bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation, characterization and application of a lytic phage vB_VspM_VS1 against Vibrio splendidus biofilm
Authors: Duan Xuemei , Jiang Liming , Guo Ming , Li Chenghua
Published: September 2023

Vibrio splendidus is a common pathogen in the ocean that infects Apostichopus japonicus, Atlantic salmon and Crassostrea gigas, leading to a variety of diseases. In this study, a virulent phage vB_VspM_VS1, which infects V. splendidus, was isolated from aquaculture ponds in Dalian, China, and it belongs to the family Straboviridae in the order Caudoviricetes. vB_VspM_VS1 had an adsorption rate of 96% in 15 min, a latent period of 65 min, and a burst size of 140 ± 6 PFU/cell. The complete genome of phage vB_VspM_VS1 consists of a linear double-stranded DNA that is 248,270 bp in length with an average G + C content of 42.5% and 389 putative protein-coding genes; 116 genes have known functions. There are 4 tail fiber genes in the positive and negative strands of the phage vB_VspM_VS1 genome. The protein domain of the phage vB_VspM_VS1 tail fibers was obtained from the Protein Data Bank and the SMART (http://smart.embl.de) database. Bacterial challenge tests revealed that the growth of V. splendidus HS0 was apparently inhibited (OD600 < 0.01) in 12 h at an MOI of 10. In against biofilms, we also showed that the OD570 value of the vB_VspM_VS1-treated group (MOI = 1) decreased significantly to 0.04 ± 0.01 compared with that of the control group (0.48 ± 0.08) at 24 h. This study characterizes the genome of the phage vB_VspM_VS1 that infects the pathogenic bacterium V. splendidus of A. japonicus.
Machine learning to predict risk for community-onset Staphylococcus aureus infections in children living in southeastern United States
Authors: Lin Xiting , Geng Ruijin , Menke Kurt , Edelson Mike , Yan Fengxia , Leong Traci , Rust George S. , Waller Lance A. , Johnson Erica L. , Cheng Immergluck Lilly
Published: September 2023

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is known to cause human infections and since the late 1990s, community-onset antibiotic resistant infections (methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA)) continue to cause significant infections in the United States. Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) still account for the majority of these in the outpatient setting. Machine learning can predict the location-based risks for community-level S. aureus infections. Multi-year (2002–2016) electronic health records of children <19 years old with S. aureus infections were queried for patient level data for demographic, clinical, and laboratory information. Area level data (Block group) was abstracted from U.S. Census data. A machine learning ecological niche model, maximum entropy (MaxEnt), was applied to assess model performance of specific place-based factors (determined a priori) associated with S. aureus infections; analyses were structured to compare methicillin resistant (MRSA) against methicillin sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) infections. Differences in rates of MRSA and MSSA infections were determined by comparing those which occurred in the early phase (2002–2005) and those in the later phase (2006–2016). Multi-level modeling was applied to identify risks factors for S. aureus infections. Among 16,124 unique patients with community-onset MRSA and MSSA, majority occurred in the most densely populated neighborhoods of Atlanta’s metropolitan area. MaxEnt model performance showed the training AUC ranged from 0.771 to 0.824, while the testing AUC ranged from 0.769 to 0.839. Population density was the area variable which contributed the most in predicting S. aureus disease (stratified by CO-MRSA and CO-MSSA) across early and late periods. Race contributed more to CO-MRSA prediction models during the early and late periods than for CO-MSSA. Machine learning accurately predicts which densely populated areas are at highest and lowest risk for community-onset S. aureus infections over a 14-year time span.
Vibegron shows high selectivity and potent agonist activity for β3-adrenoceptors, irrespective of receptor density
Authors: Yamamoto Shota , Kusabuka Hotaka , Matsuzawa Akane , Maruyama Itaru , Yamazaki Takanobu
Published: September 2023

β3-Adrenoceptor (AR) agonists are used to treat patients with an overactive bladder (OAB). Clinical proof-of-concept data have been obtained for the β3-AR agonists vibegron, mirabegron, solabegron, and ritobegron; however, the selectivities of these agents have not been compared directly under the same experimental conditions. Moreover, the bladders of some patients express lower β3-AR densities than those of healthy individuals, and the β3-AR density might be expected to affect agonist activity. This study assessed the β3-AR selectivities of four β3-AR agonists and examined the effects of β-AR density on their pharmacological profiles. Functional cellular assays were performed using Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells expressing three human β-AR subtypes transfected with different amounts of plasmid DNA (0.1, 0.05, 0.025 μg/well). The half-maximal effective concentration values, intrinsic activities (IAs), and β3-AR selectivities of vibegron, mirabegron, solabegron, and ritobegron were calculated to assess their pharmacological profiles. The β3-AR selectivities of vibegron, mirabegron, solabegron, and ritobegron were >7937-, 517-, 21.3-, and >124-fold higher than for β1-ARs, and >7937-, 496-, >362- and 28.1-fold higher than for β2-ARs, respectively, under the same experimental conditions. The IAs of mirabegron, solabegron, and ritobegron decreased in line with decreasing receptor density, while the IA of vibegron was maintained at the same level as that of the full agonist isoproterenol at various β3-AR densities. Vibegron has high β3-AR selectivity and exhibits full agonist activity, regardless of the β3-AR density. These results suggest that vibegron is a highly effective and safe drug for treating OAB.
Hepatitis B care cascade among people with HIV/HBV coinfection in the North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design, 2012–2016
Authors: Kim Jessica , Newcomb Craig W. , Carbonari Dean M. , Torgersen Jessie , Althoff Keri N. , Kitahata Mari M. , Klein Marina B. , Moore Richard D. , Reddy K. Rajender , Silverberg Michael J. , Mayor Angel M. , Horberg Michael A. , Cachay Edward R. , Lim Joseph K. , Gill M. John , Chew Kara , Sterling Timothy R. , Hull Mark , Seaberg Eric C. , Kirk Gregory D. , Coburn Sally B. , Lang Raynell , McGinnis Kathleen A. , Gebo Kelly A. , Napravnik Sonia , Kim H. Nina , Lo Re Vincent ,   for the North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design of IeDEA
Published: September 2023

