bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of nutritional status after parathyroidectomy in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Disthabanchong Sinee , Saeseow Sarunya , Khunapornphairote Sirote , Suvikapakornkul Ronnarat , Wasutit Yodying , Tungkeeratichai Jumroon
Published: July 2023

Aims/Introduction

Parathyroidectomy is associated with improved survival in patients with end-stage kidney disease. Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is common in patients with kidney failure and predicts poor outcomes. Recent clinical trials have linked hyperparathyroidism to PEW. The present retrospective cohort study examined whether parathyroidectomy was associated with improvement in nutritional status in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Materials and methods

One hundred twenty-nine maintenance hemodialysis patients who had successful parathyroidectomy during 2012–2018 were identified (PTX group) and matched 1:1 to 479 patients with parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels ≤1,000 pg./mL (non-PTX control group) and 187 patients with PTH levels >1,000 pg./mL (pre-PTX control group) by propensity score. The matchings yielded 120 matched pairs from PTX and non-PTX groups (cohort 1) and 76 matched pairs from PTX and pre-PTX groups (cohort 2). Baseline and follow-up nutritional parameters associated with PEW were compared over the 12-month study period.

Results

In cohort 1, substantially lower serum albumin and serum creatinine/body surface area (Cr/BSA) and higher proportions of patients with serum albumin ≤38 g/L (low albumin) and serum Cr/BSA ≤380 μmol/L/m2 (low Cr/BSA) were observed in the PTX group. These parameters improved significantly after parathyroidectomy. Total lymphocyte count (TLC) was comparable at baseline but the percentage of patients with TLC <800 cells/mm3 (low TLC) decreased substantially after parathyroidectomy. At follow-up, serum albumin, serum Cr/BSA and proportions of patients with low albumin and Cr/BSA became comparable with the non-PTX control group. The percentage of patients with low TLC became lower in the PTX group. Mixed-models analysis confirmed significant differences in the changes in serum albumin, serum Cr/BSA, and proportions of patients with low albumin and TLC between the two groups. In cohort 2, nutritional parameters were comparable at baseline. At follow-up, serum Cr/BSA was higher and proportions of patients with body mass index ≤18.5 kg/m2, low TLC and low Cr/BSA were lower in the PTX group. Weight gain was more frequent and of greater magnitude in the PTX group in both cohorts. A substantial reduction in blood pressure was also observed in the PTX group.

Conclusion

Severe hyperparathyroidism was associated with nutritional impairment which improved considerably after parathyroidectomy.
Iron status and anemia control are related to peritoneal membrane properties in peritoneally dialyzed patients
Authors: Głogowski Tomasz , Wojtaszek Ewa , Malyszko Jolanta
Published: July 2023

Background

Characteristics of peritoneal membrane is unique and individually different in peritoneal dialysis patients. Relationship between specific nature of peritoneal transport, anemia and inflammation has not yet been extensively studied. We attempted to outline the complex interplay of several biomarkers of iron status and their association with peritoneal transport, degree of inflammation and residual renal function.

Methods

A total of 58 patients treated with peritoneal dialysis either CAPD or APD for at least 3 months were enrolled in this study. Full blood count, traditional markers of iron status (transferrin saturation-TSAT and ferritin), serum erythroferrone-ERFE, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), hepcidin, zonulin, growth differentiation factor −15 (GDF15), IL-16, hsCRP and hypoxia-inducible factor—α (HIF-1-α; in serum and dialysate) were measured using commercially available tests. We also performed Peritoneal Equilibrium Test and assessed GFR level.

Results

Hb levels above 10 g/dL was found in 74% of patients. Hb levels positively correlated with residual renal function and nutritional status. Adequate iron status was diagnosed in 69% of subjects, only in 9% of patients, criteria for absolute iron deficiency were met. Serum ERFE correlated inversely with hepcidin levels but was not associated with erythropoietin stimulating agent dose. Peritoneal transport had strong correlation with dialysate sTfR (p < 0.05), dialysate hepcidin (p < 0.05), dialysate GDF15 (p < 0.01) and dialysate zonulin (p < 0.001) levels, as well as serum IL6 (p = 0.03), serum hs-CRP (p = 0.04) and dialysate hs-CRP (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Residual kidney function contributes considerably to better control of anemia. Various degree of inflammation is inherent to PD patients. Additionally, fast-average peritoneal transport is associated with greater degree of inflammation and higher concentration of markers of iron status, GDF15 and zonulin in dialysate. This finding may indicate more effective clearance of higher-range middle molecules in fast-average transporters. The role of ERFE as a marker of erythropoiesis in PD patients requires further investigation.
Investigating the mechanism of Echovirus 30 cell invasion
Authors: Liang Yucai , Chen Junbing , Wang Congcong , Yu Bowen , Zhang Yong , Liu Zhijun
Published: July 2023

Viruses invade susceptible cells through a complex mechanism before injecting their genetic material into them. This causes direct damage to the host cell, as well as resulting in disease in the corresponding system. Echovirus type 30 (E30) is a member of the Enterovirus B group and has recently been reported to cause central nervous system (CNS) disorders, leading to viral encephalitis and viral meningitis in children. In this review, we aim to help in improving the understanding of the mechanisms of CNS diseases caused by E30 for the subsequent development of relevant drugs and vaccines.
Influence of temperature and pH on induction of Shiga toxin Stx1a in Escherichia coli
Authors: Castro Vinicius Silva , Ngo Skyler , Stanford Kim
Published: July 2023

