bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An annotated checklist of earwigs (Dermaptera) of South India with two new records from India
Authors: KARTHIK C. M. , KALLESHWARASWAMY C. M.
Published: August 2023

The checklist of earwigs occurring in South India, viz., Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, was compiled from published literature and augmented by collecting efforts between 2020 and 2022. A total of 102 species belonging to 45 genera and eight families are listed herein from South India. Specimens representing 29 species were collected from the South Indian states during 2020–2022 surveys, of which Dendroiketes corticinus and Chaetospania anderssoni represent two new records for India. The highest number of species was recorded from Tamil Nadu (79 species), followed by Karnataka (39 species) and Kerala (26 species), while the least number were from Telangana (6) and Andhra Pradesh (4 species). The records indicated that the South Indian states, which cover a significant portion of the Western Ghats of India (Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu), are more diverse than previously indicated.
Intelligent high-type control based on evolutionary multi-objective optimization
Authors: Zhang Hanwen , Liu Qiong , Mao Yao
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we formulate high-type intelligent control as a multi-objective problem and apply evolutionary algorithms to search for optimal solutions. Specifically, we consider the metrics of the system in both the frequency domain and the time domain. Integrated time and absolute error is used as a performance metric in the time domain, while bandwidth is used as a measure in the frequency domain. Simultaneously, the amplitude margin and phase margin are used as constraints to ensure the stability of the high-type control system. Then, we adopt evolutionary algorithms to solve the formulated multi-objective problem. Unlike most of the existing approaches, we formulate intelligent high type control as a multi-objective optimization problem based on our knowledge about the control system. Furthermore, evolutionary algorithms are adopted to search for optimal solutions to real-world controlling systems. Extensive experiments are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed approach. Compared to the Z-N method and the extending symmetrical optimum criterion, our proposed method achieves an improvement in bandwidth of more than 126.6%, while reducing the overshoot by more than 56.8% and the settling time by more than 48.4% for all controlled objects used in the experiments. At the same time, the tracking errors of the ramp and parabolic signals are significantly reduced, which means this method effectively improves the system performance.
Recent advances in mechanistic, therapeutic, and diagnostic research of cerebrovascular diseases: updates from brain & BrainPET 2022
Authors: Guo Yunlu , Li Peiying , Boltze Johannes
Published: August 2023

Cerebrovascular dysfunction and diseases are major causes of mortality, morbidity, and poor quality of patient life. Despite the enormous socioeconomic burden imposed by these conditions, therapeutic options remain scarce. However, rigorous preclinical and clinical research has augmented our mechanistic understanding of cerebrovascular diseases and underlying pathophysiological processes, and there is some optimism that novel therapeutic strategies may be developed in the next decade. This special collection comprises preclinical and clinical studies from investigators who presented their work at the Brain & BrainPET 2022 conference. It highlights recent research on cerebrovascular disease mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatments. A focus is set on cerebroprotective strategies during acute and chronic cerebral ischemia and predicting stroke risk and unfavorable outcomes. The special collection also sheds light on emerging novel treatment targets and management strategies in the pursuit of better clinical outcomes for patients with cerebrovascular diseases.
Experimental and numerical studies on shear stud connectors under combined shear and tension force
Authors: An Ran , Wang Youzhi
Published: August 2023

Shear stud connections have been widely used in steel–concrete composite bridges, while research on shear studs under combined shear and tension force is still lacking. In this research, 18 specimens, including sixteen push–out specimens under different tension force ratios and two pull–out specimens were tested to study the failure modes, load–slip curves and shear capacity of shear stud connectors under combined shear and tension force. The experimental results show that both the shear capacity and shear stiffness decrease remarkably as the tension force ratio rises. The maximum reduction in shear capacity and in shear stiffness are 37.0% and 68.9%, respectively, when tension force ratio rises from 0 to 0.6. Shear slip and necking are both demonstrated in the failure mode of shear stud connectors when shear and tension forces are coupled. Numerical models were established using ABAQUS and verified by the experimental data to investigate the influence of concrete strength, reinforcement ratio and stud diameter thoroughly via parametric analysis. The results indicate that the shear capacity of shear stud connectors increases as concrete strength and stud diameter rise. Higher concrete strength and closer reinforcement spacing offer better collaborative deformation ability between the studs and the surrounding concrete, and also develop the ratio of the shear capacity under combined shear and tension force to the shear capacity under uniaxial shear force ( Vu/ Vuu). Equations to give prediction of the shear capacity integrated with concrete strength enhancement factor and to describe the load–slip curves of shear stud connectors under combined shear and tension force were proposed and proved to be more accurate.
Aging and the media in Spain: Reinforcement of ageism in times of COVID-19
Authors: Sánchez-Izquierdo Macarena , Cables-Chozas Lua , Villanueva-Pellitero Cristina , Fernández-Ballesteros Rocío
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has made older adults one of the main foci of media. This article explores age-related language through a comparative analysis of headlines in the five highest-circulation Spanish newspapers during the first and second waves of the 2020 pandemic and the 2 years before the pandemic. The results show a decrease in the frequency of headlines that represent older people as subjects of an action associated to positive affection, as well as an increase in representation of older adults as a homogenous group in a negative way, and an increase in ageist terms, especially “elders.” We discuss to what extent the COVID-19 pandemic can reinforce ageism and the possible repercussions.
Conducting comparative analyses of social justice leadership: Creating an international research team from diverse country, policy and education system contexts
Authors: Torrance Deirdre , Forde Christine , Harvie Julie , Mitchell Alison , King Fiona , McGowan Jean , Travers Joseph , Mahfouz Julia , Arlestig Helene , Mifsud Denise , Flood Lee , Angelle Pam , Chisolm Lorenda
Published: August 2023

