bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Food Origin Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strains on the Human Intestinal Microbiota in an in vitro System
Authors: Garcia-Gonzalez Natalia , Comas Joan Colom , Harris Hugh M. B. , Strain Conall , Stanton Catherine , Hill Colin , Corsetti Aldo , Gahan Cormac G. M.
Published: April 2022

We have previously isolated and characterized food-dwelling strains of Lactiplantibacillus (Lpb.) plantarum that are consumed naturally as part of the microbiota of table olives and raw milk cheeses. Despite being consumed at relatively high levels, the impact of such strains on the human gut microbiota is currently unclear. In the current study we evaluated the potential impact of food-dominant Lpb. plantarum strains on the human gut microbiota using a continuous fecal fermentation system. Daily inoculation of Lpb. plantarum strains led to significant, detectable levels in the fecal fermentation system. We examined the impact of the presence of Lpb. plantarum on the microbiota derived from two separate donors. For one donor, Lpb. plantarum increased alpha diversity and beta diversity. This was reflected in significant alterations in abundance of the unclassified genera, dominated by Enterobacteriaceae_unclass and Ruminococcaceae_unclass. The microbiota of the other donor was relatively unaffected following introduction of the Lpb. plantarum strains. Overall, the work describes the response of the human microbiota to the introduction of high levels of food-dominant Lpb. plantarum strains and indicates that the response may reflect interindividual differences between donor samples.
A Review on Microorganisms in Constructed Wetlands for Typical Pollutant Removal: Species, Function, and Diversity
Authors: Wang Jianwu , Long Yuannan , Yu Guanlong , Wang Guoliang , Zhou Zhenyu , Li Peiyuan , Zhang Yameng , Yang Kai , Wang Shitao
Published: April 2022

Constructed wetlands (CWs) have been proven as a reliable alternative to traditional wastewater treatment technologies. Microorganisms in CWs, as an important component, play a key role in processes such as pollutant degradation and nutrient transformation. Therefore, an in-depth analysis of the community structure and diversity of microorganisms, especially for functional microorganisms, in CWs is important to understand its performance patterns and explore optimized strategies. With advances in molecular biotechnology, it is now possible to analyze and study microbial communities and species composition in complex environments. This review performed bibliometric analysis of microbial studies in CWs to evaluate research trends and identify the most studied pollutants. On this basis, the main functional microorganisms of CWs involved in the removal of these pollutants are summarized, and the effects of these pollutants on microbial diversity are investigated. The result showed that the main phylum involved in functional microorganisms in CWs include Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. These functional microorganisms can remove pollutants from CWs by catalyzing chemical reactions, biodegradation, biosorption, and supporting plant growth, etc. Regarding microbial alpha diversity, heavy metals and high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus significantly reduce microbial richness and diversity, whereas antibiotics can cause large fluctuations in alpha diversity. Overall, this review can provide new ideas and directions for the research of microorganisms in CWs.
Serotype Features of 17 Suspected Cases of Foodborne Botulism in China 2019–2022 Revealed by a Multiplex Immuno-Endopep-MS Method
Authors: Wang Jiang , Xu Hua , Zhang Cheng , Chen Jia , Wang Chunyan , Li Xinying , Zhang Yajiao , Xie Jianwei
Published: April 2022

Diagnosis of botulism caused by multiple serotypes of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is still a challenge due to the lack of a reliable detection method. The present study develops a feasible laboratorial method based on an isotope dilution Immuno-Endopep-MS to detect BoNTs and determine their serotypes and activities in clinical samples. Eleven positive foodborne botulism cases out of a total of 17 suspected cases in China, 2019–2022, were determined by the established method. Blood, urine, vomitus, gastric mucosa samples, and food samples were employed and evidenced to be suitable for the detection. Results showed that, although single type A-intoxication was still the first cause among these foodborne botulism cases, other causes involving type E, type B, and their mixed types were also determined, providing a glimpse to the serotype profile of botulism happened in recent years in China. Furthermore, in order to provide insights into in vivo profiles of toxin serotypes, a comprehensive analysis of clinical specimens collected from one family of four patients was performed during a clinically and therapeutically relevant time frame. Serotypes and concentrations of BoNT in specimens revealed a good correlation with symptoms and progresses of disease. Additionally, serum was proved to be more suitable for detection of BoNT/A with a detection window up to 12 days. A urine sample, although rarely reported for foodborne botulism diagnosis, was validated to be suitable for testing BoNTs, with a longer detection window up to 25 days. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive analytical research on in vivo profiles of serotypes A, B, and E in different types of specimens from mixed botulism cases. Our method and findings facilitate the toxin detection and identification by clinical diagnostic laboratories.
ACE-SNN: Algorithm-Hardware Co-design of Energy-Efficient & Low-Latency Deep Spiking Neural Networks for 3D Image Recognition
Authors: Datta Gourav , Kundu Souvik , Jaiswal Akhilesh R. , Beerel Peter A.
Published: April 2022

