bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-referral intranasal artesunate powder for cerebral malaria: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Kouakou Yobouet Ines , Millet Aurelien , Fromentin Elodie , Hauchard Nathalie , Farias Gonçalo , Fieux Maxime , Coudert Aurelie , Omorou Roukayatou , Bin Sa’id Ibrahim , Lavoignat Adeline , Bonnot Guillaume , Bienvenu Anne-Lise , Picot Stephane
Published: October 2022

Background

Malaria still kills young children in rural endemic areas because early treatment is not available. Thus, the World Health Organization recommends the administration of artesunate suppositories as pre-referral treatment before transportation to the hospital in case of severe symptoms with an unavailable parenteral and oral treatment. However, negative cultural perception of the rectal route, and limited access to artesunate suppositories, could limit the use of artesunate suppositories. There is, therefore, a need for an alternative route for malaria pre-referral treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of intranasal route for malaria pre-referral treatment.

Methods

The permeability of artesunate through human nasal mucosa was tested in vitro. The Transepithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) of the nasal mucosa was followed during the permeation tests. Beside, regional deposition of artesunate powder was assessed with an unidose drug delivery device in each nostril of a nasal cast. Artesunate quantification was performed using Liquid Chromatography coupled to tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Results

The experimental model of human nasal mucosa was successfully implemented. Using this model, artesunate powder showed a much better passage rate through human nasal mucosa than solution (26.8 ± 6.6% versus 2.1 ± 0.3%). More than half (62.3%) of the artesunate dose sprayed in the nostrils of the nasal cast was recovered in the olfactory areas (44.7 ± 8.6%) and turbinates (17.6 ± 3.3%) allowing nose-to-brain and systemic drug diffusion, respectively.

Conclusion

Artesunate powder showed a good permeation efficiency on human nasal mucosa. Moreover it can be efficiently sprayed in the nostrils using unidose device to reach the olfactory area leading to a fast nose-to-brain delivery as well as a systemic effect. Taken together, those results are part of the proof-of-concept for the use of intranasal artesunate as a malaria pre-referral treatment.
Exosomes: mediators regulating the phenotypic transition of vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis
Authors: Yao Jiali , Cai Linqian , Chen Yingrui , Zhang Jie , Zhuang Wenwen , Liang Jingyan , Li Hongliang
Published: October 2022

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of human mortality worldwide, mainly due to atherosclerosis (AS), and the phenotypic transition of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a key event in the development of AS. Exosomes contain a variety of specific nucleic acids and proteins that mediate intercellular communication. The role of exosomes in AS has attracted attention. This review uses the VSMC phenotypic transition in AS as the entry point, introduces the effect of exosomes on AS from different perspectives, and discusses the status quo, deficiencies, and potential future directions in this field to provide new ideas for clinical research and treatment of AS.
STAT3/miR-130b-3p/MBNL1 feedback loop regulated by mTORC1 signaling promotes angiogenesis and tumor growth
Authors: Li Hongwu , Liu Ping , Li Dapeng , Wang Zixi , Ding Zhao , Zhou Meng , Chen Xu , Miao Manli , Ding Junli , Lin Wei , Liu Yehai , Zha Xiaojun
Published: October 2022

Background

Aberrantly activated mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) plays a vital role in tumor angiogenesis, but its precise mechanisms are still unclear.

Methods

Micro-RNA-130b-3p (miR-130b-3p) expression in mTORC1-activated and control cells was examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). MiR-130b-3p levels and their correlation with mTORC1 activity were evaluated by analyzing publicly available databases and in-house head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissues. The role of miR-130b-3p in mTORC1-mediated angiogenesis and tumor growth was examined using tube formation assay, chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay, cell line − derived xenograft models, and an HNSCC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. The regulatory mechanisms among signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), miR-130b-3p, and muscleblind-like protein 1 (MBNL1) were investigated via bioinformatics analyses, qRT-PCR, western blot, RNA immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, luciferase reporter assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay.

Results

Elevated miR-130b-3p enhanced the angiogenic and tumorigenic abilities of mTORC1-activated cells both in vitro and in vivo. STAT3, a downstream effector of mTORC1, transactivated miR-130b-3p by direct binding promoter of the miR-130b gene. MBNL1 was identified as a direct target of miR-130b-3p. MBNL1 depletion rescued the compromised angiogenesis and tumor growth caused by miR-130b-3p inhibition. MiR-130b-3p levels were significantly upregulated and positively correlated with mTORC1 signaling in multiple cancers. MiR-130b-3p inhibition attenuated tumor angiogenesis and growth in an HNSCC PDX model. MBNL1 feedback inhibited STAT3 activation in mTORC1-activated cells.

Conclusions

The STAT3/miR-130b-3p/MBNL1 feedback loop plays a vital role in mTORC1-mediated angiogenesis and tumor progression. This pathway could be targeted for therapeutic intervention of mTORC1-related cancers.
Fetal exposure to phthalates and bisphenols and DNA methylation at birth: the Generation R Study
Authors: Sol Chalana M. , Gaylord Abigail , Santos Susana , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Felix Janine F. , Trasande Leonardo
Published: October 2022

Background

Phthalates and bisphenols are non-persistent endocrine disrupting chemicals that are ubiquitously present in our environment and may have long-lasting health effects following fetal exposure. A potential mechanism underlying these exposure–outcome relationships is differential DNA methylation. Our objective was to examine the associations of maternal phthalate and bisphenol concentrations during pregnancy with DNA methylation in cord blood using a chemical mixtures approach.

