bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El retablo de San Cristóbal Mártir de la Catedral de Orihuela
Authors: Cecilia Espinosa Mariano , Ruiz Ángel Gemma
Published: January 2023

La recuperación del retablo de San Cristóbal Mártir conservado en la antesacristía de la Catedral de Orihuela y su estudio histórico- artístico y patrimonial ha permitido conocer con detalle su origen y funcionalidad en el templo catedralicio, así como las distintas modificaciones históricas que ha sufrido. La obra está compuesta por un lienzo datado en el siglo XVII en donde se muestra a San Cristóbal y arrodillado a sus pies el sacerdote Cristóbal Ripoll, beneficiado de la Catedral de Orihuela y capellán real. La pintura se ornamenta con decoración Rococó en los laterales y un escudo nobiliario en su coronamiento perteneciente a la familia Timor, quien desde 1760 tuvo su sepultura en el altar donde se ubicaba el lienzo. En la parte inferior se añadió en el siglo XVIII la predela de un antiguo retablo con las advocaciones de santos y mártires vinculados a la identidad religiosa de la Corona de Aragón.
Brazilian Public Health System: history and profile of heart failure care and the impacts of COVID-19
Authors: Cruz June , Buso Gustavo , Moura Lidia , Moraes Thyago , Cunha Maria Alexandra , Zequinão Tiago , Gasparetto Juliano , Tuon Felipe , Marques Sandro
Published: January 2023

Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the general and specific context of hospitalizations for Heart Failure (HF) in the Unified Health System and its main care indicators and economic aspects in the period before and during COVID-19. Methods: The economic indicators were evaluated between January 2011 and June 2022, comparing these indicators before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, using data from the DataSUS Health Information of the Ministry of Health of Brazil. The number of hospitalizations, length of stay, lethality and hospitalization costs were evaluated. The ARIMA method and the general regression model were used to analyze monthly results before and during COVID-19. Results: Hospitalization for HF has decreased in the last 11 years, with the most significant drop in the COVID-19 pandemic. After the pandemic, there was an increase in lethality in patients hospitalized for HF and also an increase in length of stay, despite the decrease in hospitalizations. When analyzing the economic aspects, more than US$ 725 million were spent. The average ticket showed a clear drop in per capita investment, with a real devaluation of 30.46% in the period from 2011 to 2022, which can be related to two main hypotheses: increased effectiveness and effectiveness of the analysis of service costs and/ or chronic underfunding of the Brazilian Public Health System. Conclusion: HF has its lethality worsened over time, especially in the COVID-19 period, also associated with a significant expense with the SUS and a tendency to decrease the allocation of resources.
Revisão de remuneração do SUS para linha de cuidado do AVC isquêmico por meio de microcusteio
Authors: Etges Ana Paula , Anschau Fernando , Pires Luana
Published: January 2023

Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo é medir o custo assistencial por paciente e revisar o ressarcimento do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) na linha de cuidado de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCi). Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, com 24 pacientes na amostra, na unidade de referência na instituição para tratamento de AVC, no período de novembro/2019 a dezembro/2019. O método utilizado para apuração de custos foi o custeio baseado em atividade e tempo (TDABC), no qual os custos são coletados focando o paciente e os cuidados dispensados durante a assistência. A perspectiva do estudo é a do prestador de serviços do SUS, que se concentrou na avaliação de custos. Foram realizadas as análises de custo total por paciente, componente de custo, custo e tempo por fase na linha de cuidado, custo médio diário e custo médio diário do SUS. Resultados: O custo médio do paciente com AVCi auferido pelo método TDABC é de R$ 14.079,70, sendo a sua maioria justificada em custos de estrutura da unidade de AVC. A atividade com mais custos foi a unidade de AVC e realização de exames. Conclusões: Foi identificado no estudo que os principais contribuintes para a geração de custos na linha de cuidado são as atividades que demandam mais tempo, os medicamentos dispensados e os exames denominados de “alto custo” realizados. Os custos reais aferidos em relação ao ressarcimento previsto pelo SUS e estabelecimentos de saúde credenciados neste estudo demonstram que apenas 39% do custo real está coberto pelo SUS no AVCi.
Submandibular Secretory Carcinoma in a 10-year-old Filipino
Authors: Pantoja John Nicholas , Madrid Manuelito , Tria IV Francisco
Published: January 2023

Secretory carcinoma is a recently described salivary gland neoplasm reported in the fourth edition of World Health Organization classification of head and neck tumors.1 We report a case of a primary secretory carcinoma arising from the submandibular gland that was completely excised in a 10-year-old. The histomorphologic features and the immunophenotype studies are compatible with secretory carcinoma. Unless proven otherwise by immunohistochemical stains and cytogenetics, secretory carcinoma should be included as a differential in cases of lesion of the major and minor salivary glands that has the primary differential diagnosis of acinic cell carcinoma. This case report aims to contribute to the limited literature about this disease entity and would be one of the few reported cases of the disease in a school-age child.
WITHDRAWN: Interval type-2 fuzzy moving average control charts considering explicit formula of average run length and their application
Authors: Razali Nur Hidayah Mohd , Abdullah Lazim , Ghani Ahmad Termimi Ab , Aimran Ahmad Nizam
Published: January 2023

