bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacteria-derived chimeric toxins as potential anticancer agents
Authors: Khoshnood Saeed , Fathizadeh Hadis , Neamati Foroogh , Negahdari Babak , Baindara Piyush , Abdullah Mohd Azmuddin , Haddadi Mohammad Hossein
Published: September 2022

Cancer is one of the major causes of death globally, requiring everlasting efforts to develop novel, specific, effective, and safe treatment strategies. Despite advances in recent years, chemotherapy, as the primary treatment for cancer, still faces limitations such as the lack of specificity, drug resistance, and treatment failure. Bacterial toxins have great potential to be used as anticancer agents and can boost the effectiveness of cancer chemotherapeutics. Bacterial toxins exert anticancer effects by affecting the cell cycle and apoptotic pathways and regulating tumorigenesis. Chimeric toxins, which are recombinant derivatives of bacterial toxins, have been developed to address the low specificity of their conventional peers. Through their targeting moieties, chimeric toxins can specifically and effectively detect and kill cancer cells. This review takes a comprehensive look at the anticancer properties of bacteria-derived toxins and discusses their potential applications as therapeutic options for integrative cancer treatment.
A comparison of weight gain between HIV exposed uninfected and HIV unexposed uninfected infants who received KMC at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital
Authors: Mapatha Leshata Abigail , Nakwa Firdose Lambey , Mokhachane Mantoa
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) has been associated with improved growth in low birthweight infants and reduction in hypothermia, hypoglycaemia, apnoeas, sepsis, hospital stay, and mortality. The growth of HIV-infected children is poorer than those who are HIV-uninfected. There is paucity of data on weight gain in the HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) infants compared to HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU) infants receiving KMC.

Aim

This study compared the weight gain of HEU and infants HUU from admission to the KMC ward until 12 months corrected age (CA) follow-up visit.

Methods

Retrospective record review of the neonates admitted in KMC at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital over a 2-year period (2012–2013). The weight gain was assessed via weight velocity using the formula; weight/kg/day from admission to KMC to discharge, and g/ week at term, 3, 6 and 9- and 12-months (CA). The demographics were collected and analyzed using Statistica.

Results

Seventy-seven (129/166) percent of the mothers were HIV negative. HIV negative mothers were younger (25.9 vs. 31.6 years; p = 0.000) and had fewer pregnancies (p = 0.02). There was no difference between the gestational age (30.3 ± 2.53 vs. 30.8 ± 2.88 weeks; p = 0.35) and birthweight (1,345 g ± 234 vs. 1,314 g ± 209; p = 0.47) between HEU and HUU. There were no differences in the weight gain (23.83 g ± 12.2 vs. 23.22 g ± 15.2; p = 0.83) in KMC. There was no differences in weight gain at the different follow-up time points between the two groups.

Conclusion

Both HEU and HUU groups of infants showed reasonable weight gain despite maternal HIV status.
Impact of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias on colorectal cancer screening utilization, knowledge, and associated health disparities
Authors: Lv Gang , Wang Xiaoxia , Jiang Xiangxiang , Li Minghui , Lu Kevin
Published: September 2022

Background: Colorectal cancer screening can detect colorectal cancer at an early stage and reduce mortality. None of the existing clinical practice guidelines provide specific recommendations for colorectal cancer screening in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Limited studies have assessed the impacts of ADRD on colorectal cancer screening use and knowledge, and no studies have focused on the associated health disparities.

Objectives: To examine the utilization, knowledge, and associated health disparities of colorectal cancer screening in older adults with ADRD.

Methods: This study used the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey from 2015 to 2018. Two types of colorectal cancer screening, including fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy, were measured. The colorectal cancer screening knowledge was evaluated by asking if the participants have heard of two screening methods and whether they knew Medicare pays for colorectal cancer screenings. Logistic regression models were used to examine the impact of ADRD diagnosis on the utilization and knowledge of colorectal cancer screening.

Results: The overall colorectal cancer screening rate in older adults increased from 86.4% to 88.96% from 2015 to 2018. Patients with AD were 39% (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.50–0.76) less likely and those with RD were 25% (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.62–0.91) less likely to use any colorectal cancer screening when compared to older adults without ADRD. The rate of knowledge of colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy remained high between 84.23% and 84.57% while the knowledge of FOBT increased from 64.32% to 78.69% during the study period. Compared to older adults without ADRD, those with AD were 77% (OR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.12–2.81) more likely to hear of colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy. The rate of knowledge of Medicare pay for colorectal cancer screening increased from 42.19% to 45.27% during the study period. Compared to older adults without ADRD, those with AD were 19% (OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.70–0.94) less likely to know that Medicare pays for colorectal cancer screening.

