bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSUN52 Patients with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy on Echocardiography are Frequently Evaluated with Renin and Aldosterone
Authors: Lieberman Leedor , Auchus Richard , Hench Christiana , Troost Jonathan , Kolias Theodore , Byrd James Brian , LaBounty Troy
Published: November 2022

Background

Increased left ventricular (LV) mass is an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Primary aldosteronism (PA) is associated with increased LV mass regardless of concomitant essential hypertension. Therefore, we hypothesize that the findings of increased LV mass approximated by left-ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on echocardiogram relate to renin-independent hyperaldosteronism.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent echocardiography at our institution between April of 2013 and September of 2017 (n=98,007 individuals). Of this population, we identified patients who underwent transthoracic echocardiography who met criteria for LVH based on current American Society of Echocardiography guidelines using the interventricular septal thickness in diastole (IVSd) and left ventricular posterior wall thickness in diastole (LVPWd). We excluded patients who underwent isolated transesophageal imaging as well as those who had significant structural cardiac abnormalities other than LVH. This cohort was analyzed with an internal self-service data tool to determine if patients had undergone biochemical evaluation with serum aldosterone and renin, which defined the final analytical cohort.

Results

We identified 19,664 patients with LVH of whom 5.8% (n = 1132) underwent biochemical evaluation with serum aldosterone and corresponding plasma renin activity (PRA) or direct renin concentration (DRC). In all patients with LVH, the mean IVSd was 11.7 ± 1.2mm in those who underwent biochemical testing and 11.5 ± 1.2 mm in those who did not (p <0.001); the mean LVPWd was 11.4 ± 1.1 mm mm in those who underwent biochemical testing and 11.3 ± 1.1 mm in those who did not (p <0.001). Of African American patients with LVH, 9.8% underwent biochemical testing; 5.0% of Caucasian patients with LVH underwent testing. The median PRA was 0.9 ng/mL/h with a median aldosterone to renin activty ratio (ARR) of 8.9 ng/dL-ng/mL/h. . The majority (54.4%) of individuals who underwent testing with plasma renin activity had a PRA ≤ 1.0 ng/mL/h.

Conclusion

Patients with LVH are being evaluated with renin and aldosterone at a higher frequency than patients with resistant hypertension and other guideline based indications for PA screening. Individuals evaluated with renin and aldosterone had increased IVSD and LVPWd, suggestive of more extensive LVH, compared with other individuals with LVH. LVH may be a sensitive screening criterion for PA. Additional prospective studies are necessary.

Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
OR08-1 PROP1 Is Not Essential For Pituitary Cells Terminal Differentiation
Authors: Carvalho Luciani , Chang Claudia , Mendoca Berenice , Marques Juliana
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The pituitary gland controls several mechanisms as metabolism, growth, and reproduction, in response to hypothalamic stimuli. The adequate temporal/ spatial expression of transcription factors is mandatory for a normal pituitary development. PROP1 transcription factor is widely known as a key pituitary regulator. Pathogenic variants in the PROP1 gene are the main familial causes of hypopituitarism accounting for about 54% of the cases.

Aim

To characterize the expression of genes involved in pituitary cells determination and specification during pituitary high demand period such as sexual maturation compared to adulthood in the Ames mice.

Methods

Weight and naso-anal length were measured. Pituitary glands were collected from 5 wild type (WT) and 5 prop1 mutant (Mut) animals with 30 (P30), 40, (P40), and 60 (P60) days after birth. RT-qPCR was performed to analyze the pituitary transcription factors Sox2, Sox3, Hesx1, Otx2, and genes codifying the hormones GH, TSH, LH/ FSH, CGA, and PRL by SYBR® Green (QIAGEN, Valencia, CA). They were normalized by endogenous genes and performed in triplicate. The target genes relative quantification was performed using the mutant related to its age paired wild type as a calibrator and the results were expressed as fold change. Immunofluorescence of SOX2 (ab97959, Abcam, UK) (1: 1600) and pituitary hormones GH, LH, and FSH (1: 250) were done in pituitaries at P60 and its aged paired control, stained with propidium iodide (1: 1000) for nucleus and the secondary antibody Alexa FluorÒ488 (ab150077, Abcam, UK) (1: 1000).

Results

All mutant mice presented decreased weight and naso-anal length at the three analyzed periods. The expression of the pituitary stem/ progenitor cell marker Sox2 was increased at P30 and P60 and decreased at P40. Sox3 was increased at P30 and decreased at P40 and P60. Hesx1 was increased at P30 and P60 and decreased at P40. Otx2 was increased at all periods. At P30 the genes codifying pituitary hormones was decreased, except for Tsh and Fsh. At P40 it was observed increased expression of the genes codifying Gh, Lh, Fsh and Prl, while Tsh and Cga expression was reduced. At P60 all pituitary hormones codifying genes presented decreased expression. The immunofluorescence at P60 showed increased expression of SOX2, similar expression of FSH, and decreased expression of GH and LH related to their age paired WT.

