bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global, regional, and national burden of disease study of atrial fibrillation/flutter, 1990–2019: results from a global burden of disease study, 2019
Authors: Li Hong , Song Xuejing , Liang Yi , Bai Xue , Liu-Huo Wu-Sha , Tang Chao , Chen Wen , Zhao Lizhi
Published: November 2022

Background

Data from the Global Burden of Disease, Injury, and Risk Factor Study 2019 (GBD 2019) was used to assess the burden and change in prevalence, incidence, deaths, disability-adjusted life years, and risk factors for atrial fibrillation/flutter in 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2019.

Methods

Incidence, prevalence, deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and their age-standardized rates of AF/AFL were analyzed by age, sex, socio-demographic index (SDI), and human development index (HDI) using the Global Burden of Disease study 2019 (GBD2019) results，and risk factors for AF/AFL (mainly high systolic blood pressure, high body-mass index, alcohol use, smoking and diet high in sodium) were differentially analyzed.

Results

There are 59.70 million (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 45.73–75.29 million) AF/AFL patients worldwide in 2019, with 4.72 million (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 3.64–5.96 million) new cases and 0.315 million deaths (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 0.268–0.361 million) and 8.39 million disability-adjusted years (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 6.69–10.54 million). The highest risk factor for deaths, DALYs attributable to AF/AFL in 2019 was high systolic blood pressure, high body-mass index, alcohol use, smoking, and diet high in sodium. It is estimated that between 2030 and 2034, the total incidence of male AF/ AFL will be 16.08 million, and the total number of deaths will be 1.01 million. For females, the total number of incidence is 16.85 million, and the total number of deaths is 1.49 million.

Conclusions

AF/AFL remains a major global public health problem, although the ASR of prevalence, incidence, and DALY at the worldwide level showed a decreasing trend from 1990 to 2019(the ASR of deaths increased slightly). However, the unfavorable trend observed in this study in countries with lower SDI suggests that current prevention and treatment strategies should be reoriented. Some countries should develop more targeted and specific strategies to prevent the increase of AF/AFL.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of university students regarding COVID-19: a cross-sectional study in Vietnam
Authors: Doan Dung Anh , Ho Huong Hien , Tran Long Duc , Nguyen Phuong Lan , Le Anh Thi Lan , Dinh Dai Xuan
Published: November 2022

Objective

This cross-sectional study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Vietnamese university students regarding COVID-19.

Methods

A validated questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.71) was used to survey 1,025 students. A convenience sampling method was used for recruiting students from April to May 2022. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test and the Kruskal–Wallis rank-sum test/Dunn test for multiple comparisons were employed to compare students' KAP scores between two groups and among three groups or more, respectively. Factors associated with students' COVID-19 KAP scores were determined via univariate and multivariate linear regression models. Variables in the multivariate linear regression models were chosen using the Bayesian Model Averaging method in R software version 4.2.0.

Results

A majority of students had good knowledge (75.61%), positive attitudes (98.24%), and good practices toward COVID-19 (94.93%). Regarding the COVID-19 knowledge, the proportions of students who knew that mosquito bites and exposure to/eating wild animals would not lead to COVID-19 infection were not high (47.22 and 34.34%, respectively). More importantly, 70.34% of students thought that vitamins and minerals could help prevent or cure COVID-19. Antibiotics were the first choice for COVID-19 treatment of 438 students (42.73%). Nearly half of students (48.0%) bought antibiotics to keep at home in case of COVID-19 infection. The average KAP scores of medical students (19.97 ± 3.99, 45.10 ± 3.94, 9.72 ± 1.78) and females (18.67 ± 4.44, 44.79 ± 3.79, 9.36 ± 1.84) were significantly higher than those of non-medical students (16.48 ± 4.37, 43.33 ± 4.03, 8.68 ± 1.87) and males (17.01 ± 4.55, 42.79 ± 4.39, 8.77 ± 1.97), respectively (p < 0.001). Older students were more likely to have good knowledge and practices than the younger ones (p < 0.001). In addition, students using websites of the World Health Organization/the Ministry of Health and scientific articles to seek COVID-19 information were significantly associated with higher KAP scores when compared with those not using these sources (p < 0.001,p < 0.001, andp = 0.00139, respectively).

Conclusion

Students' KAP scores significantly varied by age, sex, major, and sources of COVID-19 information. Although many students had sufficient knowledge, positive attitudes, and good preventive practices toward COVID-19, additional education and training strategies are paramount, especially for non-medical students and males.
Tranexamic acid in pertrochanteric fractures: a retrospective analysis of perioperative outcomes after fixation with a proximal femoral nail
Authors: Hanke John , Mendel Thomas , Wingert Matthias , Schenk Philipp , Heinecke Markus , Wilharm Arne
Published: November 2022

Background

Treatment of pertrochanteric femoral fractures is often associated with significant blood loss. It has already been demonstrated that the administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) for endoprosthetic procedures reduces blood losses and leads to a decreased frequency of postoperative complications. The aim of this study is to demonstrate whether the administration of TXA as part of osteosynthesis treatment for pertrochanteric fractures using a proximal femoral nail reduces perioperative blood losses and haemorrhage-related complications.

Methods

In a two-centre retrospective cohort study, 1 g TXA i.v. was administered preoperatively to 294 patients who had suffered from pertrochanteric femoral fractures. The subjects were compared clinically to a historical control group who did not receive TXA (nonTXA). Outcomes were evaluated on the basis of perioperative blood loss, transfusion requirement, and occurrence of complications.

