bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Two Sri Lankan Lichens, Parmotrema rampoddense, and Parmotrema tinctorum against Methicillin-Sensitive and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Shiromi Polwatta Samaraweera Arachchige Ishara , Hewawasam Ruwani Punyakanthi , Jayalal Rankoth Gedara Udeni , Rathnayake Hasanga , Wijayaratne Weerasinghe Mudiyanselage Dilip Gaya Bandara , Wanniarachchi Dakshika
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Medicinal utility of lichens is ascribed to the presence of various secondary metabolites of low molecular weight and they have been used in traditional medicine including Ayurveda in the treatment of wounds and skin disorders. Despite the urgent need to effectively address the antibiotic resistance worldwide, the discovery of new antibacterial drugs has declined in the recent past. This emphasizes the increasing importance of investigating and developing new classes of antibiotics that can withstand antibiotic resistance. Aims of the study. The present study was conducted to investigate the chemical composition and the antibacterial activity of hexane, ethanol, and aqueous extracts of Parmotrema rampoddense and Parmotrema tinctorum, two lichens collected from Belihuloya, Sri Lanka, against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria including twenty clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Materials and methods. Phytochemical analysis, thin layer chromatography (TLC), and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) were performed to determine the chemical composition of the two lichens. Hexane, ethanol, and aqueous extracts of both lichens were tested against clinical isolate of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria including twenty clinical isolates of MRSA. Bacterial susceptibility was tested using a disc diffusion assay. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by a broth microdilution method. Vancomycin was used as the positive control. Results. Alectorialic acid, atranorin, atraric acid, orcinol, and O-orsellinaldehyde were among the secondary metabolites identified by the TLC and GC-MS analysis. None of the lichen extracts were active against Gram-negative bacteria but both lichens showed a concentration-dependent activity against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and MRSA. Ethanol extract of P. rampoddense showed the highest activity against MSSA with the MIC, 0.0192 mg/ml, but all MRSA isolates investigated showed MIC between 0.096 and 2.4 mg/ml for the same extract. Conclusion. Both lichens, P. rampoddense and P. tinctorum, represent potentially important sources of future antimicrobial drugs. Further investigation on the ethanol extract of P. rampoddense will enable us to determine the most active phytoconstituents responsible for the activity, their mechanism of action against bacterial pathogens, and also their cytotoxicity against normal cells.
Systemic Blockade of Clever-1 Elicits Lymphocyte Activation Alongside Checkpoint Molecule Downregulation in Patients with Solid Tumors: Results from a Phase I/II Clinical Trial
Authors: Virtakoivu Reetta , Rannikko Jenna H. , Viitala Miro , Vaura Felix , Takeda Akira , Lönnberg Tapio , Koivunen Jussi , Jaakkola Panu , Pasanen Annika , Shetty Shishir , de Jonge Maja J.A. , Robbrecht Debbie , Ma Yuk Ting , Skyttä Tanja , Minchom Anna , Jalkanen Sirpa , Karvonen Matti K. , Mandelin Jami , Bono Petri , Hollmén Maija
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

Macrophages are critical in driving an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that counteracts the efficacy of T-cell–targeting therapies. Thus, agents able to reprogram macrophages toward a proinflammatory state hold promise as novel immunotherapies for solid cancers. Inhibition of the macrophage scavenger receptor Clever-1 has shown benefit in inducing CD8+ T-cell–mediated antitumor responses in mouse models of cancer, which supports the clinical development of Clever-1–targeting antibodies for cancer treatment.

Patients and Methods:

In this study, we analyzed the mode of action of a humanized IgG4 anti–Clever-1 antibody, FP-1305 (bexmarilimab), both in vitro and in patients with heavily pretreated metastatic cancer (n = 30) participating in part 1 (dose-finding) of a phase I/II open-label trial (NCT03733990). We studied the Clever-1 interactome in primary human macrophages in antibody pull-down assays and utilized mass cytometry, RNA sequencing, and cytokine profiling to evaluate FP-1305–induced systemic immune activation in patients with cancer.

Results:

Our pull-down assays and functional studies indicated that FP-1305 impaired multiprotein vacuolar ATPase–mediated endosomal acidification and improved the ability of macrophages to activate CD8+ T-cells. In patients with cancer, FP-1305 administration led to suppression of nuclear lipid signaling pathways and a proinflammatory phenotypic switch in blood monocytes. These effects were accompanied by a significant increase and activation of peripheral T-cells with indications of antitumor responses in some patients.

