bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elastic band resistance training increases adropin and ameliorates some cardiometabolic risk factors in elderly women: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Azamian Jazi Akbar , Moradi Sarteshnizi Esmaeil , Fathi Mahshid , Azamian Jazi Zahra
Published: October 2022

Background

The decline in adropin over the aging process is associated with cardiometabolic risks, and resistance training may affect this decline. We hypothesized that elastic band resistance training (EBRT) would be an effective exercise for increasing adropin and improving the cardiometabolic profile in elderly women.

Methods

We randomly assigned 28 overweight elderly women (age = 74.04 ± 4.69 years) into one of two groups, EBRT (n = 14) or control (CON; n = 14), to participate in a 12-week (3d/wk) supervised EBRT program. The serum levels of adropin and cardiometabolic risk factors were evaluated at baseline and after the intervention. The exercise training protocol consisted of three supervised training sessions (55 min) per week for 12 weeks. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results

EBRT significantly increased serum adropin levels (p = 0.026), number of repetitions in the 30-second chair-stand test (p = 0.016), and number of repetitions in the 30-second arm curl test (p = 0.032). Moreover, EBRT significantly decreased serum levels of insulin (p = 0.035), TNF-α (p = 0.046), hsCRP (p = 0.037), and insulin resistance (p = 0.045) as well as body fat percentage (p = 0.023). There were no significant between-group differences (p > 0.05) in glucose, TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, BMI, and WHR; however, glucose, TC, TG, and BMI significantly changed in the EBRT group (within-group). Furthermore, adropin correlated with body fat percentage (p = 0.020) and BMI (p = 0.014) at pretest and with body fat percentage at posttest (p = 0.016), however, delta values were not significantly related. No correlation was observed between adropin and other biomarkers at any stage of the study.

Conclusion

EBRT can increase serum adropin levels, which has been associated with improved insulin sensitivity, inflammation, body fat percentage, and physical function in overweight elderly women.
Effect of trunk exercise upon lumbar IVD height and vertebral compliance when performed supine with 1 g at the CoM compared to upright in 1 g
Authors: Marcos-Lorenzo D. , Frett T. , Gil-Martinez A. , Speer M. , Swanenburg J. , Green D. A.
Published: October 2022

Background

Spinal unloading in microgravity is associated with stature increments, back pain, intervertebral disc (IVD) swelling and impaired spinal kinematics. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of lateral stabilization, trunk rotation and isometric abdominal exercise upon lumbar IVD height, and both passive and active vertebral compliance when performed supine on a short-arm human centrifuge (SAHC)—a candidate microgravity countermeasure—with 1 g at the CoM, compared to that generated with equivalent upright exercise in 1 g.

Methods

12 (8 male) healthy subjects (33.8 ± 7 years, 178.4 ± 8.2 cm, 72.1 ± 9.6 kg) gave written informed consent. Subjects performed three sets of upper body trunk exercises either when standing upright (UPRIGHT), or when being spun on the SAHC. Lumbar IVD height and vertebral compliance (active and passive) were evaluated prior to SAHC (PRE SAHC) and following the first SAHC (POST SPIN 1) and second Spin (POST SPIN 2), in addition to before (PRE UPRIGHT), and after upright trunk exercises (POST UPRIGHT).

Results

No significant effect upon IVD height (L2–S1) when performed UPRIGHT or on the SAHC was observed. Trunk muscle exercise induced significant (p < 0.05) reduction of active thoracic vertebral compliance when performed on the SAHC, but not UPRIGHT. However, no effect was observed in the cervical, lumbar or across the entire vertebral column. On passive or active vertebral compliance.

Conclusion

This study, the first of its kind demonstrates that trunk exercise were feasible and tolerable. Whilst trunk muscle exercise appears to have minor effect upon IVD height, it may be a candidate approach to mitigate—particularly active—vertebral stability on Earth, and in μg via concurrent SAHC. However, significant variability suggests larger studies including optimization of trunk exercise and SAHC prescription with MRI are warranted.

Trial Registration

North Rhine ethical committee (Number: 6000223393) and registered on 29/09/2020 in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00021750).
Krüppel-like factor 7 deficiency causes autistic-like behavior in mice via regulating Clock gene
Authors: Tian Hui , Jiao Yanwen , Guo Mingyue , Wang Yilin , Wang Ruiqi , Wang Cao , Chen Xiongbiao , Tian Weiming
Published: October 2022

Background

Krüppel-like factor 7 (klf7), a transcription factor in the nervous system to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation, has been recently identified as a causal gene for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the mechanism behind remains unknown.