High-quality 3D image recognition is an important component of many vision and robotics systems. However, the accurate processing of these images requires the use of compute-expensive 3D Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). To address this challenge, we propose the use of Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) that are generated from iso-architecture CNNs and trained with quantization-aware gradient descent to optimize their weights, membrane leak, and firing thresholds. During both training and inference, the analog pixel values of a 3D image are directly applied to the input layer of the SNN without the need to convert to a spike-train. This significantly reduces the training and inference latency and results in high degree of activation sparsity, which yields significant improvements in computational efficiency. However, this introduces energy-hungry digital multiplications in the first layer of our models, which we propose to mitigate using a processing-in-memory (PIM) architecture. To evaluate our proposal, we propose a 3D and a 3D/2D hybrid SNN-compatible convolutional architecture and choose hyperspectral imaging (HSI) as an application for 3D image recognition. We achieve overall test accuracy of 98.68, 99.50, and 97.95% with 5 time steps (inference latency) and 6-bit weight quantization on the Indian Pines, Pavia University, and Salinas Scene datasets, respectively. In particular, our models implemented using standard digital hardware achieved accuracies similar to state-of-the-art (SOTA) with ~560.6× and ~44.8× less average energy than an iso-architecture full-precision and 6-bit quantized CNN, respectively. Adopting the PIM architecture in the first layer, further improves the average energy, delay, and energy-delay-product (EDP) by 30, 7, and 38%, respectively.
Loss of Function of the Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule NrCAM Regulates Differentiation, Proliferation and Neurogenesis in Early Postnatal Hypothalamic Tanycytes
Authors: Moore Alex , Chinnaiya Kavitha , Kim Dong Won , Brown Sarah , Stewart Iain , Robins Sarah , Dowsett Georgina K. C. , Muir Charlotte , Travaglio Marco , Lewis Jo E. , Ebling Fran , Blackshaw Seth , Furley Andrew , Placzek Marysia
Published: April 2022

Hypothalamic tanycytes are neural stem and progenitor cells, but little is known of how they are regulated. Here we provide evidence that the cell adhesion molecule, NrCAM, regulates tanycytes in the adult niche. NrCAM is strongly expressed in adult mouse tanycytes. Immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization analysis revealed that NrCAM loss of function leads to both a reduced number of tanycytes and reduced expression of tanycyte-specific cell markers, along with a small reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive arcuate neurons. Similar analyses of NrCAM mutants at E16 identify few changes in gene expression or cell composition, indicating that NrCAM regulates tanycytes, rather than early embryonic hypothalamic development. Neurosphere and organotypic assays support the idea that NrCAM governs cellular homeostasis. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) shows that tanycyte-specific genes, including a number that are implicated in thyroid hormone metabolism, show reduced expression in the mutant mouse. However, the mild tanycyte depletion and loss of markers observed in NrCAM-deficient mice were associated with only a subtle metabolic phenotype.
Methamphetamine-Induced Sleep Impairments and Subsequent Slow-Wave and Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Rebound in Male Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Berro Laís F. , Overton John S. , Rowlett James K.
Published: April 2022

Use of amphetamine-type stimulants is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes, with disturbed sleep being one of the most prominent consequences of methamphetamine use. However, the extent to which methamphetamine alters sleep architecture, and whether methamphetamine-induced sleep impairment is associated with next-day sleep rebound effects, has received relatively little investigation. In the present study, we investigated the effects of acute morning methamphetamine administration on sleep parameters in adult male rhesus monkeys (N = 4) using a fully-implantable telemetry system. Monkeys were prepared with telemetry devices that continuously monitored electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG) and electrooculography (EOG) throughout the night. We investigated the effects of morning (10h00) administration of methamphetamine (0.01–0.3 mg/kg, i.m.) on sleep during the night of the injection. In addition, we investigated sleep during the subsequent night in order to assess the possible emergence of sleep rebound effects. Methamphetamine administration dose-dependently increased sleep latency and wake time after sleep onset (WASO). Methamphetamine also decreased total sleep time, which was reflected by a decrease in total time spent in N2, slow-wave (N3) and REM sleep stages, while increasing the percentage of total sleep time spent in sleep stage N1. Importantly, methamphetamine decreased time spent in N3 and REM sleep even at doses that did not significantly decrease total sleep time. Sleep rebound effects were observed on the second night after methamphetamine administration, with increased total sleep time reflected by a selective increase in time spent in sleep stages N3 and REM, as well as a decrease in REM sleep latency. Our findings show that methamphetamine administered 8 h prior to the inactive (dark) phase induces marked changes in sleep architecture in rhesus monkeys, even at doses that do not change sleep duration, and that sleep rebound effects are observed the following day for both N3 and REM sleep stages.
Sema6D Regulates Zebrafish Vascular Patterning and Motor Neuronal Axon Growth in Spinal Cord
Authors: Sheng Jiajing , Xu Jiehuan , Geng Kaixi , Liu Dong
Published: April 2022

