bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The long-term effects of maternal deprivation on the number and size of inhibitory interneurons in the rat amygdala and nucleus accumbens
Authors: Aleksic Dubravka , Poleksic Joko , Agatonovic Gorana , Djulejic Vuk , Vulovic Maja , Aksic Miljana , Reiss Gebhard , Hamad Mohammad I. K. , Jakovcevski Igor , Aksic Milan
Published: June 2023

Introduction

There is an increasing evidence supporting the hypothesis that traumatic experiences during early developmental periods might be associated with psychopathology later in life. Maternal deprivation (MD) in rodents has been proposed as an animal model for certain aspects of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Methods

To determine whether early-life stress leads to changes in GABAergic, inhibitory interneurons in the limbic system structures, specifically the amygdala and nucleus accumbens, 9-day-old Wistar rats were exposed to a 24 h MD. On postnatal day 60 (P60), the rats were sacrificed for morphometric analysis and their brains were compared to the control group.

Results

Results show that MD affect GABAergic interneurons, leading to the decrease in density and size of the calcium-binding proteins parvalbumin-, calbindin-, and calretinin-expressing interneurons in the amygdala and nucleus accumbens.

Discussion

This study indicates that early stress in life leads to changes in the number and morphology of the GABAergic, inhibitory interneurons in the amygdala and nucleus accumbens, most probably due to the loss of neurons during postnatal development and it further contributes to understanding the effects of maternal deprivation on brain development.
Self-supervised pretraining improves the performance of classification of task functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Shi Chenwei , Wang Yanming , Wu Yueyang , Chen Shishuo , Hu Rongjie , Zhang Min , Qiu Bensheng , Wang Xiaoxiao
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Decoding brain activities is one of the most popular topics in neuroscience in recent years. And deep learning has shown high performance in fMRI data classification and regression, but its requirement for large amounts of data conflicts with the high cost of acquiring fMRI data.

Methods

In this study, we propose an end-to-end temporal contrastive self-supervised learning algorithm, which learns internal spatiotemporal patterns within fMRI and allows the model to transfer learning to datasets of small size. For a given fMRI signal, we segmented it into three sections: the beginning, middle, and end. We then utilized contrastive learning by taking the end-middle (i.e., neighboring) pair as the positive pair, and the beginning-end (i.e., distant) pair as the negative pair.

Results

We pretrained the model on 5 out of 7 tasks from the Human Connectome Project (HCP) and applied it in a downstream classification of the remaining two tasks. The pretrained model converged on data from 12 subjects, while a randomly initialized model required 100 subjects. We then transferred the pretrained model to a dataset containing unpreprocessed whole-brain fMRI from 30 participants, achieving an accuracy of 80.2 ± 4.7%, while the randomly initialized model failed to converge. We further validated the model’s performance on the Multiple Domain Task Dataset (MDTB), which contains fMRI data of 26 tasks from 24 participants. Thirteen tasks of fMRI were selected as inputs, and the results showed that the pre-trained model succeeded in classifying 11 of the 13 tasks. When using the 7 brain networks as input, variations of the performance were observed, with the visual network performed as well as whole brain inputs, while the limbic network almost failed in all 13 tasks.

Discussion

Our results demonstrated the potential of self-supervised learning for fMRI analysis with small datasets and unpreprocessed data, and for analysis of the correlation between regional fMRI activity and cognitive tasks.
Beta-band differences in primary motor cortex between media and non-media professionals when watching motor actions in movies
Authors: Andreu-Sánchez Celia , Martín-Pascual Miguel Ángel , Gruart Agnès , Delgado-García José María
Published: June 2023

To watch a person doing an activity has an impact on the viewer. In fact, the film industry hinges on viewers looking at characters doing all sorts of narrative activities. From previous works, we know that media and non-media professionals perceive differently audiovisuals with cuts. Media professionals present a lower eye-blink rate, a lower activity in frontal and central cortical areas, and a more organized functional brain connectivity when watching audiovisual cuts. Here, we aimed to determine how audiovisuals with no formal interruptions such as cuts were perceived by media and non-media professionals. Moreover, we wondered how motor actions of characters in films would have an impact on the brain activities of the two groups of observers. We presented a narrative with 24 motor actions in a one-shot movie in wide shot with no cuts to 40 participants. We recorded the electroencephalographic (EEG) activity of the participants and analyzed it for the periods corresponding to the 24 motor actions (24 actions × 40 participants = 960 potential trials). In accordance with collected results, we observed differences in the EEG activity of the left primary motor cortex. A spectral analysis of recorded EEG traces indicated the presence of significant differences in the beta band between the two groups after the onset of the motor activities, while no such differences were found in the alpha band. We concluded that media expertise is related with the beta band identified in the EEG activity of the left primary motor cortex and the observation of motor actions in videos.
Effects and action mechanisms of lotus leaf (Nelumbo nucifera) ethanol extract on gut microbes and obesity in high-fat diet-fed rats
Authors: Yanan Zhang , Lu Ma , Lu Zhang , Jinhai Huo , Weiming Wang
Published: June 2023

Objective

The present study aimed to clarify the effect of the lotus leaf ethanol extract (LLEE) on the mechanism of antiobesity and the intestinal microbiota of obese rats.

