bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diabetic Patients’ Satisfaction of Teleconsultations and Associated Factors during COVID-19 Pandemic at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Shimeles Leilina , Asrat Yidnekachew , Tarekegn Getahun , Yesuf Subah Abderehim , Kebede Meskerem Aleka , Betemariam Tesfamariam Aklilu
Published: September 2023

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis increased the utilization of teleconsultation globally to reduce the risk of virus transmission. Patients’ satisfaction is an important determinant to ensure quality of health service. However, such patient-related factors are under-investigated and poorly documented in developing countries such as Ethiopia. Therefore, the objective of the study was to assess diabetic patients’ satisfaction with teleconsultations and associated factors during COVID-19 pandemic at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021.
Methods and Materials: A facility-based, cross-sectional study design was conducted at Endocrinology Unit of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 15th of November to 31st of December 2021. Randomly selected 295 diabetic patients who received phone-based medical consultations during the pandemic were interviewed. Data was collected using a pretested, structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data was entered, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the data and logistic regression was used to determine associations between dependent and independent variables. A p value <0.05 was considered significant. Tables, figures and texts were used to present the results.
Results: A total of 280 patients responded to the virtual interview successfully, with a response rate of 94.9%. Overall, 148 (52.9%) were satisfied with teleconsultation service. Being urban residents [AOR=3.68 (95%CI: 1.67, 8.09)], being unemployed [AOR=4.57(95%CI:2.31, 9.05)], having disease duration of >10 years [AOR=3.07(95%CI:1.31,7.21)] and absence of diabetic nephropathy [AOR=2.92 (95%CI:1.22,6.98)] were the factors that affected patient satisfaction positively.
Conclusions: With certain contributing factors, more than half of the diabetic patients were satisfied with the teleconsultations during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a better understanding of context-specific patients’ reasons for dissatisfaction need to be further explored in the planning and implementation of teleconsultations in Ethiopia.
The relationship between neutrophil-lymphocyte, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte- lymphocyte ratio and cognitive function in schizophrenia
Authors: Zhou Lina , Ma Xiancang , Wang Wei
Published: September 2023

Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder with unknown pathogenesis, and accompanied by varying degrees of cognitive deficits. Recent studies have shown that dysregulated immune may play an important role in schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to determine the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in patients with schizophrenia, and explore their correlations with cognitive function. 74 patients with schizophrenia and 57 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were recruited in this study with demographic and clinical information. And blood samples were taken and cognitive function were evaluated by MCCB. All the MCCB tasks in this study were found with worse performance in patients with schizophrenia compared to healthy controls. Compare to healthy controls, patients with schizophrenia showed lower Hb levels, and higher monocytes, PLR, and MLR. Spearman correlation analysis showed Hb levels and PLR were positive and negative correlated with global cognitive function respectively. In summary, this study suggests that cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia is associated with dysregulated immunity and poor nutrition, which should be paid more attention in the future.
High prevalence of exon-13 variants in USH2A-related retinal dystrophy in Taiwanese population
Authors: Lin Yu-Wei , Huang Yu-Shu , Lin Chien-Yu , Lin Chao-Wen , Wu Chen-Chi , Yang Chang-Hao , Yang Chung-May , Chen Pei-Lung , Chen Ta-Ching
Published: September 2023

Background
USH2A is a common disease-causing gene leading to Usher syndrome, which is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by retinitis pigmentosa, and was shown to have geographical and ethnical distribution in previous studies. This study provided a deeper understanding of the detailed clinical features using multimodal imaging, genetic spectrum, and genotype–phenotype correlations of USH2A-associated retinal dystrophy in Taiwan.
Results
In our cohort, the mean age at first visit was 47.66 ± 13.54 years, and the mean age at symptom onset was 31.21 ± 15.24 years. Among the variants identified, 23 (50%) were missense, 10 (22%) were splice sites, 8 (17%) were nonsense, and 5 (11%) were frameshift mutations. The most predominant variant was c.2802T > G, which accounted for 21% of patients, and was located in exon 13. Patients with truncated alleles had significantly earlier symptom onset and poorer disease progression regarding visual acuity, ellipsoid zone line length, and hypofluorescent lesions in the macula than those who had the complete gene. However, the clinical presentation revealed similar progression between patients with and without the c.2802T > G variant. During long-term follow-up, the patients had different ellipsoid zone line progression rates and were almost evenly distributed in the fast, moderate, and slow progression subgroups. Although a younger onset age and a smaller baseline intact macular area was observed in the fast progression subgroup, the results showed no significant difference.
Conclusions
This is the first cohort study to provide detailed genetic and longitudinal clinical analyses of patients with USH2A-related retinitis pigmentosa in Taiwan. The mutated allele frequency in exon 13 was high in Taiwan due to the predominant c.2802T > G variant. Moreover, truncated variants greatly impacted disease progression and determined the length of therapeutic windows. These findings provide insight into the characteristics of candidates for future gene therapies.
Optimal fuzzy control of a two-wheel mobile robot equipped with a control moment gyroscope (CMG) stabilizer: Simulation and experiment
Authors: Roshandel D. , Tavakolpour-Saleh Alireza , Esmaeilpour A.
Published: September 2023

