bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cefquinome shows a higher impact on the pig gut microbiome and resistome compared to ceftiofur
Authors: Rutjens Sofie , Vereecke Nick , Sauer Jannes , Croubels Siska , Devreese Mathias
Published: June 2023

Cephalosporins are licensed for treatment of severe bacterial infections in different species. However, the effect of these antimicrobials on the fecal microbiome and potential spread of resistance-associated genes causes great concern. This highlights the need to understand the impact of cephalosporins on the porcine fecal microbiome and resistome. A combination of long-read 16S rRNA gene and shotgun metagenomic sequencing was applied to investigate the effect of conventional treatment with either ceftiofur (3 mg.kg−1 intramuscular, 3 consecutive days) or cefquinome (2 mg.kg−1 intramuscular, 5 consecutive days) on the porcine microbiome and resistome. Fecal samples were collected from 17 pigs (6 ceftiofur treated, 6 cefquinome treated, 5 control pigs) at four different timepoints. Treatment with ceftiofur resulted in an increase in Proteobacteria members on microbiome level, while on resistome level selection in TetQ containing Bacteroides, CfxA6 containing Prevotella and blaTEM-1 containing Escherichia coli was observed. Cefquinome treatment resulted in a decline in overall species richness (α-diversity) and increase in Proteobacteria members. On genus level, administration of cefquinome significantly affected more genera than ceftiofur (18 vs 8). On resistome level, cefquinome resulted in a significant increase of six antimicrobial resistance genes, with no clear correlation with certain genera. For both antimicrobials, the resistome levels returned back to the control levels 21 days post-treatment. Overall, our study provides novel insights on the effect of specific cephalosporins on the porcine gut microbiome and resistome after conventional intramuscular treatment. These results might contribute to better tailoring of the most ideal treatment strategy for some bacterial infections.
Assessment of the relative benefits of monotherapy and combination therapy approaches to the treatment of hospital-acquired Stenotrophomonas maltophilia pneumonia: a multicenter, observational, real-world study
Authors: Chen Liang , Hua Jie , Hong Shujie , Yuan Chenyang , Jing Ruochen , Luo Xuanyu , Zhu Yihong , Le Le , Wang Ziqi , Sun Xiaoli , He Xiaopu
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a Gram-negative pathogen that most commonly causes hospital-acquired infections that can be extremely challenging to treat, contributing to underrecognized mortality throughout the world. The relative benefits of monotherapy as compared to combination therapy in patients diagnosed with S. maltophilia pneumonia, however, have yet to be established.

Methods

Data from 307 patients diagnosed with S. maltophilia hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) across four Chinese teaching hospitals from 2016 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Of the analyzed patients, 55.7% (171/307) were administered combination definitive therapy, with a 30-day all-cause mortality rate of 41.0% (126/307). A propensity score weighting analysis revealed that compared with monotherapy, combination definitive therapy was associated with a comparable 30-day mortality risk in the overall patient cohort (OR 1.124, 95% CI 0.707–1.786, P = 0.622), immunocompetent patients (OR 1.349, 95% CI 0.712–2.554, P = 0.359), and patients with APACHE II scores < 15 (OR 2.357, 95% CI 0.820–6.677, P = 0.111), whereas it was associated with a decreased risk of death in immunocompromised patients (OR 0.404, 95% CI .170–0.962, P = 0.041) and individuals with APACHE II scores ≥ 15 (OR 0.494, 95% CI 0.256–0.951, P = 0.035).

Conclusion

The present data suggest that when treating S. maltophilia-HAP, immunocompromised patients and individuals with APACHE II scores ≥ 15 may potentially benefit from combination therapy.
Mobile authentication of copy detection patterns
Authors: Taran Olga , Tutt Joakim , Holotyak Taras , Chaban Roman , Bonev Slavi , Voloshynovskiy Slava
Published: June 2023

In the recent years, the copy detection patterns (CDP) attracted a lot of attention as a link between the physical and digital worlds, which is of great interest for the internet of things and brand protection applications. However, the security of CDP in terms of their reproducibility by unauthorized parties or clonability remains largely unexplored. In this respect, this paper addresses a problem of anti-counterfeiting of physical objects and aims at investigating the authentication aspects and the resistances to illegal copying of the modern CDP from machine learning perspectives. A special attention is paid to a reliable authentication under the real-life verification conditions when the codes are printed on an industrial printer and enrolled via modern mobile phones under regular light conditions. The theoretical and empirical investigation of authentication aspects of CDP is performed with respect to four types of copy fakes from the point of view of (i) multi-class supervised classification as a baseline approach and (ii) one-class classification as a real-life application case. The obtained results show that the modern machine-learning approaches and the technical capacities of modern mobile phones allow to reliably authenticate CDP on end-user mobile phones under the considered classes of fakes.
Harnessing male germline epigenomics for the genetic improvement in cattle
Authors: Wang Xiao , Li Wenlong , Feng Xia , Li Jianbin , Liu George E. , Fang Lingzhao , Yu Ying
Published: June 2023

