bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recovery course of persistent posterior subretinal fluid after successful repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Mansour Ahmad M , López-Guajardo Lorenzo , Belotto Silvana , Lima Luiz H , Charbaji Abdul Razzak , Schwartz Stephen G , Wu Lihteh , Smiddy William E , Ascaso Javier , Jürgens Ignasi , Foster Robert E , Elnahry Ayman G , Sinawat Suthasinee , Pinilla Isabel , Pérez-Salvador García Eduardo , Suarez Leoz Marta , Olivier Pascual Nuria , Zago Ribeiro Lucas , Arroyo Castillo Rosa , Navea Amparo , Kadayifcilar Sibel , Ellabban Abdallah A , Rey Amanda , Mansour Hana A , Tripathy Koushik , Kozak Igor , Uwaydat Sami H , Valero María Sacramento , Cobo-Soriano Rosario , Díaz-Barreda María Dolores , Monje Fernández Laura , González del Valle Fernando , López Liroz Irene , Vazquez Cruchaga Erika , Fonollosa Alex , Esteban Floria Olivia , Relimpio Lopez Maria Isabel , Shah Gaurav , Wingelaar Maxwell J , Ravani Raghav , Donate-López Juan , Rubio Velázquez Elena , Parodi Maurizio ,   for the Collaborative Postsurgical Residual Subretinal Fluid Study Group
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To investigate best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), subretinal fluid (SRF) absorption time or ellipsoid zone (EZ) restoration time and various variables in patients with persistent SRF after successful primary repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

Methods

This retrospective multicenter study allowed independent analysis of the healing pattern by two observers based on composite of serial cross-sectional macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans. Univariate and multivariate analyses were implemented.

Results

One hundred and three cases had persistent SRF after pars plana vitrectomy, scleral buckling, or pneumatic retinopexy. By univariate analysis, SRF resolution time correlated positively with the number of retinal breaks ( p < 0.001) and with increased myopia ( p = 0.011). Using multivariate analysis, final BCVA (log MAR) correlated positively with age, duration of RRD, initial BCVA (OR = 3.28; [95%CI = 1.44–7.47]; p = 0.015), and SRF resolution time (OR = 0.46 [95%CI 0.21–1.05]; p = 0.049). EZ restoration time was longer with increasing number of retinal tears (OR = 0.67; [95%CI 0.29–1.52]; p = 0.030), worse final BCVA, and presence of macula-off RRD (OR = 0.26; [95%CI 0.08–0.88]; p = 0.056). SRF resolution time correlated marginally with prone position.

Conclusions

Residual posterior SRF is more common in eyes with multiple breaks or in myopic eyes. Final BCVA is better in younger subjects and in eyes with shorter duration of RRD. Persistent SRF is a self-limited disorder with a mean resolution of 11.2 months with good visual prognosis improving from a mean baseline logMAR of 1.08 to 0.25 at one year.
Deplatforming sex education on Meta: sex, power, and content moderation
Authors: Williams Joanna
Published: October 2023

Public health research has heralded social media as a space where sex education can be delivered to young people. However, sexual health organisations are increasingly concerned that restrictive content moderation practices impede their ability to distribute sex education content on social media platforms. To better understand these experiences, this article uses an autoethnographic case study of my experience navigating Meta's content moderation policies and practices when I promoted the Bits and Bods sex education web series. Using conjunctural analysis, I contextualise Bits and Bods's two experiences of content moderation (when our account was deleted from Instagram and advertising was rejected by Facebook) through policy analysis of Meta's content moderation policies. I then conclude by questioning whether public health practitioners should still be conceiving Meta's platforms as a space where they can deliver sex education to young people.
Sound insulation in multi-family houses: Proposal of single number limits for acoustical protection and comfort
Authors: Ljunggren Fredrik , Simmons Christian
Published: October 2023

In this paper, the acoustical quality in apartment housing is studied. The purpose is to find out to what extent occupants are annoyed by indoor noise and to compare the annoyance with measured airborne and impact sound insulation. The occupants in 38 building cases in Sweden, grouped into different construction categories, were asked in a questionnaire to rate their annoyance for a variety of potentially disturbing sound sources. In total, 1230 individual responses were used for the statistical analyses. The result shows that on average, the occupants are quite satisfied and reported low annoyance. This is taken as an indication that the present National legislation for sound insulation, airborne sound insulation included, works well. However, annoyance from footstep of walking neighbours is an exception, causing significantly greater annoyance compared to any other source, especially among occupants in lightweight buildings. The commonly used impact sound insulation descriptors are unable to match subjective experience. In combination with the sensitivity of lightweight floors to low-frequency sounds, improper building designs are likely to result in poor noise protection for the occupants. To overcome this issue, a new single number quantity taking frequencies as low as 25 Hz into account is suggested.
Investigating the effects of deformation-induced densification on the constitutive behavior and corrosion resistance of Al–Zn–Mg powder metallurgy alloy during hot deformation
Authors: Harikrishna Katika , Davidson MJ , Seetharam R , Sundar Saravana , Rajmohan KS
Published: October 2023

