bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioremediation potential of consortium Pseudomonas Stutzeri LBR and Cupriavidus Metallidurans LBJ in soil polluted by lead
Authors: Ridene Sirine , Werfelli Naima , Mansouri Ahlem , Landoulsi Ahmed , Abbes Chiraz
Published: June 2023

Pollution by lead (Pb) is an environmental and health threat due to the severity of its toxicity. Microbial bioremediation is an eco-friendly technique used to remediate contaminated soils. This present study was used to evaluate the effect of two bacterial strains isolated and identified from Bizerte lagoon: Cupriavidus metallidurans LBJ (C. metallidurans LBJ) and Pseudomonas stutzeri LBR (P. stutzeri LBR) on the rate of depollution of soil contaminated with Pb from Tunisia. To determine this effect, sterile and non-sterile soil was bioaugmented by P. stutzeri LBR and C. metallidurans LBJ strains individually and in a mixture for 25 days at 30°C. Results showed that the bioaugmentation of the non-sterile soil by the mixture of P. stutzeri LBR and C. metallidurans LBJ strains gave the best rate of reduction of Pb of 71.02%, compared to a rate of 58.07% and 46.47% respectively for bioaugmentation by the bacterial strains individually. In the case of the sterile soil, results showed that the reduction rate of lead was in the order of 66.96% in the case of the mixture of the two bacterial strains compared with 55.66% and 41.86% respectively for the addition of the two strains individually. These results are confirmed by analysis of the leachate from the sterile and non-sterile soil which showed an increase in the mobility and bioavailability of Pb in soil. These promising results offer another perspective for a soil bioremediation bioprocess applying bacterial bioremediation.
Chairman’s Communist Party of China member status and targeted poverty alleviation: Evidence from China
Authors: Xie Jian , Gu Ruirui , Lei Tianyi , Yang Sen , Yu Ruian
Published: June 2023

Based on the data of Chinese listed private companies from 2016 to 2020, this paper investigates the influence of the Chairman’s member status of Communist Party of China (CPC) on targeted poverty alleviation. The research results demonstrate that the Chairman’s CPC member status of private companies significantly increases the companies’ willingness and the amounts of investment in poverty alleviation. The construction of the CPC organization can strengthen the role of the chairman’s Communist Party of China member status in promoting targeted poverty alleviation. The conclusions are still valid through robustness tests, such as substituting dependent variables, adjusting the sample range, and PSM-paired samples. In addition, the Impact Threshold for a Confounding Variable is used to deal with endogenous problems.
Contrasting the potential benefits of early invasive coronary angiography in acute and chronic myocardial injury patterns
Authors: Eng-Frost Joanne , Rocheleau Simon , Lambrakis Kristina , Khan Ehsan , van den Merkhof Anke , Papendick Cynthia , Lehman Sam , Chiang Brian , Wattchow Naomi , Steele Simon , Lorensini Scott , McCann Michael , George Kate , Vaile Julian , De Pasquale Carmine , French John , Chew Derek
Published: June 2023

Background

In cases of evolving myocardial injury not definitively attributed to coronary ischaemia precipitated by plaque rupture, referral for invasive coronary angiography (ICA) may be influenced by observed troponin profiles. We sought to explore association between early ICA and elevated high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-cTnT) concentrations with and without dynamic changes, to examine if there may be a hs-cTnT threshold associated with benefit from an initial ICA strategy.

Methods

Using published studies (hs-cTnT study n = 1937, RAPID-TnT study n = 3270) and the Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction (MI), index presentations of patients with hs-cTnT concentrations 5-14ng/L were classified as ‘non-elevated’ (NE). Hs-cTnT greater than upper reference limit (14ng/L) were classified as ‘elevated hs-cTnT with dynamic change’ (encompassing acute myocardial injury, Type 1 MI, and Type 2 MI), or ‘non-dynamic hs-cTnT elevation’ (chronic myocardial injury). Patients with hs-cTnT <5ng/L and/or eGFR<15mmol/L/1.73m2 were excluded. ICA was performed within 30 days of admission. Primary outcome was defined as composite endpoint of death, MI, or unstable angina at 12 months.

Results

Altogether, 3620 patients comprising 837 (23.1%) with non-dynamic hs-cTnT elevations and 332 (9.2%) with dynamic hs-cTnT elevations were included. Primary outcome was significantly higher with dynamic and non-dynamic hs-cTnT elevations (Dynamic: HR: 4.13 95%CI:2.92–5.82; p<0.001 Non-dynamic: HR: 2.39 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.74–3.28, p<0.001). Hs-cTnT thresholds where benefit from initial ICA strategy appeared to emerge was observed at 110ng/L and 50ng/L in dynamic and non-dynamic elevations, respectively.