Methods

This study was embedded in a prospective birth cohort study in the Netherlands and included 306 participants. We measured urine phthalates and bisphenols concentrations in the first, second and third trimester. Cord blood DNA methylation in their children was processed using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip using an epigenome-wide association approach. Using quantile g-computation, we examined the association of increasing all mixture components by one quartile with cord blood DNA methylation.

Results

We did not find evidence for statistically significant associations of a maternal mixture of phthalates and bisphenols during any of the trimesters of pregnancy with DNA methylation in cord blood (all p values > 4.01 * 10–8). However, we identified one suggestive association (p value < 1.0 * 10–6) of the first trimester maternal mixture of phthalates and bisphenols and three suggestive associations of the second trimester maternal mixture of phthalates and bisphenols with DNA methylation in cord blood.

Conclusions

Although we did not identify genome-wide significant results, we identified some suggestive associations of exposure to a maternal mixture of phthalates and bisphenols in the first and second trimester with DNA methylation in cord blood that need further exploration in larger study samples.
Does poverty increase COVID-19 in Africa? A cross-country analysis
Authors: Koudjom Etayibtalnam , Tamwo Sévérin , Kpognon Koffi D.
Published: October 2022

Background

Most economies in African countries are informal. As such, households in these countries tend to face higher levels of informality coupled with a lack of social protection, and have no replacement income or savings in the event of unexpected external shocks, such as COVID-19. Thus, the COVID-19 shock and its negative economic effects triggered a cascade of income losses and bankruptcies that pushed a significant share of households in African countries into poverty. This research analyzes the effect of poverty on the spread of COVID-19 using a sample of 52 African countries.

Methods

To achieve the objective of this research, this paper uses a multiple linear regression model and a sample of 52 African countries observed in 2020 to conduct a cross-country analysis. More importantly, two COVID-19 indicators (total number of officially reported cases and disease severity) and six poverty indicators (average poverty, poverty incidence, poverty depth, poverty severity, multidimensional poverty index, and extreme poverty) were used in this research.

Results

The results show a positive and significant relationship between poverty and the spread of COVID-19.

Conclusions

These results suggest that more attention needs to be paid to poor populations in African countries during the pandemic. These populations are generally vulnerable, and there is a need for support programs targeting them to be put in place quickly. These programs may include food aid, distribution of supplies, health care support, fee waivers, and interest deferrals. In addition, sensitization of these disadvantaged groups on vaccination against COVID-19 to achieve herd immunity is strongly encouraged.
Psychiatrists’ awareness of the cost of medication, rates of social disability pension, and their attitudes regarding knowledge of treatment costs
Authors: Lurie Ido , Maree Saed , Mendlovic Shlomo , Shefet Daphna
Published: October 2022

Background

Medication is a significant component of the cost of mental health care. Studies from different countries indicate that physicians are often not aware of medication costs, despite the impact of such knowledge on treatment plans. The purpose of this study was to examine Israeli psychiatrists’ knowledge regarding the cost of medication and rates of disability pension, and the impact of these factors on treatment decisions.

Methods

Cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was distributed by e-mail to psychiatry specialists and residents, including: (a) socio-demographic and professional information; (b) knowledge regarding rates of National Insurance disability pension and medications’ costs; (c) attitudes regarding relevance of knowledge of treatment costs. Correlations between socio-demographic variables and knowledge regarding treatment costs and attitudes were examined.

Results

Of the 175 psychiatrists who completed the questionnaire, 55% were men. The level of knowledge regarding cost of psychotropic medication and disability pension rates was low. Sixty-eight percent rated economic considerations as important or very important, yet 75% were informed of medication prices by their patients, and 57% by pharmaceutical companies. Doctors who worked in regions other than the center of the state were more aware of the economic aspects of treatment. Physicians who reported easy access to information regarding drug prices were less likely to err in estimating the price of medications.

Conclusions

Psychiatrists in Israel are not sufficiently informed of the costs of psychotropic medications, despite their awareness of the relevance of affordability to treatment compliance. Awareness of economic issues relating to treatment should be included in residency programs, and access to relevant information of medication cost and disability pensions should be more accessible to physicians both on national and local levels, by the government and health maintenance ogranizations (HMOs).
Ultra-light photosensor collars to monitor Arctic lemming activity
Authors: Bolduc David , Fauteux Dominique , Bharucha Éric , Trudeau Jean-Marie , Legagneux Pierre
Published: October 2022

Background

Studying the anti-predatory behavior of mammals represents an important challenge, especially for fossorial small mammals that hide in burrows. In the Arctic, such behaviors are critical to the survival of lemmings considering that predation risks are high every summer. Because detailed information about how lemmings use burrows as hideouts is still lacking, we developed a 1.59 g photosensitive collar to record any event of a small mammal moving between a dark area (e.g., burrow) and a bright area (e.g., outside the burrow). Tests of how collars affected lemming behavior were conducted in captivity in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada, in November 2019 and field tests were conducted on Bylot Island, Nunavut, Canada, in August 2021.