This article is concerned with considerations for conducting comparative analyses, with a focus on the process of creating a diverse international research team committed to investigating equity issues in education and society. Following brief background information on the International School Leadership Development Network (ISLDN), provided to contextualise the author team and the article’s discussion, the main sections focus on conducting comparative equity research and related methodological considerations. The authors explore the development of specific research methods which they consider to hold significant potential for supporting comparative methodology: the Bacchi approach to policy analysis; and the Delphi method of eliciting the views of groups of respondents. The article offers new perspectives on conducting comparative analyses. The conclusion invites critical reflection on this research team’s development of understandings and methodological approaches to conducting comparative research to critique social justice leadership.
Adsorptive removal of stable and radioactive Pb(II) isotopes from aqueous solution using bentonite, zeolite and perlite: characterization, isotherm and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Uygun Osman , Güven Rufiyet , Çakal Gaye Ö.
Published: August 2023

In this study, stable and radioactive lead removal from aqueous solution by adsorption using bentonite, zeolite and perlite minerals obtained from various locations in Türkiye was studied in batch experiments. The adsorbents were first characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and then the physicochemical properties were determined. The effects of various factors that influence adsorption, such as solution pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial Pb2+ ion concentration, temperature and shaking rate, were studied. The adsorption of Pb2+ was modelled using the Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms. The adsorption capacities of the minerals for Pb2+ followed the order: bentonite > zeolite > perlite, and the maximum adsorption capacities were 131.6, 36.1 and 21.5 mg g–1, respectively. The adsorption data fit well with the Langmuir isotherm. The bonding of lead ions on the adsorbents was confirmed by XRF and FTIR analyses after the adsorption process. The adsorption of Pb2+ ions on the adsorbents was spontaneous and endothermic. The adsorption process took place by cation exchange in addition to electrostatic interaction. Furthermore, radioactive 210Pb2+ adsorption on bentonite, zeolite and perlite was studied, with the analyte being analysed using a liquid scintillation counter. It was seen that in addition to Pb(II) ions, these minerals also adsorbed the radioactive decay products of 210Pb, which were 210Po and 210Bi. The removal percentages of 210Pb were 95%, 38% and 30% and those of 210Po were 75%, 60% and 74% for bentonite, zeolite and perlite, respectively.
BaPreS: a software tool for predicting bacteriocins using an optimal set of features
Authors: Akhter Suraiya , Miller John H.
Published: August 2023

Background

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern around the globe. As a result, researchers always look for new compounds to develop new antibiotic drugs for combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Bacteriocin becomes a promising antimicrobial agent to fight against antibiotic resistance, due to cases of both broad and narrow killing spectra. Sequence matching methods are widely used to identify bacteriocins by comparing them with the known bacteriocin sequences; however, these methods often fail to detect new bacteriocin sequences due to their high diversity. The ability to use a machine learning approach can help find new highly dissimilar bacteriocins for developing highly effective antibiotic drugs. The aim of this work is to develop a machine learning-based software tool called BaPreS (Bacteriocin Prediction Software) using an optimal set of features for detecting bacteriocin protein sequences with high accuracy. We extracted potential features from known bacteriocin and non-bacteriocin sequences by considering the physicochemical and structural properties of the protein sequences. Then we reduced the feature set using statistical justifications and recursive feature elimination technique. Finally, we built support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF) models using the selected features and utilized the best machine learning model to implement the software tool.

Results

We applied BaPreS to an established dataset and evaluated its prediction performance. Acquired results show that the software tool can achieve a prediction accuracy of 95.54% for testing protein sequences. This tool allows users to add new bacteriocin or non-bacteriocin sequences in the training dataset to further enhance the predictive power of the tool. We compared the prediction performance of the BaPreS with a popular sequence matching-based tool and a deep learning-based method, and our software tool outperformed both.

