bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of baseline biomarkers on cognitive trajectories in subjective cognitive decline: the CoSCo prospective cohort study
Authors: Hong Yun Jeong , Ho SeongHee , Jeong Jee Hyang , Park Kee Hyung , Kim SangYun , Wang Min Jeong , Choi Seong Hye , Yang Dong Won ,   CoSCo study group
Published: August 2023

Background

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, the rates of cognitive decline are variable according to underlying pathologies and biomarker status. We conducted an observational study and aimed to investigate baseline characteristics and biomarkers related with cognitive declines in SCD. Our study also assessed whether SCD participants showed different cognitive and biomarker trajectories according to baseline amyloid deposition.

Methods

This study is a part of a longitudinal cohort study conducted in multi-centers in South Korea between 2018 and 2021. Individuals (≥ 60 years old) with persistent cognitive complaint despite of normal cognitive functions were eligible for the study. All participants underwent neuropsychological tests, florbetaben PET scans, plasma amyloid markers, and brain MRI scans. Annual follow-up evaluations included neuropsychological tests and assessments for clinical progressions. Regional brain volumetry and amyloid burden represented by PET-based standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) were measured. We compared cognitive and brain atrophic changes over 24 months between amyloid positive-SCD (Aβ + SCD) and amyloid negative-SCD (Aβ-SCD) groups. Baseline factors associated with cognitive outcomes were investigated.

Results

A total of 120 participants with SCD were enrolled and 107 completed follow-up evaluations. Aβ + SCD participants (n = 20, 18.5%) were older and more frequently APOE4 carriers compared with Aβ-SCD participants (n = 87). Baseline cognitive scores were not different between the two groups, except the Seoul Verbal Learning Test (SVLT) scores showing lower scores in the Aβ + SCD group. After 24 months, plasma amyloid markers were higher, and regional volumes (entorhinal, hippocampal, and pallidum) were smaller in the Aβ + SCD participants compared with Aβ-SCD participants adjusted by age, sex, and baseline volumes. SVLT delayed recall and controlled oral word association test (COWAT) scores indicated more declines in Aβ + SCD participants. Baseline left entorhinal volumes were related to verbal memory decline, while baseline frontal volumes and global SUVR values were related to frontal functional decline.

Conclusion

Aβ + SCD participants showed more cognitive decline and medial temporal atrophic changes during 24 months. Baseline neurodegeneration and amyloid burden were related with future cognitive trajectories in SCD.

Trial registration

This study was registered at CRIS (KCT0003397).
Beta to theta power ratio in EEG periodic components as a potential biomarker in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s dementia
Authors: Azami Hamed , Zrenner Christoph , Brooks Heather , Zomorrodi Reza , Blumberger Daniel M. , Fischer Corinne E. , Flint Alastair , Herrmann Nathan , Kumar Sanjeev , Lanctôt Krista , Mah Linda , Mulsant Benoit H. , Pollock Bruce G. , Rajji Tarek K. ,   on behalf of the PACt-MD Study Group
Published: August 2023

Background

Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) is associated with electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities including in the power ratio of beta to theta frequencies. EEG studies in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have been less consistent in identifying such abnormalities. One potential reason is not excluding the EEG aperiodic components, which are less associated with cognition than the periodic components. Here, we investigate whether aperiodic and periodic EEG components are disrupted differently in AD or MCI vs. healthy control (HC) individuals and whether a periodic based beta/theta ratio differentiates better MCI from AD and HC groups than a ratio based on the full spectrum.

Methods

Data were collected from 44 HC (mean age (SD) = 69.1 (5.3)), 114 MCI (mean age (SD) = 72.2 (7.5)), and 41 AD (mean age (SD) = 75.7 (6.5)) participants. Aperiodic and periodic components and full spectrum EEG were compared among the three groups. Receiver operating characteristic curves obtained via logistic regression classifications were used to distinguish the groups. Last, we explored the relationships between cognitive performance and the beta/theta ratios based on the full or periodic spectrum.

Results

Aperiodic EEG components did not differ among the three groups. In contrast, AD participants showed an increase in full spectrum and periodic relative powers for delta, theta, and gamma and a decrease for beta when compared to HC or MCI participants. As predicted, MCI group differed from HC participants on the periodic based beta/theta ratio (Bonferroni corrected p-value = 0.036) measured over the occipital region. Classifiers based on beta/theta power ratio in EEG periodic components distinguished AD from HC and MCI participants, and outperformed classifiers based on beta/theta power ratio in full spectrum EEG. Beta/theta ratios were comparable in their association with cognition.

