bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromosomal-level Genome Assembly of the Coffee Bee Hawk Moth Reveals the Evolution of Chromosomes and the Molecular Basis of Distinct Phenotypes
Authors: Yamabe Takahiro , Kajitani Rei , Toyoda Atsushi , Itoh Takehiko
Published: July 2023

Cephonodes hylas, the coffee bee hawk moth is a hawk moth species with unique characteristics, such as larvae feeding on gardenia, overcoming the toxicity of its iridoid glycosides, diurnal adults, and transparent wings. Although C. hylas is a fascinating model for molecular biological research, genome sequence analysis-based genetic approaches to elucidate these peculiarities have not yet been undertaken. We successfully achieved de novo genome assembly at the chromosome level of C. hylas comparable to the Lepidoptera model organism, silkworm. Additionally, 16,854 protein-coding genes were annotated, and the constructed genome sequence and annotated genes were of the highest quality BUSCO completion compared to closely related species. Comparative genome analysis revealed the process of chromosomal evolution from the Bombycoidea ancestral (n = 31) genome and changes in turnover at the chromosome level associated with chromosomal fusion events, such as the rate of repetitive sequence insertion. These analyses were only possible because the genome was constructed at the chromosome level. Additionally, increased the nonsynonymous/synonymous rate (dN/dS) ratios were observed in multiple photoreceptor-related genes that were strongly associated with the acquisition of diurnal activity. Furthermore, tandemly duplicated expanded genes containing many digestive and other enzymes and larval midgut-specific expression were also confirmed. These genes may be involved in the metabolism of genipin, a toxin found in gardenias. Using the genome sequence of C. hylas determined at the chromosome level, we have successfully identified new insights into the chromosomal evolution of Bombycoidea, as well as the relationship between the genome sequence and its characteristic traits.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Muscular Strength Do Not Predict Social Cognitive Capacity in Older Age
Authors: Grainger Sarah A , Henry Julie D , Alister Manikya , Bourdaniotis Xanthia E , Mead Jessica , Bailey Tom G , Coombes Jeff S , Vear Natalie
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Social cognitive function often declines in older age but the mechanisms underlying these declines are not completely clear. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular strength are positively associated with broader cognitive function in older adults, yet surprisingly, no study has examined whether a similar relationship exists between CRF or muscular strength and social cognition in older age.

Methods

We assessed whether higher CRF and muscular strength were associated with enhanced social cognitive function in a sample of fifty older adults (Mage = 70.08, standard deviation = 3.93). Participants completed a gold-standard cardiopulmonary exercise test to assess CRF, an isometric handgrip strength test to index muscular strength, and validated measures of social cognition to index emotion perception and theory of mind (ToM).

Results

The results showed that CRF and muscular strength did not explain any unique variance in older adults’ social cognitive performance. Bayesian analyses confirmed that the evidence for the null hypothesis was moderate for all tested relationships, except for the relationship between CRF and cognitive ToM where the evidence for the null was anecdotal.

Discussion

This study has provided the first evidence to suggest that CRF and muscular strength—two important modifiable lifestyle factors—are not associated with social cognition in healthy older adults. However, replication studies are now needed to cross-validate these findings and to clarify whether any moderating variables may be important for understanding the relationship between fitness and social cognition in older age.
Frailty and Processing Speed Performance at the Cusp of Midlife in CATSLife
Authors: Luna Maria G , Pahlen Shandell , Corley Robin P , Wadsworth Sally J , Reynolds Chandra A
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Frailty is not an end state of aging, but rather represents physiological vulnerability across multiple systems that unfolds across adulthood. However, examinations of frailty at the midlife transition, and how frailty may impact other age-sensitive traits, such as processing speed (PS), remain scarce. Our research aims were to examine frailty and frailty-speed associations before midlife, a ripe developmental period for healthy aging interventions.

Methods

Using data from the Colorado Adoption/Twin Study of Lifespan behavioral development and cognitive aging (N = 1,215; Mage = 33.23 years; standard deviation = 4.98), we constructed 25-item (FI25) and 30-item (FI30) frailty indices. PS was measured using the Colorado Perceptual Speed task and WAIS-III Digit Symbol (DS) subtest. Multilevel models accounted for clustering among siblings and adjusted for sex, race, ethnicity, adoption status, educational attainment, and age.

Results

Reliability of FI measures was apparent from strong intraclass correlations (ICCs) among identical twin siblings, although ICC patterns across all siblings suggested that FI variability may include nonadditive genetic contributions. Higher FI was associated with poorer PS performance but was significant for DS only (BFI25 = −1.17, p = .001, d = −0.12; BFI30 = −1.21, p = .001, d = −0.12). Furthermore, the negative frailty-DS association was moderated by age (BFI25×age = −0.14, p = .042; BFI30×age=−0.19, p = .008) where increasingly worse performance with higher frailty emerged at older ages.

