bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary production in the North Atlantic estimated from in situ water column data observed by Argo floats and remote sensing
Authors: Bendtsen Jørgen , Vives Clara R. , Richardson Katherine
Published: January 2023

Combining information on the vertical distribution of nutrients and remote sensing can potentially improve estimates of ocean primary production (PP). Here, we employ in situ observations of chlorophyll a and nitrate from biogeochemical Argo floats deployed in the North Atlantic together with remote sensing to estimate PP and compare these results to estimates based on model approaches not including vertically resolved nutrient distributions. Analysis of the float data shows chlorophyll a distribution relates closely to both nutricline depth and latitude, and these relationships can be explained by nutrient and light availability. PP estimates based on satellite and Argo-observations also relate to both latitude and nutrient distributions. An analysis of these float-based PP estimates shows that large-scale patterns of total water column PP and associated variability are consistent with expected photosynthetic responses to different combinations of light and nutrient availability. When PP-estimates based solely on surface observations were plotted against light and nutrient fields, significant structural differences emerged compared with estimates that included subsurface observations, in particular in oligotrophic areas and areas with a shallow nutricline. The combination of in situ water column observations with remote sensing potentially opens a new phase in the estimation of ocean primary production.
Deep focus-extended darkfield imaging for in situ observation of marine plankton
Authors: Chen Tao , Li Jianping , Ma Wenqi , Guo Guannan , Yang Zhenyu , Li Zhenping , Qiao Jianping
Published: January 2023

Darkfield imaging can achieve in situ observation of marine plankton with unique advantages of high-resolution, high-contrast and colorful imaging for plankton species identification, size measurement and abundance estimation. However, existing underwater darkfield imagers have very shallow depth-of-field, leading to inefficient seawater sampling for plankton observation. We develop a data-driven method that can algorithmically refocus planktonic objects in their defocused darkfield images, equivalently achieving focus-extension for their acquisition imagers. We devise a set of dual-channel imaging apparatus to quickly capture paired images of live plankton with different defocus degrees in seawater samples, simulating the settings as in in situ darkfield plankton imaging. Through a series of registration and preprocessing operations on the raw image pairs, a dataset consisting of 55 000 pairs of defocused-focused plankter images have been constructed with an accurate defocus distance label for each defocused image. We use the dataset to train an end-to-end deep convolution neural network named IsPlanktonFE, and testify its focus-extension performance through extensive experiments. The experimental results show that IsPlanktonFE has extended the depth-of-field of a 0.5× darkfield imaging system to ~7 times of its original value. Moreover, the model has exhibited good content and instrument generalizability, and considerable accuracy improvement for a pre-trained ResNet-18 network to classify defocused plankton images. This focus-extension technology is expected to greatly enhance the sampling throughput and efficiency for the future in situ marine plankton observation systems, and promote the wide applications of darkfield plankton imaging instruments in marine ecology research and aquatic environment monitoring programs.
Residents' acceptability and response to the water-pricing policy to reduce marine pollution caused by domestic sewage
Authors: Xu Zhihua , Wang Chuwei , Li Shuqin , Shan Jingzhu
Published: January 2023

Domestic sewage has huge negative impacts on the marine environment. This paper discusses whether residents can accept the water-pricing policy that collects funds to improve sewage treatment technologies to reduce marine pollutants by raising water prices. First, the contingent valuation method is used to elicit residents’ acceptability of a water-price increase. Second, the contingent behavior method is applied to observe residents’ responses to the pricing policy. The results show that residents can accept an increase of 0.90 CNY/m3 in water price on average in Qingdao, China. We also find that people with low income show low acceptability of the water-pricing policy. Additionally, the water price plays a positive role in promoting residents’ willingness to reduce water use. The information transmission will encourage people to adopt water-saving behavior and strengthen the impact of the water-pricing policy on water-saving behavior. This paper provides important implications to establish a water-pricing policy to reduce the negative impacts of domestic sewage on the marine environment.
Hybrids of SiO2 substrate and electrospun Ni-MOF/polysulfone fibers for an efficient removal of CH4 gas pollution
Authors: Geesi Mohammed H. , Jalil Abduladheem Turki , Riadi Yassine , Aljohani Talal A. , Alameri Ameer A.
Published: January 2023

