bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart nanomaterials for cancer diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Singh Ragini , Sharma Ayush , Saji Joel , Umapathi Akhela , Kumar Santosh , Daima Hemant Kumar
Published: May 2022

Innovations in nanomedicine has guided the improved outcomes for cancer diagnosis and therapy. However, frequent use of nanomaterials remains challenging due to specific limitations like non-targeted distribution causing low signal-to-noise ratio for diagnostics, complex fabrication, reduced-biocompatibility, decreased photostability, and systemic toxicity of nanomaterials within the body. Thus, better nanomaterial-systems with controlled physicochemical and biological properties, form the need of the hour. In this context, smart nanomaterials serve as promising solution, as they can be activated under specific exogenous or endogenous stimuli such as pH, temperature, enzymes, or a particular biological molecule. The properties of smart nanomaterials make them ideal candidates for various applications like biosensors, controlled drug release, and treatment of various diseases. Recently, smart nanomaterial-based cancer theranostic approaches have been developed, and they are displaying better selectivity and sensitivity with reduced side-effects in comparison to conventional methods. In cancer therapy, the smart nanomaterials-system only activates in response to tumor microenvironment (TME) and remains in deactivated state in normal cells, which further reduces the side-effects and systemic toxicities. Thus, the present review aims to describe the stimulus-based classification of smart nanomaterials, tumor microenvironment-responsive behaviour, and their up-to-date applications in cancer theranostics. Besides, present review addresses the development of various smart nanomaterials and their advantages for diagnosing and treating cancer. Here, we also discuss about the drug targeting and sustained drug release from nanocarriers, and different types of nanomaterials which have been engineered for this intent. Additionally, the present challenges and prospects of nanomaterials in effective cancer diagnosis and therapeutics have been discussed.
Complex rupture process on the conjugate fault system of the 2014 Mw 6.2 Thailand earthquake
Authors: Tadapansawut Tira , Yagi Yuji , Okuwaki Ryo , Yamashita Shinji , Shimizu Kousuke
Published: May 2022

A moment magnitude 6.2 crustal earthquake occurred in northern Thailand on May 5, 2014, and its aftershocks exhibit several lineaments with conjugate pattern, involving geometric complexity in a multi-segmented fault system of the Phayao Fault Zone. However, a relationship between those geometric complexities and the rupture evolution of the 2014 Thailand earthquake is still elusive, which is critical to understand complex nature of the earthquake physics and to assess the hazard. Here, we elaborated the newly developed potency density tensor inversion method, used it to invert the globally observed teleseismic P waveforms, and estimated the spatiotemporal distribution of both the slip and the fault geometry. We found the complex rupture evolution consisting of two rupture episodes along a conjugated strike-slip fault system that comprises two distinct fault planes. The first episode originated at the hypocenter and the rupture propagated south along the north–northeast to south–southwest fault plane. The second episode was triggered at around 5 km north from the epicenter, and the rupture propagated along the east–northeast to west–southwest fault plane and terminated at the west end of the source area at 5 s hypocentral time. Our work demonstrates that our potency density tensor inversion can be applied to the smaller-scale magnitude-6 class earthquakes, and it resolves the complex rupture process controlled by the underlying geometric complexity in the fault system.
Natural selenium stress influences the changes of antibiotic resistome in seleniferous forest soils
Authors: Wang Fang-Fang , Liu Guo-Ping , Zhang Fan , Li Zong-Ming , Yang Xiao-Lin , Yang Chao-Dong , Shen Jian-Lin , He Ji-Zheng , Li B. Larry , Zeng Jian-Guo
Published: May 2022

Background

Metal(loid)s can promote the spread and enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment through a co-selection effect. However, it remains unclear whether exposure of microorganisms to varying concentrations of selenium (Se), an essential but potentially deleterious metal(loid) to living organisms, can influence the migration and distribution of ARGs in forest soils.

Results

Precisely 235 ARGs conferring resistance to seven classes of antibiotics were detected along a Se gradient (0.06–20.65 mg kg−1) across 24 forest soils. (flor)/(chlor)/(am)phenicol resistance genes were the most abundant in all samples. The total abundance of ARGs first increased and then decreased with an elevated available Se content threshold of 0.034 mg kg−1(P = 2E−05). A structural equation model revealed that the dominant mechanism through which Se indirectly influences the vertical migration of ARGs is by regulating the abundance of the bacterial community. In addition, the methylation of Se (mediated bytehB) and the repairing of DNA damages (mediated byruvBandrecG) were the dominant mechanisms involved in Se resistance in the forest soils. The co-occurrence network analysis revealed a significant correlated cluster between Se-resistance genes, MGEs and ARGs, suggesting the co-transfer potential.Lelliottia amnigenaYTB01 isolated from the soil was able to tolerate 50 μg mL−1ampicillin and 1000 mg kg−1sodium selenite, and harbored both Se resistant genes and ARGs in the genome.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that the spread and enrichment of ARGs are enhanced under moderate Se pressure but inhibited under severe Se pressure in the forest soil (threshold at 0.034 mg kg−1available Se content). The data generated in this pilot study points to the potential health risk associated with Se contamination and its associated influence on ARGs distribution in soil.
ARMA–GARCH model with fractional generalized hyperbolic innovations
Authors: Kim Sung Ik
Published: May 2022