Conclusion: ADRD was significantly associated with colorectal cancer screening utilization and knowledge. In addition, this study identified health disparities in race/ethnicity, gender, and urban/rural residence in colorectal cancer screening use and knowledge.
Optimal dose of cefotaxime in neonates with early-onset sepsis: A developmental pharmacokinetic model-based evaluation
Authors: Shang Zhen-Hai , Wu Yue-E , Lv Dong-Mei , Zhang Wei , Liu Wen-Qiang , van den Anker John , Xu Yan , Zhao Wei
Published: September 2022

Objective: The perspective of real-world study is especially relevant to newborns, enabling dosage regimen optimization and regulatory approval of medications for use in newborns. The aim of the present study was to conduct a pharmacokinetic analysis of cefotaxime and evaluate the dosage used in newborns with early-onset sepsis (EOS) using real-world data in order to support the rational use in the clinical practice.

Methods: This prospective, open-label study was performed in newborns with EOS. A developmental pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model of cefotaxime in EOS patients was established based on an opportunistic sampling method. Then, clinical evaluation of cefotaxime was conducted in newborns with EOS using real-world data.

Results: A one-compartment model with first-order elimination was developed, using 101 cefotaxime concentrations derived from 51 neonates (30.1–41.3°C weeks postmenstrual age), combining current weight and postnatal age. The pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic target was defined as the free cefotaxime concentration above MIC during 70% of the dosing interval (70% fT > MIC), and 100% of neonates receiving the dose of 50 mg/kg, BID attained the target evaluated using the model. Additionally, only two newborns had adverse reactions possibly related to cefotaxime treatment, including diarrhea and feeding intolerance.

Conclusion: This prospective real-world study demonstrated that cefotaxime (50 mg/kg, BID) had a favorable efficacy and an accepted safety profile for neonates with EOS.
Integrating experimental model, LC-MS/MS chemical analysis, and systems biology approach to investigate the possible antidiabetic effect and mechanisms of Matricaria aurea (Golden Chamomile) in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ismail Yassin , Fahmy Dina M. , Ghattas Maivel H. , Ahmed Mai M. , Zehry Walaa , Saleh Samy M. , Abo-elmatty Dina M.
Published: September 2022

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a heterogeneous disease with numerous abnormal targets and pathways involved in insulin resistance, low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, beta cell dysfunction, and epigenetic factors. Botanical drugs provide a large chemical space that can modify various targets simultaneously. Matricaria aurea (MA, golden chamomile) is a widely used herb in Middle Eastern communities for many ailments, including diabetes mellitus, without any scientific basis to support this tradition. For the first time, this study aimed to investigate the possible antidiabetic activity of MA in a type 2 diabetic rat model, identify chemical constituents by LC-MS/MS, and then elucidate the molecular mechanism(s) using enzyme activity assays, q-RTPCR gene expression analysis, network pharmacology analysis, and molecular docking simulation. Our results demonstrated that only the polar hydroethanolic extract of MA had remarkable antidiabetic activity. Furthermore, it improved dyslipidemia, insulin resistance status, ALT, and AST levels. LC-MS/MS analysis of MA hydroethanolic extract identified 62 compounds, including the popular chamomile flavonoids apigenin and luteolin, other flavonoids and their glycosides, coumarin derivatives, and phenolic acids. Based on pharmacokinetic screening and literature, 46 compounds were chosen for subsequent network analysis, which linked to 364 candidate T2DM targets from various databases and literature. The network analysis identified 123 hub proteins, including insulin signaling and metabolic proteins: IRS1, IRS2, PIK3R1, AKT1, AKT2, MAPK1, MAPK3, and PCK1, inflammatory proteins: TNF and IL1B, antioxidant enzymes: CAT and SOD, and others. Subsequent filtering identified 40 crucial core targets (major hubs) of MA in T2DM treatment. Functional enrichment analyses of the candidate targets revealed that MA targets were mainly involved in the inflammatory module, energy-sensing/endocrine/metabolic module, and oxidative stress module. q-RTPCR gene expression analysis showed that MA hydroethanolic extract was able to significantly upregulate PIK3R1 and downregulate IL1B, PCK1, and MIR29A. Moreover, the activity of the antioxidant hub enzymes was substantially increased. Molecular docking scores were also consistent with the networks’ predictions. Based on experimental and computational analysis, this study revealed for the first time that MA exerted antidiabetic action via simultaneous modulation of multiple targets and pathways, including inflammatory pathways, energy-sensing/endocrine/metabolic pathways, and oxidative stress pathways.
Chinese endemic medicinal plant Bolbostemma paniculatum (Maxim.) Franquet: A comprehensive review
Authors: Zhou Yujiao , Liu Junyu , Zhang Jianqiong , Xu Yi , Li Wangni , Gao Pang , Xing Yanghuan , Huang Lehong , Qin Xuhua , Jin Shenrui
Published: September 2022

