bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calculating Zero Pronominals in Situ: A Type Logical Approach
Authors: Man Haixia , Zou Chongli , Li Kesheng
Published: October 2022

Zero pronominals challenge Type Logical Grammar in two ways. One, TLG displays a linear resource management regime for semantic composition, meaning that pronominals call for special treatment if they want to do resource multiplication. Two, as a grammar of lexicalism, TLG applies to phonologically realized lexical entries only, illegitimating the phonetically null items during syntactic derivation. Jägor extends the inventory of category‐forming connectives of TLG by a third kind of implication that creates categories of anaphoric items and solves the first problem above. This article goes a step further to tackle the second one. In order to formalize the constructions with zero pronominals, we design a ternary category [A〈B〉C] and include the latter into Jägor’s system. The proposed system is proof‐theoretically well‐behaved. It is complete, sound, and decidable. More importantly, zero pronominals of various forms can be derived in the system.
Artificial Intelligence Optimization of Turning Parameters of Nanoparticle‐Reinforced P/M Alloy Tool
Authors: Muniappan A. , Jayaraja B. Gnanasundara , Vignesh T. , Singh Mandeep , Arunkumar T. , Sekar S. , Priyadharshini T. R. , Pant Bhaskar , Paramasivam Prabhu
Published: October 2022

In this research, the powder metallurgy‐ (P/M‐) based metal matrix composites were prepared to compose the machinability characteristics. Therefore, the Al2024 and boron carbide (B4C) were the base and strengthened reinforcements. During the powder metallurgy process, weight fractions of boron carbide are 4, 8, and 12%; the compaction pressure is 300 to 400 MPa, and the sintering temperature is 420 to 540°C, respectively. These parameters were planned with Taguchi L9 array for achieving the proper design. After the processing, composite specimens were utilized to conduct the turning process. For all the nine specimens, depth of cut, speed, and feed rates were maintained constant with optimal parameters. The surface roughness and material removal rate responses are successfully achieved in the optimal turning parameters. Then, the artificial neural network (ANN) model was implemented to analyze the predicted values with back propagation algorithm. In this ANN, three input layers, 6 and 4 hidden layers, and two outputs were created as per the design. Finally, the minimized surface roughness and maximized material removal rate were achieved at the process parameters like 8 wt. % of boron carbide, 300 MPa of compaction pressure, and 480°C of sintering temperature. All the predicted values are slightly maximum than the experimental values.
Exploiting Ligand-binding Domain Dimerization for Development of Novel Androgen Receptor Inhibitors
Authors: Helsen Christine , Nguyen Tien T. , Lee Xiao Yin , Eerlings Roy , Louros Nikolaos , Schymkowitz Joost , Rousseau Frederic , Claessens Frank , Voet Arnout
Published: October 2022

Currently, all clinically used androgen receptor (AR) antagonists target the AR ligand-binding pocket and inhibit T and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) binding. Resistance to these inhibitors in prostate cancer frequently involves AR-dependent mechanisms resulting in a retained AR dependence of the tumor. More effective or alternative AR inhibitors are therefore required to limit progression in these resistant stages. Here, we applied the structural information of the ligand-binding domain (LBD) dimerization interface to screen in silico for inhibitors. A completely new binding site, the Dimerisation Inhibiting Molecules (DIM) pocket, was identified at the LBD dimerization interface. Selection of compounds that fit the DIM pocket via virtual screening identified the DIM20 family of compounds which inhibit AR transactivation and dimerization of the full-length AR as well as the isolated LBDs. Via biolayer interferometry, reversible dose-dependent binding to the LBD was confirmed. While DIM20 does not compete with 3H-DHT for binding in the LBP, it limits the maximal activity of the AR indicative of a noncompetitive binding to the LBD. DIM20 and DIM20.39 specifically inhibit proliferation of AR-positive prostate cancer cell lines, with only marginal effects on AR-negative cell lines such as HEK 293 and PC3. Moreover, combination treatment of DIM compounds with enzalutamide results in synergistic antiproliferative effects which underline the specific mechanism of action of the DIM compounds.
Perspectivas para o risco de crédito estadual no Brasil: uma análise da probabilidade de default
Authors: Bortolini Leonardo Vieira , Ferreira Bruno Pérez , Pinho Frank Magalhães de
Published: October 2022

Na medida em que o endividamento público alcança patamares recordes em 2021 e que crises econômicas ampliam a necessidade dos entes públicos pela tomada de crédito, o risco de crédito ganha destaque como métrica útil a potenciais credores e também aos próprios entes em termos de gerenciamento de sua carteira de passivos. Este trabalho avalia, visando ao curto prazo, as perspectivas para o risco de crédito estadual, com enfoque na probabilidade de default. Os métodos utilizados combinam projeções resultantes da aplicação de modelagem para dados em painel com simulações de Monte Carlo, tomando-se como referência conceitos atinentes à sustentabilidade de entes públicos para apuração do risco de inadimplência. Os resultados indicam a manutenção de uma condição negativa para grande parte dos estados e, também, a possibilidade de agrupamento dos entes em diferentes patamares de risco de crédito. Complementarmente, obteve-se uma ferramenta prática, alternativa e complementar para análise do risco de crédito subnacional no curto prazo.
Prognostic Impact of Nutritional Status After Transcatheter Edge‐to‐Edge Mitral Valve Repair: The MIVNUT Registry
Authors: Caneiro‐Queija Berenice , Raposeiras‐Roubin Sergio , Adamo Marianna , Freixa Xavier , Arzamendi Dabit , Benito‐González Tomas , Montefusco Antonio , Pascual Isaac , Nombela‐Franco Luis , Rodes‐Cabau Josep , Shuvy Mony , Portolés‐Hernández Antonio , Godino Cosmo , Haberman Dan , Lupi Laura , Regueiro Ander , Li Chin Hion , Fernández‐Vázquez Felipe , Frea Simone , Avanzas Pablo , Tirado‐Conte Gabriela , Paradis Jean‐Michel , Peretz Alona , Moñivas Vanessa , Baz Jose A. , Galasso Michele , Branca Luca , Sanchís Laura , Asmarats Lluís , Garrote‐Coloma Carmen , Angelini Filippo , León Victor , de Agustín José A. , Alperi Alberto , Beeri Ronen , Maccagni Gloria , Sabaté Manel , Fernández‐Peregrina Estefanía , Gualis Javier , Bocchino Pier Paolo , Curello Salvatore , Íñiguez‐Romo Andrés , Estévez‐Loureiro Rodrigo
Published: October 2022