Discussion

Frailty is evident before midlife and associated with poorer PS, an association that magnifies with age. These findings help elucidate the interrelationship between indicators of frailty and cognitive performance for adults approaching midlife, an understudied period within life-span development.
Molecular analysis of acetylcholinesterase gene in field-collected populations of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) in Northwestern Iran
Authors: Adib Delnia , Jafari Abbas , Silivanova Elena , Basseri Hamidreza , Gholizadeh Saber
Published: July 2023

Nowadays, pyrethroid (Py) insecticides are commonly used against household insect pests and housefly. The combination of Py and organophosphates (OP) are also utilized to combat these insects. The resistance status of Iranian housefly populations to them and carbamate (CB) insecticides is uncertain. This study investigates the presence of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) mutations related to the resistance of Musca domestica to OP and/or CB insecticides in Northwestern Iran. Nucleotides 1041–1776, based on their positions in the ACE gene of aabys strain, were amplified and sequenced in houseflies collected from West Azerbaijan, Gilan, and Ardebil Provinces, Iran. Among 12 single-nucleotide polymorphisms detected, 3 mismatches were found at nucleotides 1174 (T/A, G), 1473 (G/T, C), and 1668 (T/A), leading to amino acid substitutions in V260L, G342A/V, and F407Y positions with various combinations. Genotyping results showed that 85% of specimens had at least one of these substitutions. In addition, the Iranian housefly population was composed of 5 insensitive and sensitive alleles. For the first time, the current study reports the presence of V260L, G342A, G342V, and F407Y substitutions in M. domestica specimens collected from Northwestern Iran. The selection of multiple alleles in field populations might be due to the application of various pesticides/insecticides during extended periods in the region. These molecular levels signify the presence of control problems in the area and the need for developing effective control strategies for such populations.
De novo metastatic breast cancer in men vs women: a Swedish population-based cohort study
Authors: Schiza Aglaia , Fredriksson Irma , Sund Malin , Valachis Antonios
Published: July 2023

Current evidence on de novo metastatic breast cancer is based on data from women. This Swedish population-based cohort study compared the incidence over time and prognosis of de novo metastatic breast cancer between sexes using data from the Swedish National Quality Register for Breast Cancer. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to compare incidence trends in all stages (104 733 women, 648 men) and multivariate Cox regression analysis to investigate potential sex disparities in de novo metastatic breast cancer prognosis (6005 women, 41 men). For both sexes, increased trends were evident for cancer stages I and II, with a stabilizing trend at the later years for women, while stage III incidence remained stable. An increased trend for de novo metastatic breast cancer in women, and to a lesser extent in men, was observed. No difference in de novo metastatic breast cancer overall survival between sexes was observed (hazard ratio = 1.24; 95% confidence interval = 0.85 to 1.81). The comparable features in terms of incidence and prognosis of de novo metastatic breast cancer between sexes imply similarities, supporting the adoption of common treatment strategies.
Association of functional, inherited vitamin D–binding protein variants with melanoma-specific death
Authors: Gibbs David Corley , Thomas Nancy E , Kanetsky Peter A , Luo Li , Busam Klaus J , Cust Anne E , Anton-Culver Hoda , Gallagher Richard P , Zanetti Roberto , Rosso Stefano , Sacchetto Lidia , Edmiston Sharon N , Conway Kathleen , Ollila David W , Begg Colin B , Berwick Marianne , Ward Sarah V , Orlow Irene
Published: July 2023

Background

It is unclear whether genetic variants affecting vitamin D metabolism are associated with melanoma prognosis. Two functional missense variants in the vitamin D–binding protein gene (GC), rs7041 and rs4588, determine 3 common haplotypes, Gc1s, Gc1f, and Gc2, of which Gc1f may be associated with decreased all-cause death among melanoma patients based on results of a prior study, but the association of Gc1f with melanoma-specific death is unclear.

Methods

We investigated the association of the Gc1s, Gc1f, and Gc2 haplotypes with melanoma-specific and all-cause death among 4490 individuals with incident, invasive primary melanoma in 2 population-based studies using multivariable Cox-proportional hazards regression.

Results

In the pooled analysis of both datasets, the patients with the Gc1f haplotype had a 37% lower risk of melanoma-specific death than the patients without Gc1f (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.47 to 0.83, P = .001), with adjustments for age, sex, study center, first- or higher-order primary melanoma, tumor site, pigmentary phenotypes, and Breslow thickness. Associations were similar in both studies. In pooled analyses stratified by Breslow thickness, the corresponding melanoma-specific death HRs for those patients with the Gc1f haplotype compared with those without Gc1f were 0.89 (95% CI = 0.63 to 1.27) among participants with tumor Breslow thickness equal to or less than 2.0 mm and 0.40 (95% CI = 0.25 to 0.63) among participants with tumor Breslow thickness greater than 2.0 mm (Pinteraction = .003).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that individuals with the GC haplotype Gc1f may have a lower risk of dying from melanoma—specifically from thicker, higher-risk melanoma—than individuals without this Gc1f haplotype.
Emerging Resistance Trends in Viridans Group Streptococci Bloodstream Infections Among Immunocompromised Children Receiving Levofloxacin Prophylaxis
Authors: Quintero Ana M , Cruz Vidal Diego A , Klamer Brett G , Ardura Monica I , Oyeniran Sophonie J
Published: July 2023

Background

Levofloxacin prophylaxis (LVXp) is often used for patients with underlying leukemia and severe neutropenia to reduce the risk of fever and bacteremia. This study evaluated trends in viridans group streptococci (VGS) antibiotic susceptibilities over time and clinical outcomes of children with VGS bloodstream infections (BSIs) during institutional adoption of LVXp.

