bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Outcomes Following Open Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery: A Comparative Study Between Patients with and Without Diabetes Using the QuickDASH Scores
Authors: Alhassan Yaser , Ashour Abdulrahman , Ashour Abdullah , Hamdi Amre , Saggaf Omar
Published: April 2023

Purpose
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a neuropathological disorder, is the most common upper limb manifestation; it affects 6.7% of the general population and leads to medical costs of approximately half a billion dollars per year in the United States. The clinical symptoms of CTS include pain, numbness, tingling, autonomic disturbances, and weakness. There is controversy regarding diabetes as a risk factor for worse clinical outcomes in patients with CTS. This study aimed to compare the functional outcomes following carpal tunnel release between patients with and without diabetes using the QuickDASH scores.
Methods
In this case-control retrospective study, we reviewed patients who underwent open carpal tunnel release surgery at our Department of Orthopaedic Surgery between March 2012 and September 2022. The patients were interviewed using a questionnaire to collect demographic data and medical and surgical history; the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire (Arabic version) was also administered.
Results
Overall, 85 patients were included, 43 patients (51.6%) without diabetes and 42 (49.4%) with diabetes. The most prevalent co-morbidity was Diabetes followed by Hypertension (51.6% and 42.4%, respectively). Overall, the mean QuickDASH score was 25.1 (standard deviation [SD], 20.7); it was 31.927 in patients with diabetes and 18.5 in those without diabetes (p = 0.002).
Conclusion
Patients with diabetes had worse functional outcomes than did those without diabetes. Understanding the intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors will aid in the better management of patients. Optimum management of these patients associated risk factors, will contribute to more desirable outcome.
How to improve mRNA-based CAR-T cell generation and functionality? A lab-scale comparison
Authors: Auw Nadine , Serfling Robert , Kitte Reni , Hilger Nadja , Zhang Chengkang , Fricke Stephan , Tretbar U. Sandy
Published: April 2023

Process development for transferring lab-scale research workflows to automated manufacturing procedures is critical chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies. Thereby, the key factor for cell viability, expansion, modification, and functionality is the optimal combination of medium and T cell activator as well as their regulatory compliance for later manufacturing under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). In this study, we compared two protocols for CAR-mRNA-modified T cell generation using our current lab-scale process, analyzed all mentioned parameters, and evaluated the protocols’ potential for upscaling and process development of mRNA-based CAR-T cell therapies.
Rhodanine composite fluorescence probes to detect amyloid-beta aggregated species in Alzheimer's disease models
Authors: Rai Himanshu , Singh Rishabh , Bharti Prahalad , Kumar Prabhat , Rai Sanskriti , Varma Tanmay , Chauhan Brijesh Singh , Nilakhe Aishwarya , Debnath Joy , Mishra Vijay , Gupta Sarika , Krishnamurthy Sairam , Yang Jian , Garg Prabha , Srikris Saripella , Kumar Saroj , Modi Gyan
Published: April 2023

Molecular near-infrared (NIR) imaging is an emerging pre-clinical tool for labeling Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenic biomarkers, especially cerebral amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques. Herein, we present a series of acceptor-π-donor based molecular NIR probes, composed of rhodanine (acceptor fragment) in conjugation with coumarin or carbostyril (donor fragment) nucleus. The most promising probe19has a desirable binding affinity (Kd= 0.143 μM) against Aβ aggregates with little or no nonspecific interaction with BSA, minimal cytotoxicity, good brain permeability, desirable plasma stability, and fluorescence sustainability profile across a comprehensive physiological pH range. Histological fluorescence imaging revealed that probe19had good selectivity and affinity for Aβ plaques, confirmed with immunofluorescence and ThT (aggregated Aβ specific dye), and a high signal-to-noise ratio. It was also successfully applied for fluorescence labeling of Aβ in the eye imaginal disc of AD Drosophila larvae. Collectively, these probes can be finetuned due to their versatile structural scaffold to evolve as promising NIR imaging probes for the detection of AD biomarkers.
Unilateral acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) with delayed contralateral eye involvement
Authors: Mordechaev Emanuel , Shakarov Gabriel , Parikh Deep
Published: April 2023