A care cascade is a critical tool for evaluating delivery of care for chronic infections across sequential stages, starting with diagnosis and ending with viral suppression. However, there have been few data describing the hepatitis B virus (HBV) care cascade among people living with HIV infection who have HBV coinfection. We conducted a cross-sectional study among people living with HIV and HBV coinfection receiving care between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2016 within 13 United States and Canadian clinical cohorts contributing data to the North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design (NA-ACCORD). We evaluated each of the steps in this cascade, including: 1) laboratory-confirmed HBV infection, 2) tenofovir-based or entecavir-based HBV therapy prescribed, 3) HBV DNA measured during treatment, and 4) viral suppression achieved via undetectable HBV DNA. Among 3,953 persons with laboratory-confirmed HBV (median age, 50 years; 6.5% female; 43.8% were Black; 7.1% were Hispanic), 3,592 (90.9%; 95% confidence interval, 90.0–91.8%) were prescribed tenofovir-based antiretroviral therapy or entecavir along with their antiretroviral therapy regimen, 2,281 (57.7%; 95% confidence interval, 56.2–59.2%) had HBV DNA measured while on therapy, and 1,624 (41.1%; 95% confidence interval, 39.5–42.6) achieved an undetectable HBV DNA during HBV treatment. Our study identified significant gaps in measurement of HBV DNA and suppression of HBV viremia among people living with HIV and HBV coinfection in the United States and Canada. Periodic evaluation of the HBV care cascade among persons with HIV/HBV will be critical to monitoring success in completion of each step.
A new record of the occurrence of Trichuris skrjabini Baskakov, 1924 in goats of Pakistan
Authors: Afshan Kiran , Khan Sabahat , Khan Bilal , Hussain Sobia , Firasat Sabika , Narjis Ghulam , Chaudhry Umer
Published: September 2023

More than 23 Trichuroidea species have been identified in ruminants in different parts of the world. Most are pathogenic, causing trichurosis. Trichuris adults of most species within this family have a predilection for the ceca, where they may cause damage to the epithelial wall. In the present study, Trichuris spp. from large intestine of goats were analysed based on morphological and molecular characteristics. Fifty adult worms (male = 25 and female = 25) were selected for morphometric and molecular analysis. Male Trichuris were distinguished by their longer spicules, typical spicule sheaths, and small spicules that were always completely covered by the spicule sheath. The presence of an uneverted vulva in the vagina distinguished female worms. We have performed the molecular characterisation of adult warms to identify as Trichuris skrjabini. Genetic comparison of T. skrjabini rDNA ITS2 sequences with those from other Trichuris spp. was performed to assess within and between species variation and validate the use of ITS-2 rDNA as a robust species-specific marker for T. skrjabini identification. This work provides the first report of this parasite species from Pakistan and validated species-specific marker of T. skrjabini that reduces the production potential of goats in the country.
Insights into the computer-aided drug design and discovery based on anthraquinone scaffold for cancer treatment: A protocol for systematic review
Authors: Chua Hui Ming , Moshawih Said , Goh Hui Poh , Ming Long Chiau , Kifli Nurolaini
Published: September 2023

There is still unmet medical need in cancer treatment mainly due to drug resistance and adverse drug events. Therefore, the search for better drugs is essential. Computer-aided drug design (CADD) and discovery tools are useful to streamline the lengthy and costly drug development process. Anthraquinones are a group of naturally occurring compounds with unique scaffold that exert various biological properties including anticancer activities. This protocol describes a systematic review that provide insights into the computer-aided drug design and discovery based on anthraquinone scaffold for cancer treatment. It was prepared in accordance with the “Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines, and published in the “International prospective register of systematic reviews” database (PROSPERO: CRD42023432904). Search strategies will be developed based on the combination of relevant keywords and executed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and MedRxiv. Only original studies that employed CADD as primary tool in virtual screening for the purpose of designing or discovering anti-cancer drugs involving anthraquinone scaffold published in English language will be included. Two independent reviewers will be involved to screen and select the papers, extract the data and assess the risk of bias. Apart from exploring the trends and types of CADD methods used, the target proteins of these compounds in cancer treatment will also be revealed in this review. It is believed that the outcome of this study could be utilized to support the ongoing research in similar area with better quality and greater probability of success, consequently optimizing the resources in subsequentin vitro,in vivo, non-clinical and clinical development. It will also serve as an evidence based scientific guide for new research to design novel anthraquinone-derived drug with improved efficacy and safety profile for cancer treatment.
A qualitative study of imaginary pills and open-label placebos in test anxiety
Authors: Buergler Sarah , Sezer Dilan , Busch Alexander , Enzmann Marlon , Bakis Berfin , Locher Cosima , Bagge Niels , Kirsch Irving , Carvalho Claudia , Gaab Jens
Published: September 2023

