bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Gene Expression Profiles in a Prospective, Community-Based Cohort
Authors: Dahrendorff Jan , Wani Agaz , Keller Thomas , Armstrong Don , Qu Annie , Wildman Derek E. , Valero Maria Carmen , Koenen Karestan C. , Aiello Allison E. , Uddin Monica
Published: August 2024

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common and debilitating psychiatric disorder that may occur in individuals exposed to traumatic events such as accidents, interpersonal violence, war, combat, or natural disasters. Additionally, PTSD has been implicated in the development of a variety of chronic conditions, including cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, suggesting the biological alterations associated with the disorder can manifest as chronic diseases in those suffering from PTSD. The biological underpinnings of the disorder are not well understood. Gene expression studies can illuminate the complex physiology of PTSD reflecting the embodiment of trauma, that is, the process in which traumatic experiences in our social environments could potentially manifest in our body by genomic mechanisms. To date, gene expression studies that examine the whole transcriptome are scarce and limited to single-time-point assessments. Here we applied a transcriptome-wide gene expression screen with RNA-seq to whole blood samples from predominantly African American community-dwelling participants to elucidate the gene expression signatures associated with the development of PTSD. The study participants (N = 72) comprised a trauma-exposed subsample of participants enrolled in a longitudinal, prospective cohort study of adults living in Detroit, Michigan. PTSD was assessed in a structured telephone interview, and whole blood samples were taken both before and after trauma exposure. Among the 72 study participants, 10 had PTSD at baseline and 21 developed it during the study. We found 45 differentially expressed genes associated with PTSD development with an estimated log2-fold change > 1.5 at a nominal p-value of
Predicting Capacity With Machine Learning
Authors: Schemitsch David
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Prospect research has traditionally relied on aggregated wealth surveys to infer a prospect’s philanthropic capacity. Such surveys typically report the average asset breakdown by total net worth, which makes it impossible to reclaim the individual-level wealth data. This results in capacity ratings that fail to account for individuals’ personal portfolios of assets. Using the row-level wealth data reported by the Survey of Consumer Finances, I propose a supervised machine learning approach to capacity estimation that utilizes the XGBoost algorithm. This approach acknowledges the inherent uncertainty in a capacity rating by predicting a range of ratings and their associated probabilities, and it provides a method for distilling wealth indicators into a single rating that would not be possible from relying solely on survey averages. My analysis shows that this approach results in a higher accuracy rate than a capacity formula based only on real estate holdings. It also demonstrates that a real estate–only formula significantly underrates the wealthiest households in the data set, which has considerable implications for nonprofits’ campaign planning pipelines.
Decentralization of Data: An Architectural Perspective
Authors: Arora Vijay
Published: August 2024

Abstract: To continue to grow and be successful in today’s business environment, many enterprises are focusing on, and need to include, more data-driven analytics as part of their overall strategy. This effort applies just as well to nonprofit organizations, now more than ever, so that all resources, including employees, donors, and partners, are empowered to leverage key insights from a wide variety of data and its analytics so as to increase donations and provide appropriate services. The challenge is not about applying more effort and funding toward this goal; it is about the complexities of the data itself, originating from multiple sources from a variety of platforms and determining effective technologies and applications to extract what is relevant, and providing value to the organization’s activities and goals. The purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of this landscape as well as its architecture and how to navigate it to harness its power, without falling into some of the traps that have led to the failure of many data-driven initiatives. In addition, I demonstrate the value of examining, adapting, and applying this knowledge and information to build effective data platforms that yield informed and valuable decision making that will serve and benefit organizations.
Planar near-field measurements of specular and diffuse reflection of millimeter-wave absorbers
Authors: Miura Fumiya , Takakura Hayato , Sekimoto Yutaro , Inatani Junji , Matsuda Frederick , Oguri Shugo , Nakamura Shogo
Published: August 2024

Mitigating the far sidelobes of a wide-field-of-view telescope is one of the critical issues for polarization observation of the cosmic microwave background. Since even small reflections of stray light at the millimeter-wave absorbers inside the telescope may create nonnegligible far sidelobes, we have developed a method to measure the reflectance of millimeter-wave absorbers, including diffuse reflections. By applying the planar near-field measurement method to the absorbers, we have enabled two-dimensional diffuse-reflection measurements, in addition to characterizing specular reflection. We have measured the reflectance of five samples (TK RAM Large and Small tiles and Eccosorb AN-72, HR-10, and LS-22) at two angles of incidence in the frequency range from 70 GHz to 110 GHz. Compared with conventional horn-to-horn measurements, we obtained a consistent specular reflectance with a higher precision, less affected by standing waves. We have demonstrated that the angular response and diffuse-to-specular reflectance ratio differ among various materials. The measurements also imply that some absorbers may affect the polarization direction when reflecting the incident waves.
Optical directional differential operation enabled visual chirality detection
Authors: Zhang Yong , Wang Ming , Jiang Ting , Wen Zhaoxin , Xiao Jiaxin , Luo Zhaoming
Published: August 2024