Methods

A total of 40 specific pathogen-free (SPF) male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were split into the blank control group, the model control group, the Orlistat capsule control group, and the LLEE group. All the groups were intervened and fed specific diets for 5 months. During the experiment, we evaluated the rats' body weight, length, serum biochemical indicators, and inflammatory factor levels. After dissection, the liver; epididymal and perirenal white adipose tissue (WAT); and the contents of the cecum were collected for pathological evaluation and intestinal flora analysis.

Results

Lotus leaf alcohol extract can significantly reduce the serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. It also decreases the accumulation of fatty deposits in the liver of rats and the levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α and increases the level of IL-10. Lotus leaf alcohol extracts significantly increased the abundance of Muribaculaceae in the intestinal flora of rats, reduced the abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria Firmicutes, and relieved fatty liver and other inflammation and diseases caused by a high-fat diet. Besides, the ethanol extract of the lotus leaf significantly regulated the abundance of Ruminococcus, suggesting that the ethanol extract of the lotus leaf may prevent hyperlipidemia.

Conclusion

We elucidated the effects and action mechanisms of LLEE on obesity in high-fat diet-fed rats to provide suggestions for regulating intestinal flora through dietary intervention and thus improving blood lipid metabolism.
Biallelic disruption of DDX41 activity is associated with distinct genomic and immunophenotypic hallmarks in acute leukemia
Authors: Tierens Anne , Kagotho Elizabeth , Shinriki Satoru , Seto Andrew , Smith Adam C. , Care Melanie , Maze Dawn , Sibai Hassan , Yee Karen W. , Schuh Andre C. , Kim Dennis Dong Hwan , Gupta Vikas , Minden Mark D. , Matsui Hirotaka , Capo-Chichi José-Mario
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Inherited DDX41 mutations cause familial predisposition to hematologic malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), with the majority of DDX41 mutated MDS/AMLs described to date harboring germline DDX41 and co-occurring somatic DDX41 variants. DDX41-AMLs were shown to share distinguishing clinical features such as a late AML onset and an indolent disease associated with a favorable outcome. However, genotype-phenotype correlation in DDX41-MDS/AMLs remain poorly understood.

Methods

Here, we studied the genetic profile, bone marrow morphology and immunophenotype of 51 patients with DDX41 mutations. We further assessed the functional impact of ten previously uncharacterized DDX41 variants of uncertain significance.

Results

Our results demonstrate that MDS/AML cases harboring two DDX41 variants share specific clinicopathologic hallmarks that are not seen in other patients with monoallelic DDX41 related hematologic malignancies. We further showed that the features seen in these individuals with two DDX41 variants were concordant with biallelic DDX41 disruption.

Discussion

Here, we expand on previous clinicopathologic findings on DDX41 mutated hematologic malignancies. Functional analyses conducted in this study unraveled previously uncharacterized DDX41 alleles and further illustrate the implication of biallelic disruption in the pathophysiology of this distinct AML entity.
Microscopic and endoscopic “chopstick” technique removal of choroid plexus papilloma in the third ventricle of an infant: a case report with systematic review of literature
Authors: Li Weiwei , Li Zongping , Wei Chengyan , Yang Xiaoyong , Ji Yuzhu , Liu Hongyuan
Published: June 2023

Background

Choroid plexus papilloma (CPP) is rare and even rarer in infants and young children, and it usually occurs in the ventricles. Due to the physical peculiarities of infants, tumor removal by microscopic or endoscopic surgery alone is difficult.

Case Presentation

A 3-month-old patient was found to have an abnormally enlarged head circumference for 7 days. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination revealed a lesion in the third ventricle. The patient underwent combined microscopic and endoscopic “chopstick” technique to remove the tumor. He recovered well after the surgery. Postoperative pathological examination revealed CPP. Postoperative MRI suggested total resection of the tumor. Follow-up for 1 month showed no recurrence or distant metastasis.

Conclusions

Combined microscopic and endoscopic “chopstick” technique may be a suitable approach to remove tumors in infant ventricles.
Persistent fifth aortic arch: a comprehensive literature review
Authors: Shan Haiyan , Du Xiaolan , Zheng Guangrong , Ke Tengfei , Liao Chengde , Yang Haiyan
Published: June 2023

Persistent fifth aortic arch (PFAA) is an extremely rare congenital cardiovascular anomaly resulting from the failure of the fifth aortic arch to degenerate during embryonic development; it is often associated with various other cardiovascular anomalies. Despite being first reported by Van Praagh in 1969, there have been only a few individual case reports. Owing to its rarity and lack of comprehensive understanding, PFAA is often misdiagnosed or missed diagnosed during clinical. Thus, this review aimed to summarise the embryonic development, pathological classification, imaging diagnosis, and clinical treatment of PFAA to improve its overall understanding, ultimately helping in accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Androgen deprivation therapy plus abiraterone or docetaxel as neoadjuvant therapy for very-high-risk prostate cancer: a pooled analysis of two phase II trials
Authors: Zhuang Junlong , Wang Yuwen , Zhang Shun , Fu Yao , Huang Haifeng , Lyu Xiaoyu , Zhang Shiwei , Marra Giancarlo , Xu Linfeng , Qiu Xuefeng , Guo Hongqian
Published: June 2023

Objective: The study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with abiraterone or docetaxel versus ADT alone as neoadjuvant therapy in patients with very-high-risk localized prostate cancer.