Results

The TXA group showed evidence of a reduction in blood loss (TXA = 0.97 ± 0.47 l; nonTXA = 1.06 ± 0.47 l; p = 0.004) and a lower frequency of transfusion (TXA = 20%; nonTXA = 31%; p = 0.032) as compared to the nonTXA group. However, evidence of this therapeutic effect could only be demonstrated at one of the centres on subgroup comparison between the two centres. At the second centre, the data did not show a significant difference. A trend could be seen towards a reduction in postoperative renal failure. No complications occurred resulting from the administration of tranexamic acid.

Conclusion

Preoperative administration of TXA does not lead to an increased rate of thromboembolic complications when applied for treatment of pertrochanteric femoral fractures. Evidence of a positive effect could be seen in principle in relation to the reduction in perioperative blood loss and the frequency of transfusion. The difference in effect between the two centres remains to be clarified: for this reason, it is possible to assume that further factors influencing the efficacy of TXA administration are at play which were not taken into account in this study.
Shoulder work-related musculoskeletal disorders and related factors of workers in 15 industries of China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liang Jing , Jia Ning , Zhang Feiruo , HuadongZhang  , Ling Ruijie , Liu Yimin , Li Gang , Li Dongxia , Yin Yan , Shao Hua , Zhang Hengdong , Qiu Bing , Fang Xinglin , Wang Dayu , Zeng Qiang , Chen Jianchao , Zhang Danying , Mei Liangying , Liu Yongquan , Liu Jixiang , Zhang Chengyun , Li Tianlai , Li Yu , Tao Huaiying , Luo Huan , Wang Rugang , Wang Zhongxu
Published: November 2022

Background

Changes in modern industrial production practices can easily lead to shoulder work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). The current reports on shoulder WMSD are limited to some industries are less well studied, and the sample size is usually small. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and severity of shoulder WMSD in a large sample of Chinese workers from 15 industries, analyze the possible correlations with sociodemographic and work-related variables, and compare the differences between industries.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 55,749 participants from 252 enterprises in 15 industries throughout China. A Chinese version of the musculoskeletal disease questionnaire was used to collect the demographic factors, shoulder symptoms in past 12 months, and work-related factors including posture-related factors, repetition, vibration, work organization, job control, and environmental factors as independent variables. Descriptive statistics were used, and the binary logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the association between shoulder WMSD and potential demographic and work-related factors.

Results

Nearly 35.5% of participants reported shoulder pain and discomfort in the previous 12 months. Biopharmaceutical manufacturing (56.2%), medical services (54.4%), and aviation services (50.1%) were the three industries with the highest prevalence of shoulder WMSD. The pain score of aviation services workers was the highest. The related factors for shoulder WMSD varied among the different industries.

Conclusion

Our study found a relatively high prevalence of shoulder WMSD in China. There were large differences in the prevalence of shoulder WMSD among industries, and the related factors were particular to each industry. Such information is useful to help occupational health practitioners and policymakers conduct preventive programs to reduce shoulder disorders in these working populations.
Pregnancy and sexual related problems among women living on the street in dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia, 2021: qualitative study
Authors: Assegid Daniel Tadesse , Abera Legesse , Girma Meklit , Hailu Mickiale , Tefera Bereket
Published: November 2022

Background

The problem of women and youths living on the street is a global phenomenon. It has created countless problems while they lived on the street; such as unwanted pregnancies, sexual exploitation and prostitution. It is a frequent observation to see women begging on the streets of major cities in Ethiopia having one or two babies by their sides. This study will give an in-depth understanding of the distressing and highly challenging problem among women on the street regarding pregnancy and related problems.

Objective

To explore pregnancy and sexual-related problems among women living on the street in Dire Dawa city, Eastern Ethiopia 2021.

Methods

A community-based phenomenological qualitative study was conducted at Dire Dawa city. Data was collected from homeless women and Key informants through focus group discussion and in-depth interviews using a semi-structured tool aided by a voice recorder. Data were analyzed thematically using computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software Atlas.ti7. The thematic analysis with inductive approach goes through 6 steps; Familiarization, Coding, Generating themes, Reviewing themes, Defining and naming themes and Writing up.

Result

Women living on the street are more likely to experience physical abuse, sexual harassment, Sexual transmitted infection, unprotected sex and unwanted pregnancy. As a result, the fate of this pregnancy is abortion leads to high risk of getting health complications as most abortions are made in illegal and unsafe ways.

Conclusion

Teen pregnancy, STI, rape and unsafe abortion are the major concerns as it accompanied by their homelessness situation and abusive lifestyles. The regional health bureau needs to understand the extent of problem and plan to organize an awareness creation program on STI, risk of pregnancy and SRH services.
The Venturia inaequalis effector repertoire is dominated by expanded families with predicted structural similarity, but unrelated sequence, to avirulence proteins from other plant-pathogenic fungi
Authors: Rocafort Mercedes , Bowen Joanna K. , Hassing Berit , Cox Murray P. , McGreal Brogan , de la Rosa Silvia , Plummer Kim M. , Bradshaw Rosie E. , Mesarich Carl H.
Published: November 2022

Background

Scab, caused by the biotrophic fungusVenturia inaequalis, is the most economically important disease of apples worldwide. During infection,V. inaequalisoccupies the subcuticular environment, where it secretes virulence factors, termed effectors, to promote host colonization. Consistent with other plant-pathogenic fungi, many of these effectors are expected to be non-enzymatic proteins, some of which can be recognized by corresponding host resistance proteins to activate plant defences, thus acting as avirulence determinants. To develop durable control strategies against scab, a better understanding of the roles that these effector proteins play in promoting subcuticular growth byV. inaequalis, as well as in activating, suppressing, or circumventing resistance protein-mediated defences in apple, is required.