Conclusion

Early ICA appears to portend benefit in hs-cTnT elevations with and without dynamic changes, and at lower hs-cTnT threshold in non-dynamic hs-cTnT elevation. Differences compel further investigation.
Care delivery team composition effect on hospitalization risk in African Americans with congestive heart failure
Authors: Williams Tremaine B. , Crump Alisha , Garza Maryam Y. , Parker Nadia , Simmons Simeon , Lipschitz Riley , Sexton Kevin Wayne
Published: June 2023

The care delivery team (CDT) is critical to providing care access and equity to patients who are disproportionately impacted by congestive heart failure (CHF). However, the specific clinical roles that are associated with care outcomes are unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the extent to which specific clinical roles within CDTs were associated with care outcomes in African Americans (AA) with CHF. Deidentified electronic medical record data were collected on 5,962 patients, representing 80,921 care encounters with 3,284 clinicians between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2021. Binomial logistic regression assessed associations of specific clinical roles and the Mann Whitney-U assessed racial differences in outcomes. AAs accounted for only 26% of the study population but generated 48% of total care encounters, the same percentage of care encounters generated by the largest racial group (i.e., Caucasian Americans; 69% of the study population). AAs had a significantly higher number of hospitalizations and readmissions than Caucasian Americans. However, AAs had a significantly higher number of days at home and significantly lower care charges than Caucasian Americans. Among all CHF patients, patients with a Registered Nurse on their CDT were less likely to have a hospitalization (i.e. 30%) and a high number of readmissions (i.e., 31%) during the 7-year study period. When stratified by heart failure phenotype, the most severe patients who had a Registered Nurse on their CDT were 88% less likely to have a hospitalization and 50% less likely to have a high number of readmissions. Similar decreases in the likelihood of hospitalization and readmission were also found in less severe cases of heart failure. Specific clinical roles are associated with CHF care outcomes. Consideration must be given to developing and testing the efficacy of more specialized, empirical models of CDT composition to reduce the disproportionate impact of CHF.
Sensor-supported measurement of adaptability of dogs (Canis familiaris) to a shelter environment: Nocturnal activity and behavior
Authors: van der Laan Janneke E. , Vinke Claudia M. , Arndt Saskia S.
Published: June 2023

Every shelter dog is faced with the challenge to adapt to a kennel environment. To monitor the welfare of individual shelter dogs, evaluating behavioural and physiological parameters, potentially useful as indicators for adaptability of individual dogs is crucial. Nocturnal activity, i.e. resting patterns, has already been identified as a candidate indicator of adaptability and can be easily measured remotely with the help of sensors. We investigated the usefulness of a 3-axial accelerometer (Actigraph®) to monitor nocturnal activity in shelter dogs every night during the full first two weeks in-shelter starting directly at shelter intake, as a measure of welfare. Additionally, urinary cortisol/creatinine ratio (UCCR), body weight and behaviour data were collected to evaluate stress responses. A control group of pet dogs in homes, matched to the shelter dog group, was also monitored. Shelter dogs had higher nocturnal activity and UCCRs than pet dogs, especially during the first days in the shelter. Nocturnal activity, both accelerometer measures and activity behaviour, and UCCRs decreased over nights in the shelter. Smaller dogs had higher nocturnal activity and UCCRs than larger dogs and showed less autogrooming during the first nights. Dogs with no previous kennel experience had higher nocturnal activity and UCCRs, and showed less body shaking, than dogs with previous kennel experience. Overall, sheltered dogs also showed less body shaking during the first night. The number of dogs showing paw lifting decreased over days. Age class and sex effected only few activity behaviours. Shelter dogs significantly lost body weight after 12 days in the shelter compared to the moment of intake. Shelter dogs had disrupted nocturnal resting patterns and UCCRs compared to pet dogs and seem to partly adapt to the shelter environment after two weeks. Sensor-supported identification of nocturnal activity can be a useful additional tool for welfare assessments in animal shelters.
Cost-effectiveness of personalised telehealth intervention for chronic disease management: A pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mudiyanselage Shalika Bohingamu , Stevens Jo , Toscano Julian , Kotowicz Mark A. , Steinfort Christopher L. , Hayles Robyn , Watts Jennifer J.
Published: June 2023

Objective

The study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of a personalised telehealth intervention to manage chronic disease in the long run.

Method

The Personalised Health Care (PHC) pilot study was a randomised trial with an economic evaluation alongside over 12 months. From a health service perspective, the primary analysis compared the costs and effectiveness of PHC telehealth monitoring with usual care. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated based on costs and health-related quality of life. The PHC intervention was implemented in the Barwon Health region, Geelong, Australia, for patients with a diagnosis of COPD and/or diabetes who had a high likelihood of hospital readmission over 12 months.

Results

When compared to usual care at 12 months, the PHC intervention cost AUD$714 extra per patient (95%CI -4879; 6308) with a significant improvement of 0.09 in health-related quality of life (95%CI: 0.05; 0.14). The probability of PHC being cost-effective by 12 months was close to 65%, at willingness to pay a threshold of AUD$50,000 per quality-adjusted life year.