Result

To uncover this mechanism, in this study we characterized the involvement of klf7 in circadian rhythm by knocking down klf7 in N2A cells and examining the rhythmic expression of circadian genes, especially Clock gene. We constructed klf7−/− mice and then investigated into klf7 regulation on the expression of rhythm genes in vivo as well as the use of melatonin to rescue the autism behavior. Our results illustrated that circadian rhythm was disrupted in klf7 knockdown cells and that klf7−/− mice showed autism-like behavior. Also, we found that Clock gene was downregulated in the brain of these klf7−/− mice and that the downstream rhythm genes of Clock were disturbed. Melatonin, as a circadian regulation drug, could regulate the expression level and amplitude of rhythm genes in klf7 knockout cells and further rescue the autistic behavior of klf7−/− mice.

Conclusion

Klf7 deficiency causes ASD by disrupting circadian rhythm related genes to trigger rhythm oscillations. To treat ASD, maintaining circadian homeostasis is promising with the use of melatonin.
Factors influencing consumption of traditional diets: stakeholder views regarding sago consumption among the indigenous peoples of West Papua
Authors: Sidiq Fathir Fajar , Coles David , Hubbard Carmen , Clark Beth , Frewer Lynn J.
Published: October 2022

Background

The indigenous people living in the province of West Papua may experience potential food insecurity, in part attributable to increased local adoption of, and reliance on, imported foods such as rice. At the same time, the consumption of sago, a traditional local food, is lower than other types of carbohydrate foods such as wheat and cassava. Various factors may act as influential drivers of local diets and related agricultural practices, such as local socio-economic and agronomic factors, as well as cultural practices which in turn may be influenced by the attitudes and opinions of stakeholders with interests in the supply chain.

Methods

Qualitative methodology (semi-structured interviews) was applied to understand the various factors perceived by a selected number of stakeholders that influence sago consumption among the indigenous peoples of West Papua. These stakeholders included politicians, local and national civil servants, academics, sago farmers, and food activists (n = 18). Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

The results indicate that the stakeholders perceive that the majority of the West Papuan people regard sago as a traditional food that is critical to, and inseparable from, local culture and food production practices. The results suggest that the stakeholders interviewed support the consumption of sago to improve food security for the indigenous people in West Papua, with a need for future policy to be developed to support this.

Conclusions

The evidence presented here suggests a diverse range of local stakeholders support the continuation of sago production and consumption, both from the perspective of improved food security, and in order to conserve cultural associations and activities within local communities. According to the stakeholders interviewed, this can be best achieved through improved engagement of local communities with sago production policies, innovation in current practices, and agronomic management. Local policies should be developed to ensure that sago remains an integral component of the Papuan people's culture, and develops into a significant commodity with economic value which simultaneously contributes to environmental targets.
Identified or conflicted: a latent class and regression tree analysis explaining how identity constructs cluster within smokers
Authors: Meijer E. , Gebhardt W. A. , van Laar C. , Chavannes N. H. , van den Putte B.
Published: October 2022

Identity, or ‘who I am’, is important for smoking behaviour. Identity constructs (parts of a person’s identity) are typically examined as separate entities, but emerging evidence suggests that the multifaceted nature of identity is relevant in the context of smoking. This cross-sectional study examined how smoking-related self- and group-identity constructs cluster within adult daily smokers (N = 231), whether classes of smokers can be distinguished based on clusters of identity constructs, and which factors explain class membership. Data were collected online in The Netherlands and Belgium, 2017–2018. Latent class and regression tree analyses showed that participants in Class 1 of ‘Identified smokers’ (estimated population share 54%) reported stronger smoker self- and group-identities, stronger expected identity loss when quitting smoking, and weaker quitter self-identities and non-smoker self- and group-identities (vs. Class 2 of ‘Conflicted smokers’). Class membership was explained by the interaction between mental smoking dependence (dominant explanatory variable), consideration of future consequences, age of smoking onset, self-efficacy, and future self thought clarity. Models had good fit. The identity of more dependent smokers is more strongly oriented toward smoking. Smoking is also more strongly embedded in the identity of smokers who started smoking young, are less inclined to think about the future, and have lower self-efficacy.
Designing radical transitions: a plea for a new governance culture to empower deep transformative change
Authors: Loorbach Derk A.
Published: October 2022

This explorative paper introduces the idea of radical transitions as a necessary starting point for policy and governance. The urgency to achieve transformative change facing climate change and biodiversity loss is now broadly shared, but the dominant policy and market logics of innovation, optimization and risk management persist. In for example the urban mobility transition, we do see a technological shift towards electric mobility but not automatically a deeper cultural, spatial and behavioral shift towards cities in which as less vehicles and space are used to provide as much and as affordable mobility to all. We see a similar pattern in the built environment and food systems: the logics of policy and markets dictate optimization through (technological) innovation, while already for decades more radical alternatives have been developing and maturing locally worldwide. In this paper we explore how the basic principles and approach of transition management can be enriched with insights and methods from design to help institutionalize and mainstream the more radical alternatives.
Contextual effects on students’ achievement and academic self-concept in the Nordic and Chinese educational systems
Authors: Yang Hansen Kajsa , Radišić Jeléna , Ding Yi , Liu Xin
Published: October 2022

Background

The current study investigates school contextual effects on students’ academic self-concept and achievement, that is, peer socioeconomic effect and big-fish-little-pond effect (BFLPE), in four Nordic education systems (i.e., Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden) and selected Chinese education systems (Hong Kong and Beijing-Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang). The two school contextual effects are studied simultaneously to negate the confounding effects of student and school socioeconomic status (SES), academic self-concept and academic achievement. The study focuses on the following research questions:

Are there differences in the between-school variation in school SES composition, academic self-concept and reading literacy across the Nordic and selected Chinese education systems?