Background:
Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) is a rare presumed inflammatory chorioretinopathy characterized by creamy, yellow-white placoid lesions at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Unilateral cases often have fellow eye involvement within days to a few weeks. This report details a rare case of delayed contralateral APMPPE, in which unilateral lesion resolution was followed by contralateral eye involvement 31 months later.
Case presentation:
A 38-year-old woman presented with three days of blurry vision and photopsias in the right eye (OD). She endorsed a viral GI illness one month prior. Visual acuity was 20/25 − 2 OD and 20/20 − 1 in the left eye (OS). Examination revealed creamy, yellow-white placoid lesions in the posterior pole. Fluorescein angiography (FA) was notable for early hypofluorescence and late hyperfluorescence of the lesions, consistent with APMPPE. MRI and MRA brain were negative for cerebral vasculitis. She was treated with oral prednisone with complete resolution of her symptoms, vision, and lesion regression. She then presented 31 months later, with blurry vision OS and similar new creamy, yellow-white placoid lesions in the posterior pole OS. She endorsed receiving an influenza vaccine one month prior. FA again was notable for early hypofluorescence and late hyperfluorescence. She was diagnosed with APMPPE, this time involving the left eye, and was once again started on oral steroids with complete resolution. She denied any neurologic symptoms.
Conclusions:
APMPPE is an inflammatory vasculitis of the choroid, leading to hypoperfusion and ischemic injury of the RPE with subsequent lesion formation. APMPPE may be preceded by a viral prodrome or vaccination, both of which were seen in this case. Choroidal inflammation seen in APMPPE is therefore thought to stem from immune-mediated processes. Unilateral cases often have fellow eye involvement within days to a few weeks. Single eye involvement with delayed contralateral presentation, as seen in our patient, is rare. This case demonstrates that lesion resolution in one eye can be followed by contralateral eye involvement up to 31 months later, highlighting the importance of routine ophthalmic monitoring for patients with unilateral APMPPE.
Heterogeneity in the prevalence of subclinical malaria, other co-infections and anemia among pregnant women in rural areas of Myanmar: A community-based longitudinal study
Authors: Aung Poe Poe , Han Kay Thwe , Groot Wim , Biesma Regien , Thein Zaw Win , Htay Thura , Lin Zaw , Adams Matthew , Pavlova Milena , Aye Kyin Hla
Published: April 2023

Background: Due to the low prevalence of clinical malaria of 1-2 % among pregnant women in Myanmar, little is known about its impact on mothers and newborns. Helminth and HIV co-infections may cause anaemia and other adverse health outcomes for both mother and child. This study assessed the prevalence of subclinical malaria and co-infections among pregnant women, and their association with adverse outcomes of pregnancy in the presence of infection.
Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in 12 villages in two townships in Myanmar between 2013 to 2015. A total of 752 pregnant women, with mean age of 27 years, were enrolled and followed up once a month, until six weeks after the delivery.
Results: About 84% of women were asymptomatic and 40% were primigravid at the time of enrolment. The prevalence of subclinical malaria as measured by nested PCR was 5.7% for either P. falciparum or P. vivax, with 2.7% prevalence of P. falciparum and 2.8% prevalence of P. vivax. Helminth infections were prevalent in 17% of women, and one woman with a HIV infection was found in our study. The burden of anemia was high, with an overall prevalence of 37% with or without helminth infection, 42% of the women were malaria positive and 43% had dual infections (both malaria and helminth). Only 11 abnormal pregnancy outcomes (7 stillbirth, 2 premature, 2 twins) were identified. Poisson regression showed that women in their first trimester had a 2.9 times higher rate of subclinical malaria compared to women in the third trimester (PR:2.9, 95%CI: 1.19, 7.31, p=0.019), women who were enrolled during the wet season were 2.5 times more likely to be malaria positive than the women enrolled in the dry season (PR: 2.5, 95%CI: 1.27, 4.88, p=0.008), and the malaria positivity rate decreased by 5% when increased in one year of woman’s age (PR:0.95, 95%CI: 0.91, 0.99, p=0.02). In the multivariable regression, the age of respondents was the only significant factor associated with subclinical malaria in pregnancy.
Conclusions: The low prevalence of heterogenous subclinical malaria among pregnant women should not be neglected when targeting malaria elimination.
A Study of Clinically Significant Potential drug-drug Interactions and their Risk Factors among Hospitalized Cardiac patients
Authors: Sahoo Ajaya Kumar , SINGH ALOK , Gupta Dhyuti , Dhaneria Suryaprakash , Arunima Prachi
Published: April 2023

Background
Patients with cardiovascular disorders (CVD) possess multiple comorbidities and are prescribed multiple drugs simultaneously, making them vulnerable to drug-drug interactions (DDIs).
Objective
This study aimed to assess the potential-DDIs (pDDIs) among the drugs prescribed in hospitalized patients with CVD and associated factors.
Method
It was a retrospective study conducted with the help of the medical records department. The medical records of all patients admitted to the cardiology department in between 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019 were included for analysis of pDDIs using lexicomp up to date drug interaction screening tool. The pDDIs were divided into classes A, B, C, D, and X. pDDIs belonging to classes D and X were considered clinically significant. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze association between factors and the occurrence of clinically significant pDDIs and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Almost all patients (335/338) had at least one pDDI. A total of 4966 pDDIs were detected, of which the majority belonged to category C (75.3%). A total of 5.1% of pDDIs were clinically significant. The patients who were prescribed more than ten drugs per day [OR = 2.46 95% CI: 1.27–4.82 p = 0.008], prescribed injectable formulation [OR = 1.84, 95%CI = 1.57–2.21; p < 0.0001], and had diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome [OR = 2.33 95% CI = 1.1–5.12; p = 0.03] were associated with clinically significant pDDIs. Other factors i.e. female sex, uses of fixed-dose combinations, and triad of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were positively associated with clinically significant pDDIs.
Conclusion
Almost every patient had at least one pDDI, but the clinically significant pDDIs were relatively less. Use of > 10 drugs/day, injectable formulation, patients of acute coronary syndrome were the factors associated with clinically significant pDDIs.
Social Connectedness Identity and Physical Health: A Multi-Study Investigation
Authors: Lange Lori , Crawford Abigail
Published: April 2023