Conclusion

Benefits of PHC to patients and the health system at 12 months translated to a gain in quality-adjusted life years with a non-significant cost difference between the intervention and control groups. Given the relatively high set-up costs of the PHC intervention, the program may need to be offered to a larger population to achieve cost-effectiveness. Long-term follow-up is required to assess the real health and economic benefits over time.
Examination of two different proteasome inhibitors in reactivating mutant human cystathionine β-synthase in mice
Authors: Gupta Sapna , Lee Hyung-Ok , Wang Liqun , Kruger Warren D.
Published: June 2023

Classic homocystinuria is an inborn error of metabolism caused mainly by missense mutations leading to misfolded and/or unstable human cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) protein, causing the accumulation of excess total homocysteine (tHcy) in tissues. Previously, it has been shown that certain missense containing human CBS proteins can be functionally rescued in mouse models of CBS deficiency by treatment with proteasome inhibitors. The rescue by proteasome inhibitors is thought to work both by inhibiting the degradation of misfolded CBS protein and by inducing the levels of heat-shock chaperone proteins in the liver. Here we examine the effectiveness of two FDA approved protease inhibitors, carfilzomib and bortezomib, on various transgenic mouse models of human CBS deficiency. Our results show that although both drugs are effective in inducing the liver chaperone proteins Hsp70 and Hsp27, and are effective in inhibiting proteasome function, bortezomib was somewhat more robust in restoring the mutant CBS function. Moreover, there was no significant correlation between proteasome inhibition and CBS activity, suggesting that some of bortezomib’s effects are via other mechanisms. We also test the use of low-doses of bortezomib and carfilzomib on various mouse models for extended periods of time and find that while low-doses are less toxic, they are also less effective at restoring CBS function. Overall, these results show that while restoration of mutant CBS function is possible with proteasome inhibitors, the exact mechanism is complicated and it will likely be too toxic for long-term patient treatment.
The effect of diabetes mellitus on COVID-19 mortality among patients in a tertiary-level hospital in Bandung, Indonesia
Authors: Kusumawati Maya , Koesoemadinata Raspati Cundarani , Fatma Zuhaira Husna , Susandi Evan , Permana Hikmat , Soetedjo Nanny Natalia Mulyani , Soeroto Arto Yuwono , Bestari Begawan , Andriyoko Basti , Alisjahbana Bachti , Hartantri Yovita
Published: June 2023

Immune system dysregulation in people with diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the risk of acquiring severe infection. We compared the clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with and without DM and estimated the effect of DM on mortality among COVID-19 patients. A retrospective cohort study collecting patients’ demographic, clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters and treatment outcomes from medical records was conducted in a hospital in Bandung City from March to December 2020. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the association between DM and death. A total of 664 COVID-19 patients with positive real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were included in this study, of whom 147 were with DM. Half of DM patients presented HbA1c ≥10%. DM patients were more likely to present with comorbidities and severe to critical conditions at admission (P <0.001). Laboratory parameters such as neutrophil-lymphocyte count ratio, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, ferritin, and lactate dehydrogenase were higher in the DM group. In the univariate analysis, variables associated with death were COVID-19 severity at baseline, neurologic disease, DM, age ≥60 years, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. DM remained associated with death (aOR 1.82; 95% CI 1.13–2.93) after adjustment with sex, age, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. In conclusion, COVID-19 patients with DM are more likely to present with a very high HbA1c, comorbidities, and severe-critical illness. Chronic inflammation in DM patients may be aggravated by the disruption of immune response caused by COVID-19, leading to worse laboratory results and poor outcomes.
RNAi of Complex I and V of the electron transport chain in glutamate neurons extends life span, increases sleep, and decreases locomotor activity in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Landis Jessie E. , Sungu Kevin , Sipe Hannah , Copeland Jeffrey M.
Published: June 2023

RNAi targeting the electron transport chain has been proven to prolong life span in many different species, and experiments specifically with Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans have shown a distinct role for neurons. To determine which subset of neurons is implicated in this life span extension, we used the GAL4/UAS system to activate RNAi against genes of Complex I and Complex V. We found life span extension of 18–24% with two glutamate neuron (D42 and VGlut) GAL4 lines. We used the GAL80 system to determine if the overlapping set of glutamate neurons in these two GAL4 lines imparts the life span extension. Limiting GAL4 activity to non-VGlut glutamate neurons in the D42 background failed to extend life span, suggesting that glutamate neurons have an important role in aging. Interestingly, RNAi of the electron transport chain in D42 glutamate neurons also caused an increase in daytime and nighttime sleep and a decrease in nighttime locomotor activity. Changes to sleep patterns and prolonged life span were not accompanied by any changes in female fertility or response to starvation. Our findings demonstrate that a small subset of neurons can control life span, and further studies can look into the contributions made by glutamate neurons.
Endogenous interleukin-22 prevents cardiac rupture after myocardial infarction in mice
Authors: Yamamoto Mai , Yasukawa Hideo , Takahashi Jinya , Nohara Shoichiro , Sasaki Tomoko , Shibao Kodai , Akagaki Daiki , Okabe Kota , Yanai Toshiyuki , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Fukumoto Yoshihiro
Published: June 2023

