bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic partnerships to improve surgical care in the Asia–Pacific region: proceedings
Authors: Qin Rennie X. , Stankey Makela , Jayaram Anusha , Fowler Zachary G. , Yoon Sangchul , Watters David , Gelb Adrian W. , Park Kee B.
Published: July 2023

Emergency and essential surgery is a critical component of universal health coverage. Session three of the three-part virtual meeting series on Strategic Planning to Improve Surgical, Obstetric, Anaesthesia, and Trauma Care in the Asia–Pacific Region focused on strategic partnerships. During this session, a range of partner organisations, including intergovernmental organisations, professional associations, academic and research institutions, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector provided an update on their work in surgical system strengthening in the Asia–Pacific region. Partner organisations could provide technical and implementation support for National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia Planning (NSOAP) in a number of areas, including workforce strengthening, capacity building, guideline development, monitoring and evaluation, and service delivery. Participants emphasised the importance of several forms of strategic collaboration: 1) collaboration across the spectrum of care between emergency, critical, and surgical care, which share many common underlying health system requirements; 2) interprofessional collaboration between surgery, obstetrics, anaesthesia, diagnostics, nursing, midwifery among other professions; 3) regional collaboration, particularly between Pacific Island Countries, and 4) South-South collaboration between low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in mutual knowledge sharing. Partnerships between high-income countries (HIC) and LMIC organisations must include LMIC participants at a governance level for shared decision-making. Areas for joint action that emerged in the discussion included coordinated advocacy efforts to generate political view, developing common monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and utilising remote technology for workforce development and service delivery.
Filter cake extract from the beet sugar industry as an economic growth medium for the production of Spirulina platensis as a microbial cell factory for protein
Authors: Saad Sara , Hussien Mervat Hosny , Abou-ElWafa Ghada Samir , Aldesuquy Heshmat Soliman , Eltanahy Eladl
Published: July 2023

Background

Beet filter cake (BFC) is a by-product of sugar beet processing, which is difficult to dispose of and involves severe environmental concerns. Spirulina platensis is a microalga with a high protein content essential for human and animal nutrition. The present study aimed to utilize the beet filter cake extract (BFCE) to produce Spirulina platensis commercially. However, the cultivation of S. platensis on BFCE to produce economically single-cell protein has not been reported previously.

Results

The batch experiment revealed the maximum dry weight at Zarrouk’s medium (0.4 g/L) followed by 0.34 g/L in the treatment of 75% BFCE. The highest protein content was 50% in Zarrouk’s medium, followed by 46.5% in 25% BFCE. However, adding a higher concentration of 100% BFCE led to a protein content of 31.1%. In the adaption experiment, S platensis showed an increase in dry cell weight and protein content from 25 to 75% BFCE (0.69 g/L to 1.12 g/L and 47.0% to 52.54%, respectively) with an insignificant variation compared to Zarrouk’s medium (p ≤ 0.05), indicating that S. platensis can be economically produced when cultivated on 75% BFCE The predicated parameters from response surface methodology were NaNO3 (2.5 g/L), NaHCO3 (0.67 g/L), BFCE (33%) and pH = 8, which resulted in biomass yield and protein content (0.56 g/L and 52.5%, respectively) closer to that achieved using the standard Zarrouk’s medium (0.6 g/L and 55.11%). Moreover, the total essential amino acid content was slightly higher in the optimized medium (38.73%) than SZM (36.98%).

Conclusions

Therefore, BFCE supplemented medium could be used as a novel low-cost alternative growth medium for producing a single-cell protein with acceptable quantity and quality compared to the standard Zarrouk’s medium.

Graphical Abstract
Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic surgery (PTES) and mini-incision L5/S1 OLIF with a self-lock cage for the surgical treatment of L5 spondylolisthesis
Authors: Zhou Tianyao , Gu Yutong
Published: July 2023

Objectives

We reported thirteen cases of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic surgery (PTES) under local anesthesia and mini-incision L5/S1 OLIF (OLIF51) with a self-lock cage for the treatment of L5 spondylolisthesis.

Methods

From Jan 2019 to Feb 2020, the patients with L5 spondylolisthesis with nerve root symptoms undergoing PTES and OLIF51 were included in this study. PTES under local anesthesia was performed in a prone position, and OLIF51 with a self-lock cage and allograft was then undertaken through a left abdominal mini-incision and oblique retroperitoneal approach between bilateral iliac vessels with the external oblique, internal oblique and transverse abdominal muscles bluntly separated in turn for L5/S1 in a right oblique position under general anesthesia. Back and leg pain were preoperatively and postoperatively evaluated using the VAS, and the clinical outcomes were evaluated with the ODI before surgery and at the 2-year follow-up. The anterior and posterior intervertebral space height (AISH, PISH), lumbar lordotic, and surgical segmental lordotic angle (SLA) were measured on lumbar spine X-rays preoperatively and postoperatively. The fusion status was assessed according to Bridwell’s fusion grades.

Results

Thirteen cases of L5 spondylolisthesis were included. The operation duration was 49.1 ± 5.6 min for PTES and 73.6 ± 8.2 min for OLIF. There was blood loss of 25 (15–45) ml. The incision length was 7.5 ± 1.1 mm for PTES and 46.8 ± 3.8 mm for OLIF. The hospital stay was 5 (4–6) days, and the follow-up duration was 29 (24–37) months. For the clinical evaluation, the VAS of back and leg pain significantly dropped after surgery (p < 0.001), and the ODI significantly decreased from 64.7 ± 7.8% to 12.9 ± 4.3% 2 years after surgery (p < 0.001). AISH, PISH and SLA significantly improved after surgery (p < 0.05). Fusion grades based on the Bridwell grading system at the 2-year follow-up were grade I in 9 segments (69.2%) and grade II in 4 segments (30.8%). No patients had any form of permanent iatrogenic nerve damage or major complications. No failure of instruments was observed.

