bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the 2008 economic crisis on oral health in Spain: analysis of serial cross-sectional, population-based health surveys
Authors: Eirey Silvia Méndez , San-Roman-Montero Jesús , Gil de Miguel Angel , Rojo Rosa , López Sánchez Antonio F
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of the economic crisis on the oral health of individuals in Spain based on variables including sex, unemployment, social class and educational level.

Design

This was an analysis of serial cross-sectional, population-based health surveys conducted before the crisis (2003 and 2006) and during the crisis (2011, 2014 and 2017).

Setting

National Health Surveys of Spain and the European Health Survey in Spain.

Participants

A total of 189 543 participants were recruited.

Outcome measures

The independent variables were sex, employment, social class and educational level. The dependent variables were related to oral health. Descriptive statistics, χ2tests and the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test were performed.

Results

The results showed that there were differences (p<0.001) in all oral health indicators before and after the crisis. Compared with the precrisis period, men had a higher probability of tooth extractions (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.37 to 1.45), dental fillings (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.34), prostheses (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.07) and missing teeth (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.39). Unemployed individuals were more likely to have dental caries (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.16) and missing teeth (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.46). Working class individuals had a higher probability of tooth extractions (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.59 to 1.67), bleeding gums (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.07), prostheses (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.07) and missing teeth (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.33 to 1.39). Participants with a basic or intermediate level of education had a higher probability of dental mobility (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.19), prostheses (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.14) and missing teeth (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.38 to 1.46).

Conclusions

The economic crisis affected the oral health of the Spanish population, with a more significant deterioration among men, working class individuals and unemployed individuals.
Impact of intrawork rest breaks on doctors’ performance and well-being: systematic review
Authors: O'Neill Aimee , Baldwin David , Cortese Samuele , Sinclair Julia
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To summarise evidence on intrawork breaks and their associated effect on doctors’ well-being and/or performance at work.

Design

Systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 statement guidelines

Data sources

Embase, PubMed, Web of Science (Core Collection) and PsychINFO were systematically searched on 6 June 2021.

Eligibility criteria

No restrictions were placed on language, study design or date of publication.

Data extraction and analysis

Methodological quality was appraised using Cochrane’s Risk of Bias (ROB-2), Cochrane’s Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies (ROBINS-I), and the Johanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists for cross-sectional, cohort and qualitative studies. Quantitative synthesis was not undertaken due to substantial heterogeneity of design and outcomes. Results are presented narratively.

Results

Database searches returned 10 557 results and searches of other sources returned two additional records. Thirty-two papers were included in the systematic review, comprised of 29 unique studies, participants and topics and 3 follow-up studies. A variety of well-being and performance outcome measures were used. Overall, findings indicate that intrawork breaks improved some measures of well-being and/or work performance. However, methodological quality was judged to be low with a high risk of bias in most included studies.

Discussion

Using existing evidence, it is not possible to conclude with confidence whether intrawork breaks improve well-being and/or work performance in doctors. There is much inconsistency regarding how breaks are defined, measured and the outcomes used to assess effectiveness. Future research should seek to: (a) define and standardise the measurement of breaks, (b) use valid, reliable outcome measures to evaluate their impact on well-being and performance and (c) minimise the risk of bias in studies where possible.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020156924;https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=156924.
How representative is the Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset (VEMD) for population-based injury surveillance in Victoria? A retrospective observational study of administrative healthcare data
Authors: Rezaei-Darzi Ehsan , Berecki-Gisolf Janneke , Fernando Dasamal Tharanga
Published: December 2022

Objective

The Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset (VEMD) is a key data resource for injury surveillance. The VEMD collects emergency department data from 39 public hospitals across Victoria; however, rural emergency care services are not well captured. The aim of this study is to determine the representativeness of the VEMD for injury surveillance.

Design

A retrospective observational study of administrative healthcare data.

Setting and participants

Injury admissions in 2014/2015–2018/2019 were extracted from the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset (VAED) which captures all Victorian hospital admissions; only cases that arrived through a hospital’s emergency department (ED) were included. Each admission was categorised as taking place in a VEMD-contributing versus a non-VEMD hospital.

Results

There were 535 477 incident injury admissions in the study period, of which 517 207 (96.6%) were admitted to a VEMD contributing hospital. Male gender (OR 1.13 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.17)) and young age (age 0–14 vs 45–54 years, OR 4.68 (95% CI 3.52 to 6.21)) were associated with VEMD participating (vs non-VEMD-participating) hospitals. Residing in regional/rural areas was negatively associated with VEMD participating (vs non-VEMD participating) hospitals (OR=0.11 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.11)). Intentional injury (assault and self-harm) was also associated with VEMD participation.