Shiga toxin-producing strains represent pathogenic group that is of concern in food production. The present study evaluated forty-eight E. coli isolates (11 with intact stx gene, while remaining isolates presented only stx-fragments) for Shiga toxin production. The four most expressive stx-producers (O26, O103, O145, and O157) were selected to evaluate effects of pH (3.5, 4.5, and 7) and temperature (35, 40, and 50°C). After determining acid stress effects in media on Stx-induction, we mimicked “in natura” conditions using milk, apple, and orange juices. Only isolates that showed the presence of intact stx gene (11/48) produced Shiga toxin. In addition, acid pH had a role in down-regulating the production of Shiga toxin, in both lactic acid and juices. In contrast, non-lethal heating (40°C), when in neutral pH and milk was a favorable environment to induce Shiga toxin. Lastly, two isolates (O26 and O103) showed a higher capacity to produce Shiga toxin and were included in a genomic cluster with other E. coli involved in worldwide foodborne outbreaks. The induction of this toxin when subjected to 40°C may represent a potential risk to the consumer, since the pathogenic effect of oral ingestion of Shiga toxin has already been proved in an animal model.
Campylobacter fetus foodborne illness outbreak in the elderly
Authors: Grouteau Gaspard , Mignonat Cédric , Marchou Bruno , Martin-Blondel Guillaume , Glass Olivier , Roubaud-Baudron Claire , Lansalot-Matras Pauline , Alik Simon , Balardy Laurent , De Nadaï Thomas , Bénéjat Lucie , Jehanne Quentin , Le Coustumier Alain , Lehours Philippe
Published: July 2023

In June 2021, a cluster of seven cases of Campylobacter fetus infections occurred in a rehabilitation center and caused significant morbidity in elderly patients including five with bacteremia and two with osteoarticular medical device infections. The genetic identity identified by whole genome sequencing of the different Campylobacter fetus strains confirms a common source. This foodborne illness outbreak may have resulted from the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, such as a cow's raw milk cheese resulting from a farm-to-fork strategy.
Diversity of common bean rhizobia in blackland of northeastern China and their symbiotic compatibility with two host varieties
Authors: Wang Ziqi , Liu Lili , Hu Dong , Wang En Tao , Gu Chuntao , Wang Hao
Published: July 2023

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important crop in the world that forms root nodules with diverse rhizobia. Aiming to learn the rhizobial communities associated with the common bean in the black soil of Northeast China, 79 rhizobia were isolated from root nodules of two host varieties (Cuican and Jiadouwang) grown in two sites of blackland and were characterized by comparative sequence analyses of 16S rRNA, recA, atpD, nodC, and nifH genes, and whole genome. As a result, Rhizobium indigoferae, R. anhuiense, and R. croatiense as minor groups and three dominant novel Rhizobium species were identified based on their average nucleotide identity and DNA–DNA hybridization values to the type strains of relative species. This community composition of rhizobia associated with the common bean in the tested black soils was unique. Despite their different species affiliations, all of them were identified into the symbiovar phaseoli according to the phylogenies of symbiotic genes, nodC and nifH. While the phylogenetic discrepancies found in nodC, nifH evidenced that the evolutions of nodulation (nod) and nitrogen fixation (nif ) genes were partially independent. In addition, only one dominant rhizobial species was shared by the two common bean varieties grown in the two soil samples, implying that both the plant variety and the soil characteristics affected the compatibility between rhizobia and their hosts. These findings further enlarged the spectrum of common bean-nodulating rhizobia and added more information about the interactions among the soil factors, rhizobial species, and host plants in the symbiosis.
Unraveling the interplay between norovirus infection, gut microbiota, and novel antiviral approaches: a comprehensive review
Authors: Bai Geng-Hao , Tsai Meng-Chen , Lin Sheng-Chieh , Hsu Yi-Hsiang , Chen Shih-Yen
Published: July 2023

Norovirus infection is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide and can also cause harmful chronic infections in individuals with weakened immune systems. The role of the gut microbiota in the interactions between the host and noroviruses has been extensively studied. While most past studies were conducted in vitro or focused on murine noroviruses, recent research has expanded to human noroviruses using in vivo or ex vivo human intestinal enteroids culture studies. The gut microbiota has been observed to have both promoting and inhibiting effects on human noroviruses. Understanding the interaction between noroviruses and the gut microbiota or probiotics is crucial for studying the pathogenesis of norovirus infection and its potential implications, including probiotics and vaccines for infection control. Recently, several clinical trials of probiotics and norovirus vaccines have also been published. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the current understanding and recent updates on the interactions between noroviruses and gut microbiota, including the impact of norovirus on the microbiota profile, pro-viral and antiviral effects of microbiota on norovirus infection, the use of probiotics for treating norovirus infections, and human norovirus vaccine development.
Serum amyloid A is a potential predictor of prognosis in acute ischemic stroke patients after intravenous thrombolysis
Authors: Chang Qi , Li Yaqiang , Xue Min , Yu Chuanqing , He Jiale , Duan Xun
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Inflammation shows a notable relationship to acute ischemic stroke’s (AIS) occurrence and prognosis. However, existing research has confirmed that serum amyloid A (SAA) is an inflammatory biomarker. The aim of this paper was to investigate the association between SAA and the three-month clinical results of acute AIS patients after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT).

