bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum endocan as a predictive biomarker of cardiovascular risk in obese pediatric patients
Authors: Morace Carmela , Curatola Selenia Lorenza , Mandraffino Giuseppe , Scuruchi Michele , Serrano’ Angela Elvira , Tropeano Angelo , Lombardo Fortunato , Salzano Giuseppina , Squadrito Giovanni , Versace Antonio Giovanni , Valenzise Mariella
Published: August 2023

Background

Endocan is a soluble dermatan sulfate proteoglycan (50 kDa) secreted by endothelial cells and expressed by dermal, coronary, pulmonary and adipose tissue microvasculature. It plays an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular disorders, inflammatory state, endothelium dysfunction and neoangiogenesis. Aims of the study were to compare fasting serum endocan levels between children with obesity and healthy controls and to investigate the relationships between endocan, body mass index (BMI) and other indices of cardiometabolic risk.

Methods

This single-center, observational, retrospective study included 19 pediatric patients with obesity aged 11.94 ± 0.52 years and 19 lean matched controls. Each patient underwent clinical and auxological examination and laboratory investigations including routine organs function tests and lipid profile. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Fasting endocan serum levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Compared to healthy subjects, serum endocan levels were found to be significantly upraised in children with obesity. Endocan resulted significantly correlated with insulin levels (rho 0.47; p = 0.04); in addition, an association with HOMA-IR values with a trend toward the statistical significance (rho 0.43; p = 0.07) was found. No significant correlation with fasting blood glucose values and lipid serum levels was demonstrated. Although not statistically significant, a correlation between endocan and the presence and grading of liver steatosis on ultrasound (rho 0.51; p = 0.08 and rho 0.51; p = 0.08, respectively) was found.

Conclusions

These findings confirm the association between endothelial damage and insulin resistance in children with obesity. Endocan could be used as a biomarker of early endothelial dysfunction in children with obesity and could be a valid predictor of future cardiovascular risk in adulthood.
Health-related quality of life and its determinants in patients with different dermatological disorders at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital
Authors: Belachew Eyayaw Ashete , Sendekie Ashenafi Kibret
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Evidence shows that majority of dermatological disorders affect the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients. However, the extent of its negative impact and predictors has not been studied in Ethiopia. Thus, this study looked at assessing the HRQoL and determinants in patients with dermatological disorders (DDs) attending the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UoGCSH).

Results

Patients with dermatological disorders (n = 400) were included in the final analysis using a systematic random sampling technique. The mean age of the participants was 39.79 (± 17.17) years. The average (± SD) score of EQ-5D-5 L was 1.92 (± 0.74). Regarding domains, pain/discomfort accounted for a higher proportion 59 (22.3%) followed by anxiety/depression 61 (15.3%). Receiving topical preparations (β = -0.399, 95% CI: -0.6, − 0.19; < 0.001), systemic only medication (β = -0.378, 95% CI: -0.607, -0.149; p = 0.002), having slight, mild, and moderate skin diseases found to have an inverse association with impaired HRQoL, (β = -0.654, 95% CI; -1.01, -0.290); p < 0.001), (β = -0.748, 95% CI: -0.960, -0.538; p < 0.001), and (β = -0.465, 95% CI: -0.642, -0.283; p < 0.001), respectively. Furthermore, age (β = 0.011, 95% CI: 0.006, 0.016; p = 0.001), long duration with skin disease (β = 0.046, 95% CI: 0.015, 0.352; p = 0.013), and presence of comorbidity (β = 0.251, 95% CI: 0.096, 0.402; p = 0.002) were significant predictors of HRQoL among dermatological disease patients.

Conclusion

Patients with dermatological disease were found to have a compromised HRQoL. Pain /discomfort problems accounted for a higher proportion compared with other domains. Socio-demographic, clinical and medication-related variables were significantly associated with HRQoL.
Growing Healthy Hearts: a single-arm feasibility study of a digitally delivered gardening, cooking, and nutrition intervention for adults with risk factors for cardiovascular disease
Authors: Veldheer Susan , Whitehead-Zimmers Maxfield , Bordner Candace , Weinstein Olivia , Choi Hena , Spreenberg-Bronsoms Kira , Davis Jason , Conroy David E. , Schmitz Kathryn H. , Sciamanna Christopher
Published: August 2023

Background

Food gardening may positively influence cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk-related behaviors. However, the vast majority of existing gardening interventions have used an in-person delivery model which has limitations for scalability. It is not known whether a digitally delivered gardening intervention would be feasible or acceptable to participants. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of a digitally delivered gardening intervention in three domains: participant acceptability, demand, and practicality.

Methods

A single-arm, pre-post-study design was used. Participants (n = 30) were aged 20 + with no plans to garden in the coming season and had at least 1 CVD risk factor. The intervention included ten 1-h video-conferencing sessions, written materials, and access to a study website. Content focused on gardening skills, cooking skills, and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. Feasibility outcomes included acceptability (post-program ratings), demand (session attendance rate), and practicality (ability to start a garden and grow F&V). The study was considered feasible if the following criteria were met: ≥ 70% rated the intervention as good or excellent, overall session attendance rate was ≥ 70%, and > 70% were able to start a garden and grow F&V. We also assessed pre-post-program changes in behavioral mediators (gardening confidence, gardening enjoyment, cooking confidence, and nutrition knowledge). Descriptive statistics were calculated. Pre-post differences were evaluated with means and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Effect sizes were calculated (Cohen’s d).

