bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Providing a computationally derived, mechanically optimised target correction during preoperative planning can improve joint contact mechanics of hip dysplasia treated with periacetabular osteotomy
Authors: Aitken Holly D , Miller Aspen , Rivas Dominic JL , Tatum Marcus , Westermann Robert W , Willey Michael C , Goetz Jessica E
Published: December 2023

Aim:

Preoperative identification of acetabular corrections that optimally improve joint stability and reduce elevated contact stresses could further reduce osteoarthritis progression in patients with hip dysplasia who are treated with periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). The purpose of this study was to investigate how providing patient-specific, mechanically optimal acetabular reorientations to the surgeon during preoperative planning affected the surgically achieved correction.

Methods:

Preoperative CT scans were used to create patient-specific hip models for 6 patients scheduled for PAO. A simulated acetabular fragment was extracted from the preoperative pelvis model and computationally rotated to simulate candidate acetabular reorientations. For each candidate, discrete element analysis was used to compute contact stresses during walking, which were summed over the gait cycle and scaled by patient age to obtain chronic contact stress-time exposure. The ideal patient-specific reorientation was identified using a cost function that balances minimising chronic stress exposures and achieving surgically acceptable acetabular coverage angles. The optimal reorientation angles and associated contact mechanics were provided to the surgeon preoperatively. After PAO was performed, a model of the surgically achieved correction was created from a postoperative CT scan. Radiographic coverage and contact mechanics were compared between preoperative, optimal, and surgically achieved orientations.

Results:

While surgically achieved reorientations were not significantly different from optimal reorientations in radiographically measured lateral ( p = 0.094) or anterior ( p = 0.063) coverage, surgically achieved reorientations had significantly ( p = 0.031) reduced total contact area compared to optimal reorientations. The difference in lateral coverage and peak chronic exposure between surgically achieved and optimal reorientations decreased with increasing surgeon experience using the models (R² = 0.758, R2 = 0.630, respectively).

Conclusions:

Providing hip surgeons with a patient-specific, computationally optimal reorientation during preoperative planning may improve contact mechanics after PAO, which may help reduce osteoarthritis progression in patients with hip dysplasia.
Provider perspectives on equity in use of mobile health autism screening tools
Authors: Zuckerman Katharine E , Rivas Vazquez Luis Andres , Morales Santos Yesenia , Fuchu Plyce , Broder-Fingert Sarabeth , Dolata Jill K , Bedrick Steven , Fernandez Jasmine , Fombonne Eric , Sanders Benjamin W
Published: December 2023

Mobile health (mHealth) screening tools for autism are gaining in prevalence, and have benefits such as video content and direct resources linkage. However, it is unclear whether such tools will ameliorate autism inequities or will help only those already advantaged in autism care. To investigate this issue, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 18 primary care and Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education providers in six US states. Providers were given hypothetical scenarios in which a family presents to care with results from one of 9 mHealth autism screening tools. Providers discussed their clinical approach and assessed the tool’s fit with their patient/client population. Each transcript was audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded; a phenomenological approach was used to develop key themes. 4 themes and 18 subthemes emerged. These included Clinical and business factors (e.g. scope of practice concerns and clinical efficiency), Validity and trustworthiness (e.g. familiarity, data privacy/security), Family interaction quality (e.g. supporting family advocacy, provision of information, affecting family anxiety, and emotional support), and Accessibility (e.g. English proficiency/language issues, cultural inclusivity, and literacy/educational level). Providers suggested modifications to enhance equity, such as portraying diverse families, reducing the reading level of text, and making tools shorter to better fit clinical context.

Lay Abstract

Families may find information about autism online, and health care and education providers may use online tools to screen for autism. However, we do not know if online autism screening tools are easily used by families and providers. We interviewed primary care and educational providers, asking them to review results from online tools that screen for autism. Providers had concerns about how usable and accessible these tools are for diverse families and suggested changes to make tools easier to use.
Exploring the Attrition of Low-Income Students From Associate Degree Programs in Jamaica, After Receiving Full Financial Support
Authors: Williams Delize , Eiden-Dillow Lisa
Published: December 2023

