bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Interactive Spectral Analysis Tool for Chemical Identification and Quantification of Gas-Phase Species in Complex Spectra
Authors: Thompson Christopher J. , Gallagher Neal B. , Hughey Kendall D. , Dunlap Megan K. , Myers Tanya L. , Johnson Timothy J.
Published: April 2023

A spectral analysis tool has been developed to interactively identify and quantify individual gas-phase species from complex infrared absorbance spectra obtained from laboratory or field data. The SpecQuant program has an intuitive graphical interface that accommodates both reference and experimental data with varying resolution and instrumental lineshape, as well as algorithms to readily align the wavenumber axis of a sample spectrum with the raster of a reference spectrum. Using a classical least squares model in conjunction with reference spectra such as those from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) gas-phase infrared database or simulated spectra derived from the HITRAN line-by-line database, the mixing ratio of each identified species is determined along with its associated estimation error. After correcting the wavelength and intensity of the field data, SpecQuant displays the calculated mixing ratio versus the experimental data for each analyte along with the residual spectrum with any or all analyte fits subtracted for visual inspection of the fit and residuals. The software performance for multianalyte quantification was demonstrated using moderate resolution (0.5 cm–1) infrared spectra that were collected during the time-resolved infrared photolysis of methyl iodide.
Sociological Futures and the Importance of the Past
Authors: Strangleman Tim
Published: April 2023

This article argues that in order to engage sociologically with the future the discipline needs to rediscover its historical imagination. It makes three main points. First is the idea that sociology needs to be more historical and to illustrate how this has been done well before. Second, it explores ideas, concepts and theories used in thinking about the past, which are in turn useful in organising how we imagine the future – in particular nostalgia, and especially that surrounding industry. Finally, it offers ways of thinking about the sociologically mediated relationship between past, present and future through the burgeoning field of deindustrialisation studies.
Politicized Tourism Consumption
Authors: Yang Michelle I-Chieh
Published: April 2023

This commentary examines the increasing politicization of tourism and attempts to theorize the phenomenon through a multilevel analysis. Tourism scholars have examined the link between politics and tourism through the prism of sustainability, terrorism, geopolitics, and tourism development. However, these studies have focused on different tourism activities or encounters without theorizing the relationship between politics and tourism consumption. This commentary argues that the increasing influence of nationalism in global politics, which also affects tourism consumption, requires a new conceptualization. The theoretical premise of political consumption is used to guide the multilevel (macro, meso, and micro) analysis of two recent tourist boycotts: 1) the THAAD incident between South Korea and China and 2) the APA boycott by Chinese tourists.
Analysing the brain networks corresponding to the facial contrast-chimeras
Authors: Maheshwari Jyoti , Choudhary Shubham , Joshi Shiv Dutt , Gandhi Tapan K
Published: April 2023

How humans recognise faces and objects effortlessly, has become a great point of interest. To understand the underlying process, one of the approaches is to study the facial features, in particular ordinal contrast relations around the eye region, which plays a crucial role in face recognition and perception. Recently the graph-theoretic approaches to electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis are found to be effective in understating the underlying process of human brain while performing various tasks. We have explored this approach in face recognition and perception to know the importance of contrast features around the eye region. We studied functional brain networks, formed using EEG responses, corresponding to four types of visual stimuli with varying contrast relationships: Positive faces, chimeric faces (photo-negated faces, preserving the polarity of contrast relationships around eyes), photo-negated faces and only eyes. We observed the variations in brain networks of each type of stimuli by finding the distribution of graph distances across brain networks of all subjects. Moreover, our statistical analysis shows that positive and chimeric faces are equally easy to recognise in contrast to difficult recognition of negative faces and only eyes.
Vibration transmitted to the hands of power drill operators: Effect of arm posture and type of drilled material
Authors: Nawayseh Naser , AlBaiti Saleh
Published: April 2023

This study investigated the effect of the arm posture and the type of material on the vibration measured at the hands during drilling operation. An experiment was conducted using three different materials (concrete, steel, and wood) and two different arm postures characterized as 90° and 180° angle between the upper arm and forearm. Six male subjects stood on a force platform to measure and control the feed force during the drilling operation. The vibration was measured at the interface between the drill and both hands. The results showed that the effect of arm posture was dependent on the type of material being drilled. For example, drilling in concrete yielded higher frequency-weighted acceleration with the 90° arm posture than the 180° posture while drilling in wood showed an opposite trend. The results tend to suggest no correlation between the material hardness and the vibration at the hands. Higher vibration was also observed at the right hand than the left hand. It is recommended to not use the vibration emission data reported by manufacturers of power tools to evaluate incidences of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) but to rely on real measurements taken in the field under typical operating conditions.
Potential Inhibitory Biomolecular Interactions of Natural Compounds With Different Molecular Targets of Diabetes
Authors: Akinnusi Precious A , Olubode Samuel O , Alade Adebowale A , Ashimi Aderemi A , Onawola Olamide L , Agbolade Abigail O , Emeka Adaobi P , Shodehinde Sidiqat A , Adeniran Olawole Y
Published: April 2023