Results

All feasibility criteria were met. A total of 93.3% of participants rated the intervention as good or excellent, 96% started a garden and grew F&V, and the overall session attendance rate was 81%. The largest mean pre-post changes were in gardening confidence (pre 7.1 [95% CI: 6.4, 7.9], post 9.0 [95% CI: 8.6, 9.5], Cohen’s d = 1.15), gardening enjoyment (pre: 6.3 [95% CI: 5.9, 6.7], post: 7.5 [95% CI: 7.1, 7.9], Cohen’s d = 1.69), and cooking self-efficacy (pre: 4.7 [95% CI: 4.3, 5.1], post: 7.7 [95% CI: 7.3, 8.0], Cohen’s d = 3.0).

Conclusion

A digitally delivered gardening intervention was feasible, acceptable to participants, and they had meaningful changes in behavioral mediators. The next step is to evaluate the impact of the intervention in a future randomized controlled trial.
Decision Theory and Stochastic Growth
Authors: Robson Arthur , Samuelson Larry , Steiner Jakub
Published: August 2023

This paper examines connections between stochastic growth and decision problems. We use tools from the theory of large deviations to show that wishful thinking decision problems are equivalent to utility maximization problems, both of which are equivalent to growth maximization under idiosyncratic risk. Rational inattention problems are equivalent to growth-optimal portfolio problems, both of which are equivalent to growth maximization under aggregate risk. Stochastic growth generates extreme inequality, with nearly all wealth eventually held by those who happen to have faced empirical distributions that match the solution to the wishful thinking or rational inattention problem. (JEL D31, D81, D82, D83, G51, O41)
The weevils of the genus Maes Fairmaire, 1888 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae: Entiminae) from China
Authors: DAVIDIAN GENRIK E.
Published: August 2023

Weevil genus Maes Fairmaire, 1888 (Entiminae, Blosyrini) is resurrected from the synonymy of the Blosyrus Schoenherr, 1826. Brief morphological characteristics of Maes is provided. A key to nine species of the genus Maes, including M. transversicollis Fairmaire, 1888, M. igori Davidian sp. nov., M. davidi Davidian sp. nov., M. delavayi Davidian sp. nov., M. fairmairei Davidian sp. nov., M. ilyai Davidian sp. nov., M. korolevi Davidian sp. nov., M. magnanoi Davidian sp. nov., and M. lingshanicus Davidian sp. nov. is given. Maes distributed in southern part of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces of China.
Autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing loss caused by a novel mutation in MYO7A: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Xia Cai-Feng , Yan Rong , Su Wen-Wen , Liu Yu-He
Published: August 2023

Insulin, a small protein with 51 amino acids synthesized by pancreatic β-cells, is crucial to sustain glucose homeostasis at biochemical and molecular levels. Numerous metabolic dysfunctions are related to insulin-mediated altered glucose homeostasis. One of the significant pathophysiological conditions linked to the insulin associated disorder is diabetes mellitus (DM) (type 1, type 2, and gestational). Insulin resistance (IR) is one of the major underlying causes of metabolic disorders despite its association with several physiological conditions. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is another pathophysiological condition that is associated with IR, hypertension, and obesity. Further, several other pathophysiological disorders/diseases are associated with the insulin malfunctioning, which include polycystic ovary syndrome, neuronal disorders, and cancer. Insulinomas are an uncommon type of pancreatic β-cell-derived neuroendocrine tumor that makes up 2% of all pancreatic neoplasms. Literature revealed that different biochemical events, molecular signaling pathways, microRNAs, and microbiota act as connecting links between insulin disorder and associated pathophysiology such as DM, insuloma, neurological disorder, MS, and cancer. In this review, we focus on the insulin-related disorders and the underlying mechanisms associated with the pathophysiology.
Bilateral thigh pyomyositis in an otherwise healthy middle-aged woman: A case report
Authors: Cui Min , Zhang Gang , Zhang Na , Han Lei , Ma Zai-Qi
Published: August 2023