Financial barriers are readily touted as constraints facing low-income students who attempt to pursue studies at higher education institutions. With the removal of the barrier of tuition fees, this research study explored the reasons why low-income students still decided to drop out of their respective programs in higher education institutions in Jamaica, although full financial support was received. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 participants from two higher education institutions in Jamaica. Four themes emerged from the study as the reasons for their attrition, namely, the prioritization of financial needs, unsatisfactory academic performance, personal emotional issues, and program issues. These findings confirm that in addition to financial support to cover tuition fees, there are additional considerations for donor agencies as well as higher education institutions, if low-income students are to be aptly supported, and the risk of attrition, mitigated.
Evaluating the Decisional Capacity for Informed Consent of Transition age Children to Adolescents in Human Subject Research
Authors: Salayev Kamran , Aslanova Ulviyya , Munir Kerim
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to evaluate children's capacity for informed consent. We translated into Azerbaijani language and adapted the University of California, San Diego Brief Assessment of Capacity to Consent (UBACC). We enrolled four healthy groups: children aged 11, 12, and 13 years and adults. We provided the participants with information about the simulated research proposal and a related informed consent form. Subsequently, they were administered the UBACC. The mean total UBACC scores were 11.9 (11-year-olds), 12.7 (12-year-olds), 14.0 (13-year-olds), and 16.0 (adults). The gradual increase in the mean UBACC scores with age suggests the continuous maturation of the capacity to comprehend the informed consent process. There was no specific cutoff age to decide whether the children were competent enough to provide informed consent.
Unlocking the potential: Exploring the opportunities for occupational therapists in cyberpsychology
Authors: Jahrami Haitham
Published: December 2023

It has long been established that occupational therapists (OTs) play an important role in assisting clients suffering from a variety of physical and mental health conditions. Cyberpsychology is a relatively new field in medicine that pertains to how technology influences people's mental health and behavior. It covers the effects of social media, online gaming, virtual-augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and other forms of technology on individuals. Among the known psychological phenomena arising from individuals’ interactions with digital technologies are cyberbullying and technology addiction. This commentary explores how OTs in the cyberpsychology field can develop personalized interventions to enhance digital well-being and promote healthy technology use.
Scrutinizing a Fieldwork Experience: Challenges in Doing Research With Social Movement Actors in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Authors: Stagni Federica
Published: December 2023

This paper examines fieldwork experience in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). The research utilized participatory action research (PAR) and focused on a Palestinian community resisting demolition order for their homes in the South Hebron Hills. The paper addresses the critical difficulties faced during the planning and execution of fieldwork within a colonial regime that sustains Apartheid. This study aims to initiate a broader discourse within the sociological academic sphere regarding fieldwork encounters, their restitution, and the connections that academics establish and cultivate with the communities they engage with.
Dietary pattern, physical activity and body composition of Children with and without Down Syndrome – A case control study
Authors: AlDarwish Naimah , AlSaab Afnan , AlQusair Dhay , AlWahsh Ismail , Sebastian Tunny , AlGindan Yasmin
Published: December 2023

Background: Down syndrome (DS) is a known chromosomal disorder that results in changes in physical and clinical characteristics. Subjects with DS are more likely to be obese or overweight and have some recognized nutrition related problems. The objectives of this study are to compare body composition, food consumption pattern and physical activity level of children with and without DS. Methods: A case-control study of 82 participants (32 cases and 50 controls) was done. Anthropometric data related to weight, height, waist circumference, fat mass and fat free mass were obtained from the subjects. Food frequency questionnaire and survey were used to evaluate the dietary intake from 8 food groups and physical activity, respectively. Results: Children with DS exhibited significantly less intake of fruits and leafy vegetables (P < 0.05) compared to controls. There was no significant difference in the average number of sport activities that both children with DS and NDS were involved in, male with DS preferred dancing (P = 0.028) while NDS preferred football (P = 0.008). Statistically significant difference between the cases and controls was found in female fat mass (P = 0.043), waist circumference (P = 0.024, 0.007), hip circumference (P = 0.05, 0.011) and waist to height ratio (P < 0.001) of both male and female children with and without DS. Conclusion: Abdominal obesity is a major health concern among children with DS, indicating their increased risk of comorbidities associated with abdominal obesity such as insulin resistance. Their tendency to consume simple carbohydrate instead of fiber rich food, fruits and vegetables might further increase their risk of obesity. Perception of the dietary and physical activity preferences could help in the development of a life style program for higher quality of life.
Journalistic role conceptions and performance in the global south: A comparison between Egypt and the UAE during COVID-19
Authors: Abdulmajeed Maha , El-Ibiary Rasha
Published: December 2023

Journalists in Egypt and the UAE have been differently challenged by the COVID-19 situation at multiple levels, (1) individual (2) work/routines and (3) media/organizational while covering COVID-19. Using the hierarchy of influences model, we analyze the differentiated journalists’ role conceptions, perceived performance, and challenges they faced in covering COVID-19, and how that affect their performance, as Global South-based journalists. Applying a mixed method approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with 20 journalists who reported COVID-19, representing different media platforms, as a part of the Global Risk Journalism Hub project. We also surveyed journalists ( n 102) from both countries, as a part of the Journalistic Role Performance project. Findings revealed that media-organizational level challenges influenced journalists more than other levels. Journalists also shifted from the Civic Role Conception to performing the Loyal-Facilitator Role followed by the Interventionist Role during the pandemic.
The Predictive Validity of Intimate Partner Violence Warning Signs
Authors: Charlot Nicolyn , Joel Samantha , Campbell Lorne
Published: December 2023

