bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient Autonomy Versus Intervention: Geriatric Care Dilemmas
Authors: Gao Zhongxi
Published: August 2024

Background: The ethical challenges faced by physicians when patients or their families refuse medical interventions are particularly complex in geriatric care. This manuscript explores the delicate balance between professional recommendations and patient autonomy, focusing on the nuanced decisions surrounding enteral nutrition in older patients. Methods: Two case studies are presented: a 99-year-old woman with a history of hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease, and an 82-year-old man with Alzheimer’s disease. Both cases involve the recommendation of a nasogastric tube for enteral nutrition, and the subsequent patient and family responses to this intervention. Results: In the first case, the patient and her family initially refused the tube due to personal beliefs and financial concerns, leading to a focus on psychological support and symptom management. The patient eventually agreed to the tube, but tragically passed away shortly after. In contrast, the second case resulted in the patient’s family agreeing to the tube after a thorough discussion, leading to a successful recovery and the patient’s ability to eat orally 6 months later. Conclusions: The cases underscore the importance of patient-centered care, clear communication, and empathy in geriatric medicine. They highlight the need for healthcare providers to respect patient autonomy, be aware of their own biases, and engage in open dialogue with patients and families. The manuscript advocates for a nuanced approach to medical ethics, where the patient’s journey is guided with respect and care, honoring their wishes while striving for the best possible outcomes.
Limitations and Potential Dark Sides of Transformational Leadership: The Case of the Founder and Former CEO of Theranos
Authors: Guo Wenjuan , Cui Junnan , Arendt Lucy , O’Brien Jamie
Published: August 2024

Transformational leadership is widely recognized as an effective leadership style; however, it is important to recognize its potential misuse, where it may serve a leader’s self-interests at the expense of others, both inside and outside the organization. In this article, we present an experiential exercise that uses the case of Theranos and its founder and former CEO, Elizabeth Holmes, to highlight the limitations and potential dark sides of transformational leadership. In this exercise, students watch three YouTube videos about Holmes, identify the characteristics of Holmes that match transformational leadership, and discuss issues with her leadership style. This exercise can be used in Introductory Management and Organizational Behavior courses, in-person or virtually. Students who have completed the exercise agree it is effective in teaching the concept of transformational leadership and in fostering active class engagement.
Applying Latin American Cultural and Literary Studies to Diversity Management Education
Authors: Batiste Heidi , Appel Molly
Published: August 2024

In today’s business environment, where Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) efforts are more prominent than ever, organizational leaders must be equipped to address complex interpersonal issues. In this exercise, we present an experiential exercise that provides a framework for addressing complex interpersonal issues in the workplace. The exercise utilizes some of the tenets of testimonio, a theory grounded in Latin American cultural and literary studies to guide the discussion of mini-cases. This exercise guides students through the understanding of interpersonal workplace scenarios, taking into account the experiences of employees from both social and legal perspectives, and developing multiple solutions while anticipating the consequences of those solutions. This exercise was developed with in-person graduate or undergraduate classes in mind.
Efficiency of Foot and Ankle Surgeries Completed on the Preoperative Stretcher vs Operating Room Table: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Parker Emily B. , Smith Jeremy T. , Lausé Gregory , Bluman Eric M.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Extremity surgeons frequently operate on the preoperative stretcher rather than the operating room (OR) table. This study sought to identify differences between stretcher-based (SB) and OR table–based (TB) procedures with regard to time efficiency and OR team member preferences.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing the efficiency of SB vs OR TB foot and ankle procedures. Fifty-two patients undergoing a hardware removal, isolated gastrocnemius recession, soft tissue procedure, or foreign body removal at our day surgery unit were included. Start time and exit time were recorded. “Start time” was the number of minutes between the patient entering the OR and first incision. “Exit time” was the number of minutes between the procedure ending and the patient exiting the OR. Surveys were disseminated to OR staff who participated in the included cases.

Results:

The total measured time in the OR was an average 6 minutes shorter in the Stretcher group compared to the OR Table group (10 minutes vs 16 minutes, P < .001). SB procedures were associated with a significantly shorter start time (median difference = 4 minutes, P = .001), but not exit time (median difference = 1 minute, P = .058). No difference was found in actual surgical time. Thirty (96.8%) OR team members perceived SB procedures as enhancing OR efficiency, and 30 (96.8%) respondents considered SB procedures to be equal or superior to OR TB procedures in terms of patient safety. All would recommend or strongly recommend SB procedures.

Conclusion:

We found SB foot and ankle procedures to require less room time than OR TB procedures. Particularly for high-volume specialties, an average 6 minutes saved per case may meaningfully improve overall OR efficiency. Most OR team members believed that SB surgery improves OR efficiency and is the safer option for OR team members.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, randomized controlled trial, survey.
First-Ray Distal Metatarsal and Proximal Phalangeal Osteotomies Without Soft Tissue Procedure for Severe Hallux Valgus: A Case Series
Authors: Nakajima Kenichiro
Published: August 2024

Background:

This case series reported the outcomes of severe hallux valgus treated with first-ray distal metatarsal and proximal phalangeal osteotomies without soft tissue procedure.