Methods

The evaluation of AIS patients with complete medical records was carried out by prospectively investigating patients hospitalized in our department between January 2020 and February 2023. The SAA levels were examined with the use of an immunosorbent assay kit that shows a relationship with the enzyme (Invitrogen Corp). Patients were dichotomized into favorable (mRS score of 0, 1 or 2) and unfavorable (mRS score of 3, 4, 5, or 6) results with the use of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

Results

A total of 405 AIS patients who were subjected to IVT therapy were prospectively covered. To be specific, 121 (29.88%) patients had an unfavorable prognosis during the follow-up for 3 months. On that basis, patients achieving unfavorable results gained notably greater SAA levels (39.77 (IQR 38.32–46.23) vs.31.23 (IQR 27.44–34.47), p < 0.001) during hospitalization in comparison to patients with a better result. In the analysis with multiple variates, SAA was adopted to achieve the independent prediction of the three-month unfavorable clinical results of acute AIS patients after IVT [OR:2.874 (95% CI, 1.764–4.321), p < 0.001]. When the fundamental confounding factors were regulated, the odds ratio (OR) of unfavorable prognosis after AIS patients undergoing IVT therapy was 4.127 (95% CI = 1.695–10.464, p = 0.032) for the maximum tertile of SAA in terms of the minimal tertile. With an AUC of 0.703 (95% CI, 0.649–0.757), SAA revealed a notably more effective discriminating capability in terms of CRP, NLR, EMR, and WBC. SAA as a predictor in terms of the prediction of three-month unfavorable results after AIS patients undergoing IVT therapy achieved specificity and sensitivity of 84.45% and 77.23%, as well as an optimal cut-off value (COV) of 37.39.

Conclusion

SAA level that is up-regulated during hospitalization is capable of serving as an effective marker in terms of the prediction of unfavorable three-month results in AIS patients after IVT.
Behavioral changes in FPR2/ALX and Chemr23 receptor knockout mice are exacerbated by prenatal alcohol exposure
Authors: Mooney Sandra M. , Billings Elanaria , McNew Madison , Munson Carolyn A. , Shaikh Saame R. , Smith Susan M.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes neuroinflammation that may contribute to the pathophysiology underlying Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) has shown success in mitigating effects of PAE in animal models, however, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Some PUFA metabolites, specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), play a role in the resolution phase of inflammation, and receptors for these are in the brain.

Methods

To test the hypothesis that the SPM receptors FPR2 and ChemR23 play a role in PAE-induced behavioral deficits, we exposed pregnant wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice to alcohol in late gestation and behaviorally tested male and female offspring as adolescents and young adults.

Results

Maternal and fetal outcomes were not different among genotypes, however, growth and behavioral phenotypes in the offspring did differ and the effects of PAE were unique to each line. In the absence of PAE, ChemR23 KO animals showed decreased anxiety-like behavior on the elevated plus maze and FPR2 KO had poor grip strength and low activity compared to age-matched WT mice. WT mice showed improved performance on fear conditioning between adolescence and young adulthood, this was not seen in either KO.

Discussion

This PAE model has subtle effects on WT behavior with lower activity levels in young adults, decreased grip strength in males between test ages, and decreased response to the fear cue indicating an effect of alcohol exposure on learning. The PAE-mediated decreased response to the fear cue was also seen in ChemR23 KO but not FPR2 KO mice, and PAE worsened performance of adolescent FPR2 KO mice on grip strength and activity. Collectively, these findings provide mechanistic insight into how PUFAs could act to attenuate cognitive impairments caused by PAE.
Pituitary metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma as the initial presentations: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: He Qiang , Deng Feng , Cai Bowen , You Chao , Zheng Songping
Published: July 2023

Background

Extrahepatic metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is common. However, pituitary metastasis of HCC is extremely rare. Our case may be helpful to extend the understanding of the disease.

Case presentation

A 65-year-old man presented to the outpatient department for unexplained headache and ptosis for 1 month. Brain imaging showed a slight enhancement tumor in the pituitary fossa, and the endocrinological assessment showed normal results. We considered the tumor as a non-functioning pituitary adenoma before surgery. Then, the tumor was resected by an endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approach. The histopathological examination results revealed the pituitary metastasis of HCC. Additional abdominal imaging revealed tumors were located in the left and right liver lobes with portal vein invasion and bilateral ilium metastases. After multidisciplinary cooperation, the patient chose chemotherapy.

Conclusion

We report a case of HCC metastasis to the pituitary gland that initially presented with neurological symptoms. We should consider the possibility of pituitary metastasis in HCC patients.
Hemoglobin level associates with survival in women from Appalachian Kentucky with uterine cervix cancer
Authors: Kunos Charles A. , Fabian Denise , Fredericks Tricia , Baldwin Lauren , Dietrich Charles , Miller Rachel W. , Ueland Frederick R.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the relationship between pretherapy hemoglobin levels and progression-free survival among women with uterine cervix cancer undergoing concurrent weekly cisplatin and radiotherapy followed by brachytherapy.