Conclusions:

Our results reveal a nonredundant role played by the receptor Clever-1 in suppressing adaptive immune cells in humans. We provide evidence that targeting macrophage scavenging activity can promote an immune switch, potentially leading to intratumoral proinflammatory responses in patients with metastatic cancer.
Qi Ling Inhibits Progression of Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer via Negative Regulation of TRIM66/HP1γ/AR Axis
Authors: Feng Yigeng , Gao Dongwen , Cao Hongwen , Chen Lei
Published: June 2021

Aim: This study aimed to understand the molecular mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of Qi Ling (QL) against androgen-independent prostate cancer. Methods: The relative expression of TRIM66 in prostate tumor was interrogated by microarray. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were performed to determine the transcript abundances and protein expressions of TRIM66, HP1γ, AR, c-Myc, and GAPDH. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed by cell counting kit-8 method and flow cytometry. The regulatory action of c-Myc on TRIM66 was interrogated with luciferase reporter plasmid and the direct binding was demonstrated by chromatin immunoprecipitation. The secretory prostate-specific antigen was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: TRIM66 was aberrantly overexpressed in prostate cancer and associated with unfavorable prognosis. TRIM66/HP1γ/AR was upregulated during the androgen-independent transition in hormone-deprived medium. The TRIM66 level positively linked to cell proliferation and negatively linked to cell apoptosis in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. QL treatment specifically inhibited c-Myc and therefore directly downregulated TRIM66 via binding to its promoter. Ectopic introduction of TRIM66 significantly reversed the anti-tumor effects of QL against androgen-independent prostate cancer. Conclusion: Our study uncovered the importance of downregulated TRIM66/HP1γ/AR signaling in mediating the anti-tumor properties of QL.
Early Detection and Intervention for Patients with Delirium Admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine: Lessons from a Pilot Initiative
Authors: Oliven Ron , Rotfeld Meital , Gino-Moor Sharon , Schiff Elad , Odeh Majed , Gil Efrat
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Older patients who arrive to the emergency room with delirium have a worse prognosis than others. Early detection and treatment of this problem has been shown to improve outcome. We have launched a project at our hospital to improve the care of patients who arrive delirious to the medical emergency room. The present article describes lessons that can be learned from this pilot initiative. Methods: All patients older than 70 years admitted to the department of internal medicine were screened for delirium in the emergency room using the 4AT screening tool. Data of patients with a 4AT score ≥5 (or with incomplete score) were transferred to the geriatric unit of the hospital. On the ward, the presence of delirium was confirmed by a geriatric nurse that validated that the patient could walk with support and ordered mobilization and physiotherapy (M&P). Results: Over the 2 and a half years (10 quarters) allocated for the pilot project, 1,078 medical patients with delirium were included in this survey. In 59.3%, the diagnosis of delirium could be confirmed only after admission. Due to budgetary constraints, only 54.7% received the allocated specific intervention – early M&P. Since it was decided that randomization was not appropriate for our initiative, we found that patients who received M&P had lower (better) 4AT scores on admission, and lower mortality. No significant difference was found between the patients who received M&P and the others in length of hospitalization and discharge to nursing homes. Retrospective comparison of the two groups did not enable to determine whether M&P was given to the patients for whom it was most effective. Conclusions: It is often not possible to verify in the emergency room that the cognitive decline is indeed new, that is, is due to delirium, and measures must be taken to verify this point as soon as possible after admission. Due to numerous constraints, the availability of early M&P is often insufficient. Whenever resources are scarce and randomization is avoided, adequate criteria should be found for allocating existing dedicated staff to patients for whom early mobilization is likely to be most beneficial.
Relationship between Stemness, Reactive Oxygen Species, and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Model Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Brown Spenser R. , Bates Juliana C. , Avera Alexandra D. , Kim Yonghyun
Published: June 2021

Most cancer deaths are caused by secondary metastasized tumors. The cells that spread these tumors are known as circulating tumor cells (CTCs). They exist in a dynamic environment, including exposure to fluid shear stress (FSS) that makes them susceptible to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. There are questions about the similarities of CTCs to cancer stem cells (CSCs) and whether the stem cell-like characteristics of CTCs allow them to proliferate and spread despite the biophysical obstacles during the metastatic process. One of those qualities is the ability to undergo the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 were modeled as CTCs by prolonged exposure to FSS using a spinner flask. They were tested for ROS generation, CSC, EMT, and Hippo pathway gene and protein markers using qRT-PCR and flow cytometry. MDA-MB-231 did not show significant changes in CSC markers, but did show significant changes in ROS, EMT, and Hippo markers (p < 0.05). Similarly, MCF7 showed significant changes in ROS and EMT markers (p < 0.05). Furthermore, both cell lines demonstrated the reverse mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition signature when allowed to recover after FSS. These results suggest that the degree of their stemness or aggressiveness affects their responses to externally applied biophysical forces and demonstrates a potential link between mechanotransduction, the Hippo pathway, and the induction of EMT in breast cancer cells.
Metabolism of Epithelial Cells in Health and Allergic Disease: Collegium Internationale Allergologicum Update 2021
Authors: Queener Ashley M. , Chiarella Sergio E. , Cuervo-Pardo Lyda , Coden Mackenzie E. , Abdala-Valencia Hiam , Berdnikovs Sergejs
Published: June 2021

