bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case report: Two siblings with neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease exhibiting distinct clinicoradiological findings
Authors: Liu Yutao , Zeng Li , Yuan Yanpeng , Wang Yangyang , Chen Kai , Chen Yan , Bai Jiaying , Xiao Feng , Xu Yuming , Yang Jing , Tan Song
Published: October 2022

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the presence of eosinophilic hyaline intranuclear inclusions. Owing to its widely varying clinical manifestations, NIID is frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked. However, a characteristic high-intensity corticomedullary junction signal on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is often indicative of NIID. In this study, we described the case of two sisters with NIID who presented with distinct symptoms and imaging data. The younger sister showed symptoms similar to those of mitochondrial encephalopathy, with a reversible high-intensity signal from the cortex on T2 and DWI. The elder sister showed a characteristic high-signal “ribbon sign” in the corticomedullary junction on DWI. Skin biopsy confirmed that both had neuronal intranuclear inclusion. Two years later, the younger sister also developed the characteristic high-signal “ribbon sign” in the corticomedullary junction on DWI. This case study provides new insights into the complexity of NIID. The findings suggest that patients with this condition, including those belonging to the same family, may exhibit varying clinical and imaging features at different times.
Case report: Electroacupuncture for acute pain flare-up of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Huang Hai , Liang Yongying , Han Dapeng , Chen Xiaoyan , Xiao Lianbo , Wu Hongyan
Published: October 2022

Acute pain flare-up of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common disease in orthopedics and is mainly treated with analgesic drugs. Patients usually refuse to take western medicines orally owing to gastrointestinal side effects or unsatisfactory treatment results. We report the case of a 69-year-old woman who had an acute pain flare-up of right KOA induced by long-distance walking. As the patient refused medication, we used electroacupuncture (EA) to relieve her symptoms. EA with a 2-Hz frequency and a 1–2-mA intensity had an analgesic effect on the acute pain flare-up of KOA. After 12 weeks of EA intervention, the bone marrow edema-like lesions (BMLs) improved significantly, as depicted on magnetic resonance imaging of the knee joint. However, more powerful evidence is needed to understand the mechanism of the EA technique that alleviates BMLs of KOA.
Integrin subunit alpha V is a potent prognostic biomarker associated with immune infiltration in lower-grade glioma
Authors: Tan Zilong , Zhang Zhe , Yu Kai , Yang Huan , Liang Huaizhen , Lu Tianzhu , Ji Yulong , Chen Junjun , He Wei , Chen Zhen , Mei Yuran , Shen Xiao-Li
Published: October 2022

As a member of integrin receptor family, ITGAV (integrin subunit α V) is involved in a variety of cell biological processes and overexpressed in various cancers, which may be a potential prognostic factor. However, its prognostic value and potential function in lower-grade glioma (LGG) are still unclear, and in terms of immune infiltration, it has not been fully elucidated. Here, the expression preference, prognostic value, and clinical traits of ITGAV were investigated using The Cancer Genome Atlas database (n = 528) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas dataset (n = 458). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were used to explore the biological function of ITGAV. Using R package “ssGSEA” analysis, it was found thatthe ITGAV mRNA expression level showed intense correlation with tumor immunity, such as tumor-infiltrating immune cells and multiple immune-related genes. In addition, ITGAV is associated with some immune checkpoints and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and response to chemotherapy. and the expression of ITGAV protein in LGG patients was verified via immunohistochemistry (IHC). ITGAV expression was higher in LGG tissues than in normal tissues (P < 0.001) and multifactor analysis showed that ITGAV mRNA expression was an independent prognostic factor for LGG overall survival (OS; hazard ratio = 2.113, 95% confidence interval = 1.393–3.204, P < 0.001). GSEA showed that ITGAV expression was correlated with Inflammatory response, complement response, KRAS signal, and interferon response. ssGSEA results showed a positive correlation between ITGAV expression and Th2 cell infiltration level. ITGAV mRNA was overexpressed in LGG, and high ITGAV mRNA levels were found to be associated with poor protein expression and poor OS. ITGAV is therefore a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of LGG and may be a potential immunotherapy target.
Can laparoscopic nerve-sparing ultra-radical hysterectomy play a role in locally advanced cervical cancer? A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Wei Wei-wei , Zheng Hong , Shao Panqiu , Chen Xia , Min Yi-fei , Tang Bin , Sun Hui-ting , Chen Ji-ming , Shi Ru-xia
Published: October 2022

Background and objectives

The objective of this study is to investigate the outcomes of concurrent platinum-based chemoradiation therapy (CCRT), laparoscopic nerve-sparing ultra-radical hysterectomy (LNSURH), and open radical hysterectomy (ORH) on patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma (LACC).

Methods

A single-center retrospective study was conducted on LACC patients who received CCRT, ORH, or LNSURH from January 2011 to December 2019. Data on age, tumor size, overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and early and late morbidities were collected. After 24 months of treatment, patients were asked a series of questions about their urinary, bowel, and sexual activities. Early morbidities were defined as those occurring during or within a month of treatment, whereas late morbidities and complications were defined as those occurring a month after treatment. The postoperative complications were classified with reference to the Clavien–Dindo classification (CD) system.