Methods

Patients with advanced-stage II-IVA uterine cervix cancer were grouped by hemoglobin level (Hgb ≥ 12.0, 11.9-10.0, or < 10.0 g/dL). Endpoints were progression-free survival, overall survival, and local control.

Results

Between 01/2001 and 07/2022, 168 patients contributed demographic, tumor, pretherapy hemoglobin, and outcome data with a median follow-up of 31 months. Progression-free survival at three years was 73% (95% confidence interval: 58%-84%), 71% (95% confidence interval: 56%-82%), and 62% (95% confidence interval: 44%-75%) for the Hgb ≥ 12.0, 11.9-10.0, or < 10.0 g/dL groups, respectfully (P < 0.001). In addition, pretherapy hemoglobin levels were significant with treatment outcome when included in a multivariate analysis of prognostic variables.

Discussion

In conclusion, the difference in pretherapy hemoglobin level was prognostic of progression-free survival.
The incidence of malignancies in asbestosis with chrysotile exposure: a large Chinese prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Jingwei , Huang Xiaoyun , Ma Ruimin , Zhang Qian , Wu Na , Du Xuqin , Ye Qiao
Published: July 2023

Background

Asbestos exposure is closely related to the occurrence and development of various malignancies. This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the incidence rate and potential risk factors in a cohort of asbestosis patients in China.

Methods

The incidence of malignancies was determined in patients who had been exposed to chrysotile asbestos and diagnosed with asbestosis sequentially at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2019. Cox regression analyses were used to analyze the correlations between clinical variables and asbestosis combined with malignancies.

Results

A total of 618 patients with asbestosis were identified, of whom 544 were eligible for analysis. Among them, 89 (16.36%) were diagnosed with various malignancies. The standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of patients with asbestosis combined with malignancies were 16.61, 175, 5.23, and 8.77 for lung cancer, mesothelioma, breast cancer, and endometrial carcinoma, respectively. The risks of all malignancies and lung cancer increased with initial exposure before 17 years old, longer asbestos exposure, and smoking.

Conclusions

The SIRs of patients with asbestosis-related malignancies were significantly increased in lung cancer, mesothelioma, breast cancer, and endometrial carcinoma in a hospital-based Chinese cohort. Smoking and the duration of asbestos exposure increased the risk of lung cancer.
Histological and molecular glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype: a real-world landscape using the 2021 WHO classification of central nervous system tumors
Authors: Guo Xiaopeng , Gu Lingui , Li Yilin , Zheng Zhiyao , Chen Wenlin , Wang Yaning , Wang Yuekun , Xing Hao , Shi Yixin , Liu Delin , Yang Tianrui , Xia Yu , Li Junlin , Wu Jiaming , Zhang Kun , Liang Tingyu , Wang Hai , Liu Qianshu , Jin Shanmu , Qu Tian , Guo Siying , Li Huanzhang , Wang Yu , Ma Wenbin
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Glioblastoma (GBM), the most lethal primary brain malignancy, is divided into histological (hist-GBM) and molecular (mol-GBM) subtypes according to the 2021 World Health Organization classification of central nervous system tumors. This study aimed to characterize the clinical, radiological, molecular, and survival features of GBM under the current classification scheme and explore survival determinants.

Methods

We re-examined the genetic alterations of IDH-wildtype diffuse gliomas at our institute from 2011 to 2022, and enrolled GBMs for analysis after re-classification. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify survival determinants.

Results

Among 209 IDH-wildtype gliomas, 191 were GBMs, including 146 hist-GBMs (76%) and 45 mol-GBMs (24%). Patients with mol-GBMs were younger, less likely to develop preoperative motor dysfunction, and more likely to develop epilepsy than hist-GBMs. Mol-GBMs exhibited lower radiographic incidences of contrast enhancement and intratumoral necrosis. Common molecular features included copy-number changes in chromosomes 1, 7, 9, 10, and 19, as well as alterations in EGFR, TERT, CDKN2A/B, and PTEN, with distinct patterns observed between the two subtypes. The median overall survival (mOS) of GMB was 12.6 months. Mol-GBMs had a higher mOS than hist-GBMs, although not statistically significant (15.6 vs. 11.4 months, p=0.17). Older age, male sex, tumor involvement of deep brain structure or functional area, and genetic alterations in CDK4, CDK6, CIC, FGFR3, KMT5B, and MYB were predictors for a worse prognosis, while MGMT promoter methylation, maximal tumor resection, and treatment based on the Stupp protocol were predictive for better survival.

Conclusion

The definition of GBM and its clinical, radiological, molecular, and prognostic characteristics have been altered under the current classification.
Predictors of prolonged hospitalization among children aged 2–59 months with severe community-acquired pneumonia in public hospitals of Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Ethiopia: a multicenter retrospective follow-up study
Authors: Dinku Habtamu , Amare Dessalegn , Mulatu Sileshi , Abate Melsew Dagne
Published: July 2023

Background

Pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children aged under 5 years in Ethiopia. Prolonged hospitalization of severe community-acquired pneumonia is a significant problem in resource-limited countries. This study seeks to provide insights that can help improve the management and outcomes of severe community-acquired pneumonia, which is particularly important in the context of the Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Ethiopia, where access to quality healthcare services is limited, and childhood pneumonia is a significant health challenge.