Concomitant dramatic increase in prevalence of allergic and metabolic diseases is part of a modern epidemic afflicting technologically advanced societies. While clinical evidence points to clear associations between various metabolic factors and atopic disease, there is still a very limited understanding of the mechanisms that link the two. Dysregulation of central metabolism in metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia has a systemic impact on multiple tissues and organs, including cells of the epithelial barrier. While much of epithelial research in allergy has focused on the immune-driven processes, a growing number of recent studies have begun to elucidate the role of metabolic components of disease. This review will revisit clinical evidence for the relationship between metabolic and allergic diseases, as well as discuss potential mechanisms driving metabolic dysfunction of the epithelial barrier. Among them, novel studies highlight links between dysregulation of the insulin pathway, glucose metabolism, and loss of epithelial differentiation in asthma. Studies of mitochondrial structure and bioenergetics in lean and obese asthmatic phenotypes recently came to light to provide a novel framework linking changes in tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation with arginine metabolism and nitric oxide bioavailability. New research established connections between arachidonate metabolism, autophagy, and airway disease, as well as systemic dyslipidemia in atopic dermatitis and ceramide changes in the epidermis. Taken together, studies of metabolism have a great potential to open doors to a new class of therapeutic strategies, better characterization of disease endotypes, as well as enable a systems biology approach to mechanisms of allergic disease.
Molecular Imaging of Inflammation and Fibrosis in Pressure Overload Heart Failure
Authors: Glasenapp Aylina , Derlin Katja , Gutberlet Marcel , Hess Annika , Ross Tobias L. , Wester Hans-Jürgen , Bengel Frank M. , Thackeray James T.
Published: June 2021

Rationale:

Tissue inflammation and subsequent fibrosis contribute to ventricle remodelling after ischemic injury and have emerged as viable therapeutic targets. Comparatively, little is understood about the dynamics of inflammation and fibrosis in nonischemic heart failure, which is challenging to interrogate longitudinally.

Objective:

To investigate the interplay between ventricle loading conditions, tissue inflammation, and progressive fibrosis using noninvasive multimodality molecular imaging to characterize these processes in pressure overload heart failure.

Methods and Results:

We evaluated cardiac inflammation using positron emission tomography radiotracer
68
Ga-pentixafor, which binds to chemokine receptor CXCR4 (CXC-motif receptor 4). Over the first 7 days after transverse aortic constriction, CXCR4 imaging identified diffuse elevated myocardial inflammation throughout the left ventricle (+34%,
P
<0.001), returning to sham levels over 6 weeks after surgery. This transient signal colocalized to local enrichment of CD68 macrophages, as confirmed by autoradiography and immunostaining. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a parallel prolongation of myocardial T1 relaxation time in transverse aortic constriction mice, persisting from 8 days to 6 weeks after surgery (+22%,
P
=0.003). The persistent imaging signal correlated to increased tissue fibrosis on histology. Molecular imaging at 1 week after surgery correlated independently with the change in ventricle geometry over the subsequent 3 weeks (CXCR4, r
partial
=0.670,
P
=0.024; T1, r
partial
=0.689,
P
=0.019). Alleviation of ventricle pressure by mechanical unloading restored not only cardiac function and geometry but also attenuated global inflammation and normalized T1 relaxation time. This finding demonstrates the capacity to monitor therapeutic intervention by serial molecular imaging.

Conclusions:

Inflammation and fibrosis are implicated in the early response to pressure overload and may be sensitively monitored by multimodality imaging. Such multimodality molecular imaging approaches may guide novel treatment strategies in nonischemic heart failure.
Possibilities of the Past: Histories of the NIEO and the Travails of Critique
Authors: Venzke Ingo
Published: June 2021

The resurfacing interest in the New International Economic Order (NIEO) is mainly driven by the ambition of regaining a sense for past possibilities in order to question the present and to open up different futures. This ambition resonates with the core of critical thinking which pushes toward an appreciation of contingencies. What was possible? When approaching this question, however, historical inquiries must not overstate the possibilities of different action at the expense of determining structures. More specifically, they need to deal with the low degree of institutionalized politics on the international plane. And they need to counter a tendency toward excess nostalgia for that which was not. More than anything else, the history of the NIEO testifies to the great difficulties in turning claims about contingency into compelling narratives. Another way of approaching the NIEO, however, does not place actual possibilities at its centre, but unrealized potentials.
Trends in STEM/STEAM Education and Students’ Perceptions in Japan
Authors: Matsuura Takuya , Nakamura Daiki
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to examine the trends in grants for STEM/STEAM education in Japan as well as Japanese students’ perception of science learning and future careers. The grants were addressed through analysis of chronological trends, while student perceptions were reviewed through student questionnaires on Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2011, 2015, and 2019. The results reflect ideas on not only STEM education, which is often treated in the context of workforce development and science/mathematics education in Japan, but also ideas on the rapid expansion of and changes to STEAM education around 2015, which seems to be intended the integration of multiple subjects. In contrast, the results showed that students’ perceptions of science and engineering careers are improving, but there are still challenges. Since subject-integrated learning has already been conducted in Japan, we consider the further discussion required regarding specific objective of STEAM versus STEM education.
Three new species of Heteromysis (Crustacea: Mysida) from coral reef aquaria in Florida and Central Europe
Authors: WITTMANN KARL J. , ABED-NAVANDI DANIEL , DUBOIS MAUDE , CHEVALDONNÉ PIERRE
Published: June 2021

