bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disentangling the Functional Role of Fungi in Cold Seep Sediment
Authors: Shekarriz Erfan , Chen Jiawei , Xu Zhimeng , Liu Hongbin
Published: March 2023

The challenges we face when analyzing eukaryotic metagenomic and metatranscriptomic data sets have hindered our understanding of cold seep fungi and microbial eukaryotes. This fact does not make the mycobiota any less critical in mediating cold seep biogeochemistry.
Genome Analysis of Two Pseudomonas syringae pv.
aptata
Strains with Different Virulence Capacity Isolated from Sugar Beet: Features of Successful Pathogenicity in the Phyllosphere Microbiome
Authors: Ranković Tamara , Nikolić Ivan , Berić Tanja , Popović Tatjana , Lozo Jelena , Medić Olja , Stanković Slaviša
Published: March 2023

Genome analysis has an enormous effect on understanding the life strategies of plant pathogens. Comparing similarities with pathogens involved in other epidemics could elucidate the pathogen life cycle when a new outbreak happens.
Dolomite recrystallization revealed by Δ47/U-Pb thermochronometry in the Upper Jurassic Arab Formation, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Gasparrini M. , Morad D. , Mangenot X. , Bonifacie M. , Morad S. , Nader F.H. , Gerdes A.
Published: March 2023

The process of recrystallization affecting dolomitic successions remains a longstanding enigma in carbonate research. Recrystallization influences the accuracy of genetic dolomitization models as well as the prediction of porosity and permeability distribution within dolomitic reservoirs. We investigate early-formed dolomites of the Upper Jurassic Arab Formation reservoir (Arabian Platform, United Arab Emirates), where recrystallization is not easily ascertained based on petrographic and O-C-Sr isotope analyses. Conversely, the application of Δ47/U-Pb thermochronometry revealed the occurrence of burial recrystallization over a temperature-time interval of ~45 °C/45 m.y. during the Early and Late Cretaceous. The process was initially driven by Late Jurassic mixed marine-meteoric fluids, which evolved during burial in a closed hydrologic system and remained in thermal equilibrium with the host rocks. Recrystallization was a stepwise process affecting the succession heterogeneously, so that samples only few meters apart presently record different temperature-time stages of the process that stopped when hydrocarbons migrated into the reservoir. Our results illustrate how Δ47/U-Pb thermochronometry may provide a novel approach to unravel dolomite recrystallization and to precisely determine the timing and physicochemical conditions (temperature and δ18Ow) that characterized the process. Therefore, this study paves the way for better appraisal of recrystallization in dolomitic reservoirs.
Supplemental Material: Melt inclusion evidence for limestone assimilation, calc-silicate melts, and “magmatic skarn”
Authors: Xu Xinyue , Steele-MacInnis Matthew , al. et
Published: March 2023

Additional details on geologic background, methods, and results, and Figures S1–S6. 
Reducing length of stay in patients following liver transplantation using the model for continuous improvement
Authors: Sachar Yashasavi , Alamr Abdulrhman , Gob Alan , Tang Ephraim , Teriaky Anouar , Qumosani Karim , Weernink Corinne , Dodds Melanie , Thomas Kelly , Sinclair Lynne , Skaro Anton , Brahmania Mayur
Published: March 2023

Length of stay (LOS) is a significant contributor to overall patient outcomes for patients undergoing liver transplantation. This study documents a quality improvement project aiming to reduce the median post-transplant LOS for liver transplant patients. We instituted five Plan–Do–Study–Act cycles with the goal of reducing LOS by 3 days from a baseline median of 18.4 days over 1 year. Balancing measures such as readmission rates ensured any decrease in stay was not associated with significantly increased patient complications. Over the 28-month intervention period and 24-month follow-up period, there were 193 patients discharged from hospital with a median LOS of 9 days. The changes appreciated during quality improvement interventions carried over to sustained improvements, with no significant variability in LOS postintervention. Discharge within 10 days increased from 18.4% to 60% over the study period, with intensive care unit stay decreasing from a median of 3.4–1.9 days. Thus, the development of a multidisciplinary care pathway, with patient engagement, led to improved and sustained discharge rates with no significant differences in readmission rates.
Protocol for the development of a core outcome set for the optimisation of treatment and follow-up of patients with an anorectal malformation (ARM): The ARM and OUtcome Review (ARMOUR)-project
Authors: Hassan Layla , Cortenraad Shauna A M , Rosenberg Charlotte B M , Kimman Merel L , Haanen Michel , van Gemert Wim G , Visschers Ruben Gerardus Johannes
Published: March 2023

Background

Primary treatment of an anorectal malformation (ARM) is surgical restoration of the anatomy. These children can experience many problems later in life; therefore, a long-term follow-up by an experienced team is needed. The aim of the ARM and OUtcome Review (ARMOUR-study) is to identify the lifetime outcomes that are important from a medical and patients’ perspective and develop a core outcome set (COS) that can be implemented in a care pathway to support individual ARM management decisions.

Methods

First, a systematic review will identify clinical and patient-reported outcomes described in studies conducted in patients with an ARM. Second, qualitative interviews with patients of different age categories and their caregivers will be held to ensure that the COS will include outcomes that are relevant from the patient’s perspective. Finally, the outcomes will be taken forward to a Delphi consensus exercise. Using multiple web-based Delphi rounds, key stakeholders (medical experts, clinical researchers and patients) will prioritise outcomes. During a face-to-face consensus meeting, the final COS will be determined. These outcomes can be evaluated in a life-long care pathway for patients with ARM.