Conclusions

VEMD representativeness is largely consistent across the whole of Victoria, but varies vastly by region, with substantial under-representation of some areas of Victoria. By comparison, for injury surveillance, regional rates are more reliable when based on the VAED. For local ED-presentation rates, the bias analysis results can be used to create weights, as a temporary solution until rural emergency services injury data is systematically collected and included in state-wide injury surveillance databases.
Feasibility and potential effects of breathing exercise for chronic pain management in breast cancer survivors: study protocol of a phase II randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wang Haiying , Tan Jing-Yu (Benjamin) , Wang Tao , Liu Xian-Liang , Bressington Daniel , Zheng Si-Lin , Huang Hou-Qiang
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Chronic pain is a common symptom significantly affecting the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. Despite the achievement of pharmacological interventions, the barriers associated with this approach such as inaccessibility, misuse and side effects drive research into effective non-pharmacological interventions to improve chronic pain management, quality of life, anxiety and depression. Breathing exercise (BE) can be a promising option, but research evidence is sparse. This pilot study aims to examine the feasibility and preliminary effect of using an evidence-based BE intervention for chronic pain management in breast cancer survivors.

Method and analysis

This study will be a two-parallel-arm, open-labelled, phase II randomised controlled trial with 1:1 allocation. Seventy-two participants will be recruited from a tertiary hospital in China and randomly allocated to either a BE intervention group (n=36) or a control group (n=36). The participants in the intervention group will receive the usual care, a pain information booklet and a 4-week self-administered BE intervention; the participants in the control group will receive the usual care and the pain information booklet only. The assessment will be conducted at three time points: baseline (week 0), immediately after the intervention completion (week 5) and 4 weeks after the intervention completion (week 9). The primary outcomes will be the acceptability and feasibility assessment of the study protocol and methodological procedures. The secondary outcomes will be the effects of BE on pain, quality of life, anxiety and depression in breast cancer survivors. Descriptive statistics will be applied to present the primary outcomes and the Generalised Estimating Equation Model will be utilised to analyse the clinical outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received ethical approvals from the Human Research Ethics Committee at Charles Darwin University (H21089) and the Clinical Trial Ethics Committee at the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University (KY2022107). Findings from this study will be presented at academic conferences and submitted to peer-reviewed journals for publication.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT05257876.
Association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the physical fitness of young-adult cadets: a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Peretz Lidor , Grossman Akiva , Saeed Salih J , Appleboim-Refael Talia , Zloof Yair , Friedensohn Limor , Shapira Shachar , Shlaifer Amir , Grotto Itamar
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To determine the association of symptomatic and asymptomatic mild COVID-19 and the SARS-CoV-2 viral load with the physical fitness of army cadets.

Design

A retrospective case–control study.

Setting

Officers’ Training School of the Israel Defense Forces.

Participants

The study included all cadets (age, 20.22±1.17 years) in the combatant (n=597; 514 males, 83 females; 33 infected, all males) and non-combatant (n=611; 238 males, 373 females; 91 infected, 57 females, 34 males) training courses between 1 August 2020 and 28 February 2021. COVID-19 outbreaks occurred in September 2020 (non-combatants) and January 2021(combatants).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome measures were the aerobic (3000 m race) and anaerobic (combatant/non-combatant-specific) physical fitness mean score differences (MSDs) between the start and end of the respective training courses in infected and non-infected cadets. Secondary outcome measures included aerobic MSD associations with various COVID-19 symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 viral loads.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 infection led to declined non-combatant and combatant aerobic fitness MSD (14.53±47.80 vs –19.19±60.89 s; p<0.001 and –2.72±21.74 vs –23.63±30.92 s; p<0.001), but not anaerobic. The aerobic physical fitness MSD decreased in symptomatic cadets (14.69±44.87 s) and increased in asymptomatic cadets (–3.79±31.07 s), but the difference was statistically insignificant (p=0.07). Symptomatic cadets with fever (24.70±50.95 vs –0.37±33.87 s; p=0.008) and headache (21.85±43.17 vs 1.69±39.54 s; p=0.043) had more positive aerobic physical fitness MSD than asymptomatic cadets. The aerobic fitness decline was negatively associated with viral load assessed by the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (n=61; r = –0.329; p=0.010), envelope (n=56; r = –0.385; p=0.002) and nucleus (n=65; r = –0.340; p=0.010) genes.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with a lingering decline in aerobic, but not anaerobic, fitness in symptomatic and asymptomatic young adults, suggesting possible directions for individualised symptom-dependent and severity-dependent rehabilitation plans’ optimisation.
Crucial roles of circulating tumor cells in the metastatic cascade and tumor immune escape: biology and clinical translation
Authors: Pantel Klaus , Alix-Panabières Catherine
Published: December 2022

Cancer-related deaths are mainly caused by metastatic spread of tumor cells from the primary lesion to distant sites via the blood circulation. Understanding the mechanisms of blood-borne tumor cell dissemination by the detection and molecular characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood of patients with cancer has opened a new avenue in cancer research. Recent technical advances have enabled a comprehensive analysis of the CTCs at the genome, transcriptome and protein level as well as first functional studies using patient-derived CTC cell lines. In this review, we describe and discuss how research on CTCs has yielded important insights into the biology of cancer metastasis and the response of patients with cancer to therapies directed against metastatic cells. Future investigations will show whether CTCs leaving their primary site are more vulnerable to attacks by immune effector cells and whether cancer cell dissemination might be the ‘Achilles heel’ of metastatic progression. Here, we focus on the lessons learned from CTC research on the biology of cancer metastasis in patients with particular emphasis on the interactions of CTCs with the immune system. Moreover, we describe and discuss briefly the potential and challenges for implementing CTCs into clinical decision-making including detection of minimal residual disease, monitoring efficacies of systemic therapies and identification of therapeutic targets and resistance mechanisms.
Deception, intention and clinical practice
Authors: Colgrove Nicholas
Published: December 2022

