bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression pattern of miR-193a, miR122, miR155, miR-15a, and miR146a in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of children with obesity and their relation to some metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers
Authors: Behrooz Maryam , Hajjarzadeh Samaneh , Kahroba Houman , Ostadrahimi Alireza , Bastami Milad
Published: March 2023

Background

The widespread presence of childhood obesity has increased considerably over three decades. The present study was designed to investigate expression patterns of miR-146a, miR-155, miR-15a, miR-193a, and miR-122 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in children who are obese along with their association with metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers.

Methods

Ninety test subjects were admitted. The profile of blood pressure, resting energy expenditure (REE), anthropometric measures, body composition, dietary intakes, physical activity levels, insulin, and lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and pubertal stage have been measured. Total RNA (including small RNAs) was extracted from PBMCs. The expression levels of miRNAs were measured by stem-loop RT-qPCR.

Results

The miR-155a expression level was significantly lower in obese children, children with high hs-CRP, and children with high-fat mass. Obese girls had significantly higher PBMC levels of miR-122. MiR-155a had a significant negative association with fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP. There were significant positive associations between miR-193a and miR-122 expression levels and fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and TG. MiR-15a was positively correlated with fasting insulin and HOMA-IR. Children with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and high-fat mass had higher PBMC levels of miR-122 and miR-193a. Higher miR-193a and miR-122 levels were also detected in PBMCs of children with fast REE, compared to those with slow REE, and the subjects with high hs-CRP, respectively.

Conclusion

lower level of miR-155 expression in obese subjects and significant associations unfolds the need for more studies to detect the possible underlying mechanisms.
Reduced quality of life, more technical challenges, and less study motivation among paramedic students after one year of the COVID-19 pandemic – a survey study
Authors: Häikiö Kristin , Harring Astrid Karina , Kveen Rune , Rand Kim , Jørgensen Trine Møgster
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Despite the lack of knowledge about the SARS-CoV2 virus, the lack of personal protection gear among frontline healthcare workers, and lack of vaccines in the beginning of the pandemic, paramedic students in Norway contributed to the National response against the COVID-19 pandemic by working in test-stations, ambulance services, ambulance decontamination stations etc. Despite fear of contracting the COVID-19 reported by healthcare workers worldwide, paramedic students in Norway reported higher-than-average quality of life after four months of the COVID-19 pandemic (first pandemic wave). In this study we aimed to investigate how students reported their quality of life, study motivation and job satisfaction after one year of living with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

At two data collection point, all paramedic students enrolled at Oslo Metropolitan University were invited to participate in a digital, online, self-administered survey. The first data collection was in June 2020 (the first pandemic wave), while the second data collection was in March 2021 (the third pandemic wave). Results from both samples were analyzed independently with descriptive statistics. Differences between the groups were analyzed using an independent T-test and Mann–Whitney-U test to discover changes over time. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to estimate the difference attributable to timing (first vs. the third wave), seniority, and student gender.

Results

The samples consist of slightly more female students than male students. The mean age in both samples is 24.6 years. Despite the higher-than-average level of quality of life in the first pandemic wave, results show that there was a significant reduction in students’ health-related quality of life (p < 0.001, B -0.059, SE 0.016), study motivation (p = 0.002, 95% CI:0.09,0.41), and job satisfaction (p = 0.005, 95% CI:1.62,9.00) after the third pandemic wave in Norway. Surprisingly, students experienced more technical challenges in the third wave, e.g., poor internet connection, sound pollution, and poor picture quality, despite more experience among students and teachers.

Conclusion

Our results show that paramedic students had significant worsening experiences in the late pandemic wave compared to the first pandemic wave. Universities and governments should learn from the COVID-19 pandemic to develop better preparedness plans for future pandemics and knowledge about students' well-being should be considered in future preparedness plans for higher education and the government plans for the education of front-line healthcare workers during a pandemic to facilitate the continuation of necessary education.
Serum-integrated omics reveal the host response landscape for severe pediatric community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Wang Yi , Huang Xiaolan , Li Fang , Jia Xinbei , Jia Nan , Fu Jin , Liu Shuang , Zhang Jin , Ge Haiyan , Huang Siyuan , Hui Yi , Sun Chunrong , Xiao Fei , Cui Xiaodai , Luu Laurence Don Wai , Qu Dong , Li Jieqiong , Tai Jun
Published: March 2023

Objective

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the primary cause of death for children under five years of age globally. Hence, it is essential to investigate new early biomarkers and potential mechanisms involved in disease severity.

Methods

Proteomics combined with metabolomics was performed to identify biomarkers suitable for early diagnosis of severe CAP. In the training cohort, proteomics and metabolomics were performed on serum samples obtained from 20 severe CAPs (S-CAPs), 15 non-severe CAPs (NS-CAPs) and 15 healthy controls (CONs). In the verification cohort, selected biomarkers and their combinations were validated using ELISA and metabolomics in an independent cohort of 129 subjects. Finally, a combined proteomics and metabolomics analysis was performed to understand the major pathological features and reasons for severity of CAP.