Insulin, a small protein with 51 amino acids synthesized by pancreatic β-cells, is crucial to sustain glucose homeostasis at biochemical and molecular levels. Numerous metabolic dysfunctions are related to insulin-mediated altered glucose homeostasis. One of the significant pathophysiological conditions linked to the insulin associated disorder is diabetes mellitus (DM) (type 1, type 2, and gestational). Insulin resistance (IR) is one of the major underlying causes of metabolic disorders despite its association with several physiological conditions. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is another pathophysiological condition that is associated with IR, hypertension, and obesity. Further, several other pathophysiological disorders/diseases are associated with the insulin malfunctioning, which include polycystic ovary syndrome, neuronal disorders, and cancer. Insulinomas are an uncommon type of pancreatic β-cell-derived neuroendocrine tumor that makes up 2% of all pancreatic neoplasms. Literature revealed that different biochemical events, molecular signaling pathways, microRNAs, and microbiota act as connecting links between insulin disorder and associated pathophysiology such as DM, insuloma, neurological disorder, MS, and cancer. In this review, we focus on the insulin-related disorders and the underlying mechanisms associated with the pathophysiology.
Quantification of Recoverable Components of Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Kpetemey Amen , Tchegueni Sanonka , Bodjona Magnoudéwa Bassaï , Degbe Koffi Agbégnigan , Kili Koffi , Tchangbedji Gado , Idouhli Rachid
Published: August 2023

Recovering spent lithium-ion batteries can help protect the environment and generate added value. The aim of this work is to characterize the various parts of these spent lithium-ion batteries for subsequent recovery of the precious metal elements. The batteries were collected, electrically discharged and dismantled, and the various components quantified. The cathode powder obtained after basic leaching was characterized by ICP and XRD. The batteries consist of steel (21.10%) and plastic shells, the anode (24.40%), the electrolyte-soaked separator and the cathode (35.86%). The anode consists of graphite deposited on a copper foil representing 15.15% of its weight, and the cathode of aluminum foil (3.93%) and lithium cobalt oxide. Physico-chemical characterization of the cathode powder yielded CoO (65.30%), Li2O (5.39%), MnO (15.78%) and NiO (2.17%). At the end of this study, we note the presence of precious metals, on which our subsequent recovery work will focus.
Synthesis and Characterization of Benzimidazole Derivatives and Evaluation of Antimicrobial activity
Authors: Vyas Kamal Kant , Rajpurohit Sangeeta , Vaishnav Yudhishthir
Published: August 2023

A series of benzimidazole derivatives were synthesized for this investigation. NMR and IR spectrum analysis as well as carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen studies were used to characterize these novel synthesized derivatives. Antibacterial and antifungal tests were conducted on all of the newly synthesized compounds. Ciprofloxacin and fluconazole were utilized as reference medications in antibacterial and antifungal research, respectively. The microbiological assay revealed that the compounds show promising antibacterial and antifungal activity.
Synthesis and Application of Tamarind 4-Amino Butyric Acid (TABA) For Removal of Heavy Metalions from Industerial Effluent’s
Authors: Josh Renu , Gaur Sunita
Published: August 2023

4-Aminobutyric acid (TABA), a functional group that is incorporate in tamarind kernel powder to synthesized of TABA resin in laboratory. By employing batch approach and column separation experiment, their adsorption behavior for hazardous metal ion as Fe (II), Cr (III) and Cu (II) has been discovered. Various physiochemical properties as Ion exchange capacity, bulk density, SEM, and FTIR spectra were used to characterize the tamarind-based TABA resin. Industrial effluents which contaminated with heavy toxic metal ions are extracted using TABA resin. This paper emphasis that, the resin is used to remove heavy metal ions like Fe (II), Cr (II), and Cu (II) from aqueous solution and effluents of steel industry, Jodhpur. This paper present the highest % adsorption of Fe (II) metal ion and binary separation of Cr (III) and Cu (II) ions on TABA resin at pH 6. Maximum ion exchange capacity was found 3.38 milimol/gm and adsorption is 70.43% on TABA resin.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial activity of Novel Benzimidazole Containing Ligand and Its Metal Complexes
Authors: Joshi Mohit , Patel Sandip , Patel Harshadkumar
Published: August 2023

The novel ligand, 2-(1-(5-methyl-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)propan-2-ylidene)hydrazine carbothioamide (MBITS) was synthesised from 5-methyl-1-(1H-Benzimidazol-1-yl)-2-propanone (MBIP) and Thiosemicarbazone. The metal complexes of MBITS were synthesised from Transition metal ions. The synthesised ligand MBITS and synthesised metal complexes were charachacterised by elemental analysis, spectroscopic analysis, raatio of metal : ligand and magnetic properties. The ligand MBITS and metal complexes also were screened for Antimirobial activity.
The Many Colors of Excrement: Galen and the History of Chinese Phlegm
Authors: Köhle Natalie
Published: August 2023

summary: Phlegm figures as a major cause and consequence of disease in late imperial Chinese medicine. Curiously, however, when we go back to the classics, the very notion of phlegm is entirely absent. The rise of phlegm is one of the fundamental transformations in the history of Chinese medicine. This article suggests that the little-known Yuan dynasty treatise On the Art of Nourishing Life (1338), which is notable for extending Chinese phlegm theory in unprecedented ways, was pivotal for this transformation. Noting a strong resemblance of the innovations of this treatise with Galenic medical theories, this article argues that they were inspired by an encounter with the Galenic medical tradition. It submits that these novel ideas radically altered preexisting Chinese understandings of the body's materiality and the nature of disease, and calls for closer attention to the transcultural movements of theories and concepts in the historiography of Chinese and global medicine.
Prenatal Care in the Rural United States, 1912–1929
Authors: Holding Nicole
Published: August 2023