Methods: This was a pooled analysis of two single-center, randomized, controlled, phase II clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04356430 and NCT04869371) conducted from December 2018 to March 2021. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (ADT plus abiraterone or docetaxel) and control (ADT alone) groups at a 2:1 ratio. Efficacy was evaluated by pathological complete response (pCR), minimal residual disease (MRD), and 3-year biochemical progression-free survival (bPFS). Safety was also analyzed.

Results: The study included 42 participants in the ADT group, 47 in the ADT plus docetaxel group, and 48 in the ADT plus abiraterone group. A total of 132 (96.4%) participants had very-high-risk prostate cancer, and 108 (78.8%) had locally advanced disease. The ADT plus docetaxel group (28%) and ADT plus abiraterone group (31%) had higher rates of pCR or MRD (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001) compared with the ADT group (2%). The 3-year bPFS was 41.9% (95% CI: 26.6–57.2), 51.1% (95% CI: 36.8–65.4), and 61.2% (95% CI: 45.5–76.9), respectively. Significant difference was found among groups in terms of bPFS (p = 0.037).

Conclusion: Compared with ADT alone, neoadjuvant therapy with ADT plus docetaxel or abiraterone could achieve better pathological outcomes (pCR or MRD) for very-high-risk localized prostate cancer. The ADT plus abiraterone group showed longer bPFS than ADT alone. The combination regimens were tolerable.
NaCl Pretreatment Enhances the Low Temperature Tolerance of Tomato Through Photosynthetic Acclimation
Authors: Yang Xiaolong , Zou Fengyu , Zhang Yumeng , Shi Jiali , Qi Mingfang , Liu Yufeng , Li Tianlai
Published: June 2023

Plants often need to withstand multiple types of environmental stresses (e.g., salt and low temperature stress) because of their sessile nature. Although the physiological responses of plants to single stressor have been well-characterized, few studies have evaluated the extent to which pretreatment with non-lethal stressors can maintain the photosynthetic performance of plants in adverse environments (i.e., acclimation-induced cross-tolerance). Here, we studied the effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) pretreatment on the photosynthetic performance of tomato plants exposed to low temperature stress by measuring photosynthetic and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, stomatal aperture, chloroplast quality, and the expression of stress signaling pathway-related genes. NaCl pretreatment significantly reduced the carbon dioxide assimilation rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal aperture of tomato leaves, but these physiological acclimations could mitigate the adverse effects of subsequent low temperatures compared with non-pretreated tomato plants. The content of photosynthetic pigments decreased and the ultra-microstructure of chloroplasts was damaged under low temperature stress, and the magnitude of these adverse effects was alleviated by NaCl pretreatment. The quantum yield of photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII), the quantum yield of regulatory energy dissipation, and non-photochemical energy dissipation owing to donor-side limitation decreased following NaCl treatment; however, the opposite patterns were observed when NaCl-pretreated plants were exposed to low temperature stress. Similar results were obtained for the electron transfer rate of PSI, the electron transfer rate of PSII, and the estimated cyclic electron flow value (CEF). The production of reactive oxygen species induced by low temperature stress was also significantly alleviated by NaCl pretreatment. The expression of ion channel and tubulin-related genes affecting stomatal aperture, chlorophyll synthesis genes, antioxidant enzyme-related genes, and abscisic acid (ABA) and low temperature signaling-related genes was up-regulated in NaCl-pretreated plants under low temperature stress. Our findings indicated that CEF-mediated photoprotection, stomatal movement, the maintenance of chloroplast quality, and ABA and low temperature signaling pathways all play key roles in maintaining the photosynthetic capacity of NaCl-treated tomato plants under low temperature stress.
Systematic review and rationale of using psychedelics in the treatment of cannabis use disorder
Authors: Phan Angela N. , Terry Garth E.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is prevalent in ~2–5% of adults in the United States and is anticipated to increase as restrictions to cannabis decrease and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in cannabis products increase. No FDA-approved medications for CUD are currently available, despite trials of dozens of re-purposed and novel drugs. Psychedelics have garnered interest as a therapeutic class in other substance use disorders, and self-report surveys suggest they may result in positive outcomes for CUD. Herein, we review the existing literature pertaining to psychedelic use in persons with or at risk for CUD and consider the potential rationale underpinning psychedelics as a treatment for CUD.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in several databases. Inclusion criteria were primary research reporting use of psychedelics or related substances and CUD for treatment in human subjects. Exclusion criteria were results including psychedelics or related substances without changes in cannabis use or risks associated with CUD.

