bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time to Relapse and Relapse Predictors in Patients with Schizophrenia at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Hareru Habtamu Endashaw , Gezae Kebede Embaye , W/tsadik Daniel Sisay , Gebregergs Gebremedhin Berhe
Published: May 2023

Background. Rehospitalization, treatment resistance, and impairment are all possible outcomes of a schizophrenia relapse, which has a severe impact on patients, families, and the healthcare system. However, little is known regarding the time to relapse and relapse predictors in Ethiopia and in the study settings. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the time to relapse and relapse predictors in patients with schizophrenia at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northern Ethiopia. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was carried out among 273 schizophrenia patients discharged from Ayder Comprehensive and Specialty Hospital between January 2015 and January 2019. The data was taken from the patient’s medical record and was chosen using a systematic random sampling procedure. A standardized data collection checklist was employed. The survival experiences of participants were compiled using a life table. Both univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used for variable selection. Finally, after confirming the model’s diagnosis and assumptions, factors with a

p

value of less than 0.05 were declared to be statistically significant predictors of schizophrenia relapse. Results. In this study, the incidence of relapse was 2.9 per 100 person-months (PMs) and the median time to relapse of 13 months (interquartile range: 6–23 months). Being divorced (

AHR
=
2.50

, 95% CI: 1.18-5.28), not adhering to treatment (

AHR
=
5.7

, 95% CI: 3.03-10.74), and substance abuse (

AHR
=
1.8

, 95% CI: 1.01-3.22) were risk factors for increasing schizophrenia relapse. Age (

AHR
=
0.65

, 95% CI: 0.34-0.88) and length of first hospitalization (

AHR
=
0.69

, 95% CI: 0.57-0.86) were factors that decreased schizophrenia relapse. Conclusion and Recommendation. In this study, out of 100 patients with schizophrenia followed up for a month, three had a relapse, and the highest risk factor for relapse was treatment nonadherence, followed by being divorced and substance misuse. As a result, it is advised that all parties involved focus on early detection and taking preventive measures against schizophrenia relapse, as well as providing regular psychoeducation about the significance of treatment adherence and connecting patients with substance misuse to substance rehabilitation centers.
Evaluation of Antidiabetic Effect of Combined Leaf and Seed Extracts of Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) on Alloxan-Induced Diabetes in Mice: A Biochemical and Histological Study
Authors: Aljazzaf Badriyah , Regeai Sassia , Elghmasi Sana , Alghazir Nadia , Balgasim Amal , Hdud Ismail Ismail M. , Eskandrani Areej A. , Shamlan Ghalia , Alansari Wafa S. , AL-Farga Ammar , Alghazeer Rabia
Published: May 2023

Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) is a medicinal plant rich in biologically active compounds. The aim of the present study was to screen M. oleifera methanolic leaf (L) extract, seed (S) extract, and a combined leaf/seed extract (2L : 1S ratio) for antidiabetic and antioxidant activities in mice following administration at a dose level of 500 mg/kg of body weight/day. Diabetes was induced by alloxan administration. Mice were treated with the extracts for 1 and 3 months and compared with the appropriate control. At the end of the study period, the mice were euthanized and pancreas, liver, kidney, and blood samples were collected for the analysis of biochemical parameters and histopathology. The oral administration of the combined L/S extract significantly reduced fasting blood glucose to normal levels compared with L or S extracts individually; moreover, a significant decrease in cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, liver enzymes, and oxidant markers was observed, with a concomitant increase in antioxidant biomarkers. Thus, the combined extract has stronger antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant properties than the individual extracts. The histopathological results also support the biochemical parameters, showing recovery of the pancreas, liver, and kidney tissue. The effects of the combined L/S extracts persisted throughout the study period tested. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report on the antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antihyperlipidemic effects of a combined L/S extract of M. oleifera in an alloxan-induced diabetic model in mice. Our results suggest the potential for developing a natural potent antidiabetic drug from M. oleifera; however, clinical studies are required.
Overlaid Transcriptional and Proteome Analyses Identify Mitotic Kinesins as Important Targets of Arylsulfonamide-Mediated RBM39 Degradation
Authors: Coomar Seemon , Mota Pedro , Penson Alexander , Schwaller Jürg , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Gillingham Dennis
Published: May 2023

Certain arylsulfonamides (ArSulf) induce an interaction between the E3 ligase substrate adaptor DCAF15 and the critical splicing factor RBM39, ultimately causing its degradation. However, degradation of a splicing factor introduces complex pleiotropic effects that are difficult to untangle, since, aside from direct protein degradation, downstream transcriptional effects also influence the proteome. By overlaying transcriptional data and proteome datasets, we distinguish transcriptional from direct degradation effects, pinpointing those proteins most impacted by splicing changes. Using our workflow, we identify and validate the upregulation of the arginine-and-serine rich protein (RSRP1) and the downregulation of the key kinesin motor proteins KIF20A and KIF20B due to altered splicing in the absence of RBM39. We further show that kinesin downregulation is connected to the multinucleation phenotype observed upon RBM39 depletion by ArSulfs. Our approach should be helpful in the assessment of potential cancer drug candidates which target splicing factors.