This paper presents the modeling, development, and control of a two-wheel mobile robot equipped with a control moment gyroscope (CMG) stabilizer. The study begins by employing a specific method and selecting alternative generalized coordinates to extract the nonholonomic constraint equations of the robot motion. Subsequently, the dynamic governing equations are obtained using the constrained Lagrangian approach. The balance of the robot is controlled in two states: while stationary and while tracking a certain trajectory. Two distinct control approaches are examined. First, the conventional Feedback Linearization Method is applied, and its performance is illustrated. Next, a Fuzzy control is designed and proposed as an optimal and intelligent controller. The superiority of the fuzzy controller over the conventional method is then demonstrated. The accuracy and reliability of the designed controllers are investigated using MATLAB simulations. The controller's performance is evaluated in three different scenarios: stabilizing the robot when deflected from the vertical position, tracking paths while maintaining balance for two reference trajectories, and developing an experimental bicycle robot equipped with a CMG. In these simulations, the robot balance controller and the robot trajectory tracking controller effectively control the balance and path tracking of the robot. Following the simulations, the bicycle robot equipped with a CMG is developed experimentally. The results obtained from the experimental study are presented and discussed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed controllers. Both simulation and experimental findings confirm the proper performance of the proposed intelligent Fuzzy controller in balancing the robot in stationary states and tracking desired trajectories.
Protocol for a randomised controlled trial of psychoeducation material for psychological distress and serotonin levels in women with breast cancer post mastectomy in Indonesia
Authors: Mustikaningsih Dewi , Prajoko Yan Wisnu , Setyowibowo Hari , Anggorowati Anggorowati
Published: September 2023

Background: The prevalence of postmastectomy patients who experience symptoms of anxiety and depression is 40%. The impact of psychological stress due to mastectomy includes loss of self-confidence, specifically, body image, by 63%, lifestyle changes by 51.8%, feeling useless as much as 58% and feeling less cared for by 75%. Patients who experience postmastectomy stress may experience psychological side effects, including a 24% increased chance of cancer recurrence, a 30% increased risk of all-cause mortality, and a 29% greater risk of developing a particular type of breast cancer. The current study will examine whether our recently created nurse-guided psychoeducational material for Indonesian breast cancer survivors who have had mastectomy reduces psychological discomfort.Methods: In Indonesia's Kariadi Hospital Semarang Centre Java, 84 patients will participate in a randomised controlled experiment. Data will be gathered at the start of the intervention (preassessment), 3 to 5 days later (postassessment -1), and 1 to 2 weeks later (follow-up assessment). The primary outcome is the level of psychological distress and serotonin levels. Secondary outcomes are breast cancer post mastectomy score pain level, body image and fatigue.Discussion: If effective, psychoeducation nurse-guided materials will be tested and put into practice in a variety of contexts for city local care that offers health education/psychoeducation to women with breast cancer following mastectomy (such as in the hospital in West Java, Indonesia).Trial registration: TCTR20230501003. Date: Mei 1st,2023.
A case report of neonatal incontinentia pigmenti complicated by severe cerebrovascular lesions in one of the male monozygotic twins
Authors: Lin Xiao feng , Zhang Wei , Zhou Ping
Published: September 2023

Background
This article firstly reports a case of neonatal incontinentia pigmenti only onset in one of the male monozygotic twins with characteristic skin lesions after birth followed by severe cerebrovascular lesions.
Case presentation
A male, the first one of monozygotic twins, was born with multiple yellow pustules all over the body, repeated new herpes at different sites during the course of the disease, aggravated by fusion, warty crusts, and hyperpigmentation, and biopsy pathology suggested eosinophilic spongiform edema of the skin; peripheral blood eosinophils were significantly elevated; brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse multiple cystic and lamellar abnormal signal areas in the left frontal and parietal lobes. On day 30, the infant showed neurological symptoms such as poor response and apnea, and emergency cranial computed tomography revealed abnormal changes in the left cerebral hemisphere and bilateral cerebellum. After admission, he was given potassium permanganate bath and topical mupirocin for one month, and the skin abnormalities improved. He was treated with mechanical ventilation and vasoactive drugs for 2 days after the cerebrovascular accident, and died the same day after the parents chose hospice care. No deletion variants or point mutations were detected in subsequent genetic tests, and chromosomal copy number variation tests revealed different degrees of chimeric duplications and deletions in different regions of chromosomes Y and 3. The parents were healthy and his twin brother had normal growth and development with no abnormalities at multiple follow-up visits.
Conclusion
Neonate with incontinentia pigmenti in one of the male monozygotic twins is extremely rare and the genetic diagnosis is challenging. Awareness of the combined cerebrovascular lesions needs to be enhanced and potential prevention and treatment methods need to be explored to improve the prognosis.
The Sequelae of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Adolescent and Young Adults: Protocol for A Systematic Review
Authors: Baclig Nikita V , Osuna-Garcia Antonia , Chotai Vivek , Ganz Patricia A. , Brauer Eden R.
Published: September 2023