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine the predictors of prolonged hospitalization among children aged 2–59 months admitted with severe community-acquired pneumonia between 1 January 2016 and 30 December 2020 in the public hospitals in Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Ethiopia.

Method

A retrospective follow-up study design was conducted among randomly selected samples of 526 children. Data were entered into EPI data version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA version 14.0. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was fitted to identify the independent predictors of prolonged hospitalization, and variables with a p-value <0.05 in the multivariable model were considered statistically significant.

Results

The median hospital stay was 5 days (interquartile range 2–8 = 6). Approximately 149 (28.93%) children had prolonged hospitalization (>5 days) and the recovery rate from severe community-acquired pneumonia was 19.69 per 100 person-day observations. The significant predictors of prolonged hospitalization were as follows: having facility referral sources [0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.63–0.98]; a nutritional status of wasting (0.64, 95% CI, 0.44–0.94); anemia (0.65, 95% CI, 0.46–0.90); no identified hemoglobin level (0.53, 95% CI, 0.41–0.70); no identified blood film (0.65, 95% CI, 0.53–0.80); no chest x-ray investigation (0.81, 95% CI, 0.65–0.99); pulmonary effusion (0.31, 95% CI, 0.15–0.66); and late presenters to hospital (0.67, 95% CI, 0.53–0.84) at admission.

Conclusions

The median length of stay in hospital was delayed compared to other studies. Wasting, late presenting to hospital, pulmonary effusion, anemia, absence of investigations of hemoglobin level, chest x-ray, and blood film at admission time were factors that significantly prolonged the hospitalization time. Hence, attention should be given to the prevention of malnutrition and anemia in children, increasing early health-seeking behavior in the community. Attention should be given to complications such as pleural effusion, and investigations, such as chest x-ray, hemoglobin levels, and blood films, should be performed when the child is admitted.
The status of pediatric surgery in Malawi: a narrative mini-review
Authors: Flocks Monaghan Celina , Pittalis Chiara , Byrne Elaine , Hussein Israa , Chilunjika Tiyamike , Nandi Bip , Borgstein Eric , Gajewski Jakub
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Pediatric surgery is essential to a well-functioning health system. Unmet surgical needs contribute to 6.7% of pediatric deaths in Malawi. Understanding the current state of pediatric surgical care in Malawi is necessary to recognize gaps and opportunities in service delivery and to develop evidence-based national planning and solutions.

Methods

This narrative mini review synthesized the literature on the state of pediatric surgery in Malawi through the pillars of the World Health Organization's Health System Building Blocks. A search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases was executed to identify relevant studies and a thematic analysis was performed. Further, to ensure contextual accuracy, pediatric surgeons from Malawi were consulted and involved in this review.

Results

Twenty-six papers were identified. In Malawi's central hospitals, there are six specialist pediatric surgeons for a pediatric population of more than 8 million. There is limited pediatric surgical capacity at the district hospitals. There is little to no written evidence of the national governing and finance structures in place for pediatric surgical services.

Discussion

In countries like Malawi, where a significant portion of the population comprises children, it is crucial to recognize that pediatric services are currently inadequate and fall short of the required standards. It is crucial to prioritize the enhancement of services specifically designed for this age group. This review aims to shed light on the existing gaps within pediatric surgical services in Malawi, providing valuable insights that can inform the development of comprehensive national surgical planning strategies.
Outcomes after HSCT for mucolipidosis II (I-cell disease) caused by novel compound heterozygous GNPTAB mutations
Authors: He Si-jia , Li Dong-jun , Lv Wen-qiong , Tang Wen-hao , Sun Shu-wen , Zhu Yi-ping , Liu Ying , Wu Jin , Lu Xiao-xi
Published: July 2023

Background

Mucolipidosis type II (MLII), or I-cell disease, is a rare lysosomal storage disease (LSD) caused by variants in the GNPTAB gene. MLII patients exhibit clinical phenotypes in the prenatal or neonatal stage, such as marked dysmorphic features, cardiac involvement, respiratory symptoms, dysostosis multiplex, severe growth abnormalities, and mental and motor developmental abnormalities. The median age at diagnosis for MLII is 0.7 years, the median survival is 5.0 years, and the median age at death is 1.8 years. No cure for MLII exists.

Methods

Sanger sequencing of the GNPTAB gene identified the compound heterozygous mutations c.673C > T in exon 7 and c.1090C > T in exon 9, which were novel double heterozygous mutations first reported in China. For the first time, we describe our experience in the use of HSCT for MLII. Our patient underwent HSCT with cells from a 9/10 human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched unrelated donor at 12 months of age. Myeloid neutrophil and platelet engraftment occurred on Days 10 and 11, respectively.

Results

The patient's limb muscle tension was significantly reduced, and his gross and fine motor skills were improved four months after transplantation. DST(Developmental Screen Test) results showed that the patient's fine motor skills and mental development were improved compared with before HSCT.