Regarding the appropriateness of deception in clinical practice, two (apparently conflicting) claims are often emphasised. First, that ‘clinicians should not deceive their patients.’ Second, that deception is sometimes ‘in a patient’s best interest.’ Recently, Hardman has worked towards resolving this conflict by exploring ways in which deceptive and non-deceptive practices extend beyond consideration of patients’ beliefs. In short, some practices only seem deceptive because of the (common) assumption that non-deceptive care is solely aimed at fostering true beliefs. Non-deceptive care, however, relates to patients’ non-doxastic attitudes in important ways as well. As such, Hardman suggests that by focusing on belief alone, we sometimes misidentify non-deceptive care as ‘deceptive’. Further, once we consider patients’ beliefs and non-doxastic attitudes, identifying cases of deception becomes more difficult than it may seem. In this essay, I argue that Hardman’s reasoning contains at least three serious flaws. First, his account of deception is underdeveloped, as it does not state whether deception must be intentional. The problem is that if intention is not required, absurd results follow. Alternatively, if intention is required, then identifying cases of deception will be much easier (in principle) than Hardman suggests. Second, Hardman mischaracterises the ‘inverse’ of deceptive care. Doing so leads to the mistaken conclusion that common conceptions of non-deceptive care are unjustifiably narrow. Third, Hardman fails to adequately separate questions about deception from questions about normativity. By addressing these issues, however, we can preserve some of Hardman’s most important insights, although in a much simpler, more principled way.
Can quantitative susceptibility mapping help diagnose and predict recovery of concussion in children? An A-CAP study
Authors: Sader Nicholas , Gobbi David , Goodyear Brad , Frayne Richard , Ware Ashley L , Beauchamp Miriam H , Craig William R , Doan Quynh , Zemek Roger , Riva-Cambrin Jay , Yeates Keith Owen
Published: December 2022

Background

Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is an MRI technique that is a potential biomarker for concussion. We performed QSM in children following concussion or orthopaedic injury (OI), to assess QSM performance as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.

Methods

Children aged 8–17 years with either concussion (N=255) or OI (N=116) were recruited from four Canadian paediatric emergency departments and underwent QSM postacutely (2–33 days postinjury) using 3 Tesla MRI. QSM Z-scores within nine regions of interest (ROI) were compared between groups. QSM Z-scores were also compared with the 5P score, the current clinical benchmark for predicting persistent postconcussion symptoms (PPCS), at 4 weeks postinjury, with PPCS defined using reliable change methods based on both participant and parent reports.

Results

Concussion and OI groups did not differ significantly in QSM Z-scores for any ROI. Higher QSM Z-scores within frontal white matter (WM) independently predicted PPCS based on parent ratings of cognitive symptoms (p=0.001). The combination of frontal WM QSM Z-score and 5P score was better at predicting PPCS than 5P score alone (p=0.004). The area under the curve was 0.72 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.81) for frontal WM susceptibility, 0.69 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.79) for the 5P score and 0.74 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.83) for both.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that QSM is a potential MRI biomarker that can help predict PPCS in children with concussion, over and above the current clinical benchmark, and thereby aid in clinical management. They also suggest a frontal lobe substrate for PPCS, highlighting the potential for QSM to clarify the neurophysiology of paediatric concussion.
Hepatitis A and B vaccination in gbMSM in Ireland: findings from the European MSM Internet Survey 2017 (EMIS-2017)
Authors: White Philippa , O'Donnell Kate , Brennan Aline , Davoren Martin , Lyons Fiona , Quinlan Mick , Foley Bill , Hurley Caroline , Igoe Derval , Barrett Peter
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) have a higher risk of acquiring hepatitis A and B viruses (HAV and HBV) than the general population and are recommended for vaccination against both in Ireland. This study aims to determine the prevalence of self-reported HAV and HBV infection and vaccination among gbMSM in Ireland and explore factors associated with self-reported HAV and HBV vaccination among gbMSM.

Methods

This study analysed Irish data from the European MSM Internet Survey 2017 (EMIS-2017) to measure the prevalence of self-reported HAV and HBV infection and vaccination among gbMSM in Ireland. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the associations between sociodemographic, healthcare-related and behavioural factors and self-reported vaccination.

Results

There were 2083 EMIS-2017 respondents in Ireland. Among HIV-negative gbMSM, 4.6% and 4.4% reported previous HAV and HBV infection, respectively, and 51% and 57% reported the receipt of one or more vaccine dose for HAV and HBV, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, HIV-negative gbMSM had lower odds of self-reported HAV vaccination if they lived outside the capital, Dublin (aOR 0.61, 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.78), had no third-level education (aOR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.92), were not tested for HIV in the last year (aOR 0.39, 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.50), had never tried to obtain pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP, aOR 0.60, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.96) and had not been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the previous year (aOR 0.42, 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.63). Similar associations were observed for self-reported HBV vaccination.