In this study, novel nanostructures based on Ni-MOF/polysulfone nanofibers were fabricated by microwave-assisted electrospinning method. The final Ni-MOF/polysulfone fibrous nanostructure were immobilized on SiO2 substrates with high physicho-chemical properties. These nanostructures with an average diameter of 20 nm and a specific surface area of 1690 m2/g were used as novel adsorption for CH4 gas adsorption. It seems that the integration of novel Ni-MOF compounds into the fibrous network has differentiated these materials from previous samples. Since the experimental parameters significantly affect the specific surface area, the parameters including voltage, concentration, and distance between the collector and source are designed by the fractional factorial method. The results were optimized by contour plots, ANOVA and surface plots, theoretically. The results show that the sample has an adsorption rate of about 5.14 mmoL/g. The improved CH4 gas adsorption performance is attributed to the large specific surface area and porous nature of the Ni-MOF/Ps nanostructure which is more convenient and accessible for CH4 gas adsorption.
Development process of a clinical guideline to manage type 2 diabetes in adults by Ayurvedic practitioners
Authors: Chattopadhyay Kaushik , Kapoor Nitin , Heinrich Michael , Mitra Achintya , Mittal Madhukar , Lewis Sarah Anne , Greenfield Sheila Margaret , Mukherjee Shyamalendu , Pischel Ivo , Jeemon Panniyammakal , Tandon Nikhil , Kinra Sanjay , Biswas Tuhin Kanti , Leonardi-Bee Jo
Published: January 2023

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a common chronic health condition, has major health and socioeconomic consequences. In the Indian subcontinent, it is a health condition for which individuals commonly consult Ayurvedic (traditional medical system) practitioners and use their medicines. However, to date, a good quality T2DM clinical guideline for Ayurvedic practitioners, grounded on the best available scientific evidence, is not available. Therefore, the study aimed to systematically develop a clinical guideline for Ayurvedic practitioners to manage T2DM in adults.

Methods

The development work was guided by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) manual for developing guidelines, the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument. First, a comprehensive systematic review was conducted which evaluated Ayurvedic medicines’ effectiveness and safety in managing T2DM. In addition, the GRADE approach was used for assessing the certainty of the findings. Next, using the GRADE approach, the Evidence-to-Decision framework was developed, and we focused on glycemic control and adverse events. Subsequently, based on the Evidence-to-Decision framework, a Guideline Development Group of 17 international members made recommendations on Ayurvedic medicines’ effectiveness and safety in T2DM. These recommendations formed the basis of the clinical guideline, and additional generic content and recommendations were adapted from the T2DM Clinical Knowledge Summaries of the Clarity Informatics (UK). The feedback given by the Guideline Development Group on the draft version was used to amend and finalize the clinical guideline.

Results

A clinical guideline for managing T2DM in adults by Ayurvedic practitioners was developed, which focuses on how practitioners can provide appropriate care, education, and support for people with T2DM (and their carers and family). The clinical guideline provides information on T2DM, such as its definition, risk factors, prevalence, prognosis, and complications; how it should be diagnosed and managed through lifestyle changes like diet and physical activity and Ayurvedic medicines; how the acute and chronic complications of T2DM should be detected and managed (including referral to specialists); and advice on topics like driving, work, and fasting including during religious/socio-cultural festivals.

Conclusion

We systematically developed a clinical guideline for Ayurvedic practitioners to manage T2DM in adults.
Exploring the challenges of virtual internships during the COVID-19 pandemic and their potential influence on the professional identity of health professions students: A view from Qatar University
Authors: Bawadi Hiba , Shami Rula , El-Awaisi Alla , Al-Moslih Ayad , Abdul Rahim Hanan , Du Xiangyun , Moawad Joyce , Al-Jayyousi Ghadir Fakhri
Published: January 2023

Introduction

COVID-19 has imposed many shared limitations on medical and health education. Just like other health professions programs at most institutions, the Qatar University health cluster (QU Health) applied a containment approach and shifted all learning online, and onsite training was replaced by virtual internships (VIs) during the first wave of the pandemic. Our study aims to explore the challenges of virtual internships during the COVID-19 pandemic and their influence on the professional identity (PI) of the health cluster students from the College of Medicine, the College of Health Sciences, and the College of Pharmacy at Qatar University.

Methods

A qualitative approach was employed. In total, eight focus groups with students (N = 43) and 14 semi-structured interviews with clinical instructors from all the health cluster colleges were conducted. Transcripts were analyzed following the inductive approach.

Results

The major challenges reported by students were mainly related to the lack of the required skills for navigating the VI, professional and social stressors, the nature of VIs and the quality of learning, technical and environmental issues, and the development of students' professional identity in an alternative internship environment. The challenges relating to the development of professional identity included: limited clinical (practical) experience, a lack of experience in fighting a pandemic, a lack of communication and feedback, and a lack of confidence in meeting the internship's goals. A model was constructed to represent these findings.