Results

We generated the first comprehensive RNA-seq transcriptome ofV. inaequalisduring colonization of apple. Analysis of this transcriptome revealed five temporal waves of gene expression that peaked during early, mid, or mid-late infection. While the number of genes encoding secreted, non-enzymatic proteinaceous effector candidates (ECs) varied in each wave, most belonged to waves that peaked in expression during mid-late infection. Spectral clustering based on sequence similarity determined that the majority of ECs belonged to expanded protein families. To gain insights into function, the tertiary structures of ECs were predicted using AlphaFold2. Strikingly, despite an absence of sequence similarity, many ECs were predicted to have structural similarity to avirulence proteins from other plant-pathogenic fungi, including members of the MAX, LARS, ToxA and FOLD effector families. In addition, several other ECs, including an EC family with sequence similarity to the AvrLm6 avirulence effector fromLeptosphaeria maculans, were predicted to adopt a KP6-like fold. Thus, proteins with a KP6-like fold represent another structural family of effectors shared among plant-pathogenic fungi.

Conclusions

Our study reveals the transcriptomic profile underpinning subcuticular growth byV. inaequalisand provides an enriched list of ECs that can be investigated for roles in virulence and avirulence. Furthermore, our study supports the idea that numerous sequence-unrelated effectors across plant-pathogenic fungi share common structural folds. In doing so, our study gives weight to the hypothesis that many fungal effectors evolved from ancestral genes through duplication, followed by sequence diversification, to produce sequence-unrelated but structurally similar proteins.
Methylene blue for intractable pain from oral mucositis related to cancer treatment: a randomized phase 2 clinical trial
Authors: Roldan Carlos J. , Huh Billy , Song Juhee , Nieto Yago , Osei Joyce , Chai Thomas , Nouri Kent , Koyyalagunta Lakshmi , Bruera Eduardo
Published: November 2022

Background

Oral mucositis (OM) in patients receiving cancer therapy is thus far not well managed with standard approaches. We aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of methylene blue (MB) oral rinse for OM pain in patients receiving cancer therapy.

Methods

In this randomized, single-blind phase 2 clinical trial, patients were randomized to one of four arms: MB 0.025%+conventional therapy (CTx) (n = 15), MB 0.05%+CTx (n = 14), MB 0.1%+CTx (n = 15), or CTx alone (n = 16). Intervention groups received MB oral rinse every 6 h for 2 days with outcomes measured at days 1–2; safety was evaluated up to 30 days. The primary outcome measured change in the pain numeric rating scale (0–10) from baseline to day 2. Secondary outcome measured change in oral function burden scores from baseline to day 2, World Health Organization OM grades, morphine equivalent daily doses, and adverse events. The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03469284.

Results

Sixty patients (mean age 43, range 22–62 years) completed the study. Compared with those who received CTx alone, those who received MB had a significant reduction of pain scores at day 2 of treatment (mean ± SD); 0.025%: 5.2 ± 2.9, 0.05%: 4.5 ± 2.9, 0.1%: 5.15 ± 2.6) and reduction of oral function burden scores (0.025%: 2.5 ± 1.55, 0.05%: 2.8 ± 1.7, 0.1%: 2.9 ± 1.60). No serious adverse events were noted, but eight patients reported burning sensation of the oral cavity with the first dose, and this caused one patient to discontinue therapy.

Conclusions

MB oral rinse showed significant pain reduction and improved oral functioning with minimal adverse effects.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03469284.
Potential of montmorillonite modified by an organosulfur surfactant for reducing aflatoxin B1 toxicity and ruminal methanogenesis in vitro
Authors: Soltan Yosra A. , Morsy Amr S. , Hashem Nesrein M. , Elazab Mahmoud A. I. , Sultan Mohamed A. , El-Nile Amr , Marey Haneen N. , El Lail Gomaa Abo , El-Desoky Nagwa , Hosny Nourhan S. , Mahdy Ahmed M. , Hafez Elsayed E. , Sallam Sobhy M. A.
Published: November 2022

Background

Montmorillonite clay modified by organosulfur surfactants possesses high cation exchange capacity (CEC) and adsorption capacity than their unmodified form (UM), therefore they may elevate the adverse impact of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on ruminal fermentation and methanogenesis. Chemical and mechanical modifications were used to innovate the organically modified nano montmorillonite (MNM). The UM was modified using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and grounded to obtain the nanoscale particle size form. The dose-response effects of the MNM supplementation to a basal diet contaminated or not with AFB1 (20 ppb) were evaluated in vitro using the gas production (GP) system. The following treatments were tested: control (basal diet without supplementations), UM diet [UM supplemented at 5000 mg /kg dry matter (DM)], and MNM diets at low (500 mg/ kg DM) and high doses (1000 mg/ kg DM).

Results

Results of the Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy analysis showed shifts of bands of the OH-group occurred from lower frequencies to higher frequencies in MNM, also an extra band at the lower frequency range only appeared in MNM compared to UM. Increasing the dose of the MNM resulted in linear and quadratic decreasing effects (P < 0.05) on GP and pH values. Diets supplemented with the low dose of MNM either with or without AFB1 supplementation resulted in lower (P = 0.015) methane (CH4) production, ruminal pH (P = 0.002), and ammonia concentration (P = 0.002) compared to the control with AFB1. Neither the treatments nor the AFB1 addition affected the organic matter or natural detergent fiber degradability. Contamination of AFB1 reduced (P = 0.032) CH4production, while increased (P < 0.05) the ruminal pH and ammonia concentrations. Quadratic increases (P = 0.012) in total short-chain fatty acids and propionate by MNM supplementations were observed.