Implications:

Our approach provides a workflow for identifying and studying the most strongly modulated proteins when splicing is altered. The work also uncovers a splicing-based approach toward pharmacologic targeting of mitotic kinesins.
Feasibility and Safety of Personalized, Multi-Target, Adoptive Cell Therapy (IMA101): First-in-Human Clinical Trial in Patients with Advanced Metastatic Cancer
Authors: Tsimberidou Apostolia M. , Guenther Kerstin , Andersson Borje S. , Mendrzyk Regina , Alpert Amir , Wagner Claudia , Nowak Anna , Aslan Katrin , Satelli Arun , Richter Fabian , Kuttruff-Coqui Sabrina , Schoor Oliver , Fritsche Jens , Coughlin Zoe , Mohamed Ali S. , Sieger Kerry , Norris Becky , Ort Rita , Beck Jennifer , Vo Henry Hiep , Hoffgaard Franziska , Ruh Manuel , Backert Linus , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Fuhrmann David , Ibrahim Nuhad K. , Morris Van Karlyle , Kee Bryan K. , Halperin Daniel M. , Nogueras-Gonzalez Graciela M. , Kebriaei Partow , Shpall Elizabeth J. , Vining David , Hwu Patrick , Singh Harpreet , Reinhardt Carsten , Britten Cedrik M. , Hilf Norbert , Weinschenk Toni , Maurer Dominik , Walter Steffen
Published: May 2023

IMA101 is an actively personalized, multi-targeted adoptive cell therapy (ACT), whereby autologous T cells are directed against multiple novel defined peptide-HLA (pHLA) cancer targets. HLA-A*02:01-positive patients with relapsed/refractory solid tumors expressing ≥1 of 8 predefined targets underwent leukapheresis. Endogenous T cells specific for up to 4 targets were primed and expanded in vitro. Patients received lymphodepletion (fludarabine, cyclophosphamide), followed by T-cell infusion and low-dose IL2 (Cohort 1). Patients in Cohort 2 received atezolizumab for up to 1 year (NCT02876510). Overall, 214 patients were screened, 15 received lymphodepletion (13 women, 2 men; median age, 44 years), and 14 were treated with T-cell products. IMA101 treatment was feasible and well tolerated. The most common adverse events were cytokine release syndrome (Grade 1, n = 6; Grade 2, n = 4) and expected cytopenias. No patient died during the first 100 days after T-cell therapy. No neurotoxicity was observed. No objective responses were noted. Prolonged disease stabilization was noted in three patients lasting for 13.7, 12.9, and 7.3 months. High frequencies of target-specific T cells (up to 78.7% of CD8+ cells) were detected in the blood of treated patients, persisted for >1 year, and were detectable in posttreatment tumor tissue. Individual T-cell receptors (TCR) contained in T-cell products exhibited broad variation in TCR avidity, with the majority being low avidity. High-avidity TCRs were identified in some patients’ products. This study demonstrates the feasibility and tolerability of an actively personalized ACT directed to multiple defined pHLA cancer targets. Results warrant further evaluation of multi-target ACT approaches using potent high-avidity TCRs.

See related Spotlight by Uslu and June, p. 865
Ethnicity, Immunity, and Outcomes: Biology versus Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Bergin Alice R.T. , Salgado Roberto , Loi Sherene
Published: May 2023

Substantial advances in our understanding of breast cancer disease biology have led to marked improvements in cancer outcomes over the past two decades. These advances have largely focused on women from developed, high-income countries and as a result, significant disparities exist. In this issue, Bauer and colleagues provide new insight into the breast cancer immune microenvironment from women across geographic regions in sub-Saharan Africa, despite inherent infrastructure limitations. The study amassed data from 1,497 women from sub-Saharan Africa, and 117 women from Germany with breast cancer, suggesting regional variation in immune composition but with no significant prognostic impact. These important findings require validation in large, codesigned prospective studies to fully understand the impact of biology, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status on breast cancer outcomes.

See related article by Bauer et al., p. 720 (2) .
O papel das mulheres indígenas na construção do conhecimento
Authors: Galvão Sofia Carvalho
Published: May 2023

O objetivo desse artigo é entender o papel das mulheres indígenas na construção da teoria de conhecimento indígena marubo. Para isso, parte de um mapeamento da discussão de gênero nas terras indígenas sul-americanas e estabelece um diálogo com a forma como uma pesquisadora indígena trata da construção do conhecimento marubo através do saber das mulheres na produção artesanal. O artigo atesta a existência de uma complementariedade de gênero na construção da teoria de conhecimento marubo através do saber xamânico dos homens e do saber-fazer das mulheres que é mobilizado intergeracionalmente. Portanto, a principal contribuição dessa pesquisa se dá na possiblidade de pensar em uma interpretação da antropologia marubo por meio do saber das mulheres que se constitui como teoria do conhecimento.
Visit-to-Visit Blood Pressure Variability and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients Receiving Intensive Versus Standard Blood Pressure Control: Insights From the STEP Trial
Authors: Yu Jiachen , Song Qirui , Bai JingJing , Wu Shouling , Bu Peili , Li YuFeng , Cai Jun
Published: May 2023

Background:

The clinical prognostic value of visit-to-visit blood pressure (BP) variability (BPV) is debatable, and relative studies among patients receiving BP control to achieve lower BP targets are limited.

