bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Practical Utility of the Postal Service in Delivering a Self-Wearable, Long-Term ECG Monitoring Device for Outpatient Care
Authors: Takami Mitsuru , Fukuzawa Koji , kiuchi kunihiko , takemoto makoto , Nakamura Toshihiro , sakai jun , yatomi atsusuke , Nakasone Kazutaka , Sonoda Yusuke , Yamamoto Kyoko , Takahara Hiroyuki , Suzuki Yuya , Tani Kenichi , Hirata Ken-ichi
Published: January 2024

Introduction: In the COVID-19 era, demand is growing for remote ECG
monitoring systems with less or no in-person contact. However, the
practical usage of wearable ECG devices has been little studied in
Japan. This study aimed to report our initial experience of using the
postal system in the delivery of the self-wearable ECG device (Duranta)
and long-term ECG monitoring in outpatient care. Methods:　　 The
Duranta is small, light (35 g), and easy to attach to the chest with two
patch electrodes. Real-time ECG data were automatically transmitted to a
cloud server via iPhones. The devices were packed in prepaid envelopes
that could be put in any postbox for delivery between the hospital and
patients’ homes. Results: Twenty-five patients (61 ± 17 years) were
enrolled. The median distance to the hospital from the patients’ homes
was 10 km (range: 1.1–183). The patients had no difficulties with
either the postal delivery or wearing the ECG devices. A total of 57
hours (range: 20–179) of ECG monitoring per patient was performed, and
the data were successfully transmitted to the hospital. The median
percentage of noise/artifact burden during the ECG monitoring was 0.9%.
Arrhythmic events were observed in 8 patients. Most patients were
satisfied with the ECG system and delivery via the postal service.
Conclusion: The use of a postal delivery of a wearable ECG device could
work in clinical practice with to achieve less or no in-person contact.
This system can be applicable for telehealth, home care, and arrhythmia
screening.
Influence of mode of delivery on perinatal outcome and neurodevelopment in monochorionic diamniotic twins: A single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chimenea Angel , García-Díaz Lutgardo , Gil Guillermo Antiñolo
Published: January 2024

Objective: To study the influence of the mode of delivery in
uncomplicated monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins ≥ 32 weeks of
gestation. Design: Single-center retrospective cohort study. Setting:
Department of Materno Fetal Medicine. Virgen del Rocío University
Hospital. Population or sample: A total of 72 MCDA twins between 2012
and 2018. Methods: Outcomes were compared between women who underwent a
trial of labor (TOL) (induced or spontaneous onset of labor) and those
who underwent a planned cesarean section (PCS). Main outcome measures:
(1) A composite of any of the following: neonatal death, 5-minute Apgar
score <4, respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary
dysplasia, sepsis, periventricular leukomalacia, intraventricular
hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis. (2) Neurodevelopmental
impairment (NDI) at 2 years of corrected age. Results: In this period,
42 women (58.3%) had a TOL and 30 women (41.7%) had a PCS. In the TOL
group, 64.3% achieved vaginal delivery. The rate of successful vaginal
delivery was similar regardless of whether the onset of labor was
spontaneous or induced. Composite perinatal morbidity was higher in the
PCS group (aOR 1.36, 95% CI 0.24-7.81) and, considering the onset of
labor, it was more frequent in the spontaneous subgroup (8.3% vs. 0%).
The rate of NDI was higher in the PCS group [10.2% vs. 4.9%, aOR
1.53 (95% CI 0.37-6.29)]. Conclusions: In uncomplicated MCDA twins at
≥ 32 weeks of gestation, when the first twin is in vertex presentation,
trial of labor is a safe approach with a successful outcome and high
vaginal delivery rate.
The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing: a review
Authors: Raynaud Isabel , Kasaven Lorraine , Jalmbrant Maria , Joash Karen , Jones Benjamin
Published: January 2024

The Covid-19 global pandemic and its containment strategies have had a
huge impact on women’s healthcare. This review aims to explore the
consequences that changes in healthcare provision have had on the mental
health of new and expecting mothers. By considering these impacts in two
key contexts: the woman as a patient and in her domestic setting, the
risks and potential benefits of altered clinical interactions,
telemedicine and lockdowns are investigated. The paper concludes by
looking to the future, examining the long-term effects, for mother and
baby, of recent interventions to curb the pandemic.
Field Data Reveal Strong Latitudinal Gradients in Australian Marine Bivalves
Authors: Kerr Matthew , Currie Nicole , Kosnik Matthew , Alroy John
Published: January 2024

Latitudinal diversity gradients are among the most studied
macroecological phenomena. However, they tend to be described using
large composite datasets that often show taxonomic and geographic
sampling bias. Here we describe a latitudinal gradient in marine
bivalves along the eastern coastline of Australia, spanning 2,667km of
coastline and 20° of latitude. We utilise a large, structured field
dataset (5,552 individuals) in conjunction with a routine
macroecological dataset downloaded from the Ocean Biogeographic
Information System (OBIS - 36,226 specimens). Diversity is estimated
using a series of analytical methods to account for undersampling, and
biogeographic gradients in taxonomic composition are quantified and
compared to existing biogeographical schemes. A strong latitudinal
gradient is present in both datasets. However, the strength of the
gradient depends on the dataset and analytical method used. The
inclusion of observational data in the macroecological dataset obscures
any latitudinal pattern. The documented biogeographic gradients are
consistent with global and regional reconstructions. However, we find
evidence for a strong transition zone between two clusters. Although
latitudinal gradients inferred from large macroecological datasets such
as OBIS can match those inferred from field data, care should be taken
when curating downloaded data as small changes in protocol can generate
very different results. By contrast, even modest regional field datasets
can readily reconstruct latitudinal patterns.
Single Agent Rituximab for Treatment of Multifocal and Multiple Relapsed Pulmonary Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor in an Adolescent Patient
Authors: Farris Nicholas , Janitz Emily , Sampson Megan
Published: January 2024

