bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transferability and interpretability of the sepsis prediction models in the intensive care unit
Authors: Chen Qiyu , Li Ranran , Lin ChihChe , Lai Chiming , Chen Dechang , Qu Hongping , Huang Yaling , Lu Wenlian , Tang Yaoqing , Li Lei
Published: December 2022

Background

We aimed to develop an early warning system for real-time sepsis prediction in the ICU by machine learning methods, with tools for interpretative analysis of the predictions. In particular, we focus on the deployment of the system in a target medical center with small historical samples.

Methods

Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) were trained on Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-III) dataset and then finetuned on the private Historical Database of local Ruijin Hospital (HDRJH) using transfer learning technique. The Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analysis was employed to characterize the feature importance in the prediction inference. Ultimately, the performance of the sepsis prediction system was further evaluated in the real-world study in the ICU of the target Ruijin Hospital.

Results

The datasets comprised 6891 patients from MIMIC-III, 453 from HDRJH, and 67 from Ruijin real-world data. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) for LightGBM and MLP models derived from MIMIC-III were 0.98 − 0.98 and 0.95 − 0.96 respectively on MIMIC-III dataset, and, in comparison, 0.82 − 0.86 and 0.84 − 0.87 respectively on HDRJH, from 1 to  5 h preceding. After transfer learning and ensemble learning, the AUCs of the final ensemble model were enhanced to 0.94 − 0.94 on HDRJH and to 0.86 − 0.9 in the real-world study in the ICU of the target Ruijin Hospital. In addition, the SHAP analysis illustrated the importance of age, antibiotics, net balance, and ventilation for sepsis prediction, making the model interpretable.

Conclusions

Our machine learning model allows accurate real-time prediction of sepsis within 5-h preceding. Transfer learning can effectively improve the feasibility to deploy the prediction model in the target cohort, and ameliorate the model performance for external validation. SHAP analysis indicates that the role of antibiotic usage and fluid management needs further investigation. We argue that our system and methodology have the potential to improve ICU management by helping medical practitioners identify at-sepsis-risk patients and prepare for timely diagnosis and intervention.

Trial registration: NCT05088850 (retrospectively registered).
A novel fusion protein candidate for the serodiagnosis of Mycoplasma agalactiae infection
Authors: Akbarzadeh-Niaki Malihe , Derakhshandeh Abdollah , Kazemipour Nasrin , Hemmatzadeh Farhid
Published: December 2022

Background

The aim of current study was to construct, express, purify and immunogenicity evaluate of a novel recombinant fusion protein including Pyruvate dehydrogenase beta subunit (PDHB) and high antigenic region of lipoprotein P80 of Mycoplasma agalactiae. Using bioinformatics tools, antigenicity and physiochemical properties of fused protein were assessed.

Material and methods

The recombinant fusion protein of GST-PDHB-P80 were expressed in pGEX4T-1 and purified then verified by Western blot assay. The purified protein was successfully used for immunization of mice. 30 female BALB/c mice were divided into three groups (10 mice per each group) injected with GST-PDHB-P80, inactivated bacteria vaccine and PBS as negative control, separately.

Results

Western blot analysis confirmed the interaction between the immunized mice serum and the blotted recombinant protein GST-PDHB-P80, demonstrating the immunogenicity of this protein. Moreover, the sera of vaccinated mice with inactivated bacteria vaccine, containing whole cell proteins, detected the recombinant protein GST-PDHB-P80 confirming the antigenicity of PDHB-P80. Negative control displayed no reactivity with GST-PDHB-P80.

Conclusion

We proposed a novel designed chimeric protein of Mycoplasma agalactiae as a potential marker for serodiagnostic assays but still further field research is required.
Exosomal IL-8 derived from Lung Cancer and Colon Cancer cells induced adipocyte atrophy via NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Xiong Hairong , Ye Jiaxin , Xie Kairu , Hu Wenjun , Xu Ning , Yang Hongmei
Published: December 2022

Background

Cytokines secreted in the tumor microenvironment function in cancer cachexia (CC), a common clinicopathological syndrome associated with adipocyte wasting and skeletal muscle atrophy. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by cancer cells actively engage in inter-tissue communication; EVs and enclosed cytokines are largely undefined in CC adipocytes wasting.

Methods

EVs derived from Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) and colorectal cancer C26 cells were extracted and characterized. Conditioned medium and EVs from cancer cells were applied to 3 T3-L1 adipocytes. Recombinant IL-8, IL-8 neutralizing antibody, CXCR2 and NF-κB inhibitor were examined in functional assays. Lipolysis of adipocytes was monitored by Western blots, Oil red O staining and glycerol assays. Furthermore, LLC and C26 cell lines were established as cachexia model to explore the relevance of IL-8 and NF-κB signaling in CC adipose wasting. Adipose tissues were collected for histology analyses.

