bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) for metallome analysis of herbarium specimens
Authors: Purwadi Imam , Casey Lachlan W. , Ryan Chris G. , Erskine Peter D. , van der Ent Antony
Published: December 2022

Background

“Herbarium X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Ionomics” is a new quantitative approach for extracting the elemental concentrations from herbarium specimens using handheld XRF devices. These instruments are principally designed for dense sample material of infinite thickness (such as rock or soil powder), and their built-in algorithms and factory calibrations perform poorly on the thin dry plant leaves encountered in herbaria. While empirical calibrations have been used for ‘correcting’ measured XRF values post hoc, this approach has major shortcomings. As such, a universal independent data analysis pipeline permitting full control and transparency throughout the quantification process is highly desirable. Here we have developed such a pipeline based on Dynamic Analysis as implemented in the GeoPIXE package, employing a Fundamental Parameters approach requiring only a description of the measurement hardware and derivation of the sample areal density, based on a universal standard.

Results

The new pipeline was tested on potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, and zinc concentrations in dry plant leaves. The Dynamic Analysis method can correct for complex X-ray interactions and performs better than both the built-in instrument algorithms and the empirical calibration approach. The new pipeline is also able to identify and quantify elements that are not detected and reported by the device built-in algorithms and provides good estimates of elemental concentrations where empirical calibrations are not straightforward.

Conclusions

The new pipeline for processing XRF data of herbarium specimens has a greater accuracy and is more robust than the device built-in algorithms and empirical calibrations. It also gives access to all elements detected in the XRF spectrum. The new analysis pipeline has made Herbarium XRF approach even more powerful to study the metallome of existing plant collections.
Rare disease education in Europe and beyond: time to act
Authors: Tumiene Birute , Peters Harm , Melegh Bela , Peterlin Borut , Utkus Algirdas , Fatkulina Natalja , Pfliegler György , Graessner Holm , Hermanns Sanja , Scarpa Maurizio , Blay Jean-Yves , Ashton Sharon , McKay Lucy , Baynam Gareth
Published: December 2022

People living with rare diseases (PLWRD) still face huge unmet needs, in part due to the fact that care systems are not sufficiently aligned with their needs and healthcare workforce (HWF) along their care pathways lacks competencies to efficiently tackle rare disease-specific challenges. Level of rare disease knowledge and awareness among the current and future HWF is insufficient. In recent years, many educational resources on rare diseases have been developed, however, awareness of these resources is still limited and rare disease education is still not sufficiently taken into account by some crucial stakeholders as academia and professional organizations. Therefore, there is a need to fundamentally rethink rare disease education and HWF development across the whole spectrum from students to generalists, specialists and experts, to engage and empower PLWRD, their families and advocates, and to work towards a common coherent and complementary strategy on rare disease education and training in Europe and beyond. Special consideration should be also given to the role of nurse coordinators in care coordination, interprofessional training for integrated multidisciplinary care, patient and family-centered education, opportunities given by digital learning and fostering of social accountability to enforce the focus on socially-vulnerable groups such as PLWRD. The strategy has to be developed and implemented by multiple rare disease education and training providers: universities, medical and nursing schools and their associations, professional organizations, European Reference Networks, patient organizations, other organizations and institutions dedicated to rare diseases and rare cancers, authorities and policy bodies.
Amyloid-beta and tau pathologies act synergistically to induce novel disease stage-specific microglia subtypes
Authors: Kim Dong Won , Tu Kevin J. , Wei Alice , Lau Ashley J. , Gonzalez-Gil Anabel , Cao Tianyu , Braunstein Kerstin , Ling Jonathan P. , Troncoso Juan C. , Wong Philip C. , Blackshaw Seth , Schnaar Ronald L. , Li Tong
Published: December 2022

Background

Amongst risk alleles associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD), those that converged on the regulation of microglia activity have emerged as central to disease progression. Yet, how canonical amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau pathologies regulate microglia subtypes during the progression of AD remains poorly understood.

Methods

We use single-cell RNA-sequencing to profile microglia subtypes from mice exhibiting both Aβ and tau pathologies across disease progression. We identify novel microglia subtypes that are induced in response to both Aβ and tau pathologies in a disease-stage-specific manner. To validate the observation in AD mouse models, we also generated a snRNA-Seq dataset from the human superior frontal gyrus (SFG) and entorhinal cortex (ERC) at different Braak stages.

Results

We show that during early-stage disease, interferon signaling induces a subtype of microglia termed Early-stage AD-Associated Microglia (EADAM) in response to both Aβ and tau pathologies. During late-stage disease, a second microglia subtype termed Late-stage AD-Associated Microglia (LADAM) is detected. While similar microglia subtypes are observed in other models of neurodegenerative disease, the magnitude and composition of gene signatures found in EADAM and LADAM are distinct, suggesting the necessity of both Aβ and tau pathologies to elicit their emergence. Importantly, the pattern of EADAM- and LADAM-associated gene expression is observed in microglia from AD brains, during the early (Braak II)- or late (Braak VI/V)- stage of the disease, respectively. Furthermore, we show that several Siglec genes are selectively expressed in either EADAM or LADAM. Siglecg is expressed in white-matter-associated LADAM, and expression of Siglec-10, the human orthologue of Siglecg, is progressively elevated in an AD-stage-dependent manner but not shown in non-AD tauopathy.