Directional differential operation can extract the changes of directional information from complex signals, and plays an important role in target recognition and texture image processing. Here, we propose an optical directional differential operation based on large cross-polarization rotation, and realize the visual detection of chiral enantiomers. By using cross-polarization rotation in a specified direction, we design a corresponding directional spatial spectral transfer function whose transmission efficiency increases as the incident angle approaches the Brewster angle. The differential direction can be adjusted by changing the initial polarization state, and can be used to detect the concentration of chiral solutions. Finally, we apply the directional differential operation to achieve the visual detection of chiral enantiomers.
Optoelectronic hybrid oscillating fiber-optic sensor with attosecond precision and reconfigurable sensitivity
Authors: Lu Yiwen , Cen Qizhuang , Yang Tong , Wang Xinpeng , Liu Chong , Yin Feifei , Xu Kun , Li Ming , Dai Yitang
Published: August 2024

The fiber-optic sensor is a great candidate in the field of metrology, developed to rely on the optical phase to convey valuable information. Some phase amplification methods have attracted wide attention due to their ability to improve measurement sensitivity; nevertheless, the precision is generally restricted in phase measurement. Here, we report a novel optoelectronic hybrid oscillating fiber-optic sensor by mapping the measurand loaded on the sensing fiber to the frequency shift of the microwave signal, which is generated by an all-electric oscillating cavity with a frequency conversion pair. Two branch signals assisted in twice frequency conversion are obtained by heterodyne interference, with the sensing information scaled up by two optical comb line frequencies contained, and then, the phase difference is cumulatively enhanced in the closed feedback loop. Thanks to the introduction of the oscillating cavity, a detection limit improvement of 42 dB at a 10 Hz frequency offset can be achieved in theory with a cavity delay of 1 μs. The sensing precision depends on the cavity noise limit and is independent of the instrument and cavity delay. A proof-of-concept experiment is carried out to demonstrate sensors with a sensitivity of 8.3 kHz/ps and 22.3 kHz/ps for a range of 50 ps, and 62 kHz/ps and 162 kHz/ps for a range of 6.7 ps. The minimum Allan deviation reaches 2.7 attoseconds at an averaging time of 0.2 s with a frequency interval of 150 GHz, indicating that the proposal may pave a new path for sensing interrogation systems, especially for high-precision measurement.
Using smartphones to study vaccination decisions in the wild
Authors: Girardini Nicolò Alessandro , Stopczynski Arkadiusz , Baranov Olga , Betsch Cornelia , Brockmann Dirk , Lehmann Sune , Böhm Robert
Published: August 2024

One of the most important tools available to limit the spread and impact of infectious diseases is vaccination. It is therefore important to understand what factors determine people’s vaccination decisions. To this end, previous behavioural research made use of, (i) controlled but often abstract or hypothetical studies (e.g., vignettes) or, (ii) realistic but typically less flexible studies that make it difficult to understand individual decision processes (e.g., clinical trials). Combining the best of these approaches, we propose integrating real-world Bluetooth contacts via smartphones in several rounds of a game scenario, as a novel methodology to study vaccination decisions and disease spread. In our 12-week proof-of-concept study conducted with N = 494 students, we found that participants strongly responded to some of the information provided to them during or after each decision round, particularly those related to their individual health outcomes. In contrast, information related to others’ decisions and outcomes (e.g., the number of vaccinated or infected individuals) appeared to be less important. We discuss the potential of this novel method and point to fruitful areas for future research.
Factors related to the utilization of digital adherence technologies in tuberculosis care: A qualitative study among adults in DS-TB treatment, health care providers and other key actors in Tanzania
Authors: Gonçalves Tasca Bianca , Mganga Andrew , Leung Chung Lam , Shilugu Lucas , Pell Christopher , Onjare Baraka , Luvanda Nicholaus , Mleoh Liberate , de Groot Liza , van Kalmthout Kristian , Fielding Katherine , Jerene Degu
Published: August 2024