Results

The device was made of two chemical batteries and a printed circuit board (PCB) equipped with a photosensor and a real-time clock that recorded amplitude transient thresholds of light (lux) continuously. In accordance with ethical use of such devices, we verified that no abnormal loss of body mass was observed in captive or free-ranging lemmings, and no difference in recapture rates were observed between those with and without a collar, though we could not test this for periods longer than 108 h. Measurements of light intensities revealed consistent patterns with high lux levels at mid-day and lowest during the night. Lemmings showed clearly defined behavioral patterns alternating between periods outside and inside burrows. Despite 24-h daylight in the middle of the summer, August nighttime (i.e., 11 PM to 4 AM) lux levels were insufficient for amplitude transient thresholds to be reached.

Conclusion

By taking advantage of the long periods of daylight in the Arctic, such technology is very promising as it sets new bases for passive recording of behavioral parameters and builds on the prospect of further miniaturization of batteries and PCBs.
Physical Activity During Lockdowns Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Multilevel Meta-analysis of 173 Studies with 320,636 Participants
Authors: Wilke Jan , Rahlf Anna Lina , Füzéki Eszter , Groneberg David A. , Hespanhol Luiz , Mai Patrick , de Oliveira Gabriela Martins , Robbin Johanna , Tan Benedict , Willwacher Steffen , Hollander Karsten , Pillay Julian David
Published: October 2022

Background

Many countries have restricted public life in order to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV2). As a side effect of related measures, physical activity (PA) levels may have decreased.

Objective

We aimed (1) to quantify changes in PA and (2) to identify variables potentially predicting PA reductions.

Methods

A systematic review with random-effects multilevel meta-analysis was performed, pooling the standardized mean differences in PA measures before and during public life restrictions.

Results

A total of 173 trials with moderate methodological quality (modified Downs and Black checklist) were identified. Compared to pre-pandemic, total PA (SMD − 0.65, 95% CI − 1.10 to − 0.21) and walking (SMD − 0.52, 95% CI − 0.29 to − 0.76) decreased while sedentary behavior increased (SMD 0.91, 95% CI: 0.17 to 1.65). Reductions in PA affected all intensities (light: SMD − 0.35, 95% CI − 0.09 to − 0.61,p = .013; moderate: SMD − 0.33, 95% CI − 0.02 to − 0.6; vigorous: SMD − 0.33, − 0.08 to − 0.58, 95% CI − 0.08 to − 0.58) to a similar degree. Moderator analyses revealed no influence of variables such as sex, age, body mass index, or health status. However, the only continent without a PA reduction was Australia and cross-sectional trials yielded higher effect sizes (p < .05).

Conclusion

Public life restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in moderate reductions in PA levels and large increases in sedentary behavior. Health professionals and policy makers should therefore join forces to develop strategies counteracting the adverse effects of inactivity.
The development of a health-promoting employment intervention with physical activity for young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET): NEXT STEP—on the path to education and job
Authors: Høy Teresa Victoria , Jørgensen Andreas , Andersen Susan , Petersen Christina Bjørk , Jørgensen Maja Bæksgaard , Grønbæk Morten , Sarí Sengül , Ottesen Laila , Hansen Gro Inge Lemcke , Holmberg Teresa
Published: October 2022

Background

In the EU, approx. 16.5% of the 20–34-year-olds are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). Research shows that good health is an important progression factor towards employment, and daily physical activity as well as participation in sports has a positive effect on physical and mental health as well as in the development of life skill. However, there is an absence of studies investigating what role physical activity can play in the employment efforts. The aim of this study is to investigate experiences with physical activity in employment interventions and to describe the development of a health-promoting employment intervention with physical activity for young people aged 18–30 years who are NEET.

Methods

The study combined an evidence-based approach with practice-based experiences. It included a Mapping of Danish employment interventions with physical activity for young people NEET, an overview of national reports and international literature, a workshop with leaders and employees from Danish municipalities, and fieldwork in four municipalities. Key findings were grouped thematically and were transformed into intervention content in a close dialog with relevant researchers and practitioners.

Results

In general, physical activity was assessed as a meaningful method when working with young people NEET. A range of positive experiences was highlighted, including successful experiences, surplus of mental resources, new ways of meeting, and new social relations. Based on these findings, a 16-week health-promoting employment intervention, NEXT STEP, was developed with the following intervention components: (1) fixed boundaries, (2) body and physical activity, (3) social relations and network, and (4) life skills and future. NEXT STEP is designed to be implemented in Danish job centers.

Conclusion

The study found the great potential of including physical activity in employment interventions for young people NEET. The planning and development of the intervention have reinforced a comprehensive evaluation; however, the first intervention in its entirety is ready for testing in a randomized feasibility trial.
SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and infection rate in Manila, Philippines prior to national vaccination program implementation: a repeated cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Malijan Greco Mark B. , Edwards Tansy , Agrupis Kristal An , Suzuki Shuichi , Villanueva Annavi Marie G. , Sayo Ana Ria , De Guzman Ferdinand , Dimapilis Alexis Q. , Solante Rontgene M. , Telan Elizabeth O. , Umipig Dorcas V. , Ota Kenji , Nishimura Fumitaka , Yanagihara Katsunori , Salazar Mary Jane , Lopez Edmundo B. , Ariyoshi Koya , Smith Chris
Published: October 2022

Background

SARS-CoV-2 seroepidemiological studies are used to guide public health decision making and to prepare for emerging infectious diseases. Disease occurrence estimates are limited in the Philippines, the country with the highest reported number of coronavirus disease-related deaths in the Western Pacific region. We aimed to estimate SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and infection rate among outpatient clinic attendees in Metro Manila prior to the implementation of the national coronavirus disease vaccination program.