Methods:

We analyzed a dataset from the STEP trail (Strategy of Blood Pressure Intervention in the Elderly Hypertensive Patients) to investigate the relationship between visit-to-visit BPV and cardiovascular events in patients with hypertensive aged 60 to 80 years. Visit-to-visit BPV was defined as the coefficient of variation, SD, delta, average real variability, and variability independent of the mean of BP measured at 6-, 9-, 12-, 15-, and 18-month follow-up visits. We computed hazard ratios for the risks associated with a 1-SD increase in BPV indexes in multivariable cox regression models.

Results:

Among 7678 patients from the STEP trial, after adjustment for multiple confounders, diastolic BPV indexes were significantly associated with the primary composite end point (hazard ratios ≥1.21;
P
≤0.029) in the standard group, while there was no association between the clinical outcomes and systolic BPV (
P
≥0.091). In the intensive treatment group, either systolic or diastolic BPV was no association with clinical outcomes(
P
≥0.30). Sensitivity analyses using an alternative method to calculate BPV based on 7 BP records generated confirmatory results.

Conclusions:

In older adults with hypertension, visit-to-visit diastolic BPV is an independent predictor of adverse health outcomes in the standard treatment group. However, BPV did not have prognostic value in the intensive treatment group.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03015311.
Association Between Chronic Hypertension and the Risk of 12 Cardiovascular Diseases Among Parous Women: The Role of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Al Khalaf Sukainah , Chappell Lucy C. , Khashan Ali S. , McCarthy Fergus P. , O’Reilly Éilis J.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Evidence on the association between chronic hypertension and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in mothers with adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) is limited. We investigated the association between chronic hypertension and risk of CVD, considering the role of APOs.

Methods:

We used linked electronic health records in the CALIBER platform to define a UK cohort of women with recorded births between 1997 and 2016. We conducted multivariable Cox regression to estimate the association between chronic hypertension, with and without APOs, and 12 subsequent CVD events.

Results:

The study cohort comprised 1 784 247 births (1.2 million women); of these 12 698 (0.71%) records had chronic hypertension, and 16 499 women had incident CVD during follow-up, of which 66% occurred in women under 40 years. Chronic hypertension (versus no chronic hypertension) was associated with a 2-fold higher risk of first subsequent CVD (adjusted hazard ratios, 2.22 [95% CI, 2.03–2.42]). Compared to normotensive women without APOs, the associations were the strongest in women with chronic hypertension and APOs across the 12 CVD outcomes, varying from 9.65 (5.96–15.6) for heart failure to 2.66 (2.17–3.26) for stable angina. In women with chronic hypertension without APOs, adjusted hazard ratios varied from 5.25 (3.47–7.94) for subarachnoid hemorrhage to 1.26 (0.59–2.67) for peripheral arterial disease. In women with APOs, but without chronic hypertension, adjusted hazard ratios varied from 3.27 (2.48–4.31) for intracerebral hemorrhage to 1.33 (1.26–1.41) for stable angina.

Conclusions:

We found strong associations between chronic hypertension and the risk of premature CVD, with greater risk in women who additionally had APOs. Intervention programs focused on these groups might lower their risk of subsequent CVD.
Built-In Self Test (BIST) Architecture Simulation for Testing Crosstalk Effects in Array Structured Through Silicon Vias (TSV) in 3DICs
Authors: Praveen Kumar Reddy K. , Bennila Thangammal C. , Rangarajan P.
Published: May 2023

In this research, a BIST (built in self test) architecture for testing crosstalk effects in highly dense Through Silicon Via (TSV) placed in structured array form, in 3DICs (Three Dimensional integrated circuits), designed and simulated using the Xilinx ISE tool and the VHDL language.
A novel methodology is proposed, and simulated, to observe the test responses of the victim TSVs in the chosen group simultaneously. Boundary-scan cell structures are modified, created for the purpose of operating in different modes such as shift, update and capture in either conventional
serial shift mode as well as in proposed parallel broadcasting mode. Output Response Analyzers (ORA), or signature analyzers that have been simulation-verified. In this study, we suggested a novel encoder-based signature generator to locate faulty TSVs in the parallel-observed TSVs. This paper
discusses the whole BIST architecture, the BIST controller built on an algorithmic state machine, the design of TPG (Test Pattern Generator), and the faulty TSV signature generator. Comparing the BIST architecture, to serial shift based interconnect tests done by IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG) such as
EXTEST and IEEE 1838 standards, the test’s time complexity of BIST is relatively very low. The entire TSV array test is completed in just 32 clock cycles. The design is adaptable and can be used to broadcast test patterns to a group or to transmit test patterns serially using IEEE 1838
or 1149.1.
Improving the quality of grapes by coating chitosan–zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Kadi Roqayah H.
Published: May 2023