Discussion

The findings are important in identifying the inevitable barriers to virtual learning for health professions students and provide a better understanding of how such challenges and different experiences would be affecting the development of their PI. Hence, students, instructors, and policymakers alike should strive to minimize these barriers. Since physical interactions and patient contact are indispensable components of clinical teaching, these extraordinary times demand innovations involving technology and simulation-based teaching. There is a need for more studies that are focused on determining and measuring the short- and long-term effects of the VI on students' PI development.
A pricing model to monetize your industrial data
Authors: Mendizabal-Arrieta Gorka , Castellano-Fernández Eduardo , Rapaccini Mario
Published: January 2023

Data monetization (DM) has become a relevant aspect of the industrial manufacturing. Consequently, this paper proposes a theoretical framework as well as a mathematical model to price industrial data. For this purpose, three characteristics of the data were considered, i.e. 1) quality; 2) entropy and 3) value. Besides, the role of data marketplace’s players was analyzed. In order to validate the economic equation, a case study was carried out by a Spanish manufacturer.
Reprogramming of adult human dermal fibroblasts to induced dorsal forebrain precursor cells maintains aging signatures
Authors: McCaughey-Chapman Amy , Tarczyluk-Wells Marta , Combrinck Catharina , Edwards Nicole , Jones Kathryn , Connor Bronwen
Published: January 2023

Introduction: With the increase in aging populations around the world, the development of in vitro human cell models to study neurodegenerative disease is crucial. A major limitation in using induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology to model diseases of aging is that reprogramming fibroblasts to a pluripotent stem cell state erases age-associated features. The resulting cells show behaviors of an embryonic stage exhibiting longer telomeres, reduced oxidative stress, and mitochondrial rejuvenation, as well as epigenetic modifications, loss of abnormal nuclear morphologies, and age-associated features.

Methods: We have developed a protocol utilizing stable, non-immunogenic chemically modified mRNA (cmRNA) to convert adult human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) to human induced dorsal forebrain precursor (hiDFP) cells, which can subsequently be differentiated into cortical neurons. Analyzing an array of aging biomarkers, we demonstrate for the first time the effect of direct-to-hiDFP reprogramming on cellular age.

Results: We confirm direct-to-hiDFP reprogramming does not affect telomere length or the expression of key aging markers. However, while direct-to-hiDFP reprogramming does not affect senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, it enhances the level of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and the amount of DNA methylation compared to HDFs. Interestingly, following neuronal differentiation of hiDFPs we observed an increase in cell soma size as well as neurite number, length, and branching with increasing donor age suggesting that neuronal morphology is altered with age.

Discussion: We propose direct-to-hiDFP reprogramming provides a strategy for modeling age-associated neurodegenerative diseases allowing the persistence of age-associated signatures not seen in hiPSC-derived cultures, thereby facilitating our understanding of neurodegenerative disease and identification of therapeutic targets.
Graph analysis of diffusion tensor imaging-based connectome in young men with internet gaming disorder
Authors: Qin Jiaolong , Wang Shuai , Ni Huangjing , Wu Ye , Chen Limin , Guo Shuaiyi , Zhang Fuquan , Zhou Zhenhe , Tian Lin
Published: January 2023

Although recent evidence suggests that dysfunctional brain organization is associated with internet gaming disorder (IGD), the neuroanatomical alterations related to IGD remain unclear. In this diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) study, we aimed to examine alterations in white matter (WM) structural connectomes and their association with IGD characteristics in 47 young men with IGD and in 34 well-matched healthy controls. Two approaches [namely, network-based statistics (NBS) and graph theoretical measures] were applied to assess differences in the specific topological features of the networks and to identify the potential changes in the topological properties, respectively. Furthermore, we explored the association between the alterations and the severity of internet addiction. An NBS analysis revealed widespread alterations of the cortico-limbic-striatal structural connectivity networks in young people with IGD: (1) an increased subnet1 comprising the insula and the regions responsible for visual, auditory, and sensorimotor functions and (2) two decreased subnet2 and subnet3 comprising the insula, striatum, and limbic regions. Additional correlation analysis showed a significant positive association between the mean fractional anisotropy- (FA-) weighted connectivity strength of subnet1 and internet addiction test (IAT) scores in the IGD group. The present study extends our knowledge of the neuroanatomical correlates in IGD and highlights the role of the cortico-limbic-striatal network in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying this disorder.
Altered brain activities in mesocorticolimbic pathway in primary dysmenorrhea patients of long-term menstrual pain
Authors: Liu Ni , Li Yingqiu , Hong Yueying , Huo Jianwei , Chang Tai , Wang Haoyuan , Huang Yiran , Li Wenxun , Zhang Yanan
Published: January 2023

Background

Patients with primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) often present with abnormalities other than dysmenorrhea including co-occurrence with other chronic pain conditions and central sensitization. Changes in brain activity in PDM have been demonstrated; however, the results are not consistent. Herein, this study probed into altered intraregional and interregional brain activity in patients with PDM and expounded more findings.

Methods

A total of 33 patients with PDM and 36 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited and underwent a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) and mean amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (mALFF) analysis were applied to compare the difference in intraregional brain activity between the two groups, and the regions with ReHo and mALFF group differences were used as seeds for functional connectivity (FC) analysis to explore the difference of interregional activity. Pearson's correlation analysis was conducted between rs-fMRI data and clinical symptoms in patients with PDM.