Methods

We conducted repeated cross-sectional surveys at the animal bite clinic in San Lazaro Hospital, Manila, the Philippines across four periods, 3 months apart, between May 2020 and March 2021. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between different characteristics and infection status including seropositivity.

Results

In total 615 participants were enrolled, ranging from 115 to 174 per period. Seroprevalence quadrupled between the first (11.3%) and second (46.8%) periods and plateaued thereafter (third—46.0%, fourth—44.6%). Among seropositive participants, total antibody concentration was comparable throughout the first to third periods but declined between the third and fourth periods. Infection prevalence was comparable across enrollment periods (range 2.9–9.5%). Post-secondary education [aOR 0.42 (95% CI 0.26, 0.67)] was protective, and frontline work [aOR 1.81 (95% CI 1.18, 2.80)] was associated with increased odds of seropositivity. Frontline work status [aOR 2.27 (95% CI 1.10, 4.75)] and large household size [aOR 2.45 (95% CI 1.18, 5.49)] were associated with increased odds of infection.

Conclusions

The quadrupling of seroprevalence over 3 months between the first and second enrollment periods coincided with the high burden of infection in Metro Manila in early 2020. Our findings suggest a limit to the rise and potential decline of population-level SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced immunity without introduction of vaccines. These results may add to our understanding of how immunity develops against emerging infectious diseases including coronaviruses.
Risk-averse rehabilitation decision framework for roadside slopes vulnerable to rainfall-induced geohazards
Authors: Baral Anil , Shahandashti Mohsen
Published: October 2022

Rainfall-induced slope failures disrupt the traffic and warrant urgent slope repair works. The impact of roadside slope failures can be minimized if slopes are proactively rehabilitated. Nonetheless, transportation agencies are constrained in their budget to rehabilitate a limited number of slope segments due to competing maintenance needs among different transportation assets. Therefore, the transportation agencies should identify the critical slope combination that should be proactively rehabilitated under constraint budgets to lessen the impact on the transportation network during extreme rainfall events. The decision-making approach for slope rehabilitation should also ensure low risk associated with the selected rehabilitation strategy. Current slope-rehabilitation decision models do not consider the risk associated with the rehabilitation strategies in the decision-making process. The objective of this study is to develop a risk-averse stochastic combinatorial optimization to facilitate the selection of slope rehabilitation strategies, which leads to the least expected cost and conditional value at risk (CVaR) for extreme rainfall events. The simulated annealing approach is used to solve the risk-averse combinatorial optimization rehabilitation problem with the objective function that measures the total cost of traffic disruption and slope restoration post-failures. The approach is demonstrated using a transportation network in Lamar County, Texas. Unlike a genetic algorithm-based approach in the literature that yields a single slope rehabilitation strategy, the proposed risk-averse simulated annealing approach identifies rehabilitation strategies along the Pareto efficient frontier facilitating the rehabilitation decisions based on the tradeoff between expected cost and CVaR. For the network in Lamar County, the proposed risk-averse simulated annealing provided a solution in the Pareto front that reduced CVaR by 2.0% compared to the solution obtained from the genetic algorithm-based approach while only increasing the expected cost by 0.8%. The risk-averse optimization approach will aid transportation agencies in determining slope rehabilitation strategies for minimizing the impact of rainfall-induced failures at appropriate risk aversion levels.
Bio-energy auditing, system productivity, energy efficiencies and economics of different direct-seeded basmati rice-based cropping systems and nutrient management options
Authors: Verma Rakesh Kumar , Shivay Yashbir Singh , Prasanna Radha , Ghasal Prakash Chand , Parihar Chiter Mal , Choudhary Mukesh , Madar Raghavendra
Published: October 2022

Background

Diversification, intensification, new water and integrated nutrient management methods of rice-based cropping systems are being advocated as an alternative to the water-intensive nature of conventional rice cultivation in north-western India to address the issues of decline in the productivity, energy and nutritional scarcity and deteriorating soil fertility. Hence, the development of eco-friendly cropping systems with efficient nutrient management is essential for sustainable productivity.

Material and methods

The experiment was conducted with four cropping systems viz. direct-seededbasmatirice (DSBR)-wheat-fallow, DSBR-wheat-greengram, DSBR-cabbage-greengram and DSBR-cabbage-onion, being assigned to vertical strips; and 4 nutrient management strategies (MNS), viz. control, 100% RDF (recommended dose of fertilizers), 50% RDF + 25% RDN (recommended dose of nitrogen) through leaf compost + biofertilizers and 50% RDF + 25% RDN through vermicompost + biofertilizers assigned to horizontal strips.