Myocardial infarction (MI) can result in fatal myocardial rupture or heart failure due to adverse remodeling and dysfunction of the left ventricle. Although recent studies have shown that exogenous interleukin (IL)-22 shows cardioprotective effect after MI, the pathophysiological significance of endogenous IL-22 is unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of endogenous IL-22 in a mouse model of MI. We produced MI model by permanent ligation of the left coronary artery in wild-type (WT) and IL-22 knock-out (KO) mice. The post-MI survival rate was significantly worse in IL-22KO mice than in WT mice due to a higher rate of cardiac rupture. Although IL-22KO mice exhibited a significantly greater infarct size than WT mice, there was no significant difference in left ventricular geometry or function between WT and IL-22KO mice. IL-22KO mice showed increase in infiltrating macrophages and myofibroblasts, and altered expression pattern of inflammation- and extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes after MI. While IL-22KO mice showed no obvious changes in cardiac morphology or function before MI, expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were increased, whereas that of tissue inhibitor of MMPs (TIMP)-3 was decreased in cardiac tissue. Protein expression of IL-22 receptor complex, IL-22 receptor alpha 1 (IL-22R1) and IL-10 receptor beta (IL-10RB), were increased in cardiac tissue 3 days after MI, regardless of the genotype. We propose that endogenous IL-22 plays an important role in preventing cardiac rupture after MI, possibly by regulating inflammation and ECM metabolism.
Andersen health care utilization model: A survey on factors affecting the utilization of dental health services among school children
Authors: Nagdev Preethi , Iyer Murali R. , Naik Sachin , Khanagar Sanjeev Balappa , Awawdeh Mohammed , Al Kheraif Abdulaziz Abdullah , Anil Sukumaran , Alsarani Majed M. , Vellappally Sajith , Alsadon Omar
Published: June 2023

Background

Children’s quality of life, academic performance, and future achievement can all be negatively affected by poor dental health. The present study aimed to assess the need for dental health services and the factors influencing their utilization using the Andersen health care utilization model among school children.

Methods

The current cross-sectional study was conducted among schoolchildren aged 13 to 15 in Bangalore, India (n = 1100). A questionnaire was developed using the concepts of the Andersen healthcare usage model. The parents of the children filled out the questionnaire. The factors were investigated using bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

About 78.1% of the children did not utilize dental health services. Regarding the reasons for not visiting a dentist, 65.8% said they did not have a dental problem, and 22.2% said they could not afford it. Bivariate analysis showed that age, gender, education level, occupation of the family’s head of household, monthly family income, socioeconomic status, perceived oral health problems, accessibility of dental health facilities, and parental attitudes toward their children’s oral health were significantly associated with using dental health services (p<0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed dental health service utilization was directly related to age (OR = 2.206), education, family size (OR = 1.33), and brushing frequency twice a day (OR = 1.575) with no significant relationship between distance to reach the dental facility, the number of dental visits, and socioeconomic status.

Conclusion

Dental health service utilization was low in the past year. The age, number of family members, parent’s education level, travel time to the dental facility, the child’s oral health behaviors, and positive parental attitude all play a role in a children’s utilization of dental health service.
Investigating Mycobacterium tuberculosis sufR (rv1460) in vitro and ex vivo expression and immunogenicity
Authors: Baatjies Lucinda , van Rensberg Ilana C. , Snyders Candice , Gutschmidt Andrea , Loxton Andre G. , Williams Monique J.
Published: June 2023

Iron is vital metal for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, survival, and persistence within its human host. The mobilization of sulphur (SUF) operon encodes the primary iron-sulphur (Fe-S) biogenesis system in M. tuberculosis and is induced during iron limitation and intracellular growth of M. tuberculosis, pointing to its importance during infection. To study sufR expression at single cell level during intracellular growth of M. tuberculosis a fluorescent reporter was generated by cloning a 123 bp sufR promoter region upstream of a promotorless mcherry gene in an integrating vector. Expression analysis and fluorescence measurements during in vitro culture revealed that the reporter was useful for measuring induction of the promoter but was unable to detect subsequent repression due to the stability of mCherry. During intracellular growth in THP-1 macrophages, increased fluorescence was observed in the strain harbouring the reporter relative to the control strain, however this induction was only observed in a small sub-set of the population. Since SufR levels are predicted to be elevated during infection we hypothesize that it is immunogenic and may induce an immune response in M. tuberculosis infected individuals. The immune response elicited by SufR for both whole blood assay (WBA, a short term 12-hr stimulation to characterise the production of cytokines/growth factors suggestive of an effector response) and lymphocyte proliferation assay (LPA, a longer term 7-day stimulation to see if SufR induces a memory type immune response) were low and did not show a strong immune response for the selected Luminex analytes (MCP-1, RANTES, IL-1b, IL-8, MIP-1b, IFN-g, IL-6 and MMP-9) measured in three clinical groups, namely active TB, QuantiFERON positive (QFN pos) and QFN negative (QFN neg) individuals.
Bacillus velezensis FX-6 suppresses the infection of Botrytis cinerea and increases the biomass of tomato plants
Authors: Li Zhaoyu , Li Jiajia , Yu Mei , Quandahor Peter , Tian Tian , Shen Tong
Published: June 2023