Bolbostemma paniculatum (Maxim.) Franquet is a unique species in China with a long history of medicinal use, which has the effects of detoxifying, dissolving lumps and dispersing swellings. And it is commonly used to treat many diseases, such as carbuncle and sore, acute mastitis, mammary cancer, scrofula and subcutaneous nodule traditionally. Modern clinical studies have found that B. paniculatum and its compounds can be used for the treatment of a variety of cancers, mastitis, hyperplasia of mammary glands, chronic lymphadenitis, cervical lymph tuberculosis and surgical wart skin diseases, and the curative effect is positive. At present, a variety of Chinese patent medicines containing B. paniculatum have been exploited and marketed in China for the treatment of cancers, breast diseases and flat warts. This review article comprehensively discussed the traditional application, botany, chemical components, pharmacological activities, and quality control of B. paniculatum, put forward some noteworthy issues and suggestions in current studies, and briefly discussed the possible development potential of this plant as well as future research perspectives. 96 compounds have been isolated from B. paniculatum, including triterpenoids, sterols, alkaloids and other components, of which triterpenoid saponins are the main bioactive components. The crude extracts and monomer compounds of B. paniculatum have a wide range of pharmacological activities, such as anti-tumor, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and so on. Moreover, its anti-tumor mechanism involves many aspects, including inhibiting cell proliferation, promoting cell apoptosis, blocking the cell cycle, interfering with cell invasion and metastasis, suppressing angiogenesis, and regulating autophagy. While there is a lack of systematic and in-depth research on its anti-tumor active components and mechanism of action at the moment; and a tight connection between the chemical composition and pharmacological activity of B. paniculatum has also not been established. Besides, a systematic quality determination standard for B. paniculatum should also be built, in order to carry out further research.
Case report: Uridine triacetate in the management of delayed onset 5-fluorouracil toxicity: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Jacob Aasems , Sekkath Veedu Janeesh , Selene Insija , Raj Rishi , Kannan Lakshmi , Patel Reema
Published: September 2022

5-fluorouracil (5FU) and capecitabine are fluoropyrimidine anti-neoplastic drugs commonly used in the treatment of different types of cancer. Hereditary dihydropyrimdine deaminase (DPD), thymidylate synthase mutations and drug overdose may lead to life-threatening toxicities. Uridine triacetate (UTA) is an emergency treatment for overdoses and early onset, severe or life-threatening toxicities from fluoropyrimidines. It is approved for use in adults and children within 96 h of last fluoropyrimidine administration. We present the case of a 64-year-old male treated with 5-FU and oxaliplatin as adjuvant systemic therapy for stage IIIA rectal cancer who developed delayed central nervous system toxicity 18 days after initiating chemotherapy. He had rapidly worsening encephalopathy and ataxia. Laboratory workups, MRI brain and EEG were negative. He was started on UTA with concerns of 5-FU toxicity due to the life-threatening nature of his condition even beyond the recommended 96-h time cut-off. He had rapid improvement in clinical status and resolution of encephalopathy. DPD deficiency testing later resulted as heterozygous for IVS14+1G>A allele indicating enzyme deficiency. This report demonstrates the importance of identifying delayed side effects with fluoropyrimidine therapy and potential treatment for reversing these effects. We also did an extensive literature review and obtained reports from the uridine triacetate clinical trials on patients receiving UTA after the 96-h cut-off. Based on our experience and previous published reports, a patient developing life-threatening delayed 5-FU toxicity should also be considered for UTA on a case-by-case basis.
Baryon breakdown in black hole
Authors: Lehmonen Lauri , Annila Arto
Published: September 2022

According to relativity theory, a black hole is a distinct region in spacetime; according to astronomical observations, it is a celestial body transforming matter into high-energy jets. We propose that a black hole is, indeed, a star, where particles transform into photons through a specific nuclear reaction, besides radiative accretion disk processes. Our reasoning draws from statistical physics of open quantized systems. The many-body theory describes elementary particles comprising quanta of actions and their reactions as conversions of matter-bound quanta into vacuum quanta. The proposed transformation details the annihilation of neutrons into gamma rays. This reaction, characteristic of a black hole, begins when the strength of gravitation exceeds the strength of the strong force. Then gluons detach from quarks and attach to surrounding high-energy quanta of the gravitational field. Without gluons, the tightly packed neutrons cannot hold up their SU(3) symmetry. The tetrahedral structures flatten out so that quarks of opposite charges end up pairwise on top of each other and annihilate into rays of light quanta as electrons and positrons do. Finally, the quanta jet out along the black hole spinning axis, where the gravitation due to the collapsing core gives in most. Over the eons, these episodic effluxes from a precessing supermassive black hole amass into Fermi bubbles.
CRISPR/Cas12a-based biosensing platform for the on-site detection of single-base mutants in gene-edited rice
Authors: Wang Mengyu , Liu Xiaojing , Yang Jiangtao , Wang Zhixing , Wang Haoqian , Wang Xujing
Published: September 2022