Conclusions

In contrast to a full spectrum EEG analysis, a periodic-based analysis shows that MCI individuals are different on beta/theta ratio when compared to healthy individuals. Focusing on periodic components in EEG studies with or without other biological markers of neurodegenerative diseases could result in more reliable findings to separate MCI from healthy aging, which would be valuable for designing preventative interventions.
To charge or not to charge: reducing patient no-show
Authors: Leibner Gideon , Brammli-Greenberg Shuli , Mendlovic Joseph , Israeli Avi
Published: August 2023

Background

In order to reduce patient no-show, the Israeli government is promoting legislation that will allow Health Plans to require a co-payment from patients when reserving an appointment. It is hoped that this will create an incentive for patients to cancel in advance rather than simply not show up. The goal of this policy is to improve patient access to medical care and ensure that healthcare resources are utilized effectively. We explore this phenomenon to support evidence-based decision making on this issue, and to determine whether the proposed legislation is aligned with the findings of previous studies.

Main body

No-show rates vary across countries and healthcare services, with several strategies in place to mitigate the phenomenon. There are three key stakeholders involved: (1) patients, (2) medical staff, and (3) insurers/managed care organizations, each of which is affected differently by no-shows and faces a different set of incentives. The decision whether to impose financial penalties for no-shows should take a number of considerations into account, such as the fine amount, service type, the establishment of an effective fine collection system, the patient’s socioeconomic status, and the potential for exacerbating disparities in healthcare access. The limited research on the impact of fines on no-show rates has produced mixed results. Further investigation is necessary to understand the influence of fine amounts on no-show rates across various healthcare services. Additionally, it is important to evaluate the implications of this proposed legislation on patient behavior, access to healthcare, and potential disparities in access.

Conclusion

It is anticipated that the proposed legislation will have minimal impact on attendance rates. To achieve meaningful change, efforts should focus on enhancing medical service availability and improving the ease with which appointments can be cancelled or alternatively substantial fines should be imposed. Further research is imperative for determining the most effective way to address the issue of patient no-show and to enhance healthcare system efficiency.
Dimensionality and invariance of ADL, IADL, BI-M2/WG-SS, and GALI in large surveys in France (2008–2014) and implications for measuring disability in epidemiology
Authors: Coste Joël , Pérès Karine , Robine Jean-Marie , Carcaillon-Bentata Laure
Published: August 2023

Background

The epidemiological investigation and surveillance of disability requires well-constructed, invariant, and, if possible, exchangeable measures. However, the current or recommended measures have not been thoroughly investigated with respect to these issues. Here we examined the dimensional structure and invariance of four measures across sociodemographic groups: Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Budapest Initiative Mark 2 (BI-M2) and Washington Group on Disability Statistics Short Set (WG-SS), and Global Activity Limitation Indicator (GALI).

Methods

We used data from three large nationwide representative surveys conducted in France between 2008 and 2014. The surveys included these four measures and classical and modern approaches (correlations, principal component analysis, Rasch modeling) were used to assess their dimensional structure as well as their invariance through differential item functioning (DIF) for sociodemographic characteristics. Polytomous logistic regression models were used to assess gradients in health inequalities associated with these measures.

Results

For many items of ADL, IADL, and BI-M2/WG-SS, we consistently observed disordered response thresholds, rejection of unidimensionality, and DIF evidence for sociodemographic characteristics across the survey samples. Health inequality gradients were erratic. In addition, it was impossible to identify a common continuum for GALI, ADL, IADL, and BI-M2/WG-SS or their constituent items.

Conclusion

This study warns against the current practice of investigating disability in epidemiology using measures that are unsuitable for epidemiological use, incommensurable, and inadequate regarding the basic requisites of dimensionality and invariance. Developing invariant measures and equating them along a common continuum to enlarge the common bases of measurement should therefore be a priority.
Causal relationships between delirium and Alzheimer's disease: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zheng Jiang , Du Xiaohui , Yang Liu , Fu Hong
Published: August 2023

Background

Previous observational studies have reported that delirium has an association with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and that patients with AD have a higher risk of developing delirium. However, due to the limitations of observational study, it is challenging to confirm whether delirium has a causal effect on AD or reverse causation exists.

Methods

A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was performed to investigate the relationship between delirium and AD. Summary statistics from genome-wide association studies of delirium and AD phenotypes were utilized. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the main analysis approach, and additional analyses were performed using MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode and weighted mode to ensure result accuracy. Heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy were assessed using Cochran's Q statistics and MR Egger intercept, separately.

Results

The MR analyses showed that genetically predicted delirium was not associated with AD (IVW: odds ratio [OR] 0.98, 95% CI 0.91–1.05, P = 0.544; MR Egger: OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.83–1.15, P = 0.780; weighted median: OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.88–1.05, P = 0.323; simple mode: OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.80–1.04, P = 0.212; weighted mode: OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.83–1.05, P = 0.277). However, in the reverse direction, AD was associated with delirium (IVW: OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.13–1.54, P = 3.91E-04; MR Egger: OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.02–1.98, P = 5.60E-02; Weighted median: OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.18–1.63, P = 8.22E-05; Simple mode: OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.10–1.80, P = 1.41E−02; Weighted mode: OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.16–1.67, P = 3.23E-03).