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is harmful and prevalent, but leaving abusive partners is often challenging due to investments (e.g., children, shared memories). Identifying warning signs of abuse early on is one prevention strategy to help people avoid abusive long-term relationships. Using university and online samples, the present studies identified warning signs and protective factors that predicted overall, physical, psychological, and sexual abuse cross-sectionally (Study 1) and prospectively over 6 months (Study 2). These studies demonstrated that the number of warning signs a person experienced and the frequency with which they experienced those warning signs predicted overall abuse. Seven warning signs emerged as predictors in both studies (e.g., “My partner acted arrogant or entitled”), suggesting that they are particularly important for identifying potentially abusive relationships. This is the first research to identify warning signs that prospectively predict abuse; findings have implications for IPV prevention efforts in academic and public contexts.
Exploring Organizational Self-(re)presentations on Visual Social Media: Computational Analysis of Startups’ Instagram Photos Based on Unsupervised Learning
Authors: Kim Yunhwan
Published: December 2023

Presenting oneself visually is an essential part of online behaviors on social networking sites (SNSs), and this is also the case for organizational accounts. Examining organizational self-presentation on their SNS accounts can show the key instruments through which organizations communicate online with the public. Thus, taking startups’ Instagram accounts as examples, this study aims to explore what and how organizations present visually on the photos uploaded to their Instagram accounts. The photos were analyzed in terms of their content, texts in photos, and facial and pixel-level characteristics. Photos and accounts were clustered respectively and resulting clusters were compared as well. The results suggest that text and people are the major objects represented in startups’ Instagram photos. The text presented in the photos was mainly about startups’ efforts to realize social values that can benefit communities by aiding people to do something in a timely manner. Two photo clusters were found: one mainly represented people and people-related words and the other mainly presented texts. Two account clusters were also found: one mainly consists of IT companies that presented texts in their photos and the other mainly consists of human-related services that presented people in their photos. This study can contribute to the body of literature by identifying the visual characteristics of organizational SNS photos and expanding self-presentation research to organizational SNS accounts.
Interpersonal Communication Between Transgender and Cisgender People: A Polish-Canadian Comparison
Authors: heinz matthew , Kłonkowska Anna M.
Published: December 2023

Interpersonal communication between transgender/gender-diverse and cisgender people is an understudied area within the fields of communication studies and gender studies; studies on Canadian and Polish interpersonal communication dynamics involving these demographic groups are even rarer. The purpose of this research project therefore was two-fold. On an applied level, this study sought to document and analyze interpersonal communication dynamics between transgender/gender-diverse and cisgender people in Poland and Canada, respectively. On a theoretical level, this study sought to extend interpersonal transgender communication theory. Based on in-depth interviews conducted with 44 participants in Canada and Poland, the authors identified common positive and negative interpersonal communication experiences between transgender/gender-diverse and cisgender people within each nation. The thematic analysis uncovered similarities and differences; quotations from the interviews allowed for identification of concrete moments in interpersonal communication encounters. Findings were analyzed from the perspective of recent articulations of communication accommodation theory (CAT) with particular emphasis on the role of accommodation and nonaccommodation, affective motives, and skills training. The relevance of accommodative communication behavior and the significance of perceived communicative intent emerged as key findings.
Natural Experiments as a Study Method in Spinal Trauma Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Stadhouder Agnita , van Rossenberg Luke Xander , Kik Charlotte , Muijs S. P. J. , Öner F. C. , Houwert R. Marijn
Published: December 2023

Study Design

Systematic review.

Objectives

To determine if the natural experiment design is a useful research methodology concept in spinal trauma care, and to determine if this methodology can be a viable alternative when randomized controlled trials are either infeasible or unethical.

Methods

A Medline, Embase and Cochrane database search was performed between 2004 and 2023 for studies comparing different treatment modalities of spinal trauma. All observational studies with a natural experiment design comparing different treatment modalities of spinal trauma were included. Data extraction and quality assessment with the MINORS criteria was performed.

Results

Four studies with a natural experiment design regarding patients with traumatic spinal fractures were included. All studies were retrospective, one study collected follow-up data prospectively. Three studies compared different operative treatment modalities, whereas one study compared different antibiotic treatment strategies. Two studies compared preferred treatment modalities between expertise centers, one study between departments (neuro- and orthopedic surgery) and one amongst surgeons. For the included retrospective studies, MINORS scores (maximum score 18) were high ranging from 12-17 and with a mean (SD) of 14.6 (1.63).

Conclusions

Since 2004 only four studies using a natural experiment design have been conducted in spinal trauma. In the included studies, comparability of patient groups was high emphasizing the potential of natural experiments in spinal trauma research. Natural experiments design should be considered more frequently in future research in spinal trauma as they may help to address difficult clinical problems when RCT’s are infeasible or unethical.
Evaluating the Association Between Sociodemographic and Health Variables With Baseline Concussion Testing in Young Athletes
Authors: Kreitner Liga , Crowley Eric , Weaver Amy , Wi Chung-Il , Soma David
Published: December 2023

Background:

Baseline concussion testing can be helpful to perform when providing concussion care for young athletes. To appropriately interpret these data, it is important to understand how certain factors may affect concussion testing.