Results

Compared with HCs, patients with PDM showed altered intraregional activity in a series of brain regions, including the hippocampus, the temporal pole superior temporal gyrus, the nucleus accumbens, the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex, the cerebellum_8, the middle temporal gyrus, the inferior temporal gyrus, the rolandic operculum, the postcentral gyrus and the middle frontal gyrus (MFG), and altered interregional FC mainly between regions of the mesocorticolimbic pathway and regions associated with sensation and movement. The anxiety symptoms are correlated with the intraregional activity of the right temporal pole superior temporal gyrus and FC between MFG and superior frontal gyrus.

Conclusion

Our study showed a more comprehensive method to explore changes in brain activity in PDM. We found that the mesocorticolimbic pathway might play a key role in the chronic transformation of pain in PDM. We, therefore, speculate that the modulation of the mesocorticolimbic pathway may be a potential novel therapeutic mechanism for PDM.
Severity-dependent functional connectome and the association with glucose metabolism in the sensorimotor cortex of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Zang Zhenxiang , Song Tianbin , Li Jiping , Nie Binbin , Mei Shanshan , Zhang Yuqing , Lu Jie
Published: January 2023

Functional MRI studies have achieved promising outcomes in revealing abnormal functional connectivity in Parkinson's disease (PD). The primary sensorimotor area (PSMA) received a large amount of attention because it closely correlates with motor deficits. While functional connectivity represents signaling between PSMA and other brain regions, the metabolic mechanism behind PSMA connectivity has rarely been well established. By introducing hybrid PET/MRI scanning, the current study enrolled 33 advanced PD patients during medication-off condition and 25 age-and-sex-matched healthy controls (HCs), aiming to not only identify the abnormal functional connectome pattern of the PSMA, but also to simultaneously investigate how PSMA functional connectome correlates with glucose metabolism. We calculated degree centrality (DC) and the ratio of standard uptake value (SUVr) using resting state fMRI and 18F-FDG-PET data. A two-sample t-test revealed significantly decreased PSMA DC (PFWE < 0.014) in PD patients. The PSMA DC also correlated negatively with H-Y stage (P = 0.031). We found a widespread reduction of H-Y stage associated (P-values < 0.041) functional connectivity between PSMA and the visual network, attention network, somatomotor network, limbic network, frontoparietal network as well as the default mode network. The PSMA DC correlated positively with FDG-uptake in the HCs (P = 0.039) but not in the PD patients (P > 0.44). In summary, we identified disease severity-dependent PSMA functional connectome which in addition uncoupled with glucose metabolism in PD patients. The current study highlighted the critical role of simultaneous PET/fMRI in revealing the functional-metabolic mechanism in the PSMA of PD patients.
Identify potential driver genes for PAX-FOXO1 fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma through frequent gene co-expression network mining
Authors: Zhan Xiaohui , Liu Yusong , Jannu Asha Jacob , Huang Shaoyang , Ye Bo , Wei Wei , Pandya Pankita H. , Ye Xiufen , Pollok Karen E. , Renbarger Jamie L. , Huang Kun , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2023

Background

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a soft tissue sarcoma usually originated from skeletal muscle. Currently, RMS classification based on PAX–FOXO1 fusion is widely adopted. However, compared to relatively clear understanding of the tumorigenesis in the fusion-positive RMS, little is known for that in fusion-negative RMS (FN-RMS).

Methods

We explored the molecular mechanisms and the driver genes of FN-RMS through frequent gene co-expression network mining (fGCN), differential copy number (CN) and differential expression analyses on multiple RMS transcriptomic datasets.

Results

We obtained 50 fGCN modules, among which five are differentially expressed between different fusion status. A closer look showed 23% of Module 2 genes are concentrated on several cytobands of chromosome 8. Upstream regulators such as MYC, YAP1, TWIST1 were identified for the fGCN modules. Using in a separate dataset we confirmed that, comparing to FP-RMS, 59 Module 2 genes show consistent CN amplification and mRNA overexpression, among which 28 are on the identified chr8 cytobands. Such CN amplification and nearby MYC (also resides on one of the above cytobands) and other upstream regulators (YAP1, TWIST1) may work together to drive FN-RMS tumorigenesis and progression. Up to 43.1% downstream targets of Yap1 and 45.8% of the targets of Myc are differentially expressed in FN-RMS vs. normal comparisons, which also confirmed the driving force of these regulators.

Discussion

We discovered that copy number amplification of specific cytobands on chr8 and the upstream regulators MYC, YAP1 and TWIST1 work together to affect the downstream gene co-expression and promote FN-RMS tumorigenesis and progression. Our findings provide new insights for FN-RMS tumorigenesis and offer promising targets for precision therapy. Experimental investigation about the functions of identified potential drivers in FN-RMS are in progress.
What Helping Babies Breathe knowledge and skills are formidable for healthcare workers?
Authors: Patel Archana B. , Bang Akash , Kurhe Kunal , Bhargav Savita , Hibberd Patricia L.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Most neonatal deaths occur in the first week of life, due to birth asphyxia. Helping Babies Breathe (HBB), is a simulation-based neonatal resuscitation training program to improve knowledge and skills. There is little information on which knowledge items or skill steps are challenging for the learners.

