bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current with Electrical Theta Burst on Post-Stroke Motor Rehabilitation: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Huang Yi-Jing , Wang Shun-Min , Chen Chieh , Chen Chien-An , Wu Chun-Wei , Chen Jia-Jin , Peng Chih-Wei , Lin Che-Wei , Huang Shih-Wei , Chen Shih-Ching
Published: September 2022

Background:

High-definition transcranial electrical theta burst superimposing direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS-eTBS) not only incorporates the therapeutic advantages of tDCS and TBS but enhances stimulation focality and practicality. However, the applicability of this innovative neuromodulatory device in post-stroke rehabilitation remains uncertain.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the HD-tDCS-eTBS on upper extremity (UE) motor function in patients with chronic stroke.

Methods:

A patient-blinded, randomized controlled study was conducted. Twenty-four participants were randomly assigned into either the active HD-tDCS-eTBS group or sham HD-tDCS-eTBS group. Both groups received 20 minutes of active/sham HD-tDCS-eTBS combined with 30 minutes of conventional UE rehabilitation each time, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Outcome measures including the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity, Wolf Motor Function Test, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, Finger-Nose Test, and Modified Ashworth Scale were assessed before and immediately after the intervention period.

Results:

Spasticity of shoulder adductor ( P = .05), elbow extensor ( P = .04), and thumb flexor ( P < .01) were significantly reduced in the active HD-tDCS-eTBS group versus the sham group. Nonsignificant trends in the improvements of most other outcome measures were in favor of the active HD-tDCS-eTBS group with moderate to large effect sizes ( P = .06–.26, ηp2 = 0.06–0.16). No severe adverse events except for slight skin redness under the stimulus electrode was detected after the HD-tDCS-eTBS.

Conclusions:

Our findings support that HD-tDCS-eTBS is safe and has therapeutic potential for post-stroke UE motor rehabilitation.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04278105).
Pharmacological Role of Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew in Preventing Cyclophosphamide-induced Myelosuppression and Modulating Innate and Adaptive Immune Response
Authors: Farhan Rasheed Hafiz Muhammad , Jabeen Qaiser
Published: September 2022

Background

Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew is reported to be practiced in the traditional system of medicine for the management of various immunological pathologies.

Purpose

The current study was designed to evaluate the modulatory effects of C decidua on different immune responses.

Research Design

C decidua was extracted in 70% methanol and the crude extract (Cd.Cr) was analyzed by FTIR and GCMS. In vivo models were employed to assess the actions of Cd.Cr on cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression, innate and adaptive immune responses.

Results

GCMS and FTIR analysis indicated the presence of flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids and lipids. Cd.Cr evoked a significant and dose-dependent increase in percent neutrophil adhesion (15.97 ± .81, 27.47 ± .79 and 38.35 ± 1.08) and the phagocytic index (3.1 ± .04, 3.96 ± .06 and 5.28 ± .13) at the doses of 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg. Cd.Cr also potentiated haemagglutinating antibody titre, immunoglobulins and cytokines (interferon-γ and interleukin-2) production for 4 weeks, after exposure to sheep erythrocytes, and delayed type hypersensitivity reaction significantly ( P < .05). The restoration of hematological profile and antioxidant enzyme activities, by Cd.Cr, indicated the prevention of cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression and oxidative stress.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that C decidua holds immunomodulatory activity by thus possesses therapeutic potential for the management of immunological diseases.
External carotid artery pseudoaneurysm rupture in a patient with polycystic kidney disease: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Nagi Mohamed , D’Audiffret Alexandre , Katz Daniel
Published: September 2022

Background

Vascular abnormalities, including dissections and aneurysms, can be found in patients with autosomal dominant kidney disease (ADPKD). While intracranial aneurysms have been reported in 10%–25% of ADPCKD, occurrences at other locations are exceedingly rare.

Method

This is a first case report of a patient with ADPCKD who presented with a rupture of the left external carotid artery pseudoaneurysm.

Conclusion

Rupture of a carotid artery aneurysm is rare with potentially high morbidity. An endovascular and surgical approach are effective strategies for successful management that depends on etiology, location, and surgeon experience.
Validity and reliability of the persian version of the world health organization quality of life disabilities module
Authors: Sorkhi Nasibe , Akbarzade Isa , Nedjat Saharnaz , Khosravi Mohammad , Nazemipour Maryam , Memari Amir-Hossein , Mansournia Mohammad Ali
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the world health organization quality of life questionnaire for people with intellectual disability (WHOQOL-DIS-ID). This was a cross-sectional study of 118 adults with intellectual disability. Internal consistency and temporal reliability were evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Construct validity of the structure was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with the quality of life. Cronbach's alpha for all, but not for discrimination area, as well as ICC for all questions except for 23 and 6, were higher than 0.7. The variables such as periodic check-up, number of friends, entertainment outside the home, parental separation, physical activity, unmet needs score, caregiver's mental health status, and available facilities were the predictors of QOL. The Persian version of the WHOQOL-DIS-ID shows acceptable validity and reliability.
‘It is not about punishment, it’s about protection’: Policing ‘vulnerabilities’ and the securitisation of public health in the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Russell Emma K , Phillips Tarryn , Gaylor Averyl , Trabsky Marc
Published: September 2022