Results

The highest system productivity (20.7 Mg/ha) was registered in DSBR-cabbage-onion and with a nutrient management strategy of 50% RDF + 25% RDN through vermicompost + biofertilizers (13.5 Mg/ha). The highest net energy (269.6 × 103 MJ/ha) was generated under DSBR-wheat-greengram. Among different NMS, the highest energy output efficiency was recorded under NS3(0.20 × 103 MJ/ha/day). The CS2had 20.4% and 20.2% higher total system protein yield and protein equivalent yield for adults than DSBR-wheat-fallow, respectively. Application of NS3had the highest total system protein yield (89.7%) and protein equivalent yield for adults (92.6%) over the control (NS0). The maximum net return (5755 US$/ha) was obtained under CS4.

Conclusion

A cropping system involving DSBR-cabbage-onion and application of 50% RDF + 25% RDN through vermicompost + biofertilizers is identified as the most productive, energy efficient and profitable production system.
The role of the gut microbiota in health and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Wang Lu , Wang Shiqi , Zhang Qing , He Chengqi , Fu Chenying , Wei Quan
Published: October 2022

The gut microbiota is critical to human health, such as digesting nutrients, forming the intestinal epithelial barrier, regulating immune function, producing vitamins and hormones, and producing metabolites to interact with the host. Meanwhile, increasing evidence indicates that the gut microbiota has a strong correlation with the occurrence, progression and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In patients with CVDs and corresponding risk factors, the composition and ratio of gut microbiota have significant differences compared with their healthy counterparts. Therefore, gut microbiota dysbiosis, gut microbiota-generated metabolites, and the related signaling pathway may serve as explanations for some of the mechanisms about the occurrence and development of CVDs. Several studies have also demonstrated that many traditional and latest therapeutic treatments of CVDs are associated with the gut microbiota and its generated metabolites and related signaling pathways. Given that information, we summarized the latest advances in the current research regarding the effect of gut microbiota on health, the main cardiovascular risk factors, and CVDs, highlighted the roles and mechanisms of several metabolites, and introduced corresponding promising treatments for CVDs regarding the gut microbiota. Therefore, this review mainly focuses on exploring the role of gut microbiota related metabolites and their therapeutic potential in CVDs, which may eventually provide better solutions in the development of therapeutic treatment as well as the prevention of CVDs.
Explaining Declining Educational Homogamy: The Role of Institutional Changes in Higher Education in Japan
Authors: Uchikoshi Fumiya
Published: October 2022

Research on educational assortative mating has devoted much attention to educational expansion but has been less focused on a concurrent trend of importance: growing differentiation among higher education institutions. In this study, I examine whether the bifurcation between high- and low-tier institutions in the context of high participation in tertiary education may clarify the mixed evidence on educational homogamy trends across countries. I apply log-linear and log-multiplicative models to analyze trends in educational assortative mating in Japan, which is characterized by a clear, widely acknowledged hierarchy of institutional selectivity. I find that the odds of homogamy are higher among graduates of selective universities than among graduates of nonselective universities. Further, assortative mating trends among graduates of selective and nonselective universities have diverged in recent years. This latter finding perhaps reflects that with the more rapid increase in the share of female students enrolled in less selective institutions, their opportunities to “marry up” have decreased. Results point to the importance of the growing heterogeneity of institutional characteristics, which was obscured in earlier studies, for understanding the impact of educational assortative mating on economic inequality.
EphA1 receptor tyrosine kinase is localized to the nucleus in rhabdomyosarcoma from multiple species
Authors: LaCombe Ronnie , Cecchini Alessandra , Seibert Morgan , Cornelison DDW
Published: October 2022

While the typical role of receptor tyrosine kinases is to receive and transmit signals at the cell surface, in some cellular contexts (particularly transformed cells) they may also act as nuclear proteins. Aberrant nuclear localization of receptor tyrosine kinases associated with transformation often enhances the transformed phenotype (i.e. nuclear ErbBs promote tumor progression in breast cancer). Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common soft tissue tumor in children, develops to resemble immature skeletal muscle and has been proposed to derive from muscle stem/progenitor cells (satellite cells). It is an aggressive cancer with a 5-year survival rate of 33% if it has metastasized. Eph receptor tyrosine kinases have been implicated in the development and progression of many other tumor types, but there are only two published studies of Ephs localizing to the nucleus of any cell type and to date no nuclear RTKs have been identified in RMS. In a screen for protein expression of Ephs in canine RMS primary tumors as well as mouse and human RMS cell lines, we noted strong expression of EphA1 in the nucleus of interphase cells in tumors from all three species. This localization pattern changes in dividing cells, with EphA1 localizing to the nucleus or the cytoplasm depending on the phase of the cell cycle. These data represent the first case of a nuclear RTK in RMS, and the first time that EphA1 has been detected in the nucleus of any cell type.
Effect of Body Mass Index on complications and success rates of percutaneous nephrolithotomy-A tertiary care hospital experience
Authors: Iqbal Nadeem , Hasan Aisha , Razzaq Sajid , Saqib Rashid Fatima
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives: Urolithiasis is prevalent globally. Over time, innovation in endoscopic instruments and miniaturization has untangled the interventional strategy for carrying out remedial surgical procedures for renal stones. However, studies have been scarce as for sequelae of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in varying body mass index group patients in the developing world. We aimed to report success rates and complications in different BMI groups.

