bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetic disposition of marbofloxacin after intramuscular administration in estuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus)
Authors: Yalong Mona , Poapolathep Saranya , Giorgi Mario , Khidkhan Kraisiri , Klangkaew Narumol , Phaochoosak Napasorn , Chaiyabutr Narongsak , Wongwaipairoj Tara , Poapolathep Amnart
Published: June 2023

To date, the pharmacokinetics of fluoroquinolones in estuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) have been reported for enrofloxacin but not for marbofloxacin (MBF), which is a broad‐spectrum antibiotic used only in veterinary medicine. This study investigated the pharmacokinetics of MBF after intramuscular administration at two difference dosages (2 and 4 mg/kg body weight) in estuarine crocodiles and estimated pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) surrogate parameters for the optimization of dosage regimens. Ten treated estuarine crocodiles were divided into two groups (n = 5) using a randomization procedure according to a parallel study design. Blood samples were collected at assigned times up to 168 h. MBF plasma samples were cleaned up using liquid–liquid extraction and analyzed using a validated high‐performance liquid chromatography method with fluorescence detection. A non‐compartment approach was used to fit the plasma concentration of MBF vs time curve for each crocodile. The plasma concentrations of MBF were quantifiable for up to 168 h in both groups. The elimination half‐life values of MBF were long (33.99 and 39.28 h for 2 and 4 mg/kg, respectively) with no significant differences between the groups. The average plasma protein binding of MBF was 30.85%. According to the surrogated PK/PD parameter (AUC0–24‐to‐MIC ratio >100–125), the 2 and 4 mg/kg dosing rates should be effective for bacteria with MIC values lower than 0.125 μg/mL and 0.35 μg/mL, respectively.
Protective effects of statins on the incidence of NAFLD–related decompensated cirrhosis in T2DM
Authors: Wu Szu‐Yuan , Chen Wan‐Ming , Chiang Ming‐Feng , Lo Hung‐Chieh , Wu Ming‐Shun , Lee Ming‐Che , Soong Ruey‐Shyang
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and poses a significant threat to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic dysregulation. Statins exert anti‐inflammatory, antioxidative and antithrombotic effects that target mechanisms underlying NAFLD. However, the protective effects of the different doses, intensities and types of statins on the incidence of NAFLD‐related decompensated liver cirrhosis (DLC) in patients with T2DM remain unclear.

Methods

This study used the data of patients with T2DM who were non‐HBV and non‐HCV carriers from a national population database to examine the protective effects of statin use on DLC incidence through propensity score matching. The incidence rate (IR) and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of DLC in patients with T2DM with or without statin use were calculated.

Results

A higher cumulative dose and specific types of statins, namely rosuvastatin, pravastatin, atorvastatin, simvastatin and fluvastatin, reduced the risk of DLC in patients with T2DM. Statin use was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of DLC (HR: .65, 95% CI: .61–.70). The optimal daily intensity of statin use with the lowest risk of DLC was .88 defined daily dose (DDD).

Conclusions

The results revealed the protective effects of specific types of statins on DLC risk in patients with T2DM and indicated a dose–response relationship. Additional studies are warranted to understand the specific mechanisms of action of different types of statins and their effect on DLC risk in patients with T2DM.
Cumulative absolute velocity prediction for earthquake early warning with deep learning
Authors: Wang Yanwei , Zhao Qingxu , Qian Kai , Wang Zifa , Cao Zhenzhong , Wang Jianming
Published: June 2023

A rapid and accurate estimate of earthquake damage is a key component in a successful earthquake early warning (EEW) system. The cumulative absolute velocity (CAV) is an important and widely used parameter to measure ground motion intensity, but it cannot be correctly estimated via the traditional approach with the limited information available in typical EEW systems. Therefore, current EEW systems cannot effectively use CAV to predict earthquake damage. Herein, a CAV prediction model (DLcav) based on convolutional neural networks was proposed for EEW systems. DLcav is an end‐to‐end solution to continuously predict CAV using arriving seismic waves of increasing length and supplemented with additional auxiliary information. The effectiveness of DLcav to predict CAV was tested based on Japanese ground motion records, and the generalization ability of DLcav was assessed using the ground motion records from Chile. The results demonstrate that DLcav can rapidly predict CAV with good accuracy, which will help better estimate earthquake damage in EEW systems.
O6‐methylguanine methyltransferase promoter methylation status of glioblastoma cell line clonal population
Authors: Anan Mitsuhiro , Del Maestro Rolando Fausto , Hata Nobuhiro , Fujiki Minoru
Published: June 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains a treatment‐resistant malignant brain tumor in large part because of its genetic heterogeneity and epigenetic plasticity. In this study, we investigated the epigenetic heterogeneity of GBM by evaluating the methylation status of the O6‐methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter in individual clones of a single cell derived from GBM cell lines. The U251 and U373 GBM cell lines, from the Brain Tumour Research Centre of the Montreal Neurological Institute, were used for the experiments. To evaluate the methylation status of the MGMT promoter, pyrosequencing and methylation‐specific PCR (MSP) were used. Moreover, mRNA and protein expression levels of MGMT in the individual GBM clones were evaluated. The HeLa cell line, which hyper‐expresses MGMT, was used as control. A total of 12 U251 and 12 U373 clones were isolated. The methylation status of 83 of 97 CpG sites in the MGMT promoter were evaluated by pyrosequencing, and 11 methylated CpG sites and 13 unmethylated CpG sites were evaluated by MSP. The methylation status by pyrosequencing was relatively high at CpG sites 3–8, 20–35, and 7–83, in both the U251 and U373 clones. Neither MGMT mRNA nor protein was detected in any clone. These findings demonstrate tumor heterogeneity among individual clones derived from a single GBM cell. MGMT expression may be regulated, not only by methylation of the MGMT promoter but by other factors as well. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying the epigenetic heterogeneity and plasticity of GBM.
Tomato geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase isoform 1 is involved in the stress‐triggered production of diterpenes in leaves and strigolactones in roots
Authors: Ezquerro Miguel , Li Changsheng , Pérez‐Pérez Julia , Burbano‐Erazo Esteban , Barja M. Victoria , Wang Yanting , Dong Lemeng , Lisón Purificación , López‐Gresa M. Pilar , Bouwmeester Harro J. , Rodríguez‐Concepción Manuel
Published: June 2023