Conclusions

BaPreS is a bacteriocin prediction tool that can be used to discover new highly dissimilar bacteriocins for developing highly effective antibiotic drugs. This software tool can be used with Windows, Linux and macOS operating systems. The open-source software package and its user manual are available athttps://github.com/suraiya14/BaPreS.
Molecular regulatory mechanism of key LncRNAs in subclinical mastitic cows with folic acid supplementation
Authors: Liu Xueqin , Mi Siyuan , Li Wenlong , Zhang Jinning , Augustino Serafino M. A. , Zhang Zhichao , Zhang Ruiqiang , Xiao Wei , Yu Ying
Published: August 2023

Background

Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin (B9), which is closely related to the body’s immune and other metabolic pathways. The folic acid synthesized by rumen microbes has been unable to meet the needs of high-yielding dairy cows. The incidence rate of subclinical mastitis in dairy herds worldwide ranged between 25%~65% with no obvious symptoms, but it significantly causes a decrease in lactation and milk quality. Therefore, this study aims at exploring the effects of folic acid supplementation on the expression profile of lncRNAs, exploring the molecular mechanism by which lncRNAs regulate immunity in subclinical mastitic dairy cows.

Results

The analysis identified a total of 4384 lncRNA transcripts. Subsequently, differentially expressed lncRNAs in the comparison of two groups (SF vs. SC, HF vs. HC) were identified to be 84 and 55 respectively. Furthermore, the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and the KEGG enrichment analysis result showed that folic acid supplementation affects inflammation and immune response-related pathways. The two groups have few pathways in common. One important lncRNA MSTRG.11108.1 and its target genes (ICAM1, CCL3, CCL4, etc.) were involved in immune-related pathways. Finally, through integrated analysis of lncRNAs with GWAS data and animal QTL database, we found that differential lncRNA and its target genes could be significantly enriched in SNPs and QTLs related to somatic cell count (SCC) and mastitis, such as MSTRG.11108.1 and its target gene ICAM1, CXCL3, GRO1.

Conclusions

For subclinical mastitic cows, folic acid supplementation can significantly affect the expression of immune-related pathway genes such as ICAM1 by regulating lncRNAs MSTRG.11108.1, thereby affecting related immune phenotypes. Our findings laid a ground foundation for theoretical and practical application for feeding folic acid supplementation in subclinical mastitic cows.
The role of proadrenomedullin, interleukin 6 and CD64 in the diagnosis and prognosis of septic shock
Authors: Turan Yasemin Bozkurt
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Sepsis and septic shock are disorders of tissue perfusion and microcirculation associated with increased mortality. The role of biomarkers such as proadrenomedullin (PRO-ADM), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and neutrophil CD64 (CD64) in the diagnosis and prognosis of septic shock has been studied.

Methods

GCS, SOFA score, APACHE 2 score, lactate, CRP, procalcitonin, PRO-ADM, IL-6, CD64 level and 28-day mortality were evaluated in patients with septic shock followed-up in the intensive care unit of Marmara University Hospital between July 2021 and December 2021. The study was planned as prospective, non-drug clinical research Committee.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between patient groups in gender, BMI, and presence of comorbidities (p > 0.05). The alive patient group had significantly higher GCS values and lower SOFA, APACHE 2, lactate and CD64 values than the dead patient group (p < 0.01). The cut-off values of laboratory parameters were determined using ROC analysis to predict mortality, SOFA and CD64 had high AUC. This is also a good indicator for mortality.The multivariate logistic regression model was estimated using the backward selection method. The mortality of ICU patients was predicted by a SOFA-value ≥ 12 (OR (95%CI) = 56.13 (5.44–578.64)), CD64 value ≥ 28.54 (OR (95% CI) = 23.78 (2.61–216.85)), and ADM-value ≥ 86.79 (OR (95% CI) = 15.86 (1.02–246.49)) (p < 0.05) .

Conclusion

In conclusion, serum CD64 level, PRO-ADM level, and SOFA score proved to be effective parameters for predicting prognosis and mortality in septic shock. However, IL-6 proved to be a weak biomarker and failed to predict mortality. CD64, which is easier and more practical to use, can be used instead of the SOFA score.
Potentially traumatic experiences pre-migration and adverse pregnancy and childbirth outcomes among women of Somali- and Kurdish-origin in Finland
Authors: Majlander Satu , Kinnunen Tarja I. , Lilja Eero , Gissler Mika , Castaneda Anu E , Lehtoranta Lara , Koponen Päivikki
Published: August 2023

Background

Women in precarious conditions in their countries of origin, especially those who have left the country as refugees, may have been victims of serious mental and physical violence. These potentially traumatic experiences may threaten women’s reproductive health. This study examines the prevalence of potentially traumatic experiences pre-migration and female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and their associations with adverse reproductive outcomes among migrant women of Somali- and Kurdish-origin who have been pregnant in Finland.

Methods

Survey and register data of the participants of the Finnish Migrant Health and Wellbeing Study (Maamu), conducted in 2010–2012, were used. Women of 18 to 64 years of age, 185 Somali- and 230 Kurdish-origin, who had at least one pregnancy or birth in Finland were included in the analysis. The survey data were linked to the Finnish Medical Birth Register, the Register of Induced Abortions, and the Care Register for Health Care until 2018. For each outcome, logistic regression was used and adjusted for age, body mass index, time lived in Finland, and the number of births.