Methods: This was a retrospective study wherein data of 359 patients was reviewed in charts. These patients went through PCNL at our department from July 2011 till September 2019. Three groups of patients were made in agreement with WHO BMI classification. Information concerning study variables was noted in designated and then processed in SPSS version 16 for the statistical computations.

Results: On the whole, the mean age of patients was 44.6± 14.4 years. While the mean calculus size was 3.1± 1.4 cm. Moreover, the majority of stones in all the three groups belonged to Guy’s stone score 1 and 2 (see Table-I). The overall mean procedure time and inpatient stay were almost comparable in the obese group. The highest stone-free rate was observed in the normal weight group (77.69 %), however, stone-free status in overweight and obese groups was not comparatively too lower (p=0.74). Complication rates were being close among the three groups.

Conclusion: PCNL can be ventured with safety and in an effectual manner for attaining stone treatment goals alike in obese and non-obese group patients.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.3663

How to cite this:Iqbal N, Hasan A, Razzaq S, Rashid FS. Effect of Body Mass Index on complications and success rates of percutaneous nephrolithotomy-A tertiary care hospital experience. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.3663

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Η επίδραση της άσκησης στο οξειδωτικό στρες σε γυναίκες με διαβήτη κύησης
Authors: Χατζάκης Χρήστος
Published: October 2022

Ο σακχαρώδης διαβήτης κύησης (ΣΔΚ) σχετίζεται με βεβαρημένo οξειδωτικό στρες και μητροπλακουντιακή κυκλοφορία, ενώ η αερόβια άσκηση θα μπορούσε να βελτιώσει και τα δύο. Η μελέτη στοχεύει στην αξιολόγηση του οξειδωτικού στρες και της μητροπλακουντιακής κυκλοφορίας πριν και μετά από ένα επεισόδιο μέτριας έντασης αερόβιας άσκησης σε γυναίκες με ΣΔΚ και σε ανεπίπλεκτες κυήσεις. Σε αυτή τη συγχρονική μελέτη, οι γυναίκες με ΣΔΚ και οι γυναίκες με ανεπίπλεκτες κυήσεις, υποβλήθηκαν σε αερόβια άσκηση σε στατικό ποδήλατο, μέτριας έντασης για 30 λεπτά. Οι δείκτες του οξειδωτικού στρες (ολική αντιοξειδωτική ικανότητα, ενεργότητα της καταλάσης και ανηγμένη γλουταθιόνη) και η εκατοστιαία θέση του pulsatility index των μητριαίων αρτηριών και της ομφαλικής αρτηρίας, προσδιορίστηκαν πριν από την άσκηση, αμέσως μετά την άσκηση και μία ώρα μετά την άσκηση. Σε κάθε ομάδα συμπεριλήφθηκαν 30 γυναίκες. Τόσο στις γυναίκες με σακχαρώδη διαβήτη της κύησης, όσο και στις γυναίκες με ανεπίπλεκτες κυήσεις, η ολική αντιοξειδωτική ικανότητα και η ενεργότητα της καταλάσης αυξήθηκαν μετά την άσκηση, ενώ η συγκέντρωση της ανηγμένης γλουταθιόνης μειώθηκε. Ωστόσο η αύξηση στην ενεργότητα της καταλάσης ήταν πιο περιορισμένη στις γυναίκες με ΣΔΚ έναντι των γυναικών με ανεπίπλεκτες κυήσεις και σε όλες τις χρονικές στιγμές η ενεργότητα της καταλάσης ήταν μειωμένη στις γυναίκες με ΣΔΚ έναντι των γυναικών με ανεπίπλεκτες κυήσεις. Μετά την άσκηση, σημειώθηκε μείωση της εκατοστιαίας θέσης του pulsatility index των μητριαίων αρτηριών στις γυναίκες με ΣΔΚ αλλά όχι στις γυναίκες με ανεπίπλεκτες κυήσεις. Επιπρόσθετα, ο δείκτης μάζας σώματος των γυναικών πριν την κύηση καθώς και το προσλαμβανόμενο βάρος κατά την κύηση βρέθηκαν αρνητικοί προγνωστικοί παράγοντες της διαφοράς της ολικής αντιοξειδωτικής ικανότητας πριν και μετά την άσκηση ΔTAC στις γυναίκες με ΣΔΚ.
The influence of Harry Partch’s instruments and musical language in the composition 43 in 43 for ensemble and an investigation for an alternative notation system
Authors: Ράλλη Ελένη
Published: October 2022