Conclusion

Based on the results of our MR study, there is no bidirectional causality between delirium and AD, delirium is not associated with an increased risk of AD, while genetically predicted AD is a potential causal risk factor for delirium.
Analysis of the efficacy of a single subumbilical stoma for bilateral cutaneous ureterostomy after radical cystectomy
Authors: Fu Zhenyu , Tian Zhen , Chen Yongchang , Jia Zongming , Wang Chengyu , Zhang Xuefeng , Zhang Weijie , Li Gang , Wei Xuedong , Huang Yuhua
Published: August 2023

Background

Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion are the standard surgical treatments for patients with muscle-invasive or high-risk, or recurrent non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Although this approach significantly prolongs patient survival, it can lead to postoperative complications. This study aims to compare the efficacy and complications of bilateral cutaneous ureterostomy with a single subumbilical stoma to those of cutaneous ureterostomy with two stomas and an ileal conduit as a means of urinary diversion after radical cystectomy. The findings of this study will provide valuable information for healthcare providers in selecting the appropriate urinary diversion method for their patients.

Methods

The clinical data for 108 patients who received bilateral cutaneous ureterostomy with a single subumbilical stoma (ureterostomy with a single stoma group), cutaneous ureterostomy with two stomas (ureterostomy with two stomas group), or an ileal conduit (ileal conduit group) after radical cystectomy were retrospectively analysed. The operative time, pathological stage, survival status, perioperative complication rate, rate of successful first extubation, rehospitalization rate at 6 months after surgery,ostomy-related medical costs,and postoperative quality of life were compared between the three groups of patients.

Results

A significant difference in the operative time was found between the three groups (P = 0.001). No significant differences in pathological stage, survival status, perioperative complication rate, rehospitalization rate at 6 months after surgery, or bladder cancer index (BCI) score were identified among the three groups. The difference in the successful first extubation rate between the three groups of patients was significant (P = 0.001). Significant differences in ostomy-related medical costs were observed among the three groups of patients (P = 0.006).

Conclusion

A single subumbilical stoma for bilateral cutaneous ureterostomy after radical cystectomy may result in shorter surgery time, increased success rates for initial catheter removal, and lower medical expenses. However, to confirm these findings, further prospective randomized clinical trials are necessary.
metaSpectraST: an unsupervised and database-independent analysis workflow for metaproteomic MS/MS data using spectrum clustering
Authors: Hao Chunlin , Elias Joshua E. , Lee Patrick K. H. , Lam Henry
Published: August 2023

Background

The high diversity and complexity of the microbial community make it a formidable challenge to identify and quantify the large number of proteins expressed in the community. Conventional metaproteomics approaches largely rely on accurate identification of the MS/MS spectra to their corresponding short peptides in the digested samples, followed by protein inference and subsequent taxonomic and functional analysis of the detected proteins. These approaches are dependent on the availability of protein sequence databases derived either from sample-specific metagenomic data or from public repositories. Due to the incompleteness and imperfections of these protein sequence databases, and the preponderance of homologous proteins expressed by different bacterial species in the community, this computational process of peptide identification and protein inference is challenging and error-prone, which hinders the comparison of metaproteomes across multiple samples.

Results

We developed metaSpectraST, an unsupervised and database-independent metaproteomics workflow, which quantitatively profiles and compares metaproteomics samples by clustering experimentally observed MS/MS spectra based on their spectral similarity. We applied metaSpectraST to fecal samples collected from littermates of two different mother mice right after weaning. Quantitative proteome profiles of the microbial communities of different mice were obtained without any peptide-spectrum identification and used to evaluate the overall similarity between samples and highlight any differentiating markers. Compared to the conventional database-dependent metaproteomics analysis, metaSpectraST is more successful in classifying the samples and detecting the subtle microbiome changes of mouse gut microbiomes post-weaning. metaSpectraST could also be used as a tool to select the suitable biological replicates from samples with wide inter-individual variation.

Conclusions

metaSpectraST enables rapid profiling of metaproteomic samples quantitatively, without the need for constructing the protein sequence database or identification of the MS/MS spectra. It maximally preserves information contained in the experimental MS/MS spectra by clustering all of them first and thus is able to better profile the complex microbial communities and highlight their functional changes, as compared with conventional approaches. tag the videobyte in this section as ESM4
Deep-sea Bacteroidetes from the Mariana Trench specialize in hemicellulose and pectin degradation typically associated with terrestrial systems
Authors: Zhu Xiao-Yu , Li Yang , Xue Chun-Xu , Lidbury Ian D. E. A. , Todd Jonathan D. , Lea-Smith David J. , Tian Jiwei , Zhang Xiao-Hua , Liu Jiwen
Published: August 2023

Background

Hadal trenches (>6000 m) are the deepest oceanic regions on Earth and depocenters for organic materials. However, how these enigmatic microbial ecosystems are fueled is largely unknown, particularly the proportional importance of complex polysaccharides introduced through deposition from the photic surface waters above. In surface waters, Bacteroidetes are keystone taxa for the cycling of various algal-derived polysaccharides and the flux of carbon through the photic zone. However, their role in the hadal microbial loop is almost unknown.