Conclusions

Self-reported vaccination against HAV and HBV among gbMSM in Ireland is high, but the level of vaccination remains insufficient to protect against future HAV and HBV infections and outbreaks. Efforts to increase vaccination coverage among gbMSM should focus on men who live outside the capital, have lower educational attainment and do not engage with sexual health services.
Processing effects on the starch and fibre composition of Canadian pulses
Authors: Babatunde Olufemi O. , Cargo-Froom Cara L. , Ai Yongfeng , Newkirk Rex W. , Marinangeli Christopher P.F. , Shoveller Anna K. , Columbus Daniel A.
Published: December 2022

Starch and fibre contribute to the energy components and add functionality to the end-product feed ingredients. An understanding of the impact of processing on carbohydrate content will support accurate formulation of feed. Six ingredients, grown or sourced in Canada, were used in this study. They included five pulses, Amarillo peas, Dun peas, chickpeas, lentils, and faba beans, and soybean meal (SBM) as a comparison. All ingredients were ground into fine or coarse products and then pelleted at one of three different temperatures. Grinding reduced the total starch (TS) content of Amarillo peas and chickpeas ( P < 0.05), crude fibre (CF) in Dun peas ( P < 0.05), and total dietary fibre (TDF) and insoluble fibre (IDF) in lentils ( P < 0.05). Grinding only affected soluble fibre (SDF) in chickpeas. The effect of pelleting was variable for TDF across pulses. Pelleting did not affect the SDF content of pulses ( P > 0.05). Finely processed SBM had higher ( P < 0.05) TS, TDF, and IDF content than coarsely processed SBM. Results indicate that grinding and pelleting could affect the starch and fibre composition of some pulses.
Flavored axions and the flavor problem
Authors: Giraldo Yithsbey , Martinez R. , Rojas Eduardo , Salazar Juan C.
Published: December 2022

A Peccei-Quinn (PQ) symmetry is proposed, in order to generate in the Standard Model (SM) quark sector a realistic mass matrix ansatz with five texture-zeros. Limiting our analysis to Hermitian mass matrices we show that this requires a minimum of 4 Higgs doublets. This model allows assigning values close to 1 for several Yukawa couplings, giving insight into the origin of the mass scales in the SM. Since the PQ charges are non-universal the model features Flavor-Changing Neutral Currents (FCNC) at the tree level. From the analytical expressions for the FCNC we report the allowed region in the parameter space obtained from the measurements of branching ratios of semileptonic meson decays.
K-polystability of 3-dimensional log Fano pairs of Maeda type
Authors: Loginov Konstantin
Published: December 2022

Using the Abban–Zhuang theory and the classification of 3-dimensional log smooth log Fano pairs due to Maeda, we prove that almost all threefold log Fano pairs [Formula: see text] of Maeda type with reducible boundary [Formula: see text] are K-unstable for any values of the boundary coefficients. We also correct several inaccuracies in Maeda’s classification.
Approximation Algorithms for Spherical k-Means Problem with Penalties Using Local Search Techniques
Authors: Tian Xiaoyun , Gai Ling , Xu Yicheng , Zhang Dongmei
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we consider the spherical [Formula: see text]-means problem with penalties, a robust model of spherical clusterings that requires identifying outliers during clustering to improve the quality of the solution. Each outlier will incur a specified penalty cost. In this problem, one should detect the outliers and propose a [Formula: see text]-clustering for the given data set so as to minimize the sum of the clustering and penalty costs. As our main contribution, we present a [Formula: see text]-approximation via single-swap local search and an [Formula: see text]-approximation via multi-swap local search.
Effective Community Search on Large Attributed Bipartite Graphs
Authors: Xu Zongyu , Zhang Yihao , Yuan Long , Qian Yuwen , Chen Zi , Zhou Mingliang , Mao Qin , Pan Weibin
Published: December 2022

Community search over bipartite graphs has attracted significant interest recently. In many applications such as the user–item bipartite graph in e-commerce and customer–movie bipartite graph in movie rating website, nodes tend to have attributes. However, the previous community search algorithms on bipartite graphs ignore attributes, thus making them to return results with poor cohesion with respect to their node attributes. In this paper, we study the community search problem on attributed bipartite graphs. Given a query vertex [Formula: see text], we aim to find the attributed [Formula: see text]-communities of [Formula: see text], where the structure cohesiveness of the community is described by the [Formula: see text]-core model, and the attribute similarity of two groups of nodes in the subgraph is maximized. In order to retrieve attributed communities from bipartite graphs, we first propose a basic algorithm composed of two steps: the generation and verification of candidate keyword sets, and then two improved query algorithms Inc and Dec are proposed. Inc is proposed considering the anti-monotonicity property of attributed bipartite graphs, then we adopt different generating methods and verify the order of candidate keyword sets and propose the Dec algorithm. After evaluating our solutions on eight large graphs, the experimental results demonstrate that our methods are effective and efficient in querying the attributed communities on bipartite graphs.
Laplace-Based 3D Human Mesh Sequence Compression
Authors: He Shuhan , Li Xueming , Fu Qiang
Published: December 2022

