bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uma análise estatística de pacientes com dispepsia que entendem a espiritualidade como relevante e funcional em sua terapêutica
Authors: Gava Letícia Novak , Bonatto Mauro Willemann , Gomes João Enzio , Pereira Juliana Lopes
Published: June 2023

Objetivo: quantificar a prevalência da Espiritualidade e a Religiosidade (E/R) como fator importante no curso do tratamento dos pacientes diagnosticados com dispepsia. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo observacional transversal, de abordagem quantitativa, de natureza descritiva, pela análise estatística de questionários, que foram aplicados a pacientes diagnosticados com dispepsia e atendidos em clínica de gastroenterologia, na cidade de Cascavel, Paraná. Resultados: foram selecionados 100 pacientes, 100% diagnosticados com dispepsia, sendo que 68% relataram que em momentos de dificuldade, ansiedade, nervosismo ou estresse os sintomas desconforto abdominal (dor, queimação e sensação de saciedade precoce) pioram significativamente. Destes, quando questionados sobre quais ferramentas de E/R os auxiliam nestes momentos, obtiveram-se os seguintes resultados: 73% obtêm melhora com oração, 36% com meditação, 21% com leituras e 21% ao frequentar serviços religiosos. Por fim, 57% relatam que em momentos de estabilidade mental, emocional e espiritual há melhora significativa nos sintomas de desconforto abdominal. Considerações finais: Evidenciou-se que a maioria dos pacientes dispépticos entendem a Espiritualidade e a Religiosidade (E/R) como fator relevante e funcional na sua terapêutica. Por constituir uma questão fundamental do cuidado integral, é de suma importância que essas ferramentas sejam incorporadas com mais ênfase no atendimento a esses pacientes.
Indicadores epidemiológicos e dados básicos dos casos de hanseníase no município de Cascavel-PR na última década (2011-2020) e suas comparações com os âmbitos estadual e federal
Authors: Borchart Eduardo Felipe Camargo , Griep Rubens
Published: June 2023

A Hanseníase é uma doença crônica e infectocontagiosa causada pela bactéria Mycobacterium leprae, que afeta tanto  os sintomas dermatológicos e neurológicos, incluindo alterações na sensibilidade. No Brasil, foram notificados 29.936 casos de Hanseníase em 2019, com uma incidência de 1,36 novos casos por cada 10 mil habitantes, o que classifica o país como uma área de alta carga para a doença. O Ministério da Saúde considera o combate à Hanseníase uma prioridade, e seu monitoramento detalhado está incluído na Lista Nacional de Notificação Compulsória. O Paraná se destaca negativamente nesse contexto, com uma alta prevalência e um elevado número de casos, o que o coloca como o estado com os piores indicadores de Hanseníase na região Sul. Além disso, existem diferenças significativas nas taxas de incidência da Hanseníase dentro do próprio estado, com comportamentos únicos em cada macrorregião de saúde. Portanto, é fundamental realizar uma análise detalhada da incidência e epidemiologia da doença em cada município para identificar falhas na abordagem e situações de vulnerabilidade que impedem a erradicação completa da Hanseníase no país. Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar os dados epidemiológicos e a incidência da Hanseníase notificada no município de Cascavel, no Paraná, durante a última década, comparando-os com os números do estado e do Brasil no mesmo período entre 2011 e 2020. Os resultados revelam uma tendência que aproximou os indicadores de Cascavel dos números estaduais e distanciou-os dos nacionais. Além disso, foi possível observar que a vigilância epidemiológica municipal para a Hanseníase tem sido eficaz.
O papel da Atenção Primária à Saúde na assistência a gestante com toxoplasmose e a criança com toxoplasmose congênita: uma revisão integrativa de literatura
Authors: Gomes Débora Siqueira , Teixeira Geovanna Carvalho , Oliveira Laura de Souza , Corrêa Lucinda Mariana , Santos Ludmila Raquel dos , Cortez Eduardo Nogueira
Published: June 2023

Objetivo: compreender o papel da atenção primária à saúde na assistência à gestante com toxoplasmose e à criança com toxoplasmose congênita. Metodologia: Revisão integrativa de literatura, operacionalizada nas bases de dados PUBMED, LILACS, CVSP, MEDLINE, BDEnf e IBECS, e periódicos CAPES relacionadas ao tema. Resultados: Foi obtida amostra de seis artigos, selecionados dentre os artigos completos, em português ou inglês, publicados nos últimos dez anos, com metodologia observacional, e que tivessem maior pertinência temática ao objetivo proposto. Considerações finais: enfatiza-se o papel e a importância da APS no controle, diagnóstico e tratamento da toxoplasmose, especialmente em relação à educação em saúde com a temática envolvendo também a toxoplasmose congênita, prevenção secundária com o diagnóstico precoce da toxoplasmose na gestação e tratamento quando identificado os casos.
Growth in High-Skilled Mexican Migration Northward: American and Canadian Destinations
Authors: Reitz Jeffrey G. , Hernández Jasso Melissa
Published: June 2023