Results

The proteomic and metabolic signature was markedly different between S-CAPs, NS-CAPs and CONs. A new serum biomarker panel including 2 proteins [C-reactive protein (CRP), lipopolysaccharide (LBP)] and 3 metabolites [Fasciculol C, PE (14:0/16:1(19Z)), PS (20:0/22:6(4Z, 7Z, 10Z, 13Z, 16Z, 19Z))] was developed to identify CAP and to distinguish severe pneumonia. Pathway analysis of changes revealed activation of the cell death pathway, a dysregulated complement system, coagulation cascade and platelet function, and the inflammatory responses as contributors to tissue damage in children with CAP. Additionally, activation of glycolysis and higher levels of nucleotides led to imbalanced deoxyribonucleotide pools contributing to the development of severe CAP. Finally, dysregulated lipid metabolism was also identified as a potential pathological mechanism for severe progression of CAP.

Conclusion

The integrated analysis of the proteome and metabolome might open up new ways in diagnosing and uncovering the complexity of severity of CAP.
Node importance evaluation in multi-platform avionics architecture based on TOPSIS and PageRank
Authors: Liu Chang , Wang Jinyan , Xia Rui
Published: March 2023

With the development of avionics industry, it is difficult for traditional combat equipment node evaluation method to meet our requirements under complex combat system. This paper presents a method of node importance evaluation which is suitable for modern avionics field and can be used for reference in other combat fields. In order to make better use of the different features of the node itself and the different connections between nodes, we use TOPSIS algorithm to model the characteristics of the node itself, and PageRank to measure the interdependence of all nodes. Therefore, a novel node contribution evaluation algorithm based on TOPSIS and PageRank is proposed in this paper. In addition, after the evaluation of node contribution, we found that there was also a functional relationship between the operational information entropy in the whole graph and the contribution of these nodes. On this basis, information entropy evaluation algorithm of the overall combat map is further proposed. After a lot of experiments, the reliability of our algorithm is evaluated on the indexes of the node's destruction-resistant performance and information transfer efficiency. Compared with the traditional universal algorithm, our proposed algorithm shows more interpretable and robust results in the field of avionics.
Study on the thermal stability of nab-paclitaxel during hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Li Luya , Yin Jintuo , Zhang Xidong , Zheng Ying , Feng Rui
Published: March 2023

Background

Albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel), as a special targeted preparation of paclitaxel, has the advantages of good curative effect and less side effects in anti-tumor therapy. The existence of the plasma-peritoneal barrier and insufficient blood supply make intravenous drugs hard to reach the peritoneum, while hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy can solve the difficulty. And compared with systemic medications, HIPEC can also give higher concentrations of chemotherapy drugs in the abdominal cavity, while ensuring lower systemic toxicity. However, at present, there is no relevant report on the clinical study of nab-paclitaxel during intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy, and its stability under special temperature conditions has not been reported either.

Methods

In this study, We examined three batches of albumin-bound paclitaxel dissolved in saline at different temperatures (25 °C, 37 °C, 41 °C, 42 °C and 43 °C) for the changes of human serum albumin content, human serum albumin polymer content, related substance content, in-vitro release rate, paclitaxel binding rate and paclitaxel content at different temperatures.

Results

Our results demonstrated that the indicators including human serum albumin content, human serum albumin polymer content, in-vitro release rate, paclitaxel binding rate and paclitaxel content were stable to the several temperatures, except that Taxane (0.1%) and other individual impurities in the determination of related substance content fluctuated comparatively widely with the change of temperature. In addition, only Taxane (0.1%) and 7-Epitaxol (1%) were detected.

Conclusions

Overall, albumin-bound paclitaxel is relatively stable to different temperatures (25 °C, 37 °C, 41 °C, 42 °C and 43 °C). This study will lay a foundation for further studies on the albumin-bound paclitaxel during hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
Stress distribution and displacement in the maxillofacial complex during intrusion and distalization of the maxillary arch using miniplates versus mini-implants: a 3-dimensional finite element study
Authors: Somaskandhan Abinaya , Kumar N M. Vijay , Vijayalakshmi R. Devaki
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To three-dimensionally analyse the stress distribution and displacement pattern in the maxillofacial complex following intrusion and distalization of the maxillary arch using finite element analysis in skeletal class II malocclusion with prognathic maxilla and vertical maxillary excess using miniplates and mini-implants.

Materials and methods

Finite Element models of a skull, Y-shaped stainless steel miniplate, mini-implant and a posted arch were generated. Three force levels (1) 200 g (2) 300 g and (3) 500 g per side were applied to the assembly. The models were pre-processed and the analysis was performed using ANSYS version 18.1 software. Alterations in von mises stress, principal maximum stress, principal minimum stress and compressive stress were analysed around the sutures and surface landmarks.

Results

With miniplates, there was a maximum stress concentration at the zygomatic buttress with even stress distribution at the fronto-maxillary, zygomatico-temporal, zygomatico-frontal and pterygomaxillary sutures along with anatomical landmarks such as frontal process of maxilla, ANS, Point A, prosthion and maxillary process of zygoma. First molars experienced greater distalization effects with buccal flaring when miniplates were used. With mini-implants, canine and premolars also exhibited greater distalization effects. In the root apices, lateral incisors showed increased lingual root movement with mini-implants.