Conclusions

PTES and mini-incision OLIF51 with a self-lock cage is a viable option of minimally invasive surgery for L5 spondylolisthesis, which can achieve direct neurologic decompression, satisfactory fusion and hardly destroys the rectus abdominis and its sheath, paraspinal muscles and bone structures.
An injectable, self-healing, electroconductive hydrogel loaded with neural stem cells and donepezil for enhancing local therapy effect of spinal cord injury
Authors: Liu Tiemei , Zhang Qiang , Li Hongru , Cui Xiaoqian , Qi Zhiping , Yang Xiaoyu
Published: July 2023

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious injury with high mortality and disability rates, and there is no effective treatment at present. It has been reported that some treatments, such as drug intervention and stem cell transplantation have positive effects in promoting neurological recovery. Although those treatments are effective for nerve regeneration, many drawbacks, such as low stem cell survival rates and side effects caused by systemic medication, have limited their development. In recent years, injectable hydrogel materials have been widely used in tissue engineering due to their good biocompatibility, biodegradability, controllable properties, and low invasiveness. The treatment strategy of injectable hydrogels combined with stem cells or drugs has made some progress in SCI repair, showing the potential to overcome the drawbacks of traditional drugs and stem cell therapy.

Methods

In this study, a novel injectable electroactive hydrogel (NGP) based on sodium hyaluronate oxide (SAO) and polyaniline-grafted gelatine (NH2-Gel-PANI) was developed as a material in which to load neural stem cells (NSCs) and donepezil (DPL) to facilitate nerve regeneration after SCI. To evaluate the potential of the prepared NGP hydrogel in SCI repair applications, the surface morphology, self-repairing properties, electrical conductivity and cytocompatibility of the resulting hydrogel were analysed. Meanwhile, we evaluated the neural repair ability of NGP hydrogels loaded with DPL and NSCs using a rat model of spinal cord injury.

Results

The NGP hydrogel has a suitable pore size, good biocompatibility, excellent conductivity, and injectable and self-repairing properties, and its degradation rate matches the repair cycle of spinal cord injury. In addition, DPL could be released continuously and slowly from the NGP hydrogel; thus, the NGP hydrogel could serve as an excellent carrier for drugs and cells. The results of in vitro cell experiments showed that the NGP hydrogel had good cytocompatibility and could significantly promote the neuronal differentiation and axon growth of NSCs, and loading the hydrogel with DPL could significantly enhance this effect. More importantly, the NGP hydrogel loaded with DPL showed a significant inhibitory effect on astrocytic differentiation of NSCs in vitro. Animal experiments showed that the combination of NGP hydrogel, DPL, and NSCs had the best therapeutic effect on the recovery of motor function and nerve conduction function in rats. NGP hydrogel loaded with NSCs and DPL not only significantly increased the myelin sheath area, number of new neurons and axon area but also minimized the area of the cystic cavity and glial scar and promoted neural circuit reconstruction.

Conclusions

The DPL- and NSC-laden electroactive hydrogel developed in this study is an ideal biomaterial for the treatment of traumatic spinal cord injury.
Adsorption of chromium from electroplating wastewater using activated carbon developed from water hyacinth
Authors: Worku Zemene , Tibebu Samuel , Nure Jemal Fito , Tibebu Solomon , Moyo Welldone , Ambaye Abera Demeke , Nkambule Thabo T. I.
Published: July 2023

Industrial wastewater polluted with high concentrations of Cr is commonly discharged into water resources without proper treatment. This gives rise to the deterioration of water quality and imposes adverse effects on public health. Therefore, this study is aimed at removing Cr from electroplating wastewater using activated carbon produced from water hyacinth under a full factorial experimental design with three factors and three levels (pH,2,5 and 8, adsorbent dose 0.5,1and1.5 in 100 mL and contact time 30, 60 and120 min). A phosphoric acid solution of 37% was used to activate the carbon, which was then subjected to thermal decomposition for 15 min at 500 °C. The activated carbon was characterized by the presence of a high surface area (203.83 m2/g) of BET, cracking of adsorbent beads of SEM morphology, amorphous nature of XRD, and many functional groups of FTIR such as hydroxyl (3283 cm−1), alkane (2920 cm−1), nitrile (2114 cm−1) and aromatics (1613 cm−1). The minimum Cr adsorption performance of 15.6% was obtained whereas maximum removal of 90.4% was recorded at the experimental condition of pH 2, adsorbent dose of 1.5 g/100 mL, and contact time of 120 min at a fixed value of initial Cr concentration of 100 mg/L. Similarly, the maximum Cr removal from real electroplating wastewater was 81.2% at this optimum point. Langmuir's model best described the experimental value at R2 0.96 which implies the adsorption is chemically bonded, homogeneous, and monolayer. Pseudo-second-order model best fits with the experimental data with R2 value of 0.99. The adsorbent was regenerated for seven cycles and the removal efficiency decreased from 93.25% to 21.35%. Finally, this technology is promising to be scaled up to an industrial level.
Circulating macrophages as the mechanistic link between mosaic loss of Y-chromosome and cardiac disease
Authors: Xu Xuehong , Zhou Rong , Duan Qinchun , Miao Yuanlin , Zhang Tingting , Wang Mofei , Jones Odell D. , Xu MengMeng
Published: July 2023