Carotenoids are photoprotectant pigments and precursors of hormones such as strigolactones (SL). Carotenoids are produced in plastids from geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP), which is diverted to the carotenoid pathway by phytoene synthase (PSY). In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), three genes encode plastid‐targeted GGPP synthases (SlG1 to SlG3) and three genes encode PSY isoforms (PSY1 to PSY3).

Here, we investigated the function of SlG1 by generating loss‐of‐function lines and combining their metabolic and physiological phenotyping with gene co‐expression and co‐immunoprecipitation analyses.

Leaves and fruits of slg1 lines showed a wild‐type phenotype in terms of carotenoid accumulation, photosynthesis, and development under normal growth conditions. In response to bacterial infection, however, slg1 leaves produced lower levels of defensive GGPP‐derived diterpenoids. In roots, SlG1 was co‐expressed with PSY3 and other genes involved in SL production, and slg1 lines grown under phosphate starvation exuded less SLs. However, slg1 plants did not display the branched shoot phenotype observed in other SL‐defective mutants. At the protein level, SlG1 physically interacted with the root‐specific PSY3 isoform but not with PSY1 and PSY2.

Our results confirm specific roles for SlG1 in producing GGPP for defensive diterpenoids in leaves and carotenoid‐derived SLs (in combination with PSY3) in roots.
Some concerns about the idea of basic moral certainty: A critical response to Samuel Laves
Authors: Fairhurst Jordi
Published: June 2023

Pleasants has developed the idea of basic moral certainties. Analogous to Wittgenstein's basic empirical certainties, they are best described as universal moral certainties which are natural and nonpropositional, and show unreflectively in the way we act. A clear‐cut example is the wrongness of killing innocent human beings. Philosophers have levelled three damaging criticisms against Pleasants' proposal by (i) offering counterexamples to his proposed example of moral certainty, (ii) highlighting some disanalogies between moral certainties and Wittgenstein's basic empirical certainties and, lastly, (iii) showing the lack of arguments and evidence offered by Pleasants to substantiate the claim that moral certainties are natural. To address these criticisms, Laves has revised Pleasants' proposal by providing numerous amendments. In this paper, I develop some concerns about Laves' proposed amendments and indicate that, at present, they are unable to fully overcome the criticisms levelled against the idea of basic moral certainty. Whether Laves' proposal can escape these troubles demands further attention.
The Stress of Expectation: The Significance of Gender on Concerns About Long‐Term Care Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Older Adults
Authors: Savage B. , Barringer M. N.
Published: June 2023

Given a history of discrimination in healthcare, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults may expect they could be subject to discrimination when seeking long‐term care (LTC). The expectation of mistreatment in LTC, which can contribute to minority stress, might vary, however, according to gender identity. In the current study, we use a nationwide survey to examine the impact of gender identity on the likelihood that LGBT older adults in the United States are concerned about the potential for (1) neglect, (2) abuse, (3) harassment, (4) denial of services, and/or (5) identity disclosure issues in LTC, should they or their spouse/partner need LTC in the future. We found significant differences in the likelihood of concern for cisgender females and gender‐expansive respondents, compared with cisgender males. More pointedly, we found that LGBT older adults who were gender‐expansive had a significant likelihood of concern across four of the five models, likely reflecting a history of discrimination in a cisnormative society. Our findings highlight the need for policies and practices that specifically aim to ameliorate the concerns LGBT aging adults who are gender‐expansive might feel when anticipating they or their spouse/partner might need LTC.
Determinants of alcohol use among young males in two Indian states: A population‐based study
Authors: Heijdra Suasnabar Jan M. , Nadkarni Abhijit , Palafox Benjamin
Published: June 2023

Objectives

There is insufficient evidence about the determinants of alcohol use amongst young people in India and other low‐and middle‐income countries, despite alcohol's high contribution to disease burden and increasing consumption in this population. We aimed to identify and estimate the determinants of alcohol use in a representative sample of 2716 young men from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh who participated in the ‘Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults’ (UDAYA) study.