What are the sizes of peer SES and BFLPE in the Nordic and Chinese education systems?

Are there any differences that can be observed between the 2000 and 2018 data for the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in the first two questions for Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden and Hong Kong?

Methods

Using PISA 2000 and 2018 data from Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Hong Kong and Beijing-Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang (in 2018 only), a multiple-group two-level structural equation modelling was applied to estimate the school contextual effect.

Results

The current study indicated that school academic and socioeconomic segregation intensified over the two decades in most of the studied countries. This finding lays the groundwork for understanding the two schools’ contextual effects. School SES compositions positively affected students’ academic achievement, while average school achievement negatively affected students’ academic self-concept. Given that students’ academic and socioeconomic composition has become more homogeneous within schools, the contextual effects were more pronounced. However, variations across diverse education systems were also notable.

Conclusions

The current study adds evidence of the school contextual effects regarding the peer SES effects and robustness of the BFLPE, considering the nested structure of the data and diverse cultural milieu. We argue that these diversities reflect the varying extent to which educational reforms were introduced in different countries, here as oriented to marketisation, privatisation and choice. These reform actions have changed the composition of students at schools and school culture, which moulds individual students’ cognitive and noncognitive development.
Nanomaterials-based portable electrochemical sensing and biosensing systems for clinical and biomedical applications
Authors: Maduraiveeran Govindhan
Published: October 2022

Miniaturized electrochemical sensing systems are employed in day-to-day uses in the several area from public health to scientific applications. A variety of electrochemical sensor and biosensor systems may not be effectively employed in real-world diagnostic laboratories and biomedical industries due to their limitation of portability, cost, analytical period, and need of skilled trainer for operating devices. The design of smart and portable sensors with high sensitivity, good selectivity, rapid measurement, and reusable platforms is the driving strength for sensing glucose, lactate, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, mRNA, etc. The enhancement of sensing abilities of such sensor devices through the incorporation of both novel sensitive nanomaterials and design of sensor strategies are evidenced. Miniaturization, cost and energy efficient, online and quantitative detection and multiple sensing ability are the beneficial of the nanostructured-material-based electrochemical sensor and biosensor systems. Owing to the discriminating catalytic action, solidity and biocompatibility for designing sensing system, nanoscale materials empowered electrochemical detection systems are accomplished of being entrenched into/combined with portable or miniaturized devices for specific applications. In this review, the advance development of portable and smart sensing/biosensing systems derived from nanoscale materials for clinical and biomedical applications is described.

Graphical Abstract
Added value of high-resolution regional climate model in simulating precipitation based on the changes in kinetic energy
Authors: Kim Gayoung , Kim Jineun , Cha Dong-Hyun
Published: October 2022

As the resolution of regional climate models has increased with the development of computing resources, Added Values (AVs) have always been a steady research topic. Most previous studies examined AVs qualitatively by comparing model results with different model resolutions qualitatively. This study tried to quantitatively investigate the AV of the high-resolution regional climate model for precipitation by analyzing the distribution of kinetic energy according to the different wavelengths at two different resolutions (36 km vs. 4 km), away from the traditional comparative analysis. In addition, the experiment that the low-resolution topography was forced to the high-resolution model was additionally conducted to separate the AVs associated with the topographic effect. Among the three experiments, two with the same topography and two with the exact horizontal resolution were compared separately. With identical topography, the high-resolution model simulated amplified precipitation intensity more than the low-resolution model in all quantiles, especially for extreme precipitation. The precipitation generated by mesoscale or smaller scale weather/climate events was also simulated with greater intensity in the high-resolution model. With the same grid spacing, the more detailed topography model showed AV for increasing spatial variability of precipitation, especially in mountainous regions. The AVs identified in this study were related to kinetic energy with wavelengths at the meso-beta or smaller scale. On the other hand, the kinetic energy above the meso-alpha or larger scale has no significant correlation with the AV of precipitation.
Diagnosis and clinical implication of collision gastric adenocarcinomas: a case report
Authors: Imataki Hiromitsu , Miyake Hideo , Nagai Hidemasa , Yoshioka Yuichiro , Yuasa Norihiro , Takamizawa Junichi , Kiriyama Ayami , Fujino Masahiko
Published: October 2022

Background

Collision tumors are a subtype of simultaneous tumors wherein two unrelated tumors collide or infiltrate each other. Collision gastric adenocarcinomas (CGA) are rare and difficult to diagnose, and their clinical implications remain unclear. Herein, we aimed to reveal diagnostic methods for CGA and provide insight into its implications.