Conclusions

Using scRNA-Seq in mouse models bearing amyloid-β and/or tau pathologies, we identify novel microglia subtypes induced by the combination of Aβ and tau pathologies in a disease stage-specific manner. Our findings suggest that both Aβ and tau pathologies are required for the disease stage-specific induction of EADAM and LADAM. In addition, we revealed Siglecs as biomarkers of AD progression and potential therapeutic targets.
Spatiotemporal evolution of the clear cell renal cell carcinoma microenvironment links intra-tumoral heterogeneity to immune escape
Authors: Golkaram Mahdi , Kuo Fengshen , Gupta Sounak , Carlo Maria I. , Salmans Michael L. , Vijayaraghavan Raakhee , Tang Cerise , Makarov Vlad , Rappold Phillip , Blum Kyle A. , Zhao Chen , Mehio Rami , Zhang Shile , Godsey Jim , Pawlowski Traci , DiNatale Renzo G. , Morris Luc G. T. , Durack Jeremy , Russo Paul , Kotecha Ritesh R. , Coleman Jonathan , Chen Ying-Bei , Reuter Victor E. , Motzer Robert J. , Voss Martin H. , Liu Li , Reznik Ed , Chan Timothy A. , Hakimi A. Ari
Published: December 2022

Background

Intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) is a hallmark of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) that reflects the trajectory of evolution and influences clinical prognosis. Here, we seek to elucidate how ITH and tumor evolution during immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment can lead to therapy resistance.

Methods

Here, we completed a single-arm pilot study to examine the safety and feasibility of neoadjuvant nivolumab in patients with localized RCC. Primary endpoints were safety and feasibility of neoadjuvant nivolumab. Then, we spatiotemporally profiled the genomic and immunophenotypic characteristics of 29 ccRCC patients, including pre- and post-therapy samples from 17 ICI-treated patients. Deep multi-regional whole-exome and transcriptome sequencing were performed on 29 patients at different time points before and after ICI therapy. T cell repertoire was also monitored from tissue and peripheral blood collected from a subset of patients to study T cell clonal expansion during ICI therapy.

Results

Angiogenesis, lymphocytic infiltration, and myeloid infiltration varied significantly across regions of the same patient, potentially confounding their utility as biomarkers of ICI response. Elevated ITH associated with a constellation of both genomic features (HLA LOH, CDKN2A/B loss) and microenvironmental features, including elevated myeloid expression, reduced peripheral T cell receptor (TCR) diversity, and putative neoantigen depletion. Hypothesizing that ITH may itself play a role in shaping ICI response, we derived a transcriptomic signature associated with neoantigen depletion that strongly associated with response to ICI and targeted therapy treatment in several independent clinical trial cohorts.

Conclusions

These results argue that genetic and immune heterogeneity jointly co-evolve and influence response to ICI in ccRCC. Our findings have implications for future biomarker development for ICI response across ccRCC and other solid tumors and highlight important features of tumor evolution under ICI treatment.

Trial registration

The study was registered on ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT02595918) on November 4, 2015.
Association of medial arch support of foot orthoses with knee valgus angle at initial contact during cutting maneuvers in female athletes: a controlled laboratory study
Authors: Toyooka Seikai , Tsukada Keisuke , Yasui Youich , Saho Yasuaki , Okawa Yasuaki , Ando Shuji , Nakagawa Takumi , Kawano Hirotaka , Miyamoto Wataru
Published: December 2022

Background

The effect of medial arch support foot orthoses on kinematics and kinetics of the knee joint has remained unknown.

Methods

Sixteen female collegiate-level athletes volunteered to participate. Participants were asked to perform a 30° sidestep cut using orthoses of 3 different medial arch heights, comprising of the following: (1) “low,” a full flat foot orthosis without arch support, (2) “mid,” a commercially available foot orthosis with general height arch support, and (3) “high,” a foot orthosis with double the commercially available height for arch support to observe the effect on the knee when overcorrected. Kinematics and kinetics of the knee joint were collected by a markerless motion capture system with 2 force plates and compared between orthosis types using linear regression analysis, assuming a correlation between the measurements of the same cases in the error term.

Results

The knee valgus angle at initial contact was 2.3 ± 5.2 degrees for “low” medial arch support height, 2.1 ± 5.8 degrees for “mid,” and 0.4 ± 6.6 degrees for “high”. Increased arch support height significantly decreased the knee valgus angle at initial contact (p = 0.002). Other kinematic and kinetic measurements did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

The valgus angle of the knee at initial contact was decreased by the height of the medial arch support provided by foot orthosis during cutting manoeuvres. Increasing the arch support height may decrease knee valgus angle at initial contact. Medial arch support of foot orthosis may be effective in risk reduction of ACL injury.

