E2F3 affected the STAT3 pathway to modulate stemness in colon cancer. E2F3 served as a promoter regulator in colon cancer, aggravating tumorigenesis and stemness in colon cancer progression through the STAT3 pathway.

Conclusion

E2F3 may be a useful biomarker for anticancer treatment in colon cancer.
Evaluation of the impacts of photodynamic therapy on the prognosis of patients with hrHPV infection based on BTNL8 expression
Authors: Lv Hongqing , Lou Shuai , Zhang Lin , Cui Dawei , Li Yao , Yang Ying , Chen Meilan , Chen Pan
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of Butyrophilin-like protein 8 (BTNL8) expression in high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection treated with photodynamic therapy.

Methods

A total of 93 patients with hrHPV infection were enrolled as research study subjects, along with 69 healthy women who served as controls. Serum samples were obtained from each participant, and BTNL8 levels were quantified. The patients were divided into high- and low-expression groups (n = 45 and n = 48, respectively), and both groups underwent photodynamic therapy. We recorded the following data: BTNL8 expression pre-treatment and at 3/6 months post-treatment, HPV negative conversion ratio, regression rate of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), incidence of adverse reactions, complication rate, serum inflammatory factors, persistence of HPV positivity, LSIL residue or recurrence, and incidence of high-grade cervical intraepithelial lesions (HCIL).

Results

Patients with HPV infection exhibited higher BTNL8 expression than healthy individuals. Compared to the low-expression group, the high-expression group showed increased HPV negative conversion ratios, LSIL regression rates, and levels of IL-17 and IL-23. This group also demonstrated decreased total complication rate, HPV positivity persistence, LSIL residue or recurrence, and IL-10 levels. Additionally, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the number of adverse reactions and cases with LSIL residue/recurrence.

Conclusion

Serum BTNL8 expression may serve as a valuable tool for early screening and prognosis monitoring of patients with hrHPV infection.
Evaluation of learning transfer after a perinatal/neonatal palliative care virtual training course
Authors: Brady Sinead , Parravicini Elvira , Wool Charlotte
Published: June 2023

Background

The success of a training can be determined by the degree of learning transfer. To address a gap in educational offerings during the pandemic, an interdisciplinary team developed and offered a 3-day virtual course, called Next Level Perinatal Palliative Care Training.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the transfer of learning and practice from a virtual training course on perinatal/neonatal palliative care (PNPC) by a range of clinicians.

Study design

A descriptive prospective survey design was used to collect data at two time points, immediately following the training course and 6 months later. Frequency and descriptive statistics were used to measure the implementation of PNPC quality indicators, self-reported competence, and clinical facilitators and barriers. A t-test was used to compare participants’ anticipated learning transfer to actual learning transfer. Two open-ended items assessed benefits and drawbacks of virtual training.

Results

At course completion, participants anticipated opportunities to implement PNPC strategies with means of 84–87, and at the 6-month mark, the reported implementation had means ranging from 71 to 77. At 6 months post training, participants reported feeling competent/highly competent in each variable with frequency scores of 89%–98%. The opportunity to learn key concepts of PNPC and refresh skill sets ranked as the top facilitators, while the top barriers were the lack of opportunity to use PNPC principles and the lack of funding.

Conclusion

Learning transfer after a virtual training course of PNPC proved to be successful, with a high rate of self-reported actual implementation and competence at 6 months after the training.
Parental emotionality and power relations in heritage language maintenance: experiences of Chinese and African immigrant families in Australia
Authors: Wang Yining , Williams Tetteh Vera , Dube Sithembinkosi
Published: June 2023