This article advances a critical analysis of the concept of ‘vulnerability’ and highlights the ways in which it can work to justify the pre-emptive detention and over-policing of marginalised populations. Building on a historical analysis of the entanglement between public health directives and carceral techniques of securitisation, we provide a contemporary case study of the ‘hard lockdown’ of nine public housing towers in Melbourne, Australia in July 2020, at the start of the city’s second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A thematic analysis of media discourses surrounding this event reveals that tower residents were constructed as vulnerable across four interconnecting discourses: spatially, culturally, behaviourally and psychologically. This enabled government actors to frame the exceptional mobilisation of police powers and detention directives to peoples’ homes as caring measures, despite their punitive optics and effects. Our analysis suggests that the pandemic has heightened the securitisation of public health measures, which can extend notions of racial inferiority and pathology, and compound social and economic inequalities. It indicates the need for further interrogation of the nexus between ‘care’ and control and the intensification of police powers in times of crisis.
Anxiety and its associated factors among inmates in ARBA Minch and JINKA town, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Abdulkadir Hanan , Girma Meseret , Gebru Zeleke , Sidamo Negussie Boti , Temesgen Gebremaryam , Jemal Kiyar
Published: September 2022

Background

The prison populations are more affected by mental illness than the general population but little attention is given to this population. And there is a limitation of study on the magnitude of anxiety and its associated factors. So this study aimed to assess the magnitude of anxiety and its associated factors among prisoners in Arba Minch and Jinka town, Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 650 randomly selected prisoners at Arba Minch and Jinka town. Data was collected by using open data kit then converted to excel and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Descriptive statistics including frequency, means, and proportion were performed. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the associated variables. P < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.

Results

The proportion of Anxiety among prisoners was 28% [N = 174, (95%CI, 25–32%)]. Age ≥ 48 (AOR = 4.21, 95%CI 1.99–8.93), age 38–47 (3.95, 1.94–8.07), being an urban resident (2.48, 1.56–3.95), not doing physical exercise (2.71, 1.53–4.79), having a chronic disease (1.63, 1.07–2.47), having 1–2 stressful life events (2.92, 1.59–5.35), duration of punishment > 5 years (2.92, 1.59–5.35) and lack of income-generating job in prison (2.54, 1.48–4.35) were significantly associated with anxiety.

Conclusion

The magnitude of anxiety among prisoners was high. Age ≥ 48 and 38–47, urban residence, not doing physical exercise, having a chronic disease, having 1–2 stressful life events, duration of punishment > 5 years, and lack of income-generating job in prison were significantly associated with anxiety. Giving special attention and being supportive to older age and those who have a chronic disease, facilitating physical exercise, creating job opportunity in the prison, and giving training for prisoners on stress coping mechanism and anxiety is recommended.
Comparison of self-collected versus clinician collected cervicovaginal specimens for detection of high risk human papillomavirus among HIV infected women in Ethiopia
Authors: Bogale Agajie Likie , Teklehaymanot Tilahun , Ali Jemal Haidar , Kassie Getnet Mitike , Medhin Girmay , Baye Ajanaw Yizengaw , Shiferaw Amelework Yilma
Published: September 2022

Background

In order to meet the WHO 2030 cervical cancer elimination program, evaluation and utilization of sensitive testing method, and feasible sampling technique is a paradigm for enhancing cervical cancer screening coverage. Self-sampling for screening of HPV DNA testing is one of the easiest and sensitive techniques, though the evidence was limited in the Ethiopian context. This study aimed to compare the performance of self-collected vaginal specimen versus clinician collected cervical specimen for detection of HPV among HIV positive women in Ethiopia.

Methods

We conducted a comparative cross-sectional study design to collect cervicovaginal specimens among HIV positive women of age older than 24 years. Data were collected from six government hospitals from January to October 2021. A total of 994 cervicovaginal specimens was collected by clinicians and HIV positive women themselves in the cervical cancer screening unit using Abbott Cervi-Collect Specimen Collection Kit, and molecular HPV testing was conducted. Data were entered into an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Sensitivity, specificity and kappa were reported with p < 0.05 considered as statistically significant.

Results

The prevalence of high-risk HPV was 29.4% among self-sampled specimen and 23.9% among clinician collected specimens. The overall concordance of the test result was 87.3%. Oncogenic HPV types, other than HPV16&18 were predominant in both sampling techniques, 19.9% from vaginal self-collected specimen and 16.7% of clinician collected cervical specimens. The sensitivity and specificity of self-sampled HPV test was 84.0% and 88.4%, respectively. The level of agreement was good (k = 0.68) and statistically significant (p < 0.001). The discriminatory power of the test as true positive and negative was excellent with an area under the curve of 0.86.