Methods

VGS blood culture isolates between 1/1/2010 and 12/31/2021 with susceptibility testing reported were included. Available isolates were re-identified to the species level and additional susceptibility testing was performed. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted from medical records.

Results

A total of 264 VGS BSI isolates were identified in immunocompromised (IC, n = 125) and non-immunocompromised subjects, (non-IC, n = 139). IC subjects had lower rates of VGS isolates susceptible (S) to LVX and higher minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) to LVX (p = 0.004) and ciprofloxacin (p = 0.0005) compared with non-IC subjects. No other evaluated antibiotic had increased MICs in either group. Fifteen of 19 (74%) LVX not susceptible (NS) isolates occurred in IC subjects, 13 represented breakthrough infections. IC subjects had higher rates of VGS-related shock (p = 0.012), need for pressor support (p = 0.039), and longer duration of hospitalization than non-IC subjects (p < 0.001). Clinical outcomes were comparable between subjects with LVX S and NS VGS BSI isolates.

Conclusions

VGS with reduced susceptibility to LVX emerged during institutional adoption of LVXp in high-risk children with immunocompromising conditions, but did not result in significant differences in clinical outcomes. Ongoing surveillance and susceptibility testing are critical in weighing the utility of LVXp against emerging antimicrobial resistance in this high-risk population.
Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Biomass and Photosynthetic Pigments in Avena sativa
Authors: García Neftali Rangel , Moreno Javier Villegas , Borjas-García Salomón , Kumar-Tiwari Dhirendra , Cisneros Gladys Juárez
Published: July 2023

The nanotechnology applications in agricultural systems are multiple since they offer the potential to significantly improve plant development as well as reduce economic and environmental costs. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (NpsZnO) and other metals have been shown to have positive effects in this field. In this work, NpsZnO were synthesized and their impact on the Avena sativa plant was evaluated. The synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) was carried out using the sol-gel method and the application of these was carried out in the seeds prior to their sowing. The results indicate that mesoporous NPs were obtained. The results indicated that the plants exposed to the application of NpsZnO had a significantly higher biomass production compared to the control treatment plants, showing values ​​of up to 0.45 (g) compared to the control that contained an average of 0.2 g an increase in the chlorophyll index was observed, obtaining concentrations up to 4 times the control. The growth-promoting effect of the applied NPs could be due to the activity of zinc as a precursor in the synthesis of auxins that promote cell division and elongation.
Physiology of Health and Performance: Enabling Success of Women in Combat Arms Roles
Authors: Dyches Karmon D , Friedl Karl E , Greeves Julie P , Keller Margaux F , McClung Holly L , McGurk Michael S , Popp Kristin L , Teyhen Deydre S
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The modern female soldier has yet to be fully characterized as she steps up to fill new combat roles that have only recently been opened to women. Both U.S. and U.K. military operational research efforts are supporting a science-based evolution of physical training and standards for female warfighters. The increasing representation of women in all military occupations makes it possible to discover and document the limits of female physiological performance.

Method

An informal Delphi process was used to synthesize an integrated concept of current military female physiological research priorities and emerging findings using a panel of subject matter experts who presented their research and perspectives during the second Women in Combat Summit hosted by the TriService Nursing Research Program in February 2021.

Results

The physical characteristics of the modern soldier are changing as women train for nontraditional military roles, and they are emerging as stronger and leaner. Capabilities and physique will likely continue to evolve in response to new Army standards and training programs designed around science-based sex-neutral requirements. Strong bones may be a feature of the female pioneers who successfully complete training and secure roles traditionally reserved for men. Injury risk can be reduced by smarter, targeted training and with attention directed to female-specific hormonal status, biomechanics, and musculoskeletal architecture. An “estrogen advantage” appears to metabolically support enhanced mental endurance in physically demanding high-stress field conditions; a healthy estrogen environment is also essential for musculoskeletal health. The performance of female soldiers can be further enhanced by attention to equipment that serves their needs with seemingly simple solutions such as a suitable sports bra and personal protective equipment that accommodates the female anatomy.