Methods

We used training data from NICHD's Global Network study to understand the items most challenging for Birth Attendants (BA) to guide future curriculum modifications. HBB training was provided in 15 primary, secondary and tertiary level care facilities in Nagpur, India. Refresher training was provided 6 months later. Each knowledge item and skill step was ranked from difficulty level 1 to 6 based on whether 91%–100%, 81%–90%, 71%–80%, 61%–70%, 51%–60% or <50% of learners answered/performed the step correctly.

Results

The initial HBB training was conducted in 272 physicians and 516 midwives of which 78 (28%) physicians and 161 (31%) midwives received refresher training. Questions related to timing of cord clamping, management of a meconium-stained baby, and steps to improve ventilation were most difficult for both physicians and midwives. The initial steps of Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)-A i.e. equipment checking, removing wet linen and immediate skin-to-skin contact were most difficult for both groups. Midwives missed stimulating newborns while physicians missed cord clamping and communicating with mother. In OSCE-B, starting ventilation in the first minute of life was the most missed step after both initial and 6 months refresher training for physicians and midwives. At the retraining, the retention was worst for cutting the cord (physicians level 3), optimal rate of ventilation, improving ventilation & counting heart rate (midwives level 3), calling for help (both groups level 3) and scenario ending step of monitoring the baby and communicating with mother (physicians level 4, midwives 3).

Conclusion

All BAs found skill testing more difficult than knowledge testing. The difficulty level was more for midwives than for physicians. So, the HBB training duration and frequency of retraining can be tailored accordingly. This study will also inform subsequent refinement in the curriculum so that both trainers and trainees will be able to achieve the required proficiency.
Long COVID in children and adolescents: COVID-19 follow-up results in third-level pediatric hospital
Authors: Jamaica Balderas Lourdes María del Carmen , Navarro Fernández Amairani , Dragustinovis Garza Susana Azeneth , Orellana Jerves María Isabel , Solís Figueroa Walter Ernesto , Koretzky Solange Gabriela , Márquez González Horacio , Klünder Klünder Miguel , Espinosa Juan Garduño , Nieto Zermeño Jaime , Villa Guillén Mónica , Rosales Uribe Rómulo Erick , Olivar López Victor
Published: January 2023

Introduction

In children, the manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the acute phase are considered mild compared with those in adults; however, some children experience a severe disease that requires hospitalization. This study was designed to present the operation and follow-up results of the Post-COVID-19 Detection and Monitoring Sequels Clinic of Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gómez in managing children with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

This was a prospective study conducted from July 2020 to December 2021, which included 215 children aged 0–18 years who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on polymerase chain reaction and/or immunoglobulin G test. The follow-up was conducted in the pulmonology medical consultation; ambulatory and hospitalized patients were assessed at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months.

Results

The median age of the patients was 9.02 years, and neurological, endocrinological, pulmonary, oncological, and cardiological comorbidities were the most commonly observed among the patients. Moreover, 32.6% of the children had persistent symptoms at 2 months, 9.3% at 4 months, and 2.3% at 6 months, including dyspnea, dry cough, fatigue, and runny nose; the main acute complications were severe pneumonia, coagulopathy, nosocomial infections, acute renal injury, cardiac dysfunction, and pulmonary fibrosis. The more representative sequelae were alopecia, radiculopathy, perniosis, psoriasis, anxiety, and depression.

Conclusions

This study showed that children experience persistent symptoms, such as dyspnea, dry cough, fatigue, and runny nose, although to a lesser extent than adults, with significant clinical improvement 6 months after the acute infection. These results indicate the importance of monitoring children with COVID-19 through face-to-face consultations or telemedicine, with the objective of offering multidisciplinary and individualized care to preserve the health and quality of life of these children.
Alteration of the gut microbiota after surgery in preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Lin Huijia , Xu Cuifang , Chen Junjin , Ma Xiaolu , Shi Liping , Shi Wei , Du Lizhong , Ni Yan
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To investigate the dynamic changes in the intestinal microbiota in preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) before and after treatment via a prospective case-control study.

Methods

Preterm infants with NEC and preterm infants with similar age and weight (control group) were enrolled in this study. They were divided into NEC_Onset (diagnosis time), NEC_Refeed (refeed time), NEC_FullEn (full enteral nutrition time), Control_Onset, and Control_FullEn groups according to the time of the fecal material collected. Except for basic clinical information, fecal specimens of the infants were obtained as well at indicated times for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. All infants were followed up after discharge from the NICU, and the growth data of the corrected age of 12 months were acquired from the electronic outpatient system and telephonic interviews.

