bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic approaches in improving biotechnological production of taxanes: An update
Authors: Perez-Matas Edgar , Hidalgo-Martinez Diego , Escrich Ainoa , Alcalde Miguel Angel , Moyano Elisabeth , Bonfill Mercedes , Palazon Javier
Published: January 2023

Paclitaxel (PTX) and its derivatives are diterpene alkaloids widely used as chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of various types of cancer. Due to the scarcity of PTX in nature, its production in cell cultures and plant organs is a major challenge for plant biotechnology. Although significant advances have been made in this field through the development of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology techniques, production levels remain insufficient to meet the current market demand for these powerful anticancer drugs. A key stumbling block is the difficulty of genetically transforming the gymnosperm Taxus spp. This review focuses on the progress made in improving taxane production through genetic engineering techniques. These include the overexpression of limiting genes in the taxane biosynthetic pathway and transcription factors involved in its regulation in Taxus spp. cell cultures and transformed roots, as well as the development and optimization of transformation techniques. Attempts to produce taxanes in heterologous organisms such as bacteria and yeasts are also described. Although promising results have been reported, the transfer of the entire PTX metabolic route has not been possible to date, and taxane biosynthesis is still restricted to Taxus cells and some endophytic fungi. The development of a synthetic organism other than Taxus cells capable of biotechnologically producing PTX will probably have to wait until the complete elucidation of its metabolic pathway.
Chloroplast genomes of four Carex species: Long repetitive sequences trigger dramatic changes in chloroplast genome structure
Authors: Xu Shenjian , Teng Ke , Zhang Hui , Gao Kang , Wu Juying , Duan Liusheng , Yue Yuesen , Fan Xifeng
Published: January 2023

The chloroplast genomes of angiosperms usually have a stable circular quadripartite structure that exhibits high consistency in genome size and gene order. As one of the most diverse genera of angiosperms, Carex is of great value for the study of evolutionary relationships and speciation within its genus, but the study of the structure of its chloroplast genome is limited due to its highly expanded and restructured genome with a large number of repeats. In this study, we provided a more detailed account of the chloroplast genomes of Carex using a hybrid assembly of second- and third-generation sequencing and examined structural variation within this genus. The study revealed that chloroplast genomes of four Carex species are significantly longer than that of most angiosperms and are characterized by high sequence rearrangement rates, low GC content and gene density, and increased repetitive sequences. The location of chloroplast genome structural variation in the species of Carex studied is closely related to the positions of long repeat sequences; this genus provides a typical example of chloroplast structural variation and expansion caused by long repeats. Phylogenetic relationships constructed based on the chloroplast protein-coding genes support the latest taxonomic system of Carex, while revealing that structural variation in the chloroplast genome of Carex may have some phylogenetic significance. Moreover, this study demonstrated a hybrid assembly approach based on long and short reads to analyze complex chloroplast genome assembly and also provided an important reference for the analysis of structural rearrangements of chloroplast genomes in other taxa.
Identification of sugar transporter genes and their roles in the pathogenicity of Verticillium dahliae on cotton
Authors: Chen Lihua , Chen Bin , Zhu Qian-Hao , Zhang Xinyu , Sun Tiange , Liu Feng , Yang Yonglin , Sun Jie , Li Yanjun
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Verticillium wilt (VW) caused by Verticillium dahliae is a soil-borne vascular fungal disease that severely affects cotton yield and fiber quality. Sugar metabolism plays an important role in the growth and pathogenicity of V. dahliae. However, limited information is known about the sugar transporter genes and their roles in the growth and pathogenicity of V. dahliae.

Method

In this study, genome-wide identification of sugar transporter genes in V. dahliae was conducted and the expression profiles of these genes in response to root exudates from cotton varieties susceptible or resistant to V. dahliae were investigated based on RNA-seq data. Tobacco Rattle Virus-based host-induced gene silencing (TRV-based HIGS) and artificial small interfering RNAs (asiRNAs) were applied to investigate the function of candidate genes involved in the growth and pathogenic process of V. dahliae.

Results

A total of 65 putative sugar transporter genes were identified and clustered into 8 Clades. Of the 65 sugar transporter genes, 9 were found to be induced only by root exudates from the susceptible variety, including VdST3 and VdST12 that were selected for further functional study. Silencing of VdST3 or VdST12 in host plants by TRV-based HIGS reduced fungal biomass and enhanced cotton resistance against V. dahliae. Additionally, silencing of VdST12 and VdST3 by feeding asiRNAs targeting VdST12 (asiR815 or asiR1436) and VdST3 (asiR201 or asiR1238) inhibited fungal growth, exhibiting significant reduction in hyphae and colony diameter, with a more significant effect observed for the asiRNAs targeting VdST12. The inhibitory effect of asiRNAs on the growth of V. dahliae was enhanced with the increasing concentration of asiRNAs. Silencing of VdST12 by feeding asiR815+asiR1436 significantly decreased the pathogenicity of V. dahliae.

