bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of HPV-Linked Oropharyngeal Cancer Risk Messages Among a Sample of Young Adult Men in the US: A Pilot Study
Authors: Harrell Alyssa H. , Kueppers George C. , Vanderpool Robin C. , Dean David , Rohde Jacob A.
Published: May 2024

Awareness of risk for oropharyngeal cancer from oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is low among men in the United States. This pilot study tested messages communicating oral HPV and oropharyngeal cancer risk among a sample of U.S. young adult men (aged 18–26). Six oral HPV and cancer risk messages were tested in an online survey. Participants ( N = 68) were randomly assigned to one of two message sets, each containing three unique text-based messages. Participants evaluated messages separately based on various measures (e.g., perceived message effectiveness [PME], novelty). One-way repeated measures ANOVAs were used to assess evaluation differences within message sets. Participants provided open-ended feedback about each message, which were synthesized into overarching themes. Participants were receptive to the risk messages, rating them high on PME (mean range = 3.72–4.25 out of 5) and other measures. Analyses identified three high-performing messages. For example, participants rated a message about HPV-linked oropharyngeal cancer risk rates in men versus women higher on attention and novelty than two other messages in the same set (both ps < .05). Participants were shown three messages (instead of all six) in each message set to minimize survey fatigue. Common themes from open-ended feedback were that participants liked the short-form structure of the messages and that the messages used gender-tailored language. In conclusion, oral HPV and oropharyngeal cancer risk messages may be useful for increasing risk awareness among men in the U.S. Further work should test such messages in rigorous experimental contexts to assess their efficacy in modifying other health outcomes, such as HPV vaccination behaviors.
Medical management of ectopic pregnancy: Case series at a private tertiary hospital, Tanzania
Authors: Ntiyakunze Gregory , Gidion Daudi , Kyejo Willbroad , Moshi Brenda , Jaiswal Shweta , Moshi Lynn , Muzo Jane , Chuwa Harrison , Abeid Muzdalifat
Published: May 2024

Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy in which the developing blastocyst implants outside the endometrial cavity. An estimated 1.3%–2.4% of pregnancies end up outside the uterus. With prompt diagnosis and efficient treatment, the risks of morbidity and mortality associated with ectopic pregnancy can be reduced. For the treatment of carefully chosen ectopic pregnancies, methotrexate therapy, a folic acid antagonist that is highly toxic to rapidly replicating tissues, produces outcomes comparable to surgery. We describe six cases of ectopic pregnancy which were successfully treated with methotrexate and on follow-up two of them successfully conceived to term delivery. For patients who are physically fit enough, medical management of an ectopic pregnancy with methotrexate should be the first line of treatment to lower surgical morbidity and mortality. Following the administration of the medication, the patient is monitored with a clinical symptom interview and weekly plasma human chorionic gonadotrophin levels checks. When initial human chorionic gonadotrophin levels are extremely high, complete resolution of an ectopic pregnancy can take 6–8 weeks instead of the usual 2–3 weeks. Early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancies is necessary to improve their prognosis. Ectopic pregnancies can be managed medically with methotrexate to preserve fertility. Compared to surgical management, methotrexate therapy appears to have more advantages.
Mind the Gap in Kidney Care: Translating What We Know Into What We do
Authors: Luyckx Valerie A. , Tuttle Katherine R. , Abdellatif Dina , Correa-Rotter Ricardo , Fung Winston W. S. , Haris Agnès , Hsiao Li-Li , Khalife Makram , Kumaraswami Latha A. , Loud Fiona , Raghavan Vasundhara , Roumeliotis Stefanos , Sierra Marianella , Ulasi Ifeoma , Wang Bill , Lui Siu-Fai , Liakopoulos Vassilios , Balducci Alessandro
Published: May 2024

Historically, it takes an average of 17 years to move new treatments from clinical evidence to daily practice. Given the highly effective treatments now available to prevent or delay kidney disease onset and progression, this is far too long. The time is now to narrow the gap between what we know and what we do. Clear guidelines exist for the prevention and management of common risk factors for kidney disease, such as hypertension and diabetes, but only a fraction of people with these conditions worldwide are diagnosed, and even fewer are treated to target. Similarly, the vast majority of people living with kidney disease are unaware of their condition, because in the early stages, it is often silent. Even among patients who have been diagnosed, many do not receive appropriate treatment for kidney disease. Considering the serious consequences of kidney disease progression, kidney failure, or death, it is imperative that treatments are initiated early and appropriately. Opportunities to diagnose and treat kidney disease early must be maximized beginning at the primary-care level. Many systematic barriers exist, ranging from patient to clinician to health systems to societal factors. To preserve and improve kidney health for everyone everywhere, each of these barriers must be acknowledged so that sustainable solutions are developed and implemented without further delay.
Organizational Unlearning: A Bibliometric Study and Visualization Analysis Via CiteSpace
Authors: Chen Jiang , Ongono Emilienne Charlotte Zobo , Yuan Yana
Published: May 2024