The electrochemical behavior is most strongly influenced by deformation, which may either accelerate or decelerate failure during service. Therefore, in the present study, the Al–5.6Zn–2Mg alloy fabricated by powder metallurgy was subjected to hot deformation at various temperatures (300–500 °C) and strain rates (0.5–0.005 s−1) on a hydraulic press, and then, the effect of deformation-induced densification on corrosion behavior was studied using electrochemical corrosion tests. Flow stress is mathematically modeled using the strain-compensated Arrhenius model. The model developed was reliable to predict, with an average absolute relative error (AARE) of 3.16% and an R2 value of 0.98. The potentiodynamic polarization results showed that as the degree of porosity in a sintered sample is reduced, there was a decrease in the corrosion current density and an increase in the pitting potential. Al–5.6Zn–2Mg corrosion resistance significantly improved with deformation temperature, whereas strain rates decrease it, due to a decrease in pore content. Icorr of 2.4982 µA/cm2 and Epit of 0.876 V have been found for the highly deformed preforms under 500 °C and 0.005 s−1 strain rate condition. EIS results showed a high contact resistance of 2659 Ohm·cm2 and high hardness value of 113.12 Hv for the preform deformed under 500 °C and 0.005 s−1 strain rate. The reduction in porosity, decrease in active surface area after the deformation process, densification behavior, and hardness are all related to the electrochemical behavior. Pitting corrosion was observed in deformed preforms as a corrosion mechanism; the dynamic recovery feature is observed from the flow behavior.
Outcomes and cost analysis of single-embryo transfer versus double-embryo transfer
Authors: Wong Ker Yi , Tan Heng Hao , Allen John Carson , Chan JKY , Ee Tat Xin , Chua Ka-Hee , Liu Shuling , Phoon Jessie Wai Leng , Viardot-Foucault Veronique , Nadarajah Sadhana , Tan Tse Yeun
Published: October 2023

Background:

Studies had compared single-embryo transfer to double-embryo transfer with cleavage stage embryos and found that while single-embryo transfer was less costly, it was also associated with a lower live birth rate than double-embryo transfer. A single blastocyst transfer has been shown to improve the live birth rate per cycle compared to single-embryo transfer at cleavage stage.

Objectives:

To compare live birth rates and real costs of elective single-embryo transfer to double-embryo transfer and to determine the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of these two strategies in an unselected pool of women in a single center.

Design:

Retrospective study.

Methods:

We analyzed data of 4232 women who underwent their first fresh in vitro fertilization/intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection cycles with at least two embryos available for transfer in KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital from 2010 to 2017.

Results:

Five hundred and sixty-four women underwent elective single-embryo transfer and 3668 women underwent double-embryo transfer. One hundred and fifty-six women who failed to achieve a live birth in their fresh elective single-embryo transfer cycle underwent a sequential thaw single-embryo transfer cycle. Live birth rate of fresh elective single-embryo transfer was significantly higher at 41.3% than that of double-embryo transfer at 32.6%. Cumulative live birth rate for sequential elective single-embryo transfer (fresh elective single-embryo transfer + thaw single-embryo transfer) was 47.9%. After accounting for variables which may affect live birth rates such as age and stage of embryo transfer, the odds of achieving a live birth from double-embryo transfer was 24% lower than that from sequential single-embryo transfer, although not statistically significant. For every live birth gained from an elective single-embryo transfer compared to double-embryo transfer, cost savings were S$20,172 per woman. If a woman had to have a sequential single-embryo transfer after a failed single-embryo transfer in her fresh cycle, cost savings were reduced to S$1476 per woman.

Conclusion:

Single-embryo transfer is a dominant strategy in an unselected population and adopting it in assisted reproductive treatments (ART) can produce cost savings without compromising on live birth rates.
Mental health training for high school coaches and athletic directors: Community-based participatory research to Coach Beyond
Authors: Bates Samantha , Anderson-Butcher Dawn , Ute Doug , McVey Dale , Mack Sydney , Nothnagle Emily , Wade-Mdivanian Rebecca , Davis Jerome , DeVoll Josh , Vassaloti Joe , Hix Jason , Pata Kaz , Ludban Chris , Bobek Nathan , Myers Keith , Porter Kevin , Quackenbush Jeff , Roberts Joe , Hajjar Nick , Durbin Pat , Wolfe Tyler , Magistrale Nick
Published: October 2023

Training to improve high school sport coaches’ and athletic directors’ knowledge, skills, and competencies to address and respond to rising mental health concerns is more important than ever. High school student-athletes are at increased risk for mental health concerns, given the pressures of balancing sport, school, and other responsibilities. This paper describes a community-based participatory research (CBPR) study that guided two years of public impact and social change efforts to improve coach education and training in one large Midwestern state in the United States. Our collective goal was to empower coaches and athletic directors to coach “beyond the Xs and Os.” Using a CBPR framework, we describe the decision-making process that led to the co-development and implementation of a mental health training program piloted with 147 high school coaches and athletic directors. We also describe intermediate outcomes associated with our collective change efforts demonstrating the value of using a CBPR approach. Our “Coach Beyond” processes and outputs showcase how CBPR can lead to transformative action and social change to reorient sport as a context focused on the holistic health, wellness, and development of student-athletes.
Whole systems approach to diet and healthy weight: a longitudinal process evaluation in East Scotland
Authors: Breslin G , Wills W , Bontoft C , Fakoya O , Greco H-A , Lloyd N , Wagner AP , Wellings A , Harding S , Brown KE
Published: October 2023

