bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyroptosis related genes signature predicts prognosis and immune infiltration of tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Fang Guoxu , Zhang Qinghua , Fan Jianhui , Li Haitao , Ding Zongren , Fu Jun , Wu Yijun , Zeng Yongyi , Liu Jingfeng
Published: September 2022

Little is known on the relationship between the expression of pyroptosis related genes (PRGs) and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, a specific PRGs prognostic model was developed with an aim to improve therapeutic efficiency among HCC patients. In total, 42 PRGs that were differentially expressed between HCC tissues and adjacent tissues and we exhibited the mutation frequency, classification, the location of copy number variation (CNV) alteration and the CNV variation frequency of PRGs. Two clusters were distinguished by the consensus clustering analysis based on the 42 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). There were significant differences in clinical features including T stage, grade, gender, and stage among different clusters. Kaplan–Meier curve analysis showed that cluster 1 had a better prognosis than cluster 2. The prognostic value of PRGs for survival was evaluated to construct a multigene signature using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. Based on the univariate analysis and multivariate analysis, a 10-gene signature was built and all HCC patients in the TCGA cohort were divided into low-risk group and high-risk group. HCC patients in the high-risk group showed significantly lower survival possibilities than those in the low-risk group (P < 0.001). Utilizing the median risk score from the TCGA cohort, HCC patients from International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC)-LIRI-JP cohort and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) cohort (GSE14520) were divided into two risk subgroups. The result showed that overall survival (OS) time was decreased in the high-risk group. Combined with the clinical characteristics, the risk score was an independent factor for predicting the OS of HCC patients. Then, ROC curve and survival analysis were performed to evaluate the prognostic prediction value of the model. Finally, we constructed a PRGs clinical characteristics nomogram to further predict HCC patient survival probability. There were significant differences in immune cell infiltration, GSEA enrichment pathway, IC50 of chemotherapeutics, PRGs mutation frequency between high-risk group and low-risk group. This work suggests PRGs signature played a crucial role in predicting the prognosis, infiltration of cancer microenvironment, and sensitivity of chemotherapeutic agents.
Associations between maternal vitamin D status and porcine litter characteristics throughout gestation
Authors: Stenhouse Claire , Hurst Emma , Mellanby Richard J. , Ashworth Cheryl J.
Published: September 2022

Emerging evidence suggests an important role of vitamin D in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, and the regulation of foetal growth across mammalian species. However, the temporal changes in maternal vitamin D status throughout gestation in the pig and the relationship between maternal vitamin D status and litter characteristics of interest across gestation remain poorly understood and under-investigated. The abundance of 25(OH)D in maternal plasma was quantified by HPLC–MS/MS at gestational days (GD) 18, 30, 45, 60 and 90 (n = 5–11 gilts/GD). Maternal plasma 25(OH)D concentrations significantly increased between GD18 and GD30 (P < 0.05). The relationship between maternal vitamin D metabolite concentrations and litter characteristics of interest including gilt weight, ovulation rate, mean litter weight, number of live foetuses, percentage prenatal survival, and sex ratio of the litter was assessed. Maternal 25(OH)D (P = 0.059) concentrations tended to be positively associated with percentage prenatal survival on GD60. On GD90, maternal 25(OH)D (P < 0.05) concentrations were inversely associated with gilt weight. Maternal plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were inversely associated with the percentage of male foetuses in the litter on GD90 (P < 0.05). This study has provided novel insights into temporal changes in maternal vitamin D status throughout gestation and the relationship between maternal vitamin D status and the economically important litter characteristics of gilt weight, percentage prenatal survival and percentage of male foetuses in the litter. Improving the understanding of the role of vitamin D across important developmental timepoints in relation to foetal growth is essential to improve reproductive success in livestock species.
Central-place foraging poses variable constraints year-round in a neotropical migrant
Authors: Lalla Kristen M. , Fraser Kevin C. , Frei Barbara , Fischer Jason D. , Siegrist Joe , Ray James D. , Cohn-Haft Mario , Elliott Kyle H.
Published: September 2022

Background

“Central-place foragers” are constrained in their habitat selection and foraging range by the frequency with which they need to return to a central place. For example, chick-rearing songbirds that must feed their offspring hourly might be expected to have smaller foraging ranges compared to non-breeding songbirds that return nightly to a roost.

Methods

We used GPS units to compare the foraging behaviour of an aerial insectivorous bird, the purple martin (Progne subis), during the breeding season in three regions across North America, as well as the non-breeding season in South America. Specifically, we tested foraging range size and habitat selection.

Results

Foraging range did not vary among regions during breeding (14.0 ± 39.2 km2) and was larger during the nonbreeding period (8840 ± 8150 km2). Purple martins strongly preferred aquatic habitats to other available habitats year-round and in the Amazon commuted from night roosts in low productivity sediment-poor water, where risk of predation was probably low, to daytime foraging sites in productive sediment-rich water sites.