The current work aimed to improve the grape nutritional quality, by coating applications through the combined treatment of chitosan–zinc oxide nanoparticles and essential oil. Four coating syntheses have been prepared. The control was prepared with the addition of distilled water,
1% glycerol, and 0.5% acetic acid, the second treatment chitosan (CS) was prepared by mixing 1 g chitosan powder with 0.5% acetic acid solution, 1% glycerol, and stirred for 12 hours at a temperature of 40 °C, the third treatment CS-ZNO was prepared with 1% zinc oxide nanoparticles and
CS mother solution, while the fourth treatment (CS-ZNO-EO) synthesis was prepared to blend CS-ZNO with 1% essential bergamot oil (BO). Several physical, chemical and biological parameters evaluation was carried out on grapes every (0, 4, 7, 14, and 16 days). The study findings revealed that
the berry abscission index was positively affected by CS-NZO and CS-NZO-EO treatments, which presented lower values of 2.58% and 1.77% respectively. The inhibitory effects were increased during the whole shelf life to reach 3.62–5.47 Log CFU/Berry at the end of the storage period, nevertheless
of the orders of the various treatments. The maximum decrease in microbial contamination (3.62 Log CFU/Berry) was observed in the CS-NZO-EO treated samples on the 16th day. Though, the lowest soluble solid content (SSC) value was established by the control that was the worst to reach 12.11%
towards the end of the storage period. In the same trend, CS-NZO and CS treatments recorded similar values of 13.5% and 12.78%, respectively. The lowest value for titratable acidity (TA) was detected for the control samples on the 16th day of storage 0.32 g/100 g citric acid. The highest TA
value was established for CS-NZO-EO and CS treatments that reported 0.46 g/100 g and 0.45 g/100 g citric acid, respectively. The value of catalase enzyme activity (CAT) reached the bottom 21.55 U/g after 16 days for control samples. CS-NZO increased again between 14 and16 days to achieve the
highest value of 39.74 U/g; while the CAT activity of grape samples coated with single CS or CS-NZO-EO detected increases on the 16th day to reach 38.47 and 32.74 U/g, respectively. Further studies on combined treatment therapy are needed to optimize the applications of the protective coating
of foods in the food industry.
Analysis of relationship between P53 and NM23 tumor markers with short and mid-term prognosis after receiving folinic acid, fluorouracil and oxaliplatin
Authors: Dong Jie , Zhang Peng , Zhou Zhimei , Yu Fangfang
Published: May 2023

This study assesses the prognosis of bone tumor chemotherapy. The expressions of P53 and NM23 were measured to analyze their relationship. The curative effect distributions of patients with positive and negative expression of P53 were not the same (x2 =10.513, P
=0.016). P53 positive level was associated with nausea and vomiting (x2 = 18.664, P <0.05), oral mucositis (x2 = 23.346, P <0.05) and diarrhea (x2 = 16.514, P < 0.05), as well as incidence of complications.
The 3-year survival rate was 38.3% for patients with P53 positive level and 31.4% for patients with negative, with a significant difference (Log rank x2 = 6.417, P = 0.011, HR = 1.784, 95%CI: 1.084–2.936). Adjuvant chemotherapy is an important treatment for osteosarcoma,
but it has not achieved satisfactory outcomes in terms of improving the prognosis, and there are still problems of high recurrence and metastasis rates after surgery. After osteosarcoma treatment, it is faced tumor recurrence and metastasis and bone repair. The precise exploration of prognostic
targets participates in this disease. This study thus explored the prognosis of two important tumor suppressor genes, and herein results showed that, the expression of human tumor suppressor gene P53 has an important effect on bone tumor patients receiving Folinic acid, fluorouracil and oxaliplatin
(FOLFOX). The curative effect and safety of chemotherapy have a certain predictive effect, and play an important guiding role in tumor metastasis and recurrence after treatment, among which P53 can also predict the mid-term survival of patients.
Therapeutic effect of imatinib-loaded hydrogels on leukemia by inhibiting excessive apoptosis of white blood cells
Authors: Zhang Ying , Shen Huijun , Shi Wudan
Published: May 2023

Chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) refers to a malignant proliferative disease of the bone marrow characterized by abnormalities of multipotent stem cells on the Philadelphia chromosome and accounts for approximately 20% of all leukemias. Imatinib is widely used in the treatment of CML
patients because of its unique mechanism of action and high specificity. In this study, imatinib-loaded hydrogels were prepared from the natural polysaccharide hyaluronic acid and carboxymethyl chitosan. SEM results showed that the hydrogels had a macroporous structure with interconnected
pores inside. CCK-8 results indicated that the hydrogels could significantly reduce the viability of leukocytes. In addition, the hydrogel increased the expression of BCL-2 with increasing dose and is promising to be used as a drug carrier material for leukemia treatment.
Study on inhibitory effect of GC-miR-143 inhibitor nanoparticles on D2 receptor-mediated neurological behavioral damage in lacunar infarction
Authors: He Yuli , Feng Xiaopeng , Luo Yan , Deng Zhongyue , Wu Xuefen , Huang Rong
Published: May 2023