Discussion

The development of a COS for ARMs aims to reduce heterogeneity in outcome reporting between (clinical) studies, enhancing the availability of comparable data, which will facilitate evidence-based patient care. Assessment of the outcomes in the COS during individual care pathways for ARM can support shared decisions regarding management. The ARMOUR-project has ethical approval and is registered with the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) initiative.

Level of evidence

Treatment study level II.
A selective literature review exploring the role of the nicotinic system in schizophrenia
Authors: Kanniah Guna , Kumar Rishi
Published: March 2023

Nicotine use is more prevalent in patients with psychiatric disorders, especially those diagnosed with psychotic illnesses. Previously, this higher prevalence has been partially attributed to the potential ameliorative effects of nicotine on symptom severity and cognitive impairment. Some healthcare professionals and patients perceive there is a beneficial effect of nicotine on mental health. Emerging data show that the harm associated with nicotine in the population of patients with mental health conditions outweighs any potential benefit. This paper will review the evidence surrounding the nicotinic system and schizophrenia, with a focus on any causality between nicotine and psychosis.
Shared genetics and bidirectional causal relationships between type 2 diabetes and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Baranova Ancha , Chandhoke Vikas , Cao Hongbao , Zhang Fuquan
Published: March 2023

Background

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder with high comorbidity with mental disorders. The genetic links between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and T2D have yet to be elucidated.

Aims

We aim to assess shared genetics and potential associations between ADHD and T2D.

Methods

We performed genetic correlation, two-sample Mendelian randomisation and polygenic overlap analyses between ADHD and T2D. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary results of T2D (80 154 cases and 853 816 controls), ADHD2019 (20 183 cases and 35 191 controls from the 2019 GWAS ADHD dataset) and ADHD2022 (38 691 cases and 275 986 controls from the 2022 GWAS ADHD dataset) were used for the analyses. The T2D dataset was obtained from the DIAGRAM Consortium. The ADHD datasets were obtained from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. We compared genome-wide association signals to reveal shared genetic variation between T2D and ADHD using the larger ADHD2022 dataset. Moreover, molecular pathways were constructed based on large-scale literature data to understand the connection between ADHD and T2D.

Results

T2D has positive genetic correlations with ADHD2019 (rg=0.33) and ADHD2022 (rg=0.31). Genetic liability to ADHD2019 was associated with an increased risk for T2D (odds ratio (OR): 1.30, p<0.001), while genetic liability to ADHD2022 had a suggestive causal effect on T2D (OR: 1.30, p=0.086). Genetic liability to T2D was associated with a higher risk for ADHD2019 (OR: 1.05, p=0.001) and ADHD2022 (OR: 1.03, p<0.001). The polygenic overlap analysis showed that most causal variants of T2D are shared with ADHD2022. T2D and ADHD2022 have three overlapping loci. Molecular pathway analysis suggests that ADHD and T2D could promote the risk of each other through inflammatory pathways.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates substantial shared genetics and bidirectional causal associations between ADHD and T2D.
Characteristics of intracranial plaque in patients with non-cardioembolic stroke and intracranial large vessel occlusion
Authors: Wang Dan , Shang Zi-Yang , Cui Yu , Yang Ben-Qiang , Ntaios George , Chen Hui-Sheng
Published: March 2023

Objective

To determine the characteristics of intracranial plaque proximal to large vessel occlusion (LVO) in stroke patients without major-risk cardioembolic source using 3.0 T high-resolution MRI (HR-MRI).

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled eligible patients from January 2015 to July 2021. The multidimensional parameters of plaque such as remodelling index (RI), plaque burden (PB), percentage lipid-rich necrotic core (%LRNC), presence of discontinuity of plaque surface (DPS), fibrous cap rupture, intraplaque haemorrhage and complicated plaque were evaluated by HR-MRI.

Results

Among 279 stroke patients, intracranial plaque proximal to LVO was more prevalent in the ipsilateral versus contralateral side to stroke (75.6% vs 58.8%, p<0.001). The larger PB (p<0.001), RI (p<0.001) and %LRNC (p=0.001), the higher prevalence of DPS (61.1% vs 50.6%, p=0.041) and complicated plaque (63.0% vs 50.6%, p=0.016) were observed in the plaque ipsilateral versus contralateral to stroke. Logistic analysis showed that RI and PB were positively associated with an ischaemic stroke (RI: crude OR: 1.303, 95% CI 1.072 to 1.584, p=0.008; PB: crude OR: 1.677, 95% CI 1.381 to 2.037, p<0.001). In subgroup with <50% stenotic plaque, the greater PB, RI, %LRNC and the presence of complicated plaque were more closely related to stroke, which was not evident in subgroup with ≥50% stenotic plaque.

Conclusion

This is the first study to report the characteristics of intracranial plaque proximal to LVO in non-cardioembolic stroke. It provides potential evidence to support different aetiological roles of <50% stenotic vs ≥50% stenotic intracranial plaque in this population.
Law enforcement in the trauma bay: a survey of members of the American Academy for the Surgery of Trauma
Authors: Kaufman Elinore J , Khatri Utsha , Hall Erin C , Alur Rucha , Song Jamie , Beard Jessica H , Jacoby Sara F
Published: March 2023

Background

Trauma patients frequently come into contact with law enforcement officers (LEOs) during the course of their medical care, but little is known about how LEO presence affects processes of care. We surveyed members of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) to assess their perspectives on frequency, circumstances, and implications of LEO presence in trauma bays nationwide.