Aims:

Obesity contributes to morbidity and early mortality, affecting people of all ages and sociodemographic backgrounds. Despite attempts to address obesity, efforts to date have only had limited success. Adopting a whole systems approach (WSA) may potentially address obesity and emphasise complex inter-relating factors beyond individual choice. This study aimed to assess implementation of WSA to diet and healthy weight in two council areas of Scotland, longitudinally exploring enablers and barriers. One area followed a Leeds Beckett WSA model (LBM) of implementation, while the other used a hybrid model incorporating existing working systems.

Methods:

To assess the process of implementing a WSA, interviews and focus groups were conducted after initiation and 1 year later.

Results:

Main enablers included: belief in WSA effectiveness; positive relationships between key personnel; buy-in at community and national levels; funding availability; the working group responsible for coordinating the system development comprising individuals with diverse expertise; good communication; and existing governance structures. Barriers included: insufficient funding; high staff turnover; inadequate training in WSA methodology; engaging all relevant stakeholders and reverting to ‘old ways’ of non-WSA working. The LBM provided a framework for system setup and generating an action plan.

Conclusion:

This study provides the first independent longitudinal process evaluation of WSAs that have incorporated Leeds Beckett methodology, and offers insights into how a WSA can be implemented to address diet and healthy weight.
Cross-cultural Perception of Musical Similarity Within and Between India and Japan
Authors: Daikoku Hideo , Shimozono Taiki , Fujii Shinya , Hegde Shantala , Savage Patrick E.
Published: October 2023

Cross-cultural perception of musical similarity is important for understanding musical diversity and universality. In this study we analyzed cross-cultural music similarity ratings on a global song sample from 110 participants (62 previously published from Japan, 48 newly collected from musicians and non-musicians from north and south India). Our pre-registered hypothesis that average Indian and Japanese ratings would be correlated was strongly supported ( r = .80, p < .001). Exploratory analyses showed that ratings from experts in Hindustani music from the north and Carnatic music from the south showed the lowest correlations ( r = .25). These analyses suggest that the correlations we found are likely due more to shared musical exposure than to innate universals of music perception.
Knowledge and Attitude Toward Media Campaigns Against Gender-Based Violence Among Nigerian Women in Southeast, Nigeria
Authors: Okafor Martha Chinomnso , Anorue Luke Ifeanyi , Obayi Paul Martin , Chima Onyebuchi Alexander
Published: October 2023

This study focuses on knowledge and attitudes toward media campaigns on gender-based violence against women in Southeast, Nigeria. To achieve this, the study examined the level of exposure, cognitive status as well as determinants of attitudes toward gender-based victimization. It was found that social economic facets like academic achievement, religion, cultural factors among others affect attitude toward gender based violence. It was recommended that a clear understanding of the relationship between dominant cultures and suppression of women should inform future campaigns on gender-based violence.
An Unusual Case of Lyme Carditis With Persistent Third-Degree Heart Block
Authors: Grewal Niyati , Gharbin John , Mehrotra Prafulla
Published: October 2023

Lyme’s carditis and neuroborreliosis are common manifestation of disseminated Lyme disease. However, third-degree atrioventricular blocks with Lyme’s carditis requiring permanent pacemaker with neuroborreliosis and Lyme’s disease-associated immunodeficiency are uncommon. Here we present a case of 64-year-old female presenting with neurological symptoms and electrocardiogram changes suggestive of complete heart block with no improvement in the degree of heart block with intravenous antibiotics, requiring permanent pacemaker implantation and course complicated by fungemia.
A Case of Multiple Mitochondrial Dysfunctions Syndrome 4 with Novel ISCA2 Variants, Mimicking Post-Infectious Encephalitis
Authors: Chin Hyungjin , Cho Jaeso , Kim Woo Joong , Kim Soo Yeon , Lim Byung Chan , Kim Ki Joong , Chae Jong Hee
Published: October 2023

ISCA2 loss of function leads to leukodystrophy and developmental regression (multiple mitochondrial dysfunctions syndrome 4 (MMDS4)). We present a first Korean case of MMDS4 presenting with rapid developmental regression and leukodystrophy after febrile episode, mimicking post-infectious encephalitis. The patient had displayed normal development until 12 months of age. At 13 months of age, one month after experiencing a post-vaccination fever, she quickly progressed to being unable to sit unassisted nor speak any words. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed lympho-dominant pleocytosis. Amino acid analysis of both the serum and CSF demonstrated elevated glycine exclusively in the CSF. Diffuse leukodystrophy was noted in the brain magnetic resonance image. Whole exome sequencing revealed compound heterozygous ISCA2 variants of c.166T>G, p.C56G and c.422A>C, p.Q141P. No evidence of mitochondrial disease other than bilateral optic atrophy was noted. In cases of early onset rapid developmental regression with leukodystrophy, MMDS4 should be considered.
Exploring the Relationship Between Burnout, Resilience, and Dropout Intention Among Nursing Students During Clinical Training in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Altharman Hanin A. , Alnaqi Rawan I. , Buanz Shmayil F. , Alsenayien Abrar Y. , Siraj Rayan A.
Published: October 2023