Background

The efficacy of open-label placebos (OLPs) has been increasingly demonstrated and their use holds promise for applications compatible with basic ethical principles. Taking this concept one step further an imaginary pill (IP) intervention without the use of a physical pill was developed and tested in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). To explore participants’ experiences and views, we conducted the first qualitative study in the field of IPs.

Methods

A reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) of semi-structured interviews with test anxious students (N = 20) was nested in an RCT investigating an IP and OLP intervention. In addition, open-ended questions from the RCT were evaluated (N = 114) to corroborate the RTA and pill characteristics were included to more accurately capture the IP experience.

Results

Four key themes were identified: (1) attitude towards the intervention, (2) applicability of the intervention, (3) experience of effects, and (4) characteristics of the imagination. The IP intervention was well-accepted, easily applicable, and various effects, pill characteristics and appearances were described. While many participants did not desire a physical pill, either due to the absence of the imagination component or aversion to pills, the approach was considered to be cognitively and time demanding, which in turn, however, encouraged the establishment of a therapeutic ritual that protected against the increase in test anxiety during the preparation phase. OLP findings were comparable, and especially the importance of a treatment rationale was stressed in both groups, counteracting an initial ambivalent attitude. The RTA findings were supported by the open-ended questions of the RCT.

Conclusion

IPs appear to be a well-accepted and easily applicable intervention producing a variety of beneficial effects. Thus, the IP approach might serve as an imaginary based alternative to OLPs warranting further investigations on its application to harness placebo effects without a physical pill.
The timing of fireworks-caused wildfire ignitions during the 4th of July holiday season
Authors: Vachula Richard S. , Nelson Jake R. , Hall Anthony G.
Published: September 2023

Although anthropogenic climate change is causing increased wildfire activity in the United States (US), humans are also an important ignition source. Humans cause a surge in wildfire ignitions every 4th of July (Independence Day in the US) through the use of fireworks. We examine the 4th of July peak in fireworks-caused wildfire ignitions and show that their spatial distribution varies but has been heavily concentrated in the west and north central US and predominantly on tribal lands. Further, we show that the weekly timing of the 4th of July influences both the number and weekly distribution structure of fireworks-caused ignitions. We interpret these weekly and daily-scale distribution patterns of fireworks-caused ignitions to reflect the influences of human behavioral variations, culture, and fireworks regulations. For example, our analysis suggests that weekends and religious days of rest (e.g., Saturday, Sunday) have a dampening effect on the number on wildfire ignitions due to fireworks, and that weekends and the timing of work holidays likely impact the weekly distribution of fireworks-caused ignitions. Additionally, comparisons of fireworks-caused ignitions before and after the 4th of July at the daily and weekly scale likely reflect the efficacy of firework sales regulations and human behavioral tendencies towards pre-holiday impulsiveness. Given the predictability of the fireworks-caused ignitions and rising costs of wildfire mitigation, these results have several important management and policy implications.
ECG and EEG based detection and multilevel classification of stress using machine learning for specified genders: A preliminary study
Authors: Hemakom Apit , Atiwiwat Danita , Israsena Pasin
Published: September 2023

Mental health, especially stress, plays a crucial role in the quality of life. During different phases (luteal and follicular phases) of the menstrual cycle, women may exhibit different responses to stress from men. This, therefore, may have an impact on the stress detection and classification accuracy of machine learning models if genders are not taken into account. However, this has never been investigated before. In addition, only a handful of stress detection devices are scientifically validated. To this end, this work proposes stress detection and multilevel stress classification models for unspecified and specified genders through ECG and EEG signals. Models for stress detection are achieved through developing and evaluating multiple individual classifiers. On the other hand, the stacking technique is employed to obtain models for multilevel stress classification. ECG and EEG features extracted from 40 subjects (21 females and 19 males) were used to train and validate the models. In the low&high combined stress conditions, RBF-SVM and kNN yielded the highest average classification accuracy for females (79.81%) and males (73.77%), respectively. Combining ECG and EEG, the average classification accuracy increased to at least 87.58% (male, high stress) and up to 92.70% (female, high stress). For multilevel stress classification from ECG and EEG, the accuracy for females was 62.60% and for males was 71.57%. This study shows that the difference in genders influences the classification performance for both the detection and multilevel classification of stress. The developed models can be used for both personal (through ECG) and clinical (through ECG and EEG) stress monitoring, with and without taking genders into account.
Impact of COVID-19 vaccination on mortality after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Gupta Mohit D. , Kunal Shekhar , M. P. Girish , Goyal Dixit , Malhotra Rajeev Kumar , Mishra Prashant , Shukla Mansavi , Gupta Aarti , Kohli Vanshika , Bundela Nitya , Batra Vishal , Bansal Ankit , Yadav Rakesh , Yusuf Jamal , Mukhopadhyay Saibal
Published: September 2023

Background

COVID-19 vaccines are highly immunogenic but cardiovascular effects of these vaccines have not been properly elucidated.