Botrytis cinerea causing tomato gray mold is a major cause of economic loss in tomato production. It is urgent and necessary to seek an effective and environmentally friendly control strategy to control tomato grey mold disease. In this study, Bacillus velezensis FX-6 isolated from the rhizosphere of plants displayed significant inhibitory ability against B. cinerea and could promote tomato plant growth. FX-6 could effectively inhibit the growth of Botrytis cinerea mycelium in vitro and in vivo, and the inhibitory rate in vitro could reach 78.63%. According to morphological observations and phylogenetic trees based on sequences of the 16S rDNA and gyrA (DNA gyrase subunit A) genes, the strain FX-6 was identified as Bacillus velezensis. In addition, B. velezensis FX-6 showed antagonistic activity against seven phytopathogens, this indicated that FX-6 had broad-spectrum biocontrol activity. We also found that FX-6 fermentation broth had the strongest antagonistic activity against B. cinerea when the culture time was 72 hours, and the inhibition rate was 76.27%. The growth promotion test revealed that strain FX-6 significantly promoted tomato seed germination and seedling growth. Further deeply study on growth-promoting mechanism indicated that the FX-6 produced IAA and siderophore, and had ACC deaminase activity. The trait of significant biological control activity and growth promoting effect on tomato imply that B. velezensis FX-6 has the potential to be used as a biocontrol agent for tomato gray mold management.
Collaborative innovation evolution of the logistics and manufacturing industry in China
Authors: Chen Xiuling , Liu Haohua
Published: June 2023

The logistics industry and the manufacturing industry are mutually productive factors and service objects, which determines that the two must develop cooperatively. In the increasingly fierce market competition, open collaborative innovation is more conducive to improving the level of linkage between the logistics industry and the manufacturing industry, and promoting industrial development. Based on the patent data of 284 prefecture-level cities in China from 2006 to 2020, this paper uses Gis spatial analysis, spatial Dubin model and other methods to analyze the collaborative innovation between the logistics industry and manufacturing industry. The results lead to several conclusions. (i) The overall collaborative innovation level is not high, and in terms of the evolution cycle, collaborative innovation has experienced three stages: embryo, rapid development and stable development. (ii) The spatial agglomeration characteristics of the collaborative innovation between the two industries are more and more obvious, and the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration and the middle reaches of the Yangtze River urban agglomeration play an important role in the collaborative innovation between the two industries. (iii) The hot spots of collaborative innovation between the two industries are concentrated in the eastern and northern coastal areas, while the cold spots are concentrated in the south of the northwest and southwest areas in the late stage of the study. (iiii) The positive influencing factors of local collaborative innovation between the two industries include economic development, scientific and technological level, government behavior, and employment, while the negative influencing factors include information technology level, and logistics infrastructure. Economic development has a negative spatial spillover effect on surrounding areas, while the spatial spillover effect of scientific and technological level is significantly positive. This article aims to explore the current situation and influencing factors of collaborative innovation between the two industries, with a view to proposing countermeasures and suggestions for improving the level of collaborative innovation between the two industries, and also providing new ideas for research on cross industry collaborative innovation.
Ostracism modulates children’s recognition of emotional facial expressions
Authors: Mermier Julia , Quadrelli Ermanno , Bulf Hermann , Turati Chiara
Published: June 2023

Ostracism has been shown to induce considerable physiological, behavioral and cognitive changes in adults. Previous research demonstrated its effects on children’s cognitive and behavioral abilities, but less is known about its impact on their capacity to recognize subtle variations in social cues. The present study aimed at investigating whether social manipulations of inclusion and ostracism modulate emotion recognition abilities in children, and whether this modulation varies across childhood. To do so, 5- and 10-year-old children participated in a computer-based ball tossing game called Cyberball during which they were either included or ostracized. Then, they completed a facial emotion recognition task in which they were required to identify neutral facial expressions, or varying levels of intensity of angry and fearful facial expressions. Results indicated lower misidentification rates for children who were previously ostracized as compared to children who were previously included, both at 5 and 10 years of age. Moreover, when looking at children’s accuracy and sensitivity to facial expressions, 5-year-olds’ decoding abilities were affected by the social manipulation, while no difference between included and ostracized participants was observed for 10-year-olds. In particular, included and ostracized 10-year-old children as well as ostracized 5-year-olds showed higher accuracy and sensitivity for expressions of fear as compared to anger, while no such difference was observed for included 5-year-olds. Overall, the current study presents evidence that Cyberball-induced inclusion and ostracism modulate children’s recognition of emotional faces.
Reducing contrast-agent volume and radiation dose in CT with 90­kVp tube voltage, high tube current modulation, and advanced iteration algorithm
Authors: Park Min Su , Ha Hong Il , Ahn Jhii-Hyun , Lee In Jae , Lim Hyun Kyung
Published: June 2023