Background
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a life-saving treatment for Adolescent and Young Adults (age 15–39) with hematologic malignancy. Given the significant developmental milestones usually achieved during this unique life stage, this population is especially vulnerable to the interruption caused by a cancer diagnosis and its treatment. HSCT is a particularly invasive form of cancer therapy with many negative physical, social, and psychological sequelae. The long-term impact of HSCT in Adolescent and Young Adults with hematologic malignancies warrants a systematic investigation of its effects to best shape clinical care and health policy.
Methods
This protocol for a systematic review will focus on the long-term physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and health behavior effects experienced by Adolescents and Young Adults who undergo HSCT for hematologic malignancy. We have constructed a specific search strategy that queries these 5 domains, which will be applied to five databases – Embase, Pubmed, Cochrane Trials and Reviews, PsychInfo, and CINAHL – to identify key literature. Two independent reviewers will perform a title/abstract screen followed by full-text screen using standard screening templates to ensure inclusion of outcomes in the post-acute HSCT period. Risk of bias will be assessed using the University of Adelaide Joanna Briggs Institute Collaboration Critical Appraisal Tools. Data from included studies will be abstracted on study characteristics, study setting, sample characteristics, and outcomes. Given broad scope of the research question, data synthesis will focus on qualitative methods in accordance with Institute of Medicine standards.
Discussion
While Adolescent and Young Adults undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for hematologic malignancy are understood to have a unique survivorship experience, the sequelae of this treatment approach in this population have not been previously aggregated. This systematic review intends to expand insight into the Adolescent and Young Adult experiences with HSCT in order to inform age-appropriate survivorship care and deliver this life-saving intervention with the best possible outcomes.
Systematic Review Registration
PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022361663.
Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor in Vaginally Collected Amniotic Fluid Predicting Fetal Inflammatory Response Syndrome: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Gulbiniene Violeta , Dumalakiene Irena , Balciuniene Greta , Pilypiene Ingrida , Narkeviciute Ieva , Novickij Vitalij , Vysniauskis Gintautas , Ramasauskaite Diana
Published: September 2023

Background. Improving noninvasive antenatal diagnosis of fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS) can assist in the evaluation of prenatal risk and reduce perinatal outcomes. This study aimed to determine whether soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) in vaginally collected amniotic fluid is significant in identifying FIRS after preterm premature rupture of membranes before 34 weeks of gestation.Study design. This was a prospective cohort study of 114 pregnant women and their newborns after preterm premature rupture of membranes at 22–34+ 6 weeks of gestation. SuPAR was evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in vaginally collected amniotic fluid. Patients were classified according to the presence or absence of FIRS. FIRS was defined by umbilical cord blood interleukin-6 level > 11 pg/mL or histological funisitis. The data were analyzed using the R package (R–4.0.5).Results. SuPAR was detected in all amniotic fluid samples with a median of 26.23 ng/mL (interquartile range (IQR), 15.19–51.14). The median level of suPAR was higher in the FIRS group than in the non-FIRS group, 32.36 ng/mL (IQR, 17.27–84.16) vs. 20.46 ng/mL (IQR, 11.49–36.63) (P = 0.011), respectively. The presence of histological chorioamnionitis significantly increased the suPAR concentration in the FIRS group (P < 0.001). The areas under the curve for FIRS and for FIRS with histological chorioamnionitis were 0.65 and 0.74, respectively, with an optimum cutoff value of 27.60 ng/mL. Controlling for gestational age, the cutoff of suPAR more than 27.60 ng/mL predicted 3-fold higher odds for FIRS and 6-fold higher odds for FIRS with histologic chorioamnionitis.Conclusion. Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor in noninvasively obtained amniotic fluid was an independent predictor for FIRS and concomitant histological chorioamnionitis in patients after preterm premature rupture of membranes before 34 weeks of gestation.
Transcriptomics uncovers key genes for photodynamic killing on Trichosporon asahii biofilms
Authors: Luo Wanting , Wang Guoliang , Chang Hongyu , Liu Guiming , Zhu He , Li Haitao
Published: September 2023