Emotionality is increasingly given prominence in the field of language acquisition and socialization in migration contexts. This cross-sectional study explores the emotional experiences of Chinese and African immigrant families in their practices of maintaining their children's heritage languages. We used open-ended interviews, field notes from informal conversations and observations, photographic evidence of children's literacy practices, and language portrait (LP) descriptions, to collect data. Results from an ethnographic analysis of the data revealed a whole range of negative and positive parental emotions (e.g., anxiety, loss, shame vs. enjoyment, accomplishment, and pride), in the discourse of maintaining heritage and minority languages. We discuss the language emotions, whether positive or negative, in light of language ideologies, which specifically points to the significance of profit discourse in the formation of family language policies (FLPs). This materialistic valorization reveals the complexities of power relations between English and minority languages, between Chinese and African languages, and within various Chinese and African languages. Consequently, the distinct hierarchies between English and minority languages and the hidden layers within minority languages further legitimate diasporic ideologies of Chinese and African parents in terms of the emotionality associated with prioritizing, maintaining, and forgoing languages. These findings suggests that language emotionality is of vital importance to the psycho-social wellbeing of immigrant families and has practical implications for policymakers and heritage language research.
A-trait and risk-taking behavior in predicting injury severity among martial arts athletes
Authors: Patenteu Ionuț , Predoiu Radu , Makarowski Ryszard , Predoiu Alexandra , Piotrowski Andrzej , Geambașu Adina , Nica Sarah Adriana
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Trait anxiety (A-trait) can be seen as a multiplicative function of the person–situation interaction. Considering risk-taking behavior (R-TB), literature highlights instrumental and stimulating risk. The aim of the research is to investigate the level of A-trait (in physically dangerous conditions and in new, unusual situations) and the level of R-TB (instrumental and stimulating risk) in athletes, and to verify to what extent A-trait and risk-taking behavior predict injury severity.

Materials and methods

One hundred and fifty-four senior martial arts athletes from grappling combat sports, striking combat sports and mixed martial artists (MMA) participated in the study. For assessing trait anxiety and risk-taking behavior, the Romanian adaptation of the Endler Multidimensional Anxiety Scales (EMAS), respectively the Romanian adaptation of the Makarowski’s Stimulating and Instrumental Risk Questionnaire were used.

Results

Using multivariate analysis of variance, significant differences between athletes (according to the sports disciplines practiced), in terms of A-trait and R-TB, were examined. Next, we checked the existing correlations between injury severity, A-trait and R-TB scores in athletes practicing striking combat sports, grappling combat sports and MMA. To verify whether there are significant differences in terms of trait anxiety, stimulating and instrumental risk between athletes who have suffered mild, moderate and/or severe injuries and athletes who have suffered only minor/mild injuries, t-Test for Independent Samples was used. Binomial logistic regression procedures were, also, performed, predicting athletes’ likelihood of injury, based on R-TB and A-trait.

Conclusion

A moderate or slightly below average level of anxiety in new, unusual situations and a higher level of instrumental risk are linked with a decreased likelihood of severe injuries in athletes. Martial arts athletes (in entire sample) who have suffered more severe injuries are more adrenaline-seeking in competition and use less rational thinking, taking more pleasure in just performing technical executions, regardless of the outcome.
Perceived stress, social support, and insomnia in hemodialysis patients and their family caregivers: an actor-partner interdependence mediation model analysis
Authors: Tao Yuxiu , Liu Tongcun , Zhuang Kaipeng , Fan Lijuan , Hua Yan , Ni Chunping
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Patients’ and caregivers’ physical and mental health may interact. The theory of dyadic illness management holds that patients and caregivers should be regarded as a whole in health management. Previous studies have found that hemodialysis patients and their family caregivers experience poor sleep quality. Perceived stress and social support have effects on insomnia. However, the dyadic interaction between perceived stress, social support, and insomnia among hemodialysis patients and caregivers is unclear. This study aimed to explore the mediating role of social support in the association between perceived stress and insomnia in hemodialysis patient-caregiver dyads.

Methods

A total of 259 hemodialysis patient-caregiver dyads completed the Chinese Perceived Stress Scales (CPSS), the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), and the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) in Lanzhou, China, from May 2022 to July 2022. The actor-partner interdependence mediation model analysis was used for data analysis.

Results

In the actor effect, there was a significant positive correlation between perceived stress and insomnia in hemodialysis patients (β = 0.091, p = 0.001) and their family caregivers (β = 0.588, p < 0.001). Patient’s and caregiver’s social support played partial mediating roles in the relationship between caregiver’s perceived stress and insomnia (β = 0.135, p < 0.001 and β = 0.111, p < 0.001). In the partner effect, caregiver’s perceived stress was positively connected with patient’s insomnia (β = 0.915, p < 0.001), and the mediating effect of patient’s social support on the relationship between caregiver’s perceived stress and patient’s insomnia was statistically significant (β = −0.040, p = 0.046).