Results

LLC and C26 cell-derived EVs induced lipolysis of 3 T3-L1 adipocytes. Specially, Dil-labeled EVs were effectively taken up by 3 T3-L1 adipocytes, which were motivated by the delivered IL-8 to elicit the NF-κB pathway. In comparison, special IL-8 neutralizing antibody relieved that lipolysis of 3 T3-L1 adipocytes induced by EVs together with conditioned medium of LLC and C26 cells, respectively. Consistently, both CXCR2 and NF-κB inhibitors would lessen the phenotype of lipolysis in 3 T3-L1 adipocytes. In the in vivo settings, both LLC and C26-tumor bearing mice had higher serum IL-8 levels as compared to the control groups. Two typical lipolysis markers, PGC1α and UCP1, were also up-regulated in the adipose tissues of LLC and C26-tumor mice groups, respectively.

Conclusions

EVs secreted by LLC and C26 tumor cells would induce adipocyte wasting via extracellular IL-8-mediated NF-κB signaling. Our study pointed out the physiological and therapeutic values of exosomal IL-8 in CC lipolysis.
High-flow nasal cannula therapy with sequential noninvasive ventilation versus noninvasive ventilation alone as the initial ventilatory strategy in acute COPD exacerbations: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liu Shuai , Walline Joseph Harold , Zhu Huadong , Li Yan , Wang Chunting , Liu Jihai
Published: December 2022

Background

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is the recommended mode of ventilation used in acute respiratory failure secondary to an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Recent data has shown that high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) treatment can be an alternative for patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate HFNC with sequential NIV versus NIV alone as the initial ventilatory strategy in AECOPD.

Methods

This investigator-initiated, unblinded, single center, randomized controlled trial will be conducted in the emergency department, emergency intensive care unit, or respiratory intensive care unit of a tertiary-care urban teaching hospital. A total of 66 patients will be enrolled and randomized into the intervention group (HFNC with sequential NIV) or the control group (NIV group). The primary endpoint will be the mean difference in PaCO2 from baseline to 24 h after randomization. Secondary endpoints include the mean difference in PaCO2 from baseline to 6, 12, and 18 h, as well as the dyspnea score, overall discomfort score, rate of treatment failure, respiratory rate, rate of endotracheal intubation, length of hospital stay, and mortality.

Discussion

Taking the advantages of both HFNC and NIV on AECOPD patients into account, we designed this clinical trial to investigate the combination of these ventilatory strategies. This trial will help us understand how HFNC with sequential NIV compares to NIV alone in treating AECOPD patients.

Trial registration

ChiCTR2100054809.
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation to reduce opioid consumption in patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair: protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Agrawal Siddarth , Szmit Mateusz , Wełna Marek , Rudnicki Jerzy , Agrawal Anil , Goździk Waldemar
Published: December 2022

Background

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) in the postoperative treatment of patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair compared with sham and no treatment group.

Methods

This study is a protocol for a three-armed, single-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial. Ninety participants scheduled for inguinal hernia repair will be randomly assigned to the TEAS group (n = 30), sham group (n = 30), and control group (n = 30). The TEAS group will receive treatment using four portable coin-sized electro-stimulators at both local and distal acupuncture points. The sham group will receive sham treatment with mock electrostimulation. The treatment groups will receive mixed frequency stimulation (alternating at 2 and 100 Hz every 3 s) in continuous mode for 30 min at intervals of 2 h for 24 h postoperatively. The control group will receive postoperative pain control using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device. The primary outcome is the total morphine dose received in the postoperative period (mg) using PCA 24 h after surgery. The number of PCA demands (i.e., times the button will be pressed) and delivered bolus doses, score on the Visual Analogue Scale, opioid-related side effects, the requirement for supplemental medications, score on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and blood levels of stress hormones cortisol and prolactin.

Discussion

The results of this trial will determine whether TEAS with intensified stimulation protocol is a safe and effective option for reducing analgesic consumption and postoperative pain.

Trial registration

ISRCTN76428396. Registered on 05 October 2020. https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN76428396
Tailor-made alkaliphilic and thermostable fungal laccases for industrial wood processing
Authors: Rodríguez-Escribano David , Pliego-Magán Rocío , de Salas Felipe , Aza Pablo , Gentili Patrizia , Ihalainen Petri , Levée Thomas , Meyer Valérie , Petit-Conil Michel , Tapin-Lingua Sandra , Lecourt Michael , Camarero Susana
Published: December 2022

Background

During the kraft process to obtain cellulosic pulp from wood, most of the lignin is removed by high-temperature alkaline cooking, released in the black liquors and usually incinerated for energy. However, kraft lignins are a valuable source of phenolic compounds that can be valorized in new bio-based products. The aim of this work is to develop laccases capable of working under the extreme conditions of high temperature and pH, typical of the industrial conversion of wood into kraft pulp and fibreboard, in order to provide extremophilic biocatalysts for depolymerising kraft lignin, and enzyme-assisted technologies for kraft pulp and fibreboard production.