Discussion

The results suggest that VdST3 and VdST12 are sugar transporter genes required for growth and pathogenicity of V. dahliae and that asiRNA is a valuable tool for functional characterization of V. dahliae genes.
Metabolic and molecular mechanisms underlying the foliar Zn application induced increase of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline conferring the ‘taro-like’ aroma in pumpkin leaves
Authors: Deng Liting , Yang Xian , Qiu Yuehan , Luo Jianning , Wu Haibin , Liu Xiaoxi , Zhao Gangjun , Gong Hao , Zheng Xiaoming , Li Junxing
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Fresh pumpkin leaf is popular vegetable for its rich nutrition. The pleasant taro-like odour is important aroma quality of crops, and mostly contributed by 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline in pumpkin. Element Zn can impact metabolite biosynthesis in plants, including aroma formation. However, Zn-induced biochemical responses, especially 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline formation in pumpkin, haven’t been elucidated.

Methods

This study integrated metabolome and transcriptome to explore molecular fluctuations in pumpkin leaves at different time intervals after foliar Zn treatment.

Result and Discussion

We first identified more than one thousand metabolites from pumpkin leaves by integrating different mass spectrometry methods according to the form in which a metabolite exists. Comparative metabolomic analysis revealed there were separately 25 out of 50 and 286 out of 963 metabolites that were respectively identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, differentially regulated by Zn treatment. Our findings revealed that 50mg/L of Zn significantly enhanced 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline production by more than 38%, which was contributed by increased biosynthesis of its precursors, including ornithine and proline. The following transcriptome analysis discovered 30,574 genes, including 953 novel genes. Zn treatment induced the differential expression of 41.6% of identified genes which were supposed to regulate the downstream metabolite changes in a time-dependent manner. Pathway analysis indicated that alternations in primary metabolism, including carbon metabolism and biosynthesis of amino acids, were vital to the fluctuated aromatic compound generation. Phytohormones and transcription factors may regulate the expression of gene P5CS and proline biosynthesis, which, therefore, affect 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline production. This research reveals molecular mechanisms of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline formation in pumpkin, which will provide the molecular basis for desired aroma compound production through metabolite engineering.
Parental responsiveness and children’s trait epistemic curiosity
Authors: Iwasaki Shoko , Moriguchi Yusuke , Sekiyama Kaoru
Published: January 2023

Curiosity, the desire to learn new information, has a powerful effect on children’s learning. Parental interactions facilitate curiosity-driven behaviors in young children, such as self-exploration and question-asking, at a certain time. Furthermore, parenting quality predicts better academic outcomes. However, it is still unknown whether persistent parenting quality is related to children’s trait epistemic curiosity (EC). The current study examined whether parenting practices, responsiveness, and demandingness are cross-sectionally related to the trait EC of children in different age groups (preschoolers, younger and older school-aged children). We adopted a shortened Japanese version of the parenting style questionnaire and modified the trait EC questionnaire in young children. A sample of 244 caregivers (87.37% mothers) of children (ages 3–12) was recruited through educational institutions in Japan and reported on their parenting practices and trait EC. All data analyses were performed using SPSS version 26. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed to determine the explanatory variables for children’s trait EC. Self-reported parental responsiveness significantly explained EC scores. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show a cross-sectional relationship between parental responsiveness and children’s trait EC. Future research should clarify whether parental responsiveness in early childhood predicts children’s EC later in life.
Challenges and perceptions of e-learning for educational sustainability in the “new normality era”
Authors: Fülöp Melinda Timea , Breaz Teodora Odett , Topor Ioan Dan , Ionescu Constantin Aurelian , Dragolea Larisa-Loredana
Published: January 2023

Background

All universities were faced with the challenges of e-learning when they suddenly had to switch to distance learning in March 2020 due to COVID-19 regulations. Several challenges may arise when implementing e-learning, including an insufficient budget or problems with adoption. Nevertheless, the role of digitalization is to ensure the university’s long-term sustainability. Indeed, the future of e-learning depends on future generations, which increasingly accept new technologies.

Objectives

This study aimed to analyze the factors that stimulate university students’ acceptance of technology.

Methodology

The study population comprised Romanian university students who took online courses during the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire survey was employed to gather primary data. The surveys were distributed between January and February 2022. In particular, 1,875 questionnaires were received from students, who were the focus of this study (the results for teachers were presented in previous research). To process and interpret the data, the method of modeling with structural equations (SEM) was used. The data collected were processed using SPSS and AMOS.

Findings

The results indicate that external factors do not influence perceived usefulness. Accordingly, students consider that the perceived ease of use does not influence the behavior intention to use new technologies.

Conclusion

The results linked e-learning satisfaction to academic success and Romanian students who utilized e-learning during the pandemic. In addition, the results indicate that external factors do not influence perceived usefulness. Accordingly, students consider that the perceived ease of use does not influence the behavior intention to use new technologies. The results validated the basic variables of the TAM model.