Background

Malnutrition is associated with poor prognosis in several cardiovascular diseases. However, its prognostic impact in patients undergoing transcatheter edge‐to‐edge mitral valve repair (TEER) is not well known. This study sought to assess the prevalence, clinical associations, and prognostic consequences of malnutrition in patients undergoing TEER.

Methods and Results

A total of 892 patients undergoing TEER from the international MIVNUT (Mitral Valve Repair and Nutritional Status) registry were studied. Malnutrition status was assessed with the Controlling Nutritional Status score. The association of nutritional status with mortality was analyzed with multivariable Cox regression models, whereas the association with heart failure admission was assessed by Fine‐Gray models, with death as a competing risk. According to the Controlling Nutritional Status score, 74.4% of patients with TEER had any degree of malnutrition at the time of TEER (75.1% in patients with body mass index <25 kg/m
2
, 72.1% in those with body mass index ≥25 kg/m
2
). However, only 20% had moderate–severe malnutrition. TEER was successful in most of patients (94.2%). During a median follow‐up of 1.6 years (interquartile range, 0.6–3.0), 267 (29.9%) patients died and 256 patients (28.7%) were admitted for heart failure after TEER. Compared with normal nutritional status moderate–severe malnutrition resulted a strong predictor of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.1 [95% CI, 1.1–2.4];
P
<0.001) and heart failure admission (adjusted subdistribution HR, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.1–2.4];
P
=0.015).

Conclusions

Malnutrition is common among patients submitted to TEER, and moderate–severe malnutrition is strongly associated with increased mortality and heart failure readmission. Assessment of nutritional status in these patients may help to improve risk stratification.
The Rhetorical Strategy of Galatians 4:21-5:1
Authors: Perriman Andrew C.
Published: October 2022

Paulʼs ʽallegoricalʼ treatment of the Abraham narrative in Gal. 4:21-5:1, and in particular his identification of Hagar with the Sinaitic covenant, has often caused embarrassment for commentators who like to think of him as an intelligent and responsible exegete. It is contended here that the difficulties have arisen because Paulʼs argumentative strategy has been misconstrued. Whereas it has generally been supposed that he has either chosen or has had forced upon him an argument from historical descent, it is suggested that his allegory is meant only to demonstrate the covenantal applicability of the command to ʽthrow out the slave woman and her sonʼ to the Galatian situation. The historical ʽimpertinenceʼ that this entails is neither irresponsible nor unintelligent but a deliberate and provocative rhetorical move.
Research on Mechanism of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Gene Carried with Albumin Nanoparticles in Regulating Tumor Angiogenesis in Human Papillomavirus Through Induction of PI3K/AKT Signal Pathway
Authors: Li Wei , Shan Tie-Ying , Wang Ning , Li Jing-Xia , Liu Yue-Jun , Suo Shi-Qi
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was assessing the mechanism of HIF-1α gene carried with albumin nanoparticles in regulating the tumor angiogenesis in HPV through induction of PI3K/AKT signal pathway. 40 of Wistar rats were divided into blank set, HIF-1α set, agonist
set and inhibitor set randomly. There were 10 rats in every set. The gene expression of HIF-1α, presentation rate of CD31 and SMA, protein expression of VEGF and TSP-1, and presentation of factors related with PI3K/AKT signal pathway were all studied. HIF-1α gene
carried with albumin nanoparticles was prepared successfully, and the gene expression of HIF-1α in HIF-1α set was highest. The second highest expression was in the inhibitor set, while the lowest was in the blank and agonist sets. There were notably-visible tan particles
in the tumor tissue from the blank, HIF-1α and agonist sets, and they were reduced notably in the inhibitor set. The presentation rates for CD31 and SMA in the tumor tissues from the blank, HIF-1α and agonist sets were highest, while the rate was reduced in the inhibitor
set. The action on VEGF protein expression was similar, and there was positive correlation between abnormal activation of HIF-1α and tumor angiogenesis in HPV. The PI3k/AKT signal transduction pathway was activated by HIF-1α and PI3k and AKI were phosphorylated. The
HIF-1α was prompted to enter into cell nucleus and interact with element with low oxygen effect so as to increase the presentation of VEGF, CD31 and SMA. The angiogenesis in the HPV was also prompted, but the action was eliminated by inhibitor from the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Zn(II) Complex with Blue Luminescence and Its Promotion Activity on the Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Biliary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Sun Qiang , Gong Jinlong , Gong Xueyi , Wu Jianlong , Hu Zhipeng , Zhang Qiao , Zhu Xiaofeng
Published: October 2022