Conclusions

Female physiological limits and performance have yet to be adequately defined as women move into new roles that were previously developed and reserved for men. Emerging evidence indicates much greater physical capacity and physiological resilience than previously postulated.
Leaders, Talent Management, and Allies: The Keys to Successful Integration in the Combat Arms
Authors: Yarnell Angela , Carreño Patricia K , Davis Lindsey , McGovern Meaghan , Keller Margaux
Published: July 2023

Servicewomen enhance the U.S. Military fighting force by bringing diverse perspectives, collaborative and creative problem-solving skills for global peace and security, and innovative, adaptive talent as leaders. Despite servicewomen integrating into combat units over the past decade, a number of barriers remain related to inclusion, promotion, and quality of life, particularly for marginalized women. To eliminate inequities experienced by servicewomen, leaders across all levels of the military play a key role in supporting the successful integration of servicewomen, cultivating an environment of belonging, and guarding against toxicity, which will result in optimized performance and readiness for all servicemembers in defense of the Nation. Herein, we review the original gaps related to leadership and peer behaviors identified by the 2014 Women in Combat Symposium, provide updates in the literature, address the topics that arose at the 2021 Women in Combat Symposium, and finally, outline the remaining barriers and challenges to the successful integration of female servicemembers.
AMICO galaxy clusters in KiDS-DR3: Constraints on ΛCDM from extreme value statistics
Authors: Busillo V , Covone G , Sereno M , Ingoglia L , Radovich M , Bardelli S , Castignani G , Giocoli C , Lesci G F , Marulli F , Maturi M , Moscardini L , Puddu E , Roncarelli M
Published: July 2023

We constrain the ΛCDM cosmological parameter σ8 by applying the extreme value statistics for galaxy cluster mass on the AMICO KiDS-DR3 catalogue. We sample the posterior distribution of the parameters by considering the likelihood of observing the largest cluster mass value in a sample of Nobs = 3644 clusters with intrinsic richness λ* > 20 in the redshift range z ∈ [0.10, 0.60]. We obtain $\sigma _{8}=0.90_{-0.18}^{+0.20}$, consistent within 1σ with the measurements obtained by the Planck collaboration and with previous results from cluster cosmology exploiting AMICO KiDS-DR3. The constraints could improve by applying this method to forthcoming missions, such as Euclid and LSST, which are expected to deliver thousands of distant and massive clusters.
Czech dysplasia mimicking rheumatoid arthritis: Case series and literature review
Authors: Moreira Larissa Aniceto , Carvalho Daniel Rocha , Santos Savana Camilla Lima , Silva Cynthia Costa E , Ferreira Bruno Silva Araujo , Cunha Bernardo Matos da , Silveira Karina Costa , Lacarrubba-Flores Maria Dora Jazmin , Cavalcanti Denise Pontes , Mota Licia Maria Henrique da
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study reported a family with most members affected by Czech dysplasia. We examined the patients’ clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics and evaluated their functional capacity using the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index.

Methods

The method used was case series description and literature review.

Results

This study showed that the pathogenic variant c.823C>T in the COL2A1 gene, which is a characteristic of Czech dysplasia, was found in 12 Brazilian individuals. Half of the patients in this family met the criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria. Patients had arthritis in their hand joints, synovitis detected by ultrasound, and alterations in inflammatory tests. The Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index assessment revealed that all patients exhibited moderate-to-severe functional disability. What distinguish Czech dysplasia from RA are an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, platyspondyly, sensorineural hearing loss, and shortening of the metatarsal bones.

Conclusions

It is important to consider Czech dysplasia as a potential differential diagnosis for RA. This autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia is associated with normal height, short metatarsals, platyspondyly, hearing loss, enlarged epiphyses, and precocious osteoarthritis. Inflammatory findings such as arthritis, synovitis, and alteration of inflammatory markers may also be present in individuals with Czech dysplasia.
Reducing perinatal infection risk in newborns of mothers who received inadequate prenatal care
Authors: Bitnun Ari , Sauvé Laura , Fanella Sergio
Published: July 2023

Inadequate prenatal care increases risk for maternal infections going undetected and untreated, putting both the mother’s health and that of her infant at risk. When pregnant women present late to care, routine testing that impacts infant management should include: hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg); serology for hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and syphilis; and testing for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. If the mother was not tested before or after delivery and is not available for testing, the infant should undergo testing for HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis. Testing for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae should be undertaken if the infant develops compatible clinical manifestations. Rapid turnaround of test results for HIV, HBV, and syphilis is optimal because preventive treatment decisions are time-sensitive. Early and effective preventive interventions are available for newborns at risk for HIV, HBV, syphilis, or gonorrhea. Close clinical follow-up and follow-up testing of infants born to mothers with inadequate prenatal care are warranted, as not all infections can be fully excluded perinatally.
Drivers that decrease hospital-delivered care in children with medical complexity: Parental perspectives
Authors: Thibault Louis-Philippe , Bourque Claude Julie , Gaucher Nathalie , Marano Maria , Couture Karine , Saad Lydia , Chartrand Caroline , Frégeau Sandra , Doré-Bergeron Marie-Joëlle , Fiscaletti Melissa , Kleiber Niina
Published: July 2023

Background and objective

Children with medical complexity (CMC) have chronic and severe conditions leading to medical fragility. CMC represent less than 1% of children but account for one-third of paediatric healthcare expenditures. Enrollment to a complex care program (CCP) decreases health care resource utilization while improving parental satisfaction. An in-depth understanding of how these changes operate in real-world setting is needed to further support CMC and their families. This study aimed at assessing the possible reasons for a decrease in emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalization length of stay related to enrollment to a CCP, based on parental perspectives.