Purpose:

To examine the relationship of sociodemographic and health variables with baseline concussion testing in young athletes.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

High school and middle school athletes competing in sports or positions at high risk for concussion (football, soccer, ice hockey, wrestling, lacrosse, and pitchers/catchers in baseball/softball) during the 2020-2021 or 2021-2022 academic years completed annual baseline concussion testing and were included in the study. Baseline data included self-reported demographic and medical information, a graded symptom checklist, the Standardized Assessment of Concussion, and the King-Devick test. A validated measure, HOUSES (HOUsing-based index of SocioEconomic Status), was used to determine participants’ socioeconomic status (SES) by linking personal address information to publicly available property data. Multivariable linear regression models were fit to analyze the relationship of concussion baseline testing to sociodemographic and health variables.

Results:

Among the eligible 2747 athletes (mean age, 15.4 ± 1.5 years; 73.6% male), the mean Standardized Assessment of Concussion score was 26.7 ± 2.0 and the mean best King-Devick test time was 50.3 ± 10.1 seconds. Higher baseline symptom severity scores were related to lower SES ( P = .002). A lower (ie, poorer) mean Standardized Assessment of Concussion score was significantly associated with the following in the multivariable model: male sex ( P < .001), younger age ( P < .001), Black/African American race ( P = .029), Hispanic ethnicity ( P = .016), previous diagnosis of learning disorder or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ( P < .001), and lower SES ( P = .003). A higher (ie, poorer) mean King-Devick test time was related to younger age, previous diagnosis of a learning disorder or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and lower SES (all P < .001).

Conclusion:

Baseline concussion testing was found to be associated with certain sociodemographic variables and underlying health conditions in high school and middle school athletes.
‘I need to belong and be part of something bigger’ – Spiritual and existential experiences and reflections among young people not in employment, education or training
Authors: Holmberg Åse , Karlsson Bengt , Deyegbe Kuvoame Moses
Published: December 2023

Though they are viewed negatively in society, not much is known about how young people not in education, employment and training (so-called NEET youths) see themselves. This article addresses how these youths frame and reflect upon their spiritual and existential experiences in Norway. Adopting a hermeneutical-phenomenological approach, it explores and analyses how they feel their spiritual and existential experiences impinge on their self-perceptions, meaning-making and social relationships and how these affect their existential health. The findings show that they experienced existential challenges related to poverty, loneliness, meaninglessness and fear of death, which undermined their existential health. Nevertheless, they had dreams and hopes for the future. To help promote the existential health of these young people and their smooth transition into adulthood, professionals need to learn to listen to their reflections on life, understand their existential needs, enable them to build adequate relational supports and mobilise their hopes and dreams.
Advances in lithographic techniques for precision nanostructure fabrication in biomedical applications
Authors: Stokes Kate , Clark Kieran , Odetade David , Hardy Mike , Goldberg Oppenheimer Pola
Published: December 2023

Nano-fabrication techniques have demonstrated their vital importance in technological innovation. However, low-throughput, high-cost and intrinsic resolution limits pose significant restrictions, it is, therefore, paramount to continue improving existing methods as well as developing new techniques to overcome these challenges. This is particularly applicable within the area of biomedical research, which focuses on sensing, increasingly at the point-of-care, as a way to improve patient outcomes. Within this context, this review focuses on the latest advances in the main emerging patterning methods including the two-photon, stereo, electrohydrodynamic, near-field electrospinning-assisted, magneto, magnetorheological drawing, nanoimprint, capillary force, nanosphere, edge, nano transfer printing and block copolymer lithographic technologies for micro- and nanofabrication. Emerging methods enabling structural and chemical nano fabrication are categorised along with prospective chemical and physical patterning techniques. Established lithographic techniques are briefly outlined and the novel lithographic technologies are compared to these, summarising the specific advantages and shortfalls alongside the current lateral resolution limits and the amenability to mass production, evaluated in terms of process scalability and cost. Particular attention is drawn to the potential breakthrough application areas, predominantly within biomedical studies, laying the platform for the tangible paths towards the adoption of alternative developing lithographic technologies or their combination with the established patterning techniques, which depends on the needs of the end-user including, for instance, tolerance of inherent limits, fidelity and reproducibility.
Unbalanced bidirectional causal association between thyroid cancer and ER-positive breast cancer: should we recommend screening for thyroid cancer in breast cancer patients?
Authors: Wang Hongtao , Li Shiwen , Shi Jinyuan , Feng Chuyao , Wang Yanan , Zhang Fan
Published: December 2023

Background

The association between breast cancer (BC) and thyroid cancer (TC) has been studied in several epidemiological studies. However, the underlying causal relationship between them is not yet clear.