At present, with the accelerated development of the global biotechnology industry, novel transgenic technologies represented by gene editing are developing rapidly. A large number of gene-edited products featuring one or a few base indels have been commercialized. These have led to great challenges in the use of traditional nucleic acid detection technology and in safety regulation for genetically modified organisms (GMOs). In this study, we developed a portable clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated proteins 12a-based (CRISPR/Cas12a-based) biosensing platform named Cas12aFVD (fast visual detection) that can be coupled with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) for on-site detection of mutants in gene-edited rice in one tube. The detection procedure can be accomplished in 40 min with a visible result, which can be observed by the naked eye under blue light (470–490 nm). By accurate recognition of targets based on Cas12a/CRISPR RNA (crRNA), Cas12aFVD exhibits excellent performance for the detection of two- and three-base deletions, one-base substitution, and one-base insertion mutants with a limit of detection (LOD) of 12 copies/μl showing great potential for mutant detection, especially single-base mutants. The Cas12aFVD biosensing platform is independent of laboratory conditions, making it a promising and pioneering platform for the detection of gene-edited products.
Chemical priming enhances plant tolerance to salt stress
Authors: Zulfiqar Faisal , Nafees Muhammad , Chen Jianjun , Darras Anastasios , Ferrante Antonio , Hancock John T. , Ashraf Muhammad , Zaid Abbu , Latif Nadeem , Corpas Francisco J. , Altaf Muhammad Ahsan , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: September 2022

Salt stress severely limits the productivity of crop plants worldwide and its detrimental effects are aggravated by climate change. Due to a significant world population growth, agriculture has expanded to marginal and salinized regions, which usually render low crop yield. In this context, finding methods and strategies to improve plant tolerance against salt stress is of utmost importance to fulfill food security challenges under the scenario of the ever-increasing human population. Plant priming, at different stages of plant development, such as seed or seedling, has gained significant attention for its marked implication in crop salt-stress management. It is a promising field relying on the applications of specific chemical agents which could effectively improve plant salt-stress tolerance. Currently, a variety of chemicals, both inorganic and organic, which can efficiently promote plant growth and crop yield are available in the market. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the promising roles of diverse molecules/compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), molecular hydrogen, nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), melatonin, chitosan, silicon, ascorbic acid (AsA), tocopherols, and trehalose (Tre) as potential primers that enhance the salinity tolerance of crop plants.
Genome-wide analysis of histone acetyltransferase and histone deacetylase families and their expression in fruit development and ripening stage of pepper (Capsicum annuum)
Authors: Cai Yutong , Xu Mengwei , Liu Jiarong , Zeng Haiyue , Song Jiali , Sun Binmei , Chen Siqi , Deng Qihui , Lei Jianjun , Cao Bihao , Chen Changming , Chen Muxi , Chen Kunhao , Chen Guoju , Zhu Zhangsheng
Published: September 2022

The fruit development and ripening process involve a series of changes regulated by fine-tune gene expression at the transcriptional level. Acetylation levels of histones on lysine residues are dynamically regulated by histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), which play an essential role in the control of gene expression. However, their role in regulating fruit development and ripening process, especially in pepper (Capsicum annuum), a typical non-climacteric fruit, remains to understand. Herein, we performed genome-wide analyses of the HDAC and HAT family in the pepper, including phylogenetic analysis, gene structure, encoding protein conserved domain, and expression assays. A total of 30 HAT and 15 HDAC were identified from the pepper genome and the number of gene differentiation among species. The sequence and phylogenetic analysis of CaHDACs and CaHATs compared with other plant HDAC and HAT proteins revealed gene conserved and potential genus-specialized genes. Furthermore, fruit developmental trajectory expression profiles showed that CaHDAC and CaHAT genes were differentially expressed, suggesting that some are functionally divergent. The integrative analysis allowed us to propose CaHDAC and CaHAT candidates to be regulating fruit development and ripening-related phytohormone metabolism and signaling, which also accompanied capsaicinoid and carotenoid biosynthesis. This study provides new insights into the role of histone modification mediate development and ripening in non-climacteric fruits.
Exploring the impact of a conspicuous identity on college students’ campus loans: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhang Mingyang , Cheng Zhiqiang , Zhao Yiling
Published: September 2022

An increasing number of college students have taken out campus loans. This trend has had a negative impact on their learning and development. Using survey data about Chinese college students, this study explores the influence of a conspicuous identity and conformity on campus loan behavior and usage intention. Identify economics posits that identity is a key factor affecting individual behavior and decision-making. Differentiated identify is linked to differentiated social groups and constituted through specific value orientations, social norms and codes of conduct. This study shows that college students with a conspicuous identity are more likely to take out campus loans and more willing to take out such loans in the following year. The discussion on heterogeneity shows that a conspicuous identity has significantly positive effects on campus loan behavior for students in groups with higher consumption and grade, while conformity has significantly positive effects on campus loan behavior when students are in lower-grade groups. Compared with students who have never used campus loans, students who have taken out are more willing to take them out again in the future. Finally, avoidance strategies of campus loan debt are provided from two perspectives, namely, identity construction and the classification of education.
Psychosocial risk and job satisfaction in professional drivers
Authors: Hernández-Rodríguez Víctor , Maeso-González Elvira , Gutiérrez-Bedmar Mario , García-Rodríguez Antonio
Published: September 2022