Results

Through systematic enzyme engineering, combining enzyme-directed evolution and rational design, we changed the optimal pH of the laccase for oxidation of lignin phenols from acidic to basic, enhanced the catalytic activity at alkaline pH and increased the thermal tolerance of the enzyme by accumulating up to eight mutations in the protein sequence. The extremophilic laccase variants show maximum activity at 70 °C and oxidize kraft lignin at pH 10. Their integration into industrial-type processes saves energy and chemicals. As a pre-bleaching stage, the enzymes promote kraft pulp bleachability and significantly reduce the need for chlorine dioxide compared to the industrial sequence. Their application in wood chips during fibreboard production, facilitates the defibering stage, with less energy required.

Conclusions

A set of new alkaliphilic and thermophilic fungal laccases has been developed to operate under the extreme conditions of high temperature and pH typical of industrial wood conversion processes. For the first time basidiomycete laccases of high-redox potential show activity on lignin-derived phenols and polymeric lignin at pH 10. Considering the extreme conditions of current industrial processes for kraft pulp and fibreboard production, the new tailor-made laccases constitute a step forward towards turning kraft pulp mills into biorefineries. Their use as biocatalysts in the wood conversion sector is expected to support the development of more environmentally sound and efficient processes, and more sustainable products.
Precision and geographical prevalence mapping of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis among school-aged children in selected districts of north-western Tanzania
Authors: Mazigo Humphrey D. , Zinga Maria M. , Kepha Stella , Yard Elodie , McRee-Mckee Kevin , Kabona George , Ngoma Deogratias D. , Nshala Andreas
Published: December 2022

Background

The identification and mapping of at-risk populations at a lower administrative level than the district are prerequisites for the planning, resource allocation and design of impactful control intervention measures. Thus, the objective of the current study was to conduct sub-district precision mapping of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis in 29 districts of north-western Tanzania using the current recommended World Health Organization criteria.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 145 schools between March and May 2021. A urine filtration technique was used for the quantification of Schistosoma haematobium eggs, whereas quantification of Schistosoma mansoni and STH eggs was done using the Kato–Katz technique. Microhaematuria was examined using a urine dipstick.

Results

The overall prevalences of any STH and schistosome infections were 9.3% [95% confidence interval (95%CI) 8.6–9.9] and 14.6% (95%CI 13.9–15.4), respectively. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni was 8.7% (95%CI 8.1–9.3), and 36.4%, 41.6%, and 21.9% of the children had low, moderate, and heavy infections, respectively. The overall prevalence of S. haematobium was 6.1% (95%CI 5.5–6.5), and 71.7% and 28.3% of the infected children had light and heavy intensity infections, respectively. The prevalence of microhaematuria was 7.3% (95%CI 6.7–7.8), with males having the highest prevalence (8.4%, P < 0.001). The prevalences of Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm were, respectively, 1.3% (95%CI 0.1–1.5), 2.9% (95%CI 2.5–3.3) and 6.2% (95%CI 5.7–6.7). Most of the children infected with STH had light to moderate intensities of infection. The overall prevalence of co-infection with STH and schistosomiasis was 19.1%. The prevalence of schistosomiasis (P < 00.1) and STH (P < 0.001) varied significantly between schools and sub-districts. Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium were observed in 60 and 71 schools, respectively, whereas any STH was observed in 49 schools. In schools where schistosomiasis was observed, prevalence was < 10% in 90.8% of them, and ranged from ≥ 10% to < 50% in the other 9.2%. In schools where any STH was observed, the prevalence was < 10% in 87.7% of them.

Conclusions

The data reported here show that schistosomiasis and STH are widely distributed around Lake Victoria. In most of the schools where schistosomiasis and STH occurred the transmission thresholds were low. These data are important and need to be taken into consideration when decisions are made on the implementation of the next round of mass chemotherapies for schistosomiasis and STH in Tanzania.

Graphical Abstract
Entrepreneurship goal and implementation intentions formation: the role of higher education institutions and contexts
Authors: Ndofirepi Takawira Munyaradzi
Published: December 2022

The concept of intentionality is widely recognised for its contribution to understanding pre-planned human behaviour, hence the need to fathom its underlying determinants as a precursor to any attempts to predict or influence future human activity. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of supportive environments and higher education institutions on students’ entrepreneurial goal and implementation intentions in Zimbabwe. Also, the study sought to evaluate the applicability of Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behaviour to the context. A cross-sectional quantitative survey of a convinience sample of students from selected higher education institutions in the country was conducted. The 284 responses obtained from the survey were analysed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling statistical technique. The computer software Smart PLS 3 was used for this purpose. The results indicate a direct influence of university support on entrepreneurial goal intention and perceived behavioural control. In addition, they confirm a direct influence of supportive environments on perceived behavioural control and subjective norms. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that perceived behavioural and subjective norms directly influenced entrepreneurial goal intention. Finally, the results show that entrepreneurial goal intention was a significant predictor of entrepreneurial implementation intention. All other tested  relationships were not statistically significant. The study makes two significant contributions to the literature. Firstly, it theorises and empirically tests the influence of supportive educational institutions and external environments on separate classes of entrepreneurial intentions within a single study. Secondly, it tests the relevance of the Theory of Planned Behaviour to two distinct but related categories of entrepreneurial intentions.
Transcortical sensory aphasia heralding SARS-Cov-2-induced autoimmune encephalitis with gyral restricted diffusion hyperintensities: a novel case report
Authors: Chakraborty Arka Prava , Pandit Alak , Dutta Ajitava , Das Shambaditya , Ganguly Goutam , Dubey Souvik
Published: December 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (CoVID-19), primarily thought of as a respiratory system disease is actually a multi-system disease with immunological implications. CNS involvement in COVID has been explained in recent literature mainly for stroke, encephalopathy, encephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and myelopathy. There are few studies characterizing clinical spectrum of COVID autoimmune encephalitis. We present a unique case of post-COVID autoimmune encephalitis in a diabetic male presenting with language dysfunction and novel radiologic findings.