Methods

The data from the latest large-sample genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of BC and TC were searched in the public GWAS database. The BC GWAS data included estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and negative subgroups. Two-way two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) was used to explore the potential causal relationship between BC and TC. Inverse variance weighting (IVW) and the MR-Egger method were used to combine the estimation of each single nucleotide variation (previous single nucleotide polymorphism). BC was taken as the result, and the effect of TC exposure was analyzed. Then, the effect of BC exposure on the result of TC was analyzed.

Results

Both IVW and MR-Egger results indicated that gene-driven thyroid cancer does not cause estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer and is a protective factor (β = -1.203, SE = 4.663*10–4, P = 0.010). However, gene-driven estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer can lead to the development of thyroid cancer (β = 0.516, SE = 0.220, P = 0.019).

Conclusion

From the perspective of gene drive, people with TC are less likely to have ER-positive BC. In contrast, people with ER-positive BC are more likely to have TC. Therefore, it is recommended that patients with BC be screened regularly for TC.
Genetic variants in myostatin and its receptors promote elite athlete status
Authors: Leońska-Duniec Agata , Borczyk Małgorzata , Korostyński Michał , Massidda Myosotis , Maculewicz Ewelina , Cięszczyk Paweł
Published: December 2023

Background

While product of the myostatin gene (MSTN) is an important factor influencing muscle growth, which is well confirmed in nonhuman species, it has not been clearly confirmed whether MSTN expression influences interindividual differences in skeletal muscle mass, affects posttraining changes, or plays a role in the age-related loss of muscle mass and function in humans. Although the inconclusive results are usually explained by ethnic differences and the low frequency of some alleles, it is possible that the role of receptors (ACVR2A and ACVR2B) that affect the biological activity of myostatin is crucial. Therefore, we investigated the sequences of the MSTN, ACVR2A, and ACVR2B genes and determined the interaction between allelic variants and athletic performance and competition level in the Caucasian population. One hundred-two athletes were recruited for the sequencing study, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed. Second, 330 athletes and 365 controls were included, and real-time PCR was performed.

Results

The sequence analysis revealed two polymorphisms relatively common in the athlete cohort, and the alternate allele showed overrepresentation in athletes: MSTN rs11333758 and ACVR2A rs3764955. Regarding the polymorphic site MSTN rs11333758, there was a significant overrepresentation of the –/– genotype in all high-elite and mixed-sport high-elite athletes. Carriers of the ACVR2A rs3764955 CC and GG genotypes were more likely to be elite and high-elite athletes. In addition, carriers of the CC genotype were more likely to be in the mixed-sport subelite group. The gene‒gene interaction analysis revealed that mixed-sport high elite athletes showed significant underrepresentation of the ACVR2A rs3764955 GC - MSTN rs11333758 AA genotype combination. In the same group, we observed a significant overrepresentation of the ACVR2A rs3764955 GC - MSTN rs11333758 –/– and the ACVR2A rs3764955 CC - MSTN rs11333758 –/– genotype combinations.

Conclusions

We showed that the specific genotypes of the MSTN rs11333758 and ACVR2A rs3764955, either individually or in gene‒gene combination, are significantly associated with athletes’ competition level in the Polish population, especially in the mixed-sports athlete group. Thus, although further research is required, these polymorphisms, alone or in combination with other polymorphisms, are among the numerous candidates that could explain individual variations in muscle phenotypes.
Epichloë fungal endophyte interactions in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) modified to accumulate foliar lipids for increased energy density
Authors: Richardson Kim A. , de Bonth Anouck C. M. , Beechey-Gradwell Zac , Kadam Suhas , Cooney Luke J. , Nelson Kelly A. , Cookson Ruth , Winichayakul Somrutai , Reid Michele , Anderson Philip , Crowther Tracey , Zou Xiuying , Maher Dorothy , Xue Hong , Scott Richard W. , Allan Anne , Johnson Richard D. , Card Stuart D. , Mace Wade J. , Roberts Nicholas J. , Bryan Gregory
Published: December 2023

Background

Commercial cultivars of perennial ryegrass infected with selected Epichloë fungal endophytes are highly desirable in certain pastures as the resulting mutualistic association has the capacity to confer agronomic benefits (such as invertebrate pest deterrence) largely due to fungal produced secondary metabolites (e.g., alkaloids). In this study, we investigated T2 segregating populations derived from two independent transformation events expressing diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) and cysteine oleosin (CO) genes designed to increase foliar lipid and biomass accumulation. These populations were either infected with Epichloë festucae var. lolii strain AR1 or Epichloë sp. LpTG-3 strain AR37 to examine relationships between the introduced trait and the endophytic association. Here we report on experiments designed to investigate if expression of the DGAT + CO trait in foliar tissues of perennial ryegrass could negatively impact the grass-endophyte association and vice versa. Both endophyte and plant characters were measured under controlled environment and field conditions.