As migration of university-educated Mexicans to both the United States and Canada has begun to increase, the greater opportunities Canada’s expanding points-based selection system offers for the highly skilled to become permanent residents highlights a question: which factors may induce high-skilled Mexicans to prefer Canadian destinations versus American? Using traditional migration theories to frame interviews with a volunteer sample of 40 young university-educated Mexicans, this study confirms that reasons of proximity, climate, and culture often favor American destinations, while reasons of social acceptance, social welfare, and personal security favor Canadian. Importantly, urban-specific preferences matter. Those factors favoring U.S. destinations in general lead many to prefer southern-tier U.S. cities traditional for less-skilled Mexican migration. Those considering northern U.S. cities often prefer a Canadian choice. Canadian competitiveness in the northern urban market suggests that increased awareness of Canadian immigration opportunities could significantly boost skilled Mexican migration to Canada.
El arraigo social como alternativa legal para los solicitantes de asilo de larga duración en la Unión Europea
Authors: García-Juan Laura , Alonso Calderón Javier
Published: June 2023

This article analyzes the application of a regularization mechanism for immigrants, typical of Spanish law and directly linked to integration measures, as a possible legal solution for thousands of asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected or remain unresolved in any of the European Union Member States. The revision of the regulations and directives of the Common European Asylum System reform focuses on the extension of integration measures to these people. The article provides a new approach to the figure of social ties in the field of applicants for international protection, concluding that if such a mechanism were incorporated into the planned reforms, this would give them the possibility to renounce their immigration status and opt for an administrative residence and work authorization, causing a huge impact on the entire system.
Riemann Hypothesis on Grönwall's Function
Authors: Vega Frank
Published: June 2023

Grönwall's function $G$ is defined for all natural numbers $n>1$ by $G(n)=\frac{\sigma(n)}{n \cdot \log \log n}$ where $\sigma(n)$ is the sum of the divisors of $n$ and $\log$ is the natural logarithm. We require the properties of extremely abundant numbers, that is to say left to right maxima of $n \mapsto G(n)$. We also use the colossally abundant and hyper abundant numbers. There are several statements equivalent to the famous Riemann hypothesis. We state that the Riemann hypothesis is true if and only if there exist infinitely many consecutive colossally abundant numbers $N< N'$ such that $G(N)< G(N')$. In addition, we prove that the Riemann hypothesis is true when there exist infinitely many hyper abundant numbers $n$ with any parameter $u > 1$. We claim that there could be infinitely many hyper abundant numbers with any parameter $u > 1$ and thus, the Riemann hypothesis would be true.
Immune response and treatment targets of chronic hepatitis B virus infection: innate and adaptive immunity
Authors: Zheng Peiyu , Dou Yongqing , Wang Qinying
Published: June 2023

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global public health risk that threatens human life and health, although the number of vaccinated people has increased. The clinical outcome of HBV infection depends on the complex interplay between viral replication and the host immune response. Innate immunity plays an important role in the early stages of the disease but retains no long-term immune memory. However, HBV evades detection by the host innate immune system through stealth. Therefore, adaptive immunity involving T and B cells is crucial for controlling and clearing HBV infections that lead to liver inflammation and damage. The persistence of HBV leads to immune tolerance owing to immune cell dysfunction, T cell exhaustion, and an increase in suppressor cells and cytokines. Although significant progress has been made in HBV treatment in recent years, the balance between immune tolerance, immune activation, inflammation, and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B remains unknown, making a functional cure difficult to achieve. Therefore, this review focuses on the important cells involved in the innate and adaptive immunity of chronic hepatitis B that target the host immune system and identifies treatment strategies.
Reporting under extreme conditions: journalists' experience of disaster coverage
Authors: Englund Liselotte , Bergh Johannesson Kerstin , Arnberg Filip K.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Media presence on site and reports on disasters are crucial parts of disaster communication. Aside from authorities, civil society, concerned businesses and citizens, the media constitute an important actor. The working conditions, situational competence and management among journalists on duty in a disaster area are important factors within the complex area of crisis management and disaster communication. This study aims to explore the working conditions, challenges, and coping strategies among journalists covering the Haiti earthquake in 2010.

Methods

Ten months after the event, Scandinavian journalists (n = 32) provided free-text responses about their work on site through a web survey. The free- text responses underwent content analysis. In addition, self-report questionnaires were used to assess general mental health and posttraumatic stress.

Results

We found that journalists faced five main challenges in Haiti: situational (technicalities, practical, collegial), professional (mission, approach, roles), personal (traits, emotions, coping), traumatic (general mental health and posttraumatic stress) and experiential (learning and growth). They described a difficult and challenging mission, but also an eye-opening and life-changing experience. Most respondents' questionnaire responses indicated low risk for both poor mental health and posttraumatic stress, with a few significant exceptions. Being properly equipped and mentally prepared, getting collegial support and maintaining professional focus were seen as important, and good leadership and clear instructions from editors at home were highlighted.