Psychosocial work factors are implicated in the development of stress and job satisfaction. This relationship has been scarcely studied in so-called singular activities, as is the case of professional drivers. This cross-sectional study of 601 professional drivers assesses psychosocial risks and job satisfaction using Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) and Overall Job Satisfaction questionnaire models. The values of the psychosocial scales of professional drivers were compared with thresholds values of the Spanish working population. The relationships of the psychosocial scales with the level of job satisfaction were examined using logistic regression models, adjusted for age, gender, length of driving license and years of experience. In general, professional drivers have an unfavorable psychosocial environment compared to the average Spanish workers. The relationship between psychosocial scales and job satisfaction is observed, with the most influential variables being the meaning and development of work, integration in the company, social relations, esteem and level of psychological demands.
Prediction model for potential depression using sex and age-reflected quantitative EEG biomarkers
Authors: Kim Taehyoung , Park Ukeob , Kang Seung Wan
Published: September 2022

Depression is a prevalent mental disorder in modern society, causing many people to suffer or even commit suicide. Psychiatrists and psychologists typically diagnose depression using representative tests, such as the Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), in conjunction with patient consultations. Traditional tests, however, are time-consuming, can be trained on patients, and entailed a lot of clinician subjectivity. In the present study, we trained the machine learning models using sex and age-reflected z-score values of quantitative EEG (QEEG) indicators based on data from the National Standard Reference Data Center for Korean EEG, with 116 potential depression subjects and 80 healthy controls. The classification model has distinguished potential depression groups and normal groups, with a test accuracy of up to 92.31% and a 10-cross-validation loss of 0.13. This performance proposes a model with z-score QEEG metrics, considering sex and age as objective and reliable biomarkers for early screening for the potential depression.
Factors associated with treatment outcomes of patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis in China: A retrospective study using competing risk model
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Lai Keng , Li Tiegang , Lin Zhuochen , Liang Zichao , Du Yuhua , Zhang Jinxin
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Drug-resistant tuberculosis remains a serious public health problem worldwide, particularly in developing countries, including China. This study determined treatment outcomes among a cohort in Guangzhou, China, and identified factors associated with them.

Methods

We initiated a retrospective study using drug-resistant TB data in Guangzhou from 2016 to 2020, managed by Guangzhou Chest Hospital. A competing risk model was used to identify the factors associated with treatment failure and death, as well as loss to follow-up (LTFU).

Results

A total of 809 patients were included in the study, of which 281 were under treatment. Of the remaining 528 who had clear treatment outcomes, the number and proportion of treatment success, treatment failure, death, and LTFU were 314 (59.5%), 14 (2.7%), 32 (6.0%), and 168 (31.8%), respectively. Being older and having cavities involving the upper lungs were risk factors for treatment failure and death, while non-Guangzhou household registration and interprovincial mobility were risk factors associated with LTFU.

Conclusion

Treatment failure and death were significantly associated with cavitation in the lungs, and LTFU was significantly associated with household registration and geographical mobility. Early identification of factors associated with different treatment outcomes is extremely important for policymakers, health experts, and researchers to implement appropriate strategies and measures to treat and manage the TB-infected population in China.
Emergency food distribution efforts in New Orleans, LA after Hurricane Ida
Authors: Singleton Chelsea R. , Chaparro M. Pia , O'Malley Keelia , Fuster Melissa , Rose Donald
Published: September 2022

Background

The provision of food aid after a natural disaster is necessary to prevent hunger, particularly in low-resourced and low-income communities. Little is known about the operational challenges associated with ensuring equitable distribution of emergency food resources to communities in need following a disaster. To address this gap, this study assessed emergency food distribution efforts in New Orleans, LA during the 2 weeks following Hurricane Ida's landfall on August 29, 2021.

Methods

Information on free food distribution events was gathered from online sources. A list of distribution sites was generated that included data on operational logistics (e.g., address, days of operation, hours of operation, etc.), food offerings (e.g., prepared meals, groceries, etc.), and socio-demographic characteristics of the surrounding community. Geospatial mapping and bivariate analyses were used to analyze the site data.

Results

Seventy-four distribution sites operated in the 2 weeks after Hurricane Ida. Approximately 47.3% were located in census tracts with >80% Black residents, and 39.2% were in tracts with >30% poverty. A large proportion of sites offered prepared meals (86.2%) and only operated 1 day (36.5%). Tracts with >80% Black residents had more sites that operated only 1 day (p = 0.04). Tracts with >30% poverty had more sites that started distributing food resources 7–15 days after the hurricane (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Most low-income and low-resourced communities in New Orleans had access to emergency food resources; however, several limitations in operations were identified that may have influenced access. Future initiatives to prevent hunger after a natural disaster in New Orleans, and elsewhere, should improve operational logistics for food aid.
Effect of COVID-19 on risk spillover between fintech and traditional financial industries
Authors: Zhou Haiyang , Li Shuping
Published: September 2022