Conclusions

We provide the first estimates for foraging range size in purple martins and demonstrate foraging preference for aquatic habitats throughout two stages of the annual cycle. Understanding foraging constraints and habitat of aerial insectivores may help plan conservation actions throughout their annual cycle. Future research should quantify foraging behaviour during the post-breeding period and during migration.
Interpretable deep learning of myelin histopathology in age-related cognitive impairment
Authors: McKenzie Andrew T. , Marx Gabriel A. , Koenigsberg Daniel , Sawyer Mary , Iida Megan A. , Walker Jamie M. , Richardson Timothy E. , Campanella Gabriele , Attems Johannes , McKee Ann C. , Stein Thor D. , Fuchs Thomas J. , White Charles L. ,   The PART working group, Vonsattel Jean-Paul , Teich Andy F. , Gearing Marla , Glass Jonathan , Troncoso Juan C. , Frosch Matthew P. , Hyman Bradley T. , Dickson Dennis W. , Murray Melissa E. , Attems Johannes , Flanagan Margaret E. , Mao Qinwen , Mesulam M.-Marsel , Weintraub Sandra , Woltjer Randy L. , Pham Thao , Kofler Julia , Schneider Julie A. , Yu Lei , Purohit Dushyant P. , Haroutunian Vahram , Hof Patrick R. , Gandy Sam , Sano Mary , Beach Thomas G. , Poon Wayne , Kawas Claudia , Corrada María , Rissman Robert A. , Metcalf Jeff , Shuldberg Sara , Salehi Bahar , Nelson Peter T. , Trojanowski John Q. , Lee Edward B. , Wolk David A. , McMillan Corey T. , Keene C. Dirk , Latimer Caitlin S. , Montine Thomas J. , Kovacs Gabor G. , Lutz Mirjam I. , Fischer Peter , Perrin Richard J. , Cairns Nigel J. , Franklin Erin E. , Shang Ping , Harris Jeff , Foong Chan , Farrell Kurt , Crary John F.
Published: September 2022

Age-related cognitive impairment is multifactorial, with numerous underlying and frequently co-morbid pathological correlates. Amyloid beta (Aβ) plays a major role in Alzheimer’s type age-related cognitive impairment, in addition to other etiopathologies such as Aβ-independent hyperphosphorylated tau, cerebrovascular disease, and myelin damage, which also warrant further investigation. Classical methods, even in the setting of the gold standard of postmortem brain assessment, involve semi-quantitative ordinal staging systems that often correlate poorly with clinical outcomes, due to imperfect cognitive measurements and preconceived notions regarding the neuropathologic features that should be chosen for study. Improved approaches are needed to identify histopathological changes correlated with cognition in an unbiased way. We used a weakly supervised multiple instance learning algorithm on whole slide images of human brain autopsy tissue sections from a group of elderly donors to predict the presence or absence of cognitive impairment (n = 367 with cognitive impairment, n = 349 without). Attention analysis allowed us to pinpoint the underlying subregional architecture and cellular features that the models used for the prediction in both brain regions studied, the medial temporal lobe and frontal cortex. Despite noisy labels of cognition, our trained models were able to predict the presence of cognitive impairment with a modest accuracy that was significantly greater than chance. Attention-based interpretation studies of the features most associated with cognitive impairment in the top performing models suggest that they identified myelin pallor in the white matter. Our results demonstrate a scalable platform with interpretable deep learning to identify unexpected aspects of pathology in cognitive impairment that can be translated to the study of other neurobiological disorders.
Examining high achievement in mathematics and science among post-primary students in Ireland: a multilevel binary logistic regression analysis of PISA data
Authors: Pitsia Vasiliki
Published: September 2022

In Ireland, while, on average, students have performed well on national and international assessments of mathematics and science, the low proportions of high achievers in these subjects are noteworthy. Given these patterns and the multifaceted benefits in individual and societal terms that expertise in mathematics and science has been associated with, policymakers in Ireland have begun to place an increasing emphasis on high achievement in these subjects. This emphasis has coincided with ongoing efforts during the last decade to raise interest and improve academic performance within the realm of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

Despite this policy attention, research on high achievement in mathematics and science nationally, but also internationally, has been particularly scarce. In an attempt to provide research evidence that could add further impetus to the ongoing efforts, this study examines high achievement in mathematics and science among post-primary students in Ireland using data from the 2012 and 2015 cycles of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Specifically, the study aimed to evaluate the contribution of various contextual characteristics stemming from students, their families, teachers, and schools in the prediction of high achievement in mathematics and science within a two-stage analysis that included a series of bivariate tests and multilevel binary logistic regression modelling.