Methods:

The medical records of patients who underwent this surgery from February 2018 to December 2021 were reviewed, including patients with a hallux valgus angle (HVA) ≥40 degrees who were followed up for >2 years. The analyzed data included age, sex, height, weight, and body mass index at the surgery, HVA and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) on the weighted anteroposterior radiograph of the affected foot, the Japanese Society for the Surgery of the Foot score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and passive plantarflexion and dorsiflexion angles of the first metatarsophalangeal joint 1 month before surgery and at final follow-up.

Results:

The study group included 35 feet in 29 patients (26 females) with a mean age of 67 ± 10.6 years and mean follow-up of 3.5 ± 0.8 years. Average preoperative and final follow-up measures were HVA, 46.8 to 7.7 degrees; IMA, 18.8 to 9.5 degrees; and VAS score, 61.5 ± 29.6 to 2.7 ± 4.6. Range of motion decreased on average: dorsiflexion, 83.6 ± 14.7 to 71.3 ± 12.0 degrees; and plantarflexion, 63.0 ± 14.7 to 53.0 ± 11.8. All changes were statistically significant ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

This surgery achieved good correction and clinical outcomes for severe hallux valgus, but the postoperative range of motion decreased. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
Capital Inflow and Technical Efficiency: A Comparative Analysis Between India and China
Authors: Bansal Renu
Published: August 2024

This article empirically investigates the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the technical efficiency of manufacturing firms in India and China. We apply the first-stage, stochastic frontier analysis (SFA), to the translog production frontier. The first-stage method estimates simultaneously consider exogenous technical efficiency determinants and translog production function factors. We take foreign ownership and foreign inputs as exogenous determinants of technical efficiency with control variables and foreign technology input in the production frontier. Empirical results find that foreign technology shifts the production frontier by enhancing productivity for Chinese firms, not for Indian firms. Furthermore, domestic firms which use foreign inputs and foreign firms are more efficient.

JEL Classification: F14, O31, O32
From coordinating in space to coordinating through space: A spatial perspective on coordinating
Authors: Räcker Tania , Geiger Daniel , Seidl David
Published: August 2024

The spatial turn in organization studies has redefined our understanding of physical space, portraying it no longer as a passive backdrop for organizational actions but as actively produced through organizational actions and as shaping organizational actions in turn. In contrast to other areas of organization studies, research on coordination has not yet harvested the potential of this spatial turn for its theorizing, still treating physical space predominantly as context. In this article we develop a spatial perspective on coordination that acknowledges how coordination practices (re)produce physical space, indirectly affecting coordination outcomes; and how spatial production might even be purposefully employed for coordinating. Building on Lefebvre’s theory of spatial production, we theorize how actors might purposefully coordinate through configurational processes of designing, enacting and shaping their collective experience of physical space. This conceptual shift from coordinating in space to coordinating through space has important implications for coordination research and practice.
Making Strategy Execution Work
Authors: Loch Christoph , Kavadias Stylianos , Yang B. C.
Published: August 2024

How do companies translate their strategy into operational actions that support it? Strategists use a different language than operational workers, and often the statements of the CEO have little connection with what the employees do. Christoph Loch, Stylianos Kavadias, and B. C. Yang suggest a tool that can help companies to align their employees’ actions with strategies, clearly explain that alignment, and encourage innovation from the bottom up and collaboration between departments, all in a way that can be completely customized to the company’s strategy.
Adaptive Space: Shifting from Structural to Social Design
Authors: Arena Michael J.
Published: August 2024

One of the biggest challenges facing organizations today is the need to be agile. To achieve this goal, leaders must seek a deeper understanding of the power of social interaction in furthering the flow of ideas, information, and insight. Michael Arena explains how building relational structures that foster 4D connections, discovery, development, diffusion, and disruption, can usher in the new, innovative ideas and concepts necessary to positively disrupt.
The Cost of Capital: If Not the CAPM, Then What?
Authors: Welch Ivo
Published: August 2024

Twenty years ago, it would have been considered heresy to doubt the usefulness of the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) in assessing the cost of capital. Ivo Welch argues that, today, the CAPM should not just be doubted—it should be discarded.
A FUTURE OF WORK AND ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: Malhotra Arvind , Majchrzak Ann , Bingham Alpheus
Published: August 2024