Three new species of the genus Heteromysis S.I. Smith, 1873 (tribus Heteromysini), are described from a rich stock of mysids obtained on request from the international community of professional aquarium keepers. The 18S rDNA and COI sequences of the three species were distinct from each other and also from other sequences published in DNA databases. Heteromysis (Olivemysis) schoenbrunnensis sp. nov. is morphologically characterized within the subgenus Olivemysis based on the structure of the first and second antennae, male pleopods, uropods, and telson. Heteromysis (Heteromysis) gulfarii sp. nov. is outstanding within the subgenus Heteromysis by sexually dimorphic modified setae on the antennular trunk. These setae are non-dimorphic in the very similar Heteromysis (Heteromysis) korntalensis sp. nov. Both species H. gulfarii and to a lesser degree also H. korntalensis show modified eyes, subquadrate in dorsal view, eyestalks anteriorly tapering in lateral view; small, well-developed cornea implanted laterally on modified eyestalk. Apart from eye structure H. gulfarii and H. korntalensis clearly fall morphologically within the nominotypical subgenus Heteromysis.
Thickness-Dependence of Surface Reconstruction on the (001) Surface of Ultrathin Silicon Nanosheets by Density Functional Tight Binding Simulations
Authors: Wu Lijun , Chi Baoqian , Shen Longhai , Zhang Lin , Yang Qi
Published: June 2021

The influences of the thickness of ultrathin Si nanosheets on the (001) surface morphologies and charge distribution were identified by using density functional tight binding (DFTB) simulations. The differences in structure and electronic properties were elucidated on the basis of bond lengths, bond angle distribution, and arrangement patterns in (001) surface atoms of Si nanosheets with their thickness decreasing from 1.5 nm to 0.4 nm. The surface atoms in some nanosheets present perfect zig-zag patterns in their dimers. The amounts of the trimers are far less than those of the dimers in the surface. The formation of the dimers lowers the surface energy of the nanosheets. Analysis of Mülliken gross populations indicates that there is the charge transfer from the inner part of the nanosheet to the surface. The moving distance and direction of the surface atoms can affect the charge distribution.
Role of microRNA-24 Transfection Mediated by Silica Nanoparticles in Apoptosis of Cardiomyocyte
Authors: Wu Zonghu
Published: June 2021

To explore the role of micro RNA-24 (miR-24) mediated by silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) modified by polyethyleneimine (PEI) on apoptosis of cardiomyocyte induced by H2O2, in this study, PEI was selected to modify the surface of SiNPs to obtain F-SiNPs, which were combined with miR-24 through electrostatic adsorption to form F-SiNPs-miR-24. Through characterization, the particle size, charge amount, and microstructure were studied. Then, the CCK-8 method was adopted to detect the toxicity of F-SiNPs on cardiomyocytes, and the cell uptake experiment was performed to analyze the transfection efficiency of F-SiNPs-miR-24 gene. There were 4 groupsin vitrotransfection experiment: the control group (A), the H2O2group (B), the miR-24 inhibitor group (C), and miR-24 analog group (D). After that, RT-PCR was adopted to detect the expression of miR-24, Western blotting was used to detect the expression of target protein Bim, and the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes was analyzed by TUNEL staining. The results showed that the particle size of SiNPs was mainly distributed in the range of 40-60 nm, the mass ratio of SiNPs:DSP-PEI was 1:1, and the potential was 20.15 ±2.04 (mv) to construct functionalized nanoparticles. Cell uptake experiments showed that the gene transfection efficiency reached over 85%. In contrast with group A, the expression of miR-24 in B and C was obviously reduced, and that in D was obviously increased (P< 0.05). In contrast with group B, the expression of miR-24 in C was obviously reduced, and that in D was obviously increased (P< 0.05). The expression level of protein Bim in groups B and C was obviously higher than A (P< 0.05). In contrast with group A, the TUNEL-positive staining cells in C increased obviously and were bright green, while those in B were obviously reduced. In conclusion, the F-SiNPs formed after energetic modification have good biocompatibility and strong transfection ability, and their miR-24 transfection can inhibit H2O2-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and increase the survival rate of cardiomyocytes.
Influence of Sea Surface Temperature on a Mesoscale Convective System producing Extreme Rainfall over the Yellow Sea
Authors: Kang Yunhee , Jeong Jong-Hoon , Lee Dong-In
Published: June 2021