Blocking the dopamine D2 receptor is a key link in anti-psychiatric disease. Knockdown of miR-143 improved neurological behavioral damage by regulating the D2 receptor signaling pathway. The risk of neurological behavior damage can be increased 20 times by 1–2 lacunar infarction
lesions. Based on the fact that miR-143 can target and regulate the D2 receptor signaling pathway, this study focused on analyzing the inhibitory effect of GC-miR-143 inhibitor nanoparticles on neurological behavior damage in lacunar infarction. 60 SD rats were separated into sham operation,
model, vehicle, vehicle+inhibitor, inhibitor, or D2 agonist group (n = 10). The vascular dementia (VD) model was made by ligating bilateral common carotid arteries. Morris water maze assessed rats behavioral changes. Quantitative Real-Time Reverse Transcription PCR (QRT-PCR) was applied
to detect levels of miRNA-143. Proteins were extracted from the prefrontal cortex, and immunoblotting was performed to measure the downstream of signal proteins of Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) and D2 receptor signaling pathways, p-protein kinase B (AKT) and p-Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β
(GSK3β). On days 1 to 5 of the water maze experiment, the escape latency for the five groups of rats were longer than in sham group; while escape latency for vehicle+inhibitor group and inhibitor group was shorter. Compared to VD model rats, vehicle+inhibitor group and inhibitor
group had significantly reduced escape latency. Cross-platform time number for five groups was decreased and it was increased in vehicle+inhibitor group and inhibitor group with decreased number for D2 agonist group w. Compared with D2 agonist group, the vehicle+inhibitor group and inhibitor
group showed more cross-platform times. Compared to sham operation group, levels of NRG1, p-AKT/GSK3β in remaining five groups were significantly decreased. Their levels in vector+inhibition group and inhibitor group were dramatically up-regulated, and levels of the above-mentioned
proteins in D2 agonist group were significantly decreased. Their levels in vector+inhibitor group and inhibitor group were up-regulated relative to D2 agonist group. The GC-miR-143 inhibitor nanoparticles can up-regulate the expression of NRG1 and antagonize the D2 receptor to weaken the inhibitory
effect of D2 receptor-mediated signaling pathways and inhibit neurological behavioral damage in lacunar cerebral infarction.
Stress and deformation control of prestressed concrete beams with corrugated web
Authors: Zhang Jun , Xu Liuliang , Chang Junjie , Lu Xinyuan
Published: May 2023

Under unidirectional loading, the material composition and joint arrangement of prestressed concrete beams with corrugated steel webs are determined by deformation stress parameters. Furthermore, using the combined analysis method of longitudinal loading and mechanical parameters, a
stress and deformation control model of prestressed concrete beams with corrugated steel webs under unidirectional loading is established. In this paper, the corrugated steel webs are studied experimentally and theoretically, and numerical simulations are carried out. In this paper, by establishing
the relationship between the grain friction angle and roughness of corrugated steel web prestressed concrete beams under uniaxial strain and using concrete loading mode, the forces of corrugated steel web prestressed concrete beams under uniaxial strain are calculated and adaptively regulated.
The experimental results show that the algorithm can accurately estimate and control the deformation and stress of Prestressed concrete beams under uniaxial strain. The grain size parameters of prestressed beams with corrugated steel webs under unidirectional loading were studied, and their
mechanical properties were optimized.
Postoperative Capnocytophaga Sputigena Presenting as Diffuse Recalcitrant Intra-abdominal Abscesses
Authors: Joglekar Ria , DeSantis Anthony J. , Lynch Catherine , Lorch Steven
Published: May 2023

Capnocytophaga sputigena is rarely implicated as the cause of postsurgical intra-abdominal abscess because it is almost exclusively found in oral flora. Despite its rarity in intra-abdominal infection, there are examples of this atypical presentation, and an awareness of this organism as a potential etiology of surgical infection is relevant for both obstetric and general surgeons. We report a case of a young female who presented just over a week after an uncomplicated C-section with complaint of abdominal discomfort and fevers. Imaging revealed multiple intra-abdominal fluid collections and cultures revealed the presence of C. sputigena. Percutaneous drainage and intravenous antibiotics were unable to provide significant source control, so she underwent surgical exploration with a multi-specialty team of obstetric and acute care surgeons. Although postsurgical pelvic abscesses are rarely due to C. sputigena, this organism has been documented to serve as a source of intra-abdominal infection.
The Effect of Vancomycin and Piperacillin-Tazobactam on Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Obesity
Authors: Wuerger Angela , Bowden Jarred , Mitchell Anna , Marler Jacob
Published: May 2023

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that administration of combination vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam (VPT) increases the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) beyond that of vancomycin alone. But these investigations have not evaluated AKI risk specifically in an increasingly prevalent obese population in whom VPT pharmacokinetics are altered. Objective: To evaluate AKI risk with VPT administration to patients with obesity. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study of obese patients admitted to 2 separate academic teaching hospitals from January 2010 to December 2021, who received VPT, or vancomycin plus either cefepime, meropenem, or ceftazidime. The primary outcome evaluated AKI when patients were treated with or without VPT. Results: A total of 227 patients were evaluated (114 in VPT, vs 113 in control group). Overall, body mass index (35.6 kg/m2 ± 4.8vs 36.1 kg/m2 ± 5.2; P = .44) was similar between the VPT and control groups respectively. Total vancomycin dose on day 1 of antibiotic therapy (3,432 mg ± 935 vs 2,732 mg ± 912; P < .01) and nephrotoxin administration (75.4% vs 62.8%; P = .04) were higher in the VPT group. Incidence of AKI was higher in the VPT group (37.7%vs 14.2%; P = .01) and on regression analysis VPT was predictive of developing AKI (OR = 3.9; 95% CI = 2.0-7.7; P < .01). Conclusion and Relevance: In this retrospective study, the incidence of AKI was increased in obese patients receiving therapy with VPT. Vancomycin combination therapy with ceftazidime, cefepime, and meropenem appeared to be safe and was associated with less nephrotoxicity. Cautious use of VPT and further investigation with larger studies are warranted in this area.
Faith-based rehabilitation for drug abuse in Indonesia: A spiritual approach of social work
Authors: Apsari Nurliana Cipta , Taftazani Budi Muhammad , Santoso Meilanny Budiarti
Published: May 2023