The results showed that variables related to students’ self-beliefs, engagement, and socioeconomic background were consistently associated with high achievement in mathematics and science. Overall, the significant role of students’ homes and families in predicting students’ chances of being high achievers in the two subjects was highlighted. In turn, this indicated that further efforts to enhance collaboration between teachers, schools, and parents may be warranted if progress in the area of high achievement in mathematics and science is to be made. The implications of these findings for policy and practice within the Irish context, the limitations of the study, and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Nonclinical Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Translational Model of RO7297089, A Novel Anti-BCMA/CD16A Bispecific Tetravalent Antibody for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Cai Hao , Kakiuchi-Kiyota Satoko , Hendricks Robert , Zhong Shelly , Liu Luna , Adedeji Adeyemi O. , Chan Pamela , Schutten Melissa M. , Kamath Amrita V. , Ovacik Meric A.
Published: September 2022

RO7297089, an anti-B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)/CD16A bispecific tetravalent antibody, is being developed as a multiple myeloma (MM) therapeutic. This study characterized nonclinical pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), soluble BCMA (sBCMA), and soluble CD16 (sCD16) changes following administration of RO7297089 to support clinical trials. Unbound and total RO7297089 concentrations were measured in cynomolgus monkeys. RO7297089 exhibited a bi-phasic systemic concentration-time profile, similar to a typical human immunoglobulin 1 antibody. Target engagement by RO7297089 led to a robust increase (~100-fold) in total systemic sBCMA levels and relatively mild increase (~2-fold) in total sCD16 levels. To describe the relationship of nonclinical PK/PD data, we developed a target-mediated drug disposition (TMDD) model that includes the systemic target engagement of membrane BCMA (mBCMA), sBCMA, membrane CD16 (mCD16), and sCD16. We then used this model to simulate the PK/PD relationship of RO7297089 in MM patients by translating relevant PK parameters and target levels, based on the literature and newly generated data such as baseline sCD16A levels. Our model suggested that the impact of TMDD on RO7297089 exposure may be more significant in MM patients due to significantly higher expression levels of both mBCMA and sBCMA compared to healthy cynomolgus monkeys. Based on model simulations, we propose more frequent dosing of RO7297089 compared to regular monthly frequency in the clinic at the beginning of treatment to ensure sustained target engagement. This study demonstrates a translational research strategy for collecting relevant nonclinical data, establishing a TMDD model, and using simulations from this model to inform clinical dose regimens.

Graphical Abstract
Associations Between Sleep and Metabolic Outcomes in Preadolescent Children
Authors: Alves Jasmin Marie , Chow Ting , Nguyen-Rodriguez Selena , Angelo Brendan , Defendis Alexis , Luo Shan , Smith Alexandro , Yunker Alexandra Grace , Xiang Anny H , Page Kathleen Alanna
Published: September 2022

Context

Growing evidence suggests an important role for sleep for the metabolic health of children.

Objective

We aimed to determine how sleep is related to insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, beta-cell function, and adiposity (BMI z-scores, body fat %, waist to height ratio) using objectively measured sleep and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)-derived measures.

Methods

Sixty-two children aged 7-11 years, born at Kaiser Permanente Southern California, wore wrist accelerometers for 7 days to objectively measure sleep, completed an OGTT, and had anthropometric measures (height [cm], weight [kg], waist [cm], body fat [%]) collected. Using linear regression, associations between Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISI), insulinogenic index (IGI), disposition index (DI), BMI z-score, waist to height ratio, and body fat % with sleep parameters [total sleep time (TST; min), sleep efficiency (SE; %), time in bed (TIB; min), wake after sleep onset (WASO; min), and sleep latency (SL; min)] were assessed. Body fat % was tested as a mediator of the relationship between TST and ISI.

Results

Longer TST was associated with better insulin sensitivity (P = 0.02), but not after adjusting for body fat %. Sleep parameters were not associated with IGI or DI. Longer TST was associated with lower % body fat (P = 0.01) and lower waist-to-height-ratios (P = 0.05). Body fat % explained 62% (P = 0.01) of the relationship between TST and ISI. Longer TIB was associated with lower adiposity measures (P < 0.05). There were no associations between SE, WASO, or SL and metabolic outcomes.

Conclusion

Objectively measured sleep duration was associated with lower adiposity, and the relationship between sleep duration and ISI appeared partly through adiposity levels in preadolescent children. Longer sleep duration may be important for metabolic health.
The Individual-Level Productivity Costs of Physical Inactivity
Authors: KARI JAANA T. , NERG IIRO , HUIKARI SANNA , LEINONEN ANNA-MAIJU , NURKKALA MARJUKKA , FARRAHI VAHID , KORPELAINEN RAIJA , KORHONEN MARKO
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study estimated the long-term individual-level productivity costs of physical inactivity.

Methods

The data were drawn from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966, to which the productivity cost variables (sick leaves and disability pensions) from Finnish registries were linked. Individuals (N = 6261) were categorized into physical activity groups based on their level of physical activity, which was measured in three ways: 1) self-reported leisure-time moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) at 46 yr old, 2) longitudinal self-reported leisure-time MVPA at 31–46 yr old, and 3) accelerometer-measured overall MVPA at 46 yr old. The human capital approach was applied to calculate the observed costs (years 2012–2020) and the expected costs (years 2012–2031).