Objectives

To determine impact of COVID-19 vaccination on mortality following acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

This was a single center retrospective observation study among patients with AMI enrolled in the the North India ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NORIN-STEMI) registry. In all the enrolled patients, data regarding patient’s vaccination status including details on type of vaccine, date of vaccination and adverse effects were obtained. All enrolled subjects were followed up for a period of six months. The primary outcome of the study was all-cause mortality both at one month and at six months of follow-up. Propensity-weighted score logistic regression model using inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to determine the impact of vaccination status on all-cause mortality.

Results

A total of 1578 subjects were enrolled in the study of whom 1086(68.8%) were vaccinated against COVID-19 while 492(31.2%) were unvaccinated. Analysis of the temporal trends of occurrence of AMI post vaccination did not show a specific clustering of AMI at any particular time. On 30-day follow-up, all-cause mortality occurred in 201(12.7%) patients with adjusted odds of mortality being significantly lower in vaccinated group (adjusted odds ratio[aOR]: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.47–0.71). Similarly, at six months of follow-up, vaccinated AMI group had lower odds of mortality(aOR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.65) as compared to non-vaccinated group.

Conclusions

COVID-19 vaccines have shown to decrease all-cause mortality at 30 days and six months following AMI.
What is environmental media studies so far?
Authors: Brodie Patrick , Pinto Juliet , Pasek Anne , Johnson Alix
Published: September 2023

In this editorial introduction, we revisit the question: ‘What is environmental media studies?’ This provocation, raised in an exceptional article by founding co-editors Meryl Shriver-Rice and Hunter Vaughan in the journal’s first issue, continues to influence how the journal moves forward. However, under the leadership of a new editorial team, we reflect on the new directions and ongoing challenges presented by the interdisciplinary field of environmental media studies through the contributions of Issue 4.1. Working across a number of approaches, topics and interdisciplinary positions, we offer insights into the transformations of the field demonstrated in the excellent work of our authors.
Logistical media and environmental media: Energy, war and the politics of distribution
Authors: Rossiter Ned , Zehle Soenke
Published: September 2023

Media staple environment to logistics as technologies that mediate the dynamic between contingency and entropy. Contingency interrupts plans. Entropy introduces disorder. Media organize disruption and disorder as constitutive elements in the production of value enabled by technologies of capture and control. The power of logistical media resides precisely in their capacity to organize. Environmental media describe the space of organization. Logistical media govern space with the calibration of time. This article explores these dynamics as they cut across energy infrastructures, technologies of war and the politics of distribution.
Climatic Media: Transpacific Experiments in Atmospheric Control, Yuriko Furuhata (2022)
Authors: Moro Jeffrey
Published: September 2023

Review of: Climatic Media: Transpacific Experiments in Atmospheric Control, Yuriko Furuhata (2022)

Durham, NC and London: Duke University Press, 256 pp.

ISBN 978-1-47801-780-6, p/bk, $26.95
Editorial
Authors: Varas-Díaz Nelson , Hassan Nedim , Hagen Ross , Scott Niall
Published: September 2023

Issue 9.2 sees the light following an active summer for the field of metal music studies. During 6–9 June 2023, the International Society for Metal Music Studies held its 6th Biennial Research Conference in Montreal, Canada. The event was organized by Dr Vivek Venkatesh and his team at Concordia University. The issue’s main section includes five articles addressing the topics of stadium rock, the identity construction of famous metal guitarists, the idea of heaviness, symphonic metal’s appropriation of the Baroque, and the creation of a metal scene in Bandung, Indonesia. The issue includes reviews for books on references to Nazism in popular music, the visual dimensions of metal battle jackets, and Mercyful Fate’s 1984 album Don’t Break the Oath.
Heavy Metal Armour: A Visual Study of Battle Jackets, Thomas Cardwell (2022)
Authors: Meij Jan-Martijn
Published: September 2023

Review of: Heavy Metal Armour: A Visual Study of Battle Jackets, Thomas Cardwell (2022)

Bristol: Intellect Ltd, 248 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-78938-537-3, h/bk, £35.00
Exploring Psychiatric Re-Admission Factors through a Loretto Hospital Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Mehdiratta Nikita , Kalita Shweta , Alkhairy Saarah
Published: September 2023

Objective:This quality improvement project aims to comprehensively grasp the factors driving rapid readmissions by analyzing demographic patterns at The Loretto Hospital (TLH).