Conclusion

These results highlighted the positive effects of MNM on reducing the adverse effects of AFB1 contaminated diets with a recommended dose of 500 mg/ kg DM under the conditions of this study.
DNA methylome in pancreatic cancer identified novel promoter hyper-methylation in NPY and FAIM2 genes associated with poor prognosis in Indian patient cohort
Authors: Chatterjee Ankita , Bararia Akash , Ganguly Debopriyo , Mondal Pronoy Kanti , Roy Paromita , Banerjee Sudeep , Ghosh Shibajyoti , Gulati Sumit , Ghatak Supriyo , Chattopadhay Bitan Kumar , Basu Priyadarshi , Chatterjee Aniruddha , Sikdar Nilabja
Published: November 2022

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the leading cancers worldwide and has a poor survival, with a 5-year survival rate of only 8.5%. In this study we investigated altered DNA methylation associated with PDAC severity and prognosis.

Methods

Methylome data, generated using 450 K bead array, was compared between paired PDAC and normal samples in the TCGA cohort (n = 9) and our Indian cohort (n = 7). The total Indian Cohort (n = 75) was split into cohort 1 (n = 7), cohort 2 (n = 22), cohort 3 (n = 26) and cohort 4 (n = 20).Validation of differential methylation (6 selected CpG loci) and associated gene expression for differentially methylated genes (10 selected gDMs) were carried out in separate validation cohorts, using MSP, RT-PCR and IHC correlations between methylation and gene expression were observed in TCGA, GTEx cohorts and in validation cohorts. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was done to study differential prognosis, during 2–5 years of follow-up.

Results

We identified 156 DMPs, mapped to 91 genes (gDMs), in PDAC; 68 (43.5%) DMPs were found to be differentially methylated both in TCGA cohort and our cohort, with significant concordance at hypo- and hyper-methylated loci. Enrichments of “regulation of ion transport”, “Interferon alpha/beta signalling”, “morphogenesis and development” and “transcriptional dysregulation” pathways were observed among 91 gDMs. Hyper-methylation of NPY and FAIM2 genes with down-regulated expression in PDAC, were significantly associated with poor prognosis in the Indian patient cohort.

Conclusions

Ethnic variations among populations may determine the altered epigenetic landscape in the PDAC patients of the Indian cohort. Our study identified novel differentially methylated genes (mainly NPY and FAIM2) and also validated the previously identified differentially methylated CpG sites associated with PDAC cancer patient’s survival. Comparative analysis of our data with TCGA and CPTAC cohorts showed that both NPY and FAIM2 hyper-methylation and down-regulations can be novel epigenetically regulated genes in the Indian patient population, statistically significantly associated with poor survival and advanced tumour stages.
Ferroptosis assassinates tumor
Authors: Luo Tao , Wang Yile , Wang Jinke
Published: November 2022

In 2020, nearly 20 million peoples got cancer and nearly 10 million peoples died of cancer, indicating the cancer remains a great threat to human health and life. New therapies are still in urgent demand. We here develop a novel cancer therapy named Ferroptosis ASsassinates Tumor (FAST) by combining iron oxide nanoparticles with cancer-selective knockdown of seven key ferroptosis-resistant genes (FPN, LCN2, FTH1, FSP1, GPX4, SLC7A11, NRF2). We found that FAST had notable anti-tumor activity in a variety of cancer cells but little effect on normal cells. Especially, FAST eradicated three different types of tumors (leukemia, colon cancer, and lung metastatic melanoma) from over 50% of cancer mice, making the mice survive up to 250 days without tumor relapse. FAST also significantly inhibited and prevented the growth of spontaneous breast cancer and improved survival in mice. FAST showed high pan anti-tumor efficacy, high cancer specificity, and in vivo safety. FAST defines a new form of advanced nanomaterials, advanced combinatorial nanomaterials, by combining two kinds of nanomaterials, a chemical nanomaterial (iron oxide nanoparticles) and a biochemical nanomaterial (adeno-associated virus), which successfully turns a general iron nanomaterial into an unprecedented assassin to cancer.
A photodynamically sensitized dendritic cell vaccine that promotes the anti-tumor effects of anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody in a murine model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Shuang , Wang Ding , Cheng Jinzhang , Sun Jicheng , Kalvakolanu Dhan V. , Zhao Xue , Wang Di , You Yunhan , Zhang Ling , Yu Dan
Published: November 2022

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are promising tools in combating several cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, a substantial portion of HNSCC patients do not respond to PD-L1 antibody. Here we describe a photodynamic therapeutic (PDT) approach to enhance anti-tumor effects of the anti-PD-L1 antibody.

Methods

Phototoxicity of PDT was confirmed using fluorescence microscopy, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and flow cytometry analyses. Phenotypic and functional maturation of immature DCs (imDCs) induced by PDT were measured using flow cytometry and ELISA. A mouse model was established using the HNSCC line, SCC7, and was used to evaluate therapeutic effects of PDT-DC vaccine in facilitating anti-tumor immunity of PD-L1 antibody.

Results

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) of SCC7 cells was induced by PDT with 0.5 µM of m-THPC and the 5 J/cm2 of light dose. ICD of SCC7 cells stimulated imDCs maturation. In vivo assays suggested that PDT-DC vaccine and anti-PD-L1 mAb synergistically induced anti-tumor immunity and suppressed tumor progression.

Conclusion

PDT-DC vaccine enhances therapeutic effects of PD-L1 antibody, which might provide a novel approach for HNSCC immunotherapy.