Implications

The study presents a series of theoretical, practical, and societal implications that can guide universities in adopting sustainable development goals.
The inhibition of mirror generalization of letters in school-aged children
Authors: Resque Deusa Priscila da Silva , de Moura Lobato Adriany Maria , da Silva Carolina Gomes , da Cruz Filho Daniel Alves , da Fonseca Susanne Suely Santos , de Oliveira Matos Felipe , Pereira Antonio
Published: January 2023

Gender differences in spatial abilities favor males in both childhood and adulthood. During early development, this discrepancy can be attributed, among other things, to the influence of an early testosterone surge in boys, societal stereotypes, and expectations about gender. In the present work, we created a spatial task (including letter rotation and letter mirroring) which used letters as stimuli and evaluated the performance of school-aged children (6–10 years old). During this age period, children are being taught literacy skills which rely on the reorganization of cortical networks and the breakdown of mirror generalization. We divided our sample (N = 142, 73 females) into two age groups: 1st–2nd (literacy acquisition; N = 70, 33 females) and 3rd–5th (literacy consolidation; N = 72, 40 females) graders. While boys performed significantly better in letter rotation in the older group, girls’ performance remained substandard in both groups. This pattern is reversed for the mirror task, with older girls outperforming their younger counterparts and boys having similar performance in the two groups. Since the age period of our sample is not associated with large variations in the levels of reproductive steroids, we propose that the similarity of performance between younger and older girls in mental rotation of letters could be associated with society’s traditional attitudes and expectations on the relationship between visual–spatial skills and gender. As for the mirror task, while only girls had a significant difference between the two age groups, boys did show an improvement, as expected for the inhibition of mirror generalization for letters during reading acquisition.
The clouded debate: A systematic review of comparative longitudinal studies examining the impact of recreational cannabis legalization on key public health outcomes
Authors: Athanassiou Maria , Dumais Alexandre , Zouaoui Inès , Potvin Stéphane
Published: January 2023

Background

Ineffective cannabis regulatory frameworks such as prohibition have sparked interest in alternative solutions to reduce individual and societal harms. While it has been suggested that the recreational legalization process has yielded early successes, the relatively recent implementation of the novel policies has provided a modest time frame for a truly thorough establishment and assessment of key population-level indicators. The following systematic review focuses on identifying the downstream public health sequelae of cannabis legalization policies, including parameters such as cannabis consumption rates, hospitalization rates, vehicular accidents and fatalities, criminal activity, and suicidal behaviors, as well as other substance use trends.

Methods

An exhaustive search of the MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases were performed to identify high-quality (1) longitudinal studies, which (2) compared key public health outcomes between regions which had and had not implemented recreational cannabis legalization (RML) policies, (3) using distinct databases and/or time frames. Thirty-two original research articles were retained for review.

Results

Adult past-month cannabis consumption (26+ years) seems to have significantly increased following RML, whereas young adult (18–26 years) and adolescent (12–17 years) populations do not show a significant rise in past-month cannabis use. RML shows preliminary trends in increasing service use (such as hospitalizations, emergency department visits, or poisonings) or vehicular traffic fatalities. Preliminary evidence suggests that RML is related to potential increases in serious/violent crimes, and heterogeneous effects on suicidal behaviors. While the research does not illustrate that RML is linked to changing consumptions patterns of cigarette, stimulant, or opioid use, alcohol use may be on the rise, and opioid prescribing patterns are shown to be significantly correlated with RML.

Conclusion

The current data supports the notion that RML is correlated with altered cannabis consumption in adults, potentially increased criminal activity, and a decline in opioid quantities and prescriptions provided to patients. Future work should address additional knowledge gaps for vulnerable populations, such as individuals with mental health problems or persons consuming cannabis frequently/at higher THC doses. The effects of varying legalization models should also be evaluated for their potentially differing impacts on population-level outcomes.
What are the neural correlates of dissociative amnesia? A systematic review of the functional neuroimaging literature
Authors: Taïb Simon , Yrondi Antoine , Lemesle Béatrice , Péran Patrice , Pariente Jérémie
Published: January 2023

Aim

Dissociative amnesia is an emblematic psychiatric condition in which patients experience massive memory loss ranging from focal to global amnesia. This condition remains poorly understood and this review aims to investigate the neuroanatomical feature of this disease.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature available on PubMed, up to December 1, 2022, using a combination of keywords referring to dissociative amnesia. We included every scientific report involving patients undergoing a functional imaging procedure.