In this study, a multivariate ARMA–GARCH model with fractional generalized hyperbolic innovations exhibiting fat-tail, volatility clustering, and long-range dependence properties is introduced. To define the fractional generalized hyperbolic process, the non-fractional variant is derived by subordinating time-changed Brownian motion to the generalized inverse Gaussian process, and thereafter, the fractional generalized hyperbolic process is obtained using the Volterra kernel. Based on the ARMA–GARCH model with standard normal innovations, the parameters are estimated for the high-frequency returns of six U.S. stocks. Subsequently, the residuals extracted from the estimated ARMA–GARCH parameters are fitted to the fractional and non-fractional generalized hyperbolic processes. The results show that the fractional generalized hyperbolic process performs better in describing the behavior of the residual process of high-frequency returns than the non-fractional processes considered in this study.
Impact of COVID-19 effective reproductive rate on cryptocurrency
Authors: Minutolo Marcel C. , Kristjanpoller Werner , Dheeriya Prakash
Published: May 2022

The importance of cryptocurrency to the global economy is increasing steadily, which is evidenced by a total market capitalization of over $2.18T as of December 17, 2021, according to coinmarketcap.com (Coin, 2021). Cryptocurrencies are too confusing for laymen and require more investigation. In this study, we analyze the impact that the effective reproductive rate, an epidemiological indicator of the spread of COVID-19, has on both the price and trading volume of eight of the largest digital currencies—Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Ripple, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Cardano, and Binance. We hypothesize that as the rate of spread decreases, the trading price of the digital currency increases. Using Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity models, we find that the impact of the spread of COVID-19 on the price and trading volume of cryptocurrencies varies by currency and region. These findings offer novel insight into the cryptocurrency market and the impact that the viral spread of COVID-19 has on the value of the major cryptocurrencies.
Circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and hypertension risk after adjusting for publication bias
Authors: Bae Jong-Myon
Published: May 2022

Background

Previous systematic reviews reported that serum vitamin D deficiency was associated with risk of hypertension. The aim was to conduct a meta-epidemiological analysis for evaluating the potential effects of publication bias.

Methods

The selection criterion was defined as a follow-up study for evaluating the association between circulating 25-hydroxyvitam D level and hypertension risk in adults. A funnel plot and Egger’s test were used to detect a publication bias. If a publication bias was identified, trim-and-fill analysis (TFA) with linear estimator was performed to estimate a summary relative risk (sRR).

Results

The meta-analysis of 13 cohorts resulted in the lower the vitamin D, the higher the risk of hypertension statistically significant (sRR, 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 to 1.41). But The P-value of Egger’s test (=0.015) and asymmetry of the funnel plot showed that there was a publication bias. TFA resulted in that statistical significance disappeared in the association between vitamin D level and hypertension risk in total cohorts (filled sRR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.18) as well as men and women cohorts.

Conclusions

The publication bias-adjusted results by TFA had no statistically significant association between vitamin D levels and the risk of hypertension. The significant results in previous systematic reviews might be interpreted as due to publication bias.
Risks and management of hypertension in cancer patients undergoing targeted therapy: a review
Authors: Zhu Xiaolei , Wu Shenhong
Published: May 2022

Background

Rapid progress over the last decade has added numerous agents targeting specific cellular signaling pathways to the treatment armamentarium for advanced cancer. However, many of these agents can cause hypertension resulting in major adverse cardiovascular event.

Methods and results

A systematic literature search was performed on the databases PubMed and Google Scholar for papers published in English until December 2020. This review summarizes the risk, mechanism, diagnosis, and management of hypertension in cancer patients undergoing targeted therapy. The risk and pathogenesis of hypertension vary widely with different classes of targeted agents. Currently there is a paucity of data investigating optimal management of hypertension with targeted therapy. A practical approach is discussed with a focus on the goal of blood pressure control as well as drug selection based on the mechanism of hypertension in the context of advanced cancer, treatment toxicity, comorbidity, and drug-drug interactions. This review also discusses many studies that have explored hypertension as a biomarker for cancer treatment efficacy and as a pharmacodynamic biomarker to titrate drug dose.