Study design

Using a qualitative approach, data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with parents of CMC enrolled in a CCP from a university hospital centre in Montreal, Canada. The interview guide was co-constructed by an interdisciplinary team, including a parent partner and a clinical nurse coordinator. Themes have been identified inductively, using thematic analysis.

Results

Parents identified personalized care, family empowerment and guidance as enablers arising from the CCP that contributed to the decrease in hospital-delivered care utilization. Improvement in medical baseline condition was also identified as a contributing factor, while not necessarily related to program’s support.

Conclusions

In this study, we identified personalized care, parental empowerment, and guidance as three strategies for a CCP to potentially decrease ED visits and hospital length of stay, from the parents’ perspective. Parents identified the clinical nurse coordinator as playing a central role in supporting the implementation of these strategies.
Mapping Aedes aegypti indoor resting behavior reveals a preference vulnerable to householder-led vector control
Authors: Facchinelli Luca , Alsharif Bashir , Jones Jeff D , Matope Agnes , Barbosa Rôsangela M R , Ayres Constância F J , McCall Philip J
Published: July 2023

Many mosquito vectors rest inside human habitations, a behavioral trait that is exploited for vector control by indoor residual spraying (IRS) of interior walls with insecticide. Although IRS and its refined version targeted IRS are very effective against Aedes aegypti, they are expensive and logistically challenging to deliver in densely populated urban areas where outbreaks of dengue and other arboviruses are the greatest challenge. In experiments in Recife, Brazil, we set out to quantify the indoor resting behavior of Ae. aegypti at a level beyond that previously reported. We found that significantly more Ae. aegypti males, unfed and fed females visited the base of walls (height 0–20 cm, corresponding to 12.3% of the total wall surface) more frequently than upper wall areas, with the difference more pronounced at higher temperatures. When the lowest 20 cm of the walls was treated with an appropriate insecticide and colored black, we recorded up to 85% cumulative mortality after 24-h exposure in the experimental room. The findings are significant because feasibly, householders could treat this small and accessible target zone manually, without the need for visits by costly IRS teams or equipment, reducing insecticide use and enabling communities to actively protect their own indoor environment.
TNF inhibitors significantly attenuate the humoral immune response to COVID-19 vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Schäfer Arne , Kovacs Magdolna S , Eder Anna , Nigg Axel , Feuchtenberger Martin
Published: July 2023

Objective

Several studies on the immunogenicity of vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases have evaluated the influence of DMARDs. The aim of the work presented here was to compare the humoral vaccine response after two vaccinations between patients with RA undergoing TNF inhibitor therapy and healthy controls.

Methods

We assessed the humoral immune response, as measured by titres of neutralizing antibodies against the S1 antigen of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in patients with RA and anti-TNF treatment vs. controls without immunomodulatory medication. One hundred and seven fully vaccinated individuals were included at 6 ± 1 weeks after the second vaccination [BioNTech/Pfizer (72.9%), AstraZeneca (17.8%) and Moderna (9.3%)]. Immune responses in terms of antibody titres were compared between both subgroups with (n = 45) and without (n = 62) exposure to anti-TNF medication. The comparison was performed as a cross-sectional, single-centre study approach using non-parametric tests for central tendency.

Results

Anti-TNF medication produced a significantly impaired humoral immune response to vaccination against COVID-19. The maximum immune response was detected in 77.4% of control patients, whereas this decreased to 62.2% in participants treated with TNF inhibitors (P = 0.045; effect size, d = 0.194). Patients on combination treatment (anti-TNF medication and MTX, 17 of 45 subjects in the treatment group) did not differ significantly regarding humoral immune response compared with patients on monotherapy with TNF inhibitors only (P = 0.214).

Conclusion

TNF inhibitors significantly reduce the humoral response following dual vaccination against COVID-19 in patients with RA.
Metformin and Aspirin: Anticancer effects on A549 and PC3 cancer cells and the mechanisms of action
Authors: Motafeghi Farzaneh , Shahsavari Romina , Mortazavi Parham , Babaei Aysan , Samadi Mojaveri Pouria , Khojasteh Omid Abed , Shokrzadeh Mohammad
Published: July 2023