Conclusion

Miniplates provide a greater distalizing effect while mini-implants produce increased intrusive effect. The distalizing effect is greater when 500 g of force is applied using miniplates with significantly even stress distribution and displacement pattern.
Insecticidal and repellent effects of Mentha longifolia L. essential oil against Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Saıfı Rayane , Saıfı Hadjer , Akca İzzet , Benabadelkader Messaouda , Askın Ali Kaan , Belghoul Mohammed
Published: March 2023

Background

Chemical control is generally used against aphids. The harmful effects of the chemicals used in the control on the environment and human health have contributed to the development of alternative control methods. The main objective of this study was to determine chemical composition of Mentha longifolia L. essential oil obtained from spontaneous plants in Algeria, investigate repellent and con-tact toxicity effect on Aphis craccivora Koch control, and assess the impacts of essential oil on development, survival and reproduction of A. craccivora.

Results

The essential oil showed a concentration dependent significant toxic and repellent effects. The highest effect was recorded for 8 μl/ml concentration of essential oil. The repellent effect and mortality rate in 8 μl/ml concentration were 84.37 and 80.66%, respectively. The values of LC50 and LC90 were 1.848 and 26.782 μl/ml, respectively. The effect of essential oil on immature period, adult longevity, natal period, survival, and fecundity was statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The findings in this study showed that the essential oil of M. longifolia harvested in the Tamanrasset region of Algeria has a toxic effect on A. craccivora, and can have a potential to be used as an insecticide to control A. craccivora. The use of environmentally friendly bioinsecticide will enable effective management of A. craccivora.

Graphical Abstract
Twelve-month outcomes of single-step transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy for moderate hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism
Authors: Abdel-Radi Mahmoud , Rateb Mahmoud , Saleh Mohamed G. A. , Aly Mohamed Omar M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Conventional mechanical or alcohol-assisted photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) techniques for correction of hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism were associated with inconsistent results. The aim of this study is to evaluate the 12-month visual and refractive outcomes of the relatively new single-step transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TE-PRK) for moderate hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism.

Methods

This is a prospective interventional study. Forty-eight eyes of 30 patients with moderate hyperopia or hyperopic astigmatism with a cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction (SEQ) between 2.0 and 4.5 diopters (D) underwent single-step StreamLight® TE-PRK using EX500 excimer laser (Alcon Laboratories, USA). The main outcome measures were recorded at 6 and 12 months postoperatively including assessment of logarithm of the minimum angle resolution (logMAR) uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA, CDVA), cycloplegic refraction, corneal topographic changes as well as post-PRK peripheral haze grading.

Results

The mean preoperative cycloplegic SEQ was significantly reduced from 3.21 ± 0.61 D to 0.35 ± 0.04 D and 0.41 ± 0.04 D at 6 and 12 months, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean preoperative UDVA significantly improved from 0.53 ± 0.02 logMAR to 0.07 ± 0.01 logMAR and 0.08 ± 0.01 logMAR at 6 and 12 months, respectively (P < 0.001) while the mean preoperative logMAR CDVA showed non-significant change over time throughout the study (P = 0.135). At the end of the study, 41 eyes (85.4%) achieved UDVA of 20/25 or better and no eye lost any lines of CDVA. Thirty-eight eyes (79.1%) had a postoperative cycloplegic cylinder of 0.5 D or less at 12 months. The mean preoperative mean keratometry showed significant increase at 6 and 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.001) while there was no significant change between the two postoperative visits denoting topographic stability (P = 0.058). The mean postoperative Q value at 6 and 12 months showed a significant prolate shift (P < 0.001). No haze was observed in 62.5% and 85.4% of the enrolled eyes at 6 and 12 months, respectively.

Conclusions

Single-step StreamLight® TE-PRK for moderate hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism achieved acceptable visual and refractive outcomes.

Trial registration: (Clinicaltrials.gov): NCT05261685, 2 March 2022, retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05261685
Absence of Zika virus among pregnant women in Vietnam in 2008
Authors: Chiu Y.-C. , Baud D. , Fahmi A. , Zumkehr B. , Vouga M. , Pomar L. , Musso D. , Thuong B. C. , Alves M.P. , Stojanov M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Despite being first identified in 1947, Zika virus-related outbreaks were first described starting from 2007 culminating with the 2015 Latin American outbreak. Hypotheses indicate that the virus has been circulating in Asia for decades, but reports are scarce.

Methods

We performed serological analysis and screened placental samples isolated in 2008 for the presence of Zika virus from pregnant women in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam).

Results

None of the placental samples was positive for Zika virus. Four serum samples out of 176 (2.3%) specifically inhibited Zika virus, with variable degrees of cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses. While one of the four samples inhibited only Zika virus, cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses not included in the study could not be ruled out.

Conclusion

Our results support the conclusion that the virus was not present among pregnant women in the Vietnamese largest city during the initial phases of the epidemic wave.
A comparative study on the Antihyperlipidemic and antibacterial potency of the shoot and flower extracts of Melastoma malabathricum Linn's
Authors: Kader Md. Abdul , Rahman Md. Masuder , Mahmud Shahin , Khan Md. Sharif , Mukta Shamsunnahar , Zohora Fatama Tous
Published: March 2023

Background

Atherosclerosis is arteries’ thickening and stiffening condition manifested due to plaque formation by oxidized-LDL of abundant and deranged lipid metabolism. Traditionally, Melastoma malabathricum Linn (MM) leaves are used for anti-diabetics, abdominal problems, and high blood pressure. The current experiment unveils the potency of ethanol, acetone, and water MM extracts as antibacterial agents and alternative medicine during hyperlipidemic conditions.