Sperm is essential for successful artificial insemination in dairy cattle, and its quality can be influenced by both epigenetic modification and epigenetic inheritance. The bovine germline differentiation is characterized by epigenetic reprogramming, while intergenerational and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance can influence the offspring’s development through the transmission of epigenetic features to the offspring via the germline. Therefore, the selection of bulls with superior sperm quality for the production and fertility traits requires a better understanding of the epigenetic mechanism and more accurate identifications of epigenetic biomarkers. We have comprehensively reviewed the current progress in the studies of bovine sperm epigenome in terms of both resources and biological discovery in order to provide perspectives on how to harness this valuable information for genetic improvement in the cattle breeding industry.
Emerging role of the RNA-editing enzyme ADAR1 in stem cell fate and function
Authors: Lu Di , Lu Jianxi , Liu Qiuli , Zhang Qi
Published: June 2023

Stem cells are critical for organism development and the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Recent studies focusing on RNA editing have indicated how this mark controls stem cell fate and function in both normal and malignant states. RNA editing is mainly mediated by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1). The RNA editing enzyme ADAR1 converts adenosine in a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) substrate into inosine. ADAR1 is a multifunctional protein that regulate physiological processes including embryonic development, cell differentiation, and immune regulation, and even apply to the development of gene editing technologies. In this review, we summarize the structure and function of ADAR1 with a focus on how it can mediate distinct functions in stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. Targeting ADAR1 has emerged as a potential novel therapeutic strategy in both normal and dysregulated stem cell contexts.
Clustering analysis of acoustic emission signals in the monitoring of stone monuments: case of the freeze‒thaw deterioration of tuffs
Authors: Zhou Yishan , Li Li , Liu Yikun , Zhang Zhongjian , Matsui Toshiya
Published: June 2023

Acoustic emission (AE) technology is a promising technique for monitoring cultural monuments due to its characteristic ability to reflect status changes and perceive the development process of deterioration and damage even before their visual appearance. This study was established on the motivation of providing basic data and a methodology that can improve the signal processing, characteristics analysis and classification for the AE technique in the long-term in-situ monitoring of deterioration processes, starting from the freeze‒thaw deterioration of tuff monuments at the Chengde site. AE monitoring was carried out with an indoor freeze–thaw deterioration experiment. As a result, a set of procedures and related methodology is proposed based on the hit-based AE waveform parameters for denoising and classification of monitored AE signals by applying hierarchical cluster analysis, k-means clustering, distribution statistics, etc. The clustering results show that some signals may indicate deterioration and signals with certain characteristics are more likely to occur at a particular deterioration phase. Signals characterized by the significant absolute energy (ABE) are presumed to be related to the propagation of cracks to the outer layer. Signals characterized by a higher indirect parameter RA (Rise time divided by peak amplitude) value may connect with the opening/closing of microcracks in the earlier phase of deterioration prior to the exposure of visible surface cracks. The peak frequency (PF) is likely to decrease as the deterioration proceeds.
Polysaccharides from Dioscorea opposita Thunb.: isolation, structural characterization, and anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects against hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ma Fanyi , Wang Ruijiao , Zhang Yun , Bai Jie , Fang Hao , Ma Wenjing , Liu Wei , Li Qian , Liu Xiuhua
Published: June 2023

Background

Dioscoreaopposita Thunb, as a dual-purpose edible plant with excellent nutritional and medical value, accumulates abundant bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides. Polysaccharides from D.opposita have been widely recognized and studied due to various biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer, which are influenced by their complex structures. In recent years, numerous studies have investigated the structures and activities of D.opposita polysaccharides, and the relationships between them. However, the detailed structures remain different because the structures are susceptible to various species, producing areas, growth conditions (weather, soil, temperature, moisture, etc.), and extraction and separation methods. In this study, the structures of purified polysaccharides from D.opposita were determined and the biological activities were preliminarily investigated including anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities.

Results

The crude polysaccharides DOP1 and DOP2 were isolated and purified via DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-100 to obtain two purified polysaccharides fractions (DOP1-1 and DOP2-1), with the molecular weights of 15.63 kDa and 32.32 kDa, respectively. The structures of DOP1-1 and DOP2-1 were analyzed by HPLC, FT-IR, methylation, and 1D (1H, 13C) and 2D (HSQC, COSY, TOCSY, and ROESY) NMR spectra. The results indicated the presence of → 2)-β-Manp-(1 → 4)-α-Glcp-(1 → 2)-β-Manp-(1 → ,  → 1)-β-Manp-(2 → 1)-α-GalpA-(4 →, and  → 2)-β-Manp-(1 → 2)-β-Manp-(1 → in DOP1-1, and the ratio was 2:11:5. The bone structure of DOP2-1 was predicted as → 1)-β-d-Galp-(4 → , along with two main branching structures composed of arabinose of different degrees of polymerization. Preliminary anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities were investigated. DOP1-1 and DOP2-1 demonstrated inhibitory effects on macrophages cells (RAW264.7). DOP2-1 exhibited anti-tumor effects against hepatocellular carcinoma (SNU-739 and HepG2).

Conclusions

The structures and bioactivities of DOP1-1 and DOP2-1 were analyzed to provide a basis for the establishment of structure/function relationships. The polysaccharides derived from Dioscoreaopposita could be potentially employed in functional food, health care, and pharmaceutical industries.