Coping with evolution and the changes it brings to the workplace remains a major concern for organizational leaders. This study explores the hotspots, trends, and future directions of the field of organizational unlearning to complement the extant research. A bibliometric analysis based on the literature collected by the Web of Science database was used to categorize or cluster different authors, their countries, institutions and different keywords (cooperation among authors, co-citation, co-occurrence of keywords), to discover their uniqueness or determine the relationship between them while using CiteSpace software to draw knowledge graphs and then results. This study advances the debate on sustainable knowledge acquisition in organizations and its interaction with organizational unlearning. It directly aids the process of radical change in workplace learning and training models and provides a clear view of the previous literature on organizational unlearning by laying a solid foundation for future research in the field of learning.
The Regulation and Inequality Nexus in Microfinance and Tourism Sectors
Authors: Mago Stephen , Modiba Florah Sewela
Published: May 2024

This paper examines the complex nexus between regulation and inequality in Zimbabwe’s microfinance and tourism sectors. Rural Small to Medium Enterprises in Tourism (SMETs) is typical in the informal sector. However, SMETs in rural areas face financial, regulatory, and exclusionary constraints. This paper follows a qualitative literature review methodology guided by an exploratory design. In addition, one secondary case study was included to highlight the lived realities of SMETs. Findings indicate a complex connection between regulation and inequality in the economy. Overregulation leads to corruption, marginalization, and exclusion of small business activities. SMETs are constrained because they need access to finance for business growth. Thus, the nexus between the two variables profoundly impacts policy. The government must entangle the relationship for policy directions in the microfinance and tourism sectors. The paper concludes that the nexus between regulation and inequality needs urgent attention. The paper’s originality is based on using a systematic literature review to assess how regulations affect microfinance’s ability to fund rural SMETs so that these areas could have economic opportunities that would improve the livelihoods of people residing in these areas, thereby addressing inequalities. Furthermore, it contributes to the debates on the complex relationship between regulation and inequality of two sectors (microfinance and tourism) in Zimbabwe. It also informs future lines of research on the subject. Due to noted limitations on the research design used, more comprehensive empirical studies are required to understand the complexity of the nexus.
Unconventional Metaphor Use in the Writing of Chinese Learners of English
Authors: Lu Qiuyun , Deignan Alice
Published: May 2024

Metaphors are known to present both opportunities and challenges for second language learners, but relatively little is known about learners’ awareness of them. To investigate this, we analyzed 72 argumentative essays written in English by a group of 37 intermediate Chinese university students of English. We identified metaphors using an established identification procedure, and then used dictionary descriptions and corpus procedures to identify unconventional uses. Seeking to understand students’ thoughts about their uses of metaphor, we interviewed them within 2 days of the writing task. In this article, we explore the boundary between unconscious use of non-nativelike metaphors and deliberate choices. We argue that in many cases, our learners made conscious, careful language choices which they were able to articulate fluently and thoughtfully. Interview data show that sometimes they consciously decided to use a metaphor from their L1, fully aware that it was not a nativelike use in English, for one of various communicative functions. Our study extends thinking on deliberate metaphor, suggesting implications for its use in reframing research into second language metaphor use. Pedagogical implications are presented for developing learners’ metaphoric competence in L2 writing classrooms.
Bikeability Disparities in Orange County, California: Intersection of Place and Demographics
Authors: Gritton Jeanette , Cristina Martinez Maria , Bostean Georgiana , Thiele Strong Megan
Published: May 2024

Active transportation modes such as walking and biking are gaining popularity for their extensive health and environmental benefits, yet scholars know little about how place-based accessibility varies by area sociodemographic composition. This study is among the first to examine sociodemographic disparities (by both race and socioeconomic status) in bikeability while allowing for heterogeneity in disparities. Consideration of bikeability disparities is particularly critical within the framework of urban planning concepts that promote equitable accessibility and reduced dependency on automobiles, such as the 15-minute city. Geographically Weighted Regressions examined associations between census tract-level bikeability (using an index that combines five components), socioeconomic status, and percentage non-White residents (controlling for age of structures in tracts). Findings showed that the strength and directionality of associations between bikeability and race/socioeconomic status varied throughout the county, providing targeted information on where greater concentrations of low socioeconomic status and non-White residents were associated with lower bikeability.
Book review: AKM Ahsan Ullah and Diotima Chattoraj, The Unheard Stories of The Rohingyas: Ethnicity, Diversity, and Media
Authors: Bhat Rouf Ahmad , Khaja Mohd Ibrahiem
Published: May 2024

AKM Ahsan Ullah and Diotima Chattoraj, The Unheard Stories of The Rohingyas: Ethnicity, Diversity, and Media. Bristol University Press, 2023. ISBN: 978-1-5292-3137-3 (e-pdf).
An Unexpected Lymphoma: A Rare Case of Primary Gastric Burkitt’s Lymphoma
Authors: London Jonathan , Bulancea Sabrina , Wander Sharnjyot , Ponnaiya Shirley , Tisheh Leilah , Jain Sanjeev , Viswanathan Prakash , Tharayil Zubin
Published: May 2024