Results

A total of 67% of Somali-origin and 71% of Kurdish-origin women had experienced potentially traumatic experiences pre-migration and 64% of Somali- and 32% of Kurdish-origin women had also undergone FGM/C. In Kurdish-origin women, complications during pregnancy (e.g. bleeding in the first trimester, known or suspected fetal abnormality, signs of fetal hypoxia, death of the fetus and other problems) were significantly more common among women without potentially traumatic experiences (70%) than among women with potentially traumatic experiences (48%) (p-value 0.005). No associations between potentially traumatic experiences or FGM/C and other adverse reproductive outcomes were observed among Somali- or Kurdish-origin women.

Conclusion

Past trauma is common among Somali- and Kurdish-origin women and this needs to be evaluated in maternity care. However, we found no association between potentially traumatic experiences pre-migration and adverse reproductive outcomes.
Efficacy and safety of venetoclax combined with hypomethylating agents for relapse of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome post allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Du Yufeng , Li Chunhong , Zhao Zhijia , Liu Yikun , Zhang Chengtao , Yan Jinsong
Published: August 2023

Background

Currently, there is no standard treatment for managing relapse in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (AML/MDS) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Venetoclax-based therapies have been increasingly used for treating post-transplantation relapse of AML. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and adverse events of Venetoclax combined with hypomethylating agents (HMAs) for AML/MDS relapse post-transplantation.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Excerpta Medica Database, Cochrane Library, and Clinical. gov for eligible studies from the inception to February 2022. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies was used to evaluate the quality of the included literatures. The inverse variance method calculated the pooled proportion and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

This meta-analysis included 10 studies involving a total of 243 patients. The pooled complete response and complete response with incomplete blood count recovery rate of Venetoclax combined with HMAs for post-transplantation relapse in AML/MDS was 32% (95% CI, 26-39%, I2 = 0%), with an overall response rate of 48% (95% CI, 39-56%, I2 = 37%). The 6-month survival rate was 42% (95% CI, 29-55%, I2 = 62%) and the 1-year survival rate was 23% (95% CI, 11-38%, I2 = 78%).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated a moderate benefit of Venetoclax in combination with HMAs for patients with relapsed AML/MDS post-transplantation (including those who have received prior HMAs therapy), and may become one of treatment options in the future. Large-scale prospective studies are needed to confirm the potential benefit from venetoclax combined with HMAs.
Attachment, suicidal behavior, and self-harm in childhood and adolescence: a study of a cohort of Brazilian schoolchildren
Authors: Silva Filho Orli Carvalho da , Avanci Joviana Quintes , Pires Thiago de Oliveira , de Vasconcellos Carvalhaes Oliveira Raquel , Assis Simone Gonçalves
Published: August 2023

Background

Attachment influences the development and the formation of the self and subjectivity and, just as early adverse events, may be related to the occurrence of mental disorders, suicidal behavior, and self-harm throughout life. This study aimed to analyze the effect of mental representation of attachment in children on suicidal behavior and self-harm throughout childhood and adolescence, considering the mediating role of internalizing problems.

Methods

Based on a cohort of 500 students (mean age 8 years, SD 1.2) sampled from public schools in a Brazilian southeastern metropolis, 316 children were followed for eight years in three waves (2006, 2008, 2012). The following data from the research baseline (2005) were used: family drawing, maternal and family variables, and sociodemographic data. The mental representation of attachment (independent variable) was measured by the Family Drawing Global Scale, discriminating between secure attachment and non-secure attachment. Suicidal behavior/self-harm (dependent variable) and internalizing problems were evaluated in three research waves through CBCL and YSR (ASEBA). Descriptive analysis, calculation of frequencies and p-values of the variables of interest, as well as modeling of structural equations, were performed.

Results

The prevalence throughout the study was: 17.1% [CI 13.3–20.8] for suicidal ideation and 8.9% [CI 5.6 – 12.2] for self-harm; there was a recurrence at one time in 16.5% [IC 12.6 – 20.3] and in two or more moments in 4.1% [CI 2.0 – 6.3] of the sample. Female gender (p = 0.035), internalizing disorders (p < 0.01), and non-secure attachment (p = 0.035) were associated with the occurrence of suicidal behavior/self-harm. The modeling indicated that 92,2% of the total effect of attachment (p = 0.069) on suicidal behavior/self-harm was due to direct effect, the other 7,8% of the effect being mediated by internalizing problems, adjusted for the confounding variables sex, skin color/race, and social stratum. The total effect showed a positive value, which indicates an increase in suicidal behavior/self-harm when the non-secure attachment is present. The approximate OR of non-secure attachment on the total effect (direct + indirect) was 1.15, indicating that, when adjusting for confounding variables, there was a 15% increase in suicidal behavior/self-injury from non-secure attachment.