Increasing utilization of computed tomography (CT) has raised concerns regarding CT radiation dose and technology has been developed to achieve an appropriate balance between image quality, radiation dose, and the amount of contrast material. This study was planned to evaluate the image quality and radiation dose in pancreatic dynamic computed tomography (PDCT) with 90­kVp tube voltage and reduction of the standard amount of contrast agent, compared with 100­kVp PDCT of the research hospital’s convention. Total of 51 patients with both CT protocols were included. The average Hounsfield units (HU) values of the abdominal organs and image noise were measured for objective image quality analysis. Two radiologists evaluated five categories of image qualities such as subjective image noise, visibility of small structure, beam hardening or streak artifact, lesion conspicuity and overall diagnostic performance for subjective image quality analysis. The total amount of contrast agent, radiation dose, and image noise decreased in the low-kVp group, by 24.4%, 31.7%, and 20.6%, respectively (p < 0.001). The intraobserver and interobserver agreements were moderate to substantial (k = 0.4−0.8). The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and figure of merit of the almost organs except psoas muscle in the low-kVp group were significantly higher (p < 0.001). Except for lesion conspicuity, both reviewers judged that subjective image quality of the 90-kVp group was better (p < 0.001). With 90­kVp tube voltage, 25% reduced contrast agent volume with advanced iteration algorithm and high tube current modulation achieved radiation dose reduction of 31.7%, as well as better image quality and diagnostic confidence.
IR microspectroscopic investigation of the interaction of some losartan salts with human stratum corneum protein and its effect on losartan transdermal permeation
Authors: Mansour Randa S. H. , Al Khawaja Aamal Y. , Hamdan Imad I. , Khalil Enam A.
Published: June 2023

The interaction of pharmacologically active drugs with SC biochemical components is underestimated in pharmaceutical research. The aim of this research was to illustrate that some drugs intended for transdermal delivery could interact with the protein component of SC. Such interactions could be in favor of or opposition to their percutaneous absorption. IR microspectroscopy was used to delineate possible interaction of SC keratin with three losartan salts LOS-K, LOS-DEA and LOS-AML salts in addition to AML-BES salt. The results of PCA, combined with comparisons of average second derivative spectra of SC samples treated with these salts and the control SC, showed that LOS-DEA did not interact with SC, thus providing base line permeation of losartan. AML-BES, LOS-AML and LOS-K salts modified the conformational structure of keratin. The disorganization effect on the α-helical structure and induced formation of parallel β-sheets and random coils were in the order of AML-BES˃LOS-AML˃LOS-K. The order of the impact of treatments which resulted in increased formation of β-turns was AML-BES˃LOS-AML. The formation of antiparallel β-sheets was manifested by LOS-AML. Thus, the overall effect of these salts on the SC protein was AML-BES˃LOS-AML˃LOS-K. The impact of LOS-K was associated with improved permeation whereas the impact of LOS-AML was associated with hindered permeation of both losartan and amlodipine. There is a possibility that losartan and amlodipine when present in combination inside SC, their binding to the protein is enhanced leading to being retained within SC.
Impact of food insecurity and its influencing factors on the risk of malnutrition among COVID-19 patients
Authors: El Shikieri Ahlam Badreldin
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Few studies focused on the impact of food insecurity severity on the risk of malnutrition among COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia.

Objectives

This study described the prevalence of food insecurity among COVID-19 patients, its severity, and its associated factors. Additionally, the impact of the severity of food insecurity on the risk of malnutrition was determined. It is hypothesized that food insecurity is associated with an increased risk of malnutrition among COVID-19 patients.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Al Madinah Al Munawarah in Saudi Arabia. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 and acute severe or nonsevere illness were enrolled. The Food Insecurity Experience Scale was used to determine the severity of food insecurity, and risk of malnutrition was assessed using the Malnutrition Screening Tool. Demographic characteristics, history of medical conditions, food intake, and body mass index (BMI) were assessed.

Results

A total of 514 patients were enrolled, with 391 (76%) having acute nonsevere COVID-19 symptoms. A total of 14.2% of patients suffered from food insecurity. Of these, 17% had severe symptoms. The severity of food insecurity was influenced by patients’ education (P = 0.02, 95% CI 0.019–0.225), weight loss (P = 0.0001, 95% CI 0.252–0.752), and loss of appetite (P = 0.0001, 95% CI 0.293–0.604). Fifteen percent of patients were at risk of malnutrition. Many obese patients suffered from severe COVID-19 symptoms (P = 0.029, 95% CI 0.02–0.539). The risk of malnutrition was associated with the severity of food insecurity (P = 0.001, 95% CI -0.056- -0.014), BMI (P = 0.049, 95% CI 0.000–0.042), and employment status (P = 0.034, 95% CI 0.002–0.048).

Conclusion

Food insecurity and the risk of malnutrition among COVID-19 patients should be assessed to prevent adverse health outcomes.
Objective perimetry identifies regional functional progression and recovery in mild Diabetic Macular Oedema
Authors: Sabeti Faran , Rai Bhim B. , van Kleef Josh P. , Rohan Emilie M. F. , Carle Corinne F. , Barry Richard C. , Essex Rohan W. , Nolan Christopher J. , Maddess Ted
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Retinal function beyond foveal vision is not routinely examined in the clinical screening and management of diabetic retinopathy although growing evidence suggests it may precede structural changes. In this study we compare optical coherence tomography (OCT) based macular structure with function measured objectively with the ObjectiveFIELD Analyzer (OFA), and with Matrix perimetry. We did that longitudinally in Type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with mild Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO) with good vision and a similar number of T2D patients without DMO, to evaluate changes in retinal function more peripherally over the natural course of retinopathy.