Results

Expected relative increases in total fatty acids of 17–58% accrued as a result of DGAT + CO expression with no significant difference between the endophyte-infected and non-infected progeny. Hyphal growth in association with DGAT + CO expression appeared normal when compared to control plants in a growth chamber. There was no significant difference in mycelial biomass for both strains AR1 and AR37, however, Epichloë-derived alkaloid concentrations were significantly lower on some occasions in the DGAT + CO plants compared to the corresponding null-segregant progenies, although these remained within the reported range for bioactivity.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the mutualistic association formed between perennial ryegrass and selected Epichloë strains does not influence expression of the host DGAT + CO technology, but that endophyte performance may be reduced under some circumstances. Further investigation will now be required to determine the preferred genetic backgrounds for introgression of the DGAT + CO trait in combination with selected endophyte strains, as grass host genetics is a major determinant to the success of the grass-endophyte association in this species.
Chitosan-GSNO nanoparticles: a positive modulator of drought stress tolerance in soybean
Authors: Methela Nusrat Jahan , Pande Anjali , Islam Mohammad Shafiqul , Rahim Waqas , Hussain Adil , Lee Da-Sol , Mun Bong-Gyu , Maria Joseph Raj Nirmal Prashanth , Kim Sang-Jae , Kim Yoonha , Yun Byung-Wook
Published: December 2023

Background

Chitosan biopolymer is an emerging non-toxic and biodegradable plant elicitor or bio-stimulant. Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) have been used for the enhancement of plant growth and development. On the other hand, NO is an important signaling molecule that regulates several aspects of plant physiology under normal and stress conditions. Here we report the synthesis, characterization, and use of chitosan-GSNO nanoparticles for improving drought stress tolerance in soybean.

Results

The CSGSNONPs released NO gas for a significantly longer period and at a much lower rate as compared to free GSNO indicating that incorporation of GSNO in CSNPs can protect the NO-donor from rapid decomposition and ensure optimal NO release. CS-GSNONPs improved drought tolerance in soybean plants reflected by a significant increase in plant height, biomass, root length, root volume, root surface area, number of root tips, forks, and nodules. Further analyses indicated significantly lower electrolyte leakage, higher proline content, higher catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase activity, and reduction in MDA and H2O2 contents after treatment with 50 μM CS-GSNONPs under drought stress conditions. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicated that CS-GSNONPs protected against drought-induced stress by regulating the expression of drought stress-related marker genes such as GmDREB1a, GmP5CS, GmDEFENSIN, and NO-related genes GmGSNOR1 and GmNOX1.

Conclusions

This study highlights the potential of nano-technology-based delivery systems for nitric oxide donors to improve plant growth, and development and protect against stresses.
The effect of foliar application of Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jol. seaweed extract on biochemical traits related to abiotic stresses in pistachio (Pistacia vera L. cv. Kaleh-Ghoochi)
Authors: Nikoogoftar-Sedghi Mohammadali , Rabiei Vali , Razavi Farhang , Molaei Sanaz , Khadivi Ali
Published: December 2023

Background

Due to the important economic role of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) the cultivation of this valuable crop has been extended. Various abiotic stresses harm the growth and performance of pistachio. Seaweed extract containing various substances such as pseudo-hormones that stimulate growth, nutritional elements, and anti-stress substances can cause more resistance to abiotic stresses, and increase the quantity and the quality of the fruit. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar application of Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jol. seaweed extract on some biochemical traits related to abiotic stress in Pistacia vera L. cv. Kaleh-Ghoochi. The first factor of foliar spraying treatment included A. nodosum seaweed extract at four levels (0, 1, 2, and 3 g/L), and the second factor was the time of spraying solution which was done at three times (1- at the beginning of pistachio kernel growth period at the end of June, 2- at the stage of full kernel development at the end of August, and 3- Spraying in both late June and August).

Results

The results showed that all investigated traits were significant under the treatment of seaweed extract compared with the control. The seaweed extract concentrations had a significant effect on all traits except soluble carbohydrates, but the time of consumption of seaweed extract on soluble carbohydrates, protein, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase enzymes was significant, while had no significant effect on the rest of the traits. According to the interaction effect of time and concentration of consumption of seaweed extract, the highest values of the biochemical characters were as follows: total phenol content: 168.30 mg CAE/g DW, flavonoid content: mg CE/g DW, catalase: 12.66 µmol APX min− 1 mg− 1 protein, superoxide dismutase: 231.4 µmol APX min− 1 mg− 1 protein, and ascorbate peroxidase: 39.53 µmol APX min− 1 mg− 1 protein.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this study, it seems that it is possible to use fertilizers containing A. nodosum seaweed extract with a concentration of 3 g/L in August to increase the tolerance of the pistachio cultivar “Kaleh-Ghoochi” to abiotic stresses.
A pre-anesthetic bolus of ketamine versus dexmedetomidine for prevention of postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing emergency surgery: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Ghazaly Huda F. , Hemaida Tarek S. , Zaher Zaher Z. , Elkhodary Omar M. , Hammad Soudy S.
Published: December 2023

Background

We aimed to evaluate whether a single dose of ketamine or dexmedetomidine before induction of general anesthesia could reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium (primary outcome) or cognitive dysfunction (secondary outcome) in elderly patients undergoing emergency surgery.