Conclusions

The diversity of targeted agents has provided important insights into the pathogenesis of hypertension in cancer patients. The underlying mechanism may provide a guidance to the management of hypertension. Further studies are needed to investigate optimal treatment and hypertension as a biomarker for cancer treatment.
Developing an interactive PBL environment via persuasive gamify elements: a scoping review
Authors: Abdul Ghani Azril Shahreez , Abdul Rahim Ahmad Fuad , Yusoff Muhamad Saiful Bahri , Hadie Siti Nurma Hanim
Published: May 2022

The application of gamified elements to PBL to promote student engagement has not been systematically described. Hence, we conducted a review based on Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage scoping review framework, involving research question identification, relevant study identification, study selection, data charting, and result collating and reporting. We searched three databases using five search terms combined with a Boolean operator: “problem-based learning” AND “persuasive OR gamify OR gamification OR game”. The initial pool of 5532 sources was evaluated according to the eligibility criteria, and 14 original articles were selected for the final data extraction. A content analysis was performed, and several persuasive gamification elements for PBL were identified. The results were reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram. The analysis unearthed six main categories of persuasive gamification elements, which have been proven to be effective in the achievement of learning outcomes: high-fidelity simulation, inquisitive exploration, collaborative learning, interactive instruction, guidance and feedback, and rewards. These findings highlight the persuasive gamify elements that can be incorporated to support the active learning and engagement of students in PBL, thus preparing them to be lifelong, self-directed learners.
Change blindness in simulated driving in individuals with homonymous visual field loss
Authors: Swan Garrett , Xu Jing , Baliutaviciute Vilte , Bowers Alex
Published: May 2022

Individuals with homonymous visual field loss (HVFL) fail to perceive visual information that falls within the blind portions of their visual field. This places additional burden on memory to represent information in their blind visual field, which may make visual changes in the scene more difficult to detect. Failing to detect changes could have serious implications in the context of driving. A change blindness driving simulator experiment was conducted with individuals with HVFL (n = 17) and in those with normal vision (NV; n = 16) where changes (pedestrians appearing) were triggered based on the driver’s gaze location. Gaze was used to ensure that the location of the change was visible before and after the change occurred. There were wide individual differences in both vision groups, ranging from no change blindness to more than 33% of events. Those with HVFL had more change blindness than those with NV (16.7% vs. 6.3%, p < 0.001) and more change blindness to pedestrians appearing in their blind than seeing hemifield (34.6% vs. 10.4%, p < 0.001). Further, there was more change blindness for events appearing in the seeing hemifield for those with HVFL than normal vision (p = 0.023). These results suggest that individuals with HVFL may be more susceptible to failures of awareness, such as change blindness, than individuals with normal vision. Increased risk for failures of awareness may result in motor vehicle crashes where the driver fails to notice the other road user (looked-but-failed-to-see incidents).
The influence of familiarity on memory for faces and mask wearing
Authors: Kollenda Diana , de Haas Benjamin
Published: May 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the wearing of face masks became mandatory in public areas or at workplaces in many countries. While offering protection, the coverage of large parts of our face (nose, mouth and chin) may have consequences for face recognition. This seems especially important in the context of contact tracing which can require memory of familiar and unfamiliar contacts and whether they were wearing a mask. In this study, we tested how well participants perform at remembering faces and whether they wore a mask, and if this depends on familiarity. Our results show that: (a) Participants remembered familiar faces better than unfamiliar ones, regardless of mask wearing. (b) Participants remembered unmasked faces better than masked faces, regardless of familiarity. (c) Participants were significantly worse at remembering whether an unfamiliar face was wearing a mask or not—even if they indicated remembering the face. (d) Participants showed a bias to indicate no memory of unfamiliar faces. (e) Participants showed a bias to indicate that unfamiliar faces wore a mask, even if they did not. In sum, it was harder to remember both, the identity of unfamiliar faces and whether they wore a mask. These findings have practical relevance for contact tracing and epidemic control.
Development and validation of students’ digital competence scale (SDiCoS)
Authors: Tzafilkou Katerina , Perifanou Maria , Economides A. A.
Published: May 2022

Towards the transition to blended and remote education, evaluating the levels of students’ digital competence and designing educational programs to advance them is of paramount importance. Existing validated digital competence scales usually ignore either important digital skills needed or new socio-technological innovations. This study proposes and validates a comprehensive digital competence scale for students in higher education. The suggested instrument includes skills of online learning and collaboration, social media, smart and mobile devices, safety, and data protection. The scale was evaluated on a sample of 156 undergraduate and postgraduate students just before and at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. The final scale is composed of 28 items and six digital competence components. The evaluation study revealed valid results in terms of model fit criteria, factor loadings, internal validity, and reliability. Individual factors like the students’ field of study, computer experience and age revealed significant associations to the scale components, while gender revealed no significant differences. The suggested scale can be useful to the design of new actions and policies towards remote education and the digital skills’ development of adult learners.
Is there a difference between GBS triggered by COVID-19 and those of other origins?
Authors: Radišić Vanja , Ždraljević Mirjana , Perić Stojan , Mladenović Branka , Ralić Branislav , Jovanović Dejana R. , Berisavac Ivana
Published: May 2022

Background

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an increasing number of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) cases following the infection has been reported. The aim of our study was to detect patients with GBS treated in our hospital over a 1-year period and to compare the characteristics and outcomes of those triggered by COVID-19 with the rest of GBS patients. Our prospective study included 29 patients who were diagnosed with GBS from March 2020 to March 2021. Based on the preceding event, patients were stratified as post-COVID-19 and non-COVID-19. The GBS disability scale (GDS) was used to assess functional disability.