Indonesia is in a state of drug emergency, both for the misuse and the distribution of drugs. Various institutions for drug abuse rehabilitation have been established, including Islamic-based rehabilitation using ritual spiritualism aimed at replacing habits of drug use with habits of ritual Islamic religious practice. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, the study describes the rehabilitation process at a faith-based rehabilitation centre and analyses the process from the spiritual approach of social work. The result shows long-term ritual religious activities have replaced the drug abusers’ behaviours. To avoid drug abusive behaviour, further processes to strengthen drug-free behaviours are necessary.
Experimental optimization of Al2O3 microparticles ratio in epoxy layered glass fiber to improve tensile fatigue performance
Authors: Ergün Raşit K , Köse Hüseyin
Published: May 2023

The mechanical properties of composites produced without additives are limited by the matrix and fibers of constructed material. To increase the mechanical properties, micro or nano size particles can be added to the composite. In this study, [Formula: see text] particles with a purity of 98% and a size of 0–50 μm were added to the epoxy material in the ratios of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% by weight to optimize the parameter in order to enhance the mechanical properties of [110P/163 T/195T]s stacking sequenced woven composites. Tensile fatigue tests were performed with a computer-controlled fatigue test device with a 100 kN load cell, by applying [Formula: see text] load ratio, 6 Hz frequency, and sine wave load form. Fatigue tests were conducted at different load levels. As a result, increase between 119%-2441% was observed in the fatigue cycle of micro-[Formula: see text] reinforced woven composite materials compared to non-particles added epoxy woven composites. The highest damping rate was observed as 57.528 in 1% micro- [Formula: see text], and the lowest damping rate was observed as 26.312 in composite with no Al2O3 particles. The micro-structure morphologies of micro-Al2O3 reinforced woven composites were observed by SEM.
Age-Graded Heterogeneity in the Relationship Between Hours of Work and Crime
Authors: Jaynes Chae M. , Santos Mateus R. , Kortright Kelly E. , Devlin Deanna N.
Published: May 2023

Criminal justice researchers have focused on theoretical thresholds of work and their association with offending—such as “full-time” work among adults or “intense” work among adolescents. Despite the field’s reliance on these thresholds, there has been little empirical inquiry surrounding them. Using individual-level fixed effects and a sample of high-risk individuals, we evaluate age-graded heterogeneity in the relationship between hours of work and crime. Findings suggest that the association between hours of work and offending is negative and mostly linear among adults. However, the relationship is far more complex among adolescents, as it varies greatly by crime type and the specific number of hours worked. We discuss the practical implications of these findings with the suggestion that researchers and policy makers reconsider oversimplified work thresholds, as working more hours is not uniformly criminogenic among high-risk adolescents, whereas more hours worked is generally beneficial for young adults.
Fluid catalytic cracking process quality-driven fault detection based on partial least squares and deep feedforward neural network
Authors: Yang Jiandong , Li Jiangsheng , Yan Shifu , Wang Yangfeng , Zhang Ying , Yan Xuefeng
Published: May 2023

Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) is an important process in petroleum processing. Effective monitoring of the status and quality of FCC is vital. Accurate description of the relationship between process and quality variables is the basis of quality-driven monitoring. Many process variables affect the quality of FCC; some of these effects are linear, and others are nonlinear. We propose a combination method from the perspective of linearity and nonlinearity to improve the monitoring performance of FCC quality. Partial least squares (PLS) is initially used to extract linear features, and its residual space is saved as the input of the deep feedforward neural network (DFNN). DFNN is then used to extract nonlinear features for the further decomposition of subspaces. The PLS-DFNN method accurately describes processes involving linearity and nonlinearity. We construct three monitoring statistics to characterize the types of faults. The proposed method proves its excellent effect on a numerical simulation data set. It effectively distinguishes the types of faults on the Tennessee Eastman process data set, and the fault detection rate is superior to other related methods. Finally, we apply this method to the actual FCC and verify the superiority of this combination.
Thought and language: association of groupmindedness with young English-speaking children’s production of pronouns
Authors: Vasil Jared , Moore Charlotte , Tomasello Michael
Published: May 2023

Shared intentionality theory posits that at age 3, children expand their conception of plural agency to include 3- or more-person groups. We sought to determine whether this conceptual shift is detectable in children’s pronoun use. We report the results of a series of Bayesian hierarchical generative models fitted to 479 English-speaking children’s first-person plural, first-person singular, second-person, third-person plural, and third-person singular pronouns. As a proportion of pronouns, children used more first-person plural pronouns, only, after 3;0 compared to before. Additionally, children used more 1pp. pronouns when their mothers used more 1pp. pronouns. As a proportion of total utterances, all pronoun classes were used more often as children aged. These findings suggest that a shift in children’s social conceptualizations at age 3 is reflected in their use of 1pp. pronouns.
Identity and virtuality: The influence of personal profiles on social media on job search
Authors: Garrido-Pintado Pablo , García Huertas Juan Gabriel , Leal Diego Botas
Published: May 2023

This study explores the relationship between digital identity and employability, analysing how human resources departments review the digital profiles of potential candidates on social media platforms. The study created a questionnaire of 17 closed questions using variables, such as, basic demographic data and procedures of the recruitment process (analysis of social networks, use of Big Data and importance of the digital image of candidates). The study concluded that the information future candidates show on social media platforms is very important, even decisive, in recruitment. The study confirms the hypothesis that one’s digital identity on social media networks can negatively influence employment opportunities and even be a reason for the rejection of a candidate. Recruitment experts actively review candidates' presence on social media networks, both professional (LinkedIn) and personal platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
Computed tomography features of gastric leiomyoma versus gastric stromal tumor: a case–control study with propensity score matching
Authors: Wang Qi , Wang Lijia , Qi Xiaohui , Liu Xiang , Xie Qiao , Wang Yifeng , Shi Gaofeng
Published: May 2023

Objective

To differentiate gastric leiomyomas (GLs) and gastric stromal tumors (GSTs) based on preoperative enhanced computed tomography characteristics.