Numerous challenges, such as lengthy treatment course, side effects, and distance to healthcare facilities contribute to suboptimal Tuberculosis (TB) treatment completion. Digital adherence technologies (DATs), such as smart pillboxes and medication labels, could be an alternative to facilitate TB treatment continuation. In-depth interviews with people undergoing treatment for drug susceptible TB, health care providers (HCPs) and other key actors were conducted to evaluate their experiences with DATs in ten health facilities across four different regions in Tanzania. This study is part of a multi country cluster randomized trials conducted under the ASCENT consortium. Interviews were conducted with a total of 41 individuals, 19 people with TB and 22 HCPs and key actors. One of the main findings indicates that participants found that the daily reminders provided by the DATs, particularly the alarm from the smart pillboxes, helped in supporting treatment continuation and establishing a routine around medicine intake. DATs use was linked with reducing the financial burden of treatment, improving people with TB-HCPs relationship, and decreasing workload for HCPs. Although DATs were generally perceived as reliable, occasional technical malfunctions, such as battery depletion in smart pillboxes, were reported. The requirement of having access to a cellphone and a power source emerged as specific barriers for medication label users. This study highlights the initial willingness and sustained enthusiasm for using DATs among respondents. DATs were perceived as useful tools, aiding individuals with treatment continuation through daily reminders and fostering stronger connections with HCPs. Nevertheless, issues such as poor network connectivity and the need for access to a working cellphone posed difficulties in usage. Findings from this study suggest the potential for improvements in the technologies and indicate that a thorough assessment of people’s life conditions and needs prior to treatment initiations is important to determine the suitability of providing a DAT.
Detection of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma spp. by nucleic acid amplification test: Results of the first 5 years of the only international external quality assessment scheme
Authors: Schutte Annemiek H. J. , Koelewijn Rob , Ajjampur Sitara S. R. , Levecke Bruno , McCarthy James S. , Mejia Rojelio , Williams Steven A. , Verweij Jaco J. , van Lieshout Lisette , van Hellemond Jaap J.
Published: August 2024

Background

Infections with soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and schistosomiasis (SCH) result in a significant global health burden, particularly in rural communities in low and middle-income countries. While microscopy remains the primary diagnostic method for STH and SCH in resource-limited settings, nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are gaining prominence as tools for evaluation of public health control programs in endemic countries, and individual diagnosis in high-income countries. Despite the high sensitivity and specificity of NAATs, previous research has highlighted inter-laboratory variations, both in technical and clinical performance, justifying the need for continuous proficiency testing.

Methodology

Results from 5 rounds over a 5-year period of the so far only longitudinal international Helminth External Molecular Quality Assessment Scheme (HEMQAS), coordinated by the Dutch Foundation for Quality Assessment in Medical Laboratories (SKML), were examined in order to (i) assess the diagnostic proficiency of laboratories in detecting helminths in stool and (ii) identify potential factors contributing to variations in performance.

Outcome and conclusions

Thirty-six laboratories, from 18 countries and 5 continents, participated in HEMQAS. The overall diagnostic performances were satisfying, with remarkably low numbers (<2%) of false-positive results. False-negative results were more often reported for stool (15%) than for DNA (5%) samples. False-negative results varied largely between targets (the highest number (29%) for Trichuris trichiura). Twenty-five laboratories provided a sufficient number of results for a robust comparison between participating laboratories, which confirmed substantial inter-laboratory variability in quantitative NAAT results (Cq-values). This variability likely arises from differences in pre-treatment, DNA isolation and DNA-target amplification procedures. This study emphasizes the complexity of molecular diagnosis for STH and SCH, highlighting the critical role of proper stool preparation and DNA isolation methods. The results underscore the necessity for laboratory professionals and public health decision-makers to recognize these complexities and continuously undertake external quality assessment schemes to ensure accurate and reliable performance in molecular diagnosis.
The Entamoeba histolytica Vps26 (EhVps26) retromeric protein is involved in phagocytosis: Bioinformatic and experimental approaches
Authors: Martínez-Valencia Diana , Bañuelos Cecilia , García-Rivera Guillermina , Talamás-Lara Daniel , Orozco Esther
Published: August 2024

The retromer is a cellular structure that recruits and recycles proteins inside the cell. In mammalian and yeast, the retromer components have been widely studied, but very little in parasites. In yeast, it is formed by a SNX-BAR membrane remodeling heterodimer and the cargo selecting complex (CSC), composed by three proteins. One of them, the Vps26 protein, possesses a flexible and intrinsically disordered region (IDR), that facilitates interactions with other proteins and contributes to the retromer binding to the endosomal membrane. In Entamoeba histolytica, the protozoan parasite responsible for human amoebiasis, the retromer actively participates during the high mobility and phagocytosis of trophozoites, but the molecular details in these events, are almost unknown. Here, we studied the EhVps26 role in phagocytosis. Bioinformatic analyses of EhVps26 revealed a typical arrestin folding structure of the protein, and a long and charged IDR, as described in other systems. EhVps26 molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) allowed us to predict binding pockets for EhVps35, EhSNX3, and a PX domain-containing protein; these pockets were disorganized in a EhVps26 truncated version lacking the IDR. The AlphaFold2 software predicted the interaction of EhVps26 with EhVps35, EhVps29 and EhSNX3, in a model similar to the reported mammalian crystals. By confocal and transmission electron microscopy, EhVps26 was found in the trophozoites plasma membrane, cytosol, endosomes, and Golgi-like apparatus. During phagocytosis, it followed the erythrocytes pathway, probably participating in cargoes selection and recycling. Ehvps26 gene knocking down evidenced that the EhVps26 protein is necessary for efficient phagocytosis.
Effect of edaphoclimate on the resin glycoside profile of the ruderal Ipomoea parasitica (Convolvulaceae)
Authors: Pérez-Sanvicente Edmi , León-Rivera Ismael , Cardoso-Taketa Alexandre T. , Perea-Arango Irene de la C. , Mussali-Galante Patricia , Valencia-Díaz Susana
Published: August 2024