Methods

First, we developed an exploratory conceptual framework of potential alcohol use determinants in the study settings based on available literature. We then estimated the effects of 35 potential alcohol use determinants identified in the conceptual framework (including 14 latent factors identified through exploratory factor analysis) on any alcohol use in the past 3 years and regular alcohol use amongst past three‐year drinkers, using mixed‐effects logistic models. The determinants explored were operationalised using longitudinal data from the UDAYA study.

Results

Our adjusted models identified 18 determinants for past 3‐year alcohol use and 12 determinants for regular use. Distal determinants (e.g., socioeconomic status), intermediate determinants (e.g., parental alcohol use, media use), and proximal determinants (e.g., emotional regulation, early tobacco use) were identified. Geographical variations in both outcomes indicate potential differences in unmeasured community‐level determinants (e.g., alcohol availability and acceptability).

Conclusions

Our findings extend the generalizability of several known determinants across settings, yet highlight the importance of addressing alcohol use in young people as a complex and context‐dependent issue. Many identified determinants (e.g., education, media use, poor parental support, early tobacco use) are amenable to intervention through multi‐sectoral prevention programs/policies. Such determinants should be the focus of ongoing policy/intervention development efforts in the region, and our revised conceptual framework may inform further research in India or similar South Asian settings.
Embryo sac development relies on symplastic signals from ovular integuments in Arabidopsis
Authors: Qin Zheng , Liang Zi‐Zhen , Wu Ya‐Nan , Zhou Xue‐Qing , Xu Meng , Jiang Li‐Wen , Li Sha , Zhang Yan
Published: June 2023

Ovules are female reproductive organs of angiosperms, consisting of sporophytic integuments surrounding female gametophytes, that is, embryo sacs. Synchronization between integument growth and embryo sac development requires intracellular communication. However, signaling routes through which cells of the two generations communicate are unclear. We report that symplastic signals through plasmodesmata (PDs) of integuments are critical for the development of female gametophytes. Genetic interferences of PD biogenesis either by functional loss of CHOLINE TRANSPORTER‐LIKE1 (CTL1) or by integument‐specific expression of a mutated CALLOSE SYNTHASE 3 (cals3m) compromised PD formation in integuments and reduced fertility. Close examination of pINO:cals3m or ctl1 ovules indicated that female gametophytic development was either arrested at various stages after the formation of functional megaspores. In both cases, defective ovules could not attract pollen tubes, leading to the failure of fertilization. Results presented here demonstrate a key role of the symplastic route in sporophytic control of female gametophytic development.
Silane coupling agent in biomedical materials
Authors: Zhang Ze-qun , Ren Ke-feng , Ji Jian
Published: June 2023

Medical devices are becoming more and more significant in our daily life. For implantable medical devices, good biocompatibility is required for further use in vivo. Thus, surface modification of medical devices is really important, which gives a wide application scene for a silane coupling agent. The silane coupling agent is able to form a durable bond between organic and inorganic materials. The dehydration process provides linking sites to achieve condensation of two hydroxyl groups. The forming covalent bond brings excellent mechanical properties among different surfaces. Indeed, the silane coupling agent is a popular component in surface modification. Metals, proteins, and hydrogels are using silane coupling agent to link parts commonly. The mild reaction environment also brings advantages for the spread of the silane coupling agent. In this review, we summarize two main methods of using the silane coupling agent. One is acting as a crosslinker mixed in the whole system, and the other is to provide a bridge between different surfaces. Moreover, we introduce their applications in biomedical devices.
Modulation of the functional interfaces between retroviral intasomes and the human nucleosome
Authors: Mauro E. , Lapaillerie D. , Tumiotto C. , Charlier C. , Martins F. , Sousa S. F. , Métifiot M. , Weigel P. , Yamatsugu K. , Kanai M. , Munier-Lehmann H. , Richetta C. , Maisch M. , Dutrieux J. , Batisse J. , Ruff M. , Delelis O. , Lesbats P. , Parissi V.
Published: June 2023

Infection by retroviruses as HIV-1 requires the stable integration of their genome into the host cells. This process needs the formation of integrase (IN)-viral DNA complexes, called intasomes, and their interaction with the target DNA wrapped around nucleosomes within cell chromatin. To provide new tools to analyze this association and select drugs, we applied the AlphaLISA technology to the complex formed between the prototype foamy virus (PFV) intasome and nucleosome reconstituted on 601 Widom sequence. This system allowed us to monitor the association between both partners and select small molecules that could modulate the intasome/nucleosome association. Using this approach, drugs acting either on the DNA topology within the nucleosome or on the IN/histone tail interactions have been selected. Within these compounds, doxorubicin and histone binders calixarenes were characterized using biochemical,
in silico
molecular simulations and cellular approaches. These drugs were shown to inhibit both PFV and HIV-1 integration
in vitro
. Treatment of HIV-1-infected PBMCs with the selected molecules induces a decrease in viral infectivity and blocks the integration process. Thus, in addition to providing new information about intasome-nucleosome interaction determinants, our work also paves the way for further unedited antiviral strategies that target the final step of intasome/chromatin anchoring.