Results

The Kaplan–Meier curves revealed no significant differences in OS and DFS among the three groups (P = 0.106 for DFS and P = 0.190 for OS). The rates of early complications in the CCRT group were comparable with those in the operated groups (P = 0.46). However, late complications were significantly lower in the ORH and LNSURH groups relative to those in the CCRT group. The scores of urinary and bowel functions were restored to the pretreatment state, although the sexual function scores were not satisfactory.

Conclusions

The treatments of CCRT, ORH, and LNSURH can be considered options for patients with LACC, as their OS and DFS showed no significant difference. In addition, LNSURH exhibited a lower incidence of late complications and high sexual function scores.
Tumor response assessment on imaging following immunotherapy
Authors: Berz Antonia M. , Dromain Clarisse , Vietti-Violi Naïk , Boughdad Sarah , Duran Rafael
Published: October 2022

In recent years, various systemic immunotherapies have been developed for cancer treatment, such as monoclonal antibodies (mABs) directed against immune checkpoints (immune checkpoint inhibitors, ICIs), oncolytic viruses, cytokines, cancer vaccines, and adoptive cell transfer. While being estimated to be eligible in 38.5% of patients with metastatic solid or hematological tumors, ICIs, in particular, demonstrate durable disease control across many oncologic diseases (e.g., in melanoma, lung, bladder, renal, head, and neck cancers) and overall survival benefits. Due to their unique mechanisms of action based on T-cell activation, response to immunotherapies is characterized by different patterns, such as progression prior to treatment response (pseudoprogression), hyperprogression, and dissociated responses following treatment. Because these features are not encountered in the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1), which is the standard for response assessment in oncology, new criteria were defined for immunotherapies. The most important changes in these new morphologic criteria are, firstly, the requirement for confirmatory imaging examinations in case of progression, and secondly, the appearance of new lesions is not necessarily considered a progressive disease. Until today, five morphologic (immune-related response criteria (irRC), immune-related RECIST (irRECIST), immune RECIST (iRECIST), immune-modified RECIST (imRECIST), and intra-tumoral RECIST (itRECIST)) criteria have been developed to accurately assess changes in target lesion sizes, taking into account the specific response patterns after immunotherapy. In addition to morphologic response criteria, 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) is a promising option for metabolic response assessment and four metabolic criteria are used (PET/CT Criteria for Early Prediction of Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy (PECRIT), PET Response Evaluation Criteria for Immunotherapy (PERCIMT), immunotherapy-modified PET Response Criteria in Solid Tumors (imPERCIST5), and immune PERCIST (iPERCIST)). Besides, there is evidence that parameters on 18F-FDG-PET/CT, such as the standardized uptake value (SUV)max and several radiotracers, e.g., directed against PD-L1, may be potential imaging biomarkers of response. Moreover, the emerge of human intratumoral immunotherapy (HIT-IT), characterized by the direct injection of immunostimulatory agents into a tumor lesion, has given new importance to imaging assessment. This article reviews the specific imaging patterns of tumor response and progression and available imaging response criteria following immunotherapy.
Anti-arthritic and toxicological evaluation of ethanolic extract of Alternanthera bettzickiana in rats
Authors: Manan Maria , Saleem Uzma , Ahmad Bashir , Aslam Nosheen , Anwar Asifa , Zafar Aimen
Published: October 2022

In many developing countries, medicinal plants have long been used for therapeutic purposes due to their low cost and toxicity. This study evaluated the safety and anti-arthritic potential of Alternanthera bettzickiana ethanolic extract (ABEE). Acute oral toxicity (OECD 425) was tested in the safety evaluation. A limit test was used to identify the LD50 value. For an acute oral toxicity study a dose of 2000 mg/kg of ABEE was given orally to the treatment group, and the control group received distilled water at a rate of 10 ml/kg. Biochemical, hematological, and histopathological analyses were performed after 14 days. A formaldehyde 2% w/v solution was injected via i.p. to rats of all groups to prepare the arthritic model. Five groups were divided into control (D.H2O), standard (Diclofenac), and three groups receiving the plant extract at dose levels of 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg respectively. Treatment was continued for 10 days. Paw diameter and hematological and biochemical variables were quantified. ELISA was performed for the estimation of inflammatory cytokines. In the acute oral toxicity study, no mortality or morbidity were observed, so the LD50 of this plant was greater than 2000 mg/kg. ABEE decreased the paw diameter with the restoration of hematological and biochemical changes. SOD and CAT levels were increased while decreasing the MDA, NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in arthritic rats. It is concluded that the use of A. bettzickiana has low toxicity, and it can be used for the treatment of arthritis.
The effects of landscape change on habitat quality in arid desert areas based on future scenarios: Tarim River Basin as a case study
Authors: Zhang Tianju , Chen Yaning
Published: October 2022