Results

The results showed that the average individual-level productivity costs were higher among physically inactive compared with the costs among physically active. The results were consistent regardless of the measurement type of physical activity or the period used. On average, the observed long-term productivity costs among physically inactive individuals were €1900 higher based on self-reported MVPA, €1800 higher based on longitudinal MVPA, and €4300 higher based on accelerometer-measured MVPA compared with the corresponding productivity costs among physically active individuals. The corresponding difference in the expected costs was €2800, €1200, and €8700, respectively.

Conclusions

The results provide evidence that productivity costs differ according to an individual’s level of physical activity. Therefore, investments in physical activity may decrease not only the direct healthcare costs but also the indirect productivity costs paid by the employee, the employer, and the government.
spectrai: a deep learning framework for spectral data
Authors: Horgan Conor , Bergholt Mads
Published: September 2022

Spectroscopy and spectral imaging have widespread applications in many scientific fields. Deep learning techniques have achieved many successes in recent years across numerous domains. However, the application of deep learning to spectral data remains a complex task due to the need for tailored augmentation routines, specific architectures for spectral data and significant memory requirements. Here we present spectrai, a comprehensive open-source deep learning framework and Python/MATLAB package designed to facilitate the training of neural networks on spectral data. spectrai provides numerous built-in spectral data pre-processing and augmentation methods, neural networks for spectral data including spectral (image) denoising, spectral (image) classification, spectral image segmentation and spectral image super-resolution. spectrai includes both command line and graphical user interface (GUI) tools designed to assist users with model and hyperparameter decisions for a wide range of applications. We demonstrate three case studies of spectral denoising, spectral segmentation and super-resolution. By providing baseline implementations of these functions, spectrai enables wider use of deep learning in spectroscopy and spectral imaging.
Informative prior on structural equation modelling with non-homogenous error structure
Authors: Olalude Oladapo A. , Muse Bernard O. , Alaba Oluwayemisi O.
Published: September 2022

Introduction: This study investigates the impact of informative prior on Bayesian structural equation model (BSEM) with heteroscedastic error structure. A major drawback of homogeneous error structure is that, in most studies the underlying assumption of equal variance across observation is often unrealistic, hence the need to consider the non-homogenous error structure.

Methods: Updating appropriate informative prior, four different forms of heteroscedastic error structures were considered at sample sizes 50, 100, 200 and 500.

Results: The results show that both posterior predictive probability (PPP) and log likelihood are influenced by the sample size and the prior information, hence the model with the linear form of error structure is the best.

Conclusions: The study has been able to address sufficiently the problem of heteroscedasticity of known form using four different heteroscedastic conditions, the linear form outperformed other forms of heteroscedastic error structure thus can accommodate any form of data that violates the homogenous variance assumption by updating appropriate informative prior. Thus, this approach provides an alternative approach to the existing classical method which depends solely on the sample information.
Research data management for bioimaging: the 2021 NFDI4BIOIMAGE community survey
Authors: Schmidt Christian , Hanne Janina , Moore Josh , Meesters Christian , Ferrando-May Elisa , Weidtkamp-Peters Stefanie ,   members of the NFDI4BIOIMAGE initiative
Published: September 2022

Background: Knowing the needs of the bioimaging community with respect to research data management (RDM) is essential for identifying measures that enable adoption of the FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) principles for microscopy and bioimage analysis data across disciplines. As an initiative within Germany's National Research Data Infrastructure, we conducted this community survey in summer 2021 to assess the state of the art of bioimaging RDM and the community needs.

Methods: An online survey was conducted with a mixed question-type design. We created a questionnaire tailored to relevant topics of the bioimaging community, including specific questions on bioimaging methods and bioimage analysis, as well as more general questions on RDM principles and tools. 203 survey entries were included in the analysis covering the perspectives from various life and biomedical science disciplines and from participants at different career levels.

Results: The results highlight the importance and value of bioimaging RDM and data sharing. However, the practical implementation of FAIR practices is impeded by technical hurdles, lack of knowledge, and insecurity about the legal aspects of data sharing. The survey participants request metadata guidelines and annotation tools and endorse the usage of image data management platforms. At present, OMERO (Open Microscopy Environment Remote Objects) is the best known and most widely used platform. Most respondents rely on image processing and analysis, which they regard as the most time-consuming step of the bioimage data workflow. While knowledge about and implementation of electronic lab notebooks and data management plans is limited, respondents acknowledge their potential value for data handling and publication.