Introduction: The rising occurrence of rapid readmissions within psychiatric units poses a significant concern, particularly in socioeconomically challenged regions. Prior research has spotlighted specific contributors to readmissions, including suicide-related concerns and substance/alcohol abuse. Notably, outpatient care has emerged as a preventive factor. The pivotal role of The Loretto Hospital in the Austin community is underscored by the 2016 American Community Survey, revealing substantial challenges like high poverty rates, limited educational attainment, low median household income, and prevalent alcohol and substance abuse.

Methodology:Leveraging the Meditech Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, this study will identify a cohort of over 50 patients with two or more admissions in the last year. Both genders aged 18 and above will be included, with support from medical students in patient selection. Chief complaints, education, employment, medication adherence, living conditions, substance abuse, and outpatient engagement will be assessed. Using SPSS Software, data analysis employed multiple linear regression to uncover correlations between identified factors and readmission instances.

Results:Contributors identified are TLH outpatient care, major chief complaints as suicidal ideation and hallucination, unemployment status, substance abuse, and medication nonadherence.

Conclusion:This study underscores the importance of enhancing substance abuse management, medication adherence, and social support to curtail readmission rates. The noted correlation between TLH's outpatient care and readmissions suggests a potential link between the care approach and patient behavior. Proposed strategies span integrated substance abuse screening, tailored medication plans, regular follow-ups, local resource connections, dedicated case management, peer mentorship initiatives, and ongoing readmission rate tracking for refinement. Implementation of these strategies establishes a comprehensive framework to reduce readmissions, elevate care quality, and enhance patient outcomes.
Virtual Reality Improves Symptoms of Functional Dyspepsia: Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled, Pilot Study
Authors: Cangemi David J. , Montenegro Marilia , Spiegel Brennan M.R. , Lacy and Brian E.
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION:

We investigated the efficacy and safety of virtual reality (VR) for functional dyspepsia.

METHODS:

Patients were randomized 2:1 between active vs sham VR. Symptoms were assessed using the Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Disorders-Symptom Severity Index (PAGI-SYM) over 2-week.

RESULTS:

Patients in the active VR group had greater numerical improvement in PAGI-SYM scores (mean difference −0.7; P < 0.001) compared with sham VR (mean difference −0.4; P = 0.032). Active VR led to significant improvements for all PAGI-SYM subscales, except lower abdominal pain, whereas sham only improved heartburn/regurgitation and nausea/vomiting. Half of the total patients reported nonserious adverse effects, although only 1 patient withdrew from the study because of adverse effects.

DISCUSSION:

VR is safe and results in significant symptom improvement in functional dyspepsia. Larger trials are warranted.
Baseline peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) transcriptomics before ustekinumab treatment is linked with Crohn Disease clinical response at 1 year
Authors: Granot Maya , Braun Tzipi , Efroni Gilat , Picard Orit , Fudim Ella , Yavzori Miri , Haj Ola , Weiss Batia , Ben-Horin Shomron , Kopylov Uri , Haberman Yael
Published: September 2023

Background/Objectives:

Ustekinumab (Stelara), a monoclonal antibody to the p40 subunit of interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, is used for Crohn Disease (CD), and the documented clinical remission rate after one year was observed in about 50% of patients. We aimed to identify predictors for a clinical response using peripheral blood obtained from CD patients just before ustekinumab treatment initiation.

Methods:

RNA extraction from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was followed by mRNA paired-end sequencing. Differential gene expression was performed using DESeq2.

Results:

We processed samples from 36 adults with CD (13 males, 36%) obtained at baseline before starting ustekinumab treatment. 22/36 (61%) were defined as responders and 14/36 (39%) as non-responders after one year based on Physician Global Assessment (PGA). Differential gene expression between responders (n=22) and non-responders (n=14) did not show a gene expression signature that passed false discovery rate (FDR) correction. However, the analyses identified 68 genes, including CXCL1/2/3, that were induced in non-responders vs. responders with p<0.05 and fold change above 1.5. Functional annotation enrichments of these 68 genes using ToppGene indicated enrichment for cytokine activity (FDR=1.98E-05), CXCR chemokine receptor binding (FDR=2.11E-05), Interleukin-10 signaling (FDR=5.03E-07), Genes encoding secreted soluble factors (FDR=1.73E-05), and Myeloid Dendritic cells (FDR=1.80E-08).

Conclusions:

No substantial differences were found in PBMC transcriptomics between responders and non-responders. However, among the non-responders, we noted an increased inflammatory response enriched for pathways linked with cytokine activity and chemokine receptor binding, and innate myeloid signature. A larger cohort is required to validate and further explore these findings.
Open source automated insulin delivery systems: benefits, limitations and challenges in diabetes care
Authors: Shishin K. S. , Klimontov V. V.
Published: September 2023