Results

Twenty-two studies met our inclusion criteria (gathering 49 patients). Only one was a controlled study with a large sample. The other 21 were case reports and case series. In resting state, neuroimaging studies mostly showed a hypo-activated right inferolateral prefrontal cortex, associated with limbic hypoactivity and lesser activation of the hippocampal and para-hippocampal structures. The patients also presented abnormal patterns of cerebral activation when performing memory tasks. When testing recognition of memories from the amnestic period, patients showed increased activation across temporal areas (hippocampal and para-hippocampal gyri) and the limbic network. When trying to recollect memories from an amnestic period compared to a non-amnestic period, patients failed to activate these structures efficiently. Most of these patterns tended to return to normal when symptoms resolved.

Conclusion

This review identified a paucity of controlled studies in the field of dissociative amnesia neuroimaging, which restricts the extrapolation of results. Patients with dissociative amnesia present a broad prefronto-temporo-limbic network dysfunction. Some of the brain areas implicated in this network might represent potential targets for innovative treatments.
Zhongyong thinking (doctrine of the mean) and internet addiction: The mediation of maladaptive cognition and the moderation of subject
Authors: Wei Hua , Xu Hemuqing , Chen Wu , Lu Lijun
Published: January 2023

Based on the cognitive-behavioral model of pathological internet use, this study explored the relationship between zhongyong thinking (doctrine of the mean) and internet addiction, and examined the mediation of maladaptive cognition and the moderation of subject. Convenience sampling was used to select 1,518 college students for the questionnaire. The participants were 15–26 years old (M = 19.77; SD = 1.45), including 776 male and 742 female students. The results showed that zhongyong thinking was significantly negatively correlated with maladaptive cognition (r = −0.19, p < 0.001) and internet addiction (r = −0.14, p < 0.001). Maladaptive cognition was significantly positively correlated with internet addiction (r = 0.46, p < 0.001). After controlling for age, gender, zhongyong thinking negatively predicted internet addiction (B = −0.06, p < 0.05), maladaptive cognition positively predicted Internet addiction (B = 0.45, p < 0.001). Zhongyong thinking negatively predicted maladaptive cognition (B = −0.19, p < 0.001). Moreover, the bias-corrected bootstrapping mediation test indicated that the process by which zhongyong thinking predicted Internet addiction through maladaptive cognition was significant, indirect effect = −0.08, SE = 0.01, 95% CI = [−0.11, −0.06]. Subject has no moderating effect on the relationship between zhongyong thinking and maladaptive cognition. The interaction between zhongyong thinking and subject was not a significant predictor of maladaptive cognition (B = 0.05, p > 0. 05). The present results suggest that zhongyong thinking as a traditional Chinese wisdom can still play an important role in regulating young people's behavior in the digital age.
Early recognition of risk of critical adverse events based on deep neural decision gradient boosting
Authors: Chen Yu-wen , Xu Lin-quan , Yi Bin
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Perioperative critical events will affect the quality of medical services and threaten the safety of patients. Using scientific methods to evaluate the perioperative risk of critical illness is of great significance for improving the quality of medical services and ensuring the safety of patients.

Method

At present, the traditional scoring system is mainly used to predict the score of critical illness, which is mainly dependent on the judgment of doctors. The result is affected by doctors' knowledge and experience, and the accuracy is difficult to guarantee and has a serious lag. Besides, the statistical prediction method based on pure data type do not make use of the patient's diagnostic text information and cannot identify comprehensive risk factor. Therefore, this paper combines the text features extracted by deep neural network with the pure numerical type features extracted by XGBOOST to propose a deep neural decision gradient boosting model. Supervised learning was used to train the risk prediction model to analyze the occurrence of critical illness during the perioperative period for early warning.

Results

We evaluated the proposed methods based on the real data of critical illness patients in one hospital from 2014 to 2018. The results showed that the critical disease risk prediction model based on multiple modes had faster convergence rate and better performance than the risk prediction model based on text data and pure data type.

Discussion

Based on the machine learning method and multi-modal data of patients, this paper built a prediction model for critical adverse events in patients, so that the risk of critical events can be predicted for any patient directly based on the preoperative and intraoperative characteristic data. At present, this work only classifies and predicts the occurrence of critical illness during or after operation based on the preoperative examination data of patients, but does not discuss the specific time when the patient was critical illness, which is also the direction of our future work.
Relationship between age and handgrip strength: Proposal of reference values from infancy to senescence
Authors: Gómez-Campos Rossana , Vidal Espinoza Rubén , de Arruda Miguel , Ronque Enio Ricardo Vaz , Urra-Albornoz Camilo , Minango Juan Carlos , Alvear-Vasquez Fernando , la Torre Choque Christian de , Castelli Correia de Campos Luis Felipe , Sulla Torres Jose , Cossio-Bolaños Marco
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Measurement of hand grip strength (HGS) has been proposed as a key component of frailty and has also been suggested as a central biomarker of healthy aging and a powerful predictor of future morbidity and mortality.