Future organizations will be flash powered - recruiting freelancers looking for high-autonomy work and engaging them in a collective production process - to generate innovative solutions for complex business and societal problems. Arvind Malhotra, Ann Majchrzak, and Alpheus Bingham present frameworks through which to understand the rapidly evolving nature of work and organizations and to address the resulting issues.
Money or Friendship? Winning over Customers
Authors: Kim Kihyun Hannah , Kumar V.
Published: August 2024

Direct marketing communication is often seen as unnecessary. Nonetheless, Hannah Kim and V Kumar ask: Can it still help firms to make money? How can they communicate with each customer to increase its effectiveness? Is it possible to determine whether money incentives or relationship building is more effective? More importantly, can firms discover their customers’ preferences without asking?
An empirical research agenda for value capture theory
Authors: Ross David Gaddis
Published: August 2024

Value capture theory, or the application of cooperative game theory to theory and pedagogy in strategic management, has been growing in influence, but its potential for empirical research is underexploited. I briefly review value capture theory and then offer thoughts on how it may motivate and inform empirical research that both tests specific elements of value capture theory and uses insights and econometric models based on value capture theory to deepen our understanding of many topics of interest to strategy scholars and practitioners.
Fungal carbonatogenesis process mediates zinc and chromium removal via statistically optimized carbonic anhydrase enzyme
Authors: Awadeen Naira A. , Eltarahony Marwa , Zaki Sahar , Yousef Amany , El-Assar Samy , El-Shall Hadeel
Published: August 2024

Introduction

With rapid elevation in population, urbanization and industrialization, the environment is exposed to uncontrolled discharge of effluents filled with broad-spectrum toxicity, persistence and long-distance transmission anthropogenic compounds, among them heavy metals. That put our ecosystem on the verge or at a stake of drastic ecological deterioration, which eventually adversely influence on public health. Therefore, this study employed marine fungal strain Rhodotorula sp. MZ312369 for Zn2+ and Cr6+ remediation using the promising calcium carbonate (CaCO3) bioprecipitation technique, for the first time.

Results

Initially, Plackett–Burman design followed by central composite design were applied to optimize carbonic anhydrase enzyme (CA), which succeeded in enhancing its activity to 154 U/mL with 1.8-fold increase comparing to the basal conditions. The potentiality of our biofactory in remediating Zn2+ (50 ppm) and Cr6+ (400 ppm) was monitored through dynamic study of several parameters including microbial count, CA activity, CaCO3 weight, pH fluctuation, changing the soluble concentrations of Ca2+ along with Zn2+ and Cr6+. The results revealed that 9.23 × 107 ± 2.1 × 106 CFU/mL and 10.88 × 107 ± 2.5 × 106 CFU/mL of cells exhibited their maximum CA activity by 124.84 ± 1.24 and 140 ± 2.5 U/mL at 132 h for Zn2+ and Cr6+, respectively. Simultaneously, with pH increase to 9.5 ± 0.2, a complete removal for both metals was observed at 168 h; Ca2+ removal percentages recorded 78.99% and 85.06% for Zn2+ and Cr6+ remediating experiments, respectively. Further, the identity, elemental composition, functional structure and morphology of bioremediated precipitates were also examined via mineralogical analysis. EDX pattern showed the typical signals of C, O and Ca accompanying with Zn2+ and Cr6+ peaks. SEM micrographs depicted spindle, spherical and cubic shape bioliths with size range of 1.3 ± 0.5–23.7 ± 3.1 µm. Meanwhile, XRD difractigrams unveiled the prevalence of vaterite phase in remediated samples. Besides, FTIR profiles emphasized the presence of vaterite spectral peaks along with metals wavenumbers.

Conclusion

CA enzyme mediated Zn2+ and Cr6+ immobilization and encapsulation inside potent vaterite trap through microbial biomineralization process, which deemed as surrogate ecofriendly solution to mitigate heavy metals toxicity and restrict their mobility in soil and wastewater.
Fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer survivors carrying a BRCA1 or 2 genetic mutation : a cross-sectional study
Authors: Michel Alexandra , Dorval Michel , Chiquette Jocelyne , Savard Josée
Published: August 2024

Background

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) affects virtually all patients who have been treated for cancer, to varying degrees. Breast cancer survivors who carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation are at high risk of cancer recurrence. No study has yet assessed FCR specifically in this population.

Objectives

This cross-sectional study, conducted in women who were treated for breast cancer and carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation, aimed to: (1) assess the mean level of FCR and estimate the proportion of patients with clinical levels of FCR; (2) examine the relationships between FCR and selected psychological variables (e.g., avoidance, intolerance to uncertainty) and quality of life; (3) explore whether FCR levels vary as a function of the past preventive treatment received; and (4) to assess the associations between FCR and the presence of decisional conflict or regret regarding the various preventive options.

Method

Participants were recruited through an e-mail sent to an oncogenetic network mailing list (Réseau ROSE). Participants were asked to complete a battery of questionnaires online assessing FCR and other psychological and quality of life variables.