An extreme rainfall-producing linear mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) occurred over the Yellow Sea, Korea, on 13 August 2012, producing 430 mm of rainfall in less than 12 h, causing devastating flash floods and landslides. To understand the causative processes underlying this event, we examined the linear MCSs formation and development mechanisms using observations and cloud-resolving models. The organized linear MCSs produced extreme rainfall at Gunsan in a favorable large-scale environment. The synoptic environment showed the stationary surface front elongating from China to Korea; a southwesterly low-level jet transported the warm, moist air from low latitudes towards the front. In the upper-level synoptic environment, the trough and entrance regions of the upper-level jet were north of the heavy rainfall, promoting the development of convection. The extreme rainfall over the Gunsan area resulted from the back-building mode of the MCSs, in which new convective cells continued to pass over the same area while the entire convective system was nearly stationary. The sea surface temperature (SST) during the extreme rainfall events was abnormally 1°C higher than the 30-year climatological mean, and a local warm pool (>28.5°C) existed where the convective cells were continuously initiated. Cloud-resolving models simulated the low-level convergence, and the latent heat flux was large in the local warm SST field. These induced MCSs formation and development, contributing to a significant rainfall increase over the Yellow Sea. The terrain’s influence on the large rainfall amount in the area was also noted.
Deep Learning Experiments for Tropical Cyclone Intensity Forecasts
Authors: Wenwei Xu , Karthik Balaguru , Andrew August , Nicholas Lalo , Nathan Hodas , Mark DeMaria , David Judi
Published: June 2021

Reducing tropical cyclone (TC) intensity forecast errors is a challenging task that has interested the operational forecasting and research community for decades. To address this, we developed a deep learning (DL)-based Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) TC intensity prediction model. The model was trained using the global Statistical Hurricane Intensity Prediction Scheme (SHIPS) predictors to forecast the change in TC maximum wind speed for the Atlantic Basin. In the first experiment, a 24-hour forecast period was considered. To overcome sample size limitations, we adopted a Leave One Year Out (LOYO) testing scheme, where a model is trained using data from all years except one and then evaluated on the year that is left out. When tested on 2010–2018 operational data using the LOYO scheme, the MLP outperformed other statistical-dynamical models by 9-20%. Additional independent tests in 2019 and 2020 were conducted to simulate real-time operational forecasts, where the MLP model again outperformed the statistical-dynamical models by 5-22% and achieved comparable results as HWFI. The MLP model also correctly predicted more rapid intensification events than all the four operational TC intensity models compared. In the second experiment, we developed a lightweight MLP for 6-hour intensity predictions. When coupled with a synthetic TC track model, the lightweight MLP generated realistic TC intensity distribution in the Atlantic Basin. Therefore, the MLP-based approach has the potential to improve operational TC intensity forecasts, and will also be a viable option for generating synthetic TCs for climate studies.
Measuring Response Style Stability Across Constructs With Item Response Trees
Authors: Ames Allison J.
Published: June 2021

Individual response style behaviors, unrelated to the latent trait of interest, may influence responses to ordinal survey items. Response style can introduce bias in the total score with respect to the trait of interest, threatening valid interpretation of scores. Despite claims of response style stability across scales, there has been little research into stability across multiple scales from the beneficial perspective of item response trees. This study examines an extension of the IRTree methodology to include mixed item formats, providing an empirical example of responses to three scales measuring perceptions of social media, climate change, and medical marijuana use. Results show extreme and midpoint response styles were not stable across scales within a single administration and 5-point Likert-type items elicited higher levels of extreme response style than the 4-point items. Latent trait of interest estimation varied, particularly at the lower end of the score distribution, across response style models, demonstrating as appropriate response style model is important for adequate trait estimation using Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo estimation.
Creative and Expressive Arts in a Young Adult Problem-Solving Court and Its Influence on Participant Experience and Outcomes
Authors: Pope Ricky J. , Jones Jeffrey N.
Published: June 2021

This research explores the integration of creative and expressive arts in a young adult problem-solving court and the perceived benefits of participation. The Young Adult Diversion Court (YADC) was created to help young adults 17 to 20 years of age complete probation requirements. This qualitative study is informed by interpretive interactionism to examine the lived experience of participants. Ethnographic observations were conducted over 20 months, and interpretive interviews were held with 32 young adult participants and 8 program coordinators. Participants described an engaging programmatic design, and felt cared for and supported by staff in the YADC. The use of the creative and expressive arts and spoken-word practices allowed participants to overcome vulnerabilities through self-expression, regulate emotions and process trauma, and consider possible future selves. This research suggests the potential of alternative approaches in the criminal justice system that intervene in the lives of young adults to promote positive change.
Comparison of antibiotic-associated diarrhea caused by cefoperazone/sulbactam or piperacillin/tazobactam in neurosurgery patients
Authors: Chen Yue , Xiang Qiulin , Liu Lei
Published: June 2021

Objective

To compare the occurrence and prognosis of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) between patients treated with cefoperazone/sulbactam and piperacillin/tazobactam in the neurosurgery department.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed patients who received cefoperazone/sulbactam or piperacillin/tazobactam to prevent or treat hospital-acquired infections in the Department of Neurosurgery of The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital between October 2019 and October 2020. For patients with AAD, clinical data, antibiotic usage, the incidence of diarrhea, treatment, and prognosis were collected and analyzed.

Results

In total, 356 patients were enrolled, and 65 (18.6%) experienced AAD, 38 patients in the cefoperazone/sulbactam group and 27 patients in the piperacillin/tazobactam group. The AAD rate did not differ between the treatment arms. Conversely, the dosage, intensity, and duration of antibiotic therapy differed between the groups, whereas no differences were noted in the time to the appearance of diarrhea and prognosis. According to regression analysis, the incidence of AAD did not differ between the groups (odds ratio [OR] = 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.46–1.48).