Conclusion

The magnitude of oncogenic HPV was higher in self-collected samples than the clinician collected specimen with good agreement between the two sampling methods. Thus, we recommend the Ministry of Health in Ethiopia to expand utilization of the self-sampled technique and enhance the coverage of screening in the country.
A relational approach to improving interprofessional teamwork in post-partum haemorrhage (PPH)
Authors: Brazil Victoria , McLean Darren , Lowe Belinda , Kordich Lada , Cullen Deborah , De Araujo Victoria , Eldridge Talia , Purdy Eve
Published: September 2022

Background

Post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) is an obstetric emergency that requires effective teamwork under complex conditions. We explored healthcare team performance for women who suffered a PPH, focusing on relationships and culture as critical influences on teamwork behaviours and outcomes.

Methods

In collaboration with clinical teams, we implemented structural, process and relational interventions to improve teamwork in PPH cases. We were guided by the conceptual framework of Relational Coordination and used a mixed methods approach to data collection and analysis. We employed translational simulation as a central, but not singular, technique for enabling exploration and improvement. Key themes were identified from surveys, focus groups, simulation sessions, interviews, and personal communications over a 12-month period.

Results

Four overarching themes were identified: 1) Teamwork, clear roles and identified leadership are critical. 2) Relational factors powerfully underpin teamwork behaviours—shared goals, shared knowledge, and mutual respect. 3) Conflict and poor relationships can and should be actively explored and addressed to improve performance. 4) Simulation supports improved team performance through multifaceted mechanisms.

One year after the project commenced, significant progress had been made in relationships and systems. Clinical outcomes have improved; despite unprecedented increase in labour ward activity, there has not been any increase in large PPHs.

Conclusions

Teamwork, relationships, and the context of care can be actively shaped in partnership with clinicians to support high performance in maternity care. We present our multifaceted approach as a guide for leaders and clinicians in maternity teams, and as an exemplar for others enacting quality improvement in healthcare.
Humoral response among patients with interstitial lung disease vaccinated with the BNT162b2 SARS-Cov-2 vaccine: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Pertzov Barak , Shmueli Einat , Ben Zvi Haim , Massarweh Amir , Barkan Tamar , Ness Asaf , Shostak Yael , Freidkin Lev , Shtraichman Osnat , Kramer Mordechai R.
Published: September 2022

Background

Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) are at high risk of severe COVID-19 infection. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic treatment may cause immunosuppression. Nevertheless, their ability to mount an adequate immune response to messenger RNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines was not evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the humoral response after the BNT162b2 vaccine among idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients treated with antifibrotic therapy and among non-IPF ILD patients treated with anti-inflammatory therapy.

Methods

We conducted an observational prospective cohort study to evaluate the level of anti-spike (S-IgG) antibodies after two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine in patients with ILD. The cohort included 40 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) treated with anti-fibrotic therapy and 29 patients with non-IPF ILD treated with anti-inflammatory therapy. For S-IgG titer measurement, one serology test was drawn from all patients 4–6 months after the second vaccine dose. In addition a control group matched for age and sex was created from a healthy control cohort of 107 patients. The study was conducted in Rabin Medical Center (Israel) between June and August 2021.

Results

All patients in the anti-fibrotic arm were seropositive (40/40), corresponding to the matched control group (P = 1.0). The anti-fibrotic arm had a significantly lower median antibody titer in comparison to the matched control group (361.10 [IQR, 207–811] AU/ml vs. 820.75 [IQR, 459–1313] AU/ml; P < 0.001). Only 48.3% (14/29) of patients in the anti-inflammatory arm were seropositive in comparison to 100% (29/29) in the healthy control group (P < 0.001). The anti-inflammatory arm had a significantly lower median antibody titer in comparison to the healthy control group (39.6 [IQR, 4.25–165] AU/ml vs. 970.1 [IQR, 505–1926] AU/ml; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

IPF patients treated with antifibrotic therapy mount an adequate immune response after 2 doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine, and maintain a 100% seropositivity rate 4–6 months after vaccination. However, their antibody titer was reduced in comparison to a healthy control group. Among patients with non-IPF ILD treated with anti-inflammatory therapy, 48% were seronegative 4–6 months after the second vaccine dose. Moreover, treatment with rituximab caused significant immunosuppression, even in comparison to other anti-inflammatory treatments.
Drp1 activates ROS/HIF-1α/EZH2 and triggers mitochondrial fragmentation to deteriorate hypercalcemia-associated neuronal injury in mouse model of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Sun Hongming , Li Xitong , Chen Xin , Xiong Yingquan , Cao Yaochen , Wang Ziqiang
Published: September 2022

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), characterized as renal dysfunction, is regarded as a major public health problem which carries a high risk of cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional significance of Drp1 in hypercalcemia-associated neuronal damage following CKD and the associated mechanism.