Primary gastric Burkitt’s lymphoma is an aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that has been rarely reported in the literature. The majority of primary gastric lymphomas are diffuse large B-cell lymphomas and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas. Patients with primary gastric Burkitt’s lymphoma can present with abdominal pain, hematemesis, melena, perforation, and obstruction. Diagnosis is made with a combination of clinical, radiological, and pathological findings. Treatment data are limited due to the limited cases reported. We present a case of a 47-year-old female who presented with diffuse abdominal pain, melena, and coffee-ground emesis that was diagnosed with primary gastric Burkitt’s lymphoma following biopsies taken from a gastric ulcerated mass found on upper endoscopy.
Psychological Impact and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptomatology After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in Baseball Players
Authors: Alexander Frank J. , Mastroianni Michael A. , Anderson Matthew J.J. , Skaggs Kira , Swindell Hasani W. , Reynolds Alan W. , Ahmad Christopher S.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Significant psychological impact and prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been well documented in patients sustaining anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Purpose:

To examine PTSD symptomatology in baseball players after sustaining elbow ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Male baseball players of various competition levels (high school through Minor League Baseball [MiLB]) who underwent surgery for a UCL injury between April 2019 and June 2022 participated in the study. Before surgery, patients completed the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R) to assess PTSD symptomatology. Subgroup analysis was conducted according to level of play and player position.

Results:

A total of 104 male baseball players with a mean age of 19.4 years (range, 15-29 years) were included in the study; 32 players (30.8%) were in high school, 65 (62.5%) were in college, and 7 (6.7%) were in MiLB. There were 64 (61.5%) pitchers, 18 (17.3%) position players, and 22 (21.2%) 2-way players (both pitching and playing on the field). A total of 30 (28.8%) patients scored high enough on the IES-R to support PTSD as a probable diagnosis, and another 22 patients (21.2%) scored high enough to support PTSD as a clinical concern. Nineteen patients (18.3%) had potentially severe PTSD. Only 4 players (3.8%) were completely asymptomatic. Subgroup analysis revealed college players as significantly more symptomatic than high school players ( P = .02), and 2-way players were found to be significantly less susceptible to developing symptoms of PTSD compared with pitchers ( P = .04).

Conclusion:

Nearly 30% of baseball players who sustained a UCL injury qualified for a probable diagnosis of PTSD based on the IES-R. Pitchers and college athletes were at increased risk for PTSD after UCL injury compared with 2-way players and high school athletes, respectively.
Critical Social Participatory Action Research for Conscientization: Pedagogies and Findings from Xochimilco
Authors: Schmidt Sarah , Rivas-Aceves Salvador
Published: May 2024

The Small Scale Food Production for Cultural Preservation and Economic Inclusion project is a critical social participatory action research project that utilizes critical pedagogies to facilitate spaces of learning and research where power differentials are both recognized and dismantled. The process of consciousness raising those results is an example of applied conscientization. The key pedagogical strategies explained in this article include co-constructed knowledge, critical praxis, a relational design rooted in dialogue and ongoing project partnership.
Tooth Discoloration from 2 Silver Fluorides Used in Adults with Special Needs: A Randomized Trial
Authors: See L. , Zafar S. , Fu D. , Ha D.H. , Walsh L.J. , Lopez Silva C.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Discoloration of carious lesions after application of silver diamine fluoride lowers patient acceptance and limits its wider use for caries arrest.

Objective:

To assess lesion and tooth color changes from 2 novel silver fluoride (AgF) products and its relationship to caries activity (clinical visuo-tactile scores) and bacterial load (using laser fluorescence with the DIAGNOdent).

Methods:

A split-mouth design was followed, with matched smooth surface carious lesions in the same arch in adults with special needs randomized for 1-min treatments with AgF/potassium iodide (KI) (Riva Star Aqua, SDI) and AgF/stannous fluoride (SnF2) (Caries Status Disclosing Solution; Whiteley). Standardized images taken at baseline, immediately postoperatively, and at 3-mo review were subjected to digital image analysis to calculate delta-E and to track changes in luminosity of carious lesions.

Results:

Twelve participants were recruited in the study. A total of 56 teeth (28 pairs) were included. Significantly greater changes were seen in treated lesions than in the adjacent noncarious natural tooth structure, both immediately after treatment and at the 3-mo review ( P < 0.0001). Color change and caries activity were not affected by tooth type, tooth location, plaque status, salivary status, or special needs condition. AgF/SnF2 caused transitory darkening immediately on application, while AgF/KI caused the immediate formation of yellow deposits (silver iodide). Both products caused significant darkening of treated lesions at 3 mo ( P = 0.0009; P = 0.0361), with no differences between them ( P = 0.506). Responding lesions showed larger and more perceptible color changes immediately after either AgF application ( P = 0.002; P = 0.024).