Conclusion

The perceived stress, social support and insomnia of hemodialysis patients and their family caregivers had interactive effects. Effective dyadic-based interventions should be developed to improve hemodialysis patients’ and caregivers’ sleep quality.
Person references, change in footing, and agency positioning in psychotherapeutic conversations
Authors: Wahlström Jarl
Published: June 2023

This study contributes to the research on agency positioning in psychotherapy by looking at how clients and therapists, when discussing the client's difficulties, made use of two specific conversational practices, i.e., different grammatical forms of person reference and changes in footing, and what the consequences of this were for how the clients were positioned in relation to their problematic experiences. A data corpus of the first sessions of nine psychotherapies at a university training clinic in Finland was utilized. The uses of person references and changes in footing in therapists' initiative turns, clients' responses, and therapists' third position (recipient) actions were examined. The analysis showed that in initiative turns therapists usually used the second-person singular, as an invitation for the client to respond from his/her personal point of view, thus ascribing active agency to the client. When telling their problematic experiences, clients typically used so-called zero-person constructions, presenting such experiences as common to people in general, thus lessening their agency and inviting the therapist to share their experiential position. In recipient actions, therapists could use a combination of zero and active person reference which served to communicate an empathic stance and an invitation to the client to take an agentic observer position. Almost exclusively, only therapists used changes in footing. This could happen rapidly within single utterances and serve to express affiliation with the client's emotional experience and to invite or challenge the client to take an observer position. The study supplemented the CA change model with the DA and DSA notions of changes in agency positions as core elements in therapy talk and showed how variations in person references and changes in footing had a decisive influence on how different types of turns functioned within the overall conversational structure of the psychotherapy institution.
Work–family conflict and anxiety among nurses of the maternal and child health institutions: the mediating role of job satisfaction
Authors: Zhao Lipei , Wu Jian , Ye Beizhu , Tarimo Clifford Silver , Li Quanman , Ma Mingze , Feng Yifei , Guo Xinghong , Song Yalin , Zhang Minghan , Fan Yuanyuan
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Over the past decades, anxiety has garnered significant attention from nursing population. Investigations have centered on the correlation between work–family conflict (WFC) and anxiety as well as the link between job satisfaction and anxiety among nurses. However, the role of job satisfaction plays in the relationship between work–family conflict and anxiety remains relatively unexplored.

Methods

In April 2021, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among nurses (N = 3,770) working at the maternal and child health institutions in Henan province, China. Multiple linear regression model was used to explore the factors associated with anxiety. Model 4 in Hayes’s PROCESS macro and Bootstrap method was performed to examine the mediating role of job satisfaction in the relationship between work–family conflict and anxiety.

Results

The median (interquartile range) anxiety score was 5.00 (6.00). Work–family conflict was shown to be significantly correlated to job satisfaction (r = −0.517, p < 0.001) and anxiety (r = 0.457, p < 0.01). There was a strong negative correlation between job satisfaction and anxiety (r = −0.379, p < 0.01). The study also found that nurses aged 31–40 years, those with a junior college education (p = 0.001), those with an undergraduate or above education (p < 0.001), those who reported experiencing work–family conflict (p < 0.001), and those with lower job satisfaction (p < 0.001) were more likely to experience anxiety. Additionally, job satisfaction partially (a*b = 20.90%) mediated the relationship between work–family conflict and anxiety.

Conclusion

The association between work–family conflict and anxiety among nurses in maternity and child health institutions was moderated by job satisfaction. Therefore, it is critical to enhance working conditions, minimize work–family conflict, and promoting job satisfaction among nurses may help to mitigate the negative effects of work–family conflict on anxiety.
The level of household satisfaction with community-based health insurance and associated factors in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Zepre Kebebush
Published: June 2023

Background

Community-based health insurance (CBHI) is a program intended to prevent financial hardship brought on by the cost of medical care. All of Ethiopia’s regions are implementing it; however, it has not yet been researched how the program is being received by the local population. This study’s objective is to determine how satisfied Southern Ethiopian households are with community-based health insurance programs and connected variables.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2021. Information was gathered from 528 households (HHs) selected at random in the Gurage Zone of Southern Ethiopia using a questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression, as well as descriptive statistics, were applied. p values less than 0.05 was used as a cutoff point for identifying the self-determining factors.

Results

The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for HHs with the poorest wealth status was 2.40 (95% confidence interval:1.14–4.90); for HHs with a good knowledge of the CBHI, it was 1.81 (95% CI: 1.87–3.40); and for households with illness in the past 3  months, it was 5.22 (95% CI: 2.91–9.34). Recurrent visits to the facility (AOR:5.04, 95% CI:1.18-23.44), a Model household in rural health extension program (AOR:3.21, 95% CI:1.76-5.85), being enrolled in the scheme for three years or less (AOR:0.55, 95% CI: 0.30-0.95), and having faith in the leadership of the governing board (AOR:10.53, 95% CI:4.690-23.54) and the availability of the prescribed medication (AOR:14.64, 95% CI:5.37-39.84) were the significant influencing factors.

