bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification with humanity and health-related behaviors during COVID-19
Authors: Sparkman David J.
Published: June 2022

This research takes a maximally inclusive social identity approach to COVID-19 and examines whether the “bond” and “concern” factors of identification with humanity: (1) explain additional variance in health-related behaviors—above and beyond relevant covariates; (2) are uniquely associated with health-related behaviors; and (3) were more strongly associated with health-related behaviors when COVID-19 cases were high. Results ( N = 324) suggest the bond and concern factors explained significantly more variance in social distancing, social influencing, overbuying, and marginally more variance in mask wearing. Bond with all humanity uniquely predicted more mask wearing, more social influencing, less social distancing, and more overbuying, and concern for all humanity uniquely predicted more social distancing and less overbuying. However, COVID-19 cases did not consistently moderate associations with health-related behaviors. Overall, identification with humanity has an important role in—and the bond and concern factors have distinct associations with—health-related behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact of Modified Geriatric Trauma Activation Criteria on patient outcomes at a level 1 trauma center
Authors: Alouidor Reginald , Siu Margaret , Roh Sandy , Perez Coulter Aixa M. , Kamine Tovy H. , Kramer Kristina Z. , Winston Eleanor S. , Ryb Gabriel , Putnam Adin T. , Kelly Edward
Published: June 2022

Background

The American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program recommends a lower threshold for trauma activation on geriatric patients. We implemented the Modified Geriatric Trauma Activation Criteria (MGTAC) and assessed the clinical impact on geriatric trauma patients.

Methods

Geriatric trauma patients aged 65 years and over presenting between 1/1/2014 and 12/31/2020 were identified through the Trauma Registry. MGTAC were implemented on 3/1/2017, where patients aged 65 and above were rendered as Highest Level activations when presenting with no prior work-up. Those presenting from 1/1/2014 to 2/28/2017 were grouped as Standard Activation Criteria (SAC), and those presenting between 3/1/2017 and 12/31/2020 were grouped as MGTAC. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, level of activation, operative intervention, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of stay, survival, and undertriage rates were reviewed. Chi square, ANOVA, and unpaired t-test were used for analysis to compare SAC and MGTAC patient outcomes.

Results

2582 patients were identified: 1293 (50.1%) in SAC and 1289 (49.9%) in MGTAC. Highest Level trauma activations for SAC vs. MGTAC were 9.3% vs. 30.4%, p < .01. Between SAC and MGTAC, ICU admission was 24.1% vs. 16.5%, p<0.01; operative intervention was 10.3% vs. 12.9%, p = .04; undertriage rates were 6.1% vs. 3.8%, p = .01; and average length of stay was 7 days for SAC vs. 6.4 days for MGTAC, p = .54. Overall mortality was 9% for SAC and 9.5% for MGTAC, p = .66.

Conclusion

Implementation of MGTAC did not improve geriatric trauma patient mortality. However, it decreased ICU admission and undertriage, and increased operative intervention during the first 24 hours.
Absence, multiplicity and the boundaries of research? Reflections on online asynchronous focus groups
Authors: Estrada-Jaramillo Ana , Michael Mike , Farrimond Hannah
Published: June 2022

During the COVID 19 pandemic, Online Asynchronous Focus Groups (OAFG) through WhatsApp were conducted to explore women’s experiences in the context of Congenital Syphilis prevention in Colombia. This paper discusses issues raised by the OAFGs (not least in relation to face-to-face focus groups). After a review of the literature on online and offline focus groups, there is a consideration of some key features of our OAFGs. In particular, we note how silence, presence, attention, continuity and multiplicity manifested in our OAFGs. We suggest that rather than regarding OAFGs as inferior to the ‘gold standard’ of face-to-face focus groups, our OAFGs raise important questions about our assumptions about focus group methodology. For instance, what counts as participant engagement, what comprises ‘useful’ social data, and what constitute the boundaries of a focus group all emerge as critical issues. We go on to reflect on some of the implications of these issues for the fruitfulness of OAFG methods.
Structures for Indigenous sovereignty in research: Disrupting settler colonial methods and relations in research partnerships
Authors: Conrad Jenni
Published: June 2022

How can researchers in settler colonial states align their research and partnership practices to demonstrate reciprocity and solidarity with Indigenous communities and nations—especially researchers with dominant identities and training? This self-study investigates a recent research-practice partnership focused on Native curriculum implementation in schools on Coast Salish Lands (Washington State, USA). Using research memos, journals, and correspondence, I analyze my experiences as a white settler and dominantly-trained researcher conducting and relearning qualitative inquiry with eight Native education leaders during a participatory design-based study. Findings show that researcher actions and decision-making consistent with goals of solidarity and reciprocity depended on embedded structures of Indigenous sovereignty across multiple levels and phases of the project. Clarified through relationships with Indigenous advisors/co-designers and others, these structures created mechanisms of accountability to Coast Salish nations and knowledges that counteracted slippage into colonizing and less participatory research methods and relationships. By connecting researcher agency to specific research structures supporting Native sovereignty, this inquiry offers implications for participatory research and research-practice partnerships that support Indigenous sovereignty in ongoing and accountable ways.
Management strategies of unanticipated intracranial stenosis during mechanical thrombectomy for acute stroke: A survey of academic neurointerventionalists
Authors: Lazaro Tyler T , Hoang Alex N , Cotton Patrick C , Dang Huy Q , Tanweer Omar , Raper Daniel M S
Published: June 2022