Graphical Abstract
Households’ vulnerability assessment: empirical evidence from cyclone-prone area of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md Mostafizur , Arif Md. Saidul Islam , Hossain Md. Tanvir , Almohamad Hussein , Al Dughairi Ahmed Abdullah , Al-Mutiry Motrih , Abdo Hazem Ghassan
Published: June 2023

Despite Bangladesh being vulnerable to cyclones, there is a dearth of research on cyclone vulnerability assessment. Assessing a household's vulnerability is considered a crucial step in avoiding the adverse effects of catastrophe risks. This research was conducted in the cyclone-prone district of Barguna, Bangladesh. This study's purpose is to evaluate this region's vulnerability. A questionnaire survey was conducted using a convenience sample technique. A door-to-door survey of 388 households in two Unions of Patharghata Upazila, Barguna district, was conducted. Forty-three indicators were selected to assess cyclone vulnerability. The results were quantified using an index-based methodology with a standardized scoring method. Where applicable, descriptive statistics have been obtained. In terms of vulnerability indicators, we also utilized the chi-square test to compare Kalmegha and Patharghata Union. When appropriate, the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test was employed to evaluate the relationship between the Vulnerability Index Score (VIS) and the union. According to the results, the environmental vulnerability (0.53 ± 0.17) and the composite vulnerability index (0.50 ± 0.08) were significantly greater in Kalmegha Union than in Patharghata Union. They faced inequity in government assistance (71%) and humanitarian aid (45%) from national and international organizations. However, 83% of them underwent evacuation practices. 39% were satisfied with the WASH conditions at the cyclone shelter, whereas around half were dissatisfied with the status of the medical facilities. Most of them (96%) rely only on surface water for drinking. National and international organizations should have a comprehensive plan for disaster risk reduction that encompasses all individuals, regardless of race, geography, or ethnicity.
The effect of a new developed synbiotic yogurt consumption on metabolic syndrome components, oxidative stress status, and some other cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults with metabolic syndrome: a study protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zolghadrpour Mohammad-Amin , Karimpour Farzad , Jowshan Mohammad-Reza , Imani Hossein , Asghari Somayyeh
Published: June 2023

Background

Metabolic syndrome is recognized as one of the most common global health issues, which may cause numerous side effects. Studies have shown the favorable effects of probiotic supplements on glycemic indices, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress status. However, the number of studies investigating the effects of food products containing probiotics and prebiotics on metabolic diseases is limited. Limited evidence also shows that products containing Lactobacillus plantarum could affect metabolic alterations in chronic diseases. No previous study evaluated the impact of synbiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus plantarum on people with metabolic syndrome. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the effect of the newly developed synbiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus pentosus, and Chloromyces marcosianos yeast on the components of metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress status, and some other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in adults with metabolic syndrome.

Methods

In this study, 44 patients with metabolic syndrome will be randomly assigned to intervention and control groups in a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. Participants in the intervention group will consume 300 g of synbiotic yogurt daily, while those in the control group will consume 300 g of regular yogurt daily for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical parameters will be evaluated before and after the intervention.

Discussion

The management of the metabolic syndrome presents significant clinical challenges. While probiotic supplementation for these individuals has been considered, the consumption of probiotic-rich foods has received considerably less attention.

Trial registration number

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20220426054667N1) (2022–05-18).
The influence of temporal variation of some limnological parameters on finfish assemblage in Osun River, Nigeria.
Authors: Iyiola Adams , Jenyo-Oni Adetola
Published: June 2023

Background

Anthropogenic activities is a major factor that determines the condition and sustainability of an environment. The nature and type of activities will determine the health, ecosystem services and general well-being of the environment. These activities have increased as a result of industrialization and urbanization, notwithstanding pressure on fish species for balanced nutrition and economic returns. The paucity of documented information about the limnological parameters and finfish assemblage in Osun River nessiciated this study.

Results

Mean temperature (18.7 ± 2.69 °C) and dissolved oxygen (3.2 ± 0.54 mg/L) values were below the recommended limit for fish survival, pH (7.1 ± 0.25) and ammonia (1.2 ± 0.18 mg/L) were within and above the recommended limits. The river had a total of 4544 finfish belonging to 11 families and 19 species.Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus,sampling zone A and Cichlid family had the highest abundance in the river with 21.00%, 24.20% and 32.50% respectively.Fin fish abundance had a negative relationship between dissolved oxygen (r = − 0.032), ammonia (r = − 0.668), pH (r = − 0.819); temperature and DO with ammonia(r = − 0.668,r = − 0.590) and pH (r = − 0.043,r = − 0.011) respectively. Dissolved oxygen (b = − 137.1), ammonia (b = − 522) and pH (b = − 93.4) had a negative effect on finfish assemblage in the river. Significant correlated values (p < 0.05) were observed between fin fish and temperature (p = 0.008), ammonia (p = 0.017), pH (p = 0.001). dissolved oxygen (b = − 2.14), ammonia (b = − 2.72) and pH (b = − 1.97) had a negative association with fin fish abundance while significance (p < 0.05) were observed with dissolved oxygen (p = 0.048).