A new dual ligand-based Zn(II) compound, [Zn(Hbtc)(bmiph)]n·n(H2O) (1, where H3btc is 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid and bmiph is 1,4-bis(2-methyl-1H-imidazolyl)benzene), was prepared hydrothermally and characterized structurally through single-crystal
X-ray diffraction. At environmental temperature, with 330 nm excitation, complex 1 showed intense blue luminescence with the CIE coordinate at (0.193, 0.1278). The promotion activity of 1 on the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into biliary epithelial cells was explored,
and the corresponding mechanism was studied simultaneously. The vascular endothelial growth factor content in the serum was examined using ELISA. The relative expression of cirRNA29 in mesenchymal stem cells was measured using real-time RT-PCR.
The Spring Minimum in Subseasonal 2-m Temperature Forecast Skill over North America
Authors: Breeden Melissa L. , Albers John R. , Butler Amy H. , Newman Matthew
Published: October 2022

On average, 2-m temperature forecasts over North America for lead times greater than two weeks have generally low skill in operational dynamical models, largely because of the chaotic, unpredictable nature of daily weather. However, for a small subset of forecasts, more slowly evolving climate processes yield some predictable signal that may be anticipated in advance, occasioning “forecasts of opportunity.” Forecasts of opportunity evolve seasonally, since they are a function of the seasonally varying jet stream and various remote forcings such as tropical heating. Prior research has demonstrated that for boreal winter, an empirical dynamical modeling technique called a linear inverse model (LIM), whose forecast skill is typically comparable to operational forecast models, can successfully identify forecasts of opportunity both for itself and for other dynamical models. In this study, we use a set of LIMs to examine how subseasonal North American 2-m temperature potential predictability and forecasts of opportunity vary from boreal winter through summer. We show how LIM skill evolves during the three phases of the spring transition of the North Pacific jet—late winter, spring, and early summer—revealing clear differences in each phase and a distinct skill minimum in spring. We identify a subset of forecasts with markedly higher skill in all three phases, despite LIM temperature skill that is somewhat low on average. However, skill improvements are only statistically significant during winter and summer, again reflecting the spring subseasonal skill minimum. The spring skill minimum is consistent with the skill predicted from theory and arises due to a minimum in LIM forecast signal-to-noise ratio.
Da Milano a Londra. Paolo Valera tra reportage, giornalismo e letteratura
Authors: Mazzola Arianna
Published: October 2022

Il presente saggio ridefinisce i rapporti di Paolo Valera con la Scapigliatura democratica e propone la forte influenza del Naturalismo francese sull’autore. Inoltre, l’analisi si concentra sulla forma del reportage narrativo e la scrittura giornalistica rintracciando, per analogie e differenze, uno studio del genere letterario e l’ibridazione tra descrizione, narrazione e invenzione che anticipa tendenze di scrittura successive alla pubblicazione de I miei dieci anni all’estero.
Intra-Family End-Of-Life Conflict: Findings of a Research Investigation to Identify Its Incidence, Cause, and Impact
Authors: Wilson Donna M , Bykowski Kathleen A , Banamwana Gilbert , Bryenton Farrell M , Dou Qinqin , Errasti-Ibarrondo Begoña
Published: October 2022

With few investigations of intra-family end-of-life conflict, this study sought to identify its incidence, cause, and impacts. A questionnaire was completed by 102 hospice/palliative nurses, physicians, and other care providers in Alberta, a Canadian province. Participants reported on how often they had observed intra-family conflict when someone in the family was dying, and the impacts of that conflict. 12 survey participants were then interviewed about the intra-family conflict that they had encountered, with interviews focused on why conflict occurred and what the impacts (if any) were. Nearly 80% of families were thought to experience end-of-life conflict, periodically or continuously, among various family members. The interviews confirmed three reasons for intra-family end-of-life conflict and three conflict outcomes that were revealed in a recent literature review. The findings indicate routine assessments for intra-family end-of-life conflict are advisable. Attention should be paid to preventing or mitigating this conflict for the good of all.
Analysis of TRIM27 prognosis value and immune infiltrates in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Haichuan , Zhang Yu , Yan Li , Lv Qiang , Lu Jie , Yun Bei
Published: October 2022

Up-regulation of tripartite motif-containing 27 (TRIM27) in varieties of tumors found that TRIM27 advanced tumor metastasis and invasion. Nevertheless, the relation of TRIM27 and immune infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the prognostic value of TRIM27 expression is unknown. We assessed TRIM27 association with immune infiltrates and the prognostic value of TRIM27 in HCC. From the Cancer Genome Atlas, we obtained TRIM27 transcriptional expression profiles of HCC and normal tissues. Using the Human Protein Atlas to evaluate the expression TRIM27, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were produced using the STRING database. Functional enrichment analysis was performed by using the clusterProfiler package. The tumor immune estimation resource was used to determine the relation of TRIM27 expression and immune infiltrates. We found that the expression of TRIM27 was up-regulated in HCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. High TRIM27 expression correlated with high pathologic stage and high TNM stage. The receiver operating characteristic curve of TRIM27 area was 0.946. Kaplan–Meier analyses showed poor prognosis in HCC patients with high expression of TRIM27. Correlation analysis suggested that the expression of TRIM27 was related to immune infiltrates and tumor purity. This study indicated in HCC up-regulated the expression of TRIM27 is correlated to poor survival and immune infiltration. TRIM27 is an underlying target of immune therapy and is an underlying biomarker for poor prognosis in HCC.
Impact of Social Support on Physical Activity in Adults With Heart Failure: The Mediating Effect of Resilience
Authors: Ma Chunhua
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of resilience and social support on physical activity in adults with heart failure (HF) and to explore the mediating effect of resilience on the relationship between social support and physical activity. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 197 adults with HF ( n = 197) from two outpatient departments for cardiovascular diseases. Resilience was assessed using the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, social support using the Social Support Rating Scale, and physical activity using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Social support and resilience were significantly associated with physical activity in adults with HF. Resilience partially mediated the relationship between social support and physical activity, and the mediating effect accounted for 25.93% of the total effect of social support on physical activity. These findings contribute to the development of tailored interventions by targeting these two factors to increase physical activity levels in adults with HF.
Minimal information for reporting a genomics experiment
Authors: Dreval Kostiantyn , Boutros Paul C. , Morin Ryan D.
Published: October 2022