Methods

Initially, the CKD mouse models were established. Next, RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis were performed to measure expression of Fis1 and Drp1 in CKD. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay were utilized to explore the relationship among Drp1, HIF-1α, EZH2, and ROS with primary cortical neurons isolated from neonatal mice. Next, CKD mice were subjected to calcitonin treatment or manipulation with adenovirus expressing sh-Drp1, so as to explore the effects of Drp1 on hypercalcemia-induced neuronal injury in CKD. TUNEL assay and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect apoptosis and NeuN-positive cells (neurons) in prefrontal cortical tissues of CKD mice.

Results

It was found that hypercalcemia could induce neuronal injury in CKD mice. An increase of Fis1 and Drp1 expression in cerebral cortex of CKD mice correlated with mitochondrial fragmentation. Calcitonin suppressed Drp1/Fis1-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation to attenuate hypercalcemia-induced neuronal injury after CKD. Additionally, Drp1 could increase EZH2 expression through the binding of HIF-1α to EZH2 promoter via elevating ROS generation. Furthermore, Drp1 knockdown inhibited hypercalcemia-induced neuronal injury in CKD while overexpression of EZH2 could reverse this effect in vivo.

Conclusion

Taken together, the key findings of the current study demonstrate the promotive role of Drp1 in mitochondrial fragmentation which contributes to hypercalcemia-induced neuronal injury in CKD.
Flufenamic acid improves survival and neurologic outcome after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation in mice
Authors: Chen Jiancong , Chang Yuan , Zhu Juan , Peng Yuqin , Li Zheqi , Zhang Kunxue , Zhang Yuzhen , Lin Chuman , Lin Zhenzhou , Pan Suyue , Huang Kaibin
Published: September 2022

Background

Brain injury is the main cause of high mortality and disability after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from sudden cardiac arrest (CA). The transient receptor potential M4 (TRPM4) channel is a novel target for ameliorating blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption and neuroinflammation. Herein, we tested whether flufenamic acid (FFA), which is reported to block TRPM4 with high potency, could confer neuroprotection against brain injury secondary to CA/CPR and whether its action was exerted by blocking the TRPM4 channel.

Methods

Wild-type (WT) and Trpm4 knockout (Trpm4−/−) mice subjected to 10-min CA/CPR were randomized to receive FFA or vehicle once daily. Post-CA/CPR brain injuries including neurologic deficits, survival rate, histological damage, edema formation, BBB destabilization and neuroinflammation were assessed.

Results

In WT mice subjected to CA/CPR, FFA was effective in improving survival and neurologic outcome, reducing neuropathological injuries, attenuating brain edema, lessening the leakage of IgG and Evans blue dye, restoring tight junction protein expression and promoting microglia/macrophages from the pro-inflammatory subtype toward the anti-inflammatory subtype. In comparison to WT mice, Trpm4−/− mice exhibited less neurologic deficiency, milder histological impairment, more BBB integrity and more anti-inflammatory microglia/macrophage polarization. As expected, FFA did not provide a benefit of superposition compared with vehicle in the Trpm4−/− mice after CA/CPR.

Conclusions

FFA mitigates BBB breach and modifies the functional status of microglia/macrophages, thereby improving survival and neurologic deficits following CA/CPR. The neuroprotective effects occur at least partially by interfering with the TRPM4 channel in the neurovascular unit. These results indicate the significant clinical potential of FFA to improve the prognosis for CA victims who are successfully resuscitated.
Effect of ischemic compression on myofascial pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Wei , Li Jiong , Tian Ye , Lu Xingang
Published: September 2022

Background

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a condition with local and referred pain characterized by trigger points (taut bands within the muscle). Ischemic compression is a noninvasive manual therapy technique that has been employed for the treatment of MPS in past decades. However, little attention has been devoted to this topic.

Objectives

The present review was designed to explore the efficacy of ischemic compression for myofascial pain syndrome by performing a descriptive systematic review and a meta-analysis to estimate the effect of ischemic compression on MPS.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis concerning randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with myofascial pain subjects who received ischemic compression versus placebo, sham, or usual interventions. Five databases (PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Ovid) were searched from the earliest data available to 2022.1.2. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for statistics. Version 2 of the Cochrane risk of tool 2 (RoB 2) was used to assess the quality of the included RCTs.

Results

Seventeen studies were included in the systematic review, and 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis. For the pressure pain threshold (PPT) index, 11 studies and 427 subjects demonstrated statistically significant differences compared with the control at posttreatment (SMD = 0.67, 95% CI [0.35, 0.98], P < 0.0001, I2 = 59%). For visual analog scale (VAS) or numeric rating scale (NRS) indices, 7 studies and 251 subjects demonstrated that there was no significant difference between ischemic compression and controls posttreatment (SMD = − 0.22, 95% CI [− 0.53, 0.09], P = 0.16, I2 = 33%).