Clinical trial registration numbers and date of registration: UMIN000046071, 15/11/2021.
Age-specific information resources to address the needs of young people with stroke: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Gopaul U. , Charalambous M. , Thilarajah S. , Kwah L. K. , Chapman S. , Bayley M. , Demers M.
Published: December 2022

Background and aims

Young people with stroke (YPwS) persistently experience challenges with disability, social reintegration, employment, and financial stability to provide for themselves and their families. The aims of this scoping review are to (1) identify and collate information resources for YPwS and evidence-based self-managements programs and (2) identify gaps in age-specific resources available for YPwS after traditional rehabilitation services have ended and/or who are returning to live in the community.

Methods

We will include both qualitative and quantitative studies, including all study designs. Participants will be community-dwelling adults aged between 18 and 65 years with a clinical diagnosis of stroke. We will include information resources and evidence-based self-managements programs for YPwS. Search terms will include stroke, young people, and community dwelling. We will search electronic databases such as MEDLINE. The reference lists of included studies, systematic reviews, and stroke guidelines and stroke-specific websites will also be searched. We will also contact Stroke Support Organizations and international/national allied health professional organisations to gather information resources about YPwS. We will also conduct a comprehensive environmental scan of additional resources using the search engine Google.

The titles, abstracts, full-text articles, and contents of the resources identified by the search will be assessed against the inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify potentially relevant resources.

Results and conclusions

Existing resources and self-management programs will be collated and categorized according to the type of needs addressed such as physical, emotions, activities of daily living, information, relationships, and social needs as well as the key gaps identified.
Associations between teacher quality, instructional quality and student reading outcomes in Nordic PIRLS 2016 data
Authors: Leino Kaisa , Nissinen Kari , Sirén Marjo
Published: December 2022

Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) focuses on the reading proficiency of students mostly in the fourth year of schooling. A wide selection of studies has shown that family background and early literacy activities at home have substantial associations with student achievement in reading literacy. However, research focusing on teacher qualities and teaching processes is inadequate. In this study, we focus on associations of teacher quality (formal qualifications and professional identity) and instructional quality (classroom management, cognitive activation and teacher support) with cognitive and affective-motivational student outcomes (variables Reading Achievement, Students Confident in Reading, and Students Like Reading). We analyzed PIRLS 2016 data from four Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden), consisting altogether of 923 teachers and 17,161 students. Using path analysis, we considered selected background variables from teacher and student questionnaires in relation to the outcomes. Overall, the associations of student outcomes with teacher quality and instruction quality were found to be weak in all the countries, and there was little variation between the countries. The strongest association observed in all countries was the positive relation between Teacher Support Perceived by Students and Students Like Reading. Further, a positive Working Atmosphere in the Classroom tended to promote Reading Achievement and Students Confident in Reading. Teacher’s Specialization in reading and the language of the test was positively associated with Teacher’s Self-Efficacy in teaching reading, which in turn was related to measures of instructional quality. The implications for practice are discussed.
Will extended field-of-view PET/CT depopulate the graveyard of failed PET radiopharmaceuticals?
Authors: de Vries E. F. J. , Elsinga P. H. , Tsoumpas C.
Published: December 2022

With the rapid emergence of extended Field-of-View PET-cameras several new applications for radiopharmaceuticals become within reach. Main reason is the significant increase of the sensitivity of the PET-camera so that much less radioactivity can be administered. Issues that that hampered development or use of PET-radiopharmaceuticals become realistic again. Molar activity requirements can become less strict. New low-yielding radiochemistry methods may become applicable. Carbon-11 labelled compounds can revive and potentially be shipped to nearby PET-facilities. PET-radiopharmaceuticals with slow kinetics in comparison to their half life can still be used. As additional infrastructure and equipment will likely remain unchanged and keep the same sensitivity therefore there will be issues with kinetic modelling requiring analysis of plasma or metabolites samples with lower count rate. Besides the potential revival of failed radiopharmaceuticals, novel challenges are ahead to develop novel radiochemistry based on thus far unsuitable (low yielding or time consuming) reactions.
Petrogenetic history and melt inclusion characteristics of mantle plume-derived ijolites from NE India: implications for multistage crystallization and occurrence of “nano-calciocarbonatites”
Authors: Choudhary Shubham , Sen Koushik , Rana Shruti , Kumar Santosh
Published: December 2022

The Sung Valley ultramafic–alkaline–carbonatite complex (UACC) of Meghalaya, NE, India, is a result of magmatic activity related to the Kerguelen mantle plume spanning from 101 to 115 Ma. In the present study, an integrated crystal size distribution (CSD), mineral chemistry, and melt inclusion analysis are carried out on the ijolites present within this UACC. The CSD analysis shows that these ijolites were formed in multiple stages through changes in the crystallization environment, such as cooling and nucleation rates. Raman spectroscopy of mineral inclusions of rutile, aphthitalite, apatite, carbonate–silicate melt inclusions, and disordered graphite within clinopyroxene and titanite, respectively, indicates a heterogeneous composition of the parental magma. These mineral and melt inclusion phases further suggest localized changes in oxygen fugacity (fO2) due to redox reactions in the lower crust. SEM–EDX analysis of the exposed melt inclusions reveals the presence of alkali-bearing diopside, phlogopite, and andradite, along with an unidentified carbonated silicate daughter phase. The studied melt inclusions are dominated by carbonate, whereas silicates are subordinate. The presence of this fully crystallized carbonate–silicate melt as calcite, diopside, phlogopite, magnetite, apatite, and andradite suggests the presence of “nano-calciocarbonatites” in these ijolites. Our study provides insights into different mechanisms of the loss of alkalies from initially entrapped alkaline carbonate melt in clinopyroxenes. The predominant occurrence of calcite as the only carbonate phase in the studied melt inclusions is a result of silicate–carbonate melt immiscibility, calcite-normative system in these inclusions, dealkalization of the alkaline carbonates in the presence of external fluid, and/or redistribution of the alkalies to the daughter alkali-bearing silicates.
SARS-CoV-2-related cardiovascular complications in the tropics
Authors: Finsterer Josef , Mehri Sounira
Published: December 2022