Methods

Survey items addressed respondents’ experience with the frequency and context of LEO presence and their perspectives on the impact of LEO presence for patients, clinical care, and public safety. Respondent demographics, professional characteristics, and practice setting were collected. The survey was distributed electronically to AAST members in September and October of 2020. Responses were compared by participant age, gender, race, ethnicity, urban versus rural location using χ2 tests.

Results

Of 234 respondents, 189 (80.7%) were attending surgeons, 169 (72.2%) identified as white, and 144 (61.5%) as male. 187 respondents (79.9%) observed LEO presence at least weekly. Respondents found LEO presence was most helpful for public safety, followed by clinical care, and then for patients. Older respondents rated LEO presence as helpful more often than younger respondents regarding the impact on patients, clinical care, and public safety (p<0.001 across all domains). When determining LEO access, respondents assessed severity of the patient’s condition, the safety of emergency department staff, the safety of LEOs, and a patient’s potential role as a threat to public safety.

Conclusions

Respondents described a wide range of perspectives on the impact and consequence of LEO in the trauma bay, with little policy to guide interactions. The overlap of law enforcement and healthcare in the trauma bay deserves attention from institutional and professional policymakers to preserve patient safety and autonomy and patient-centered care.

Level of evidence

IV, survey study.
Investigation of exact soliton solutions of nematicons in liquid crystals according to nonlinearity conditions
Authors: Durur Hülya , Yokuş Asıf , Duran Serbay
Published: March 2023

In this work, new traveling wave solutions are generated for the system that models nematicons in liquid crystals using the [Formula: see text]-expansion method. In the equation system, nonlinearity is taken into account for Kerr law and Power law. Also, the existence of exact solutions under restriction conditions is guaranteed. We suggest that the solutions produced are of a different type than the solutions in the literature. Figures representing the intensity of the produced traveling wave solutions are presented. In addition, the simulation of the solitary wave is made for different values of the parameter that affects the inclination angle of the molecules in the nematicons mechanism in liquid crystals. How classical solitary wave behavior translates into triangular wave behavior is discussed. We believe this paper will provide an important perspective on the problems encountered in various application areas such as fluid dynamics, chemical engineering, chaos and complex networks in terms of investigating different mechanisms by taking into account nonlinearity factors.
Resonant enhancement of an X-ray laser electric field inside an atom
Authors: Mişicu Ş.
Published: March 2023

In the frame of a time-dependent oscillator model, the field induced by the coupling between the atomic electric dipole and an external X-ray laser field is investigated. The aim of the paper is to asses if in the resonant case (the frequency of the incoming field matches the frequency of the atom’s collective dipole oscillation) the damped collective oscillation induced by the external time-varying electric field can produce a significant amplification of the total electric field at the nucleus position.
On-site interaction induced peak-dip-hump feature in the APRES spectra of cuprate superconductors
Authors: Yang Xing
Published: March 2023

For decades, the difficulty of tackling a strong coupling model with a perturbative approach remained despite numerous inquiries. In this work, a typical mean field theory procedure transforms a strong coupling Hamiltonian into a weak one, which can be solved with a perturbative approach. The Hamiltonian of two-dimensional free electron gas with Hubbard on-site interaction is calculated as a test of the new procedure. Consequently, the spectral characteristics of the cuprates “peak-dip-hump” are reproduced. The result is compared with the past theoretical investigations, e.g., quantum Monte Carlo method, density matrix renormalization group, tensor network methods, etc. which agree well with the spectral curve.
A gradient system for a higher-gradient generalization of Fourier’s law of heat conduction
Authors: Nika Grigor
Published: March 2023

We derive a generalized heat conduction problem for a rarefied gas at slip regime from a gradient system where the driving functional is the entropy. Specifically, we construct an Onsager system [Formula: see text] such that the associated evolution of the system is given by [Formula: see text], where the Onsager operator, [Formula: see text], contains higher-gradients of the absolute temperature [Formula: see text]. Moreover, through Legendre–Fenchel theory, we write the Onsager system as a classical gradient system [Formula: see text] with an induced gradient flow equation, [Formula: see text]. We demonstrate the usefulness of the approach by modeling scale-size thermal effects in periodic media that have been recently observed experimentally.
Thermophysical study of neutron irradiated silicon nitride nanoparticles
Authors: Naghiyev Tural G.
Published: March 2023

Silicon nitride (Si3N[Formula: see text] nanoparticles were irradiated with neutrons at different energy fluxes. Differential thermal analysis of non-irradiated and neutron irradiated samples was performed in the temperature range of 300–1400 K. Based on the obtained experimental results, relevant thermophysical parameters were calculated and discussed in detail. All analyses were comparatively discussed for non-irradiated and neutron irradiated nano-Si3N4 particles. On the basis of endotherms observed in DTA spectra, entropy and enthalpy in Si3N4 are interpreted in detail. Compared with the non-irradiated sample, slightly negative values of enthalpy indicate the formed [Formula: see text]P isotope due to neutron irradiation. In the mentioned temperature range, the values of the free Gibbs energy were calculated for all samples, and it was determined that it is varied around zero up to 600 K. Moreover, the effect of neutron transmutations on heat transfer in Si3N4 nanoparticles has been studied.
A Generalized Methodology for Well Island Generation and Well-tap Insertion in Analog/Mixed-signal Layouts
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Ramprasath Srinivasa , Madhusudan Meghna , Sharma Arvind K. , Poojary Jitesh , Yaldiz Soner , Harjani Ramesh , Burns Steven M. , Sapatnekar Sachin S.
Published: March 2023