Case presentation

Patient admitted to inpatient department of a tertiary care hospital of India was evaluated by bedside clinical examination, routine blood tests, CSF study with intrathecal SARS-Cov-2 antibody detection, commercially available tests for autoimmune encephalitis, neuroviral panel with HSV PCR, EEG, 3-Tesla MRI and PET scan. Patient was found to have personality change and transcortical sensory aphasia in the outset of COVID encephalitis. MRI findings like temporal involvement and insular ribboning are also being reported. The patient was treated with IV immunoglobulin and is on an improving course.

Conclusions

This case reports dysphasia due to COVID-mediated injury to the language networks, with novel radiologic findings. Role of parainfectious versus immune etiology is also discussed. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism and clinical spectrum of post-COVID autoimmune encephalitis.
The plague: a case of delusional infestation with folie à deux
Authors: Sereijo Ana Carolina De Melo Diogo , Santos Rodrigo Cruz , Gonçalves Maria João Fernandes , Saraiva Rodrigo Alves Pereira Carvalho , Amaro Ana Rita De Matos , Coentre Ricardo Moutinho , Abreu Maria Manuela Neves , Barandas Rita Mafalda Morais
Published: December 2022

Folie à deux or Shared psychotic disorder (SPD) is a rare condition characterized by shared psychotic symptoms between two or more individuals. Delusional parasitosis (DP) is an uncommon psychiatric illness in that patients believe they are infested by insects, without evidence to support this belief. DP occurs in 5–15% of SPD. We report a case of cutaneous DP with SPD between an elderly mother and a daughter that lived together and withdrew from other social contacts for the last three years. We aim to highlight the relationship between SPD and DP, its prognosis, and clinical implications.
Side effects of long-term treatment with chloroquine for rheumatoid arthritis - a review of the literature
Authors: Zdun Sylwia , Walczak Klaudia , Gaweł Weronika , Wesołowska Zuzanna , Jędruszczak Przemysław , Grzywna Natalia , Nemeczek Sylwia , Merkisz Konrad , Grzybowski Jakub , Walczak Patrycja
Published: December 2022

Background: Chloroquine is a 4-aminoquinoline derivative. Initially the substance was used as an antimalarial drug, but now chloroquine is also used to treat connective tissue diseases. It is a widely used drug in rheumatological diseases, especially in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. A number of side effects have been reported in the public literature among patients using this drug. This article reviews side effects during long-term treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Materials and methods: A review of the literature available in the PubMed database was performed, using the key words: "Chloroquin" ; "Chloroquin rheumatoid" ; "Chloroquin toxicity" ; "Chloroquine" ; "Chloroquine rheumatoid" ; "Chloroquine toxicity".
Results: Chloroquine is a quinine derivative, originally used in the prevention and treatment of malaria. It is now being successfully used to treat patients with certain connective tissue diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. A number of publications have described various side effects of this drug. Serious and major problems arise from the drug's toxicity with long-term use, such as in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Long-term use of the drug results in retinopathy and cardiotoxicity (conduction disturbances, cardiomyopathy). The available literature also mentions neuromyotoxicity which is rarely reported by patients.
Conclusion: Long-term use of chloroquine carries serious side effects. The main complications of long-term use of the drug affect the visual, cardiovascular and nervous systems. The use of chloroquine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis should emphasize the need for accurate dosing and periodic cardiovascular, ophthalmologic and neurologic monitoring.
Allergic rhinitis - a review on recent advances in characteristics, diagnostic and treatments
Authors: Lisowska Aleksandra , Żaba Ziemwowit , Żołyniak Wojciech , Warzyszak Paweł , Milczek Maria , Małek Róża , Hawranik Izabela , Tomasik Mikołaj , Niski Szymon , Skrzypek Mateusz
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa characterized by nasal discharge or down the back of the throat, sneezing, stuffy or itchy nose. Allergic rhinitis can be caused by various allergens - pollen, house dust mites, animal allergens, fungi. It can occur periodically or chronically, as a year-round allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common condition, epidemiological studies suggest that it affects 20–30% of adults and up to 40% of children.

 

Objective:

The purpose of this review is to analyze the latest information on the characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of patients with allergic rhinitis.