The latex of Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae) is a source of a special kind of acylsugars called resin glycosides, which are highly appreciated because of their biological activities (i.e. laxative, antimicrobial, cytotoxic etc.). Most research has been conducted in perennials with tuberous roots, where resin glycosides are stored. However, their content and variation are unknown in annual vines that lack this type of root, such as in the case of Ipomoea parasitica. This species contains research/biological and human value through its fast growth, survival in harsh environments, and employment in humans for mental/cognitive improvements. These qualities make I. parasitica an ideal system to profile resin glycosides and their variations in response to edaphoclimate. Topsoil samples (0–30 cm depth) and latex from petioles of I. parasitica were collected in two localities of central Mexico. The latex was analyzed through UHPLC-ESI-QTOF, and soil physico-chemical characteristics, the rainfall, minimum, average, and maximum temperatures were recorded. We also measured canopy (%), rockiness (%), and plant cover (%). A Principal Component Analysis was conducted to find associations between edaphoclimate and the resin glycosides. Forty-four resin glycosides were found in the latex of I. parasitica. Ten correlated significantly with three components (47.07%) and contained tetrasaccharide, pentasaccharide, and dimers of tetrasaccharide units. Five resin glycosides were considered constitutive because they were in all the plants. However, exclusive molecules to each locality were also present, which we hypothesize is in response to significant microhabitat conditions found in this study (temperature, clay content, pH, and potassium). Our results showed the presence of resin glycosides in I. parasitica latex and are the basis for experimentally testing the effect of the conditions above on these molecules. However, ecological, molecular, and biochemical factors should be considered in experiments designed to produce these complex molecules.
Impact of electrolyte abnormalities and adverse outcomes in persons with eating disorders: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Buh Amos , Scott Mekaylah , Kiska Rohan , Fung Stephen G. , Solmi Marco , Kang Rachel , Salman Maria , Lee Kathryn , Milone Benjamin , Wafy Gamal , Syed Sarah , Dhaliwal Shan , Gibb Maya , Akbari Ayub , Brown Pierre A. , Hundemer Gregory L. , Sood Manish M.
Published: August 2024

Background

Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate) are required in specific amounts for proper functioning of the human body. Although the body has different organ systems, such as the kidneys, that regulate electrolyte levels in the blood, electrolyte abnormalities occur frequently in people with eating disorders. The objective of this review will be to examine the association between electrolyte imbalances and adverse outcomes in people with eating disorders.

Methods

A systematic review of studies on eating and electrolyte disorders shall be conducted. Electronic searches shall be done in the Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases. Selected studies shall include randomized control trials (RCTs), non-randomized controlled trials, and cross-sectional studies published in English or French. Quality appraisal of studies and a narrative synthesis of extracted data shall be conducted.

Discussion

This review will synthesize existing evidence on electrolyte abnormalities in people with eating disorders. It will identify the type of electrolyte imbalances, their impact, and outcomes in people with eating disorders. We anticipate that information that will be useful to policy makers and clinicians in designing better policies to prevent eating disorders and or manage people with eating disorders shall be elucidated in this study.

Dissemination

The final manuscript will be submitted for publication in a journal.

Review registration

This protocol has been registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO); registration number CRD42023477497.
Self-regulated learning strategies adopted by successful Chinese nursing students in the process of learning Nursing English
Authors: Wang Lina , Gao Xuesong (Andy) , Zhang Fan , Sun Fang , Wan Guangsheng
Published: August 2024