Conclusions

The study supports the hypothesis that there is a relationship between disruptive attachment patterns (non-secure attachment) developed during infancy and suicidal and self-harm behavior during childhood and adolescence. These findings validate the concern about the first thousand days of childhood as a critical period for child growth and development, but also for the mental health of children and adolescents.
Knowledge, willingness, uptake and barriers of cervical cancer screening services among Chinese adult females: a national cross-sectional survey based on a large e-commerce platform
Authors: Zhang Bo , Wang Sumeng , Yang Xiyu , Chen Mingyang , Ren Wenhui , Bao Yanping , Qiao Youlin
Published: August 2023

Background

Improving the coverage rate of cervical cancer screening is a challenge mission for cervical cancer elimination. This study attempted to assess the knowledge, willingness, and uptake of cervical cancer screening services among Chinese females and determined associated factors.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional online survey conducted in China from March to April 2022. Information on demographic characteristics, knowledge, willingness, and uptake of cervical cancer screening was collected through a large e-commerce platform. Women aged 18–65 were included in the analysis. Logistic regression analysis was employed to detect the possible factors associated with knowledge, willingness, and screening participation.

Results

A total of 4518 women (37.83 ± 9.14 years) were included in the final analysis, of whom 87.16% (n = 3938) lived in urban areas. About 93.40% (n = 4220) of the respondents reported hearing of cervical cancer screening. The median score of knowledge about cervical cancer was 16 out of 26. Over 84% (n = 3799) of the respondents were willing to receive regular cervical cancer screening. Nearly 40% (n = 1785) had never received cervical cancer screening. Among the screened women, 21.26% (n = 581), 35.24% (n = 1151), and 42.37% (n = 1158) were screened through a national cervical cancer screening program, employee physical examination, and self-paid physical examination, respectively. Knowledge was positively associated with willingness and screening participation. Age, marital status, occupation, monthly household income, and HPV vaccination history could influence screening participation (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Though women had high-level awareness and strong participation willingness in cervical cancer screening, the overall screening coverage among Chinese women was still low. Besides, the knowledge about cervical cancer was still limited. Comprehensive health education should be enhanced by utilizing social media platforms and medical workers. It is also important to promote national free cervical cancer screening with high-performance screening methods.
A new marker constructed from immune-related lncRNA pairs can be used to predict clinical treatment effects and prognosis: in-depth exploration of underlying mechanisms in HNSCC
Authors: Fan Xin , Huang Yuhan , Zhong Yun , Yan Yujie , Li Jiaqi , Fan Yanting , Xie Fei , Luo Qing , Zhang Zhiyuan
Published: August 2023

Background

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays a vital role in tumor proliferation, migration, and treatment. Since it is challenging to standardize the gene expression levels detected by different platforms, the signatures composed of many immune-related single lncRNAs are still inaccurate. Utilizing a gene pair formed of two immune-related lncRNAs and strategically assigning values can effectively meet the demand for a higher-accuracy dual biomarker combination.

Methods

Co-expression and differential expression analyses were performed on immune genes and lncRNAs data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the ImmPort database to obtain differentially expressed immune-related lncRNAs for pairwise pairing. The prognostic-related differentially expressed immune-related lncRNAs (PR-DE-irlncRNAs) pairs were then identified by univariate Cox regression and used for lasso regression to construct a prognostic model. Various methods were used to validate the predictive prognostic performance of the model. Additionally, we explored the potential guiding value of the model in immunotherapy and chemotherapy and constructed a nomogram suitable for efficient prognosis prediction. Mechanistic exploration of anti-tumor immunity and mutational perspectives are also included. We also analyzed the correlation between the model and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-related, N6-methyadenosine (m6A)-related, and multidrug resistance genes.

Results

We used a total of 20 pairs of PR-DE-irlncRNAs to create a prognosis model. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction experiments further verified the abnormal expression of 11 lncRNAs in HNSCC cells. Various methods have confirmed the excellent performance of the model in predicting patient prognosis. We reasoned that lncRNAs/TP53 mutation might play a positive/negative anti-tumor role through the immune system by multi-perspective analyses. Finally, it was found that the prognostic model was closely related to immunotherapy and chemotherapy as well as the expression of ICIs/m6A/multidrug resistance-related genes.

Conclusion

The prognostic model performs excellently in predicting the prognosis of patients and provides the potential value of practical guidance for treatment.
Sonographic changes in the thyroid gland after sclerotherapy with doxycycline can be mistaken for thyroid cancer
Authors: Raeymaeckers Steven , Tosi Maurizio , Sol Bastiaan , De Mey Johan
Published: August 2023

Background

The literature considers sclerotherapy to be a safe and effective treatment for benign thyroid cysts. No subsequent diagnostic problems have been reported as a complication. We report the occurrence of focal inflammation after said therapy, mimicking a thyroid malignancy.

Case presentation

We report a case of a young male with a solitary strongly suspicious lesion in the thyroid. The patient had undergone prior sclerotherapy of a thyroid cyst with Doxycycline. The lesion appeared to be a focal area of inflammation and thus iatrogenic in nature. Systemic use of doxycycline is known to sometimes cause a non-immune chemical thyroiditis, dubbed as black thyroid due to the intense black discoloration of the thyroid. It might be that the instillation of doxycycline was responsible for a similar, more localized area of thyroiditis.