Background

The optimal approach to the management of intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) at the time of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) remains controversial. The goal of this study is to characterize current practices concerning this challenging clinical situation in a survey of practicing neurointerventionalists.

Methods

An electronic questionnaire was sent to a cross-section of North American academic neurointerventionalists using publicly available contact information and departmental websites. Prior to analysis, responses were anonymized and categorized by region.

Results

A total of 136/360 responses were recorded from the U.S. and Canada. The mean number of years of practicing as a neurointerventionalist among the respondents was 10.5 (± 6.2 years). ICAD was perceived as a causative factor during MT for LVO in 5–10% of thrombectomy cases. The most common first-line treatment approach for significant ICAD, assuming a TICI 2b or better reperfusion, was medical therapy (77.9% of respondents), followed by angioplasty + stent placement (8.8% of respondents). There were no significant differences in the first line treatment of ICAD in LVO between geographical regions (p = 0.815).

Conclusion

The approach to underlying ICAD in LVO varies widely; however, the majority of neurointerventionalists prefer medical therapy with DAPT as a first-line treatment approach. The current survey highlights the need for studies that better define the optimal timing and modality of treatment, along with an evidence-based framework for balancing the risks associated with these treatment approaches.
An online survey of perimenopausal women to determine their attitudes and knowledge of the menopause
Authors: Harper Joyce C , Phillips Samantha , Biswakarma Rina , Yasmin Ephia , Saridogan Ertan , Radhakrishnan Sheila , C Davies Melanie , Talaulikar Vikram
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Women are not usually taught about the menopause formally, and many general practitioners have relatively little training. The aim of this study was to explore perimenopausal women’s attitudes and knowledge of the menopause.

Method:

An online survey was designed to evaluate attitudes and knowledge of the menopause in women older than 40 years. The survey was generated with Qualtrics XM® and promoted via social media. In all, 3150 women started the survey. In this study, data from 947 perimenopausal women were analysed.

Results:

Regarding women’s attitudes to the menopause, 38.8% were accepting of it but more than 30% were dreading it. The women had experienced a number of menopause symptoms including mood swings (68.9%), brain fog (68.3%), and fatigue (66.8%). More than 90% of women had never been taught about the menopause at school, and more than 60% did not feel informed at all about the menopause. School was thought to be the best place for menopause education to start (83.6%). In all, 68.2% of women had only looked for information about the menopause as their symptoms started and they had talked to friends and used a variety of websites to look for information. When asked for their free-text views on the menopause, thematic analysis produced four themes: the overarching knowledge gap, the onset and impact of symptoms, perimenopause: the hidden phenomenon, and managing symptoms: differing schools of thought.

Conclusion:

Lack of education for women and their general practitioners is causing perimenopausal women to go through this important stage in their lives with a lack of knowledge and appropriate medical care. It is essential that women are taught about the menopause, from school onwards and that we offer health professionals appropriate training starting from the medical school curriculum.
Self-relevance and the activation of attentional networks
Authors: Svensson Saga , Golubickis Marius , Johnson Sam , Falbén Johanna K , Macrae C Neil
Published: June 2022

Recent theoretical accounts maintain that core components of attentional functioning are preferentially tuned to self-relevant information. Evidence in support of this viewpoint is equivocal, however, with research overly reliant on personally significant (i.e., familiar) stimulus inputs (e.g., faces, forenames) and a diverse range of methodologies. Addressing these limitations, here we utilised arbitrary items (i.e., geometric shapes) and administered the Attention Network Test (ANT) to establish the extent to which self-relevance (vs friend-relevance) moderates the three subsystems of attentional functioning—alerting, orienting, and executive control. The results revealed that only executive control was sensitive to the meaning of the stimuli, such that conflict resolution was enhanced following the presentation of self-associated compared with friend-associated shapes (i.e., cues). Probing the origin of this effect, a further computational analysis (i.e., Shrinking Spotlight Diffusion Model analysis) indicated that self-relevance facilitated the narrowing of visual attention. These findings highlight when and how the personal significance of otherwise trivial material modulates attentional processing.
Understanding and managing the suppression of spermatogenesis caused by testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS)
Authors: Desai Ankit , Yassin Musaab , Cayetano Axel , Tharakan Tharu , Jayasena Channa N. , Minhas Suks
Published: June 2022