summary: In 1920, maternal mortality rates in the United States exceeded those of other industrialized nations. To redress this statistic, the federal Children's Bureau set its sights on improving access to prenatal care at a time when 80 percent of American women received none. In 1921, following lobbying by urban, middle-class progressive women working at or in support of the Bureau, the government legislated for prenatal care programs through the Sheppard-Towner Act. To date, historians have focused on how successfully women implemented the act's provisions, paying less attention to whether support for rural mothers reduced maternal mortality rates. Using Children's Bureau pamphlets, documents pertaining to the Sheppard-Towner Act, and letters written to the Bureau from poor, rural women, this article brings government workers, medical professionals, and the women they served into dialogue to analyze the first push to establish prenatal care for underserved American women and the obstacles that stood in the way.
The Presence of the Imaginary Lion: Resistance to Animalization, Sinister Imagination, and Forced Disappearance in Buitrago and Yockteng’s Picturebook, Camino a Casa
Authors: Rodríguez Moreno Laissa
Published: August 2023

Abstract: This essay explores how Camino a Casa, written by Jairo Buitrago and illustrated by Rafael Yockteng, resists the violence (widespread during the Colombian internal conflict since 1948) and the practice of forced disappearance. The picture book serves as a counter-speech to the animalization of the people considered enemies, and the story fights against the creation of the “sinister imagination” (constantly imagining the unspeakable horror that a ‘disappeared’ person might have endured). The illustrations bond emotionally with the readers and transmit hope. Ultimately, the story can connect with a mature audience left unable to deal with emotions caused by trauma.
“A Younger, Less Hairy Me”: Developing the Inner Child in Film Adaptations of Children’s Literature
Authors: Rowe Rebecca
Published: August 2023

Abstract: In this article, I juxtapose influential inner-child self-help books of the 1990s with my own analysis of two film adaptations of children’s books—How the Grinch Stole Christmas(2000) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)—to argue that many adaptations of children’s literature refocus on adults by developing new content that draws on the concept of the inner child. Ultimately, I argue that reliance on such theory both essentializes the child and acknowledges the connections between childhood and adulthood in a way that privileges adults and their understanding of childhood.
La Juventud de Puerto Rico y América Latina Opina (1993–2019) nacionalismo, racismo, machismo y cambio de valores
Authors: Calvo Buezas Tomás
Published: August 2023

Resumen: Este artículo presenta los resultados de la macroencuesta de valores, aplicada en 2019 a 11,322 estudiantes de América Latina y el Caribe (de ellos, 406 de Puerto Rico), a 1,041 cubanos y a 2,476 españoles. Estos datos serán comparados con otras preguntas idénticas que se hicieron en 1993 a 36,515 escolares latinoamericanos y caribeños (de ellos, 2,478 puertorriqueños) y a 5,168 españoles. Los temas que se tratan son nacionalismo, prejuicios, racismo, imágenes negativas y positivas sobre la colonización española en América, la confianza en las instituciones, opciones políticas y el cambio de valores en América Latina y Puerto Rico desde 1993 a 2019, en referencia al machismo, la moral sexual, religiosidad y el grado de felicidad. Abstract: This article presents the results of the values’ macro survey results, applied in 2019 to 11,322 students from Latin America and the Caribbean (406 from Puerto Rico), 1,041 Cubans, and 2,476 Spaniards. These data will be compared with other identical questions that were asked in 1993 to 36,515 Latin American and Caribbean schoolchildren (2,478 of them from Puerto Rico) and 5,168 Spaniards. The topics covered are nationalism, prejudice, racism, negative and positive images of Spanish colonization in America, trust in institutions, political options, and the change of values in Latin America and Puerto Rico from 1993 to 2019, about machismo or sexual morality, religiosity, and the degree of happiness. Résumé: Cet article présente les résultats de la macro enquête sur les valeurs, appliquée en 2019 à 11,322 étudiants d’Amérique latine et le Caraïbe (406 de Porto Rico), 1,041 Cubains et 2,476 Espagnols. Ces données seront comparées à d’autres questions identiques posées en 1993 à 36,515 étudiants latino-américains (dont 2,478 Portoricains) et 5,168 Espagnols. Les sujets abordés sont le nationalisme, les préjugés, le racisme, les images négatives et positives de la colonisation espagnole en Amérique, la confiance dans les institutions, les options politiques et le changement de valeurs en Amérique latine et à Porto Rico de 1993 à 2019, en référence au machisme ou à la morale sexuelle, la religiosité et le degré de bonheur.
Henry Flower Esq. and the Uses of History for Life in Ulysses
Authors: Fogarty Matthew
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT: This essay brings two under-discussed aspects of Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy, including his reflections on "cultural paralysis" and what he calls the "suprahistorical approach," into a productive philosophical dialogue with a comparably under-discussed aspect of Ulysses , that is, the significance of the role performed by Leopold Bloom's alter ego, Henry Flower. I argue that Bloom creates this alter ego using a process that is reminiscent of Nietzsche's suprahistorical approach, which proposes that an individual, or a body politic, might benefit from selective historical remembrance, with a view to overcoming the paralyzing trauma triggered by the death of his infant son, Rudy. Mindful of the temporal vantage point from which Joyce reflects upon the fictionalized events of 16 June 1904, this essay further demonstrates that the creation of Henry Flower completes the kaleidoscopic mode of narration through which Joyce refracts the stifling legacy of Irish history: first through Stephen Dedalus, then through Leopold Bloom, and ultimately through Henry Flower. When viewed from this perspective, it becomes apparent that the creation of Henry Flower allows Bloom to recognize the restorative potential of a surrogate father-son relationship with Stephen. In this way, Henry Flower performs a conciliatory function that establishes a philosophical blueprint for postcolonial nation-building, thereby underscoring the productive potential that resides in even the most disconcerting depths of Nietzsche's philosophical vision.
The ‘Invisible’ Property System and Revenue Collection in Former Homelands in the Context of Hybrid Governance and Access to Land And Basic Services
Authors: Sithagu Avhatakali
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT: Municipalities in former homelands situated on land under traditional authorities cannot institute an effective revenue collection system because most of the land is outside the formal property system. The fundamental issue is that customary land rights remain ‘invisible’ to the cadastral system, which together with other components of the land administration system, connects individuals to the revenue collection system. Through ethnographic interviews conducted in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, a former homeland municipality, this article demonstrates how a state institution, Eskom, navigates this complex terrain. In doing so, the article contributes to a broader debate about the dynamics and shape of the municipal revenue crisis that is often said to be an obstacle to service delivery and the smooth functioning of municipalities. While most scholars focus on how communities work with or against the rigid rules of the formal property system to access basic services, this article takes a different approach. It focuses on how state and non-state institutions attempt to deliver basic services by using informal practices to navigate their formal systems: a practice that is often under-researched.
Underwater laser positioning of targets outside the field of view based on a binocular vision
Authors: Li Jinhao , Cheng Jingxuan , Zhang Yufan , Jia Bowen , Zou Haiwu , Zhang Zejun , Xu Jing
Published: August 2023