Conclusion

It is worthy to note that human activities principally dictates the quality and quantity of limnological parameters which directly affect finfish assemblage; therefore proper environmental management is essential for sustenance of finfish in the river as elaborated by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Heat treated graphene thin films for reduced void content of interlaminar enhanced CF/PEEK composites
Authors: Leow Christopher , Kreider Peter B. , Sommacal Silvano , Notthoff Christian , Kluth Patrick , Compston Paul
Published: June 2023

Graphene enhanced thermoplastic composites offer the possibility of conductive aerospace structures suitable for applications from electrostatic dissipation, to lightning strike protection and heat dissipation. Spray deposition of liquid phase exfoliated (LPE) aqueous graphene suspensions are highly scalable rapid manufacturing methods suitable to automated manufacturing processes. The effects of residual surfactant and water from LPE on thin films for interlaminar prepreg composite enhancement remain unknown. This work investigates the effect of heat treatment on graphene thin films spray deposited onto carbon fibre/polyether ether ketone (CF/PEEK) composites for reduced void content. Graphene thin films deposited onto CF/PEEK prepreg tapes had an RMS roughness of 1.99 μm and an average contact angle of 11°. After heat treatment the roughness increased to 2.52 μm with an average contact angle of 82°. The SEM images, contact angle, and surface roughness measurements correlated suggesting successful removal of excess surfactant and moisture with heat treatment. Raman spectroscopy was used to characterise the chemical quality of the consolidated graphene interlayer. Spectral data concluded the graphene was 3–4 layered with predominantly edge defects suggesting high quality graphene suitable for electrical enhancement. Conductive-AFM measurements observed an increase in conductive network density in the interlaminar region after the removal of surfactant from the thin film. Heat treatment of the Control sample successfully reduced void content from 4.2 vol% to 0.4 vol%, resulting in a 149% increase in compressive shear strength. Comparatively, heat treatment of graphene enhanced samples (~ 1 wt%) reduced void content from 5.1 vol% to 2.8 vol%. Although a 25% reduction in shear strength was measured, the improved electrical conductivity of the interlaminar region extends the potential applications of fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites. The heat treatment process proves effective in reducing surfactant and thus void content while improving electrical conductivity of the interlayer in a scalable manner. Further investigations into graphene loading effects on conductive enhancement, and void formation is needed.
Radiological findings of mucormycosis rhinosinusitis among Indian COVID-19 patients during the pandemic second wave
Authors: Manuel Roger Anthony , George Arun
Published: June 2023

Background

Sinonasal mucormycosis is a quickly progressing and lethal fungal disease which showed an increased incidence in COVID-19 patients in the Indian population during the second wave of the pandemic. The objective of this study was to study the various sinus areas affected and the imaging findings of the disease.

Methods

The imaging records of patients with sinonasal mucormycosis during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic were reviewed and analysed for whom computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images had been performed.

Results

Of the 65 patients, 6.1% had single sinus involvement, and 93.9% had multiple sinus involvement, and out of latter, 91.8% had bilateral sinuses affected by the disease process. A total of 49.2% patients with sinus involvement had erosions of the sinus walls. A total of 35.4% patients had only sinonasal mucormycosis, 38.5% patients had rhino-orbital mucormycosis, 4.6% patients had rhino-cerebral mucormycosis and 16.9% patients had rhino-orbitocerebral mucormycosis. The pterygopalatine fossa was affected in 26.2% patients. A total of 9.2% patients had cavernous sinus thrombosis. A total of 12% of the cases had infarction in the cerebral hemispheres.

Conclusion

In a setting of sinonasal mucormycosis, especially in the immuno-compromised and with those infected with COVID-19, cross-sectional imaging can assess the presence and extent of the disease and helps plan its medical and surgical management.
Parameter optimization in the enhancement of MRR of titanium alloy using newer mixing method in PMEDM process
Authors: Shiek Jeavudeen , Sairam Jana , Mouda Pervaz Ahmed
Published: June 2023

The addition of powders in electrical discharge machining (EDM) reduces the breakdown strength of the liquid dielectric, thereby enhancing the occurrence of early spark, and aids in machinability. Challenges occur in the sustainability of the powder mixed electrical discharge machining (PMEDM) process in terms of homogeneity of the powder-dielectric mixture and adverse effects of these powders on the impellor of the pump, maintaining the concentration of the powder–dielectric mixture for a wide range of powders at varied size. In this investigation, an attempt is made to address these challenges and limitations in performing PMEDM process by developing a newer mixing method for PMEDM. The Taguchi L18 orthogonal array has been selected to study the material removal rate (MRR) of titanium grade 5 alloy. Gap current, duty factor, pressure of the powder mixed dielectric fluid, type of powder, and concentration of the powders have been considered as the process variables. The results found to be satisfying with increase in MRR. The confirmation experiments indicate considerable increase in MRR. This newer system is capable of performing sustainable manufacturing method irrespective of the nature of the powder and the particle size of the additive powders, that are permissible in the inter-electrode gap as it restricts the size of the powder, added in the PMEDM process.
Rare complication: refractory hypertension and intermittent claudication caused by elephant trunk entrapped in a new entry after total arch replacement for type A aortic dissection
Authors: Fujii Takayuki , Abe Noriyuki , Yamazato Takahiro , Ohyama Noriko , Munakata Hiroshi
Published: June 2023

Background

Total arch replacement using elephant trunk (ET) has been accepted as a standard technique for thoracic aortic dissection. However, there are few complications related to the ET, such as kinking of the ET, paraplegia, splitting of the anastomosis, and thromboembolic complications. We report a successful thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in a patient with ET entrapment in a new isolated dissecting aortic aneurysm.

Case presentation

A 50-year-old woman who underwent total arch replacement (TAR) with the ET technique 6 years ago was admitted with refractory hypertension and heart failure. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed that the ET was entrapped in an isolated dissecting aortic aneurysm, which obstructed blood flow, thus causing ischemia. She underwent TEVAR to reset the entrapment of the ET. After TEVAR, ischemic symptoms were immediately relieved.