Background

Genetics evidences have long linked mosaic loss of Y-chromosome (mLOY) in peripheral leukocytes with a wide range of male age-associated diseases. However, a lack of cellular and molecular mechanistic explanations for this link has limited further investigation into the relationship between mLOY and male age-related disease. Excitingly, Sano et al. have provided the first piece of evidence directly linking mLOY to cardiac fibrosis through mLOY enriched profibrotic transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) regulons in hematopoietic macrophages along with suppressed interleukin-1β (IL-1β) proinflammatory regulons. The results of this novel finding can be extrapolated to other disease related to mLOY, such as cancer, cardiac disease, and age-related macular degeneration.

Results

Sano et al. used a CRISPR-Cas9 gRNAs gene editing induced Y-chromosome ablation mouse model to assess results of a UK biobank prospective analysis implicating the Y-chromosome in male age-related disease. Using this in vivo model, Sano et al. showed that hematopoietic mLOY accelerated cardiac fibrosis and heart failure in male mice through profibrotic pathways. This process was linked to monocyte-macrophage differentiation during hematopoietic development. Mice confirmed to have mLOY in leukocytes, by loss of Y-chromosome genes Kdm5d, Uty, Eif2s3y, and Ddx3y, at similar percentages to the human population were shown to have accelerated rates of interstitial and perivascular fibrosis and abnormal echocardiograms. These mice also recovered poorly from the transverse aortic constriction (TAC) model of heart failure and developed left ventricular dysfunction at higher rates. This was attributed to aberrant proliferation of cardiac MEF-SK4 + fibroblasts promoted by mLOY macrophages enriched in profibrotic regulons and lacking in proinflammatory regulons. These pro-fibrotic macrophages localized to heart and eventually resulted in cardiac fibrosis via enhanced TGF-β1 and suppressed IL-1β signaling. Furthermore, treatment of mLOY mice with TGFβ1 neutralizing antibody was able to improve their cardiac function. This study by Sano et al. was able to provide a causative link between the known association between mLOY and male cardiac disease morbidity and mortality for the first time, and thereby provide a new target for improving human health.

Conclusions

Using a CRISPR-Cas9 induced Y-chromosome ablation mouse model, Sano et al. has proven mosaic loss of Y-chromosome in peripheral myeloid cells to have a causative effect on male mobility and mortality due to male age-related cardiac disease. They traced the mechanism of this effect to hyper-expression of the profibrotic TGF-β1 and reduced pro-inflammatory IL-1β signaling, attenuation of which could provide another potential strategy in improving outcomes against age-related diseases in men.
Are claims of cheap muon production correct?
Authors: Hansen Klavs , Engelen Jos
Published: July 2023

Background

Muon catalyzed fusion is a process, whereby isotopes of hydrogen undergo nuclear fusion thanks to a muon replacing an electron bringing the nuclei within fusion distance. The muon is then ejected and can facilitate a next fusion process. ‘Break even’ has not been achieved yet in spite of the optimization of isotope mixtures and initial muon energy. A main limiting factor is the muon lifetime and the cost in energy of accelerator-based muon production. The possibilities would receive an immense boost toward practical applications if a cheap muon source could be constructed. We challenge a recent publication claiming to have constructed a very intense, yet very ‘cheap’ muon source.

Main text

A recent publication in this journal (Holmlid in Energ Sustain 12:14, 2022, 10.1186/s13705-022-00338-4) promotes the idea that such a source has been constructed and demonstrated. The suggestion is based on a long series of articles by the same author as main investigator. They all center around a spectacular new aggregation state of hydrogen, so called ultra-dense hydrogen (UDH). The claims in the article (Holmlid in Energ Sustain 12:14, 2022, 10.1186/s13705-022-00338-4), as well as in the previous articles, are based on speculations going far beyond the experiments they purport to explain, and on a striking disregard of very well-established facts, both concerning conservation laws, elementary quantum mechanics and the phase diagrams of hydrogen. There are strong arguments why the claimed muon production does not occur and that the suggested evidence for it is a collection of instrumental artefacts.

Conclusion

The muon source suggested by Holmlid (Energ Sustain 12:14, 2022, 10.1186/s13705-022-00338-4) does not produce any muons.
Unique microbial landscape in the human oropharynx during different types of acute respiratory tract infections
Authors: Li Hui , Wu Xiaorong , Zeng Hong , Chang Bozhen , Cui Ying , Zhang Jingxiang , Wang Ruixia , Ding Tao
Published: July 2023

Background

Secondary bacterial infections and pneumonia are major mortality causes of respiratory viruses, and the disruption of the upper respiratory tract (URT) microbiota is a crucial component of this process. However, whether this URT dysbiosis associates with the viral species (in other words, is viral type-specific) is unclear.