An underwater laser positioning scheme based on a binocular camera is introduced. In spite of the scattering, the underwater laser light path can be clearly captured by a camera within an appropriate range depending on the water turbidity. For an emitting laser with a fixed position, the three-dimensional information of the laser source can be calculated from the beam images captured by a binocular camera, even if the laser is out of the camera’s field of view (FOV). This method can break through the FOV limitation of traditional camera positioning and perform a 3D spatial positioning for the target even outside the FOV of the camera. We simulate and analyze the scattering light imaging and find that the laser propagation direction can be recognized from the scattering image. The experimental results show that the proposed underwater positioning scheme achieves an average 3D positioning error of 5.53 cm within a range of 5 m when the underwater attenuation is 0.325m−1.
DTCO optimizes critical path nets to improve chip performance with timing-aware OPC in deep ultraviolet lithography
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Zhang Libin , Ding Chenghong , Wang Lei , Zhang Hongru , Ding Ming , Zhang Shengrui , Shi Weijie , Wei Yayi
Published: August 2023

Design technology co-optimization (DTCO) is a potential approach to tackle the escalating expenses and complexities associated with pitch scaling. This strategy offers a promising solution by minimizing the required design dimensions and mitigating the pitch scaling trend. It is worth noting that lithography has played a significant role in dimensional scaling over time. This paper proposes a DTCO flow to reduce the impact of the process variation (PV) band and edge placement error (EPE). First, we performed the digital back-end design of the high-performance processor and got the test layout; second, we executed timing analysis on the test layout to get the critical path net that affects the chip performance; third, we proposed the timing-aware optimized optical proximity correction (OPC) method to optimize the PV band and EPE by adjusting the weights of critical path net merit points, optimizing the generation of the sub-resolution assistant feature, giving tighter EPE specs for merit points on the critical path net, and placing denser merit points as well as denser breakpoints for the critical path net to obtain greater freedom in the OPC process. Finally, it is verified that our proposed DTCO process can significantly reduce the EPE and lead to a slight decrease in the PV band of the chip while maintaining the same process windows.
Potential of GJA8 gene variants in predicting age-related cataract: A comparison of supervised machine learning methods
Authors: Zafar Saba , Khurram Haris , Kamran Muhammad , Fatima Madeeha , Parvaiz Aqsa , Shaikh Rehan Sadiq
Published: August 2023

Cataracts are the problems associated with the crystallins proteins of the eye lens. Any perturbation in the conformity of these proteins results in a cataract. Age-related cataract is the most common type among all cataracts as it accounts for almost 80% of cases of senile blindness worldwide. This research study was performed to predict the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the GJA8 gene with age-related cataracts in 718 subjects (400 age-related cataract patients and 318 healthy individuals). A comparison of supervised machine learning classification algorithm including logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) were presented to predict the age-related cataracts. The results indicated that LR is the best for predicting age-related cataracts. This successfully developed model after accounting different genetic and demographic factors to predict cataracts will help in effective disease management and decision-making medical practitioner and experts.
Autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue in the treatment of atherosclerosis patients with knee osteoarthritis in geriatric population: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Wei , Guo Huajuan , Wang Congcong , Zhang Yimin , Wang Jun
Published: August 2023