Results

We identified 10 (34.5%) patients with post-COVID-19 GBS and 19 (65.5%) patients with non-COVID-19 GBS. The median time from the preceding event to the symptoms onset was longer in post-COVID-19 than in non-COVID-19 GBS patients (p = 0.04). However, the time from the symptom onset to the nadir did not differ (p = 0.12). GDS at admission, as well as at nadir, did not differ between these two groups. The level of proteinorrachia was higher in post-COVID-19 GBS patients (p = 0.035). The most frequent subtype of GBS in both groups was acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP). GDS score at discharge (p = 0.56) did not differ between two study groups.

Conclusions

There was no difference in clinical and electrophysiological features, disease course, and outcome in post-COVID-19 compared with non-COVID-19 GBS patients.
General anesthesia versus ultrasound-guided axillary block for ambulatory hand surgery: randomized prospective study
Authors: Badiea Mennat Allah Mohamed Abdel , Moustafa Zakarya Abdel Aziz , El Alem Azza Atef Abd , Mohamed Wael Abdel Moneim , Elbeialy Marwa Ahmed Khairy
Published: May 2022

Background

In upper limb surgery, both axillary brachial plexus block (ABPB) and general anesthesia (GA) have been widely used. ABPB is one of the most popular and widely used procedures for brachial plexus blocks, as well as for achieving upper limb regional anesthesia.

The aim of the study was to compare between both anesthetic techniques for ambulatory hand surgery regarding their effects on postoperative pain as primary outcome and postoperative nausea and vomiting and patient satisfaction and postoperative sleep disturbances as secondary outcomes.

Results

We reviewed data from 40 patients for the primary outcome and found that group A (had general anesthesia) had a statistically significant higher postoperative VAS score than group B (got ultrasound guided axillary block), (P-value 0.05). In terms of secondary outcomes, postoperative nausea and vomiting were significantly higher in group A patients (P-value 0.001), and patient satisfaction was significantly higher in group B patients compared to group A patients (P-value 0.001). Furthermore, the Pittsburgh quality index (PSQI) for postoperative sleep disruptions was considerably higher in group A than in group B at 24 h postoperatively and at the first and second weeks postoperatively (P-value 0.001). Statistically, there is no difference between the two groups in the third week and one month after surgery.

Conclusions

When compared to general anesthesia, ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block offered good anesthesia, great analgesia, and a better postoperative sleep result after hand surgery.
Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in patients undergoing pediatric abdominal surgery: a randomized study
Authors: Pınar Parvin , Yeşiltaş Serdar , Türkay Meltem , Karaaslan Kazım , Türköz Ayda
Published: May 2022

Background

Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) can provide effective analgesia in pediatric abdominal surgery. Additionally, when used as an analgesic method in abdominal surgery, ESPB may increase regional intra-abdominal tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) throughout the operation. However, the number of related studies conducted on pediatric patients is insufficient.

Results

Fifty-two patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery were allocated into two groups, the ESPB (E) and the control (C). Group E received general anesthesia plus unilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB, and group C received general anesthesia alone. Intraoperative fentanyl consumption, Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) score, time to first rescue analgesia and adverse events were recorded over the first 24 h postoperatively. The rSO2 level was evaluated in both groups throughout the operation. The FLACC score was significantly lower in group E than in group C (p<0.05). Four patients in group E required intraoperative fentanyl compared to 12 patients in group C (p<0.05). The first rescue analgesic administration time was significantly longer in group E than in group C (p<0.05). No significant difference in rSO2 values was detected between the groups (p>0.05). However, in group E, rSO2 values were significantly increased after the block compared to the postinduction values.

Conclusions

ESPB provides effective perioperative analgesia in children undergoing low abdominal surgery. Although there was no significant difference in rSO2 values between the groups, ESPB administration consistently increases rSO2 over time.

Trial registration

The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov before patient enrolment (NCT03808129-13.12.2018).
Efficient and ecological leather processing: replacement of lime and sulphide with dispase assisted by 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride
Authors: Liu Hui , Tang Keyong , Li Xiumin , Liu Jie , Zheng Xuejing , Pei Ying
Published: May 2022