Methods

Twenty-six pathologically confirmed GLs were propensity score-matched to 26 GSTs in a 1:1 ratio based on sex, age, tumor site, and tumor size. Tumor shape and contour, mucosal ulceration, growth pattern, enhancement pattern and degree, longest diameter, and longest diameter/vertical diameter ratio were compared between the groups. Hemorrhage, calcification, peripheral invasion, and distant metastasis were also included in the regression analysis for differentiation of the two tumors.

Results

Mucosal ulceration was significantly more frequent in GSTs than GLs. The enhancement degree of GSTs was significantly higher than that of GLs in the arterial and portal venous phases. Using enhancement degrees of 18 HU and 23 HU in the arterial phase and venous phase as cutoff values, respectively, we found that an enhancement degree of <18 HU in the arterial phase was an independent influential factor for diagnosis of GLs. No significant differences were found in other morphological characteristics. GLs did not metastasize or invade adjacent tissues.

Conclusion

A low enhancement degree in GLs is the most valuable quantitative feature for differentiating these two similar tumors.
Factors associated with oxygen requirement and persistent symptoms 1 year after severe COVID-19 infection
Authors: Serrano María Natalia , Muñoz Oscar Mauricio , Rueda Camilo , Arboleda Alejandra Cañas- , Botero Juan David , Bustos Marlon Mauricio
Published: May 2023

Objective

We aimed to describe the prevalence and factors associated with the need for supplemental oxygen and persistent symptoms 1 year after severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

In this historical cohort and nested case–control study, we included adults with severe COVID-19 (requiring admission to the intensive care unit or invasive mechanical ventilation). We evaluated factors associated with a need for supplemental oxygen and persistent symptoms 1 year after severe infection.

Results

We included 135 patients (median age 62 years, 30% women). At 1-year follow-up, the main symptoms were dyspnea (32%), myalgia (9%), cough (7%), anxiety (4%), and depression (5%); 12.59% of patients had prolonged requirement for supplemental oxygen. Factors associated with a persistent requirement for supplemental oxygen were female sex (odds ratio 3.15, 95% confidence interval 1.11–8.90) and Charlson Comorbidity Index > 4 (odds ratio 1.60, 95% confidence interval 1.20–2.12).

Conclusions

We found that a high prevalence of supplemental oxygen requirement 1 year after severe COVID infection was associated with female sex and a baseline high rate of comorbidities. It is unknown whether this prevalence was related to other factors, such as the altitude at which patients lived. More than half of patients had prolonged post-COVID syndrome.
Tarde’s ancestors. Imitation and crowds from Hobbes to Locke
Authors: Turina Isacco
Published: May 2023

Sociological studies on imitation and crowds usually point to the late nineteenth-century French jurist and sociologist Gabriel Tarde as their forerunner. This article argues that a lively debate on those issues already existed in Europe in the late seventeenth century. A review of works by Hobbes, Spinoza, Malebranche and Locke will show how they commented upon the dangerous influence of charismatic leaders over excitable mobs or the ordinary occurrence of someone’s opinions or manners being subsequently imitated by others until they become a new fashion. These four authors developed distinct approaches to the study of imitation and crowds. I call them the ‘authoritarian’ (Hobbes), the ‘rationalist’ (Malebranche), the ‘affective’ (Spinoza) and the ‘liberal’ (Locke) frames. The authoritarian and the rationalist approaches easily lead to dismissive or hostile views, while the affective and the liberal ones may open the way to more sympathetic (or at least practical) assessments. This study aims to show that: a) early modern discussions on imitation and crowds made a significant contribution to the formation of the field of social sciences; and b) these classical authors may still prove valuable for understanding imitation and crowds in the twenty-first century, in regard to the digital environment as well.
Development and characterization of solvent-based 3D printed polylactic acid/45S5 bioactive glass composites for soft and hard tissue engineering
Authors: Dixit Garima , Pandey Pulak Mohan , Kaur Tejinder , Singh Neetu
Published: May 2023