Human activities have caused spatiotemporal patterns of land use and land cover (LULC) change. The LULC change has directly affected habitat quality (HQ) and ecosystem functions. Assessing, simulating, and predicting spatiotemporal changes and future trends under different scenarios of LULC-influenced HQ is beneficial to land use planners and decision-makers, helping them to formulate plans in a sustainable and responsible way. This study assesses and simulates the HQ of the Tarim River Basin (TRB) using the future land use simulation model (FLUS), the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) model, and partial least squares regression (PLSR). Since 2000, the TRB has experienced a declining trend in HQ from 0.449 to 0.444, especially in the lower elevations (740-2000m) and on sloped land (<10°). The decline will continue unless effective and sustainable plans are implemented to halt it. Agricultural and settlement areas have a lower HQ and a higher degree of habitat degradation than native habitats. This shows that the expansion of oasis agriculture (with an annual growth rate of 372.17 km2) and settlements (with an annual growth rate of 23.50 km2) has caused a decline in native habitat and subsequent habitat fragmentation. In other words, changes in LULC have caused a decline in the HQ. Moreover, there is a significant negative correlation between HQ and urbanization rate (p<0.01), and the PLSR also indicate that number of patches (NP), area-weighted mean fractal dimension index (FRAC_AM), percentage of landscape (PLAND), and largest patch index (LPI) were also important contributors to worsening the HQ. Therefore, the TRB urgently needs appropriate strategies to preserve its natural habitats into the future, based on the ecological priority scenario (EPS) and harmonious development scenario (HDS), which can help to maintain a high-quality habitat.
Biological characteristics, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities of off-season mulberry fruit
Authors: Liu Peigang , Zhu Yan , Ye Jingjing , Lin Tianbao , Lv Zhiqiang , Xu Zilong , Xu Lushan , Chen Leyang , Wei Jia
Published: October 2022

To understand the yield and quality of off-season mulberry fruits, which are cultivated in open fields from autumn, the biological characteristics, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities of them were analyzed. Compared with mulberry fruits in normal season, the fruit length, fruit diameter, single fruit weight, fruit yield per meter strip, and the fruits yield per 667 m2are significantly lower. The moisture content and juice yield of off-season mulberry fruits are lower than the mulberry fruits in normal season; the pH and soluble solids are higher. The contents of mass fraction of crude protein, total sugar, reducing sugar, total acids, total anthocyanins, and total flavonoids decreased significantly in all batches of off-season mulberry fruits compared with those of normal season. Of off-season mulberry fruits, the contents of glucose, fructose and sucrose, expression, anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, and antioxidant capacity are significantly lower than those in normal season.
Extrinsic role of gibberellin mitigating salinity effect in different rice genotypes
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Aaqil , Zhao Dan-Dan , Asif Saleem , Kim Eun-Gyeong , Jang Yoon-Hee , Park Jae-Ryoung , Lee In-Jung , Kim Kyung-Min
Published: October 2022

The overall effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) with NaCl on different rice genotypes are inadequately understood. The present study determines the effect of different GA3 (50 and 100 µM) concentrations on the morphophysiological, molecular and biochemical effects of 120 mM NaCl salt stress in rice seedlings. Salt stress reduced germination percentages and seedling growth and decreased bioactive GA content. It also downregulated the relative expression of α-amylase-related genes – OsAmy1A, OsAmy1C, and OsAmy3C in the salt-sensitive IR28 cultivar. Salt stress differentially regulated the expression of GA biosynthetic genes. Salt stress increased antioxidant activity in all rice genotypes tested, except in IR28. GA3 mitigates the effect of salt stress, rescuing seed germination and growth attributes. GA3 significantly increased bioactive GA content in Nagdong and pokkali (50 µM) and Cheongcheong and IR28 (100 µM) cultivars. The α-amylase genes were also significantly upregulated by GA3. Similarly, GA3 upregulated OsGA2ox1 and OsGA2ox9 expression in the Cheongcheong and salt-sensitive IR28 cultivars. The present study demonstrated that salt stress inactivates bioactive GA – inhibiting germination and seedlings growth – and decreases bioactive GA content and GSH activity in IR28 and Pokkali cultivars. Further, GA3 significantly reversed the effects of 120 mM NaCl salt stress in different rice genotypes. The current study suggested that the known coastal area salinity concentration can be significantly recovered with the application of exogenous GA3. Thus, it could be possible to grow eco-friendly rice close to the coastal zone in order to reduce the damage caused by salinity.
Emerging competencies for logistics professionals in the digital era: A literature review
Authors: Koh Le Yi , Yuen Kum Fai
Published: October 2022

The speed of technology integration among businesses has accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the work-from-home arrangements and safe distancing regulations, prompting businesses to automate operations and digitalize work environments. These impacts have disrupted work environments and operational processes, and a fresh set of competencies is required to stay competent in this new normal. Consequently, there is a need to develop a state-of-the-art competency framework for logistics professionals during these trying times. This study has adopted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses to review, identify, and update the emerging competencies required by logistics professionals. The relevant academic documents were narrowed down to 81 and were used to identify the emerging competencies relevant to Industry 4.0 and COVID-19. The competencies were subsequently categorized into four key domains i.e., business, logistics, digital, and personal competencies, with a total of 17 sub-domains. This state-of-the-art framework contributes to academic research by updating the existing competency frameworks. Future research can also build upon this holistic list of emerging competencies by utilizing it to reduce the competency gaps faced by those who are less technology savvy i.e., older logistics professionals. Additionally, future research can correlate the competency framework to organizational learning theories to improve the overall performance of logistics companies.
Investigation of Kurdish students’ L2 motivational self-system and their motivational beliefs in high school
Authors: Abdullah Kameran Noori , Razi Özge
Published: October 2022