IMPORTANCE

In this work, we report the first monitoring of retroviral intasome/nucleosome interaction by AlphaLISA. This is the first description of the AlphaLISA application for large nucleoprotein complexes (>200 kDa) proving that this technology is suitable for molecular characterization and bimolecular inhibitor screening assays using such large complexes. Using this system, we have identified new drugs disrupting or preventing the intasome/nucleosome complex and inhibiting HIV-1 integration both
in vitro
and in infected cells. This first monitoring of the retroviral/intasome complex should allow the development of multiple applications including the analyses of the influence of cellular partners, the study of additional retroviral intasomes, and the determination of specific interfaces. Our work also provides the technical bases for the screening of larger libraries of drugs targeting specifically these functional nucleoprotein complexes, or additional nucleosome-partner complexes, as well as for their characterization.
Differences between thermal preference and thermal performance in a wintry spider Mecicobothrium thorelli: are the spiders under evolutionary pressures on their seasonal activity?
Authors: Panchuk Justina , Schwerdt Leonela , Ferretti Nelson
Published: June 2023

Thermal preference and thermal performance are used to describe the thermal biology of an ectothermic organism through parameters, i.e., estimating locomotor performance by maximum running speed. In this study, we assessed the thermal preference and locomotor performance of the spider Mecicobothrium thorelli Holmberg, 1882, a wintry mygalomorph spider endemic to the native mountainous grasslands of central Argentina and Uruguay. The preferred temperatures of the 72.4% of the individuals were in the range of 10–20 °C. The highest frequencies of preferred temperatures were 10–15 °C in males and 15–20 °C in females. The sprint speed showed significant differences between all the temperatures evaluated and showed the highest speeds at 25 °C and the lowest at 3 °C. The optimal temperature was 26.09 °C, which was significantly higher than the preferred temperature in both males and females. We concluded that M. thorelli selects a wide range of temperatures and prefers to stay in medium and low temperatures, which are correlated with winter activity in the wild. However, the species showed maximum speed at higher temperatures, which implies that spiders would perform even better in nature and maximize their locomotion by being active during a warmer period.
Planar degeneracy of the three-gluon vertex
Authors: Aguilar A. C. , Ferreira M. N. , Papavassiliou J. , Santos L. R.
Published: June 2023

We present a detailed exploration of certain outstanding features of the transversely-projected three-gluon vertex, using the corresponding Schwinger–Dyson equation in conjunction with key results obtained from quenched lattice simulations. The main goal of this study is the scrutiny of the approximate property denominated “planar degeneracy”, unveiled when the Bose symmetry of the vertex is properly exploited. The planar degeneracy leads to a particularly simple parametrization of the vertex, reducing its kinematic dependence to essentially a single variable. Our analysis, carried out in the absence of dynamical quarks, reveals that the planar degeneracy is particularly accurate for the description of the form factor associated with the classical tensor, for a wide array of arbitrary kinematic configurations. Instead, the remaining three form factors display considerable violations of this property. In addition, and in close connection with the previous point, we demonstrate the numerical dominance of the classical form factor over all others, except in the vicinity of the soft-gluon kinematics. The final upshot of these considerations is the emergence of a very compact description for the three-gluon vertex in general kinematics, which may simplify significantly nonperturbative applications involving this vertex.
Green synthesis of yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles by Agathosma Betulina leaf extract: Structural, optical and antimicrobial properties
Authors: Iqbal Tariq , Khan M. Abdul Rauf , Tahir Hafsa Majeed
Published: June 2023

Yttrium oxide (Y2O3) is a promising rare-earth compound that is rarely studied. This study reports on the synthesis, structural, morphological, optical and antimicrobial properties of Y2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized using Agathosma betulina leaf extract. XRD pattern indicated that the crystalline phase was achieved for the sample calcined at [Formula: see text]C with body-centered cubic symmetry. SEM and TEM images of Y2O3 nanopowder showed the nearly spherical morphology of agglomerated NPs with an average diameter of 13[Formula: see text]nm. Optical properties revealed that the bandgap of Y2O3 NPs ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]eV) has been increased compared with the bulk Y2O3 ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]eV). Moreover, the antimicrobial activity was also evaluated against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria of clinical interest. Results demonstrated that the synthesized Y2O3 NPs exhibited higher bacteriostatic effects against gram-negative bacterial strains due to their thin cell wall structure. These results show that the synthesized Y2O3 NPs are suitable for antibacterial control systems and medicines.
Low-Frequency Electronically Tunable Fractional Filter and its Implementation as Neural Network
Authors: Tasneem Sadaf , Ranjan Rajeev Kumar , Paul Sajal K.
Published: June 2023

A fractional low-pass filter operating in a low-frequency range is necessary for the filtering of biomedical signals. Thus, we propose a fractional low-pass filter of order ([Formula: see text]) which is implemented using a current follower transconductance amplifier (CFTA). The presented structure is compact. It comprises of five CFTAs along with three grounded capacitors and two resistors. Additionally, this filter structure can be electronically tuned for its order and frequency variation, and these tunings are independent of each other. This electronic tuning is established through the bias current of the active component used. The layout of the proposed filter was designed in Cadence Virtuoso, covering 7920[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m2 of chip area. It is operating at ±900[Formula: see text]mV with a power consumption of 6.8[Formula: see text]mW. In the simulation results, both pre-layout and post-layout results are included, which indicates that the design is appropriate for fabrication. To check robustness, PVT analysis, Monte-Carlo analysis and THD are also performed. The proposed circuit has also been tested through experiment and its results are also presented. The proposed filter is used to implement a Leaky-Integrate-and-Fire neuron model.
A note on saturated distinguished chains of length one
Authors: Nikseresht Azadeh
Published: June 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a Henselian valued field. In this paper, we investigate algebraic elements [Formula: see text] having saturated distinguished chains of length one over [Formula: see text]. We provide some characterizations for them. In particular, we characterize all irreducible polynomials over [Formula: see text] whose roots have saturated distinguished chains of length one. Moreover, using the properties of such elements we give various necessary, sufficient, or both conditions for the metric invariants of algebraic elements to be equal.
Coral Reef Population Genomics in an Age of Global Change
Authors: Pinsky Malin L. , Clark René D. , Bos Jaelyn T.
Published: June 2023