Exome and genome sequencing has facilitated the identification of hundreds of genes and other regions that are recurrently mutated in hematologic neoplasms. The data sets from these studies theoretically provide opportunities. Quality differences between data sets can confound secondary analyses. We explore the consequences of these on the conclusions from some recent studies of B-cell lymphomas. We highlight the need for a minimum reporting standard to increase transparency in genomic research.
RUNX1-deficient human megakaryocytes demonstrate thrombopoietic and platelet half-life and functional defects
Authors: Lee Kiwon , Ahn Hyun Sook , Estevez Brian , Poncz Mortimer
Published: October 2022

Heterozygous defects in runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) are causative of a familial platelet disorder with associated myeloid malignancy (FPDMM). Because RUNX1-deficient animal models do not mimic bleeding disorder or leukemic risk associated with FPDMM, development of a proper model system is critical to understanding the underlying mechanisms of the observed phenotype and to identifying therapeutic interventions. We previously reported an in vitro megakaryopoiesis system comprising human CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells that recapitulated the FPDMM quantitative megakaryocyte defect through a decrease in RUNX1 expression via a lentiviral short hairpin RNA strategy. We now show that shRX-megakaryocytes have a marked reduction in agonist responsiveness. We then infused shRX-megakaryocytes into immunocompromised NOD scid gamma (NSG) mice and demonstrated that these megakaryocytes released fewer platelets than megakaryocytes transfected with a nontargeting shRNA, and these platelets had a diminished half-life. The platelets were also poorly responsive to agonists, unable to correct thrombus formation in NSG mice homozygous for a R1326H mutation in von Willebrand Factor (VWFR1326H), which switches the species-binding specificity of the VWF from mouse to human glycoprotein Ibα. A small-molecule inhibitor RepSox, which blocks the transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) pathway and rescued defective megakaryopoiesis in vitro, corrected the thrombopoietic defect, defects in thrombus formation and platelet half-life, and agonist response in NSG/VWFR1326H mice. Thus, this model recapitulates the defects in FPDMM megakaryocytes and platelets, identifies previously unrecognized defects in thrombopoiesis and platelet half-life, and demonstrates for the first time, reversal of RUNX1 deficiency–induced hemostatic defects by a drug.
The Boundary Between Volume and Surface-Driven Magnetic Properties in Spinel Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Muscas Giuseppe , Congiu Francesco , Concas Giorgio , Cannas Carla , Mameli Valentina , Yaacoub Nader , Hassan Rodaina Sayed , Fiorani Dino , Slimani Sawssen , Peddis Davide
Published: October 2022

Despite modern preparation techniques offer the opportunity to tailor the composition, size, and shape of magnetic nanoparticles, understanding and hence controlling the magnetic properties of such entities remains a challenging task, due to the complex interplay between the volume-related properties and the phenomena occurring at the particle’s surface. The present work investigates spinel iron oxide nanoparticles as a model system to quantitatively analyze the crossover between the bulk and the surface-dominated magnetic regimes. The magnetic properties of ensembles of nanoparticles with an average size in the range of 5–13 nm are compared. The role of surface anisotropy and the effect of oleic acid, one of the most common and versatile organic coatings, are discussed. The structural and morphological properties are investigated by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The size dependence of the surface contribution to the effective particle anisotropy and the magnetic structure are analyzed by magnetization measurements and in-field Mössbauer spectrometry. The structural data combined with magnetometry and Mössbauer spectrometry analysis are used to shed light on this complex scenario revealing a crossover between volume and surface-driven properties in the range of 5–7 nm.

Graphical Abstract
Deep learning algorithm reveals two prognostic subtypes in patients with gliomas
Authors: Tian Jing , Zhu Mingzhen , Ren Zijing , Zhao Qiang , Wang Puqing , He Colin K. , Zhang Min , Peng Xiaochun , Wu Beilei , Feng Rujia , Fu Minglong
Published: October 2022

Background

Gliomas are highly complex and heterogeneous tumors, rendering prognosis prediction challenging. The advent of deep learning algorithms and the accessibility of multi-omic data represent a new approach for the identification of survival-sensitive subtypes. Herein, an autoencoder-based approach was used to identify two survival-sensitive subtypes using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and DNA methylation (DNAm) data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. The subtypes were used as labels to build a support vector machine model with cross-validation. We validated the robustness of the model on Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) dataset. DNAm-driven genes were identified by integrating DNAm and gene expression profiling analyses using the R MethylMix package and carried out for further enrichment analysis.