Well island generation and well tap placement is an important problem in analog/mixed-signal (AMS) circuits. Well taps can only prevent latchups within a certain radius of influence within a well island, and hence must be appropriately inserted to cover all devices. However, existing automated AMS layout paradigms typically defer the insertion of well taps and creation of well islands to a post-processing step after placement. This alters the placement, resulting in increased area and wire length, as well as circuit performance degradation. Therefore, there is a strong need for a solution that generates well islands and inserts well taps
during placement
so the placer can account for well overheads in optimizing placement metrics. In this work, we propose a modular solution using a graph-based optimization scheme that can be used within multiple placement paradigms with minimal intrusion. We demonstrate the integration of this scheme into stochastic, analytical, and designer-driven row-based placement. The method is demonstrated in advanced FinFET technologies. Layouts generated using this scheme show better area, wire length, and performance metrics at the cost of a marginal runtime degradation when compared to the post-processing approach. Using our scheme, there is an average improvement of 3% and 4% and a maximum improvement of 23% and 11% in area and wirelength, respectively, of layouts of various classes of AMS circuits at the cost of 17% average and 29% maximum increase in total runtime.
HyEdge: A Cooperative Edge Computing Framework for Provisioning Private and Public Services
Authors: Gu Siyuan , Guo Deke , Tang Guoming , Luo Lailong , Sun Yuchen , Luo Xueshan
Published: March 2023

With the widespread use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and the arrival of the 5G era, edge computing has become an attractive paradigm to serve end-users and provide better QoS. Many efforts have been paid to provision some merging public network services at the network edge. We reveal that it is very common that specific users call for private and isolated edge services to preserve data privacy and enable other security intentions. However, it still remains open to fulfill such kind of mixed requests in edge computing. In this article, we propose a cooperative edge computing framework, i.e., HyEdge, to offer both public and private edge services systematically. To fully exploit the benefits of this novel framework, we define the problem of optimal request scheduling over a given placement solution of hybrid edge servers to minimize the response delay. This problem is further modeled as a mixed integer non-linear programming problem (MINLP), which is typically NP-hard. Accordingly, we propose the partition-based optimization method, which can efficiently solve this NP-hard problem via the problem decomposition and the branch and bound strategies. We finally conduct extensive evaluations with a real-world dataset to measure the performance of our method. The results indicate that the proposed method achieves elegant performance with low computation complexity.
Modeling and Predicting Reduction Reaction Kinetics for a Stainless-Steel in NaCl Solutions
Authors: Policastro Steven A. , Anderson Rachel M. , Hangarter Carlos M.
Published: March 2023

A method for analyzing cathodic polarization curves on stainless steels is described and a framework for predicting the cathodic polarization response for UNS S13800 is developed, including a model for the diffusivity of dissolved oxygen as a function of chloride concentration and temperature. The cathodic polarization behavior of UNS S13800 in NaCl solutions, ranging from dilute to saturated, and across a range of temperature values was studied using potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Analysis of the data indicated that the concentration of the solutions affected the ability of the oxide to catalyze reduction reactions. Dilute-to-low concentration solutions exhibited different Tafel slopes in the ORR-activation region while middle-to-high concentration solutions exhibited a single Tafel slope. The XPS and EIS results show a slightly thicker oxide formed in the low chloride concentration solutions over the course of the 18 hour open circuit duration along with a higher concentration of Fe3+ species.. The EIS data also showed the oxide formed in the low chloride solution had a higher charge-transfer resistance while the oxide formed in the high chloride solution had a higher oxide resistance.
Improving the Physical Properties of Nanofibers Prepared by Electrospinning from Polyvinyl Chloride and Polyacrylonitrile at Low Concentrations
Authors: Habeeb Salih Abbas , Nadhim Baseem Ali , Kadhim Ban Jawad , Ktab Mohammed Salam , Kadhim Ali Jawad , Murad Farqad Saleem
Published: March 2023

In this study, both polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) were dissolved in dimethyl formaldehyde (DMF) with 8 wt. % concentrations at 25 : 75, 50 : 50, and 75 : 25 of PVC: PAN blending. For the investigation of the homogeneity and compatibility of mixture polymer solutions, it is examined by rheological properties such as viscosity, shear stress, shear rate, and calculation of the flow behavior index, while the investigation of the stability and high density of nanofibers without beads used field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry-thermogravimetric analysis (DSC-TGA). The results show that blending of PAN with PVC leads to improving of the electro spun ability of PVC with more stability, and the mean nanofiber diameter was90.873±40.82 nmat 25 : 75 PVC: PAN. Moreover, mechanical properties are ultimate tensile strength and modulus of elasticity decreasing with decreasing the blending ration from pure PVC to 75 : 25 PVC: PAN nanofibers by 71% and 83%, respectively, while the elongation at break increases by 79%, and decomposition temperatures decreased from 451.96 to 345.38°C when changing the PVC content from pure PVC to 25 : 75 PVC: PAN. On the other hand, changing of the nanofiber behavior from hydrophobicity to hydrophilic increased the PAN content in PVC: PAN blends. Furthermore, the low interaction between the chains of polymers and the crystallinity (%) and crystalline size (nm) of blend nanofibers slightly decreased compared to the pure polymers. According to all tests, the 25: 75 PVC: PAN was the best blending ratio, which gave a more stable nanofiber produced at low concentrations and more compatible between the PVC and PAN.
A Small Surge in Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant in the “Dynamic Zero” Period
Authors: Li Xiaona , Li Ruili , Lian Qiguo , Wang Yang , Gu Wenkui , Meng Qinghe
Published: March 2023