Use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) has increased over the last 20 years, coinciding with an increase in men presenting with infertility and hypogonadism. Both agents have a detrimental effect on spermatogenesis and pose a clinical challenge in the setting of hypogonadism and infertility. Adding to this challenge is the paucity of data describing recovery of spermatogenesis on stopping such agents. The unwanted systemic side effects of these agents have driven the development of novel agents such as selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). Data showing natural recovery of spermatogenesis following cessation of TRT are limited to observational studies. Largely, these have shown spontaneous recovery of spermatogenesis after cessation. Contemporary literature suggests the time frame for this recovery is highly variable and dependent on several factors including baseline testicular function, duration of drug use and age at cessation. In some men, drug cessation alone may not achieve spontaneous recovery, necessitating hormonal stimulation with selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)/gonadotropin therapy or even the need for assisted reproductive techniques. However, there are limited prospective randomized data on the role of hormonal stimulation in this clinical setting. The use of hormonal stimulation with agents such as gonadotropins, SERMs, aromatase inhibitors and assisted reproductive techniques should form part of the counselling process in this cohort of hypogonadal infertile men. Moreover, counselling men regarding the detrimental effects of TRT/AAS on fertility is very important, as is the need for robust randomized studies assessing the long-term effects of novel agents such as SARMs and the true efficacy of gonadotropins in promoting recovery of spermatogenesis.
Schema and cancer detection rates for transperineal prostate biopsy templates: a review
Authors: Sidana Abhinav , Blank Fernando , Wang Hannah , Patil Nilesh , George Arvin K. , Abbas Hasan
Published: June 2022

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common noncutaneous malignancy in men and is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in men in the United States. Current practice requires histopathological confirmation of cancer achieved through biopsy for diagnosis. The transrectal approach for prostate biopsy has been the standard for several decades. However, the risks and limitations of transrectal biopsies have led to a recent resurgence of transperineal prostatic biopsies. Recent studies have demonstrated the transperineal approach for prostate biopsies to be effective, associated with minimal complications and superior in several aspects to traditional transrectal biopsies. While sextant and extended sextant templates are widely accepted templates for transrectal biopsy, there are a diverse set of transperineal biopsy templates available for use, without consensus on the optimal sampling strategy. We aim to critically appraise the salient features of established transperineal biopsy templates.
Making the Car “Platform Ready”: How Big Tech Is Driving the Platformization of Automobility
Authors: Hind Sam , Kanderske Max , van der Vlist Fernando
Published: June 2022

“Big Tech” platform companies like Alphabet (Google), Apple, and Amazon are deeply invested in the future of automobility—from developing car-specific interfaces and self-driving technology to establishing business partnerships with automakers. Far from business-as-usual, we explain how Big Tech is reshaping the traditional automotive industry by making the car “platform ready,” as imposed on the web before it. The article considers how this novel transformation of automobility is increasingly significant for critical scholars of social media, platforms, and platformization, as bespoke forms of mediated, datafied, and platformized, sociality emerge. Specifically, we identify six levels upon which this platformization of automobility is unfolding and through which Big Tech is reorganizing the automotive industry according to platform logics concerning programmability, modularity, connectivity, data collection, and developmental partnerships. We do so by analyzing academic and technical literature, industry reports, and initiatives with a stake in platform automobility. Finally, we suggest directions for further research into Big Tech’s stake in the future of automobility, as these new dynamics begin to reshape the automotive industry at large.
Comparison of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with or without a Split-Thickness Skin Graft in the Surgical Management of Axillary Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Vinnicombe Z. , Singh G. V. , Spiers J. , Pouncey A. L. , McEvoy H. , Lancaster K.
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) alone or with the addition of a split-thickness skin graft (STSG) are 2 reconstructive options available after surgical excision of axillary hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The aim of this study was to retrospectively examine patients undergoing these treatments and to assess clinical and patient-related outcome measures. Methods: A single-centre, retrospective analysis was conducted, evaluating surgical excision of axillary HS, with STSG and NPWT, or NPWT alone. Data collected included No. of post-operative clinic visits, time to heal, size of wound, disease recurrence, follow-up time, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale (PHQ-9), Pain Visual Analogue Scale (PAINVAS2), the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), and Dermatology Visual Analogue Scale (DERMVAS). Two-tailed t-test and Mann–Whitney Wilcoxon U-tests were used to assess for significant relationships. Results: One hundred five patients were included in the study, 44 who received NPWT alone, and 61 who received NPWT + STSG. There was no significant difference in follow-up time ( P = .934) or No. of follow-up appointments between groups ( P = .287). There was a significant difference in time to heal between groups, with STSG + NPWT observing a mean time of 2.77 months and NPWT alone observing a mean time of 4.40 months ( P = .0006). There was no difference in patient-reported outcomes between the 2 groups. Conclusion: There is no difference in patient-reported outcomes with the addition of an STSG to NPWT after surgical excision of HS. Wide excision and use of NPWT alone is an effective procedure for the treatment of axillary HS.
Bringing Refutation Texts Back to Their Literacy Roots: What do Critical Literacy and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Have to Teach us About Students’ Conceptual Change?
Authors: Zengilowski Allison , Nash Brady L. , Schuetze Brendan A. , Schallert Diane L.
Published: June 2022