Coral reefs are both exceptionally biodiverse and threatened by climate change and other human activities. Here, we review population genomic processes in coral reef taxa and their importance for understanding responses to global change. Many taxa on coral reefs are characterized by weak genetic drift, extensive gene flow, and strong selection from complex biotic and abiotic environments, which together present a fascinating test of microevolutionary theory. Selection, gene flow, and hybridization have played and will continue to play an important role in the adaptation or extinction of coral reef taxa in the face of rapid environmental change, but research remains exceptionally limited compared to the urgent needs. Critical areas for future investigation include understanding evolutionary potential and the mechanisms of local adaptation, developing historical baselines, and building greater research capacity in the countries where most reef diversity is concentrated.
Automation of the Timed Up and Go Test Using a Doppler Radar System for Gait and Balance Analysis in Elderly People
Authors: Soubra Racha , Mourad-Chehade Farah , Chkeir Aly
Published: June 2023

The timed up and go (TUG) test is a simple, valid, and reliable clinical tool that is widely used to assess mobility in elderly people. Several research studies have been conducted to automate the TUG test using wearable sensors or motion-tracking systems. Despite their promising results, the adopted technological systems present inconveniences in terms of acceptability and privacy protection. In this work, we propose to overcome these problems by using a Doppler radar system set into the backrest of a chair in order to automate the TUG test and extract additional information from its phases (i.e., transfer, walk, and turn). We intend to segment its phases and extract spatiotemporal gait parameters automatically. Our methodology is mainly based on a multiresolution analysis of radar signals. We proposed a segmentation technique based on the extraction of limbs oscillations signals through a semisupervised machine learning approach, on the one hand, and the application of the DARC algorithm on the other hand. Once the speed signals of torso and limbs oscillations were detected, we suggested estimating 14 gait parameters. All our approaches were validated by comparing outcomes to those obtained from a reference Vicon system. High correlation coefficients were obtained by comparing the speed signals of the torso

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obtained after radar signal processing to those obtained from the Vicon system.
Disseminated Tuberculosis Mimicking as Crohn’s Disease in a Paediatric Patient
Authors: Feenstra Elizabeth , Driesen Yentl , Moes Nicolette , Jouret Nathalie , Vanden Driessche Koen
Published: June 2023

Tuberculosis is an important infectious disease for children worldwide. The clinical presentation of tuberculosis in children is diverse and, depending on the affected organs, it is often accompanied with nonspecific symptoms that can mimic other diseases. In this report, we present a case of disseminated tuberculosis in an 11-year-old boy with intestinal followed by pulmonary involvement. The diagnosis was delayed for several weeks due to the clinical picture which was mimicking Crohn’s disease, the known difficulties in diagnostic tests and the improvement on meropenem. This case demonstrates the importance of a detailed microscopic examination of gastrointestinal biopsies and the tuberculostatic effect of meropenem which physicians should be aware of.
Broadband RCS Reduction Using Circular Sector Structure
Authors: Dai Huijuan , Li Po , Li ShuYing , Qi WenJun , Yu Chen , Ma YanQin
Published: June 2023

In this paper, a new metasurface structure is designed to reduce radar cross section (RCS). In order to reduce the radar cross section (RCS), a new metasurface structure is designed. The unit adopts the polarization conversion metasurface structure, which is composed of asymmetric double arrow-shaped metal structure and etched on the dielectric substrate on the back of the metal plate. This polarization conversion metasurface (PCM) unit consists of asymmetric double arrow-shaped metal structure, and it is etched on a dielectric substrate backed with metallic plate. It can realize converting linear polarized waves to orthogonal ones in a broadband from 18.1 GHz to 32.7 GHz efficiently. According to the further development of the triangle chessboard layout, we also designed several new circular fan-shaped configurations, which realize RCS reduction in a wider -10 dB bandwidth compared with the triangle chessboard configuration. Finally, an optimized 8-lobed circular sector configuration composed of the designed PCM unit is selected for processing and testing. It can realize the RCS reduction greater than 10 dB in a wide bandwidth ranging from 13.7 GHz to 27.5 GHz, compared with the equal-sized metallic-backed dielectric substrate plate. The experimental results basically agree with the simulation ones. The proposed broadband circular sector structure has broad application prospects such as phased array antenna technology, electromagnetic stealth technology, and electromagnetic absorption technology.
Oral Corticosteroids for Teprotumumab-Related Hearing Loss: A Case Report
Authors: Lu Tracy J. , Amarikwa Linus , Winn Bryan J. , Inserra Michelle , Dosiou Chrysoula , Kossler Andrea L.
Published: June 2023