Conclusion

MLII is a very severe lysosomal storage disease, to date, only 3 cases have been reported on the use of HSCT to treat MLII. Our data show that HSCT is a potential way to prolong the life of patients and improve their quality of life. Due to the lack of comparable data and time, the exact benefit remains unclear in MLII patients. Longer-term follow-up and in-depth prospective studies are indispensable.
Third generation sequencing transforms the way of the screening and diagnosis of thalassemia: a mini-review
Authors: Zhan Lixia , Gui Chunrong , Wei Wei , Liu Juliang , Gui Baoheng
Published: July 2023

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder imposing a significant social and economic burden. Comprehensive screening strategies are essential for the prevention and management of this disease. Third-generation sequencing (TGS), a breakthrough technology, has shown great potential for screening and diagnostic applications in various diseases, while its application in thalassemia detection is still in its infancy. This review aims to understand the latest and most widespread uses, advantages of TGS technologies, as well as the challenges and solutions associated with their incorporation into routine screening and diagnosis of thalassemia. Overall, TGS has exhibited higher rates of positive detection and diagnostic accuracy compared to conventional methods and next-generation sequencing technologies, indicating that TGS will be a feasible option for clinical laboratories conducting in-house thalassemia testing. The implementation of TGS technology in thalassemia diagnosis will facilitate the development of effective prevention and management strategies, thereby reducing the burden of this disease on individuals and society.
An experimental evaluation method of drilling fluid lost control efficiency considering loss types
Authors: Zhang Jingyi , Kang Yili , Deng Yunhui , Xu Chengyuan , Yan Xiaopeng , Lin Chong , Cui Xiaojiang
Published: July 2023

There are serious drilling fluid loss problems in fractured reservoirs during drilling and completion. Indoor evaluation of the drilling fluid lost control effect is an important basis for on-site plugging formula design, but there are some problems in drilling fluid lost control evaluation, such as the inability to evaluate specific loss types. Therefore, based on the classification of loss causes, this paper defines the main control factors of drilling fluid lost control efficiency of different loss types and puts forward a method for recognizing loss types. The influence of fracture module and experimental steps on the drilling fluid lost control efficiency was evaluated through laboratory experiments. Based on the analysis method of indoor and field drilling fluid lost control efficiency, the best laboratory experimental conditions of different loss types were recommended, and then, the experimental evaluation method of the drilling fluid lost control efficiency considering various loss types was established. This method can comprehensively evaluate and grade the lost control ability of the plugging formula. Through the verification in Block K of the Tarim Basin, the test results are closer to the field lost control results, and the evaluation results of the drilling fluid lost control efficiency are better, which can guide the field leakage control evaluation.
A game-theoretic analysis of the impact of differential leadership on employee silence behavior in family enterprises
Authors: Lu Jie , Chen Yanxia , Xu Yitian , Zhu Yuqing
Published: July 2023

The increasing uncertainty in the socio-economic landscape has heightened management’s interest in and expectations for employees’ opinions and suggestions. Concurrently, employee silence behavior is pervasive in today’s corporate world, prompting widespread academic attention. This study employs the dynamic evolutionary game approach to further examine the impact of differential leadership on employee silence of both insiders and outsiders and underlying mechanisms, with a focus on the Chinese socio-economic context. The research findings reveal that both insiders and outsiders may exhibit non-silent behaviors to gain their leaders’ attention and favor, ultimately achieving and sustaining benefit-seeking. Psychological empowerment and out-group preference emerge as key drivers of non-silent behaviors for internal and external employees, respectively. Based on the theories of psychology and social network, this research enriches the theory system of differential leadership behavior evolution and makes up for the deficiency of management in depicting the dynamic process of differential leadership behavior evolution, it provides a theoretical basis for grasping the evolution of differential leadership behavior and its rules of action. The investigation not only supplements and broadens the scope of relevant empirical research but also offers a theoretical foundation for analyzing and comprehending the evolution of differential leadership behavior and its consequences.
A 3-min weighted vests re-warmups induce sprint performance enhancements at the start of the second half of a soccer match-play
Authors: Ltifi Mohamed Amine , Turki Olfa , Racil Ghazi , Larion Alin , Chelly Mohamed Souhaiel , Ben Saad Helmi , Khalifa Riadh , Chamari Karim , Padulo Johnny
Published: July 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of re-warm-up (RWUP) activities consisting of three sets of 15-m sprints with weighted vests on 20-m sprint performance after the break.

Methods: Using a randomized, and counterbalanced cross-over design, twenty U15 elite soccer players performed four RWUP trials which consisted of 15-min of passive rest (control: CONT), 3 × 15-m sprint (RW0%), sprinting with a vest-loaded at 5% of body-mass (BM) (RW5%), sprinting with a 10% BM vest (RW10%). The 3-min RWUP protocols started 10-min after the commencement of the 15-min between-halves break and concluded 2-min before its end. During each testing session, the participant’s RPE scores, and 20-m sprint performance were registered before the first half, and at the end of the break of the simulated match-play.