Results

Here, we recruited 735 outpatients with upper respiratory symptoms, identified the infectious virus types in 349 participants using multiplex RT-PCR, and profiled their upper respiratory microbiome using the 16S ribosomal RNA gene and metagenomic gene sequencing. Microbial and viral data were subsequently used as inputs for multivariate analysis aimed at revealing viral type-specific disruption of the upper respiratory microbiota. We found that the oropharyngeal microbiota shaped by influenza A virus (FluA), influenza B virus (FluB), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human rhinovirus (HRV) infections exhibited three distinct patterns of dysbiosis, and Veillonella was identified as a prominent biomarker for any type of respiratory viral infections. Influenza virus infections are significantly correlated with increased oropharynx microbiota diversity and enrichment of functional metabolic pathways such as L-arginine biosynthesis and tetracycline resistance gene tetW. We used the GRiD algorithm and found the predicted growth rate of common respiratory pathogens was increased upon influenza virus infection, while commensal bacteria, such as Streptococcus infantis and Streptococcus mitis, may act as a colonization resistance to the overgrowth of these pathogens.

Conclusions

We found that respiratory viral infections are linked with viral type-specific disruption of the upper respiratory microbiota, particularly, influenza infections uniquely associated with increased microbial diversity and growth rates of specific pathogens in URT. These findings are essential for clarifying the differences and dynamics of respiratory microbiota in healthy participants and acute respiratory viral infections, which contribute to elucidating the pathogenesis of viral-host-bacterial interactions to provide insights into future studies on effective prevention and treatment of respiratory tract infections.
Comparative study of ovarian development in wild and captive-reared long-whiskered Sperata aor (Hamilton, 1822)
Authors: Kabir Muhammad Anamul , Iqbal Mohammed Mahbub , Nandi Shishir Kumar , Khanam Mahbuba , Sumon Md Afsar Ahmed , Tahiluddin Albaris B. , Kari Zulhisyam Abdul , Wei Lee Seong , Téllez-Isaías Guillermo
Published: July 2023

Long-whiskered catfishSperata aoris a freshwater catfish known for its supreme flesh quality and fast growth, whose captive-reared broodstock denotes a difficult challenge for aquaculture. The reproductive dysfunctions in long-whiskered catfish raised in tank conditions were observed by comparing tissue biochemical composition and ovarian histology of wild female broodstock. Sixty (60) female broodstocks were used in the current study, consisting of 30 reared at sandy-muddy soil tank bottoms in captive conditions and 30 wild individuals collected from the haor basin during the breeding season. The fish reproductive state was investigated using the biometric and reproductive parameters, biochemical composition and levels of amino acids in the different tissues, and histological analysis of ovarian development. Results revealed that the biometrical parameters of wild and captive female broodstocks exhibited no remarkable difference (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, the wild fish had remarkably higher (p < 0.05) GSI (8.73%), oocyte weight (0.45 mg/egg), and ripeness (27.08%) in comparison with captive-reared broodstock. The total length and body weight, body weight and ovary weight, ovipositor diameter and ovary weight, and GSI and HSI displayed a positive relationship with R2 = 1, R2 = 1, R2 = 0.993, and R2 = 0.973, respectively, for wild broodstock, while R2 = 0.994, R2 = 0.806, R2 = 0.804, and R2 = 0.896, respectively, for captive broodstock. Additionally, the proximate composition in oocytes and liver tissues in both broodstocks did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). However, two essential amino acids (EAA), i.e., lysine and phenylalanine, and two non-essential amino acids, i.e., glutamic acid and glycine, were highly significant differences (p < 0.05) in the oocytes and liver of wild broodstock compared to the captive-reared broodstock. On the other hand, the EAA, e.g., isoleucine, threonine, leucine, and arginine, were highly dominated in both wild and captive female brood oocytes and liver. The ovarian histological slides from each fish group showed three oocytes developmental stages that indicated the asynchronous-reproductive ovarian oocytes of this fish. This study may be useful to fully understand the factors affecting the spawning and reproduction ofS. aorbroodstock, crucial for management in captive conditions as well as conservation and protection for sustainable aquaculture management ofS. aor.
Cognitive perspectives on maintaining physicians’ medical expertise: I. Reimagining Maintenance of Certification to promote lifelong learning
Authors: Rottman Benjamin M. , Caddick Zachary A. , Nokes-Malach Timothy J. , Fraundorf Scott H.
Published: July 2023

Until recently, physicians in the USA who were board-certified in a specialty needed to take a summative test every 6–10 years. However, the 24 Member Boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties are in the process of switching toward much more frequent assessments, which we refer to aslongitudinal assessment. The goal of longitudinal assessments is to provide formative feedback to physicians to help them learn content they do not know as well as serve an evaluation for board certification. We present five articles collectively covering the science behind this change, the likely outcomes, and some open questions. This initial article introduces the context behind this change. This article also discusses various forms of lifelong learning opportunities that can help physicians stay current, including longitudinal assessment, and the pros and cons of each.
Chronic epidural hematoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Agada Nicaise Kpègnon , Bankole Nourou Dine Adeniran , Dossou Mèhomè Wilfried , Badirou Omar Boladji Adébayo , Clement Emeka Alfred , Obame Fresnel Lutèce Ontsi , Lawson Laté Dzidoula , Murhega Romeo Bujiriri , Nyalundja Arsène Daniel , Togbenon Nukunté David Lionel , Alihonou Thierry , Dokponou Yao Christian Hugues
Published: July 2023

Background

Epidural hematoma constitutes a common condition in neuro-traumatology. If its acute form is well known, the chronic one remains less described.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology, clinical presentations, management, and outcomes of chronic epidural hematoma.

Methodology

Systematic searches of PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were performed from a database searching for all studies reporting chronic epidural hematoma. Pooled statistics were calculated using measures of central tendency and spread. The rank correlation test and the regression test, using the standard error of the observed outcomes as predictor, are used to check for funnel plot asymmetry.