Conclusions

For the work-up of a solitary suspicious thyroid lesion, the medical history of the patient should always be considered. In case of prior ipsilateral sclerotherapy, a reactive inflammatory response may mimic thyroid malignancy. A fine needle aspiration should be performed to exclude thyroid cancer. Treatment is not necessary; the process appears to be self-limiting as evidenced in the follow-up of this case.
Phase I study evaluating the Fc-optimized FLT3 antibody FLYSYN in AML patients with measurable residual disease
Authors: Heitmann Jonas S. , Schlenk Richard F. , Dörfel Daniela , Kayser Sabine , Döhner Konstanze , Heuser Michael , Thol Felicitas , Kapp-Schwoerer Silke , Labrenz Jannik , Edelmann Dominic , Märklin Melanie , Vogel Wichard , Bethge Wolfgang , Walz Juliane S. , Große-Hovest Ludger , Steiner Martin , Jung Gundram , Salih Helmut R.
Published: August 2023

Background

About half of AML patients achieving complete remission (CR) display measurable residual disease (MRD) and eventually relapse. FLYSYN is an Fc-optimized antibody for eradication of MRD directed to FLT3/CD135, which is abundantly expressed on AML cells.

Methods

This first-in-human, open-label, single-arm, multicenter trial included AML patients in CR with persisting or increasing MRD and evaluated safety/tolerability, pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy of FLYSYN at different dose levels administered intravenously (cohort 1–5: single dose of 0.5 mg/m2, 1.5 mg/m2, 5 mg/m2, 15 mg/m2, 45 mg/m2; cohort 6: 15 mg/m2 on day 1, 15 and 29). Three patients were treated per cohort except for cohorts 4 and 6, which were expanded to nine and ten patients, respectively. Primary objective was safety, and secondary efficacy objective was ≥ 1 log MRD reduction or negativity in bone marrow.

Results

Overall, 31 patients were treated, of whom seven patients (22.6%) experienced a transient decrease in neutrophil count (two grade 3, others ≤ grade 2). No infusion-related reaction or dose-limiting toxicity was observed. Adverse events (AEs) were mostly mild to moderate, with the most frequent AEs being hematologic events and laboratory abnormalities. Response per predefined criteria was documented in 35% of patients, and two patients maintained MRD negativity until end of study. Application of 45 mg/m2 FLYSYN as single or cumulative dose achieved objective responses in 46% of patients, whereas 28% responded at lower doses.

Conclusions

FLYSYN monotherapy is safe and well-tolerated in AML patients with MRD. Early efficacy data are promising and warrant further evaluation in an up-coming phase II trial.

Trial registration This clinical is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02789254).
The indicative role of inflammatory index in the progression of periodontal attachment loss
Authors: Zhang Wenhao , Zhang Yulong , Jin Cong , Fang Ruihan , Hua Ruixue , Zang Xiaodong , Zhang Hengguo
Published: August 2023

Objective

To explore the forewarning immunological indicators during periodontal attachment loss progression in American adults.

Methods

A total of 5744 participants with periodontal attachment loss were enrolled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2009–2014. In which, dependent variable was the counts of teeth with severe attachment loss (depth of periodontal probing was above 5 mm). Independent variables were circulatory immunological indexes, including counts of white blood cells (WBC), Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Neutrophils, Eosinophils, and Basophils. The association among variables was examined using multivariable linear regression models, fitting with smoothing curves, and generalizing additive models.

Results

Based on the indicators of 5744 subjects, we found that severe attachment loss tended to occur in the elderly or males and was accompanied by higher WBC, Monocytes, and Neutrophils, as well as lower poverty-income ratio and educational qualification. WBC (above the inflection point: 6200 cells/µL) and Neutrophils (above the inflection point: 3300 cells/µL) counts were positively associated with attachment loss progression in each multivariable linear regression model. On subgroup analyses, stratified by sex and race, the positive correlation of WBC or Neutrophils with severe attachment loss was stable in both men and women, as well as in all races except blacks (WBC β = − 0.0576, 95% CI − 0.1945 to 0.0793, Neutrophils β = − 0.0527, 95% CI − 0.2285 to 0.1231).

Conclusion

Increasing WBC (above 6200 cells/µL) and Neutrophils (above 3300 cells/µL) counts were risk indicators of severe periodontal attachment loss among all races, except in blacks.
Insomnia
Authors: Kutscher Scott , Juang Christine
Published: August 2023

Objective

This article provides an overview of the current definitions, diagnostic tools, and overall management of insomnia.

Latest Developments

The treatment of insomnia has shifted over time, with a growing emphasis on nonpharmacologic therapies as a first-line intervention and the leveraging of technology to aid in the dissemination of these therapies. With this evolution, the definition of insomnia has changed to reflect a common treatment pathway. As pharmacologic treatment options have increased, so has concern about the dangerous short-term and long-term adverse effects of these treatment options.