Conclusions:

Both AgF products were highly effective for caries arrest in this patient population. Despite minor differences in the appearance of treated lesions at the time of application, both products lead to similar darkening of treated sites at 3 mo.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

This study shows the usefulness of silver fluoride used in conjunction with potassium iodide or stannous fluoride for achieving caries arrest in smooth surface lesions in adults with special needs. Patients need to be informed that long-term staining of the lesion occurs with both, similar to silver diamine fluoride.
Deriving Value-in Digital Disposal: Exploring Closet Cleaning on Instagram
Authors: Williams David E. , Caulfield Jane
Published: May 2024

While there is a fair amount of research on consumer disposal, there is scant research on value in disposition and a need for more research on the role of social media in the consumer disposal decision-making process. This research provides insights into how consumers create value-in disposal through social media ‘closet cleanout’ pages on Instagram. Through a grounded theory approach, interviews with Instagram closet cleaners reveal how value-in disposition is enacted using Holbrook’s (1998) classification of value. The findings show the multidimensional nature of value in digital disposal and empirically substantiate the enduring nature of Holbrook’s (1998) value conceptualization.
Becoming a thrombectomy-capable stroke center: Clinical and medico-economical effectiveness at the hospital level
Authors: Checkouri Thomas , Sablot Denis , Varnier Quentin , Fryder Ivan , Collemiche Francois-Louis , Azais Benoit , Dargazanli Cyril , Leibinger Franck , Cagnazzo Federico , Mahmoudi Mehdi , Lefevre Pierre-Henri , Van Damme Laurene , Gascou Gregory , Schmidt Julia , Arquizan Caroline , Plantard Carole , Farouil Geoffroy , Costalat Vincent
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Too few patients benefit from endovascular therapy (EVT) in large vessel occlusion acute stroke (LVOS), and various acute stroke care paradigms are currently investigated to reduce these inequalities in health access. We aimed to investigate whether newly set-up thrombectomy-capable stroke centers (TSC) offered a safe, effective and cost-effective procedure.

Patients and methods:

This French retrospective study compared the outcomes of LVOS patients with an indication for EVT and treated at the Perpignan hospital before on-site thrombectomy was available (Primary stroke center), and after formation of local radiology team for neurointervention (TSC). Primary endpoints were 3-months functional outcomes, assessed by the modified Rankin scale. Various safety endpoints for ischemic and hemorragic procedural complications were assessed. We conducted a medico-economic analysis to estimate the cost-benefit of becoming a TSC for the hospital.

Results:

The differences between 422 patients in the PSC and 266 in the TSC were adjusted by the means of weighted logistic regression. Patients treated in the TSC had higher odds of excellent functional outcome (aOR 1.77 [1.16–2.72], p = 0.008), with no significant differences in the rates of procedural complications. The TSC setting shortened onset-to-reperfusion times by 144 min (95% CI [131–155]; p < 0.0001), and was cost-effective after 21 treated LVOS patients. On-site thrombectomy saves 10.825€ per patient for the hospital.

Discussion:

Our results demonstrate that the TSC setting improves functional outcomes and reduces intra-hospital costs in LVOS patients. TSCs could play a major public health role in acute stroke care and access to EVT.
Is Austerity Responsible for the Stalled Mortality Trends Across Many High-Income Countries? A Systematic Review
Authors: Broadbent Philip , Walsh David , Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal , Gallagher Christine , Dundas Ruth , McCartney Gerry
Published: May 2024

This article systematically reviews evidence evaluating whether macroeconomic austerity policies impact mortality, reviewing high-income country data compiled through systematic searches of nine databases and gray literature using pre-specified methods (PROSPERO registration: CRD42020226609). Eligible studies were quantitatively assessed to determine austerity's impact on mortality. Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility and risk of bias using ROBINS-I. Synthesis without meta-analysis was conducted due to heterogeneity. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE framework. Of 5,720 studies screened, seven were included, with harmful effects of austerity policies demonstrated in six, and no effect in one. Consistent harmful impacts of austerity were demonstrated for all-cause mortality, life expectancy, and cause-specific mortality across studies and different austerity measures. Excess mortality was higher in countries with greater exposure to austerity. Certainty of evidence was low. Risk of bias was moderate to critical. A typical austerity dose was associated with 74,090 [−40,632, 188,792] and 115,385 [26,324, 204,446] additional deaths per year. Austerity policies are consistently associated with adverse mortality outcomes, but the magnitude of this effect remains uncertain and may depend on how austerity is implemented (e.g., balance between public spending reductions or tax rises, and distributional consequences). Policymakers should be aware of potential harmful health effects of austerity policies.
Tourmaline as a petrogenetic indicator highlighted in a multicoloured crystal from the gem deposit of Mavuco, Alto Ligoña pegmatite district, NE Mozambique
Authors: Altieri Alessandra , Pezzotta Federico , Skogby Henrik , Hålenius Ulf , Bosi Ferdinando
Published: May 2024