This study aims to examine and compare female and male Kurdish EFL students’ level and type of motivation based on L2 motivational self-system components and to identify their dominant type of motivation. The participants of this study were 118 students (46 female, and 72 male) were randomly selected as the participants of this study from different cities of Erbil governorate in Kurdistan region of Iraq. A Learners questionnaire used following the application of semi-structured interview sessions with learners who participated in the study. The data obtained from the questionnaire were analyzed through SPSS software, and the interview results were interpreted and analyzed through content analysis. The findings of this study revealed that both male and female Kurdish EFL students generally have high levels of motivation and the attitudes of both groups of learners were found to be generally positive towards English language and its learning. The most frequent motivational strategies, ways of motivating and arranging for them a suitable culture and recommended by the teachers in this study are helpful, especially for teacher educators in teacher training programs, so that they can get aware of the most used strategies by Kurdish EFL teachers in high school to be the leadership for this purpose, and try to improve and correct them, and try to teach them the most effective strategies and ways of raising motivation in the students.
A study on the learning experience of visitors of digital museums in STEAM education: From the perspective of visitors’ visual evaluation
Authors: Zhang Xin , Hu Jieming
Published: October 2022

Public education in museums has the interdisciplinary nature of STEAM education contemporary learning. In the contemporary learning process of the public, digital museums can rely on mobile terminals to provide people with opportunities for mobile learning. Especially since the global outbreak of COVID-19, many offline museums have been forced to close their doors or impose restrictions. How to use digital museums to better carry out the learning experience of visitors is a problem worthy of attention. Effective dissemination of visual information can help digital museums conduct educational activities more efficiently. The purpose of this study was to explore a research method for visual evaluation of visitors’ learning experiences in digital museums. The visual evaluation of visitors in the digital museum learning experience involves the layout of exhibition content, the form of exhibition space, and the way of display of exhibits. Through eye-tracking engineering experiments, we obtain and analyze the visual data of visitors during the educational experience of the digital museum to form an accurate evaluation. This method can be used to assess the visual satisfaction of visitors with the educational experience of a digital museum in mobile learning. This kind of evaluation research can provide strong data support and design optimization direction guidance for the development of digital museum public education.
A qualitative exploration of the mental health challenges and therapeutic needs of Canadian correctional workers
Authors: Moghimi Elnaz , Knyahnytska Yuliya , Zhu Yiran , Kumar Anchan , Knyahnytski Alexander , Patel Charmy , Omrani Mohsen , Gerritsen Cory , Martin Michael , Simpson Alexander Ian Frederic , Alavi Nazanin
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Correctional work is described as a high-stress environment associated with increased prevalence of mental health disorders in employees. Identifying appropriate healthcare services necessitates investigating the mental health challenges and needs of correctional workers (CWs).

Methods

Individual interviews (n = 9; 5 M and 4 W) and a mixed gender focus group (n = 6; 3 M and 3 W) were conducted to gather a general sense of the mental health landscape. Data were analyzed to develop a targeted and comprehensive question guide for gender-specific focus groups (n = 14 unique participants; 6 M and 8 W).

Results

Eight themes emerged from the gender-specific focus groups. Themes focusing on work culture described the negative repercussions of job stress and the inability to discuss challenges openly due to confidentiality concerns and feelings of seclusion associated with the CW profession. Men were more likely to be subjected to physical violence and women to emotional and sexual harassment from staff and inmates. Themes related to mental health care described the benefits and limitations of the current services and digital mental healthcare. Stigma and accessibility were notable treatment barriers. Lastly, sector-specific therapy was seen as an important component in enhancing engagement and therapist interaction.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates the interconnection between work culture and CW mental health that needs to be acknowledged when addressing mental health care.
How public confidence was established during the COVID-19 pandemic by Chinese media: A corpus-based discursive news value analysis
Authors: Chen Cheng , Liu Renping
Published: October 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese media played a significant role in dispelling the public panic, establishing the public confidence and stabilizing the society during the COVID-19 pandemic. This corpus-based discourse study explored the discursive construction of news values by Chinese media to reveal how the COVID-19 pandemic was packaged and sold to the public to establish confidence in the news reporting. Adopting corpus linguistic method and the Discursive news values analysis (DNVA) framework, this study examines news values through key words, news quotations, and images in the Chinese domestic mainstream media (http://www.people.com.cn/) during two different phases of the pandemic. The results show that during the first pandemic phase (2019.12.27–2020.4.28) when there had been no treatment protocol or understanding of the medical ramifications, Chinese media dominantly constructed political Eliteness through multimodal resources to portray a people-oriented government, a transparent notification mechanism and an immediate response capability to crises, and to give the public psychological support and to cultivate positive attitudes toward the government's policy. This news reporting way exposes the universal trust of Chinese society in the political authorities. During the second phase (2020.4.29–2020.8.31) when the cognition about the COVID-19 virus had been greatly improved and more medical treatment and prevention methods had been developed, the political Eliteness was replaced by medical Eliteness which was more vital to people's safety during the health crisis. We propose actionable recommendations for scholars to use this in-depth DNVA framework to examine the social trend of thoughts during major public health crisis.
Exposure characteristics and risk assessment of air particles in a Chinese hotel kitchen
Authors: Zhou Zanrong , Gao Xiangjing , Cao Yiyao , Zou Hua , Jin Yulan
Published: October 2022