Conclusion

We present a case of new entry after the repair of a type A acute aortic dissection using ET, which rapidly progressed to a distal arch dissecting aneurysm and dislocation of the ET.
Biology Instructors See Value in Discussing Controversial Topics but Fear Personal and Professional Consequences
Authors: Beatty Abby E. , Driessen Emily P. , Clark Amanda D. , Costello Robin A. , Ewell Sharday , Fagbodun Sheritta , Klabacka Randy L. , Lamb Todd , Mulligan Kimberly , Henning Jeremiah A. , Ballen Cissy J.
Published: June 2023

A national survey of biology instructors shows that instructors view the primary goal of science education as “understanding the world,” yet instructors hesitate to incorporate societally relevant content. This study addresses how an ideological awareness curriculum may bridge this gap and how instructor values and hesitancies affect teaching practices.
The Benefits of Participating in a Learning Assistant Program on the Metacognitive Awareness and Motivation of Learning Assistants
Authors: Breland Haley , Clark Courtney M. , Shaked Shanna , Paquette-Smith Melissa
Published: June 2023

This study uses a pretest–posttest design to measure changes in the metacognitive awareness and STEM motivation of students enrolled in an undergraduate learning assistant (LA) program. Results suggest that being an LA may foster positive growth in both of these domains.
Assessing mental capacity: tensions, values and duties
Authors: Hallett Nick
Published: June 2023

This is a commentary on two articles on assessing mental capacity in everyday practice and in the case of the suicidal patient. It explores some of the conceptual problems with capacity, including the lack of a ‘right’ answer and the value-laden nature of capacity assessments in suicidal patients. In England and Wales, in addition to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 clinicians must also consider their duty of care as part of the European Convention on Human Rights as enacted in the Human Rights Act 1998.
Predicting antipsychotic-induced weight gain in first episode psychosis – A field-wide systematic review and meta-analysis of non-genetic prognostic factors
Authors: Fitzgerald Ita , Sahm Laura J. , Byrne Amy , O’Connell Jean , Ensor Joie , Ní Dhubhlaing Ciara , O’Dwyer Sarah , Crowley Erin K.
Published: June 2023

Background

Whether non-genetic prognostic factors significantly influence the variable prognosis of antipsychotic-induced weight gain (AIWG) has not yet been systematically explored.

Methods

Searches for both randomized and non-randomized studies were undertaken using four electronic databases, two trial registers, and via supplemental searching methods. Unadjusted and adjusted estimates were extracted. Meta-analyses were undertaken using a random-effects generic inverse model. Risk of bias and quality assessments were undertaken using Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE), respectively.

Results

Seventy-two prognostic factors were assessed across 27 studies involving 4426 participants. Only age, baseline body mass index (BMI), and sex were suitable for meta-analysis. Age (b=−0.044, 95%CI −0.157–0.069), sex (b=0.236, 95%CI −0.086–0.558), and baseline BMI (b=−0.013 95%CI −0.225–0.200) were associated with nonsignificant effects on AIWG prognosis. The highest quality GRADE rating was moderate in support of age, trend of early BMI increase, antipsychotic treatment response, unemployment, and antipsychotic plasma concentration. Trend of early BMI increase was identified as the most clinically significant prognostic factor influencing long-term AIWG prognosis.

Conclusions

The strong prognostic information provided by BMI trend change within 12 weeks of antipsychotic initiation should be included within AIWG management guidance to highlight those at highest risk of worse long-term prognosis. Antipsychotic switching and resource-intensive lifestyle interventions should be targeted toward this cohort. Our results challenge previous research that several clinical variables significantly influence AIWG prognosis. We provide the first mapping and statistical synthesis of studies examining non-genetic prognostic factors of AIWG and highlight practice, policy, and research implications.
Impact of Minimal Residual Disease on Progression-Free Survival Outcomes After Fixed-Duration Ibrutinib-Venetoclax Versus Chlorambucil-Obinutuzumab in the GLOW Study
Authors: Munir Talha , Moreno Carol , Owen Carolyn , Follows George , Benjamini Ohad , Janssens Ann , Levin Mark-David , Osterborg Anders , Robak Tadeusz , Simkovic Martin , Stevens Don , Voloshin Sergey , Vorobyev Vladimir , Yagci Munci , Ysebaert Loic , Qi Keqin , Qi Qianya , Parisi Lori , Srinivasan Srimathi , Schuier Natasha , Baeten Kurt , Howes Angela , Caces Donne Bennett , Niemann Carsten U. , Kater Arnon P.
Published: June 2023

PURPOSE

In GLOW, fixed-duration ibrutinib + venetoclax showed superior progression-free survival (PFS) versus chlorambucil + obinutuzumab in older/comorbid patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The current analysis describes minimal residual disease (MRD) kinetics and any potential predictive value for PFS, as it has not yet been evaluated for ibrutinib + venetoclax treatment.

METHODS

Undetectable MRD (uMRD) was assessed by next-generation sequencing at <1 CLL cell per 10,000 (<10−4) and <1 CLL cell per 100,000 (<10−5) leukocytes. PFS was analyzed by MRD status at 3 months after treatment (EOT+3).