A rounded fragment of a multicoloured tourmaline crystal (2.5 cm diameter), collected from the secondary gem deposit of Mavuco, Alto Ligoña pegmatite district, Mozambique, has been investigated using a multi-analytical approach, with the objective of reconstructing its growth history. The sample represents a core-to-rim section, perpendicular to the c axis, of a crystal characterised by a variety of colours. These change from a black core to an intermediate zone with a series of colours, yellow, blue–green and purple, to a final dark-green prismatic overgrowth. These changes are the result of a wide variation in Fe, Mn, Ti and Cu concentrations and their redox state. The black core is characterised by enrichment in Fe and Mn, with iron present in its divalent state. The yellow zone shows a progressive depletion in Fe and its colouration is caused by Mn2+ and Mn2+-Ti4+ IVCT interactions. The progressive decrease in Mn coupled with the absence of Ti, and the lack of Fe, implies that Cu2+ acts as the only chromophore in the pale blue–green zone. The dominant colour-causing agent of the purplish zone is Mn3+, denoting a change in redox environment; however, even though the amount of Cu remains significant, its chromophore effect is obscured by Mn3+. The dark-green prismatic overgrowth, characterised by a sharp increase in Fe, Mn and also Ca, is interpreted as a late-stage partial re-opening of the geochemical system. This occurrence could potentially be related to mechanical instability of the cavity in which the crystal grew.
Evolutionarily stable payoff matrix in hawk–dove games
Authors: Király Balázs , Varga Tamás , Szabó György , Garay József
Published: May 2024

Background

Classical matrix game models aim to find the endpoint of behavioural evolution for a set of fixed possible interaction outcomes. Here, we introduce an evolutionary model in which not only the players’ strategies but also the payoff matrix evolves according to natural selection.

Results

We start out from the hawk–dove matrix game and, in a way that is consistent with the monomorphic model setup of Maynard Smith and Price, introduce an evolving phenotypic trait that quantifies fighting ability and determines the probability of winning and the cost of losing escalated hawk–hawk fights. We define evolutionarily stable phenotypes as consisting of an evolutionarily stable strategy and an evolutionarily stable trait, which in turn describes a corresponding evolutionarily stable payoff matrix.

Conclusions

We find that the maximal possible cost of escalating fights remains constant during evolution assuming a separation in the time scales of fast behavioural and slow trait selection, despite the fact that the final evolutionarily stable phenotype maximizes the payoff of hawk–hawk fights. Our results mirror the dual nature of Darwinian evolution whereby the criteria of evolutionary success, as well as the successful phenotypes themselves, are a product of natural selection.
Ethylene promotes fruit ripening initiation by downregulating photosynthesis, enhancing abscisic acid and suppressing jasmonic acid in blueberry (Vaccinium ashei)
Authors: Wang Yi-Wen , Nambeesan Savithri U.
Published: May 2024

Background

Blueberry fruit exhibit atypical climacteric ripening with a non-auto-catalytic increase in ethylene coincident with initiation of ripening. Further, application of ethephon, an ethylene-releasing plant growth regulator, accelerates ripening by increasing the proportion of ripe (blue) fruit as compared to the control treatment. To investigate the mechanistic role of ethylene in regulating blueberry ripening, we performed transcriptome analysis on fruit treated with ethephon, an ethylene-releasing plant growth regulator.

Results

RNA-Sequencing was performed on two sets of rabbiteye blueberry (‘Powderblue’) fruit: (1) fruit from divergent developmental stages; and (2) fruit treated with ethephon, an ethylene-releasing compound. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from divergent developmental stages clustered into nine groups, among which cluster 1 displayed reduction in expression during ripening initiation and was enriched with photosynthesis related genes, while cluster 7 displayed increased expression during ripening and was enriched with aromatic-amino acid family catabolism genes, suggesting stimulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis. More DEGs were apparent at 1 day after ethephon treatment suggesting its early influence during ripening initiation. Overall, a higher number of genes were downregulated in response to ethylene. Many of these overlapped with cluster 1 genes, indicating that ethylene-mediated downregulation of photosynthesis is an important developmental event during the ripening transition. Analyses of DEGs in response to ethylene also indicated interplay among phytohormones. Ethylene positively regulated abscisic acid (ABA), negatively regulated jasmonates (JAs), and influenced auxin (IAA) metabolism and signaling genes. Phytohormone quantification supported these effects of ethylene, indicating coordination of blueberry fruit ripening by ethylene.

Conclusion

This study provides insights into the role of ethylene in blueberry fruit ripening. Ethylene initiates blueberry ripening by downregulating photosynthesis-related genes. Also, ethylene regulates phytohormone-metabolism and signaling related genes, increases ABA, and decreases JA concentrations. Together, these results indicate that interplay among multiple phytohormones regulates the progression of ripening, and that ethylene is an important coordinator of such interactions during blueberry fruit ripening.
Enhanced wheat productivity in saline soil through the combined application of poultry manure and beneficial microbes
Authors: Arshad Muhammad Junaid , Khan Muhammad Imran , Ali Muhammad Hayder , Farooq Qammar , Hussain Muhammad Iftikhar , Seleiman Mahmoud F. , Asghar Muhammad Ahsan
Published: May 2024

Background

Soil salinity is one of the major menaces to food security, particularly in dealing with the food demand of the ever-increasing global population. Production of cereal crops such as wheat is severely affected by soil salinity and improper fertilization. The present study aimed to examine the effect of selected microbes and poultry manure (PM) on seedling emergence, physiology, nutrient uptake, and growth of wheat in saline soil. A pot experiment was carried out in research area of Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Saline soil (12 dS m− 1 w/w) was developed by spiking using sodium chloride, and used in experiment along with two microbial strains (i.e., Alcaligenes faecalis MH-2 and Achromobacter denitrificans MH-6) and PM. Finally, wheat seeds (variety Akbar-2019) were sown in amended and unamended soil, and pots were placed following a completely randomized design. The wheat crop was harvested after 140 days of sowing.