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are a type of visceral
non-malignant but invasive mass diagnosed in adolescents. Preferred
management based on outcomes is surgical resection. We present a patient
with successful non-surgical management due to multifocal IMTs of the
lungs. After failing to respond to five combinations of previously first
line therapies, rituximab was initiated with complete resolution and
durable response. Follow up imaging at 19 months off therapy continue to
show complete remission. We successfully treated a patient with
multifocal and multiply refractory IMT using rituximab therapy which
should be considered as a non-surgical option in the future.
Gravity in Curved Spacetime yields Quantum Mechanics in Flat Spacetime
Authors: Roy Shibdas
Published: January 2024

We propose that what is gravity in curved spacetime yields quantum
mechanics in flat spacetime. This implies that if there was no gravity,
quantum mechanics would not exist. In other words, the universe is
general relativistic, and therefore, classical and local, in curved
spacetime, but the same universe is quantum and nonlocal (Newtonian),
when projected onto special relativistic flat spacetime. We previously
demonstrated how the quantum Schrödinger equation arises from a
classical Schrödinger equation, which in turn arises from Newtonian
gravity. Here, we illustrate that the classical Schrödinger equation
corresponds to Einstein’s field equation of gravity for Schwarzschild
metric in curved spacetime. Since the Schwarzschild metric is an exact
solution of the vacuum Einstein equation, the Schwarzschild radius is
for Ricci flat spacetime but with non-zero Riemannian curvature. It then
follows that quantum mechanics arises from this Riemannian curvature of
gravity.
A lethal case of natural infection with the H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus of clade 2.3.4.4 in a mandarin duck
Authors: Khalil Ahmed , Hatai Hotishi , Kojima Isshu , Fujimoto Yoshikazu , Okajima Misuzu , Esaki Mana , Ri Kyonha , Ozawa Makoto
Published: January 2024

Here, we report a lethal case of natural infection with the H5N8 highly
pathogenic avian influenza virus of clade 2.3.4.4 in a mandarin duck.
Pathological findings revealed that neurological clinical signs were
attributable to neurotropic infection. The potential role of mandarin
ducks in HPAIV dissemination should be re-evaluated.
Endovascular management of a post-traumatic floating aortic thrombus: a case report
Authors: chakroun-walha olfa , karray rim , talbi aziza , gueldiche majdi , frikha imed , rekik noureddine
Published: January 2024

Traumatic aortic rupture is a rupture of all or part of the aortic wall,
commonly reported in blunt chest trauma cases. The most common site of
rupture is the aortic isthmus. Aortic floating thrombus (AFT) is a rare,
life-threatening disease with debated mechanisms. The therapeutic
strategy is still controversial, but conservative management is the
preferred treatment. We report a rare case of an acute post-traumatic
AFT.
The role of Distance and Transportation in decision making to seek emergency obstetric care among Women of Reproductive Age in South-South Nigeria: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Ekpenyong Mandu , Serrant Laura
Published: January 2024

Objective: to explore the role of transportation in seeking emergency
obstetric care among women with obstetric complications. Study Design: A
mixed-methods design that used both questionnaire and in-depth
interviews. Setting: The study was conducted in Federal Medical Centre,
Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria, between February and May 2015. Study
Population: The population for the study were women aged 15-49 years who
had experience direct obstetric complications and were attending the
health facility for care at the time of this study. Sample Size:
Three-hundred and eighteen (318) women attending the health facility for
emergency obstetric care completed the questionnaires, whilst in-depth
interviews were held for six women who were conveniently selected from a
large (318) quantitative respondents. Data collection and of Analysis:
Both questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were used in
collecting data for this study. Quantitative data were analysed using
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) using both inferential
and bivariate analysis, whilst a qualitative content analysis was
carried out on the qualitative data. Main Results: Of the 318
respondents, 91.2% accessed health facilities by motorised transport
with 8.8% on-foot. Regularity at antenatal care was higher (92.9%)
among mothers who came to the health facility on-foot. None regularity
at antenatal care was also associated with travel time and road network.
Conclusions: The study concludes that efficient, favourable and suitable
transport system as well as cost are key factors influencing women role
in decision-making to seek care in the study area.
Vitamin D Deficiency in Premenopause: Endothelial and Diastolic Functions With Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Akhan Onur , Dogdus Mustafa
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency(VDD) is a common condition in all
ages worldwide, especially in winter, and causes several adverse
cardiovascular outcomes. Although there is conflicting information about
the causes of adverse cardiac events in VDD, the accepted leading cause
is a pathogenic relationship with hyperparathyroidism. Aim: We aim to
demonstrate hyperparathyroidism’s effects, if present, on endothelial
and diastolic functions using echocardiography, carotid, and brachial
tissue Doppler imaging (tDi) in premenopausal women with VDD independent
from confounding risk factors. Methods: Our study is a cross-sectional,
observational study investigating premenopausal women aged 18-50 who
applied to internal medicine department. The patients are divided into
two groups according to parathyroid hormone(PTH) levels (Normal PTH 41
patients, abnormal PTH 27 patients). Study groups are analyzed for basal
characteristics, standard echocardiographic evaluation, carotid, and
brachial artery tDi features. Results: There were no significant
differences in age, height, weight, body mass index(BMI), and blood
pressures between the groups (all p values>0.05). The rate
of severe VDD was 76%. In terms of diastolic parameters, prolongation
of A wave durations and decreased E/A ratio were observed in the
secondary hyperparathyroidism (p values 0.042 and 0.031, respectively).
Also, carotid IMT is significantly higher in secondary
hyperparathyroidism(p=0.034). Conclusion: Our study showed that high PTH
levels have adverse effects on diastolic(A wave, E/A ratio) and
endothelial functions(carotid IMT) in premenopausal women diagnosed with
VDD, even in the absence of other confounding risk factors. We can state
that our study’s findings will contribute to the literature and are
predictive for future studies.
African Swine Fever Virus; Invasion and Modulation of Host Defenses Responses
Authors: Afe Ayoola
Published: January 2024