Case presentation

Among 1041 cases of gastric cancers (GCs) resected between 2008 and 2018, we included cases of confirmed CGA. Patients’ backgrounds, preoperative endoscopy findings, macroscopic imaging findings, and histopathology findings [including immunostaining for CK 7, MUC2, and mismatch repair (MMR) proteins] were investigated. The incidence of CGA was 0.5%: 5 of 81 cases having simultaneous multiple GCs. Tumors were mainly in the distal stomach. The CGA in two cases was between early cancers, in two cases was between early and advanced cancers, and in one case was between advanced cancers. There were three cases of collision between differentiated and undifferentiated types and two cases between differentiated types. Immunostaining with CK7 and MUC2 was useful for diagnosing collision tumor when the histology was similar to each other. Among ten GCs comprising CGA, nine tumors (90%) exhibited deficient MMR proteins, suggesting high microsatellite instability (MSI).

Conclusions

CGA is rare and usually found in the distal stomach. Close observation of shape, optimal dissection, and detailed pathological examination, including immunostaining, facilitated diagnosis. CGAs may have high MSI potential.
Robot-assisted total pelvic exenteration for rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: a case report
Authors: Kihara Kyoichi , Koyama Yuri , Hanaki Takehiko , Miyatani Kozo , Matsunaga Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Manabu , Morizane Shuichi , Tokuyasu Naruo , Sakamoto Teruhisa , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki
Published: October 2022

Background

There are numerous indications for minimally invasive surgery. However, the laparoscopic approach for extended pelvic surgery is currently provided by only a few institutions specializing in cancer treatment, primarily because of technical difficulties that arise in cases involving a narrow pelvis and rigid forceps. We report a case of robot-assisted total pelvic exenteration for rectal cancer involving the prostate. We assessed the feasibility of robot-assisted total pelvic exenteration and compared the short-term outcomes of other conventional and minimally invasive approaches.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old man was referred to our hospital after positive fecal blood test results. The initial diagnosis was clinical T4bN2aM0, Stage IIIC rectal cancer involving the prostate. The patient underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Consequently, robot-assisted total pelvic exenteration with an ileal conduit and end colostomy creation were performed. The total operative duration was 9 h and 20 min. The durations of robot console usage by the colorectal and urological teams were 2 h 9 min and 2 h 23 min, respectively. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 21. The pathological diagnosis was T4b (prostate) N0M0, Stage IIC. The resection margin was 2.5 mm. During reassessment at 2 years after resection, no evidence of recurrence was observed.

Conclusions

Robot-assisted total pelvic exenteration was performed for a patient with advanced rectal cancer without serious complications. Robot-assisted total pelvic exenteration may provide the advantages of minimally invasive surgery, particularly in the enclosed space of the pelvis.
Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer in a patient with situs inversus: a case report
Authors: Sato Kei , Yamada Junki , Meguro Naohito , Onishi Hiroshi , Den Kanechika , Baba Hiroyuki , Sugita Mitsutaka
Published: October 2022

Background

Situs inversus (SI) is a rare congenital condition characterized by organ transposition from their normal positions. Careful preoperative planning is important for the safe operation of patients with SI because only a few surgeons have operated on such patients. Here, we report the case of a patient with SI who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) with D2 lymph node dissection (LND) for advanced gastric cancer (GC).

Case presentation

The patient was a 72-year-old man diagnosed with GC. Upper endoscopy revealed a type 3 tumor in the anterior wall of the stomach body. Multidetector computed tomography showed no obvious GC metastasis or inverted organs. The preoperative diagnosis was cStage IIB (i.e., cT3, cN0, and cM0) GC with SI. Although liver retracting and intracorporeal suturing required special attention, LDG with D2 LND and Billroth-I reconstruction were safely performed by reversing the usual procedure. The patient was discharged 10 days after the surgery.

Conclusions

To safely perform laparoscopic surgery for GC in patients with SI, sufficient preoperative preparation is necessary. In particular, a reversible method of liver retraction should be prepared.
The reach of fertility decline: a longitudinal analysis of human capital gains across generations
Authors: Koning Stephanie M. , Palloni Alberto , Nobles Jenna , Coxhead Ian , Fernald Lia C. H.
Published: October 2022