Refutation texts are resurfacing as a suggested antidote to misconceptions and “fake news.” In a previous critical review of the refutation text literature, we, the author team, suggested further interrogation of the assumptions these texts imply: that learners share the same common misunderstanding about a topic, and that there is one “truth” that should replace the misconception. Building from Hynd’s feminist critique of refutation texts, we present in this essay a consideration of how these authoritative and prescriptive texts fit into an educational landscape being transformed by foci on students’ autonomy and funds of knowledge. In this position paper, we present the argument that refutation texts and their associated research may conflict with critical literacy perspectives and culturally responsive pedagogies. We examine these three perspectives for how they may view learning and literacy, and conclude the essay by proffering suggestions for future research on refutation text manipulations and for considering how refutational texts might be incorporated in classroom settings that enact culturally responsive pedagogy and critical literacy perspectives.
Protestant Missionaries’ Understanding of and Attitude toward African Religion in Colonial Malawi
Authors: Tembo Dorothy
Published: June 2022

This article explains missionaries’ understanding of African spirituality in colonial Malawi. More particularly, it describes missionaries’ attempts to isolate their converts from African cultural influences in order to create a well-balanced Christian community. The article analyzes missionaries’ attitude toward African religion, which ranged from denial to acknowledgment of religion in African communities. Furthermore, the article examines missionaries’ descriptions of African religion and demonstrates that missionaries used Christian concepts in understanding local cultures and rituals, leading to a belief in the existence of African religion. Also, the article shows that the introduction of Christianity altered the sociocultural makeup of African societies.
Histomorphometric and biochemical activities of bioactive component of Cyperus esculentus tubers extract on letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome and cholesterol homeostasis in female Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Adelakun Sunday A , Ojewale Abdulfatai O , Jeje Sikirullai O , Adedotun Oluwafemi A
Published: June 2022

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine and metabolic disorder, causes irregular menstrual cycles, dyslipidemia, excessive body weight, oxidative stress, hyperandrogenism, and infertility. This study focused on the impact of Cyperus esculentus (CES) on letrozole-induced PCOS in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Twenty (20) normal rats and twenty (20) PCOS rats (150–200 g, 8 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups of ten ( n = 10) rats each. Group A served as normal control group received 2 mL of normal saline, group B treated with 500 mg/kg body weight of CES , group C PCOS control group received 2 mL of normal saline, and group D PCOS rats post-treated with 500 mg/kg body weight of CES daily through gastric gavage for 30 days. Estrus cyclicity, body and ovaries weights, biochemical and histological parameters were measured. Observed irregular estrus cyclicity and multiple cysts in PCOS rats, increase glycemia, ovarian weight, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, malondialdehyde, luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and decrease high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, estradiol, progesterone, catalase, reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase levels, compared with control. The intervention of CES ameliorated and restored the estrus cyclicity reproductive hormone, biochemical, and structural alterations. Moreover, CES significantly decreased cystic follicles, LH, and testosterone levels, but increased estradiol concentration. This plant may be beneficial in the management and treatment of PCOS-related reproductive and metabolic disorders.
Integrating research into practice: The growth of collective pedagogical content knowledge for primary mathematics via lesson study
Authors: Mok Ida Ah Chee , Park Yee Han
Published: June 2022

Teacher is the most important person in enhancing the students’ learning and lesson study (LS) has achieved international consensus as a vehicle for developing good lessons and enhancing teachers’ professional skills. The aim of this study is to explore how lesson study might act as a form of professional development in helping primary mathematics teachers to develop their collective pedagogical content knowledge in teaching mathematics for the topic of quadrilaterals in the fourth grade. The case study approach with a participant researcher was used. Adapting the sociocultural perspective, the teachers’ reflective practice in LS is linked to the teachers’ engagement with inquiry and research. The term “ Collective Pedagogical Content Knowledge” ( collective PCK) is used to describe the pedagogical content knowledge that is explicitly developed and shared by the LS teachers with evidence identified as “Seed Events” in the analysis. Seed Events are episodes identified in LS teacher meetings or research lessons, leading into deep reflection, consequently clarifying the conceptions of mathematics objects, enhancing the pedagogical strategies, and further enactment in subsequent research lessons. Finally, we further argue that LS is a wise investment of professional capital so that teachers can envision their professional growth with their industrious effort for something worthy.
Identification of optimal ground-motion intensity measures for assessing liquefaction triggering and lateral displacement of liquefiable sloping grounds
Authors: Wu Qiang , Li Dian-Qing , Du Wenqi
Published: June 2022