Background

The issue of burnout syndrome among health discipline students is gaining heightened attention due to its serious effects, which causes them to have the intention to quit. Despite this, limited studies are available on the extent of burnout and its association with resilience and intention to drop out among clinical-level nursing students.

Objective

To explore the relationship between burnout, resilience, and intention to quit among nursing students.

Methods

An online questionnaire was used to conduct a cross-sectional study, targeting nursing students at the clinical level through a nonprobability sample. The participants were required to provide their sociodemographic, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Data was analyzed using descriptive, inferential, and correlation tests.

Results

The study included a group of 564 nursing students and interns, the majority of whom were female at a percentage of 78.9%. Among this group, 65% experienced a high level of burnout, with 42% experiencing emotional exhaustion, 54% experiencing depersonalization (DP), and 77% reporting low personal achievement. A total of 48% of clinical-level students were considering quitting the nursing program. Moreover, the students reported low scores of resilience, with negative correlations observed with DP ( r = −.12, p = .04) and positive correlation with low personal achievement ( r = .43, p < .001).

Conclusion

Nursing students and interns faced a significant amount of burnout and showed a desire to drop out nursing program. Their level of resilience was moderately low, and it correlated with burnout subscales DP and personal accomplishment. A collaborative intervention is needed to promote resiliency and alleviate burnout symptoms during clinical training.
The Impact of a Web-Based Preintubation Preparation Module on the Knowledge, Confidence, and Behavior of Critical Care Fellows: A Single-Center Pilot Study
Authors: Alroumi Fahad , Dinino Ernest , Tidswell Mark , Blanchard Rebecca , Shatzer John
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to standardize airway management among critical care fellows and to evaluate whether the completion of a web-based preintubation airway preparation module improves their knowledge and behaviors in the identification and preparation of difficult airways.

METHODS

Critical care experts used international guidelines to develop the module, which contained mandatory readings, brief lectures, and a case-based activity. We measured learner satisfaction, improvements in fellows’ preintubation preparation knowledge, and safety-oriented behavior. The paired t-test was used to compare knowledge assessment scores and the chi-square test was used to compare the categorical variables in the evaluation of the behavior construct.

RESULTS

All trainees ( N = 14) completed the module and were satisfied with its contents and structure. Fellows logged 114 intubations during the study period. The mean score on the knowledge test increased (pre 79% vs post 90%, P = .02) postmodule and there was a significant increase in documentation of airway risk stratification in fellows’ procedure notes (65.9% vs 72.9%, P = .049). All respondents were confident that they would be able to apply what they learned in the module into clinical practice and that their patients would likely benefit from their new knowledge.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of an asynchronous web-based module on airway assessment and intubation preparation was feasible. The module was engaging, enhanced the knowledge of our trainees, and improved procedural documentation.
A Novel Polyvinylidene Fluoride/Keratin Electret Filter With Comprehensive Performance and High-Efficiency PM0.3 Removal
Authors: Yang Zhengrui , Liu Yan , Li Qiang , Li Rong
Published: October 2023

Effective and environmentally friendly air filters to preserve public health are essential given the particle matter pollution epidemic that has permanently damaged human health. This study used blending spinning to create a unique polyvinylidene fluoride/keratin electret filter with reliable PM0.3 reduction and comprehensive features. More specifically, adding keratin derived from natural wool significantly increased composite fibrous membranes’ pore structure and surface charge. Keratin and polyvinylidene fluoride work together synergistically to produce a fiber membrane that exhibits good filtration performance with a quality factor of 0.04662 /Pa, a low pressure drop of 127 Pa, and a high particle removal capacity of 99.731%. The development of this electret material provides a new approach for the design of environmentally friendly air filters for efficient removal of PM0.3.
Central contrast sensitivity perimetry discriminates between glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous eyes
Authors: Abu Emmanuel Kwasi , Abraham Carl Halladay , Dadzie Albert Kofi , Morny Enyam Amewuho , Ntodie Michael , Ocansey Stephen , Abokyi Samuel , Owusu-Ansah Andrew , Addo Naa Adjeley , Williams Michael , Aboagye-McCarthy Asantewaa , Sakyi-Badu Godfred , Hope Paa Kwesi Fynn , Adueming Peter Osei-Wusu
Published: October 2023

Background:

Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy which causes irreversible vision loss. Standard perimetry, which is essential for glaucoma diagnosis, can only detect glaucomatous visual filed loss when considerable structural damage has occurred. Contrast sensitivity is one of the visual function tests that is reduced in eyes with glaucoma. It is known to be affected in pre-perimetric stages of glaucoma.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to investigate the discriminating ability of central contrast sensitivity perimetry in eyes with and without glaucoma.