As the number of foreign patients and the frequency of international academic exchanges increase, English proficiency has become increasingly essential for Chinese nurses in the treatment and nursing processes, clinical academic exchanges, and ongoing education. However, the overall English proficiency of Chinese nurses is generally inadequate, greatly depending on the English that they acquire during their nursing education. This study aims to explore the challenges encountered by Chinese EFL (English as a Foreign Language) nursing students in the process of learning Nursing English, along with the effective self-regulated learning strategies they adopt to overcome these challenges. Data were collected from nine Chinese EFL nursing students through their reflective journals and thematic analysis was applied. Data analysis revealed the variety of challenges EFL nursing students encountered, including language-related challenges, which are linguistic difficulties that relate to Nursing English learning itself, such as Nursing English vocabulary and terminology, English-to-English translation, limited listening comprehension, and the gap between textbook knowledge and its practical application; learner-related challenges, which are difficulties that affect students’ emotional, affective, and mental state, primarily caused by uncertainty about the significance of Nursing English, the unexpected difficulty of Nursing English, and failing quizzes; and context-related challenges, which are difficulties relate to social, cultural, and educational context, such as insufficient learning resources, a lack of language environment, and peer pressure. To surmount these challenges, the participants adopted diverse self-regulated learning strategies, including setting goals, previewing in advance and reviewing in time, utilizing word roots, prefixes, and suffixes to facilitate vocabulary learning, repeating, practicing with sounds and writing systems, translating, highlighting and using imagery to overcome language-related challenges; believing in the usefulness and significance of Nursing English, keeping a growth mindset, enjoying Nursing English learning and teacher support and maintaining grit in learning Nursing English to overcome learner-related challenges; and integrating resources, creating supportive language environments and seeking assistance from teachers and cooperating with peers to overcome context-related challenges. Based on these findings, implications are drawn for Nursing English teachers, material designers, curriculum developers, and program designers. We suggest incorporating explicit strategy instruction into regular Nursing English education to enhance nursing students’ self-regulated learning.
Rurality and patients’ hospital experience: A multisite analysis from a US healthcare system
Authors: Fawad Iman , Fischer Karen M. , Yeganeh Hanieh Sadat Tabatabaei , Hanson Kristine T. , Wilshusen Laurie L. , Hydoub Yousif M. , Coons Trevor J. , Vista Tafi L. , Maniaci Michael J. , Habermann Elizabeth B. , Dugani Sagar B.
Published: August 2024

Background

The association between rurality of patients’ residence and hospital experience is incompletely described. The objective of the study was to compare hospital experience by rurality of patients’ residence.

Methods

From a US Midwest institution’s 17 hospitals, we included 56,685 patients who returned a post-hospital Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. We defined rurality using rural-urban commuting area codes (metropolitan, micropolitan, small town, rural). We evaluated the association of patient characteristics with top-box score (favorable response) for 10 HCAHPS items (six composite, two individual, two global). We obtained adjusted odds ratios (aOR [95% CI]) from logistic regression models including patient characteristics. We used key driver analysis to identify associations between HCAHPS items and global rating (combinedoverall rating of hospitalandrecommend hospital).

Results

Of all items,overall rating of hospitalhad lower odds of favorable response for patients from metropolitan (0.88 [0.81–0.94]), micropolitan (0.86 [0.79–0.94]), and small towns (0.90 [0.82–0.98]) compared with rural areas (global test,P= .003). For five items, lower odds of favorable response was observed for select areas compared with rural; for example,recommend hospitalfor patients from micropolitan (0.88 [0.81–0.97]) but not metropolitan (0.97 [0.89–1.05]) or small towns (0.93 [0.85–1.02]). For four items, rurality showed no association. In metropolitan, micropolitan, and small towns, men vs. women had higher odds of favorable response to most items, whereas in rural areas, sex-based differences were largely absent. Key driver analysis identifiedcare transition,communication about medicinesandenvironmentas drivers of global rating, independent of rurality.

Conclusions

Rural patients reported similar or modestly more favorable hospital experience. Determinants of favorable experience across rurality categories may inform system-wide and targeted improvement.
Seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, and syphilis co-infections and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Amhara regional state, northern Ethiopia: A hospital-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Anteneh Degsew Ewunetie , Taye Eden Bishaw , Seyoum Asmra Tesfahun , Abuhay Alemken Eyayu , cherkose Endeshaw Admassu
Published: August 2024

Background

Co-infections involving human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and syphilis pose significant public health problems during pregnancy. It can increase the risk of adverse outcomes for both the woman and the infant more than each infection alone does. However, the magnitude of these co-infections remains insufficiently documented. Hence, this study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, and syphilis co-infections and associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Amhara region referral hospitals in northern Ethiopia.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Amhara regional state referral hospitals from January 1 to February 30, 2024, among 606 pregnant women. Pregnant women were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. An interviewer-administered questionnaire and chart review were used to collect data. Data were analyzed in SPSSV26.0. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the magnitude of co-infections, and binary logistic regression was used to determine associated factors. Variables with a P-value < 0.05 were used to declare statistical significance.

Result

Overall, 4.1% (95% CI: 2.7, 6.1) of pregnant women were co-infected. The prevalence of specific co-infections was 2% (95% CI: 1, 3.5) for HIV/HBV, 1.3% (95% CI: 0.6, 2.6) for HIV/syphilis, and 0.8% (95% CI: 0.3, 1.9) for HBV/syphilis. No cases of triple co-infection were observed. Women with a history of unsafe sex (AOR = 8.2, 95% CI: 1.5, 16.7) and incarceration (AOR = 9.3, 95% CI: 1.6, 20.8) were associated with HIV/syphilis co-infection. For HIV/HBV co-infection, contact with jaundice patients (AOR = 5.5, 95% CI: 1.3, 22.5) and women with a history of STIs (AOR = 4.6, 95% CI: 1.4, 14.9) was significantly associated. Women with STI history (AOR = 6.3, 95% CI: 1.2, 15.9) were also significantly associated with HBV/syphilis co-infection.