COVID-19 has affected China's financial markets; accordingly, we investigate the effect of COVID-19 on the risk spillover between fintech and traditional financial industries. Using data from April 25, 2012 to April 22, 2022, which we divide into two parts (before and during the COVID-19 periods), we model the dynamic risk spillover relationship following the DCC-GARCH-BEKK and MMV-MFDFA methods. The results show that: (1) The dynamic relationship between fintech and traditional finance is almost positive most of the time, and the dynamic correlations between fintech and realty (real estate development and operation) are the largest. The dynamic linkage between fintech and traditional finance declines after the COVID-19 outbreak. (2) There exists a risk spillover from fintech to every type of bank before and during the COVID-19 periods. Notably, the risk spillover effect of fintech to large state-owned banks and city commercial banks is the largest separately before and during the COVID-19 periods. Meanwhile, there exist a two-way risk spillover between fintech and almost all other traditional financial industries before and during the COVID-19 periods. (3) Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk spillover relationship, which is in pairs and in the system become more complex. (4) Regarding the whole system, the correlation in the system is anti-persistent most of the time. Moreover, there are large fluctuations and more complex characteristics during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the whole system was smooth most of the time before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Practice change in community health centers: A qualitative study of leadership attributes
Authors: Tektiridis Jennifer H. , Heredia Natalia I. , Morgan Robert O. , Mikhail Osama I. , Risendal Betsy C. , Kegler Michelle C. , Fernandez Maria E.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

This paper explores leadership attributes important for practice change in community health centers (CHCs) and assesses attributes' fit with the Full-Range Leadership Theory (FRLT).

Methods

We conducted four focus groups and 15 in-depth interviews with 48 CHC leaders from several U.S. states using a modified appreciative inquiry approach. Thematic analysis was used to review transcripts for leadership concepts and code with a priori FRLT-derived and inductive codes.

Results

CHC leaders most often noted attributes associated with transformational leadership as essential for practice change. Important attributes included emphasizing a collective sense of mission and a compelling, achievable vision; expressing enthusiasm about what needs to be done; and appealing to employees' analytical reasoning and challenging others to think creatively to problem solve. Few expressions of leadership fit with the transactional typology, though some did mention active vigilance to ensure standards are met, clarifying role and task requirements, and rewarding followers. Passive-avoidant attributes were rarely mentioned.

Conclusions

Our results enhance understanding of leadership attributes supportive of successful practice change in CHCs.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of heart rate characteristics monitoring to improve survival for very low birth weight infants
Authors: King William E. , Carlo Waldemar A. , O'Shea T. Michael , Schelonka Robert L.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Over 50,000 very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are born each year in the United States. Despite advances in care, these premature babies are subjected to long stays in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and experience high rates of morbidity and mortality. In a large randomized controlled trial (RCT), heart rate characteristics (HRC) monitoring in addition to standard monitoring decreased all-cause mortality among VLBW infants by 22%. We sought to understand the cost-effectiveness of HRC monitoring to improve survival among VLBW infants.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of cost-effectiveness of heart rate characteristics (HRC) monitoring to improve survival from birth to NICU discharge, up to 120 days using data and outcomes from an RCT of 3,003 VLBW patients. We estimated each patient's cost from a third-party perspective in 2021 USD using the resource utilization data gathered during the RCT (NCT00307333) during their initial stay in the NICU and applied to specific per diem rates. We computed the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio and used non-parametric boot-strapping to evaluate uncertainty.

Results

The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of HRC-monitoring was $34,720 per life saved. The 95th percentile of cost to save one additional life through HRC-monitoring was $449,291.

Conclusion

HRC-monitoring appears cost-effective for increasing survival among VLBW infants.
Does spatial perspective in virtual reality affect imitation accuracy in stroke patients?
Authors: Barhorst-Cates Erica M. , Isaacs Mitchell W. , Buxbaum Laurel J. , Wong Aaron L.
Published: September 2022

Imitation is an important daily activity involved in social interactions, motor learning, and is commonly used for rehabilitation after stroke. Moreover, deficits in imitation of novel movements commonly occur after left hemisphere stroke (LCVA) in the syndrome of limb apraxia. In the current study, we used a novel virtual reality (VR) imitation paradigm to assess two factors that have remained underexplored in novel movement imitation: the imitation of complex, dynamic full-arm movements, and the effect of spatial perspective. VR holds promise as a tool for a number of clinical assessments and treatments, but has very rarely been studied in the context of imitation or diagnosis of apraxia. Thirty participants (18 with LCVA and 12 age- and education-matched controls) wore a VR headset and observed and imitated an instructor avatar demonstrating arm movements. Three spatial perspectives were examined within-subjects: first-person, third-person mirror, and third-person anatomical. Movements of the ipsilesional (left) arm were recorded and qualitatively coded for accuracy compared to the instructor avatar. Participants also completed embodiment questionnaires, a measure of limb apraxia (imitation of video-recorded meaningless movements), and three computerized background tasks that were hypothesized to evoke some of the same processing requirements of each of the three perspective conditions: a block-matching task, a block-mirroring task, and a mental rotation task. Imitation accuracy was highest in the first-person perspective, consistent with predictions, but did not differ between third-person mirror and anatomical. Surprisingly, patients and controls performed similarly on the imitation task for all spatial perspectives, with overall modest accuracy in both groups, and both patients and controls felt a moderate level of embodiment of their own avatar. Higher imitation accuracy related to quicker block-matching reaction times and higher mental rotation accuracy, regardless of perspective, but was unrelated to imitation of video-recorded meaningless movements. In sum, virtual reality provides advantages in terms of experimental manipulation and control but may present challenges in detecting clinical imitation deficits (limb apraxia).
Drought, water management, and social equity: Analyzing Cape Town, South Africa's water crisis
Authors: Calverley Cameron M. , Walther Suzanne C.
Published: September 2022