The impact of fertility decline on economic development remains central to population studies. Recent scholarship emphasizes parental investment in education as a mediator. We further develop the theoretical foundation, and empirical evidence, for the role of child health—specifically how fertility changes promote children’s physical and cognitive development and thereby complement human capital accumulation through educational gains. We test this using a two-generation model applied to Indonesian longitudinal data from 1993 to 2015. Characteristics of modern fertility regimes—older maternal ages, longer interpregnancy intervals, and lower average birth orders—generally benefit offspring cognitive development and schooling. We estimate that family planning expansion, and the resulting shift in fertility traits, induced an average increase of 0.34 years of offspring educational attainment by age 18 years. Maximal maternal educational and family planning expansion would jointly produce a 1.12-year gain, including 0.20 years more directly attributable to fertility shifts. Evidence is strengthened in parallel simulations from models of within-mother shifts, in which fertility shifts resulted in a 0.16-year gain in offspring schooling. Findings contribute new evidence for the rounding effects of women’s education and family planning expansion on human capital formation through child health within families and across generations.
Antifungal and growth activity of strains of Trichoderma spp. against the Avocado “tristeza” disease, Phytophthora cinnamomi
Authors: Montes Vergara Donicer E. , Barboza-García Adrian , Pérez-Cordero Alexander
Published: October 2022

Background

Avocado “tristeza,” a disease caused byPhytophthora cinnamomi, is one of the main limiting factors of avocado production in the Caribbean region. To control the pathogen, the application of agrochemicals is required, but this has caused environmental problems.Trichodermaspp. present properties in promoting plant growth and controlling phytopathogens, being proposed as an alternative to replace chemical fertilizers. The objective of the study was to evaluate the antagonistic activity ofTrichodermaspp. againstP. cinnamomiand its possible potential for promoting plant growth in vitro. Soil samples were taken from avocado cultivars from the municipalities of Ovejas (Sucre-Colombia) and Chalán (Sucre-Colombia).

Results

Serial dilutions were carried out for the isolation ofTrichodermaspp. Once the strains were purified, the antagonism test againstP. cinnamomiwas carried out in PDA culture medium. For growth promotion, SRS medium was used for phosphate solubilization and CAS medium for siderophore production. DNA extraction and identification of the isolates were performed using the tef1 gene.Trichoderma harzianumandT. asperellumpresented a 93.4% inhibition against the pathogen, followed byT. viridewith an inhibition of 83.5% and finallyT. longibrachiatumwith 78.4% inhibition, showing significant differences in the control of the growth of the pathogen (p < 0.05) and promoted plant growth. These species release enzymes that can degrade the cell wall of the pathogen causing its death or inhibit its growth through the production of secondary metabolites.

Conclusions

The results showed that the application ofTrichodermaspp. in crops confers protection against pathogens and stimulates the growth of plants to obtain a high yield.
Serum vitamin D level in COVID-19 patients and its correlation with disease severity
Authors: Morad Caroline S. , Habeeb Reem A. , Yassin Esraa T. , Khalil Salma A.
Published: October 2022

Background

Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections are associated with increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and several pro-inflammatory cytokines leading to cytokine storm. Vitamin D has been proved to be associated with biological activities of the innate and adaptive immune systems. There is a growing number of data showing an association between serum vitamin D level and the different clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infection. Our aim is to evaluate the relation between serum vitamin D levels and the severity and mortality of COVID-19 infection in an Egyptian cohort.

Results

The study included 80 COVID-19 patients, 38 males (47.5%) and 42 females (52.5%), with a mean age of 52 ± 11.4 years (18–80 years). The serum vitamin D levels ranged between 2 and 30 ng/mL with a mean of 12.05 ± 9.04. Patients who were intubated had the lowest levels of serum vitamin D (7.26 ng/ml ± 5.21), while patients who had no need for oxygen supply had the highest levels (20.00 ng/ml ± 9.23) (P = 0.025). A highly significant negative correlation was found between serum vitamin D level and each of CRP and serum ferritin (r = − 0.346 and − 0.313) (P = 0.002 and 0.005). Of the enrolled 80 patients, 63 (79%) recovered (group 1) and 17 (21%) died (group 2). Group 2 had significantly lower vitamin D levels (6.17 ng/mL ± 3.22) and hemoglobin (10.75 ± 1.74) than group 1 patients (13.63ng/mL ± 9.46) (12.10 ± 1.85) (P = 0.002 and 0.009 respectively).

Conclusion

Serum vitamin D levels are significantly lower in patients needing mechanical ventilation, and in deceased patients, and are inversely related to the inflammatory markers CRP and serum ferritin, suggesting a relation between vitamin D insufficiency and poor COVID-19 outcome.
In the liminal spaces of mental health law – what to do when section 136 expires?
Authors: Hassanally Khalil , Laing Judy , Kishore Anupam
Published: October 2022