Results

A total of 13 infants with NEC and 15 control infants were enrolled. A gut microbiota analysis showed that the Shannon and Simpson indices were lower in the NEC_FullEn group than in the Control_FullEn group (p < .05). Methylobacterium, Clostridium_butyricum, and Acidobacteria were more abundant in infants with NEC during diagnosis. Methylobacterium and Acidobacteria were remained plentiful in the NEC group until the end of treatment. These bacteria species were significantly positively correlated with CRP and negatively correlated with platelet count. The rate of delayed growth was higher in the NEC group than in the control group (25% vs. 7.1%) at 12 months of corrected age, but there was no significant difference. In addition, the pathways of synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies were more active in the NEC subgroups, including both the NEC_Onset group and the NEC_FullEn group. The pathway of sphingolipid metabolism was more active in the Control_FullEn group.

Conclusion

Even after reaching the full enteral nutrition period, alpha diversity in infants with NEC who underwent surgery was lower than that in the control group infants. It may take more time to reestablish the normal gut flora of NEC infants after surgery. The pathways of the synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies and sphingolipid metabolism might be related to the pathogenesis of NEC and physical development after the occurrence of NEC.
Recent advances in peptide-based therapeutic strategies for breast cancer treatment
Authors: Li Ling , Duns Gregory J. , Dessie Wubliker , Cao Zhenmin , Ji Xiaoyuan , Luo Xiaofang
Published: January 2023

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related fatalities in female worldwide. Effective therapies with low side effects for breast cancer treatment and prevention are, accordingly, urgently required. Targeting anticancer materials, breast cancer vaccines and anticancer drugs have been studied for many years to decrease side effects, prevent breast cancer and suppress tumors, respectively. There are abundant evidences to demonstrate that peptide-based therapeutic strategies, coupling of good safety and adaptive functionalities are promising for breast cancer therapy. In recent years, peptide-based vectors have been paid attention in targeting breast cancer due to their specific binding to corresponding receptors overexpressed in cell. To overcome the low internalization, cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) could be selected to increase the penetration due to the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between CPPs and cell membranes. Peptide-based vaccines are at the forefront of medical development and presently, 13 types of main peptide vaccines for breast cancer are being studied on phase III, phase II, phase I/II and phase I clinical trials. In addition, peptide-based vaccines including delivery vectors and adjuvants have been implemented. Many peptides have recently been used in clinical treatments for breast cancer. These peptides show different anticancer mechanisms and some novel peptides could reverse the resistance of breast cancer to susceptibility. In this review, we will focus on current studies of peptide-based targeting vectors, CPPs, peptide-based vaccines and anticancer peptides for breast cancer therapy and prevention.
Cytoplasmic regulation of chloroplast ROS accumulation during effector-triggered immunity
Authors: Su Jianbin , Gassmann Walter
Published: January 2023

Accumulating evidence suggests that chloroplasts are an important battleground during various microbe-host interactions. Plants have evolved layered strategies to reprogram chloroplasts to promote de novo biosynthesis of defense-related phytohormones and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this minireview, we will discuss how the host controls chloroplast ROS accumulation during effector-triggered immunity (ETI) at the level of selective mRNA decay, translational regulation, and autophagy-dependent formation of Rubisco-containing bodies (RCBs). We hypothesize that regulation at the level of cytoplasmic mRNA decay impairs the repair cycle of photosystem II (PSII) and thus facilitates ROS generation at PSII. Meanwhile, removing Rubisco from chloroplasts potentially reduces both O2 and NADPH consumption. As a consequence, an over-reduced stroma would further exacerbate PSII excitation pressure and enhance ROS production at photosystem I.
University students’ experience of online space while engaging in synchronous learning via videoconferencing amidst the pandemic
Authors: Lee Ahram , Lee Jee Young , Jung Eunju
Published: January 2023

Background

The high infectivity and fatality of COVID-19 has changed the mode of higher education from onsite to online. Although many studies investigated the effectiveness and satisfaction of online education, little is known regarding university students’ lived experience of online space during synchronous learning via videoconferencing.

Objective

The present study explored how university students experienced online space when engaging in synchronous learning via videoconferencing platforms during the outbreak of the pandemic.

Method

The phenomenological approach was chosen to primarily explore students’ experience of online space as well as their experience of embodiment and relations to self and others. Interviews were conducted with nine university students who voluntarily participated to share their experience of online space.

Results

Three core themes were generated from the descriptions of experiences provided by the participants. For each core theme, two sub-themes were emerged and described. The analysis of the themes demonstrated that online space was experienced as being separate from home but also inseparable because it was an extension of the comforts of home. This inseparableness is also reflected in the virtual classroom where the rectangular screen presented on the monitor is always shared with everyone in the class. Moreover, online space was perceived as having no transitional space in which spontaneity and new encounters occur. Finally, the presence of self and others was experienced differently in online space due to the participants’ choices of being seen or heard using their microphones and cameras. This led to a different sense of togetherness in online space. The insights gained from the study were discussed in relation to considerations for online learning in the post-pandemic era.