Conclusion

Despite the absence of PROP1, Hesx1 is downregulated at P40. Pituitary cell subtype differentiation and hormonal production is observed at transcriptional and protein levels, showing that pituitary cells can differentiate and produce hormones in the absence of Prop1. The recovery of pituitary capacity to differentiate in mutant suggests the involvement of another factor in the pituitary cell differentiation pathway that could compensate the lack of Prop1.

Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 11:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
OR22-4 Homing of Antigen-specific Engineered Regulatory T Cells To Human Pancreatic Islets
Authors: Imam Shahnawaz
Published: November 2022

The therapeutic application of regulatory T cells (Tregs) for the treatment of autoimmune disorders, although efficacious, has been limited by the scarcity of antigen-specific Tregs. If antigen-specific Tregs, capable of reaching the desired autoimmune target, could be produced on demand, antigen-specific immune suppression of autoimmune diseases would be achievable. One approach to endow T cells with a desired antigen-specificity uses chimeric T cell antigen-receptors (CAR) with antibody-type specificity. Adoptive cell transfer therapies with CAR-re-directed cytotoxic T cells, have shown impressive efficacy in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Accordingly, employing such technology to re-direct Tregs to sites of autoimmune attack may be a useful therapeutic approach to alleviate a broad spectrum of diseases in which uncontrolled auto and alloimmune responses play a major role. We recently developed pancreatic beta-cell, antigen-specific, CAR Tregs (1) and explored their therapeutic potential against T1D in our humanized mouse model (2). Ours is the first successful, antigen-specific CAR-Treg treatment of T1D in a humanized mouse model that closely resembles the human disease. Based on our mice data, we believe treatment with pancreatic beta-cell, antigen-specific CAR-Tregs will allow for recovery and reconstitution of beta cells in human T1D patients as well. The purpose of this study was to determine if antigen-specific human CAR Tregs could also identify target and home to human pancreatic islets in culture as they do in mice. The study involved drawing 10 cc of blood 1-2 weeks prior to pancreas surgery; followed by collection of a small piece of pancreas (5 cc wedge) once the pancreas was removed for a clinical indication (cancer, pancreatitis). We first isolated Tregs from peripheral blood of these human donors and expanded them in vitro. Treg cells were genetically modified to express either a beta-cell antigen-specific (GAD65) CAR or an irrelevant (EPCAM) CAR construct together with GFP marker. CAR Tregs were selectively expanded in the presence of rhGAD65 antigen. Once pancreas tissue became available, it was processed for islet separation using the collagenase method. Pancreatic islets were then co-cultured with syngeneic CAR Tregs for 7 days. IncuCyte S3 Live-cell System (Sartorius) is a real-time system that automatically acquires and analyzes HD, phase and fluorescent images of cell cultures, around the clock, for 7 days, while cells remain undisturbed. Live immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated the distinct homing of GAD65 CAR Tregs to islets as compared to control EPCAM CAR Tregs as early as 24 hours of co-culture. Importantly, proliferation of GAD65 CAR Tregs was clearly demonstrated within 72 hours. GAD65 CAR Treg cytokine profile from co-culture supernatant was characteristic of activated Tregs. 1 PATENT #WO2020097546 2 PATENT #US20200037586

Presentation: Monday, June 13, 2022 11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
LBMON172 Impact Of Photoperiodic Green Light During Incubation On Change Hormone In The Embryo Of Chicken
Authors: Abdulateef Salwan , Farhan Sufyan M , Awad Muthanna M , Mohammed Thafer T , Al-Ani Mohammed Q , Al-Hamdani Adel
Published: November 2022

Background

The poultry industry discovered that an increase in light intensity can accelerate embryonic development. In nature, chicken embryos of different ages and species certainly receive some light during incubation, while, in industrial hatcheries, eggs are incubated in darkness for 21 days, so exposing fertile eggs to light can increase the embryo's growth and decrease the incubation period.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of exposure of fertile Ross 308 eggs to a photoperiod of green on accelerates embryo development and alters hatch-related hormones (growth hormone, thyroid, and corticosterone).