Patients and methods

This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial included 60 elderly patients who were scheduled for emergency surgery. The patients were randomly assigned into one of three groups (n = 20): group I received 0.9% normal saline, group II received 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine, and group III received 1 mg/kg ketamine right before anesthesia induction. Patients were observed for three days after surgery and tested for postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction using the delirium observation screening scale and the mini-mental state examination score, respectively.

Results

The dexmedetomidine group had the lowest incidence of delirium (p = 0.001) and cognitive dysfunction (p = 0.006) compared to the ketamine and placebo groups. The multivariate logistic regression model revealed that dexmedetomidine reduced the incidence of postoperative delirium by 32% compared to placebo (reference) (OR = 0.684, 95% CI: 0.240–0.971, p = 0.025), whereas ketamine increased the risk by threefold (OR = 3.012, 95% CI: 1.185–9.681, p = 0.013). Furthermore, dexmedetomidine reduced the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction by 62% (OR = 0.375, 95% CI: 0.091–0.543, p = 0.012), whereas ketamine increased the risk by 4.5 times (OR = 4.501, 95% CI: 1.161–8.817, p = 0.006).

Conclusion

A single pre-anesthetic bolus of dexmedetomidine is a practical choice for preventing postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing emergency surgery.

Trial registration

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Aswan University Hospital (approval number: aswu/548/7/2021; registration date: 06/07/2021) and registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05341154) (22/04/2022).
Grandparenting and life satisfaction among Chinese elderlies: a study of possible mechanisms
Authors: Cheng Xinfeng , Ariyo Tolulope
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study examines the impact of caregiving on older people’s life satisfaction, focusing on the role of caring for grandchildren. The study considers individual characteristics (aging attitudes) and situational factors (intergenerational support) and aims to identify the mediating roles of aging attitudes and intergenerational support in the relationship between caregiving and life satisfaction.

Method

The study analyzed data from the 2014 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS), focusing on 5363 grandparents who reported providing care for their grandchildren in the 12 months before the survey. Life satisfaction was subjectively measured. The data was analyzed using multiple linear regression, propensity score matching, and mediation analysis.

Result

The study found that grandparents who cared for their grandchildren have higher levels of life satisfaction. Self-aging attitudes, general aging attitudes, intergenerational economic support, intergenerational instrumental support, and intergenerational emotional support fully mediated the relationship between grandchild care and life satisfaction.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that caring for grandchildren is a vital activity for older people that helps them develop positive aging attitudes and strengthens intergenerational support, thereby improving their quality of life. Hence, the government, society, families, and communities should provide more social support to older adults caring for grandchildren. This would not only benefit the health of the older people themselves but also promote intergenerational harmony and family development.
Image-based AI diagnostic performance for fatty liver: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Qi , Lan Yadi , Yin Xunjun , Wang Kai
Published: December 2023

Background

The gold standard to diagnose fatty liver is pathology. Recently, image-based artificial intelligence (AI) has been found to have high diagnostic performance. We systematically reviewed studies of image-based AI in the diagnosis of fatty liver.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Embase and assessed the quality of included studies by QUADAS-AI. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, negative likelihood ratio (NLR), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated using a random effects model. Summary receiver operating characteristic curves (SROC) were generated to identify the diagnostic accuracy of AI models.

Results

15 studies were selected in our meta-analysis. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were 92% (95% CI: 90–93%) and 94% (95% CI: 93–96%), PLR and NLR were 12.67 (95% CI: 7.65–20.98) and 0.09 (95% CI: 0.06–0.13), DOR was 182.36 (95% CI: 94.85-350.61). After subgroup analysis by AI algorithm (conventional machine learning/deep learning), region, reference (US, MRI or pathology), imaging techniques (MRI or US) and transfer learning, the model also demonstrated acceptable diagnostic efficacy.