Methods

A high cholesterol diet (HCD-2500 mg/kg) was provided with regular feeds for 3 weeks to induce hyperlipidemic mice. Afterward, comparing weight with Group-A (normal control), the hyperlipidemic mice were classified into five groups: Group-B (hyperlipidemic control), Group-C (MFA-500 mg/kg), Group-D (MSE-250 mg/kg), Group-E (MSE-500 mg/kg), and Group-F (ATOVAT-20 mg/kg). And the dosages were given orally for 28 days according to their body weight. Fasting blood was collected at the end of treatment, and serum was taken to test lipid profiling and liver enzymes.

Results

The body mass had waxed significantly (P < 0.001) in all the groups compared with Group-A. Subsequently, orally administered different doses where group-D and group-E demonstrated magnificent anti-hyperlipidemic potency (P < 0.001) compared with group-B. During treatment, rapid upward body mass was tardy in group-E (P < 0.001). However, the liver enzyme expression such as AST, ALT, and ALP was elevated (P < 0.001) in Group-F, they were significantly lessened (P < 0.001, P < 0.01) in Groups-C, D, and E, which indicates these extracts have significant anti-liver damaging potency. Alongside the antibacterial activity of MSE-1500 μg/disc, it exhibited the greatest (16.50 mm) zone of inhibition against Shigella dysenteriae.

Conclusion

However, in our current experiment, depending on the derived data, we can elicit that the Melastoma malabathricum shoot ethanolic (MSE) extract is a potential resource for developing alternative medicine to manage the hyperlipidemic condition.
Case report: malignant hypertension associated with catecholamine excess in a patient with Leigh syndrome
Authors: Solis Ana , Shimony Joshua , Shinawi Marwan , Barton Kevin T.
Published: March 2023

Background

Leigh syndrome is a progressive neurodegenerative mitochondrial disorder caused by multiple genetic etiologies with multisystemic involvement that mostly affecting the central nervous system with high rate of premature mortality.

Case presentation

We present a 3-year, 10 month-old female patient with Leigh syndrome complicated by renal tubular acidosis, hypertension, gross motor delay, who presented with hypertensive emergency, persistent tachycardia, insomnia and irritability. Her previous genetic workup revealed a pathogenic variant in the MT-ND5 gene designated as m.13513G > A;p.Asp393Asn with a heteroplasmy of 69%. She presented acutely with malignant hypertension requiring intensive care unit admission. Her acute evaluation revealed elevated serum and urine catecholamines, without an identifiable catecholamine-secreting tumor. After extensive evaluation for secondary causes, she was ultimately found to have progression of her disease with new infarctions in her medulla, pons, and basal ganglia as the most likely etiology of her hypertension. She was discharged home with clonidine, amlodipine and atenolol for hypertension management. This report highlights the need to recognize possible autonomic dysfunction in mitochondrial disease and illustrates the challenges for accurate and prompt diagnosis and subsequent management of the associated manifestations. This association between catecholamine induced autonomic dysfunction and Leigh syndrome has been previously reported only once with MT-ND5 mutation.

Conclusions

Elevated catecholamines with malignant secondary hypertension may be unique to this specific mutation or may be a previously unrecognized feature of Leigh syndrome and other mitochondrial complex I deficient syndromes. As such, patients with Leigh syndrome who present with malignant hypertension should be treated without the need for extensive work-up for catecholamine-secreting tumors.
Adopting recommendations for implementing patient involvement in cancer research: a funder’s approach
Authors: Costa Alencar Alexandre B. , Selig Wendy K. D. , Geissler Jan , Bereczky Tamás , Ubide Alba , Haerry David , Stephens Richard , Behan Valerie
Published: March 2023

Background

The role of patients in cancer research is undergoing a significant evolution as all stakeholders seek to enhance the level of direct patient involvement in the design and development of clinical trials. However, there are significant hurdles that patients, patient advocates, laboratory researchers, clinical investigators, and funding institutions must overcome to implement relevant patient involvement in all aspects of biomedical research. By using innovative grant funding models, philanthropic organizations can lead the field in overcoming these challenges. Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research (RTFCCR), a private philanthropy that funds academic research, has developed a novel approach for requiring and supporting partnerships among grantees and patients in designing and conducting research projects. This paper presents a reflective case study of efforts to advance the field of patient involvement in clinical research.

Methods

The decision to focus on patient involvement stems from an expressed focus area established by the RTFCCR board of directors. In conducting this work, RTFCCR partnered with Patvocates, a patient advocacy and engagement network, to create a set of guiding documents and resources aimed at public and private health research funders within various national, international, and therapeutic settings. This effort included a landscape assessment, interviews with experts, and an iterative development process.

Results

To date, RTFCCR has completed and disseminated three guiding documents, one for funders, one for grant applicants, and one for patient advocates. These resources have already generated three major ongoing initiatives at RTFCCR: (1) inclusion of these recommendations in the foundation’s funding guidelines; patient input to prioritization of research focus areas; and in topic selection for calls for proposals; (2) direct involvement of patient experts in the grant review process; and (3) a commitment to support high impact clinical research projects in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Moreover, the foundation has launched a partnership with the International Cancer Research Partnership, the global alliance of cancer research organizations.