Leather is a collagen-based biomass prepared from raw skins or hides by a series of unit operations, in which the unhairing and fiber opening are extremely important operations. However, the conventional Na2S/Ca(OH)2 system used in unhairing and fiber opening has given rise to the pollution to the environment. It is necessary to develop substitute technology for the Na2S/Ca(OH)2. In the present study, 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([AMIm]Cl) was used to cooperate with dispase for cycle unhairing and one-pot beamhouse to recycle waste bovine hides and compared with conventional processing. During those processes, the mechanism of [AMIm]Cl-dispase synergistic unhairing and collagen fibers opening were studied. Besides, plant hazard, organic matter and [AMIm]Cl of wastewater from [AMIm]Cl-dispase process were respectively investigated and separated to evaluate the environmental and economic benefits of the [AMIm]Cl-dispase process. As a result, enzyme activity after unhairing by [AMIm]Cl-diapase system for using 5 times is higher than that by KCl-dispase system, and needs lower unhairing time, which is because of rapid penetration of [AMIm]Cl-dispase solution in bovine hides. For this reason, the tensile strength and elastic modulus of tanned leather from [AMIm]Cl-dispase process are higher than those from the KCl-diapase and conventional processes, and its hydrothermal shrinkage temperature is comparable to that of the conventional one. Because of the 58.13% lower wastewater discharge (WD), 66.60% lower total solids (TS), 97.23% lower ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), non-toxic wastewater and organic matter recovery in wastewater are reached from [AMIm]Cl-dispase process, which is expected to be an alternative to the conventional process to reduce environmental pollution and realize the sustainable development of technology for leather manufacturing.

Graphical abstract
The dynamic characteristics of the center of pressure for toe-out gait: implications for footwear design
Authors: Li Bo , Zhang Xianyi
Published: May 2022

Background

Toe-out gait is often used as a conservative technique to reduce knee adduction moment, which has been targeted to modify knee osteoarthritis progression. The center of pressure (COP) can not only be used to evaluate gait stability, but is also more reliable and practical than local plantar pressures as it does not depend on accurate foot zone divisions. However, to the authors’ knowledge, few study has reported the influence of the foot progression angle on the dynamic characteristics of the COP.

Research question

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of the deliberately toe-out gait on the COP trajectory and stability during walking in healthy individuals.

Methods

Thirty healthy young adults were asked to walk along an 8-m walkway. A Footscan 1 m pressure plate was used to measure the center of pressure during walking.

Results

Compared to the normal gait, the COP of the toe-out gait shifted laterally during the initial contact phase, and shifted laterally and anteriorly during the forefoot contact phase. The mean anterior–posterior velocity of COP reduced by 0.109 m/s during the foot flat phase and the duration of the foot flat phase and forefoot push off phase increased by 4.5% and reduced by 7.0%, respectively.

Significance

Compared to the normal gait, the findings of this study suggest that biomechanical alteration of foot under our experimental conditions may decrease gait stability and increase forefoot load during toe-out walking. The situation may be improved by well-designed footwear or custom-made insole and the biomechanics analysis method can be used to test the efficacy of therapeutic footwear or insole for individuals with deliberately toe-out walking.

Graphical Abstract
The nexus between standalone risk committees and tax aggressiveness: evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Aronmwan Edosa Joshua , Ogbaisi Sebastine Abhus
Published: May 2022

Effective management of risk especially tax risk is arguably hinged on a framework of corporate governance that ensures amongst others that the board of directors is effective and efficient in delegating some of its roles and duties to well-structured committees, without relinquishing its responsibilities. Based on this assertion, this paper inquires into the link between constituting a standalone risk management committee and tax aggressiveness in nonfinancial listed companies in Nigeria. A combination of ex post facto research design and quantitative approach was employed while data were sourced from the financials of eighty (80) firms for twelve (12) years (2008–2019). The censored Tobit estimator was used to evaluate the model for the study, and the finding agrees with the expectation of the agency theory that the presence of a standalone risk committee mitigates tax aggressive practice in Nigeria. The finding has several contributions: first, it extends the literature on the link between corporate governance and organisational behaviour with emphasis on tax aggressiveness. Second, it provides evidence on how the establishment of a risk management committee impacts aggressive tax behaviour, thus, supporting the position of the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance 2018 on the establishment of risk committees. Flowing from this finding, the study recommends strict regulatory compliance by those charged with governance (internal and external) with the requirements for a risk committee as this will improve governance and reduce the risk emanating from tax aggressiveness.
Sleep Fragmentation and Estradiol Suppression Decrease Fat Oxidation in Premenopausal Women
Authors: Grant Leilah K , Coborn Jamie E , Cohn Aviva , Nathan Margo D , Scheer Frank A J L , Klerman Elizabeth B , Kaiser Ursula B , Harder Jessica , Abramson Mathena , Elguenaoui Elkhansaa , Russell Julia A , Wiley Aleta , Rahman Shadab A , Joffe Hadine
Published: May 2022

Context

Body fat gain associated with menopause has been attributed to estradiol (E2) withdrawal. Hypoestrogenism is unlikely to be the only contributing factor, however.

Objective

Given the links between sleep and metabolic health, we examined the effects of an experimental menopausal model of sleep fragmentation on energy metabolism.

Methods

Twenty premenopausal women (age 21-45 years) underwent a 5-night inpatient study during the mid-to-late follicular phase (estrogenized; n = 20) and the same protocol was repeated in a subset of the participants (n = 9) following leuprolide-induced E2 suppression (hypo-estrogenized). During each 5-night study, there were 2 nights of unfragmented sleep followed by 3 nights of fragmented sleep. Indirect calorimetry was used to assess fasted resting energy expenditure (REE) and substrate oxidation.

Results

Sleep fragmentation in the estrogenized state increased the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and carbohydrate oxidation while decreasing fat oxidation (all P < 0.01). Similarly, in the hypo-estrogenized state without sleep fragmentation, RER and carbohydrate oxidation increased and fat oxidation decreased (all P < 0.01); addition of sleep fragmentation to the hypo-estrogenized state did not produce further effects beyond that observed for either intervention alone (P < 0.05). There were no effects of either sleep fragmentation or E2 state on REE.

Conclusion

Sleep fragmentation and hypoestrogenism each independently alter fasting substrate oxidation in a manner that may contribute to body fat gain. These findings are important for understanding mechanisms underlying propensity to body fat gain in women across the menopause transition.
Long-term Efficacy and Safety of Rifampin in the Treatment of a Patient Carrying a CYP24A1 Loss-of-Function Variant
Authors: Brancatella Alessandro , Cappellani Daniele , Kaufmann Martin , Semeraro Antonella , Borsari Simona , Sardella Chiara , Baldinotti Fulvia , Caligo Maria Adelaide , Jones Glenville , Marcocci Claudio , Cetani Filomena
Published: May 2022

Background

Pharmacological therapy may be useful in the treatment of moderate to severe hypercalcemia in patients with infantile hypercalcemia-1 (HCINF1) due to pathogenic variants in the cytochrome P450 24 subfamily A member 1 (CYP24A1). Rifampin is an antituberculosis drug that is a potent inducer of cytochrome P450 3 subfamily A member 4, which is involved in an alternative catabolic pathway of vitamin D. The efficacy of rifampin in improving hypercalcemia was previously reported, but many questions remain on the long-term efficacy and safety. The aim of the study is to test the long-term efficacy and safety of rifampin in a patient with HCINF1.

Methods

We report clinical, biochemical, and imaging features of a 23-year-old man affected by HCINF1 with moderate hypercalcemia (12.9 mg/dL), symptomatic nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, and impaired kidney function [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 60 mL/min/1.73 m2] treated with rifampin for an overall period of 24 months. Kidney, liver, and adrenal function were evaluated at every follow-up visit.

Results

In 2 months, rifampin induced a normalization of serum calcium (9.6 mg/dL) associated with an improvement of kidney function (eGFR 92 mL/min/1.73 m2) stable during the treatment. After 15 months, rifampin was temporally withdrawn because of asthenia, unrelated to impairment of adrenal function. After 3 months, the timing of drug administration was shifted from the morning to the evening, obtaining the remission of asthenia. At the end of follow-up, the nephrolithiasis disappeared and the nephrocalcinosis was stable.

Conclusions

Rifampin could represent an effective choice to induce a stable reduction of calcium levels in patients with HCINF1, with a good safety profile.
The Liver X Receptor Is Selectively Modulated to Differentially Alter Female Mammary Metastasis-associated Myeloid Cells
Authors: Ma Liqian , Vidana Gamage Hashni Epa , Tiwari Srishti , Han Chaeyeon , Henn Madeline A , Krawczynska Natalia , Dibaeinia Payam , Koelwyn Graeme J , Das Gupta Anasuya , Bautista Rivas Rafael Ovidio , Wright Chris L , Xu Fangxiu , Moore Kathryn J , Sinha Saurabh , Nelson Erik R
Published: May 2022

Dysregulation of cholesterol homeostasis is associated with many diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Liver X receptors (LXRs) are major upstream regulators of cholesterol homeostasis and are activated by endogenous cholesterol metabolites such as 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC). LXRs and various LXR ligands such as 27HC have been described to influence several extra-hepatic biological systems. However, disparate reports of LXR function have emerged, especially with respect to immunology and cancer biology. This would suggest that, similar to steroid nuclear receptors, the LXRs can be selectively modulated by different ligands. Here, we use RNA-sequencing of macrophages and single-cell RNA-sequencing of immune cells from metastasis-bearing murine lungs to provide evidence that LXR satisfies the 2 principles of selective nuclear receptor modulation: (1) different LXR ligands result in overlapping but distinct gene expression profiles within the same cell type, and (2) the same LXR ligands differentially regulate gene expression in a highly context-specific manner, depending on the cell or tissue type. The concept that the LXRs can be selectively modulated provides the foundation for developing precision pharmacology LXR ligands that are tailored to promote those activities that are desirable (proimmune), but at the same time minimizing harmful side effects (such as elevated triglyceride levels).
Executive functions and self-efficacy in children with developmental dyslexia and parental attitudes of their mothers
Authors: Radoń Ewa , Mak Monika , Samochowiec Jerzy
Published: May 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare executive functions and self-efficacy in children with dyslexia and/or dysorthography relative to healthy controls, as well as the intensity of parental attitudes in their mothers.
Method: Three groups of children: with developmental dyslexia and dysorthography (n = 49), with isolated dysorthography (n = 51), and without deficits (n = 59) underwent psychological assessment with the Stanford-Binet 5 Intelligence Scale, the Battery for diagnosing academic failure in pupils aged 10-12, the Battery for the diagnosis of cognitive performance in children aged 10-12 and the Personal Competence Scale. Their mothers completed the Parenting Attitudes Scale.
Results: Monitoring time was longer in children with dyslexia and dysorthography compared to controls. Similarly, phonological and categorical fluency was poorer among children with dyslexia and dysorthography relative to the remaining two groups. No intergroup differences were observed in terms of self-efficacy, strength and persistence. The excessively demanding attitude was more frequent in mothers of healthy controls compared to those of children with dyslexia and dysorthography. No significant differences were found in the intensity of the attitude of acceptance, provision of autonomy, over-protectiveness or inconsistency in the investigated mothers.
Conclusions: Due to deficits within phonological and categorical verbal fluency and a longer monitoring speed, children with dyslexia and dysorthography require stimulation within these executive domains. Among the strengths of children with developmental dyslexia and/or dysorthography are self-efficacy, strength and perseverance similar to those found in their healthy peers.
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for transgender and nonbinary persons. Literature review and guidelines for professionals
Authors: Kania Zofia , Mijas Magdalena , Grabski Bartosz , Gąsiorowski Jacek , Pliczko Mateusz
Published: May 2022

Osoby transpłciowe i niebinarne (TG/NB) są wyodrębniane jako jedna z kluczowych populacji w kontekście HIV, w związku z zaobserwowanym wysokim narażeniem na zakażenie HIV w tej grupie. Profilaktyka zakażeń HIV, obejmująca różnorodne dostępne metody, powinna zatem zostać włączona w obszar kompleksowej opieki specjalistycznej nad osobami TG/NB. Jedną z takich metod stanowi profilaktyka przedekspozycyjna (PrEP), której wysoką skuteczność w zapobieganiu zakażeniom HIV wykazano już w licznych badaniach zrealizowanych w populacji osób cispłciowych. Dostępne dane empiryczne dotyczące jej zastosowania u osób TG/NB są jednak pod wieloma względami ograniczone. Opisywane zagadnienie jest także praktycznie nieobecne w krajowym piśmiennictwie, w konsekwencji istnieją znaczące braki w zakresie zaleceń dla specjalistów zajmujących się profilaktyką zakażeń HIV wśród osób TG/NB oraz specjalistów zaangażowanych w kompleksową opiekę nad osobami TG/NB. Niniejszy artykuł 1) zarysowuje problematykę zastosowania PrEP u osób TG/NB oraz związanych z nią wyzwań dla specjalistów (pracujących zarówno w obszarze zdrowia somatycznego, jak i psychicznego); 2) przedstawia możliwości zastosowania PrEP w grupie osób TG/NB w oparciu o dostępne wyniki badań; 3) podsumowuje dobre praktyki w poradnictwie i działaniach psychoedukacyjnych w ramach PrEP, będących częścią kompleksowej opieki nad osobami TG/NB.
Validation and psychometric evaluation of the Polish version of the FCV-19S in children and adolescents
Authors: Kalenik Anna Maria , Górnik Justyna , Konowałek Łukasz , Szymańska Urszula
Published: May 2022

Cel pracy

Pandemia COVID-19 mogła mieć wpływ na zdrowie psychiczne dzieci i młodzieży w Polsce. Sytuacja epidemiologiczna wciąż się zmienia i trudno przewidzieć jej dalszy przebieg. Wciąż trwają dyskusje na temat możliwych korzyści jak i konsekwencji powrotu dzieci do szkół. Z tego względu uzasadnione jest opracowanie polskiej wersji językowej prostego i łatwego w użyciu narzędzia diagnostycznego, które umożliwi szybką ocenę nasilenia lęku i umożliwi tym samym identyfikację dzieci, wymagających szczególnego wsparcia psychologicznego. Celem badania było opracowanie polskiej adaptacji niedawno opublikowanej skali „Fear of COVID-19 Scale” oraz zbadanie właściwości psychometryczne polskiej wersji wśród populacji dzieci i młodzieży.

Metoda

Badaniem objęto 167 uczestników w wieku od 10 do 17 lat. Zostało ono przeprowadzone w formie ankiety on-line w trzech grupach - wśród pacjentów z rozpoznaniem psychiatrycznym, uczniów oraz dzieci z domów dziecka.

Wyniki

Analiza zebranych danych wykazała, że polska wersja skali FCV-19S ma dobre właściwości psychometryczne. Konfirmacyjna analiza czynnikowa potwierdziła jednokierunkową strukturę skali. Rzetelność wyniku ogólnego okazała się zadowalająca (α Cronbacha = 0,831). Ponadto analizy porównawcze grup wykazały, że największy niepokój przed koronawirusem zgłaszały dzieci z domów dziecka.