Teprotumumab is a novel insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor inhibitor approved for the treatment of thyroid eye disease, but growing reports of hearing loss require further investigation. To date, an effective protocol for managing hearing loss in this setting has not been determined. Here, we present the first report of the resolution of teprotumumab-related hearing loss with prompt oral prednisone. A 70-year-old woman on teprotumumab experienced sudden hearing loss and tinnitus after her first infusion. An audiogram demonstrated a mild down-sloping to moderately severe mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss that was promptly treated with prednisone 60 mg for 6 days with a 1-week gradual taper. An audiogram 3 weeks later demonstrated return of hearing to normal thresholds, and the whole teprotumumab treatment course was completed without further issue. This case highlights the importance of audiometric monitoring, prompt identification of hearing symptoms, and the potential for oral steroids to reverse teprotumumab-related hearing loss.
The Impact of Pathogen Reduction on Total IgG and IgG Subclass Profiles of Convalescent Plasma
Authors: Wasiluk Tomasz , Sredzinska Magdalena , Rogowska Anna , Dzieniszewska Magdalena , Zebrowska Agnieszka , Boczkowska-Radziwon Barbara , Gagola Katarzyna , Stasiak-Barmuta Anna , Picard-Maureau Marcus , Radziwon Piotr
Published: June 2023

Introduction: In case of newly emerging pathogens, convalescent plasma (CP) is often the only early available treatment option. It has been shown that different IgG subclasses contribute differently to CP neutralizing activity. As CP donors often have a risk profile like first-time donors, especially with respect to window-period viral transmission, pathogen reduction (PR) could mitigate that risk. The aim of our study, especially in the light of potential future pandemics, was to evaluate the impact of commercially available PR technologies on total IgG and IgG subclasses quantity and distribution in CP using COVID-19 CP (CCP) as surrogate for CP in a side-by-side comparison approach. Methods: 36 apheresis CCP donations were allocated to three study groups and a side-by-side assessment of the potential impact of amotosalen (AS)/UVA treatment compared to a riboflavin (RB)/UVB treatment, AS against methylene blue (MB) treatment, and RB against MB treatment on the quantity of IgG and IgG subclasses with a nephelometric analyzer was performed. Results: IgG subclass distributions were not significantly changed post PR treatment with all three technologies. There was also no significant difference in the median loss of concentration for IgG1 and IgG2 between the three technologies. We recognized a non-significant trend of a higher IgG4 median loss post RB treatment compared to post AS and MB treatment, respectively. Conclusion: Although the three commercially available PR systems do not significantly alter the distribution of IgG subclasses, we detected a non-significant trend of higher IgG4 loss after RB treatment. The potential impact of that finding needs further investigation.
Desenvolvimento e validação de um jogo educativo sobre uso abusivo de drogas e o risco de suicídio
Authors: Viana Lorenna Saraiva , Oliveira Eliany Nazaré , Vasconcelos Maristela Inês Osawa , Fernandes Carlos Alexandre Rolim , Dutra Milton César Xavier , Almeida Paulo César de
Published: June 2023

Objetivo: descrever o desenvolvimento e a validação de um jogo educativo sobre uso abusivo de drogas em associação ao risco de suicídio. Metodologia: estudo de desenvolvimento tecnológico. Utilizou-se o Designer Instrucional Contextualizado para operacionalização das etapas de desenvolvimento além do Índice de Validação do Conteúdo (IVC) para avaliação. Resultados: desenhou-se a construção do jogo “SerTão Bom”, um quiz com 195 perguntas, disponível off-line para sistema Android. Em relação à validação do conteúdo, obteve-se um IVC geral de 0,78 no âmbito das características gerais; IVC de 0,87 na organização e estilo da escrita com IVC de 0,90. Sobre os aspectos técnicos, o jogo foi validado com IVC de 0,86 no item usabilidade; 0,88 na eficiência e funcionalidade com IVC de 1,00. Conclusão: mediante desenvolvimento e validação do jogo educativo, compreende-se a importância de tecnologias com o intuito de promover a educação no âmbito da saúde mental sob uma perspectiva lúdica e acessível.
Vivências na rede substitutiva, sentidos e itinerários terapêuticos de mulheres com história de internação psiquiátrica
Authors: Brito Kiana Matos Modesto , Santos Josenaide Engracia dos , Lima Júnior João Mendes de , Silva Thiago Nogueira , Lino Débora Cristiane da Silva Flores , Souza Rozemere Cardoso de
Published: June 2023