Conclusion

Ischemic compression, as a conservative and noninvasive therapy, only enhanced tolerance to pain in MPS subjects compared with inactive control. Furthermore, there was no evidence of benefit for self-reported pain. The number of currently included subjects was relatively small, so the conclusion may be changed by future studies. Big scale RCTs with more subjects will be critical in future.
Robotic-assisted pulmonary lobectomy with lung cancer in a patient with situs inversus totalis
Authors: Yang Chen , Jin Wenjian , Fan Xiao , Zheng Liang , Wang Hui , Wang Qianyun
Published: September 2022

Background

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a relatively rare congenital abnormality in which the major thoracic and abdominal visceral organs are reversed from their usual positions. In patients with SIT and bronchial carcinoma, surgical difficulty increases sharply. It has been reported that the video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) still poses the operator to a challenge situation. The similarity of surgical positions and the flexibility of the mechanical arm in robotic surgery, may be beneficial to SIT patients due to reducing technical difficulties. Here, we present a first case of SIT patient with lung cancer, in which Da Vinci robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) was performed successfully.

Case presentation

A 66-year old patient, previously diagnosed with SIT since childhood, came to our hospital with two pulmonary nodules in his left lung field. The bigger one had increased somewhat for the last 2 years of follow-up. Software Mimics was preoperatively carried out to analyze anatomical variations. RATS was conducted to complete left upper lobectomy and left middle wedge resection. The patient had no intraoperative complications and was discharged day 5 after the operation.

Conclusions

This is the first report of a successful robot-assisted lung cancer resection in a patient with SIT. In such challenging cases as lung cancer and rare anomaly as SIT, RATS is more advantageous and suitable than VATS with the help of software Mimics utilized for 3D reconstruction, which can identify the anatomical abnormalities and facilitate the surgical procedures.
Integrating spaceborne LiDAR and Sentinel-2 images to estimate forest aboveground biomass in Northern China
Authors: Jiang Fugen , Deng Muli , Tang Jie , Fu Liyong , Sun Hua
Published: September 2022

Background

Fast and accurate forest aboveground biomass (AGB) estimation and mapping is the basic work of forest management and ecosystem dynamic investigation, which is of great significance to evaluate forest quality, resource assessment, and carbon cycle and management. The Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2), as one of the latest launched spaceborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors, can penetrate the forest canopy and has the potential to obtain accurate forest vertical structure parameters on a large scale. However, the along-track segments of canopy height provided by ICESat-2 cannot be used to obtain comprehensive AGB spatial distribution. To make up for the deficiency of spaceborne LiDAR, the Sentinel-2 images provided by google earth engine (GEE) were used as the medium to integrate with ICESat-2 for continuous AGB mapping in our study. Ensemble learning can summarize the advantages of estimation models and achieve better estimation results. A stacking algorithm consisting of four non-parametric base models which are the backpropagation (BP) neural network, k-nearest neighbor (kNN), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF) was proposed for AGB modeling and estimating in Saihanba forest farm, northern China.

Results

The results show that stacking achieved the best AGB estimation accuracy among the models, with an R2 of 0.71 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 45.67 Mg/ha. The stacking resulted in the lowest estimation error with the decreases of RMSE by 22.6%, 27.7%, 23.4%, and 19.0% compared with those from the BP, kNN, SVM, and RF, respectively.

Conclusion

Compared with using Sentinel-2 alone, the estimation errors of all models have been significantly reduced after adding the LiDAR variables of ICESat-2 in AGB estimation. The research demonstrated that ICESat-2 has the potential to improve the accuracy of AGB estimation and provides a reference for dynamic forest resources management and monitoring.
Prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 8 mosaicism, initially identified by cffDNA screening
Authors: Hu Junjie , Yan Kai , Jin Pengzhen , Yang Yanmei , Sun Yixi , Dong Minyue
Published: September 2022

Background

So called cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) in the maternal plasma, which is derived from placenta, is widely used to screen fetal aneuploidies, including trisomy 21, 18, 13 and sex chromosomes. Here we reported a case of trisomy 8 mosaicism (T8M), which was initially identified via cffDNA screening in noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT).

Methods

A 35-year-old woman received cffDNA screening at 17th week of gestation. Amniocentesis was performed subsequently, and karyotyping, single-nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-array) and BACs-on-Beads™ (BoBs™) were used to determine fetal chromosome content. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was applied to determine the copy number of chromosome 8.

Results

An enhanced risk for fetal trisomy 8 was identified by cffDNA screening in the studied pregnant woman. After amniocentesis trisomy 8 was found in 1 of 73 metaphases. SNP-array on DNA derived from cultured amniocytes and neonatal cord blood cells suggested the presence of T8M. Interphase FISH on native neonatal cord blood cells confirmed T8M with a percentage of 10%. The Bobs™ fluorescence data also suggested that 8q23-8q24 was amplified.