Conclusion

Despite the government’s elimination efforts, a relatively high prevalence of coinfections with the infections studied was found among pregnant women. Therefore, HIV, HBV, and syphilis testing and treatment packages should be strengthened by targeting pregnant women with a history of STIs, contact with patients with jaundice, a history of incarceration, and unsafe sex.
Relationship between the extent of vascular injury and the evolution of surgically induced osteochondrosis lesions in a piglet model
Authors: Tóth Ferenc , Buko Erick O. , Armstrong Alexandra R. , Johnson Casey P.
Published: August 2024

Ostechondritis dissecans (OCD) is an orthopaedic disease characterized by formation of osteochondral defects in developing joints. Epiphyseal cartilage necrosis (osteochondrosis [OC]) caused by focal failure of vascular supply is the known precursor lesion of OCD, but it remains to be established how the severity of vascular failure drives lesion healing or progression. In the current study we have implemented a novel piglet model of induced osteochondrosis of the lateral trochlear ridge of the femur to determine the role that the extent of ischemia plays in the development and progression of OC/OCD lesions. Ten 4-week-old Yorkshire piglets underwent surgical interruption of the vascular supply to the entirety (n = 4 pigs) or the distal half (n = 6 pigs) of the lateral trochlear ridge of the femur. At 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively, distal femora were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the fate of induced OC lesions. At 12 weeks, piglets were euthanized, and the surgical sites were examined histologically. After complete devascularization, lesion size increased between the 6- and 12-week MRI by an average of 24.8 mm2 (95% CI: [-2.2, 51.7]; p = 0.071). During the same period, lesion size decreased by an average of 7.6 mm2 (95% CI: [-24.5, 19.4]; p = 0.83) in piglets receiving partial devascularization. At 12 weeks, average ± SD lesion size was larger (p<0.001) in piglets undergoing complete (73.5 ± 17.6 mm2) vs. partial (16.5 ± 9.8 mm2) devascularization. Our study demonstrates how the degree of vascular interruption determines lesion size and likelihood of healing in a large animal model of trochlear OC.
A combination of topical and systemic administration of brimonidine is neuroprotective in the murine optic nerve crush model
Authors: Maciulaitiene Ruta , Kalesnykas Giedrius , Pauza Dainius Haroldas , Januleviciene Ingrida
Published: August 2024

Glaucoma is a multifactorial optic neuropathy that primarily affecting retinal ganglion cells (RGC). Brimonidine is an intraocular pressure-lowering drug with reported neuroprotective properties. This study aimed to compare the neuroprotective effects of topical and intraperitoneal (IP) brimonidine on RGCs from different retinal segments in a murine optic nerve crush (ONC) model. Methods: forty-one Balb/c mice underwent unilateral ONC and were divided into three study groups: fifteen animals received saline drops twice per day and two additional IP injections of saline; fourteen mice received brimonidine drops twice per day; and 12 mice received brimonidine eye drops twice per day and two additional IP brimonidine injections. Animals were sacrificed seven days post-ONC, and immunohistochemical staining of retinal whole mounts was performed using neuronal NeuN and GFAP staining. Microscopic pictures of the central, middle, and peripheral regions of the retina were taken. The density of the retinal cells was assessed. Results: The total RGC density after ONC and RGC densities in all retinal eccentricities were significantly higher in the brimonidine eye drop and IP combination treatment group than in the saline drop + saline IP, and brimonidine drop treatment groups. Conclusions: brimonidine eye drops supplemented with IP brimonidine injections improved RGC survival in a preclinical model of ONC.
Exploring viral neuropathic pain: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications
Authors: Xu Songchao , Li Huili , Ai Zhangran , Guo Ruijuan , Cheng Hao , Wang Yun
Published: August 2024

As the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues, there is a growing concern regarding the relationship between viral infections and neuropathic pain. Chronic neuropathic pain resulting from virus-induced neural dysfunction has emerged as a significant issue currently faced. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unclear, and clinical treatment outcomes are often suboptimal. Therefore, delving into the relationship between viral infections and neuropathic pain, exploring the pathophysiological characteristics and molecular mechanisms of different viral pain models, can contribute to the discovery of potential therapeutic targets and methods, thereby enhancing pain relief and improving the quality of life for patients. This review focuses on HIV-related neuropathic pain (HNP), postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and neuropathic pain caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, examining rodent models and relevant cellular molecular pathways. Through elucidating the connection between viral infections and neuropathic pain, it aims to delineate the current limitations and challenges faced by treatments, thereby providing insights and directions for future clinical practice and research.
Optimizing machine learning for water safety: A comparative analysis with dimensionality reduction and classifier performance in potability prediction
Authors: Chatterjee Debashis , Ghosh Prithwish , Banerjee Amlan , Das Shiladri Shekhar
Published: August 2024