Three-dimensional (3D) human mesh sequences obtained by 3D scanning equipment are often used in film and television, games, the internet, and other industries. However, due to the dense point cloud data obtained by 3D scanning equipment, the data of a single frame of a 3D human model is always large. Considering the different topologies of models between different frames, and even the interaction between the human body and other objects, the content of 3D models between different frames is also complex. Therefore, the traditional 3D model compression method always cannot handle the compression of the 3D human mesh sequence. To address this problem, we propose a sequence compression method of 3D human mesh sequence based on the Laplace operator, and test it on the complex interactive behavior of a soccer player bouncing the ball. This method first detects the mesh separation degree of the interactive object and human body, and then divides the sequence into a series of fragments based on the consistency of separation degrees. In each fragment, we employ a deformation algorithm to map keyframe topology to other frames, to improve the compression ratio of the sequence. Our work can be used for the storage of mesh sequences and mobile applications by providing an approach for data compression.
Unlocking the Full Potential of Polymer-Based Solid-State Photon Upconversion
Authors: Sakamoto Yuji , Tamai Yasunari
Published: December 2022

To harvest the full potential of polymer-based solid-state photon upconversion (UC) devices, we examined the effect of the molecular weight of a fluorescent polymer on the UC efficiency. With a high-molecular-weight polymer, a long triplet lifetime of 11.2 ms was achieved, which led to a characteristic threshold intensity of 67 mW cm−2, considerably lower than those of previously reported polymer-based UC devices. Furthermore, the external quantum efficiency of our UC device was as high as ∼0.35%. Consequently, fluorescent conjugated polymers with long triplet lifetimes can serve as attractive candidates for efficient solid-state UC devices.
Design of a 10 dB Specific Gain Amplifier at 2 GHz
Authors: Haris Ahsan Muhammad
Published: December 2022

This paper discusses the design of a 10dB Specific Gain Amplifier at the frequency of 2 GHz. The design consists of the simulation of amplifier in Advanced Design System (ADS). The S-parameters file of a suitable transistor is used to analyze and Stability circles of the amplifier. These measurements are provided by different parameters like Rollet’s Stability Factor K and Stability Measure B1. Since S_21 represents the gain of any device so, it has been used to analyze the gain circles of the amplifier at 2 GHz. To ensure that the input & output impedances are matched according to the desired design S_11 is analyzed. For impedance matching power gain circles have been used.
Fat and not sugar as the determining factor for gut microbiota changes, obesity, and related metabolic disorders in mice
Authors: Suriano Francesco , Vieira-Silva Sara , Falony Gwen , de Wouters d'Oplinter Alice , Paone Paola , Delzenne Nathalie M. , Everard Amandine , Raes Jeroen , Van Hul Matthias , Cani Patrice D.
Published: December 2022

To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that dietary macronutrients (i.e., sugar and fat) have an impact on fecal bacterial cell counting and quantitative microbiome profiling in mice. Yet, we demonstrate that dietary fat is the determining factor to promote obesity and diabetes progression, and local inflammation in different body sites. These observations can help to disentangle the conundrum of the detrimental effects of fat and sugar in our dietary habits.
Chemical Safety and Quality Attributes of Dried Sausage Snacks Stored in Modified Atmosphere
Authors: Majcherczyk Jagoda , Maciejaszek Ireneusz , Surówka Krzysztof
Published: December 2022

A sausage snack was produced by air blast drying of cottage sausage, and its safety and quality were investigated during 10-week storage period in a modified atmosphere (20% CO2/80% N2) at

4
±
1

°C and

20
±
1

°C. The results of a sensory and instrumental evaluation of colour and texture showed that significantly greater changes in these parameters were caused by drying the sausage rather than during subsequent storage of the produced snacks. Although total viable count increased and reached a maximum value of 6.5 log CFU g−1 after 70 days of storage at

20
±
1

°C, Enterobacteriaceae were not detected. The histamine level was approx. 18 mg kg-1, while the average content of the other biogenic amines after 70 days of storage ranged from 4.4 mg kg-1 (cadaverine) to 32.1 mg kg-1 (tyramine). The biogenic amine index was small and varied from 34.5 mg kg-1 (in the sausage before drying) to 73.4 mg kg-1 (at the end of the snack storage at

20
±
1

°C). The lipid hydrolysis and oxidation proceeded slowly and did not pose a threat to the product quality. The combination of drying and modified atmosphere packaging maintains good quality and safety of sausage snack during 70 days at refrigerated storage and/or 4 weeks at room temperature.
LC-MS and GC-MS Profiling of Different Fractions of Ficus platyphylla Stem Bark Ethanolic Extract
Authors: Hassan Madinat , Bala Sunday Zeal , Bashir Musa , Waziri Peter Maitalata , Musa Adam Ramlatu , Umar Muhammad Abdullahi , Kini Priscilla
Published: December 2022