Background

The hazards of kitchen particles have attracted social attention, but their distribution characteristics and risk assessment are rarely reported.

Objective

To explore the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of kitchen particles, analyze the variations in characteristics of number concentration (NC), mass concentration (MC), surface area concentration (SAC), and particle size distribution, provide reference indexes for evaluating worker exposure, evaluate the risk of kitchen particles, as well as suggest improvements and control measures.

Patients and methods

Different cooking posts in a Chinese hotel kitchen were selected to monitor exposure to particles, explore the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of NC, MC, and SAC of particles in the cooking post, analyze changes in the particle size, compare the individual exposure of particles between the cooking and steaming posts, and analyze the correlation between NC, MC, and SAC. Risk assessment of kitchen ultrafine particles was performed using a Nanotool.

Results

The sizes and fluctuation ranges of NC10 − 500nm at cooking posts during lunch preparation and at peak periods were significantly higher than those at the end of the lunch period. The mean values of MC10 − 500nm during the lunch preparation peak and ending periods were 0.149, 0.229, and 0.151 mg m−3, respectively. The mean values of SAC10 − 500nm were 225, 961, and 466 μm2·cm−3, respectively. The mode diameter of exposed particles at the cooking post [(34.98 ± 2.33) nm] was higher than that at the steaming post [(30.11 ± 2.17) nm] (P < 0.01). The correlation between SAC10 − 500nm and NC10 − 500nm (r = 0.703) was the strongest. Nanotool gave a hazard rating ratio, exposure rating ratio, and risk ratio of 0.75.

Conclusion

The sizes of the NC, MC, and SAC of the particles at the cooking post were related to the kitchen operations. Since kitchen particles are of high exposure and risk levels, protective measures should be formulated and implemented to deal with them safely.
The effect of fine particulate matter exposure on allergic rhinitis of adolescents aged 10–13 years: A cross-sectional study from Chongqing, China
Authors: Qiu Chunlan , Feng Wei , An Xizhou , Liu Fangchao , Liang Fengchao , Tang Xian , Zhang Ping , Liang Xiaohua
Published: October 2022

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) has become a tremendous disease burden worldwide. Only a few studies have explored the effects of environmental exposure on the prevalence of AR in children in China.

Methods

In the present study, we investigated the associations of environmental exposure (including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), air humidity, temperature, and passive smoking) with AR in adolescents aged 10–13 years in Chongqing. Data from 4,146 participants in urban and rural areas between March 2019 and May 2019 were collected.

Results

The overall prevalence of AR was 17.50% in adolescents. After adjusting for other covariates, AR was positively correlated with the annual mean PM2.5 concentration, monthly mean PM2.5 concentration and air temperature, and negatively related to air humidity. Furthermore, the annual mean PM2.5 was positively associated with the risk of AR after adjusting for air temperature and humidity. Passive smoking (PS) was marginally associated with a high risk of AR.

Conclusion

High PM2.5 exposure, high air temperature, and low air humidity were associated with a high risk of AR in adolescents. Our findings have potential implications for public health strategies and interventions aimed at reducing the burden of AR in adolescents.
Assessing seroprevalence and associated risk factors for multiple infectious diseases in Sabah, Malaysia using serological multiplex bead assays
Authors: Chan YuYen L. , Patterson Catriona L. , Priest Jeffrey W. , Stresman Gillian , William Timothy , Chua Tock H. , Tetteh Kevin , Lammie Patrick , Drakeley Chris , Fornace Kimberly M.
Published: October 2022

Background

Infectious diseases continue to burden populations in Malaysia, especially among rural communities where resources are limited and access to health care is difficult. Current epidemiological trends of several neglected tropical diseases in these populations are at present absent due to the lack of habitual and efficient surveillance. To date, various studies have explored the utility of serological multiplex beads to monitor numerous diseases simultaneously. We therefore applied this platform to assess population level exposure to six infectious diseases in Sabah, Malaysia. Furthermore, we concurrently investigated demographic and spatial risk factors that may be associated with exposure for each disease.