Conclusion: The bioimaging community acknowledges and endorses the value of RDM and data sharing. Still, there is a need for information, guidance, and standardization to foster the adoption of FAIR data handling. This survey may help inspiring targeted measures to close this gap.
Case Report: Pathological fracture in a Li-Fraumeni osteosarcoma patient: "Capasquelet'' femoral reconstruction and tumor vascular analysis with endomucin immunofluorescence multiplexing
Authors: Tran Guillaume , Amiaud Jerome , Combal Alexis , Duteille Franck , Redini Françoise , Verrecchia Franck , Crenn Vincent
Published: September 2022

We describe the case report of an Osteosarcoma patient, with a Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, presenting with a pathological femoral fracture. The patient was treated with a multidisciplinary approach associating neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy with excisional surgery. The femoral reconstruction consisted of a ``Capasquelet'' reconstruction combining an induced membrane and a vascularized fibula allograft allowing a good functional result with an early weight-bearing. We managed to complete our histological analysis in this patient, in order to evaluate the tumor vascularization. Indeed, using the syngeneic osteosarcoma MOS-J mouse model, we highlighted previously that CD31+/\ensuremath{\alpha }-SMA+ vessels may be indicators of vasculature normalization and therefore may be used as specific markers of a good therapeutic response. Thus, we search for its interest in this specific case as preliminary work. The aim was to assess the feasibility and technical validity of the vascularization analysis of a human osteosarcoma tumor specimen. Therefore, we propose an immunohistochemistry methodology  with multiplexed immunofluorescence to assess the vascularization as a promising marker in human osteosarcoma tissue.
Anti-inflammatory activity and toxicity evaluation of 1,3-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)urea
Authors: Waruwu Syukur Berkat , Harahap Urip , Yuandani Yuandani , Purnomo Hari , Satria Denny
Published: September 2022

Background: Inflammation is a normal protective response caused by tissue damage through physical trauma, chemical damage, or invasion of pathogenic microorganisms. 1,3-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)urea is a modified p-aminophenol compound, which is considered to have strong analgesic activity based on cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition and has fewer hepatotoxic side effects. In-silico test showed 1,3-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)urea has COX-1 and TNF- binding activity, so it has the potential to be developed as an anti-inflammatory agent. Anti-inflammatory activity was tested using mice. Toxicity test was conducted to test the safety of 1,3-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)urea.

Methods: Anti-inflammatory test was carried out by measuring the percentage of inflammation in rat paws using a plethysmometer after administration of 1,3-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)urea induced by carrageenan 1%, and then histology was performed to observe the number of neutrophils. A toxicity test using OECD guidelines carried out acute toxicity for 24 hours and was observed for 14 days. The subchronic toxicity test was carried out for 28 days, followed by 42 days in the satellite group.

Results: Analysis of rat paw inflammation volume showed 1,3-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)urea could suppress inflammation after carrageenan-1% induction. The group given {1.3 bis (p-Hydroxyphenyl)urea} and sodium diclofenac 2.25 mg/kg BW had a significant difference in results (p<0.05) with 0.5% Na CMC group. Doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW showed no significant difference (p>0.05) with diclofenac sodium. The number of neutrophils also decreased compared to the 0.5% Na CMC group. The acute toxicity test of 1,3-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)urea did not cause toxic symptoms and death up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg BW. The microscopic results of subchronic toxicity of liver tissue experienced hydropic degeneration at a dose of 1000 mg/kg BW; in the lungs causes congestion, and microscopic renal tissue undergoes Bowman space dilatation and tubular lumen dilatation, but this condition is reversible.

Conclusion: This 1,3-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)urea compound had an anti-inflammatory activity and relatively low toxicity.
Smokers’ support for the ban on sale of slim cigarettes in six European countries: findings from the EUREST-PLUS ITC Europe Surveys
Authors: Mechili Enkeleint A. , Przewoźniak Krzysztof , Driezen Pete , Kyriakos Christina N , Girvalaki Charis , Mons Ute , Quah Anne CK , Fernández Esteve , Trofor Antigona C , Demjén Tibor , Katsaounou Paraskevi A , Zatoński Witold , Fong Geoffrey T , Vardavas Constantine I
Published: September 2022

Background: Efforts to regulate tobacco products and reduce consumption in the European Union (EU) include the European Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), which went into force in May 2016. Despite the initial discussion to include a ban on sale of slim cigarettes, it was excluded in the final TPD. The main goal of this study was to examine support for a ban on slim cigarettes among smokers in six European Countries.

Methods: Data from the 2018 (Wave 2) International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project 6 European Country (ITC 6E) EUREST-PLUS project survey, a cross sectional study of adult smokers (n=5592) from Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Spain, was analysed. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate support for a ban on slim cigarettes by sociodemographic characteristics and smoking behaviors. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with support for a ban on slim cigarettes and perceptions of harm.

Results: Support for a ban on slims varied across countries, with highest support in Romania (33.8%), and lowest in Greece (18.0%). Female smokers (OR=0.78; 95%CI=0.67-0.91, daily smokers (OR=0.68; 95%CI=0.47-0.97), menthol smokers (OR=0.55; 95%CI=0.36-0.86), and smokers who did not have plans to quit within next six months (OR=0.45; 95%CI=0.36-0.56) had significantly lower odds of supporting a ban on slim cigarettes. Overall, 21% of smokers perceived slim cigarettes as less harmful than regular cigarettes.