The exploration of medicinal plants in traditional medicine for the treatment of diseases has been practiced for long, globally, because of its cultural acceptability, availability, and affordability. This study investigated the qualitative and quantitative estimation of phytochemicals present in Ficus platyphylla stem bark as well as determined the reducing power and antioxidant property of each fraction against DPPH and NO radicals. The study further elucidated the presence of possible compounds in different fractions (methanol, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether, and chloroform) of Ficus platyphylla stem bark (FPSB) extract using GC-MS, LC-MS, and FTIR techniques. Qualitative phytochemical analysis reveals the presence of phytochemicals: saponin, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, steroids, alkaloids, and glycoside in the ethanolic extract. The LC-MS study of methanol and ethyl acetate fractions reveals the presence of thirteen and three compounds, respectively. GC-MS analysis shows the presence of trans-13-octadecenoic acid as the main compound 38.07% and cis-vaccenic acid as the least compound (0.10%) in the petroleum ether fraction. The main compound in the chloroform fraction is 12-oleanen-3-yl acetate, (3. alpha.) with a peak area percentage of 49.25% and oleic acid been the least compound with 0.07% peak area. The FTIR analysis reveals that the fractions contain compounds with hydroxyl, aromatic, methyl, methylene, methyne, long aliphatic chain, ethers, ether-oxy, peroxides, etc. The analyzed fractions reveal compounds with potential pharmacological activity in the management of pathological conditions.
Interactive Effects of Swimming High‐Intensity Interval Training and Resveratrol Supplementation Improve Mitochondrial Protein Levels in the Hippocampus of Aged Rats
Authors: Amirazodi Maryam , Daryanoosh Farhad , Mehrabi Amin , Gaeini Abbasali , Koushkie Jahromi Maryam , Salesi Mohsen , Zarifkar Amir Hossein
Published: December 2022

Mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress cause damage to cells which can lead to the aging process and age‐related diseases. Antioxidants such as resveratrol and high‐intensity exercise can benefit oxidative damage prevention. This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of swimming high‐intensity interval training and resveratrol on mitochondrial metabolism key proteins, SIRT5, SOD1, and PDH‐E1α, and the level of NAD+ as a cofactor in the deacetylation process in aged rat hippocampus. Forty‐five male Wistar rats, aged 20 months, were randomly divided into five groups: control (C), Swimming High‐Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) (S‐HIIT), Swimming HIIT with resveratrol supplementation (S‐HIIT‐R), resveratrol supplementation (R), and solvent of resveratrol supplementation (SR). S‐HIIT and resveratrol groups performed the exercise and received resveratrol (10 mg/kg/day, gavage) for six weeks. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein level in the hippocampus. The amount of SIRT5 and SOD1 proteins in the hippocampus increased. S‐HIIT with resveratrol or resveratrol alone increased the PDH‐E1α level significantly. The amount of NAD+ was analyzed by assay kit that was reduced in S‐HIIT, S‐HIIT‐R, and SR groups compared to controls. The results showed that resveratrol and S‐HIIT attenuated the age‐related brain changes by increasing the expression of SOD1 and SIRT5 and reducing the level of NAD+ in the hippocampus. Considering these findings, S‐HIIT and resveratrol supplementation could be proposed as strategies to attenuate age‐related brain changes. Resveratrol alone and exercise through the regulation of crucial proteins and cofactors can influence mitochondrial metabolism and oxidative stress in the hippocampus of aged rats.
Psychological Factors Affecting Language-Learning Process in Saudi Arabia: The Effect of Technology-Based Education on High School Students’ Motivation, Anxiety, and Attitude through Flipped Learning
Authors: Abdel-Al Ibrahim Khaled Ahmed , Ahmed Ali Abeer , Al-mehsin Salama Aqeel , Alipour Poupak
Published: December 2022

In recent years, technology-based tools have been used frequently in learning English as a foreign or second language. In addition, many studies have been conducted to examine the effects of technology-based tools on developing different types of language skills and subskills. Along the same line, this research examined the impacts of flipped learning as a kind of technology-based instruction on Saudi Arabia students’ motivation, anxiety, and attitude. To reach this objective, 58 students at the intermediate level from one high school in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia, were selected and assigned to two equal classes (flipped class and traditional class). After that, both classes were pretested with a motivation questionnaire and an anxiety questionnaire. Next, the flipped class received the treatment by applying the flipped instruction and the students of the other class received traditional instruction. After teaching six texts from Active Reading 1, the abovementioned motivation and anxiety questionnaires were readministered to both classes. Additionally, a questionnaire was given to the flipped class to find out how they felt about using flipped instruction for English language development. The results of independent samples and paired samples t-tests revealed that the flipped class outdid the traditional class both on the motivation and anxiety posttests. The outcomes discovered that using flipped instruction increased the students’ motivation and reduced their learning anxiety. Also, the results of the one-sample t-test depicted that the students of the flipped class presented a positive attitude toward the flipped instruction. This research may encourage English as a foreign language instructors to integrate technology into their teaching to improve learning results.
Pumilio RNA-Binding Family Member 1 Plays a Promoting Role on Pancreatic Cancer Angiogenesis
Authors: Dai Haisu , Jiang Yan , Liu Zhipeng , Su Xingxing , Yang Yishi , Chen Zhiyu
Published: December 2022