Conclusion

By using its grantmaking function and developing standardized approaches for implementation of patient involvement, RTFCCR is seeking to advance patient-centric cancer clinical research. This approach will continue to develop as it is implemented and shared with partners throughout the world.

Graphical Abstract
Earthquake, volcanic eruption, flood, and CBRNE: How can we prepare for disasters?
Authors: Yamakawa Tomoyuki
Published: March 2023

It has long been known that dialysis treatment is susceptible to disasters. In fact, the Great Hanshin earthquake in 1995 and the Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster in 2011 severely affected dialysis treatment; however, in the previous disasters, dialysis treatment has been continued through cooperation among dialysis facilities. In addition to earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods, unprecedented disasters such as volcanic eruptions and CBRNE are expected in Japan, necessitating preparation for dialysis treatment. It is well known that power outages are easier to fix after an earthquake than water outages. Therefore, it is important to be prepared for water outages to continue dialysis treatment. If a disaster restricts access to dialysis treatment, dialysis patients must be transferred to a facility where treatment is available. In addition, when dialysis facilities experience a water outage or power outage, the assistance of the local government may be required. Therefore, in the event of a disaster, it is important to share information about the damage among dialysis facilities and between the facilities and the government. The Japanese Association of Dialysis Physicians (JADP) has promoted information sharing among dialysis facilities and with governments, including the establishment of the Disaster Information Network in 2000. Furthermore, JADP chapters are established in each prefecture, and regional organizations such as JADP chapters work with local governments to build local disaster preparedness. The Japan Hemodialysis Assistance Team was established in 2015 and is tasked with disseminating information from the afflicted area during the acute phase of a disaster as well as providing human and material support during the subacute phase of a disaster. Preparation during normal times is imperative as various forms of disasters are expected to occur in the future.
Divergent gunshot residues and characterization of the memory effect in a .22 caliber revolver and pistol
Authors: Burnett Bryan R. , Nunziata Felice
Published: March 2023

Background

The forms and compositions of primer gunshot residue (GSR) in shooting cases have been routinely analyzed in many crime labs by scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Gunshot residue studies over the last 30 years have identified a contribution by residual GSR from surfaces within the firearm to GSR (the “memory effect”). In this study, we first focus on the GSR compositional differences between target, bore, and cylinder gap for a .22 caliber revolver which has received little attention in the literature. Secondly, we examine the behavior of elements involved in the residual contribution to GSR for a .22 caliber pistol.

Results

The compositions of target, bore, and cylinder gap GSRs from a .22 caliber revolver were determined for 11 discharge series. Breech GSR compositions from a .22 caliber pistol changed in sequential discharges revealing behavior of individual primer and bullet elements. The target GSR forms from some .22 caliber ammunitions were not spherical.

Conclusions

For the revolver, GSR compositions from the target, bore, and cylinder gap are divergent. Analysis of the pistol’s breech GSRs indicated mixing with the previously deposited GSRs resulting in a sequential contribution or loss of elements and redeposition of the new composition. Aluminum did not contribute to the residual GSR. The GSR composition of a discharge and its contribution to residual GSR on the internal parts of the firearm represents a complex process which likely involves a number of variables including, but not restricted to firearm design, primer composition, pressure and temperature of the discharge gas, and bullet surface composition.
Role of endovascular super selective intra-arterial injection of CA channel blocker agent (nimodipine) in management of cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal SAH: a single institution experience
Authors: Sultan Ahmed , Gaber Karim , Metwaly Tamer Ibrahim
Published: March 2023

Background

Vasospasm is a grave complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with a significant rate of morbidity and mortality. Endovascular intra-arterial injection of Ca channel blocker agent (Nimodipine) may offer a promising solution in refractory vasospasm.

Results

During the period between April 2017 and May 2019, 120 patients who presented with SAH due to a ruptured intracranial aneurysm were admitted to the neurosurgery department at Alexandria University Hospitals. Among them, 30 patients developed refractory vasospasm and were subjected to endovascular super selective intraarterial injection of nimodipine. The angiographic improvement was excellent in three (10%), good in 14 (46%) and poor in the remaining 13 procedures (43%). Clinical improvement was achieved in 15 cases while 15 cases showed no improvement on Modified Rankin Scale. No cases deteriorated following the injection.

Conclusions

Endovascular chemical angioplasty using a ca channel blocker agent (Nimodipine) is a safe and efficient method for the treatment of refractory post aneurysmal SAH vasospasm. The quest is still needed for developing a better efficient agent to overcome the vasospasm dilemma.
Future farming: protein production for livestock feed in the EU
Authors: Rauw Wendy Mercedes , Gómez Izquierdo Emilio , Torres Olga , García Gil María , de Miguel Beascoechea Eduardo , Rey Benayas José María , Gomez-Raya Luis
Published: March 2023