Abstract The tremendous global surging of the African Swine Fever Virus
(ASFV) threatens pig industries worldwide. ASFV causes acute hemorrhagic
fever in domestic pigs with near enough 100 % mortality, whereas immune
in its natural host’s warthogs, bush-pigs, and the soft tick vector.
ASFV is a large cytoplasmic double-stranded DNA virus that replicates
mainly in macrophages. At present, infected animals can only be managed
by quarantine and removal of infected animals as lack of effective
vaccines and treatment. This review focus on mechanisms by which ASFV
enter, replicate, modulate, molecular hijacking and overpowered the host
immune system. Various machinery employed by ASFV discussed, such as
overcoming barriers to replication in the monocyte/macrophage,
inhibition of apoptosis, inhibition of inflammatory responses, ASFV
adhesion protein CD2v. This review exposes ASFV evasion strategies and
virus-host interactions, thus reveal promising vaccine development
ideas.
Menopause Knowledge Levels of Women in the Climacteric Period and Their Attitudes Towards Menopause
Authors: Horasanlı Jule Eriç , DEMIRBAS NUR
Published: January 2024

Objective: This study aimed to determine the menopausal awareness and
knowledge levels of women aged 40–65 in the climacteric period, and
examine the symptoms of menopause and the relationship with their
attitudes towards menopause. Method: Included in this study were 224
women, who applied to Obstetrics and Family Medicine outpatient clinics.
The Sociodemographic Information Form, Menopause Information and
Awareness Form, Menopause Attitude Assessment Scale (ATMS), and
Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) were applied to the participants. Results:
Of the participants, 71.0% had gone through menopause, whereas 21.0%
had not, and 8.0% did not know whether they had gone through menopause
or not. The mean age of the women who had gone through menopause was
47.79±4.5 years. While the mean ATMS score was 43.97±10.93, 37.9% of
the women had a negative attitude (40 points and below). The mean MRS
somatic complaint score was 6.43±3.74, the mean psychological complaint
score was 6.21±4.09, and the mean urogenital complaint score was
3.88±2.65. There was a moderately significant negative correlation
between their ATMS scores and their menopause-related psychological
complaints (r=–0.317, p<0.001). As their positive attitude
towards menopause increased, their psychological complaints decreased.
As their awareness of menopause increased, their psychological
complaints decreased. Conclusion: Increased awareness of menopause
provided a decrease in the psychological complaints of menopause. In the
study, it was seen that the attitudes of the women about menopause were
an effective variable in the emergence of menopause complaints.
Improving the attitudes of the women towards menopause is important in
reducing menopausal symptoms
Real Time Breath Analysis Using Portable Gas Chromatography for Adult Asthma Phenotypes
Authors: Sharma Ruchi , Zang Wenzhe , Zhou Menglian , Schafer Nicole , Begley Lesa , Huang Yvonne , Fan Xudong
Published: January 2024

Background: Asthma is heterogeneous but accessible biomarkers to
distinguish relevant phenotypes remain lacking, particularly in non-Type
2 (T2)-high asthma. Moreover, common clinical characteristics in both
T2-high and T2-low asthma (e.g. atopy, obesity, inhaled steroid use) may
confound interpretation of putative biomarkers and of underlying
biology. This study aimed to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
in exhaled breath that distinguish not only asthmatic and non-asthmatic
subjects, but also atopic non-asthmatic controls and also by variables
that reflect clinical differences among asthmatic adults. Methods: A
total of 73 participants (30 asthma, 8 atopic non-asthma, and 35
non-asthma/non-atopic subjects) were recruited for this pilot study. A
total of 79 breath samples were analyzed in real-time using automated
portable GC developed in-house. GC-MS was also used to identify the VOCs
in breath. Machine learning, linear discriminant analysis, and principal
component analysis were used to identify the biomarkers. Results: The
portable GC was able to complete breath analysis in 30 minutes. A total
of 103 VOCs were identified across all samples. A set of 9 biomarkers
distinguished asthma and non-asthma/non-atopic subjects, while sets of 2
and of 4 biomarkers, respectively, further distinguished asthmatic from
atopic controls, and between atopic and non-atopic controls. Additional
unique biomarkers were identified that discriminated subjects by blood
eosinophil levels, obese status, inhaled corticosteroid treatment, and
also acute upper respiratory illnesses within asthmatic groups.
Conclusion: Breath VOC profiling is a clinically accessible tool for
asthma diagnosis and phenotyping. A portable GC system is a viable
option for rapid assessment in asthma.
Toward a modular theory of trophic interactions
Authors: Wootton Katherine , Curtsdotter Alva , Roslin Tomas , Bommarco Riccardo , Jonsson Tomas
Published: January 2024