Results

Here, culture-dependent and culture-independent methods were used to study the potential of Bacteroidetes to catabolize diverse polysaccharides in Mariana Trench waters. Compared to surface waters, the bathypelagic (1000–4000 m) and hadal (6000–10,500 m) waters harbored distinct Bacteroidetes communities, with Mesoflavibacter being enriched at ≥ 4000 m and Bacteroides and Provotella being enriched at 10,400–10,500 m. Moreover, these deep-sea communities possessed distinct gene pools encoding for carbohydrate active enzymes (CAZymes), suggesting different polysaccharide sources are utilised in these two zones. Compared to surface counterparts, deep-sea Bacteroidetes showed significant enrichment of CAZyme genes frequently organized into polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs) targeting algal/plant cell wall polysaccharides (i.e., hemicellulose and pectin), that were previously considered an ecological trait associated with terrestrial Bacteroidetes only. Using a hadal Mesoflavibacter isolate (MTRN7), functional validation of this unique genetic potential was demonstrated. MTRN7 could utilize pectic arabinans, typically associated with land plants and phototrophic algae, as the carbon source under simulated deep-sea conditions. Interestingly, a PUL we demonstrate is likely horizontally acquired from coastal/land Bacteroidetes was activated during growth on arabinan and experimentally shown to encode enzymes that hydrolyze arabinan at depth.

Conclusions

Our study implies that hadal Bacteroidetes exploit polysaccharides poorly utilized by surface populations via an expanded CAZyme gene pool. We propose that sinking cell wall debris produced in the photic zone can serve as an important carbon source for hadal heterotrophs and play a role in shaping their communities and metabolism.
Lower viral evolutionary pressure under stable versus fluctuating conditions in subzero Arctic brines
Authors: Zhong Zhi-Ping , Vik Dean , Rapp Josephine Z. , Zablocki Olivier , Maughan Heather , Temperton Ben , Deming Jody W. , Sullivan Matthew B.
Published: August 2023

Background

Climate change threatens Earth’s ice-based ecosystems which currently offer archives and eco-evolutionary experiments in the extreme. Arctic cryopeg brine (marine-derived, within permafrost) and sea ice brine, similar in subzero temperature and high salinity but different in temporal stability, are inhabited by microbes adapted to these extreme conditions. However, little is known about their viruses (community composition, diversity, interaction with hosts, or evolution) or how they might respond to geologically stable cryopeg versus fluctuating sea ice conditions.

Results

We used long- and short-read viromics and metatranscriptomics to study viruses in Arctic cryopeg brine, sea ice brine, and underlying seawater, recovering 11,088 vOTUs (~species-level taxonomic unit), a 4.4-fold increase of known viruses in these brines. More specifically, the long-read-powered viromes doubled the number of longer (≥25 kb) vOTUs generated and recovered more hypervariable regions by >5-fold compared to short-read viromes. Distribution assessment, by comparing to known viruses in public databases, supported that cryopeg brine viruses were of marine origin yet distinct from either sea ice brine or seawater viruses, while 94% of sea ice brine viruses were also present in seawater. A virus-encoded, ecologically important exopolysaccharide biosynthesis gene was identified, and many viruses (~half of metatranscriptome-inferred “active” vOTUs) were predicted as actively infecting the dominant microbial genera Marinobacter and Polaribacter in cryopeg and sea ice brines, respectively. Evolutionarily, microdiversity (intra-species genetic variations) analyses suggested that viruses within the stable cryopeg brine were under significantly lower evolutionary pressures than those in the fluctuating sea ice environment, while many sea ice brine virus-tail genes were under positive selection, indicating virus-host co-evolutionary arms races.

Conclusions

Our results confirmed the benefits of long-read-powered viromics in understanding the environmental virosphere through significantly improved genomic recovery, expanding viral discovery and the potential for biological inference. Evidence of viruses actively infecting the dominant microbes in subzero brines and modulating host metabolism underscored the potential impact of viruses on these remote and underexplored extreme ecosystems. Microdiversity results shed light on different strategies viruses use to evolve and adapt when extreme conditions are stable versus fluctuating. Together, these findings verify the value of long-read-powered viromics and provide foundational data on viral evolution and virus-microbe interactions in Earth’s destabilized and rapidly disappearing cryosphere.
Optimisation of the DNA dipstick as a rapid extraction method for Schistosoma japonicum in infected mice samples and spiked human clinical samples
Authors: Aula Oyime P. , McManus Donald P. , Jones Malcolm K. , You Hong , Cai Pengfei , Gordon Catherine A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Schistosomiasis remains a public health issue and the need for accurate and affordable diagnostics is crucial in the elimination of the disease. While molecular diagnostics are highly effective, they are expensive, with the main costs been associated with DNA extraction. The DNA dipstick is a rapid, affordable and simple purification method that allows DNA to be extracted from diagnostic samples within 30 s. We aimed to optimise the DNA dipstick method for samples from mice and egg-spiked human samples.