Results

Three hundred and five unique results were returned. One article was identified using the non-classical psychedelic ketamine in CUD; three articles were identified as topically relevant based on their secondary data or consideration of mechanism. Additional articles were reviewed for purposes of background, review of safety considerations, and formulating rationale.

Conclusion

Limited data and reporting are available on the use of psychedelics in persons with CUD, and more research is needed given the anticipated increase in CUD incidence and increasing interest in psychedelic use. While psychedelics, broadly, have a high therapeutic index with infrequent serious adverse effects, particular adverse effects at risk in the CUD population, such as psychosis and cardiovascular events, should be considered. Possible mechanisms by which psychedelics have therapeutic potential in CUD are explored.
Knowledge, confidence, and reported behaviors that promote safe water drinking among women of reproductive age
Authors: Kodjebacheva Gergana Damianova , Lapeyrouse Lisa M. , Okungbowa-Ikponmwosa Jennifer , Walker Loretta , Campbell Kanday , Cupal Suzanne
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Drinking lead contaminated water during pregnancy is associated with infant mortality. All women of reproductive age are advised by health agencies to adhere to healthy behaviors due to the chance of unintended pregnancy. Our objectives are to understand knowledge, confidence, and reported behaviors that promote safe water drinking and prevent lead exposure among women of reproductive age.

Methods

A survey among females of reproductive age from the University of Michigan - Flint was administered. A total of 83 females who wished to become pregnant one day participated.

Results

Low levels of knowledge, confidence, and reported preventative health behaviors related to safe water drinking and lead exposure prevention existed. Specifically, 71.1% of respondents (59 of 83) were not at all or were somewhat confident in their ability to choose an appropriate lead water filter. Most participants rated their knowledge on how to decrease exposure to lead during pregnancy as poor/fair. No statistically significant differences were detected between respondents residing inside and outside of the city of Flint, Michigan for most variables assessed.

Conclusion

While the small sample size is a limitation, the study adds to an area of scarce research. Despite widespread media attention and resources directed toward reducing the negative health effects of lead exposure following the Flint Water Crisis, significant gaps in knowledge related to safe water drinking remain. Interventions are needed to increase knowledge, confidence, and healthy behaviors that promote safe water drinking among women of reproductive age.
HIV and HCV screening by non-infectious diseases physicians: can we improve testing and hidden infection rates?
Authors: García-Ruiz de Morales Alejandro G. , Martínez-Sanz Javier , Vivancos-Gallego María J. , Sánchez-Conde Matilde , Vélez-Díaz-Pallarés Manuel , Romero-Hernández Beatriz , Vázquez María Dolores González , de Luque Carmen María Cano , González-Sarria Ander , Galán Juan Carlos , Rodríguez Francisco Gea , Moreno Santiago , Pérez-Elías María Jesús
Published: June 2023

Background

Missed opportunities for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) testing remain high. We aimed to ascertain the knowledge of screening guidelines and attitudes of non-infectious disease (ID) hospital physicians and assess the impact of a 1-h session on screening rates and diagnoses.

Methods

This interventional study consisted of a 1-h training session on HIV and HCV epidemiology and testing guidelines for non-ID physicians. Pre-and post-session questionnaires compared the knowledge of the guidelines and attitudes toward screening before and after the session. Rates of screening and diagnoses were compared in three 6 months periods: before, immediately after, and 24 months ±4 after the session.

Results

A total of 345 physicians from 31 departments participated in these sessions. Before the session, 19.9% (28% medical, 8% surgical) and 17.9% (30% medical, 2.7% surgical) were aware of HIV and HCV testing guidelines, respectively. The willingness to routinely test increased from 5.6 to 22%, whereas not ordering tests decreased from 34.1 to 2.4%. HIV screening rates significantly increased by 20% after the session (7.7 vs. 9.3 tests per 103 patients; p < 0.001), and the effect persisted until the long-term period. The HIV diagnosis rate increased globally (3.6 vs. 5.2 HIV diagnoses per 105 patients; p = 0.157), mainly because of medical services (4.7 vs. 7.7 per 105 patients; p = 0.082). The HCV screening rate increased significantly immediately and in the long term only in medical services (15.7 and 13.6%, respectively). The new active HCV infection rates increased immediately and declined steeply thereafter.

Conclusion

A short session for non-ID physicians can improve HIV/HCV screening, increase diagnosis, and contribute to disease elimination.
Determinants of active aging and quality of life among older adults: systematic review
Authors: Marzo Roy Rillera , Khanal Praval , Shrestha Sunil , Mohan Devi , Myint Phyo K. , Su Tin Tin
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Population demography across the globe shows an increasing trend in the aging population due to better healthcare, improved nutrition, advanced health-related technology, and decreased fertility rate. Despite these advancements, there remains a knowledge gap in understanding the association between active aging determinants and quality of life (QoL) among older adults, particularly within diverse cultural contexts, which has not been adequately explored in previous research. Therefore, understanding the association between active aging determinants and QoL can help policymakers plan early interventions or programs to assist future older adults in both aging actively and optimizing their quality of life (QoL), as these two factors have a bidirectional relationship.