 

Material and metods:

This review was based on available data collected in the PubMed data base. The research was done by looking through key words such as: “allergic rhinitis”, “Local nasal allergy”, “diagnosis” and “treatment”.

 

State of knowledge: 

The main challenges with allergic rhinitis relate to its treatment. Symptomatic and anti-inflammatory drugs are often used and are not fully effective. The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis can be diagnosed by history and  physical examination, with testing reserved for treatment of nonresponders.

 

Summary: 

Treatment should be comprehensive and take into account the environment, pharmacotherapy, allergen immunotherapy, if indicated.  As a disease that affects many people and significantly reduces the quality of life, allergic rhinitis deserves a thorough understanding of its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Vitamin D supplementation in Polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Grzywna Natalia , Zdun Sylwia , Walczak Klaudia , Walczak Patrycja , Nemeczek Sylwia , Merkisz Konrad , Grzybowski Jakub , Marciniak Agnieszka , Jaskuła Karolina , Orłowski Władysław
Published: December 2022

Introduction and Purpose. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age worldwide. Patients may present with a wide range of symptoms. According to the most commonly used Rotterdam criteria, the presence of 2 out of 3 criteria is required for diagnosis: clinical and/or biochemical markers of hyperandrogenism (HA); ovulation disorders (oligo- or anovulation); polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (PCOM); and exclusion of disorders mimicking the clinical features of PCOS. The basis of treatment are birth control pills, metformin and antiandrogens. The pathogenesis of the syndrome is not fully understood. The aim of the study is to summarize the potential health benefits of vitamin D supplementation for women with PCOS based on publications from the last 10 years available on Pubmed. State of knowledge. Vitamin D receptors have been identified not only in calcium-regulating tissues, but also in many reproductive organs, such as the ovary (especially granulosa cells), uterus, placenta, testes, as well as hypothalamus and pituitary gland. In recent years, there have been studies analyzing the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the hormonal balance, metabolism and clinical symptoms in women with PCOS. Summary. The results of studies on vitamin D supplementation in women with PCOS are mixed. Some of them are promising and confirm a beneficial effect on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, hormonal balance, alleviation of HA-related symptoms, improvement of menstrual frequency; while the results of other studies do not show significant improvement and do not confirm these effects. Therefore, there is a need for further research on the relationship between the pathogenesis of PCOS and vitamin D and the impact of its supplementation.
Tensions: A Grounded Theory of Ethical Practice
Authors: Puroway Andrew W.
Published: December 2022

Academic advising is fraught with ethical dilemmas. Advisors' actions are beholden to various and conflicting constituents. Existing literature on ethics in academic advising provides guidance for advisors via normative ethical principles, suggested processes, and statements about how advising ought to be practiced. However, knowledge of advisors' experiences of ethical dilemmas remains limited. This grounded theory study produced a model of how primary-role academic advisors working in large state university systems engage in ethical practice. It includes four cyclical phases: pre-encounter, encounter, discernment, and response. Each phase highlights discrete but interconnected themes grounded in data gleaned from semi-structured interviews with 12 advisors. The grounded theory has implications for advisors, advising administrators, and future research in bolstering ethical practice.
Disrupting Racialized Practice in a Post-Pandemic Context
Authors: Kopp Claire
Published: December 2022

This article prompts a new examination of advising practice. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted normal modes of operation, it presents a unique opportunity to determine new approaches that address the equity gap in student degree attainment. A specific theory of racialized organizations is used as a lens for examining advising practice and for critiquing how our advising practice either reinforces or disrupts systemic racial inequities in higher education. Reflective questions also provided a way to think about and question our practice from an organizational perspective. This paper proposes treating the COVID-19 pandemic as a catalyst for broadening the discussion of advisement beyond individual advisor actions and toward advising organizations that are more oriented toward social justice.
Advising Racially and Ethnically Diverse Students in Alternative College Admission Programs
Authors: Hawkes Stephanie A.
Published: December 2022

This phenomenological study aimed to understand the lived experiences of undergraduates admitted to a four-year college or university via an alternative admissions program, as well as how and why students make it into an alternative admit pathway and what individual characteristics, backgrounds, and university support structures may contribute to a successful college experience for students in this population. Major findings included: (1) participation contributed to feelings of academic and personal growth; (2) feelings of stigma or doubts in their academic abilities emerged early in their participation of the program; (3) positive connections with advisors, faculty, and peers led to feelings of success, maturity, and confidence.
Understanding the risks associated with obesity and bariatrics
Authors: Swann Julie I
Published: December 2022

There has been an increase in the number of overweight patients over the last two decades. This article describes the differences between people who are overweight, obese or bariatric and explores how this can affect a person's health and wellbeing. It also provides guidance on manual handling and the management of service delivery for oversized patients.
Organizações e Suas Histórias Perversas: O Potencial das Tirinhas para Estimular a Reflexividade dos Estudantes de Graduação
Authors: Ferreira Letícia Gracielle Vieira , Soares Débora Cristina , Rodrigues de Oliveira Cintia , Valadão Júnior Valdir Machado , Ferreira Daniel Victor de Sousa
Published: December 2022