Conclusions: Support for a ban of slim cigarettes was relatively low among smokers, while misperceptions that slim cigarettes are less harmful is high, particularly among countries where slim cigarette use is more prevalent. Findings support a ban on slim cigarettes to reduce misperceptions around slim cigarettes being less harmful.
Frailty in people with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Hanlon Peter , Morrison Holly , Morton Fraser , Jani Bhautesh D , Siebert Stefan , Lewsey Jim , McAllister David , Mair Frances S
Published: September 2022

Background: Frailty, an age-related decline in physiological reserve, is an increasingly important concept in the management of chronic diseases. The implications of frailty in people with rheumatoid arthritis are not well understood. We undertook a systematic review to assess prevalence of frailty in people with rheumatoid arthritis, and the relationship between frailty and disease activity or clinical outcomes.

Methods: We searched four electronic databases (January 2001 to April 2021) for observational studies assessing the prevalence of frailty (any frailty measure) in adults (≥18 years) with rheumatoid arthritis, or analysing the relationship between frailty and disease activity or clinical outcomes (e.g. quality of life, hospitalisation or mortality) in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Study quality was assessed using an adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Screening, quality assessment and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. We used narrative synthesis.

Results: We identified 17 analyses, from 14 different populations. 15/17 were cross-sectional. Studies used 11 different measures of frailty. Frailty prevalence ranged from 10% (frailty phenotype) to 36% (comprehensive rheumatologic assessment of frailty) in general adult populations with rheumatoid arthritis. In younger populations (<60 or <65 years) prevalence ranged from 2.4% (frailty phenotype) to 19.9% (Kihon checklist) while in older populations (>60 or >65) prevalence ranged from 31.2% (Kihon checklist) to 55% (Geriatric 8 tool). Frailty was cross-sectionally associated with higher disease activity (10/10 studies), lower physical function (7/7 studies) and longer disease duration (2/5 studies), and with hospitalization and osteoporotic fractures (1/1 study, 3.7 years follow-up).

Conclusion: Frailty is common in rheumatoid arthritis, including those aged <65 years, and is associated with a range of adverse features. However, these is heterogeneity in how frailty is measured. We found few longitudinal studies making the impact of frailty on clinical outcomes over time and the extent to which frailty is caused by rheumatoid arthritis unclear.
Discrepancies between two long-term dietary datasets in the United Kingdom (UK)
Authors: Smith Kerry G. , Scheelbeek Pauline , Balmford Andrew , Garnett Emma E.
Published: September 2022

Background: Studying dietary trends can help monitor progress towards healthier and more sustainable diets but longitudinal data are often confounded by lack of standardized methods. Two main data sources are used for longitudinal analysis of diets: food balance sheets on food supply (FBS) and household budget surveys on food purchased (HBS).

Methods: We used UK longitudinal dietary data on food supply, provided by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) (FAO-FBS, 1961-2018), and food purchases, provided by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) (Defra-HBS, 1942-2018). We assessed how trends in dietary change per capita compared between FAO-FBS and Defra-HBS for calories, meat and fish, nuts and pulses, and dairy, and how disparities have changed over time.

Results: Estimates made by FAO-FBS were significantly higher (p<0.001) than Defra-HBS for calorie intake and all food types, except nuts and pulses which were significantly lower (p<0.001). These differences are partly due to inclusion of retail waste in FAO-FBS data and under-reporting in Defra- HBS data. The disparities between the two datasets increased over time for calories, meat and dairy; did not change for fish; and decreased for nuts and pulses. Between 1961 and 2018, both FAO-FBS and Defra-FBS showed an increase in meat intake (+11.5% and +1.4%, respectively) and a decrease in fish (-3.3% and -3.2%, respectively) and dairy intake (-11.2% and -22.4%). Temporal trends did not agree between the two datasets for calories, and nuts and pulses.

Conclusions: Our finding raises questions over the robustness of both data sources for monitoring UK dietary change, especially when used for evidence-based decision making around health, climate change and sustainability.
What do we know about creatine supplementation?
Authors: Egierska Dominika , Perszke Michał
Published: September 2022

Creatine is one of the most often used supplements nowadays. Its popularity can be attributed to a wide variety of clinical implications.

The intent of this paper was to evaluate and review the latest publications about the usage and potential clinical effects on the human body of creatine supplementation and to bring attention to new findings in this subject.

Authors explored PubMed, CrossRef and Google Scholar using keywords: creatine, supplements, ergogenic aids, neuroprotection, bioenergetics. Furthermore, the references of selected articles were manually investigated for additional relevant articles. The bibliography focused mainly on systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and case reports. The selection of individual articles was carried out in accordance with the determinants of general medicine readership.