One of the organs affected by SARS-CoV-2 is the heart. Cardiac manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 include acute coronary syndrome, endocarditis, myocarditis, pericarditis with pericardial effusion, heart failure, Takotsubo syndrome, arrhythmias, intra-ventricular thrombus formation, and cardiogenic shock. If COVID-19 patients present with cardiac complications, they require thorough cardiologic work-up, including coronary angiography if myocardial infarction or Takotsubo syndrome is suspected. Since patients with prosthetic valves and those carrying devises are prone to experience cardiac complications from a SARS-CoV-2 infection, they require particular attention and surveillance. If myocarditis is suspected, the diagnosis should be established by cardiac MRI with contrast medium or endo-myocardial biopsy.
Traditional detoxification of wild yam (Dioscorea hispida Dennst) tuber in chips processing at East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Estiasih Teti , Ahmadi Kgs. , Sari Irawati Nur Indah , Kuliahsari Dessy Eka , Martati Erryana
Published: December 2022

Dioscoreaceae or yam is a family of tuber that comprises many members with variability in utilization and their intensity of consumption. This family has wide variability and is used not only as food but also for medical purposes due to their bioactive compounds. One of the Dioscoreaceae family is wild yam (Dioscorea hispida Dennst), rich in carbohydrates but has an obstacle of high cyanide level. Historically, along with cassava, wild yam is the staple food in some places in Indonesia. There is a long history of traditional detoxification methods of wild yam with slightly different steps among different places. The shifting of staple food to rice excludes wild yam consumption. One of the remaining products from wild yam is chips. Wild yam chips are a traditional snack that is also produced by traditional detoxification. This paper is aimed to review the scientific basis for each step in traditional wild yam chips processing to remove cyanogenic compounds. This review was based on the observations of traditional wild yam tuber chip processing and unstructured interview with the wild yam tuber chip maker at 6 locations in East Java, Indonesia. Relevant literature was used to explain the scientific basis of the detoxification methods based on the definite inclusion and exclusion criteria. Also, the variability of processing methods was compared among different locations. In general, the steps of traditional detoxification during wild yam tuber chips processing are slicing the peeled wild yam tubers, mixing with the rubbing ash, pressing, drying, soaking, boiling/steaming, and sun drying. Slicing, rubbing, and pressing in chips processing is aimed to convert cyanogenic glycoside into acetone cyanohydrin. The alkaline pH due to ash rubbing makes spontaneous decomposition of acetone cyanohydrin into HCN. HCN is easily removed by dissolution and heating (drying and steaming/boiling). Thermal treatment also spontaneously decomposes cyanohydrin into free HCN. All of the cyanogenic compounds are water-soluble which soaking and washing are aimed to remove all compounds. Consecutive, complicated, and time-consuming processing completely removes cyanogenic compounds and produces safe wild yam tuber chips. The key finding of this review is the purpose of every step in wild yam tuber detoxification has a scientific basis to reduce cyanogenic compounds gradually. This process produces a very low cyanide level in the final product. In conclusion, traditional detoxication reduces cyanogenic compounds to a safe level.
Board of directors and earnings manipulation: evidence from regulatory change
Authors: Khan Sattar , Kamal Yasir , Abbas Muhammad , Hussain Shahid
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of the board of directors’ related clauses such as independence, female director, CEO Duality and the expertise of director included in the Code of Corporate Governance 2017 (CCG-2017) on earnings management with the pre- and post-CCG-2017 analysis. This study has used the sample of 323 non-financial listed firms of the Pakistan Stock Exchange from 2015 to 2019. Data were manually collected from companies’ annual reports, and two proxies of earnings management have used: one is discretionary accruals and the other is real activity manipulation. The results of the study show that as compared to the pre-period of CCG-2017 in the post-period of CCG-2017 board independence, expertise and female inclusion has increased significantly. Moreover, board independence and financially expert directors are negatively related to discretionary accruals, while there is a positive relationship of female directors with discretionary accruals, which is also same for real activity manipulation. The findings also show that there is no relationship of board independence/outside directors and expert directors with real activity manipulation. This study recommended the CCG-2017 reforms introduced by the regulator. Moreover, we recommend that the regulator needs to augment the authentic independence of independent/outside directors in listed firms (concentrated ownership context) of Pakistan. This study adds its part in the corporate governance literature by focusing board attributes with regulatory reforms on earnings manipulation, which is lacking in the related literature in general and in Pakistan an emerging economy in particular.
Pleomorphic adenoma of the cheek: a case presentation
Authors: Abdelhamid Ahmed S. , Elzayat Saad , Essa Ahmed A. , Elsherief Hossam , Amer Mohamed
Published: December 2022

Background

Pleomorphic adenoma, also known as a benign mixed tumor, is the most common salivary gland tumor. The parotid gland accounts for 90% of the total, with the minor salivary glands accounting for 10%. Buccal minor salivary glands pleomorphic adenoma is extremely rare. It manifests as a painless, firm, slow-growing mass in most cases.