The pressure on mental health services has not gone unremarked and is of widespread concern in England and Wales. This can have implications when a bed is being sought for a patient who has undergone a Mental Health Act assessment and is deemed to meet the criteria for being formally admitted to hospital. Once the 24 h period for assessment under section 136 of the Act has lapsed, the ongoing detention of the patient can lead to a legal grey area. Through a fictional example this paper examines the relevant case law and statute that may be used to continue the detention and explores the ethical problems that this may cause.
Prostate Cancer Screening Disparities in Persons Experiencing Homelessness
Authors: Mayo Zachary S. , Kilic Sarah S. , Weleff Jeremy , Parker Sean M. , Strzalka Colleen , Phelan Michael , Mian Omar Y. , Stephans Kevin L. , Suh John H. , Tendulkar Rahul D.
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to assess prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing rates in persons experiencing homelessness (PEH), identify factors associated with screening, and compare PSA screening rates in PEH with a matched cohort of persons not experiencing homelessness (non-PEH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We identified 9,249 potentially eligible PEH cared for at a large metropolitan hospital system from an institutional registry of all patients who presented to the health care system as homeless from 2014 to 2021. Homelessness was defined by the presence of the Z-code for homelessness (Z59), the listed address matching to the address of a homeless shelter or other transitional housing or a positive screen for homelessness. A matched cohort of 10,000 non-PEH was generated for comparison. Univariate chi-square analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to evaluate variables associated with PSA testing.

RESULTS:

A total of 1,605 PEH and 3,413 non-PEH were eligible for PSA screening within the study timeframe. Half of PEH were Black (50%). Medicaid was the most common insurance (51%), followed by Medicare (18%). PEH were less likely to have a PCP (58% v 81%, P < .001) and had a significantly lower PSA testing rate (13% v 34%, P < .001) compared with non-PEH. Univariate analysis revealed that PSA testing was more common in PEH who were employed ( P < .001), had private insurance or Medicare ( P < .001), or had an established primary care provider (PCP; P < .001). Multivariate analysis confirmed that having a PCP (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.62 to 4.00; P < .001) significantly increased the likelihood of PSA testing in PEH.

CONCLUSION:

PEH experience low rates of prostate cancer screening. Interventions to increase screening in this population, including increased PCP access, are needed.
Nonplanar Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Design and Synthesis of Highly Strained Structures
Authors: Segawa Yasutomo
Published: October 2022

Aromatic hydrocarbons are indispensable components of functional organic materials. An sp2-hybridized carbon atom can form a nonplanar structure through an appropriate molecular design, and this structural flexibility enables the construction of a wide variety of nonplanar aromatic hydrocarbons. We have studied the chemistry of nonplanar aromatic hydrocarbons and succeeded in synthesizing highly strained structures. The key to this series of studies is the development of innovative strain-release methods. This account introduces our 10-year research campaign on the synthesis of highly strained nonplanar aromatic hydrocarbons, categorized into (i) ring-shaped arenes (e.g., cycloparaphenylenes), (ii) belt-shaped arenes (e.g., carbon nanobelts), (iii) warped arenes (e.g., warped nanographenes), (iv) helical arenes, and (v) topologically unique arenes.
Case Report: Interstitial-intralesional laser therapy and laser-assisted new attachment procedure for the treatment of alveolar bone loss provoked by an aggressive pyogenic granuloma
Authors: Akkarapatum Anon , Klanrit Poramaporn , Sattayut Sajee
Published: October 2022

Background: A pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a common benign vascular lesion found in the oral cavity. The gold standard treatment of this lesion, comprising surgical excision and the elimination of etiological factors, cannot avoid tooth loss in the case of an aggressive pyogenic granuloma. Because of the prominent properties of 980 nm and 635 nm diode lasers in photocoagulation and photobiomodulation, we applied these wavelengths in the treatment of a large pyogenic granuloma with alveolar bone loss.

Case presentation: Our objective was to use a combination of interstitial-intralesional laser therapy, photocoagulation and laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) to preserve the teeth and periodontal tissue in a case of an aggressive pyogenic granuloma.

Results: The patient was a 13-year-old Thai male with a pyogenic granuloma involving the interdental papilla and lingual gingiva of the lower left first and second molars. The teeth were also displaced by the lesion. After treatment with three sessions of photocoagulation, three sessions of interstitial-intralesional laser therapy and two sessions of LANAP, the lesion was completely resolved. The periodontal status of the teeth was improved at the six-month follow-up.

Conclusion: The combination of interstitial-intralesional laser therapy, photocoagulation and LANAP was able to treat an aggressive pyogenic granuloma with tooth preservation.
Aspergillus oryzae attenuates quorum sensing -associated virulence factors and biofilm formation in Klebsiella pneumoniae extended-spectrum beta-lactamases
Authors: Rachma Lailia Nur , Fitri Loeki Enggar , Prawiro Sumarno Reto , Mardining Raras Tri Yudani
Published: October 2022

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae communicate between and among species using quorum sensing (QS). Biofilm formation and virulence factors are regulated by QS. This QS is indirectly responsible for K. pneumoniae pathogenicity. Inhibiting QS is a novel and highly effective method for controlling K. pneumoniae extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (KP-ESBL) infections. This study aimed to investigate how Aspergillus oryzae extracellular protein (AOEP) affected QS and KP-ESBL virulence factors.

Methods: Methods used included minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) through the microdilution method, biofilms with crystal violet staining, extracellular polysaccharides using the Congo Red assay, quantifying the expression of genes coding for capsular polysaccharide (wzI gene) and adhesion (mrkA gene) through quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), siderophore level measurement using Chrome Azurol sulphonate assay (CAS assay), biofilm morphology using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and confirmation using the life span killing assay method on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans).