Discussion

Corroboration of the present findings would strengthen our knowledge of their experiences, and may provide valuable insights for designing preparedness activities in the future as well as for applying to other communication functions in disasters.
Effects of ACEI/ARB or CCB use on atrial fibrillation in hypertensive patients following permanent pacemaker implantation
Authors: Liu Zhijie , Bian Ning , Wu Shaorong , Cao Yantao , Su Yiting , Li Wenying , Li Hairui , Lan Xianwu , Jiang Can , Fan Yiming , Guo Jun , Chen Dongdong
Published: June 2023

Aims

Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) combined with hypertension leads to a higher risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) for patients. Hence, it is essential to study how to reduce this risk. Currently, the effects of the two common anti-hypertensive drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) and calcium channel blockers (CCB), on the risk of NOAF for such patients remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate this association.

Methods

This single-center retrospective study included hypertensive patients with PPI and without prior history of AF/atrial flutter, heart valve disease, hyperthyroidism, etc. Patients were classified into ACEI/ARB group and CCB group based on their exposure drug information. The primary outcome was NOAF events that occurred within 12 months after PPI. The secondary efficacy assessments were the changes from baseline to follow-up in blood pressure and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) parameters. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to verify our aim.

Results

A total of 69 patients were finally included (51 on ACEI/ARB and 18 on CCB). Both univariate analysis [odds ratio (OR) 0.241, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.078–0.745] and multivariate analysis (OR: 0.246, 95% CI: 0.077–0.792) demonstrated that ACEI/ARB were associated with a lower risk of NOAF compared to CCB. The mean reduction in left atrial diameter (LAD) from baseline was greater in ACEI/ARB group than in CCB group (P = 0.034). There was no statistical difference between groups in blood pressure and other TTE parameters after treatment.

Conclusion

For patients with PPI combined with hypertension, ACEI/ARB may be superior to CCB in selecting anti-hypertensive drugs, as ACEI/ARB further reduces the risk of NOAF. One reason for this may be that ACEI/ARB improves left atrial remodelling such as LAD better.
Effect of the interlayer on soil temperature and the transformation between phreatic water and soil water under laboratory freeze-thaw action
Authors: Chen Junfeng , Ren Jiameng , Wang Erqing , Cui Lihong , Xue Jing , Zheng Xiuqing , Du Qi
Published: June 2023

To reveal the effect of interlayer on the temperature of freeze-thaw soil and the transformation between phreatic water and soil water in shallow groundwater areas, a freeze-thaw test was conducted with a groundwater table depth of 0.5 m under laboratory freeze-thaw action. The soil temperature and the transformation between phreatic water and soil water of sand columns under constant freezing temperature at −20°C lasted for 20 days, and the thawing process lasted for 15 days were monitored. The interlayers with a particle size of 0.1–0.5 mm (d50 = 0.3 mm) and a thickness of 5 cm were set at 5, 15, 20, and 25 cm away from the surface and these sand columns were marked as D5, D15, D20, and D25, which were compared with a homogeneous sand column (Ch) with a particle size of 0.5–1.5 mm (d50 = 1.0 mm). The results showed that the fine particle interlayer had thermal insulation on the soil profile and that it effectively inhibited upward migration of phreatic water to soil water during the freezing process. A sand column that had a near-surface interlayer had a better thermal insulation, a stronger inhibition effect on upward migration amount of phreatic water to soil water (UMA) and a larger cumulative downward movement amount of soil water to phreatic water (DMA). The cumulative UMA of D5, D15, D20, and D25 was 61%–84% of Ch during the freezing stage, and the cumulative DMA of D5, D15, D20, and D25 was 29%–57% of Ch during the thawing stage. The inefficient loss of groundwater increased exponentially with the depth of interlayer, the sand column with an interlayer that was farther away from the surface consumed more groundwater and stored more water in the unsaturated zone, and its DMA reached almost zero earlier. These research results were significant for the scientific evaluation of water resources in shallow groundwater areas.
Structural racism, air pollution and the association with adverse birth outcomes in the United States: the value of examining intergenerational associations
Authors: Buxton Miatta A. , Fleischer Nancy L. , Ro Annie , O’Neill Marie S.
Published: June 2023

Structurally racist policies and practices of the past are likely to be a driving factor in current day differences in exposure to air pollution and may contribute to observed racial and ethnic disparities in adverse birth outcomes in the United States (U.S.). Non-Hispanic Black women in the U.S. experience poorer health outcomes during pregnancy and throughout the life course compared to non-Hispanic White women. This disparity holds even among non-Hispanic Black women with higher socioeconomic status. Reasons for this finding remain unclear, but long-term environmental exposure, either historical exposure or both historical and ongoing exposure, may contribute. Structural racism likely contributes to differences in social and environmental exposures by race in the U.S. context, and these differences can affect health and wellbeing across multiple generations. In this paper, we briefly review current knowledge and recommendations on the study of race and structural racism in environmental epidemiology, specifically focused on air pollution. We describe a conceptual framework and opportunities to use existing historical data from multiple sources to evaluate multi-generational influences of air pollution and structurally racist policies on birth and other relevant health outcomes. Increased analysis of this kind of data is critical for our understanding of structural racism's impact on multiple factors, including environmental exposures and adverse health outcomes, and identifying how past policies can have enduring legacies in shaping health and well-being in the present day. The intended purpose of this manuscript is to provide an overview of the widespread reach of structural racism, its potential association with health disparities and a comprehensive approach in environmental health research that may be required to study and address these problems in the U.S. The collaborative and methodological approaches we highlight have the potential to identify modifiable factors that can lead to effective interventions for health equity.
The role of diseases in unifying the health of global estuaries
Authors: Tallam Krti , White Elliott
Published: June 2023