Climate change can have a negative impact on agricultural production and food security. Vice versa, agricultural practices themselves contribute to climate change because of land, water, and energy use and anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gasses and waste. The European Green Deal focusses on “transition to a sustainable food system that has a neutral or positive environmental impact, helps mitigate climate change and adapt to its impact, and reverses the loss of biodiversity”. Local production of feed proteins in the European Union may result in new agro-ecosystem services that can be integrated to maximize sustainability of agricultural practices. Feed crops with nutritional properties that are both beneficial to functional biodiversity, biocontrol, pollination, and other ecosystem services can be incorporated into livestock diets. However, implementation is hampered by lack of information, embedded habits of specialization, profit maximization priorities, a lack of awareness about the environmental impacts of existing production systems, and a lack of flow of resources and services between the sectors. When economic benefits from investments are not immediately evident, transition can only be successful with government policies that focus on providing knowledge and education, and financial support. To convince agriculturists and agricultural workers to adopt sustainable practices, policy changes are needed with close cooperation between, and support from, all actors involved, including producers, non-governmental and civil society organisations, and the retail industry.
Role of apparent diffusion coefficient in assessment of loco-regional nodal spread in cancer rectum: correlative study with histopathological findings
Authors: Osman Mohamed Fouad , Ibrahim Shimaa Hamed , Ghoneim Shereen Mohammed Mahmoud , Ali Rasha Mostafa Mohamed , Sedqi Mohamed Emam Mohamed , Gadalla Amr A. Elfattah Hassan
Published: March 2023

Background

Rectal cancer is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Preoperative assessment and detection of nodal metastasis are crucial for selecting a proper treatment plan. Diffusion-weighted imaging is considered to be a crucial functional imaging technique that can aid in determining the condition of lymph nodes. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of MRI functional images by use of apparent diffusion coefficient in regional nodal assessment in rectal cancer.

Results

This study included 54 patients including 29 males (53.7%) and 25 females (46.3%) presented with pathologically proven rectal cancer. Regarding rectal adenocarcinoma, functional MRI imaging using ADC values found to have a better sensitivity (86.24%) in detection of regional nodal metastasis than conventional morphological MRI criteria with 1.05 × 10−3 mm2/s was employed as cutoff value to distinguish metastatic from non-metastatic lymph nodes with statistically significant P value (< 0.001); nevertheless, regarding the accuracy there was no difference (68.52%). As regards mucinous and signet ring cell carcinoma, morphological assessment using conventional MRI sequences were found to have a better accuracy (72.96%) and sensitivity (57.69%) than ADC value, with the latter showed low statistically significant results (P- value < 0.201) in distinguishing metastatic and non-metastatic nodes. This could be explained by extremely high ADC values of nodes for these pathological types owing to their high mucin content.

Conclusions

MRI functional imaging using ADC values can be utilized to distinguish metastatic from non-metastatic lymph nodes in rectal adenocarcinoma employing diagnostic accuracy of 86.52%. However, morphological assessment using conventional MRI was found to be better in assessment of regional lymph nodes at mucinous and signet ring rectal carcinoma.
Evaluation of outcome of cochlear implanted children after 2 years of rehabilitation in Alexandria: a retrospective study
Authors: Elhakeem Engy Samy , Elmaghraby Reham Mohamed , Elroumy Heba Mohamed Gamal Eldin , Baky Fathy Ahmed Abdel
Published: March 2023

Background

Cochlear implantation (CI) is an electronic hearing device that is surgically implanted to bypass damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Nowadays, CI prospects for children with profound hearing loss (HL) have been significantly improved. Now, most implanted children can expect similar audiological outcomes to those with moderate to severe HL with aids depending on the time of loss and cognitive function.

Aim

This study aimed at assessing the progress in all aspects of language acquisition and the effect of various factors on the outcome of cochlear implantation in children undergoing auditory training for at least 2 years after surgery.

Results

The results showed the effectiveness of early implantation in terms of improvement in linguistic skills, indicated by significant change of language age scores when compared before and after surgery (median age 1.167 years to 4.75 years withpvalue < 0.0001). Significant improvement in degree of hearing level (HL median from 100 dB to 25 withpvalue < 0.0001), in addition to its effect on improving the general IQ (mean from 82.42 ± 9.46 to 88.61 ± 8.13 withpvalue = 0.006) and abstract IQ scores (mean from 83.48 ± 9.81 to 94.45 ± 10.41 withpvalue = 0.0001).

Conclusion

CI children showed significant improvement in speech perception, auditory skills, and IQ scores as well as receptive and expressive language after CI denoted by the improvement of language age. Significant improvement was found in early implantation age (under 2 years) in the postoperative degree of hearing level and in language test scores in comparison to older aged children.
Prediction of dose deposition matrix using voxel features driven machine learning approach
Authors: Jiao Shengxiu , Zhao Xiaoqian , Yao Shuzhan
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

A dose deposition matrix (DDM) prediction method using several voxel features and a machine learning (ML) approach is proposed for plan optimization in radiation therapy.

Methods:

Head and lung cases with the inhomogeneous medium are used as training and testing data. The prediction model is a cascade forward backprop neural network where the input is the features of the voxel, including 1) voxel to body surface distance along the beamlet axis, 2) voxel to beamlet axis distance, 3) voxel density, 4) heterogeneity corrected voxel to body surface distance, 5) heterogeneity corrected voxel to beamlet axis, and (6) the dose of voxel obtained from the pencil beam (PB) algorithm. The output is the predicted voxel dose corresponding to a beamlet. The predicted DDM was used for plan optimization (ML method) and compared with the dose of MC-based plan optimization (MC method) and the dose of pencil beam-based plan optimization (PB method). The mean absolute error (MAE) value was calculated for full volume relative to the dose of the MC method to evaluate the overall dose performance of the final plan.