Results: In vitro studies revealed that AOEP inhibited biofilms and exopolysaccharides (EPS) in KP-ESBL at the sub-MIC level. In addition, AOEP inhibited the expression of the mrkA gene, which is involved in the adhesion process. Furthermore, an in vivo study revealed that AOEP levels of 75 and 150 µg/mL respectively increased C. elegans survival rates by 72.67% and 80.76% against K. pneumoniae infection.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the extracellular protein of A. oryzae may be an effective QS inhibitor and a novel anti-virulence agent to control bacterial pathogens.
Sex-related differences in symptom presentation of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Westphal Laura Philine , Bögli Stefan Yu , Werner Jana , Casagrande Francesca , Keller Emanuela , Brandi Giovanna
Published: October 2022

Background: In patients with myocardial infarction, atypical symptoms at onset have been demonstrated in women. We aimed to investigate the presence of sex-related differences in symptom presentation in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Methods: We assessed symptoms on admission to hospital in 343 patients with aSAH in this retrospective single-center cohort-study. Univariate statistical analysis was performed by comparing sexes including the whole study population and subgroups (dichotomized using Fisher scale 1-2 vs. 3-4, WFNS grade 1-3 vs. 4-5, and anterior vs. posterior circulation aneurysms, respectively).

Results: The majority of patients was female (63.6%, n=218, vs. 36.4%, n=125), the mean age 57.4 years (standard deviation (SD) 13.3) with older women compared to men (59.2, SD 13.8, vs. 54.4, SD 11.6; p=0.003). Anterior communicating artery (AcomA) aneurysms were most common (30.9%, n=106), predominantly in men (43.2%, n=54, vs. 23.9%, n=52; p=0.0002), whereas posterior communicating artery (PcomA) aneurysms were more frequent in women (19.3%, n=42, vs. 8.8%, n=11; p=0.005). Exercise-induced headache was more often reported by men (10.4%, n=13, vs. 5%, n=11; p=0.04) in all patients as well as in the subgroup of WFNS 1-3. Anisocoria was more frequent in women within the subgroup of severely impaired consciousness (WFNS 4-5; 25.3%, n=22, vs. 10.7%, n=6; p=0.032). For all other symptoms, there was no evidence for sex-specific differences in the whole study group as well as in subgroups.

Conclusion: Our results show no evidence for relevant sex-related differences in symptom presentation at onset in aSAH patients. Women presenting with an acute onset anisocoria should be screened even more carefully for an underlying ruptured Pcom aneurysm.
Associated predictor covariates of cervical cancer stage and impact on survival at Khartoum oncology hospital, Sudan
Authors: Elgoraish Amanda , Alnory Ahmed
Published: October 2022

Background: Cervical cancer can be invasive and advanced at diagnosis causing devastating suffering and premature death. The cancer stage at presentation is related to survival evaluation and several factors determine stage. The aim of the study was to examine predictors covariates associated with cervical cancer stage at diagnosis and its impact on patient prognosis and survival.

Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out at Khartoum oncology hospital, Sudan. Participants were 239 cervical cancer patients diagnosed and treated between 2011-2015. Patients’ pathological and socio-demographic data were extracted from their medical files and survival times were calculated from follow-up. Chi-square, Kaplan-Meier, Log-rank test and Cox regression model were used to examine relationships between demographic and clinical variables and survival outcome.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 56.91 years and the majority were ≥45 years. Cancer survival analysis showed that the stage at diagnosis had limited association with socio-demographic factors, except where patients reside. Multivariate regression using the Cox proportional hazard model confirmed strongly that stage (p=0.035), chemotherapy (p=0.000) and radiotherapy (p=0.001) were the most likely predictor covariates of patient prognosis and survival time.

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest cancer stage at diagnosis and certain treatments are the most important factors impacting the prognosis and survival of patients with cervical cancer. Early detection and vaccination of women against HPV infection provide enormous opportunities for early diagnosis, more effective treatment and better chances of survival.
The genome sequence of the killer whale, Orcinus orca (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Foote Andrew , Bunskoek Paulien ,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2022

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Orcinus orca (the killer whale; Chordata; Mammalia; Artiodactyla; Delphinidae). The genome sequence is 2.65 gigabases in span. The majority of the assembly (93.76%) is scaffolded into 22 chromosomal pseudomolecules with the X sex chromosome assembled. The complete mitochondrial genome was also assembled and is 16.4 kilobases in length.
Crisis management
Authors: Orehov Vladimir , Orehova Tat'yana , Baldin Konstantin , Busov Vladimir , Perekalina Nina
Published: October 2022