Type II diabetes is an endemic disease and is responsible for approximately 90% to 95% of diabetes cases. The pathophysiological distortions are majorly β-cell dysfunction, insulin resistance, and long-term inflammation, which all progressively unsettle the control of blood glucose levels and trigger microvascular and macrovascular complications. The diverse pathological disruptions which patients with type II diabetes mellitus exhibit precipitate the opinion that different antidiabetic agents, administered in combination, might be required to curb this menace and maintain normal blood glucose. To this end, natural compounds were screened to identify small molecular weight compounds with inhibitory effects on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 (DPP-4), and α-amylase. From the result, the top 5 anthocyanins with the highest binding affinity are reported herein. Further ADMET profiling showed moderate pharmacokinetic profiles for these compounds as well as insignificant toxicity. Cyanidin 3-(p-coumaroyl)-diglucoside-5-glucoside (−15.272 kcal/mol), cyanidin 3-O-(6ʺ-malonyl-3ʺ-glucosyl-glucoside) (−9.691 kcal/mol), and delphinidin 3,5-O-diglucoside (−12.36 kcal/mol) had the highest binding affinities to PTP1B, DPP-4, and α-amylase, respectively, and can be used in combination to control glucose fluctuations. However, validations must be carried out through further in vitro and in vivo tests.
The Effect of Review Questions and Response Cards on Increases in Active, Accurate Responses by Spanish University Students
Authors: Ruiz-Olivares Rosario , Mesa Marién
Published: April 2023

The aims of this study were to compare the use of Review Questions (RQs) and RQs + Response Cards (RCs) in a Spanish university context; to observe which procedure most increases Active Student Responses (ASRs), to verify whether the use of these procedures improves the accuracy of students’ exam answers and, to observe whether unscheduled ASR increases under experimental conditions. 67 Spanish university students from a Spanish public university participated in the study. An A–B design of alternating treatments was used to compare the use of RQ and RQ + RC. The results showed that the condition RQ y RQ + RC increased the frequency of ASRs and RQ + RC improved the accuracy of students’ answers in online exams. There was also an upward trend in unscheduled ASRs during both conditions. The conclusion was that more research is needed to improve the daily teaching practice of university teachers by developing strategies to facilitate formative assessment, to improve ASR and, by extension, to improve the effectiveness of students’ final exam answers.
Systematic Review of Job Transition Programs Addressed to Youths With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Traina Ivan , Mannion Arlene , Gilroy Shawn P. , Leader Geraldine
Published: April 2023

This systematic review aimed to determine what existing job transition programs are evidence-based and methodologically founded. The PRISMA method was used for the review, and the inclusion criteria were to include studies where there were a description of transition programs and functional curriculum for acquiring employment competences; internship experiences in employment context; single-case or group-design studies with youths as participants; and diagnosis of intellectual disability. Forty-six studies were initially selected, and three final articles met all the criteria set for assessing the methodology quality. Although the review results show that more research is needed to provide empirical programs for enhancing the acquisition of employment capabilities, some evidence emerged from the analysis of studies. These concern mainly four aspects: curriculum contents facilitating the development of self-determination and the acquirement of job-related skills, chance to have individualized internships, support of job coaches, and technological solutions and programs anchored in community-based settings.
Failure or Reasonable Move?: Portrayal of American Pullout from Afghanistan in Russian and American International Media
Authors: Pjesivac Ivanka , Imre Iveta , Klein Leslie , Petrov Ana
Published: April 2023

This study examined competing narratives about the actions of the United States abroad through an analysis of 314 news items of the 2021 American withdrawal from Afghanistan by two media organizations: Russian Sputnik and American Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. The textual analysis revealed five dominant themes in Sputnik: Americans as losers and Taliban as winners, Americans as incompetent, Americans as unreliable, insensitive, and irresponsible, Americans as duplicitous, and Americans as a threat to world peace; and four dominant themes in RFE/RL: The Taliban taking over the country quickly, Americans successfully leading the evacuations, Americans having good faith and defending the decision to pull out, and Americans as naïve and lacking good judgment. The findings are interpreted in light of the image theory and second-level agenda setting theory.
An Adversarial Collaboration on Dirty Money
Authors: Tasimi Arber , Friedman Ori
Published: April 2023

Across four preregistered experiments on American adults (total N = 968), and five supplemental experiments (total N = 869), we examined four accounts that might explain people’s aversion to “dirty money” (i.e., money earned in immoral ways): (a) they think it is morally tainted, (b) they care about illicit ownership, (c) they do not wish to profit from moral transgressions, and (d) accepting dirty money might imply an endorsement of the immoral means by which the money was acquired. Participants were unwilling to accept or touch dirty money, but they were relatively willing to take dirty money when it is lost and found. Together these findings suggest that people’s aversion to dirty money stems from concerns about both moral taint and endorsing the way in which dirty money was acquired.
Antecedents of E-learning in undergraduate entrepreneurship education
Authors: Mensah Mavis SB , Arthur Keren NA , Mensah-Williams Enoch
Published: April 2023