The escalating threat of antifungal resistance stemming from Trichosporon asahii (T. asahii) biofilms necessitates the pursuit of innovative therapeutic strategies. Among these approaches, 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) photodynamic therapy (PDT), an emerging therapeutic modality, has exhibited promising potential in eradicating T. asahii biofilms. To delve deeper into the efficacy of ALA-PDT in eliminating T. asahii biofilms, we conducted a comprehensive transcriptional analysis utilizing transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq). Notably, ALA-PDT demonstrated a profound inhibitory effect on the viability of T. asahii biofilms. Therefore, we selected T. asahii biofilms subjected to ALA-PDT treatment for transcriptome analysis and compared them to the control group. Our investigation unveiled 2,720 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) following exposure to ALA-PDT. Subsequent meticulous scrutiny allowed for the annotation of genes with a ≥ 2-fold change in transcription, focusing on Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Particularly noteworthy were the upregulated genes associated with oxidation-reduction processes, oxidoreductase activity, and catalytic activity. Conversely, the downregulated genes were linked to ATP binding, protein phosphorylation, and protein kinase activity. Additionally, we observed a surge in the transcription of genes that may be involved in oxidative stress (A1Q1_05494) as well as genes that may be involved in morphogenesis and biofilm formation (A1Q1_04029, A1Q1_01345, A1Q1_08069, and A1Q1_01456) following ALA-PDT treatment. Collectively, our findings underscore the substantial impact of ALA-PDT on the transcriptional regulation of genes related to oxidative stress, morphogenesis, and biofilm formation, paving the way for novel therapeutic avenues in combating T. asahii biofilms.
The effect of mobile health technology on blood pressure control among patients with hypertension in Ghana and Nigeria
Authors: Dele-Ojo Bolade Folasade , Oseni Tijani Idris Ahmad , Duodu Fiifi , Echieh Chidiebere Peter , Blankson Paa-Kwesi , Alabi Biodun Sulyman , Sarpong Daniel F , Tayo Bamidele O , Boima Vincent , Coleman Mary Amoakoh , Ogedegbe Gbenga
Published: September 2023

Background
More than half of patients with hypertension in sub-Saharan African do not achieve blood pressure control. This study determined the effect of mobile health technology on systolic blood pressure reduction and blood pressure (BP) control among patients with hypertension in Nigeria and Ghana.
Methods
A randomised control trial of 225 adults with hypertension attending two General/Medical Outpatient Clinics each in Nigeria and Ghana was randomized into intervention (n = 116) and control (n = 109) arm respectively. Patients in the intervention arm received messages twice weekly from a mobile app for six months in addition to the usual care while the control arm received usual care only. The study outcomes were systolic blood pressure (SBP) reduction and blood pressure control at six months, while the secondary outcome was medication adherence at six months. Data were collected at 0 and 6 months, it was analysed using SPSS-21 software at a significance level of p < 0.05. Binary logistic regression was used to generate the predictors of good blood pressure control.
Results
The mean age for the control and intervention were 60.2 ± 13.5 and 62.6 ± 10.8 years respectively; p-value = 0.300. The intervention group had greater reductions in SBP (-18.7mmHg vs -3.9mmHg; p < 0.001) and greater BP control rate (44.3% vs 24.8%; p-value 0.002).
Conclusions
The mobile health intervention resulted in significant SBP reduction rate and improvement in BP control rate in the 6th month. However, improvement in adherence level in the 3rd month and was not sustained in the 6th month. The addition of mobile health technology may be extended for use in the national hypertension control plan. Female gender, formal education and being in the intervention arm were predictors of blood pressure control.
Implications of Financial Leverage for Bank Profitability
Authors: Alnaa Samuel Erasmus , Matey Juabin
Published: September 2023

Typically, two capital financing models available to companies: debt and equity. Capital sources determine the retention of control of a company, along with how important it is to major shareholders to relinquish sectoral control. We examine the implications of financial leverage as a financing model for bank profitability vis-a-vis equity capital in the Ghana banking sector. Risk Adjusted Return on Assets (RAROA) and Risk Adjusted Return on Equity RAROE) are the response variables in the established financing model on which three explanatory variables (bank credit risk, liquidity risk, and bank capital sufficiency) are regressed. Analysis of data revealed among others, an inverse bank profitability-credit risk relationship in the case of RAROA, implying effective risk management reduces volatility and improves profitability. Although there is a contractionary effect on ploughed back accrued income, there is full control over business ownership as the case were with equity capital. A moderate use of equity capital over debt capital is recommended.
Computation of the masses of the elementary particles
Authors: Mashford John
Published: September 2023