Methods

Both eyes of 16 T2D patients (65.0 ± 10.1, 10 females), 10 with baseline DMO, were followed for up longitudinally for 27 months providing 94 data sets. Vasculopathy was assessed by fundus photography. Retinopathy was graded using to Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) guidelines. Posterior-pole OCT quantified a 64-region/eye thickness grid. Retinal function was measured with 10–2 Matrix perimetry, and the FDA-cleared OFA. Two multifocal pupillographic objective perimetry (mfPOP) variants presented 44 stimuli/eye within either the central 30° or 60° of the visual field, providing sensitivities and delays for each test-region. OCT, Matrix and 30° OFA data were mapped to a common 44 region/eye grid allowing change over time to be compared at the same retinal regions.

Results

In eyes that presented with DMO at baseline, mean retinal thickness reduced from 237 ± 25 μm to 234.2 ± 26.7 μm, while the initially non-DMO eyes significantly increased their mean thickness from 250.7 ± 24.4 μm to 255.7 ± 20.6 μm (both p<0.05). Eyes that reduced in retinal thickness over time recovered to more normal OFA sensitivities and delays (all p<0.021). Matrix perimetry quantified fewer regions that changed significantly over the 27 months, mostly presenting in the central 8 degrees.

Conclusions

Changes in retinal function measured by OFA possibly offer greater power to monitor DMO over time than Matrix perimetry data.
A holistic view of muscle metabolic reprogramming through personalized metabolic modeling in newly diagnosed diabetic patients
Authors: Khoshnejat Maryam , Banaei-Moghaddam Ali Mohammad , Moosavi-Movahedi Ali Akbar , Kavousi Kaveh
Published: June 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a challenging and progressive metabolic disease caused by insulin resistance. Skeletal muscle is the major insulin-sensitive tissue that plays a pivotal role in blood sugar homeostasis. Dysfunction of muscle metabolism is implicated in the disturbance of glucose homeostasis, the development of insulin resistance, and T2DM. Understanding metabolism reprogramming in newly diagnosed patients provides opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment of T2DM as a challenging disease to manage. Here, we applied a system biology approach to investigate metabolic dysregulations associated with the early stage of T2DM. We first reconstructed a human muscle-specific metabolic model. The model was applied for personalized metabolic modeling and analyses in newly diagnosed patients. We found that several pathways and metabolites, mainly implicating in amino acids and lipids metabolisms, were dysregulated. Our results indicated the significance of perturbation of pathways implicated in building membrane and extracellular matrix (ECM). Dysfunctional metabolism in these pathways possibly interrupts the signaling process and develops insulin resistance. We also applied a machine learning method to predict potential metabolite markers of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. 13 exchange metabolites were predicted as the potential markers. The efficiency of these markers in discriminating insulin-resistant muscle was successfully validated.
FRAM-based causal analysis and barrier measures to mitigate dust explosions: A case study
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Lei , Cao Xiong , Li Baolin , Zhou Aitao
Published: June 2023

Both the number of dust explosion accidents and the resulting number of casualties have increased dramatically in recent years. To reduce this risk of dust explosions, we use the functional resonance analysis method (FRAM) to analyze the cause of the dust explosion accident at the Kunshan factory and propose barrier measures to prevent such accidents. The functional units that changed in the production system during the accident and how these functional units coupled to eventually cause the dust explosion were examined and explained. In addition, barrier measures were developed for functional units that changed during production and emergency systems defined to block the propagation of changes between functions and prevent resonance. Through case study, the identification of key functional parameters in both triggering the initial explosion and in then allowing its spread are key to define barriers to prevent a recurrence of such an event. FRAM uses system function coupling instead of traditional linear causality to explain the accident process, and develops barrier measures for changing function units, providing a novel thinking strategy and method for the analysis of accidents and their prevention.
Risk factors for depression in asthmatic individuals: Findings from NHANES (2005–2018)
Authors: Yang Huan , Lin Ping , Liang Zongan
Published: June 2023

Background

The risk factors for depression in asthma are still unclear. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with depression in asthmatic individuals.

Methods

We used data from the 2005–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for depression and calculate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of 5,379 asthmatic participants were included. Of these subjects, 767 individuals had depression, and 4,612 individuals had no depression. Univariate analysis and multivariate analyses suggested that asthmatic individuals with smoking (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.19–3.29), hypertension (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.48–5.04), and arthritis (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.53–5.22) were more likely to have depression. Asthmatic individuals who had more than a high school education had lower depression risk than those with less than a high school education (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.30–0.99). Increasing age was also associated with decreased depression risk (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–0.99).