Results

For TCGA dataset, the model produced a high C-index (0.92 ± 0.02), low brier score (0.16 ± 0.02), and significant log-rank p value (p < 0.0001). The model also had a decent performance for CGGA dataset (CGGA DNAm: C-index of 0.70, brier score of 0.21; CGGA RNA-seq: C-index of 0.79, brier score of 0.18). Moreover, we identified 389 DNAm-driven genes of survival-sensitive subtypes, which were significantly enriched in the glutathione metabolism pathway.

Conclusions

Our study identified two survival-sensitive subtypes of glioma and provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying glioma development; thus, potentially providing a new target for the prognostic prediction of gliomas and supporting personalized treatment strategies.
Alcohol consumption patterns and the risk of sarcopenia: a population-based cross-sectional study among chinese women and men from Henan province
Authors: Zhai Junya , Ma Baihui , Qin Jin , Lyu Quanjun , Khatun Pipasha , Liang Rui , Cong Minghua , Guo Lijun , Kong Yongxia
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Sarcopenia is a clinically relevant syndrome with health, social, and economic implications. Alcohol consumption is one of the risk factors for sarcopenia, but it has not been fully investigated in Chinese populations. The purpose of the present study was to assess the relationship between alcohol consumption patterns (including the volume and frequency of alcohol consumption) and sarcopenia or its elements among Chinese women and men from Henan Province.

Method

A cross-sectional study was designed to collect information about nutrition and health in Henan Province, China, and a total of 680 individuals were studied. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria updated in 2019. Alcohol consumption was calculated in grams per day and divided into three groups. Drinking frequency was divided into four groups. We assessed the likelihood that sarcopenia was associated with drinking patterns using multiple logistic regression analysis by odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CIs) after multiple adjustments.

Results

We found that men who consumed > 25 g of ethanol per day were approximately three times more likely to have low muscle mass (OR, 3.99; 95% CI, 1.10–17.05) or low grip strength (OR, 3.39; 95% CI, 1.33–9.92) than nondrinkers after multiple adjustments. In addition, males who consumed alcohol more than 4 times per week were approximately threefold to fivefold more likely to have low muscle mass (OR, 4.99; 95% CI, 1.24–25.55) or low grip strength (OR, 3.37; 95% CI, 1.40–8.74) than nondrinkers. Unfortunately, we did not find a relationship between alcohol consumption patterns and sarcopenia or gait speed among males, and there was no association between alcohol consumption patterns and sarcopenia or any elements.

Conclusion

Heavy alcohol consumption and frequent drinking are important risk factors for low muscle mass and muscle strength in Chinese men from Henan province.
Pandemic-related socioeconomic disruptions and adverse health outcomes: a cross-sectional study of female caregivers
Authors: Brown Erika M. , Fernald Lia C.H. , Hamad Rita , Hoskote Mekhala , Jackson Kaitlyn E. , Gosliner Wendi
Published: October 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to mitigate transmission resulted in sudden and widespread socioeconomic disruptions including school and child care closures, unemployment and underemployment, and housing precarity. Understanding the extent to which these disruptions may have contributed to adverse health outcomes is critical for establishing policy priorities that can mitigate further harm.

Methods

We explored the associations between pandemic-related child care, employment, and housing disruptions with depressive symptoms, self-rated health, and food security status among a sample of economically disadvantaged and racially diverse female caregivers of young children (n=464). Data were derived from the Assessing California Communities’ Experiences with Safety Net Supports (ACCESS) study, which conducted survey-based interviews with California caregivers with low-income from August 2020 – May 2021. We implemented a series of multivariable Poisson regressions with robust standard errors to assess the potency of each exposure, independently and within the context of one another.

Results

Most caregivers experienced disruptions to child care (70%) and employment (63%); few experienced major housing disruptions (8%). Women that experienced child care and housing disruptions had greater depressive symptoms, lower self-rated health, and greater food insecurity, although the relationships for housing and depressive symptoms were modified by the timing of participants’ interviews. Employment disruptions were not associated with any of the examined adverse health outcomes.

Conclusion

In the wake of socioeconomic stressors brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, attending to structural deficits in the child care system and increasing housing supports may be critical for protecting the health of caregivers.
Effectiveness of rectal artesunate as pre-referral treatment for severe malaria in children under 5 years of age: a multi-country observational study
Authors: Hetzel Manuel W. , Okitawutshu Jean , Tshefu Antoinette , Omoluabi Elizabeth , Awor Phyllis , Signorell Aita , Brunner Nina C. , Kalenga Jean-Claude , Akano Babatunde K. , Ayodeji Kazeem , Okon Charles , Yusuf Ocheche , Athieno Proscovia , Kimera Joseph , Tumukunde Gloria , Angiro Irene , Delvento Giulia , Lee Tristan T. , Lambiris Mark J. , Kwiatkowski Marek , Cereghetti Nadja , Visser Theodoor , Napier Harriet G. , Cohen Justin M. , Buj Valentina , Burri Christian , Lengeler Christian
Published: October 2022

Background

To prevent child deaths from severe malaria, early parenteral treatment is essential. Yet, in remote rural areas, accessing facilities offering parenteral antimalarials may be difficult. A randomised controlled trial found pre-referral treatment with rectal artesunate (RAS) to reduce deaths and disability in children who arrived at a referral facility with delay. This study examined the effectiveness of pre-referral RAS treatment implemented through routine procedures of established community-based health care systems.