To describe the epidemiological characteristics and transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant during “Dynamic Zero” period, we analyzed data on the 108 laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases during 14 to 30 May 2022 in Beichen district, Tianjin, China. We collected information on demographic characteristics, exposure history, and illness timelines of the 108 cases. We described characteristics of the patients and estimated the key epidemiological parameters, including serial interval and the time-dependent reproduction number of the Omicron variant, Rt. Among the 108 laboratory-confirmed patients, the median age was 38 years old, and 50.9% were females. Obvious symptoms were observed among 67.6% (73/108) of all cases, and major clinical manifestations included fever, sore throat, and cough, which occurred in 31.5%, 26.9%, and 19.4% of the 108 cases, respectively. The mean and standard deviation of the SI were estimated as 2.89 and 0.95 days, the Rt varied from 1.24 to 0.27 for a 7-day timelapse. The low reproduction number and the Omicron outbreak being suppressed within a short time marked the effectiveness of the implemented public health measures, such as nucleic acid screening, social distancing, masking, vaccination, medical treatment of patients, and isolation of close contacts. These measures play an important role in fulfilling the goal of controlling the spread of the disease.
Damage Evolution and Constitutive Model of Marble under Dynamic Loading
Authors: Xie Song , Li Ziyun , Song Qianghui , Wang Peiyong , Xue Kaixi , Liu Dongyan
Published: March 2023

Through the application of SHPB (split Hopkinson pressure bar) test, the failure mode and dynamic stress-strain curves of marble samples were obtained. The dynamic constitutive model of marble was established with the fracture mechanical parameters (brittleness index), and the calculated curves were compared with the experimental curves. The evolution characteristic of damage variable

D

was analyzed. The results show that there are three main stages of marble deformation under dynamic impact load, which are linear elastic deformation stage, crack growth stage, and macroscopic failure stage. The sample shows obvious brittleness in the macroscopic failure stage. It is found that with the increase of strain rate, the degree of damage is getting worse. The stress-strain curves obtained based on the constitutive model are in good agreement with the experimental curves. The damage variable

D

can theoretically explain the evolution law of macroscopic failure of the sample. To some extent, there is a mechanism inside the rock to regulate the damage development of the rock, and the final failure degree of rock sample depends on

△

σ

BC

and

ε

b

.
Comparisons of School-Day Glycemia in Different Settings for Children with Type 1 Diabetes Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Authors: March Christine A. , Nanni Michelle , Lutz James , Kavanaugh Madison , Jeong Kwonho , Siminerio Linda M. , Rothenberger Scott , Miller Elizabeth , Libman Ingrid M.
Published: March 2023

Objective. Using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), we examined patterns in glycemia during school hours for children with type 1 diabetes, exploring differences between school and nonschool time. Methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of CGM metrics in children 7–12 years (n = 217, diabetes duration 3.5 ± 2.5 years, hemoglobin A1c 7.5 ± 0.8%). Metrics were obtained for weekday school hours (8 AM to 3 PM) during four weeks in fall 2019. Two comparison settings included weekend (fall 2019) and weekday (spring 2020) data when children had transitioned to virtual school due to COVID-19. We used multilevel mixed models to examine factors associated with time in range (TIR) and compare glycemia between in-school, weekends, and virtual school. Results. Though CGM metrics were clinically similar across settings, TIR was statistically higher, and time above range (TAR), mean glucose, and standard deviation (SD) were lower, for weekends and virtual school (

p
<
0.001

). Hour and setting exhibited a significant interaction for several metrics (

p
<
0.001

). TIR in-school improved from a mean of 40.9% at the start of the school day to 58.0% later in school, with a corresponding decrease in TAR. TIR decreased on weekends (60.8 to 50.7%) and virtual school (62.2 to 47.8%) during the same interval. Mean glucose exhibited a similar pattern, though there was little change in SD. Younger age (

p
=
0.006

), lower hemoglobin A1c (

p
<
0.001

), and insulin pump use (

p
=
0.02

) were associated with higher TIR in-school. Conclusion. Although TIR was higher for weekends and virtual school, glycemic metrics improve while in-school, possibly related to beneficial school day routines. Keywords: type 1 diabetes, school health, continuous glucose monitoring, time in range, glycemic control.
Bacterial Profile of External Ocular Infections, Its Associated Factors, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern among Patients Attending Karamara Hospital, Jigjiga, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Tigist , Teklemariam Zelalem , Shume Tadesse , Mekuria Surafel , Urgesa Kedir , Weldegebreal Fitsum
Published: March 2023

Background. External ocular infection is a global public health problem. Frequently, bacteria cause an ocular infection that ranges from morbidity to loss of vision. The increasing bacterial resistance in ocular infections leads to the risk of treatment failure with possibly serious consequences. Objective. The study aimed to assess the bacterial profile of external ocular infections, their associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern among patients admitted to Karamara hospital, Jigjiga, Eastern Ethiopia. Method. Institutional-basedcross-sectional study was conducted on 288 conveniently selected patients among patients admitted to Karamara hospital from May 1 to June 30, 2020. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The ocular sample was collected and cultured in the appropriate culture media and identified using a series of biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolates was performed by using the disk diffusion method. Data were double entered onto EpiData version 3.1 then exported to SPSS version 20 and analyzed to calculate descriptive frequency and odds ratio, and

p

value ≤0.05 was taken as the significant value. Result. The prevalence of bacterial infection in external ocular samples was 62.2% (95% CI: 56.6%, 68.4%). Out of the 179 isolates, the majority of the bacterial isolates (87.7%) were Gram-positive. Staphylococcus aureus (53.1%) was the predominant isolate. Using soap for washing the face (AOR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.95), having diabetes mellitus (AOR = 3.11; 95% CI: 1.45, 6.75), and history of hospitalization (AOR = 2.82; 95% CI: 1.44, 5.54) were significantly associated with external ocular infection. Most (95.5%) of the Gram-positive bacteria showed resistance to penicillin, but they were susceptible to vancomycin, clindamycin, and ciprofloxacin. Conclusion. The study showed a high prevalence of bacterial infections with the predominant isolate was S. aureus. Penicillin-resistant bacteria were identified among Gram-positive bacterial isolates. Soap usage, hospitalization, and diabetes mellitus were associated with the infection. Antibiotics that were susceptible to the specific bacteria should be used as a drug of choice and using soap for washing the face is advisable to protect against external ocular infection.
Correlation between the Regional Brain Volume and Glymphatic System Activity in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: Ota Miho , Sato Noriko , Takahashi Yuji , Shigemoto Yoko , Kimura Yukio , Nakaya Moto , Chiba Emiko , Matsuda Hiroshi
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Tau protein accumulation in the brain is thought to be one of the causes of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The glymphatic system was discovered a decade ago as a waste drainage system in the brain that promotes the elimination of amyloid-beta and tau protein. We here evaluated the relationships between glymphatic system activity and regional brain volumes in PSP patients. Method: Subjects were 24 patients with PSP and 42 healthy participants who underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). We computed the diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index as a proxy of glymphatic system activity and estimated the relationships between the DTI-ALPS index and regional brain volume in PSP patients by whole-brain and region-of-interest analyses, including analyses of the midbrain and third and lateral ventricles. Results: The DTI-ALPS index was significantly lower in patients with PSP compared with healthy subjects. Further, there were significant correlations between the DTI-ALPS index and the regional brain volumes in the midbrain tegmentum, pons, right frontal lobe, and lateral ventricles in patients with PSP. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the DTI-ALPS index is a good biomarker for PSP and might be effective to distinguish PSP from other neurocognitive disorders.
Endometriose umbilical: relato de caso e revisão de literatura
Authors: Camargo Beatriz Milene de Oliveira , Ziliani Maria Júlia Da Gama Fortunato , Fortes Isadora Dufrayer Fânzeres Monteiro , Fortunato Luiza de Oliveira , Guimarães Natália Dier , Calais Rafaela De , Fortunato Giovana Da Gama
Published: March 2023

A endometriose é uma doença caracterizada pela presença de tecido endometrial fora da cavidade uterina. A endometriose umbilical consiste na presença de glândulas endometriais e/ou estroma na região interna do umbigo. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar um caso de endometriose umbilical secundária relacionada a retossigmoidectomia prévia e realizar uma revisão de literatura. Sua patogênese ainda não foi totalmente compreendida, mas existem teorias atribuídas ao fluxo menstrual retrógrado, transformação metaplásica e deposição iatrogênica em procedimentos cirúrgicos prévios. A classificação em primária ou secundária ocorre de acordo com a origem da doença. Os sintomas incluem dor abdominal cíclica e sangramento umbilical cíclico. O diagnóstico inicial é feito por anamnese e exame físico, sendo confirmado por exames complementares como a análise patológica. O tratamento de escolha deve ser a exérese total da lesão e análise patológica. Os tratamentos hormonais podem ajudar no tratamento cirúrgico, na regressão da lesão e na prevenção da recorrência.
Uso de benzodiazepínicos na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS)
Authors: Camargo Beatriz Milene de Oliveira , Pereira Karina de Lima Andrade , Greco Filho José Eduardo Paes de Barros , Silva Fernanda Maria Bom da , Castellani Cintia
Published: March 2023

Segundo a Diretriz Brasileira de Psiquiatria, cerca de 50% dos indivíduos que recorrem aos benzodiazepínicos ao longo de 1 ano têm risco aumentado de síndrome de abstinência, além de redução da capacidade de trabalho e maior gasto do sistema de saúde. Visto isso, o presente trabalho propôs avaliar a prescrição desses fármacos na Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS) Alto da Riviera em São Paulo, Brasil, com a finalidade de aumentar a conscientização do uso abusivo desses medicamentos. Os dados do estudo foram colhidos no período entre 28 de março e 1.º de abril de 2022, incluindo: apresentação medicamentosa, mês de retirada, identificação do paciente (nome e gênero) e quantidade prescrita. Ferramentas de análise SWOT e Arco de Maguerez foram utilizadas para melhor compreensão das informações adquiridas, apontando fraquezas e pontos positivos do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Os dados compilados evidenciaram que 64.9% das prescrições efetuadas foram do fármaco clonazepam, sendo a dosagem de 2 e 0,5 mg as mais comuns. Nesse período, mais de 30% dos pacientes renovaram a prescrição ao menos uma vez. Dessa forma, mostra-se evidente a importância da elaboração de protocolos e programas de conscientização para pacientes e prescritores, além de alertar os perigos do uso e prescrição indiscriminada desses fármacos.
Efeitos da melatonina na inflamação de vias aéreas em modelos experimentais de asma, DPOC e de sobreposição Asma-DPOC
Authors: Scheffer Vitorio Crema , Ribeiro Cristiane , Camargo Leandro , Leick Edna Aparecida , Tibério Iolanda de Fátima Lopes Calvo
Published: March 2023