Objectives

(a) To determine whether a nonlinear relationship model could improve the prediction of handgrip strength (HGS) compared to the linear model and (b) to propose percentiles to evaluate HGS according to age and sex for a regional population of Chile from infancy to senescence.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study was developed in a representative sample of the Maule region (Chile). The volunteers amounted to 5,376 participants (2,840 men and 2,536 women), with an age range from 6 to 80 years old. Weight, height, HGS (right and left hand) according to age and sex were evaluated. Percentiles were calculated using the LMS method [(L (Lambda; asymmetry), M (Mu; median), and S (Sigma; coefficient of variation)].

Results and discussion

There were no differences in HGS from 6 to 11 years of age in both sexes; however, from 12 years of age onwards, males presented higher HGS values in both hands (p < 0.05). The linear regression between age with HGS showed values of R2 = 0.07 in males and R2 = 0.02 in females. While in the non-linear model (cubic), the values were: R2 = 0.50 to 0.51 in men and R2 = 0.26 in women. The percentiles constructed by age and sex were: P5, P15, P50, P85, and P95 by age range and sex. This study demonstrated that there is a nonlinear relationship between chronological age with HGS from infancy to senescence. Furthermore, the proposed percentiles can serve as a guide to assess and monitor upper extremity muscle strength levels at all stages of life.
Vulnerability of the HIV cascade of care in an Amazonian town: A qualitative study
Authors: Divino Flavia , Nacher Mathieu , Pereira Rafael dos Santos , Peiter Paulo
Published: January 2023

The HIV care cascade spans from diagnosis to patient linkage and retention in health services for treatment. Brazil has made substantial efforts to optimize the cascade of care. However, despite these advances, there are striking regional differences and difficulties from testing to treatment, particularly in the north and northeast regions, often reflecting social inequalities. Oiapoque, a highly affected city in the state of Amapá, shares its borders with an overseas European territory—French Guiana. The objective of this study was to get a clearer picture of the different components of the HIV care cascade in the municipality of Oiapoque. The study was exploratory and qualitative, involving the mapping of health structures in the research area and interviews with the responsible healthcare professionals working in the municipality. Patients are vulnerable at several levels, including mobility limitations, mismatched information that affects the linkage and retention of treatment, an absence of infectious disease doctors, an absence of user autonomy, missed appointments, dropouts, and abandonment of care. We found that the five recommended steps in the continuum of care for people living with HIV all had weak points or were non-existent or unavailable. These results will be fundamental to rethink the municipality's actions and the strategies of the Unified Health System SUS for the HIV epidemic in these border regions of the Amazon.
Effect of a modified regimen on drug-sensitive retreated pulmonary tuberculosis: A multicenter study in China
Authors: Ge Qiping , Ma Yan , Zhang Lijie , Ma Liping , Zhao Caiyan , Chen Yuhui , Huang Xuerui , Shu Wei , Chen Shengyu , Wang Fei , Li Bo , Han Xiqin , Shi Lian , Wang Xin , Li Youlun , Yang Shangpeng , Cao Wenli , Liu Qianying , Chen Ling , Wu Chao , Ouyang Bing , Wang Furong , Li Po , Wu Xiang , Xi Xiue , Leng Xueyan , Zhang Haiqing , Li Hua , Li Juan , Yang Chengqing , Zhang Peng , Cui Hongzhe , Liu Yuhong , Kong Chengcheng , Sun Zhaogang , Du Jian , Gao Weiwei
Published: January 2023

Background and objective

Retreatment pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) still accounts for a large proportion of tuberculosis, and the treatment outcome is unfavorable. The recurrence of retreatment PTB based on long-term follow-up has not been well demonstrated. This study aimed to evaluate effect of a modified regimen on drug-sensitive retreated pulmonary tuberculosis.

Methods

This multicenter cohort study was conducted in 29 hospitals from 23 regions of China from July 1, 2009, to December 31, 2020. Patients were divided into two treatment regimen groups including experimental group [modified regimen (4H-Rt2-E-Z-S(Lfx)/4H-Rt2-E)]and control group [standard regimen (2H-R-E-Z-S/6H-R-E or 3H-R-E-Z/6H-R-E)]. The patients enrolled were followed up of 56 months after successful treatment. We compared the treatment success rate, treatment failure rate, adverse reaction rate, and recurrence rate between two regimens. Multivariate Cox regression model was used to identify the potential risk factors for recurrence after successful treatment with proportional hazards assumptions tested for all variables.

Results

A total of 381 patients with retreatment PTB were enrolled, including 244 (64.0%) in the experimental group and 137 (36.0%) in the control group. Overall, the treatment success rate was significant higher in the experimental group than control group (84.0 vs. 74.5%, P = 0.024); no difference was observed in adverse reactions between the two groups (25.8 vs. 21.2%, P > 0.05). A total of 307 patients completed the 56 months of follow-up, including 205 with the modified regimen and 102 with the standard regimen. Among these, 10 cases (3.3%) relapsed, including 3 in the experimental group and 7 in the control group (1.5% vs 6.9%, P = 0.035). Reduced risks of recurrence were observed in patients treated with the modified regimen compared with the standard regimen, and the adjusted hazard ratio was 0.19 (0.04–0.77).