Objective

This study aimed to review evidence regarding the association between active aging and quality of life (QoL) among older adults and to determine the most widely used study designs and measurement instruments in studies conducted between 2000 and 2020.

Methods

Relevant studies were identified by a systematic search of four electronic databases and cross-reference lists. Original studies examining the association between active aging and QoL in individuals aged 60 years or older were considered. The quality of the included studies and the direction and consistency of the association between active aging and QoL were assessed.

Results

A total of 26 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. Most studies reported a positive association between active aging and QoL among older adults. Active aging had a consistent association with various QoL domains including physical environment, health and social services, social environment, economic, personal, and behavioral determinants.

Conclusion

Active aging had a positive and consistent association with several QoL domains among older adults, backing the notion that the better the active aging determinants, the better the QoL among older adults. Considering the broader literature, it is necessary to facilitate and encourage the active participation of older adults in physical, social, and economic activities for the maintenance and/or improvement of QoL. Identifying other possible determinants and enhancing the methods to improve those determinants may help improve the QoL among older adults.
Syndemic factors associated with non-fatal overdose among young opioid users in New York City
Authors: Guarino Honoria , Frank David , Quinn Kelly , Kim Dongah , Gile Krista , Ruggles Kelly , Friedman Samuel R. , Mateu-Gelabert Pedro
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Rates of illicit opioid use are particularly high among young adults, yet research on overdose experience and factors associated with overdose in this population remains limited. This study examines the experiences and correlates of non-fatal overdose among young adults using illicit opioids in New York City (NYC).

Methods

539 participants were recruited via Respondent-Driven Sampling in 2014-2016. Eligibility criteria included: aged 18–29 years old; current residence in NYC; and nonmedical prescription opioid (PO) use and/or heroin use in the past 30 days. Participants completed structured interviews to assess their socio-demographics, drug use trajectories, current substance use and lifetime and most recent overdose experiences, and were tested on-site for hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies.

Results

43.9% of participants reported lifetime overdose experience; of these, 58.8% had experienced two or more overdose events. The majority of participants’ most recent overdoses (63.5%) were due to polysubstance use. In bivariable analyses, after RDS adjustment, having ever overdosed was correlated with: household income of >$100,00 growing up (vs. $51,000-100,000); lifetime homelessness; HCV antibody-positive status; lifetime engagement in regular nonmedical benzodiazepine use, regular heroin injection and regular PO injection; and using a non-sterile syringe in the past 12 months. Multivariable logistic regression identified childhood household income >$100,00 (AOR=1.88), HCV-positive status (AOR=2.64), benzodiazepine use (AOR=2.15), PO injection (AOR=1.96) and non-sterile syringe use (AOR=1.70) as significant independent correlates of lifetime overdose. A multivariable model with multiple overdoses (vs. one) found only lifetime regular heroin use and PO injection to be strong correlates.

Discussion

Results indicate a high prevalence of lifetime and repeated overdose among opioid-using young adults in NYC, highlighting a need for intensified overdose prevention efforts for this population. The strong associations of HCV and indices of polydrug use with overdose suggest that prevention efforts should address the complex risk environment in which overdose occurs, attending to the overlapping nature of disease-related risk behavior and overdose risk behavior among young people who inject opioids. Overdose prevention efforts tailored for this group may find it useful to adopt a syndemic conception of overdose that understands such events as resulting from multiple, and often interrelated, risk factors.
Prevalence and genetic characterization of clinically relevant extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries
Authors: Hadi Hamad A. , Al-Hail Hissa , Aboidris Leena Elsheikh , Al-Orphaly Mahmood , Ahmed Mazen A. Sid , Samuel Bincy Gladson , Mohamed Hana Adam , Sultan Ali A. , Skariah Sini
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Among Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), Enterobacterales (Enterobacterales), such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), are the most clinically relevant pathogens in healthcare settings. Infections secondary to these pathogens are widely common but multidrug resistance (MDR) in Enterobacterales has become a significant challenge with increased morbidity, mortality, and cost of management. The escalating global prevalence of MDR in Enterobacterales has led to limited treatment options, raising an urgent need for novel antimicrobial therapy(s) and detailed studies exploring underlying resistance mechanisms. In Enterobacterales, the prime antimicrobial resistance mechanism against β-lactam antibiotics is mainly the production of β-lactamases, particularly extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). Although the Gulf region is witnessing major challenges from infections secondary to MDR GNB, the extent of the problem has not been fully evaluated. Therefore, this review aims to address the prevalence and genetic characterization of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Methods

PubMed® (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA) search was conducted, which looked for academic articles discussing the epidemiology of MDR Enterobacterales in the GCC countries, published in the last 5 years.