Results: Significant time effects [F (1.72) = 54.37, d = 1.88, p < 0.001; F (1.72) = 9.07, d = 0.77, p = 0.003], and condition effects [F (3.72) = 11.81, d = 1.53, p < 0.001; F (3.72) = 7.36, d = 1.21, p = 0.003] were observed for RPE scores and 20-m sprint performance, respectively. Significant condition-by-time interactions were found for RPE scores (p < 0.003, d = 0.54), and 20-m sprint performance (p < 0.002, d = 0.70). Contrast analysis showed significantly higher RPE scores (p < 0.001, d = 1.55), and improved 20-m sprint performance (p = 0.0004, d = 1.19) in the RW10% condition compared to all other conditions.

Conclusion: Sprinting for 3-min with a 10% body-mass vest resulted in the highest RPE scores and the most substantial enhancements in 20-m sprint performance. Young elite soccer players should incorporate 10% body-mass weighted vests in their re-warm-ups to boost post-break sprint performance.
How does users' interest influence their click behavior?: evidence from Chinese online video media
Authors: Li Dongqi , Tang Zihuang , Zhao Nan
Published: July 2023

Interest is one of the main factors motivating an individual's behavior, and its effect in the learning process has been widely confirmed in educational psychology. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of individual interest, topic interest and situational interest on the user's video click behavior in the online video browsing situation. We constructed an online experiment in which each participant was asked to use questionnaires to assess their responses to video categories, titles, and covers from the video-sharing website, Bilibili. Based on these responses, we obtained individual interests, topic interests, situational interests, and click behavior of the participants toward the videos. Correlation, regression and mediation analyses were conducted to explore the effects and mechanisms of the three interests on click behavior. The results found: (1) individual interest may have a positive but relatively weaker effect on click behavior, and (2) topic interest and situational interest positively predicted click behavior in all categories. The mediation analysis found: (1) in the otomads and fashion categories, the effect of individual interest on click behavior was partially mediated by topic and situational interest, and (2) in the anime, digits, life, dance, music, game, entertainment, and knowledge categories, the effect of individual interest on click behavior was fully mediated by topic interest and situational interest. These results revealed the facilitating effects and different effect modes of individual, topic, and situational interest on click behavior. These findings shed light on the influence mechanism of interests on video click behavior in different video categories and provide new insights into related applications such as recommender.
Diagnostic criteria to differentiate pathological procrastinators from common delayers: a re-analysis
Authors: Rist Fred , Engberding Margarita , Hoecker Anna , Wolf-Lettmann Johanne , Fischbach Eva-Maria
Published: July 2023

Detection and treatment of clinically relevant forms of procrastination would be greatly facilitated by diagnostic criteria as formulated for psychological disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5). In the present article, the steps for deriving and validating diagnostic criteria for pathological procrastination are described. In an online survey of a random sample of N = 10,000 German university students, 990 answered 13 items derived from the attempts in the literature to define procrastination, the Aitken Procrastination Inventory (API) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). A subset of six items related to the first factor onset delay of the API was selected by Best Subset Multiple Regression (BSMR). A latent class analysis (LCA) of these six items sorted the students into six clusters. A cluster of pathological procrastinators (10%) was separated from the clusters of less impaired habitual, average, and occasional delayers. In addition, a cluster of unconcerned delayers (10%), with strong procrastination tendencies but little personal disadvantages, and a small cluster of fast performers (2%) emerged. The pathological procrastinators differed from all other clusters significantly on nine of the 13 items. They were older, had studied longer but had fulfilled less of their study obligations and were more depressed. The answer options of the six questions were collapsed into two categories (procrastination feature present for at least half a year or absent). These criteria were used for the clinical diagnosis of pathological procrastination. For a diagnosis, two fixed criteria (delaying important tasks needlessly and strong interference with personal goals) plus at least two of four additional criteria (time spent procrastinating, time pressure, physical and psychological complaints, below performance potential) must be met. This diagnostic rule captured 92% from the cluster of pathological procrastinators and 10% of the habitual delayers, but no one from the remaining clusters. Using these diagnostic criteria for clinical diagnosis and intervention decisions will facilitate the comparison and integration of the results from future studies of procrastination.
Stocking Density Influences Predominantly Blue Grama Pasture Mass and Animal Performance
Authors: Lauriault Leonard M. , Scholljegerdes Eric J. , Sawyer Jason E.
Published: July 2023

The optimum grazing management practices to sustain or increase grassland resilience must be determined. The effects of the current and previous year’s stocking densities (light, medium, and heavy stocking densities of 0.53, 0.89, and 1.24 AU ha−1, respectively) at the same stocking rate (35 AUD ha−1 yr−1) of yearling heifers (Bos taurus) grazing predominately blue grama [Bouteloua gracilis (Willd. ex Kunth) Lag. ex Griffiths] pastures on animal gains and pasture mass during the growing season were evaluated at New Mexico State University’s Rex E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM USA, over three years. Previous grazing management had no influence on animal performance (p > 0.14) but seasonal average daily gains and total gains ha−1 were decreased from low- to high-density grazing (p < 0.002). Nevertheless, for grassland resilience, when low followed either high or medium, blue grama mass increased compared to low following low. Alternatively, when medium followed high, blue grama mass was reduced, but when high followed either low or medium, forage mass numerically increased (p < 0.0117 for the previous × current year’s stocking density interaction). Consequently, short-duration, high stocking density may be best using multiple pastures, each with the same grazing period each year to allow for a long-duration rest. Otherwise, during persistent drought, a longer-duration, medium stocking density could be used to allow for recovery.
Synthesis, Electrochemical and Photochemical Properties of Sulfanyl Porphyrazine with Ferrocenyl Substituents
Authors: Hassani Mina , Leda Amanda , Porolnik Weronika , Falkowski Michal , Rębiś Tomasz , Piskorz Jaroslaw , Popenda Lukasz , Wicinski Michal , Mlynarczyk Dariusz T. , Düzgüneş Nejat , Marszall Michal P.
Published: July 2023