An approach to gauge theory in the context of locally conformally flat space-time is de- scribed. It is discussed how there are a number of natural principal bundles associated with any given locally conformally flat space-time X. The simplest of these principal bundles is the bundle PG(X) with structure group G = U (2, 2). An 11 dimensional bundle Q with structure group a certain 7 dimensional group K is constructed by a method involving a reduction of structure group for the bundle PG(X). It is shown how the gauge groups U (1), SU (2) and SU (3) can be derived from the geometry of locally conformally flat space-time. Fock spaces of multiparticle states for the fields of the standard model are constructed in the context of bundles with these groups as structure groups. Scattering and other particle interaction processes are defined in terms of linear maps between multiparticle state spaces. A technique for computing analytically and/or computationally the masses of the elementary particles is described. This method involves the computation of a certain quantity called the integral mass spectrum for a given family of particles and then the masses of the particles in the family are determined to be the locations of the peaks of the integral mass spectrum. The method is applied successfully in the electroweak sector to the cases of the charged leptons and the Z0 boson.
A randomised controlled trial investigating the causal role of the medial prefrontal cortex in mediating self-agency during speech monitoring and reality monitoring
Authors: Tan Songyuan , Jia Yingxin , Jariwala Namasvi , Zhang Zoey , Brent Kurtis , Houde John , Nagarajan Srikantan , Subramaniam Karuna
Published: September 2023

Self-agency is being aware of oneself as the agent of one’s thoughts and actions. Self agency is necessary for successful interactions with the external world (reality-monitoring). The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is considered to represent one neural correlate underlying self-agency. We investigated whether mPFC activity can causally modulate self-agency on two different tasks involving speech-monitoring and reality-monitoring. The experience of self-agency is thought to result from being able to reliably predict the sensory outcomes of one’s own actions. This self-prediction ability is necessary for successfully encoding and recalling one’s own thoughts to enable accurate self-agency judgments during reality-monitoring tasks. This self-prediction ability is also necessary during speech-monitoring tasks where speakers compare what we hear ourselves say in auditory feedback with what we predict we will hear while speaking. In this randomised-controlled study, heathy controls (HC) are assigned to either high-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to enhance mPFC excitability or TMS targeting a control site. After TMS to mPFC, HC improved self-predictions during speech-monitoring tasks that predicted improved self-agency judgments during different reality-monitoring tasks. These first-in-kind findings demonstrate the mechanisms of how mPFC plays a causal role in self-agency that results from the fundamental ability of improving self-predictions across two different tasks.
First Peoples voices on climate change at the national level
Authors: Morgan-Bulled Damian , Bullio Rowena , Webb Torres , Cooper Sonia , Green Jonathan , Hopkins Mandy , McInnes Kathleen , Holbrook Neil , Jackson Guy , Kirono Dewi , Marsland Simon , Sheppard Marian , Chung Christine , Clubb Rangi , Deshong Samarla , Hunter Cass , Langworthy Learna , Neal Djungan Paul , Talbot Leah , Cavanagh-Luskin Sharon , Canadell Josep , Carlisle Moni , Catt Gareth , Evans Jason , Hooper Birran , Karoly David , Ramsay Hamish , Hill Rosemary
Published: September 2023

Traditional knowledge of First Nations Peoples intersects with climate change. This paper discusses ongoing dialogue between First Nations peoples and Western scientists in Australia about climate change. First Nations and their People have stressed to Western scientists that Country is in distress and traditional knowledge is key to mitigating the impacts of climate change. Traditional knowledge and traditional knowledge methods used to read land and seascapes are intrinsically linked to climate by First Nations peoples and embedded in cultural practice passed down and entrusted across generations. Articles 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples identifies that all risks that threaten the continuation of cultural practice and obligation to maintain, strengthen and protect cultural knowledge infringe peoples’ right to exist. Based on the recognition of these rights, our most recent dialogue, the National First Peoples Gathering on Climate Change held in Cairns in 2021, investigated whether building connections with and among First Nations peoples and Western scientists had the potential to acknowledge and respect both knowledge systems for the benefit of all. Four key practices were applied to build a culturally safe space at the Gathering: (i) Indigenous governance; (ii) Cultural protocols and co-design; (iii) Deeply respectful partnerships for weaving knowledge; and (iv) Indigenous networks. Building connections among First Nations Peoples proved highly empowering. There was evidence that First Nations Peoples found the Gathering useful for synthesising and elevating a shared agenda woven across knowledge systems. Different perspectives shared on the impacts of climate change on people and Country, such as marine heatwaves, sea-level changes and other impacts built a mutual understanding, acknowledgement, and respect, thereby building useability of both knowledge systems. Learnings from the Gathering— including two-way learning, learning by scientists about how to support First Peoples, learning from Elders—are practical outcomes that First Peoples are sharing with communities. Several risks were also identified including: differing intergroup opinions about priorities, difficulty in understanding technical complexities, and in some instances, rejection of the worth of Western science. However, the Gathering allowed a space for creativity and recognition that climate justice is founded on respect and recognition for First Nations Peoples’ leadership and cultural authority.
Differential Effects of Metabolic Dysfunction on Hippocampal and Neocortical Mitochondrial Function in rats: Implications for Cognition
Authors: Vilela Wembley R. , Ramalho Lisley S. , Bechara Luiz R. G. , Cabral-Costa João V. , Serna Julian D. C. , Kowaltowski Alicia J. , Xavier Gilberto F. , Ferreira Julio C. B. , Bem Andreza Fabro
Published: September 2023