Justificativa e Objetivos: De acordo com estudos anteriores, a melatonina, uma indolamina, pode possivelmente reduzir a dispneia em pacientes que apresentam asma ou DPOC. Adicionalmente, foi provado igualmente, através dos estudos experimentais, que a molécula joga possivelmente um papel antiinflamatório, porque pôde inibir a transcrição de NFk-B em modelos experimentais da asma e do COPD. Este estudo tem como objetivo investigar os efeitos da melatonina em modelos experimentais de asma, DPOC e Sobreposição da Asma-DPOC (ACO). Métodos: 64 camundongos foram divididos em 8 grupos, a fim de induzir DPOC (grupo “ELA”), asma (“OVA”) ou ACO (“ACO”). O grupo controle (“SAL”) recebeu solução salina. Os grupos de tratamento (“+MEL”) foram submetidos aos dois protocolos de doença e também receberam Melatonina (intraperitonealmente). Após os protocolos, foram avaliados o óxido nítrico exalado (Eno), bem como as células totais e diferenciais do fluido do lavado broncoalveolar. Resultados: OVA+MEL (11.3±1.65ppb) apresentou redução em eNO em comparação a OVA (24.17±4.30ppb). Além disso, OVA+MEL (11.3±1.65x104 céls./mL) e ACO+MEL (2.17±0.63x104 céls./mL) apresentaram redução na quantidade de células totais em comparação a OVA (25.70±4.59x104 céls./mL) e ACO (14.33±3.11x104 céls./mL), respectivamente. Houve queda na contagem de eosinófilos em OVA+MEL (5.37±1.41x104 céls./mL) e em ACO+MEL (0.87±0.36x104 céls./mL) em comparação a OVA (18.67±4.01x104 céls./mL) e ACO (1.45±0.41x104 céls./mL), respectivamente. Adicionalmente, o número de linfócitos apresentou redução em OVA+MEL (1.00±0.24x104 céls./mL) em comparação a OVA (3.94±1.15x104 céls./mL). O número de macrófagos também apresentou redução em OVA+MEL (3.09±0.39x104 céls./mL) e em ACO+MEL (1.10±0.27x104 céls./mL) em comparação a OVA (7.26±1.93x104 céls./mL) e ACO (6.41±1.54x104 céls./mL), respectivamente (p<0.05 para todas as comparações). Não houve diferença na comparação da contagem de neutrófilos nos diferentes grupos analisados. Conclusão: O tratamento com melatonina mostrou-se, em modelo experimental de asma e ACO, efetivo na redução de parâmetros pró-inflamatórios, podendo representar um papel importante no controle de tais patologias. Além disso, o tratamento com melatonina em modelos experimentais de lesão pulmonar induzida por elastase não se mostrou eficaz no controle de parâmetros pró-inflamatórios no fluido do lavado broncoalveolar, sendo necessários mais estudos para o entendimento dos mecanismos de ação da melatonina no tecido pulmonar e nas vias aéreas.
O ato de fala do pedido em português brasileiro e italiano: um estudo sobre a avaliação do contexto por parte dos falantes
Authors: Benine Anna Beatriz Geronimi , Santoro Elisabetta
Published: March 2023

Inserido na perspectiva da Pragmática Cross-cultural, este artigo investiga o ato de fala do pedido, colocando em primeiro plano a avaliação do contexto, por parte de falantes de português brasileiro e italiano, com base nos seguintes parâmetros: a distância social, o direito de realizar o pedido, sua dificuldade e a probabilidade imaginada pelo falante de que o ouvinte aceitaria realizar o que é solicitado. Para esse fim, ao Written Discourse Completion Task, elaborado pelo Grupo de Pesquisa “Pragmática (inter)linguística, intercultural e cross-cultural” com oito situações comunicativas, que variam com base em grau de imposição e distância social (BROWN e LEVINSON, 1987), foram adicionadas quatro perguntas referentes à percepção dos parâmetros contextuais de cada uma dessas situações. As respostas de 40 brasileiros e 40 italianos, fornecidas por meio de uma escala Likert com pontuação de 1 a 5, foram submetidas a uma análise estatística, a fim de verificar possíveis convergências e divergências entre os dois grupos. Os resultados apontam que a percepção de italianos e brasileiros converge em situações comunicativas em que é menos ameaçada a face e diverge quando no mínimo uma das variáveis independentes é alta, o que revela diferenças na tendência à indiretividade dentro das duas culturas. O estudo demonstra, portanto, a relevância de levar em conta as distintas percepções das mesmas situações comunicativas e fornece insights para aprofundar o entendimento da relação entre língua e cultura.
Da pesquisa ao ensino: propostas para promover a consciência metapragmática e a competência intercultural no ensino de italiano L2 a alunos brasileiros
Authors: Porcellato Adriana Mendes , Spadotto Luciane do Nascimento , Silva Neto Mayara da
Published: March 2023