Conclusion

AI has satisfactory performance in the diagnosis of fatty liver by medical imaging. The integration of AI into imaging devices may produce effective diagnostic tools, but more high-quality studies are needed for further evaluation.
Unravelling the current shortfalls, challenges, and opportunities in traumatic brain injury
Authors: Theadom A. , Andelic N. , Chavda V. , Pedersen M.
Published: December 2023

The brain is the control centre of the human body. Injury to the brain can have diverse and disabling effects. Yet there remain important unanswered questions for clinicians, those affected and their families. This special collection aims to advance understanding of how we can better diagnose, treat and support those affected by brain injury across the severity spectrum.
Reduction in spontaneous and iatrogenic preterm births in twin pregnancies during COVID-19 lockdown in Melbourne, Australia: a multicenter cohort study
Authors: Manno Juliana M. , Marzan Melvin B. , Rolnik Daniel L. , Potenza Stephanie , Pritchard Natasha , Said Joanne M. , Palmer Kirsten R. , Whitehead Clare L. , Sheehan Penelope M. , Ford Jolyon , Mol Ben W. , Walker Susan P. , Hui Lisa
Published: December 2023

Background

Melbourne, Australia, recorded one of the longest and most stringent pandemic lockdowns in 2020, which was associated with an increase in preterm stillbirths among singleton pregnancies. Twin pregnancies may be particularly susceptible to the impacts of pandemic disruptions to maternity care due to their higher background risk of adverse perinatal outcomes.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective cohort study of all twin pregnancies birthing in public maternity hospitals in Melbourne. Multivariable log-binomial regression models were used to compare perinatal outcomes between a pre-pandemic group to women in whom weeks 20+0 to 40+0 of gestation occurred entirely during one of two lockdown-exposure periods: exposure 1 from 22 March 2020 to 21 March 2021 and exposure 2 from 22 March 2021 to 27 March 2022.

Results

Total preterm births < 37 weeks were significantly lower in exposure 1 compared with the pre-pandemic period (63.1% vs 68.3%; adjusted risk ratio 0.92 95% CI 0.87–0.98, p = 0.01). This was mainly driven by fewer spontaneous preterm births (18.9% vs 20.3%; adjusted risk ratio 0.95 95% CI 0.90–0.99, p = 0.04). There were also lower rates of preterm birth < 34 weeks (19.9% vs 23.0%, adjusted risk ratio 0.93 95% CI 0.89–0.98 p = 0.01) and total iatrogenic births for fetal compromise (13.4% vs 20.4%; adjusted risk ratio 0.94 95% CI 0.89–0.98, p = 0.01). There were fewer special care nursery admissions (38.5% vs 43.4%; adjusted risk ratio 0.91 95% CI 0.87–0.95, p < 0.001) but no significant changes in stillbirth (1.5% vs 1.6%; adjusted risk ratio 1.00 95% CI 0.99–1.01, p = 0.82). Compared with the pre-pandemic period, there were more preterm births < 28 weeks and neonatal intensive care unit admissions in exposure 2.

Conclusions

Melbourne’s first lockdown-exposure period was associated with lower preterm births in twins without significant differences in adverse newborn outcomes. Our findings provide insights into the influences on preterm birth and the optimal timing of delivery for twins.
Development of birth weight estimation model for Ethiopian population from sonographic evaluation
Authors: Seman Nejat Mohammed , Adem Hamdia Murad , Disasa Fanta Assefa , Simegn Gizeaddis Lamesgin
Published: December 2023

Background

Fetal birth weight (FBW) estimation involves predicting the weight of a fetus prior to delivery. This prediction serves as a crucial input for ensuring effective, accurate, and appropriate obstetric planning, management, and decision-making. Typically, there are two methods used to estimate FBW: the clinical method (which involves measuring fundal height and performing abdominal palpation) or sonographic evaluation. The accuracy of clinical method estimation relies heavily on the experience of the clinician. Sonographic evaluation involves utilizing various mathematical models to estimate FBW, primarily relying on fetal biometry. However, these models often demonstrate estimation errors that exceed acceptable levels, which can result in inadequate labor and delivery management planning. One source of this estimation error is sociodemographic variations between population groups in different countries. Additionally, inter- and intra-observer variability during fetal biometry measurement also contributes to errors in FBW estimation.

Methods

In this research, a novel mathematical model was proposed through multiple regression analysis to predict FBW with an accepted level of estimation error. To develop the model, population data consisting of fetal biometry, fetal ultrasound images, obstetric variables, and maternal sociodemographic factors (age, marital status, ethnicity, educational status, occupational status, income, etc.) of the mother were collected. Two approaches were used to develop the mathematical model. The first method was based on fetal biometry data measured by a physician and the second used fetal biometry data measured using an image processing algorithm. The image processing algorithm comprises preprocessing, segmentation, feature extraction, and fetal biometry measurement.

Results

The model developed using the two approaches were tested to assess their performance in estimating FBW, and they achieved mean percentage errors of 7.53% and 5.89%, respectively. Based on these results, the second model was chosen as the final model.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that the developed model can estimate FBW with an acceptable level of error for the Ethiopian population. Furthermore, this model outperforms existing models for FBW estimation. The proposed approach has the potential to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates by providing accurate fetal birth weight estimates for informed obstetric planning.