Results

A total of 3009 studies were identified, of which 95 were included with 359 patients. Chronic epidural hematoma (CEDH) was more common at the intracranial level than spinal level (91.9% vs 8.1%). The average age of onset was 37.2 ± 4.83 years. The common cause found was trauma (n = 279; 77.72%) with 271 (97.1%) cases for the head and 8 (2.9%) cases for the spine. The mean delay between the trauma and the first symptoms was 13.32 ± 1.73 days in intracranial level and 16.38 ± 2.49 days in spinal level. CT scan constituted the main diagnosis tool. The lesion was predominantly located in the temporal region at the intracranial level and lumbar region at the spinal level. Craniotomy and laminectomy constituted the most reported treatment option, respectively, at the intracranial and spinal level. The outcome was commonly uneventful. Correlation and regression tests for publication bias assessment show no significant funnel plot asymmetry with high p value (p = 0.8458 and p = 0.9596, respectively).

Conclusion

CEDH was commonly related to trauma. Its treatment was mostly surgical at both sites.
Gene co-expression network construction and analysis for identification of genetic biomarkers associated with glioblastoma multiforme using topological findings
Authors: Redekar Seema Sandeep , Varma Satishkumar L. , Bhattacharjee Atanu
Published: July 2023

Background

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most malignant types of central nervous system tumors. GBM patients usually have a poor prognosis. Identification of genes associated with the progression of the disease is essential to explain the mechanisms or improve the prognosis of GBM by catering to targeted therapy. It is crucial to develop a methodology for constructing a biological network and analyze it to identify potential biomarkers associated with disease progression.

Methods

Gene expression datasets are obtained from TCGA data repository to carry out this study. A survival analysis is performed to identify survival associated genes of GBM patient. A gene co-expression network is constructed based on Pearson correlation between the gene’s expressions. Various topological measures along with set operations from graph theory are applied to identify most influential genes linked with the progression of the GBM.

Results

Ten key genes are identified as a potential biomarkers associated with GBM based on centrality measures applied to the disease network. These genes are SEMA3B, APS, SLC44A2, MARK2, PITPNM2, SFRP1, PRLH, DIP2C, CTSZ, and KRTAP4.2. Higher expression values of two genes, SLC44A2 and KRTAP4.2 are found to be associated with progression and lower expression values of seven gens SEMA3B, APS, MARK2, PITPNM2, SFRP1, PRLH, DIP2C, and CTSZ are linked with the progression of the GBM.

Conclusions

The proposed methodology employing a network topological approach to identify genetic biomarkers associated with cancer.
Development of decision-making system measuring the resilience level of highway projects
Authors: Nipa Thahomina Jahan , Kermanshachi Sharareh , Pamidimukkala Apurva
Published: July 2023

The recent increase in the frequency and intensity of disasters has damaged and disrupted transportation infrastructures, thereby significantly increasing the economic losses and slowing the pace of recovery. Resilient infrastructures ensure functionality with minimal discontinuity, but there currently exists rarely a tool for assessing the resilience level of existing transportation infrastructures so that the information can be used to make future constructions more resilient. This study aims to identify the significant dimensions for measuring the resilience of transportation infrastructures and to utilize the dimensions to develop a decision-making tool that can be used to assess the level of resilience. A survey supported by a comprehensive literature review was conducted, and statistical tests were performed on the collected data. It was found that network characteristics (length of the link, number of lanes, number of optional routes, etc.), organizational characteristics (time to start reconstruction work, knowledge of the employee, resilience measurement experience, etc.), and information related to data (previous data availability and data accessibility, etc.) have major impacts on the resilience of transportation infrastructures. Based on the impact of statistically significant indicators, a resilience measurement tool was developed that provides a relative resilience score for projects and reveals how each statistically significant dimension affects the resilience. The outcome of this study will help decision-makers and practitioners prioritize their projects for resilience enhancement activities and provide funding accordingly.
Function and molecular mechanism analysis of CaLasSDE460 effector involved in the pathogenesis of “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” in citrus
Authors: Wang Shuai , Du Meixia , Dong Liting , Qu Rongrong , Ran Danlu , Ma Juanjuan , Wang Xuefeng , Xu Lanzhen , Li Weimin , He Yongrui , Zou Xiuping
Published: July 2023

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CaLas), is the most serious disease worldwide. CaLasSDE460 was previously characterized as a potential virulence factor of CaLas. However, the function and mechanism of CaLasSDE460 involved in CaLas against citrus is still elusive. Here, we showed that transgenic expression of CaLasSDE460 in Wanjincheng oranges (C. sinensis Osbeck) contributed to the early growth of CaLas and the development of symptoms. When the temperature increased from 25 °C to 32 °C, CaLas growth and symptom development in transgenic plants were slower than those in WT controls. RNA-seq analysis of transgenic plants showed that CaLasSDE460 affected multiple biological processes. At 25 °C, transcription activities of the “Protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum” and “Cyanoamino acid metabolism” pathways increased while transcription activities of many pathways decreased at 32 °C. 124 and 53 genes, separately annotated to plant-pathogen interaction and MAPK signaling pathways, showed decreased expression at 32 °C, compared with these (38 for plant-pathogen interaction and 17 for MAPK signaling) at 25 °C. Several important genes (MAPKKK14, HSP70b, NCED3 and WRKY33), remarkably affected by CaLasSDE460, were identified. Totally, our data suggested that CaLasSDE460 participated in the pathogenesis of CaLas through interfering transcription activities of citrus defense response and this interfering was temperature-dependent.