Methods

Urine, blood and faeces were collected from mice exposed to Schistosoma japonicum infection at weekly intervals from Day 0 to Day 42. Urine and faecal samples were also collected from volunteer, uninfected humans and spiked with S. japonicum eggs. All samples were subject to several optimisation procedures and DNA extracted with the DNA dipstick. Amplification of the target DNA was carried out using LAMP and visualised using agarose gel electrophoresis and flocculation.

Results

The DNA dipstick successfully identified S. japonicum from infected mice and human clinical samples spiked with cracked eggs or genomic DNA from S. japonicum. Amplification was observed from week 4 post infection in infected mice. For human samples, amplification was observed in sieved faecal samples, filtered urine samples heated at 95 °C for 30 min, and sera samples heated at 95 °C for 30 min.

Conclusions

The DNA dipstick combined with LAMP has huge potential in providing cost-effective, simple and accurate detection of schistosomiasis infection in endemic regions. This will allow for rapid treatment, tracking outbreaks—such as occur after typhoons, leading to better health outcomes and contributing to control and eventual elimination of schistosomiasis.
Mental health status and related influencing factors in patients with COVID-19
Authors: He Ying , Huang Lei , Chen Jian , Long Ling , Zhang Ling , Hui Xiao , Zhang Qingling , Guan Muzhen , Xie Yuanjun , Sun Jianguo
Published: August 2023

Background

The outbreak of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-2019) has resulted in a significant number of diagnosed patients requiring treatment in designated hospitals. However, limited evidence exists regarding the prevalence of mental health problems and associated psychological factors in COVID-19 patients.

Objectives

This study investigated the prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, and insomnia among COVID-19 patients, as well as explored the associations between these mental health problems and psychological factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 387 COVID-19 patients in a designated shelter hospital. Online measures were used to assess anxiety, depression, insomnia, social support, coping styles, and emotional regulation. Data were analyzed to determine the prevalence rates of mental health problems and examine the associations between these problems and the psychological factors.

Results

The results revealed high prevalence rates of anxiety (21.80%), depression (49.0%), and insomnia (63.70%) among COVID-19 patients. Objective social support scores and positive coping style scores were significantly associated with lower levels of anxiety, depression, and insomnia, respectively. Conversely, high negative coping style scores, higher education level, and self-perceived illness severity, were significantly related to higher levels of anxiety, depression, or insomnia symptoms. Emotional regulation scores did not show a significant association with any of the examined mental health problems.

Conclusions

These findings have implications for guiding psychological interventions tailored to COVID-19 patients in future outbreaks. By targeting social support and promoting adaptive coping strategies, psychological interventions can address the psychological distress experienced by COVID-19 patients.
Antioxidant cellulose nanofibers/lignin-based aerogels: a potential material for biomedical applications
Authors: Sanchez Laura M. , Hopkins Abigail K. , Espinosa Eduardo , Larrañeta Eneko , Malinova Dessislava , McShane Adam Nathan , Domínguez-Robles Juan , Rodríguez Alejandro
Published: August 2023

Background

Lignin is a naturally occurring and aromatic biopolymer with well-known antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Thus, in this work, the use of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and lignin to produce ultra-light aerogels for biomedical applications was studied. Aerogels containing varying amounts of lignin (0–30 wt%) and different concentrations of the crosslinking agent Fe3+ (25–100 mM) were developed.

Results

The different bioaerogels were fully characterized and their physical, mechanical and bioactive properties analyzed. It was observed that the bioaerogels soluble fraction tends to decrease as the lignin content increases for the different Fe3+ concentrations, due to lignin–CNF interactions through hydrogen bonds. The bioaerogels containing lignin showed remarkable radical scavenging activity as the DPPH concentration decreased with time. This confirms the benefits of including lignin in bioaerogels to impart antioxidant properties. To study the suitability of the produced bioaerogels for controlled drug release, the release of tetracycline (TC) was studied. All of the bioaerogels released TC in a sustained manner for 6 h and presented similar profiles. However, the bioaerogels containing higher concentrations of crosslinker showed a higher release of TC. The TC loading conferred clear antimicrobial activity against S. aureus as expected, unlike the insignificant antimicrobial activity of the bioaerogels without TC. The biocompatibility of the samples was demonstrated for all materials produced (with and without TC loading) by the Kruskal–Wallis test with multiple comparisons. After observation of cell morphology, no significant differences were evident suggesting that the CNF–lignin bioaerogels present optimal biocompatibility for use in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industry.

Conclusions

The CNF–lignin bioaerogels presented in this work highlights their promising application as biomedical applications, such as wound dressings due to their biocompatibility, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, as well as their swelling and solubility properties.

Graphical Abstract
Evaluation of baseline optic disc pit and optic disc coloboma maculopathy features by spectral domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Prabhu Vishma , Mangla Rubble , Acharya Isha , Handa Ashit , Thadani Atul , Parmar Yash , Yadav Naresh Kumar , Chhablani Jay , Venkatesh Ramesh
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to describe and compare the baseline demographic, ocular, and imaging characteristics of a cohort of patients with optic disc pit (ODP) or optic disc coloboma (ODC) maculopathy.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with ODP or ODC on clinical examination between June 2017 and December 2022. These patients’ baseline demographics, ocular characteristics, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging characteristics were analyzed.