There is still a lot to learn about creatine supplementation and its potentially beneficial effects. Further evidence-based studies are required, as the amount of reliable data and information is still not sufficient and lots of them have yet to be examined.
Cardioprotective effects of coffee
Authors: Karaś Anna , Kinga Kawałko  , Kamil Pondel  , Krzysztof Bielewicz
Published: September 2022

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages among adults. Popular for its stimulant properties, it is also appreciated for its taste and is an essential part of many people's daily lives. Coffee, in addition to caffeine, contains macroelements such as sodium, potassium and magnesium, which ensure the proper functioning of the body, as well as polyphenols which are characterised by their anti-inflammatory properties. [1,2] Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia and caffeine is often considered a potential risk factor. [3] The purpose of this article is to evaluate current scientific reports on the relationship between coffee consumption and atrial fibrillation.
Unequal electoral participation: the negative effects of long work hours and unsociable work schedules in Europe
Authors: Li Jianghong , Giebler Heiko , Wetter Rebecca , Kenyon Lair Hannah , Ellingwood Julia
Published: September 2022

Considering gender inequality in time as a resource for political participation and using Wave 5 of the European Social Survey data on 24 European countries, this study examines: (1) the relationship of both long working hours and unsociable work schedules to participation in national elections in Europe before or during 2010; (2) factors that may mediate this association; and (3) gender differences in this relationship and occupation-specific patterns. The findings show that both working more than 45 hours per week and working evenings, nights or weekends are associated with lower national electoral participation in women with both high and low occupational status. Among men with the lowest occupational status, working long hours is also linked to lower participation. These findings are robust against controlling for important confounders. Political interest seems to partially mediate the negative effect of unsociable work schedules on voting in women. Neither health nor social engagement plays a mediation role.
High-sensitivity optical fiber sensing based on a computational and distributed Vernier effect
Authors: Zhu Chen , Huang Jie
Published: September 2022

This article reports a novel concept of computational microwave photonics and distributed Vernier effect for sensitivity enhancement in a distributed optical fiber sensor based on an optical carrier microwave interferometry (OCMI) system. The sensor system includes a Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) array formed by cascaded fiber in-line reflectors. Using OCMI interrogation, information on each of the interferometers (i.e., sensing interferometers) can be obtained, from which an array of reference interferometers can be constructed accordingly. By superimposing the interferograms of each sensing interferometer and its corresponding reference interferometer, distributed Vernier effect can be generated, so that the measurement sensitivity of each of the sensing interferometers can be amplified individually. This technique is achieved entirely in software without any physical modification to the system and negates the need to carefully fabricate the reference interferometer to obtain the desired magnification factor, as is often the case for traditional Vernier effect-based optical fiber sensors. Importantly, the reference interferometers can be flexibly constructed such that the magnification factor for each sensing interferometer can be precisely and easily controlled. The operating principle is illustrated in detail, followed by a proof of concept. The experimental results match well with theoretical predictions.
Big data: Airway management at a university hospital over 16 years; a retrospective analysis
Authors: Hummel Regina , Wollschläger Daniel , Baldering Hans-Jürgen , Engelhard Kristin , Wittenmeier Eva , Epp Katharina , Pirlich Nina
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Little is known about the current practice of airway management in Germany and its development over the last decades. The present study was, therefore, designed to answer the following questions. Which airway management procedures have been performed over the last 16 years and how has the frequency of these procedures changed over time? Is there a relationship between patient characteristics or surgical specialisation and the type of airway management performed?

Methods

In the present study, we used our in-house data acquisition and accounting system to retrospectively analyse airway management data for all patients who underwent a surgical or medical procedure with anaesthesiological care at our tertiary care facility over the past 16 years. 340,748 airway management procedures were analysed by type of procedure, medical/surgical specialty, and type of device used. Logistic regression was used to identify trends over time.

Results

Oral intubation was the most common technique over 16 years (65.7%), followed by supraglottic airway devices (18.1%), nasal intubation (7.5%), mask ventilation (1.6%), tracheal cannula (1.3%), double lumen tube (0.7%), and jet ventilation (0.6%). On average, the odds ratio of using supraglottic airway devices increased by 17.0% per year (OR per year = 1.072, 95% CI = 1.071–1.088) while oral intubation rates decreased. In 2005, supraglottic airway devices were used in about 10% of all airway management procedures. Until 2020, this proportion steadily increased by 27%. Frequency of oral intubation on the other hand decreased and was about 75% in 2005 and 53% in 2020.

Over time, second-generation supraglottic airway devices were used more frequently than first-generation supraglottic airway devices. While second-generation devices made up about 9% of all supraglottic airway devices in 2010, in 2020 they represented a proportion of 82%.

The use of fibreoptic intubation increased over time in otorhinolaryngology and dental, oral, and maxillofacial surgery, but showed no significant trends over the entire 16-year period.

Conclusion

Our data represent the first large-scale evaluation of airway management procedures over a long time. There was a significant upward trend in the use of supraglottic airway devices, with an increase in the use of second-generation masks while a decrease in oral intubations was observed.
A tale of osteoarthritis among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh: A repeated cross-sectional study
Authors: Mistry Sabuj Kanti , Ali A. R. M. Mehrab , Yadav Uday Narayan , Das Gupta Rajat , Anwar Afsana , Basu Saurav , Huda Md. Nazmul , Mitra Dipak Kumar
Published: September 2022

Background

Due to restrictions in social gatherings imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, physical and other daily activities were limited among the older adults. The present study aimed to estimate the change in osteoarthritis prevalence among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.