Results

A total of 89 women completed the survey. Most participants had undergone a preventive mastectomy (62.9%) and a preventive salpingo-oophorectomy (75.3%) at the time of the study. The mean Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-severity score was 16.8, which exceeds the clinical cut-off score of 13, and 70.8% of the participants showed a clinical level of FCR. FCR was significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression, and higher avoidance and intolerance of uncertainty, but not with quality of life. No significant difference was observed on the total FCR score between women who had received preventive surgery (mastectomy and/or salpingo-oophorectomy) and those considering it, and those not considering it. The association was significant between higher FRC scores and greater decisional conflicts and regrets about choosing to undergo preventive surgery.

Conclusion

These data suggest that FCR is a significant problem for breast cancer survivors carrying a BRCA1/2 genetic mutation, even after undergoing a prophylactic surgery. This highlights the importance of providing these women with specific psychological intervention focusing on FCR.
Full green assay of parenteral dosage forms of polymyxins utilizing xanthene dye: application to content uniformity testing
Authors: Abdelmajed Mahmoud A. , El-Din Khalid M. Badr , Attia Tamer Z. , Omar Mahmoud A.
Published: August 2024

Due to the lack of other treatment options, a rebirth of polymyxins is urgently required. Colistin (also called polymyxin E) and polymyxin B are the only two examples of this antibiotic class that were effectively employed in such critical situations. In the present work, both of the two studied medications were quantified via a simple, green, and non-extracting spectrophotometric approach based on the formation of ion-pair complexes with Erythrosine B. Without using any organic solvents, the pink color of the created complexes was detected at wavelength = 558 nm. To achieve the highest intensity of absorbance, optimum conditions were established by the screening of many experimental factors such as pH, buffer volume, the volume of Erythrosine B, and the time consumed to undergo the reaction. For Colistin and Polymyxin B respectively, Beer-Lambert’s law was observed at the concentration ranges of 1–6, 1–9 µg mL− 1. The technique was approved and validated following ICH recommendations. Lastly, the suggested approach has been successfully implemented to quantify the cited medications colorimetrically, for the first time, in their parenteral dosage forms with excellent recoveries. Also, Content uniformity testing was implemented.
Interoceptive awareness in a Southeastern US college sample: validation of the multidimensional assessment of interoceptive awareness – version 2
Authors: Chapman Harrison E. , Stewart Alan E.
Published: August 2024

Objective

The Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, version 2 (MAIA-2) is a commonly utilized self-report instrument to assess individuals’ ability to perceive bodily sensations. The MAIA-2 has displayed variable psychometric properties across samples. Thus, we examine the psychometric properties of the MAIA-2 in a Southeastern United States college sample.

Participants

Our studies consisted of 710 (study 1) and 66 (study 2) college students.

Methods

Study 1 used a cross-sectional research design where we investigated the factor structure, and measurement invariance (e.g., measured similarly across genders). Study 2 examined the test-retest reliability across a three-week period.

Results

The MAIA-2 displayed adequate to good internal consistencies and factor loadings, strict invariance, and questionable temporal stability.

Conclusion

The MAIA-2 demonstrates adequate psychometric properties in this college sample that were similar to the original MAIA sample characteristics. Contextual and cultural factors may influence the subjective experience of interpreting bodily sensations.
Loss of tet methyl cytosine dioxygenase 3 (TET3) enhances cardiac fibrosis via modulating the DNA damage repair response
Authors: Rath Sandip Kumar , Nyamsuren Gunsmaa , Tampe Björn , Yu David Sung-wen , Hulshoff Melanie S. , Schlösser Denise , Maamari Sabine , Zeisberg Michael , Zeisberg Elisabeth M.
Published: August 2024

Background

Cardiac fibrosis is the hallmark of all forms of chronic heart disease. Activation and proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts are the prime mediators of cardiac fibrosis. Existing studies show that ROS and inflammatory cytokines produced during fibrosis not only signal proliferative stimuli but also contribute to DNA damage. Therefore, as a prerequisite to maintain sustained proliferation in fibroblasts, activation of distinct DNA repair mechanism is essential.

Result

In this study, we report that TET3, a DNA demethylating enzyme, which has been shown to be reduced in cardiac fibrosis and to exert antifibrotic effects does so not only through its demethylating activity but also through maintaining genomic integrity by facilitating error-free homologous recombination (HR) repair of DNA damage. Using both in vitro and in vivo models of cardiac fibrosis as well as data from human heart tissue, we demonstrate that the loss of TET3 in cardiac fibroblasts leads to spontaneous DNA damage and in the presence of TGF-β to a shift from HR to the fast but more error-prone non-homologous end joining repair pathway. This shift contributes to increased fibroblast proliferation in a fibrotic environment. In vitro experiments showed TET3’s recruitment to H2O2-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in mouse cardiac fibroblasts, promoting HR repair. Overexpressing TET3 counteracted TGF-β-induced fibroblast proliferation and restored HR repair efficiency. Extending these findings to human cardiac fibrosis, we confirmed TET3 expression loss in fibrotic hearts and identified a negative correlation between TET3 levels, fibrosis markers, and DNA repair pathway alteration.