Our previous studies showed that Pumilio RNA-binding family member 1 (PUM1) gene is abnormally expressed in pancreatic cancer (PC) tissues, and its knockdown suppresses the growth and metastasis of PC cells. Here, we aimed to further investigate its role in angiogenesis. Immunohistochemical assays were carried out to analyze CD31 and PUM1 expression levels in PC tissues and in subcutaneous xenograft tumors. CD31 levels in PC tissues are expressed as microvessel density (MVD). MVD value was positively correlated with PUM1 protein expression. PUM1 was successfully overexpressed or silenced in the PC cell lines. The proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation ability of HUVECs were enhanced when cocultured with PC cells overexpressing PUM1. PUM1 overexpression increased extracellular and intracellular VEGFA protein levels in PC cells. Moreover, angiogenesis-related signaling in HUVECs was activated when HUVECs were cocultured with PC cells overexpressing PUM1. Nevertheless, PC cells silenced with PUM1 had the opposite effect. Moreover, subcutaneous xenograft tumors overexpressing PUM1 have the higher expression level of CD31, while subcutaneous xenograft tumors silencing PUM1 have the lower expression level of CD31. In conclusion, PUM1 in PC cells may play a promoting role in PC angiogenesis. PUM1 may be a new regulator of angiogenesis in PC cells.
Acute Pancreatitis Secondary to Dengue Fever: An Uncommon Presentation of a Common Endemic Illness
Authors: Flor Miguel A. , Andrade Jéssica V. , Bucaram Jorge A.
Published: December 2022

Dengue viral infection is considered endemic in Ecuador. It is more frequent during winter, caused by an RNA virus in the Flavivirus group. Its presentation can range from an asymptomatic state to hemorrhagic fever with shock signs. Acute pancreatitis could be a rare form of acute abdomen presentation associated with dengue virus infection. This case illustrates a 26-year-old man who presents to the hospital with cramp-like pain in the epigastrium and radiation to the right upper quadrant, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. He also endorsed additional symptoms such as throbbing-like headache, myoarthralgias, and fever of 40.4°C (104.72°F). Laboratory tests revealed elevated hematocrit, thrombocytopenia, elevated pancreatic enzymes, transaminitis, elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Ultrasonography of the abdomen revealed hepatic steatosis, free fluid in the abdominal cavity, and small bilateral pleural effusions. Additional testing revealed IgM and IgG antibodies positivity to dengue virus. The patient was treated conservatively with intravenous (IV) fluid hydration and bowel rest. Acute pancreatitis should be considered when a patient presents with a suspected acute abdomen in the emergency department, and a detailed medical history is necessary to make a correct approach to the differential diagnosis.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell–mediated Image-guided Sodium Iodide Symporter (NIS) Gene Therapy Improves Survival of Glioblastoma-bearing Mice
Authors: Kitzberger Carolin , Spellerberg Rebekka , Han Yang , Schmohl Kathrin A. , Stauss Christina , Zach Christian , Kälin Roland E. , Multhoff Gabriele , Eiber Matthias , Schilling Franz , Glass Rainer , Weber Wolfgang A. , Wagner Ernst , Nelson Peter J. , Spitzweg Christine
Published: December 2022

Purpose:

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have emerged as cellular-based vehicles for the delivery of therapeutic genes in cancer therapy based on their inherent tumor-homing capability. As theranostic gene, the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) represents a successful target for noninvasive radionuclide-based imaging and therapy. In this study, we applied genetically engineered MSCs for tumor-targeted NIS gene transfer in experimental glioblastoma (GBM)—a tumor with an extremely poor prognosis.

Experimental Design:

A syngeneic, immunocompetent GL261 GBM mouse model was established by subcutaneous and orthotopic implantation. Furthermore, a subcutaneous xenograft U87 model was used. Bone marrow–derived MSCs were stably transfected with a NIS-expressing plasmid driven by the constitutively active cytomegalovirus promoter (NIS-MSC). After multiple or single intravenous injection of NIS-MSCs, tumoral iodide uptake was monitored in vivo using 123I-scintigraphy or 124I-PET. Following validation of functional NIS expression, a therapy trial with 131I was performed on the basis of the most optimal application regime as seen by 124I-PET imaging in the orthotopic approach.

Results:

A robust tumoral NIS-specific radionuclide accumulation was observed after NIS-MSC and radioiodide application by NIS-mediated in vivo imaging. NIS immunofluorescence staining of GBM and non-target tissues showed tumor-selective MSC homing along with NIS expression. Application of therapeutically effective 131I led to significantly delayed tumor growth and prolonged median survival after NIS-MSC treatment as compared with controls.