Objetivo: descrever sentidos, itinerários terapêuticos evivências de mulheres com transtornos mentais e históriapregressa de internação em hospitais psiquiátricos em relação àrede de atenção psicossocial. Metodologia: estudo qualitativo,norteado pelo construcionismo social, conforme abordagem daPsicologia Social. Participaram do estudo oito mulheres, pormeio da entrevista semiestruturada, cujos conteúdos foramanalisados pela construção de sentidos, com base em mapasde associação de ideias e síntese temática. Resultados:os sentidos dados pelas participantes foram agrupados emquatro categorias temáticas: a) da(s) crise(s) ao hospitalpsiquiátrico: itinerários de perdas, preconceitos e maus-tratos;b) trajetórias na rede substitutiva: avanços no cuidado emSaúde Mental; c) atores sociais significativos no processo dedesinstitucionalizar; d) desafios para potencializar o cuidadoem Saúde Mental no território: qual o lugar e o papel daAtenção Básica? Esses sentidos expressam avanços da reformapsiquiátrica e permanências do modelo biomédico nas vivênciasdas participantes em seu processo de desinstitucionalização.Conclusão: os sentidos produzidos por mulheres usuáriasde serviços de saúde mental refletem itinerários e processossociais relacionados às concepções do sofrimento psíquico daprimeira crise aos dias atuais. Podem servir como caminho paraavanços no cuidado em saúde mental de base comunitária.
Satisfação das pessoas atendidas nos Centros de Atenção Psicossocial durante a pandemia da COVID-19
Authors: Santos Wêdson Ferreira dos , Silva Filho José Adelmo da , Batista Neto José Benedito dos Santos , Maciel Jessyca Moreira , Pinto Antonio Germane Alves , Vargas Divane de
Published: June 2023

Objetivo: avaliar os níveis de satisfação das pessoas quefizeram tratamento em Centros de Atenção Psicossocial durantea pandemia da COVID-19. Metodologia: estudo transversal,descritivo, de abordagem quantitativa, realizado entre osmeses de novembro de 2021 e janeiro de 2022, com usuáriosde cinco Centros de Atenção Psicossocial de cinco municípiosda X Região de Saúde de Pernambuco. Utilizou-se a Escalade Avaliação da Satisfação dos Usuários com os Serviços deSaúde Mental na coleta dos dados, que foram tratados pelaanálise descritiva. Resultados: escore global de satisfaçãofoi de 4,53, valor considerado satisfatório. As dimensões daescala apresentaram valores considerados satisfatórios, comdestaque maior para a subescala referente a acolhida da equipee à ajuda recebida que obteve o maior escore médio. Quanto àanálise da escala global por municípios, 4,28 foi o menor escoreapresentado por um dos municípios pesquisados. Conclusão:as pessoas atendidas nos Centros de Atenção Psicossocialapresentaram escores elevados de satisfação.
Mortality in Patients Hospitalized With Acute Myocardial Infarction Without Standard Modifiable Risk Factors: The ARIC Study Community Surveillance
Authors: Chunawala Zainali S. , Caughey Melissa C. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Hendrickson Michael , Arora Sameer , Bangalore Sripal , Erwin John P. , Levisay Justin P. , Rosenberg Jonathan R. , Ricciardi Mark J. , Blankstein Ron , Matsushita Kunihiro , Smith Sidney , Qamar Arman
Published: June 2023

Background

Prevention strategies targeting standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRFs; diabetes, hypertension, smoking, hypercholesterolemia) are critical to improving cardiovascular disease outcomes. However, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) among individuals who lack 1 or more SMuRFs is not uncommon. Moreover, the clinical characteristics and prognosis of SMuRFless individuals are not well characterized.

Methods and Results

We analyzed AMI hospitalizations from 2000 to 2014 captured by the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Community) study community surveillance. AMI was classified by physician review using a validated algorithm. Clinical data, medications, and procedures were abstracted from the medical record. Main study outcomes included short‐ and long‐term mortality within 28 days and 1 year of AMI hospitalization. Between 2000 and 2014, a total of 742 (3.6%) of 20 569 patients with AMI were identified with no documented SMuRFs. Patients without SMuRFs were less likely to receive aspirin, nonaspirin antiplatelet therapy, or beta blockers and less often underwent angiography and revascularization. Compared with those with one or more SMuRFs, patients without SMuRFs had significantly higher 28‐day (odds ratio, 3.23 [95% CI, 1.78–5.88]) and 1‐year (hazard ratio, 2.09 [95% CI, 1.29–3.37]) adjusted mortality. When examined across 5‐year intervals from 2000 to 2014, the incidence of 28‐day mortality significantly increased for patients without SMuRFs (7% to 15% to 27%), whereas it declined for those with 1 or more SMuRFs (7% to 5% to 5%).

Conclusions

Individuals without SMuRFs presenting with AMI have an increased risk of all‐cause mortality with an overall lower prescription rate for guideline‐directed medical therapy. These findings highlight the need for evidence‐based pharmacotherapy during hospitalization and the need to discover new markers and mechanisms for early risk identification in this population.
Risk of Cardiovascular Disease After COVID‐19 Diagnosis Among Adults With and Without Diabetes
Authors: Koyama Alain K. , Imperatore Giuseppina , Rolka Deborah B. , Lundeen Elizabeth , Rutkowski Rachel E. , Jackson Sandra L. , He Siran , Kuklina Elena V. , Park Soyoun , Pavkov Meda E.
Published: June 2023

Background

Growing evidence suggests incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) may be a long‐term outcome of COVID‐19 infection, and chronic diseases, such as diabetes, may influence CVD risk associated with COVID‐19. We evaluated the postacute risk of CVD >30 days after a COVID‐19 diagnosis by diabetes status.