Vessels and nerves are closely associated in anatomy as well as functions. Accumulating evidences have demonstrated that axon-guiding signals may affect endothelial cells migration and path finding, which is crucial for the patterning of both the complex vascular network and neural system. However, studies regarding the functional overlap between vascular and neuronal orchestrating are still incomplete. Semaphorin6D (Sema6D) belongs to the Semaphorin family and has been identified as an important regulating factor in diverse biological processes. Its roles in vascular development are still unclear. Here, we confirmed that sema6D is enriched in neural system and blood vessels of zebrafish embryos by in situ hybridization. Then, the deficiency of sema6D caused by specific antisense morpholino-oligonucleotides (MO) led to dramatic path finding defects in both intersegmental vessels (ISVs) and primary motor neurons (PMNs) of spinal cord in zebrafish embryos. Furthermore, these defective phenotypes were confirmed in F0 generation of sema6D knockouts and rescue experiments by overexpression of sema6D mRNA in sema6D morphants. These data collectively indicate that sema6D regulates zebrafish vascular patterning and motor neuronal axon growth in the spinal cord, which might be of great therapeutical use to regulate vessel and nerve guidance in the relevant diseases that affect both systems.
Effect of Methyl Jasmonate Treatment on Primary and Secondary Metabolites and Antioxidant Capacity of the Substrate and Hydroponically Grown Chinese Chives
Authors: Wang Cheng , Zhang Jing , Lv Jian , Li Jing , Gao Yanqiang , Patience Bakpa Emily , Niu Tianhang , Yu Jihua , Xie Jianming
Published: April 2022

Hydroponic culture has become a commercial planting model for leafy vegetables, herbs, and other plants with medicinal value. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is involved in primary and secondary plant metabolism; moreover, it regulates plant bioactive compounds and enhances the nutritional and medicinal value of plants. We performed targeted metabolomic analysis of the primary and secondary metabolites in substrate-grown and hydroponic Chinese chive leaves sprayed with MeJA (0, 300, 500, and 800 μM). Using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), UPLC tandem mass spectrometry, and chemometric tools, and analyzed the antioxidant activity of these plants. We identified the biomarkers of amino acids (serine, proline, lysine, and arginine) and phenolic compounds (4-coumaric acid and protocatechuic acid) using chemometric tools to distinguish between substrate-grown and hydroponic Chinese chives treated with MeJA. MeJA (500 μM) treatment significantly increased the total sugar and amino acid (essential and non-essential amino acids and sulfur-containing amino acids) contents of hydroponically grown Chinese chives. However, the changes in total sugar and amino acid contents in Chinese chive grown in substrates showed the opposite trend. The organic acid content of hydroponically grown Chinese chives treated with MeJA decreased significantly, whereas that of substrate-grown plants treated with 300 μM MeJA increased significantly. Further, MeJA treatment significantly increased the phenolic content of substrate-grown Chinese chives. Treatment with 800 μM MeJA significantly increased the carotenoid content of substrate-grown Chinese chives and the phenolic content of hydroponic Chinese chives. In addition, the 500 μM MeJA treatment significantly increased the antioxidant activity of Chinese chives in both substrate-grown and hydroponic cultures, and promoted the accumulation of nutrients and bioactive substances. This treatment also improved the flavor quality of these plants and their nutritional and medicinal value. Thus, the results suggested that MeJA-treated plants could be used as value-added horticultural products.
Patient-Derived Tumor Organoids: New Progress and Opportunities to Facilitate Precision Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Ji , Chen Chao , Wang Lu , Xie Mingjun , Ge Xinyang , Wu Sufan , He Yong , Mou Xiaozhou , Ye Chenyang , Sun Yi
Published: April 2022

Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the field of cancer treatment in recent years. However, not all patients receiving cancer immunotherapy exhibit durable responses, and reliable, high-throughput testing platforms are urgently needed to guide personalized cancer immunotherapy. The ability of patient-derived tumor organoids to recapitulate pivotal features of original cancer tissues makes them useful as a preclinical model for cancer research and precision medicine. Nevertheless, many challenges exist in the translation of tumor organoid research to clinical decision making. Herein we discuss the applications of patient-derived tumor organoid models and the advances and potential of using complex immune-organoid systems as testing platforms to facilitate precision cancer immunotherapy. In addition, we highlight intriguing applications of tumor organoids with novel multi-omics in preclinical cancer research, highlighting genetic editing, proteomics, and liquid biopsy.
Prevalence of Feeding and Swallowing Disorders in Congenital Heart Disease: A Scoping Review
Authors: Norman Vivienne , Zühlke Liesl , Murray Katherine , Morrow Brenda
Published: April 2022