Considerando que a competência pragmática consiste em saber fazer a escolha mais adequada ao contexto entre as diferentes opções disponíveis(NUZZO e GAUCI, 2012), espera-se que o ensino da pragmática garanta que os alunos percebam a influência das normas sociais nas escolhas linguísticas. Uma vez que as normas sociais estão ligadas à cultura da L2/LE, é desejável que os aspectos pragmáticos sejam apresentados a partir de uma perspectiva intercultural, que estimule os aprendizes a refletir sobre convenções sociais e linguísticas em L1 e L2/LS (LIDDICOAT e SCARINO, 2013), promovendo, assim, o desenvolvimento da consciência metapragmática (McCONACHY, 2013). Nesse sentido, apresentamos, neste artigo, um percurso didático desenvolvido a partir do corpus de dados coletados e analisados pelo Grupo de Pesquisa em Pragmática (Inter)linguística, Cross-cultural e Intercultural da Universidade deSão Paulo. Nas atividades deste percurso, propõe-se a comparação de realizações do ato linguístico do pedido em português brasileiro e italiano a fim de promover uma reflexão sobre como variáveis contextuais (como distância social e grau de imposição) podem influenciar de diversas maneiras as escolhas linguísticas de italianos e brasileiros. As sequências didáticas aqui descritas, portanto, visam a desenvolver tanto a consciência metapragmática quanto a competência intercultural dos aprendizes.
Suportes de áudio e vídeo para o ensino de italiano L2/LE: Aspectos interacionais, linguísticos e didáticos
Authors: Ferroni Roberta , Pauletto Franco
Published: March 2023

Essa pesquisa explora as características interacionais, linguísticas e didáticas dos videocursos que acompanham nove manuais de italiano L2/LE. Aanálise qualitativa confirma que esses suportes didáticos compartilham muitos aspectos com o gênero da novela televisiva, seja pela variedade da língua falada, seja pelos patterns interacionais. A análise detalhada de um episódio põe em luz aspectos problemáticos no tocante à temporalidade e à sequência das ações, tornando as interações não naturais. Do ponto de vista linguístico, o italiano falado nas novelas (que definimos pasteurizado) possui uma baixa variação diatópica e incorpora os traços principais do neo-standard. No fim, do ponto de vista didático, são relativamente poucas as atividades de análise que vão além da compreensão e do léxico. Para o futuro, espera-se que sejam produzidos materiais que reflitam a heterogeneidade e variabilidade do italiano falado.
High incidence of leg autotomy in urban crickets
Authors: Kuriwada Takashi , Shindome Seiya , Tomita Yuki , Kawanishi Motohiro
Published: March 2023

Predation is an important selection pressure affecting animals. Predation has both consumptive and non-lethal effects. Because it is often difficult to estimate the extent to which non-lethal effects occur, we focused on autotomy as an indicator of non-lethal effects occurring in urban habitats. Autotomy is expected to indicate that individuals have escaped from predators. The incidence of leg autotomy in the cricket Dianemobius nigrofasciatus was compared between urban and rural habitats. The incidence of autotomy was higher in urban than in rural habitats. Failure to moult and conspecific aggressive interactions were not the main factors contributing to the incidence of autotomy in these crickets. The ease of autotomy and risk-taking tendencies did not differ among habitats. These results indicate that the incidence of autotomy reflects predation failure, and the non-lethal effects of predation are more likely to occur in urban habitats.
Effect of aqueous moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf extract as a prebiotic on growth of the whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei Boone, 1931 (Decapoda, Penaeidae)
Authors: Abidin Zaenal , Hu Yeh-Fang , Huang Huai-Ting , Huang Chih-Yang , Wu Yu-Sheng , Nan Fan-Hua
Published: March 2023

This study evaluated the potential of the aqueous moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf extract (ME) as a prebiotic and its effect on the growth performance of the whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei Boone, 1931. The growth trial of probiotics in the broth containing ME showed that Lactobacillus acidophilus growth rate was significantly higher () than that of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus reuteri. Furthermore, L. acidophilus exhibited also better growth () than Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio harveyi in the broth containing ME. The minimum inhibitory concentration of ME (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were the same against V. alginolyticus, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. harveyi at concentrations of 10, 7.5, and 7.5 mg/ml, respectively. By contrast, ME’s MIC and MBC against L. acidophilus were 50 and >100 mg/ml, respectively. The prebiotic scores of L. acidophilus against V. parahaemolyticus and V. harveyi were significantly higher () than that against V. alginolyticus. The MIC, MBC, and prebiotic scores indicated that ME enhanced the growth of L. acidophilus more than that of Vibrio bacteria. Six diets were formulated for the feeding trial; 3 diets contained ME at 0 (ME0), 2.5 (ME2.5) and 5.0 g/kg (ME5.0), respectively, and the same 3 diets were also prepared with L. acidophilus (ME0 + P, ME2.5 + P, and ME5.0 + P, respectively). After the feeding trial, the number of lactic acid bacteria in the gut was higher () in the ME2.5 + P group than in the control and ME2.5 groups, but no differences were found in the vibrio-like bacterial count among the treatments. The ME2.5 + P group had a higher () final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate than did the ME or L. acidophilus alone and the control groups. Therefore, ME exhibits a prebiotic function and exerts a symbiotic effect with L. acidophilus, thus increasing the growth performance of P. vannamei.