Open source closed loop automated insulin delivery (CL-AID) systems are increasingly used in the treatment of diabetes. Assembled on a do-it-yourself (DIY) basis, these systems integrate insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitoring devices, and algorithms that control the rate of insulin delivery based on glucose levels. In this review, we consider the technological features of open source CL-AID systems (OpenAPS, AndroidAPS, Loop, etc.), advantages and barriers to their use in clinical practice. Advantages of open source CL-AID systems over commercially available ones included lower cost, a choice of devices, a wide range of user settings, as well as continuous improvement of algorithms. A growing body of evidence indicates that open source CL-AID systems, such as OpenAPS, AndroidAPS, and Loop, provide an excellent time in range with minimal risk of hypoglycaemia and increase treatment satisfaction in patients with type 1 diabetes. A wide range of settings makes open source systems an effective tool for managing diabetes in situations with rapidly changing insulin requirement. However, some technological, medical, legal and ethical issues associated with the use of non-commercial CL-AID systems still need to be addressed. Assembling the system requires skills in diabetes technology. The issue of cybersecurity is also relevant. Lack of official approvals, low awareness of medical professionals, and reimbursement issues are slowing down the introduction of the technology into clinical practice. The professional medical community at the international and national levels needs to determine its position regarding the use of open source CL-AID systems in the treatment of diabetes.
Transações com partes relacionadas: evidências de honorários de auditoria em empresas abertas do mercado brasileiro
Authors: Santo Lima Ana Claudia , Silva do Carmo Carlos Henrique , Alves Gonçalves Magalhães Ketlyn
Published: September 2023

Objetivo: O trabalho teve como objetivo identificar a influência das transações com partes relacionadas (TPRs) nos honorários de auditoria (HonAud) de empresas abertas do mercado brasileiro.

Método: A mensuração dos HonAud se deu mediante o logaritmo natural, em concordância com a pesquisa de Habib et al. (2015) e Al-Dhamari et al. (2018). No que tange às transações com partes relacionadas, optou-se também por usar as TPRs em sua forma logaritma (Habib et al., 2015;  Pratama, 2018; Ali et al., 2021). A coleta de dados econômicos e financeiros foi realizada na base de dados Economática e as informações sobre auditoria foram retiradas no Formulário de Referência, por fim, os dados referentes às TPRs foram coletados dos demonstrativos individuais das empresas da amostra.

Resultados ou Discussão: Os resultados sugerem que as TPRs de vendas, compras e totais contribuem para o aumento do risco de auditoria, sendo possivelmente mais complexas para a averiguação. E, por conseguinte, estão associadas a maiores valores de honorários de auditoria cobrados quando da prestação dos serviços de auditoria externa.

Contribuições: A pesquisa traz implicações para investidores, analistas e auditores, ao indicar que as TPRs precisam ser analisadas com maior precisão. Finalmente, os achados também fornecem alerta aos normatizadores quanto à proteção dos acionistas minoritários, visto que as transações com partes relacionadas podem ser usadas para obscurecer as informações contábeis.
Oral Leukoplakia: Diagnosis And Management Revisited
Authors:   VU medical center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands. e-mail to: i.vanderwaal@hotmail.com, van der Waal Isaäc
Published: September 2023

The definition of oral leukoplakia has not much changed during the past five decades and is still a definition by exclusion of ‘known’ lesions. Therefore, a diagnosis of leukoplakia is not always a straightforward one for the clinicians and, to some extent, also for the pathologists. The traditional clinical classification in homogeneous and nonhomogeneous leukoplakia may just be simplified into leukoplakia (thin and thick/verrucous) and erythroleukoplakia. In spite of numerous reported predictive molecular and genetic parameters of malignant transformation, the presence and grade of epithelial dysplasia as assessed by histopathological examination is still the most important one. Of the various treatment modalities, surgery and CO2 laser evaporation are still the most common ones. Treatment may delay or prevent recurrence, but does not seem to prevent malignant transformation or the occurrence of cancer development elsewhere in the mouth or the head and neck region or beyond. There is a strong need for randomized prospective studies and uniform reporting of treatment results.
Case Report: Hyperglycemia in Pregnancy and The Impacts on Fetal Welfare
Authors: Andani Stella
Published: September 2023

Background: Hyperglycemia in pregnancy is related to the outcome of pregnancy. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes diagnosed in the second or third trimester of pregnancy without a history of diabetes is associated with macrosomia, perinatal complications, and neonatal and maternal morbidity.Case Presentation: This study involved 3 pregnant women with different characteristics of age, parity, and gestational age. All the women in the cases were found to have high glucose levels in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy and received therapy.Conclusion: Based on observational studies, patients with pregestational DM have better outcomes if the HbA1c level is <6-6.5%. In the second and third trimesters, the risk of macrosomia, preterm delivery, and preeclampsia is lower if the HbA1c level is <6%. Keywords: BMI, Diabetes Gestational, Glucose level, Pregestational Diabetes
A 56 Years Old Female with Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus Type II, Pneumonia, and Suspect With Lung Abscess: a Case Report
Authors: Fahreza Fahreza , Novita Diana , Meutia Sri
Published: September 2023