Conclusion

Cefoperazone/sulbactam or piperacillin/tazobactam can lead to a similar incidence rate of AAD. The combined application of antibiotics and empiric therapy often occurs. The rational use of antibiotics should be improved.
Smartphone Use and Academic Performance: A Pervasiveness Approach Beyond Addiction
Authors: Gerosa Tiziano , Gui Marco , Büchi Moritz
Published: June 2021

Over the past decade, smartphones have permeated all domains of adolescents’ everyday lives, with research dominated by “smartphone addiction.” This study compares one of the most used measures of smartphone addiction with a new alternative measure, the Smartphone Pervasiveness Scale for Adolescents (SPS-A), which focuses on the frequency of smartphone use at key social and physiological moments of daily life. A sample of 3,289 Italian high school students was used to validate the two constructs and compare their suitability for research on academic performance. SPS-A was moderately correlated with smartphone addiction, showed measurement invariance (across ethnic origins, parental education, and gender), and negatively predicted language and math test scores. SPS-A is a nonpathologizing instrument suitable for analyzing the role of smartphone use in academic achievement in combination with students’ social backgrounds.
A retrospective study on the safety and effectiveness of olanzapine versus midazolam for pre-hospital management of excited delirium syndrome
Authors: Lo Wai Ling , Mok Ka Leung , Poon Ying Ying
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of olanzapine compared to midazolam for the pre-hospital management of excited delirium syndrome.

Methods:

A retrospective review of patients who were treated by ambulance crew for excited delirium syndrome from 2016 to 2019 was performed. The drug of choice was given per Fire Service Department’s paramedic protocol (intramuscular midazolam January 2016 to October 2018 and intramuscular olanzapine October 2018 to December 2019). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients experienced at least one adverse event. The secondary outcome was the successful sedation rate.

Results:

A total of 201 patients were included in the study. Ninety-nine patients had pre-hospital midazolam and 102 received olanzapine. Thirty-one patients experienced adverse event after arrival to A&E, including a drop of Glasgow Coma Scale score to below 8 (90%), hypotension (6%), and airway obstruction (3%): 17 (17% patients; 1 airway obstruction and 16 Glasgow Coma Scale score below 8) in midazolam group and 14 (14% patients; 2 hypotension and 12 Glasgow Coma Scale score below 8) in olanzapine group (p = 0.41). Sixty-eight patients (69%) in midazolam group achieved successful sedation, compared with 79 (77%) in olanzapine group (p = 0.20). More adverse events were seen with midazolam than olanzapine in alcohol intoxication subgroup with statistical significance (12 vs 2, p = 0.03).

Conclusion:

Both midazolam and olanzapine can achieve a satisfactory success rate of sedation. More adverse events are associated with midazolam use in patients with acute alcohol intoxication, especially over-sedation and airway compromise. Olanzapine would be a safer choice in the pre-hospital setting where the resource is limited, and differentiation of underlying causes is not always possible.
Exploring the Roles of Familial and Dating Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault on Adolescent Girls and Young Women’s Risk of Partner Violence in Tanzania
Authors: Vyas Seema
Published: June 2021

This study explored the role of non-partner violence on adolescent girls and young women’s (AGYW) risk of partner violence in Tanzania. Among currently partnered AGYW, 36.7% reported lifetime physical and/or sexual partner violence. Prevalence of parental punishment, dating relationship violence, and sexual assault measured 3.0%, 2.5%, and 2.9%, respectively. There is evidence that exposure to all forms of non-partner abuse is associated with partner violence. Population attributable fractions suggest that 20% of partner violence incidence was because of non-partner violence. Adolescence and young adulthood is a critical intervention age group to prevent multiple forms of violence including in intimate relationships.
Shared decision-making and patient decision aids in choosing first-line targeted therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Chih-Chien , Wang Jui-Ho , Chang Min-Chi , Chen Yu-Hsun , Wang Yung-Chang , Lee Ming-Hung , Lin Chien-Yuan , Su Yi-Chia , Lin Pei-Chin , Hsu Chao-Wen
Published: June 2021

Introduction

In Taiwan, given the discrepancy between current treatment guidelines and reimbursement options, patients might require a tool to support their decision-making process when selecting a regimen for metastatic colorectal cancer, especially therapeutic strategies, and subsequent costs, along with efficacy and safety outcomes. Therefore, we developed a patient decision aid (PDA) to support patients in choosing between treatment options recommended based on the current evidence and those reimbursed by the Taiwanese National Health Insurance.

Methods

By carefully reviewing the updated data and then interpreting the clinical tool, we conducted a needs assessment using a serial questionnaire to test for a step-by-step adjustment of the PDA.

Results

Patients, their relatives, and medical team members were most concerned about outcomes, such as overall survival, progression-free survival, objective response rate, tumor shrinkage to resectable status, total medical cost, severe gastrointestinal perforation, and severe skin reaction. After a serial alpha test for quality, we performed quantitative evaluation and beta tests, revealing average scores of more than 4 points (on a scale of 1–5) for both perceptibility and utility.