Methods

This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of the photoperiod of green light from day 1 to day 18 of incubation time, on embryo growth, and hormone concentration (growth hormone, thyroid, and corticosterone). In the Three groups, no light-dark cycle was used in the first group (LD), the second group was used 12-h light, 12-h dark (LDL), and the third group was used 24-h light (LL), the third group. The light was provided by light wavelength green LED light (522 nm) mounted in a frame that was placed above the top tray of eggs to give an even spread of illumination. Eggs (n=300/group) with four replicates (n=25/replicate) from fertile Ross 308 broiler breeders were used in this experiment. Hormones were measured using a kit supplied by the (Sunlong Biotech Co., Ltd) company for all hormones using an ELISA device, samples were taken at the age of 7, 14, and 18 days of hatching using blood drawn from the eggshell using a 1 ml syringe with a 23-gauge needle.

Results

The results showed a significant improvement (P<0. 01) in the concentration of growth hormone, thyroid, and corticosterone) to the second group was used 12-h light, 12-h dark (LDL), compared to the other of groups.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that green light accelerates embryo development and alters hatch-related hormones (growth hormone, thyroid, and corticosterone).

Presentation: Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
LBODP078 Role Of Ire1a-xbp1 Pathway In Rodent Functional Pituitary Tumor Cells.
Authors: Nezu Masahiro , Satou Motoyasu , Nakano-Tateno Tae , Chik Constance L , Tateno Toru
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Pituitary tumors (PTs) occur in almost 17% of the population and they represent about 10% of all intracranial tumors. At present, many patients with pituitary tumors suffer from symptoms and complications caused by abnormal hormone production and/or mass effects due to limited treatment options. Therefore, the development of novel therapies is an urgent issue. The inositol requiring enzyme 1a (IRE1a)-X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) pathway is an important component for the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. This pathway is activated by immature protein overload in the ER and elimination or repair of such protein can reduce ER stress. This pathway has been reported to regulate cancer cell growth and secretory protein production. The detection of potential XBP1 binding sites in the promoter region of rat GH and mouse POMC similar to those of human genes suggests the involvement of the IRE1a-XBP1 pathway in the production of these hormones and pituitary tumor cell growth. In this study, we aimed to clarify the role of the IRE1a-XBP1 pathway in functional pituitary tumor cells.

Methods and Results

We conducted in vitro experiments by using rat GH-producing pituitary GH4 cells and mouse ACTH-producing AtT-20 cells as the models of GH- and ACTH-producing pituitary adenomas, respectively. Cell proliferation was measured by WST-8 assay, gene expression levels by qPCR, and protein expression by western blotting, respectively. In GH4 cells, STF08310 (40µM), an IRE1a inhibitor, reduced levels of GH and XBP1 spliced form (XBP1s) mRNA and GH protein with suppressed cell proliferation. In AtT-20 cells, STF08310 (40µM) also suppressed protein expression of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and cell proliferation. Gene suppression of IRE1a by siRNA and over-expression of XBP1s showed marked reduction and increase of POMC protein, respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the IRE1a-XBP1s pathway would be a possible therapeutic target that has both anti-tumoral and hormone control effects against functional pituitary tumor.

Presentation: No date and time listed
ODP288 A Cautionary Tale of Two Endocrine Emergencies- A Patient with Pituitary Macroadenoma Presenting with Acute Adrenal Crisis Leading to Pituitary Apoplexy
Authors: Khalifa Maram , Faisal Sobia , Kantorovich Vitaly
Published: November 2022

A 56 year old male with history significant for myasthenia gravis, non-functional pituitary macroadenoma and age related macular degeneration (ARMD), who presented to the hospital with 3 days of diplopia, nausea, vomiting, generalized weakness, and bitemporal headaches. Two months prior to presentation, he was diagnosed with an idiopathic disseminated rash for which he was treated with high dose steroids. Steroids were tapered rapidly and stopped abruptly 4 days ago. Initial presentation was significant for hypotension with BP of 95/64, hyponatremia [sodium 127(136 - 145 mmol/L)], chloride was 90 (98 - 107 mmol/L), potassium 5.9 (3.4 - 5.3 mmol/L) consistent with acute adrenal crisis. He was immediately initiated on high dose Solu-Cortef and intravenous fluids. Of historical significance was new visual field deficit which had occurred in the background of his existing ARMD. This raised the suspicion for pituitary apoplexy. MRI pituitary showed enlarging pituitary adenoma (2.1×2. 0×2.6 cm from 1.6×1.6×2.3 cm 5 months prior) with necrotic changes and internal signal complexity. Ophthalmology was consulted stat and on confirmation of new right optic neuropathy, urgent surgical decompression was performed via transnasal endoscopic resection of pituitary tumor by neurosurgical and ENT team. Further lab testing revealed secondary adrenal insufficiency and pan hypopituitarism. Patient's vision recovered remarkably well post operatively and he was initiated on thyroid hormone supplementation in addition to continuing steroids. He was discharged with recommendations to follow up with endocrinology outpatient for further management.