Species traits and environmental conditions determine the existence and
strength of trophic interactions, but how they do so is poorly
understood. To enable the informed inclusion of such driving factors in
dynamic trophic-interaction models, we revisit and expand the functional
and numerical response functions using a modular approach which is
readily integrated into existing models. We divide the trophic
interaction between predator and prey into eight steps: (1) search, (2)
prey detection, (3) attack decision, (4) pursuit, (5) subjugation, (6)
ingestion, (7) digestion, and (8) nutrient allocation. Formulating this
as a modular functional-response function, we build a general dynamical
model where trophic interactions can be explicitly parameterized for
multiple traits and environmental factors. We then concretize this
approach by outlining how a specific community can be modeled by
selecting key modules (steps) and parameterizing them for relevant
factors. This we exemplify for a community of terrestrial arthropods
using empirical data on body size and temperature responses. With
species interactions at the core of community dynamics, our modular
approach allows for quantification and comparisons of the importance of
different steps, traits, and abiotic factors across ecosystems and
trophic interaction types, and provides a powerful tool for trait-based
prediction of food-web structure and dynamics.
Transcriptome analysis reveals the molecular mechanism of miR133a as a potential therapeutic target for acute myocardial infarction during angiogenesis
Authors: Wang Yumei , Liu Yang , Kang Junyang
Published: January 2024

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which represents the main public
health issue around the world. Pro-angiogenesis has become one of the
treatment methods for AMI. Studies have shown that mir-133a plays an
important role in the angiogenesis process of AMI patients, but its
mechanism is not clear.We hope to investigate the mechanism of
mir-133a-induced damage to human umbilical vein endothelial cells
(HUVECs) by transcriptome analysis, and explore its potential as a novel
diagnostic and therapeutic target of AMI.RTq-PCR was used to detect the
expression of miR-133a in peripheral blood of AMI patients and normal
people. Mir133a over-expression promoted proliferation and migration
ability of HUVEC.Transcriptome data was subsequently analyzed by a
series of the bioinformatic approaches.GSEA enrichment analysis revealed
9 pathways with the most significant differences, two of which were the
NF-κB signaling pathway and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, both of
them were closely associated with AMI. In addition, CXC8/IL1β genes were
identified as the key hub genes covering the two pathways.The data of
this study reveals that abnormal expression of miR-133a may cause
endothelial injury. The potential mechanism is that miR-133a causes
abnormalities of NF-κβ signaling pathway and NOD-like receptor signaling
pathway. In particular, the two genes CXC8/IL1β are down-regulated by
miR-133a.This indicates the potential of miR-133a as a diagnostic
biomarker and molecular target to improve the treatment of AMI.
Effect of electro-acupuncture at ST 36 on maternal food restriction-induced lung phenotype in rat offspring
Authors: Mou Qiujie , Ji Bo , Zhao Guozhen , Liu Yitian , Sakurai Reiko , Xie Yana , Zhang Qin , Dai Jian , Lu Yawen , Ge Yunpeng , Shi Tianyu , Xu Shuang , Rehan Virender K.
Published: January 2024

Maternal food restriction (MFR) during pregnancy leads to pulmonary
dysplasia in the newborn period and increases susceptibility to
diseases, such as asthma and chronic lung disease, later in life.
Previous studies have shown that maternal electro-acupuncture (EA)
applied to “Zusanli” (ST 36) could prevent the abnormal expression of
key lung developmental signaling pathways and improve the lung
morphology and function in perinatal nicotine exposed offspring. There
is a significant overlap in lung developmental signaling pathways
affected by perinatal nicotine exposure and MFR during pregnancy;
however, whether maternal EA at ST 36 also blocks the MFR-induced lung
phenotype is unknown. Here, we examined the effects of EA applied to
maternal ST 36 on lung morphology and function and the expression of key
lung developmental signaling pathways, and the hypercorticoid state
associated with MFR during pregnancy. These effects were compared with
those of metyrapone, an intervention known to block MFR-induced
offspring hypercorticoid state and the resultant pulmonary pathology.
Like metyrapone, maternal EA at ST 36 blocked the MFR-induced changes in
key developmental signaling pathways and protected the MFR-induced
changes in lung morphology and function. These results offer a novel and
safe, non-pharmacologic approach to prevent MFR-induced pulmonary
dysplasia in offspring.
Multimodality Imaging in COVID-19 Patient with Massive Mobile Right Ventricle Thrombus Protruding into the Pulmonary Trunk and the Mean Pulmonary Arteries
Authors: Abohamr Samah , Abdulrahim Abubaker , Hussein Nada , Elsheikh Eman , ALhindi Duaa , Saadeddin Hiba , Abazid Rami
Published: January 2024