Results and conclusions

In GCC countries there is a high prevalence rate of MDR Enterobacterales, particularly ESBLs. Prevalence rates of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales among the Enterobacterales in general clinical samples in the GCC region is 21.6%–29.3%, with a slightly higher prevalence rate in intensive care unit patients (17.3–31.3%) and in patients with urinary tract infections (25.2%–31.7%). ESBL carriers have also been noted in the general community. ESBL-producing Enterobacterales from the GCC region show high levels of resistance to ampicillin, aztreonam, third-/fourth-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Intermediate resistance rates are observed against nitrofurantoin, piperacillin/tazobactam, and gentamicin, with increasing resistance observed against tigecycline. The isolates demonstrate low-level resistance to carbapenems, fosfomycin, colistin, and amikacin. Enterobacterales isolates that are concomitant ESBL producers and are carbapenem resistant have been increasingly reported and demonstrate alarmingly increased antibiotic resistance patterns compared with ESBL Enterobacterales. The most prevalent genes for ESBL resistance in the Enterobacterales isolates in the GCC region are: blaCTX-M (subtype group 1) followed by/co-dominated by blaTEM and blaSHV, whereas the most common carbapenem-resistant genes are blaOXA-48 and blaNDM-1.
Problem solving and collaborative involvement among adolescents with spinal cord injury and their caregivers
Authors: Clark Olivia E. , Rivelli Anne L. , Mroczkowski Alison L. , Espino Susan Ryerson , Kelly Erin Hayes , Vogel Lawrence C. , Zebracki Kathy
Published: June 2023

Objective

To determine the relationship between constructive adolescent problem solving (positive problem-solving orientation and rational problem-solving style) and caregiver problem solving and collaborative involvement with primary caregiver among adolescents with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Positive constructive adolescent problem solving was hypothesized to be predicted by more effective caregiver problem solving and higher collaborative involvement.

Methods

Participants in this cross-sectional study were 79 adolescent and primary caregiver dyads recruited from a pediatric rehabilitation care system in North America. All participants completed a standardized problem-solving instrument and adolescent participants completed an adapted measure of collaborative parent involvement.

Results

More effective caregiver problem solving and adolescent perceptions of more collaboration with caregivers around SCI care were significantly associated with higher positive problem-solving orientation and higher rational problem-solving style among adolescents.

Conclusions

Results underscore the importance of caregiver problem-solving skills and their collaboration with adolescents with SCI when addressing care needs. Clinically, findings highlight opportunities for parent involvement and skill-building as an important factor of rehabilitation for adolescents with SCI.
Increasing access to specialist care with group medical visits: summary of a pilot in a post-crisis psychiatric clinic
Authors: Palay Josh , Bolton James M. , Sareen Jitender , Hensel Jennifer M.
Published: June 2023

Background

Group medical visits (GMVs) have strong evidence of acceptability and effectiveness in the management of chronic medical diseases. Adaptation of GMVs for psychiatric care has potential to increase access, decrease stigma and save costs. Despite promise, this model has not been widely adopted.

Methods

A novel GMV pilot was implemented for psychiatric care post-crisis among patients with primary mood or anxiety disorders who required medication management. Participants filled out PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales at each visit in order to track their progress. After discharge, charts were reviewed for demographics, medication changes and symptom changes. Patient characteristics were compared between those who attended and those who didn't. Changes in total PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores among attendees were assessed with paired t-tests.

Results

Forty-eight patients were enrolled between October 2017 and the end of December 2018, 41 of whom consented to participate. Of those, 10 did not attend, 8 attended but did not complete, and 23 completed. Baseline PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores did not differ significantly between groups. Significant and meaningful reductions in PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores from baseline to last visit attended occurred among those who attended at least 1 visit (decrease of 5.13 and 5.26 points, respectively).

Conclusions

This GMV pilot demonstrated feasibility of the model as well as positive outcomes for patients recruited in a post-crisis setting. This model has the potential to increase access to psychiatric care in the face of limited resources, however the failure of the pilot to sustain highlights challenges to be addressed in future pivots.
A hybrid soft material robotic end-effector for reversible in-space assembly of strut components
Authors: Hammond Maxwell , Dempsey Anthony , Ward William , Stewart Stephen , Neilan James H. , Friz Jessica , Lamuta Caterina , Cichella Venanzio
Published: June 2023