Climate change impacts on hydrologic systems, coupled with increasing water demand and a growing global population, has led to depleted water resources in semi-arid regions around the world. This increase in water shortages has significant implications for environmental justice and equity concerns. One such region impacted by both water scarcity and deep-seated inequality is the Western Cape of South Africa, whose drought crisis reached peak recognition when the City of Cape Town released its notice of “Day Zero” in 2018, the day the city would turn off the taps to residents. This study examines the changes in physical factors prior to and during the 2015–2018 drought in Cape Town and evaluates how policy decisions made in response to this event interacted with existing social injustices. Analysis of the physical data finds only a slight direct relationship between rainfall and dam levels (r2 = 0.3), suggesting a more complex narrative for the decrease in water supply, including increased water use and management decisions. Of the many policies implemented to avoid Day Zero, some were found to be more effective and can be utilized long-term. The study also finds that the Cape Town water crisis has unveiled and heightened existing inequalities through placing a disproportionate financial burden on low-income communities. As droughts become more common, Cape Town provides a crucial case study for understanding the social, political, and environmental implications of drought management in the future.
Risk factors and management associated with postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak after endoscopic endonasal surgery for pituitary adenoma
Authors: Li Bin , Zhao Sida , Fang Qiuyue , Nie Ding , Cheng Jianhua , Zhu Haibo , Li Chuzhong , Gui Songbai , Zhang Yazhuo , Zhao Peng
Published: September 2022

Objective

To determine risk factors and management for the development of a postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak after an endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) for pituitary adenomas.

Methods

The clinical data of 400 patients who underwent EES for resection of pituitary adenomas from December 2018 to November 2019 in the Department of Neurosurgery of Beijing Tiantan Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), tumor size, Knosp grade, suprasellar extension grade, sellar floor erosion grade, repeated transsphenoidal surgery, intraoperative CSF leak, use of pedicled nasoseptal flap and lumbar drain were collected and analyzed.

Results

Postoperative CSF leak occurred in 14 of 400 patients (3.5%). Age, gender, BMI, tumor size, Knosp grade and repeated transsphenoidal surgery were not risk factors for CSF leak. Suprasellar extension grade (≥B 6.0% vs. <B 1.4%; p = 0.024), sellar floor erosion grade (≥III 5.7% vs. <III 0.6%; p = 0.020) and intraoperative CSF leak (Yes 7.5% vs. No 2.0%; p = 0.009) were factors associated with an increased postoperative CSF leak rate.

Conclusions

Higher suprasellar extension grade, higher sellar floor erosion grade and intraoperative CSF leak were risk factors for postoperative CSF leak after endoscopic treatment of pituitary adenoma. Strict skull base reconstruction including use of a pedicled nasoseptal flap and perioperative lumbar drainage may avoid postoperative CSF leak.
Biopsy and histologic findings of the dura mater at the level of the foramen magnum in 121 CKCS with Chiari-like malformation
Authors: Holdsworth Jaclyn P. , Marino Dominic J. , Loughin Catherine A. , Miller Andrew D. , Sackman Joseph J. , Lesser Martin L. , O'Donnell Marissa
Published: September 2022

To describe histopathologic features found in dural biopsies of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) with Chiari-like malformation (CM) and identify any associations between age, duration of clinical signs, syrinx location or syringomyelia (SM, and quality of life (QOL). The medical records of 121 consecutive client owned CKCS with CM and SM, confirmed by whole body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), that underwent foramen magnum decompression (FMD) with cranioplasty and durectomy with biopsy from 2006 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Dural biopsies were submitted to a board-certified veterinary pathologist for histopathologic interpretation. The chi-square test was used to analyze associations between histologic findings and categorical variables. For continuous measures, the Kruskal–Wallis non-parametric test was used to compare distributions across pathology categories. A result was considered statistically significant at the p < 0.05 level of significance. The mean age, duration of pre-surgical clinical signs, and pre-operative QOL (1–5 scale) were 44.27 months, 44.78 weeks, and 2.72, respectively. Syringomyelia was found in the cervical region only in 39 of 121 (32.23%) of dogs, in the cervical and thoracic region only in 17 of 121 (14.05%) of dogs, and in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar region combined in 65 of 121 (53.72%) of dogs. Sixty-six of one hundred twenty-one (54.55%) dural biopsy specimens had histopathology changes; fifty-five (45.45%) did not. Forty-three of one hundred twenty-one (35.54%) dural biopsy specimens had osseous metaplasia, 16 of 121 (13.22%) had evidence of fibrosis, 4 of 121 (3.31%) had arachnoid hyperplasia, and 3 of 121 (2.48%) had evidence of mineralization. Most dogs with CM were found to have histopathologic changes in the dura at the time of FMD cranioplasty was performed. These dural changes can be observed in dogs experiencing clinical signs for a time period as short as 4 weeks prior to presentation. The histopathologic changes were not associated with age, breed, duration of clinical signs, the location of syringomyelia or QOL. The influence of histopathologic changes on long-term prognosis in dogs without dural decompression is unknown since all dogs in this study had dural resection.
Dairy cows did not rely on social learning mechanisms when solving a spatial detour task
Authors: Stenfelt Johanna , Yngvesson Jenny , Blokhuis Harry J. , Rørvang Maria Vilain
Published: September 2022