Conclusion

This study revealed several variables that affected HHs’ satisfaction with CBHI. We strongly advise all responsible parties to focus on increasing HH knowledge of the CBHI scheme, supporting HHs to serve as role models for rural health extension packages, and completing the CBHI pledged package to improve HHs’ satisfaction with the CBHI scheme, which may then play a role in the sustainability of CBHI.
Awakening the sleeping giant of urban green in times of crisis—coverage, co-creation and practical guidelines for optimizing biodiversity-friendly and health-promoting residential greenery
Authors: Mohr-Stockinger Sonja , Sanft Simone J. , Büttner Frederike , Butenschön Sylvia , Rennert Rhea , Säumel Ina
Published: June 2023

As multiple crises deepen existing inequalities in urban societies within and between neighborhoods, strategically integrating nature-based solutions into the living environment can help reduce negative impacts and improve public health, social cohesion, and well-being. Compared to public green such as parks, semi-public residential greenery is rarely studied, is regularly overlooked by planners, and often receives step-motherly treatment from architects and housing companies. We approximated the area of residential greenery of modernist multi-story apartment complexes in Berlin, Germany. We surveyed residents’ suggestions for improving their living environments in vulnerable neighborhoods, report on co-creation experiences, and provide a practical guideline for optimizing health-promoting residential green spaces. The semi-public open space on the doorstep of two-thirds of Berlin’s population is highly fragmented and, in total, has a similar area as the public green spaces and a great potential for qualitative development. Just as the suitability of different nature-based solutions to be integrated into the residential greenery depends on building types, resident demands differ between neighborhoods. Residents called for more involvement in design, implementation, and maintenance, frequently proposing that biodiversity-friendly measures be included. As there is no universal solution even for neighborhoods sharing similar structural and socioeconomic parameters, we propose, and have tested, an optimization loop for health-promoting residential greening that involves exploring residents’ needs and co-creating local solutions for urban regeneration processes that can be initiated by different actors using bottom-up and/or top-down approaches in order to unlock this potential for healthy, livable and biodiversity friendly cities.
Phenotypic characterization and epidemiology of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae strains from urinary tract infections in Garoua, Cameroon
Authors: Djim-Adjim-Ngana Karyom , Mbiakop Brunel W. , Oumar Leila A. , Munshili Njifon Hermann L. , Tchinda Fossi Cedric , Enyegue Elisee L. Embolo , Mouiche Mouliom Mohamed M. , Fodouop Chegaing Siméon P. , Deweerdt Louis , Yanou Nicolas Njintang , Nguinkal Julien A.
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives

The emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) is causing increased morbidity and mortality around the world as a result of therapeutic failures. ESBL-E are priority pathogens due to their multidrug resistance (MDR). In Northern Cameroon, ESBL-producing bacteria, particularly in urinary tract infections (UTIs), are being increasingly isolated. This study aimed to retrospectively determine the prevalence of multi-drug resistant ESBL strains isolated from UTIs in Northern Cameroon and to evaluate the effectiveness of the ATB UR Gallery of BioMérieux in diagnosing ESBL-E in clinical settings.

Methods

Standard microbiology protocols and statistical tools were utilized to identify ESBL-producing bacteria and characterize their phenotypic susceptibility and resistance profiles in the study population.

Results

Out of the 144 enterobacteria isolates successfully cultured, 59 (41%) were identified as MDR strains. The ATB UR EU gallery identified 33 (23%) multi-drug resistant ESBL-producing strains, while the double synergy test identified 35 strains without disc reconciliation and 38 strains after reconciliation. The most prevalent ESBL-E isolate was Escherichia coli, accounting for 77.1% of the isolates, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (20%) and Enterobacter aerogenes (2.9%). Additionally, the study revealed the emergence of Imipenem resistance (5.7%), a critical last-resort antibiotic. However, all ESBL strains were sensitive to Fosfomycin (FSF/FOS), demonstrating its potential as an effective therapeutic option. Moreover, 37% of the ESBL producers exhibited co-resistance to over 20 different antibiotics.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and susceptibility patterns of ESBL-E associated with UTIs in Northern Cameroon. These insights emphasizes the importance of implementing appropriate treatment guidelines and antimicrobial stewardship measures to mitigate the spread and impact of MDR ESBL-producing strains on public health.