Methods

This study was conducted in four districts of Northern Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, using an environmentally stratified, population-based cross-sectional serological survey targeted to determine risk factors for malaria. Samples were collected between September to December 2015, from 919 villages totaling 10,100 persons. IgG responses to twelve antigens of six diseases (lymphatic filariasis- Bm33, Bm14, BmR1, Wb123; strongyloides- NIE; toxoplasmosis-SAG2A; yaws- Rp17 and TmpA; trachoma- Pgp3, Ct694; and giardiasis- VSP3, VSP5) were measured using serological multiplex bead assays. Eight demographic risk factors and twelve environmental covariates were included in this study to better understand transmission in this community.

Results

Seroprevalence of LF antigens included Bm33 (10.9%), Bm14+ BmR1 (3.5%), and Wb123 (1.7%). Seroprevalence of Strongyloides antigen NIE was 16.8%, for Toxoplasma antigen SAG2A was 29.9%, and Giardia antigens GVSP3 + GVSP5 was 23.2%. Seroprevalence estimates for yaws Rp17 was 4.91%, for TmpA was 4.81%, and for combined seropositivity to both antigens was 1.2%. Seroprevalence estimates for trachoma Pgp3 + Ct694 were 4.5%. Age was a significant risk factors consistent among all antigens assessed, while other risk factors varied among the different antigens. Spatial heterogeneity of seroprevalence was observed more prominently in lymphatic filariasis and toxoplasmosis.

Conclusions

Multiplex bead assays can be used to assess serological responses to numerous pathogens simultaneously to support infectious disease surveillance in rural communities, especially where prevalences estimates are lacking for neglected tropical diseases. Demographic and spatial data collected alongside serosurveys can prove useful in identifying risk factors associated with exposure and geographic distribution of transmission.
Technological robot—Machine tool collaboration for agile production
Authors: Wabner Markus , Rentzsch Hendrik , Ihlenfeldt Steffen , Otto Andreas
Published: October 2022

The flexibility and efficiency in parts production can be significantly increased through the technological cooperation of industrial robots and machine tools. The paper presents an approach in which a robot, in addition to the classic handling tasks, enhance machine tools by additional manufacturing technologies and thus beneficially supports workpiece machining. This can take place in various configurations, starting with pre- and final machining by the robot outside the machine, through sequential cooperative machining of the workpiece clamped in the machine, to parallel, synchronized machining of a workpiece in the machine. The approach results in a novel type of collaborative manufacturing equipment for matrix production that will improve the versatility, efficiency and profitability in production.
Wave-particle interactions toolset: A python-based toolset to model wave-particle interactions in the magnetosphere
Authors: Tourgaidis Stelios , Sarris Theodore
Published: October 2022

Wave particle interactions are known to be an efficient yet unquantified driver of the variability of particle populations in Earth’s magnetosphere, and their quantification and understanding through modelling has been a subject of ceaseless and extensive research during the last decades. Moreover, there is an increasing interest in techniques for radiation belt remediation, which refers to artificially controlling energetic particle populations in the near-Earth space environment via the scattering of particles from artificially generated electromagnetic waves. Whereas numerous modelling techniques are described in literature, there is a lack of a unified open-source toolset that incorporates the equations and parameterizations used by different wave-particle interaction models in a user-friendly environment. We present WPIT, the Wave-Particle Interactions Toolset, an open source, Python-based set of tools for modelling the interactions between energetic charged particles and VLF waves in the magnetosphere through test particle simulations. WPIT incorporates key routines related to wave-particle interactions in Python modules and also in Jupyter Notebook environment, enabling the traceability of all relevant equations in terms of their derivation and key assumptions, together with the programming environment and integrated graphics that enable users to conduct state-of-the-art wave-particle interaction simulations rapidly and efficiently. WPIT can be used either as a stand-alone simulation tool or as a library of routines that the user can extract and incorporate into an independent simulation. We present an analytic description of the code, the methodology used, and examples based on each of the WPIT modules. WPIT examples include the exact reproduction of simulation results that have been reported in literature, based on the same sets of parameters and assumptions, allowing the user to expand upon state-of-the-art. Finally, using the WPIT toolset, we perform a parametric analysis on the onset of nonlinear interactions between electrons with whistler-mode waves by varying the relevant parameters of the waves (amplitude, wave normal angle and frequency), the particles (pitch angle and energy) and the plasma environment (electron density and ion composition).
Case Report: Tubridge flow diverter for a ruptured fusiform aneurysm of the M1 segments of the middle cerebral artery
Authors: Wei Sen , Wang Jingjing , Guo Xinbin , Guan Sheng
Published: October 2022

We report a case of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1 segment ruptured fusiform aneurysm that was successfully treated using a domestic Tubridge flow diverter (TFD). A 40-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because of a headache and was diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cerebral angiography revealed a ruptured fusiform aneurysm in the M1 segment of the right MCA. TFD, combined with coil embolization, was used for perioperative treatment. No obvious complications were observed. Follow-up digital subtraction angiography 2 and 12 months after the surgery showed that the aneurysm was occluded, and the patient recovered well. This is the first known case of this treatment with this type of stent in such an aneurysm and demonstrates that TFD can be used to treat ruptured fusiform aneurysms in the M1 segment of the MCA.
The diagnostic value and safety of modified needle aspiration biopsy for superficial lymphadenectasis
Authors: Hua Shaopeng , Hu Xiaofang , Zhao Xinguo , Mao Jia
Published: October 2022

Objective

To explore the safety and diagnostic value of modified needle aspiration biopsy for superficial enlarged lymph nodes.