Graphical Abstract
Global youth perspectives on digital health promotion: a scoping review
Authors: Ferretti Agata , Hubbs Shannon , Vayena Effy
Published: July 2023

Background

As digital technology presents the potential to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of health promotion campaigns, adolescents and young adults are an important target population. Young people are establishing behaviors that will contribute to the quality of their health later in life, and thus understanding their particular perspectives and receptivity to digital technologies for health promotion is crucial. With this review we aimed to synthesize the published literature reporting perspectives on digital health promotion (DHP) from adolescents and young adults worldwide.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review of the literature on five research databases. We included papers which defined a target population of young people, and encompassed qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies. Two independent reviewers thematically analyzed the included publications and provided both a quantitative and a narrative synthesis of the views of youth (namely opportunities and concerns) on digital health promotion.

Results

We retrieved and analyzed 50 studies which met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The large majority of these studies were conducted in high-income countries, while only a few collected the perspectives of youth in low- or middle-income countries. Findings revealed the importance of certain technology features, such as user interface design, as well as the significance of lack of personalization or user experience friction, for example, as deterrents to engagement with DHP tools. Ethically relevant aspects, such as those related to privacy or scientific reliability of the tools, did not receive much attention from youth. Yet, DHP for particularly sensitive areas of health elicited more frequent concerns about data security and evidence of effectiveness.

Conclusions

Young people express distinct opinions and preferences concerning the use of digital technologies for health promotion. Our review identified a general appreciation and receptivity on the part of adolescents and young adults towards these technologies, even when taking potential risks into account.
Atezolizumab With or Without Radiotherapy for Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Penis (The PERICLES Study): A Phase II Trial
Authors: de Vries Hielke M. , Rafael Tynisha S. , Gil-Jimenez Alberto , de Feijter Jeantine M. , Bekers Elise , van der Laan Elsbeth , Lopez-Yurda Marta , Hooijberg Erik , Broeks Annegien , Peters Dennis , Seignette Iris M. , Pos Floris J. , Horenblas Simon , van Rhijn Bas W.G. , Jordanova Ekaterina S. , Brouwer Oscar R. , Schaake Eva , van der Heijden Michiel S.
Published: July 2023

Durable antitumor activity to atezolizumab seen in a subset of patients with advanced penile cancer.
Bose-Einstein condensates with Raman-induced spin-orbit coupling: An overview
Authors: Martone Giovanni Italo
Published: July 2023

Since their first realization more than a decade ago spin-orbit-coupled Bose-Einstein condensates have been the subject of intense theoretical and experimental investigations. Spin-orbit coupling deeply modifies the equilibrium properties of the condensate, giving rise to novel configurations such as a supersolid stripe phase and a phase-separated plane-wave state. At the level of dynamics, both the frequency and the nature of the collective modes are significantly affected by the coupling with the spin degree of freedom. Here we review some of the most relevant advances in the field and provide our perspective on possible future research directions.
Citizenship, Contingency, and Futurity
Authors: Pinney Christopher
Published: July 2023

Eschewing national frames in favor of regional patterns, the chapter presents observations concerning “demotic” photographic practices in Nepal, Bangladesh, and India. It attempts to balance differences in local practices with medium specificity. The technical visual conditions of citizenship (such as in the obligatory wearing of a “Dhaka topi” in Nepal) are juxtaposed with a more diffuse “photographability,” as elaborated by Azoulay, which establishes expectations about the relationship between photographic visibility and citizenship claims. With the help of Kracauer, it is then argued that photography is best viewed as a deterritorializing and future-oriented practice that points to what is yet-to-be. The question of “contingency” is embraced in relation to medium specificity, its elimination or minimization being recognized as a cultural ideal but one that is difficult to achieve in practice. Finally, the conflict between Azoulay's vision of the (secular) “citizenry of photography” and a “messianic imagination” is described.
Predicting Subsequent Injury after Being Cleared to Return to Work from Initial Lumbar or Lower Extremity Injury
Authors: RHON DANIEL I. , PLISKY PHILLIP J. , KIESEL KYLE , GREENLEE TINA A. , BULLOCK GARRETT S. , SHAFFER SCOTT W. , GOFFAR STEPHEN L. , TEYHEN DEYDRE S.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a model to predict re-injury after being cleared to return to full duty from an initial injury.

Methods

This was a prediction model derivation cohort study. Military service members cleared for unrestricted full duty after sustaining a musculoskeletal injury were enrolled from three large military hospitals. Medical history, demographics, psychological profile, physical performance (Y-Balance Test™, Functional Movement Screen™, Selective Functional Movement Assessment, triple hop, closed chain ankle dorsiflexion, 2-mile run, 75% bodyweight carry time), and past injury history were assessed. Monthly text messages, medical records and limited duty databases were used to identify injuries resulting in time lost from work in the following year.

Results

Four hundred fifty participants (65 females), ages 18 to 45 yr were analyzed. Fifteen variables were included in the final model. The area under the curve was 0.74 (95% confidence interval, 0.69–0.80), indicating good performance. The calibration score of the model was 1.05 (95% confidence interval, 0.80–1.30) indicating very good performance. With an injury incidence in our cohort of 38.0%, the treat all net benefit was 0.000, and the net benefit of our predictive model was 0.251. This means 25 additional soldiers out of every 100 were correctly identified as high risk for injury compared with not using a prediction model at all.