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings demonstrate TET3’s pivotal role in modulating DDR and fibroblast proliferation in cardiac fibrosis and further highlight TET3 as a potential therapeutic target.

Graphical abstract
MetaFun: unveiling sex-based differences in multiple transcriptomic studies through comprehensive functional meta-analysis
Authors: Malmierca-Merlo Pablo , Sánchez-Garcia Rubén , Grillo-Risco Rubén , Pérez-Díez Irene , Català-Senent José F. , de la Iglesia-Vayá María , Hidalgo Marta R. , Garcia-Garcia Francisco
Published: August 2024

Background

While sex-based differences in various health scenarios have been thoroughly acknowledged in the literature, we lack sufficient tools and methods that allow for an in-depth analysis of sex as a variable in biomedical research. To fill this knowledge gap, we created MetaFun as an easy-to-use web-based tool to meta-analyze multiple transcriptomic datasets with a sex-based perspective to gain major statistical power and biological soundness.

Description

MetaFun is a complete suite that allows the analysis of transcriptomics data and the exploration of the results at all levels, performing single-dataset exploratory analysis, differential gene expression, gene set functional enrichment, and finally, combining results in a functional meta-analysis. Which biological processes, molecular functions or cellular components are altered in a common pattern in different transcriptomic studies when comparing male and female patients? This and other biological questions of interest can be answered with the use of MetaFun. This tool is available at https://bioinfo.cipf.es/metafun while additional help can be found at https://gitlab.com/ubb-cipf/metafunweb/-/wikis/Summary.

Conclusions

Overall, Metafun is the first open-access web-based tool to identify consensus biological functions across multiple transcriptomic datasets, helping to elucidate sex differences in numerous diseases. Its use will facilitate the generation of novel biological knowledge that can be used in the research and application of Personalized Medicine considering the sex of patients.
Rapid analysis of spilled petroleum oils by direct analysis in real time time-of-flight mass spectrometry with hydrophobic paper sample collection
Authors: Rabinovitch Lola , Saturos Genesis , McCallum Paige , Kwok Honoria , Yan Jeffrey , Filewood Taylor , Cody Robert , Brunswick Pamela , Shang Dayue
Published: August 2024

Background

Oil spills are widespread and can cause devastating environmental consequences. Rapid oil identification is critical to find the origin of the spill, monitor the environment, and lead to informed mitigation measures. The current standard methods in oil spill identification are precise and reliable, but require extensive sample preparation, long instrument runs, and time-consuming data processing. Direct analysis in real time time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DART-ToF MS) has been employed to screen for spilled petroleum oils, with results obtained in mere hours. The present study introduced an innovative, simple, and fast oil sampling method using hydrophobic filter paper and demonstrated its compatibility with DART-ToF MS analysis. Motor oils, jet fuels, marine diesels, crude oils, intermediate fuel oils, heavy fuel oils, and diluted bitumen were collected using the filter paper sampling method. Classification models were constructed from the spectral data by heat map inspection followed by principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC). Oil slicks and weathered oil slicks were prepared from five oil types, and samples from each slick were collected using filter paper.

Results

The filter paper technique allowed for effective oil sampling and data acquisition by DART-ToF MS for diluted source oils, oil slicks and weathered oil slicks. Classification via the constructed DAPC models indicated that the DART-ToF MS instrument in tandem with filter paper sampling and multivariate statistics can accurately identify common oil types, with significant improvement of sample collection and turnaround time.

Conclusions

The promising classification results, simple sample collection, and rapid data analysis illustrate the potential use of hydrophobic filter paper and DART-ToF MS as tools in managing large scale oil spill emergency situations.
Archaeological textiles preserved by copper mineralization
Authors: Jia Rui , Zheng Hailing , Chen Haodong , Feng Min , Jiao Jinpeng , Kang Xiaojing , Yu Jianjun , Wang Bing , Zhang Zhaoxia , Zhou Yang , Peng Zhiqin
Published: August 2024