Background
Aims of the current study were to investigate social connectedness as an identity component of belongingness that is distinct from social support and of potential interest in health research.
Methods
Social connectedness identity (SCI) and health factors were measured in a sample of college students (Study 1, n = 486) and a sample of individuals with ongoing symptoms of chronic illness (Study 2, n = 225). The third study added loneliness and stress measures to explore SCI as a potential antecedent in a serial mediation model (Study 3, n = 280).
Results
SCI emerged as a significant and independent predictor of physical symptomatology, physical functioning, and general health. In Study 3, serial mediation findings showed that the stress of loneliness explained the connection between SCI and health.
Conclusions
Results from the three reported studies identify SCI as a belongingness identity concept that warrants further study in reference to health and loneliness.
Reduced Heart Rate Variability May Predict Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus or Spontaneous Echo Contrast in Patients With Non- Valvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Yang Miaomiao , Lin Zhizhan , Gao Xiong , Zhao Haiyu , Ye Xingsheng , Zhu Shijie , Ou Jianyan , Teng Yintong , He Liwei , Peng Jian
Published: April 2023

Objectives
Heart rate variability (HRV) has been associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors and adverse outcomes. Current evidence suggests that the presence of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) or spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) is associated with an increased risk for subsequent stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between HRV and LAAT/SEC in patients with NVAF.
Methods
347 patients with NVAF treated at Nanfang Hospital in China from Jan 2019 to Dec 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients recruited underwent laboratory evaluation, Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and 24h Holter electrocardiography .We explored the differences in demographic, clinical characteristics and HRV parameters between the two groups with and without LAAT/SEC.
Results
In this study, 82 patients (23.6%) had LAAT/SEC. The LAAT/SEC group had lower HRV parameters. After controlling for confounding factors, both SDNN (OR 0.973, 95%CI 0.959–0.987, P < 0.001) and SDANNI (OR 0.985, 95%CI 0.971–0.99, P < 0.001) were found to be independent predictors of LAAT/SEC. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the optimal cutoff value of the SDNN and SDANNI for predicting LAAT/SEC were 132 and 91, respectively. The risk of LAAT/SEC in patients with SDNN ≤ 132 and SDANNI ≤ 91 was 4.064 and 4.083-fold higher than in patients with SDNN > 132 and SDANNI > 91, respectively.
Conclusion
Reduced HRV was inversely correlated with LAAT/SEC in patients with NVAF, suggesting it has huge prospects for clinical application to predict the presence of LAAT/SEC. Early identification and intervention in NVAF patients with decreased HRV may help to decrease the risk of thrombosis.
Subscleral Trabeculectomy with Ologen implant versus Mitomycin C in primary infantile glaucoma: up to 103 months’ follow-up
Authors: Kassem Rehab Rashad , Esmael Amanne Feisal
Published: April 2023

Purpose
To compare the effect of SST augmented with Mitomycin C (MMC) versus Ologen implant as secondary procedures for treatment of primary congenital glaucoma.
Methods
This is a retrospective study evaluating records of 38 eyes that had undergone SST with MMC (group M, 17 eyes) versus Ologen (Group O, 21 eyes), by authors of the study. The study primary endpoint was set at 5 to 9 months postoperatively and the secondary endpoint was the last follow-up. A successful outcome was an IOP </=18 mmHg for infants < 1 year, and </= 20 mmHg for older ones.
Results
Follow-up duration was 1.25 to 51 (26.79 +/- 27.583) months in group M, and 0.25 to 103 (22.86+/-28.991) months in group O (p = .673). The mean preoperative IOP was 28.06+/-3.929 in group M and 26.95+/-6.095 in group O (p = .522). Reduction of IOP was significant in group M at all follow-up visits, but starting at the fourth postoperative month in group O. Recorded IOP in groups M and O, respectively, was 14.9+/-6.437 and 12.1+/-5.043 at the primary endpoint, and 22.35+/-8.536 and 22.52+/-10.152 (p > .05) at the secondary endpoint. A successful outcome was achieved in groups M and O, respectively, in 47.1% and 47.6% at the primary endpoint and in 47.1% and 52.4% at the secondary endpoint (p > .05). Cataract, posterior synechiae and pupillary abnormalities were insignificantly different in both groups (p = .623).
Conclusions
Ologen implant was comparable to MMC, in terms of efficacy and safety. Reoperations are inadvisable prior to 4 months of Ologen implants.
Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of positive health behaviors scale for clinical nurses
Authors: Kong Linghui , Lu Tingting , Zheng Chen , Zhang Huijun
Published: April 2023