Conclusions

The current study shows that NIPT is suited to provide hints on rare autosomal trisomies, which have to be further validated and confirmed by other approaches.
Functional performance of the upper limb and the most common boxing-related injuries in male boxers: a retrospective, observational, comparative study with non-boxing population
Authors: Giannatos Vasileios , Panagopoulos Andreas , Antzoulas Panagiotis , I. Giakoumakis Savvas , Lakoumentas John , Kouzelis Antonis
Published: September 2022

Background

To investigate the functional status and recording the most common injuries of the upper limb in male Greek boxing squad in comparison to the general population.

Methods

A retrospective injury surveillance study using an electronic questionnaire was performed in 2021. The questionnaire was sent to male members of the Greek Boxing Federation and consisted of three parts. Demographic data, functional status scales, training conditions, hours of training, the location and description of upper limb injuries and whether the injury occurred during competition or training and also whether it was a new or a recurrent one were gathered. The same questionnaire was sent to non-boxer males (military recruits), but without asking them to report any training parameters. Inclusion criteria were age < 35 years-old for all participants and no involvement in martial arts for the control group. Also, all participants (boxers and non-boxers) completed the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scale and the Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (quick-DASH) score.

Results

The final study cohort was consisted of 62 elite or amateur boxers and 75 non-boxer males, less than 35 years old. The quick-DASH score was found to be significantly lower (better) in boxers in comparison to the general population (15.65 ± 10.25 vs. 12.55 ± 8.62;p = 0.020) whereas the PRWE score was similar in both groups (9.25 ± 14.96 vs. 8.61 ± 13.05;p = 0.843). Physical therapy sessions, thumb injuries and boxer’s knuckle were also found to be significantly higher in the boxers group. On the other hand, upper limb surgeries were significantly less in the boxers group. Finally, the size of boxing gloves was associated to the number of finger fractures, thumb injuries and ulnar sided wrist pain in boxers.

Conclusions

Although a controversial sport, boxing appears to have no long-term consequences to the upper limb function, especially regarding hand performance. The size of gloves during heavy bag training was found to be an aggravating factor for hand injuries.
E-cadherin maintains the undifferentiated state of mouse spermatogonial progenitor cells via β-catenin
Authors: Song Weixiang , Zhang Danchen , Mi Jiaqi , Du Wenfei , Yang Yang , Chen Rong , Tian Cong , Zhao Xiaodong , Zou Kang
Published: September 2022

Background

Cadherins play a pivotal role in facilitating intercellular interactions between spermatogonial progenitor cells (SPCs) and their surrounding microenvironment. Specifically, E-cadherin serves as a cellular marker of SPCs in many species. Depletion ofE-cadherinin mouse SPCs showed no obvious effect on SPCs homing and spermatogenesis.

Results

Here, we investigated the regulatory role of E-cadherin in regulating SPCs fate. Specific deletion ofE-cadherinin germ cells was shown to promote SPCs differentiation, evidencing by reduced PLZF+population and increasedc-Kit+population in mouse testes.E-cadherinloss down-regulated the expression level ofβ-catenin, leading to the reduced β-catenin in nuclear localization for transcriptional activity. Remarkably, increasing expression level of Cadherin-22 (CDH22) appeared specifically afterE-cadherindeletion, indicating CDH22 played a synergistic effect with E-cadherin in SPCs. By searching for the binding partners of β-catenin, Lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1), T-cell factor (TCF3), histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) and signal transducer and activator 3 (STAT3) were identified as suppressors of SPCs differentiation by regulating acetylation of differentiation genes with PLZF.

Conclusions

Two surface markers of SPCs, E-cadherin and Cadherin-22, synergically maintain the undifferentiation of SPCs via the pivotal intermediate molecule β-catenin. LEF1, TCF3, STAT3 and HDAC4 were identified as co-regulatory factors of β-catenin in regulation of SPC fate. These observations revealed a novel regulatory pattern of cadherins on SPCs fate.
What evidence exists on the impact of sustainability initiatives on smallholder engagement in sustainable palm oil practices in Southeast Asia: a systematic map protocol
Authors: Lai Jia Yen , Mardiyaningsih Dyah Ita , Rahmadian Faris , Hamzah Nurfatin
Published: September 2022

Background

Smallholding plantations represent approximately 40% of the total palm oil plantation area globally. For any certifications, standards, and other instruments to achieve more ethical and sustainable palm oil supply chains, it is essential to improve smallholder engagement in the schemes. A large body of research has built up our understanding of the challenges of engaging smallholders in sustainability initiatives in various sites and countries. A broad systematic understanding of how different types of sustainability initiatives can support or restrict smallholders from access to market and different resources and under which economic and social conditions are not yet developed. This systematic map aims to identify, map, and describe the body of evidence that exists on the positive and negative impacts of sustainability initiatives on smallholder engagement in palm oil practices in Southeast Asia. The findings are expected to inform policies and practices on smallholder engagement in sustainable palm oil supply chains and identify evidence gaps where future primary studies and evidence syntheses can contribute.

Methods

We will develop a guiding framework of interventions through other works on supply chain instruments. We will then construct a test library of 39 items through field expert consultations and snowballing using literature search algorithms. The search will cover four publication databases, five bibliographic databases, and 13 topical and organizational websites. We will search for existing evidence syntheses and primary research studies in Southeast Asia countries published between 2008 and 2021. This systematic map will only include English language articles due to our limited capacity. We will screen the search results at the title/abstract and the full-text levels. Numbers of included/excluded items and reasons for exclusion will be noted and visualized via a ROSES flow diagram. We will develop a data extraction form for assessing data useful for reporting current trends of smallholder engagement in sustainable palm oil initiatives. A random sample of 20% of the included articles will be assessed for validity using Joanne Briggs Institute’s critical appraisal checklist. We will then organize and summarize the data according to the defined PICO.
Application of nonparametric item response theory in determining the one-dimensionality and adaptability of TOEFL iBT listening test
Authors: Ghaemi Hamed
Published: September 2022

Listening comprehension in English, as one of the most fundamental skills, has an essential role in the process of learning English. Non-parametric item Response Theory (NIRT) is a probabilistic-nonparametric approach to item response theory (IRT) which determines the one-dimensionality and adaptability of test. NIRT techniques are a useful tool for researchers who wish to construct one-dimensional tests. The current study utilized the NIRT to examine adaptability of TEOFL iBT listening test, administered on 400 EFL university students in the Iranian context. The results illustrated no main concerns in terms of item adaptability. It was concluded that the ordering of items according to their mean is invariant across examinees. Dimensionality analysis results depicted that the test is one dimensional -confirming evidence of the validity of the test in measuring a single ability dimension. The empirical application depicted a potential and feasible approach, whereby NIRT could be used as a valuable method for exploring the behavior of scaled items in response to varying levels of a latent trait in education research.
Vitality evaluation of historical and cultural districts based on the values dimension: districts in Beijing City, China
Authors: Zhang Yan , Han Yikuan
Published: September 2022

Historical and cultural districts are an important part of the urban heritage environment, reflecting the urban characteristics and carrying the core value of urban development. At present, most of the research on the vitality of historical and cultural districts mainly carries out quantitative evaluation from the two aspects of material space and time dimension, while the analysis on the value level is weakened, and the content of value type evaluation is also ignored. Value is the main factor affecting the vitality of historical and cultural districts, and it is also the core content to keep them alive. Therefore, this study takes nine historical and cultural districts of three types (cultural, commercial and residential) in Beijing, the capital of China, as examples to form a vitality evaluation framework with value as the evaluation goal, and select three indicators: historical value (including historical environment, cultural environment and spatial environment), use value (including communication environment, business environment and residential environment) and sustainable value (including educational environment, attraction and creativity), which correspond to the past, present and future of the heritage respectively. The literature summary method is used to get the evaluation content, the ranking analytic hierarchy process is used to determine the index weight, experts are invited to score, and the influence degree of each factor is comprehensively ranked and analyzed. Finally, it puts forward the evaluation system of historical and cultural districts. The framework can be used to collect expert opinions, conduct quantitative value evaluation, and adjust various indicators in practice before the protection strategy of historical and cultural districts is proposed. The results show that at present, Shichahai, Nanluoguxiang and Fuchengmennei have the highest vitality among the three types. The blocks that mainly embody cultural value have higher vitality than those that mainly embody commercial value and residential value.
President's Page: Geothermal energy: Current and future
Authors: Cheng Arthur
Published: September 2022

Geothermal energy is a key component and crucial part of the transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy. There are many places on earth where one can produce significant amounts of electricity from geothermal reservoirs. In addition to electricity generation, geothermal energy is used extensively for space heating. The identification, construction, and operation of a geothermal energy system requires the combined expertise of geologists, engineers, and geophysicists. As we strive for carbon-neutral energy solutions, geothermal energy will play an increasingly important part in our future.
Digital transformation in rock physics: Deep learning and data fusion
Authors: Liu Mingliang , Mukerji Tapan
Published: September 2022