Methods and Results

We included adults ≥20 years old with a COVID‐19 diagnosis from March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 in a retrospective cohort study from the IQVIA PharMetrics Plus insurance claims database. A contemporaneous control group comprised adults without recorded diagnoses for COVID‐19 or other acute respiratory infections. Two historical control groups comprised patients with or without an acute respiratory infection. Cardiovascular outcomes included cerebrovascular disorders, dysrhythmia, inflammatory heart disease, ischemic heart disease, thrombotic disorders, other cardiac disorders, major adverse cardiovascular events, and any CVD. The total sample comprised 23 824 095 adults (mean age, 48.4 years [SD, 15.7 years]; 51.9% women; mean follow‐up, 8.5 months [SD, 5.8 months]). In multivariable Cox regression models, patients with a COVID‐19 diagnosis had a significantly greater risk of all cardiovascular outcomes compared with patients without a diagnosis of COVID‐19 (hazard ratio [HR], 1.66 [1.62–1.71], with diabetes; HR, 1.75 [1.73–1.78], without diabetes). Risk was attenuated but still significant for the majority of outcomes when comparing patients with COVID‐19 to both historical control groups.

Conclusions

In patients with COVID‐19 infection, postacute risk of incident cardiovascular outcomes is significantly higher than among controls without COVID‐19, regardless of diabetes status. Therefore, monitoring for incident CVD may be essential beyond the first 30 days after a COVID‐19 diagnosis.
Assessing learning about food safety using Personal Meaning Maps
Authors: Silva Alexandre , Junqueira Luís , Truninger Mónica , Delicado Ana , Csenki Eszter , Fehér Ágnes , Ózsvári László , Szakos Dávid
Published: June 2023

Objective:

According to the World Health Organisation’s estimates, food contamination is linked to 23 million cases of illness and 5,000 deaths per year in Europe. While changes in food production and distribution play an important role in managing contamination risk, foodborne illnesses can originate in food-handling practices at home. This study aimed to assess how a food safety education initiative in which students learned about food safety risks and minimising risk behaviour improved students’ knowledge about food safety.

Setting:

Three public schools, two in Hungary and one in Portugal.

Methods:

A study of 105 Hungarian and Portuguese students between 11 and 18 years of age were invited to prepare Personal Meaning Maps before and after the delivery of a food safety lesson delivered by a school science teacher. Knowledge and risk perceptions of food safety, before and after the delivery of the lesson, were assessed both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Results:

Food safety topics that were scored highest were those that already had strong scores in the diagnostic phase, such as those related to personal hygiene and use-by dates. However, the largest increases in mastery scores were in less-known-about topics such as cold chain and cross-contamination risks. Idea associations take place often by linking specific contents to already-known-about concepts.

Conclusion:

Findings show that students more readily engaged with practical concepts directly linked to their experience of food handling at home than to more abstract concepts of food safety and contamination.
Screws or Sutures? A Pediatric Cadaveric Study of Tibial Spine Fracture Repairs
Authors: Johnstone Thomas M. , Baird David W. , Cuellar-Montes Annelisse , van Deursen Willemijn Hendrike , Tompkins Marc , Ganley Theodore J. , Yen Yi-Meng , Ellis Henry B. , Chan Calvin K. , Green Daniel W. , Sherman Seth L. , Shea Kevin G.
Published: June 2023

Background:

Tibial spine fractures are common in the pediatric population because of the biomechanical properties of children’s subchondral epiphyseal bone. Most studies in porcine or adult human bone suggest that suture fixation performs better than screw fixation, but these tissues may be poor surrogates for pediatric bone. No previous study has evaluated fixation methods in human pediatric knees.

Purpose:

To quantify the biomechanical properties of 2-screw and 2-suture repair of tibial spine fracture in human pediatric knees.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Cadaveric specimens were randomly assigned to either 2-screw or 2-suture fixation. A standardized Meyers-Mckeever type 3 tibial spine fracture was induced. Screw-fixation fractures were reduced with two 4.0-mm cannulated screws and washers. Suture-fixation fractures were reduced by passing 2 No. 2 FiberWire sutures through the fracture fragment and the base of the anterior cruciate ligament. Sutures were secured through bony tunnels over a 1-cm tibial cortical bridge. Each specimen was mounted at 30° of flexion. A cyclic loading protocol was applied to each specimen, followed by a load-to-failure test. Outcome measures were ultimate failure load, stiffness, and fixation elongation.

Results:

Twelve matched pediatric cadaveric knees were tested. Repair groups had identical mean (8.3 years) and median (8.5 years) ages and an identical number of samples of each laterality. Ultimate failure load did not significantly differ between screw (mean ± SD, 143.52 ± 41.9 7 N) and suture (135.35 ± 47.94 N) fixations ( P = .760). Screws demonstrated increased stiffness and decreased elongation, although neither result was statistically significant at the .05 level (21.79 vs 13.83 N/mm and 5.02 vs 8.46 mm; P = .076 and P = .069, respectively).

Conclusion:

Screw fixation and suture fixation of tibial spine fractures in human pediatric tissue were biomechanically comparable.

Clinical Relevance:

Suture fixations are not biomechanically superior to screw fixations in pediatric bone. Pediatric bone fails at lower loads, and in different modes, compared with adult cadaveric bone and porcine bone. Further investigation into optimal repair is warranted, including techniques that may reduce suture pullout and “cheese-wiring” through softer pediatric bone. This study provides new biomechanical data regarding the properties of different fixation types in pediatric tibial spine fractures to inform clinical management of these injuries.