Results

Fundus examination revealed 11 eyes of 11 patients with ODP and 14 eyes of 9 patients with ODC, respectively. On OCT, maculopathy was observed more frequently in ODP (n = 10) than in ODC (n = 4) [p = 0.004] cases. Eyes with ODP were more likely to exhibit retinoschisis and/or serous macular detachment [SMD] (n = 7, 70%), communication of the retinoschisis with the optic disc (p = 0.015), whereas the SMD did not communicate with the optic disc (p = 0.005), and significant outer retinal layer thinning (p = 0.015). In contrast, eyes with ODC exhibited only SMD (p = 0.005) and no retinoschisis on the non-colobomatous retina. SMD in ODC communicated with the margin of the optic disc. In both clinical entities, hyperreflective foci were observed in the SMD.

Conclusion

In summary, baseline maculopathy characteristics on OCT, including its type, location, and relationship to the optic disc, are among the most distinguishing characteristics between an ODP and an ODC.

Trial Registration Number

Not applicable.
The stent thrombosis in Belgium (STIB) scoring system reliability in Indonesia patients and the modified STIB scoring (M-STIB)
Authors: Hidayat Rakhmad , Rasyid Al , Harris Salim , Harahap Alida R. , Herqutanto  , Louisa Melva , Listiyaningsih Erlin , Rambe Aldy Safruddin , Loho Tonny
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Clopidogrel is recommended as an alternative to Acetyl Salicylic Acid (ASA), the first-line drug for secondary stroke prevention. Clopidogrel resistance in Indonesia is reportedly 15.8%. The Stent Thrombosis in Belgium (STIB) is a scoring system proposed to assess clopidogrel resistance which has not been tested for the reliability in Indonesian population.

Objectives

The objective of the study is to test the reliability of the STIB scoring and modified-STIB scoring system in Indonesian population.

Methods

This study was conducted cross-sectionally in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital and Universitas Indonesia Hospital from January 2020 to December 2021. Laboratory examinations of human CYP450 concentration in blood plasma from 112 subjects were carried out using the ELISA method. The clopidogrel resistance test was carried out using the VerifyNow method.

Results

Out of 112 ischemic stroke patients in this study, 14.3% of them did not respond to clopidogrel. Cross-tabulation between the STIB score and clopidogrel resistance showed significant results (p < 0.05) on the Hb variable and a combination of two or three factors involving Hb levels. Both Hb and CYP450 levels can be independent factors predicting clopidogrel resistance. Once combined, the Hb and CYP450 cutoff levels of 458.9 pg/mL had a sensitivity of 100% with a specificity of 30.2%.

Conclusions

STIB scoring system did not prove to be reliable in screening for Clopidogrel resistance in Indonesian population. The modified STIB scoring system proposed in this study showed a promising result. Further research with larger population should be conducted.
Occlusion of thoracic duct stent resulting in recurrent chyluria: role of renal-lymphatic fistula embolization
Authors: Hoa Tran Quoc , Cuong Nguyen Ngoc , Hoan Le , Hoang Nguyen , Long Hoang , Luu Doan Tien , Hoan Nguyen Cong
Published: August 2023

Background

Thoracic duct (TD) stenting is considered a treatment option for certain pathological conditions caused by TD obstruction, such as chyluria. Several studies have reported on the efficacy of TD stent treatment for both obstructive and leakage condition of TD, but few have evaluated the stent patency. This report aims to describe the patency of TD stent and the effectiveness of renal-lymphatic fistula embolization in the treatment of chyluria.

Case presentation

We report a case of chyluria treated by TD stent previously, stent was placed at the TD venous junction four months before the symptoms recurred. At the second intervention we found the stent was obstructed by debris. We recanalized the stent and successfully catheterised the microcatheter through the stent retrograde into the TD then into the renal-lymphatic fistula branch. After embolization of that abnormal branch, the recurrent chyluria was treated and no further episode of chyluria was occurred during 12 months follow up.

Conclusion

Stent in the TD may be occluded by debris. Embolization of renal-lymphatic fistula might be the most important treatment for spontaneous chyluria.
Biochemical characterization and hypocholesterolemic properties of sesame yogurt made from deoiled edible quality sesame flour (DEQSF) supplemented with rice bran oil
Authors: Sengupta Samadrita , Basu Srabanti , Bhowal Jayati
Published: August 2023