Rock physics plays an essential role in geophysical reservoir characterization. It aims to build a bridge between geophysical measurements and in-situ rock and fluid properties. With the advancement of microscopic imaging and computer science, rock physics is transitioning to the digital age. This is referred to as digital rock physics (DRP). DRP provides a nondestructive and efficient way to determine physical rock properties directly from digital images. Over the last decades, it has become a routine tool in reservoir characterization by complementing or replacing expensive and time-consuming laboratory measurements. With the emergence of deep learning, DRP has advanced significantly from image processing to physical simulation. This paper presents an application of deep learning in multiscale fusion of digital rock images. It aims to overcome the trade-off between image resolution and field of view (FoV) by integrating imaging data from multiple sources including (1) 3D microcomputed tomography images at micronscale with a large FoV and (2) 2D scanning electron microscopy images at nanoscale with a small FoV. The reconstructed image integrates information of microstructures at different scales and helps characterize heterogeneous porous rocks more accurately. It is helpful to improve the prediction accuracy of effective rock properties and to have deeper insight into physical processes at pore scale. Data fusion based on deep learning would unlock new pathways for geophysical characterization of porous rocks, with broad implications for various subsurface applications such as groundwater transport, enhanced oil recovery, and geologic carbon sequestration.
Predicting sonic and density logs from drilling parameters using temporal convolutional networks
Authors: Smith Robert , Bakulin Andrey , Golikov Pavel , AlBinHassan Nasher
Published: September 2022

Sonic and bulk density logs are crucial inputs for many subsurface tasks including formation identification, completion design, and porosity estimation. Economic and operational concerns restrict the acquisition of these logs, meaning the overburden and sometimes entire wells are completely unlogged. In contrast, parameters that monitor drilling operations, such as weight on bit and torque, are recorded for every borehole. Previous studies have applied supervised machine learning approaches to predict these missing logs from the drilling parameters. While the results are promising, they often do not investigate the importance of different features and the corresponding practical implications. Here, we explored the feasibility of predicting compressional slowness and bulk density logs using various combinations of formation markers, gamma-ray logs, and drilling data recorded at the rig. Our tests utilized a temporal convolutional network to allow the model to learn from sequences of input features. Bayesian-based hyperparameter tuning found the optimum set of parameters for each experiment before producing the final log predictions. Finally, a permutation feature importance analysis revealed which input variables contributed most to the outputs. Although drilling parameters contain some insight into the mechanical rock properties, we found that they cannot produce the high-quality log predictions required for many tasks. Supplementing the drilling parameters with a gamma-ray log and formation data produces good-quality log predictions, with the additional inputs helping to constrain the model outputs.
A Perfect Storm Averted: Flawed Systems, a Dropped Ball, and Cognitive Biases Delay a Critical Diagnosis
Authors: Roberts Thomas J. , Sellars Maclean C. , Sands Jacob M. , Jacobson Joseph O.
Published: September 2022

This is the first case of Cancer Morbidity, Mortality, and Improvement Rounds, a series of articles intended to explore the unique safety risks experienced by oncology patients through the lens of quality improvement, systems and human factors engineering, and cognitive psychology. This case highlights how multiple overlapping factors contributed to a delay in diagnosing disseminated tuberculosis in a patient with lung cancer. The discussion focuses on the ways that cognitive biases contributed to the delayed diagnosis in a patient who, with the benefit of hindsight, exhibited several signs and symptoms suggesting tuberculosis.

Cancer Morbidity, Mortality, and Improvement Rounds is a series of articles intended to explore the unique safety risks experienced by oncology patients through the lens of quality improvement, systems and human factors engineering, and cognitive psychology. For purposes of clarity, each case focuses on a single theme, although, as is true for all medical incidents, there are almost always multiple, overlapping, contributing factors. The quality improvement paradigm used here, which focuses on root cause analyses and opportunities to improve care delivery systems, was previously outlined in this journal. 1
Studying the Implementation of Exercise Oncology Interventions: A Path Forward
Authors: Adsul Prajakta , Schmitz Kathryn , Basen-Engquist Karen M. , Rogers Laura Q.
Published: September 2022

Introduction/Purpose

Extensive scientific evidence supports exercise benefits after a cancer diagnosis, and the field now needs to focus on elucidating effective strategies for implementing exercise evidence-based interventions (EBIs) for cancer survivors.

Methods

This article brings together three implementation efforts to describe pragmatic observations and strategies when implementing exercise oncology EBIs in nonresearch settings. From these projects, we report on common implementation barriers and facilitators. We then mapped these observations and strategies on to the phases and processes described in the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment framework.

Results

The first implementation project used key stakeholders’ perspectives to develop a toolkit to implement Better Exercise Adherence after Treatment for Cancer, a self-managed intervention led by fitness professionals. The second project adapted a physical activity behavior change intervention (Active Living after Cancer) for use in the broader community. The third project adapted an in-person exercise intervention in a community setting (Physical Activity and Lymphedema) into an outpatient rehabilitation setting, including home-based intervention elements (Strength after Breast Cancer). We retrospectively collated and operationalized the implementation strategies based on the Experts Recommending Implementation Change study. The most common implementation barriers were related to funding, organizational capacity and training, relationship building, patient referral, and engagement with patients.

Conclusions

These implementation strategies provide initial starting points for the implementation of exercise oncology EBIs in clinical and community settings while also serving as examples for future implementation research to advance the translation of exercise oncology evidence.