Background:Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases with characteristic hyperglycemia. Proper management of DM patients is essential, and this is useful for controlling appropriate blood glucose levels. If blood glucose levels are uncontrolled, this lead to other complications in other organs, like interference with the immune system. Disruption of the immune system causes the risk of infectious diseases, such as pneumonia and lung abscess.Case Presentation:We report a female patient with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, complaining of dyspnea, cough with sputum, high fever, and headache. On chest examination showed left chest movement in the right lung, increased stem fremitus in all right lung fields, dullness in the right upper lung field, and amphoric sound, coarse and wet crackles heard in the right upper lung.  Several supporting examinations, including laboratory and radiological examinations were carried out.Conclusion: The patient was diagnosed with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus, pneumonia, and a suspected lung abscess. The patient was given several treatments and showed clinical improvement on the fifth day of treatment.
No impact of a high‐fat meal coupled with intermittent hypoxemia on acute kidney injury biomarkers in adults with and without obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Goulet Nicholas , Tetzlaff Emily J. , Morin Renée , Mauger Jean‐François , Amaratunga Ruwan , Kenny Glen P. , Imbeault Pascal
Published: September 2023

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by chronic intermittent hypoxemia, which is associated with progressive loss of kidney function, where postprandial fluctuations in renal physiology may further compromise oxygen supply and kidney function. Therefore, we measured biomarkers of acute kidney injury (AKI) following a high‐fat meal with and without intermittent hypoxemia. Eighteen healthy young men (mean age [SD]: 22.7 years [3.1]) and seven middle‐aged to older individuals with OSA (54.4 years [6.4]) consumed a high‐fat meal during normoxia or intermittent hypoxemia (~15 hypoxic cycles per hour, ~85% oxyhemoglobin saturation) for 6 h. We observed no changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate and plasma concentrations of creatinine, neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL), and kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1) at any measured time points. In both groups, plasma concentrations of interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) increased after 6 h during normoxia only (p = 0.033, ηp2 = 0.122), and plasma concentrations of liver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein (L‐FABP) transiently decreased after 3 h in both conditions (p = 0.008, ηp2 = 0.152). These findings indicate that AKI biomarkers are not acutely elevated during the postprandial state with or without intermittent hypoxemia, suggesting that other mechanisms may play more important roles in the progression of kidney disease in OSA.
The dependence of maximum oxygen uptake and utilization (V̇O2max) on hemoglobin‐oxygen affinity and altitude
Authors: Webb Kevin L. , Joyner Michael J. , Wiggins Chad C. , Secomb Timothy W. , Roy Tuhin K.
Published: September 2023

Oxygen transport from the lungs to peripheral tissue is dependent on the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. Recent experimental data have suggested that the maximum human capacity for oxygen uptake and utilization (V̇O2max) at sea level and altitude (~3000 m) is sensitive to alterations in hemoglobin‐oxygen affinity. However, the effect of such alterations on V̇O2max at extreme altitudes remains largely unknown due to the rarity of mutations affecting hemoglobin‐oxygen affinity. This work uses a mathematical model that couples pulmonary oxygen uptake with systemic oxygen utilization under conditions of high metabolic demand to investigate the effect of hemoglobin‐oxygen affinity on V̇O2max as a function of altitude. The model includes the effects of both diffusive and convective limitations on oxygen transport. Pulmonary oxygen uptake is calculated using a spatially‐distributed model that accounts for the effects of hematocrit and hemoglobin‐oxygen affinity. Systemic oxygen utilization is calculated assuming Michaelis–Menten kinetics. The pulmonary and systemic model components are solved iteratively to compute predicted arterial and venous oxygen levels. Values of V̇O2max are predicted for several values of hemoglobin‐oxygen affinity and hemoglobin concentration based on data from humans with hemoglobin mutations. The model predicts that increased hemoglobin‐oxygen affinity leads to increased V̇O2max at altitudes above ~4500 m.
Metastasis from small cell lung cancer to ovary: A case report
Authors: Zhao Benzheng , Zhao Weixin , Xia Yang , Liu Jian , Wang Yuan , Song Tianjiao , Tan Wenxi , Zhao Shuhua
Published: September 2023

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) rarely metastasizes to the ovary, and is difficult to diagnose given its overlapping clinical features and histological characteristics with primary ovarian cancer. Since therapies for SCLC and primary ovarian cancer differ, it is important to determine the original site of ovarian lesions. This report describes the differential diagnosis of metastatic from primary ovarian cancer. A 46-year-old Chinese woman with a history of SCLC, confirmed by transbronchial lung biopsy in August 2018, presented with abdominal distension in December 2018. Ultrasound examination and whole abdomen computed tomography showed one mass in each ovary. A provisional diagnosis of ovarian tumor was given. A palliative total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed; and three postoperative courses of chemotherapies. The patient died from multiple organ failure in May 2019. Metastatic ovarian cancer from SCLC was determined based on characteristic histological and immunohistochemical staining.
CSF and plasma Aβ42/40 across Alzheimer’s disease continuum: comparison of two ultrasensitive Simoa® assays targeting distinct amyloid regions
Authors: Wojdała Anna Lidia , Bellomo Giovanni , Toja Andrea , Gaetani Lorenzo , Parnetti Lucilla , Chiasserini Davide
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Decreased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid beta 42/40 ratio (Aβ42/40) is one of the core Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers. Measurement of Aβ42/40 in plasma has also been proposed as a surrogate marker for amyloidosis, however the validity and the diagnostic performance of this biomarker is still uncertain. Here we evaluated two immunoassays targeting distinct regions of the amyloid peptides by (a) performing a method comparison in both CSF and plasma, and (b) assessing the diagnostic performance across the AD continuum.