Conclusions

Depression was more likely in asthmatic individuals with smoking, hypertension, and arthritis and less likely in individuals with higher education and increasing age. These findings could improve the identification of target populations for effective interventions to improve the mental health of asthmatic individuals.
A study of transverse maxillomandibular discrepancy and dental compensation in early mixed dentition with skeletal Class III malocclusion without posterior crossbite
Authors: Liu Fangming , Huang Haiyun , Shi Xiaoyang , Liu Yi , Liu Dongxu
Published: June 2023

Objective

To evaluate transverse maxillomandibular discrepancy and dental compensation in first molar areas in 7- to 9-year-old children with skeletal Class III malocclusion without posterior crossbite using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods

The sample of this retrospective study consisted of 60 children (7 to 9 years old), who were divided into the skeletal Class III malocclusion group (study group, skeletal Class III malocclusion without posterior crossbite, N = 31) and the Class I occlusion group (control group, Class I occlusion with one or two impacted teeth, N = 30). CBCT data were obtained from the database of the Department of Radiology of Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong University. For three-dimensional reconstruction of the head, the dental arch width, basal bone width, and buccolingual inclination angle were measured using MIMICS 21.0 software. Independent-sample t tests were used to compare the two groups.

Results

The mean age of the children was 8.18±0.83years. The width of the maxillary basal bone was significantly smaller in the skeletal Class III malocclusion group (59.75 ± 3.14 mm) than in the Class I occlusion group (62.39 ± 3.01 mm) (P < 0.01). The mandibular basal bone width was significantly larger in the skeletal Class III malocclusion group (60.00 ± 2.56 mm) than in the Class I occlusion group (58.19 ± 2.42 mm) (P < 0.01). The difference in the width of the maxillary and mandibular bases in the skeletal Class III malocclusion group (–0.25 ± 1.73 mm) was significantly different from that in the Class I occlusion group (4.20 ± 1.25 mm) (P < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in the upper or lower dental arch width between the two groups (P > 0.05). The buccal inclination of the maxillary molars in the skeletal Class III malocclusion group (31.4° ± 8.9°) was significantly higher than that in the Class I occlusion group (17.64° ± 7.3°) (P < 0.01), as was the lingual inclination angle of mandibular molars (45.24° ± 8.3° vs. 37.96° ± 10.18°; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Transverse maxillary and mandibular discrepancies in the posterior area and transverse dental compensation were found in the early mixed dentition of patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion without posterior crossbite. This suggests that even in the absence of posterior crossbite, maxillary expansion can be attempted to correct the maxillomandibular transverse discrepancy.
Florence Nightingale. Cuatro visiones cinematográficas de una pionera de la enfermería
Authors: Sánchez-Angulo Manuel
Published: June 2023

Florence Nightingale está considerada como la fundadora de la enfermería moderna. Además, tuvo un papel relevante en otras áreas como la estadística o el movimiento feminista. No es de extrañar que su legado a la posteridad sea muy variado y que se le hayan dedicado diversas películas y documentales. En este artículo se repasan las cuatro películas sonoras dedicadas a su biografía.
Estratégias procíclicas e anticíclicas no desempenho de MPMes em contexto de crise: Um estudo a partir da pandemia do COVID-19
Authors: Ferreira Wilquer Silvano de Souza , Vale Gláucia Maria Vasconcellos , Andrade Nair Aparecida de
Published: June 2023

Objetivo: Investigar o impacto de estratégias procíclicas e anticíclicas no desempenho de MPMEs no contexto da crise de Covid-19. Método/Abordagem: quantitativo, amostral, com 118 micro, pequenas e médias empresas de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Utilizou-se o aporte de análise da correlação de spearman e análise de regressão linear múltipla. Principais Resultados: no período dominado pela pandemia (2020/2021), as estratégias anticíclicas apresentaram desempenho superior àquelas que utilizam estratégias procíclicas. Contribuições teóricas/metodológicas: Embora a literatura explore as estratégias procíclicas, estudos que associam a influência de estratégias procíclicas e anticíclicas ao desempenho organizacional ainda são raros. Esta lacuna é ainda mais evidente quando são consideradas MPMEs em contextos de crise. Ao associar dimensões ainda novas, como recursos humanos, marketing e produção, entre outras, este artigo ajuda a preencher lacunas associadas, ainda hoje, à falta de trabalhos que busquem modelos integrados capazes de melhor compreender o impacto das crises, como o COVID-19. Relevância/Originalidade: o artigo inova ao associar, no contexto da literatura sobre crise, os dois tipos de estratégias (anticíclica e procíclica), na elaboração e teste de um modelo analítico integrado, composto de diferentes variáveis, e passível de ser utilizado não apenas em novas pesquisas como, também, no contexto empresarial. Contribuições sociais/de gestão: ao demonstrar que cortes de investimentos em marketing e outras áreas produzem efeitos adversos no desempenho, e que as organizações se beneficiam ao manter funcionários em vez de demiti-los, este estudo lança luz sobre a relevância de estratégias anticíclicas, que ainda precisam ser melhor exploradas.