Case presentation

A pleomorphic adenoma in the buccal minor salivary glands was discovered in an adult 43-year-old female patient treated with wide surgical resection. A literature review of the PA of the cheek is stated.

Conclusion

In the differential diagnosis of cheek masses, pleomorphic adenoma should be scrutinized. The remedy of choice is wide local excision with at least a 5-year follow-up.
Acoustic and videoendoscopic effects of temporary vocal fold augmentation in an office-based setting: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Sabry Yasmine , Kinnari Teemu , Ashry Yehia , Naguib Maged , Geneid Ahmed
Published: December 2022

Background

Vocal-fold augmentation is a continuously developing treatment modality for glottic insufficiency. Patients with glottic insufficiency attend the phoniatrics clinics with increasing frequency. Glottic insufficiency may be due to vocal-fold paralysis, paresis, atrophy, sulcus vocalis, scarring, and vocal-fold deficiency after laryngeal surgery. A variety of materials exist for injection augmentation. This follow-up study aimed to assess the short-term as well as long-term outcomes of vocal-fold injection with calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) in patients with glottic gap 1–3 mm.

Method

This study included 25 patients with glottic insufficiency who underwent injection augmentation with CaHA. All patients were scheduled for voice evaluation using a comprehensive subjective and objective battery of assessments. Assessments were performed before the procedure and after the procedure at 2 months and at 1 year.

Results

Perceptual voice quality assessed with the GRBAS scale improved and the results were stable after 1 year. Shimmer and HNR improved continuously through the follow-up sessions, while jitter and f0 showed slight improvement after CaHA injection.

Conclusion

Voice improvement after injection of CaHA requires a minimum of 2 months to develop and may last for a long period.
TGF-beta signal transduction: biology, function and therapy for diseases
Authors: Tie Yan , Tang Fan , Peng Dandan , Zhang Ye , Shi Huashan
Published: December 2022

The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a crucial cytokine that get increasing concern in recent years to treat human diseases. This signal controls multiple cellular responses during embryonic development and tissue homeostasis through canonical and/or noncanonical signaling pathways. Dysregulated TGF-β signal plays an essential role in contributing to fibrosis via promoting the extracellular matrix deposition, and tumor progression via inducing the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, immunosuppression, and neovascularization at the advanced stage of cancer. Besides, the dysregulation of TGF-beta signal also involves in other human diseases including anemia, inflammatory disease, wound healing and cardiovascular disease et al. Therefore, this signal is proposed to be a promising therapeutic target in these diseases. Recently, multiple strategies targeting TGF-β signals including neutralizing antibodies, ligand traps, small-molecule receptor kinase inhibitors targeting ligand–receptor signaling pathways, antisense oligonucleotides to disrupt the production of TGF-β at the transcriptional level, and vaccine are under evaluation of safety and efficacy for the forementioned diseases in clinical trials. Here, in this review, we firstly summarized the biology and function of TGF-β in physiological and pathological conditions, elaborated TGF-β associated signal transduction. And then, we analyzed the current advances in preclinical studies and clinical strategies targeting TGF-β signal transduction to treat diseases.
Laboratory Result Reference Ranges Stratified for Patient-Reported Sex and Ethnicity Are More Closely Associated With Postoperative Outcomes Than Currently Used Reference Ranges: A Retrospective Data Analysis
Authors: Hofer Ira S. , Lee Andrew , Grogan Tristan , Lucero Jennifer , Cannesson Maxime
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND:

A single laboratory range for all individuals may fail to take into account underlying physiologic differences based on sex and genetic factors. We hypothesized that laboratory distributions differ based on self-reported sex and ethnicity and that ranges stratified by these factors better correlate with postoperative mortality and acute kidney injury (AKI).

METHODS:

Results from metabolic panels, complete blood counts, and coagulation panels for patients in outpatient encounters were identified from our electronic health record. Patients were grouped based on self-reported sex (2 groups) and ethnicity (6 groups). Stratified ranges were set to be the 2.5th/97.5th percentile for each sex/ethnic group. For patients undergoing procedures, each patient/laboratory result was classified as normal/abnormal using the stratified and nonstratified (traditional) ranges; overlap in the definitions was assessed between the 2 classifications by looking for the percentage of agreement in result classifications of normal/abnormal using the 2 methods. To assess which definitions of normal are most associated with adverse postoperative outcomes, the odds ratio (OR) for each outcome/laboratory result pair was assessed, and the frequency that the confidence intervals of ORs for the stratified versus nonstratified range did not overlap was examined.