Design:

The study employed a cross-sectional study design.

Methods:

The study participants were made of two groups; eyes diagnosed with glaucoma by an ophthalmologist based on visual field test and optical coherence tomography (OCT) and age- and sex-matched controls who were declared free from glaucoma. Static contrast sensitivity (CS) was measured in the central 10° of visual field using a custom psychophysical test.

Results:

There were 45 eyes with glaucoma and 45 age- and sex-matched controls in this study. The static CS in the glaucoma group was significantly reduced in 9 out of the 13 tested locations in the central 10° of the visual field. The mean static CS at 5°, 10°, superior hemifield and inferior hemifield were all significantly reduced in the glaucoma patients compared to the controls.

Conclusion:

Static CS measurement is a sensitive approach that can be utilized to aid in the detection of glaucoma. The use of static CS can be adopted in the development of a cost-effective yet sensitive screening tool for the detection of glaucoma.
Early response markers predict survival after etoposide-based therapy of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Verkamp Bethany , Zoref-Lorenz Adi , Francisco Brenton , Kieser Pearce , Mack Joana , Blackledge Tucker , Brik Simon Dafna , Yacobovich Joanne , Jordan Michael B.
Published: October 2023

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome that is most commonly treated with etoposide and dexamethasone. This standard of care therapy has improved survival, but ∼15% of patients still die in the first months after diagnosis, and poor responses prompting salvage therapy are frequent. Thus, identifying patients at risk promptly is likely to improve outcomes. We conducted a multi-institutional, retrospective study of pediatric and young adults treated per HLH-94 or HLH-2004 from 2010 to 2019 to identify patients at risk for early mortality. Biweekly data during the first 100 days of treatment were analyzed using receiver operating curves to define optimal prognostic indicators and their thresholds. The primary end point was survival to bone marrow transplant (BMT) or ∼1 year if no BMT was pursued. Eighty-nine patients met the study inclusion criteria. Pre-BMT mortality was 13% (n = 12), and overall mortality was 27% (n = 24). Laboratory markers measured on day 7 of therapy more efficiently predicted outcomes than did either pretreatment or later assessments. The most potent day 7 unfavorable marker was improvement in soluble CD25 (sCD25) of less than 25% from pretherapy levels. Absolute sCD25 level, platelet count, absolute lymphocyte count, and blood urea nitrogen were also discriminatory markers (area under the curve ≥ 0.7). The presence of ≥3 of these unfavorable markers was strongly associated with pre-BMT mortality (accuracy, 0.93). Thus, serial monitoring of sCD25 and assessment of other early (day 7) response markers optimally predicts prognosis with etoposide-based therapy and may indicate the need for earlier use of alternative, response-adapted therapeutic strategies for HLH.
Raman spectroscopy-based prediction of ofloxacin concentration in solution using a novel loss function and an improved GA-CNN model
Authors: Ma Chenyu , Shi Yuanbo , Huang Yueyang , Dai Gongwei
Published: October 2023

Background

A Raman spectroscopy method can quickly and accurately measure the concentration of ofloxacin in solution. This method has the advantages of accuracy and rapidity over traditional detection methods. However, the manual analysis methods for the collected Raman spectral data often ignore the nonlinear characteristics of the data and cannot accurately predict the concentration of the target sample.

Methods

To address this drawback, this paper proposes a novel kernel-Huber loss function that combines the Huber loss function with the Gaussian kernel function. This function is used with an improved genetic algorithm-convolutional neural network (GA-CNN) to model and predict the Raman spectral data of different concentrations of ofloxacin in solution. In addition, the paper introduces recurrent neural networks (RNN), long short-term memory (LSTM), bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) and gated recurrent units (GRU) models to conduct multiple experiments and use root mean square error (RMSE) and residual predictive deviation (RPD) as evaluation metrics.

Results

The proposed method achieved an $$R^2$$

R
2

of 0.9989 on the test set data and improved by 3% over the traditional CNN. Multiple experiments were also conducted using RNN, LSTM, BiLSTM, and GRU models and evaluated their performance using RMSE, RPD, and other metrics. The results showed that the proposed method consistently outperformed these models.