Corona virus (COVID-19)-related inflammation can promote a
pro-thrombotic process and subsequent thrombosis. Right heart chambers
thrombus considered an unusual location. We report a 51-year confirmed
COVID-19 infection, who presented with chest pain and severe hypoxemia.
Echocardiography demonstrated a large mobile right ventricle thrombus
protruding into the right ventricle outflow tract. Computed tomography
angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed the extension
of the thrombus into the pulmonary trunk. Continuous intravenous
unfractionated heparin infusion resulted in a dramatic clinical and
echocardiographic improvement.
Metabolic syndrome in childhood cancer survivors: Delta BMI a risk factor in lower middle-income countries
Authors: Agarwal Arushi , Kapoor Gauri , Jain Sandeep , Malhotra Payal , Sharma Anurag
Published: January 2024

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) is an important late effect of
childhood cancer. The combination of rising obesity and high prevalence
of under-nutrition at diagnosis, make this a unique population to study
in LMIC (lower middle-income countries). Method: Children <18
years of age at cancer diagnosis, in a single-centre in a LMIC, who were
disease free and had completed treatment at least 2 years prior to study
were included. MetSyn was defined using International Federation for
Diabetes criteria for Asian Indians. Univariate and multivariable
analyses were carried out to evaluate the influence of risk factors on
MetSyn. Delta BMI (body mass index) was further studied using receiver
operating characteristic curve. Results: A high prevalence of MetSyn
(12.2%), central obesity (33%), and dyslipidemia (61.8%) was found in
a cohort of 500 childhood cancer survivors (CCS) at a mean follow-up age
of 17 years. Logistic regression analysis revealed male gender, OR
2.4(1.1-5.4), older age at diagnosis >10 years, OR
2.9(1.6-5), longer survival duration >10 years, OR
2.2(1.3-3.8), high BMI at diagnosis OR 3.2(1.5-6.9), high delta BMI
>50, OR 3.15(1.7-5.9) and cranial RT among children
<5 years with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, OR, 5.5(1.5-2), to
be independent predictors of MetSyn. Delta BMI (>50)
strongly predicted MetSyn among patients who were under-weight or normal
at diagnosis (OR, 12.5,1.7-92). Conclusion: Our CCS are at high risk of
MetSyn and its components at an early age. Monitoring delta BMI during
follow-up can be useful for screening CCS at risk for this modifiable
late effect of cancer treatment.
Predictions of transient flow fields around tea bags during tea infusion process
Authors: Patwardhan Ashwin , Dhekne Pallavee
Published: January 2024

The fluid dynamics of tea infusion with teabag have been studied in
detail with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technique.
Three-dimensional transient CFD studies were undertaken on the tea
infusion, and hydrodynamic characteristics of the teabag motion in a cup
were analyzed. The transient motion of the teabag was modeled with the
frame of reference and the flow through a swelled tea bed was captured
with a porous media approach. The standard k-ε turbulence model was
implemented to model the turbulence. The influence of bed voidage and
particle size was also investigated on the flow through the teabag. The
increase in the pulse velocity resulted in a higher flow-through teabag.
The predicted X-velocity was compared with experimental data measured by
ultrasonic velocity profile, and a good agreement was obtained. The
estimated flow through teabag for a cycle with the developed CFD model
was compared with the previously published one-dimensional mathematical
model.
Inflammatory Cell Response in Cases of Neonatal Encephalopathy Treated with Therapeutic Hypothermia
Authors: GUMUS Huseyin , KAZANASMAZ Halil
Published: January 2024

Background: Antenatal inflammation is associated with the increasingly
severe and negative neurological findings of neonatal ecephalopathy. A
reduction in antenatal inflammation reduces neurological damage. The
effect of therapeutic hypothermia on inflammation is not clear and
remains the subject of research. Aim: The aim of this study was to
investigate the inflammatory cell response in neonatal ecephalopathy
cases treated with therapeutic hypothermia. Methods: The study included
a total of 102 cases, 51 cases diagnosed with perinatal asphyxia and a
control group of 51 healthy newborns. Blood samples were taken before
therapeutic hypothermia treatment and at the 24th and 72th hours of
treatment in patients with perinatal asphyxia. In the control group,
blood samples were taken in the first 6 hours postnatally. Results: In
the asphytic group, mean leukocyte (p<0.001), neutrophil
(p<0.001), and lymphocyte (p=0. 014) values within the first 6
hours were significantly higher than those of the control group. The
specificity for leukocyte, neutrophil and lymphocyte (measured before
TH) was 80.4%, 88.2% and 60.8%, and sensitivity was 84.3%, 88.2%
and 62.7%, respectively. The mean leukocyte, thrombocyte, and
neutrophil values during the first 6 hours after delivery were
significantly higher than the mean values at the 24th and 72nd hours
after TH (p<0.001), and the mean platelet volume values were
significantly lower (p<0.001). Conclusion: High leukocyte,
neutrophil and lymphocyte values and low thrombocyte count in the first
6 hours of life may be an early sign of perinatal asphyxia and can be
used as a marker to start treatment. It is thought that by decreasing
the number of inflammatory cells, therapeutic hypothermia reduces the
severity of encephalopathy and potentially negative results.
Existence and multiplicity of positive solutions of a fourth-order m-piont BVP with sign-changing Green's function
Authors: Zhu Huijuan , Wang Fanglei , Yang Nannan
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we study the fourth-order m-point boundary value problem
\begin{equation*} \left
\{\begin{array}{lcr}
u^{(4)}(t)=f(t,u(t)),\ t\in
[0,1],\\ u’(0)=u’‘(0)=u(1)=0 ,
u’‘(1)-\sum^{m-2}_{i=1}\alpha_i
u”’(\xi_i)=0,
\end{array}\right.
\end{equation*} with sign-changing Green’s function. By
using some fixed theorems and the properties of Green’s function, we
mainly establish the existence and multiplicity of positive solution for
the problems under some suitable conditions.
The Efficacy of Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery in Children Compared to Adults
Authors: Sun Wan-Hsuan , Huang Tzu-Chin
Published: January 2024