The textbook examines the anti-crisis management of the economy and security of the Russian Federation in the context of international economic and political sanctions, financial, information and computer attacks and challenges, attempts at military confrontation with Russia, as well as management in the context of reforming, transforming the economy by moving away from the liberal paradigm, taking into account trends at the macro and micro levels. The theoretical and practical foundations of the insolvency (bankruptcy) of enterprises, methods of forecasting the results of anti-crisis management of the organization are described. The role of investments as a source of anti-crisis management, as well as innovations and increasing the productivity of aggregate labor as the main factors ensuring the growth of the country's economy is analyzed. Attention is paid to the peculiarities of social partnership, ensuring economic security, and the methodology of the company's recovery from the crisis.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate students and teachers of higher educational institutions with economic areas of training and specialties, as well as researchers, managers and managers of firms.
Calculation of geological reserves and resources of oil, gas, condensate and commercial products
Authors: Serebryakov Andrey , Ushivceva Lyubov' , Pyhalov Viktor , Kalashnik Zhanetta
Published: October 2022

The modern methods of assessing geological reserves and resources of oil, gas and condensate, concepts and criteria for allocating categories of reserves and resources in accordance with the properties of oils, gases and condensates, which are scientifically based on the international market, are described. For the first time, the calculation of the stocks of commercial products contained in the composition of oil, gas and condensate is given. The categories of reserves and resources according to Russian and foreign classifications are compared. The state of hydrocarbon reserves by countries and continents is described. The interrelationships of the stages of geological exploration with the calculation technologies and categories of reserves and resources are clarified. The ecological tasks of exploration and development of hydrocarbons are highlighted. The main directions and technologies of oil, gas and condensate refining, which are an integral stage of calculating and developing reserves, are given.
At the end of each chapter, control questions and tasks are given to assess the level of knowledge and the volume of assimilation of materials.
Meets the requirements of the federal state standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for undergraduates of the "Geology" direction, graduate students of the "Earth Sciences" direction, students and teachers of universities, specialists in the exploration and processing of oil, gas and condensate, employees of the fuel and energy complex.
Civil law. The special part
Authors: Boltanova Elena , Bagrova Nataliya , Bevzenko Roman , Barishpol'skaya Tat'yana , Goncharova Valeriya , Butenko Svetlana , Gavrilov Eduard , Imekova Mariya , Gruzdev Oles' , Kopylov Andrey , Kulakov Vladimir , Sergeev Aleksandr , Tuzov Daniil , Shepel' Tamara , Rovnyy V.
Published: October 2022

The textbook contains seven sections in which the relevant topics of the training course of a Special part of civil law are systematically and consistently presented. Certain types of obligations are highlighted, a general characteristic of inheritance law and rights to the results of intellectual activity and means of individualization is given.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For undergraduate and specialist students, as well as undergraduates, postgraduates, degree applicants and other persons interested in civil law.
The hospitality industry. Workshop
Authors: Mozhaeva Nina , Kamshechko Mariya , Putrik Yuriy , Il'ina Elena
Published: October 2022

One of the directions of the hospitality industry - hotel activity — is considered in the educational and methodological manual.
The tasks are designed to conduct practical and seminar classes with students of all forms of education.
Complies with the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for students of higher educational institutions studying in the areas of training "Hotel business", "Service", "Tourism" (bachelor's degree). It can also be used by college students, students of centers and institutes of additional professional education.
Electrical engineering
Authors: Marchenko Aleksey , Babichev Yu.
Published: October 2022

The textbook discusses the analysis and calculation of electrical and magnetic circuits, studied the purpose, design and functioning of electromagnetic devices, transformers and electrical machines. A separate chapter is devoted to the basics of electric drives — in particular, the choice of electric motor power for drives with different operating modes and their verification by heating and overload capacity.
The systematic presentation of the material of module 1 "Electrical Engineering" meets the requirements for the results of mastering the basic discipline "Electrical Engineering and Electronics", which is part of the professional cycle of disciplines of the main educational programs of the federal state educational standards of higher education for bachelors of non-electrical engineering and engineers of non-electrical engineering specialties.
For students of higher educational institutions studying in non-electrotechnical areas of bachelor's and graduate training.
German for students of transport colleges
Authors: Vasil'eva Marianna , Losavio Ol'ga
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this textbook is the formation of skills and abilities in various types of reading, as well as in writing and speaking in elementary form.
The initial course (Anfangsstufe) contains 5 lessons-topics (Lektionen), the main course (Grundstufe) — 10 lessons-topics (Lektionen), Appendix 1 (Anhang 1) — 10 texts for introductory reading, Appendix 2 (Anhang 2) — 3 texts for viewing reading, German-Russian dictionary (Wörterverzeichnis) to all topics of the textbook.
The texts are authentic, professionally oriented. The subject matter of the texts reflects the realities of modern scientific and technical literature. The texts are provided with post-text tasks and exercises.
The textbook pays great attention to the formation of lexical and grammatical competence, speech actions at the elementary level, as well as preparing students for future professional activities.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education of the latest generation.
The textbook is addressed to college students, can be used to teach students of non-linguistic universities studying German.