Establishing a universal indicator of estuary health is an ongoing challenge for coastal ecology that is made more pressing due to the threat that climate change and anthropogenic activity pose to them. Historically, estuarine health was measured through basic physical, chemical, and biological traits, which have been used to routinely monitor estuaries for more than 30 years. However, it is unclear if they are dynamic enough to accurately assess ecosystem health changes driven by the pressures of climate change and anthropogenic activity. Measuring estuarine health indicators and noting incipient indicators relevant to the evolving threats of climate- and anthropogenic-related stressors on estuarine ecosystems is vital for safeguarding them into the future. Monitoring the presence and vitality of disease in estuarine ecosystems may prove to be a significant indicator of estuarine health. Here we review 22 years of literature (354 papers) to identify the role of marine diseases as critical indicators of long-term estuary health compared to traditional methods, with the goal of identifying a key indicator and underlying unifier of other health metrics. As indicators of both general ecosystem health and of multiple other stressors, diseases play a disproportionately significant role in estuary health in the face of climate- and anthropogenic-related stressors. Marine diseases are a unifier of structural and functional estuary health indicators and must be observed and modeled further.
The DynaDeep observatory – a unique approach to study high-energy subterranean estuaries
Authors: Massmann Gudrun , Abarike Grace , Amoako Kojo , Auer Felix , Badewien Thomas H. , Berkenbrink Cordula , Böttcher Michael Ernst , Brick Simone , Cordova Iris Valeria Medina , Cueto Jairo , Dittmar Thorsten , Engelen Bert , Freund Holger , Greskowiak Janek , Günther Thomas , Herbst Gabriel , Holtappels Moritz , Marchant Hannah Karen , Meyer Rena , Müller-Petke Mike , Niggemann Jutta , Pahnke Katharina , Pommerin Dietmar , Post Vincent , Reckhardt Anja , Roberts Magali , Schwalfenberg Kai , Seibert Stephan L. , Siebert Christopher , Skibbe Nico , Waska Hannelore , Winter Christian , Zielinski Oliver
Published: June 2023

Subterranean estuaries are connective zones between inland aquifers and the open sea where terrestrial freshwater and circulating seawater mix and undergo major biogeochemical changes. They are biogeochemical reactors that modify groundwater chemistry prior to discharge into the sea. We propose that subterranean estuaries of high-energy beaches are particularly dynamic environments, where the effect of the dynamic boundary conditions propagates tens of meters into the subsurface, leading to strong spatio-temporal variability of geochemical conditions. We hypothesize that they form a unique habitat with an adapted microbial community unlike other typically more stable subsurface environments. So far, however, studies concerning subterranean estuaries of high-energy beaches have been rare and therefore their functioning, and their importance for coastal ecosystems, as well as for carbon, nutrient and trace element cycling, is little understood. We are addressing this knowledge gap within the interdisciplinary research project DynaDeep by studying the combined effect of surface (hydro- and morphodynamics) on subsurface processes (groundwater flow and transport, biogeochemical reactions, microbiology). A unique subterranean estuary observatory was established on the northern beach of the island of Spiekeroog facing the North Sea, serving as an exemplary high-energy research site and model system. It consists of fixed and permanent infrastructure such as a pole with measuring devices, multi-level groundwater wells and an electrode chain. This forms the base for autonomous measurements, regular repeated sampling, interdisciplinary field campaigns and experimental work, all of which are integrated via mathematical modelling to understand and quantify the functioning of the biogeochemical reactor. First results show that the DynaDeep observatory is collecting the intended spatially and temporally resolved morphological, sedimentological and biogeochemical data. Samples and data are further processed ex-situ and combined with experiments and modelling. Ultimately, DynaDeep aims at elucidating the global relevance of these common but overlooked environments.
Inhibition of protein translation under matrix-deprivation stress in breast cancer cells
Authors: Warrier Shweta , Srinivasan Shivaani , Chedere Adithya , Rangarajan Annapoorni
Published: June 2023