Methods

A total of 88 patients with unknown diagnosis of superficial lymphadenopathy in our hospital (Wuxi Fifth People's Hospital) from January 2018 to July 2021 were recruited and then divided into two groups using the simple random grouping method. The study group included 48 patients who were puncturedviamodified needle aspiration biopsy, while the control group included 40 patients who were puncturedviacore needle biopsy (CNB) and had a better clinical evaluation. A BARD® automatic biopsy gun with a 18 G needle was used to puncture any enlarged lymph nodes, and specimens were obtained for pathological examination. The diagnostic positive rate of the two puncture methods was then compared and the complications involved in the two methods were observed.

Results

The positive rate of definite pathological diagnosis was 79.2% (38/48) in the study group and 82.5% (33/40) in the control group. Both groups had similar diagnostic positive rates regarding tuberculosis and metastatic tumours in the lymph nodes (P > 0.05). Only slight bleeding was observed during the operations using the two puncture methods, with the bleeding rate of the study group 20.8% and that of the control group 15.0%, and the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). No other complications were observed across both groups. Among the 48 patients with enlarged lymph nodes in the study group, there was no difference in the positive rate of diagnosis between enlarged lymph nodes larger than 20 mm and those smaller than 20 mm in the pathological, bacterial culture and cytology examinations (P > 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values and negative prediction values of the improved lymph node lesions were 83.3%, 100%, 100% and 90.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

The diagnostic efficacy and safety of modified needle aspiration biopsy in superficial swollen lymph nodes are equivalent to those of CNB, but the former is a more economical, simple and practical method for clinical settings and one that could be popularised in primary hospitals.
An Organic Fertilizer ‘Doped’ with a Bacillus Strain Improves Melon and Pepper Yield, Modifying the Rhizosphere Microbiome with Negligible Changes in the Bulk Soil Microbiome
Authors: Ortiz-Liébana Noemí , Zotti Maurizio , Barquero Marcia , González-Andrés Fernando
Published: October 2022

Doped compost consists of compost inoculated with Bacillus siamensis SCFB3-1 that is formulated in biochar and then mixed with the compost. The study objective was to analyze, at field scale, the effect of doped compost on the melon and pepper yield and on the soil microbiome, hypothesizing that the synergy between the components of doped compost confers additional benefits to the crop. Two doses of compost (2 and 5 t/ha) and two doses of the inoculant (biochar+SCFB3-1) with respect to the compost (3% and 6% w:w) were tested. The highest yield was observed for a reduced dose of mineral fertilization (NPK -20%) with a compost dose of 2 t/ha with 6% of the inoculant. Specifically, the yield increase compared with the control, which only received NPK, was a 47% increase in melon and 28% in pepper. The microbiome of the bulk soil was not modified by the doped compost, but the composition of the rhizosphere microbiome changed, increasing in the abundance of Bacillus (the inoculated strain), but also changing the relative abundance of other genera in the bacterial community. Future works will be focused on unravelling the possible effects of phytohormones on the observed results.
Ameliorating Drought Effects in Wheat Using an Exclusive or Co-Applied Rhizobacteria and ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Muhammad Faqeer , Raza Muhammad Aown Sammar , Iqbal Rashid , Zulfiqar Faisal , Aslam Muhammad Usman , Yong Jean Wan Hong , Altaf Muhammad Ahsan , Zulfiqar Bilal , Amin Jawad , Ibrahim Muhammad Arif
Published: October 2022

Drought is a major abiotic factor and affects cereal-based staple food production and reliability in developing countries such as Pakistan. To ensure a sustainable and consistent food supply, holistic production plans involving the integration of several drought mitigation approaches are required. Using a randomized complete block design strategy, we examined the drought-ameliorating characteristics of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and nanoparticles (NPs) exclusively or as a combined application (T4) through three stages (D1, D2, and D3) of wheat growth (T1, control). Our field research revealed that Azospirillum brasilense alone (T2) and zinc oxide NPs (T3) improved wheat plant water relations, chlorophyll, proline, phenolics and grain quality, yield, and their allied traits over the stressed treatments. Specifically, the best outcome was observed in the combined treatment of PGPR and ZnO NPs (T4). Interestingly, the combined treatment delivered effective drought mitigation through enhanced levels of antioxidants (15% APX, 27% POD, 35% CAT, 38% PPO and 44% SOD) over controls at the grain-filling stage (GFS, D3 × T1). The 40% improvements were recorded under the combined treatment at GFS over their respective controls. Their combined usage (PGPR and ZnO NPs) was concluded as an effective strategy for building wheat resilience under drought, especially in arid and semi-arid localities.
A Review of the Ecological and Biogeographic Differences of Amazonian Floodplain Forests
Authors: Wittmann Florian , Householder John Ethan , Piedade Maria Teresa Fernandez , Schöngart Jochen , Demarchi Layon Oreste , Quaresma Adriano Costa , Junk Wolfgang J.
Published: October 2022