Graphic abstract
Risk factors for ninety-day readmission following cervical surgery: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Dongping , Liao Wenqing , Hu Haoshi , Lei Xiaoling , Zheng Xinze , Jin Daxiang
Published: November 2022

Background

As an important evaluation index after cervical surgery, ninety-day readmission is gradually being valued. Our study collected the latest published relevant studies, analyzed the risk factors of ninety-day readmission after cervical surgery, and continuously improved the postoperative rehabilitation plan. This study focuses on two research hotspots: (1) What is the rate of ninety-day readmission after cervical surgery? (2) What are the risk factors affecting the ninety-day readmission?

Methods

Based on the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases, this study searched for studies about ninety-day readmission after cervical surgery, from the establishment of the database to August 1, 2022. The evaluation indicators are as follows: age, American Society of Anesthesiology physical status (ASA) class, diabetes, hypertension, chronic heart diseases, chronic lung diseases, income, and payments for hospitalization. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4.

Results

Seven studies with 222,490 participants were eligible for our meta-analysis. The analysis displayed that there were statistically significant differences in the age (MD = − 4.60, 95%CI − 4.89–4.31, p < 0.001), diabetes (OR = 0.60, 95%CI 0.56–0.64, p < 0.00001), hypertension (OR = 0.40, 95%CI 0.30–0.54, p < 0.00001), chronic heart diseases (OR = 0.05, 95%CI 0.01–0.19, p < 0.00001), chronic lung diseases (OR = 0.46, 95%CI 0.43–0.49, p < 0.00001), income (OR = 2.85, 95%CI 1.82–4.46, p < 0.00001), and payments for hospitalization (OR = 2.29, 95%CI 1.14–4.59, p = 0.02) between readmission and no readmission groups. In terms of the ASA, there was no difference on the ninety-day readmission (p = 0.78).

Conclusion

Age, diabetes, hypertension, chronic heart diseases, chronic lung diseases, income, and payments for hospitalization are the risk factors of ninety‐day readmission following cervical surgery.
Design, synthesis, in vitro, and in silico biological evaluations of coumarin-indole hybrids as new anti-α-glucosidase agents
Authors: Niri Davood Rezapour , Sayahi Mohammad Hosein , Behrouz Somayeh , Moazzam Ali , Mojtabavi Somayeh , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali , Larijani Bagher , Rastegar Hossein , Mohammadi-Khanaposhtani Maryam , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: November 2022

Background

A series of coumarin-indole hybrids was synthesized as the new α-glucosidase inhibitors. The title hybrids were considered as α-glucosidase inhibitors because had two active pharmacophores against α-glucosidase: coumarin and indole.

Methods

The thirteen various derivatives 4a–m were synthesized, purified, and fully characterized. These compounds were evaluated against α-glucosidase in vitro and in silico. In silico pharmacokinetic studies of the most potent compounds were also performed.

Results

Most of the title compounds exhibited high anti-α-glucosidase activity in comparison to standard drug acarbose. In particular, the phenoxy derivative 4d namely 3-((1H-indol-3-yl)(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl)-4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one showed promising activity. This compound is a competitive inhibitor against α-glucosidase and showed the lowest binding energy at the α-glucosidase active site in comparison to other potent synthesized compounds and acarbose.

Conclusion

Compound 4d can be a lead compound for further structural development to obtain effective and potent α-glucosidase inhibitors.
A critical analysis of eating disorders and the gut microbiome
Authors: Terry Sydney M. , Barnett Jacqueline A. , Gibson Deanna L.
Published: November 2022

The gut microbiota, also known as our “second brain” is an exciting frontier of research across a multitude of health domains. Gut microbes have been implicated in feeding behaviour and obesity, as well as mental health disorders including anxiety and depression, however their role in the development and maintenance of eating disorders (EDs) has only recently been considered. EDs are complex mental health conditions, shaped by a complicated interplay of factors. Perhaps due to an incomplete understanding of the etiology of EDs, treatment remains inadequate with affected individuals likely to face many relapses. The gut microbiota may be a missing piece in understanding the etiology of eating disorders, however more robust scientific inquiry is needed in the field before concrete conclusions can be made. In this spotlight paper, we critically evaluate what is known about the bi-directional relationship between gut microbes and biological processes that are implicated in the development and maintenance of EDs, including physiological functioning, hormones, neurotransmitters, the central nervous system, and the immune system. We outline limitations of current research, propose concrete steps to move the field forward and, hypothesize potential clinical implications of this research.

Plain English summary

Our gut is inhabited by millions of bacteria which have more recently been referred to as “our second brain”. In fact, these microbes are thought to play a role in ED behaviour, associated anxiety and depression, and even affect our weight. Recent research has dove into this field with promising findings that have the potential to be applied clinically to improve ED recovery. The present paper discusses what is known about the gut microbiome in relation to EDs and the promising implications that leveraging this knowledge, through fecal microbiome transplants, probiotics, and microbiome-directed supplemental foods, could have on ED treatment.
Septins regulate virulence in Verticillium dahliae and differentially contribute to microsclerotial formation and stress responses
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Tang Chen , Deng Chenglin , Li Wenwen , Klosterman Steven J. , Wang Yonglin
Published: November 2022