Matrix-deprivation stress leads to cell-death by anoikis, whereas overcoming anoikis is critical for cancer metastasis. Work from our lab and others has identified a crucial role for the cellular energy sensor AMPK in anoikis-resistance, highlighting a key role for metabolic reprogramming in stress survival. Protein synthesis is a major energy-consuming process that is tightly regulated under stress. Although an increase in protein synthesis in AMPK-depleted experimentally-transformed MEFs has been associated with anoikis, the status and regulation of protein translation in epithelial-origin cancer cells facing matrix-detachment remains largely unknown. Our study shows that protein translation is mechanistically abrogated at both initiation and elongation stages by the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway and inactivation of elongation factor eEF2, respectively. Additionally, we show inhibition of the mTORC1 pathway known for regulation of canonical protein synthesis. We further functionally assay this inhibition using SUnSET assay, which demonstrates repression of global protein synthesis in MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 breast cancer cells when subjected to matrix-deprivation. In order to gauge the translational status of matrix-deprived cancer cells, we undertook polysome profiling. Our data revealed reduced but continuous mRNA translation under matrix-deprivation stress. An integrated analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic data further identifies novel targets that may aid cellular adaptations to matrix-deprivation stress and can be explored for therapeutic intervention.
Correlation of finger-to-floor distance with the spinal mobility, spinal function indices and initial determination of its optimal cutoff value: a multicentre case–control study
Authors: Guo Genggeng , Zhang Yulu , Lin Diantian , Chen Zhihan , Yan Qing , Gao Fei , Wu Yanfang , He Juanjuan , Chen Da , Xie Zugang , Huang Feng , Zhang Shengli
Published: June 2023

Objective

To identify the correlation between finger-to-floor distance(FFD) and the spinal function indices and disease activity scores of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) via a multicentre case–control study, and to calculate the optimal cutoff value of FFD using statistical methods.

Methods

Patients with AS and healthy individuals were recruited, and the FFD and other spinal mobility values were measured. The correlation between the FFD and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metric Index (BASMI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) was analyzed using Spearman rank correlation analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of FFD stratified by gender and age were drawn and their optimal cutoff values were determined.

Results

A total of 246 patients with AS and 246 healthy subjects were recruited. The FFD was strongly correlated with BASMI (r = 0.72, p < 0.001), moderately correlated with BASFI (r = 0.50, p < 0.001) and weakly correlated with BASDAI (r = 0.36, p < 0.001). The lowest cutoff value of the FFD was 2.6 cm while the highest was 18.4 cm. Moreover, the FFD was significantly correlated with sex and age.

Conclusion

There exists a strong correlation between the FFD and spinal mobility, a moderately correlation and function, which provides reliable data for the evaluation of patients with AS in clinical settings and the rapid screening of low back pain-related diseases in the general population. Furthermore, these findings have clinical potential in improving the missed diagnosis or delayed diagnosis of low back pain.
Cut-off points of the Ishii test to diagnosing severe sarcopenia among multi-ethnic middle-aged to older adults: results from the West China Health and Aging Trend study
Authors: Luo Shuyue , Chen Xiaoyan , Hou Lisha , Yue Jirong , Liu Xiaolei , Xia Xin , Cao Li , Dong Birong
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study was designed to establish the cut-off value and diagnostic utility of the Ishii test, which gauges the odds of severe sarcopenia based on the results of an equation based upon age, grip strength, and calf circumference among middle-aged and older adults in Western China.

Methods

This study incorporated adults ≥ 50 years of age from the West China Health and Aging Trend (WCHAT) study. Severe sarcopenia was defined as per the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia: 2019 Consensus (AWGS2019) recommendations, with the odds of severe sarcopenia being estimated with the Ishii test score chart. The diagnostic utility of the Ishii test in this patient cohort was assessed by analyzing its sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and the area under the ROC curve (AUC).

Results

In total, 4,177 individuals ≥ 50 years of age were included in this study including 2668 females (63.9%) and 1,509 males (36.1%). These included 568 (13.6%) participants affected by severe sarcopenia, of whom 237 were male (15.7%) and 331 were female (12.4%). Optimal Ishii test cut-off values established based on Youden’s index were ≥ 114 for males and ≥ 120 for females when using the AWGS2019 reference standard. The sensitivity/specificity/PPV/NPV of the Ishii test when screening for severe sarcopenia were 89.45%/77.15%/0.42/0.98 in males and 90.03%/77.05%/0.36/0.98 in females. The AUC values for the Ishii test in males and females were 0.899 (95% CI, 0.883–0.916) and 0.905 (95% CI, 0.892–0.917), respectively.

Conclusion

These data indicate that the Ishii test offers value as a candidate diagnostic test that can be used to screen for severe sarcopenia, with recommended diagnostic cut-off values of ≥ 114 for males and ≥ 120 for females.
Acinetobacter baumannii in the critically ill: complex infections get complicated
Authors: Cavallo Ilaria , Oliva Alessandra , Pages Rebecca , Sivori Francesca , Truglio Mauro , Fabrizio Giorgia , Pasqua Martina , Pimpinelli Fulvia , Di Domenico Enea Gino
Published: June 2023

Acinetobacter baumannii is increasingly associated with various epidemics, representing a serious concern due to the broad level of antimicrobial resistance and clinical manifestations. During the last decades, A. baumannii has emerged as a major pathogen in vulnerable and critically ill patients. Bacteremia, pneumonia, urinary tract, and skin and soft tissue infections are the most common presentations of A. baumannii, with attributable mortality rates approaching 35%. Carbapenems have been considered the first choice to treat A. baumannii infections. However, due to the widespread prevalence of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB), colistin represents the main therapeutic option, while the role of the new siderophore cephalosporin cefiderocol still needs to be ascertained. Furthermore, high clinical failure rates have been reported for colistin monotherapy when used to treat CRAB infections. Thus, the most effective antibiotic combination remains disputed. In addition to its ability to develop antibiotic resistance, A. baumannii is also known to form biofilm on medical devices, including central venous catheters or endotracheal tubes. Thus, the worrisome spread of biofilm-producing strains in multidrug-resistant populations of A. baumannii poses a significant treatment challenge. This review provides an updated account of antimicrobial resistance patterns and biofilm-mediated tolerance in A. baumannii infections with a special focus on fragile and critically ill patients.
Balanced volatile sedation with isoflurane in critically ill patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage – a retrospective observational study
Authors: Müller Martin B. , Terpolilli Nicole A. , Schwarzmaier Susanne M. , Briegel Josef , Huge Volker
Published: June 2023

Introduction

In patients with severe aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) deep sedation is often used early in the course of the disease in order to control brain edema formation and thus intracranial hypertension. However, some patients do not reach an adequate sedation depth despite high doses of common intravenous sedatives. Balanced sedation protocols incorporating low-dose volatile isoflurane administration might improve insufficient sedation depth in these patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed ICU patients with severe aneurysmal SAH who received isoflurane in addition to intravenous anesthetics in order to improve insufficient sedation depth. Routinely recorded data from neuromonitoring, laboratory and hemodynamic parameters were compared before and up to 6 days after initiation of isoflurane.

Results

Sedation depth measured using the bispectral index improved in thirty-six SAH patients (−15.16; p = 0.005) who received additional isoflurane for a mean period of 9.73 ± 7.56 days. Initiation of isoflurane sedation caused a decline in mean arterial pressure (−4.67 mmHg; p = 0.014) and cerebral perfusion pressure (−4.21 mmHg; p = 0.013) which had to be balanced by increased doses of vasopressors. Patients required increased minute ventilation in order to adjust for the increase in PaCO2 (+2.90 mmHg; p < 0.001). We did not detect significant increases in mean intracranial pressure. However, isoflurane therapy had to be terminated prematurely in 25% of the patients after a median of 30 h due to episodes of intracranial hypertension or refractory hypercapnia.

Discussion

A balanced sedation protocol including isoflurane is feasible for SAH patients experiencing inadequately shallow sedation. However, therapy should be restricted to patients without impaired lung function, hemodynamic instability and impending intracranial hypertension.
Underlying pharmacological mechanisms of psilocin-induced broadband desynchronization and disconnection of EEG in rats
Authors: Tylš Filip , Vejmola Čestmír , Koudelka Vlastimil , Piorecká Václava , Kadeřábek Lukáš , Bochin Marcel , Novák Tomáš , Kuchař Martin , Bendová Zdeňka , Brunovský Martin , Horáček Jiří , Pálení ček Tomáš
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Psilocybin is one of the most extensively studied psychedelic drugs with a broad therapeutic potential. Despite the fact that its psychoactivity is mainly attributed to the agonism at 5-HT2A receptors, it has high binding affinity also to 5-HT2C and 5-HT1A receptors and indirectly modulates the dopaminergic system. Psilocybin and its active metabolite psilocin, as well as other serotonergic psychedelics, induce broadband desynchronization and disconnection in EEG in humans as well as in animals. The contribution of serotonergic and dopaminergic mechanisms underlying these changes is not clear. The present study thus aims to elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms underlying psilocin-induced broadband desynchronization and disconnection in an animal model.

Methods

Selective antagonists of serotonin receptors (5-HT1A WAY100635, 5-HT2A MDL100907, 5-HT2C SB242084) and antipsychotics haloperidol, a D2 antagonist, and clozapine, a mixed D2 and 5-HT receptor antagonist, were used in order to clarify the underlying pharmacology.

Results

Psilocin-induced broadband decrease in the mean absolute EEG power was normalized by all antagonists and antipsychotics used within the frequency range 1–25 Hz; however, decreases in 25–40 Hz were influenced only by clozapine. Psilocin-induced decrease in global functional connectivity and, specifically, fronto-temporal disconnection were reversed by the 5-HT2A antagonist while other drugs had no effect.

Discussion

These findings suggest the involvement of all three serotonergic receptors studied as well as the role of dopaminergic mechanisms in power spectra/current density with only the 5-HT2A receptor being effective in both studied metrics. This opens an important discussion on the role of other than 5-HT2A-dependent mechanisms underlying the neurobiology of psychedelics.
Nutrition security, constraints, and agro-diversification strategies of neglected and underutilized crops to fight global hidden hunger
Authors: Ali Akib , Bhattacharjee Bijoya
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Neglected and underutilized crop species (NUCS) or forbidden crops offer tremendous potential to combat malnutrition, poverty, and global hidden hunger. Since overdependence on a few dominant cereal crops, viz., rice, maize, and wheat, is insufficient to meet the global food energy intake, the identification, genetic improvement, and implementation of various policies for wenumerates comprehensive comparative analyses of the nutrient profile of staple crops vs. potent underutilized crops with reference to cultivation constraints and climate resilience with different agro-diversification strategies.

Methodology

The research databases Scopus, JSTOR, Web of Science, EBSCO, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Academic Search were searched using relevant research queries.

Result

Out of 2,345 hits, 99 articles pertinent to the subject domain showed that underutilized crops are nutritionally superior, contain health-promoting bioactive components, and are more climate resilient than cereal crops. However, several constraints hinder the efficient utilization of these crops.

Discussion

Despite underutilized crops’ many health benefits, improved cultivation techniques for the large-scale production of these crops are still in their infancy. Most of the time, however, the scientific knowledge gleaned from various study domains stays within the scientific community. The most crucial need of the hour, therefore, is an efficient network structure connecting governments, farmers, researchers, and people in business. Moreover, care must be taken to ensure that the policies of governments and INGOs/NGOs are properly implemented within a NUCS framework.
Genomic profiles of renal cell carcinoma in a small Chinese cohort
Authors: Tai Sheng , Xu Dan-dan , Yu Zhixian , Guan Yu , Yin Shuiping , Xiao Jun , Xue Song , Liang Chaozhao
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Our aim was to describe the molecular characteristics of Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) and develop a small panel of RCC-associated genes from a large panel of cancer-related genes.

Materials and methods

Clinical data of 55 patients with RCC diagnosed in four hospitals from September 2021 to August 2022 were collected. Among the 55 patients, 38 were diagnosed with clear cell RCC (ccRCC), and the other 17 were diagnosed with non-clear cell RCC (nccRCC), including 10 cases of papillary renal cell carcinoma, 2 cases of hereditary leiomyomatosis and RCC syndrome (HLRCC), 1 eosinophilic papillary RCC, 1 tubular cystic carcinoma, 1 TFE3 gene fusion RCC, and 2 RCC with sarcomatoid differentiation. For each patient, 1123 cancer-related genes and 79 RCC-associated genes were analyzed.

Results

The most frequent mutations in a large panel of 1123 cancer-related genes in the overall population of RCC patients were VHL (51%), PBRM1 (35%), BAP1 (16%), KMT2D (15%), PTPRD (15%), and SETD2 (15%). For ccRCC patients, mutations in VHL, PBRM1, BAP1, and SERD2 can reach 74%, 50%, 24%, and 18%, respectively, while for nccRCC patients, the most frequent mutation was FH (29%), MLH3 (24%), ARID1A (18%), KMT2D (18%), and CREBBP (18%). The germline mutation rate in all 55 patients reached 12.7% (five with FH, one with ATM, and one with RAD50). The small panel containing only 79 RCC-associated genes demonstrated that mutations of VHL, PBRM1, BAP1, and SETD2 in ccRCC patients were 74%, 50%, 24%, and 18% respectively, while for the nccRCC cohort, the most frequent mutations were FH (29%), ARID1A (18%), ATM (12%), MSH6 (12%), BRAF (12%), and KRAS (12%). For ccRCC patients, the spectrum of mutations by large and small panels was almost the same, while for nccRCC patients, the mutation spectrum showed some differences. Even though the most frequent mutations (FH and ARID1A) in nccRCC were both demonstrated by large panels and small panels, other less frequent mutations such as MLH3, KMT2D, and CREBBP were not shown by the small panel.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that nccRCC is more heterogeneous than ccRCC. For nccRCC patients, the small panel shows a more clear profile of genetic characteristics by replacing MLH3, KMT2D, and CREBBP with ATM, MSH6, BRAF, and KRAS, which may help predict prognosis and make clinical decisions.
Living by the sea: place attachment, coastal risk perception, and eco-anxiety when coping with climate change
Authors: Parreira Natacha , Mouro Carla
Published: June 2023

Climate change poses major threats to coastal regions. In Portugal, the Aveiro district is one of the most vulnerable areas due to urbanized areas’ exposure to the dangers of rising water. The prospect of flood threats can trigger a range of cognitions and emotions that affect adaptation and mitigation measures’ success. This study sought to examine whether active and traditional place attachment is associated with residents’ active and passive coping strategies to deal with the risk of rising water levels. An additional aim was to clarify whether these relationships are mediated by risk perception and eco-anxiety. The links between individuals’ level of trust in authorities and coping mechanisms were also examined. An online questionnaire was completed by 197 Aveiro residents. The data show that active place attachment is connected to greater risk perception, eco-anxiety, and adoption of active coping strategies (e.g., problem solving). Low eco-anxiety was also found to have a positive effect on active coping strategies. Lower trust in the responsible authorities was additionally associated with active coping mechanisms. Overall, the results support the sequential mediation model for active coping but not for passive coping. The findings reinforce the need to consider cognitive factors (e.g., risk perception) and emotional factors (e.g., place attachment and practical eco-anxiety) to understand more fully how coastal residents deal with flood threats. Practical implications for policymakers are discussed.
Investigating the causal association of postpartum depression with cerebrovascular diseases and cognitive impairment: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Jia , Li Jinqiu , Shen Lan , Wang Huan , Zheng Tian , Hui Ying , Li Xiaoxuan
Published: June 2023

Background

Postpartum depression (PPD) is considered the most widespread puerperium complication. The associations of major depressive disorder with certain types of cerebrovascular diseases and cognitive function have been proposed, but the potential causal effects of PPD on these phenotypes are still unknown.

Methods

A Mendelian randomization (MR) research design with various methods (e.g., inverse-variance weighted method and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier test) was adopted to establish a causal relationship between PPD with cerebrovascular diseases and cognitive impairment.

Results

No causal relationship between PPD with carotid intima media thickness and cerebrovascular diseases (i.e., stroke, ischemic stroke, and cerebral aneurysm) was found. However, MR analyses indicated a causal association between PPD and decreased cognitive function (P = 3.55 × 10−3), which remained significant even after multiple comparison corrections using the Bonferroni method. Sensitivity analyses using weighted median and MR-Egger methods indicated a consistent direction of the association.

Conclusion

The causal association between PPD and cognitive impairment indicates that cognitive impairment is a critical aspect of PPD and thus cannot be regarded as an epiphenomenon. Addressing cognitive impairment and lessening the symptoms associated with PPD independently play significant roles in the treatment of PPD.
Influence of particle fluorination on the stability of honey foam
Authors: Tyowua Andrew T. , Echendu Adebukola M. , Adejo Sylvester O.
Published: June 2023

Honey foam has applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. For example, honey foam can be used in bread or biscuit spread (food industry), as a carrier of topical bioactive ingredients (cosmetic industry), or as a carrier of drugs (pharmaceutical industry). However, the conditions for obtaining a stable honey foam remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the influence of particle fluorination on honey foam volume and foam stability by aerating natural (unadulterated) honey with fluorinated fumed silica (50%–75% SiOH) or fluorinated sericite clay (PF-5–PF-12) particles. Higher foam volume (≤4.3 cm3) and foam stability (up to a year) were observed with the least (75% SiOH) fluorinated fumed silica particles, while lower foam volume and foam stability were observed with the moderately (59% SiOH) and most (50% SiOH) fluorinated fumed silica particles. In contrast, regardless of the degree of fluorination, the fluorinated sericite clay particles yielded little (<1 cm3) and unstable foam that collapsed completely within 4 weeks of preparation. Therefore, with respect to honey foam stabilization, fluorinated fumed silica particles are superior to fluorinated sericite clay particles. These foams can be used for topical formulation of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, and our findings will guide future stabilization of honey foam for target applications.
Characterization of Particle Size Distributions and Water-Soluble Ions in Particulate Matter Measured at a Broiler Farm
Authors: Silva Philip J. , Cress Tanner , Drover Ryan , Michael Cara , Docekal Gregory , Larkin Pierce , Godoy Antonio , Cavero Devin A. , Sin Crystal , Waites Janise , Mahmood Rezaul , Cohron Martin , Purvis-Roberts Kathleen L.
Published: June 2023

The chemical composition and size distribution of particulate matter produced at broiler poultry houses is not well understood, so this is a novel study to understand the particulate size distributions at a poultry house as well as the ionic composition of the particulate matter using real-time methods. Two optical particle counters provided particle size distributions inside and outside the house. An ambient ion monitor and a particle-in-liquid sampler analyzed the ionic chemical composition of the particulate matter in the house while a scanning mobility particle sizer provided size information in the nanoparticle range. Ammonia concentrations in the house were measured using a chemical sensor. Ammonia concentrations in the house were consistently in the lower part of the per million range 2–20 ppm. The optical particle counter and ion chromatography measurements both showed a strong diurnal variation of particulate matter concentration in the house throughout the study, associated with the lights being on and animal activity. Particulate mass concentration inside the house was dominated by coarse mode particles as opposed to the outdoor sampler which showed much smaller sizes. A few new particle formation and growth events were observed in the house. Ionic constituents detected by chromatography made up a small fraction of the overall mass concentration. The composition of the ionic constituents was similar for most of the study with typical ions being ammonium, sodium, potassium, chloride, sulfate, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, and several carboxylates (formate, acetate, propionate, and butyrate.) At the end of the study, bromide was also detected during the last several days. Overall, we determined that the ionic components of the particulate matter formed through secondary particle formation was small, but also that some ionic constituents can be associated with management practices.
MobileNet-CA-YOLO: An Improved YOLOv7 Based on the MobileNetV3 and Attention Mechanism for Rice Pests and Diseases Detection
Authors: Jia Liangquan , Wang Tao , Chen Yi , Zang Ying , Li Xiangge , Shi Haojie , Gao Lu
Published: June 2023

The efficient identification of rice pests and diseases is crucial for preventing crop damage. To address the limitations of traditional manual detection methods and machine learning-based approaches, a new rice pest and disease recognition model based on an improved YOLOv7 algorithm has been developed. The model utilizes the lightweight network MobileNetV3 for feature extraction, reducing parameterization, and incorporates the coordinate attention mechanism (CA) and the SIoU loss function for enhanced accuracy. The model has been tested on a dataset of 3773 rice pest and disease images, achieving an accuracy of 92.3% and an mAP@.5 of 93.7%. The proposed MobileNet-CA-YOLO model is a high-performance and lightweight solution for rice pest and disease detection, providing accurate and timely results for farmers and researchers.