High-fat diet-induced metabolic changes are not restricted to the onset of cardiovascular diseases, but also include effects on brain functions related to learning and memory. This study aimed to evaluate mitochondrial markers and function, as well as cognitive function, in a rat model of metabolic dysfunction. Eight-week-old male Wistar rats were subjected to either a control diet or a two-hit protocol combining a high fat diet (HFD) with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME in the drinking water. HFD plus L-NAME induced obesity, hypertension, and increased serum cholesterol. These rats exhibited bioenergetic dysfunction in the hippocampus, characterized by decreased oxygen (O2) consumption related to ATP production, with no changes in H2O2 production. Furthermore, OPA1 protein expression was upregulated in the hippocampus of HFD+L-NAME rats, with no alterations in other morphology-related proteins. Consistently, HFD+L-NAME rats showed disruption of performance in the Morris Water Maze Reference Memory test. The neocortex did not exhibit either bioenergetic changes or alterations in H2O2 production. Calcium uptake rate and retention capacity in the neocortex of HFD+L-NAME rats were not altered. Our results indicate that hippocampal mitochondrial bioenergetic function is disturbed in rats exposed to a HFD plus L-NAME, thus disrupting spatial learning and memory, whereas neocortical function remains unaffected.
Carbogen: A Safe and Effective Method for Apnea Testing to Declare Brain Death
Authors: Madden Maria , Andrews Penny , Day Jennifer , Cho Sabrina , Habashi Nader
Published: September 2023

Objective
In addition to a clinical exam, apnea testing is critical for confirmation of cessation of neurologic function [brain death]. However, traditional apnea exams place clinicians in a difficult position where maintaining oxygenation and hemodynamic stability in patients who are typically unstable have been associated with adverse events such as hypoxia, hypotension, pneumothorax, arrhythmias, derecruitment, and even cardiac death. The purpose of this retrospective case series was to assess whether apnea testing using carbogen was a safe, reliable alternative.
Methods
A retrospective chart review was conducted of brain death exams and apnea tests performed for brain death determination in a university hospital and trauma center. Apnea tests were completed either using the “Traditional Method” (TM) by removing the patient from the ventilator and assessed for presence of spontaneous breathing by movement of the chest wall or the “Carbogen Method” (CM) where patients remain on the ventilator with two machine breaths per minute to deliver carbogen gas mixture and waveform graphics in addition to the patient’s chest wall were assessed for presence of spontaneous breathing. An arterial blood gas was used with both methods to determine if the necessary rise in PaCO2 occurred. However, with the CM, a formula is used to determine the necessary target PaCO2 level to be reached for completion of the apnea test rather than the clinician deciding when to draw the blood gas.
Results
Apnea tests were performed on 205 patients, n = 159 using CM and n = 46 using TM. Adverse events during and immediately after the exam were significantly less (p = .000) using CM than with TM. Although there was no statistically significant difference in the duration of the apnea test comparing the CM and TM, the test duration was significantly less in the Airway Pressure Release Ventilation (APRV) group versus other modes when using the CM. Patients in the CM group had a significantly higher vasopressor dependency index than the TM group (p = .004).
Conclusion
These data suggest the Carbogen Method is safe, efficient, and an alternative solution to the traditional method of apnea testing to confirm cessation of neurologic function [brain death] resulting in fewer adverse events.
AFITBin: A metagenomic contig binning method using aggregate l-mer frequency based on initial and terminal nucleotides
Authors: Darabi Amin , Sobhani Sayeh , Aghdam Rosa , Eslahchi Changiz
Published: September 2023

Motivation:Using next-generation sequencing technologies, scientists can sequence complex microbial communities directly from the environment. Significant insights into the structure, diversity, and ecology of microbial communities have resulted from the study of metagenomics. The assembly of reads into longer contigs, which are then binned into groups of contigs that correspond to different species in the metagenomic sample, is a crucial step in the analysis of metagenomics. It is necessary to organize these contigs into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) for further taxonomic profiling and functional analysis. For binning, which is synonymous with the clustering of OTUs, the tetra-nucleotide frequency (TNF) is typically utilized as a compositional feature for each OTU.
Results: In this paper, we present AFIT, a new l-mer statistic vector for each contig, and AFITBin, a novel method for metagenomic binning based on AFIT and a matrix factorization method. To evaluate the performance of the AFIT vector, the t-SNE algorithm is used to compare species clustering based on AFIT and TNF information. In addition, the efficacy of AFITBin is demonstrated on both simulated and real datasets in comparison to state-of-the-art binning methods such as MetaBAT 2, MaxBin 2.0, CONCOT, MetaCon, SolidBin, and BusyBee web. The results demonstrate 1 that the superior performance of AFITBin is contingent on the utilization of the AFIT vector for improved taxonomic identification. . Availability: A python package is available at: https://github.com/AminDarabi/AFITBin
Sub-Chronic Low-Doses of Chlorpyrifos Exposure Alter Short Chain Fatty Acid Levels and Causes Insulin Resistance
Authors: Sakinah Elly Nurus , Mustika Arifa , Wibisono Sony , Zhou Xian
Published: September 2023