Background: The occupational health is essential for clinical nurses in clinical nursing practice. However, there is no specific tool for measuring health behavior of clinical nurses in China. This study aimed to translate the positive health behaviors scale (PHBS) into Chinese and validate its psychometric properties among clinical nurses.
Design: A cross-sectional validation design was used in this study.
Methods: A total of 633 clinical nurses were recruited by convenience sampling from hospitals in Liaoning Province, China. After obtaining the authorization of the original author, the PHBS was translated into Chinese by the brislin back-translation method. Item analysis was completed to explore the discrimination of items, and the delphi method was adopted to analyze the content validity. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to explore and validate the underlying factor structure. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were calculated to explore reliability.
Results: A total of 29 items were retained in the item analysis, and the content validity index of the translated scale was 0.956. In the EFA, four common factors were extracted that named nutrition, physical activity, relaxation and behaviors related to mental health and preventive behavior, explaining 60.814% of the total variance. As a result of the CFA, χ2/df=1.363, GFI=0.902, NFI=0.909, IFI=0.974, TLI=0.971, CFI=0.974, RMSAE=0.034, RMR=0.023. The Cronbach’s α coefficients, split-half reliability and test-retest reliability of Chinese version of the PHBS were 0.928, 0.953 and 0.891, respectively.
Conclusions: The Chinese version of the PHBS had appropriate psychometric properties in clinical nurses. According to the evaluation results of the scale, clinical nurses can improve their awareness of disease prevention and occupational health, further make corresponding changes.
Developing an Innovative National ACP-OSCE Program in Taiwan: A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Wu Yen-Lin , Hsieh Tsu-Yi , Hwang Sheau-Feng , Lin Yi-Yin , Chu Wei-Min
Published: April 2023

Objectives: To evaluate the process and the comprehensiveness of advanced care planning (ACP), we designed a national ACP-OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) program.
Methods: The program was designed as a 40-minute OSCE test. Participants were categorized as different ACP team members to illustrate realistic scenarios. Preceptors were asked to observe ACP professionals’ actions, responses, and communication skills during ACP with standardized patients (SP) through a one-way mirror. Participants’ communication skills, medical expertise, legal knowledge, empathetic response and problem-solving skills of ACP were also self-evaluated before and after OSCE. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative analysis.
Results: In Nov 2019, a total of 18 ACP teams with 38 ACP professionals completed the ACP-OSCE program, including 15 physicians, 15 nurses, 5 social workers, and 3 psychologists. After the ACP-OSCE program, the average score of communication skills, medical expertise, legal knowledge, empathetic response, ACP problem-solving all increased. Nurses felt improved in medical expertise, legal knowledge, and problem-solving skills, psychologists and social workers felt improved in legal knowledge, while physicians felt no improved in all domain, statistically. Thematic analysis showed professional skills, doctoral-patient communication, benefit and difficulties of ACP were the topics which participants care about. Meanwhile, most participant agreed that ACP-OSCE program is an appropriate educational tool.
Conclusion: This is the first national ACP-OSCE program in Asia. We believe that this ACP-OSCE program could be applied in other countries to improve theACP process and quality.
Patients classification and prognosis prediction based on cancer/testis genes in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Xiaodong , Huang Xinqu , Du Wenfang , Hou Baoquan , Fu Zhen
Published: April 2023

Background: Cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) were revealed to play crucial roles in the induction and progressionof various malignancies. This study was devised to investigate the expression profiles and the potential clinical application of CTAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through comprehensive analyses at a transcriptome level.
Methods: We collected RNA-sequencing data and clinical data of HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases. We explored the differentially expressed cancer/testis genes between normal and tumor samples. Based on the expression matrix of these differentially expressed genes (DEGs), we divided the patients into two clusters through non-negative matrix factorization. Between the two clusters, we further screened out the DEGs which were introduced to construct a signature. We assessed the performance of the signature through various statistical methods. Finally, we explored the correlations of our signature with immune related passways and carcinogenesis related gene sets. Finally, we compared the differences of mutational status, copy number variation between different risk groups.
Results: HCC patients from TCGA dataset were classified into two clusters which displayed different survival statuses and immune profiles. A 12-gene prognostic signature was developed to stratify patients into different risk groups. The signature was an excellent predictor of outcome in two independent cohorts. Generally speaking, the riskscore showed positive correlation with immune related passways and carcinogenesis related gene sets.
Conclusion: In this study, we performed comprehensive analyses of cancer/testis genes in HCC. The classification of HCC patients into clusters based on cancer/testis genes could stratify patients accurately. Also, a CTA related signature was developed which could not only be an excellent tool to predict the outcome of patients, but also provide some evidence for the combination of therapeutics based on CTAs and immunotherapies.
Changes in structure and assembly of a species-rich soil natural community with contrasting nutrient availability upon establishment of a plant-beneficial Pseudomonas in the wheat rhizosphere
Authors: Garrido-Sanz Daniel , Čaušević Senka , Vacheron Jordan , Heiman Clara M. , Sentchilo Vladimir , Meer Jan Roelof van der , Keel Christoph
Published: April 2023