This article aims at identifying the optimal scalar- and vector-valued intensity measures (IMs) for predicting liquefaction triggering and the consequence of liquefaction (i.e. permanent deformation of sloping grounds), respectively. A total of 169 ground motions were selected from the NGA-West2 database. Using the selected ground motions as input, one-dimensional dynamic analyses were conducted for generic sloping ground soil profiles consisting of a loose-sand liquefiable layer implemented in OpenSees. The excess pore water pressure ratio and the liquefaction-induced lateral displacement were regarded as the engineering demand parameters (EDPs) of interest. A total of 20 scalar-IMs and 21 vector-IMs representative of various characteristics of seismic loading were evaluated as candidate IMs. The criteria for identifying optimal IMs include consideration for the efficiency, sufficiency, and predictability of the given IMs. An error propagation approach was employed to evalute the overall uncertainty of EDPs under scenario earthquakes using different IMs as predictor variables. Based on the results of extensive comparative analyses, acceleration spectrum intensity (ASI), and the vector of peak ground acceleration and spectral acceleration at 0.3 s (peak ground acceleration (PGA) and Sa(0.3 s), respectively) are identified as the optimal scalar- and vector-IM for liquefaction triggering evaluation, respectively. However, Arias intensity ( Ia) and vectors of [ Ia, cumulative absolute velocity] and [PGA, Ia] are identified as the optimal scalar- and vector-IM for predicting the liquefaction-induced lateral displacements. The optimal IMs identified could be used in performance-based liquefaction hazard evaluations, to assess the liquefaction triggering and consequence of liquefiable sites.
Decreased Krüppel-like factor 4 in adenomyosis impairs decidualization by repressing autophagy in human endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Mei Jie , Sheng Xiaoqiang , Yan Yuan , Cai Xinyu , Zhang Chunxue , Tian Jiao , Zhang Mei , Zhou Jidong , Shan Huizhi , Huang Chenyang
Published: June 2022

Background

Poor decidualization and abnormal autophagy conditions in the endometria of adenomyosis patients have been reported previously. However, the specific regulatory mechanism of decidualization in adenomyosis and its relationship with autophagy levels have not been clarified.

Methods

Endometrial tissues from adenomyosis patients and uteri from an adenomyosis mouse model were collected for the detection of different expression patterns of KLF4 and autophagy markers (LC3-B/LC3-A and Beclin-1) compared with control groups. Human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) isolated from adenomyosis and control endometrial tissues were employed to elucidate the biological functions of KLF4 in autophagy and decidualization. Gene expression regulation was examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blotting and luciferase reporter assays. In addition, DNA promoter-protein interactions were examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)/PCR assay and avidin–biotin conjugate DNA precipitation (ABCD) assay.

Results

KLF4 expression was decreased in endometrial tissues from adenomyosis patients compared with those from fertile controls, especially in stromal compartments. The opposite results were observed for autophagy marker (LC3-B/LC3-A and Beclin-1) expression. At the same time, KLF4 reversed the poor decidualization of hESCs from adenomyosis patients. In addition, KLF4 could induce hESC decidualization by promoting the autophagy level. Mechanistically, KLF4 bound to a conserved site in the autophagy-related 5 (ATG5) promoter region and promoted ATG5 expression. Similar expression patterns of KLF4 and autophagy markers were detected in adenomyotic mice.

Conclusions

KLF4 overexpression increases the autophagy level of hESCs by transcriptionally promoting ATG5 expression, and abnormally decreased KLF4 in adenomyosis impairs hESC decidualization by repressing autophagy.
SDNN-PPI: self-attention with deep neural network effect on protein-protein interaction prediction
Authors: Li Xue , Han Peifu , Wang Gan , Chen Wenqi , Wang Shuang , Song Tao
Published: June 2022

Background

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) dominate intracellular molecules to perform a series of tasks such as transcriptional regulation, information transduction, and drug signalling. The traditional wet experiment method to obtain PPIs information is costly and time-consuming.

Result

In this paper, SDNN-PPI, a PPI prediction method based on self-attention and deep learning is proposed. The method adopts amino acid composition (AAC), conjoint triad (CT), and auto covariance (AC) to extract global and local features of protein sequences, and leverages self-attention to enhance DNN feature extraction to more effectively accomplish the prediction of PPIs. In order to verify the generalization ability of SDNN-PPI, a 5-fold cross-validation on the intraspecific interactions dataset of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (core subset) and human is used to measure our model in which the accuracy reaches 95.48% and 98.94% respectively. The accuracy of 93.15% and 88.33% are obtained in the interspecific interactions dataset of human-Bacillus Anthracis and Human-Yersinia pestis, respectively. In the independent data set Caenorhabditis elegans, Escherichia coli, Homo sapiens, and Mus musculus, all prediction accuracy is 100%, which is higher than the previous PPIs prediction methods. To further evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the model, the one-core and crossover network are conducted to predict PPIs, and the data show that the model correctly predicts the interaction pairs in the network.