Results:

For patient with head tumor, the ML method achieves MAE value 0.49 × 10−4 and PB has MAE 1.86 × 10−4. For patient with lung tumor, the ML method has MAE 1.42 × 10−4 and PB has MAE 3.72 × 10−4. The maximum percentage difference in PTV dose coverage (D98) between ML and MC methods is no more than 1.2% for patient with head tumor, while the difference is larger than 10% using the PB method. For patient with lung tumor, the maximum percentage difference in PTV dose coverage (D98) between ML and MC methods is no more than 2.1%, while the difference is larger than 16% using the PB method.

Conclusions:

In this work, a reliable DDM prediction method is established for plan optimization by applying several voxel features and the ML approach. The results show that the ML method based on voxel features can obtain plans comparable to the MC method and is better than the PB method in achieving accurate dose to the patient, which is helpful for rapid plan optimization and accurate dose calculation.

Advances in knowledge:

Establishment of a new machine learning method based on the relationship between the voxel and beamlet features for dose deposition matrix prediction in radiation therapy.
Η συμμετοχή του συστήματος των λιποπρωτεϊνών στη μεταβολική ενεργοποίηση του λιπώδους ιστού
Authors: Γιαννοπούλου Παναγιώτα
Published: March 2023

Η νοσογόνος παχυσαρκία και οι μεταβολικές διαταραχές της αυξάνονται, παγκοσμίως, με ανησυχητικό ρυθμό και παρά την έντονη ερευνητική προσπάθεια, μέχρι σήμερα δεν υπάρχει αποτελεσματική φαρμακολογική παρέμβαση. Η μεταβολική ενεργοποίηση του λευκού λιπώδους ιστού σε φαιοποιημένο λευκό λιπώδη ιστό (Brown into White – BRITE) θεωρείται μια πολλά υποσχόμενη στρατηγική για τη θεραπεία της νοσογόνου παχυσαρκίας, που τα τελευταία χρόνια προσέλκυσε μεγάλο ερευνητικό ενδιαφέρον. Πρόσφατα αποδείχθηκε ότι η απολιποπρωτεΐνη Ε (APOE) συνεισφέρει σημαντικά στην διατροφικά επαγόμενη παχυσαρκία. Με βάση τα δημοσιευμένα δεδομένα μας και την τρέχουσα γνώση στο πεδίο, η έκφραση της APOE στον εγκέφαλο είναι ένας ισχυρός μεσολαβητής των διαδικασιών που οδηγούν στην διατροφικά επαγόμενη παχυσαρκία, ενώ η ηπατική έκφραση της APOE συμβάλλει στην αντίσταση στην παχυσαρκία. Στόχος της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι η αξιολόγηση της επίδρασης της ηπατικής υπερέκφρασης τροποποιημένων ΑΡΟΕ μορφών στην ανάπτυξη παχυσαρκίας αλλά και στη μεταβολική ενεργοποίηση των μιτοχονδρίων του λευκού λιπώδους ιστού. Η μελέτη εστιάζει στις APOΕ4259 και ΑΡΟΕ4mut1, δύο γενετικά τροποποιημένες μορφές της ΑΡΟΕ4, καθώς έχει δειχθεί ότι η υπερέκφραση τους στην περιφέρεια υπερέχει της αγρίου τύπου APOE διότι μειώνει τα επίπεδα της χοληστερόλης του αίματος δίχως την πρόκληση υπερτριγλυκεριδαιμίας. Σύμφωνα με τα αποτελέσματα της παρούσας διατριβής, οι APOE4259 και APOE4mut1 επέδειξαν ανασταλτική δράση σε πειράματα in vitro διαφοροποίησηςπρολιποκυττάρων σε ώριμα λιποκύτταρα, μέσω καταστολής της δράσης του PPARγ και της de novo σύνθεσης των λιπαρών οξέων και των τριγλυκεριδίων σε κύτταρα 3T3-L1. Επιπλέον,η APOE4mut1 προκάλεσε σημαντική αύξηση της καφεποίησης των λιποκυττάρων του WAT σε ποντίκια αγρίου τύπου, ενώ η έκφραση της στην περιφέρεια δεν συνοδεύτηκε από εμφάνιση υπερτριγλυκεριδαιμίας, γεγονός που συνηγορεί υπέρ της βελτιωμένης δράσης της έναντι της αγρίου τύπου ΑΡΟΕ4. Ωστόσο, κρίνεται αναγκαία η περαιτέρω διερεύνηση του ρόλου της APOE4mut1 στη βιογένεση και τη λειτουργία της HDL, καθώς και των πιθανών εμπλοκών της στην ομοιόσταση της γλυκόζης. Κατά συνέπεια, τα αποτελέσματα της εργασίας συνηγορούν στον ευεργετικό ρόλο των τροποποιημένων μορφών της ΑΡΟΕ4, αναδεικνύοντας τις ως πιθανά βιολογικά φάρμακα για την αντιμετώπιση της νοσογόνου παχυσαρκίας και των συνοδών μεταβολικών διαταραχών.
The economic realization of civic friendship
Authors: Γιαννοπούλου Αρετή
Published: March 2023