Background:
Plant-beneficial bacterial inoculants are of great interest in agriculture as they have the potential to promote plant growth and health. However, the inoculation of the rhizosphere microbiome often results in a suboptimal or transient colonization, which is due to a variety of factors that influence the fate of the inoculant. To better understand the fate of plant-beneficial inoculants in complex rhizosphere microbiomes, composed by hundreds of genotypes and multifactorial selection mechanisms, controlled studies with high-complexity soil microbiomes are needed.
Results:
We analysed early compositional changes in a taxa-rich natural soil bacterial community, both in exponential nutrient-rich or stationary nutrient-limited growth conditions (i.e., growing and stable communities, respectively), upon inoculation by the plant-beneficial bacterium Pseudomonas protegens in a bulk soil or a wheat rhizosphere environment. P. protegens successfully established in all conditions tested, being more abundant in the rhizosphere of the stable community. Nutrient availability was a major factor driving microbiome composition and structure as well as the underlying assembly processes. While access to nutrients resulted in communities being mainly assembled by homogeneous selection, stochastic processes dominated in the nutrient-deprived conditions. We also observed an increased rhizosphere selection effect on nutrient-limited conditions, resulting in higher numbers of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) whose relative abundance was enriched. The inoculation with P. protegens produced discrete changes, some of which involved other Pseudomonas. Direct competition between Pseudomonas strains partially failed to replicate differences observed in the microbiome and pointed to a more complex interaction network.
Conclusions:
The results obtained in this study show that nutrient availability is a major driving force of microbiome composition, structure, and diversity both in the bulk soil and the wheat rhizosphere and determines the assembly processes governing early microbiome development. The successful establishment of the inoculant was facilitated by the wheat rhizosphere and produced discrete changes among other members of the microbiome. Direct competition between Pseudomonas strains only partially explained microbiome changes and revealed that indirect interactions or spatial distribution in the rhizosphere or soil interface could be crucial for the survival of certain bacteria.
Co-fitness network connectivity determines a fuzzy essential zone in Sinorhizobium of canonical open pangenome
Authors: Zhang Pan , Zhang Biliang , Ji Yuan-Yuan , Jiao Jian , Zhang Ziding , Tian Chang-Fu
Published: April 2023

Most in silico evolutionary studies commonly assumed that core genes are essential for cellular function, while accessory genes are dispensable, particularly in nutrient-rich environments. However, this assumption is seldom tested genetically within the pangenome context. Here we conducted a robust pangenomic Tn-seq analysis of fitness genes in a nutrient-rich medium for Sinorhizobium strains with a canonical open pangenome. The Hidden Markov Model-based method is the most robust to variations among mutant libraries per strain and non-sensitive to data size. Fitness genes, categorized as essential (ES), advantage (GA) and disadvantage (GD) for growth, are enriched in core genes, while nonessential genes (NE) are over-represented in accessory genes. Connectivity degrees in predicted protein-protein interaction networks decline in the order of ES, GA, GD and NE, and those in the co-fitness network decreases from ES to GA/GD to NE. Notably, 1599 out of 3284 core genes display differential essentiality across test strains. Within pangenome core, both shared quasi-essential (ES and GA) and strain-dependent fitness genes are enriched in similar functional categories. Our analysis demonstrates a considerable fuzzy essential zone determined by co-fitness connectivity degrees in Sinorhizobium pangenome, and highlights the power of co-fitness network in understanding genetic basis of ever-increasing prokaryotic pangenome data.
Advertent domestication attenuates the influence of propagule pressure
Authors: tuckett quenton M , Ritch Jared L. , Lawson Larry L. , Colee James , Hill Jeffrey E.
Published: April 2023

The process of domestication affects fitness following return to the wild. For the invasion of non-native species, however, captive rearing is thought to increase propagule pressure, the quantity and rate that individuals are introduced. Invasion success for domesticated species may represent a balance between survival and propagule pressure. Survival is likely affected by selective breeding (advertent versus inadvertent selection) and predator populations, which contribute to biotic resistance, the ability of communities to resist invasion. Ornamental species are subjected to deliberate selection (advertent) for phenotypic traits such as coloration, as is the case with the green swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii). Wild-type varieties are also produced without deliberate selection (inadvertent) and resemble their wild counterparts. In Florida, swordtails are produced in aquaculture and propagule pressure is high, yet few colorful individuals are encountered in the wild. Here we examined how invasion success is influenced by the interactive effects of biotic resistance, selective breeding, and propagule pressure. We used outdoor ponds to examine intraspecific variation in invasion success for five swordtail varieties across increasing biotic resistance. Propagule pressure over 14 weeks was varied proportional to trade volume for the five varieties. Biotic resistance increased with community complexity and affected swordtail survival and reproduction. In control ponds the number of fish for each variety followed propagule size. Despite lower propagule pressure, the wild-type variety increased relative to the advertently produced varieties, but only in ponds with greater biotic resistance. These results suggest propagule pressure is attenuated by increased biotic resistance and deliberate breeding.
Impact of vaccinations, boosters and lockdowns on COVID-19 waves in French Polynesia
Authors: Chapman Lloyd , Aubry Maite , Maset Noemie , Russell Timothy , Knock Edward , Lees John , Mallet Henri-Pierre , Cao-Lormeau Van-Mai , Kucharski Adam
Published: April 2023