Conclusions

This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method for predicting the concentration of ofloxacin in solution based on Raman spectral data, in addition to discussing the advantages and limitations of the proposed method, and the study proposes a solution to the problem of deep learning methods for Raman spectral concentration prediction.
Agro-morphological, biochemical, and molecular markers of barley genotypes grown under salinity stress conditions
Authors: Ghonaim Marwa M. , Attya A. M. , Aly Heba G. , Mohamed Heba I. , Omran Ahmed A. A.
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of salt stress on morphological, yield, biochemical, and molecular attributes of different barley genotypes. Ten genotypes were cultivated at Fayoum Research Station, El-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt, during two seasons (2020–2021 and 2021–2022), and they were exposed to two different salt concentrations (tap water as a control and 8000 ppm). The results showed that genotypes and salt stress had a significant impact on all morphological and physiological parameters. The morphological parameters (plant height) and yield attributes (spike length, number of grains per spike, and grain yield per plant) of all barley genotypes were significantly decreased under salt stress as compared to control plants. Under salt stress, the total soluble sugars, proline, total phenol, total flavonoid, ascorbic acid, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium contents of the shoots of all barley genotypes significantly increased while the potassium content decreased. L1, which is considered a sensitive genotype was more affected by salinity stress than the tolerance genotypes L4, L6, L9, and Giza 138. SDS-PAGE of seed proteins demonstrated high levels of genetic variety with a polymorphism rate of 42.11%. All genotypes evaluated revealed significant variations in the seed protein biochemical markers, with new protein bands appearing and other protein bands disappearing in the protein patterns of genotypes cultivated under various conditions. Two molecular marker techniques (SCoT and ISSR primers) were used in this study. Ten Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) primers exhibited a total of 94 fragments with sizes ranging from 1800 base pairs to 100 base pairs; 29 of them were monomorphic, and 65 bands, with a polymorphism of 62.18%, were polymorphic. These bands contained 21 unique bands (9 positive specific markers and 12 negative specific markers). A total of 54 amplified bands with molecular sizes ranging from 2200 to 200 bp were produced using seven Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) primers; 31 of them were monomorphic bands and 23 polymorphic bands had a 40.9% polymorphism. The techniques identified molecular genetic markers associated with salt tolerance in barley crop and successfully marked each genotype with distinct bands. The ten genotypes were sorted into two main groups by the unweighted pair group method of arithmetic averages (UPGMA) cluster analysis based on molecular markers and data at a genetic similarity coefficient level of 0.71.
Development and validation of a risk prediction model for osteoporosis in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective and multicenter study
Authors: Tan Juntao , Zhang Zhengyu , He Yuxin , Xu Xiaomei , Yang Yanzhi , Xu Qian , Yuan Yuan , Wu Xin , Niu Jianhua , Tang Songjia , Wu Xiaoxin , Hu Yongjun
Published: October 2023

Background

This study aimed to construct a risk prediction model to estimate the odds of osteoporosis (OP) in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and evaluate its prediction efficiency.

Methods

This study included 21,070 elderly patients with T2DM who were hospitalized at six tertiary hospitals in Southwest China between 2012 and 2022. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen for potential influencing factors of OP and least absolute shrinkage. Further, selection operator regression (LASSO) and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to select variables for developing a novel predictive model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), calibration curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), and clinical impact curve (CIC) were used to evaluate the performance and clinical utility of the model.

Results

The incidence of OP in elderly patients with T2DM was 7.01% (1,476/21,070). Age, sex, hypertension, coronary heart disease, cerebral infarction, hyperlipidemia, and surgical history were the influencing factors. The seven-variable model displayed an AUROC of 0.713 (95% confidence interval [CI]:0.697–0.730) in the training set, 0.716 (95% CI: 0.691–0.740) in the internal validation set, and 0.694 (95% CI: 0.653–0.735) in the external validation set. The optimal decision probability cut-off value was 0.075. The calibration curve (bootstrap = 1,000) showed good calibration. In addition, the DCA and CIC demonstrated good clinical practicality. An operating interface on a webpage (https://juntaotan.shinyapps.io/osteoporosis/) was developed to provide convenient access for users.

Conclusions

This study constructed a highly accurate model to predict OP in elderly patients with T2DM. This model incorporates demographic characteristics and clinical risk factors and may be easily used to facilitate individualized prediction.
Intestinal helminth co-infection and associated factors among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Africa and Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zenebe Yohannes , Habtamu Meseret , Abebe Markos , Tulu Begna , Atnafu Abay , Mekonnen Daniel , Lang Roland , Munshea Abaineh
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) and intestinal helminths have huge public health importance, and they are geographically overlapped. Data about the burden of intestinal helminth and TB co-infection in these areas are fragmented. In this systematic review and meta-analysis we compile the current literatures and generate pooled prevalence. We also identity factors associated with intestinal helminth co-infection among TB patients.

Methods

Original articles published in English language up to March 23, 2022 were systematically searched from electronic database (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholars and HINARI). The search was done using medical subject heading terms and keywords. Identified articles were exported into the EndNote library. The identified articles were screened using PRISMA flow diagram. Then the methodological quality of included articles was evaluated and rated using the modified version of Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel. Sensitivity analysis and Egger regression test were used for the assessment of heterogeneity and publication bias. Finally the results are presented with a meta-analysis of pooled estimates, forest plots, and tables. The quantitative data were analyzed using Stata version 14.

Results

From a total of 5457 searched articles, 22 eligible articles were included in the review. The pooled prevalence of helminth co-infection among TB cases was 29.69% (95%CI: 21.10, 38.29). TB patients were found to more frequently harbor one or more intestinal helminths than TB negative individuals (OR = 1.72 (95%CI: 1.20, 2.48)). Among the reported helminths, Schistosoma mansoni and Strongyloides stercoralis had the highest pooled prevalence among TB cases. However, unlike other individual helminths, only Strongyloides stercoralis (OR = 2.67 (95% CI, 1.20–6.76)) had significant association with TB cases compared to TB negatives. BMI was significantly associated with intestinal helminth co-infection among TB patients (OR = 2.75 (95%CI: 1.19, 6.38)).