Essential Points

Insomnia is a common disorder, frequently overlapping with other neurologic and psychiatric disorders, which can cause significant distress and disruption to patients’ lives. Nonpharmacologic therapies are highly effective and are now considered first-line treatments. Although efficacy is variable, numerous pharmacologic interventions are available, and many options come with considerable concern about adverse effects, particularly in populations over 65 years old.
Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorders
Authors: Consens Flavia B.
Published: August 2023

OBJECTIVE

This article provides an overview of advances in the understanding of circadian rhythms and the health implications of circadian disruption.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Circadian medicine is a relatively new concept, with widespread overlap with many other areas of medicine. Circadian clocks rely on feedback loops that control the expression of many genes. Functional circadian oscillators exist at multiple physiologic levels and facilitate a multimodal clock mechanism. The suprachiasmatic nucleus is the central circadian pacemaker. Peripheral tissues can be entrained by other stimuli (such as food intake) and can uncouple from the suprachiasmatic nucleus pacemaker; this discovery may provide new therapeutic options for circadian rhythm disorders. Numerous modern developments have altered our circadian clocks and these changes are associated with poor health outcomes.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

Circadian clocks are ubiquitous throughout our body and regulate multiple body functions. Several studies have highlighted that circadian disruption can result in significant negative mental and physical health consequences. A deeper understanding of the effects of misalignment between our circadian clocks and the external environment may ultimately have therapeutic implications for our health.
Sleep Deprivation and Its Consequences
Authors: Chernyshev Oleg Y.
Published: August 2023

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews the clinical, cognitive, behavioral, and physiologic consequences of sleep deprivation in relation to general neurology practice.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Despite being one of the most common sleep problems in modern society, the role of sleep deprivation is underrecognized and underestimated in clinical medicine and general neurology practice. The recognition, diagnosis, and management of sleep deprivation in neurologic practice have only recently received close attention. The consequences of sleep deprivation involve all aspects of general neurology practice, including individuals with neurologic disease, neurologists, communities, and health care systems. The identification and timely management of sleep deprivation symptoms may help to improve symptoms of underlying primary neurologic disorders.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

This article emphasizes complexities related to the identification and evaluation of sleep deprivation in general neurology practice and describes the consequences of sleep deprivation. By recognizing sleep deprivation in patients with neurologic conditions, the neurologist can provide comprehensive care and contribute to improved clinical and neurologic outcomes.
Implications of Sleep Health Policy: Daylight Saving and School Start Times
Authors: Johnson Karin G. , Malow Beth A.
Published: August 2023

Two proposed public policies, ending seasonal clock change with a transition to permanent Standard Time and moving middle school and high school start times later, are population-based initiatives to improve sleep health. Daylight Saving Time and early school start times are associated with reduced sleep duration and increased circadian misalignment, the effects of which impact not only long-term health outcomes including obesity, cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease, and cancer, but also mental health, academics, workforce productivity, and safety outcomes. This article highlights studies that led to the endorsement of these public policies by multiple scientific and medical organizations. Neurologists should advocate at the state and federal levels and educate the population about the importance of sleep health.
The Cultural Decline of the Chilean Model: The Aftermath of the 2019 Social Uprising
Authors: Undurraga Tomás , Gárate Manuel
Published: August 2023

This article examines the debates surrounding Chile's economic model after the 2019 social uprising. It does so by studying how the leading columnists in the Chilean print media discussed the country's economic model between 2019 and 2021. The social uprising shook the political stability, social order, and economic certainty that had characterized the Chilean model for thirty years. Further, the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic triggered a triple crisis—socioeconomic, political, and medical—that raised serious questions as to the market model's ability to guarantee social security. The analysis of the public debate shows how two landmarks of the Chilean model, namely, its legitimacy as a development path and the exclusive right of economists to discuss the economy, were subjected to questioning. The columnists' debate reflects a model in crisis that contrasts drastically with the optimistic narrative of Chile as a “model” country in Latin America. The 2019 social uprising also marked a critical shift in both the ways in which the economy is discussed and who is authorized to legitimately debate economic issues in the public sphere, thus constituting a break from the technocratic consensus regarding market-led policies. If the aftermath of the social uprising triggered the cultural decline of the Chilean model as a dispositive to justify market-oriented policies, the way in which the economy is publicly discussed also changed radically.
Aportes A La Redefinición Del Perfil Profesional En Relaciones Internacionales Ante Desafíos De La Inserción Laboral | Contributions To The Redefinition Of The Professional Profile In International Relations Considering The Challenges Of Labor Insertion
Authors: Pesuto Carolina , Martínez Carolina
Published: August 2023