Previous literature suggest that fuzzy control charts are more sensitive than conventional one hence, it provides better quality and conformance of products. However, it is known that much of the data used in manufacturing sector cannot be expressed by type-1 fuzzy numbers and some of it more suitable to be expressed in type-2 fuzzy numbers. This paper aims to develop type-2 fuzzy moving average (MA) control charts by considering interval type 2 fuzzy numbers, and the case of known and unknown standard deviations. This new control chart combines the advantages of lower bound and upper bound of interval type-2 fuzzy numbers and a modified Best Nonfuzzy Performance as defuzzification method instead of typical centroid method, which can find the upper and lower control limits. In order to verify the performance of the proposed control chart, average run length (ARL) is computed and compared to other charts which are type-1 fuzzy MA chart and conventional MA chart. Twenty samples with sample size of six of fertilizers’ production is examined to identify the defects. Based on the result of the conventional MA chart, 8 out of 20 samples are “out of control”. On the other hand, type-1 fuzzy MA chart founds 10 samples are “out of control”, whereas interval type-2 fuzzy MA chart found 15 samples are “out of control”. Thus, we can conclude that, interval type-2 fuzzy chart is more sensitive and takes lesser number of observations to identify the shift in the process. In addition, the ARL test shows that interval type-2 fuzzy MA outperforms the other control charts under the comparison of ARL. Thanks to the introduction of interval type-2 fuzzy numbers to the MA and the explicit formula of ARL where the quality of fertilizers production can be improved.
Molecular characterization of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) landraces under drought stress
Authors: Makhadmeh Ibrahim , Albalasmeh Ammar , Ali Mohammed , Gamal Samar G. , Darabseh Walaa Ali , Jaradat Saied , Alqudah Ahmad M.
Published: January 2023

Exploring the genetic diversity among plant landraces is important for the conservation and management of plant genetic resources. In this study, a collection of forty–six tomato landraces was evaluated based on the morpho-physiological, and molecularly characterize to detect the genetic diversity. Tomato landraces seedlings were exposed to drought stress with 70% field capacity and 40% field capacity under field conditions. Drought stress had significantly negatively influenced root dry weight, root fresh weight, root growth rate, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, and shoot growth rate. Moreover, proline content showed a highly significant increase in response to drought stress. The analysis of twenty morphological characters revealed a wide range of variations among tomato landraces. Landraces were screened with fourteen SSRs primers, among them six primers were used to determine the genetic diversity and genetic relationship. Based on resolving power, primer LEct004 and LEat018 were most significant as they can recognize all 46 landraces. The LEct004 SSRs marker had the highest PIC, while the Asr2 marker had the lowest PIC value. The landraces were grouped into two main clusters of which some are closely related while some are significantly distinct. Interestingly, the SSR markers were associated with genes e.g. LEat018 with ACTIN–RELATED PROTEIN gene, the LEct004 with the HOMEOBOX PROTEIN TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS gene, and Asr2 with ABA/WDS. Moreover, the AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR8 gene was associated with the LEta014 SSR marker and the LEta020 with the THIOREDOXIN FAMILY TRP26 gene. The genetic diversity analysis and functional annotations of the Gene-Associated SSRs information obtained in this study provide useful information that can be implemented in the breeding programs.
Epidemiological features of traumatic spinal cord injury in Wuhan, China
Authors: Xu Tao , Khadour Fater , Khadour Younes , Meng Ling , Xin Cui
Published: January 2023

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective hospital-based study.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological features of traumatic spinal cord injury in Wuhan, China.
SETTING: Rehabilitation department of Wuhan's Tongji Hospital.
METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 463 individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) admitted to Tongji Hospital from 2016 to 2021. Epidemiological features, such as sex, age, marital status, etiology, occupation, neurological level of injury, and the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale on admission, hospitalization, and concomitant injuries were collected.
RESULTS: The mean age of patients with TSCI was 39.4 ± 14.1 years, and the male/female ratio was 3:1. The leading causes of TSCIs were traffic accidents (38.4%), followed by falls (low falls 19.2%, high falls 13.1%). The most common injury site was the cervical spinal cord, especially C4–C6, accounting for 41.3%. Of all patients, 463 patients (51.22%) had complications and other injuries. During the hospitalization period, a total of 217 patients experienced complications, with a percentage of 46.8%. urinary tract infection was the most common (15.6%), followed by Pulmonary infection (14.0%).
CONCLUSION: The results found that the proportion of males was greater, and the first two main reasons were falls and traffic accidents. Farmers and workers are the occupations most vulnerable to SCI. We need to pay more attention to the elderly's risk of falling. These findings suggested that preventive strategies should be based on the features of different types of TSCI patients. Finally, the importance of SCI rehabilitation must be highlighted.
The Social Dimension of Quality of Life Following Spinal Cord Injury or Disease: An International ICF-linking Study.
Authors: Wind Aline J Hakbijl-van der , Rohn Edward , Tate Denise , Leeuwen Christel van , Ferdiana Astrid , Stolwijk-Swüste Janneke , Charlifue Susan , Gr Julia MD , New Peter , Post Marcel
Published: January 2023