Feeding and swallowing difficulties are commonly reported as comorbidities in infants and children with congenital heart disease. These difficulties have negative health consequences for the child and impact the quality of life of both the child and caregivers. This scoping review presents an integrated summary of the published literature on the prevalence of feeding and swallowing difficulties in congenital heart disease. Fifteen peer-reviewed articles, written in English and published in the last 25 years, were included in the review, following a search of relevant databases. The studies reported on a total of 1,107 participants across the articles ranging in age from premature infants to children aged 17 years. An overall pooled prevalence of 42.9% feeding and swallowing difficulties was reported, with a prevalence of 32.9% reporting aspiration. A wide prevalence range of feeding and swallowing difficulties was reported across the articles and factors that contributed to this included the ages of participants, and the definition and assessment of feeding and swallowing difficulties used in the studies. The review confirms that feeding and swallowing difficulties are common in infants and children with congenital heart defects, and that assessment and management of these difficulties should be considered part of the standard of care.
Prognostic Value of Various Diagnostic Methods for Long-Term Outcome of Newborns After Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Treated With Hypothermia
Authors: Troha Gergeli Anja , Škofljanec Andreja , Neubauer David , Paro Panjan Darja , Kodrič Jana , Osredkar Damjan
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Prediction of outcome in newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) has been modulated by hypothermia treatment (HT). We assessed the predictive value of diagnostic methods commonly used in neonates with HIE for short-term neurodevelopmental outcome and long-term neurological outcome.

Materials and Methods

This longitudinal cohort study followed up 50 term newborns who underwent HT after HIE between July 2006 and August 2015, until preschool age. We estimated sensitivity and specificity for short-term neurodevelopmental outcome at 18 months and long-term neurological outcome at five years based on Amiel-Tison Neurological Assessment (ATNA), electroencephalography (EEG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed in the neonatal period.

Results

The accuracy of all neonatal methods tested was higher for long-term neurological outcome compared to the predictive accuracy for short-term neurodevelopmental outcome at 18–24 months. Sensitivity and specificity in predicting unfavorable long-term neurological outcome were: MRI (sensitivity 1.0 [95%CI 0.96–1.0]; specificity 0.91 [95%CI 0.86–1.0]), EEG (sensitivity 0.94 [95%CI 0.71–1.0]; specificity 1.0 [95% CI 0.89–1.0]), and ATNA (sensitivity 0.94 [95%CI 0.71–1.0]; specificity 0.91 [95%CI 0.76–0.98]).

Conclusion

MRI is a powerful predictor of long-term neurological outcome when performed in the first week after HIE in HT treated infants, as are EEG and ATNA performed in the second or third week postnatally.
Newborn Weight Loss as a Predictor of Persistence of Exclusive Breastfeeding up to 6 Months
Authors: Delfino Enrica , Peano Luca , Wetzl Roberto Giorgio , Giannì Maria Lorella , Netto Roberta , Consales Alessandra , Bettinelli Maria Enrica , Morniroli Daniela , Vielmi Francesca , Mosca Fabio , Montagnani Luca
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To investigate the association between neonatal weight loss and persistence of exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months.

Study Design

An observational cohort study in the setting of a Baby Friendly Hospital, enrolling 1,260 healthy term dyads. Neonatal percentage of weight loss was collected between 48 and 72 h from birth. Using a questionnaire, all mothers were asked on the phone what the infant's mode of feeding at 10 days, 42 days and 6 months (≥183 days) from birth were. The persistence of exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months and the occurrence of each event that led to the interruption of exclusive breastfeeding were verified through a logistic analysis that included 40 confounders.

Results

Infants with a weight loss ≥7% were exclusively breastfed at 6 months in a significantly lower percentage of cases than infants with a weight loss <7% (95% CI 0.563 to 0.734, p < 0.001). Weight loss ≥7% significantly increases the occurrence of either sporadic integration with formula milk (95% CI 0.589 to 0.836, p < 0.001), complementary feeding (95% CI 0.460 to 0.713, p < 0.001), exclusive formula feeding (95% CI 0.587 to 0.967, p < 0.001) or weaning (95% CI 0.692 to 0.912, p = 0.02) through the first 6 months of life.

Conclusions

With the limitations of a single-center study, a weight loss ≥7% in the first 72 h after birth appears to be a predictor of an early interruption of exclusive breastfeeding before the recommended 6 months in healthy term exclusively breastfed newborns.
Hybrid Mathieu Urethroplasty vs. Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty for the Management of Distal Penile Hypospadias With a Small Glans
Authors: Kurdi Mazen Omar , Eldessouki Nagi Ibrahim , Khirallah Mohammad Gharieb
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Distal hypospadias is a common anomaly. Different surgical techniques have evolved through the years to manage this anomaly. Several factors may affect the prognosis. One of them is glans size. We compared the hybrid Mathieu urethroplasty (HMU) and the tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) for the management of distal hypospadias with a small glans.

Methods

Sixty-eight patients with distal hypospadias were included and categorized into two groups. Group A (n = 33) and group B (n = 35) patients were treated by HMU and TIPU, respectively. All patients had a small glans. In group A, the patients underwent Mathieu urethroplasty plus a deep incision of the urethral plate. In group B, the patients underwent TIPU. Urethral stents were used in all cases. Hypospadias objective score evaluation (HOSE) was used to assess the results.

Results

Urethrocutaneous fistulae developed in two cases in group A and six cases in group B. Meatal stenosis was significantly lower (one case in group A vs. eight cases in group B). Glanular dehiscence occurred in two cases in group A and five cases in group B. The small glans strongly correlated with the development of both urethrocutaneous fistulae and meatal stenosis where the odd ratios were 3.500 (1.383–7.879) and 9.481 (1.114–12.669), respectively.