Methods

We used N4PE and N3PA Simoa® assays to measure Aβ42/40 in CSF and plasma of 134 patients: preclinical AD (pre-AD, n=19), mild cognitive impairment due to AD (MCI-AD, n=41), AD at the dementia stage (AD-dem, n=35), and a control group (CTRL, n=39). The N4PE includes a detector antibody targeting the amyloid N-terminus, while the N3PA uses a detector targeting amyloid mid-region.

Results

Method comparison of N4PE and N3PA assays revealed discrepancies in assessment of plasma Aβ42/Aβ40. While the diagnostic performance of the two assays did not significantly differ in CSF, in plasma, N4PE assay provided better accuracy for AD discrimination than N3PA assay (AUC AD-dem vs. CTRL 0.77 N4PE, 0.68 N3PA).

Conclusions

While both Aβ42/40 assays allowed for an effective discrimination between CTRL and different AD stages, the assay targeting amyloid N-terminal region provided the best diagnostic performance in plasma. Differences observed in technical and diagnostic performance of the two assays may depend on matrix-specific amyloid processing, suggesting that further studies should be carried to standardize amyloid ratio measurement in plasma.
The emerging role of ATP as a cosolute for biomolecular processes
Authors: Hautke Alexander , Ebbinghaus Simon
Published: September 2023

ATP is an important small molecule that appears at outstandingly high concentration within the cellular medium. Apart from its use as a source of energy and a metabolite, there is increasing evidence for important functions as a cosolute for biomolecular processes. Owned to its solubilizing kosmotropic triphosphate and hydrophobic adenine moieties, ATP is a versatile cosolute that can interact with biomolecules in various ways. We here use three models to categorize these interactions and apply them to review recent studies. We focus on the impact of ATP on biomolecular solubility, folding stability and phase transitions. This leads us to possible implications and therapeutic interventions in neurodegenerative diseases.
Experimental analysis of localized hybridization by means of adding woven polyester strip
Authors: Chithambara Thanu M. , Appadurai M. , Fantin Irudaya Raj E. , Lurthu Pushparaj T.
Published: September 2023

Natural fiber-reinforced composites must be hybridized with synthetic fibers to enhance their mechanical strength. They are appropriate for structural applications after hybridizing with more than 40 % of synthetic fibers. The hybrid composite becomes a partly biodegradable material due to the blend of natural fibers. The localized hybridization approach has been used to minimize the quantity of synthetic fiber used in hybridization. The region around the drilled hole of a composite has been identified as stress concentrated region. In that stress-concentrated region, a polyester strip of different widths is deployed to reinforce it to reduce the delamination occurrence. The present work deals with Jute Fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester resin with local hybridization of woven polyester made up of Perma Core T-18 polyester fiber strands. The interfacial shear and tensile strengths are evaluated for the proposed composite. The results revealed that the yield strength of the proposed composite increased from 18.32 MPa to 29.62 MPa due to local hybridization. The increment of 69.24 % in yield strength is more significant for structural applications.
Welfare Effects of Platforms’ Exclusivity Clauses
Authors: Holler Marit
Published: September 2023

Buyers are often active on multiple digital platforms, while gatekeeper platforms can force sellers contractually to use one platform exclusively. This paper considers the welfare effects of such exclusivity clauses for buyers, sellers and platforms in a platform duopoly with a seller membership fee. A setting with partially multihoming buyers and sellers is compared to one with partially multihoming buyers and singlehoming sellers. It is shown that exclusivity clauses predominately harm total welfare. Buyers suffer if sellers are exclusive on one platform, while platforms and sellers benefit from exclusivity clauses under certain conditions. In an environment with exclusivity clauses, when strong cross-group benefits and weak platform differentiation result in fierce price competition, exclusivity clauses can be welfare-enhancing.
Unique Strength and Conditioning Coach Considerations for First Responder Trainee Fitness Development
Authors: Lockie Robert G. , Dawes J. Jay
Published: September 2023

In recent years, many first responder (i.e., fire and police) organizations have had issues with recruitment. Changes to population demographics (e.g., reduced physical activity and increased obesity) have contributed to these recruitment challenges because more adults may not be fit enough to meet the minimum requirements for physically demanding occupations. Applicants to first responder job positions may solicit strength and conditioning coaches to help train them for entry fitness testing and academy training. Although the training principles for athletes have crossover to first responder trainees, several unique considerations must be understood by the coach so they can best prepare their trainee. This review will discuss some of the unique considerations for developing the physical fitness of first responder trainees. This includes understanding what entry fitness tests (if any) may be required and how this can vary across different organizations and states. The strength and conditioning coach should also understand how fitness training could be implemented at the training academy stage and what specific modalities may have a greater focus within their trainee's specific academy. The review will provide actionable information for the strength and conditioning coach who may have limited experience in the physical preparation of first responder trainees.