Conclusion

In this paper, AAC, CT and AC methods are used to encode the sequence, and SDNN-PPI method is proposed to predict PPIs based on self-attention deep learning neural network. Satisfactory results are obtained on interspecific and intraspecific data sets, and good performance is also achieved in cross-species prediction. It can also correctly predict the protein interaction of cell and tumor information contained in one-core network and crossover network.The SDNN-PPI proposed in this paper not only explores the mechanism of protein-protein interaction, but also provides new ideas for drug design and disease prevention.
Effects of probiotics on Zebrafish model infected with Aeromonas hydrophila: spatial distribution, antimicrobial, and histopathological investigation
Authors: Ehsannia Sheida , Ahari Hamed , Kakoolaki Shapour , Anvar Seyed Amirali , Yousefi Shima
Published: June 2022

Usage of “probiotics” for treatment of food-borne pathogens associated diseases, makes a significant reduction in transmission of resistant bacteria, and antimicrobial resistance genes from aquaculture environments to humans. In this research, the authors aim to evaluate the immunomodulatory, and histological effects of two probiotic strains on the Zebrafish model. Fish models were treated with Lactobacillus delbrueckii (G2), Lactobacillus acidophilus (G3) and both probiotics (G4) and compared with the control group (G1) (only infected by pathogen and receiving no probiotic). Biometric tests, height, weight, and mortality rate of the fishes were assessed. Afterward, RT-PCR was conducted for bacterial existence of probiotic strains, and quantitative assessment of alterations in targeted immune genes. Subsequently, histological sampling was done for investigation of spatial distribution, and villus length in proximal, middle, and distal sections of intestinal tissues. Based on the results, G4 showed the highest gene expression for Lactobacillus acidophilus after 28 days (P < 0.05). G4 also showed an increase in the number of goblet cells and villus length in the middle and distal sections of intestinal tissue after 56 days. Furthermore, after 56 days, the highest number of intraepithelial cells was observed in the proximal sections of intestinal tissue in G4. G2 and G3 showed significant differences in comparison with G1 (P < 0.05). After 60 days, the highest gene expression for Lactobacillus bulgaricus was found in group treated with only this probiotic bacteria. The highest expression level of IL-1β and TNF-α were found in G1. The highest survival rate was in the case of groups only treated with Lactobacillus bulgaricus (G2). To sum up, it seems that usage of probiotics for the improvement of public health and fisheries industries can be helpful.

Graphical Abstract
Community composition, bacterial symbionts, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of honeybee-associated fungi
Authors: Cui Pu , Kong Kun , Yao Yong , Huang Zhongdi , Shi Shuping , Liu Peng , Huang Yechen , Abbas Naeem , Yu Linsheng , Zhang Yinglao
Published: June 2022

Background

Fungi associated with insects represent one potentially rich source for the discovery of novel metabolites. However, a comprehensive understanding of the fungal communities ofApis mellifera ligusticaremains elusive.

Results

Here, we investigated the phylogenetic diversity and community composition of honeybee-associated fungi using combination of culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches. A total of forty-five fungi were isolated and purified from theApis mellifera ligustica, royal jelly, and honeycomb, which belonged to four classes and eleven different genera. Furthermore, 28 bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences were obtained by PCR from the fungal metagenome. High-throughput sequencing analyses revealed that the fungal communities were more diverse, a total of 62 fungal genera were detected in the honeybee gut by culture-independent method, whereas only 4 genera were isolated by culture-dependent method. Similarly, 247 fungal genera were detected in the honeycomb, whereas only 4 genera were isolated. In addition, we assessed the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of fungal isolates. Most fungal crude extracts obtained from the cultivation supernatant exhibited antioxidant activities. Only two fungal crude extracts displayed moderate activity againstEscherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureus. Chemical analysis ofChaetomium subaffineMFFC22 led to the discovery of three known compounds, including cochliodinol (1), emodin (2), chrysophanol (3). Among them, cochliodinol (1) showed intense DPPH radical scavenging activity with the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 3.06 μg/mL, which was comparable to that of the positive ascorbic acid (IC50 = 2.25 μg/mL). Compound2displayed weak inhibitory activities againstMicrococcus tetragenusandS. aureus.