Despite having a high polyphenol content, deoiled edible quality sesame flour (DEQSF), a byproduct of the sesame oil extraction process, is frequently thrown away. DEQSF contains antioxidants, amino acids, minerals, protein, and many non-nutrient-based health advantages. It could serve as an excellent material for the formulation of a value-added functional food product. The current study developed fortified sesame yogurts using rice bran oil (RBO) and DEQSF at percentages of 6, 7, and 8 in order to compare them to control sesame yogurts manufactured from whole sesame seeds and kept at 4 °C for 28 days. The other goal was to examine the in vivo cholesterol-lowering potential of sesame yogurt prepared from DEQSF and RBO. Evaluations were done on the physicochemical, microbiological, sensory, antioxidative, proteolytic, morphological, and nutritional properties. The proximate composition of RBO-fortified sesame yogurts differed considerably when compared to control yogurt in terms of protein, fat, ash, total solids, and carbohydrate content. After 28 days of storage, the addition of 8% DEQSF not only decreased syneresis but also maintained proper viscosity and penetration properties. The right quantity of probiotic bacteria was present in the RBO-fortified sesame yogurts that contained 8% DEQSF, and RBO-fortified sesame yogurt treated with 8% DEQSF (w/v) had a general overall acceptability score. During storage at 4 °C, all RBO-fortified sesame yogurts had nearly identical antioxidant activity to the control sesame yogurt. The addition of 8% DEQSF increased the amount of proteolysis by Lactobacillus spp. and Streptococcus spp., as evidenced by a significant increase in o-phthaldialdehyde levels. Microstructural studies confirmed the dense, compressed, homogeneous structure of the fortified sesame yogurt. To investigate the effects of RBO-supplemented, DEQSF-based yogurt on hypercholesterolemia, a hypercholesterolemic mice model was developed. Comparing animal groups that received fortified sesame yogurts to control groups, there was a significant effect on serum lipid profile as well as hepatoprotective potential. The implication was that RBO-fortified sesame yogurt could help cure hypercholesterolemia. In the end, it was discovered that 8% DEQSF (w/v) and RBO were the perfect combinations to produce sesame yogurt with an anti-obesity and hypocholesteremic impact.

Graphical Abstract
Ligand-based drug design of quinazolin-4(3H)-ones as breast cancer inhibitors using QSAR modeling, molecular docking, and pharmacological profiling
Authors: Abdullahi Sagiru Hamza , Uzairu Adamu , Shallangwa Gideon Adamu , Uba Sani , Umar Abdullahi Bello
Published: August 2023

Background

Breast cancer is the most common tumor among females globally. Its prevalence is growing around the world, and it is alleged to be the leading cause of cancer death. Approved anti-breast cancer drugs display several side effects and resistance during the early treatment stage. Hence, there is a need for the development of more effective and safer drugs. This research was aimed at designing more potent quinazolin-4(3H)-one molecules as breast cancer inhibitors using a ligand-based design approach, studying their modes of interaction with the target enzyme using molecular docking simulation, and predicting their pharmacological properties.

Methods

The QSAR model was developed using a series of quinazoline-4(3H)-one derivatives by utilizing Material Studio v8.0 software and validated both internally and externally. Applicability domain virtual screening was utilized in selecting the template molecule, which was structurally modified to design more potent molecules. The inhibitive capacities of the design molecules were predicted using the developed model. Furthermore, molecular docking was performed with the EGFR target active site residues, which were obtained from the protein data bank online server (PDB ID: 2ITO) using Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD) software. SwissADME and pkCSM online sites were utilized in predicting the pharmacological properties of the designed molecules.

Results

Four QSAR models were generated, and the first model was selected due to its excellent internal and external statistical parameters as follows: R2 = 0.919, R2adj = 0.898, Q2cv = 0.819, and R2pred = 0.7907. The robustness of the model was also confirmed by the result of the Y-scrambling test performed with cR2p = 0.7049. The selected model was employed to design seven molecules, with compound 4 (pIC50 = 5.18) adopted as the template. All the designed compounds exhibit better activities ranging from pIC50 = 5.43 to 5.91 compared to the template and Doruxybucin (pIC50 = 5.35). The results of molecular docking revealed better binding with the EGFR target compared with the template and Doruxybucin. The designed compounds exhibit encouraging therapeutic applicability, as evidenced by the findings of pharmacological property prediction.

Conclusions

The designed derivatives could be utilized as novel anti-breast cancer agents.
Emotional intelligence and consumer decision-making styles: the mediating role of brand trust and brand loyalty
Authors: Kankam George , Charnor Isaac Tetteh
Published: August 2023

This paper brings to light emotional intelligence’s impact on consumer decision-making styles during purchases. We show how brand trust (BT) and brand loyalty (BL) act as mediators between emotional intelligence (EI) and decision-making styles. We further indicate how consumers rely on emotional intelligence (EI) when purchasing products or services based on specific decision-making styles and patterns. We examine this issue by selecting customers who shop at the Accra and West Hills Malls. Seven hundred and fifty (750) respondents from the two selected malls comprised the study’s sample size. The respondents were chosen using the simple random and accidental/convenient sampling approach. The study hypotheses were examined using cross-sectional survey data. We use confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to analyze the data. We exhibit reliable information that emotional intelligence mediates the relationship between BT and BL, while the relationship between brand trust and brand loyalty is more strongly mediated at higher levels of EI. The result indicates a partial mediation between emotional intelligence and decision-making style through brand loyalty. This paper aims to increase knowledge on the importance of emotional intelligence from the perspective of customers through decision-making styles.
Effect of bio-mineral oil blend quenchant on the mechanical properties of carburized mild-steel
Authors: Kolawole Maruf Yinka , Aliyu Suleman Adeniyi , Bello Sefiu Adekunle , Oladosu Kamoru Olufemi , Owoeye Ilesanmi Jonathan
Published: August 2023