Estimation of the impact of vaccination and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on COVID-19 incidence is complicated by several factors, including the successive emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and changing population immunity resulting from vaccination and previous infection. We developed an age-structured multi-strain COVID-19 transmission model framework that could estimate the impact of vaccination and NPIs while accounting for these factors. We applied this framework to French Polynesia, which unlike many countries experienced multiple large COVID-19 waves from multiple variants over the course of the pandemic, interspersed with periods of elimination. We estimated that the vaccination programme averted 54.3% (95% CI 54.0-54.6%) of the 6840 hospitalisations and 60.2% (95% CI 59.9-60.5%) of the 1280 hospital deaths that would have occurred in a baseline scenario without any vaccination up to May 2022. Vaccination also averted an estimated 28.4% (95% CI 28.2-28.7%) of 193,000 symptomatic cases in the baseline scenario. We estimated the booster campaign contributed 3.4%, 2.9% and 3.3% to overall reductions in cases, hospitalisations and hospital deaths respectively. Our results suggested that removing, or altering the timings of, the lockdowns during the first two waves had non-linear effects on overall incidence owing to the resulting effect on accumulation of population immunity. Our estimates of vaccination and booster impact differ from those for other countries due to differences in age structure, previous exposure levels and timing of variant introduction relative to vaccination, emphasising the importance of detailed analysis that accounts for these factors.
Enhancing the electrical conductivity and strength of PET by single-wall carbon nanotube film coating
Authors: Ding Wu-Tong , Jiao Xin-Yu , Zhao Yi-Ming , Sun Xin-Yang , Chen Chao , Wu An-Ping , Ding Yu-Tian , Hou Peng-Xiang , Liu Chang
Published: April 2023

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with excellent physicochemical properties are considered a promising candidate for the electrical and mechanical reinforcements of polymers. However, the poor dispersion of SWCNTs in plastics seriously limits their application and the performance enhancement achieved. Here we coat free-standing, highly conductive SWCNT film onto the surface of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film by a hot-pressing method. Due to the uniform SWCNT network structure and strong interfacial interaction, the SWCNT/PET hybrid film showed notably enhanced electrical and mechanical properties even though with a very low SWCNT weight fraction of 0.066%. The surface square resistance of the SWCNT/PET film decreased to 120-140 Ω/□ from 1016Ω/□. In addition, the Young's modulus and tensile strength of the SWCNT/PET film reached 4.6 GPa and 148 MPa, which are 31.3% and 24.4%, respectively, higher than pure PET film. The SWCNT/PET film shows excellent mechanical durability and thermal stability, demonstrating their potential use as an antistatic material.
Effect of different protein diet on the prognosis of children with immunoglobulin A vasculitis
Authors: Kai Feng , Liu Chang
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The aim of this study was to explore the association of different protein diet with the recurrence/recurrent rash of immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) and to analyze the potential risk factors for recurrence of IgAV.

Methods

A total of 72 children with IgAV treated in our Hospital from January to June 2021 were collected retrospectively. According to the different protein diets, the children were divided into an animal protein group with 32 children and a plant protein group with 40 children. The clinical data of the children were collected, including general data, times of skin rash recurrence, the incidence of IgAV recurrence, and the incidence of renal lesions. The daily protein intake of the children was recorded by questionnaire and followed up for 8 weeks after discharge.

Results

There were no statistical difference between animal protein group and plant protein group in times of skin rash recurrence, the incidence of IgAV recurrence, and the incidence of renal lesions of children (p > 0.05). However, the protein intake of animal protein group was significantly higher than that of plant protein group (p < 0.05), which did not affect the recurrence of IgAV (p > 0.05). In addition, respiratory infection at the beginning of the disease was potential risk factors for the recurrence of IgAV in children (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

There is no significant association between animal or plant protein diet and the recurrence of IgAV or skin rash. Timely avoidance of infection after cure may help to reduce the recurrence rate of IgAV in children.
Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibition for the prevention of anaphylaxis: an open-label, phase 2 trial
Authors: Suresh Ragha V. , Dunnam Collin , Vaidya Dhananjay , Wood Robert A. , Bochner Bruce S. , MacGlashan Donald W. , Dispenza Melanie C.
Published: April 2023

IgE-mediated anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal systemic allergic reaction for which there are no known preventative therapies. Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is an essential enzyme for IgE-mediated signaling pathways, and is an ideal pharmacologic target to prevent allergic reactions. In this open-label trial (NCT05038904), we evaluated the safety and efficacy of acalabrutinib, a BTK inhibitor that is FDA-approved to treat some B cell malignancies, in preventing clinical reactivity to peanut in adults with IgE-mediated peanut allergy. After undergoing a graded oral peanut challenge to establish their baseline level of clinical reactivity, all patients then received four standard doses of 100 mg acalabrutinib twice daily and underwent repeat food challenge. The primary endpoint was the change in patients’ threshold dose of peanut protein to elicit an objective clinical reaction. At baseline, patients tolerated a median of 29 mg of peanut protein before objective clinical reaction. During subsequent food challenge on acalabrutinib, patients’ median tolerated dose significantly increased to 4,044 mg (range, 444 – 4,044 mg). 7 of 10 patients tolerated the maximum protocol amount (4,044 mg) of peanut protein with no objective clinical reaction, and the other 3 patients’ peanut tolerance increased between 32- and 217-fold. Three patients experienced a total of 4 adverse events that were considered by the investigators to be possibly related to acalabrutinib; all events were transient and nonserious. These results demonstrate that acalabrutinib pretreatment can achieve clinically-relevant increases in patients’ tolerance to their food allergen, thereby supporting the need for larger, placebo-controlled trials.
Effects of fixed functional orthodontic treatment in hypo- and hyperdivergent Class II patients
Authors: Hourfar Jan , Kinzinger Gero Stefan Michael , Frye Linda , Lisson Jörg Alexander
Published: April 2023