Conclusions

Patients with TB have been shown to harbor co-infection with one or more intestinal helminths with considerable proportions when compared with TB-negative individuals. The higher prevalence of helminth infection in TB cases might indicate that co-infection promotes active TB disease. Thus, routine intestinal helminth screening and assessment of their nutritional status is suggested for TB patients.
Clinical application of a fixed reference line in the ultrasound quantitative diagnosis of female pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Cao Xiaojuan , Qiu Yuwen , Peng Zhiyong , Chen Lan , Zhou Li , Lu Anwei , Chen Chunlin , Liu Ping
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study explored using an improved ultrasound (US) for quantitative evaluation of the degree of pelvic organ prolapse(POP).

Design

A transluminal probe was used to standardize ultrasound imaging of pelvic floor organ displacements. A US reference line was fixed between the lower edge of the pubic symphysis and the central axis of the pubic symphysis at a 30°counterclockwise angle.

Method

Points Aa, Ba, C and Bp on pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) were then compared with the points on pelvic floor ultrasound (PFUS).

Results

One hundred thirteen patients were included in the analysis of the standard US plane. Correlations were good in the anterior and middle compartments (PBN:Aa, ICC = 0.922; PBB:Ba, ICC = 0.923; and PC:C, ICC = 0.925), and Bland-Altman statistical maps corresponding to the average difference around the 30°horizontal line were close to 0. Correlations were poor in the posterior compartment (PRA:Bp, ICC = 0.444). However, eight (7.1%) cases of intestinal hernia and 21 (18.6%) cases of rectocele were diagnosed.

Conclusions

Introital PFUS using an intracavitary probe, which is gently placed at the introitus of the urethra and the vagina, may be accurately used to evaluate organ displacement. The application of a 30°horizontal line may improve the repeatability of the US diagnosis of POP.
Alterations in the topological organization of the default-mode network in Tourette syndrome
Authors: Yang Yue , Yang Hua , Yu Chunmei , Ni Fang , Yu Tao , Luo Rong
Published: October 2023

Background

The exact pathophysiology of TS is still elusive. Previous studies have identified default mode networks (DMN) abnormalities in patients with TS. However, these literatures investigated the neural activity during the tic suppression, not a true resting-state. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the neural mechanism of Tourette's syndrome (TS) from the perspective of topological organization and functional connectivity within the DMN by electroencephalography (EEG) in resting-state.

Methods

The study was conducted by analyzing the EEG data of TS patients with graph theory approaches. Thirty children with TS and thirty healthy controls (HCs) were recruited, and all subjects underwent resting-state EEG data acquisition. Functional connectivity within the DMN was calculated, and network properties were measured.

Results

A significantly lower connectivity in the neural activity of the TS patients in the β band was found between the bilateral posterior cingulate cortex/retrosplenial cortex (t = -3.02, p < 0.05). Compared to HCs, the TS patients’ local topological properties (degree centrality) in the left temporal lobe in the γ band were changed, while the global topological properties (global efficiency and local efficiency) in DMN exhibited no significant differences. It was also demonstrated that the degree centrality of the left temporal lobe in the γ band was positively related to the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale scores (r = 0.369, p = 0.045).

Conclusions

The functional connectivity and topological properties of the DMN of TS patients were disrupted, and abnormal DMN topological property alterations might affect the severity of tic in TS patients. The abnormal topological properties of the DMN in TS patients may be due to abnormal functional connectivity alterations. The findings provide novel insight into the neural mechanism of TS patients.
Lactobacillus casei combined with Lactobacillus reuteri alleviate pancreatic cancer by inhibiting TLR4 to promote macrophage M1 polarization and regulate gut microbial homeostasis
Authors: Zhu Zemin , Yi Bo , Tang Zikai , Chen Xun , Li Ming , Xu Tao , Zhao Zhijian , Tang Caixi
Published: October 2023

Background

Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal disease with no effective treatments. Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) and Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) exhibited therapeutic effects on several cancers, but their roles in pancreatic cancer are unknown. This study aims to explore how L. casei & L. reuteri influence pancreatic cancer and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Pancreatic cancer cells were treated with L. casei & L. reuteri and co-cultured with macrophages in a transwell system in vitro. Pancreatic cancer xenograft model was established and L. casei & L. reuteri was used to treat mice in vivo. MTT, CCK-8 assay or immunohistochemical staining were used to determine the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells or tumor tissues. Transwell assay was applied to test the migration and invasion of pancreatic cells. RT-qPCR was utilized to assess TLR4 and MyD88 expressions in pancreatic cells or tumor tissues. WB, immunofluorescence staining, or flow cytometry was used to evaluate the M1/M2 polarization of macrophages. Besides, the composition of gut microbiota of tumor-bearing mice was determined by 16 S rRNA sequencing, and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) untargeted metabolomics was used to evaluate the metabolic profiles of feces.