O objetivo desta pesquisa é explorar o potencial da produção de tirinhas para estimular a reflexividade de estudantes de graduação em administração em relação às práticas corporativas. Os procedimentos metodológicos são de natureza qualitativa, sendo o corpus de pesquisa composto pelo material produzido pelos(as) estudantes durante uma atividade de aula na disciplina de Cultura e Mudança Organizacional do curso de Administração de uma universidade pública federal. O material empírico consiste nos slides apresentados contendo as tirinhas elaboradas pelos(as) estudantes e nas falas desses(as) durante as apresentações dos grupos, as quais foram gravadas com o consentimento dos(as) participantes, e, posteriormente, transcritas e submetidas à análise de narrativas. As histórias contadas pelos estudantes revelam a face repugnante das organizações: violência e exploração do trabalho; dominação e poder das organizações.
Laboratory demonstration of the birefrigent point-diffraction interferometer wavefront sensor
Authors: Tsukui Ryo , Kino Masaru , Yamamoto Kodai , Sato Mina , Tohnishi Mie , Matsutani Akihiro , Kurita Mikio
Published: December 2022

The direct imaging of extrasolar planets requires extreme adaptive optics (ExAO) in the near-infrared wavelengths. The ExAO needs a high-efficient wavefront sensor (WFS) to measure the phase aberration accurately with a small number of photons. In addition, the WFS in the ExAO is required to run at high sampling rates of 1 − 7 kHz. To meet these requirements, we developed the birefringent point-diffraction interferometer (b-PDI) presented in our earlier paper. We tested the b-PDI in the laboratory with a polychromatic light source with wavelengths of 800 ± 100 nm. The b-PDI showed a relatively high efficiency, comparable to that of a fixed pyramid WFS. The b-PDI has a low calculation cost and a small readout region, which are suitable for high-speed sampling at 6.5 kHz.
Optimal mode of delivery in pregnancy: Individualized predictions using national vital statistics data
Authors: Schulz Karl W. , Gaither Kelly , Zigler Corwin , Urban Tomislav , Drake Justin , Bukowski Radek
Published: December 2022

Child birth via Cesarean section accounts for approximately 32% of all births each year in the United States. A variety of risk factors and complications can lead caregivers and patients to plan for a Cesarean delivery in advance before onset of labor. However, a non-trivial subset of Cesarean sections (∼25%) are unplanned and occur after an initial trial of labor is attempted. Unfortunately, patients who deliver via unplanned Cesarean sections have increased maternal morbidity and mortality rates and higher rates of neonatal intensive care admissions. In an effort to develop models aimed at improving health outcomes in labor and delivery, this work seeks to explore the use of national vital statistics data to quantify the likelihood of an unplanned Cesarean section based on 22 maternal characteristics. Machine learning techniques are used to ascertain influential features, train and evaluate models, and assess accuracy against available test data. Based on cross-validation results from a large training cohort (n= 6,530,467 births), the gradient-boosted tree algorithm was identified as the best performer and was evaluated on a large test cohort (n= 10,613,877 births) for two prediction scenarios. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.77 or higher and recall scores of 0.78 or higher were obtained and the resulting models are well calibrated. Combined with feature importance analysis to explain why certain maternal characteristics lead to a specific prediction in individual patients, the developed analysis pipeline provides additional quantitative information to aid in the decision process on whether to plan for a Cesarean section in advance, a substantially safer option among women at a high risk of unplanned Cesarean delivery during labor.
Real Time PCR-based diagnosis of human visceral leishmaniasis using urine samples
Authors: Rahim Samiur , Sharif Md. Mohiuddin , Amin Md. Robed , Rahman Mohammad Tariqur , Karim Muhammad Manjurul
Published: December 2022

Diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) through the detection of its causative agents namely Leishmania donovani and L. infantum is traditionally based on immunochromatographic tests, microscopy of bone marrow, spleen aspirates, liver or lymph node and differential diagnosis. While the first process has low specificity, the later one carries the risk of fatal hemorrhage. Over the last decade, multiple Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based diagnosis has been developed using blood and urine sample with a varying degree of sensitivity and specificity, an issue worth improving for precision diagnosis. Earlier, we reported a PCR-based diagnosis of L. donovani in peripheral blood using a novel set of PCR primers with absolute specificity. Using the same set of primers and PCR conditions, here we describe diagnosis of L. donovani from urine, for a non-invasive, rapid and safe diagnosis. Diagnosis of VL was carried out using urine samples collected from clinically diagnosed VL patients (n = 23) of Bangladesh in Real Time PCR. Test results were validated by comparing blood samples from the same set of patients. Sensitivity and specificity of this diagnosis was analyzed using retrospective bone marrow samples, collected earlier from confirmed VL patients (n = 19). The method showed 100% sensitivity in detecting L. donovani in urine and corresponding blood and retrospective bone marrow samples, as well as 100% specificity in control groups. A Real Time PCR-based molecular detection system using urine sample is hereafter presented what could be a, non-invasive approach for VL detection with precision and perfection.
Investigating the potential impact of PCSK9-inhibitors on mood disorders using eQTL-based Mendelian randomization
Authors: Aman Alisha , Slob Eric A. W. , Ward Joey , Cullen Breda , Graham Nicholas , Lyall Donald M. , Sattar Naveed , Strawbridge Rona J.
Published: December 2022