Septin proteins play a role in the formation of hyphal septa as well as in the division of nuclei, cytoskeletal organization, and cell morphogenesis in filamentous fungi. Herein, we investigated the functions of four septin-coding genes (VdSep3, VdSep4, VdSep5, and VdSep6) in the plant pathogenic fungus Verticillium dahliae. Microsclerotial formation was positively regulated by VdSep4 and VdSep6, whereas VdSep3 and VdSep5 had no effect on microsclerotial development but their deletion slightly reduced melanin production. Deletion of VdSep4 or VdSep5, but not VdSep3, resulted in hypersensitivity to high-temperature stress. Deletion of VdSep4 led to increased benomyl sensitivity whereas deletion of VdSep3 showed increased benomyl resistance. The previously reported roles of VdSep3 and VdSep5 in virulence were confirmed. Disruption of each of the four septin-coding genes led to reduction in penetration peg formation and hyphal expansion into plant cells. Loss of VdSep3 or VdSep4 increased sensitivity to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) stress, whereas VdSep6 played a role in RNS stress response but not in ROS stress response. In addition, all the septin gene deletion mutants showed an abnormality in chitin distribution but varied in their responses to several stresses examined. Taken together, our results indicate that members of the septin family in V. dahliae play different roles in regulating microsclerotial development, melanin synthesis, and stress responses, while they are all required for full virulence of the fungus.
Alcohol use and its association with suicide attempt, suicidal thoughts and non-suicidal self-harm in two successive, nationally representative English household samples
Authors: Ledden Sarah , Moran Paul , Osborn David , Pitman Alexandra
Published: November 2022

Background

Alcohol use is a risk factor for suicidal behaviour, yet the nature of the relationship is unclear. Most research on the topic is conducted in clinical populations, with few studies exploring this association across the general population.

Aims

We investigated the association between specific domains of alcohol use and suicide attempt, suicidal thoughts and non-suicidal self-harm in a general population sample.

Method

A total of 14 949 adults who completed the 2007 or 2014 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey were included. We measured alcohol use with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Domains of alcohol use relating to risk categories, weekly consumption, binge drinking, dependence symptoms, harmful effects and concern from others were derived from relevant AUDIT items. Self-reported past year suicide attempt, suicidal thoughts and non-suicidal self-harm were measured with the Clinical Interview Schedule, Revised.

Results

We found a linear association between total AUDIT score and outcomes. Three of six specific domains of alcohol use (dependence symptoms, harmful effects of drinking and binge drinking) were associated with increased odds of all three outcomes. There was no association of outcomes with the other domains of alcohol use.

Conclusions

We found evidence of a linear association between total AUDIT score and suicide attempt, suicidal thoughts and non-suicidal self-harm in a representative English general population sample. Our analyses suggest that where alcohol use significantly disrupts day-to-day functioning, this may underpin the relationship between alcohol use and suicide-related outcomes to a greater extent than higher alcohol consumption. Longitudinal research is needed to further understand these relationships.
Tumor-induced Osteomalacia: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Minisola Salvatore , Fukumoto Seiji , Xia Weibo , Corsi Alessandro , Colangelo Luciano , Scillitani Alfredo , Pepe Jessica , Cipriani Cristiana , Thakker Rajesh V
Published: November 2022

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is an ultrarare paraneoplastic syndrome due to overproduction of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), with profound effects on patient morbidity. TIO is an underdiagnosed disease, whose awareness should be increased among physicians for timely and proper management of patients. Symptoms reported by patients with TIO are usually nonspecific, thus rendering the diagnosis elusive, with an initial misdiagnosis rate of more than 95%. Biochemical features of TIO are represented by hypophosphatemia, increased or inappropriately normal levels of FGF23, and low to low normal circulating 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D). Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors are the pathological entities underlying TIO in most affected patients. There is now evidence that FN1-FGFR1 and FN1-FGF1 fusion genes are present in about half of tumors causing this paraneoplastic syndrome. Tumors causing TIO are small and grow slowly. They can occur in all parts of the body from head to toe with similar prevalence in soft tissue and bone. There are a number of functional and anatomical imaging techniques used for tumor localization; 68Ga DOTA-based technologies have better sensitivity. Surgery is the treatment of choice; several medical treatments are now available in case of inability to locate the tumor or in case of incomplete excision.
Beyond Neoliberal Realism
Authors: Oksala Johanna
Published: November 2022

The article investigates Foucault’s late thought and the resources it provides for contemporary politics. The aim is threefold: I will show (i) that Foucault’s analysis of neoliberalism in the lecture series The Birth of Biopolitics should be recognized as part of his overarching critical project, which he called, in his late writings, a critical ontology of ourselves. The analysis of neoliberal governmentality should be read as a historical study of “the limits imposed on us.” My second aim (ii), however, is to show that we can also find resources from his late thought for an experiment with the possibility of going beyond such limits. I will focus on Foucault’s notion of political spirituality and suggest that it signals an important shift from the critical project of denaturalization and historicization to the more constructive task of political imagination. My third aim (iii) is to move beyond the bounds of Foucault scholarship and demonstrate the continuing relevance of his philosophical ideas for our attempts to think through some of our most pressing contemporary political challenges, particularly the climate emergency.
Constituting New Modes of Thought and Life
Authors: Revel Judith
Published: November 2022

Foucault’s work in the 1980s on the ancient Greek and Roman world, following a far-reaching analysis of the transformation and rearrangement of the economies of power between the beginning of the modern era and the 19th century, reoriented his thought from the analysis of powers towards an investigation into practices of subjectivation and the constitution of an ethics of the self in ancient thought. Through a new and unique method of writing and investigation, Foucault comes to insist on the centrality of life, displacing the relation between the self and logos from the order of discourse and reasoning to that of existence, a self-exposure that effectively transforms the manner in which one lives into a form of public risk-taking, a passage, expressed by the transition from the figure of Socrates to that of the Cynics within the final 1984 course at the Collège de France.
Mechanobiology of the cell wall – insights from tip-growing plant and fungal cells
Authors: Municio-Diaz Celia , Muller Elise , Drevensek Stéphanie , Fruleux Antoine , Lorenzetti Enrico , Boudaoud Arezki , Minc Nicolas
Published: November 2022