Amazonian floodplain forests along large rivers consist of two distinct floras that are traced to their differentiated sediment- and nutrient-rich (várzea) or sediment- and nutrient-poor (igapó) environments. While tree species in both ecosystems have adapted to seasonal floods that may last up to 270–300 days year−1, ecosystem fertility, hydrogeomorphic disturbance regimes, water shortage and drought, fire, and even specific microclimates are distinct between both ecosystems and largely explain the differences in forest productivity and taxonomic composition and diversity. Here, we review existing knowledge about the influence of these environmental factors on the tree flora of both ecosystems, compare species composition and diversity between central Amazonian várzeas and igapós, and show that both ecosystems track distinct species life-history traits. The ecosystem-level and taxonomic differences also largely explain the biogeographic connections of várzeas and igapós to other Amazonian and extra-Amazonian ecosystems. We highlight the major evolutionary force of large-river wetlands for Amazonian tree diversity and explore the scenarios by which the large number of Amazonian floodplain specialist tree species might even contribute to the gamma diversity of the Amazon by generating new species. Finally, we call attention to the urgent need of an improved conservation of Amazonian várzea and igapó ecosystems and their tree species.
History as a way of constructing the notion of nation: a case study of historical novels published in southern Vietnam in the early twentieth century
Authors: Hung Phan Manh
Published: October 2022

The French colonization of Vietnam had a significant impact on Vietnamese history, social structure and spiritual life. This study is based on the fact that the presence of the colonizers changed and ruptured Vietnamese cultural tradition. As a result, generations of Vietnamese people attempted to rebuild their identity through various means with the aim to adapt to new conditions, and one of which was composing historical novels. The research provides a brief overview of the settings of colonial Vietnam in the early twentieth century. It is obvious that because of its complicatedness, the article only indicates its general traits, considering them important premises upon which our study of Vietnamese literature of the time is based. I then present how Southern Vietnamese writers made use of their historical novels to evoke the public sense of nationalism and construct the notion of unified origin. Southern Vietnamese literature is chosen to be studied since this is a special territory where different cultural and political issues concerning the making of modern Vietnam came up.
Concepções, estratégias e usos do planejamento na gerência em Unidades de Saúde da Família
Authors: Jesus Michele de Araújo de , Souza Mariluce Karla Bomfim de
Published: October 2022

Objetivo: discutir as concepções, estratégias e usos do planejamento pelos profissionais de saúde na gerência de Unidade de Saúde da Família (USF). Método: estudo descritivo, exploratório, de abordagem qualitativa, que utilizou a técnica de análise de conteúdo temática. Foram entrevistados nove profissionais de saúde que atuavam como gerentes de USF. Resultados: o planejamento ora é identificado como instrumento do processo de gerência das organizações, ora é desconsiderado como ferramenta do processo gerencial. Há influência dos enfoques teóricos metodológicos do Planejamento em Saúde, o Planejamento Normativo (Tradicional) e Planejamento Estratégico Situacional (PES). Destacou-se a participação de atores sociais no planejamento e influência do tempo no desenvolvimento das ações. Conclusão: articular a gerência e planejamento das ações representa um desafio e reforça a necessidade da institucionalização do planejamento das ações para a efetividade da prática gerencial.
Planificação da Atenção Primária à Saúde na região central do estado do Rio Grande do Sul: percepções de residentes multiprofissionais
Authors: Silveira Maria Luiza
Published: October 2022

Objetiva-se relatar a implantação da Planificação da Atenção Primária a partir da perspectiva de profissionais integrantes de um programa de Residência Multiprofissional. Trata-se de um relato de experiência de profissionais convidados a serem facilitadores das oficinas da Planificação da Atenção Primária, realizada pela 4ª Coordenaria Regional de Saúde. Esse processo objetiva organização dos macroprocessos da Atenção Primária e ao desenvolvimento e mudanças dos processos de gestão e de assistências das equipes de saúde. A experiência advinda da Planificação propiciou reflexões em relação ao processo de gestão e as práticas assistenciais a serem desenvolvimentos pelos profissionais residentes, assim como aproximar-se da realidade, contribuindo para o fortalecimento da APS.
Pagamentos por desempenho na Atenção Primária à Saúde: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Carvalho Mailson Fontes de , Andrade Cristina Setenta
Published: October 2022

Revisão sistemática acerca da efetividade da remuneração por desempenho na melhoria de indicadores de processo/resultado em programas e serviços de atenção primária à saúde. Realizou-se busca na PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO e Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde, resultando em 22 estudos analisados quanto ao tipo de estudo, objetivo, qualidade da evidência e principais achados. Constatou-se que a remuneração por desempenho apresentou impacto na atenção clínica às doenças, acessibilidade aos serviços, melhoria nos processos de acompanhamento e rentabilidade da utilização e apresenta-se como estratégia potencial à indução de melhorias na qualidade nos serviços de saúde, ainda que consideradas suas limitações.