Background
Indonesia is an agricultural country which has more than 33 million workers in agriculture. Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate pesticide that is extensively used in agriculture attributed to its broad application on crops. The primary route of human exposure to pesticide residues is through oral ingestion. The specific toxic effect of chlorpyrifos exposure appeared to be associated with dysbiosis, reduced short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), and the incidence of hyperglycemia depending on the dose and duration. This study aims to evaluate the impact of chlorpyrifos exposure on SCFA levels-induced insulin resistance.
Methods
Thirty Wistar rats were divided into five different time exposure groups [0 days (Control group), 7 days (P1), 14 days (P2), 28 days (P3), and 56 days (P4)]. Chlorpyrifos was given 5 mg/kg BW orally every day. Jejunum villi height was measured to observe the intestinal barrier tight junction, and SCFA was evaluated by GCMS methods. Fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin were measured to calculate Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR).
Results
Oral exposure of chlorpyrifos decreased jejunum villi height, total SCFA levels, and increased the fasting blood glucose, the fasting insulin and HOMA-IR levels. P4 group (day 56) was lower jejunum villi height, lower total SCFA level, higher fasting blood glucose, higher fasting insulin and higher HOMA-IR levels than the control group (day 0) at p < 0.05 using ANOVA.
Conclusion
Sub-chronic low-dose chlorpyrifos exposure (5 mg/kg daily for 56 days) in rats led to significant insulin resistance and reduced SCFA levels. The strong time-effect relationship suggests that negative impact increasing with time and become prominent by day 56. These findings can provide valuable insights to users/farmers regarding the potential limitations on the duration of daily exposure.
Association of serum phosphate with the severity and the short-term mortality of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gao Yuan cheng , Zhang Yu xin , Lin Yi , Zhang Jiawei , Zou Wen li , Shao Li na , Liu Yue min , Meng Yao , Feng Hongyuan , Shen Quan quan , Yu Liqiang , Gong Jianguang , Zhu Bin , Shen Xiaogang
Published: September 2023

Background: This retrospective cohort study aims to investigate the correlation between serum phosphate levels and the severity of acute kidney injury (AKI) and to assess the impact of serum phosphate levels on short-term mortality in AKI patients.
Methods: Utilizing data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-IV database, we conducted a comprehensive analysis on patients diagnosed with AKI. Multifactorial logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were employed to assess the association between serum phosphate levels, AKI severity, and short-term mortality. Subgroup analyses were performed to ascertain the consistency of this association across different subgroups. Multiple imputation was used to address missing data, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted to ensure the robustness of the results.
Results: The study included a total of 15,071 AKI patients. Following adjustments for potential confounders, multifactorial logistic regression demonstrated a significant correlation between the highest quartiles of serum phosphate levels and greater AKI severity (OR, 2.16, 95% CI, 1.90 to 2.46). Additionally, multifactorial Cox regression analysis revealed an independent association between the highest serum phosphate quartiles and elevated 30-day mortality (HR, 1.28, 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.46), 90-day mortality (HR, 1.22, 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.38), as well as overall mortality (HR, 1.22, 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.38).
Conclusions: This study establishes a significant link between higher serum phosphate levels, heightened AKI severity, and increased short-term mortality in AKI patients. The findings emphasize the potential clinical importance of monitoring serum phosphate levels and implementing interventions to manage hyperphosphatemia in the context of AKI.
Nutritional Evaluation of durum and bread wheat straw varieties as animal feed
Authors: Rao S. B. N. , Soren N. M. , Chandrasekharaiah M. , Kumar Punith G. V. , Thomas Athira , Prasad S.V. S. , Neeraja C. N. , Ram Sewa
Published: September 2023

The present study was conducted with an objective to evaluate durum and bread wheat straw varieties with regard to its chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and rumen fermentation parameters. HI-8759 bio-fortified durum variety released for central zone has significantly higher CP than HI-8713 and less NDF, ADF, Cellulose compared to HI-8713, HI-8737, HI-8663. HI 8777, bio-fortified variety durum wheat variety identified for peninsular zone has more IVDMD, IVOMD compared to its counterpart UAS 428. WB 02, a bio-fortified bread wheat variety has more CP than HI 1633 and HI 1605. Further it has more IVDMD, IVOMD and ME compared to HI 1544. Overall, cellulose content is higher (P<0.01) in durum compared to bread wheat straw. Durum wheat straw varieties have significantly more in vitro digestibility parameters like TGP, IVDMD, IVOMD and ME compared to bread wheat varieties. 1000 grain weight (g) is positively correlated to straw NDF, Cellulose, total gas production, ME, Acetate, Propionate, butyrate and TVFA concentrations irrespective of type of wheat straw. Thus, breeding strategies to improve the nutritive quality interms of protein and micro-nutrients is positively with the straw quality, thus benefitting livestock.
A Review on Graph Neural Networks for Predicting Synergistic Drug Combinations
Authors: Besharatifard Milad , Vafaee Fatemeh
Published: September 2023