This study examines the factors that influence the intention and actual use of e-learning in entrepreneurship education by undergraduate students. The paper relies on a predictive study design and the partial least squares structural equation modelling to analyse data from a cluster sample of 599 students from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. The results demonstrate that all the independent variables, assessed within a framework of an extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, determine students’ intention to use e-learning in entrepreneurship education. Of particular importance are the preponderant effects of hedonic motivation, facilitating conditions and social influence on students’ intention as well as the effect of intention and facilitating conditions on actual use of e-learning. A key implication of the findings is that students’ continuous acceptance and use of e-learning in undergraduate entrepreneurship course delivery is contingent upon adequate presence of all the examined predictors of technology usage.
A convoluted path to the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in a resource-limited setting
Authors: Sithole WC , Pillay S , Mbanjwa B , Magula N
Published: April 2023

Worldwide, chronic hepatitis B virus infection remains the main aetiology of hepatocellular carcinoma, while human immunodeficiency virus may hasten the evolution of hepatocellular carcinoma in those co-infected with hepatitis B virus/human immunodeficiency virus. We describe a 29-year-old female with unmonitored hepatitis B virus infection for over 5 years, human immunodeficiency virus disease on a tenofovir-based antiretroviral regimen for 11 months, who presented with a 2-week history of epistaxis and abnormal vaginal bleeding, associated with unintentional weight loss of 4 months duration. After extensive investigation, a definitive diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma was established based on histopathological assessment in the presence of a positive hepatitis B envelope antigen, mildly raised alpha feto-protein, and a non-cirrhotic liver. Periodic surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection is important, particularly in those with evidence of actively replicating hepatitis B virus for early detection and implementation of curative therapies to reduce mortality and morbidity.
Governing through big data: An ethnographic exploration of invisible lives in China's digital surveillance of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Zhang Liyuan , Rafiq Mohamed Y
Published: April 2023

Introduction/Background

Since 2020, China has implemented unprecedented digital health surveillance over citizens and residents in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We explore the implementation of Health Code ( jiankang ma), a contract-tracing and risk assessment app for coronavirus disease 2019, in China. By engaging with the concept of ‘ocular ethics’, we ask why and how some populations become invisible in China's Health Code surveillance system.

Methods

This study used an ethnographic approach to critically examine the role of digital technology in the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic governance. Three months of participant observation and 20 interviews were conducted to understand the design of Health Code and the situation of homeless population.

Results

We find that China's digital health surveillance during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has failed to cover the homeless population, who either fail to access Health Code or find ways to avoid its mandatory health surveillance. We further summarize four problems resulting in their exclusion, including the loss of ID cards, access to smartphones and phone numbers, problematic design and elastic surveillance, and the neglect of homeless community's precarious living situation.

Conclusion

Situating our work in the literature on theories of surveillance and anthropology of pandemics, we argue that without recognizing the structural problems embedded in homelessness, a large number of poor and homeless migrants are rendered invisible in this data-driven health surveillance, which further pushes them into social exclusion.
Police Recruits’ Cognitive Engagement in a Racial Literacy Education Program: Does Racial Ideology Matter?
Authors: Hoang Tuyet-Mai H. , Neville Helen A. , Smith Abisola , Valgoi Maria , Schlosser Michael , Cha-Jua Sundiata K.
Published: April 2023

Studies suggest shorter term racial diversity education is ineffective in changing police officers’ attitudes and behaviors, partly due to strong emotional reactions and resistance to this type of content ( Schlosser, 2013 ; Zimny, 2015 ). In this investigation, we explored across two studies whether police recruits’ racial beliefs were related to their level of cognitive engagement in a racial literacy education program. Consistent with the research hypothesis, findings from Study 1 with 81 mostly White male police recruits suggested that recruits with higher color-blind racial beliefs (i.e., greater denial or minimization of institutional racism) as assessed in the first two weeks of the academy were less cognitively engaged in 10 hours of racial literacy education that they received in the training academy. In Study 2, we replicated and extended the results with a separate sample of 74 police recruits. In addition to completing a measure of color-blind racial beliefs at the beginning of their training, participants completed evaluations after each of the three education sessions offered over the course of the police academy. Findings indicated that the recruits’ level of color-blind racial beliefs at the beginning of police academy was associated with lower cognitive engagement in the education sessions. Limitations of the findings are discussed as well as the implications for future evaluation and racism education programming efforts.
Patient Experience With an In-Home COVID Virtual Observation Unit: An Analysis
Authors: Hayden Emily M , Dorner Stephen C , Sonis Jonathan D , White Benjamin A
Published: April 2023