Conclusion

Based on the emerged themes from the results, the current study concluded that the online space created by technologies cannot be a complete substitute for traditional face-to-face classrooms and suggested possible implications for designing and using online space in university education.
Implementation of a community health worker-focused team-based model of care: What modifications do clinics make?
Authors: Sotelo Guerra Laura J. , Ortiz Janette , Liljenquist Kendra , Szilagyi Peter G. , Fiscella Kevin , Porras-Javier Lorena , Johnson Gina , Friesema Lisa , Coker Tumaini R.
Published: January 2023

Background

Team-based care offers potential for integrating non-clinicians, such as community health workers (CHWs), into the primary care team to ensure that patients and families receive culturally relevant care to address their physical, social, and behavioral health and wellness needs. We describe how two federally qualified health center (FQHC) organizations adapted an evidence-based, team-based model of well-child care (WCC) designed to ensure that the parents of young children, aged 0–3, have their comprehensive preventive care needs met at WCC visits.

Methods

Each FQHC formed a Project Working Group composed of clinicians, staff, and parents to determine what adaptations to make in the process of implementation of PARENT (Parent-Focused Redesign for Encounters, Newborns to Toddlers), a team-based care intervention that uses a CHW in the role of a preventive care coach. We use the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based interventions (FRAME) to chronicle the various intervention modifications and the adaptation process, focusing on when and how modifications occurred, whether it was planned or unplanned, and the reasons and goals for the modification.

Results

The Project Working Groups adapted several elements of the intervention in response to clinic priorities, workflow, staffing, space, and population need. Modifications were planned and proactive, and were made at the organization, clinic, and individual provider level. Modification decisions were made by the Project Working Group and operationalized by the Project Leadership Team. Examples of modifications include the following: (1) changing the parent coach educational requirement from a Master's degree to a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience to reflect the needs of the coach role; (2) the use of FQHC-specific templates for the coach's documentation of the pre-visit screening in the electronic health record; and (3) the use of electronic social needs referral tools to help the coach track and follow up on social need referrals. The modifications did not change the core elements (i.e., parent coach provision of preventive care services) or intervention goals.

Conclusions

For clinics implementing team-based care interventions, the engagement of key clinical stakeholders early and often in the intervention adaptation and implementation process, and planning for intervention modifications at both at an organizational level and at a clinical level are critical for local implementation.
Designing for social interaction in high-density housing: A multiple case analysis of recently completed design-led developments in London
Authors: Mellen Hal , Short Michael
Published: January 2023

Over the past two decades, the Greater London Authority (GLA) has pursued the delivery of high-density development in London in order to respond to population growth whilst protecting the green belt. Though high-density places have been associated with sustainable outcomes, it is well documented that residents interact less frequently and build fewer relationships in these environments. This can be particularly detrimental since social contact is fundamental for our general wellbeing and happiness. In response to this problematic, this study explored if and how we can design for social interaction in high-density housing. To do so, it adopted the process of inducting theory from case studies. Firstly, three case studies of recently completed developments were undertaken to determine whether social interaction was a driving factor in the design process, the type and location of social interactions, and clarify the influence of physical design on social contact in comparison to other factors. Three research methods were used to find answers to these questions including interviews with the residents and architects of the schemes, participant observation, and content analysis. These design-led schemes were chosen for investigation as award-winning developments which had received commendation for creating the foundations for a strong community. Next, a cross-case comparison was undertaken to identify hypotheses that addressed the research question and objectives. Providing support for existing literature in the context of high-density housing, it was discovered that limiting the number of apartments to a building allows for collective stewardship, and that communal areas shared by smaller groups are used more intensively. Moreover, combining shared paths and communal areas was observed to support fleeting interactions and helped to nurture a local sense of community. New findings included that externalizing the circulation spaces of multi-story apartment blocks can facilitate conversations between neighbors, and that bike stores can represent an epicenter for contact if internalized and co-located with shared paths. Notably, the impact of physical design factors was not deterministic.
Robot-assisted laparoscopic orchiopexy: A comparative analysis with laparoscopic orchiopexy
Authors: Rensing Adam J. , Qadar Abdul , Higganbotham Clark , Frimberger Dominic , Meenakshi-Sundaram Bhalaajee
Published: January 2023

Background

While undescended testes are relatively common, the nonpalpable testis remains a challenging problem. The gold standard treatment remains the laparoscopic orchiopexy. However, today robot-assisted surgery has challenged traditional laparoscopy in many areas of urology. Yet the value of this new approach remains controversial, given concerns with operative time and cost. We reviewed our contemporary results of both robot-assisted orchiopexy (RALO) and traditional laparoscopic orchiopexy (TLO). Our primary aims were to retrospectively compare success rates, and operative time. Our secondary aims were to compare costs and complications related to each method.

Methods

In this study, all patients treated with laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic orchiopexy from April 2017 to January 2022 were reviewed using CPT code 54692. Exclusion criteria included bilateral concomitant orchiopexy or concomitant “major surgery,” or follow up less than 6 months. Also excluded were 1st stage orchiopexies. For the purposes of comparison, 1-stage and 2nd stage orchiopexies were included in the analysis. Patient demographics, surgical operative notes and documentation were all reviewed.