The cell wall (CW) is a thin and rigid layer encasing the membrane of all plant and fungal cells. It ensures mechanical integrity by bearing mechanical stresses derived from large cytoplasmic turgor pressure, contacts with growing neighbors or growth within restricted spaces. The CW is made of polysaccharides and proteins, but is dynamic in nature, changing composition and geometry during growth, reproduction or infection. Such continuous and often rapid remodeling entails risks of enhanced stress and consequent damages or fractures, raising the question of how the CW detects and measures surface mechanical stress and how it strengthens to ensure surface integrity? Although early studies in model fungal and plant cells have identified homeostatic pathways required for CW integrity, recent methodologies are now allowing the measurement of pressure and local mechanical properties of CWs in live cells, as well as addressing how forces and stresses can be detected at the CW surface, fostering the emergence of the field of CW mechanobiology. Here, using tip-growing cells of plants and fungi as case study models, we review recent progress on CW mechanosensation and mechanical regulation, and their implications for the control of cell growth, morphogenesis and survival.
Mathematical modelling of categorical data with actuarial and financial applications
Authors: Μεσελίδης Χρήστος
Published: November 2022

Το κύριο ενδιαφέρον αυτής της διατριβής εστιάζεται στη στατιστική συμπερασματολογία μοντέλων που αφορούν πίνακες συνάφειας. Σημαντικό ρόλο στην αναζήτηση βέλτιστου μοντέλου παίζουν τα μέτρα απόκλισης (divergence). Τα divergence μέτρα μπορούν να χρησιμοποιηθούν για σκοπούς εκτίμησης παραμέτρων, για την κατασκευή στατιστικών ελέγχων καλής προσαρμογής ή στη στατιστική μοντελοποίηση για την κατασκευή κριτηρίων επιλογής μοντέλου. Την ίδια στιγμή, στα περισσότερα επιστημονικά πεδία, το ενδιαφέρον εστιάζεται στη στατιστική ανάλυση κατηγορικών δεδομένων. Ο συνήθης τρόπος εκτίμησης του μοντέλου γίνεται με τον παραδοσιακό Pearson chi−squared έλεγχο καλής προσαρμογής ή με τον likelihood ratio έλεγχο καλής προσαρμογής και οι άγνωστες παράμετροι εκτιμώνται με την μέθοδο της μέγιστης πιθανοφάνειας. Ωστόσο σε αρκετές περιπτώσεις αυτό μπορεί να μην οδηγήσει στα βέλτιστα αποτελέσματα, και είναι δυνατό να έχουμε καλύτερα αποτελέσματα θεωρώντας πιο γενικές οικογένειες στατιστικών ελέγχων, καθώς επίσης και πιο γενικές οικογένειες εκτιμητών. Υπό το πρίσμα νοθευμένων (contaminated) δεδομένων, αυτές οι γενικές οικογένειες divergence μέτρων οδηγούν σε ῾῾συμβιβασμό᾿᾿ μεταξύ της ανθεκτικότητας (robustness) και της αποδοτικότητας (efficiency) των εκτιμητών. Επιπλέον, στην περίπτωση εμφάνισης κελιών μηδενικής συχνότητας, μία τροποποιημένη (modified) εκδοχή αυτών των γενικών οικογενειών μπορεί να οδηγήσει σε ανθεκτικούς (robust) εκτιμητές οι οποίοι είναι πιο αποδοτικοί (efficient) από ότι οι κλασικοί εκτιμητές. Από την άλλη μεριά, στην περίπτωση των contaminated δεδομένων, τέτοιες γενικές οικογένειες δύνανται να παράγουν πιο ευσταθείς (stable) στατιστικούς ελέγχους, όσον αφορά το σφάλμα τύπου Ι (ή μέγεθος) (size) και την ισχύ (power) του ελέγχου. Σε αυτή τη διατριβή, μελετάμε και εκμεταλλευόμαστε τη γενική (Φ, α)−power divergence οικογένεια μέτρων απόκλισης και κάποιες προεξέχουσες υπό-οικογένειες αυτής, όπως τη BHHJ οικογένεια μέτρων. Αναφορικά με τους εκτιμητές και τους παραγόμενους στατιστικούς ελέγχους παρέχονται αυστηρά ασυμπτωτικά αποτελέσματα, ενώ η πρακτική εφαρμογή αυτών παρουσιάζεται μέσα από εκτενείς μελέτες προσομοίωσης. Σημειώνεται ότι η ανωτέρω μεθοδολογία, είναι άμεσα συνδεδεμένη με την αναλογιστική επιστήμη και μεταξύ άλλων σχετίζεται με το συλλογικό μοντέλο κινδύνου που απαντάται στις γενικές ασφαλίσεις και τη μοντελοποίηση της συχνότητας (frequency) και της σφοδρότητας (severity) των απαιτήσεων (claims) και γενικά στα οικονομικά μαθηματικά.
Development of advanced high-resolution mass spectrometry methods for the thorough characterization of olive oil
Authors: Δρακοπούλου Σοφία
Published: November 2022