Conclusions

The present findings suggest that PDAs are useful and supplement the shared decision-making practice, helping patients make decisions about preferences and consider the pros and cons of treatment regimens, along with insurance reimbursement options.
Complete and early vitrectomy for endophthalmitis
Authors: Morris Robert E , Kuhn Ferenc
Published: June 2021

We recently co-authored a report on the ten-year (2007-2017) results achieved at our center (Retina Specialists of Alabama) in the treatment of Acute Post-Cataract Endophthalmitis (APCE). Of all eyes, 77.4% were initially treated with Complete and Early Vitrectomy for Endophthalmitis (CEVE). Visual acuity of ≥ 20/40 was restored in 79% of all eyes versus 53% of eyes reported in the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study. We believe that CEVE is the initial treatment of choice whenever the fundus is obscured by endophthalmitis vitreous opacity.
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis: An update
Authors: Ghiglioni Daniele Giovanni , Zicari Anna Maria , Parisi Giuseppe Fabio , Marchese Giuseppe , Indolfi Cristiana , Diaferio Lucia , Brindisi Giulia , Ciprandi Giorgio , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Miraglia del Giudice Michele
Published: June 2021

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) are potentially severe and complex disease in its management among the various allergic eye diseases. In this regard, studies clarified the etiopathogenetic mechanisms. The workup should be multidisciplinary. The treatment includes topical and systemic medications with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant activity. However, a definition of nationally- and internationally-shared diagnostic protocols would also be needed and validated access to therapeutic options of proven safety and efficacy to avoid the use of galenic preparations, up to now still essential in the management of moderate-severe VKC. Finally, recognizing VKC and AKC, among rare diseases, at a national and international level would be an essential step to allow the management of VKC with adequate timings and settings within the National Health System.
Structural damage detection method based on the complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise: a model steel truss bridge case study
Authors: Mousavi Asma Alsadat , Zhang Chunwei , Masri Sami F , Gholipour Gholamreza
Published: June 2021

Signal processing is one of the essential components in vibration-based approaches and damage detection for structural health monitoring. Since signals in the real world are often nonlinear and non-stationary, especially in extended and complex structures, such as bridges, the Hilbert–Huang transform is used for damage assessment. In recent years, the empirical mode decomposition technique has been gradually used in structural health monitoring and damage detection. In this article, the application of complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise technique is investigated to identify the presence, location, and severity of damage on a steel truss bridge model. The target is built at laboratory conditions and experimentally subjected to white noise excitations. By employing complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise technique, four key features extracted from the intrinsic mode functions, including energy, instantaneous amplitude, unwrapped phase, and instantaneous frequency, are assessed to localization, quantification, and detection of damage both quantitatively and qualitatively. In addition, to further explore the sensitivity of the damage detection approach based on the complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise technique method, several improved damage indices are proposed based on the combinations of two statistical time-history features, including kurtosis and entropy features with the energy and instantaneous amplitude features of the analyzed signal. The experimental results from the damage indices based on the extracted features demonstrate the robustness, superiority, and more sensitivity of the complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise technique method in addressing the damage location, classifying the severity, and detecting the damage compared to empirical mode decomposition and ensemble empirical mode decomposition techniques.
The Utility of Preoperative Phone Calls for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Procedures
Authors: Dang Sabina , McKeon Mallory , Menon Varun , Chandra Rakesh , Bennett Marc L.
Published: June 2021

Objective

Perioperative patient education improves patient satisfaction, surgical outcomes, and can reduce postoperative call volume. Here, we investigate whether the use of standardized preoperative phone calls elicits similar results in patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Methods

Patients undergoing ESS at a tertiary rhinology center were identified prospectively through the electronic medical record (EMR). In the intervention cohort, a standardized preoperative educational phone call was performed. A postoperative survey was utilized to collect self-assessment of satisfaction and understanding in all patients. Postoperative call rates were obtained from the EMR. Wilcoxon rank sum and chi-squared analyses were conducted to compare results. Demographics of the otology and rhinology cohorts were compared with a Mann Whitney U-test.

Results

Data from 43 cases and 58 controls were collected. Patients receiving the intervention were similar to controls with regard to patient-reported understanding (case:9.1 ± 1.1 vs control:9.0 ± 1.4, p = 0.801) and satisfaction (case:9.4 ± 1.1 vs 8.9 ± 1.4, p = 0.155). Both cases and controls called the clinic regarding surgical outcomes more often than for postoperative medications or administrative concerns. Independent of receiving the intervention, patients that did not call clinic postoperatively had significantly better understanding of their procedures (call:8.6 ± 1.6 vs no-call:9.5 ± 1.0, p < 0.015) and satisfaction with their experience (call:8.8 ± 1.4 vs no-call:9.5 ± 1.1, p < 0.028). Patient age may contribute to lack of impact in the rhinology cohort, as compared to the otology group, but socioeconomic status does not seem to differentiate the two samples.