Conclusions

This multivariable model accurately predicted injury risk after returning for full duty and was better than not using a prediction model at all (an additional 25 of every 100 tactical athletes were correctly identified). This model provides guidance for proper decision making about when these individuals are not ready to return to full duty, with higher risk of a subsequent injury.
Intersection of Race and Socioeconomic Status on Concussion Recovery among NCAA Student-Athletes: A CARE Consortium Study
Authors: BOLTZ ADRIAN J. , MEMMINI ALLYSSA K. , BRETT BENJAMIN L. , SNEDDEN TRACI R. , YENGO-KAHN AARON M. , CHANDRAN AVINASH , CONWAY DARRYL P. , SHAH RUSHIL , PASQUINA PAUL F. , MCALLISTER THOMAS W. , MCCREA MICHAEL A. , MASTER CHRISTINA L. , BROGLIO STEVEN P. ,   CARE CONSORTIUM INVESTIGATORS†
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The objectives of this study are to 1) describe collegiate student-athlete (SA) race and household income and 2) evaluate time to normal academic performance (i.e., return to learn (RTL)), initiation of the return to play (iRTP) protocol, RTP protocol duration, and time to unrestricted RTP (URTP) after sustaining sport-related concussion (SRC).

Methods

Data were collected between 2014 and 2020 by the Concussion Assessment, Research, and Education Consortium. Baseline data were used to characterize participant demographics (N = 22,819) and post-SRC outcomes (n = 5485 SRC) in time to RTL (n = 1724) and RTP outcomes (n = 2646) by race. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests examined differences across race by demographic and injury characteristics. Kaplan–Meier curves estimated median days to RTL, iRTP protocol, RTP protocol completion, and URTP by race and covariate measures. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression assessed the effect of race on risk of RTL and RTP recovery time points.

Results

SA largely identified as White (75%) followed by Black (14%), multiracial (7%), and Asian (3%). More than half (53%) of all SA reported a household income of >$120,000, whereas 41% of Black SA reported a household income <$60,000. Race was not associated with relative risk of RTL or iRTP but was associated with RTP protocol completion and URTP. Non-Black/non-White SA were 17% less likely (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.83; 95% confidence interval = 0.71, 0.97) to complete the RTP protocol, and Black SA were 17% more likely (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.17; 95% confidence interval = 1.05, 1.31) to reach the URTP time point compared with White SA.

Conclusions

The present findings suggest collegiate SA enrolled in the Concussion Assessment, Research, and Education Consortium are primarily White and come from household incomes well above the US median. Race was not associated with RTL or iRTP but was associated with RTP protocol duration and total time to URTP. Clinicians should be conscientious of how their implicit or preconceived biases may influence SRC management among National Collegiate Athletic Association SA.
The Effect of Downhill Running on Quadriceps Muscle in Growth-Restricted Mice
Authors: WELLETTE-HUNSUCKER AUSTIN G. , LESZCZYNSKI ERIC C. , VISKER JOSEPH R. , PRITCHARD ABBY , MCPEEK ASHLEY C. , QUINN MELISSA A. , WEN YUAN , ALBATHI FATMAH , SLADE JILL M. , FERGUSON DAVID P.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Growth restriction (GR) reduces ribosome abundance and skeletal muscle mass in mice. A reduction in skeletal muscle mass increases the risk of frailty and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. As eccentric type exercise increases muscle mass, this investigation aimed to determine if eccentric loading of skeletal muscle via downhill running (DHR) increased muscle mass in GR mice.

Methods

Mice were growth-restricted either gestational undernutrition (GUN, n = 8 litters), postnatal undernutrition (PUN, n = 8 litters), or were not restricted (CON, n = 8 litters) via a validated cross-fostering nutritive model. On postnatal day (PN) 21, all mice were weaned to a healthy diet, isolating the period of GR to early life as seen in humans. At PN45, mice were assigned to either a DHR (CON, n = 4 litters; GUN, n = 4 litters; PUN, n = 4 litters) or sedentary (SED: CON, n = 4 litters; GUN, n = 4 litters; PUN, n = 4 litters) group. Downhill running (16% decline: 18 m·min−1) was performed in 30-min bouts, three times per week, for 12 wk on a rodent treadmill. At PN129, the quadriceps femoris was dissected and evaluated for mass, myofiber size and type, and molecular markers of growth.

Results

Following training, CON-DHR mice having larger cells than CON-SED, GUN-SED, PUN-SED, and PUN-DHR mice (P < 0.05). The PUN group (as compared with CON) had reduced body mass (P < 0.001), upstream binding factor abundance (P = 0.012), phosphor-mTOR (P < 0.001), and quadriceps mass (P = 0.02). The GUN and PUN groups had increased MuRF1 abundance (P < 0.001) compared with CON (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The blunted response to training suggests GR mice may have anabolic resistance when exposed to eccentric type exercise.
Δερματικές εκδηλώσεις ασθενών με κυστική ίνωση και συσχετισμός με το γονότυπο τους
Authors: Αλεξόπουλος Αλέξιος
Published: July 2023