As herd-living animals, cattle have opportunities to observe and learn from others. While there is evidence of simpler processes of information transfer in cattle (social facilitation and stimulus enhancement), true social learning mechanisms in cattle remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate if dairy cows possess cognitive abilities to acquire new behavior through social learning in a spatial detour task. Thirty-two dairy cows (ages 2–9 years) participated in the study. A food reward was placed behind a U-shaped formation (4 x 2 m), allowing the cows to see but not reach the reward without first detouring around the obstacle. The U-shape provided two routes (~18 m walking distance) to the reward, of which one was used for demonstration. Two cows were demonstrators and 30 cows were divided into two groups, assigned as either observers of demonstration (n = 15) or controls not observing demonstration (n = 15). Cows had three attempts (trials) to solve the task. Response variables were: success, latency to reach the reward, concordance in choice of route to detour, and time spent facing the test arena before each trial started. The study found no significant differences in success or latency between observers and controls, although observers spent a greater proportion of the time before trials facing the test arena. However, successful observers tended to be faster than successful controls. Individual cows were generally consistent in their choice of route, and cows choosing the demonstrated route were significantly faster than cows that did not. Success in solving the task decreased over trials, likely due to decreasing food motivation. Age had a significant effect on success in 2nd and 3rd trial, with younger cows being more successful. The lacking effect of treatment on success suggests that the age effect may be explained by a higher motivation, rather than social learning. Adding to the sparse knowledge of social learning in farm animals, these results indicate that cows did not utilize social learning mechanisms when solving the detour task. Future research should focus on clarifying whether cattle possess cognitive abilities necessary for social learning, as well as if /when social learning is a primary strategy.
Special Issue on Design of Fault-Tolerant Digital Circuits and Systems
Authors: Jeong Hanwool
Published: September 2022

As technology scales down, the speed and power efficiency of digital circuits become greatly enhanced [...]
The Use of Web Technology and IoT to Contribute to the Management of Blood Banks in Developing Countries
Authors: Ismail Reem D. , Hussein Harith A. , Salih Mahmood M. , Ahmed Mohamed A. , Hameed Qabas A. , Omar Mohammed Basim
Published: September 2022

Health-care-sector-related activities are more accessible and faster as a result of technological development. Technology such as the Internet of Things (IoT) can work with blood bank services to manage and provide healthy blood in emergencies. However, there are many problems in blood bank management and inventory monitoring, especially in developing countries as compared to developed ones. The lack of an adequate and safe blood supply is a major limitation to health care in the developing world. The instability of the electric power in developing countries may lead to a temperature departure from the recommended for keeping blood inventory, and the use of manual systems, which are characterized by time and resource exhaustion and human mistakes, augments the management problems. This study aims to introduce a reliable, practical application to manage and organize the blood bank, manage donor information, monitor inventory, and obtain matching blood types as quickly as possible. The proposed system was designed and implemented in two parts: using Web technology for enhanced data management and using an IoT sensor for blood inventory temperature monitoring in real time. The test stage helped us to measure the Web application’s functionality with sensors, and the results were encouraging. Obtaining and monitoring blood bank data were made easier in real time by using the black box method for functionalities testing. The evaluation step was performed using a questionnaire instrument based on three parameters: Satisfaction, Effectiveness, and Efficiency. The questionnaire was answered by 22 participants working in the blood bank management field. The results indicated that end users generally responded positively to the system which improved blood bank administration and services. This indicated efficiency of the application and the desire to adopt it. Integrating the two technologies can enhance usability and applicability in the health care sector.
Hydrotrifluoromethylation of Styrene and Phenylacetylene Derivatives under Visible-Light Photoredox Conditions
Authors: Souibgui Amel , ben Mosbah Mongi , ben Salem Ridha , Moussaoui Younes , Tlili Anis
Published: September 2022

Photoredox processes have emerged recently as a powerful tool for methodology developments. In this context, the hydrotrifluoromethylation of alkenes and alkynes using visible light photoredox methodologies has proven its efficiency these last years. This micro-review summarizes the latest developments in this field.