Methods

An observational study accompanied the roll-out of RAS in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Nigeria and Uganda. Children <5 years of age presenting to a community-based health provider with a positive malaria test and signs of severe malaria were enrolled and followed up during admission and after 28 days to assess their health status and treatment history. The primary outcome was death; covariates of interest included RAS use, referral completion, and post-referral treatment.

Results

Post-roll-out, RAS was administered to 88% of patients in DRC, 52% in Nigeria, and 70% in Uganda. The overall case fatality rate (CFR) was 6.7% (135/2011) in DRC, 11.7% (69/589) in Nigeria, and 0.5% (19/3686) in Uganda; 13.8% (865/6286) of patients were sick on day 28. The CFR was higher after RAS roll-out in Nigeria (16.1 vs. 4.2%) and stable in DRC (6.7 vs. 6.6%) and Uganda (0.7 vs. 0.3%). In DRC and Nigeria, children receiving RAS were more likely to die than those not receiving RAS (aOR=3.06, 95% CI 1.35–6.92 and aOR=2.16, 95% CI 1.11–4.21, respectively). Only in Uganda, RAS users were less likely to be dead or sick at follow-up (aOR=0.60, 95% CI 0.45–0.79). Post-referral parenteral antimalarials plus oral artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), a proxy for appropriate post-referral treatment, was protective. However, in referral health facilities, ACT was not consistently administered after parenteral treatment (DRC 68.4%, Nigeria 0%, Uganda 70.9%).

Conclusions

Implemented at scale to the recommended target group, pre-referral RAS had no beneficial effect on child survival in three highly malaria-endemic settings. RAS is unlikely to reduce malaria deaths unless health system issues such as referral and quality of care at all levels are addressed.

Trial registration

The study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03568344.
Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors and New-onset Type 2 Diabetes in Adults With Prediabetes: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Mori Yuichiro , Duru O Kenrik , Tuttle Katherine R , Fukuma Shingo , Taura Daisuke , Harada Norio , Inagaki Nobuya , Inoue Kosuke
Published: October 2022

Context

The preventive effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for new-onset diabetes was investigated in secondary analyses of several randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, the results were inconsistent.

Objective

This work aimed to synthesize available evidence and evaluate whether SGLT2 inhibitors are effective in preventing new-onset diabetes.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched through February 11, 2022. Two independent authors screened the search results and extracted summary data from eligible RCTs (including original and post hoc analyses) comparing SGLT2 inhibitors and placebo for the risk of new-onset diabetes among adults with prediabetes. Meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects models to calculate risk ratios and 95% CIs.

Results

We included 4 RCTs with 5655 participants who had prediabetes. Based on the random-effects meta-analysis, SGLT2 inhibitors were significantly associated with a lower risk of new-onset diabetes (relative risk, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.68-0.93). The relative risks of new-onset diabetes in dapagliflozin and empagliflozin were 0.68 (95% CI, 0.52-0.89) and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.72-1.04), respectively (P-for-heterogeneity = .14). The frequency of severe hypoglycemia was not elevated in the SGLT2 inhibitors group compared to the placebo group.

Conclusion

In this meta-analysis, SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a reduced risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes among adults with prediabetes and heart failure or chronic kidney disease. These findings indicate the potential usefulness of SGLT2 inhibitors in preventing diabetes among high-risk populations with prediabetes.
Acoustic tethering of microorganisms
Authors: Rode M. , Bioue A. , Miano F. , Bruus H. , Kiørboe T. , Andersen A.
Published: October 2022

We show how to construct and apply a setup to acoustically tether and enable behavioral observations of individual microorganisms using simple laboratory equipment and a standard light microscope. We explore the capability of the setup with the freely swimming dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum as the study organism. The setup allows us to tether cells in focus in the mid-plane of the sample chamber and make observations of individual organisms at high magnification without affecting their flagellar beat frequencies. We discuss the prospect of the method to explore appendage motion and swimming kinematics of other flagellates and ciliates, and we argue that the method will be applicable to a broad range of cell sizes and shapes.
Racismo e Pandemia
Authors: Lemos Amanda dos Santos
Published: October 2022

Passados 12 meses do início da pandemia causada pelo novo coronavírus o número de contaminados e mortos continua aumentando vertiginosamente. Mesmo as autoridades não prestando as informações relacionando-as a quesitos étnicos-raciais, diversas pesquisas e estudos dão conta que a população negra é mais atingida fatalmente pela doença. A proposta deste artigo é analisar as questões estruturais que fazem com que a população negra seja mais vitimada pela doença e, por todos os indicadores que faz com que suas vidas sigam desprestigiadas na sociedade capitalista contemporânea.
Pele branca, máscaras negras
Authors: Garcia Lucas , Da Silva Cabral Gladir
Published: October 2022

O presente texto reflete sobre o racismo recreativo, tendo em vista a prática da blackface, a partir de um modelo analítico-interpretativo de três textos jornalísticos, presentes na Hemeroteca Digital Brasileira, que noticiaram um quadro teatral intitulado de “Macumba do Morro” no ano de 1931, na cidade do Rio de Janeiro.  Utilizamos, para sustentar nossas considerações e análise, a obra de Adilson Moreira Racismo Recreativo, de modo a questionar algumas consequências do projeto colonial, em especial como a dinâmica da branquitude, impôs a manutenção de privilégios e a restrição de acessos, gerando exclusão, ausências e desigualdades, sem deixar de apontar as manifestações culturais como prática de resistência ao projeto colonial.
Estremeceram as montanhas do atlântico sul : mundos do trabalho no prisma transatlântico
Authors: Clímaco Alves Thompson
Published: October 2022

Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir as possibilidades teóricas e metodológicas presentes na articulação entre História Atlântica e História Social do Trabalho. A partir dos estudos clássicos que deram origem a essa confluência entre os dois campos, bem como sua influência na historiografia brasileira. Além disso, o dossiê “(Outros) Trabalhadores livres no atlântico oitocentista”, da revista mundos do trabalho, será analisado com o intuito de perceber como ocorre a mobilização dos conceitos presentes na história atlântica nos mundos do trabalho.
Outras independências nos escombros da memória
Authors: Santos Karolline
Published: October 2022

A reflexão proposta neste artigo versa sobre a potência de processos museológicos não hegemônicos como museus de territórios, museus comunitários e museus de favelas — entre outras práticas heterodoxas de musealização que irromperam ao final do século XX — como ferramentas para a problematização de narrativas unívocas do processo nacional e das dinâmicas de ocupação das cidades brasileiras. A partir da leitura de um dos módulos da exposição de longa duração do Museu Histórico Nacional, constituído no lastro das comemorações do Centenário da Independência, refletimos sobre como a aquisição das peças-escombros do Museu das Remoções enreda outros sentidos a partir da perspectiva dos/as atingidos/as e promove leituras decolonizadoras do nosso processo de formação nacional, bem como do museu e suas práticas.
Fome e colonialidade alimentar no Brasil
Authors: Nunes Pereira Bastos Mariana
Published: October 2022

O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar as contradições que existem entre a soberania alimentar pretendida no Brasil e o projeto hegemônico moderno, voltando brevemente ao passado colonial da América Latina. Para isso, assumimos as direções de uma pesquisa qualitativa e utilizamos como referencial teórico os autores decoloniais, que denunciam a continuidade das formas coloniais de dominação e evidenciam os processos que supostamente teriam sido superados pela modernidade. A pergunta de pesquisa gira em torno da conexão entre o fenômeno da fome coletiva – descrita por Josué de Castro – e as marcas de colonialidade alimentar existentes no país.
Can early pregnancy decorin levels be a potential predictor for preterm birth?
Authors: Ozgen Levent , Ozgen Gülten
Published: October 2022

Objective: This study investigates the role of maternal decorin levels measured in the early second trimester of pregnancy in detecting the potential for preterm birth in late pregnancy.

Methods: The prospective, case-control study was carried out in tertiary university hospital from June to December 2021.Maternal serum samples were collected from 350 women aged 18–40 years with a singleton pregnancy during early second-trimester screening for aneuploidy, and stored at -80°C. All participants were followed up until delivery and 25 patients diagnosed with preterm birth group and 40 full-term healthy women were included in the study.

Results: The median maternal serum decorin level was 3.82 (1.15–12.37) ng/ml in the preterm birth (PTB) group and 4.63 (1.20–10.02) ng/ml in the control group, there was no statistically difference between the groups (p = 0.111). The mean gestational age was statistically significantly lower in the preterm birth group (33.1±2.7 weeks) than in the control (39±1.16 weeks) (p <0.001). The mean fetal weight was statistically significantly lower in the preterm birth group (2023.8±477 g) than in the control group (3309.7±353 g) (p <0.001).

Conclusion: Early second-trimester serum levels of decorin alone may not be a sufficiently accurate biomarker as a biochemical model for the prediction of preterm birth in asymptomatic women.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.6551

How to cite this:Ozgen L, Ozgen G. Can early pregnancy decorin levels be a potential predictor for preterm birth? Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.6551

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Η επίπτωση του τύπου της προσωπικότητας, των κοινωνικών ρόλων και των επαγγελματικών απαιτήσεων στην οπτική ικανότητα και στην ικανοποίηση ασθενών με ψευδοφακική πολυεστιακή διόρθωση πρεσβυωπίας
Authors: Ντόντη Παναγιώτα
Published: October 2022