Η εργασία αυτή αποτελεί συνοδευτικό υπόμνημα στο κύριο καλλιτεχνικό μέρος της διδακτορικής μου διατριβής που είναι η σύνθεση του έργου για οργανικό σύνολο (όργανα Partch και δυτικά μουσικά όργανα) 43 in 43. Το έργο εστιάζει στη διαλεκτική σχέση που ανάπτυξα ανάμεσα σε δυο διαφορετικές κατηγορίες οργάνων, επαναπροσδιορίζοντας τις παραμέτρους συνύπαρξής τους και θέτοντας ένα νέο πλαίσιο καλλιτεχνικής δημιουργίας. Μέσα από την προσωπική προβληματική που αναπτύσσω, τόσο σε τεχνικό όσο και σε αισθητικό επίπεδο, προτείνεται η συνύπαρξη των δυο διαφορετικών κατηγοριών οργάνων, με σεβασμό στην παράδοση του Partch αλλά και σε συνέχεια μιας καινούργιας πρακτικής, όπως αυτή ξεκίνησε να δημιουργείται μετά την ανακατασκευή των οργάνων Partch στην Ευρώπη το 2013 από το Ensemble Musikfabrik. Το υπόμνημα χωρίζεται σε τρία κυρίως κεφάλια ακολουθούμενα έναν επίλογο. Στο πρώτο παραθέτω βιογραφικά στοιχεία του Partch και τα χαρακτηριστικά των τριών ιδιοτήτων του, του θεωρητικού, του κατασκευαστή οργάνων και του συνθέτη. Συνεχίζοντας, επικεντρώνομαι στους στόχους αυτής της εργασίας και του καλλιτεχνικού έργου, όπως προκύπτουν από ελλείψεις στην υπάρχουσα βιβλιογραφία και εργογραφία. Στο δεύτερο κεφάλαιο επικεντρώνομαι στη βασική παρουσίαση των ιδιοτήτων του Partch μέσω μιας σύντομης ανάλυσης του θεωρητικού του συστήματος, κάποιων βασικών του οργάνων και συνθέσεων, και πως αυτά επηρέασαν την αισθητική, τη δομή και την σημειογραφία του έργου μου 43 in 43. Επίσης, στο κεφάλαιο αυτό γίνεται εκτεταμένη αναφορά στη συνεργασία μου με τα μέλη του Ensemble Musikfabrik, και στα αποτελέσματα της επιτόπιας έρευνας που με βοήθησαν να αποσαφηνίσω τεχνικές και αισθητικές αβεβαιότητες, να θέσω τους στόχους μου και να αντιμετωπίσω τις πρακτικές, δομικές και καλλιτεχνικές προκλήσεις. Στο τρίτο κεφάλαιο παρουσιάζω αναλυτικά το έργο μου, από την αρχική σύλληψη της ιδέας, τον σχεδιασμό, τους πρακτικούς, ηχητικούς και αισθητικούς προβληματισμούς, καταλήγοντας στην επιμέρους εσωτερική οργάνωση του, παραθέτοντας τα βασικά μακροδομικά και μικροδομικά του στοιχεία. Τέλος, ως επίλογο, κάνω μια σύντομη αναφορά στους στόχους που τέθηκαν στην αρχή, ελέγχοντας τη συνάφειά τους με το καλλιτεχνικό προϊόν και καταλήγοντας σε μια αποτίμηση και αξιολόγηση, σε σχέση με το κατά πόσο συνέβαλα σε μια σύνθεση που προάγει μια συνέχεια σε μια παράδοση που πλέον μετρά πάνω από έναν αιώνα, φωτίζοντάς την κάτω από ένα νέο πρίσμα καλλιτεχνικής δημιουργίας.
Design of robotic hydrogen-filling system for hydrogen-powered vehicles
Authors: Wang Dianjun , Yang Xiaofan , Chen Ya , wang zilong , Song Zhongkang , Zhu Zhikun , Wang Peng
Published: October 2022

Background: The application of hydrogen-powered vehicles is increasingly widespread, however, the hydrogen-filling process can be dangerous, to ensure both safety and efficiency. A new robotic hydrogen-filling system whose consisting of a hybrid robot combined with an automatic guided vehicle and robotic arm is designed.

Methods: An analysis of functional composition of the system was performed, and the hardware scheme was designed. A dual-differential drive AGV and an end effector including a holding jaw and a sucker were designed. According to the system workflow, the control system is divided into four modules. A path planning simulation considering obstacle avoidance is carried out based on improved artificial potential field method and a trajectory planning of the operating arm is completed using source code written in MATLAB.

Results: The simulation results show that the automatic guided vehicle can avoid obstacles and move to the specified position. The planed trajectory for robotic arm has certain smoothness, which can be proved that the operating arm can complete the process of grasping the hydrogenation gun.

Conclusions: The robotic hydrogen-filling system can replace human beings in most of the work of the hydrogen-filling process, which provides a theoretical basis for automatic hydrogen refueling station.
Surfing Corona waves – instead of breaking them: Rethinking the role of natural immunity in COVID-19 policy
Authors: Kalk Andreas , Sturmberg Joachim , Van Damme Wim , Brown Garrett W. , Ridde Valéry , Zizi Martin , Paul Elisabeth
Published: October 2022

Current COVID-19 response policies have aimed to break Corona waves through non-pharmaceutical interventions and mass vaccination. However, for long-term strategies to be effective and efficient, and to avoid massive disruption and social harms, it is crucial to introduce the role of natural immunity in our thinking about COVID-19 control and prevention. We argue that any Corona control policy must appropriately balance five key elements simultaneously: balancing the various fundamental interests of the nation, as well as the various interventions within the health sector; tailoring the prevention measures and treatments to individual needs; limiting social interaction restrictions; and balancing the role of vaccinations against the role of naturally induced immunity. Given the high infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 and its differential impact on population segments, we examine this last element in more detail and argue that an important aspect of ‘living with the virus’ will be to better understand the role of naturally induced immunity in our overall COVID-19 policy response. In our eyes, a policy approach that factors natural immunity should be considered for persons without major comorbidities and those having ‘encountered’ the antigen in the past.
Prevalence of xerostomia and its associated risk factors among Saudi population: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Alkanani Norah , Alburaiki Meisam , Alhabib Asma , Alabsi Wejdan , Alasmari Hind , Alqahtani Ghady , Sayed Abdul Nishath
Published: October 2022

Background: Xerostomia is a condition that has been shown to have a negative impact on the quality of life. Thus, exploring the associated risk factors and conditions needs special attention. There is still a lack of complete information regarding this condition among the Saudi population.