In this study, the effect of bio-mineral oil blend quenchants on the mechanical properties of carburized mild steel was experimentally studied and reported. The tensile, hardness, impact, and microstructural test specimens were prepared in line with ASTM standards. Prepared specimens were then buried in a 50:50% ratio mixtures of eggshell/date-seed particulates as carburizing medium in a sealed packed cylindrical crucible. The carburization was then carried out in a muffle furnace at 950 oC for 3 h soaking time at 5 °C/min heating rate and thereafter quenched in different percentage blends of bio-mineral oils. Before the mechanical test and microstructural examination, samples were tempered at 200 oC for 1 h.

Results from the experimental findings revealed that water and bio-mineral oil blend quenchants significantly influenced the mechanical properties and microstructure of carburized mild steel in varying degrees depending on the quenching media. Specimen quenched in 100% groundnut oil yielded the maximum yield tensile strength (805.43 MPa) and hardness at the surface edge (173.8 HV) equivalent to 106.7 and 87.66 percentage increment however, the best combination of mechanical properties (tensile strength 738.66 MPa, strain 17.12%, hardness 169.5 HV and impact strength 51.1 J) was obtained in the specimen quenched in 60/40% groundnut oil and SAE40 oil blends respectively. The enhancement in the mechanical property was due to the grain refinement in the microstructure of the bio-mineral oils quenched specimen. The 60/40 groundnut/SAE40 oil blend is therefore recommended for metallurgical heat treatment of mild steel for critical industrial applications.
Traditional healing in Kisii County, Kenya: a personal narrative
Authors: Matoke Lydia
Published: August 2023

This article describes the author's experiences growing up in a family of traditional healers, an account of early guidance by her grandmother, a severe illness that influenced her to become a healer and the values that are central to her own work as a traditional healer who specialises in treatment of mental health problems. The impact of colonisation on traditional healing practices in Africa is highlighted.
CKM and PMNS mixing matrixes from SO(2) flavor symmetry
Authors: Xu Guojun , Zhang Ying
Published: August 2023

The relation between quark masses and CKM mixing is studied based on an approximate chiral

flavor symmetry of quark mass matrix. In mass hierarchy limit, the mass ratio effect on CKM mixing is suppressed, which separates mass hierarchy and quark flavor mixing into two independent problems. We show that CKM mixing is dominated by two left-handed

symmetries while mass hierarchy only provides slight corrections. The same mixing structure is generalized to lepton sector with extended Dirac neutrinos. The common flavor mixing provides a novel comprehension on the relation between quark CKM mixing and lepton PMNS mixing.
Gauge symmetries and the Higgs mechanism in Quantum Finance
Authors: Arraut Ivan
Published: August 2023

By using the Hamiltonian formulation, we demonstrate that the Merton-Garman equation emerges naturally from the Black-Scholes equation after imposing invariance (symmetry) under local (gauge) transformations over changes in the stock price. This is the case because imposing gauge symmetry implies the appearance of an additional field, which corresponds to the stochastic volatility. The gauge symmetry then imposes some constraints over the free parameters of the Merton-Garman Hamiltonian. Finally, we analyze how the stochastic volatility gets massive dynamically via Higgs mechanism.
Indicadores de morbimortalidade da covid-19 em crianças e adolescentes no estado do Ceará
Authors: Soares Simone Dantas , Façanha Mônica Cardoso
Published: August 2023

Objetivo: descrever os indicadores de morbimortalidade da covid-19 em crianças e adolescentes no estado do Ceará. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo observacional, analítico, do tipo transversal que avaliou dados secundários referente às notificações de covid-19, em crianças e adolescentes, no estado do Ceará, dos anos de 2020 a 2022. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio da base de dados da Integração das Informações da Secretaria da Saúde do Estado do Ceará. Para o processamento dos dados, utilizou-se o Microsoft Excel, o qual foi organizado em tabelas e analisado por meio de estatística descritiva. A pesquisa não necessitou de aprovação em Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: observou-se, tanto para o sexo feminino quanto para o masculino, que o ano de 2021 obteve o maior número de casos notificados, confirmados e óbitos, e as faixas etárias mais acometidas foram as de zero a quatro anos e adolescentes de 15 a 19 anos. Para os indicadores de incidência, o sexo feminino teve maior incidência de casos confirmados na faixa etária de 15 a 19 anos. Os indicadores de mortalidade estiveram maiores entre as crianças de zero a quatro anos do sexo masculino, nos anos 2021 e 2022. Conclusões: os achados deste estudo reforçam que alguns grupos podem ter maior risco de desfechos ruins. O que torna necessário identificar fatores associados a resultados insatisfatórios em crianças e adolescentes com covid-19.