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to a novel, home-based COVID Virtual Observation Unit (CVOU) from an urban, university-affiliated emergency department with ∼112,000 annual visits. Telephone-based survey questions were administered by nursing staff working with the program. Of 402 patients enrolled in the CVOU, 221 (55%) were able to be contacted during the study period; 180 (45%) agreed to participate in the telephone interview. Overall, 95% (169 out of 177) of the surveyed patients reported 8 to 10 on the likelihood to recommend CVOU and 82% (100 out of 122) rated the quality of care as 10 out of 10. Over 90% of respondents reported that all role groups (nurses, paramedics, and physicians) treated them with courtesy and respect, explained things in an understandable way, and listened to them carefully. Over 80% of respondents reported that the program kept them at home. In summary, patient experiences with this novel home-based care program were highly positive. These data help underscore the importance of patient-centeredness in home-based care, and further support the concept of these innovative care models.
Sequential Bilateral Paracentral Acute Middle Maculopathy in a Middle-Aged Woman
Authors: Jabbehdari Sayena , Uwaydat Sami H.
Published: April 2023

Purpose: To present a case of sequential paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) in a middle-aged woman with no cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: A single case was evaluated. Results: A 53-year-old woman with a history of PAMM resulting from perfused central retinal artery occlusion in the left eye presented with PAMM in the right eye 3 years later. The patient had a medical history of treated anemia, stress disorder, and insomnia. Examination of the right eye showed a superior parafoveal crescent of translucent retina without associated edema or hemorrhage. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed hyperreflective band-like areas in the superior parafoveal and perifoveal regions. Fluorescein angiography revealed normal arterial filling. OCT angiography showed patchy filling of the middle capillary plexus with normal perfusion of the superficial capillary plexus in the right eye. Conclusions: Although bilateral sequential PAMM is rare, close monitoring in a case of PAMM in 1 eye should be considered.
Association between interpregnancy interval and maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes in women with a cesarean delivery: a population-based study
Authors: Dong Hong , Chi Jinghan , Wang Wei , Liu Lei
Published: April 2023

Background

Interpregnancy interval (IPI) has been linked with several maternal and neonatal adverse events in the general population. However, the association between IPI and maternal and neonatal outcomes in women whose first delivery was by cesarean delivery is unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between IPI after cesarean delivery and the risk of maternal and neonatal adverse events.

Methods

Women (aged ≥ 18 years) whose first delivery was cesarean delivery with 2 consecutive singleton pregnancies from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) database between 2017 and 2019 were included in this retrospective cohort study. In this post-hoc analysis, logistic regression analyses were used to examine IPI (≤ 11, 12–17, 18–23 [reference], 24–35, 36–59, and ≥ 60 months) in relation to the risk of repeat cesarean delivery, maternal adverse events (maternal transfusion, ruptured uterus, unplanned hysterectomy, and admission to an intensive care unit), and neonatal adverse events (low birthweight, premature birth, Apgar score at 5 min < 7, and abnormal conditions of the newborn). Stratified analysis based on age (< 35 and ≥ 35 years) and previous preterm birth.

Results

We included 792,094 maternities, 704,244 (88.91%) of which underwent a repeat cesarean delivery, 5,246 (0.66%) women had adverse events, and 144,423 (18.23%) neonates had adverse events. After adjusting for confounders, compared to an IPI of 18–23 months, the IPI of ≤ 11 months [odds ratio (OR) = 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.44–1.66], 12–17 months (OR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.33–1.43), 36–59 months (OR = 1.12, 95%CI: 1.10–1.15), and ≥ 60 months (OR = 1.19, 95%CI: 1.16–1.22) were associated with an increased risk of repeat cesarean delivery. In terms of maternal adverse events, only IPI of ≥ 60 months (OR = 0.85, 95%CI: 0.76–0.95) was observed to be associated with decreased risk of maternal adverse events in women aged < 35 years. In analysis of neonatal adverse events, IPI of ≤ 11 months (OR = 1.14, 95%CI: 1.07–1.21), 12–17 months (OR = 1.07, 95%CI: 1.03–1.10), and ≥ 60 months (OR = 1.05, 95%CI: 1.02–1.08) were related to an increased risk of neonatal adverse events.

Conclusion

Both short and long IPI were associated with an increased risk of repeat cesarean delivery and neonatal adverse events, and women < 35 years may benefit from a longer IPI.
Location, age, and race matter: a path model of emotional distress in the U.S. during COVID-19
Authors: Clark Viktor , Ming Hannah , Kim Sunny Jung
Published: April 2023

Background

We aim to identify factors that explain emotional distress among underserved populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Starting in August 2020, we conducted an online epidemiological survey among 947 U.S. adults. The survey asked a wide array of constructs, including demographics, past-month substance use, and psychological distress. We developed a path model to understand how financial strain, age, and substance use are associated with emotional distress among People of Color (POC) and those living in rural areas.

Results

22.6% (n = 214) of participants were POC; 114 (12%) resided in rural areas; 17.2% (n = 163) made between $50,000 and $74,999 annually; and the emotional distress average was 1.41 (SD = 0.78). POC, especially those younger, experienced higher rates of emotional distress (p < .05). People living in rural contexts reported lower rates of emotional distress through low alcohol intoxication and less financial strain (p < .05).