Methods: In this cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey, 30-70 years old were included. Demographic data with systemic and dental- related history was collected. The presence of xerostomia and the risk factors such as age, sex, history of smoking, history of systemic disease, and medication history are noted. All the results were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS.

Results: The prevalence of xerostomia was 42.3%. The prevalence of xerostomia was found to be increasing with age. For gender, xerostomia was significantly higher among women than men (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant association between xerostomia and associated diseases such as gastrointestinal disorders, endocrine disorder, blood diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and allergies (p<0.001). Only 12.5% of participants who had xerostomia were smokers and 44.2% of participants who had xerostomia were  using medications.

Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of xerostomia among the Saudi population, with a higher prevalence in the older age group and women. An association between systemic disease and medication history was also noted. Dental practitioners need to be alert to this condition.
Generational issues in linking family farming production, traditional food in diet, physical activity and obesity in Pacific Islands countries and territories: the case of the Melanesian population on Lifou Island
Authors: Galy Olivier , Frayon Stéphane , Goldin Marco , Zongo Paul , Wattelez Guillaume , Lameta Sonny , Quartermain Alan , Fotsing Jean Marie , Bouard Séverine
Published: October 2022

In the Melanesian culture, traditional activities are organized around family farming, although the lifestyle transition taking place over the last several decades has led to imbalances in diet and physical activity, with both leading to obesity. The aim of this interdisciplinary study was to understand the links between family farming (produced, exchanged, sold, and consumed food), diet (focused on produced, hunted, and caught food), physical activity (sedentary, light, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) and obesity in Melanesian Lifou Island families (parents and children). Forty families, including 142 adults and children, completed individual food frequency questionnaires, wore tri-axial accelerometers for seven continuous days, and had weight and height measured with a bio-impedance device. A family farming questionnaire was conducted at the household level concerning family farming practices and sociodemographic variables. Multinomial regression analyses and logistic regression models were used to analyze the data. Results showed that family farming production brings a modest contribution to diet and active lifestyles for the family farmers of Lifou Island. The drivers for obesity in these tribal communities were linked to diet in the adults, whereas parental socioeconomic status and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were the main factors associated to being overweight and obesity in children. These differences in lifestyle behaviors within families suggest a transition in cultural practices at the intergenerational level. Future directions should consider seasonality and a more in-depth analysis of diet including macro- and micro- nutrients to acquire more accurate information on the intergenerational transition in cultural practices and its consequences on health outcomes in the Pacific region.
Machine-Learning–Based Arc Selection for Constrained Shortest Path Problems in Column Generation
Authors: Morabit Mouad , Desaulniers Guy , Lodi Andrea
Published: October 2022

Column generation is an iterative method used to solve a variety of optimization problems. It decomposes the problem into two parts: a master problem and one or more pricing problems (PP). The total computing time taken by the method is divided between these two parts. In routing or scheduling applications, the problems are mostly defined on a network, and the PP is usually an NP-hard shortest path problem with resource constraints. In this work, we propose a new heuristic pricing algorithm based on machine learning. By taking advantage of the data collected during previous executions, the objective is to reduce the size of the network and accelerate the PP, keeping only the arcs that have a high chance to be part of the linear relaxation solution. The method has been applied to two specific problems: the vehicle and crew scheduling problem in public transit and the vehicle routing problem with time windows. Reductions in computational time of up to 40% can be obtained.

Funding: The authors thank Giro, Inc., and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada for financial support [Grant CRDPJ 520349-17].
Voice Onset Time in Healthy Young and Old Adults
Authors: Shin Junyoung , Kim Yeeun , Cho Yerim , Lee Youjin , Kim Jueun , Lee Youngmee
Published: October 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate age related changes in articulatory control by examining whether there were differences between young and elderly adults in their voice onset time (VOT). Methods: 16 adults over the age of 65 and 16 adults aged between 18-39 years old participated in this study. The experimental task consisted of 9 plosives, categorized by place of articulation and phonation type, paired with the vowel /a/ to form 2 syllable VCV non-words. Participants’ voice samples were analyzed using Praat. VOT mean was used to examine group differences in VOT and coefficient of variation (CoV) was used to examine group differences in VOT variability. Results: There were significant differences in VOT mean according to age group, phonation type, and place of articulation. The elderly adults had a longer VOT compared to the young adults with significant differences for place of articulation in velar plosives and significant differences for phonation type in aspirated plosives. There were significant differences in VOT CoV according to age group and phonation type. The elderly adults had higher VOT and CoV compared to the young adults with a significant difference in lenis plosives. Conclusion: The results of this study show that elderly adults have longer VOT durations and irregular articulatory control, reflected by higher VOT variability, compared to younger adults. These results may reflect age related declines in the coordination of the speech mechanism and reduced oral motor control.