Σκοπός: Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή έχει ως ζητούμενο την αξιολόγηση της επίπτωσης του τύπου της προσωπικότητας, των κοινωνικών ρόλων και των επαγγελματικών απαιτήσεων στην οπτική ικανότητα και ικανοποίηση ασθενών με πολυεστιακή διόρθωση της πρεσβυωπίας. Τα αποτελέσματα από την παρούσα διατριβή θα βοηθήσουν στη κατανόηση των αναγκών- επιθυμιών των πρεσβυωπικών ατόμων που αναζητούν χειρουργική διόρθωση.Μέθοδος: Σε ασθενείς που προσέρχονται λόγω καταρράκτη γίνεται ενημέρωση σχετικά με τα οφέλη και τα μειονεκτήματα μιας αμφοτερόπλευρης πολυεστιακής διόρθωσης. Σε όλους τους συμμετέχοντες διαμοιράστηκε το ερωτηματολόγιο ΤΕΧΑΠ 5, το οποίο αξιολογεί την προσωπικότητα. Έπειτα από 6 μήνες μετά την αποθεραπεία από την πολυεστιακή διόρθωση, η αξιολόγηση του βαθμού ικανοποίησής τους εξετάστηκε με τα ερωτηματολόγια NEI- VFQ 25. Η μέθοδος των decision trees, καθώς και η ανάλυση παλινδρόμησης χρησιμοποιήθηκαν για τον καθορισμό της συνεισφοράς των στοιχείων προσωπικότητας στις επιλογές και την μετεγχειρητική ικανοποίηση των ασθενών.Αποτελέσματα: Από τους 120 συμμετέχοντες (60 άντρες και 60 γυναίκες), οι 81 (67.5%, 24 άντρες και 57 γυναίκες) επέλεξαν την πολυεστιακή πρεσβυωπική διόρθωση. Στους άντρες, τα χαμηλά ποσοστά νευρωτισμού και τα υψηλά ποσοστά εξωστρέφειας ήταν τα πιο σημαντικά για την επιλογή της πολυεστιακής πρεσβυωπικής διόρθωσης. Στις γυναίκες, όλα τα στοιχεία προσωπικότητας συμμετείχαν στη διαδικασία επιλογής. Ακόμη, οι γυναίκες ήταν πιο απαιτητικές σχετικά με τη μετεγχειρητική τους μακρινή οπτική οξύτητα από τους άντρες (0.1 vs 0.2 logMAR). Η δεκτικότητα στην εμπειρία, η ευσυνειδησία και η εξωστρέφεια ήταν σημαντικά στοιχεία στην τελική ικανοποίηση όλων των ασθενών.Συμπεράσματα: Παρατηρούνται διαφορές ανάμεσα στα δύο φύλλα, όσον αφορά στην διαδικασία επιλογής μιας πολυεστιακής πρεσβυωπικής διόρθωσης, καθώς και διαφορές στην προσδοκώμενη μετεγχειρητική οπτική οξύτητα. Η προσωπικότητα του ασθενούς φαίνεται να διαδραματίζει σημαντικό ρόλο στο συνολικό μετεγχειρητικό αποτέλεσμα.
The influence of non-medical prescribers on antimicrobial stewardship: a national evaluation of the prescribing of antibiotics by non-medical prescribers in England from 2016 to 2021 (part 1)
Authors: Brett Elizabeth Ann , Palmer Marion
Published: October 2022

Background Non-medical prescriber numbers have increased rapidly over the last 10 years, with increasingly diverse roles and backgrounds. Previous evaluations of their antibiotic prescribing demonstrated it was generally of a high quality and guideline-driven, but recent evidence is lacking and the data are not easily accessible. Aims To describe changes in the non-medical prescriber population and patterns in dispensed antibiotic volumes between 2016–2021, highlighting evidence of good antimicrobial stewardship and where further interventions may be required. Methods An analysis of retrospective non-medical prescriber prescribing data was performed, to determine the numbers of independent non-medical prescribers and the patterns of prescribed community-dispensed antibiotics in England between 2016–2021. Findings Between 2016–2021, it was found that independent non-medical prescriber numbers in England rose by 54%. Whilst they remain predominantly nurses (76%), the numbers of pharmacists and allied health professionals have increased. Non-medical prescribers were responsible for 10.6% of all dispensed antibiotic items prescribed in primary care in England. However, the proportion of dispensed antibiotic items prescribed by these non-medical prescribers reduced by over 50%. Prescribing in 2020 differed from previous years, with increased high-risk antibiotic prescribing. Conclusion The quality of prescribing generally appears good and in accordance with national guidelines and principles of good antimicrobial stewardship. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic prompted changes in antibiotic prescribing behaviour.
Angular Momentum Transfer at the Chemo-ionization and Spin Exchange Processes. Interaction between Spin Polarized Metastable Helium Atoms
Authors: Kartoshkin Victor
Published: October 2022

In the collision of spin-polarized atoms, the transmission of electron polarization between colliding particles is possible. A similar situation occurs in a collision, for example, between alkali atoms in the ground state. If one of the colliding particles is in an excited state and its energy is sufficient for ionization of the collision partner, then along with the elastic process (spin exchange), an inelastic process (ionization) is also possible, as a result of these processes polarization can also be transferred to the partner. Simultaneously occurring elastic and inelastic processes at the collision between two helium atoms are possible if these atoms are in the metastable (23S1) state. The paper discusses the interaction between spin-polarized metastable atoms of helium-3 and helium-4 isotopes under conditions of optical pumping of atoms. Complex interaction potentials of the atoms under consideration were constructed and on their basis, the spin exchange and chemo-ionization cross-sections were calculated. Using these cross-sections, expressions for the transfer of orientation and alignment from one atom to another were obtained.
Sb2Se3-assisted reconfigurable broadband Y-junction
Authors: Su Yuexing , Liu Deming , Zhang Minming
Published: October 2022

A Y-junction is commonly used in on-chip systems because of its excellent broadband characteristic. However, due to the lack of regulation methods, in most cases Y-junctions are used as passive components. In this work we propose a reconfigurable broadband Y-junction based on phase change material. When Sb2Se3 layers on two branches are at different states, the Y-junction is asymmetric and works as a reconfigurable dual-mode (de)multiplexer. When both Sb2Se3 layers are amorphous, the Y-junction is symmetric and works as a dual-mode 3-dB power splitter. To achieve quasi-adiabatic evolution for both states in a short device length, we propose a segmented fast quasi-adiabatic method. By dividing the gap region into multiple segments and optimizing the geometry and length of each segment, the proposed device achieves bandwidth > 100 nm (crosstalk < -20 dB) in a compact footprint of 19.3 × 3 µm2. The simulation result shows that at center wavelength of 1550 nm, the crosstalk and insertion loss of our device are < -41 dB and <0.12 dB, respectively, under asymmetric mode (de)multiplex state, and the excess loss is within 0.06 dB under symmetric power splitting state. The proposed device may contribute to the realization of a high-bandwidth, flexible mode-division-multiplexing network.