Based on the NASA in-Space Assembled Telescope (iSAT) study (Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 2019, 51, 50) which details the design and requirements for a 20-m parabolic in-space telescope, NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) has been developing structural and robotic solutions to address the needs of building larger in-space assets. One of the structural methods studied involves stackable and collapsible modular solutions to address launch vehicle volume constraints. This solution uses a packing method that stacks struts in a dixie-cup like manner and a chemical composite bonding technique that reduces weight of the structure, adds strength, and offers the ability to de-bond the components for structural modifications. We present in this paper work towards a soft material robot end-effector, capable of suppling the manipulability, pressure, and temperature requirements for the bonding/de-bonding of these conical structural components. This work is done to investigate the feasibility of a hybrid soft robotic end-effector actuated by Twisted and Coiled Artificial Muscles (TCAMs) for in-space assembly tasks. TCAMs are a class of actuator which have garnered significant recent research interest due to their allowance for high force to weight ratio when compared to other popular methods of actuation within the field of soft robotics, and a muscle-tendon actuation design using TCAMs leads to a compact and lightweight system with controllable and tunable behavior. In addition to the muscle-tendon design, this paper also details the early investigation of an induction system for adhesive bonding/de-bonding and the sensors used for benchtop design and testing. Additionally, we discuss the viability of Robotic Operating System 2 (ROS2) and Gazebo modeling environments for soft robotics as they pertain to larger simulation efforts at LaRC. We show real world test results against simulation results for a method which divides the soft, continuous material of the end-effector into discrete links connected by spring-like joints.
High incidence and viral load of HHV-6A in a multi-centre kidney transplant cohort
Authors: Blazquez-Navarro Arturo , Roch Toralf , Wehler Patrizia , Kaliszczyk Sviatlana , Bauer Chris , Thieme Constantin , Rosiewicz Kamil S. , Stervbo Ulrik , Anft Moritz , Reinke Petra , Hugo Christian , Zgoura Panagiota , Viebahn Richard , Westhoff Timm , Or-Guil Michal , Babel Nina
Published: June 2023

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a common opportunistic pathogen in kidney transplant recipients. Two distinct species of HHV-6, HHV-6A and HHV-6B, have been identified, of which the latter seems to be dominant. However, it is unclear whether they increase the likelihood of other viral reactivations. We characterized a multi-centre cohort of 93 patients along nine study visits for viral load. We tested for the following viruses: HHV-6A and HHV-6B, the herpesviruses cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the polyomavirus BK (BKV). We detected HHV-6A viral load in 48 (51.6%) patients, while the incidence of HHV-6B was much lower, being detected in 6 (6.5%) patients. The incidence of HHV-6A was higher than of BKV, CMV and EBV. HHV-6A also demonstrated higher viral loads than the rest of viruses. There was a non-significant trend of association between HHV-6A and HHV-6B as co-infection, whereas no increased incidence of other viruses among patients with HHV-6A reactivation was observed. There was no negative effect of high HHV-6A (>10,000 copies/ml) load on markers of renal graft and hepatic function or blood count twelve months post-transplant. In contrast to previously published data, our results show a clear dominance of HHV-6A in peripheral blood when compared to HHV-6B, with higher incidence and viral load levels. Despite the high HHV-6A loads observed, we did not identify any negative effects on posttransplant outcome.
Case report: Traumatic lumbosacral spondyloptosis with locked L5 inferior articular process
Authors: Tang Tao , Liu Yuchi , Cao Jian , Wu Tianlong , He Dingwen , Cheng Xigao , Xie Shuihua
Published: June 2023

Background

Traumatic lumbosacral spondyloptosis is a very rare spinal disease caused by high-energy trauma. We report a case of traumatic lumbosacral spondyloptosis with locked L5 inferior articular process.

Case presentation

A 33-year-old man presented with multisite pain for 6 h following waist trauma and was admitted to the hospital. He suffered multiple injuries from severe impact on the waist after driving an out of control forklift truck. Preoperative imaging examinations revealed that the patient was diagnosed with traumatic lumbosacral spondyloptosis and the L5 inferior articular process was locked into the anterior margin of the S1 vertebra. A posterior instrumentation, decompression of the cauda equina, and interbody fusion procedure was performed. The patient received hyperbaric oxygen and rehabilitation treatment 10 days after the surgery. At the 6-month postoperative follow-up, the muscle strength of the lower limbs was improved, the patient had no numbness of both lower limbs, and the urinary retention symptom was significantly improved. The American Spinal Injury Association grade improved from grade C preoperatively to grade D postoperatively. As far as we know, there have been no relevant reports on traumatic lumbosacral spondyloptosis with locked L5 inferior articular process yet.

Conclusion

We believe that the hyperflexion and shear forces were the potential causes of this injury. In addition, the preoperative imaging examinations should be evaluated carefully. If the inferior articular process of L5 were locked, we suggest removing the bilateral inferior articular processes first and then perform reduction.
Association Between Family Atmosphere and Internet Addiction Among Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem and Negative Emotions
Authors: Shi Yijian , Tang Zijun , Gan Zhilin , Hu Manji , Liu Yang
Published: June 2023

Objectives: Family atmosphere is a significant predictor of internet addiction in adolescents. Based on the vulnerability model of emotion and the compensatory internet use theory, this study examined whether self-esteem and negative emotions (anxiety, depression) mediated the relationship between family atmosphere and internet addiction in parallel and sequence.

Methods: A total of 3,065 Chinese middle school and high school students (1,524 females, mean age = 13.63 years, SD = 4.24) participated. They provided self-reported data on demographic variables, family atmosphere, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and internet addiction through the Scale of Systemic Family Dynamic, Self-Esteem Scale, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, and Internet Addiction Test, respectively. We employed Hayes PROCESS macro for the SPSS program to scrutinize the suggested mediation model.