Conclusions

We found mediating factors related to emotional distress among vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Younger POC experienced higher rates of emotional distress. People in rural communities had less emotional distress when they had fewer days spent intoxicated by alcohol, which was associated with lower financial strain. We conclude with a discussion of important unmet needs and future research directions.
A novel thermostable TP-84 capsule depolymerase: a method for rapid polyethyleneimine processing of a bacteriophage-expressed proteins
Authors: Łubkowska Beata , Czajkowska Edyta , Stodolna Aleksandra , Sroczyński Michał , Zylicz-Stachula Agnieszka , Sobolewski Ireneusz , Skowron Piotr M.
Published: April 2023

Background

In spite of the fact that recombinant enzymes are preferably biotechnologically obtained using recombinant clones, the purification of proteins from native microorganisms, including those encoded by bacteriophages, continues. The native bacteriophage protein isolation is often troubled by large volumes of the infected bacterial cell lysates needed to be processed, which is highly undesired in scaled-up industrial processing. A well-known ammonium sulphate fractionation is often a method of choice during purification of the native bacteriophage protein. However, this method is time-consuming and cumbersome, and requires large amounts of the relatively expensive reagent. Thus, other effective and inexpensive methods of reversible protein precipitation are highly desirable. We have previously characterized thermophilic TP-84 bacteriophage, defined a new genus TP84virus within Siphoviridae family, conducted the TP-84 genome annotation and proteomic analysis. The longest Open Reading Frame (ORF) identified in the genome is TP84_26. We have previously annotated this ORF as a hydrolytic enzyme depolymerizing the thick polysaccharides host’s capsule.

Results

The TP84_26 ‘capsule depolymerase’ (depolymerase) is a large, 112 kDa protein, biosynthesized by the infected Geobacillus stearothermophilus 10 (G. stearothermophilus 10) cells. The TP84_26 protein biosynthesis was confirmed by three approaches: (i) purification of the protein of the expected size; (ii) mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis and (iii) detection of the enzymatic activity toward G. stearothermophilus polysaccharide capsules. Streptomycin-resistant mutant of the host was generated and microbiological aspects of both the TP-84 and G. stearothermophilus 10 were determined. A new variant of polyethyleneimine (PEI)-mediated purification method was developed, using the novel TP-84 depolymerase as a model. The enzyme was characterized. Three depolymerase forms were detected: soluble, unbound proteins in the bacteriophage/cells lysate and another integrated into the TP-84 virion.

Conclusions

The novel TP-84 depolymerase was purified and characterized. The enzyme exists in three forms. The soluble, unbound forms are probably responsible for the weakening of the capsules of the uninfected bacterial cells. The form integrated into virion particles may generate a local passage for the invading TP-84. The developed PEI purification method appears well suited for the scaled-up or industrial production of bacteriophage proteins.
Differential transmissibility to Anopheles arabiensis of Plasmodium vivax gametocytes in patients with diverse Duffy blood group genotypes
Authors: Abate Andargie , Hassen Jifar , Dembele Laurent , Menard Didier , Golassa Lemu
Published: April 2023

Background

Measuring risk of malaria transmission is complex, especially in case of Plasmodium vivax. This may be overcome using membrane feeding assays in the field where P. vivax is endemic. However, mosquito-feeding assays are affected by a number of human, parasite and mosquito factors. Here, this study identified the contributions of Duffy blood group status of P. vivax-infected patients as a risk of parasite transmission to mosquitoes.

Methods

A membrane feeding assay was conducted on a total of 44 conveniently recruited P. vivax infected patients in Adama city and its surroundings in East Shewa Zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia from October, 2019 to January, 2021. The assay was performed in Adama City administration. Mosquito infection rates were determined by midgut dissections at seven to 8 days post-infection. Duffy genotyping was defined for each of the 44 P. vivax infected patients.

Results

The infection rate of Anopheles mosquitoes was 32.6% (296/907) with 77.3% proportion of infectious participants (34/44). Infectiousness of participants to Anopheles mosquitoes appeared to be higher among individuals with homozygous Duffy positive blood group (TCT/TCT) than heterozygous (TCT/CCT), but the difference was not statistically significant. The mean oocyst density was significantly higher among mosquitoes fed on blood of participants with FY*B/FY*BES than other genotypes (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Duffy antigen polymorphisms appears to contribute to transmissibility difference of P. vivax gametocytes to Anopheles mosquitoes, but further studies are required.
Protective and risk factors of impaired awareness of hypoglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes: a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the PR-IAH study
Authors: Sakane Naoki , Kato Ken , Hata Sonyun , Nishimura Erika , Araki Rika , kouyama Kunichi , Hatao Masako , Matoba Yuka , Matsushita Yuichi , Domichi Masayuki , Suganuma Akiko , Sakane Seiko , Murata Takashi , Wu Fei Ling
Published: April 2023

Background

Hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with mortality and morbidity, especially when awareness of hypoglycemia is impaired. This study aimed to investigate the protective and risk factors for impaired awareness of hypoglycemia (IAH) in adults with T1D.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled 288 adults with T1D (mean age, 50.4 ± 14.6 years; male, 36.5%; diabetes duration, 17.6 ± 11.2 years; mean HbA1c level, 7.7 ± 0.9%), who were divided into IAH and non-IAH (control) groups. A survey was conducted to assess hypoglycemia awareness using the Clarke questionnaire. Diabetes histories, complications, fear of hypoglycemia, diabetes distress, hypoglycemia problem-solving abilities, and treatment data were collected.