Conclusions:

A strong tumor-selective recruitment of systemically applied MSCs into GBM was found using NIS as reporter gene followed by successful therapeutic application of radioiodide demonstrating the potential use of NIS-based MSCs as therapy vehicles as a new GBM therapy approach.
Perioperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Radical Prostatectomy: “Single-Shot” versus Multiday Regimen
Authors: Hartung Friedrich Otto , Herrmann Jonas , Kowalewski Karl-Friedrich , Neuberger Manuel , Weiß Christel , Kriegmair Maximilian Christian , Michel Maurice Stephan , Ritter Manuel , Rassweiler-Seyfried Marie-Claire
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) is common in radical prostatectomy (RP). Yet there is no standard recommendation in international guidelines due to poor evidence. It is of great importance that these perioperative AP are sufficiently checked and systemically validated. The objective of this study was to determine whether a “single-shot” (single-use) perioperative AP yields equivalent results compared to a multiday prophylaxis in RP regarding postoperative wound infections and urinary tract infections. Methods: 376 patients treated by RP at the University Medical Centre Mannheim, from 2014 to 2016, were included in this retrospective study. RP was performed either in a robotic-assisted or open manner. One group received an intravenous dose of perioperative AP with either ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin, continued by an oral dose of AP with ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin until catheter removal, while the other group received a single-shot intravenous perioperative AP with either ciprofloxacin or cefuroxime. Results: There was no significant difference regarding the occurrence of postoperative infections between both AP regimes (p = 0.5). Age, body mass index, and ASA classification did not differ significantly between both groups (p > 0.25). Except for surgery time (p < 0.05), perioperative parameters, such as the preoperative presence of germ-free urine culture, length of hospital stay, catheter time, drain lay time, Gleason score, and TNM stadium, did not differ significantly. Conclusion: The present study shows that perioperative single-shot AP does not entail any disadvantage compared to the multiday AP in terms of postoperative infections after RP.
Mid-Childhood Outcomes after Dextrose Gel Treatment of Neonatal Hypoglycaemia: Follow-Up of the Sugar Babies Randomized Trial
Authors: St Clair Sophie L. , Dai Darren W.T. , Harris Deborah L. , Gamble Gregory D. , McKinlay Christopher J.D. , Nivins Samson , Shah Rajesh K. , Thompson Benjamin , Harding Jane E. ,   for the CHYLD Study Group
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Dextrose gel is widely used as first-line treatment for neonatal hypoglycaemia given its cost-effectiveness and ease of use. The Sugar Babies randomized trial first showed that 40% dextrose gel was more effective in reversing hypoglycaemia than feeding alone. Follow-up of the Sugar Babies Trial cohort at 2 and 4.5 years of age reported that dextrose gel appeared safe, with similar rates of neurosensory impairment in babies randomized to dextrose or placebo gel. However, some effects of neonatal hypoglycaemia may not become apparent until school age. Methods: Follow-up of the Sugar Babies Trial cohort at 9–10 years of age was reported. The primary outcome was low educational achievement in reading or mathematics. Secondary outcomes included other aspects of educational achievement, executive function, visual-motor function, and psychosocial adaptation. Results: Of 227 eligible children, 184 (81%) were assessed at a mean (SD) age of 9.3 (0.2) years. Low educational achievement was similar in dextrose and placebo groups (36/86 [42%] vs. 42/94 [45%]; RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.76, 1.44; p = 0.79). Children allocated to dextrose gel had lower visual perception standard scores (95.2 vs. 100.6; MD −5.68, 95% CI −9.79, −1.57; p = 0.006) and a greater proportion had low (<85) visual perception scores (20/88 [23%] vs. 10/95 [11%]; RR 2.23, 95% CI 1.13, 4.37; p = 0.02). Other secondary outcomes, including other aspects of visual-motor function, were similar in both groups. Conclusion: Treatment dextrose gel does not appear to result in any clinically significant differences in educational achievement or other neurodevelopmental outcomes at mid-childhood.
Maxwell, Nicholas (2017), Understanding Scientific Progress: Aim-Oriented Empiricism, St. Paul, MN: Paragon House, 232pp, ISBN: 978-1557789242
Authors:   University of Tartu, Velbaum Katrin
Published: December 2022

In his book Understanding Scientific Progress: Aim-Oriented Empiricism, Nicholas Maxwell intends to solve the problem of scientific progress. For that, he distinguishes between eight relevant issues: the problem of induction, the problem of underdetermination, the problem of verisimilitude, the problem of what it means for a theory to be unified, the question of what rationale we have to prefer unified theories, the problem of the scientific method, the problem of justification of the scientific method, and the problem of scientific discovery.
Phase shifting transformer to reduce power congestions and to redistribute power in interconnected systems
Authors: M. Halasiddappa Ananda , R. Shivakumar Malavalli
Published: December 2022

The increased penetration of wind and solar power, as well as the liberalized electricity market, makes the power system network interconnected and complex. As the power demand is increasing daily, the complexity of operating large power systems is also increasing. Congestion in the transmission network may become more common than previously, making power flow management a problem that becomes increasingly important. Unexpected power flows (also known as loop flows) are becoming a bigger issue in today's linked power networks. These flows have a detrimental impact on the safe functioning of integrated power networks, which hinders their ability to conduct cross-border trade. Phase shifting transformers (PSTs) allow real power flow to be controlled by changing the phase shift across the device. This study deals with two interconnected parallel power system networks and the power flow controlled through a PST in between. The simulation results emphasize the importance of the PST in facilitating the transfer of energy throughout the regional transmission interconnection.