With the benefit of offering hydrolysis breakdown and bio-resorption of its products, polylactic acid (PLA) is among the most frequently utilized polymers for many biomedical applications. Composites made of polylactic acid (PLA) and bioactive substances such as bioactive glass (BG) are developing as novel biomaterials because they comprise the mechanical properties and bioactivity of bioactive glass (BG) with the conformability and bio absorption of PLA. In this work, composites of PLA/BG were produced by employing the solvent-based three-dimensional printing process. To accomplish this, 0–2 wt% of BG particles (size ≤ 2 µm) were added to PLA. The resulting composite mix was then fed into a solvent-based 3D printer for the layer-by-layer construction of composites. According to the SEM/EDX investigation, BG particles were evenly dispersed throughout the polymer matrix which resulted in the interfacial bonding between them. FTIR and XRD analysis showed that PLA and BG did not interact chemically. All the composites were evaluated for cytocompatibility by in vitro cellular tests, which also proved their suitability as a substrate for NIH 3T3 cell adherence and growth. The composites were also found to be good in terms of hemocompatibility and platelet adhesion. In conclusion, additional studies on these materials were encouraged by the successful outcomes, which suggested that 3D-printed composite scaffolds consisting of PLA and BG particles might be useful in soft and hard tissue engineering.
Design optimization considering the stability constraint of the Hedge-algebras-based controller for building structures subjected to seismic excitations
Authors: Bui Van-Binh , Mac Thi-Thoa , Bui Hai-Le
Published: May 2023

This study investigates a multi-objective optimal solution for active Hedge-algebras-based control of building structures subjected to earthquakes. The stability condition of the system is considered the constraint in the optimization process. Values in reference ranges of the state variables and the control variable of the Hedge-algebras-based controller are considered as design variables. The objective functions simultaneously minimize the system’s peak relative displacement and absolute acceleration. The simulation results show that the optimized Hedge-algebras-based controllers have a higher efficiency than the published studies for primary objectives: the structure’s peak relative displacement and absolute acceleration. In addition, the Pareto front, representing a trade-off level between the above primary objectives, allows selecting the appropriate configuration of the controller for the controlled models.
Impulsive mean-square bounded consensus for multi-agent systems under hybrid attacks
Authors: Gao Anan , Hu Aihua , Jin Yinghua , Jiang Zhengxian
Published: May 2023

This article investigates the mean-square bounded consensus problem for nonlinear multi-agent systems under hybrid attacks composed of deception attacks and denial-of-service attacks. The network consists of a leader and several followers. The attacks can disrupt network connections and inject false data. Using an impulsive control approach, the mean-square bounded consensus is analyzed. Meanwhile, the upper bound of error is also calculated. Based on the knowledge of the Lyapunov stability theory, graph theory, and linear matrix inequalities, sufficient conditions for the mean-square bounded consensus of multi-agent systems are obtained. Finally, the feasibility and validity of the theoretical results are verified by the provided numerical simulations.
Different hydrological controls causing variable rates of Holocene peat growth in a lowland valley system, north-eastern Netherlands; implications for valley peatland restoration
Authors: Makaske Bart , Maas Gilbert J
Published: May 2023

The Drentsche Aa valley system in the glacial sandy landscape of the north-eastern Netherlands, is one of the many regional drainage systems in the north-western to central European Lowlands. Following deep incision in the Weichselian, ca 7 m of eutrophic peat has accumulated in the lower to middle reaches of the valley system in the Holocene, completely filling the Weichselian incision. We reconstructed the rate of water-level rise controlling peat growth at three locations in the valley system (representing the upper, middle and lower reaches), using 14C peat dates from compaction-free sampling sites on the sloping valley margin where the peat directly overlies the sandy Pleistocene subsurface. The 14C dates enabled the construction of curves showing the water-level evolution at each location. Our results show variable rates of Holocene peat growth in the valley system in response to different drivers of hydrological change: a strong increase in annual precipitation (onset Holocene), a decrease in evapotranspiration (10,000–8000 cal. years BP) and relative sea-level rise (after ~4500 cal. years BP). Because the identified hydrological controls on peat growth are regional, they probably ruled Holocene peat growth in many peat-filled valley systems in the north-western to central European Lowlands. Currently, there is growing attention for these valley systems in the context of European nature restoration efforts and climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. The present study underscores that large-scale hydrological measures outside the valley system are needed for restoration of degraded valley peatlands.
Measuring the Change in Soft Palate Length and Shape Following Maxillary Advancement: A Cohort Study in Patients with Orofacial Clefts
Authors: May Andrew , Richards Christina , Moore Mark
Published: May 2023

Objective

To evaluate a method of measuring the change in palatal length and shape following maxillary advancement using synchronous lateral videofluoroscopy and voice recording in order to understand how movement of the maxilla may affect VPI risk in patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P).

Design

Retrospective cohort study of children with cleft lip and/or palate.

Setting

Single center, tertiary children's hospital.

Participants

Patients with cleft lip and/or palate who underwent maxillary advancement between 2016–21 inclusive.

Interventions

Maxillary advancement surgery, including those who underwent concurrent mandibular procedures.

Main outcome measures

The length of the soft palate and the genu angle were measured throughout palatal dynamic range. Pre- and post-operative measurements were compared using a one sided T-test, with subgroup analysis for patients with clinical VPI.

Results

Ten patients were examined. The mean distance of maxillary advancement was 10.5 mm. The average increase in pre-genu soft palate length was 2.8 mm in the resting position and 2.9 mm in the closed position. The genu angle decreased in the closed position by 16.3 degrees.

Conclusions

The soft palate showed limited ability to lengthen following maxillary advancement and this may explain the risk of VPI. There was partial compensation by the muscle sling of the palate as demonstrated by a more acute post-operative genu angle and this suggests one reason for the variability of VPI reported. Future research is required to investigate how length and shape changes measured using this method can predict VPI risk.