Background

Atherosclerosis and osteoarthritis are closely related. However, no high-quality studies have investigated the potential of micro-fragmented adipose tissue to treat patients with atherosclerosis accompanied by osteoarthritis.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WANFANG DATA, and CQVIP were searched for potentially eligible studies published before October 13, 2022. Due to the statistical limitations of the existing relevant literature, it is not possible to make direct statistics on the patients with osteoarthritis accompanied by atherosclerosis treated by micro-fragmented adipose tissue. The primary outcome consisted of two parts: 1) Correlation between atherosclerosis and osteoarthritis; 2) Scores of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). And secondary outcomes were pain assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) or numeric rating scale (NRS), quality of life (QoL) (assessed using tools apart from the KOOS), and adverse events (AEs). Random meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 14.0.

Results

Nineteen studies were included. The metaanalysis evidenced a positive association between atherosclerosis and osteoarthritis (OR 1.17, CI 1.01–1.36). The mean absolute difference in KOOS subscale scores between pre- and post-treatment (mean with 95% confidence interval [CI]) was 19.65 (13.66, 25.63), 14.20 (4.64, 23.76), 19.95 (13.02, 26.89), 25.23 (14.80, 35.66), and 26.01 (13.68, 38.35) for pain, symptoms, activities of daily living (ADL), sports/recreation, and quality-of-life (QOL), respectively. The mean differences in VAS, resting VAS, activity VAS, and NRS between pre- and post-treatment was -8.24 (-10.66, —5.82), -3.61 (-4.49, -2.72), -4.17 (-4.89, -3.44), and -2.17 (-4.06, and -0.28), respectively. The mean difference in score of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), EQ-5D, and University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) between pre- and post-treatment was -24.81 (-40.80, -8.82), 0.07 (0.02, 0.12), and 0.30 (-0.42, 1.02), respectively. The mean difference in Tegner score and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score between pre- and post-treatment was 0.67 (-0.62, 1.97) and 13.70 (6.35, 21.04), respectively. The use of micro-fragmented adipose tissue was associated with risk of bruising, bleeding, hematoma, drainage, infection, soreness, swelling, pain, and stiffness in harvest and injection sites.

Conclusion

Atherosclerosis and osteoarthritis share common risk factors and comorbidity. And the use of micro-fragmented adipose tissue may benefit for improving symptoms of knee osteoarthritis accompanied by atherosclerosis although may lead to some mild adverse events. Randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are necessary for further evaluation because many limitations of this meta-analysis cannot be ignored.
Can location factors moderate the effects of the demographic composition of SME’s owner managers on the rate of mobile marketing technology (MMT) adoption?
Authors: Eze Sunday C. , Awa Hart O. , Chinedu-Eze Vera C. , Eniola Anthony
Published: August 2023

Extant scholarly inquiries focused predominantly on the influence of demographic physiognomies of SMEs’ owner-managers on MMT adoption, with dearth recourse to how the proxies of location factors such as workforce diversity and knowledge centres moderate and describe such relationship. To bridge that void, opinions of 345 SMEs’ owner-managers in five industries situated in the state capital and commercial nerve cities of three Geo-political zones of Nigeria were purposively sampled. The analysis involved hierarchical regression and its outcome showed that diversified workforce and enhanced knowledge centres critically moderated the extant relationship between the demographic composition (age, gender, education and experience) of owner-managers and MMT adoption. Hence, location factors are moderators of the relationship between owner/managers’ demographic composition and MMT adoption. Implicit is that understanding the demographic composition of owner-managers provides industry players with strong basis for competitive advantage, as well as opportunity to proactively and tactically make decisions that relate to MMT adoption.
Genetic diversity and population structure of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua in China using SSR markers
Authors: Liu Heng , Cheng He , Xu Jun , Hu Jiayi , Zhao Chenchen , Xing Lihua , Wang Mengjin , Wu Zhendong , Peng Daiyin , Yu Nianjun , Liu Junling
Published: August 2023

Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Polygonatum genus, belonging to the Liliaceae family, with significant medicinal and nutritional value. In China, this species is a traditional medicinal and edible herb with a long history of application and is widely appreciated by the people. However, as the demand for medicinal herbs continues to grow, excessive harvesting has led to the depletion of wild resources and the risk of genetic erosion. In addition, the chaotic cultivation of varieties and the lack of high quality germplasm resources have led to inconsistent quality of medical materials. Therefore, it is urgent to conduct genetic diversity evaluation of this species and establish a sound conservation plan. This study assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of 96 samples collected from seven regions in China using the simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular marker technology. In this study, a total of 60 alleles (Na) were detected across the 10 polymorphic SSR markers used, with an average of 6.0 alleles generated per locus. The values of polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.3396 to 0.8794, with an average value of 0.6430. The average value of the effective number of alleles (Ne) was 2.761, and the average value of the Shannon’s information index (I) was 1.196. The population structure analysis indicates that the Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua germplasm can be classified into three subpopulations (JZ, QY, JD) at the molecular level, which corresponds to the previous subgroups identified based on individual plant phenotypic traits. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) showed that 74% of the genetic variation was between individuals within populations in different regions. The phylogenetic analysis of the 96 germplasm samples divided them into three main populations. The QY and JD subpopulations are largely clustered together, which could be attributed to their mountainous distribution and the local climate environment. The genetic differentiation coefficient (Fst) value was low at 0.065, indicating relatively low population differentiation. The ratio of the genetic differentiation coefficient (Fst) between the JZ population and the other two populations (QY and JD) is much higher than the ratio between the QY and JD populations. Based on the clustering results and the ratio of the genetic differentiation coefficient (Fst), it can be inferred that the genetic relationship between the QY and JD subpopulations is closer, with a certain degree of genetic differentiation from the JZ subpopulation. This study supports the conservation of germplasm resources of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua in China and provides new parental material for germplasm genetic improvement and breeding programs.
Is serotonin transporter brain binding associated with the cortisol awakening response? An independent non-replication
Authors: Conradi Juliane , E. Svensson Jonas , V. Larsen Søren , Frokjaer Vibe G.
Published: August 2023

Background

Serotonergic brain signaling is considered critical for an appropriate and dynamic adaptation to stress, seemingly through modulating limbic system functions, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis. This interplay is of great interest since it holds promise as a target for preventing stress-related brain disorders, e.g., major depression. Our group has previously observed that prefrontal serotonin transporter (5-HTT) binding, imaged with positron emission tomography (PET), is positively associated with the cortisol awakening response (CAR), an index of HPA axis stress hormone dynamics. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to replicate the previous finding in a larger independent group of healthy individuals.

Methods

Molecular imaging and cortisol data were available for 90 healthy individuals. Prefrontal 5-HTT binding was imaged with [11C]DASB brain PET. Non-displaceable 5-HTT binding potential (BPND) was quantified using the Multilinear Reference Tissue Model 2 (MRTM2) with cerebellum as the reference region. CAR was based on five serial salivary cortisol samples within the first hour upon awakening. The association between CAR and prefrontal 5-HTT BPND was evaluated using a multiple linear regression model adjusted for age and sex. Further, we tested for sex differences in the association. Finally, an exploratory analysis of the association, was performed in 8 additional brain regions.

Results

We observed no statistically significant association between 5-HTT binding and CAR corrected for age and sex in the prefrontal cortex (β = -0.28, p = 0.26). We saw no interaction with sex on the association (p = 0.99).

Conclusion

We could not confirm a positive association between CAR and prefrontal 5-HTT BPND in this independent dataset. Also, sex differences in the association were not apparent. Our data do not exclude that the serotonin transporter system is involved in the regulation of stress responses in at-risk or manifest depressed states.
Factors associated with the quality of death certification in Brazilian municipalities: A data-driven non-linear model
Authors: Zimeo Morais Guilherme Augusto , Miraglia João Luiz , de Oliveira Bruno Zoca , Mistro Sóstenes , Hisatugu Wilian Hiroshi , Greffin Djeniffer , Marques Clément Bernardo , Reis Eduardo Pontes , de Lima Hugo Martins , Szlejf Claudia
Published: August 2023

Studies evaluating the local quality of death certification in Brazil focused on completeness of death reporting or inappropriate coding of causes of death, with few investigating missing data. We aimed to use missing and unexpected values in core topics to assess the quality of death certification in Brazilian municipalities, to evaluate its correlation with the percentage of garbage codes, and to employ a data-driven approach with non-linear models to investigate the association of the socioeconomic and health infrastructure context with quality of death statistics among municipalities. This retrospective study used data from the Mortality Information System (2010–2017), and municipal data regarding healthcare infrastructure, socioeconomic characteristics, and death rates. Quality of death certification was assessed by missing or unexpected values in the following core topics: dates of occurrence, registration, and birth, place of occurrence, certifier, sex, and marital status. Models were fit to classify municipalities according to the quality of death certification (poor quality defined as death records with missing or unexpected values in core topics ≥ 80%). Municipalities with poor quality of death certification (43.9%) presented larger populations, lower death rates, lower socioeconomic index, healthcare infrastructure with fewer beds and physicians, and higher proportion of public healthcare facilities. The correlation coefficients between quality of death certification assessed by missing or unexpected values and the proportion of garbage codes were weak (0.11–0.49), but stronger for municipalities with lower socioeconomic scores. The model that best fitted the data was the random forest classifier (ROC AUC = 0.76; precision-recall AUC = 0.78). This innovative way of assessing the quality of death certification could help quality improvement initiatives to include the correctness of essential fields, in addition to garbage coding or completeness of records, especially in municipalities with lower socioeconomic status where garbage coding and the correctness of core topics appear to be related issues.
Factors contributing to poor COVID-19 outcomes in diabetic patients: Findings from a single-center cohort study
Authors: Al-Azzam Nosayba , Al-Azzam Sayer , Khassawneh Basheer , Araydah Mohammad , Karasneh Reema A. , Aldeyab Mamoon A.
Published: August 2023