Conclusions

This research provided a fundamental clue for the complex interactions among honeybees, fungi, bacterial symbionts, and the effects on the honeybee. Furthermore, the diversity of honeybee-associated fungi had great potential in finding the resource of new species and antioxidants.
Polyphosphate application influences morpho-physiological root traits involved in P acquisition and durum wheat growth performance
Authors: Khourchi Said , Oukarroum Abdallah , Tika Asma , Delaplace Pierre , Bargaz Adnane
Published: June 2022

Background

Among phosphate (P) fertilizers, polyphosphates (PolyPs) have shown promising results in terms of crop yield and plant P nutrition. However, compared to conventional P inputs, very little is known on the impact of PolyPs fertilizers on below- and above-ground plant functional traits involved in P acquisition. This study aims to evaluate agro-physiological responses of durum wheat variety ´Karim´ under different PolyPs applications. Three PolyPs fertilizers (PolyA, PolyB, and PolyC) versus one orthophosphate (OrthoP) were applied at three doses; 30 (D30), 60 (D60), and 90 (D90) kg P/ha under controlled conditions.

The PolyPs (especially PolyB and PolyC) application at D60 significantly increased morphophysiological root traits (e.g., RL: 42 and 130%; RSA:40 and 60%), shoot inorganic P (Pi) content (159 and 88%), and root P acquisition efficiency (471 and 296%) under PolyB and PolyC, respectively compared to unfertilized plants. Above-ground physiological parameters, mainly nutrient acquisition, chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were also improved under PolyB and PolyA application at D60. A significant and positive correlation between shoot Pi content and rhizosphere soil acid phosphatase activity was observed, which reveal the key role of these enzymes in PolyPs (A and B) use efficiency. Furthermore, increased P uptake/RL ratio along with shoot Pi indicates more efficient P allocation to shoots with less investment in root biomass production under PolyPs (especially A and B).

Conclusions

Under our experimental conditions, these findings report positive impacts of PolyPs on wheat growth performance, particularly on photosynthesis and nutrient acquisition at D60, along with modulation of root morpho-physiological traits likely responsible of P acquisition efficiency.
Benefits of cardiac rehabilitation following acute coronary syndrome for patients with and without diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gadager Birgitte Bitsch , Tang Lars Hermann , Ravn Maiken Bay , Doherty Patrick , Harrison Alexander , Christensen Jan , Taylor Rod S. , Zwisler Ann-Dorthe , Maribo Thomas
Published: June 2022

Aim

The benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are well established. However, the relative benefit of CR in those with comorbidities, including diabetes, is not well understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the benefit of CR on exercise capacity and secondary outcomes in ACS patients with a co-diagnosis of diabetes compared to those without.

Methods

Five databases were searched in May 2021 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies reporting CR outcomes in ACS patients with and without diabetes. The primary outcome of this study was exercise capacity expressed as metabolic equivalents (METs) at the end of CR and ≥ 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life, cardiovascular- and diabetes-related outcomes, lifestyle-related outcomes, psychological wellbeing, and return to work. If relevant/possible, studies were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 28 studies were included, of which 20 reported exercise capacity and 18 reported secondary outcomes. Overall, the studies were judged to have a high risk of bias. Meta-analysis of exercise capacity was undertaken based on 18 studies (no RCTs) including 15,288 patients, of whom 3369 had diabetes. This analysis showed a statistically significant smaller difference in the change in METs in ACS patients with diabetes (standardised mean difference (SMD) from baseline to end of CR: − 0.15 (95% CI: − 0.24 to − 0.06); SMD at the ≥ 12-month follow-up: − 0.16 (95% CI: − 0.23 to − 0.10, four studies)).

Conclusion

The benefit of CR on exercise capacity in ACS patients was lower in those with diabetes than in those without diabetes. Given the small magnitude of this difference and the substantial heterogeneity in the results of the study caused by diverse study designs and methodologies, further research is needed to confirm our findings. Future work should seek to eliminate bias in observational studies and evaluate CR based on comprehensive outcomes.
Brain structural and functional connectivity alterations are associated with fatigue in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Zhang Ying , Chen Hong-xi , Shi Zi-yan , Du Qin , Wang Jian-cheng , Wang Xiao-fei , Qiu Yu-han , Lang Yan-lin , Kong Ling-yao , Cai Lin-jun , Lin Xue , Mou Zi-chao , Luo Wen-qin , Li Shuang-jie , Zhou Hong-yu
Published: June 2022

Background

Many patients with neurological disorders experience chronic fatigue, but the neural mechanisms involved are unclear.

Objective

Here we investigated whether the brain structural and functional connectivity alterations were involved in fatigue related to neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).

Methods

This prospective pilot study used structural and resting-state functional brain magnetic resonance imaging to compare total cortical thickness, cortical surface area, deep gray matter volume and functional connectivity (FC) between 33 patients with NMOSD and 20 healthy controls (HCs). Patients were subgrouped as low fatigue (LF) and high fatigue (HF).