Metformin exerts its anticancer effect through two mechanisms, directly affecting the tumor and indirectly reducing systemic insulin levels. The anticancer effects of aspirin occur by inhibiting Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. COX-2 is absent in many cell types under normal conditions and increases under pathological conditions such as cancer. This study aims to investigate the effect of metformin and aspirin and their combination of them on A549 and PC3 cell lines. Metformin and aspirin were investigated separately and in combination on two cancer cell lines, A549 and PC3. The examined groups include the negative control of untreated cells and the positive control of cisplatin and drugs at concentrations of 15, 10, and 20 μg/ mL to investigate the mechanism of oxidative stress factors (reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, Glutathione (GSH)) and apoptosis (lactate dehydrogenase). The results showed that aspirin, metformin, and their combination could affect cancer cell growth by damaging mitochondria, releasing reactive oxygen species, and activating the oxidative stress pathway. Also, these two drugs show the activation of the apoptotic pathway in cancer cells by increasing the lactate dehydrogenase factor and releasing it from the cells. By disrupting the balance of oxidants and antioxidants in the cell, metformin and aspirin cause an increase in the level of reactive oxygen species and a decrease in the level of glutathione reserves, followed by an increase in the level of lipid peroxidation and a decrease in cell viability. Unlike common chemotherapy drugs, these drugs have no known severe side effects; Therefore, in the not-so-distant future, these drugs can also be used as anticancer drugs.

Highlights
Comparison of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo toxicity benchmarks suggests a role for ToxCast data in ecological hazard assessment
Authors: Schaupp Christopher M , Maloney Erin M , Mattingly Kali Z , Olker Jennifer H , Villeneuve Daniel L
Published: July 2023

Large repositories of in vitro bioactivity data such as US EPA’s Toxicity Forecaster (ToxCast) provide a wealth of publicly accessible toxicity information for thousands of chemicals. These data can be used to calculate point-of-departure (POD) estimates via concentration-response modeling that may serve as lower bound, protective estimates of in vivo effects. However, the data are predominantly based on mammalian models and discussions to date about their utility have largely focused on potential integration into human hazard assessment, rather than application to ecological risk assessment. The goal of the present study was to compare PODs based on (1) quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs), (2) the 5th centile of the activity concentration at cutoff (ACC), and (3) lower-bound cytotoxic burst (LCB) from ToxCast, with the distribution of in vivo PODs compiled in the Ecotoxicology Knowledgebase (ECOTOX). While overall correlation between ToxCast ACC5 and ECOTOX PODs for 649 chemicals was weak, there were significant associations among PODs based on LCB and ECOTOX, LCB and QSARs, and ECOTOX and QSARs. Certain classes of compounds showed moderate correlation across datasets (eg, antimicrobials/disinfectants), while others, such as organophosphate insecticides, did not. Unsurprisingly, more precise classifications of the data based on ECOTOX effect and endpoint type (eg, apical vs biochemical; acute vs chronic) had a significant effect on overall relationships. Results of this research help to define appropriate roles for data from new approach methodologies in chemical prioritization and screening of ecological hazards.
Analysis of the availability, effectiveness and equity of deployment of resources in the health system response to COVID-19 in Nigeria
Authors: Ojielo Nwadiuto C , Uguru Nkolika P , Okeke Chinyere C , Onwujekwe Obinna E
Published: July 2023

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exposed weaknesses in the health systems of countries such as Nigeria, which affected the effectiveness of the health system response to the pandemic. This paper provides new knowledge on the level of the availability, effectiveness and equity of resources in response to COVID-19 in Nigeria. This is valuable information for improving the delivery of countermeasures against future pandemics.

Methods

The study was conducted at the federal level and in two states in Nigeria. The states were Lagos in the southwest and Enugu in the southeast. In-depth interviews were undertaken with 34 key informants. NVivo version 12 software was used for coding and thematic analysis.

Results

There were inadequate, inequitable and suboptimal resources (human, financial, equipment and materials) for the response. In some of the countermeasures, only people that were employed in the formal sector benefitted from the distribution of welfare materials and financial packages; the informal sector, which constitutes the majority of the poor population in Nigeria, was excluded.

Conclusions

Inequity and suboptimal availability of resources to control COVID-19 led to reduced effectiveness of the health system response to the disease in Nigeria. Such negative factors must be mitigated in future responses to pandemics in the country.
Conventional and Biopesticide Fungicides for Cucurbit Downy Mildew Control on Cucumber in Michigan
Authors: Uebbing Matthew R. , Hayden Zachary D. , Hausbeck Mary K.
Published: July 2023

Michigan ranks first in the nation in cucumber production for processing (pickling), contributing over $45 million to the state's economy in 2019. Cucurbit downy mildew, caused by the oomycete Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is the most important disease of cucumber and an annual threat to yields. Fungicides are the most important means to control P. cubensis. Our goal was to monitor currently labelled conventional fungicides and biopesticides for efficacy over the course of an entire cropping period under high pathogen pressure. Field trials were conducted at the Michigan State University Plant Pathology Research Farm in 2021 and 2022. Fungicides were applied weekly, and disease severity was evaluated by visually assessing the percentage of foliar area showing downy mildew symptoms. At the end of the season, the relative area under the disease progress curve (rAUDPC) was calculated using the disease severity data. Based on rAUDPC results, oxathiapiprolin premixed with chlorothalonil was the most effective fungicide at controlling P. cubensis and was significantly better than all other conventional fungicides in both years tested. In both years, all conventional treatments had a significantly lower rAUDPC than the untreated control except pyraclostrobin, dimethomorph, and fluopicolide. No biopesticide fungicide reduced the rAUDPC compared with the untreated control in either year evaluated.
Assessment Practices in Continuing Professional Development Activities in Health Professions: A Scoping Review
Authors: Marceau Mélanie , Vachon Lachiver Élise , Lambert Danika , Daoust Julianne , Dion Vincent , Langlois Marie-France , McConnell Meghan , Thomas Aliki , St-Onge Christina
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