In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of machine learning techniques in predicting water potability based on water quality attributes. Initially, we applied seven classification-based methods directly to the original dataset, yielding varying accuracy scores. Notably, the Support Vector Machine (SVM) achieved the highest accuracy of 69%, while other methods such as XGBoost, k-Nearest Neighbors, Gaussian Naive Bayes, and Random Forest demonstrated competitive performance with scores ranging from 62% to 68%. Subsequently, we employed Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to reduce the dataset’s dimensionality to six principal components, followed by reapplication of the machine learning techniques. The results showed an increase in accuracy across all classifiers, increasing to nearly 100%. This study provides insights into the impact of dimensionality reduction on predictive accuracy and underscores the importance of selecting appropriate techniques for water potability prediction.
que você vê? O que pensa? E o que faz? Contribuições da arte contemporânea para a educação estética.
Authors: Schulz Reiser Neila , Costa Denise
Published: August 2024

Esta pesquisa tem por objetivo refletir como a arte contemporânea contribui paraa educação estética. A partir da proposta de emancipação de Rancière (2015), cartografaram-seexperiências com obras das artistas Lucia Koch, Propaganda, Eli Heil, Brincando de rodas e rodinhas,e Beatriz Milhazes, Moon. Utilizou-se o conto Os prédios também sonham, de Vinícius Batista, comofio que tece a conexão entre as produções artísticas. Como resultado, aponta-se que a arte provocao sujeito a jogar e a fazer uma experiência, desempenhando um papel fundamental na educaçãoestética ao reverberar na autonomia intelectual do conhecimento.
Artificial Reference
Authors: Peterseim Matthias A.
Published: August 2024

As artificial intelligence gained the ability to generate comprehensible images and started to be implemented in many sectors, it is worth reflecting on this novel technology’s potential for referencing in architectural design. Therefore, a recent image-generating AI (›Dall-E 2‹ by OpenAI) is evaluated regarding reference generation or manipulation. Examining the produced images, the system reveals its reference-based limits but also leads the way into new realms of machine-aided inspiration.
Results of tele-rehabilitation in patients with multiple sclerosis during 2020–2021 COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sivertseva S. A. , Anfilofeva K. S. , Zotova A. V. , Chukreev V. D. , Belkina A. Yu. , Volkova L. I. , Guseva M. E. , Boyko A. N.
Published: August 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the nervous system of a predominantly progressive nature. In addition to diseasemodifying drug therapy of MS patients require physical rehabilitation, including tele-rehabilitation (TeleRBT).

Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of TeleRBT in MS patients as one of the rehabilitation stages during the 2020–2021 coronavirus pandemic.

Material and methods. The study involved 36 patients diagnosed with MS who completed a TeleRBT course. The course included 10 lessons of 60 minutes each over 10 days with a two-day break. Various questionnaires and scales were used to assess efficacy, and neurological status was also assessed.

Results. In the group of patients who participated in TeleRBT, the level of disability on the EDSS scale did not change; walking function improved: the time to walk 25 feet decreased from 9.77±6.74 to 8.85±5.26 s (p=0.016), tolerance to physical activity increased: 6 minute walking distance without rest increased from 246.02±145.60 to 261.58±118.55 m (p=0.02), the speed of information processing in PASAT test improved from 31.92±18.35 to 43.12±21.39 (p<0.05), the number of correct answers in the SDMT test increased from 40.7±11.75 to 45.16±13.13 (p<0.05). No exacerbations of the disease were recorded during the TeleRBT period.

Conclusion. TeleRBT had a positive effect on the cognitive and motor domains of patients with MS. The absence of exacerbations and negative dynamics in neurological status characterizes TeleRBT method as safe.
Pain in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Novikova E. S. , Kotov A. S. , Kotov S. V.
Published: August 2024

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are a group of chronic autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system with a relapsing course. Unfortunately, the symptoms of exacerbation cannot always be completely stopped, and in addition to motor disorders, chronic pain and depression can worsen the patient's condition. Currently, one of the factors that significantly affects the quality of life of patients in this group is chronic, debilitating pain.

Objective: to determine the prevalence of the pain syndrome in the population of NMOSD patients in Moscow region, to investigate its clinical characteristics and its impact on quality of life.

Material and methods. The study included 33 patients with NMOSD (6 men and 27 women) aged 22 to 64 years. The following criteria were used to assess the neurological condition, presence and severity of the pain syndrome: Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Diagnostic Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire (DN4), Pain Detect Questionnaire (PDQ), McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory and MRI data.