Results

After exclusion criteria was applied, 16 and 17 remained in the laparoscopic and robot-assisted cohorts, respectively. Upon follow up, all patients in both the laparoscopic and robot-assisted cohorts were noted to have a healthy testicle palpable in the dependent portion of the scrotum. The median operative time in the TLO group was 71 minutes, compared to 101 minutes in the RALO group (p>0.0001). When comparing median hospital charges, the TLO group was lower at $38,813, compared to $46,455 in the RALO group (p = 0.0069). There was one postoperative complication in the TLO group (localized wound infection), compared to zero in the RALO group.

Conclusions

The robot-assisted orchiopexy is safe and effective. However, at this time it remains more costly in terms of time and resources.
Insights into land size and productivity in Ethiopia: What do data and heterogenous analysis reveal?
Authors: Mishra Ashok K. , Louhichi Kamel , Genovese Giampiero , Gomez y Paloma Sergio
Published: January 2023

This study investigates whether the historical inverse relationship (IR) between land (farm and plot) size and productivity holds for Ethiopia farms. The study uses plot-level and household-level data from the three waves of the Ethiopia Socioeconomic Survey. The main finding, which confirms previous studies, is that the plot-size IR holds when productivity measurement is based on self-reported yields. However, the effects were reversed when we used crop-cut yields. Including labor inputs significantly reduces the magnitude of the coefficients on land size but not the sign. Finally, the quantile regression reveals interesting findings. These are: (1) a strong positive effect of farm (and plot) size on productivity; (2) the magnitude of the effect decreases monotonically with quantile; (3) farm size displays a robust negative impact on gross revenue and the magnitude of the effect increases (in absolute terms) monotonically with quantiles; (4) the effect of farm (and plot) size on productivity decreases in magnitude when we control for labor input; (5) the IR between farm (and plot) size and total and family labor was negative and significant and the effect increases (in absolute terms) monotonically with quantiles.
Clinical features and prognostic factors analysis of intravenous leiomyomatosis
Authors: Chen Jingying , Bu Hualei , Zhang Zhaoyang , Chu Ran , Qi Gonghua , Zhao Chen , Wang Qiuman , Ma Xinyue , Wu Huan , Dou Zhiyuan , Wang Xia , Kong Beihua
Published: January 2023

Background

The treatment and prognostic factors of intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL) remain lacking systematic evidence.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on IVL patients from the Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, and IVL cases were published in PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases. Descriptive statistics were used for the basic characteristics of patients. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess the high-risk factors related to the progression-free survival (PFS). The comparison of survival curves was performed by Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

A total of 361 IVL patients were included in this study, 38 patients from Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, and 323 patients from the published literature. Age ≤45 years was observed in 173 (47.9%) patients. According to the clinical staging criteria, stage I/II was observed in 125 (34.6%) patients, and stage III/IV was observed in 221 (61.2%) patients. Dyspnea, orthopnea, and cough were observed in 108 (29.9%) patients. Completed tumor resection was observed in 216 (59.8%) patients, and uncompleted tumor resection was observed in 58 (16.1%) patients. Median follow-up period was 12 months (range 0–194 months), and 68 (18.8%) recurrences or deaths were identified. The adjusted multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis showed age ≤45 years (vs. >45) (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–3.80, p = 0.016), and uncompleted tumor resection (vs. completed tumor resection) (HR = 22.03, 95% CI 8.31–58.36, p < 0.001) were high-risk factors related to the PFS.

Conclusion

Patients with IVL have a high probability of recurrence after surgery and a poor prognosis. Patients younger than 45 years and with uncompleted tumor resection are at higher risk of postoperative recurrence or death.
Distal-continual colon interposition for esophageal reconstruction after esophagectomy: Two case reports
Authors: Guo Bin , He Ming , Zhao Jidong , Ma Minting , Gao Zhanjie
Published: January 2023

Background

Colon interposition is a complex and time-consuming procedure requiring at least three or four digestive anastomoses. However, the long-term functional outcomes are promising, with an acceptable operative risk.

Case presentation

Herein, two cases of esophageal carcinoma that received esophagus reconstruction using the distal continual colon interposition technique have been described. The transverse colon was lifted to the thoracic cavity for the end-to-side anastomosis with the esophagus, and a closure device was used to close the colon instead of severing and isolating the distal end. The duration of the operation was 140 and 150 min, respectively. The blood supply of the colon was maintained during the intervention. The tension-free anastomosis was performed without severe complications, and oral food intake was resumed on postoperative day 6. Neither anastomotic stenosis, antiacid or heartburn, dysphagia, or emptying obstacles nor complaints of diarrhea, bloating, or malodor were reported during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

The modified distal-continual colon interposition technique may have the advantages of a short operation time and potential prevention of serious complications caused by the torsion of mesocolon vessels.