The mineralization mechanism responsible for the fossilization of archaeological textiles in close proximity to metal artifacts presents a sophisticated preservation process at both macro and micro levels. This study examines archaeological textiles dating from 2200 BC to AD 1900, sourced from three distinct archaeological sites. The focus is on understanding the microstructural degradation of fibers within a specific burial environment and the preservation achieved through mineralization. These archaeological fibers of archaeological textiles exhibit morphological preservation in the immediate vicinity of copper-based objects. Utilizing tools such as a digital camera, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), high-resolution synchrotron-based microtomography (μCT), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we examined fiber morphology, conducted elemental analysis, identified fiber types, and analyzed fiber characteristics. Our findings reveal the presence of smooth-surfaced wools and silks, fibers covered with calculi, and fiber impressions—all subjected to mineralization. These mineralized fibers can be categorized into three distinct stages of mineralization, each exhibiting varying carbon content. We inferred a correlation between mineralization rate and carbon content while also identifying mineralization density distribution on these textiles. Lastly, this study provides insights into the preservation states of textiles across three different mineralization stages, enriching our understanding of the deterioration of organic archaeological material.
Construction and optimization of a genetic transformation system for efficient expression of human insulin-GFP fusion gene in flax
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhang Rui , Zhou Luyang , Zhang Zhongxia , Du Fei , Wu Ruoyu , Kong Jing , An Shengjun
Published: August 2024

The human insulin gene modified with a C-peptide was synthesized according to the plant-preferred codon, and a fusion gene expression vector of insulin combined with green fluorescent protein (GFP) was constructed. The optimization of the flax callus culturing was undertaken, and a more efficient Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of the flax hypocotyls was achieved. The critical concentration values of hygromycin on the flax hypocotyl development, as well as on its differentiated callus, were explored by the method of antibiotic gradient addition, and the application of antibiotic screening for the verification of positive calluses was assessed. The fusion gene of insulin and GFP was successfully inserted into the flax genome and expressed, as confirmed through polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. In conclusion, we have established a flax callus culture system suitable for insulin expression. By optimizing the conditions of the flax callus induction, transformation, screening, and verification of a transgenic callus, we have provided an effective way to obtain insulin. Moreover, the herein-employed flax callus culture system could provide a feasible, cheap, and environmentally friendly platform for producing bioactive proteins.

Graphical Abstract
Smart automated highway lighting system using IoT: a survey
Authors: Achar Tejaswini Eshwar , Rekha C. , Shreyas J.
Published: August 2024

Efficient highway lighting is crucial for ensuring road safety and reducing energy consumption and costs. Traditional highway lighting systems rely on timers or simple photosensors, leading to inefficient operation by illuminating lights when not needed or failing to adjust to changing conditions. The emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and related technologies has enabled the development of smart automated highway lighting systems that can dynamically control illumination levels based on real-time data. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current state-of-the-art in smart automated highway lighting systems employing IoT technologies. Key components, communication protocols, data processing techniques, and lighting control strategies are discussed. The integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage systems is explored for environmentally sustainable operations. Practical implementation case studies are analyzed to highlight benefits and challenges. Open research issues and future directions for further enhancements are identified.
Characterization of a conductive hydrogel@Carbon fibers electrode as a novel intraneural interface
Authors: Giannotti Alice , Santanché Ranieri , Zinno Ciro , Carpaneto Jacopo , Micera Silvestro , Riva Eugenio Redolfi
Published: August 2024

Peripheral neural interfaces facilitate bidirectional communication between the nervous system and external devices, enabling precise control for prosthetic limbs, sensory feedback systems, and therapeutic interventions in the field of Bioelectronic Medicine. Intraneural interfaces hold great promise since they ensure high selectivity in communicating only with the desired nerve fascicles. Despite significant advancements, challenges such as chronic immune response, signal degradation over time, and lack of long-term biocompatibility remain critical considerations in the development of such devices. Here we report on the development and benchtop characterization of a novel design of an intraneural interface based on carbon fiber bundles. Carbon fibers possess low impedance, enabling enhanced signal detection and stimulation efficacy compared to traditional metal electrodes. We provided a 3D-stabilizing structure for the carbon fiber bundles made of PEDOT:PSS hydrogel, to enhance the biocompatibility between the carbon fibers and the nervous tissue. We further coated the overall bundles with a thin layer of elastomeric material to provide electrical insulation. Taken together, our results demonstrated that our electrode possesses adequate structural and electrochemical properties to ensure proper stimulation and recording of peripheral nerve fibers and a biocompatible interface with the nervous tissue.
Theoretical analysis and technical application of mechanical intelligent manufacturing based on system digital-driven technology
Authors: Li Guo , Qin Yi , Wang MingHua
Published: August 2024