Results

L. casei & L. reuteri inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion of pancreatic cancer cells and pancreatic cancer cell-induced M2 polarization of macrophages by suppressing TLR4. Meanwhile, L. casei & L. reuteri repressed pancreatic cancer growth and promoted M1 macrophage polarization. Besides, L. casei & L. reuteri reduced fecal Alloprevotella and increased fecal azelate and glutamate in nude mice, while TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242 increased Clostridia UCG-014, azelate, uridine, methionine sulfoxide, oxypurinol, and decreased glyceryl monoester in the feces of pancreatic tumor-bearing mice. Fecal oxypurinol and glyceryl monoester levels were positively or negatively associated with gut Clostridia UCG-014 abundance, respectively.

Conclusion

L. casei & L. reuteri alleviate pancreatic cancer by inhibiting TLR4 to promote macrophage M1 polarization and regulate gut microbial homeostasis.
A systematic review of clinical psychological guidance for perinatal mental health
Authors: O’Brien Jayne , Gregg Lynsey , Wittkowski Anja
Published: October 2023

Background

Guidelines on psychological and/or psychosocial assessment and intervention in the perinatal period can provide beneficial practice guidance for healthcare professions to reduce maternal distress and potential mortality. As little is known about the similarities in recommendations across guidelines, which could impact the quality of therapeutic intervention women receive, this systematic review was conducted to draw out the consistent guidance for perinatal psychological and/or psychosocial therapeutic input.

Method

Eight literature and two guideline databases were searched alongside guideline development institutions, and organisations of maternity or perinatal mental health care. All relevant guidance was searched for and extracted before guideline quality was assessed using the AGREE-II instrument. Included guidelines had a primary or secondary focus on psychological assessment and therapeutic intervention for perinatal mental health difficulties. Using a narrative synthesis approach, recommendation consistencies and inconsistencies were outlined.

Results

From the 92 records screened, seven guidelines met the inclusion criteria. Only two guidelines were rated high (> 80%) across all assessed domains, with the other guidelines scoring between poor and excellent across domains. Highest rated domains across all seven guidelines were clarity of presentation (75%) and scope and purpose (70%). Recommendations for structured psychological assessment and intervention were most commonly reported in the guidelines; however, the level of detail and depth of information varied across guidelines. Whilst assessment and intervention recommendations for mother-infant dyad and partners were considered, research into working therapeutically with these client groups in perinatal mental health services is only just emerging. Hence, guideline recommendations for working with the mother-infant dyad and partners were based on consensus of expert opinion.

Conclusion

Perinatal mental health guidelines were consistent in scope but showed considerable variability in quality and depth of recommendations, which could have implications for standards of clinical practice. However, there is still a need to improve the evidence underpinning recommendations in perinatal mental health guidelines to advance the implementation of psychological and/or psychosocial interventions. High quality interventions in the perinatal period could improve outcomes for women and their families.
“She gives it to her child who doesn’t even talk”: a qualitative exploration of alcohol and drug use among primary school-age children in Uganda
Authors: Nalugya Joyce Sserunjogi , Skylstad Vilde , Babirye Juliet N , Ssemata Andrew Sentoogo , Ndeezi Grace , Bangirana Paul , Engebretsen Ingunn M. S. , Nakasujja Noeline
Published: October 2023

Background

There is little research on alcohol and other drugs (AOD) use by school-age children in low-resource settings like Uganda. Including the voices of children in research can inform prevention and early intervention efforts for those at risk of AOD use. The aim of this study was to understand the perspectives of children aged 6 to 13 years regarding AOD in Uganda.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted in Mbale district, Uganda from February to March 2020. Eight focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 56 primary school-age children, stratified by age (6–9 and 10–13 years), sex (male and female), and school status (in school and out of school). All FGDs were conducted in either Lumasaaba or Luganda. The FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. Data were coded, and overarching themes were identified using thematic framework analysis.

Results

Two themes identified were (1) Children’s perceptions and experiences with AODs. The participants understood alcohol by its consistency, colour, odour, and by brand/logo. They described the types and quantities of AOD consumed by school-age children, brewing processes for homemade alcoholic drinks, and short and long-term consequences of the use of alcohol. (2) Contributing factors to childhood drinking included: Stress relief for children who experienced multiple adversities (orphaned, poverty-stricken, and hailing from broken homes), fitting in with friends, influence from families, and media exposure that made alcohol look cool. Children would start drinking at an early age) or were given alcohol by their parents, sometimes before they could start talking. In the community, alcohol and other drugs were cheap and available and children could drink from anywhere, including in the classroom.

Conclusions

Children eligible for primary education in Uganda can easily access and use AOD. Several factors were identified as contributing to alcohol and other drug use among children, including availability and accessibility, advertising, lack of parental awareness and supervision, peer influence, adverse childhood experiences, socioeconomic factors, and cultural norms. There is a need for multi-sectoral action for awareness of childhood AOD use and deliberate consideration of children in the planning, design, and implementation of research, policies, and programs for prevention and early intervention.