Results

The prevalence of IAH was 19.1%. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy was associated with an increased risk of IAH (odds ratio [OR] 2.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–5.91; P = 0.014), while treatment with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and hypoglycemia problem-solving perception scores were associated with a decreased risk of IAH (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.22–0.96; P = 0.030; and OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.37–0.78; P = 0.001, respectively). There was no difference in continuous glucose monitoring use between the groups.

Conclusion

We identified protective factors in addition to risk factors for IAH in adults with T1D. This information may help manage problematic hypoglycemia.

Trial registration

University hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Center: UMIN000039475). Approval date 13 February 2020.
A study of glycemic perturbations following two doses of COVID-19 vaccination for patients with diabetes: the impacts of vaccine type and anti-diabetes drugs
Authors: Lin Cheng-Wei , Hung Shih-Yuan , Chen I-Wen
Published: April 2023

Background

Glycemic monitoring has become critical during the COVID-19 pandemic because of poor prognosis in diabetes. Vaccines were key in reducing the spread of infection and disease severity but data were lacking on effects on blood sugar levels. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on glycemic control.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of 455 consecutive patients with diabetes who completed two doses of COVID-19 vaccination and attended a single medical center. Laboratory measurements of metabolic values were assessed before and after vaccination, while the type of vaccine and administrated anti-diabetes drugs were analyzed to find independent risks associated with elevated glycemic levels.

Results

One hundred and fifty-nine subjects received ChAdOx1 (ChAd) vaccines, 229 received Moderna vaccines, and 67 received Pfizer–BioNtech (BNT) vaccines. The average HbA1c was raised in the BNT group from 7.09 to 7.34% (P = 0.012) and non-significantly raised in ChAd (7.13 to 7.18%, P = 0.279) and Moderna (7.19 to 7.27%, P = 0.196) groups. Both Moderna and BNT groups had around 60% of patients with elevated HbA1c following two doses of COVID-19 vaccination, and the ChAd group had only 49%. Under logistic regression modeling, the Moderna vaccine was found to independently predict the elevation of HbA1c (Odds ratio 1.737, 95% Confidence interval 1.12–2.693, P = 0.014), and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) was negatively associated with elevated HbA1c (OR 0.535, 95% CI 0.309–0.927, P = 0.026).

Conclusions

Patients with diabetes might have mild glycemic perturbations following two doses of COVID-19 vaccines, particularly with mRNA vaccines. SGLT2i showed some protective effect on glycemic stability. Hesitancy in having vaccinations should not be indicated for diabetic patients with respect to manageable glycemic change.

Trial registration

Not applicable.
Extracellular enzymes secreted in the mycelial block of Lentinula edodes during hyphal growth
Authors: Kobayashi Nanae , Wada Nagisa , Yokoyama Haruna , Tanaka Yuki , Suzuki Tomohiro , Habu Naoto , Konno Naotake
Published: April 2023

Lentinula edodes (shiitake mushroom) is one of the most widely cultivated edible mushrooms and is primarily cultivated using sawdust medium. While there have been improvements in the cultivation technology, the mechanism of mycelial block cultivation, such as mycelial growth and enzymatic sawdust degradation, has not been clarified. In this study, the mycelium was elongated longitudinally in the bottle sawdust culture for 27 days, and the cultivated sawdust medium was divided into three sections (top, middle, and bottom parts). To determine spatial heterogeneity in the enzyme secretion, the enzymatic activities of each part were analyzed. Lignocellulose degradation enzymes, such as endoglucanase, xylanase, and manganese peroxidase were highly secreted in the top part of the medium. On the other hand, amylase, pectinase, fungal cell wall degradation enzyme (β-1,3-glucanase, β-1,6-glucanase, and chitinase), and laccase activities were higher in the bottom part. The results indicate that the principal sawdust degradation occurs after mycelial colonization. Proteins with the laccase activity were purified from the bottom part of the medium, and three laccases, Lcc5, Lcc6 and Lcc13, were identified. In particular, the expression of Lcc13 gene was higher in the bottom part compared with the level in the top part, suggesting Lcc13 is mainly produced from the tip region and have important roles for mycelial spread and nutrient uptake during early stage of cultivation.
The COVID-19 Israeli tapestry: the intersectionality health equity challenge
Authors: Shadmi Efrat , Khatib Mohammad , Spitzer Sivan
Published: April 2023

Background

COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting disadvantaged populations, with greater representation and worse outcomes in low socioeconomic and minority populations, and in persons from marginalized groups. General health care system approaches to inequity reduction (i.e., the minimization of differences in health and health care which are considered unfair or unjust), address the major social determinants of health, such as low income, ethnic affiliation or remote place of residents. Yet, to effectively reduce inequity there is a need for a multifactorial consideration of the aspects that intersect and generate significant barriers to effective care that can address the unique situations that people face due to their gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic situation.