Conclusion

The modified retreatment regimen had more favorable treatment effects, including higher treatment success rate and lower recurrence rate in patients with retreated drug-sensitive PTB.
Data-based modeling for hypoglycemia prediction: Importance, trends, and implications for clinical practice
Authors: Zhang Liyin , Yang Lin , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: January 2023

Background and objective

Hypoglycemia is a key barrier to achieving optimal glycemic control in people with diabetes, which has been proven to cause a set of deleterious outcomes, such as impaired cognition, increased cardiovascular disease, and mortality. Hypoglycemia prediction has come to play a role in diabetes management as big data analysis and machine learning (ML) approaches have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. As a result, a review is needed to summarize the existing prediction algorithms and models to guide better clinical practice in hypoglycemia prevention.

Materials and methods

PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies published between 1 January 2015 and 8 December 2022. Five hypoglycemia prediction aspects were covered: real-time hypoglycemia, mild and severe hypoglycemia, nocturnal hypoglycemia, inpatient hypoglycemia, and other hypoglycemia (postprandial, exercise-related).

Results

From the 5,042 records retrieved, we included 79 studies in our analysis. Two major categories of prediction models are identified by an overview of the chosen studies: simple or logistic regression models based on clinical data and data-based ML models (continuous glucose monitoring data is most commonly used). Models utilizing clinical data have identified a variety of risk factors that can lead to hypoglycemic events. Data-driven models based on various techniques such as neural networks, autoregressive, ensemble learning, supervised learning, and mathematical formulas have also revealed suggestive features in cases of hypoglycemia prediction.

Conclusion

In this study, we looked deep into the currently established hypoglycemia prediction models and identified hypoglycemia risk factors from various perspectives, which may provide readers with a better understanding of future trends in this topic.
Falls and associated risk factors in a sample of old age population in Egyptian community
Authors: El Sayed Abd El Hamied Ibrahim , Said Mohamed T. , Mohsen Omnia , Abozied Aziza M. , Salama Mohamed
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Falling is a major health problem among old age persons and are the sixth cause of mortality and morbidity among them. Assessing the prevalence of falls among elderly in an Egyptian community and investigating its associated risk factors using the Arabic translation of the SHARE-Questionnaire.

Subjects and methods

This cross-sectional analytic study was a part of the pilot for AL-SEHA project. It included 289 old age people (50+ years age) residing in the study areas. The main project data were collected using the Arabic translation of the SHARE (Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe) questionnaire. The original project data were collected by investigators from five universities, then uploaded to the internet server domain of the American University in Cairo (AUC) Social Research Center.

Results

The prevalence of falls was 11.07% (95% CI: 7.95–15.21). Falls were significantly more among 70 years or older (p < 0.001), unemployed or housewives (p = 0.026), have a family caregiver (p = 0.022), and home facilities for disability (p = 0.015). They had significantly higher rates of ischemic heart disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, stroke, and diabetes mellitus. The most frequently reported problems were the fear of fall and dizziness (62.5%). The multivariate analysis identified the history of stroke and diabetes mellitus, the fear of fall and dizziness, and the total number of health problems and the score of difficulty in performing physical activities as significant independent predictors of fall occurrence. The history of stroke was the strongest risk factor (OR 33.49, CI: 3.45–325.40).

Discussion and recommendations

The prevalence of falls among old age persons in the studied community is not alarmingly high. It is highest among stroke patients. Community interventions and rehabilitation programs are recommended to train and educate old age people, especially those at risk such as stroke and diabetic patients, and those with dizziness to improve their physical fitness and reduce the fear of fall among them.
Climate and health capacity building for health professionals in the Caribbean: A pilot course
Authors: Sorensen Cecilia , Hamacher Nicola , Campbell Haley , Henry Paula , Peart Keriann , De Freitas Loren , Hospedales James
Published: January 2023

Climate change is a reality in the Caribbean and its effects are already harming health, yet the health workforce capacity to implement climate mitigation and adaptation measures is lacking. From March-May of 2022, a free, live-virtual, evidence and competency based 10-week climate and health course targeted toward health risks in the Caribbean was deployed to: (1) increase communication about climate and health, (2) equip health professionals with knowledge and skills that could be readily incorporated into practice, and (3) engage health professionals with climate and health initiatives within their communities. Participants in this course came from 37 countries, 10 different health-related fields, and five different general places of work. Longitudinal surveys revealed significant changes in health professional communication, engagement and application of climate and health knowledge and skills. Live-virtual, evidence and competency-based courses, regional-specific courses have the potential to change health professional behaviors toward addressing climate impacts on health.
Distribution pattern of Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Asia and the Middle East
Authors: Aslam Munazza , Abbas Rao Zahid , Alsayeqh Abdullah
Published: January 2023

Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is one of the most important vector-borne diseases of zoonotic potential that can be acquired following the bite of theHyalommaspecies of ticks. It is a highly prevalent disease in Asia and the Middle East. The risk factors of this disease are contact with infected tissue, blood, patient, or livestock in the acute viremic phase, infected tick bites, or the manual removal of ticks. The disease is clinically described as progressive hemorrhages, fever, and pain in musculature. Biochemical tests reveal elevated levels of creatinine phosphokinase, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Clotting time is prolonged in pro-thrombin tests, and pathogenesis is mostly related to the disruption of the epithelium during viral replication and indirectly by secreting cytotoxic molecules. These molecules cause endothelial activation and result in the loss of function. Supportive therapy is given through blood or plasma infusions to treat or manage the patients. According to the most advanced studies, CCHF can be treated by Ribavirin, which is an antiviral drug that shows excellent results in preventing the disease. Health-care staff are more prone to infection. The hemorrhagic phase represents a high risk for accidental exposures. This literature review presents a comprehensive overview of the viral epidemiology, zoonotic perspectives, and significant risk factors of CCHF in various Middle East and Asian countries. Furthermore, the pathophysiology and preventive strategies of CCHF have also been discussed as well as legislation and policies regarding public outreach programs, research, and development aimed at infection prevention and control that are required at a global level.
Socioeconomic inequalities in food purchasing practices and expenditure patterns: Results from a cross-sectional household survey in western Kenya
Authors: Were Vincent , Foley Louise , Musuva Rosemary , Pearce Matthew , Wadende Pamela , Lwanga Charles , Mogo Ebele , Turner-Moss Eleanor , Obonyo Charles
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Socioeconomic inequalities contribute to poor health. Inequitable access to diverse and healthy foods can be a risk factor for non-communicable diseases, especially in individuals of low socioeconomic status. We examined the extent of socioeconomic inequalities in food purchasing practices, expenditure, and consumption in a resource-poor setting in Kenya.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of baseline cross-sectional data from a natural experimental study with a sample size of 512 individuals from 376 households in western Kenya. Data were collected on household food sources, expenditure and food consumption. Household socioeconomic status (SES) was assessed using the multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) model. Concentration indices (Ci) and multivariable linear regression models were used to establish socioeconomic inequalities.

Results

About half (47.9%) of individuals achieved a minimum level of dietary diversity with the majority coming from wealthier households. The two most consumed food groups were grains and roots (97.5%, n = 499) and dark green leafy vegetables (73.8%, n = 378), but these did not vary by SES. The consumption of dark green leafy vegetables was similar across wealth quantiles (Ci = 0.014, p = 0.314). Overall, the wealthier households spent significantly more money on food purchases with a median of USD 50 (IQR = 60) in a month compared to the poorest who spent a median of USD 40 (IQR = 40). Of all the sources of food, the highest amount was spent at open-air markets median of USD 20 (IQR = 30) and the expenditure did not vary significantly by SES (Ci = 0.4, p = 0.684). The higher the socioeconomic status the higher the total amount spent on food purchases. In multivariable regression analysis, household SES was a significant determinant of food expenditure [Adjusted coefficient = 6.09 (95%confidence interval CI = 2.19, 9.99)].

Conclusion

Wealthier households spent more money on food compared to the poorest households, especially on buying food at supermarkets. Individuals from the poorest households were dominant in eating grains and roots and less likely to consume a variety of food groups, including pulses, dairy, eggs and fruits, and vegetables. Individuals from the poorest households were also less likely to achieve adequate dietary diversity. Deliberate policies on diet and nutrition are required to address socioeconomic inequalities in food purchasing practices.
Sustainable usage of demolished concrete waste as a sub-base material in road pavement
Authors: Mazhar Mohd. Aamir , Alam Pervez , Ahmed Sirajuddin , Khan Mohammed Sharib , Adam Farhan Ali
Published: January 2023

Recycled concrete aggregate, waste rock, crushed stone aggregate, reclaimed asphalt pavement, crushed clay brick, fine recycled glass, and gravel are some of the things that are left behind when concrete buildings are torn down. These things are a big problem for many countries around the world. More and more people want to find smart ways to use the waste that these substances make. To protect the environment and natural resources and to keep damage to the environment to a minimum, it is important to deal with this issue locally. Several studies have shown that old concrete is strong and can be used as a green material. This will make construction cheaper in the long run. Thus, the goal of this research was to find out how well demolished concrete waste works and what its engineering properties are so that it could be used in the base and sub-base of road pavements. The old concrete waste aggregates were used to replace the new or fresh aggregates in a range from 0% to 100% by weight. When demolished concrete waste aggregates were used instead of new aggregates, the water absorption went up from 1.58 to 4.65%. This shows that the water-cement ratio got better. The crushing value went up from 26.54 to 55.29%, the impact value went up from 27.86 to 58.05%, and the abrasion value went up from 26.96 to 35.58%. Based on the results of this study, the sub-base of roads can be made from a mix of 50% recycled aggregates and 50% new aggregates. Reusing concrete waste from buildings that have been torn down as a sub-base material will help reach social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
Hydrogeochemical characterization of groundwater in a coastal area, central western Senegal
Authors: Ndoye Seyni , Diedhiou Mathias , Celle Helene , Faye Serigne , Baalousha Mohammed , Le Coustumer Philippe
Published: January 2023