Prescription of PCSK9-inhibitors has increased in recent years but not much is known about its off-target effects. PCSK9-expression is evident in non-hepatic tissues, notably the brain, and genetic variation in the PCSK9 locus has recently been shown to be associated with mood disorder-related traits. We investigated whether PCSK9 inhibition, proxied by a genetic reduction in expression of PCSK9 mRNA, might have a causal adverse effect on mood disorder-related traits. We used genetic variants in the PCSK9 locus associated with reduced PCSK9 expression (eQTLs) in the European population from GTEx v8 and examined the effect on PCSK9 protein levels and three mood disorder-related traits (major depressive disorder, mood instability, and neuroticism), using summary statistics from the largest European ancestry genome-wide association studies. We conducted summary-based Mendelian randomization analyses to estimate the causal effects, and attempted replication using data from eQTLGen, Brain-eMETA, and the CAGE consortium. We found that genetically reduced PCSK9 gene-expression levels were significantly associated with reduced PCSK9 protein levels but not with increased risk of mood disorder-related traits. Further investigation of nearby genes demonstrated that reduced USP24 gene-expression levels was significantly associated with increased risk of mood instability (p-value range = 5.2x10-5–0.03), and neuroticism score (p-value range = 2.9x10-5–0.02), but not with PCSK9 protein levels. Our results suggest that genetic variation in this region acts on mood disorders through a PCSK9-independent pathway, and therefore PCSK9-inhibitors are unlikely to have an adverse impact on mood disorder-related traits.
A novel SfaNI-like restriction-modification system in Caldicellulosiruptor extents the genetic engineering toolbox for this genus
Authors: Swinnen Steve , Zurek Christian , Krämer Marco , Heger Rebecca M. , Domeyer Jan-Eike , Ziegler Jan , Svetlitchnyi Vitali A. , Läufer Albrecht
Published: December 2022

Caldicellulosiruptor is a genus of thermophilic to hyper-thermophilic microorganisms that express and secrete an arsenal of enzymes degrading lignocellulosic biomasses into fermentable sugars. Because of this distinguished feature, strains of Caldicellulosiruptor have been considered as promising candidates for consolidated bioprocessing. Although a few Caldicellulosiruptor strains with industrially relevant characteristics have been isolated to date, it is apparent that further improvement of the strains is essential for industrial application. The earlier identification of the HaeIII-like restriction-modification system in C. bescii strain DSM 6725 has formed the basis for genetic methods with the aim to improve the strain’s lignocellulolytic activity and ethanol production. In this study, a novel SfaNI-like restriction-modification system was identified in Caldicellulosiruptor sp. strain BluCon085, consisting of an endonuclease and two methyltransferases that recognize the reverse-complement sequences 5’-GATGC-3’ and 5‘-GCATC-3’. Methylation of the adenine in both sequences leads to an asymmetric methylation pattern in the genomic DNA of strain BluCon085. Proteins with high percentage of identity to the endonuclease and two methyltransferases were identified in the genomes of C. saccharolyticus strain DSM 8903, C. naganoensis strain DSM 8991, C. changbaiensis strain DSM 26941 and Caldicellulosiruptor sp. strain F32, suggesting that a similar restriction-modification system may be active also in these strains and respective species. We show that methylation of plasmid and linear DNA by the identified methyltransferases, obtained by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli, is sufficient for successful transformation of Caldicellulosiruptor sp. strain DIB 104C. The genetic engineering toolbox developed in this study forms the basis for rational strain improvement of strain BluCon085, a derivative from strain DIB 104C with exceptionally high L-lactic acid production. The toolbox may also work for other species of the genus Caldicellulosiruptor that have so far not been genetically tractable.
STRUCTURE OF CORNEL CORNEL FRUITS ANTHOCYANS (CORNUS MAS)
Authors: Salasina Yaroslava Yur'yevna , Skrypnikov Nikolai Sergeevich , Deineka Viktor Ivanovich , Deineka Lyudmila Aleksandrovna
Published: December 2022