Main body

To address the health equity challenges of diverse population groups in Israel, we propose to adopt an intersectional approach, allowing to better identify the needs and then better tailor the infection prevention and control modalities to those who need them the most. We focus on the two main ethnic – cultural—religious minority groups, that of Arab Palestinian citizens of Israel and Jewish ultra-orthodox (Haredi) communities. Additionally, we address the unique needs of persons with severe mental illness who often experience an intersection of clinical and sociodemographic risks.

Conclusions

This perspective highlights the need for responses to COVID-19, and future pandemic or global disasters, that adopt the unique lens of intersectionality and equity. This requires that the government and health system create multiple messages, interventions and policies which ensure a person and community tailored approach to meet the needs of persons from diverse linguistic, ethnic, religious, socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Under-investment in intersectional responses will lead to widening of gaps and a disproportionate disease and mortality burden on societies’ most vulnerable groups.
The danger of the toxicity and inefficacy of alcohol-based hand rubs in Iran during COVID-19: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rafizadeh Ali , Kolahi Ali-Asghar , Shariati Shahab , Zamani Nasim , Roberts Darren M , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein
Published: April 2023

Background

The use of disinfectants and alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) to prevent COVID-19 transmission increased in the first wave of the infection. To meet the increased demand, the Iranian Ministry of Health issued an emergency use authorization allowing new manufacturers to enter the market, despite the limited capacity for surveillance of these products during COVID-19. Methanol poisoning outbreaks spread rapidly, and more people died from methanol poisoning than COVID-19 in some cities. The aim of this study was to analyze some ABHRs in the Iranian market to see if (a) ABHRs are standard and suitable for hand antisepsis and (b) contained potentially dangerous toxic alcohols.

Method

Between February and March 2020, 64 brands of ABHR were conveniently collected from pharmacies, supermarkets, and shops selling hygienic products and analyzed using Gas Chromatography. World Health Organization and Food and Drug Administration guidelines were used to define minimum requirements for ABHR. For estimating the risk for acute methanol poisoning, we assumed a serum methanol concentration of 200 mg/L following ABHR ingestion was sufficient to cause intoxication. This threshold concentration would be achieved in an average 75-kg adult after consuming 8000 mg (or eight grams) methanol in 1–2 h.

Results

The median [IQR] (range) concentration of ethanol, isopropanol, and methanol were 59% v/v [32.2, 68] (0, 99), 0 mg/L [0, 0] (0, 197,961), and 0 mg/L [0, 0] (0, 680,100), respectively. There was a strong negative correlation between methanol and ethanol contents of hand rubbers (r= -0.617, p < 0.001). Almost 47% of ABHRs complied with minimum standards. In 12.5% of ABHRs, high concentrations of methanol were observed, which have no antiseptic properties but could cause acute methanol poisoning if ingested.

Conclusion

COVID-19 initiated a policy for distribution and use of ABHR with little control. As ABHR and masks are still accepted preventive measures of the disease, non-standard ABHR compositions may increase the population’s risk to both COVID-19 infection and methanol poisoning.
The spectrum of phenylalanine hydroxylase variants and genotype–phenotype correlation in phenylketonuria patients in Gansu, China
Authors: Zhang Chuan , Zhang Pei , Yan Yousheng , Zhou Bingbo , Wang Yupei , Tian Xinyuan , Hao Shengju , Ma Panpan , Zheng Lei , Zhang Qinghua , Hui Ling , Wang Yan , Cao Zongfu , Ma Xu
Published: April 2023

Background

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a common, congenital, autosomal recessive, metabolic disorder caused by Phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) variants.

Methods

967 PKU patients from Gansu, China were genotyped by Sanger sequencing, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, and whole exome sequencing. We analyzed the variants of PAH exons, their flanking sequences, and introns.

Results

The detection of deep intronic variants in PAH gene can significantly improve the genetic diagnostic rate of PKU. The distribution of PAH variants among PKU subtypes may be related to the unique genetic background in Gansu, China.