With the accelerating process of global industrialization, the automated fabrication industry, as an important part of the industry, is also developing rapidly. Due to the low efficiency and high resource consumption of traditional manufacturing, it is more important to improve the production efficiency of conventional manufacturing and realize the resource-saving development mode. Due to the characteristics of system digital-driven technology, it can promote the intelligent development of the manufacturing industry. Therefore, the deep integration of system digital-driven technology and manufacturing is conducive to the intelligent promotion of manufacturing. Comparing the difference between the traditional manufacturing industry and the intelligent manufacturing industry, the application potential of system digitalization technology in the manufacturing field is analyzed. Based on the analysis of the theoretical basis of the system digital-driven technology and the application of the system digital technology in the main fields, the importance of the technology for the improvement of the accuracy index in the manufacturing process is emphatically analyzed. The maximum increase can be 5.3%, and the minimum increase can be 3.3%. It can be seen that the deep integration of digital-driven technology and manufacturing can not only improve the intelligent level of manufacturing, realize the intensive development of the industry, but also realize the data sharing of the entire industrial chain.
‘Comorbidity, Co-Pathology and Confusion’: The Critical Importance of the ADHD - Anxiety Disorders Relationship
Authors: Anand S. , Kapoor S. , Arora I.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Given the widespread prevalence of ADHD and Axniety Disorders, and their obvious impact on mood, cognitions, individual productivity, interpersonal relationships and self-esteem, accurate diagnosis and treatment of these disorders should rightly be considered paramount. ADHD shares several co-morbidities (including and especially the anxiety disorders). With the decades-long rise in the number of stimulant prescriptions, the increasing number of self-report measures, and ‘confusing’ DSM-5 criteria, concerns remain as to how accurately ADHD and/or anxiety disorders are actually being diagnosed and treated, especially when comorbid with one another.

This presentation seeks to highlight the downstream consequences of overdiagnosis, underdiagnosis and missed diagnoses when it comes to both Anxiety disorders and ADHD. Its overarching aim is to offer clinicians a ‘roadmap’ through the ADHD and Anxiety Disorders diagnostic and treatment ‘maze’. A pragmatic, guided evaluation of symptoms and functionality is outlined, striving for improved clinical understanding of how ADHD and Anxiety Disorders (when co-morbid) actually affect each other and whether they are, in fact, related disorders.

Objectives

Particpants will be expected to have a more solid understanding of:

The extent and ramifications of underdiagnosis, missed diagnoses and overdiagnosis with respect to Anxiety Disorders and ADHD, as result of current DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, common clinical pitfalls and assumptions, as well as clinician biases.

How ADHD and Anxiety disorders can affect the presentation and prognosis of the corresponding comorbid disorder.

How clinicians should approach these two disorders (whether comorbid or not) in order to facilitate effective individualized treatment.

The hypotheses and evidence that ADHD and anxiety are different or that they are related subtypes of the same endophenotype.

The circuitry of. and inputs to, the Prefrontal Cortex and how this can be usefully applied in clinical practice.

Methods

1.

Literature Review of electronic research databases to include: PubMed, Google Scholar, and PSYCHINFO

2.

Review of statistics of prevalence, incidence of the above two disorders, and number.type of prescriptions for ADHD and anxiety worldwide derived from the above as well as the CDC and NIMH

3.

Review of existing North American, European and Australasian treatment guidelines as well as expert consensus recommendations for ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, as well as both disorders when comorbid with one another.

Results

To be provided by the presenters via Powerpoint slides at the open panel discussion

Conclusions

To be provided and discussed at the open panel discussion

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Antipsychotics and delirium: When to start and what to select
Authors: Stoppe G.
Published: August 2024

Antipsychotics are among the substances that are very frequently used for elderly people and dementia patients in particular. This is known from studies both in outpatient care and in nursing homes. They are often part of a polypharmacy. This group of substances is discussed in the context of the increased risk of falls, increased mortality and also - as here - in the context of the development of delirium.

On the other hand, antipsychotics are drugs for the treatment of delirium, whereby the question of their significance in modern delirium treatment is being asked anew. In the past, butyrophenones in particular have played a role here, partly because of their variable form of administration and also because of their low cardiac impact.

In the context of delirium prevention, the aim is to reduce the number of drugs on the one hand and the anticholinergic load of the drugs on the other. Algorithms and recommendations exist for this.

In the treatment of delirium, the focus is rightly placed primarily on non-pharmacological management. The use of antipsychotics should be reserved for severe states of agitation or agitation in the context of delirium. In other cases, careful judgement is required.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Elevated Soluble ST2 Blood Levels in Patients with Depression and Comorbid Heart Failure: A Correlative Study
Authors: Sikora A. K. , Fedorov S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Depressive disorders frequently coexist with chronic medical conditions like heart failure (HF), significantly impacting patients’ overall health and quality of life. This study aims to explore the correlation between soluble ST2 molecule levels and the presence of depressive disorders in patients with heart failure.

Objectives

A total of 200 patients, all diagnosed with heart failure, were included in this study. Among them, 30 patients were mentally healthy, and the remaining 170 exhibited medium-level depressive disorders. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for soluble ST2 levels to assess the potential correlation between depressive disorders and soluble ST2 levels in patients with heart failure.