Study design: International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) linking study.
Objective: The International Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life (QoL) Basic Data Set (QoL-BDS) consists of three items on satisfaction with life as a whole, physical health and psychological health. To examine the need for a fourth item on satisfaction with social life, the aim of this study was to explore aspects of social life relevant to QoL.
Setting: four specialized outpatient clinics in SCI/D rehabilitation.
Methods: Secondary analysis of data from 39 cognitive interviews with individuals with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) for at least one year. Participants were asked to define their concept of QoL, their satisfaction with life as a whole, physical health and psychological health, and to comment on other issues relevant to their QoL. Coded text fragments were linked to the ICF using established linking rules. Fragments were considered to refer to social life if their content could be linked to ICF chapters d6-d9.
Results: For responses to the items the rate of text referring to social life was 35.8%, 24.9%, 6.0% and 34.9% respectively. The most frequent ICF categories were d760 Family relationships, d770 Intimate relationships and d920 Recreation and leisure. Most frequent responded social topics to the ‘other issues’ item were d770 Intimate relationships, d760 Formal relationships, and d870 Economic self-sufficiency.
Conclusion: Social life was relevant to QoL of people with SCI/D. Adding an satisfaction with social life item to the QoL-BDS would make this instrument a more comprehensive measure.
Temperature and Frequency Dependent Nonlinearities of an Integrated Hydro-Pneumatic System with Mixed Gas-Oil Emulsion Flow
Authors: Yin Yuming , Rakheja Subhash , Fu Zhijun , Wang Zhenting , Wang Yuan , Guo Yaohua
Published: January 2023

Hydro-pneumatic suspension (HPS) systems is increasingly being implemented on commercial vehicles, mainly attributing to the integration of adaptable nonlinear pneumatic-stiffness and hydraulic-damping properties. The integrated HPS design with shared gas-oil chamber, however, leads to gas-oil emulsion flow within the suspension chambers which intricately affects internal and external properties of the HPS, especially under variations in temperature and excitation frequency. This study experimentally and analytically investigated the temperature- and frequency-dependent properties of the hydro-pneumatic suspension with the gas-oil emulsion. The laboratory experiments are performed under three different near-constant temperatures (30, 40 and 50°C) in the 0.5–8 Hz frequency range. An analytical model of the HPS is formulated considering the effects of temperature on internal fluid properties, gas-oil emulsion flows between coupled chambers, dynamic seal friction, and polytropic change in the gas state. The internal parameters, including the gas volume fraction and discharge coefficient of the emulsion and the dynamic friction components, as well as the external stiffness and damping characteristics are identified. The relationships between these properties and the system temperature, velocity and excitation frequency are further investigated. The simulated responses obtained under different excitations showed reasonably good agreements with the experimental results of the HPS. The results suggested that increased temperature yielded greater equivalent stiffness and comparable damping properties of the system. The gas volume fraction, discharge coefficient and magnitude of seal friction generally tended to increase with increasing temperature. Increased excitation frequency leaded to greater hysteresis in hydraulic damping force and seal friction, and reduced seal friction magnitude and Stribeck effect.
Cascaded compressed-sensing single-pixel camera for high-dimensional optical imaging
Authors: Park Jongchan , Gao Liang
Published: January 2023

Single-pixel detectors are popular devices in optical sciences because of their fast temporal response, high sensitivity, and low cost. However, when being used for imaging, they face a fundamental challenge in acquiring high-dimensional information of an optical field because they are essentially zero-dimensional sensors and measure only the light intensity. To address this problem, we developed a cascaded compressed-sensing single-pixel camera, which decomposes the measurement into multiple stages, sequentially reducing the dimensionality of the data from a high-dimensional space to zero dimension. This measurement scheme allows us to exploit the compressibility of a natural scene in multiple domains, leading to highly efficient data acquisition. We demonstrated our method in several demanding applications, including enabling tunable single-pixel full-waveform hyperspectral light detection and ranging (LIDAR) for the first time.
Urolithiasis secondary to Hem-o-lok partial migration into renal calyx as a long-term complication of robotic partial nephrectomy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Dibitetto Francesco , Russo Pierluigi , Marino Filippo , Ragonese Mauro , Nigro Domenico , Foschi Nazario
Published: January 2023

Background: Hem-o-lok clips (HOLCs) are a useful tool in mini-invasive surgery, especially for renal surgery. However, in rare cases they could migrate into the collecting system and be calculogenic.
Case presentation: we present a case of a 53 years old man with an incidental CT finding of a left renal stone increasing its size in the last 2 years. He had a medical history of ipsilateral robotic partial nephrectomy at another institution 8 years before. The stone was located in the upper calyx. He underwent a flexible ureteroscopy. After an initial fragmentation a Hem-o-lok was reported, partially wedged into the renal parenchyma. After the removal of the HOLC with a basket it was observed a small urinary leak, managed with a JJ stent placement. In the postoperative period the patient had fever managed with antibiotics and was discharged in the 4th postoperative day without problems.
Conclusions: HOLC migration into the collecting system is a rare complication following robotic and laparoscopic renal surgery. HOLC could act as a nidus for stone formation. Avoiding too much tension during renal suture using HOLC could reduce the possibility of migration. Simple knotting in particular conditions is a useful option. However, this kind of stones can be managed endoscopically without particular complaints, minding the possibility that HOLC could be partially wedged into renal parenchyma leading to urinary leak.
Seed nanopriming with zinc oxide improves wheat growth and photosynthetic performance in wheat under drought stress
Authors: Abbas Syed Farhat , Bukhari Muhammad Adnan , Raza Muhammad Aown Sammar , Abbasi Ghulam Hassan , Ahmad Zahoor
Published: January 2023

Wheat is the most important cereal crop in the world. On the eve of climate and water scarcity, the use of different approaches such as the use of nutrients and organic or inorganic substances to increase drought tolerance and improve the yield in a wheat crop is necessary. The present study was conducted to cope with the problem of water deficit in wheat through ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). Wheat seeds (Ujala-16 and Zincol-16) were primed with different doses of ZnO NPs (40. 80, 120, and 160 ppm) under water deficit stress (No-stress and withholding water stress). Untreated seeds were also used as a control treatment. Results showed that drought stress decreased the shoot fresh (4.66 to 5.72 g) and dry weight (1.91g to 2.35g), shoot length (24.36 to 29.89 cm), root fresh (0.24 to 0.29 g) and dry weight (0.010 g) in both varieties of wheat. However, seed priming with ZnO at 80 and 120 ppm increased the fresh (8.07 to 10.09 g in Ujala-16 and 8.99 to 10.66 g in Zincole-16) and dry weight (3.31 to 4.14 g in Ujala-16 and 3.69 to 4.38 g in Zincole-16) of wheat plants. However, the maximum improvement in dry weight was observed under well-watered conditions (4.29 to 4.96 g in Ujala-16 and 4.62 to 5.45 g in Zincole-16). Similarly, ZnO NPs increased the chlorophyll a (1.73 mg/g FW in Ujala-16 and 1.75 mg/g FW in Zincole-16) b (0.70 mg/g FW in Ujala-16 and 0.71 mg/g FW in Zincole-16) and total chlorophyll content (2.43 mg/g FW in Ujala-16 and 2.46 mg/g FW in Zincole-16) in wheat by improving the activity of antioxidant and proline content of wheat. Similarly, plant nutrients such as Ca, Mg, Fe, N, P, K, and Zn contents increased in wheat plants after priming the seeds with ZnO NPs. Zincol-16 was responsive as compared to Ujala-16 however, ZnO NPs increase the growth and development of both wheat varieties under well-watered (control/No-stress) and withholding water stress. Thus, seed priming with ZnO NPs has the potential to alleviate the adverse effects of water deficits.
Assessing the impact of heat stress on growth faltering in the first 1000 days of life in rural Gambia
Authors: Bonell Ana , Vicedo-Cabrera Ana , Murray Kris , Moirano Giovenale , Sonko Bakary , Moore Sophie , Haines Andy , Prentice Andrew
Published: January 2023

The intersecting crises of climate change, crop failure, food security and under-nutrition are disproportionately impacting children living in the Global South. Understanding the relationship between heat stress exposure and child growth is needed considering current and projected increasing temperatures. We used multilevel, multivariate linear regression models of 60-day heat stress exposure on child growth. Heat stress was defined by Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), and outcomes as: prenatal weight-for-age (WAZ); postnatally to 2 years weight-for-age (WAZ), weight-for-height (WHZ) and height-for-age (HAZ) z-scores, in The Gambia, West Africa. Postnatal WAZ and WHZ reduced with increasing heat stress exposure. Mean UTCI exposure of 30°C versus 20°C was associated with 0.34 (95%CI -0.49;-0.20) reduction in WHZ between 0–2 years. In contrast, HAZ increased with increasing UTCI, to 29°C, beyond which HAZ plateaued/decreased. Our results suggest that rising global temperatures may impact child growth in vulnerable areas with long-term implications for morbidity and mortality.
Rogue serpentinite-breakdown waves: a source mechanism for major subduction earthquakes?
Authors: HU Manman , Sun Qingpei , Regenauer-Lieb Klaus
Published: January 2023

Episodic tremor and slip (ETS) in subduction megathrusts can accommodate plate motion in a silent manner without major damage. Yet, sometimes fast slip events seem to occur just prior to a large earthquake such as observed in New Zealand. Here, we show that the ETS and earthquake mechanisms can trigger each other in a two-way coupled manner due to the entanglement of fluid reactions and solid deformation within the slip zone. We propose that large earthquakes form as slab-wide network forming fluid-release events synchronising through nonlinear ultra-focusing excitation waves of the rogue-wave type. The generality of this approach renders it applicable to the nominally aseismic Cascadia subduction zone where the largest magnitude 9 event occurred 315 years ago.
Machine Learning-Aided Non-Functionalized Graphene Chemitransistors for Highly Selective Chemisensing in Liquid Media
Authors: Pannone Andrew , Robbins Jackson , Wali Akshay , Sen Dipanjan , Felins Michael , Das Saptarshi
Published: January 2023

The development of highly selective and miniaturized chemisensors for liquid media can enable newer discoveries and empower a wide range of disciplines from biology to human health, marine ecology to climate change, and industrial process monitoring to food safety. While the two-terminal chemiresistor architecture has been remarkably successful in this regard, they rely on appropriate surface functionalization to achieve selectivity for a specific target analyte. Furthermore, sensor drift and sensor-to-sensor variation in a multiplexed chemisensors array can severely impact their reliability and obscure the response of individual sensors to the target analytes. In this article, we overcome these challenges by introducing a new sensing paradigm that integrates an array of three-terminal chemitransistors based on monolayer graphene with an ensemble of machine learning (ML) algorithms. The extraordinary transport properties of graphene combined with its electrochemically inert basal plane allow a wide range of chemical species to electrostatically control the channel conductivity in a liquid medium through voltage gating. This in turn expands the parameter space for the sensing elements which enables the integration of various unsupervised and supervised ML algorithms to eliminate the need for surface functionalization, eradicate the need for sensor calibration, and minimize the impact of sensor-to-sensor variation. Our ML-aided, non-functionalized, and reusable graphene chemitransistors were found to be highly selective to de-ionized (DI) water, multiple chloride salts including NaCl, LiCl, CaCl2, and MgCl2 that are relevant to biosensing, several weak acids including acetic, propionic, and citric acid that are used in the food industry, as well as more complex solutions and processes such as decaying juices extracted from different fruits (grape, orange, watermelon, and pineapple).
Mathematical Model and Artificial Intelligence for Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Davodabadi Afsaneh , Daneshian Behrooz , Saati Saber , Razavyan Shabnam
Published: January 2023

Degeneration of the neurological system linked to cognitive deficits, daily living exercise clutters, and behavioral disturbing impacts may define Alzheimer's disease. Ad research conducted later in life focuses on describing ways for early detection of dementia, a kind of mental disorder. To tailor our care to each patient, we utilized visual cues to determine how they were feeling. We did this by outlining two approaches to diagnosing a person's mental health. Support vector machine is the first technique (SVM). Image characteristics are extracted using a fractal model for classification in this method. With this technique, the histogram of a picture is modeled after a Gaussian distribution. Classification was performed with several SVM kernels, and the outcomes were compared. Step two proposes using a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) architecture to identify Alzheimer's-related mental disorders. According to the findings, the SVM approach accurately recognized over 93% of the photos tested. The DCNN approach was one hundred percent accurate during model training, whereas the SVM approach achieved just 93 percent accuracy. In contrast to SVM's accuracy of 89.3%, the DCNN model test's findings were accurate 98.8% of the time. Based on the findings reported here, the proposed DCNN architecture may be used for diagnostic purposes involving the patient's mental state.
So Long, and Thanks for All the Antagomirs: Space Radiation Damage Rescued by Inhibition of Key Spaceflight Associated miRNAs
Authors: McDonald J. Tyson , Farmerie Lily , Johnson Meghan , Park Jiwoon , Kim JangKeun , Overbey Eliah , Haltom Jeffrey , Singh Urminder , Wurtele Eve Syrkin , Enguita Francisco , Zaksas Victoria , Guarnieri Joseph , Topper Michael , Wallace Douglas , Baylin Stephen , Meller Robert , Muratani Masafumi , Porterfield D. Marshall , Kaufman Brett , Mori Marcelo , Mason Christopher , Grabham Peter , Beheshti Afshin
Published: January 2023

From our previous work we have shown a key miRNA signature that is associated with spaceflight can be used as a biomarker and countermeasure to mitigate the damage caused by space radiation. Here, we have further expanded on this work to determine key biological factors that are being rescued by the countermeasure treatment. We performed RNA-sequencing and transcriptomic analysis on our established 3D microvessel cell cultures exposed to simulated deep space radiation (0.5 Gy of Galactic Cosmic Radiation) with and without the antagonists to three microRNAs (i.e. antagomirs). Significant reduction of inflammation and DNA DSBs activity is observed, along with key mitochondria functions being rescued after antagomir treatment. Lastly, we compared the key genes and pathways involved with the antagomirs with astronaut data from Inspiration4 and JAXA missions to demonstrate that the key genes and pathways associated with these experiments occur in humans and this countermeasure strategy can potentially be utilized in astronauts to mitigate the space radiation response.
Contactless, autonomous robotic alignment of optical coherence tomography for in vivo evaluation of diseased retinas
Authors: McNabb Ryan , Ortiz Pablo , Roh Kyung-Min , Song Ailin , Draelos Mark , Schuman Stefanie , Jaffe Glenn , Lad Eleonora , Izatt Joseph , Kuo Anthony
Published: January 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, an emphasis was placed on contactless, physical distancing and improved telehealth; contrariwise, standard-of-care ophthalmic imaging of patients required present, trained personnel. Here, we introduce contactless, autonomous robotic alignment of optical coherence tomography (RAOCT) for in vivo imaging of retinal disease and compare measured retinal thickness and diagnostic readability to technician operated clinical OCT. In a powered study, we found no statistically significant difference in retinal thickness in both healthy and diseased retinas (p > 0.7) or across a variety of demographics (gender, race, and age) between RAOCT and clinical OCT. In a secondary study, a retina specialist labeled a given volume as normal/abnormal. Compared to the clinical diagnostic label, sensitivity/specificity for RAOCT were equal or improved over clinical OCT. Contactless, autonomous RAOCT, that improves upon current clinical OCT, could play a role in both ophthalmic care and non-ophthalmic settings that would benefit from improved eye care.
Disordered Eating Behaviours and Body Shape Dissatisfaction among Diabetic Adolescents: a Cross sectional study
Authors: Daniel Lidiya , Haile Demoz , Egata Gudina
Published: January 2023

Background

Disordered eating behaviours (DEBs) are variations in regular eating patterns and behaviours and might include symptoms and behaviours of eating disorder with lower level of severity. Such behaviours are common during adolescence at which time several physical and psychological changes occur favouring unhealthy dietary behaviours. Although the magnitude of DEBs is high among high – income countries, similar data are limited among diabetic adolescents in low-income countries including Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of DEBs and its relationship with body shape dissatisfaction among diabetic adolescents on follow-up at selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

A Cross sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 395 diabetic adolescents from January to December, 2021. Data were collected using structured pretested standard diabetes eating problem survey (DEPS-R) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as median alongside interquartile range was used to describe the continuous variables. Binary bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression was used for data analysis. Mann-Whitney u-test and Kruskal–Wallis test were used to evaluate the difference between median scores of independent variables. Odds ratios alongside 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to measure the strength of association between variables of interest. Level of statistical significance was declared at a p < 0.05.

Results

The magnitude of engagement in disordered eating behaviours within the last 30 days was 43.3%, [95%CI :( 38%, 48%)]. Body shape dissatisfaction was found to have significant association with DEBs. Late adolescence [AOR = 1.99, 95% CI: (1.15, 3.46)], having diabetic complication [AOR = 2.07, 95%CI: (1.133.79)], skipping meal [(AOR = 3.48, 95% CI :( 1.19, 10.22)] and preferring to be thin [AOR = 14.55, 95% CI: (5.06, 41.90)] were also significantly associated with DEB.

Conclusions

The magnitude of DEBs among diabetic adolescents is high in the study setting. Body shape dissatisfaction was not significantly associated with DEBs after controlling for confounding variables. Nevertheless, late adolescence, skipping meal, having diabetic complication and preference of being thin were significantly associated with DEBs. Therefore, preventive interventions that address factors influencing DEBs among diabetic adolescent population need to be designed by all relevant actors working on health promotion of young population.
Content bias in math testing: Items about money, food, and social interaction disadvantage students from low socioeconomic backgrounds
Authors: Muskens Marjolein , Frankenhuis Willem E. , Borghans Lex
Published: January 2023

In many countries, standardized math tests are important for achieving academic success. Here, we examine whether content of items, the story that explains a mathematical question, biases performance of low-SES students. In a large-scale cohort study of Trends in International Mathematics and Science Studies (TIMSS)—including data from 58 different countries from students in grades 4 and 8 (N = 5,501,165)—we examine whether item content that is more likely associated with major challenges for low-SES students (money, food, social relationships) improves their performance, compared with their average math performance. In contrast to our preregistered predictions, results show that low-SES students scored lower on items with this specific content than expected based on individual’s average performance. The effect sizes are considerable: on average, the chance to answer correctly is 18% lower. These results provide new insights in features of tests that disadvantage low-SES students and have implications for fair testing.
Activated MKK3/MYC crosstalk impairs dabrafenib response in BRAFV600E colorectal cancer leading to resistance
Authors: Bossi Gianluca , Pranteda Angelina , Piastra Valentina , Serra Martina , Sardo Federica Lo , Carpano Silvia , Diodoro Maria Grazia , Bartolazzi Armando , Blandino Giovanni , Milella Michele , Bernardini Roberta
Published: January 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with BRAF mutations develop resistance to BRAF inhibitors at very early stage. Understanding the mechanisms involved in resistance to BRAF inhibitors is required to develop novel therapeutic opportunities for this subtype of CRC patients.
CRC cells bearing BRAF mutations are mostly sensitive to the abrogation of MKK3, a specific activator of p38MAPKs signaling, suggesting that BRAF alterations might addict CRC cells to the MKK3/p38MAPK signaling. Interestingly, publicly available gene profiling data show significantly higher MKK3 transcript levels in CRC lines with acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors.
Herein, we investigated the MKK3 roles in the response to BRAF targeting (dabrafenib) with COLO205 and HT29 BRAFV600E CRC lines and derived dabrafenib-resistant (DABR) sublines. We found that in parental cells, but not in DABR cells, dabrafenib reduces MKK3 phosphorylation and induces autophagy and cell death. The MKK3 knock-down induces cell death in DABR cells, whereas MKK3 ectopic expression in parental cells reduces dabrafenib sensitivity. Molecularly, activated MKK3 interacts and co-localizes with MYC, sustaining MYC protein stability and thus preventing the dabrafenib induced effects in CRC DABR cells both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, we identify a novel molecular mechanism beyond the dabrafenib resistance, shedding lights on an uncovered vulnerability for the development of novel therapeutic opportunities in BRAFV600E CRC.
Chronic pain in patients with mine-explosive wounds
Authors: Kuchyn¹ Iurii , Horoshko² Vasyl ’
Published: January 2023

Background: Chronic pain is diagnosed in 70% of patients with gunshot wounds, and in 11-40% of patients after injuries in civilian life. There are insufficient data on chronic pain in patients with mine-explosive injuries.
Methods: The treatment of 280 patients with mine-explosive injuries was analyzed. Pain intensity was diagnosed using a visual analog scale, neuropathic pain – pain diagnostic questionnaire, acute stress reaction – Hospital anxiety and depression scale and medical history, satisfaction with treatment results – Chaban quality of life scale.
Results: Chronic pain was observed in 240 (83.3% 95% CI 78.8%-87.4%) patients: 140 patients were injured in 1, 2 anatomical areas of the body – 82.2% (95% CI 76.8%-88.1%) and 100 patients were injured in 3 or more – 91.7% (95% CI 85.8%-96.2%). For DN4, a neuropathic component of pain was detected. Upon admission, the diagnosis of ASR was established: the number of HADS points ranged from 17 to 25 points on average. CQLS data indicated a low level (62-74 points) of satisfaction with treatment results.
Conclusions: Patients with mine and explosive injuries have a very high risk of chronic pain – 15% higher than patients with gunshot wounds and 57.5% higher than civilian injured patients. A greater frequency of the neuropathic component of pain and acute stress reactions is the reason for such chronicity. Low satisfaction with treatment outcomes is likely a consequence of chronic pain.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: Retrospectively registered on 03.08.2022, NCT05485285.
New ethenzamide-trimesic acid cocrystal: Equilibrium solubility
Authors: Lin Shuting , Xia Yingfan , Zhang Jiarong , Sun Weijie , Xu Xinxin , Jin Xiaoyu , Ren Penghui , Jiang Jiayi , Jiang Chengjun
Published: January 2023

To study the influence of drug cocrystal on the solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The ETZ·2TMA·MeOH cocrystal was obtained by the solution evaporation crystallization method. The cocrystal structure was characterized by Single Crystal X-ray Diffractometer. The single crystal belongs to orthorhombic crystal system with space group P212121(no.19), a = 12.9863(9) Å, b = 16.6603(11) Å, c = 25.9260(16) Å, V = 5609.2(6) Å3, Z = 8, T = 170.00 K. The main forces are the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the amide groups on ETZ and the carboxyl groups on TMA and the hydroxyl group on methanol. In addition, the solubility of ETZ and ETZ·2TMA·MeOH cocrystal was determined. The results show that, in contrast to most cocrystal systems that improve solubility, the solubility of ETZ·2TMA·MeOH decreased to 19.30 % of pure ETZ.
B-cells Drive Response to PD-1 Blockade in Glioblastoma Upon Neutralization of TGFβ-mediated Immunosuppression
Authors: Hou David , Castro Brandyn , Dapash Mark , Zolp Andrew , Katz Joshua , Arrieta Víctor , Biermann Jana , Melms Johannes , Kueckelhaus Jan , Benotmane Jasim , Youngblood Mark , Rashidi Aida , Billingham Leah , Dmello Crismita , Vazquez-Cervantes Gustavo , Lopez-Rosas Aurora , Han Yu , Patel Ronit , Chia Tzu-yi , Sun Lu , Prins Robert , Izar Benjamin , Heiland Deiter Henrik , Zhang Peng , Sonabend Adam , Miska Jason , Lesniak Maciej , Zhao Junfei , Lee-Chang Catalina
Published: January 2023

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment but has yet to be translated into brain tumors. Studies in other solid tumors suggest a central role of B-cell immunity in driving immune-checkpoint-blockade efficacy. Using single-cell and single-nuclei transcriptomics of human glioblastoma and melanoma brain metastasis, we found that tumor-associated B-cells have high expression of checkpoint molecules, known to block B-cell-receptor downstream effector function such as plasmablast differentiation and antigen-presentation. We also identified TGFβ-1/TGFβ receptor-2 interaction as a crucial modulator of B-cell suppression. Treatment of glioblastoma patients with pembrolizumab induced expression of B-cell checkpoint molecules and TGFβ-receptor-2. Abrogation of TGFβ using different conditional knockouts expanded germinal-center-like intratumoral B-cells, enhancing immune-checkpoint-blockade efficacy. Finally, blocking αVβ8 integrin (which controls the release of active TGFβ) and PD-1 significantly increased B-cell-dependent animal survival and immunological memory. Our study highlights the importance of intratumoral B-cell immunity and a remodeled approach to boost the effects of immunotherapy against brain tumors.
Systemic antibiotic prescription practices of periodontists in Chile: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Harvey Antonio Quintero , Wilckens Maria Isidora Voss , Buratovic Juan Pablo Vargas , Borroto Duniel Ricardo Ortuno
Published: January 2023

Background
Periodontitis is an immunoinflammatory condition of infectious etiology. Systemic antibiotic prescription is justified in specific circumstances balancing benefits and risks for patients and public health. Antibiotic resistance has been identified as an important threat to world health. There is no evidence about prescription practices amongst periodontists in Chile. The aim of this study was to describe the antibiotic prescription practices by periodontists in Chile
Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted. A digital self-report questionnaire was applied to periodontists affiliated to the Chilean Periodontal Society. The survey evaluated prescription practices for 12 specific clinical situations and follow-up behavior and report of adverse reactions.
Results
A total of 189 periodontists accepted the invitation to answer the survey. 100% of periodontists use systemic antibiotics in their clinical practice, and 14% of them prescribe them in more than 26% of their patients monthly. More than 50% prescribed amoxicillin combined with metronidazole for the treatment of periodontitis and peri-implantitis. Almost 40% of periodontists always prescribe in case of implant installation and regenerative procedures. For non-surgical periodontal therapy, the prescription frequency was very heterogeneous. The main determinants for systemic antibiotics prescription were smoking, patient systemic conditions and use of biomaterials. Also, 61.2% of periodontists reported adverse drug reactions, and 97.8% did not apply microbiological tests.
Conclusion
Systemic antibiotics prescription patterns varied substantially for different periodontal or peri-implant diseases and clinical procedures among respondents. According to the survey, antibiotic prescription by periodontists in Chile is a common practice and generally empirical,. Elaboration of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for rational antibiotic use are required.
Bioinformatics Analyses Reveal the Autophagy-related Feature Biomarkers in Dilated Cardiomyopathy with Heart Failure
Authors: ren jiayu , wang hongyan , li jing , qu peng
Published: January 2023