Conclusion

Though shown in other settings, a significant impact of educational phone calls prior to surgery was not observed in this sample. Patient education calls prior to endoscopic sinus surgery were not associated with changes in postoperative call volume to the clinic. Patient understanding and satisfaction may be related to other factors, such as patient selection or demographics. Future studies may target such patients prior to ESS.
Severe metabolic acidosis and hyperkalemia after peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. A case report, review of the literature and proposed treatment algorithm
Authors: Trikalinos Nikolaos A , Kim Hyun , Iravani Amir , Henke Lauren , Vijayan Anitha
Published: June 2021

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) has been increasingly used in the treatment of patients with well-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasms (WD-NENs), but electrolyte abnormalities during prophylactic aminoacid (AA) infusion can complicate its administration. We describe a case of AA-induced acidosis and hyperkalemia associated with PRRT. We tailored an oral and intravenous sodium bicarbonate regimen for pre-emptive treatment prior to subsequent PRRT session, thereby preventing hospitalization. We provide a relevant review of the literature and our treatment algorithm, that can serve as a point of reference in treatment of this life-threatening complication of PRRT.
Women and Pornography: A Voyeuristic Perspective With Special Reference to Coimbatore
Authors: Brindha D. , Jayaseelan R. , Kadeswaran S.
Published: June 2021

Tamil Nadu is an Indian state with different cultural trends in marriage, including endogamy, post-marital residence, spousal differences in age and education, and the extent of women’s say in the timing of marriage and choosing a partner, and disbursal of dowries. Even today, sex remains a topic of controversy, linked to immoral and voyeuristic values, especially in a patriarchal heteronormative society. With limited research available on the experiences of women watching porn, the researchers attempted to know and understand how the women of Coimbatore viewed pornography, simply from a voyeuristic perspective. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 women (natives and residents of Coimbatore), from diversified backgrounds. Discussions related to porn consumption, meanings, risks, dangers, experiences, and pleasures associated with it were initiated. The findings of the study offered basic insights into the topics discussed, which may be helpful in normalizing women’s experiences, thus promoting a healthier and more open discourse about pornography consumption among Coimbatore women.
MetaVelvet-DL: a MetaVelvet deep learning extension for de novo metagenome assembly
Authors: Liang Kuo-ching , Sakakibara Yasubumi
Published: June 2021

Background

The increasing use of whole metagenome sequencing has spurred the need to improve de novo assemblers to facilitate the discovery of unknown species and the analysis of their genomic functions. MetaVelvet-SL is a short-read de novo metagenome assembler that partitions a multi-species de Bruijn graph into single-species sub-graphs. This study aimed to improve the performance of MetaVelvet-SL by using a deep learning-based model to predict the partition nodes in a multi-species de Bruijn graph.

Results

This study showed that the recent advances in deep learning offer the opportunity to better exploit sequence information and differentiate genomes of different species in a metagenomic sample. We developed an extension to MetaVelvet-SL, which we named MetaVelvet-DL, that builds an end-to-end architecture using Convolutional Neural Network and Long Short-Term Memory units. The deep learning model in MetaVelvet-DL can more accurately predict how to partition a de Bruijn graph than the Support Vector Machine-based model in MetaVelvet-SL can. Assembly of the Critical Assessment of Metagenome Interpretation (CAMI) dataset showed that after removing chimeric assemblies, MetaVelvet-DL produced longer single-species contigs, with less misassembled contigs than MetaVelvet-SL did.

Conclusions

MetaVelvet-DL provides more accurate de novo assemblies of whole metagenome data. The authors believe that this improvement can help in furthering the understanding of microbiomes by providing a more accurate description of the metagenomic samples under analysis.
NoRCE: non-coding RNA sets cis enrichment tool
Authors: Olgun Gulden , Nabi Afshan , Tastan Oznur
Published: June 2021

Background

While some non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are assigned critical regulatory roles, most remain functionally uncharacterized. This presents a challenge whenever an interesting set of ncRNAs needs to be analyzed in a functional context. Transcripts located close-by on the genome are often regulated together. This genomic proximity on the sequence can hint at a functional association.

Results

We present a tool, NoRCE, that performs cis enrichment analysis for a given set of ncRNAs. Enrichment is carried out using the functional annotations of the coding genes located proximal to the input ncRNAs. Other biologically relevant information such as topologically associating domain (TAD) boundaries, co-expression patterns, and miRNA target prediction information can be incorporated to conduct a richer enrichment analysis. To this end, NoRCE includes several relevant datasets as part of its data repository, including cell-line specific TAD boundaries, functional gene sets, and expression data for coding & ncRNAs specific to cancer. Additionally, the users can utilize custom data files in their investigation. Enrichment results can be retrieved in a tabular format or visualized in several different ways. NoRCE is currently available for the following species: human, mouse, rat, zebrafish, fruit fly, worm, and yeast.

Conclusions

NoRCE is a platform-independent, user-friendly, comprehensive R package that can be used to gain insight into the functional importance of a list of ncRNAs of any type. The tool offers flexibility to conduct the users’ preferred set of analyses by designing their own pipeline of analysis. NoRCE is available in Bioconductor and https://github.com/guldenolgun/NoRCE.