Results

The results showed a 10–39% increase (compared to non-saline control) in agronomic, physiological, and nutritive attributes of wheat plants when augmented with PM and microbes. Microbes together with PM significantly enhanced seedling emergence (up to 38%), agronomic (up to 36%), and physiological (up to 33%) in saline soil as compared to their respective unamended control. Moreover, the co-use of microbes and PM also improved soil’s physicochemical attributes and enhanced N (i.e., 21.7%-17.1%), P (i.e., 24.1-29.3%), and K (i.e., 28.7%-25.3%) availability to the plant (roots and shoots, respectively). Similarly, the co-use of amendments also lowered the Na+ contents in soil (i.e., up to 62%) as compared to unamended saline control. This is the first study reporting the effects of the co-addition of newly identified salt-tolerant bacterial strains and PM on seedling emergence, physiology, nutrient uptake, and growth of wheat in highly saline soil.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that co-using a multi-trait bacterial culture and PM could be an appropriate option for sustainable crop production in salt-affected soil.
Medical radiation exposure in inflammatory bowel disease: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Chao , Yao Xin , Yu Mosang , He Xinjue
Published: May 2024

Background

There have been previous studies and earlier systematic review on the relationship between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and radiation exposure. With the diversification of current test methods, this study intended to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the IBD radiation exposure in recent years.

Methods

Three databases (PUBMED, EMBASE, and MEDICINE) for relevant literature up to May 1, 2023 were searched. The statistical data meeting requirements were collated and extracted.

Results

20 papers were enrolled. The overall high radiation exposure rate was 15% (95% CI = [12%, 19%]) for CD and 5% (95% CI = [3%, 7%]) for UC. The pooled result found that high radiation exposure rate was 3.44 times higher in CD than in UC (OR = 3.44, 95% CI = [2.35, 5.02]). Moreover, the average radiation exposure level in CD was 12.77 mSv higher than that in UC (WMD = 12.77, 95% CI = [9.93, 15.62] mSv). Furthermore, radiation exposure level of CD after 2012 was higher than those before 2012 (26.42 ± 39.61vs. 23.76 ± 38.46 mSv, P = 0.016), while UC did not show similar result (11.99 ± 27.66 vs. 10.01 ± 30.76 mSv, P = 0.1). Through subgroup analysis, it was found that disease duration (WMD = 2.75, 95% CI = [0.10, 5.40] mSv), complications (OR = 5.09, 95% CI = [1.50, 17.29]), and surgical history (OR = 5.46, 95% CI = [1.51, 19.69]) significantly increased the proportion of high radiation exposure.

Conclusion

This study found that radiation exposure level of IBD patients was high, which revealed the radiation risk in the process of diagnosis and treatment of IBD patients. In the future, longer follow-up and prospective studies are needed to reveal the relationship between high radiation exposure and solid tumorigenesis.
Appendicular lean mass and the risk of stroke and Alzheimer’s disease: a mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhu Yueli , Zhu Feng , Guo Xiaoming , Huang Shunmei , Yang Yunmei , Zhang Qin
Published: May 2024

Background

Appendicular lean mass (ALM) is a good predictive biomarker for sarcopenia. And previous studies have reported the association between ALM and stroke or Alzheimer’s disease (AD), however, the causal relationship is still unclear, The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether genetically predicted ALM is causally associated with the risk of stroke and AD by performing Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.

Methods

A two-sample MR study was designed. Genetic variants associated with the ALM were obtained from a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) and utilized as instrumental variables (IVs). Summary-level data for stroke and AD were generated from the corresponding GWASs. We used random-effect inverse-variance weighted (IVW) as the main method for estimating causal effects, complemented by several sensitivity analyses, including the weighted median, MR-Egger, and MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) methods. Multivariable analysis was further conducted to adjust for confounding factors, including body mass index (BMI), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), low density lipoprotein-C (LDL-C), and atrial fibrillation (AF).

Results

The present MR study indicated significant inverse associations of genetically predicted ALM with any ischemic stroke ([AIS], odds ratio [OR], 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89–0.97; P = 0.002) and AD (OR, 090; 95% CI 0.85–0.96; P = 0.001). Regarding the subtypes of AIS, genetically predicted ALM was related to the risk of large artery stroke ([LAS], OR, 0.86; 95% CI 0.77–0.95; P = 0.005) and small vessel stroke ([SVS], OR, 0.80; 95% CI 0.73–0.89; P < 0.001). Regarding multivariable MR analysis, ALM retained the stable effect on AIS when adjusting for BMI, LDL-C, and AF, while a suggestive association was observed after adjusting for T2DM. And the estimated effect of ALM on LAS was significant after adjustment for BMI and AF, while a suggestive association was found after adjusting for T2DM and LDL-C. Besides, the estimated effects of ALM were still significant on SVS and AD after adjustment for BMI, T2DM, LDL-C, and AF.