Conclusion

Both techniques showed efficacy during management of patients with a small glans. HMU had better outcomes, shorter duration of stent and lesser incidence of complications than TIPU. Small glans was significantly related to urethrocutaneous fistulae and meatal stenosis in group B.
Targets and Effective Constituents of ZhiziBaipi Decoction for Treating Damp-Heat Jaundice Syndrome Based on Chinmedomics Coupled with UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Wei Wen-feng , Sun Hui , Liu Shao-bo , Lu Sheng-wen , Zhang Ai-hua , Wang Wan-ying , Chai Wen-jun , Wu Fang-fang , Yan Guang-li , Guan Yu , Wang Xi-jun
Published: April 2022

Background: Damp-heat jaundice syndrome (DHJS) is a diagnostic model of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that refers to jaundice caused by damp-heat pathogen invasion. DHJS is the most common clinical manifestation of TCM, with yellow skin, yellow eyes and anorexia. ZhiziBaipi Decoction (ZBD) is a classic TCM formula that is effective at treating DHJS and various liver diseases. However, the effective components of ZBD in the context of DHJS and the underlying mechanism are unclear.

Purpose: This study of ZBD using the DHJS rat model aimed to elucidate the pathobiology of DHJS and the metabolic targets of therapeutic ZBD, construct the network relationship between the components of ZBD and endogenous biomarkers, and clarify the underlying mechanism of ZBD in preventing and treating DHJS.

Methods: Using chinmedomics as the core strategy, an animal model was generated, and the therapeutic effect of ZBD was evaluated based on behavioral, histopathological and biochemical indicators. Metabonomics tools were used to identify biomarkers of DHJS, TCM-based serum pharmacochemistry was used to analyze the effective constituents of ZBD, and chinmedomics technology was used to identify ZBD components highly related to DHJS biomarkers.

Results: A total of 42 biomarkers were preliminarily identified, and ZBD significantly affected the levels of 29 of these biomarkers. A total of 59 compounds in ZBD were characterized in vivo. According to chinmedomics analysis, the highly correlated components found in blood were isoformononetin, 3-O-feruloylquinic acid, glycyrrhizic acid, oxyberberine, obaculactone and five metabolites.

Conclusions: Chinmedomics combined with UPLC-MS/MS was used to study the targets and effective constituents of ZBD for the treatment of DHJS.
Pathophysiological Role of Genetic Factors Associated With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ortega-Contreras B. , Armella A. , Appel J. , Mennickent D. , Araya J. , González M. , Castro E. , Obregón A. M. , Lamperti L. , Gutiérrez J. , Guzmán-Gutiérrez E.
Published: April 2022

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a highly prevalent maternal pathology characterized by maternal glucose intolerance during pregnancy that is, associated with severe complications for both mother and offspring. Several risk factors have been related to GDM; one of the most important among them is genetic predisposition. Numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that act at different levels on various tissues, could cause changes in the expression levels and activity of proteins, which result in glucose and insulin metabolism dysfunction. In this review, we describe various SNPs; which according to literature, increase the risk of developing GDM. These SNPs include: (1) those associated with transcription factors that regulate insulin production and excretion, such as rs7903146 (TCF7L2) and rs5015480 (HHEX); (2) others that cause a decrease in protective hormones against insulin resistance such as rs2241766 (ADIPOQ) and rs6257 (SHBG); (3) SNPs that cause modifications in membrane proteins, generating dysfunction in insulin signaling or cell transport in the case of rs5443 (GNB3) and rs2237892 (KCNQ1); (4) those associated with enzymes such as rs225014 (DIO2) and rs9939609 (FTO) which cause an impaired metabolism, resulting in an insulin resistance state; and (5) other polymorphisms, those are associated with growth factors such as rs2146323 (VEGFA) and rs755622 (MIF) which could cause changes in the expression levels of these proteins, producing endothelial dysfunction and an increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines, characteristic on GDM. While the pathophysiological mechanism is unclear, this review describes various potential effects of these polymorphisms on the predisposition to develop GDM.
Comprehensive Evaluation on the Yield, Quality, and Water-Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Mountain Apple Under Surge-Root Irrigation in the Loess Plateau Based on the Improved TOPSIS Method
Authors: Hao Kun , Fei Liangjun , Liu Lihua , Jie Feilong , Peng Youliang , Liu Xiaogang , Khan Sher Aslam , Wang Dong , Wang Xiukang
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to know the controlling effects of water and nitrogen coupling on the yield, quality, and water-nitrogen utilization effectiveness of mountain apples under surge-root irrigation in the Loess Plateau. In order to optimize the water and nitrogen irrigation systems of superior quality and high yield, 7 years was selected for the mountain apple test material. The trial was designed with four tiers of irrigation, i.e., full irrigation (FI: 85–100% θf, where θf is the field capacity), light deficit irrigation (DIL: 70–85% θf), moderate deficit irrigation (DIM: 55–70% θf), and severe deficit irrigation (DIS: 40–55% θf) and three tiers of nitrogen, i.e., high nitrogen (NH: 600 kg ha–1), medium nitrogen (NM: 400 kg ha–1), and low nitrogen (NL: 200 kg ha–1). The subjective weight attained by the analytic hierarchy methods and the objective weight achieved by the enhanced coefficient of variation method were examined to find the comprehensive weight based on the notion of game hypothesis. Then, the weighted technique for order of preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) process was utilized to comprehensively assess the yield, quality, and water-nitrogen use efficiency of the apples, and a binary quadratic regression model was created between the comprehensive evaluation index and water-nitrogen inputs. The results showed that the effects of irrigation and nitrogen levels on the fruit yield, irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), total water use efficiency (TWUE), nitrogen partial factor productivity (NPFP), and quality of mountain apples were significant (P < 0.05). The apple yield and TWUE first improved and then diminished with an escalating quantity of water-nitrogen inputs, the IWUE diminished with a boost in the irrigation quantity, the NPFP dwindled when the nitrogen amount was increased. The best water and nitrogen inputs for apple yield, quality, or water-nitrogen use efficiency were dissimilar. The best comprehensive evaluation index was DILNM treatment, and the worst comprehensive evaluation index was DISNL treatment, based on the TOPSIS system. The interval of irrigation and nitrogen attained from the mathematic model ranged in 95–115 mm and 470–575 kg ha–1, respectively. The outcome of this study may perhaps offer a theoretical basis for the scientific research of surge-root irrigation and the managing of mountain apple tree irrigation and fertilization in the Loess Plateau, China.
Learning Compassion and Meditation: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of the Experience of Novice Meditators
Authors: Mascaro Jennifer S. , Florian Marianne P. , Ash Marcia J. , Palmer Patricia K. , Sharma Anuja , Kaplan Deanna M. , Palitsky Roman , Grant George , Raison Charles L.
Published: April 2022