RESULTS:

Among the 300 unique combinations (race × sex × laboratory type), median proportion overlap (meaning patient was either “normal” or “abnormal” for both methodologies) was 0.86 [q1, 0.80; q3, 0.89]. All laboratory results except 6 overlapped at least 80% of the time. The frequency of overlap did not differ among the racial/ethnic groups. In cases where the ORs were different, the stratified range was better associated with both AKI and mortality (P < .001). There was no trend of bias toward any specific sex/ethnic group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Baseline “normal” laboratory values differ across sex and ethnic groups, and ranges stratified by these groups are better associated with postoperative AKI and mortality as compared to the standard reference ranges.
Dating Issues: The defection of Sebastokrator Isaakios Komnenos to the Danishmendid Turks, the death of his brother Andronikos Komnenos, and the death of their mother Empress Irene Doukaina
Authors: LOUKAKI Marina
Published: December 2022

Επαναξιολόγηση των φιλολογικών και ιστορικών δεδομένων για τη χρονολόγηση της αυτομολίας του σεβαστοκράτορος Ισαακίου Κομνηνού στους Δανισμενδίδες Τούρκους, του θανάτου του αδελφού του Ανδρονίκου Κομνηνού και του θανάτου της μητέρας τους αυτοκράτειρας Ειρήνης Δούκαινας. Από τον συσχετισμό των γεγονότων προκύπτει με βεβαιότητα ότι η Ειρήνη Δούκαινα αποκλείεται να πέθανε στις 19 Φεβρουαρίου 1123 αλλά μετά το 1130 και πριν από το 1136. Πιθανόν απεβίωσε στις 19 Φεβρουαρίου 1133.
Das Alte Testament und seine bildliche Repräsentanz in byzantinischen Kirchen: Einige grundlegende Überlegungen
Authors: ALTRIPP Michael
Published: December 2022

In Early Christian and Byzantine pictorial cycles there is nothing like the typological order found in Western churches of Medieval times. Instead the context of OT settings in Byzantine art shows a different relation between OT and NT. It is caracterized by a continuum which makes the OT tradition a very important part that is not surpassed by the NT. Furthermore OT and NT are part of a history that has its telos in the future. This thesis and its implications for Byzantine art is laid out in this paper and has to be validated by further research.
Patterns of Byzantine and Western Historiography in the Chronicle of Nestor
Authors: KARDARAS Georgios , YUSUPOVA Kamilla
Published: December 2022

Το Πρώιμο Ρωσικό Χρονικό, η μόνη πηγή αναφορικά με τις συνθήκες διαμόρφωσης της Ρωσίας του Κιέβου, εμφανίζει αρκετές επιρροές από τη βυζαντινή λογοτεχνία, καθώς και ορισμένες από τη Δύση. Πιθανόν όχι συμπτωματικά, όταν αναφέρεται στους παγανιστές Σλάβους, το Χρονικό δίνει έμφαση στα έθιμα που υποδηλώνουν βαρβαρότητα και χαμηλό πολιτισμικό επίπεδο και βρίσκονται σε αντίθεση με τις χριστιανικές αρχές. Η μελέτη εστιάζει στην πολυμορφία των ιστοριογραφικών προτύπων του Χρονικού, τα οποία αφορούν κυρίως: α) πρότυπατης συριακής εκκλησιαστικής ιστοριογραφίας (κοινοί τόποι για τους βαρβαρικούς λαούς και κατανομή του κόσμου από τους τρεις γυιους του Νώε), τα οποία προέρχονται από τη βυζαντινή γραμματεία, β) τιςομοιότητες που παρατηρούνται μεταξύ του Χρονικού και των βυζαντινών πηγών ως προς την παράθεση εθνογενετικών μύθων, γ) την καταπίεση των Σλάβων από τους Αβάρους, η οποία αναφέρεται από τον Φρεδεγάριο. Η συνολική εξέταση των παραπάνω οδηγεί στο συμπέρασμαότι ο συγγραφέας του Χρονικού ήταν σε θέση να μεταπλάσει και να προσαρμόσει στα δεδομένα της εποχής του τα ιστοριογραφικά πρότυπα που άντλησε από βυζαντινές και δυτικές πηγές, προβάλλοντας τη δικήτου εκδοχή για τα ήθη ή την προέλευση διαφόρων φύλων και λαών της Ανατολικής Ευρώπης. Επίσης, σε ιδεολογικό επίπεδο, ο εκχριστιανισμός των Ρως είναι το καθοριστικό σημείο για τη μετάβασή τους στον πολιτισμό και την ενσωμάτωσή τους στη χριστιανική οικουμένη.
Compte-rendu: Metaphrasis in Byzantine Literature, ed. A. ALWIS - M. HINTERBERGER - E. SCHIFFER [Byzantioς. Studies in Byzantine History and Civilisation 17], Turnhout 2021
Authors: LAMPADARIDI Anna
Published: December 2022

Compte-rendu: Metaphrasis in Byzantine Literature, ed. A. ALWIS - M. HINTERBERGER - E. SCHIFFER [Byzantioς. Studies in Byzantine History and Civilisation 17], Turnhout 2021
Mathematical modeling of HIV-HCV co-infection model: Impact of parameters on reproduction number
Authors: Abiodun Oluwakemi E. , Adebimpe Olukayode , Ndako James A. , Oludoun Olajumoke , Aladeitan Benedicta , Adeniyi Michael
Published: December 2022

Background: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are both classified as blood-borne viruses since they are transmitted through contact with contaminated blood. Approximately 1.3 million of the 2.75 million global HIV/HCV carriers are people who inject drugs (PWID). HIV co-infection has a harmful effect on the progression of HCV, resulting in greater rates of HCV persistence after acute infection, higher viral levels, and accelerated progression of liver fibrosis and end-stage liver disease. In this study, we developed and investigated a mathematical model for the dynamical behavior of HIV/AIDS and HCV co-infection, which includes therapy for both diseases, vertical transmission in HIV cases, unawareness and awareness of HIV infection, inefficient HIV treatment follow-up, and efficient condom use.