Η υδατογενής ρυτίδωση των παλαμών (ΥΡΠ) είναι η υπερβολική και πρόωρη ρυτίδωση των παλαμών που συμβαίνει μετά από σύντομη εμβάπτιση σε νερό (ΣΕΝ) και έχει αναφερθεί ως συχνό δερματικό εύρημα μεταξύ ασθενών με κυστική ίνωση (ΚΙ). Στόχος της διατριβής είναι ο έλεγχος και η αξιολόγηση της διαγνωστικής απόδοσης του τεστ ΣΕΝ ως αρχικού εργαλείου διαλογής για τη διάγνωση της ΚΙ. Διαπιστώθηκε ισχυρή συσχέτιση μεταξύ ΥΡΠ και ΚΙ. Η ΥΡΠ που εκλύεται με τη δοκιμασία ΣΕΝ θα μπορούσε να προκληθεί εύκολα και πιθανώς να χρησιμοποιηθεί ως αρχικό εργαλείο διαλογής, προκειμένου να εκτιμηθεί εάν ένα άτομο με συμπτώματα και σημεία που αυξάνουν την πιθανότητα ΚΙ είναι τελικά ασθενής με ΚΙ
Ποιητική
Authors: Πασσιάς Ελευθέριος
Published: July 2023

Η εκπονούμενη διατριβή εστιάζει κατά βάση στην παρουσίαση και διεξοδική ανάλυση των “Μουσικών Συνταγμάτων της Αρμονίας” που κατά χρηστική εφαρμογή των επτά μερών της Αρμονικής, συνέχουν τους μουσικούς τρόπους της Μελοποιίας σε κάθε αρμονικό – μελωδικό γένος και τις οικείες χρόες του κάθε γένους, προϊόν της πρωτότυπης έρευνας, δημιουργίας και διδασκαλίας του Καθηγητή Ηλία Χρ. Παπαδόπουλου. Πρόκειται για την σύσταση και πρόταση ενός νέου μουσικού συστήματος, που αποβλέπει: Στην καίρια αποκατάσταση σε επιστημονικό και αισθητικό επίπεδο του διαχρονικού θεωρητικού, πρακτικού και ποιητικού υπόβαθρου των Ελληνικών Παραδόσεων Μουσικής, Ποιητικής και Χορού. Στη βάση αυτή, προδιαγράφεται η συστηματική καταγραφή, δημιουργική ώσμωση και χρήση των στοιχείων της έρευνας, με τελικό στόχο τη διαμόρφωση ενός εγχειριδίου Ποιητικής, χρήσιμο εργαλείο μουσικής πράξης και δημιουργίας, συμβολή στην καλλιτεχνική παιδεία που συνάδει με την προσδοκώμενη προαγωγή της οικείας επιστήμης και τέχνης. Η διατριβή αποβλέπει στη διαμόρφωση μιας νέας προοπτικής ως προς την καίρια αντιμετώπιση της φύσης και του γίγνεσθαι της Ελληνικής Αρμονικής Επιστήμης. Πρόκειται για τη διαμόρφωση και παρουσίαση μιας νέας μουσικής θεωρίας και ορολογίας κατά μετουσίωση των ελληνικών και ξένων πηγών, περί μουσικής δημιουργίας και πράξης και περί έξης του μουσικού φύσει.
Case Report: The effect of Kumari Taila Uttar Basti treatment on a patient diagnosed with bilateral cornual blockage in the Fallopian tube
Authors: Gajabe Gauri , More Akash , Dutta Shilpa , Chaudhari Namrata
Published: July 2023

Fallopian tube irritation is referred to as cornual block. It is brought on by a bacterial infection in the Fallopian tube, which spreads via sexuallty transmitted infection (STI), urinary tract infection (UTI), among others. Salpingitis is another name for fallopian tube inflammation. The patient, a 40-year-old registered at an infertility clinic, Sarangi Wardha, was examined for a cornual block using hysteroscopy and laparoscopy, which revealed the uterus and fallopian tube’s structural detail. The couple had been married for two years. It was noted that the patient had a history of failed IUI (intrauterine insemination) at her hometown fertility clinic. The patient anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) was 0.16ng/dL, and her anti-follicular count (AFC) was poor. The intrauterine insemination failed as a result of cornual obstruction. The semen parameters of the male partner were normal. Bilateral ostia with sparse endometrium were seen during hysteroscopy.

We had used Uttar Basti therapy for six days with a three-day gap. After treating the cornual block, patient’s ovum collection was done in January 2020. Fourteen oocytes were retrieved from the patient which were of 2GV, 5MI, and 7MII grade. Semen parameters were reportedly normal, but due to cornual block, ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) was performed. In March 2020, her first frozen embryo was thawed and transferred. A 2mg tablet of estrogen was given three times daily before the embryo transfer, from the second day of menstruation until the 14th. The patient had daily progesterone injections for six days beginning after the fourteenth day. Following embryo transfer, progesterone 2mg twice a day was given support and a dose of estrogen 2mg every day. A beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin hormone (hCG) test was performed fourteen days after embryo transfer. The report indicated positive beta-HCG value. The patient’s Fallopian tubes bilateral cornual obstruction is the main subject of this case report.
Case Report: Total intragastric mesh migration six years after diaphragmatic rupture and hiatal hernia surgery
Authors: Sghaier Asma , Elghali Mohamed Amine , Daadoucha Abdelrahmen , Letaief Amal , GHARBI Itimed , Hamila Fehmi , Youssef Sabri
Published: July 2023

Background: Mesh implementation to repair the hiatal space is already justified. Nevertheless, the use of this procedure is debated in regard of complications that may occur. Mesh erosion and migration are considered the most serious complications of mesh repairs.

Case presentation: It has not yet been well described in the literature. We describe a case of mesh erosion of   stomach, many years later after a prosthetic repair of a diaphragmatic rupture associated to hiatal hernia, is presented here because of its rarity.

Conclusion: Few explanations have been put forward to explain this incident. Could it be due to inflammatory processes, or to the composition of the Meshes? As yet, there is no definitive explanation.