Combinational therapies with synergistic effects provide a powerful treatment strategy for tackling complex diseases, particularly malignancies. Discovering these synergistic combinations, often involving various compounds and structures, necessitates exploring a vast array of compound pairings. However, practical constraints such as cost, feasibility, and complexity hinder exhaustive in vivo and in vitro experimentation. In recent years, machine learning methods have made significant inroads in pharmacology. Among these, Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) have gained increasing attention in drug discovery due to their ability to represent complex molecular structures as networks, capture vital structural information, and seamlessly handle diverse data types. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of various GNN models developed for predicting effective drug combinations, examining the limitations and strengths of different models, and comparing their predictive performance. Additionally, we discuss the databases used for drug synergism prediction and the extraction of drug-related information as predictive features. By summarizing the state-of-the-art GNN-driven drug combination prediction, this review aims to offer valuable insights into the promising field of computational pharmacotherapy.
Purification of ionic liquid stable Aspergillus assiutensis VS34 cellulase, and generation of nanobiocatalysts for potential biomass conversion to biofuel
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Nargotra Parushi , Sharma Surbhi , Bangotra Ridhika , Bajaj Monika , Kapoor Nisha , Mahajan Ritu , Singh Akhlash P , Bajaj Bijender Kumar
Published: September 2023

Ionic liquids (ILs) have gained immense attention as eco-friendly solvents for pretreatment of lignocellulosics for their potential bioconversion to biofuels, bio-chemicals, and other products. However, for saccharification of IL-pretreated biomass IL-stable cellulases are desired. IL-stable cellulase and xylanase enzyme preparation developed from a previously isolated Aspergillus assiutensis VS34 was used for saccharification of IL-pretreated biomass. Current study reports the purification of IL-stable cellulase (CMCase) from A. assiutensis VS34 based on salt precipitation and ion exchange chromatography. Functionality of the purified cellulase (2.10-fold) was observed by native-PAGE and zymography, and the molecular weight (27 kDa) was assayed by SDS-PAGE. Though optimum temperature and pH of CMCase was 50℃ and 6.0, respectively, but the enzyme showed considerable activity and stability over a wide range of temperature (40–80℃, 72–99%) and pH (3–11, 60–95%). The activity of enzymes was enhanced by certain metal ions (Ca2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Mg2+, and Co2+), but decreased considerably with Hg2+. Km and Vmax of CMCase were 6.996 mg/ml and 16.103 µmol/min/mg, respectively. Process-apt properties of A. assiutensis VS34 CMCase reflect its application potential for a variety of processes including biomass conversion. Submerged fermentation was executed using A. assiutensis VS34 in wheat bran medium and a combined cellulase and xylanase preparation developed was acetone-concentrated. The nanobiocatalysts were prepared by immobilization of concentrated cellulase/xylanase enzyme preparation on magnetic nanoparticles (efficiency 78.04% and 58.44%, respectively), and were examined for their saccharification potential for IL-pretreated sugarcane bagasse for repeated cycles.
Habituation to threats in times of crisis: Lessons from the temporal trajectory of risk perceptions throughout COVID-19
Authors: Grillo Tito L.H. , Henderson Ty , Ward Adrian F.
Published: September 2023

From epidemics to wars to economic recessions, societies all around the world are subject to extended periods of crisis. Understanding public perceptions of crisis-related risks is crucial for educating people about ongoing threats and protective behaviors and developing effective protective policies during crises. However, little is known about how risk perceptions change over time. During COVID-19, for more than a year, participants of a nationwide American panel provided periodic reports of their own estimated (i.e., perceived) probabilities that they could (i) get COVID-19, (ii) be hospitalized with COVID-19, and (iii) die of COVID-19. Examining these reports of subjective risks—and controlling for objective indicators of COVID-19 threats—we found robust habituation-to-threats patterns: although respondents perceived high levels of personal risk during the early days of the pandemic, risk perceptions declined over time despite rises in objective threat indicators. In fact, the passage of time was a substantially stronger predictor of risk perceptions than objective signs that COVID-19 was becoming more dangerous. This temporal trajectory of risk perceptions could help explain fluctuations in protective behaviors throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and may have implications for managing other widespread crises in the future.