Conclusions

The two-sample MR analysis indicated that genetically predicted ALM was negatively related to AIS and AD. And the subgroup analysis of AIS revealed a negative causal effect of genetically predicted ALM on LAS or SVS. Future studies are required to further investigate the underlying mechanisms.
Prevalence of urinary tract infections in pregnant women and antimicrobial resistance patterns in women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a retrospective study
Authors: Barnawi Yasmin , Alghamdi Ahlam , Ibrahim Alnada , Al-Anazi Lina , Alhumaida Ghada , Alotaibi Reema , Khan Mohammad , Baz Dareen , Alraey Mohammed , Alkazemi Afrah , Alqhatani Hajar , Waggas Hadeel
Published: May 2024

Background

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common health problems worldwide and mainly affect women. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of UTIs in pregnant women and determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacterial pathogens isolated from pregnant and nonpregnant women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at an academic medical center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January to June 2022. The study included all urine cultures performed for adult women during the study period. We excluded urine culture performed for women on antibiotics prescribed for any infection, children, and men. Using the SPSS (version 27) package, descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data, and p < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.

Results

A total of 2,418 urine cultures performed during the study period were included (985 and 1,433 for pregnant and nonpregnant women, respectively). The overall prevalence of UTIs in pregnant women was 5% (95% CI 3.6–6.4); 10 (1%) women were symptomatic, and 40 (4%) women were asymptomatic. Of the entire cohort, 244 (10.1%) women were diagnosed with UTIs based on bacterial cultures. The predominant bacteria in both pregnant and nonpregnant women were Escherichia coli (134, 54.9%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (48, 19.6%).

The antibiotic susceptibility criteria for Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were as follows: nitrofurantoin (94% and 18.8%, respectively), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (82.8% and 70.8%, respectively), ciprofloxacin (65.7% and 83.3%, respectively), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (65.7% and 79.2%, respectively) and cephalothin (47% and 68.8%, respectively).

Conclusion

Compared to the findings of other similar studies, the prevalence of UTIs was lower in pregnant women. This may be because the patient population was composed of healthy and educated women who received prenatal education and underwent prenatal assessment as per institutional guidelines. Nitrofurantoin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid are recommended for use as an empirical therapy for UTIs in pregnant and nonpregnant women because bacteria have the least amount of resistance to these drugs.
Longitudinal changes in serum immunoglobulin G testing in patients with fibrotic avian hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Authors: Okuda Ryo , Takemura Tamiko , Misumi Toshihiro , Sekine Akimasa , Hagiwara Eri , Ogura Takashi
Published: May 2024

Background

Evaluation of the antigen responsible for fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is challenging. Serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G testing against HP-associated antigens is performed. Although single-serum IgG testing has been investigated, multiple-serum IgG testing has not yet been studied.

Methods

This study included patients who underwent histopathological examination and positive inhalation challenge test as well as those with moderate or high HP guideline confidence level. Serum IgG testing against pigeon serum was conducted twice using two methods: enzyme linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and ImmunoCAP. The association between changes in serum IgG antibody titers and changes in forced vital capacity (FVC) and other parameters was investigated.

Results

In this study, 28 patients (mean age, 64.5 years; mean FVC, 85.3%) with fibrotic avian HP were selected, of whom 20 and 8 underwent surgical lung biopsy and transbronchial lung cryobiopsy, respectively. Of the 28 patients, 19 had been keeping birds for more than 6 months. A correlation was observed between the annual changes in serum IgG antibody titers by ELISA and changes in relative FVC (r =  − 0.6221, p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a correlation between the annual changes in serum IgG antibody titers by ImmunoCAP and changes in relative FVC (r =  − 0.4302, p = 0.022). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the change in serum IgG antibody titers by both ELISA and ImmunoCAP also influenced the relative FVC change (p = 0.012 and p = 0.015, respectively). Moreover, 13 patients were given additional treatments between the first and second blood test; however, the additional treatment group was not significantly different in relative FVC change compared to the group with no additional treatment (p = 0.982).

Conclusions

In patients with fibrotic avian HP, the annual changes in serum IgG testing were correlated with FVC changes, highlighting the importance of serum IgG testing over time.
External fixator versus elastic stable intramedullary nail for treatment of metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction fractures of the pediatric distal femur: a case-control study
Authors: Wen Yuwei , Wang Qiang , Song Baojian , Feng Wei , Zhu Danjiang
Published: May 2024

Background

Several methods have been used for the treatment of pediatric distal femoral fractures, such as elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN), external fixator (EF) and plate osteosynthesis, but there has been no consensus about the optimal method. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcome between EF and ESIN techniques used in metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction (MDJ) fractures of the pediatric distal femur.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed operatively treated MDJ fractures of pediatric distal femur between January 2015 and January 2022. Patient charts were reviewed for demographics, injury and data of radiography. All of the patients were divided into EF and ESIN groups according to the operation techniques. Malalignment was defined as more than 5 degrees of angular deformity in either plane. Clinical outcomes were measured by Flynn scoring system.