Over the last decade, numerous interventions and techniques that aim to engender, strengthen, and expand compassion have been created, proliferating an evidence base for the benefits of compassion meditation training. However, to date, little research has been conducted to examine individual variation in the learning, beliefs, practices, and subjective experiences of compassion meditation. This mixed-method study examines changes in novice meditators’ knowledge and contemplative experiences before, during, and after taking an intensive course in CBCT® (Cognitively-Based Compassion Training), a contemplative intervention that is increasingly used for both inter- and intrapersonal flourishing. The participants in this study (n = 40) were Christian healthcare chaplains completing a 1-year residency in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) who learned CBCT as part of their professional chaplaincy training curriculum. Prior to and upon completion of training, we surveyed participants to assess their beliefs about the malleability of compassion, types of engagement in compassion meditation, and perceptions of the impact of taking CBCT. We also conducted in-depth interviews with a subset of participants to gain a qualitative understanding of their subjective experiences of learning and practicing compassion meditation, a key component of CBCT. We found that participants reported increases in the extent to which they believed compassion to be malleable after studying CBCT. We also found high levels of variability of individual ways of practicing and considered the implications of this for the study of contemplative learning processes. This multi-methodological approach yielded novel insights into how compassion practice and compassion-related outcomes interrelate, insights that can inform the basic scientific understanding of the experience of learning and enacting compassion meditation as a means of strengthening compassion itself.
Neuropsychological Features of Children and Adolescents With Mitochondrial Disorders: A Descriptive Case Series
Authors: Riquin Elise , Barth Magalie , Le Nerzé Thomas , Pasquini Natwin , Prouteau Clement , Colin Estelle , Amati Bonneau Patrizia , Procaccio Vincent , Van Bogaert Patrick , Duverger Philippe , Bonneau Dominique , Roy Arnaud
Published: April 2022

Background

Mitochondrial disorders (MD) are metabolic diseases related to genetic mutations in mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA that cause dysfunction of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Cognitive impairment and psychiatric symptoms are frequently associated with MD in the adult population. The aim of this study is to describe the neuropsychological profile in children and adolescents with MD.

Methods

We prospectively recruited a sample of 12 children and adolescents between February 2019 and February 2020 in the Reference Center for Mitochondrial Disorders of Angers (France). Participants and their parents completed an anamnestic form describing socio-demographic data and completed the WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 5th edition) and the Parent and Teacher forms of the BRIEF (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function).

Results

In our sample, the mean IQ (Intellectual Quotient) score was 87.3 ± 25.3. The score ranged from 52 to 120. Concerning executive functions, a significant global clinical complaint was found for parents (six times more than normal) and to a lesser extent, for teachers (among 3 to 4 times more). Levels of intelligence and executive functioning were globally linked in our cohort but dissociation remains a possibility.