Objectives: Using transcanal endoscopic ear surgery to manage middle ear
disease in children remains a controversial topic. The aim of this study
was to compare the efficacy of transcanal endoscopic ear surgery between
children and adults. Methods: This study consisted of 20 children (31
ears) and 86 adults (102 ears) with chronic otitis media who underwent
transcanal endoscopic ear surgery between January 2014 and August 2016
at Taipei and Hsinchu Cathay General Hospital. Among these patients, 13
children (23 ears) and 23 adults (34 ears) had chronic otitis media with
effusion, 4 children (5 ears) and 46 adults (51 ears) had chronic otitis
media without cholesteatomas, and 3 children (3 ears) and 17 adults (17
ears) had cholesteatomas. The two groups were compared with respect to
(1) surgical outcome, which included the rates of surgical success,
hearing restoration, and postoperative complications, and (2) surgical
time. Results: We observed no significant difference between pediatric
and adult patients with regard to the rates of surgical success,
postoperative hearing gain, and postoperative complications in all
surgical procedures. As for ventilation tube insertion, the pediatric
patients had shorter surgical time compared to adult patients. With
respect to tympanoplasty, the pediatric group had a longer surgical time
than adults did. Conclusions: Our study showed that transcanal
endoscopic ear surgery can be successfully applied to manage various
middle ear diseases in children.
Treatment with Erythropoietin Improves Ineffective Erythropoiesis in a Child with Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency
Authors: Wiederer Lisa , Genevaux Franziska , Eber Stefan
Published: January 2024

Background: Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD) drastically reduces the
lifespan of erythrocytes resulting in, inter alia, jaundice,
hypersplenism and dependency on regular blood transfusions due to
hemolysis. Splenectomy and blood transfusions do not guarantee an
improvement of clinical symptoms and cause severe side effects such as
iron overload and risk of infection. Procedure: Treatment with EPO was
introduced two months after birth and commenced with a dosage of
< 200.0 U/kg subcutaneously twice per week. Results:
Hemoglobin concentration (Hb) remained stable at 8.0 g/dl at the age of
12 months and reached a peak of 11.0 g/dl at 20 moths. No further
transfusions were necessary since the effect of EPO set in. Mean
corpuscular volume (MCV) showed a slower increase than the number of
reticulocytes proving that treatment with EPO improved the maturation of
reticulocytes to adult erythrocytes thereby overcoming ineffective
erythropoiesis. Iron overload due to prior transfusions was reduced,
hypersplenism and compromised liver function were not present at any
time. The child’s health and neurological development were in line with
its age always. Conclusions: Treatment with EPO overcomes ineffective
erythropoiesis in patients with a measurable residual activity of PK
preventing the risks and side effects of current standard treatment
strategies
Emergence of a Novel Reassortant H5N6 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus of Clade 2.3.2.1c from domestic poultry in China
Authors: Jiang Wenming , Li Yang , Lin Xiao , Liu Shuo , Peng Cheng , Wang Jingjing , Yu Xiaohui , Liu Hualei
Published: January 2024

H5N6 avian influenza virus (AIV) has posed a threat to poultry and human
health. Here, we isolated a new clade 2.3.2.1 H5N6 virus, not like most
reported H5N6 AIVs of clade 2.3.4.4. Our analysis revealed a complex
pattern of its evolution in which the virus was derived as a result of
genetic reassortment among clade 2.3.2.1 and clade 2.3.4.4 H5 and H6N6
AIVs. Moreover, the results suggested that H5N6 clade 2.3.2.1 AIVs had
multiple reassortment pattern. It is necessary that to strengthen
continuing surveillance to prevent infection in human and poultry.
Construction of optical solitons and other families of solutions to the nonlinear Biswas-Arshed model in birefringent fibers without four-wave mixing terms
Authors: EL-GANAINI Shoukry , Kumar Hitender
Published: January 2024

Five reliable integration architectures are adopted in this paper,
namely the unified Riccati equation expansion, the modified simple
equation, the extended simplest equation, the generalized sub-ODE, and
the new extended auxiliary equation approaches for the extraction of
optical soliton solutions and other solutions in birefringent fibers
without four-wave mixing (FWM) terms for the Biswas-Arshed model. Bright
soliton, kink and dark soliton, singular soliton, hyperbolic wave, a
periodic wave, elliptic function solutions of Wierestrass and Jacobian,
and other solutions have been derived as a result. The conditions of
their existence are also revealed. Also, the results obtained are
compared with the well-known ones listed for the Biswas-Arshed model in
birefringent fibers without FWM. The amplitude and intensity diagrams of
some of the attained solutions in this study are portrayed by providing
the appropriate values of the parameters included in the solutions for
physical description.
The low copy nuclear gene region, Granule bound starch synthase (GBSS1), as a novel mini-DNA barcode for the identification of different sage (Salvia) species.
Authors: Parveen Iffat , Techen Natascha , Handy Sara , Li Jing , Wu Charles , Chittiboyina Amar , Khan Ikhlas
Published: January 2024