Results

HF patients scored higher on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression than LF patients and HCs. The two patient subgroups and HC group did not differ significantly in cortical thickness, cortical surface area and volumes of the bilateral caudate nucleus, bilateral putamen, bilateral amygdala, bilateral hippocampus, bilateral thalamus proper or right nucleus accumbens (p > 0.05). However, after correcting for age, sex, years of education, anxiety and depression, HF patients showed larger left pallidum than HCs (0.1573 ± 0.0214 vs 0.1372 ± 0.0145, p = 0.009). Meanwhile, both LF patients (0.0377 ± 0.0052 vs 0.0417 ± 0.0052, p = 0.009) and HF patients (0.0361 ± 0.0071 vs 0.0417 ± 0.0052, p = 0.013) showed smaller left nucleus accumbens than HCs.. Compared with LF patients, HF patients showed significantly decreased FC between the left pallidum and bilateral cerebellar posterior lobes.

Conclusions

This was the first evidence linking structural and functional alterations in the brain to fatigue in NMOSD, and in the future, long term follow-up was necessary.
Fast-growing immature ovarian teratoma during pregnancy: a case report and a review of the literature
Authors: He Zuoxi , Lu Yukun , Xie Chuan
Published: June 2022

Background

Immature ovarian teratoma is one of the three common malignant ovarian germ cell tumors. However, immature ovarian teratoma in pregnancy is very rare. Due to the rare occurrence, there is little evidence regarding its diagnosis, optimal management, and prognosis. Hence, we present a case of immature teratoma diagnosed during pregnancy, and analyze its clinicopathological features, management and prognosis.

Case presentation

A 28-year-old woman underwent a sonographic examination revealed no abnormality in the bilateral adnexal area before 29 weeks gestational age (WGA). At 29 WGA, ultrasound demonstrated a 9.7 × 8.5 × 6.4 cm complex structure in the left adnexal area. At 30 WGA, repeated ultrasound revealed rapid growth of tumor mass, measuring 25.0 × 15.0 × 13.7 cm. An elective cesarean section combined with exploratory laparotomy was performed at 33 WGA. Intraoperative frozen pathological examination suggested left ovarian immature teratoma. Then, she underwent a complete staging surgery. Subsequently, the patient received 4 cycles of bleomycin-etoposide-cisplatin (BEP) chemotherapy. After 18 months of follow-up, there is no sign of tumor recurrence till now.

Conclusions

This case report suggests that the benefits and risks of timely treatment for patients and fetuses should be fully assessed by a multidisciplinary team. The early diagnosis, the timing of surgery and chemotherapy, the choice of chemotherapy for BEP will determine the prognosis. Surgery and combination chemotherapy with BEP play an important role in the treatment of immature teratomas in pregnancy, and could gain successful and satisfactory outcomes for mother and fetus.
Clinical implications of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced endometrial cancer: a multi-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lim Hyunji , Bang Seung Hyun , Kim Yeorae , Cho Sang Hyun , Shin Wonkyo , Kim Se Ik , Kim Tae Hun , Suh Dong Hoon , Lim Myong Cheol , Kim Jae-Weon
Published: June 2022

Background

The mainstay of endometrial cancer treatment is surgical resection of tumors and postoperative adjuvant treatment is recommended if necessary. However, there is no consensus on the management of unresectable metastatic endometrial cancer. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery (NAC-IDS) in unresectable, metastatic endometrial cancer.

Methods

From the endometrial cancer cohorts of four institutions in Korea, we identified patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages IIIC–IVB endometrial cancer who received NAC-IDS between January 2008 and December 2020. Through a medical record review, we collected patients’ clinicopathological data. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and the factors affecting survival outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Overall, 32 patients were included with endometrioid (n = 18), serous (n = 5), carcinosarcoma (n = 6), and other histological types (n = 3). Among them, 28 (87.5%) patients had stage IVB disease. The most common neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) regimen was paclitaxel-carboplatin (n = 25, 78.1%), which was administered for a median of six cycles. While 26 (81.3%) patients showed an objective response, two (6.3%) progressed despite NAC. At the time of interval debulking surgery (IDS), 23 (71.9%) patients achieved complete cytoreduction. During 31.0 months of the median follow-up, there were 23 recurrences and 11 deaths, corresponding to a median PFS of 19.7 months and a 3-year OS rate of 69.7%. In multivariate analyses, non-endometrioid histology and residual tumor after IDS were identified as independent poor prognostic factors for PFS (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 7.322; P < 0.001 and 5.934; P = 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis for OS could not be conducted because of the small number of events, although non-endometrioid histology was the only factor associated with worse OS in univariate analysis (adjusted HR, 4.523; P = 0.032).

Conclusions

NAC-IDS may be a treatment option for unresectable metastatic endometrial cancer. Tumor histology and the possibility of complete cytoreduction are the primary considerations for NAC-IDS.