Methods

This repeated cross-sectional study was conducted through telephone interviews among older adults aged 60 years and above on two successive occasions (October 2020 and September 2021) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. The prevalence of osteoarthritis was measured by asking the participants if they had osteoarthritis or joint pain problems.

Results

A total of 2077 participants (1032 in 2020-survey and 1045 in 2021-survey) participated in the study. The prevalence of self-reported joint pains or osteoarthritis significantly increased from 45.3% in 2020 to 54.7% in 2021 (P = 0.006), with an increasing odd in the adjusted analysis (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.04–1.54). We also found that osteoarthritis prevalence significantly increased among the participants from the Chattogram and Mymensingh divisions, aged 60–69 years, males, married, rural residents, and living with a family. A significant increase was also documented among those who received formal schooling, had a family income of 5000–10000 BDT, resided with a large family, were unemployed or retired, and lived away from a health facility.

Conclusions

Our study reported a significant increased prevalence of osteoarthritis among older adults from 2020 to 2021 during this pandemic in Bangladesh. This study highlights the need for the development and implementation of initiatives for the screening and management of osteoarthritis through a primary health care approach during any public health emergencies.
Jenő Janovics: Michel Curtiz’s first screenwriter
Authors: Zágoni Balázs
Published: September 2022

Jenő Janovics was Transylvania’s pioneer in film and one of the first screenwriter–producers in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He discovered talents like Michael Curtiz and Sir Alexander Korda. He wrote 31 film scripts, of which only one has survived: A tolonc (The Exile) and the silent film made from it, is the only remaining testimony of Curtiz’s and Janovics’s collaboration. In 2022, we commemorate the 60-year anniversary of the death of the former and 150 years from the birth of the latter. While all the known articles so far focus on Janovics’s legacy as a producer or a director, this article attempts to draw a portrait of Janovics the screenwriter, demonstrating his screenwriting qualities and his joint creative process with Curtiz in the case of A tolonc.
Directory of World Cinema: Africa, Blandine Stefanson and Sheila Petty (eds) (2014)
Authors: Ferrell Rose
Published: September 2022

Review of: Directory of World Cinema: Africa, Blandine Stefanson and Sheila Petty (eds) (2014)

Bristol: Intellect Books, 420 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-78320-391-8, p/bk, £43.00
Influence of water and nutrients on cork oak radial growth – looking for an efficient fertirrigation regime
Authors: Camilo-Alves Constança , Nunes Jose Antonio , Poeiras Ana Patricia , Ribeiro Joao , Dinis Cati , Barroso Joao M. , Vaz Margarida , Almeida-Ribeiro Nuno
Published: September 2022

The widespread cork oak (Quercus suber L.) mortality and reduced afforestation /regeneration are causing an overall reduction in cork production. To enhance trees’ growth and vitality, afforestation techniques using fertirrigation were tested. The main objective was the promotion of trees’ growth on new dense plantations using minimum water requirements until reaching productive forests. The experimental plot – Irricork – was installed in 2017 in a ≈1 ha stand with 14 years’ age cork oaks summer-fertirrigated since plantation. Four fertirrigation treatments were applied during fertirrigation campaigns. Radial growth, meteorological parameters and fertirrigation volume were measured every 15–30 days over four years. It was observed that weather, tree size, debarking and trees’ intra-competition had a significant effect on radial increments. Fertirrigation significantly enhanced growth during summer drought and decoupled increments from air vapor pressure deficit constraints. There was a linear relationship between trees’ radial increments and fertirrigation volume up to 140 m3 week–1. Above this value, increments were smoother. In conclusion, summer fertirrigation of 140 m3 week–1 efficiently enhanced the radial growth of trees with 50–75 circumference at breast height, under the particular edaphoclimatic conditions of the stand. This study showed to be, therefore, promising in the use of efficient fertirrigation the enhance cork oaks’ radial growth.
OBSTACLE DETECTION FOR BLIND PEOPLE USING ULTRASONIC SENSORS AND ARDINO PROCESSOR
Authors: Ali Akbar , Akbar Haroon , Sartaj Zeeshan
Published: September 2022

Abstract:

In today’s world millions of people are having problem of vision. According to the recent survey of WHO about 289 million of peoples are visually impaired. This problem make them dependent on others. Recent studies shows that about 108 different methods are used for the aid of mobility of the visually impaired people. In this project we will make the use of Ultrasonic sound to enhance the obstacle detection for the blind people within the range of 3m to 4m. The project is made by inspiring from the natural navigation system of a mammal called Bat. Although the navigation for blind using ultrasonic is a complex process but here we will present only the hurdle detection procedure. The project make the use of UNO Arduino processor, ultrasonic sensors, 5V Buzzer, Arduino cable for burning, and some connecting wires. All this setup will be arranged on a cap, which the visually impaired person will wear. The ultrasonic emitter emit ultrasonic sound of high frequency which is perceived by the ultrasonic receiver after reflection from the obstacle and then passed to the processor for further necessary action in the form of some sound.

Keywords: WHO, UNO Arduino processor, 5V buzzer, Ultrasonic sense