Morphological similarity within species makes the identification and
authentication of Salvia species challenging especially in dietary
supplements that contain processed root or leaf powder of different sage
species. In the present study, the species discriminatory power of two
potential DNA barcode regions from the nuclear genome was evaluated in
seven medicinally important Salvia species from the family Lamiaceae.
The nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) and the exon 9-14 region
of low copy nuclear gene WAXY coding for granule-bound starch synthase
(GBSS1) were tested for their species discrimination ability using
distance, phylogenetic and BLAST based methods. A novel two-step PCR
method with two different annealing temperatures was developed to
achieve maximum amplification from genomic DNA. The GBSS1 region showed
higher amplification and sequencing success rates along with higher
interspecific distances and a perfect barcode gap for the tested species
as compared to ITS2. Hence, these novel mini-barcodes generated from low
copy nuclear gene regions - GBSS1 that were proven to be effective
barcodes for the identification of seven Salvia species, have potential
for identification and authentication of other Salvia species too.
Tomato UVI4 and CCS52B play important roles in hypocotyl elongation via modulation of cell cycle progression
Authors: Di Shengqiang , Zhang Peng , Zhang Jiu-Cheng , Liu Genzhong , Ma Fangfang , Bao Zhilong
Published: January 2024

Tomato hypocotyl elongation is a consequence of active cell division and
expansion, both of which require precisely regulated cell cycle
progression. Little is known about the function of APC/C regulators in
cell cycle progression during hypocotyl growth. Here, we isolated and
characterized the positive and negative APC/C regulators, SlCCS52 and
SlUVI4 genes in tomato. We probed SlUVI4 and SlCCS52B roles in tomato
hypocotyl elongation via modulating cell cycle progression. Light
especially blue light represses the transcription of SlUVI4 and SlCCS52B
to inhibit the hypocotyl elongation through the suppression of
endoreduplication. MS basal salts and sugar both improve SlUVI4 and
SlCCS52B transcription to enhance hypocotyl length via the promotion of
endoreduplication. Hypocotyl elongation enhanced by heat might require
auxin-induced repression of SlUVI4 transcription. Salt inhibits
hypocotyl elongation possibly through ethylene-mediated modulation of
SlUVI4 and SlCCS52B transcription. Genetic studies reveal that tomato
deletion mutant of SlUVI4 and overexpression plants of SlCCS52B in
Arabidopsis both exhibit shorter hypocotyl with enhanced
endoreduplication. Thus, our results suggest that APC/C activities
stimulated by SlCCS52 genes requires SlUVI4-meidated inhibitory
machinery to reorchestrate cell cycle progression and facilitate
hypocotyl elongation.
Changes in cytokines and signaling pathways in different stages of hepatic fibrosis in rats
Authors: Pi Qiangzhong , Hua Xiaoping , Wang Liping , Fu Dali , Zhang Li , Tan Wanying , Tan Zhenghuai
Published: January 2024

Background & Purpose: Liver fibrosis is a disease that seriously
threatens people’s health, and its etiopathogenesis has not been
described clearly. Experimental Approach: Female rats were subjected to
common bile duct ligation (BDL) for one month, and male rats were
treated with thioacetamide for 23 weeks. The expression of cytokines,
signal pathways, histopathology in liver and biochemical indexes in
serum were detected. Key Results: The levels of transaminases in serum
and hydroxyproline and α-smooth muscle actin in the liver were
remarkably increased in both models, although the degree of liver
fibrosis was more severe in thioacetamide rats than in BDL rats.
However, the levels of IL-1α, IL-4, IL-10, TNFα, MCP-1, PDGF-BB, p-Akt
and p-STAT5 decreased, and the levels of IL-18, TGFβ1 and p-p70s6k
increased in the livers of BDL rats, while the levels of IL-1α, IL-4,
IL-10, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-12p70, TNFα, MCP-1, PDGF-BB, p-CREB, p-JNK,
p-NFκB, p-Akt, p-p70s6k, p-STAT3 and p-STAT5 decreased, and the levels
of IL-18 and TGF-β1 increased in the livers in thioacetamide rats.
Conclusion and Implications: These data suggest that TGFβ1 and IL-18 may
be the main fibrogenic factors at different stages of liver fibrosis and
that the levels of inflammation-associated cytokines and signaling
pathway components decrease as the severity of hepatic fibrosis
progresses. Therefore, it may be better to apply anti-inflammatory drugs
in the early stage or use these drugs which facilitating more
inflammatory cells or cytokines into liver tissue at the end stage of
hepatic fibrosis.
Association between chronic pain and sleep and the quality of life in elderly community members
Authors: Brandao Glauber Sa , Brandao Glaudson S. , Gomes Glaucia S B F , Oliveira Miriã C , Donner Claudio F. , Vieira Rodolfo , Oliveira Luis
Published: January 2024