Objective
To compare skeletal and dentoalveolar changes after orthodontic treatment of Class II malocclusion in patients with hypo- and hyperdivergent growth patterns through cast splint fixed functional appliances (FFA).
Materials and Methods
N = 42 patients with mandibular plane angles < 34° or ≥ 34° were divided into a hypo- (n = 24) and a hyperdivergent (n = 18) group. All patients received a single-step mandibular advancement protocol through an FFA. Lateral cephalograms were analysed after initial levelling and alignment (T1) and immediately after FFA removal (T2). The therapeutic effect was calculated through comparison with age-matched controls from a growth survey. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
Hypo- and hyperdivergent patients showed different treatment outcomes, but significant differences existed only for overbite and interincisal angle. Nearly all measurements suggested similar treatment related changes for both groups with exception for dentoalveolar parameters.
Conclusion
Treatment with FFA causes similar skeletal and dentoalveolar effects in hypo- and in hyperdivergent patients. The correction of overjet and molar relationship is mainly caused by dentoalveolar changes.
Clinical relevance:
Hyperdivergent patients do not respond unfavourably to FFA-treatment compared to hypodivergent patients. Lower incisor protrusion occurs more pronounced in hypodivergent patients. The growth pattern ought to be considered when choosing FFA for Class II treatment.
Assessing teleconnections among ENSO, the tropical Atlantic and precipitation anomalies, and their effects on a tropical watershed
Authors: Xavier Ana Carolina Freitas , Serrão Edivaldo Afonso de Oliveira , Cavalcante Rosane Barbosa Lopes , Pontes Paulo Rógenes Monteiro
Published: April 2023

Large-scale ocean-atmosphere mechanisms in distant regions can affect regional variability in diurnal convection through teleconnections and their feedback. This ocean-atmosphere interaction and its impacts on extreme events are well documented at a large scale but need to be better studied in regions where biomes intersect, such as is the case in the Mearim River Basin (MRB). The ocean-atmosphere interaction was investigated through sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies for ENSO regions (Niño 1 + 2; Niño 3; Niño 3.4 and Niño 4) in the tropical Pacific. In the Atlantic, SST was analyzed for the Tropical North Atlantic (TNA) and Tropical South Atlantic (TSA) regions. The rainfall anomaly index (RAI) was calculated for the entire MRB using the daily data from the Daily Gridded Meteorological Variables in Brazil (gridBR) dataset, with a spatial resolution of 0.25° × 0.25° over the 1983–2013 period. The cross-correlation function (p value < 0.05) with a lag of 0–12 months was applied to the RAI and SST. Our results indicate that the RAI values have a significant correlation with the TNA, being responsible for 60% of the wet events in the MRB during the Southern Hemisphere summer. In the Pacific, on the other hand, none of the ENOS anomaly indices showed significant (moderate or strong) correlations with the temporal and spatial patterns of RAI for the MRB. These results may assist public and private managers in managing water resources more efficiently for monitoring and predicting extreme events.
Episodic Disability Questionnaire (EDQ) measurement properties among adults living with HIV in Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, and United States
Authors: O’Brien Kelly K. , Erlandson Kristine M. , Brown Darren A. , Carusone Soo Chan , Vera Jaime H. , Bergin Colm , Avery Lisa , Bayoumi Ahmed M. , Hanna Steven E. , Harding Richard , Solomon Patricia , Clair-Sullivan Natalie St. , O’Shea Noreen , Murray Carolann , Boffito Marta , Silva George Da , Torres Brittany , McDuff Kiera , Davis Aileen M.
Published: April 2023