Results

Thirty-eight patients were included in this study, among which, 23 were treated with EF, and 15 with ESIN. The mean follow-up time was 18 months (12-24 months). At the final follow-up, all of the fractures were healed. Although there were no statistical differences between the two groups in demographic data, length of stay, estimated blood loss (EBL), rate of open reduction, time to fracture healing and Flynn score, the EF was superior to ESIN in operative time, fluoroscopic exposure and time to partial weight-bearing. The EF group had a significantly higher rate of skin irritation, while the ESIN had a significantly higher rate of malalignment.

Conclusion

EF and ESIN are both effective methods in the treatment of MDJ fractures of the pediatric distal femur. ESIN is associated with lower rates of skin irritation. However, EF technique has the advantages of shorter operative time, reduced fluoroscopic exposure, and shorter time to partial weight-bearing, as well as lower incidence of malalignment.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Foot and lower leg pain in children and adults with cerebral palsy: a population-based register study on 5,122 individuals
Authors: Jarlman Ebba , Hägglund Gunnar , Alriksson-Schmidt Ann I.
Published: May 2024

Background

Pain is common in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and the most reported pain site is the foot/lower leg. We analyzed the prevalence of pain in the foot/lower leg and the associations with age, sex, gross motor function, and clinical findings in individuals with CP.

Method

This was a cross-sectional register-study, based on data reported to the Swedish Cerebral Palsy Follow-up Program (CPUP). All participants in CPUP, four years-of-age or older, were included. Pearson chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to analyze the prevalence and degree of pain in the foot/lower leg.

Results

In total, 5,122 individuals were included from the CPUP database: 58% were males and 66% were under 18 years-of-age. Overall, 1,077 (21%) reported pain in the foot/lower leg. The odds ratios (ORs) of pain were higher in females (OR 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13–1.53), individuals who could ambulate (Gross Motor Function Classification System Level I (OR 1.84, CI 1.32–2.57) and II (OR 2.01, CI 1.46–2.79) compared to level V), and in individuals with decreased range of motion of the ankle (dorsiflexion 1–10 degrees (OR 1.43, CI 1.13–1.83) and ≤ 0 degrees (OR 1.46, CI 1.10–1.93) compared to ≥ 20 degrees). With increasing age the OR of pain increased (OR 1.02, CI 1.01–1.03) as well as the reported pain intensity (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Pain in the foot and lower leg appears to be a significant problem in individuals with CP, particularly in those who walk. As with pain in general in this population, both pain intensity and frequency increase with age. The odds of pain in the foot and lower leg were increased in individuals with limited dorsiflexion of the ankle. Given the cross-sectional design causality cannot be inferred and it is unknown if pain causes decreased range of motion of the ankle or if decreased range of motion causes pain. Further research is needed on causal pathways and importantly on prevention.
Evaluating the reliability of the lateral femoral condyle measuring methods by different modalities for patients with lateral patellar dislocation
Authors: Zhou Yunlong , Yu Anqi , Wu Xiaoan , Yao Jinjiang , Tan Hao , Wang Huaao , Lian Chengjie , Zhou Aiguo
Published: May 2024

Background

A variety of measurement methods and imaging modalities are in use to quantify the morphology of lateral femoral condyle (LFC), but the most reliable method remains elusive in patients with lateral patellar dislocation (LPD). The purpose of this study was to determine the intra- and inter-observer reliability of different measurement methods for evaluating the morphology of LFC on different imaging modalities in patients with LPD.

Methods

Seventy-three patients with LPD were included. Four parameters for quantifying the morphology of LFC were retrospectively measured by three observers on MRI, sagittal CT image, conventional radiograph (CR), and three-dimensional CT (3D–CT). The intra-class correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the intra- and inter-observer reliability. Bland–Altman analysis was conducted to identify the bias between observers.

Results

The lateral femoral condyle index (LFCI) showed better intra- and inter-observer reliability on MRI and 3D–CT than on CR and sagittal CT images. The mean difference in the LFCI between observers was lowest on 3D–CT (0.047), higher on MRI (0.053), and highest on sagittal CT images (0.062). The LFCI was associated with the lateral femoral condyle ratio (ρ = 0.422, P = 0.022), lateral condyle index (r = 0.413, P = 0.037), and lateral femoral condyle distance (r = 0.459, P = 0.014). The LFCI could be reliably measured by MRI and 3D–CT.

Conclusion

The LFCI could be reliably measured by MRI and 3D–CT. The LFCI was associated with both the height and length of LFC and could serve as a comprehensive parameter for quantifying the morphology of LFC in patients with LPD.