One of the most serious problems affecting coastal aquifers is seawater intrusion. Senegal is currently facing an increased demand for freshwater resources due to population growth and economic development in coastal areas. In areas affected by saltwater contamination, chloride concentrations as high as 8880 mg/L were measured in groundwater samples taken from wells near the coastal zone, indicating deterioration in water quality. Our study aims to identify the zones of degradation of the water quality by determining the chemical composition of groundwater and the geochemical processes controlling the chemical patterns. Hydrogeochemical (Piper and Chadha diagrams, chloroalkaline indices, normalized bivariate plots) and multivariate statistical (Hierarchical cluster analyses) techniques were used. Forty-two groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for concentrations of major and some minor ions, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), temperature, and pH. From samples we were able to establish a diagnosis of the very heterogeneous quality of the groundwater in this area. The average pH of the groundwater is 7.6 and about 80% of the groundwater samples have a TDS below 1000 mg/L. On the other hand, the EC values are very heterogeneous with very high conductivities in coastal areas. Approximately, 80% of the groundwater samples have a TDS less than 1000 mg/L and EC values are very heterogeneous. The dominant water types in the study area are Na-Cl water type (less than 10% of the samples) characteristic of the spatial evolution of groundwater salinization from west to east, mixed Ca-Mg-Cl due to fresh water/salt water contact and Ca-Mg-HCO3 water-type (nearly 56% of the samples) to the east. A hydrogeochemical zonation of the aquifer, based on the presence of different water families allows us to visualize the highly degraded (west), mixed (center) and healthy (east) zones. Chloroalkaline indices and normalized bivariate plots show that the chemistry of groundwater is controlled mainly by water-rock interaction and evaporation processes. As water-rock interaction processes, dissolution of carbonate and evaporite, weathering of silicate, ions exchange regulates major ion chemistry.
Evaluation of wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in Massachusetts correctional facilities, 2020–2022
Authors: Klevens R. Monina , Young Cristin C. W. , Olesen Scott W. , Osinski Anthony , Church Daniel , Muten Jennifer , Chou Lori , Segal Tami , Cranston Kevin
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Correctional facilities have environmental, resource, and organizational factors that facilitate SARS-CoV-2 transmission and challenge clinical testing of staff and residents. In Massachusetts, multiple state prisons implemented wastewater surveillance for strategic testing of individuals and isolation of COVID-19 cases early in the course of infection, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Our objective was to quantify the correlation of COVID-19 cases with facility-level wastewater surveillance compared to standard case surveillance in towns in closest geographic proximity to participating correctional facilities.

Materials and methods

Available data included number of reported COVID-19 cases in residents from each of eight participating facilities (labeled A-H for anonymity), wastewater viral concentrations at each facility, and COVID-19 cases reported to routine surveillance in towns geographically nearest each facility. We selected data from December 2020-February 2022. Spearman's rank correlation was calculated at each facility to assess agreement between town cases and facility resident cases, and between wastewater concentrations and facility resident cases. We considered a correlation of ≤0.3 as weak and ≥0.6 as strong.

Results

Facilities housed a mean of 502 individuals (range 54–1,184) with mean staffing of 341 (range 53–547). In 7/8 facilities, the town/resident cases correlation coefficients (ρ) were statistically significant (range 0.22–0.65); in all facilities, the wastewater/facility resident cases correlations were statistically significant (range 0.57–0.82). Consistently, ρ values were higher for facility-specific wastewater/resident cases than for town/resident cases: A (0.65, 0.80), B (0.59, 0.81), C (0.55, 0.70), D (0.61, 0.82), E (0.46, 0.62), F (0.51, 0.70), and H (0.22, 0.57).

Conclusion

We conclude that wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 can provide an additional signal to objectively supplement existing COVID-19 clinical surveillance for the early detection of cases and infection control efforts at correctional facilities.
Predict Who Your Friends Are?
Authors: Black Alison , West Geoffrey
Published: January 2023

Your friends can influence you in ways you may not realize. They can influence the way you think and behave, your likes and dislikes, what you buy, how well you do in school. Information on who you know is useful to scientists because we can use it to better understand how ideas, or in some cases diseases, spread. Scientists and mathematicians can use data and advanced mathematics to make educated guesses about how likely something is to occur. For example, we can predict your likelihood of being friends with another person given just a few pieces of information, like what school you attend, your hobbies, and who you know! In this article, you will learn about some of the tools to become a network scientist and make your own mathematical predictions about friendships!