Conclusion

The results of this study show that MD can be associated to neuropsychological disorders in children and adolescents, especially regarding the intelligence quotient and the executive function. Our study also highlights the need for regular neuropsychological assessments in individuals with MD and developing brains, such as children and adolescents.
Delirium and Psychiatric Sequelae Associated to SARS-CoV-2 in Asymptomatic Patients With Psychiatric History and Mild Cognitive Impairment as Risk Factors: Three Case Reports
Authors: Fabrazzo Michele , Russo Antonio , Luciano Mario , Camerlengo Alessio , Catapano Pierluigi , Amoroso Bianca , Catapano Francesco , Coppola Nicola
Published: April 2022

Human coronaviruses have neuroinvasive and neurotropic abilities that might explain psychiatric outcomes in affected patients. We hypothesized that delirium might be the sole clinical manifestation or even the prodrome of a psychiatric episode consistent with the mental history of a few infected patients with a preexisting diagnosed cognitive impairment. We examined three patients with preexisting mild cognitive impairment and delirium at admission for suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. We diagnosed delirium using DSM-5 and Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and measured consciousness level by the Glasgow Coma Scale. All the patients had no history of fever, respiratory complications, anosmia or ageusia, meningitis, and negative cerebrospinal fluid analysis for SARS-CoV-2. Our first patient had no psychiatric history, the second reported only a depressive episode, and the third had a history of bipolar disorder dated back to 40 years before. In the first patient, delirium resolved 2 days following the admission. The other two patients recovered in 4 and 14 days, and delirium appeared as the prodrome of a new psychiatric episode resembling past events. Clinicians should monitor the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 presence in the brain might clinically manifest in the form of delirium and acute psychiatric sequelae, even without other systemic symptoms. Psychiatric history and preexisting mild cognitive impairment are to be considered as predisposing factors for COVID-19 sequelae in delirium patients.
Development and Validation of the Short-LIMOS for the Acute Stroke Unit—A Short Version of the Lucerne ICF-Based Multidisciplinary Observation Scale
Authors: Ottiger Beatrice , Vanbellingen Tim , Cazzoli Dario , Nyffeler Thomas , Veerbeek Janne M.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

At hospital stroke units, the time available to assess the patient's limitations in activities and participation is limited, although being essential for discharge planning. Till date, there is no quick-to-perform instrument available that captures the patient's actual performance during daily activities from a motor, cognitive, and communication perspective within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. Therefore, the aim was to develop and validate a shortened version of the Lucerne ICF-Based Multidisciplinary Observation Scale (Short-LIMOS) that observes the patient's performance across ICF-domains and is applicable in the context of an acute stroke unit.

Methods

The Short-LIMOS was developed by reducing the original 45-item LIMOS to the ten most important items using a multivariable linear regression ANOVA with data of 836 stroke patients collected during inpatient neurorehabilitation. The Short-LIMOS's reliability, validity, and responsiveness were evaluated with data of 416 stroke patients in the acute stroke unit.

Results

A significant equation [F(10,825) = 232.083] with R2 of 0.738 was found for the following ten items for the Short-LIMOS: maintaining a body position (d415), changing basic body position (d410), climbing stairs (d4551), eating (d550), dressing (d540), communicating with—receiving—written messages (reading) (d325), applying knowledge, remembering facts (d179), solving complex problems (d1751), making simple decisions (d177), and undertaking a simple task (d2100). Principal component analysis revealed a Short-LIMOS motor and a Short-LIMOS cognition/communication component. The Short-LIMOS had a high internal consistency and good test-retest reliability. A moderate construct validity was shown by the significant correlation with the Barthel Index. The Short-LIMOS had neither floor nor ceiling effects.

Discussion and Conclusion

The developed Short-LIMOS was found to be reliable and valid within a population of (hyper)acute and subacute stroke patients. The added value of this multidisciplinary assessment is its comprehensiveness by capturing the patient's actual performance on the motor, cognitive, and communication domain embedded in an ICF-framework in <10 mins.
The Amazing Diversity of Cichlid Fishes
Authors: Magalhaes Isabel Santos , Ford Antonia Geraldine Patricia
Published: April 2022

Imagine swimming through warm, clear-blue water where, all around you, you see brightly colored fishes of all shapes and sizes. Does this sound like a tropical coral reef? Maybe so, but it could also be a tropical freshwater lake, with hundreds of different types of cichlid fishes. Cichlids live only in freshwater and are found in lots of different lakes and rivers across the world. Their bright colors and interesting behaviors mean that they are popular to keep as pets in fish tanks, but they also are incredibly interesting to scientists and are a valuable food source. Scientists study cichlids because they want to understand how different types of cichlids have evolved to suit their different environments. Cichlids are important for food in many countries, both through fishing of wild populations and fish farming (aquaculture), in specially built ponds or tanks.
What can a Headless Chicken Teach us About Walking?
Authors: Lockyer Evan J. , Pearcey Gregory E. , Power Kevin E.
Published: April 2022

Unlike when you do your math homework, you do not usually have to think about walking—it just happens naturally. We master the ability to walk as children, but the control of walking is complex. To walk, many muscles must act together to produce smooth, coordinated movement of the arms and legs. We sometimes think about where we want to step, but sometimes we do not. We may also choose how fast and which direction we want to go, but we do not actually think about the individual movement of each limb—walking seems so simple and does not require much thought. Although our brains help supervise the control of walking, other parts of the nervous system are what make walking automatic. In fact, the basic pattern of walking is produced and adjusted by networks of cells within the spinal cord, known as central pattern generators.
Two Degrees Matters
Authors: Sousanes Pamela J. , Hill Ken , Swanson David K.
Published: April 2022