In continuing professional development (CPD), educators face the need to develop and implement innovative assessment strategies to adhere to accreditation standards and support lifelong learning. However, little is known about the development and validation of these assessment practices. We aimed to document the breadth and depth of what is known about the development and implementation of assessment practices within CPD activities.

Methods:

We conducted a scoping review using the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley (2005) and updated in 2020. We examined five databases and identified 1733 abstracts. Two team members screened titles and abstracts for inclusion/exclusion. After data extraction, we conducted a descriptive analysis of quantitative data and a thematic analysis of qualitative data.

Results:

A total of 130 studies were retained for the full review. Most reported assessments are written assessments (n = 100), such as multiple-choice items (n = 79). In 99 studies, authors developed an assessment for research purpose rather than for the CPD activity itself. The assessment validation process was detailed in 105 articles. In most cases, the authors examined the content with experts (n = 57) or pilot-tested the assessment (n = 50). We identified three themes: 1-satisfaction with assessment choices; 2-difficulties experienced during the administration of the assessment; and 3-complexity of the validation process.

Discussion:

Building on the adage “assessment drives learning,” it is imperative that the CPD practices contribute to the intended learning and limit the unintended negative consequences of assessment. Our results suggest that validation processes must be considered and adapted within CPD contexts.
Development and verification of the Menopause Emotional Symptom Questionnaire
Authors: Kim Na Yeon , Yoo Seo-Koo , Jin Jae-Chan , Han Seunga , Hong Ji Sun , Kim Sun Mi
Published: July 2023

Objective

A detailed, well-validated scale for measuring emotional symptoms in menopausal women is lacking. We aimed to develop the Menopause Emotional Symptom Questionnaire (MESQ) and to confirm its reliability and validity among Koreans.

Methods

Eighteen primary items based on previous research results were selected using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). New data, including answers to the novel MESQ, Menopause Rating Scale, Kupperman Index, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and Beck Anxiety Inventory, were collected from 200 perimenopausal women and 100 young men through a research company. Exploratory factor analysis and CFA were performed again to determine whether the MESQ accurately measures emotional symptoms in perimenopausal women. Receiver operating characteristic curve and k-means cluster analyses were used to identify the most appropriate cutoff value.

Results

The MESQ showed high internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.926), and the CFA revealed that the factor structure comprised two subscales: nine items for mood/anxiety symptoms and four items for sleep symptoms. A high correlation between the total MESQ score and total scores of the existing scales was confirmed, indicating high convergence validity. Comparison of the mean MESQ scores between men and women showed significant sex difference, indicating secure known-group validity. The cutoff point of the total MESQ score between the high-risk and low-risk groups was 26.

Conclusions

The novel MESQ has high validity and reliability, and this study confirmed that the MESQ is a valid tool for screening for and measuring emotional symptoms in menopausal women in Korea.
Indications for and Limitations of Reconstruction of Auricular Defects with the “Mid-moon Flap” and Evaluation of Outcome by the Aesthetic Numeric Analogue Score
Authors: Guarro Giuseppe , Fabrizio Tommaso
Published: July 2023

A variety of skin grafting techniques and local flaps have been described for medium-sized auricular defect reconstruction. Despite this, the reconstruction of a medium-sized auricular defect starting from the opposite surface is not yet reported in the literature. In the present article, the authors describe a novel surgical approach, the “mid-moon flap” technique, used for 87 patients in that kind of reconstruction. Eighty-seven patients presenting tumors located on the pinnal surface were enrolled in this study. The patient distribution included 68 men and 19 women, aged from 52 to 94 years, with a median age of 77.4 years. For all the patients, a customized cutaneous flap, named the mid-moon flap, was performed for auricular defect reconstruction. Histopathology reports confirmed the diagnosis of malignant tumors, with complete excision of the lesions in all cases. Follow-ups ranged from 6 to 36 months, with a mean of 18 months. There were no recurrences of the malignancy during the study, and the aesthetic outcome was globally considered good. The authors reported that the mid-moon flap technique is most appropriate for medium-sized auricular defects for two principal reasons: it covers the recipient area very well and, at the same time, leaves almost imperceptible relics on the donor area without causing any morphofunctional alteration of the ear.
Below-knee Amputation with Minimally Painful Injection of Tumescent Local Anesthesia
Authors: Admani Asif , Sherman Imraan , Jani Pankaj , Mwamuye Arnold , Sepehripour Sarvnaz , Lalonde Donald
Published: July 2023