The composition of common dogwood fruits anthocyanins was determined using reverse-phase HPLC with spectrophotometric and mass spectrometric detection. A procedure for determining the structure of individual components of extracts including 3-galactosides of delphinidin, cyanidin and pelargonidin and 3-robinobiosides (3-rhamnosylgalactosides) of cyanidin and pelargonidin has been described. It was found that the content of delphinidin-3-galactoside, as well as both 3-robinobiosides, may be insignificant when cyanidin and pelargonidin 3-galactosides predominate. For the studied fruits, the level of accumulation of anthocyanins can reach (depending on color intensity) 46 mg per 100 g of fresh fruit, while the concentration of anthocyanins in the peel of fruits is significantly higher - more than 390 mg per 100 g. When developing an exhaustive extraction of anthocyanins, a peculiarity of dogwood fruits was established, which consists in the fact that extraction of anthocyanins by 0.1 M aqueous hydrochloric acid solution, unlike a large number of other natural sources studied, is practically impossible. The problem can be solved only by extraction with acidified aqueous-alcoholic mixtures when the ethanol content in the extractant is more than 30 vol.%, which indicates the high affinity of fruit pulp components to anthocyanins.
BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES OF CERTAIN PLANTS OF ASTERACEA FAMILY
Authors: Shaldaeva Tat'yana Mikhaylovna , Kukushkina Tat'yana Abdulkhailovna , Pshenichkina Yuliya Anatol'yevna , Khramova Elena Petrovna
Published: December 2022

The content of biologically active substances and antioxidant activity in leaves and inflorescences of three species from the tribe Cynareae of the Asteraceae family: Centaurea cyanus,Centaurea macrocephala, Rhaponticum carthamoides, grown under the conditions of the Central Siberian Botanical Garden introduction was studied. It was determined that leaves and inflorescences contain flavonols, catechins, tannins, carotenoids, pectin substances. The highest level of tannins (up to 27.7%) in leaves and flavonols in leaves and inflorescences (up to 4.93 %) was found in plants of R. carthamoides. High content of catechins (up to 140.2 mg%) was found in leaves and inflorescences of C. macrocephala. Carotenoids are mainly accumulated in leaves of R. carthamoides (51.73 mg%) and inflorescences of C. macrocephala (11.86 mg%). The highest content of pectins was noted in leaves and inflorescences of C. cyanus (1.7% and 2.6%), protopectins - in leaves (up to 10.54 %). The highest antioxidant activity (0.72 мг/г) and anti-radical activity (IC50=0.58–0.77 мг/г) were recorded for water-ethanol extracts from leaves and inflorescences of C. macrocephala. Water-ethanol extracts of C. cyanus exhibited low antiradical activity (IC50=4.43–8.13 mg/g).
PROPERTIES OF GLUED PAPER FROM CELLULOSE MASS OF MULBERRY TREE BRANCHES
Authors: Babakhanova Halima Abishevna , Sadriddinov Akmal Abdullo ugli , Galimova Zulfiya Kamilovna , Abdukhalilova Mukhlisa Ganijon kizi
Published: December 2022

In an article to study the effect of sizing agent and filler on the structural features of paper from the cellulose mass of the inner layer of the bark of mulberry tree branches, mechanical strength, absorbency and sorption properties were studied. Tensile strength was determined on a tensile testing machine by the force causing the destruction of the sample. Surface absorbency at one side wetting was determined by the method of Cobb(30), by determining the mass of water absorbed by the surface of the paper when wetting one side of the test sample. Sorption properties were studied on a high-vacuum setup with mercury gates and McBain quartz balances according to water vapor sorption data. It was found that the internal 2% sizing of the paper pulp with cherry tree resin glue contributes to the strengthening of the paper structure, which is confirmed by the values of mechanical strength and surface absorbency when unilaterally wetted with water, relative to the values obtained when sizing with pine oleoresin rosin glue. When using glue from cherry resin, it is advisable to add 2 g of kaolin to 100 g of pulp from the inner layer of the bark of mulberry tree branches, since the increase negatively affects mechanical strength and hydrophobicity.
MACRO- AND TRACE ELEMENTS COMPOSITION OF THE BLUE HONEYSUCKLE AND ELM-LEAF SPIREA CE-NOPOPULATIONS IN THE GEOCHEMICALLY ABNORMAL ENVIRONMENT IN THE MOUNTAIN ALTAI
Authors: Boyarskykh Irina Georgiyevna , Siromlya Tat'yana Ivanovna
Published: December 2022

The specificity of macro- and trace elements accumulation in the leaves and stems of Lonicera caerulea and Spiraea chamaedryfolia cenopopulations growing at the sites with serpentinite inclusions in the Mountain Altai (Russia) was studied. The total content of macro- and trace elements in plants and soil was determined by atomic emission spectrometry, and the mobile forms, extracted by the ammonium acetate solution with pH 4.8, were measured by atomic absorption. The study revealed species-specific accumulation of some chemical elements in plant organs. The elm-leaf spirea plants were found to accumulate Mn and Ni more intensively in comparison with the blue honeysuckle plants, and to concentrate such trace elements as Zn, Cu and Mn, whereas the blue honeysuckle plants concentrated Zn and Cu. Species-specific statistically significant correlations between mobile Ni, Cd, Cr, Pb and Mg soil and phytomass content were also revealed. Negative correlation was found between the total P and Cr content in soil and plants, whereas total Fe, Cd and Ni in soil and plants correlated positively. The leaves of Lonicera caerulea and Spiraea chamaedryfolia, growing at the site with ultra-basic rock outcroppings, had Ni concentrations exceeding the maximum permissible level and decreased Ca concentration.