RESUMENLa inserción profesional para los graduados de la Licenciatura en Relaciones Internacionales puede ser caracterizada como variable, amplia, flexible y en constante expansión. Ello plantea diversos desafíos al momento de abordar el tránsito del mundo académico al ámbito laboral. En este sentido, el objetivo de esta investigación es dar cuenta de las características del perfil profesional de RRII en base a la experiencia de formación del Seminario de Prácticas Preprofesionales de la Licenciatura en RRII de la Facultad de Ciencia Política y RRII de la Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Dicho propósito se logra mediante la operacionalización y medición del concepto a través de fuentes de información primarias y secundarias. Entre las principales conclusiones se destaca, en las mediciones, un creciente ascenso de la dimensión económica empresarial dentro del perfil profesional en RRII superando a la tradicional dimensión política institucional y a la dimensión humanística académica. Este fenómeno puede explicarse teniendo en cuenta las tendencias globalizadoras sociopolíticas y económicas y sus impactos en las dinámicas del mundo laboral expandiendo constantemente el campo de inserción del perfil profesional de la disciplina.Palabras Claves: Perfil Profesional, Relaciones Internacionales, Inserción Laboral.  ABSTRACTThe professional insertion for the graduates of the Degree in International Relations can be characterized as variable, wide, flexible and in constant expansion. This poses various challenges when addressing the transition from the academic world to the workplace. In this sense, the objective of this research is to account for the characteristics of the professional profile of International Relations based on the training experience of the Seminar on Pre-professional Practices of the Degree in International Relations of the Faculty of Political Science and International Relations of the national University of Rosario. Said purpose is achieved through the operationalization and measurement of the concept through primary and secondary information sources. Among the main conclusions, it stands out, in the measurements, a growing rise in the business economic dimension within the professional profile in International Relations, surpassing the traditional institutional political dimension and the academic humanistic dimension. This phenomenon can be explained taking into account the sociopolitical and economic globalizing trends and their impacts on the dynamics of the world of work, constantly expanding the field of insertion of the professional profile of the discipline.Keywords: Professional Profile, International Relations, Job Insertion.
Getting the right financial support for your patients
Authors: Winchester Claire
Published: August 2023

With a cost of living crisis, the increasing costs associated with a multiple sclerosis diagnosis and the potential of a reduced income because of fewer working hours or early retirement, can have huge ramifications for your patients and their loved ones. Claire Winchester from the MS Trust explains the work that they are doing to help you support your patients through these financial uncertainties and difficulties.
Divergent combinations of cis-regulatory elements control the evolution of phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Dardiry Mohannad , Eberhard Gabi , Witte Hanh , Rödelsperger Christian , Lightfoot James W. , Sommer Ralf J.
Published: August 2023

The widespread occurrence of phenotypic plasticity across all domains of life demonstrates its evolutionary significance. However, how plasticity itself evolves and how it contributes to evolution is poorly understood. Here, we investigate the predatory nematode Pristionchus pacificus with its feeding structure plasticity using recombinant-inbred-line and quantitative-trait-locus (QTL) analyses between natural isolates. We show that a single QTL at a core developmental gene controls the expression of the cannibalistic morph. This QTL is composed of several cis-regulatory elements. Through CRISPR/Cas-9 engineering, we identify copy number variation of potential transcription factor binding sites that interacts with a single intronic nucleotide polymorphism. Another intronic element eliminates gene expression altogether, mimicking knockouts of the locus. Comparisons of additional isolates further support the rapid evolution of these cis-regulatory elements. Finally, an independent QTL study reveals evidence for parallel evolution at the same locus. Thus, combinations of cis-regulatory elements shape plastic trait expression and control nematode cannibalism.
Burden and risk factors of snakebite in Mopeia, Mozambique: Leveraging larger malaria trials to generate data of this neglected tropical disease
Authors: O’Bryan Emma , Imputiua Saimado , Elobolobo Eldo , Nicolas Patricia , Montana Julia , Jamisse Edgar , Munguambe Humberto , Casellas Aina , Ruiz-Castillo Paula , Rabinovich Regina , Saute Francisco , Sacoor Charfudin , Chaccour Carlos
Published: August 2023

Background

Snakebite is a neglected disease that disproportionally affects the rural poor. There is a dearth of evidence regarding incidence and risk factors in snakebite-endemic countries. Without this basic data, it will be impossible to achieve the target of a 50% reduction of snakebite morbidity and mortality by 2030 as set by the World Health Organization.

Methods

This was a descriptive analysis nested in a 2021 community-based demographic survey of over 70,000 individuals conducted in Mopeia, Mozambique, in preparation for a cluster randomized trial to test an intervention for malaria. We describe the incidence rate, demographics, socioeconomic indicators and outcomes of snakebite in this population.

Findings

We found the incidence of self-reported snakebite in Mopeia to be 393 bites per 100,000 person-years at risk, with 2% of households affected in the preceding 12 months. Whilst no fatalities were recorded, over 3,000 days of work or school days were lost with an individual household economic impact higher than that of uncomplicated malaria. 1 in 6 of those affected did not fully recover at the time of the study. We found significant relationships between age older than 15, use of firewood for household fuel, and animal possession with snakebite.

Conclusions

This study exposes higher than expected incidence and burden of snakebite in rural Mozambique. Whilst snakebite elimination in Mozambique seems unattainable today, it remains a preventable disease with manageable sequelae. We have shown that snakebite research is particularly easy to nest in larger studies, making this a practical and cost-effective way of estimating its incidence.