Background: Chronic pain and poor sleep quality are biopsychosocial
changes that are associated with human aging and have a bidirectional
correlation. The objective was to evaluate the association between
chronic pain and quality of sleep and quality of life of elderly people.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a correlational
quantitative approach on the association of chronic pain with the
quality of sleep and quality of life of elderly people in the community.
The evaluation was carried out using sociodemographic, clinical and
anthropometric questionnaires, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, visual
analogue scale, cognitive impairment, quality of life, and functional
mobility. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. The means
between the groups were compared using the Student’s t-test for
independent samples, using the Spearman correlation coefficient (ρ) to
test the associations and one-way analysis of variance to compare the
means between the three age groups. Results: This study included 131
elderly people, predominantly female (87%), with an average age of 68 ±
7 years, low income per capita (84.8% ≤2 MW), and low education (86.3%
≤3 years of study). The elderly with a history of chronic pain had worse
quality of sleep and quality of life than those without chronic pain.
There was a moderate (ρ = 0.590) and significant (p <0.01)
positive correlation between sleep quality and chronic pain intensity,
and a moderate (ρ = -0.57) and significant (p <0.01)
correlation between quality of life and the intensity of chronic pain.
Conclusion: Elderly people with chronic pain have worse quality of sleep
and quality of life than those without chronic pain. We also found that
the greater the number of chronic diseases, the worse the quality of
sleep and quality of life. Trial Registration: Registro Brasileiro de
Ensaios Clínicos (REBEC) Identifier: RBR-3cqzfy Keywords: Elderly;
sleep; chronic pain; quality of life.
Measurement of diffusion constant on the cross-section of PVA films under free swelling condition with a facile device
Authors: Gao Meiling , Wan Xiang long , Lai Shengfa , Chen Xihui , Zeng Fei , Hu Kaiqiang , Chen Zhibo , Qian Yanfeng , Cui Hao , Zhu Jianghui , Ding Guoxin
Published: January 2024

Diffusion coefficient always attracts more attention because of its
prediction for diffusion in a glassy polymer. However, most of the
direct measurements of diffusion coefficients are time-consuming,
expensive and system intrusive. Here, we report a facile method to
measure apparent diffusion constant on the cross-section of thin PVA
film with a device, which is structured with a thin conductive film,
employed diffusion and the solution conductivity theory well. The
diffusion time and the conductivity of the device are determined by the
process of solution passing through the cross-section of thin PVA film
and reaching the conductive substrate. The data detected the apparent
diffusion constant in diffusion and the concentration gradient of the
solution on the interface between the PVA film and conductive film. This
device provides a simple, rapid and effective way to study the apparent
diffusion constant in PVA film.
New generation prostate cancer therapy may impact motivation for exploration, spatial learning and dopaminergic transmission in aged castrated mice
Authors: Nicola Celeste , Dubois Martine , Campart Cynthia , Sagheer Tareq Al , Desrues Laurence , Schapman Damien , Galas Ludovic , Lange Marie , Joly Florence , CASTEL Hélène
Published: January 2024

Background and Purpose: Cognitive side effects after cancer treatment
threatening quality of life (QoL) constitute a major challenge in
oncology. Abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (AAP) and enzalutamide
(ENZ) are next generation therapy (NGT) administered with androgen
deprivation therapy to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
(mCRPC) patients. NGT significantly improved mCRPC overall survival but
neurological side effects such as fatigue and cognitive impairment have
been recently reported. Experimental Approach: We developed a behavioral
17 months-aged and castrated mouse model receiving per os AAP or ENZ
during 5 days per week for six consecutive weeks. After behavioral
tests, brain and plasma were collected for immunohistochemical studies.
Spontaneous activity, cognitive functions and emotional reactivity, as
well as neurobiological functions were investigated. Key Results: ENZ
exposure reduced spontaneous activity and exploratory behavior
associated with a decreased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-dopaminergic
activity in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the ventral tegmental
area. A decrease in TH+-DA afferent fibers and Phospho-DARPP32-related
dopaminergic neuronal activities in the striatum and the ventral
hippocampus, highlighted ENZ-induced dopaminergic regulation whithin the
nigrostriatal and mesolimbocortical pathways. ENZ and AAP treatments did
not substantially modify spatial learning and memory or behavioral
flexibility performances, but ENZ led to a thygmotaxis behavior
impacting the cognitive score, and reduced c-fos-related activity of
NeuN+-neurons in the dorsal hippocampus. Conclusion and Implications:
These results establish the consequences of the mCRPC treatment ENZ in
aged castrated mouse motivation to exploration and cognition, of
particular importance for future management of patients elderly postrate
cancer patients and their QoL.
An unusual presentation of right atrial myxoma: a case report
Authors: Saha Debmalya , Sinha Lakshmi , Samal Satyajit , Naqvi Sayyed , Geelani Muhammad
Published: January 2024

: A right atrial myxoma extending to inferior vena cava (IVC) with
associated right-to-left shunting leading to systemic desaturation is an
exceedingly rare clinical entity. The number of such cases reported in
literature till date is not more than five. This case study presents a
45-year lady who was referred to our Centre with symptoms of
breathlessness, easy fatigability, generalized weakness and bluish
discoloration of lips, fingers and skin. On routine blood investigation,
polycythemia was noted. On preoperative 2D-Transthoracic
Echocardiography (TTE), the diagnosis of right atrial myxoma was
confirmed but the reason for cyanosis was not revealed. Tumor thrombus
in a branch of right lower pulmonary artery with small locoregional
pulmonary infarct along with right atrial myxoma was reported in CT
angiography of heart and great vessels and CT pulmonary angiography.
On-table Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) showed patent foramen
ovale (PFO) with right-to-left shunting because of raised right atrial
pressure and dynamic obstruction of the tricuspid valve by the myxoma.
The myxoma was resected completely via right atrial approach along with
primary closure of PFO. The postoperative period was uneventful and the
saturation at room air of the patient was 100% and she was discharged
on day 7. The Patient is doing well during the 3-month follow-up.