RESULTS

Ibrutinib + venetoclax achieved deeper uMRD (<10−5) rates in bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB), respectively, in 40.6% and 43.4% of patients at EOT+3 versus 7.6% and 18.1% of patients receiving chlorambucil + obinutuzumab. Of these patients, uMRD (<10−5) in PB was sustained during the first year post-treatment (EOT+12) in 80.4% of patients receiving ibrutinib + venetoclax and 26.3% receiving chlorambucil + obinutuzumab. Patients with detectable MRD (dMRD; ≥10−4) in PB at EOT+3 were more likely to sustain MRD levels through EOT+12 with ibrutinib + venetoclax versus chlorambucil + obinutuzumab. PFS rates at EOT+12 were high among patients treated with ibrutinib + venetoclax regardless of MRD status at EOT+3: 96.3% and 93.3% in patients with uMRD (<10−4) and dMRD (≥10−4) in BM, respectively, versus 83.3% and 58.7% for patients receiving chlorambucil + obinutuzumab. PFS rates at EOT+12 also remained high in patients with unmutated immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region (IGHV) receiving ibrutinib + venetoclax, independent of MRD status in BM.

CONCLUSION

Molecular and clinical relapses were less frequent during the first year post-treatment with ibrutinib + venetoclax versus chlorambucil + obinutuzumab regardless of MRD status at EOT+3 and IGHV status. Even for patients not achieving uMRD (<10−4), PFS rates remained high with ibrutinib + venetoclax; this is a novel finding and requires additional follow-up to confirm its persistence over time.
The Politics and Psychology of the Literary Field: Revisiting Cultural Capital
Authors: Anderson Amanda
Published: June 2023

This article explores the importance of psychoanalysis to John Guillory's literary sociology. The failure of scholars to recognize the canon wars as a symptom of the increasing institutional marginality of literary studies derives from their commitment to what Guillory calls an “ego-ideal” of the profession. In particular, the psychic investments of literary critics account, on the one hand, for their inflated claims to political relevance and, on the other, for the ability of professors of literature to strike an anti-institutional pose from within the privileged space of the university. The essay turns to recent developments in the field to consider how Guillory's analysis might respond to our present moment. If his sociological method neatly describes the failures of self-understanding among scholars with respect to the canon wars and the politics of literary criticism, it nonetheless fails to capture the importance of recent work in a more affirmative key, where ideology critique is joined to the study of lived experience.
Prognostic Impact of Tumor-Associated Macrophage-Related Markers in Patients with Adenocarcinoma of the Lung
Authors: Shikanai Shunsuke , Yamada Noriyuki , Yanagawa Naoki , Sugai Mayu , Osakabe Mitsumasa , Saito Hajime , Maemondo Makoto , Sugai Tamotsu
Published: June 2023

Background

Macrophage polarization is an important pathogenetic factor in neoplastic diseases. Phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (phospho-STAT1) regulates the M1 phenotype, and c-Maf regulates the M2 phenotype. However, the role of macrophage phenotype in lung adenocarcinoma (LAD) remains unclear.

Patients and Methods

We examined whether the density of M1 and M2 macrophages was associated with prognosis in patients with LAD using double-labeling immunohistochemistry. In addition, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was investigated. Immune cells coexpressing CD68 and phospho-STAT1 were considered M1 macrophages, whereas those coexpressing CD68 and c-Maf were recognized as M2 macrophages. Patients with LAD (N = 307) were divided into two cohorts (n = 100 and n = 207) to evaluate the associations of M1 and M2 phenotypes with prognosis in patients with LAD. We determined the cut-off values of CD68/phospho-STAT1-positive cells and CD68/c-Maf-positive cells to assess correlations with overall survival (OS) using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis in the first cohort.

Results

According to the cut-off values of 5 or less CD68/phospho-STAT1-positive cells and more than 11 CD68/c-Maf-positive cells, high expression of CD68/c-Maf and low expression of CD68/Phospho-STAT1 were identified as independent prognostic markers for OS and disease-free survival (DFS). Moreover, the M1/M2 ratio (0.19 or less) was a poor prognostic factor for OS and DFS. However, PD-L1 expression did not correlate with patient outcomes.

Conclusions

Overall, these findings suggest that double immunostaining of markers of phospho-STAT1 (M1) and c-Maf (M2) can be used as prognostic indicators for patients with LAD.
Predicting diabetic ketoacidosis in pediatric patients using machine learning
Authors: Eid Waad Mohammed , Alharthi Hana , Aslam Nida , Abdur rab Irfan Ullah , Madani Alaa
Published: June 2023

Background

Machine learning is a powerful tool to define relationships between large data variables through computing algorithms. In medicine, machine learning can find the association between a given disease and disease-related complications such as the relationship between Diabetes and development of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).  The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate a predicting model for diabetic ketoacidosis among pediatric cases to define the leading factors that can predict diabetic ketoacidosis. 

Methods

We evaluated the medical records of 3737 pediatric patients between the ages of 0 and 18 years who attended diabetic clinics and were diagnosed with diabetes. After the initial data preprocessing, we used Orange, an open source software, for data visualization, and machine learning for data analysis. The study used six prediction models: Decision Tree, Random Forest, kNN, Gradient Boosting, CN2 rule inducer and AdaBoost. Data imbalance was managed using oversampling technique. Variables analyzed included age, sex, hemoglobin A1C level, visits to the diabetic education clinic, and number of appointments to diabetic clinic. Models were evaluated based on the Area under the Curve (AUC), accuracy, precision, recall and F1-score using the stratified 5-fold cross validation technique. 