Results. Among the patients analysed, the pain syndrome occurred in 19 patients (57.6%): 4 patients with NMOSD without antibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4-) and 15 with antibodies against AQP4 (AQP4+). In this group, neuropathic pain was observed in 14 patients (11 – AQP4+ and three – AQP4-), pain due to spasticity in 6 patients (5 – AQP4+ and 1 – AQP4-), painful tonic spasms in 2 patients with AQP4+ and neuropathic itching – in 1 patient with AQP4-. According to the questionnaires of the seropositive patients, the median DN4 was 3 [2; 3] (here and below the data are given in Me format [25th; 75th percentile]), PDQ – 6 [5; 12], on the MPQ scale: pain rank index – 11 [9; 15], index of the number of selected symptoms – 3 [3; 4], pain intensity – 2 [1; 3]. The results for the physical and psychological health domains of the SF36 questionnaire were 35.9 [6.5; 36] and 50.5 [5; 51.5] respectively. Among AQP4+ patients, 7 out of 15 patients were diagnosed with depression; in the AQPpatients, only one man was diagnosed with depression. There was a statistically significant correlation between the age of the patients and pain level: neuropathic pain according to DN4 was more pronounced in younger patients (p=0.009), and neuropathic pain was significantly more severe in patients with an early onset of the disease (p=0.04).

Conclusion. There is currently no clear approach for the treatment of pain in NMOSD. In the present small study, different causes of pain were identified, depending on the location and severity of the lesion, the age of the patient and the duration of the disease. The most important factor in the prevention and treatment of pain syndrome in NMOSD is probably adequate immunotherapy of the disease.
High-dose immunosuppressive therapy followed by haematopoietic stem cell transplantation as a method for the treatment of refractory forms of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in children
Authors: Bronina N. N. , Bykova O. V. , Bronin G. O. , Kessel A. E. , Seregin G. Z. , Kirgizov K. I. , Polushin A. Yu. , Batysheva T. T.
Published: August 2024

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) is a general term for immune-mediated diseases of the central nervous system whose phenotype includes affection of the optic nerve, brainstem encephalitis and myelitis. NMOSD is most commonly associated with class G antibodies against aquaporin-4 (aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G, AQP4-IgG), less commonly with class G antibodies against the glycoprotein of myelin oligodendrocytes. There are also seronegative variants of NMOSD.

The article describes our own experience in treating two boys with resistant NMOSD with AQP4-IgG positivity with high-dose immunosuppressive therapy (HIST) followed by haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In the first clinical observation, a case of resistant NMOSD in a 13-year-old boy is presented. Over the course of 6 months, the child’s neurological deficit progressed to 9.5 points on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). After mobilization of peripheral stem cells (PSC), HIST was performed, followed by autologous HSCT (autoHSCT). During the 18-month follow-up, no NMOSD activity and the decrease in EDSS to 7.0 points were maintained. In the second clinical observation, the experience with the treatment of a child with resistant high-activity NMOSD is presented. A 10-year-old boy had two exacerbations within four months against the background of two lines of immunosuppressive therapy. PSCs were collected before auto-HSCT, but due to a further exacerbation and lack of clinical response to the mobilization dose of cyclophosphamide, it was decided to perform an allogeneic HSCT from a haploidentical donor. The follow-up period was 9 months. The EDSS score decreased from 6.5 to 3.5. AQP4-IgG was not detected in the blood of either patient. Both patients received satralizumab as part of consolidation therapy. No significant complications were observed after transplantation.

Thus, HIST followed by HSCT can be considered a promising method for the treatment of resistant forms of NMOSD. The choice of HSCT type may depend on the severity of the patient’s somatic and neurological condition as well as the clinical response to immunosuppressive therapy.
Sampeginterferon beta-1a in clinical practice
Authors: Sokolova I. A. , Kornakova O. S. , Sokolova E. V.
Published: August 2024

In multiple sclerosis (MS), the development and introduction of disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) into clinical practice can improve treatment outcomes. Interferon beta drugs are commonly used as DMTs. Among these drugs, sampeginterferon beta-1a (Tenexia®) was recently approved – an innovative original development of BIOCAD that is the next pegylated interferon beta-1a in its class. Clinical observations of patients with relapsing-remitting MS who received Tenexia® are presented. In the first clinical observation, the patient initially received glatiramer acetate as DMT, which led to exacerbations and an increase in neurological disturbances. The patient was switched to treatment with Tenexia®, during which no exacerbations and no increase in neurological disturbances were observed. In the second observation, the patient, who had been suffering from MS for 11 years, did not receive any DMTs. A year ago, the drug Tenexia® was prescribed as a DMT for the first time, with no exacerbations, no increase in neurological disturbances or negative changes on MRI during treatment. In the third observation, a patient suffering from MS for 5 years was initially prescribed teriflunomide as DMT, with exacerbations and an increase in neurological disturbances noted during the treatment. The patient was switched to Tenexia®, which led to a stable remission. The presented observations reflect the positive experience with the use of the drug sampeginterferon beta-1a in real-life clinical practice.
Optimization of therapy in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Boyko A. N. , Zyryanov S. K. , Vlasov Ya. V.
Published: August 2024

The article provides an analysis of modern methods of treatment of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). The only drug that has proven its effectiveness in all types of SPMS (with exacerbations and without exacerbations) is siponimod. Clinical trials of this drug have proven its efficacy and safety in this type of MS. If the drug is included in the list of high-cost technologies, this modern method of treating SPMS can be made available to all patients who need it.