Methods: Positivity and boundedness of the model under investigation were established using well-known theorems. The equilibria were demonstrated by bringing all differential equations to zero. The associative reproduction numbers for mono-infected and dual-infected models were calculated using the next-generation matrix approach. The local and global stabilities of the models were validated using the linearization and comparison theorem and the negative criterion techniques of bendixson and dulac, respectively.

Results: The growing prevalence of HIV treatment dropout in each compartment of the HIV model led to a reduction in HIV on treatment compartments while other compartments exhibited an increase in populations. In dually infected patients, treating HCV first reduces co-infection reproduction number Rech, which reduces liver cancer risk.

Conclusions: From the model's results, we infer various steps (such as: campaigns to warn individuals about the consequences of having multiple sexual partners; distributing more condoms to individuals; continuing treatment for chronic HCV and AIDS) that policymakers could take to reduce the number of mono-infected and co-infected individuals.
Advanced materials foresight: research and innovation indicators related to advanced and smart nanomaterials
Authors: Farcal Lucian , Munoz Pineiro Amalia , Riego Sintes Juan , Rauscher Hubert , Rasmussen Kirsten
Published: December 2022

Background: Advanced materials are most likely to bring future economic, environmental and social benefits. At the same time, they may pose challenges regarding their safety and sustainability along the entire lifecycle. This needs to be timely addressed by the stakeholders (industry, research, policy, funding and regulatory bodies). As part of a larger foresight project, this study aimed to identify areas of scientific research and technological development related to advanced materials, in particular advanced nanomaterials and the sub-group of smart nanomaterials. The study identified and collected data to build relevant research and innovation indicators and analyse trends, impact and other implications.

Methods: This study consisted of an iterative process including a documentation phase followed by the identification, description and development of a set of core research and innovation indicators regarding scientific publications, EU projects and patents. The data was extracted mainly from SCOPUS, CORDIS and PATSTAT databases using a predefined search string that included representative keywords. The trends, distributions and other aspects reflected in the final version of the indicators were analysed, e.g. the number of items in a period of time, geographical distribution, organisations involved, categories of journals, funding programmes, costs and technology areas.

Results: Generally, for smart nanomaterials the data used represent around 3.5% of the advanced nanomaterials data, while for each field analysed, they represent 4.4% for publications, 13% for projects and 1.1% for patents. The study shows current trends for advanced nanomaterials at a top-level information that can be further extended with sub-indicators. Generally, the results indicated a significant growth in research into advanced nanomaterials, including smart nanomaterials, in the last decade, leading to an increased availability of information.

Conclusion: These indicators identify trends regarding scientific and technological achievements and represent an important element when examining possible impacts on society and policy implications associated to these areas.
How adjusting elicited health utilities after the fact can adversely affect shared decision making
Authors: Kujawski Edouard
Published: December 2022

Background: The elicitation of inconsistent health-state utility values (HSUVs) is a prevalent problem. There are two approaches to address this problem: (1) intervention during the elicitation process to ensure that patients estimate consistent HSUVs; (2) no intervention during the elicitation process and inconsistent HSUVs are adjusted after the fact. This paper studies three models recently proposed for adjusting inconsistent HSUVs and consistent HSUVs that some may consider unrealistic.

Analysis: The three models are analyzed using a sound theoretical framework: the mathematical equivalence of HSUVs elicited using the standard gamble and probabilities, the Fréchet bounds, and preference theory. It is proven that none of these models accounts for the Fréchet lower bound and health conditions that are preference substitutes.

Results: A clinical vignette proves these models may recommend treatments that result in premature death over treatments that cause acceptable adverse effects.

Conclusions: The three models are incorrect and may mislead patients and physicians to poor medical decisions. In the spirit of shared decision making, patients should be given the opportunity to reassess inconsistent HSUVs and confirm that the revised HSUVs reflect their preferences.
Cationic biopolymer decorated Asiatic Acid and Centella asiatica extract incorporated liposomes for treating early-stage Alzheimer’s disease: An In-vitro and In-vivo investigation
Authors: Dubey Akhilesh , Dhas Namdev , Naha Anup , Rani Usha , GS Ravi , Shetty Amitha , R Shetty Chaithra , Hebbar Srinivas
Published: December 2022

Background: Asiatic acid (AA) is a naturally occurring triterpenoid derivative of Centella asiatica (CA) with neuroprotective effect. The study aimed to design an ideal oral drug delivery system to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD) and develop chitosan-embedded liposomes comprising an extract of CA (CLCAE) and compare them with the chitosan-coated liposomes of asiatic acid (CLAA) for oral delivery to treat the initial phases of AD. 