Results: It revealed that self-esteem, anxiety, and depression mediated the relationship between family atmosphere and internet addiction in parallel and sequence. The pathway of family atmosphere-self-esteem-internet addiction played a more important role than others.

Conclusion: The present study confirmed the mediating role of self-esteem and negative emotions between family atmosphere and internet addiction, providing intervention studies with important targeting factors.
Cognitive Load Assessment of Air Traffic Controller Based on SCNN-TransE Network Using Speech Data
Authors: Yang Jing , Yang Hongyu , Wu Zhengyuan , Wu Xiping
Published: June 2023

Due to increased air traffic flow, air traffic controllers (ATCs) operate in a state of high load or even overload for long periods of time, which can seriously affect the reliability and efficiency of controllers’ commands. Thus, the early identification of ATCs who are overworked is crucial to the maintenance of flight safety while increasing overall flight efficiency. This study uses a comprehensive comparison of existing cognitive load assessment methods combined with the characteristics of the ATC as a basis from which a method for the utilization of speech parameters to assess cognitive load is proposed. This method is ultimately selected due to the minimal interference of the collection equipment and the abundance of speech signals. The speech signal is pre-processed to generate a Mel spectrogram, which contains temporal information in addition to energy, tone, and other spatial information. Therefore, a speech cognitive load evaluation model based on a stacked convolutional neural network (CNN) and the Transformer encoder (SCNN-TransE) is proposed. The use of a CNN and the Transformer encoder allows us to extract spatial features and temporal features, respectively, from contextual information from speech data and facilitates the fusion of spatial features and temporal features into spatio-temporal features, which improves our method’s ability to capture the depth features of speech. We conduct experiments on air traffic control communication data, which show that the detection accuracy and F1 score of SCNN-TransE are better than the results from the support-vector machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), random forest (RF), adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), and stacked CNN parallel long short-term memory with attention (SCNN-LSTM-Attention) models, reaching values of 97.48% and 97.07%, respectively. Thus, our proposed model can realize the effective evaluation of cognitive load levels.
Modeling and Performance Analysis of a Pump-Driven Chip-Level Two-Phase Cooling System in Data Centers
Authors: Wang Leixin , Cheng Hao , Yang Tongzhi , Yuan Weixing , Ren Kexian
Published: June 2023

As a powerful solution for heat dissipation in data centers, chip-level cooling continues to capture escalating attention in research and application domains. To accurately analyze system performance, identify potential avenues for system optimization, and inform future practical applications, we developed a steady-state, one-dimensional mathematical model for a novel pump-driven chip-level two-phase cooling system (PCTCS). This model was constructed based on our previous study and was confirmed against existing experimental data. Our simulations scrutinized PCTCS performance under default conditions and investigated the effects of key parameters, such as refrigerant type, condenser vertical positioning, and cooling water temperature. Results showed that the system could manage an 80 W power output from each CPU while maintaining CPU temperatures around 79 °C at a cooling water temperature of 45 °C. We discovered the choice of refrigerant had a significant impact on performance, with R32 outperforming R134a and R113. While the vertical position of the condenser influenced the PCTCS’s internal parameters, its overall impact on system performance was negligible. Moreover, provided the chip temperature remained within a safe range, our study found that increasing the cooling water temperature improved the energy efficiency ratio of the refrigerant pump and reduced the temperature difference between the chips and the cold source.
Extreme Gradient Boosting Tuned with Metaheuristic Algorithms for Predicting Myeloid NGS Onco-Somatic Variant Pathogenicity
Authors: Pellegrino Eric , Camilla Clara , Abbou Norman , Beaufils Nathalie , Pissier Christel , Gabert Jean , Nanni-Metellus Isabelle , Ouafik L’Houcine
Published: June 2023

The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has revolutionized the field of bioinformatics and genomics, particularly in the area of onco-somatic genetics. NGS has provided a wealth of information about the genetic changes that underlie cancer and has considerably improved our ability to diagnose and treat cancer. However, the large amount of data generated by NGS makes it difficult to interpret the variants. To address this, machine learning algorithms such as Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) have become increasingly important tools in the analysis of NGS data. In this paper, we present a machine learning tool that uses XGBoost to predict the pathogenicity of a mutation in the myeloid panel. We optimized the performance of XGBoost using metaheuristic algorithms and compared our predictions with the decisions of biologists and other prediction tools. The myeloid panel is a critical component in the diagnosis and treatment of myeloid neoplasms, and the sequencing of this panel allows for the identification of specific genetic mutations, enabling more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans. We used datasets collected from our myeloid panel NGS analysis to train the XGBoost algorithm. It represents a data collection of 15,977 mutations variants composed of a collection of 13,221 Single Nucleotide Variants (SNVs), 73 Multiple Nucleoid Variants (MNVs), and 2683 insertion deletions (INDELs). The optimal XGBoost hyperparameters were found with Differential Evolution (DE), with an accuracy of 99.35%, precision of 98.70%, specificity of 98.71%, and sensitivity of 1.