Conclusion

The identification of PAH hotspot variants will aid the development of large-scale neonatal genetic screening for PKU. The five new PAH variants found in this study further expand the spectrum of PAH variants. Genotype–phenotype correlation analysis may help predict the prognosis of PKU patients and enable precise treatment regimens to be developed.
Risk factors of cognitive impairment post-ischemic stroke
Authors: Utomo Nunki Puspita , Pinzon Rizaldy Taslim
Published: April 2023

Background

Stroke is still remarked as one of the major ailments in Indonesia. Cognitive impairment occurs frequently after stroke events and its predictors are needed to identify patients with a high risk of cognitive impairment. However, the researches done in Indonesia still vary in results. This retrospective cohort study evaluated 236 ischemic stroke patients in Bethesda Hospital Yogyakarta from January–November 2020 through medical records. Cognitive impairment was measured by MMSE and CDT, defined as MMSE score $$\le$$
≤
20 for patients with the educational attainment of 1–6 years; $$\le$$
≤
24 for the educational attainment of > 6 years and/ or CDT < 4. All data were analyzed with univariate test and Chi-square test, followed by logistic regression.

Results

Of 236 subjects, the frequency of cognitive impairment was 67.4% and the risk factors are age > 80 years old (RR: 1,545; CI 0.136–17.542; p: 0.026), educational attainment ≤ 6 years (RR: 20.016; CI 1.951–222.120; p: 0.012), temporal (RR: 4.238; CI 2.266–7.926; p: 0.007) or multiple site lesion location (RR: 7.522; CI: 3.522–17.532; p: 0.047) and multiple (> 1) lesions (RR: 1,819; CI 0.822–4.022; p: 0.040).

Conclusions

The prevalence of post-stroke cognitive impairment is high, affecting up to 2 out of 3 people in this study. The risk factors of post-stroke cognitive impairment are age > 80 years, educational attainment $$\le$$
≤
6 years, temporal or multiple site lesion, and > 1 lesion. Strict stroke prevention strategies are needed to halt the development of post-stroke cognitive impairment.
Development of a machine learning-based method for the analysis of microplastics in environmental samples using µ-Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Weber Felix , Zinnen Andreas , Kerpen Jutta
Published: April 2023

This research project investigates the potential of machine learning for the analysis of microplastic Raman spectra in environmental samples. Based on a data set of > 64,000 Raman spectra (10.7% polymer spectra) from 47 environmental or waste water samples, two methods of deep learning (one single model and one model per class) with the Rectified Linear Unit function (ReLU) (hidden layer) as the activation function and the sigmoid function as the output layer were evaluated and compared to human-only annotation. Based on the one-model-per-class algorithm, an approach for human–machine teaming was developed. This method makes it possible to analyze microplastic (polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene terephthalate) spectra with high recall (≥ 99.4%) and precision (≥ 97.1%). Compared to human-only spectra annotation, the human–machine teaming reduces the researchers’ time required per sample from several hours to less than one hour.
Medication choice in post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Cooper Heidi
Published: April 2023

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a disabling condition resulting from a range of traumas and affecting many people worldwide. This month's Cochrane Corner review systematically searched and reported findings from 66 randomised controlled trials of pharmacotherapy for PTSD, 54 of which were included in a meta-analysis. Evidence was shown for the benefit of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, mirtazapine and amitriptyline in treatment response. This Round the Corner commentary critically appraises the review's findings, concluding that the summative evidence was of poor quality owing to the low number of studies, the high risk of bias and significant heterogeneity.
Benefits and Barriers of Technology for Home Function and Mobility Assessment: Perspectives of Older Patients With Blood Cancers, Caregivers, and Clinicians
Authors: Clancy Dillon D. , Revette Anna C. , Bahl Nupur E. , Ho Kristi T. , Manor Bradley , Testa Marcia A. , Dieli-Conwright Christina M. , Hshieh Tammy , Driver Jane A. , Abel Gregory A. , DuMontier Clark
Published: April 2023

PURPOSE

Advances in digital health technology can overcome barriers to measurement of function and mobility for older adults with blood cancers, but little is known about how older adults perceive such technology for use in their homes.

METHODS

To characterize potential benefits and barriers associated with using technology for home functional assessment, we conducted three semistructured focus groups (FGs) in January 2022. Eligible patients came from the Older Adult Hematologic Malignancies Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), which includes adults 73 years and older enrolled during their initial consult with their oncologist. Eligible caregivers were 18 years and older and identified by enrolled patients as their primary caregiver. Eligible clinicians were practicing DFCI hematologic oncologists, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants with ≥2 years of clinical experience. A qualitative researcher led thematic analysis of FG transcripts to identify key themes.

RESULTS

Twenty-three participants attended the three FGs: eight patients, seven caregivers, and eight oncology clinicians. All participants valued function and mobility assessments and felt that technology could overcome barriers to their measurement. We identified three themes related to potential benefits: making it easier for oncology teams to consider function and mobility; providing standardized, objective data; and facilitating longitudinal data. We also identified four themes related to barriers to home functional assessment: concerns related to privacy and confidentiality, burden of measuring additional patient data, challenges in operating new technology, and concerns related to data improving care.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that specific concerns raised by older patients, caregivers, and oncology clinicians must be addressed to improve acceptability and uptake of technology used to measure function and mobility in the home.