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a frequent comorbidity in patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The risk of developing severe or critical COVID-19 and higher mortality was observed to be increased in diabetic patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. In this study we aimed to find out the impact of clinical characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory results, and complications on the outcomes of diabetic patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. This article is a retrospective cohort study that include diabetic patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection. A definition of diabetes was based on the past history of diabetes or if the HbA1c was 6.5% or higher. Demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory results, and complications were extracted from the electronic medical records. The mortality rate increased with increasing age (from 5.56% in younger patients to 46% in the elderly) and with severity (from 25.71% in moderate cases to 43.77% in critical cases). We found that a critical severity on admission (OR: 5.26, 95% CI: 1.28–21.66, p = 0.0214), a history of stroke (OR: 8.37, 95% CI: 2.2–31.88, p = 0.0018), and low calcium levels on admission (OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.01–4.91, p = 0.0475) were significant risk factors predicting higher COVID-19 mortality in diabetic patients. The findings of this study suggest that reduced calcium levels could potentially indicate higher mortality due to COVID-19 in patients with DM. Furthermore, careful monitoring of diabetic patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection, especially those with critical disease severity or those with a history of stroke, may improve their outcome and lessen mortality.
Novel Ultra-Fast Liquid Chromatography Method for Simultaneous Quantification of Metformin Hydrochloride and Remogliflozin Etabonate
Authors: PANCHAL J , Dhalani J.
Published: August 2023

An advanced formulation having remogliflozin etabonate (REM) and metformin hydrochloride (MET) for the treatment of diabetes was recently approved. However, there hasn't been any information reported on a UFLC technique for simultaneously quantifying both active substances. Therefore, aim of the study was the development of an ultra-fast isocratic liquid chromatography method for quantification of MET and REM in API and dosage form. The reversed phase-UFLC method was developed with a very short run time of only 3 min with no interference due to blank. The compounds were separated using Shimadzu Sim-pack XR ODS (75 mm × 3 mm, 2.2 μ) column with mobile phase consisting of buffer (0.1% phosphoric acid):acetonitrile (30:70). The developed method was validated as per ICH-Q2(R1). The linearity was established in the range of 0.01-125 ppm and 0.01-25 ppm for MET and REM, respectively. The average assay was found 99.4% for MET and 99.1% for REM. The accuracy was observed 98.29-99.49% for MET and 98.39-99.73% for REM. The  proposed method is very fast and simple however precise and accurate. This method is very useful for regular quality control  laboratory to quantify MET and REM in API and dosages forms.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis and Antimicrobial Profiling of New Pyrrolo-Pyrimidine Analogues
Authors: LAXMAN GAVALI , BHAUSAHEB HANDE
Published: August 2023

Present study intended for the development of microbial resistance of existing antimicrobials to synthesize some new antimicrobials. This study involved a microwave assisted synthesis of some new 4-aminopyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine analogues (2a-h), which were synthesized via condensation of substituted benzaldehydes and 4-aminopyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine. All the compounds were characterized (using elemental analysis and IR, 1H NMR spectrometry) and evaluated for their antibacterial (against S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa) and antifungal (against C. albicans and S. cerevisiae) potential by determining the zone of inhibition using disk diffusion method. The antibacterial activity of compounds 2a-h revealed that compounds 2c, 2e and 2f against E. coli, 2d against S. aureus, 2f against B. subtilis and 2d against P. aeruginosa exhibited maximum inhibitory activity. Whereas antifungal activity of compounds 2a-h revealed that compound 2g (against C. albicans) and 2b and 2e (against S. cerevisiae) exhibited maximum antimicrobial activity (zone of inhibition). The high antibacterial and antifungal potential of newly synthesized compounds supports their potential application as antibacterial and antifungal agents, however the synthesized compounds must be additionally investigated for the in vivo and clinical studies.
Electronic Spectroscopy and Molecular Modelling Study of Supramolecular Receptors based on Azo Compound of o-Toluidine Capable of Sensing Mercuric Ion
Authors: DAS RIDIP , SARMA RAJIB LOCHAN , KALITA DIPJYOTI
Published: August 2023

Two supramolecular receptors capable of binding anion as well as metal ion were synthesized by linking o-toluidine with 2,6-diaminopyridine and 4-aminopyridine via diazocoupling reaction. The interaction of the receptors with different acids and metal ions  were studied in solution state by using UV-visible titration. One of the receptors is capable of sensing Hg2+ ion in solution state by  showing considerable amount of bathochromic shift in its absorption maxima. Their binding affinities were also compared by  calculating binding constants from the UV-visible titration data. A theoretical study was carried simultaneously to investigate the  plausible interaction of host-guest complexes. The different binding affinities were calculated from the free energy change data and  compared with the experimental values. The possible structure of metal complexes of Hg2+, Cu2+ and Fe2+ ions were optimized and  their properties were also studied. The limit of detection (LoD) of Hg2+ ions was found to be 0.223 ppm.