Results

The results show that the Random Forest is the highest performance classifier (AUC=0.98; F1 score=0.92; and recall=0.93). Furthermore, HbA1c was the most contributing factor to the prediction model.

Conclusion

This study shows the importance and effectiveness of machine learning modeling to predict the association between diabetes and the development of DKA. Flagging those patients who are at a higher risk of developing DKA provides a better point of care for these patients.
Knowledge sharing and discovery across heterogeneous research infrastructures
Authors: Farshidi Siamak , Liao Xiaofeng , Li Na , Goldfarb Doron , Magagna Barbara , Stocker Markus , Jeffery Keith , Thijsse Peter , Pichot Christian , Petzold Andreas , Zhao Zhiming
Published: June 2023

Research infrastructures play an increasingly essential role in scientific research. They provide rich data sources for scientists, such as services and software packages, via catalog and virtual research environments. However, such research infrastructures are typically domain-specific and often not connected. Accordingly, researchers and practitioners face fundamental challenges introduced by fragmented knowledge from heterogeneous, autonomous sources with complicated and uncertain relations in particular research domains. Additionally, the exponential growth rate of knowledge in a specific domain surpasses human experts’ ability to formalize and capture tacit and explicit knowledge efficiently. Thus, a knowledge management system is required to discover knowledge effectively, automate the knowledge acquisition based on artificial intelligence approaches, integrate the captured knowledge, and deliver consistent knowledge to agents, research communities, and end-users. In this study, we present the development process of a knowledge management system for ENVironmental Research Infrastructures, which are crucial pillars for environmental scientists in their quest for understanding and interpreting the complex Earth System. Furthermore, we report the challenges we have faced and discuss the lessons learned during the development process.
Disparities in Subjective Well-being by Sexual Orientation: Comparing Cohorts from pairfam’s (2008-09) and FReDA’s (2021) Baseline Waves
Authors: Hank Karsten , Neyer Franz J. , Thönnissen Carolin
Published: June 2023

Significant expansion of legal rights and recognition of sexual minority populations triggered expectations that structural stigma, sexual minority stress and, consequently, previously well-documented disadvantages in health and well-being may decline over time. The empirical evidence on this issue is, however, still sparse and inconclusive. We contribute to this research by comparing baseline data from the German Family Panel (pairfam; 2008-09) and the German Family Demography Panel Study (FReDA; 2021). These data allow us to assess disparities in subjective well-being by sexual orientation and potential changes therein after legalisation of same-sex marriage in Germany in two adult cohorts interviewed more than a decade apart. We focus on two specific outcomes, namely life satisfaction and self-rated health. Two main findings emerged from our analysis: First, minority sexual orientation is associated with significantly lower subjective well-being, specifically lower life satisfaction. Second, there are no statistically significant changes in the sexual orientation-health nexus between cohorts. Our study, thus, neither lends support to “optimistic” expectations regarding the contribution of (further) reductions in institutional discrimination and structural stigma to (further) reductions in remaining disadvantages, nor does it lend support to “pessimistic” expectations suggesting that younger cohorts of sexual minority adults may experience an even larger gap in health and well-being than previous cohorts. We propose that the stability of sexual minorities’ disadvantages in subjective well-being during the first two decades of the 21st century in Germany be interpreted as the result of two opposing forces working in parallel: Reduced institutional discrimination and increased exposure to continued stigma. The legal recognition of same-sex relationships appears to be a necessary but not sufficient condition for the acceptance of sexual minorities. Remaining disparities by sexual orientation will thus not simply disappear when institutional discrimination of sexual minorities is eliminated. Currently, we may therefore find ourselves in a “transitory period” whose further evolution is difficult to predict. FReDA – with its evolving longitudinal dimension and the inclusion of self-reported measures of respondents’ sexual orientation – will constitute a powerful resource for future investigations of inequalities in yet understudied but increasingly visible sexual minority populations.
* This article belongs to a special issue on “Family Research and Demographic Analysis – New Insights from the German Family Demography Panel Study (FReDA)”.
Ocena możliwości zastosowania magnetycznego rezonansu jądrowego (NMR) w jakościowej analizie wybranych konserwantów obecnych w kosmetykach
Authors: Głaszczka Izabela , Paradowska Katarzyna
Published: June 2023

Substancje konserwujące są nieodłącznym składnikiem większości produktów kosmetycznych obecnych na rynku. Ich obecność zapewnia trwałość produktu oraz odpowiednie właściwości i bezpieczeństwo stosowania. Stężenie konserwantów jest ściśle określone i regulowane normami prawnymi. Celem niniejszej pracy była jakościowa analiza wybranych związków o właściwościach konserwujących: parabenów, 2-fenoksyetanolu i alkoholu benzylowego w próbkach kosmetycznych z wykorzystaniem metody 1H NMR, czyli protonowego magnetycznego rezonansu jądrowego i ocena przydatności tej metody w wymienionym celu. Analizie poddano dziewięć produktów kosmetycznych, do których należały toniki, płyny micelarne i szampony do włosów. Badania wykazały, że widma 1H NMR są doskonałym narzędziem do stwierdzenia obecności substancji konserwujących w produktach kosmetycznych. Umożliwiają szybką weryfikację kosmetyków pod względem zawartości badanych substancji.
Koncepcja Polski piastowskiej w myśli historycznej II Rzeczypospolitej
Authors: Błachowska Katarzyna
Published: June 2023