We successfully performed minimally painful injection of tumescent local anesthesia to eliminate the need for the tourniquet and sedation for a below-knee amputation in a frail patient with multiple medical comorbidities in Mombasa, Kenya. Minimal pain injection of WALANT (wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet) pure local anesthesia can be a good alternative for lower limb amputation in frail patients when safe sedation services are unavailable or unaffordable in many countries.
Artificial intelligence’s role in differentiating the origin for subretinal bleeding in pathologic myopia
Authors: Crincoli Emanuele , Servillo Andrea , Catania Fiammetta , Sacconi Riccardo , Mularoni Cecilia , Battista Marco , Querques Lea , Parravano Mariacristina , Costanzo Eliana , Polito Maria Sole , Bandello Francesco , Querques Giuseppe
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

To identify salient imaging features to support human-based differential diagnosis between subretinal hemorrhage(SH) due to choroidal neovascularization(CNV)onset and SH without CNV (simple bleeding,SB)in pathologic myopia eyes using a machine learning(ML)-based stepwise approach.

Materials and methods:

Four different methods for feature extraction were applied:GradCAM visualization,reverse engineering,image processing and human graders' measurements.GradCAM was performed on a deep learning(DL)model derived from Inception-ResNet-v2 trained with OCT B-scan images. Reverse engineering consisted in merging U-Net architecture with a deconvolutional network.Image processing consisted in the application of a local adaptive threshold. Available OCT B-scan images were divided in two groups: the first group was classified by graders before knowing the results of feature extraction; the second(different images)was classified after familiarization with the results of feature extraction.

Results:

Forty-seven(47)and 37 eyes were included in CNV group and SB group respectively.CNV eyes showed higher baseline central macular thickness(p=0.036).Image processing evidenced in CNV eyes an inhomogeneity of the subretinal material and an interruption of the Bruch membrane at the margins of the SH area.Graders’ classification performance improved from an accuracy of 76.9% without guidance to 83.3% with the guidance of the 3 methods(p=0.02). DL accuracy in the task was 86.0%.

Conclusions:

Artificial intelligence helps identifying imaging biomarkers suggestive of CNV in the context of SH in myopia,improving human ability to perform differential diagnosis on unprocessed baseline OCT B-scan images. DL can accurately distinguish between the 2 causes of SH.
Assessment of Quality and Adequacy of Pan Retinal Photocoagulation in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy using Ultra-wide Field Imaging
Authors: L Sowmya , Banerjee Mousumi , Venkatesh Pradeep , Azad Shorya Vardhan , Joshi Hemant Kumar , Chawla Rohan , Kumar Vinod , Vohra Rajpal , Kumar Atul
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

To assess the characteristics of completed PRP, using UWF in PDR.

Methods:

Quantitative assessment of UWF images of 133 patients with PDR with completed PRP was made using Image J software. The parameters assessed included distance of laser spots from the optic disc, foveal centre, superior and inferior arcade, extent of maximum width of laser. Areas assessed were total area of the image, area of the inner limit within which laser spots are restricted, minimum areas of unlasered patches, total area lasered, and ideal area to be covered by PRP.

Results:

201 images were assessed for final analysis. The mean distance of laser spots from the optic disc (nasal) was 4.2 mm ± 2.4 mm, and from the foveal centre (temporal) was 6.6 mm ± 2.5 mm. The mean distance of laser spots from the superior arcade vessel was 3.2mm ± 1.9 mm, and 6.2mm ± 4.4 mm from the inferior arcade. The mean area of the retina that should have been ideally lasered was found to be 900 mm2 ± 267 mm2, actual area lasered was found to be 681 mm2 ± 254.4 mm2 .

Conclusion:

About a quarter area of the retina continues to remain ischemic by the lack of inadequate coverage of PRP. Further longitudinal studies are recommended, using UWFI to objectively assess the adequacy of PRP and its role in modulating the course of progression of the retinopathy.
Dissemination and Evaluation of an Opioid Hazard Awareness Training for Stone, Sand, and Gravel Miners
Authors: Roelofs Cora , Hansen Julia
Published: July 2023

Objective

In response to elevated risk factors, an opioid hazard awareness training for the sand, stone, and gravel mining sector was developed and embedded in annual safety training.

Methods

After positive results from a prior study among Massachusetts workers, a revised training was disseminated across the United States. Two hundred post-training surveys were obtained and compared with results from the Massachusetts cohort.

Results

Participants’ knowledge about opioid-based medications, confidence in talking to a doctor about opioids and/or to a coworker about their own use of opioids, and ability to refer struggling coworkers to resources improved. Massachusetts respondents had slightly more favorable responses. Both cohorts had strong positive views of the training.

Conclusions

These results highlight the feasibility and effectiveness of opioid hazard prevention training for a high-risk worker population.