Methods: The solvent evaporation technique was used to develop CLCAE and CLAA, optimised with the experiment's design, and was further evaluated.

Results: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies confirmed coating with chitosan. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) indicated the successful formation of CLCAE and CLAA. Differential scanning colorimetry (DSC) confirmed the drug-phospholipid complex. Furthermore, the rate of in vitro release of CLCAE and CLAA was found to be 69.43±0.3 % and 85.3±0.3 %, respectively, in 24 h. Ex vivo permeation of CLCAE and CLAA was found to be 48±0.3 % and 78±0.3 %, respectively. In the Alcl3-induced AD model in rats, disease progression was confirmed by Y-maze, the preliminary histopathology evaluation showed significantly higher efficacy of the prepared liposomes (CLCAE and CLAA) compared to the Centella asiatica extract (CAE) and they were found to have equivalent efficacy to the standard drug (rivastigmine tartrate). The considerable increase in pharmacodynamic parameters in terms of neuronal count in the CLAA group indicated the protective role against Alcl3 toxicity and was also confirmed by assessing acetylcholine (Ach) levels. The pharmacokinetic study, such as Cmax, Tmax, and area under curve (AUC) parameters, proved an increase in AA bioavailability in the form of CLAA compared to the pure AA and CLCAE forms.

Conclusion: The preclinical study suggested that CLAA was found to have better stability and an ideal oral drug delivery system to treat AD.
Prediction of self-efficacy in recognizing deepfakes based on personality traits
Authors: Abraham Juneman , Putra Heru Alamsyah , Prayoga Tommy , Warnars Harco Leslie Hendric Spits , Manurung Rudi Hartono , Nainggolan Togiaratua
Published: December 2022

Background: While deepfake technology is still relatively new, concerns are increasing as they are getting harder to spot. The first question we need to ask is how good humans are at recognizing deepfakes - realistic-looking videos or images that show people doing or saying things that they never actually did or said generated by an artificial intelligence-based technology. Research has shown that an individual’s self-efficacy correlates with their ability to detect deepfakes. Previous studies suggest that one of the most fundamental predictors of self-efficacy are personality traits. In this study, we ask the question: how can people’s personality traits influence their efficacy in recognizing deepfakes?  Methods: Predictive correlational design with a multiple linear regression data analysis technique was used in this study. The participants of this study were 200 Indonesian young adults. Results: The results showed that only traits of Honesty-humility and Agreeableness were able to predict the efficacy, in the negative and positive directions, respectively. Meanwhile, traits of Emotionality, Extraversion, Conscientiousness, and Openness cannot predict it. Conclusion: Self-efficacy in spotting deepfakes can be predicted by certain personality traits.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy – review of current literature
Authors: Jarosz Dominika , Grudzińska Aleksandra , Dudzińska Paulina , Milanowska Małgorzata , Tsitko Hanna
Published: December 2022

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) also known as broken heart syndrome is acute cardiac disease, which is characterized by reversible ventricular motion abnormalities, in the absence of justifying coronary artery disease. The clinical entity was first described in Japan in 1991. The word “Takotsubo” is a container used by the Japanese to catch octopus, which has a narrow neck and a relatively wide base, which resembles the heart's shape in TTS. The cardiomiopathy predominantly affects postmenopausal women and is often preceded by emotional (death of close family member, domestic abuse) or physical (external injury, severe pain) stress. The exact pathophysiological mechanism has not yet been fully clarified. Inordinate amount of catecholamines released into bloodstream after stress attack plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of TTS. Symptoms of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy such as chest pain and dyspnea are similar to acute myocardial infarction due to it TTS requires careful diagnosis. The main tools for making diagnosis are echocardiography, coronary angiography, ECG, cardiac biomarkers and cardiac magnetic resonance. The syndrome is usually reversible, nevertheless number of patients may develop complications such as cardiogenic shock, arrhythmias, heart failure. Treatment is mostly supportive including Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACEi) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which may reduce the likelihood of recurrent episodes. Generally patients with TSS have favourable prognosis, although some deaths are reported. This article is a review of current medical knowledge about Takotsubo syndrome based on available publications in Pubmed and Google Scholar databases.
Gaucher Disease: One of the Few Causes of Massive Splenomegaly
Authors: Garça Magda , Correia Susana , Goulart André , Ávila Paulo
Published: December 2022

Gaucher disease (GD) is a rare, autosomal recessive genetic disease caused by deficiency of a lysosomal enzyme (glucocerebrosidase and B-glucosidase) that leads to the accumulation of its substrate in lysosomal macrophages. GD remains rare and delayed diagnosis is common due its gradual onset. It is important to include this differential diagnosis in cases of massive splenomegaly and/or thrombocytopenia, in order to avoid potentially harmful splenectomy. This case report describes a 25 year old female patient with a 10 year medical history of anaemia and thrombocytopenia, who presented with symptoms of haemorrhagic dyscrasia, pancytopenia and massive splenomegaly. The differential diagnosis of massive splenomegaly included several conditions which were considered but ruled out. Because of a lack of resources, the patient was forwarded to a reference centre where the diagnosis of GD was made