Objective
Through the bioinformatics analysis of public data sets, to explore the potential biomarkers related to autophagy in the development of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with heart failure (HF).
Methods
Microarray datasets for heart tissue in DCM with HF or healthy control were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by R software. Enrichment analysis, including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and gene set enrichment analysis (GESA) were performed using DAVID and GSEA software. Hub genes were identified by protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and were validated in GSE21610 through the R software ggplot2 package and IBM SPSS Statistics 25.
Results
A total of 222 genes were obtained from the human autophagy database (http://www.autophagy.lu/index.html). There were 32 differentially expressed autophagy-related genes identified in the GSE29819 dataset in 14 samples of complicated dilated cardiomyopathy and 12 normal samples. GO, KEGG and GESA enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in autophagy-related biological processes and cytokine signaling pathway. Seven hub genes and two gene cluster modules were identified using Cytoscape. Finally, it was further determined that FOXO1, FOXO3, CTSD and RAB7A as potential biomarkers have significant expression differences and diagnostic value in the GSE21610 dataset.
Conclusion
According to bioinformatics analysis, we found that the candidate genes FOXO1, FOXO3, CTSD and RAB7A were potentially related to the procession of autophagy and might be new diagnostic biomarkers for DCM with HF.
Scanning electron microscopy and EDX spectroscopy of commercial swabs used for COVID-19 lateral flow testing
Authors: Aparicio-Alonso Manuel , Torres-Solórzano Verónica , Contreras José Francisco Méndez , Acevedo-Whitehouse Karina
Published: January 2023

The chemical composition of COVID test swabs has not been examined beyond the manufacturers’ datasheets. Given the unprecedented demand for swabs to conduct rapid lateral flow tests and nucleic acid amplification tests, which led to mass production, including 3-D printing platforms, it is plausible that manufacturing impurities could be present in the swabs and, if so, could pose a risk for human health. We used scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy to examine the ultrastructure of five assorted brands of COVID test swabs, and to identify and quantify their chemical elements. We detected unexpected elements, including transition metals, such as titanium and zirconium, as well as aluminium, silicon, and fluorine. The amount of some of the detected elements is close to reported toxicological thresholds for inhalation routes. Experimental studies have shown that detrimental effects of the unexpected chemical elements include moderate to severe inflammatory states in the exposed epithelium as well as proliferative changes. Given the massive testing still being used in the context of the COVID pandemic, often as requisites for travelling, attending universities, or as mandatory work policies, we urge caution in continuing to recommend repeated and frequent testing, particularly of healthy, non-symptomatic, individuals.
AGTR1 potentiates the chemotherapeutic efficacy of Cisplatin in esophageal carcinoma through elevation of intracellular Ca 2+ and induction of apoptosis
Authors: Liu Kang , Bie Jun , Zhang Ruolan , Xiong Rong , Peng Lihong , Luo Yi , Yang Siyun , Feng Gang , Song Guiqin
Published: January 2023

Cisplatin is one of the principal chemotherapeutic agents used for esophageal cancer (EC) treatments, and EC mortality is still high. It is imperative to find new therapeutic targets and approaches to potentiate the chemotherapeutic efficacy of Cisplatin. Previous studies proposed that Angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AGTR1) is a therapeutic target in multiple cancer types. Here, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis of EC tissues and normal esophageal tissues, and identified AGTR1 as a differentially expressed gene that is markedly downregulated in recurrent and metastasized EC. AGTR1 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines KYSE-150 and EC109 promoted their chemosensitivity to cisplatin both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, AGTR1 expression suppressed the metastasis-relevant traits of EC cells, as evidenced by reduced cell migration, invasion, and wound healing in EC cells with higher AGTR1 expression levels. Moreover, AGTR1 expression in EC cells upregulated intracellular Ca2+ levels, increased the losses of ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potentials, which was accompanied with enhanced mitochondrial pathway apoptosis. Notably, either AGTR1 overexpression or treatments with the calcium channel blocker fendiline caused Ca2+ influx and promoted the mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in KYSE-150 cells in vitro. These effects were augmented when both AGTR1 overexpression and fendiline stimulation were imposed in the absence or presence of Cisplatin treatments. Furthermore, fendiline administration enhanced the chemosensitivity of Cisplatin in an EC xenograft mouse model. Collectively, our findings offer an alternative treatment option and provide mechanistic insight into using fendiline to potentiate the chemotherapy efficacy of Cisplatin in EC treatments.