Ο χαρακτηρισμός της σύστασης και της ποιότητας του ελαιολάδου έχει αποκτήσει μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον, ειδικά μετά τον ισχυρισμό υγείας EU 432/2012 που κατέδειξε τα οφέλη για την υγεία που σχετίζονται με τις βιοδραστικές ενώσεις του ελαιολάδου. Επιπλέον, λόγω της εξέχουσας θέσης του ελαιολάδου στην αγορά και λόγω της προστιθέμενης αξίας του, είναι ένα από τα προϊόντα διατροφής που υφίστανται τις περισσότερες απόπειρες απάτης, που αφορούν κυρίως λανθασμένη σήμανση ποικιλίας, γεωγραφικής προέλευσης καθώς και νοθεία με κατώτερα έλαια.Αρχικά, παρουσιάζεται μια εισαγωγή στα βιοδραστικά συστατικά του ελαιολάδου, η μεταβολομική προσέγγιση και το ισχύον νομοθετικό πλαίσιο για την αυθεντικότητα. Αναφέρονται οι τρέχουσες μεθοδολογίες HRMS σε συνδυασμό με χημειομετρικά εργαλεία για την αξιολόγηση της αυθεντικότητας του ελαιολάδου, ενώ εισάγεται μια διεξοδική έρευνα για την φασματομετρία ιοντικής ευκινησίας παγίδευσης ιόντων που ενσωματώνεται στις τρέχουσες μεθοδολογίες HRMS. Το πειραματικό τμήμα της παρούσας διατριβής αποτελείται από τα ακόλουθα τέσσερα μέρη: (i) Στοχευμένη και μη στοχευμένη μεταβολομική για τον χαρακτηρισμό, ταξινόμηση και χαρτογράφηση του έξτρα παρθένου ελαιολάδου με χρήση LC-HRMS (Κεφάλαιο 3), (ii) Διαχωρισμός και ταυτοποίηση ισομερών ενώσεων που απαντώνται στο ελαιόλαδο χρησιμοποιώντας φασματομετρία ιοντικής ευκινησίας παγίδευσης ιόντων (Κεφάλαιο 4), (iii) Φασματομετρία ιοντικής ευκινησίας παγίδευσης ιόντων ενσωματωμένη στις ροές εργασίας LC-HRMS για την αξιολόγηση της αυθεντικότητας του έξτρα παρθένου ελαιολάδου για τη διάκριση ποικιλίας και γεωγραφικής προέλευσης (Κεφάλαιο 5) και iv) Μη στοχευμένη 4D-μεταβολομική μελέτη νοθείας έξτρα παρθένου ελαιολάδου με ελαιόλαδα χαμηλότερης ποιότητας χρησιμοποιώντας LC-TIMS-HRMS.Είναι πεποίθησή μας πως η εκτενής και βαθιά ανάλυση των ροών εργασίας HRMS, που παρουσιάζεται μέσω αυτής της διατριβής, με στόχο τον εντοπισμό και την ποσοτικοποίηση των χημικών ενώσεων που είναι υπεύθυνες για την αυθεντικότητα του ελαιολάδου, θα συμβάλει στην καλύτερη κατανόηση του πολύπλοκου αναλυτικού τοπίου του ελαιολάδου.
Spin dynamics of spatially trapped polaritonic condensates
Authors: Μπάλας Ιωάννης
Published: November 2022

Μετρήθηκε η σπιν πόλωση παγιδευμένων πολαριτονικών συμπυκνωμάτων υπό συνεχή και παλμική διέγερση με χρονική ανάλυση ενός παλμού. Διαπιστώθηκε ισχυρή πόλωση πολαριτονικών συμπυκνωμάτων διεγερμένων με κυκλικά πολωμένη δέσμη laser για θερμοκρασίες έως και T = 200K. Για γραμμικά πολωμένη διέγερση, η στατιστική ανάλυση της σπιν πόλωσης των πολαριτονικών συμπυκνωμάτων δείχνει τον διαχωρισμό ανάμεσα σε δύο σπιν καταστάσεις για θερμοκρασίες εως T = 130K. Με τον διαχωρισμό των συμπυκνωμάτων από την θορυβώδη πηγή εξιτονίων, η σπίν πόλωση των πολαριτονικών συμπυκνωμάτων ενισχύεται καθιστώντας το σύστημα υποσχόμενο για χρήση σε κβαντικούς εξομοιωτές.
Interventions aiming to eliminate catastrophic costs due to tuberculosis: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Carballo-Jimenez Paula P. , Datta Sumona , Aguirre-Ipenza Rubén , Saunders Matthew J. , Quevedo Cruz Luz , Evans Carlton A.
Published: November 2022

Background: People with tuberculosis disease and their household members may suffer direct out-of-pocket expenses and indirect costs of lost income. These tuberculosis-related costs can worsen poverty, make tuberculosis treatment completion unaffordable, impair quality of life and increase the risk of death. Costs due to tuberculosis are usually defined as catastrophic if they exceed 20% of the pre-disease annual household income. The World Health Organisation strategy to “End TB” and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals include the target that no households should face catastrophic costs due to tuberculosis. However, there is limited evidence and policy concerning how this global priority of eliminating catastrophic costs due to tuberculosis should be achieved. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to address this knowledge gap.

Methods: Publications assessing interventions that aimed to eliminate catastrophic costs will be identified by searching three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) together with reference lists from pertinent publications. We will screen eligible studies, extract data, and assess the risk of bias with the quality assessment tool from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Discrepancies will be resolved by discussion between the reviewers. If we find sufficient comparable studies quantifying strategies to eliminate catastrophic costs then a meta-analysis will be performed. This systematic review and meta-analysis is registered with the PROSPERO database (CRD42022292410).

Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to rigorously assess the evidence for strategies to eliminate catastrophic costs due to tuberculosis.