Przedmiotem artykułu są naukowe inspiracje koncepcji Polski piastowskiej, sformułowanej w latach 30. XX w. przez profesora Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Zygmunta Wojciechowskiego. Zdaniem autorki można je dostrzec przede wszystkim w pisarstwie Oskara Balzera i Władysława Semkowicza. W dalszej części artykułu przedstawione zostaną zasadnicze tezy koncepcji Polski piastowskiej Wojciechowskiego.
W kręgu kosmogonii i metodologii. Obraz Piastów-herosów w refleksji historycznej Stanisława Zakrzewskiego (1873–1936)
Authors: Mękarski Artur
Published: June 2023

Tematem artykułu są poglądy Stanisława Zakrzewskiego, wybitnego badacza wczesnośredniowiecznej Polski, na temat historycznej roli Piastów, a przede wszystkim pierwszych dwóch chrześcijańskich przedstawicieli dynastii – Mieszka I (922–945–992) i Bolesława Chrobrego (ok. 967–1025). Autor twierdzi, że Zakrzewski jako wyznawca heroistycznej koncepcji dziejów przedstawił głęboko zmitologizowaną reprezentację przeszłości. Świadczy o tym powiązanie panowania wspomnianych wyżej władców z ideą wielkich ludzi-twórców, którzy realizując plany Opatrzności, podjęli się misji przekształcenia chaosu, który ogarnął Europę, w nowy, trwały porządek. Druga część artykułu dotyczy teoretycznych założeń Zakrzewskiego. Autor pokazuje, że przyjmując heroistyczną koncepcję dziejów, Zakrzewski bagatelizował historyczne znaczenie ustaleń prawno-konstytucyjnych. Poparcie historyka dla zamachu stanu dokonanego przez Józefa Piłsudskiego w 1926 r. można zatem uznać za wymowną ilustrację jego preferencji teoretycznych.
Męskie chrześcijaństwo i tradycja religijności sarmackiej (wstępne rozpoznanie)
Authors: Szczukowski Ireneusz
Published: June 2023

Przedmiotem namysłu w tym artykule jest analiza relacji pomiędzy projektem męskiego chrześcijaństwa a tradycyjną religijnością skojarzoną z sarmatyzmem. Podstawą analiz jest rozumienie sarmackiej męskości, opartej na etosie rycerskim. Przedstawiciele męskiego chrześcijaństwa odwołują się do wciąż istniejącego w dyskursie katolickim mitu Polski jako przedmurza chrześcijaństwa, który staje się częścią ich tożsamości.
The Impact of Online Q&As on Product Sales: The Case of Amazon Answer
Authors: Khern-am-nuai Warut , Ghasemkhani Hossein , Qiao Dandan , Kannan Karthik
Published: June 2023

This study uses observational data from two online retail sites to examine the effect of questions and answers on sales of experience goods. Particularly, we leverage the naturally occurring experiment where the Q&A capabilities are available on only one platform. Interestingly, we discover that answers, especially the depth of answers, positively affect sales. Additionally, the fraction of questions with at least one answer positively and significantly affects product sales. Our additional textual content analyses unveil that fit- and quality-oriented questions have different effects on sales, as do positive and negative answers. Insights from this work can help platform managers develop Q&A ecosystems and content management policies.
Which Types of Investments Benefit from Retaining the Flexibility to Terminate?
Authors: Chavda Ankur
Published: June 2023

Firms can choose to make investments while retaining the option to terminate them prior to completion. This flexibility can mitigate uncertainty about the investment that is present at the time of its initial funding. However, this flexibility can also detrimentally alter actions within the firm that are necessary for the investment’s success, such as whether scarce firm resources are allocated to the investment. This paper develops a set of hypotheses which predicts flexibility may not improve investment performance when the investment generates limited early-stage learning and requires certain types of resources. These hypotheses are empirically tested in a data set of new U.S. television programs, comparing programs that receive commitment in the form of a straight-to-series order with programs that are flexibly developed through a piloting process. This paper contributes to the literatures on innovation, entrepreneurship and real options by identifying which investment types will benefit most from flexibility.

Supplemental Material: The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/stsc.21.0095 .
REDESENHO DO SISTEMA DE PRODUÇÃO AGROECOLÓGIA INTEGRADA E SUSTENTÁVEL- PAIS ASSOCIADO A PRÁTICAS AGROECOLÓGICAS PARA CONTROLE DE FORMIGAS CORTADEIRAS
Authors: Amanda Paixão Freitas dos Santos  , Marina Siqueira de Castro
Published: June 2023

REDESENHO DO SISTEMA DE PRODUÇÃO AGROECOLÓGIA INTEGRADA E SUSTENTÁVEL- PAIS ASSOCIADO A PRÁTICAS AGROECOLÓGICAS PARA CONTROLE DE FORMIGAS CORTADEIRAS
Histórias evolutivas de Apocynaceae ameaçadas na Mata Atlântica
Authors: Araújo Cedraz Brena , Alessandro Rapini
Published: June 2023

Diante da atual crise da biodiversidade e visto que os recursos para sua conservação são limitados, estabelecer áreas prioritárias tem se mostrado um recurso-chave e, ao mesmo tempo, desafiador. Os métodos tradicionais são contestáveis, já que o número de espécies e o endemismo são indicadores pobres do nível de ameaça das regiões.