Ferrocene is useful in modern organometallic chemistry due to its versatile applications in material sciences, catalysis, medicinal chemistry, and diagnostic applications. The ferrocene moiety can potentially serve many purposes in therapeutics and diagnostics. In the course of this study, (6-bromo-1-oxohexyl)ferrocene was combined with dimercaptomaleonitrile sodium salt to yield a novel maleonitrile derivative. Subsequently, this compound was subjected to an autocyclotetramerization reaction using the Linstead conditions in order to obtain an octaferrocenyl-substituted magnesium(II) sulfanyl porphyrazine. Following that, both compounds—the maleonitrile derivative and the porphyrazine derivative—were subjected to physicochemical characterization using UV-Vis, ES-TOF, MALDI-TOF, and one-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. Moreover, the sulfanyl porphyrazine was subjected to various photophysical studies, including optical absorption and emission measurements, as well as the evaluation of its photochemical properties. Values of singlet oxygen generation quantum yields were obtained in different organic solvents. The electrochemical properties of the synthesized compounds were studied using cyclic voltammetry. According to the electrochemical results, the presence of electron-withdrawing oxohexyl groups attached to ferrocene afforded significantly more positive oxidation potentials of the ferrocene-based redox process up to 0.34 V vs. Fc+/Fc.
Features of legal regulation of workers’ working time in remote work mode
Authors:   Department of Legal support and personnel Policy of LLC ", Novradova-Vasiliadi S. M. ,   Olympia"
Published: July 2023

The author analyzes the issues of legal regulation of working hours of remote workers, identifies the features of the labor regime. Attention is paid to the prerequisites for the formation of transformational processes in the field of labor law and its separate institution as working time. The author analyzes judicial practice in the field of bringing remote workers to administrative responsibility
Issues of remuneration of public civil servants in new constituent entities of the Russian Federation
Authors:   Department of Service and Labor Law Volga Region Institute of Management named after P.A. Stolypin — branch of RANEPA, Channov S.E. ,   Department of Information Law and Digital Technologies of the Saratov State Law Academy
Published: July 2023

In this article, we will touch upon only one of the aspects of the legal regulation of the state civil service of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation — the remuneration of civil servants — both based on the current federal legislation and taking into account the adopted regulations of three of the new Russian territories — the DPR, LPR and Zaporizhzhya region.
Circumstances of threats to life and health of workers in the labor law of Russia: concept and legal significance
Authors:   Department of Labor Law, Saratov State Law Academy, Abalduev V.A.
Published: July 2023

The article is devoted to understanding the role of the circumstances of the threat to life and health in the legal system of Russia and directly in the field of labor law. The significance of the threat to life and health in the activities of state supervision over compliance with labor legislation and in the application of liability for violations of the rules of remuneration is substantiated. The Rostrud documents are critically assessed, revealing the concept of a threat to life and health through a list of possible violations of the law. In order to eliminate uncertainty in understanding the circumstances under consideration, a draft universal definition of a threat to the life and health of workers in the norms of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation is proposed.
Accounting and analytical aspects of the formation of financial results of the corporation
Authors:   Stavropol State Agrarian University, Stavropol, Russia, Kostyukova E. I. , Frolov A. V. ,   Stavropol State Agrarian University, Stavropol, Russia, Shamrina S. Y. ,   Stavropol State Agrarian University, Stavropol, Russia, Bogachov S. V. ,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
Published: July 2023

The article offers the developed accounting and analytical models of financial results formation recommended for large agricultural organizations of the Stavropol Territory on the basis of the information base of accounting and tax reporting.
Development of a Digital Twin for Gas Mixing in a Generator
Authors: Shypul Olga , Garin Vadym , Tkachenko Denys , Plankovskyy Sergiy , Tryfonov Oleg
Published: July 2023

The subject of this research is the development of a digital twin for the process of mixing the components of a gas mixture in the mixer of a mixture generator. The problem is motivated by the concept of digitalizing modern production and is considered in relation to the technology in question for generating a gas mixture of a given composition and homogeneity. A gas-dynamic model of an unsteady flow has been constructed and a numerical study carried out using the Ansys Fluent software. The Reduced Order Model was developed and used in the Ansys Twin Builder platform to build the digital twin.
Current trends in the development of renewable energy sources in Norway
Authors: Armashova-Telnik G. , Ryzhova A.
Published: July 2023

The article discusses Norwegian strategic documents in the field of renewable energy, current trends in the development of hydropower, onshore and offshore wind energy, solar energy, and the use of renewable energy in transport. The development of renewable energy in Norway is mainly due to the use of stimulating tax and financial measures by the state.