Methods

A total of 200 patients, all diagnosed with heart failure, were included in this study. Among them, 30 patients were mentally healthy, and the remaining 170 exhibited medium-level depressive disorders. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for soluble ST2 levels to assess the potential correlation between depressive disorders and soluble ST2 levels in patients with heart failure.

Results

The study demonstrated a statistically significant finding, indicating that the levels of soluble ST2 were 1.6 times higher in patients with depression and comorbid heart failure compared to mentally healthy individuals with heart failure.

Conclusions

This study elucidates a statistically significant correlation between medium-level depressive disorders and elevated soluble ST2 levels in patients with coexisting heart failure, shedding light on the potential role of soluble ST2 as a biomarker in identifying and managing depressive disorders in heart failure patients. The observed 1.6-fold increase in soluble ST2 levels in heart failure patients with depression emphasizes the importance of mental health assessment and intervention in individuals with chronic medical conditions, particularly heart failure, to enhance overall care and outcomes.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Late-onset mania as a manifestation of neurosyphilis: A Case Report
Authors: Labyadh A. , Omri S. , Haouari W. , Gassara I. , Feki R. , Smaoui N. , Zouari L. , Ben thabet J. , Maalej M. , Charfi N. , Maalej Bouali M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The evaluation of manic behavior with later onset is crucial, as various organic factors such as medications, infections, metabolic disturbances, tumors, and epilepsy can serve as potential etiological causes. While not universally observed, most studies indicate a connection between late-onset mania and neurological disorders like neurosyphilis.

Objectives

Our study aims to investigate the relationship between late-onset mania and neurosyphilis.

Methods

In this paper, we present a case of neurosyphilis presenting exclusively with symptoms of mania.

Results

A 72-year-old Tunisian woman with no prior medical or psychiatric history was referred to the psychiatric emergency room due to alterations in her mental state and behavior over the past ten days. During the psychiatric assessment, she displayed increased motor activity, fluctuating emotions, and rapid flow of ideas. The general physical examination yielded no notable findings. The serum Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test returned a strongly positive result (+++), and the TPHA examination confirmed a positive result at a titer of 1/60. In the serologic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, VDRL was also positive, thereby confirming the diagnosis of neurosyphilis (NS). The diagnosis of mania secondary to a medical condition was established. The patient was treated with ceftriaxone and antimanic medications, resulting in a significant improvement in her psychiatric symptoms within a few days.

Conclusions

This case underscores the importance of conducting serologic testing for syphilis in patients who present with manic symptoms, experience a late-onset mental disorder, and have no prior history or family history of affective disorders.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Personalization of therapy of psychopathological complications of cardiac surgery in artificial circulation conditions
Authors: Markova M. , Mankovsky D. , Abdriakhimova T.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The study of the clinical and phenomenological features of psychopathological complications of cardiac surgery (CS) in artificial circulation conditions (ACC), the development of modern approaches to early diagnosis and prognosis of psychopathology is an effective way to solve this problem has valid medical and social significance.

Objectives

To increase the effectiveness of prevention of psychopathological disorders in cardiosurgical interventions based on personalization of their correction.

Methods

The examination included the use of socio-demographic, instrumental, biochemical, clinical-psychopathological, psychometric, and statistical methods.

Results

The study sample consisted of 700 patients who were treated by CS in ACC at the SI “Heart Institute of the MH of Ukraine”.

It was found out that the most common complication is postsurgeon cognitive dysfunction (PCD) (72.0% of patients), postsurgeon encephalopathy (PE) (31.0%) is less common, and cerebral infarction (CI) is the least common (12.2%).

It was revealed that the core psychopathological symptoms associated with CS are cognitive disorders (72.0% of the examined) and affective symptoms, represented by depressive (38.1%) and anxiety (33.9%) manifestations of mild and moderate expressiveness, and auxiliary constructs – dyssomnic (29.7%), asthenic (17.9%) and somatovegetative (9.0%) disorders. The highest prevalence of psychopathological symptoms was found in patients with CI, somewhat less in patients with PE, and the lowest in patients with PCD.

Signs of mild depressive disorder were found in patients who underwent CS in ACC, elevated levels of adynamic depression indicators, depression with fear and agitated depression, as well as increased levels of anxiety: the average level of anxiety, mental and somatic anxiety. The indicators of expressiveness of depression and anxiety in patients with CI turned out to be the highest, in patients with PE – lower, and in patients with PCD – the lowest.

We proposed a mathematical model for predicting the development of psychosocial maladjustment (PM) in patients who have undergone CS in ACC. It is based on a comprehensive assessment of three key vectors that can have a mutually potentiating pathogenetically related effect on the course of the formation of PM: surgical, neurological, and psychopathological. A complex of diagnostic, corrective and preventive measures for each of the risk groups has been developed.

Conclusions

Verification of the proposed model on a representative sample of patients confirmed its high predictive ability and reliability in use.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared