bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic cerium oxide nanozymes: targeting DNA damage and alleviating tumor hypoxia for improved NSCLC radiotherapy efficiency
Authors: Liu Jie , Liu Chengxiang , Tang Jinghua , Chen Qiao , Yu Yan , Dong Yan , Hao Jie , Wu Wei
Published: January 2024

Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the important treatment modalities for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the maximum radiation dose that NSCLC patient can receive varies little. Therefore, the exploitation of novel RT sensitization approaches is a critical need for the clinical treatment. RT resistance in NSCLC is linked to tumor microenvironment (TME) hypoxia, cell cycle arrest and associated genetic alterations. Here, we designed a novel method for targeted delivery of quercetin (QT) and CeO2 to enhance RT sensitivity. We loaded QT into CeO2@ZIF-8-HA nanoparticles to prevent its degradation in the circulatory system and successfully delivered QT and CeO2 targeted to NSCLC tumors. Under the protection and targeted delivery of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8), the nanocomplexes exhibited excellent catalytic mimetic activity in decomposing H2O2 into O2, thus significantly reversing the hypoxia of TME, while the radiosensitizer QT caused DNA damage directly after RT. In a subcutaneous tumor model, CeO2@ZIF-8-HA overcame radiation resistance and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. This multiple sensitization strategy combining delivery of QT and CeO2@ZIF-8-HA nanozymes opens a promising approach for RT of NSCLC.
Establishment of clinical pharmacy services: evidence-based information from stakeholders
Authors: Kilonzi Manase , Mutagonda Ritah F. , Mwakawanga Dorkasi L. , Mlyuka Hamu J. , Mikomangwa Wigilya P. , Kibanga Wema A. , Marealle Alphonce Ignace , Mallya Bertha , Katabalo Deogratias , Sanga Sofia , Kalokola Fredrick , Rwegasha John , Magambo Rose , Mmassy John , Kabissi Sungwa , Balati Josephine A. , Maduki Peter , Minzi Omary Mashiku , Kamuhabwa Appolinary A. R.
Published: January 2024

High morbidity and mortality related to the use of drugs resulted in demand for clinical pharmacy services (CPS) globally. In developed countries, the evolution of pharmacists’ role in direct patient care started in the 1960s. The participation of pharmacists in CPS has resulted in positive clinical, economic, and humanistic outcomes. In developing countries, efforts have started to ensure pharmacists are engaged in the provision of CPS. However, the efforts are hampered by poorly defined pharmacist career paths, financial constraints, and a lack of political willingness. In Tanzania, efforts started in 2008, in which CPS was introduced into the Bachelor of Pharmacy curriculum, followed by the initiation of a postgraduate program on hospital and clinical pharmacy in 2013. A regulation was released by the Tanzania Ministry of Health in 2020 to enforce pharmacists' engagement in providing CPS. In 2021, a project was launched in the country, aiming to strengthen the provision of CPS in public and faith-based hospitals by training on-job pharmacists. The project was implemented in phases, including stakeholders’ engagement, baseline survey, training, and supportive supervision of the trained pharmacists. Therefore, this commentary aims to share what we experienced during project implementation, the achievements, challenges, and key lessons learned.
Bisphenol a downregulates GLUT4 expression by activating aryl hydrocarbon receptor to exacerbate polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Shi Jing , Hu Kai-Lun , Li Xiao-Xue , Ge Yi-Meng , Yu Xiao-Jun , Zhao Jie
Published: January 2024

Background

Bisphenol A (BPA) levels are high in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The mechanism by which BPA induces abnormal glucose metabolism in PCOS patients is largely unknown.

Methods

Serum and urine samples were collected from women with and without PCOS (control) at the reproductive medicine center with informed consent. Non-PCOS patients who received in vitro fertilization were recruited for collection of ovarian follicular fluid and granular cells. Wild-type C57BL/6 and AhR−/− mice were used to verify the effects of BPA on PCOS. Real-time PCR, western blotting, and ELISA were conducted to analyze the function of BPA. Chip-qPCR verified the role of AhR in GLUT4 transcription. Flow cytometry was performed to determine glucose uptake.

Results

A positive correlation was observed between BPA concentration and serum BPA levels in PCOS patients. BPA aggravated the changes in PCOS with abnormal glucose metabolism, impaired fertility, and increased body fat. Mechanistically, we showed that BPA activated AhR and led to decreased glucose transport via GLUT4 downregulation in ovarian granular cells. Therefore, the use of inhibitors or knockout of AhR could effectively rescue BPA-induced metabolic disorders in PCOS mice.

Conclusions

Our results revealed that BPA suppressed GLUT4 expression and induced abnormal glucose metabolism by activating AhR, causing insulin resistance, and is thus a potential contributor to the development of PCOS. Therefore, AhR could be a potential new therapeutic target for PCOS.
Being female with vitiligo disease in traditional societies within North Africa
Authors: Raheel Mohamed Faraj Saleh , Snoubar Yaser , Mosbah Wafa Saleh
Published: January 2024

This study aims to assess the influence of vitiligo illness on the quality of life of female individuals residing in Ajdabiya, Libya. Through this investigation, we aim to enhance our comprehension of the potential impact of cultural norms and conventional gender roles on managing and caring for skin disorders within a North African society. Over a 20-week period, 65 female participants diagnosed with vitiligo were recruited. The participants’ quality of life was assessed using the Skindex-16 scale. This validated tool measures the impact of skin disease on several aspects of an individual’s life, including physical, emotional, and social well-being. The findings of this study indicate that the quality of life of women with vitiligo significantly differed with age, social and functional status, and economic status. However, the illness profoundly impacted patients’ lives emotionally, with clear consequences, including diminished emotional satisfaction and reduced social participation. The results of this study highlight the negative effects that vitiligo disease can have on women’s quality of life within traditional Libyan society. This investigation also indicates that cultural norms and traditional gender patterns may contribute to these effects.
Synovial tissue features associated with poor prognosis in inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Azuaga Ana Belén , Cuervo Andrea , Celis Raquel , Frade-Sosa Beatriz , Sarmiento-Monroy Juan C. , Ruiz-Esquide Virginia , Gómez-Puerta José A. , Sanmartí Raimon , Ramírez Julio
Published: January 2024

Background

Inflammatory arthritis encompasses a group of immune-mediated diseases characterized by chronic joint inflammation. Despite having pathogenic mechanisms in common, the prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and undifferentiated arthritis (UA) could be different regarding progression to chronic, to erosive, or to self-limited disease. Our aim was to evaluate the potential association of synovial tissue (ST) inflammatory cell infiltrate, the presence of ectopic lymphoid neogenesis (LN +) structures, and poor prognosis factors (PPF) in patients with RA, PsA, and UA.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study including patients with active arthritis (RA, PsA, UA) who had ST obtained by rheumatological arthroscopy or ultrasound-guided biopsy. Clinical, demographic, and immunohistochemical data of the synovium was evaluated. Patients with biological therapy at the time of synovial biopsy were excluded. PPF in patients with RA and UA were defined by the presence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies and/or rheumatoid factor, development of bone erosions, or requirement of biological therapy during the follow-up. PPF in patients with PsA were defined as the presence of high levels of acute-phase reactants (ESR/CRP), dactylitis or nail involvement at the time of biopsy, development of bone erosion, or requirement of biological therapy during the follow-up.

Results

A total of 88 patients were included: 26 RA, 33 PsA, and 29 UA. All patients were followed up for 5 years after the biopsy. Fourteen (53.84%) RA patients had PPF, and 17 (65.38%) had LN + . LN + was associated with PPF (p 0.038) and biologic therapy initiation (p 0.018). A total of 14 (43.75%) PsA patients had PPF. CD15 infiltrate (410.68 [SD 477.63] cells/mm2) was associated with PPF (p 0.008) in PsA patients. Sixteen (55.17%) patients with UA had PPF, and 13 (44.82%) had LN + . In this group, synovial CD68 + macrophages cells density was negatively correlated with DAS28-CRP (r =  − 0.346, p 0.042).

Conclusions

The presence of LN + and higher CD15 + polymorphonuclear cells infiltrate was associated with PPF in RA and PsA, respectively. No associations were found for UA. These findings suggest a great heterogeneity of the ST features and its pathogenic implications in the subtypes of inflammatory arthritis.
Secure image transmission through LTE wireless communications systems
Authors: Al-Fahaidy Farouk Abduh Kamil , AL-Bouthigy Radwan , Al-Shamri Mohammad Yahya H. , Abdulkareem Safwan
Published: January 2024

Secure transmission of images over wireless communications systems can be done using RSA, the most known and efficient cryptographic algorithm, and OFDMA, the most preferred signal processing choice in wireless communications. This paper aims to investigate the performance of OFDMA system for wireless transmission of RSA-based encrypted images. In fact, the performance of OFDMA systems; based on different signal processing techniques, such as, discrete sine transforms (DST) and discrete cosine transforms (DCT), as well as the conventional discrete Fourier transforms (DFT) are tested for wireless transmission of gray-scale images with/without RSA encryption. The progress of transmitting the image is carried by firstly, encrypting the image with RSA algorithm. Then, the encrypted image is modulated with DFT-based, DCT-based, and DST-based OFDMA systems. After that, the modulated images are transmitted over a wireless multipath fading channel. The reverse operations will be carried at the receiver, in addition to the frequency domain equalization to overcome the channel effect. Exhaustive numbers of scenarios are performed for study and investigation of the performance of the different OFDMA systems in terms of PSNR and MSE, with different subcarriers mapping and modulation techniques, is done. Results indicate that the ability of different OFDMA systems for wireless secure transmission of images. However, the DCT-OFDMA system showed superiority over the DST-OFDMA and the conventional DFT-OFDMA systems.
Multimodal few-shot classification without attribute embedding
Authors: Chang Jun Qing , Rajan Deepu , Vun Nicholas
Published: January 2024

Multimodal few-shot learning aims to exploit complementary information inherent in multiple modalities for vision tasks in low data scenarios. Most of the current research focuses on a suitable embedding space for the various modalities. While solutions based on embedding provide state-of-the-art results, they reduce the interpretability of the model. Separate visualization approaches enable the models to become more transparent. In this paper, a multimodal few-shot learning framework that is inherently interpretable is presented. This is achieved by using the textual modality in the form of attributes without embedding them. This enables the model to directly explain which attributes caused it to classify an image into a particular class. The model consists of a variational autoencoder to learn the visual latent representation, which is combined with a semantic latent representation that is learnt from a normal autoencoder, which calculates a semantic loss between the latent representation and a binary attribute vector. A decoder reconstructs the original image from concatenated latent vectors. The proposed model outperforms other multimodal methods when all test classes are used, e.g., 50 classes in a 50-way 1-shot setting, and is comparable for lesser number of ways. Since raw text attributes are used, the datasets for evaluation are CUB, SUN and AWA2. The effectiveness of interpretability provided by the model is evaluated by analyzing how well it has learnt to identify the attributes.
Assessment of ultra processed foods consumption in Senegal: validation of the Nova-UPF screener
Authors: Kébé Saliou Diombo , Diouf Adama , Sylla Papa Mamadou Dit Doudou , Kane Kalidou , dos Santos Costa Caroline , Leite Fernanda Helena Marrocos , Andrade Giovanna Calixto , Badiane Abdou , Moubarac Jean-Claude , Idohou-Dossou Nicole , Monteiro Carlos Augusto
Published: January 2024

Background

Ultra-processed foods (UPF), as proposed by the Nova food classification system, are linked to the development of obesity and several non-communicable chronic diseases and deaths from all causes. The Nova-UPF screener developed in Brazil is a simple and quick tool to assess and monitor the consumption of these food products. The aim of this study was to adapt and validate, against the 24-hour dietary recall, this short food-based screener to assess UPF consumption in the Senegalese context.

Methods

The tool adaptation was undertaken using DELPHI methodology with national experts and data from a food market survey. Following the adaptation, sub-categories were renamed, restructured and new ones introduced. The validation study was conducted in the urban area of Dakar in a convenience sample of 301 adults, using as a reference the dietary share of UPF on the day prior to the survey, expressed as a percentage of total energy intake obtained via 24-hour recall. Association between the Nova-UPF score and the dietary share of UPF was evaluated using linear regression models. The Pabak index was used to assess the agreement in participants’ classification according to quintiles of Nova-UPF score and quintiles of the dietary share of UPF.

Results

The results show a linear and positive association (p-value < 0.001) between intervals of the Nova-UPF score and the average dietary share of UPF. There was a near perfect agreement in the distribution of individuals according to score’s quintiles and UPF dietary share quintiles (Pabak index = 0.84).

Conclusion

The study concluded that the score provided by the Nova-UPF screener adapted to the Senegalese context is a valid estimate of UPF consumption.
Deficiency of TOP1MT enhances glycolysis through the stimulation of PDK4 expression in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Hongqiang , Sun Xutao , Yang Chen , Li Ziqi , Jin Danwen , Zhu Wenwen , Yu Ze
Published: January 2024

Background

Abnormal glucose metabolism is one of the determinants of maintaining malignant characteristics of cancer. Targeting cancer metabolism is regarded as a new strategy for cancer treatment. Our previous studies have found that TOP1MT is a crucial gene that inhibits glycolysis and cell metastasis of gastric cancer (GC) cells, but the mechanism of its regulation of glycolysis remains unclear.

Methods

Transcriptome sequencing data, clinic-pathologic features of GC from a variety of public databases, and WGCNA were used to identify novel targets of TOP1MT. Immunohistochemical results of 250 patients with GC were used to analyze the relative expression relationship between TOP1MT and PDK4. The function of TOP1MT was investigated by migration assays and sea-horse analysis in vitro.

Results

We discovered a mitochondrial topoisomerase I, TOP1MT, which correlated with a higher risk of metastasis. Functional experiments revealed that TOP1MT deficiency promotes cell migration and glycolysis through increasing PDK4 expression. Additionally, the stimulating effect of TOP1MT on glycolysis may be effectively reversed by PDK4 inhibitor M77976.

Conclusions

In brief, our work demonstrated the critical function of TOP1MT in the regulation of glycolysis by PDK4 in gastric cancer. Inhibiting glycolysis and limiting tumor metastasis in GC may be accomplished by suppressing PDK4.
A novel upregulated hsa_circ_0032746 regulates the oncogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by regulating miR-4270/MCM3 axis
Authors: Shrestha Sachin Mulmi , Fang Xin , Ye Hui , Ren Lihua , Ji Qinghua , Shi Ruihua
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Circular RNAs (CircRNA) have emerged as an interest of research in recent years due to its regulatory role in various kinds of cancers of human body. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the major disease subtype in Asian countries, including China. CircRNAs are formed by back-splicing covalently joined 3′- and 5′- ends rather than canonical splicing and are found to have binding affinity with miRNAs that conjointly contribute to oncogenesis.

Materials and methods

4 pairs of normal, cancer adjacent tissues and cancer tissues were analyzed by high-throughput RNA sequencing and 84 differentially upregulated circRNAs were detected in cancer tissues. hsa_circ_0032746 was silenced by siRNA and lentivirus and then further proliferation, migration and invasion were performed by CCK-8 and transwell assays. Bioinformatic analysis  predicted binding affinity of circRNA/miRNA/mRNA axis.

Results

After qPCR validation, we selected a novel upregulated hsa_circ_0032746 to explore its biogenetic functions which showed high expression in cancer tissues but not in cancer adjacent tissues. The clinicopathological relation of hsa_circ_0032746 showed positive correlation with the tumor location (P = 0.026) and gender (P = 0.05). We also predicted that hsa_circ_0032746 could sponge with microRNA. Bioinformatic analysis predicted 11 microRNA response element (MRE) sequences of hsa_circ_0032746 and dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed binding affinity with miR4270 evidencing further study of circRNA/miRNA role. The knockdown of hsa_circ_0032746 by siRNA and lentivirus demonstrated that proliferation, invasion and migration of ESCC were inhibited in vitro and vivo experiments. Bioinformatic analysis further predicted MCM3 as a target of miR-4270 and was found upregulated in ESCC upon validation. miR4270 mimic decreased the level of hsa_circ_0032746 and MCM3 while further rescue experiments demonstrated that hsa_circ_0032746 was dependent on miR4270/MCM3 axis on the development process of ESCC.

Conclusion

We revealed for the first time that circ_0032746/mir4270/MCM3 contributes in proliferation, migration and invasion of ESCC and could have potential prognostic and therapeutic significance.
The state of metaverse research: a bibliometric visual analysis based on CiteSpace
Authors: Li Huike , Li Bo
Published: January 2024

Objective

To understand the current status of research in the field of metaverse, and to analyze the research progress and evolutionary trends in this field.

Methods

Based on the bibliometric analysis, a total of 921 papers were obtained by searching the Web of science core database for the keyword "metaverse". CiteSpace was used to visualize and analyze the current status and trends of metaverse research in China.

Results

Ireland is currently the country with the highest research impact. China is currently the country with the largest number of publications in this field, but the impact of the research is insufficient. The current research in the highly cited literature focuses on technical and history reviews of the metaverse as well as its development in the field of education. Artificial Intelligence and utaut2 are the underlying clusters of cited literature in this research area. Several research hotspots have been formed, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, digital twins and artificial intelligence.

Conclusion

The current research on metaverse in various fields is basically in its infancy, but has a great potential for future development and will gradually penetrate into many different directions with many challenges.
Physiological, molecular, and genetic mechanism of action of the biostimulant Quantis™ for increased thermotolerance of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Jayaweera Dasuni P. , Dambire Charlene , Angelopoulou Dimitra , Munné-Bosch Sergi , Swarup Ranjan , Ray Rumiana V.
Published: January 2024

Background

Raising global temperatures limit crop productivity and new strategies are needed to improve the resilience of thermosensitive crops such as potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Biostimulants are emerging as potential crop protection products against environmental stress, however their mechanism of action remains largely unknown, hindering their wider adoption. We used comprehensive physiological, molecular, and mass spectrometry approaches to develop understanding of the mechanism of plant thermotolerance exerted by the biostimulant, Quantis™, under heat stress. Using orthologues gene mutations in Arabidopsis thaliana we report heat-defence genes, modified by Quantis™, which were also investigated for potential overlapping functions in biotic stress defence to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Rhizoctonia solani.

Results

Quantis™ enhanced PSII photochemical efficiency and decreased thermal dissipation of potato grown under heat stress. These effects were associated with upregulation of genes with antioxidant function, including PR10, flavonoid 3′‐hydroxylase and β-glucosidases, and modulation of abscisic acid (ABA) and cytokinin (CK) activity in leaves by Quantis™. The biostimulant modulated the expression of the heat-defence genes, PEN1, PR4 or MEE59, with functions in leaf photoprotection and root thermal protection, but with no overlapping function in biotic stress defence. Protective root growth under heat stress, following the biostimulant application, was correlated with enhanced CK signalling in roots. Increased endogenous concentrations of ABA and CK in potato leaves and significant upregulation of StFKF1 were consistent with tuberisation promoting effects. Quantis™ application resulted in 4% tuber weight increase and 40% larger tuber size thus mitigating negative effects of heat stress on tuber growth.

Conclusions

Quantis™ application prior to heat stress effectively primed heat tolerance responses and alleviated temperature stress of S. tuberosum L. and A. thaliana by modulating the expression and function of PR4 and MEE59 and by regulating CK activity above and below ground, indicating that the mechanism of action of the biostimulant is conserved, and will be effective in many plant species. Thus, a biostimulant application targeting the most susceptible crop developmental stages to heat disorders can be effectively integrated within future agronomy practices to mitigate losses in other thermosensitive crops.

Graphical Abstract
Using Implementation Science Frameworks to Guide the Use of Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Symptom Monitoring in Routine Cancer Care
Authors: Lai-Kwon Julia , Rutherford Claudia , Jefford Michael , Gore Claire , Best Stephanie
Published: January 2024

PURPOSE

Electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) are an evidence-based means of detecting symptoms earlier and improving patient outcomes. However, there are few examples of successful implementation in routine cancer care. We conducted a qualitative study to identify barriers and facilitators to implementing ePRO symptom monitoring in routine cancer care using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

METHODS

Participants were adult patients with cancer, their caregivers, or health care professionals involved in ePRO monitoring or processes. Focus groups or individual interviews were conducted using a semistructured approach informed by the CFIR. Data were analyzed deductively using the CFIR. Barriers were matched to theory-informed implementation strategies using the CFIR-Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) matching tool.

RESULTS

Thirty participants were interviewed: 22 females (73%), aged 31-70 years (28, 94%), comprising patients (n = 8), caregivers (n = 2), medical oncologists (n = 4), nurses (n = 4), hospital leaders (n = 6), clinic administrators (n = 2), pharmacists (n = 2), and information technology specialists (n = 2). Barriers pertaining to four CFIR domains were identified and several were novel, including the challenge of adapting ePROs for different anticancer treatments. Facilitators pertaining to all CFIR domains were identified, such as leveraging acceptability of remote care post–COVID-19 to drive implementation. Conducting consensus discussions with stakeholders to tailor ePROs to the local setting, identifying/preparing individual and group-level champions, and assessing readiness for change (including leveraging technological advances and increased confidence in using remote monitoring post–COVID-19) were the most frequently recommended implementation strategies.

CONCLUSION

The CFIR facilitated identification of known and novel barriers and facilitators to implementing ePRO symptom monitoring in routine cancer care. Implementation strategies summarized in a conceptual framework will be used to codesign an ePRO symptom monitoring system for immunotherapy side effects.
Insulin Resistance and CGM-Derived Parameters in People With Type 1 Diabetes: Are They Associated?
Authors: Clinck Isabel , Mertens Jonathan , Wouters Kristien , Dirinck Eveline , De Block Christophe
Published: January 2024

Background

Insulin resistance (IR) is increasingly more prevalent in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Objective

We investigated whether IR is associated with continuous glucose monitor (CGM)-derived parameters (glucometrics), such as time in range (TIR), time above range (TAR), time below range (TBR), and glycemic variability (CV).

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of 2 databases: IR was quantified according to the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) (NCT04664036) and by performing a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (HEC) (NCT04623320). All glucometrics were calculated over 28 days.

Results

A total of 287 subjects were included. Mean age was 46 ± 17 years, 55% were male, TIR was 57% ± 14%, and eGDR was 7.6 (5.6-9.3) mg/kg/min. The tertile of people with the lowest eGDR (highest level of IR) had a higher TAR compared to the tertile with the highest eGDR (39% ± 15% vs 33% ± 14%, P = .043). Using logistic regression, a higher eGDR was associated with a higher chance to fall in a higher TIR-tertile (odds ratio [OR] 1.251, P < .001), a lower TAR-tertile (OR 1.281, P < .001), and a higher TBR-tertile (OR 0.893, P = .039), adjusted for age, sex, diabetes duration, smoking status, and alcohol intake. In the 48 people undergoing a HEC, no significant association between glucometrics and the HEC-determined glucose disposal rate (M-value) was observed.

Conclusion

In people with T1D, an association between IR, measured by eGDR, and worse CGM profiles was observed.
Bisphosphonate Use and Risk of Atypical Femoral Fractures: A Danish Case-Cohort Study With Blinded Radiographic Review
Authors: Bauer Douglas C , Black Dennis M , Dell Rick , Fan Bo , Smith Christopher D , Ernst Martin T , Jurik Anne G , Frøkjær Jens B , Boesen Mikael , Vittinghoff Eric , Abrahamsen Bo
Published: January 2024

Context

Prolonged bisphosphonate (BP) treatment for osteoporosis prevents hip and other fractures but causes atypical femoral fractures (AFF).

Objective

To establish the relationship between patterns of BP use and the risk of AFF and hip fractures. Other potential risk factors for AFF were also examined.

Methods

This population-based case-cohort study utilized data from the Danish National Healthcare system, including longitudinal records of medication use, healthcare utilization, and x-ray images. Among all 1.9 million Danish adults ≥50, those with subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fractures between 2010 and 2015 (n = 4973) were identified and compared to a random sample (n = 37 021). Bisphosphonate use was collected from 1995-2015. Fracture radiographs (n = 4769) were reviewed by blinded study radiologists to identify AFFs (n = 189) using established criteria. Traditional hip fractures in the random sample (n = 691) were identified by ICD-10.

Results

Compared to <1 year of BP use, 5 to 7 years of use was associated with a 7-fold increase in AFF (adjusted HR = 7.29 [CI: 3.07, 17.30]); the risk of AFF fell quickly after discontinuation. The 5-year number needed to harm for one AFF was 1424, while the 5-year number needed to treat to prevent one hip fracture was 56. Glucocorticoid and proton pump inhibitor use were independently associated with increased AFF risk. Thirty-one percent of those with AFF had no BP exposure.

Conclusion

The risk of AFF increases with duration of BP use but the beneficial effects of BP therapy in adults ≥50 dramatically exceed this increased risk. Nearly one-third of those with AFF have no BP exposure.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Excess All-Cause Mortality in the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Foster Thomas B. , Fernandez Leticia , Porter Sonya R. , Pharris-Ciurej Nikolas
Published: January 2024

Research on the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States has consistently found disproportionately high mortality among ethnoracial minorities, but reports differ with respect to the magnitude of mortality disparities and reach different conclusions regarding which groups were most impacted. We suggest that these variations stem from differences in the temporal scope of the mortality data used and difficulties inherent in measuring race and ethnicity. To circumvent these issues, we link Social Security Administration death records for 2010 through 2021 to decennial census and American Community Survey race and ethnicity responses. We use these linked data to estimate excess all-cause mortality for age-, sex-, race-, and ethnicity-specific subgroups and examine ethnoracial variation in excess mortality across states and over the course of the pandemic's first year. Results show that non-Hispanic American Indians and Alaska Natives experienced the highest excess mortality of any ethnoracial group in the first year of the pandemic, followed by Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks. Spatiotemporal and age-specific ethnoracial disparities suggest that the socioeconomic determinants driving health disparities prior to the pandemic were amplified and expressed in new ways in the pandemic's first year to disproportionately concentrate excess mortality among racial and ethnic minorities.
A role for the carbon source of the cell and protein kinase A in regulating the S. pombe septation initiation network
Authors: Uysal Özdemir Özge , Krapp Andrea , Mangeat Bastien , Spaltenstein Marc , Simanis Viesturs
Published: January 2024

The septation initiation network (SIN) is a conserved signal transduction network, which is important for cytokinesis in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The SIN component Etd1p is required for association of some SIN proteins with the spindle pole body (SPB) during anaphase and for contractile ring formation. We show that tethering of Cdc7p or Sid1p to the SIN scaffold Cdc11p at the SPB, rescues etd1-Δ. Analysis of a suppressor of the mutant etd1-M9 revealed that SIN signalling is influenced by the carbon source of the cell. Growth on a non-fermentable carbon source glycerol reduces the requirement for SIN signalling but does not bypass it. The decreased need for SIN signalling is mediated largely by reduction of protein kinase A activity, and it is phenocopied by deletion of pka1 on glucose medium. We conclude that protein kinase A is an important regulator of the SIN, and that SIN signalling is regulated by the carbon source of the cell.
Environmental salinity modulates olfactory sensitivity in the euryhaline European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax, acclimated to seawater and brackish water
Authors: Velez Zélia , Hubbard Peter C. , Alves Alexandra , Costa Rita A. , Guerreiro Pedro M.
Published: January 2024

The olfactory epithelium of fish is – of necessity – in intimate contact with the surrounding water. In euryhaline fish, movement from seawater to freshwater (and vice versa) exposes the epithelium to massive changes in salinity and ionic concentrations. How does the olfactory system function in the face of such changes? The current study compared olfactory sensitivity in seawater- (35‰) and brackish water-adapted seabass (5‰) using extracellular multi-unit recording from the olfactory nerve. Seawater-adapted bass had higher olfactory sensitivity to amino acid odorants when delivered in seawater than in freshwater. Conversely, brackish water-adapted bass had largely similar sensitivities to the same odorants when delivered in seawater or freshwater, although sensitivity was still slightly higher in seawater. The olfactory system of seawater-adapted bass was sensitive to decreases in external [Ca2+], whereas brackish water-adapted bass responded to increases in [Ca2+]; both seawater- and brackish water-adapted bass responded to increases in external [Na+] but the sensitivity was markedly higher in brackish water-adapted bass. In seawater-adapted bass, olfactory sensitivity to l-alanine depended on external Ca2+ ions, but not Na+; brackish water-adapted bass did respond to l-alanine in the absence of Ca2+, albeit with lower sensitivity, whereas sensitivity was unaffected by removal of Na+ ions. A possible adaptation of the olfactory epithelium was the higher number of mucous cells in brackish water-adapted bass. The olfactory system of seabass is able to adapt to low salinities, but this is not immediate; further studies are needed to identify the processes involved.
The perception of smile attractiveness according to the degree of training in the field of dental aesthetics
Authors: Maior-Roșca Iulia , Bacali Cecilia , Buduru Smaranda , Clichici Andra , Mesaroș Anca-Ștefania
Published: January 2024

Background: Since ancient times, people have been concerned with the aesthetics and attractiveness of their own person. The present study aims to analyze the beauty of the smile according to the level of training in the field of dental aesthetics of the respondents.; Methods: To test this hypothesis, a questionnaire with 22 questions was applied to which 306 participants voluntarily answered;
Results Several variables related to dental aesthetics were analyzed based on digitally modified facial photographs;
Conclusions: The study showed that the degree of training of the patients is a factor that influences the perception of the smile.
Early rehabilitation after total arthroplasty with custom hip prosthesis – case report
Authors: Obada Bogdan , Iliescu Madalina Gabriela , Iliescu Dan-Marcel , Caraban Bogdan Marian , Baz Radu
Published: January 2024

Background: The main aim of this study was to compare conventional radiograph and computer tomograph (CT)-scan measurements of femoral offset. The second aim was the compare the pre- and postoperative values of femoral offsets as well as the variations cre-ated by total hip arthroplasty (THA) replacements using the same protocol of analysis for a patient operated on both hips by the same surgeon using a modified lateral approach.
Methods: The CT protocol involves 1mm slices from top of the iliac crest to the isthmus of the femur, 2mm slices from top to the bottom of femoral condyles and top and bottom of the ankle joint. The CT protocol involves 1mm slices from top of the iliac crest to the isth-mus of the femur, 2mm slices from top to the bottom of femoral condyles and top and bot-tom of the ankle joint. The implant came with an operative plan to guide the neck osteot-omy site, and with its own bone compacting or bone removing rasp according to the in-tramedullary cortical or cancellous bony architecture indicated by the 3D-CTplan.
Results: In addition to a clinical review and oxford hip scoring, the patient had postoperative radi-ographs and were reviewed regularly at 6 weeks and 6 months. Conclusions: We conclud-ed that this 3D-CT guided custom design femoral stem produces reliable proximal ‘fit and fill’ and primary stability with restoration of limb length discrepancy with complex prox-imal femoral deformity without the need of a corrective osteotomy.
Χρηματοοικονομική αξιολόγηση και βιωσιμότητα επιχειρήσεων μέσω εταιρικών πληροφοριακών συστημάτων μετά την εφαρμογή των ελληνικών λογιστικών προτύπων
Authors: Τσιανάκα Ελένη
Published: January 2024

Η λογιστική αποτελεί εκείνον τον κλάδο που πηγάζει από τις οικονομικές μονάδες και πραγματεύεται μεθοδικά τη συλλογή, επεξεργασία, καταγραφή και αναφορά των οικονομικών πληροφοριών που είναι απαραίτητες για τη λήψη ορθών αποφάσεων, με τα Ελληνικά Λογιστικά Πρότυπα να αποτελούν σημαντικό τμήμα αυτής. Η αποτίμηση της χρήσης και εφαρμογής των Ελληνικών Λογιστικών Προτύπων (εφεξής Ε.Λ.Π.) σε σχέση με τα Διεθνή Λογιστικά Πρότυπα (εφεξής Δ.Λ.Π.) είναι ο βασικός στόχος της παρούσας διατριβής. Αναλυτικότερα, ελέγχεται ο βαθμός της ποιότητας, της αποτελεσματικότητας και της εγκυρότητας των πληροφοριών που αντλούνται από τα δύο λογιστικά πρότυπα μέσω των πληροφοριακών συστημάτων σε επιχειρήσεις στην Ελλάδα. Για την εξυπηρέτηση του παραπάνω σκοπού, αρχικά διενεργήθηκε ποσοτική έρευνα με τη χρήση ερωτηματολογίου σε οντότητες που εφαρμόζουν είτε Ε.Λ.Π. είτε Δ.Λ.Π. Συγκεκριμένα, επιλέχθηκε η Εταιρεία Ύδρευσης Αποχέτευσης του Νομού Θεσσαλονίκης, στην οποία γίνεται εφαρμογή των Δ.Λ.Π. και Δημοτικές Επιχειρήσεις Ύδρευσης και Αποχέτευσης, οι οποίες κάνουν χρήση Ε.Λ.Π. Προκειμένου να ενισχυθεί η εγκυρότητα και η αξιοπιστία της έρευνας, διενεργήθηκε επιπλέον ανάλυση των χρηματοοικονομικών καταστάσεων με τη χρήση των αριθμοδεικτών με στόχο τη σύγκριση των δύο μεθόδων λογιστικής παρακολούθησης των οικονομικών μεγεθών των παραπάνω εταιρειών. Από τα αποτελέσματα των δύο ερευνών συνδυαστικά φάνηκε πως ενώ τα Ε.Λ.Π. είναι ιστορικά σημαντικά και εξυπηρετούν τοπικούς σκοπούς, είναι αδιαμφισβήτητο ότι τα Δ.Λ.Π. παρέχουν πλεονεκτήματα όσον αφορά την παγκόσμια αναγνώριση και διαφάνεια. Συμπερασματικά, οι ελληνικές επιχειρήσεις και η ευρύτερη οικονομία θα ωφεληθούν από τη μετάβαση προς τα Δ.Λ.Π., τα οποία δίνουν μια ευκαιρία για ανάπτυξη, διαφάνεια και ολοκλήρωση, καθώς υπερέχουν στην προώθηση της συγκρισιμότητας και της συνέπειας στη χρηματοοικονομική αναφορά.
Architectural Record, 1942-1967
Authors: Πανηγυράκης Φοίβος-Ηλίας
Published: January 2024

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή έχει ως θέμα τις πολιτικές σύνταξης και την εκδοτική ιστορία του Αμερικανικού περιοδικού Architectural Record κατά την περίοδο 1942-1967. Έχοντας ιδρυθεί το 1891, το Architectural Record είναι το περιοδικό με την μακροβιότερη παρουσία και την πιο υψηλή κυκλοφορία ανάμεσα στα επαγγελματικά αρχιτεκτονικά έντυπα της Αμερικής. Έχει έτσι, μακρά και ισχυρή επίδραση στον τομέα, τόσο ως προς την πρακτική εξάσκηση όσο και τη θεωρητική γνώση ·εντός και εκτός των συνόρων των ΗΠΑ. Ως ένα εκτενές αρχείο αρχιτεκτονικής γνώσης, η ιστορία του περιοδικού στα μισά του 20ου αιώνα είναι αποκαλυπτική ως προς τη μετάλλαξη του κινήματος του Μοντερνισμού από την ανάδυσή του στην προ-πολεμική Ευρώπη στο κράμα του Μετα-μοντερνισμού που εμφανίστηκε ισχυρά στην Αμερική του δεύτερου μισού του 20ου αιώνα. Η επιτυχία και η συνεισφορά του περιοδικού οφείλεται στις υποδομές και διαθέσιμους πόρους των εκδοτικών του εταιριών, τις F.W. Dodge Corporation και McGraw-Hill, οι οποίες συγχνεύτηκαν στον μεγαλύτερο όμιλο εταρειών εκδόσεων της Αμερικής. Επίσης καθοριστική ήταν η υποστήριξη του περιοδικού από επαγγελματικές και ακαδημαϊκές οργανώσεις αρχιτεκτόνων, καθώς και στις διασυνδέσεις, τις προσπάθειες και την επιμονή της συντακτικής ομάδας. Οι επικοινωνιακές καμπάνιες και οι στρατηγικές και πολιτικές σύνταξης τυ περιοδικού αποτυπώνουν την προσαρμογή του Μοντερνισμού στο περιβάλλον που διαμόρφωσαν τα μέσα μαζικής ενημέρωσης της μεταπολεμικής Αμερικής και την παγκόσμια εγκαθίδρυση της “σύγχρονης αρχιτεκτονικής,” έναν όρο που έγινε δημοφιλής συγκεκριμένα μέσω του Architectural Record. Με την επανάσταση των ΜΜΕ, τα αρχιτεκτονικά περιοδικά πρόσθεσαν στην εξέλιξη του επαγγέλματος μια επιχειρησιακή αντίληψη βασισμένη στη ροή των πληροφοριών, ως μια τρίτη παράμετρο πέραν της αρχιτεκτονικής ως τέχνη και ως επιστήμη. Σε μία εποχή όπου ο όρος “αρχιτεκτονική σύνθεση” επαναπροσδιορίστηκε ως “αρχιτεκτονικός σχεδιασμός.” Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, το Architectural Record ανέλαβε το καθήκον της εξυπητέτησης των αναγκών των αρχιτεκτόνων σε μια μετα-βιομηχανική εποχή ·της πληροφορίας και της επιχειρηματικότητας. Και παρόλο που αρχικά τα περιοδικά αποσκοπούσαν στην παρακολούθηση των αρχιτεκτονικών εξελίξεων, και στη μετάδοση αρχιτεκτονικών εικόνων, κατά το 1967 οι συντάκτες του Record εκπαίδευαν, συμβούλευαν και καθοδηγούσαν το επάγγελμα προς τις νέες του αγορές. Ιδιαίτερα η πορεία αυτή κορυφώθηκε με τη σειρά άρθρων που επιμελήθηκαν οι συντάκτες του Architectural Record καθ’ όλη τη δεκαετία του 1960’ υπό τον τίτλο “η εικόνα του αρχιτέκτονα,” η οποία αποδεικνύει το φαινόμενο της διαχείρισης του δημόσιου προφίλ του αρχιτεκτονικού επαγγέλματος από όμαδες συμφερόντων των Μέσων Μαζικής Ενημέρωσης (lobbying). Ένα φαινόμενο που ακόμα επηρεάζει την πρακτική της αρχιτεκτονικής του 21ου αιώνα. Αλλά πέρα από οποιοδήποτε θεωρητικό νήμα, η διατριβή ασχολείται με την ιστορία των ανθρώπων και των γεγονότων που συντελέστηκαν πίσω από τις σελίδες του σημαντικότατου αυτού περιοδικού.
Los/as trabajadores/as de plataforma en el marco del Derecho europeo.
Authors: Bazzani Tania
Published: January 2024

Este artículo trata de entender el camino de las instituciones europeas para reforzar la protección de los trabajadores de plataformas y lo que significaría introducir una definición europea de trabajador. Para ello, se revisará la principal jurisprudencia del Tribunal de Justicia de la Unión Europea relativa al concepto de trabajador, el intento de definición legal de trabajador a nivel europeo, las directrices de la Comisión Europea para la regulación del régimen jurídico de determinados tipos de autónomos y, por último, la propuesta de directiva para los trabajadores de plataformas.
Honey dressing for penile skin avulsion caused by traditional circumcision: a case report
Authors: Suryadinata Kevin Leonard , Song Agustini , Yovita Nabila Viera
Published: January 2024

Objective:

Penile skin avulsion is a rare complication of circumcision but commonly encountered as the result of traditional practice. We aimed to present the use of honey dressing and the benefit of its wound healing properties for management of such a complex wound.

Case:

A 24-year-old male patient with penile bleeding presented to the emergency department after undergoing traditional circumcision. Complete degloving of the penis with active bleeding and foul odour, along with heavy contamination of chewed betel leaves and powdered amoxicillin was found. Honey (Madu Nusantara, PT. Madu Nusantara, Indonesia) was used as dressing after copious irrigation using saline and povidone-iodine with bleeding control.

Results:

Honey dressing was shown to be effective for secondary wound healing of such a complicated and contaminated wound—in this case due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulatory and autolytic debridement properties. A complete re-epithelialisation of the wound was achieved without progression to the hard-to-heal state by day 43. Suboptimal sexual function and aesthetic result due to wound contracture were observed as surgical reconstruction via split-thickness skin graft was refused due to cost.

Conclusion:

In this case report, honey dressing was shown to be effective for wound healing, even in a penile avulsion with complete skin loss and heavy contamination. In rural settings, where penile avulsion due to traditional circumcision is common, honey should be considered as one of the dressing choices.
Use of artificial intelligence in the field of pain medicine
Authors: Chang Min Cheol
Published: January 2024

In this editorial we comment on the article “Potential and limitations of ChatGPT and generative artificial intelligence in medial safety education” published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases . This article described the usefulness of artificial intelligence (AI) in medial safety education. Herein, we focus specifically on the use of AI in the field of pain medicine. AI technology has emerged as a powerful tool, and is expected to play an important role in the healthcare sector and significantly contribute to pain medicine as further developments are made. AI may have several applications in pain medicine. First, AI can assist in selecting testing methods to identify causes of pain and improve diagnostic accuracy. Entry of a patient’s symptoms into the algorithm can prompt it to suggest necessary tests and possible diagnoses. Based on the latest medical information and recent research results, AI can support doctors in making accurate diagnoses and setting up an effective treatment plan. Second, AI assists in interpreting medical images. For neural and musculoskeletal disorders, imaging tests are of vital importance. AI can analyze a variety of imaging data, including that from radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, to identify specific patterns, allowing quick and accurate image interpretation. Third, AI can predict the outcomes of pain treatments, contributing to setting up the optimal treatment plan. By predicting individual patient responses to treatment, AI algorithms can assist doctors in establishing a treatment plan tailored to each patient, further enhancing treatment effectiveness. For efficient utilization of AI in the pain medicine field, it is crucial to enhance the accuracy of AI decision-making by using more medical data, while issues related to the protection of patient personal information and responsibility for AI decisions will have to be addressed. In the future, AI technology is expected to be innovatively applied in the field of pain medicine. The advancement of AI is anticipated to have a positive impact on the entire medical field by providing patients with accurate and effective medical services.