Background The Episodic Disability Questionnaire (EDQ) is a generic 35-item patient-reported outcome measure of presence, severity and episodic nature of disability. We assessed the measurement properties of the Episodic Disability Questionnaire (EDQ) with adults living with HIV. Methods We conducted a measurement study with adults living with HIV in eight clinical settings in Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, and United States. We electronically administered the EDQ followed by three reference measures (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule; Patient Health Questionnaire; Social Support Scale) and a demographic questionnaire. We administered the EDQ only 1 week later. We assessed the internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha; >0.7 acceptable), and test-retest reliability (Intra Class Correlation Coefficient; >0.7 acceptable). We estimated required change in EDQ domain scores to be 95% certain that a change was not due to measurement error (Minimum Detectable Change (MDC95%)). We evaluated construct validity by assessing 36 primary hypotheses of relationships between EDQ scores and scores on the reference measures (> 75% hypotheses confirmed indicated validity). Results 359 participants completed the questionnaires at time point 1, of which 321 (89%) completed the EDQ approximately 1 week later. Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency ranged from 0.84 (social domain) to 0.91 (day domain) for theEDQ severity scale, and 0.72 (uncertainty domain) to 0.88 (day domain) for theEDQ presence scale, and 0.87 (physical, cognitive, mental-emotional domains) to 0.89 (uncertainty domain) for theEDQ episodic scale. ICCs for test-retest reliability ranged from 0.79 (physical domain) to 0.88 (day domain) for the EDQ severity scale and from 0.71 (uncertainty domain) to 0.85 (day domain) for the EDQ presence scale. Highest precision was demonstrated in the severity scale for each domain (MDC95% range: 19–25 out of 100), followed by the presence (MDC95% range: 37–54) and episodic scales (MDC95% range:44–76). Twenty-nine of 36 (81%) construct validity hypotheses were confirmed. Conclusions The EDQ possesses internal consistency reliability, construct validity, and test-retest reliability, with limited precision when administered electronically with adults living with HIV across in clinical settings in four countries. Given the measurement properties, the EDQ can be used for group level comparisons for research and program evaluation in adults living with HIV.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Pediatric Patients with Anxiety Disorders and their Relationship to Treatment with Escitalopram or Placebo
Authors: Baumel W. Thomas , Mills Jeffrey A. , Schroeder Heidi K. , Neptune Zoe , Specht Ashley M. , Levine Amir , Strawn Jeffrey R.
Published: April 2023

Gastrointestinal symptoms are commonly reported as adverse effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the first-line pharmacologic treatment for pediatric anxiety disorders; however, the temporal course of these symptoms during treatment, although believed to be transient, has never been prospectively evaluated. Additionally, rates of gastrointestinal symptoms and functional gastrointestinal syndromes in anxious youth are poorly understood. We examined gastrointestinal symptoms in youth with anxiety disorders during a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of escitalopram (n = 51). Then, in a separate sample of prospectively treated children and adolescents with generalized, social and/or separation anxiety disorders (n = 56), we examined the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms based on the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms (QPGS) and ROME III criteria and the association of these symptoms with clinical and demographic characteristics using logistic regression. The frequency/severity of abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating constipation or total gastrointestinal symptoms did not differ between patients receiving placebo (n = 25) or escitalopram (n = 26). However, escitalopram-treated youth had transient improvement in nausea/vomiting and total upper gastrointestinal symptoms during the first two weeks of treatment. ROME III criteria for functional gastrointestinal syndromes were present in 12/56 patients (21.4%). QPGS-related functional gastrointestinal syndromes and symptoms were unrelated to treatment, treatment type, or clinical or demographic variables. Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in youth with anxiety and SSRIs produce transient—rather than sustained—gastrointestinal symptoms. Assessing gastrointestinal symptoms prior to pharmacotherapy and discussing factors that increase (or decrease) the likelihood of transient SSRI-related symptoms in youth may decrease patient uncertainty related to side effects and decrease medication-related anxiety.
Loss Estimation in VANET Communications
Authors: Kharchenko Volodymyr , Grekhov Andrii , Kondratiuk Vasyl
Published: April 2023

Vehicle Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) provide efficient and secure communications between vehicles and infrastructure. Reliable data exchange between vehicles and Roadside Units (RSUs) is the main objective of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). One of the main tasks associated with automotive communications is the development of methods for predicting the behavior of VANET communication channels in critical conditions. This article explored data transfer between service provider, vehicles, and infrastructure in ITS. Since VANET requires communication channels with low packet loss, minimal message travel time and high Quality of Service (QoS) with the least number of bit errors, we simulated the simplest wireless communication channel in VANET and obtained data about possible packet losses at the RSU unit, message travel time over the network, the load of the vehicle communication link with the infrastructure, as well as information about the effect of the packet loss in the Internet and the influence of bit errors. The importance and usefulness of the performed numerical simulation lies in the ability to set traffic parameters and observe the resulting channel load, packet loss, message travel time, the number of bit errors and QoS in VANET under certain transmission modes.
Picroside II ameliorates Aβ-induced memory deficit by enhancing autophagy in mice
Authors: Li Zhaolun , Wang Maoju , He Yan , Shi Xiuyu , Tian Qiuyun , Fan Yepeng , Ren Fengming , Dong Zhifang , Du Yehong
Published: April 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of misfolded amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, which is caused by an imbalance between Aβ production and clearance. Picroside II (Picr II), the principal active constituent of Picrorhizakurroa Royle ex Benth, possesses a range of pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects. However, the exact role of Picr II in AD is not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of Picr II on AD and found that it inhibited amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing by enhancing autophagy rather than through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, resulting in a reduction in Aβ production. Furthermore, Picr II treatment improved the decline in autophagy, which was due not only to an increase in autophagic flux but also to an increase in the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes. Most importantly, daily treatment with Picr II (20 mg/kg, i.p.) throughout the experiment rescued the learning and memory in Aβ-treated mice. Taken together, these results suggest that Picr II may have a potent neuroprotective effect against Aβ-induced memory decline by enhancing autophagy, indicating that Picr II may be a promising therapeutic agent for AD.