Wnioski

Nasze wyniki sugerują, że polska wersja skali FCV-19S jest trafnym i wiarygodnym narzędziem, które można wykorzystać do psychologicznej oceny nasilenia lęku przed COVID 19 wśród dzieci i młodzieży.
The ketogenic diet in the treatment of diabetes type 2
Authors: Raksa Karolina , Pawlina Mateusz , Ziętara Karolina , Lewkowicz Martyna , Nowakowska Katarzyna , Raczkiewicz Przemysław
Published: May 2022

Despite  advances in the medical world, obesity remains a major worldwide health hazard .The majority of chronic diseases like diabetes is largely related to obesity which is usually a product of an unhealthy lifestyle and poor dietary habits. The ketogenic diet has become an increasingly popular approach for both weight loss and as an alternative diet for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition, this diet has a positive effect on body weight, blood glucose level, glycosylated hemoglobin and plasma lipid profile. This review focuses on the therapeutic effectiveness of using LCKD for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
The United States, Japan, and Taiwan: What Has Russia's Aggression Changed?
Authors: Smith Sheila A.
Published: May 2022

executive summary: This essay considers Russia's recent invasion of Ukraine and analyzes similarities, differences, and lessons from that conflict to date for a cross–Taiwan Strait scenario that involves the U.S. and Japan. main argumentRussia's invasion of Ukraine has sent shockwaves around the globe and upended assumptions about the likelihood of great-power war, including in the Taiwan Strait. Differences abound between the two scenarios. Yet Russia's war in Ukraine is already reshaping NATO's future and influencing alliance thinking in the Indo-Pacific. With growing Chinese military activity putting pressure on Taiwan's defenses, the U.S.-Japan alliance would be instrumental to U.S. strategy in a cross-strait crisis, and a cross-strait contingency would have widespread ramifications for the defense of Japan. The U.S. and Japan must not only develop a comprehensive strategy to deter aggression across the Taiwan Strait but also consider the risks each is willing to take should major-power conflict erupt. Even though Russia's aggression against Ukraine does not offer a parallel case study, it raises new questions that must be addressed by the U.S. and Japan as they assess how to avoid the outbreak of war around Taiwan. There is already cause for the U.S. and Japan to revisit some of their assumptions about how to prepare for a cross-strait crisis. In particular, China's use of force against Taiwan would not be a localized conflict; it would have systemic consequences. Understanding this and other risks is paramount to ensuring that such a crisis is deterred. policy implications• The U.S. and Japan must ensure sufficient capabilities to demonstrate the costs to China of a decision to use force across the Taiwan Strait. • The U.S. and Japan must examine their assumptions about how a nuclear threat may shape a Taiwan crisis. Consideration must be given not only to warfighting doctrine but to the political factors that could shape government decision-making. • Tokyo and Washington must also factor in the economic risks that would shape a potential crisis and plan strategies to mitigate them. • The U.S. and Japan cannot manage a cross-strait crisis alone and should begin building the foundations for a global response to Chinese aggression should it become necessary.
The Japan Differential? China's Policy toward Japan during the Trump Era
Authors: He Yinan
Published: May 2022

executive summary: This article seeks to explain China's seemingly preferential treatment of Japan during the Trump administration in the U.S.—in comparison to its harsh, "wolf warrior" style of diplomacy toward other countries that challenged its core interests—by examining the perspective of the Chinese government and policy elites with regard to Japan. main argument
In recent years, Japan has been spared China's diplomatic intimidation to a large degree because of its uniquely advantageous bargaining position vis-à-vis China, derived from its economic and technological strength as well as its crucial role in an emerging security network in the Indo-Pacific. Japan's importance to China's regional ambitions was only magnified during the Trump administration when China battled the headwinds of both domestic and international challenges. But China's softer attitude to Japan proved more of a short-term gesture than a genuine change of heart toward the country, and most Chinese elites have felt little need for China to make substantial compromises to address Japan's deep-seated security concerns or to resolve thorny bilateral disputes. This argument complements two other commonly mentioned factors to explain a "Japan differential" in China's foreign policy during the Trump years: Japan's artful diplomacy in balancing its interests between the U.S. and China, and China's need for Japan as a counterweight to hedge against the Trump administration. policy implications
• Treating Japan and other countries differentially was consistent with the advice of some Chinese strategists for moderation and retrenchment at a time when China faced an increasingly antagonistic U.S. and global isolation amid the Covid-19 pandemic. These factors created a policy space for China to forge limited détente with countries like Japan that were deemed to be a secondary threat (compared to the U.S.). • Because China's conciliatory gestures to Japan were for tactical expediency, Sino-Japanese relations in the foreseeable future will likely continue the cyclical pattern of alternating between friction and friendship that has been present over the past decade. • The Japan case shows that, due to China's security and economic anxieties under the shadow of the U.S.-China strategic rivalry, countries that are probable targets of China's coercive diplomacy have a chance to improve their position if they can identify and acquire certain key leverage points vis-à-vis China, either on their own or through international coordination.