Οι θεωρητικοί της φροντίδας έχουν προτείνει την ευθυγράμμιση της οικονομίας της αγοράς με την ηθική της φροντίδας ως λύση για την εκτεταμένη φτώχεια και την ανασφάλεια στις σύγχρονες κοινωνίες. Αν και έχουν αναπτύξει μια καίρια κριτική στη νεοφιλελεύθερη καπιταλιστική συνθήκη, έχουν φανεί απρόθυμοι να προτείνουν μια ριζοσπαστική επανα-οργάνωση της οικονομίας που θα υπέβαλλε την οικονομία στον σκοπό της διατήρησης και της βελτίωσης της ανθρώπινης ζωής. Η αριστοτελική «πολιτική φιλία», θεωρώ, θα μπορούσε να οδηγήσει σε μια οικονομία που υπηρετεί τη ζωή ακριβώς επειδή ενεργοποιεί την ιδιότητα του πολίτη όπως αυτή εκφράζεται στην αμοιβαία καλή θέληση μεταξύ των πολιτών και στην αμοιβαία συμβολή τους στην ευημερία του ενός για τον άλλο που προϋποθέτει πολιτική ισότητα και μείωση των οικονομικών ανισοτήτων. Η «κοινωνική παραγωγή» του Μαρξ αποτελεί μια μοντέρνα αναδόμηση της πολιτικής φιλίας η οποία τοποθετεί το αριστοτελικό ιδεώδες στην οικονομία καθιστώντας έτσι την τελευταία ένα πεδίο για άσκηση πολιτικής. Η πολιτική φιλία, υποστηρίζω, συνεπάγεται ένα πρωταρχικό νόημα της καλής ζωής που προέρχεται από την εγγραφή της στην πολιτική κοινότητα. Αυτή η πρωταρχική καλή ζωή θα μπορούσε να πραγματωθεί μέσα από την ενάρετη κοινή πράξη η οποία στην οικονομία αφορά στην παραγωγή και διανομή του κοινωνικού πλούτου, όπως επίσης στις υπηρεσίες φροντίδας. Εκτός από αυτό της το περιεχόμενο, επιπλέον υποστηρίζω, η πολιτική φιλία ενσαρκώνει μια ενστικτώδη ανάγκη για κοινή ζωή η οποία, στην ουσία, την θεμελιώνει και η οποία θα μπορούσε να ενδυναμωθεί μέσα σε ένα οικονομικό πλαίσιο μη παραγωγισμού. Το κίνημα της αποανάπτυξης προτείνοντας μια οικονομία χαμηλού οικονομικού αποτυπώματος σκιαγραφεί ένα τέτοιο οικονομικό πλαίσιο. Ενισχυόμενο από την πολιτική θετικότητα του ενωσιακού σοσιαλισμού του Νόιρατ, το κίνημα της αποανάπτυξης θα μπορούσε να οδηγήσει σε ένα είδος σοσιαλιστικής οικονομίας προσανατολισμένης στην αποανάπτυξη όπου η παραγωγική και η διανεμητική διαδικασία όπως επίσης και η άμεση εργασία φροντίδας θα μπορούσαν να οργανωθούν και να πραγματοποιηθούν από τους πολίτες-εργαζόμενους με έναν αποκεντρωμένο, δημοκρατικό τρόπο, και στη βάση μιας θεμελιώδους σύλληψης της ευημερίας. Έτσι η οικονομία θα πραγμάτωνε την πολιτική φιλία και θα επιβεβαίωνε την πολιτική κοινότητα.
The genome sequence of the Mother Shipton moth, Euclidia mi (Clerck, 1759)
Authors: Boyes Douglas ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective, Holland Peter W.H. ,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: March 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual maleEuclidia mi(the Mother Shipton moth; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Erebidae). The genome sequence is 2,320 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the assembled Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.6 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13,454 protein coding genes.
Eating Habits of Football Players Training in Sports Clubs in the Żywiec District
Authors: Faruga-Lewicka Wioleta , Pietraszko Zuzanna , Staśkiewicz Wiktoria , Kardas Marek , Kardas Justyna
Published: March 2023

Background. Football is one of the most popular sports at both amateur and professional levels. The discipline is constantly evolving. At the same time, an increase in physiological demands can be observed. Players are exposed to significant energy expenditure. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure an adequate level of nutrition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diet and eating habits of football players training in sports clubs in the Żywiec district. Methods. The survey was conducted among football players who were players of football clubs in the Żywiec district. Only men were considered, and the study group consisted of 205 athletes. A questionnaire, which was made available as an electronic form, was used to obtain the results. The questionnaire used questions from the KomPAN questionnaire and the author's questions, which accounted for the bulk of the 35 questions. Results. The dietary quality of football players from the Żywiec district was found to be low. This is noticeable in the diet used on a daily basis, as well as considering nutrition around training or matches. Conclusions. Poor nutrition quality involves many aspects that require attention. This applies to both the frequency of consumption of certain foods and the eating habits practiced. Attention should be paid to improving match-day and training-day nutrition. Nutrition education in clubs should be emphasized.