How do you tell if someone is not well? You take the person’s temperature. If it is too warm, something is not quite right. We care about how the weather and climate are changing in Alaska’s national parks, so we continuously take their temperatures. We have dozens of weather stations in remote locations in the northern Alaska parks that run continuously, powered by the sun. Over the past several years, we found that the air and ground temperatures have been warmer than normal. Plants, animals, and people get used to living in their environments. They thrive within an expected temperature range. Things get out of whack when the environment that organisms are accustomed to changes. In northern Alaska, warming of just a few degrees can cause ice to melt and formerly frozen ground to thaw. Once the ground thaws, the ice changes to water and the landscape changes.
Application of Integrated Emergency Care Model Based on Failure Modes and Effects Analysis in Patients With Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Yang Yuying , Chang Qing , Chen Jing , Zou Xiangkun , Xue Qian , Song Aixia
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To explore the application value of an integrated emergency care model based on failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

According to the convenience sampling method, 100 patients with AIS who visited the emergency department in our hospital from October 2018 to March 2019 were randomly selected as the control group and received routine emergency care mode intervention. Another 100 AIS patients who visited the emergency department from April to October 2019 were selected as the intervention group and received the integrated emergency care model based on FMEA. The total time spent from admission to completion of each emergency procedure [total time spent from admission to emergency physician reception (T0−1), total time spent from admission to stroke team reception (T0−2), total time spent from admission to imaging report out (T0−3), total time spent from admission to laboratory report out (T0−4), and total time spent from admission to intravenous thrombolysis (T0−5)] was recorded for both groups. The clinical outcome indicators (vascular recanalization rate, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage incidence, mortality rate) were observed for both groups. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and Barthel score were evaluated for both groups after the intervention. The treatment satisfaction rate of the patients was investigated for both groups.

Results

The total time of T0−1, T0−2, T0−3, T0−4, T0−5 in the intervention group (0.55 ± 0.15, 1.23 ± 0.30, 21.24 ± 3.01, 33.30 ± 5.28, 44.19 ± 7.02) min was shorter than that of the control group (1.22 ± 0.28, 4.01 ± 1.06, 34.12 ± 4.44, 72.48 ± 8.27, 80.31 ± 9.22) min (P < 0.05). The vascular recanalization rate in the intervention group (23.00%) was higher than that in the control group (12.00%) (P < 0.05). There was no statistical significance in the symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage incidence and mortality rate in the two groups (P > 0.05). After intervention, the NIHSS score of the intervention group (2.95 ± 0.91) was lower than that of the control group (6.10 ± 2.02), and the Barthel score (77.58 ± 7.33) was higher than that of the control group (53.34 ± 5.12) (P < 0.05). The treatment satisfaction rate in the intervention group (95.00%) was higher than that of the control group (86.00%) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Through FMEA, the failure mode that affects the emergency time of AIS patients is effectively analyzed and the targeted optimization process is proposed, which are important to enhance the efficiency and success rate of resuscitation of medical and nursing staff and improve the prognosis and life ability of patients.
Presentation Variables Associated With the Development of Severe Post-obstructive Diuresis in Male Cats Following Relief of Urethral Obstruction
Authors: Muller Kelly M. , Burkitt-Creedon Jamie M. , Epstein Steven E.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Diuresis following relief of urethral obstruction is a potentially life-threatening complication of feline urethral obstruction. Evidence regarding the incidence of post-obstructive diuresis (POD) in cats is scarce. Establishing historical, physical examination, and initial clinicopathologic variables associated with risk for developing POD may better enable clinicians to direct treatment for this common feline emergency and to educate clients regarding financial expectations.

Objectives

To report the incidence of POD in a large group of cats with urethral obstruction and determine whether select presenting physical examination or initial clinicopathologic variables may predict the onset or severity of POD.

Methods

The records of 260 cats that were admitted to the University of California, Davis, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for urethral obstruction were reviewed. Urine output after urethral catherization was categorized into no POD (urine output ≤ 2 mL/kg/h), mild-moderate POD (urine output > 2 but <5 mL/kg/h) and severe POD (urine output ≥ 5 mL/kg/h). Select presentation physical examination, venous acid-base, electrolyte, serum biochemistry, and urinalysis results were compared among the groups.

Results

67.7% of cats experienced POD, and in 35% of cats it was categorized as severe. Evaluated historical and physical examination variables correlated with development of POD were lower body weight and, for severe POD, hypovolemia. Clinicopathologic variables associated with development of POD included acidemia, azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, hypochloremia, hypocalcemia, hypermagnesemia, and hypoalbuminemia. Cats with severe POD were hospitalized a median of 1 day longer than those without POD.

Conclusions

Results of the present study indicate that there are presentation variables associated with onset and severity of POD following relief of feline urethral obstruction.