Conclusion

Pituitary apoplexy although well known can easily be missed clinically without a high degree of suspicion. While our patient presented with acute adrenal crisis leading to some of the presenting complaints, his new visual field deficits were unaccounted for. This case highlights the importance of a through history and examination to delineate between acute and chronic visual field symptoms especially in the background of pre-existing retinal diseases. Secondly, although the patient's adrenal insufficiency could be due to apoplexy, we hypothesize that it is more likely that it could have resulted due to abrupt discontinuation of high dose steroids leading to adrenal crisis. The fluctuation in BP in turn could have triggered an apoplectic event in an otherwise stable macroadenoma leading to two independent but interrelated endocrine emergencies.

Presentation: No date and time listed
Η συρροή στον Στρατιωτικό Ποινικό Κώδικα
Authors: Λιβισιανής Αγαπητός
Published: November 2022

Η παρούσα διατριβή αντιμετωπίζει την προβληματική της ποινικής συρροής στο πεδίο των ειδικών υποστάσεων του Στρατιωτικού Ποινικού Κώδικα προκειμένου, μέσω διακρίβωσης των μεταξύ τους σχέσεων όσο και των σχέσεών τους με επιλεγμένες νομοτυπικές μορφές εγκλήματος του κοινού ποινικού δικαίου και των ειδικών ποινικών νόμων, να θεμελιώσει ένα αντιπροσωπευτικό παράδειγμα για τον κριτικό έλεγχο της δογματικής σύλληψης της ποινικής συρροής και, τελικά, να αναδείξει τα θεμέλια για την κατάστρωση μιας μεθοδολογίας επίλυσης των προβλημάτων της.
Incidence, risk and impact of unplanned ICU readmission on patient outcomes and resource utilisation in tertiary level ICUs in Nepal: A cohort study
Authors: Aryal Diptesh , Paneru Hem Raj , Koirala Sabin , Khanal Sushil , Acharya Subhash Prasad , Karki Arjun , Dona Dilanthi Gamaga , Haniffa Rashan , Beane Abi , Salluh Jorge I F
Published: November 2022

Background: Unplanned readmissions to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) result in increased morbidity, mortality, and ICU resource utilisation (e.g. prolonged mechanical ventilation), and as such, is a widely utilised metric of quality of critical care. Most of the evidence on incidence, characteristics, associated risk factors and attributable outcomes of unplanned readmission to ICU are from studies performed in high-income countries This study explores the determinants of risk attributable to unplanned ICU readmission in four ICUs in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Methods: The registry-embedded eCRF reported data on case mix, severity of illness, in-ICU interventions (including organ support), ICU outcome, and readmission characteristics. Data were captured in all adult patients admitted between September 2019 and February 2021. Population and ICU encounter characteristics were compared between those with and without readmission. Independent risk factors for readmission were assessed using univariate analysis.

Results: In total 2948 patients were included in the study. Absolute unplanned ICU readmission rate was 5.60 % (n=165) for all four ICUs. Median time from ICU discharge to readmission was 3 days (IQR=8,1). Of those readmitted, 29.7% (n=49) were discharged at night following their index admission. ICU mortality was higher following readmission to ICU(p=0.016) and mortality was increased further in patients whose primary index discharge was at night(p= 0.019).  Primary diagnosis, age, and use of organ support in the first 24hrs of index admission were all independently attributable risk factors for readmission.

Conclusions: Unplanned ICU readmission rates were adversely associated with significantly poorer outcomes, increased ICU resource utilisation. Clinical and organisational characteristics influenced risk of readmission and outcome.
Side effects of treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and the occurrence of anxiety symptoms
Authors: Gibek Katarzyna , Sacha Tomasz , Cyranka Katarzyna
Published: November 2022

Cel pracy

Celem pracy było sprawdzenie czy poszczególne skutki uboczne leczenia inhibitorami kinaz tyrozynowych u pacjentów chorych na przewlekłą białaczkę szpikową mogą sprzyjać występowaniu objawów lękowych. Dodatkowo postanowiono sprawdzić, czy występują zależności pomiędzy wiekiem, płcią oraz czasem trwania leczenia a nasileniem lęku w podziale na występowanie poszczególnych skutków ubocznych.

Metoda

Badanie zostało przeprowadzone w Poradni Hematologicznej Szpitala Uniwersyteckiego w Krakowie, objęto nim 91 chorych. Do analizy występowania objawów lękowych zastosowano ankietę własną, Kwestionariusz Davida Goldberga GHQ-28 oraz czterowymiarowy Kwestionariusz 4DSQ.

Wyniki

Najczęściej wymienianymi skutkami ubocznymi leczenia były: bóle kości i stawów oraz skurcze i bóle mięśni, zatrzymanie wody oraz męczliwość. Średni czas trwania choroby wyniósł 10 lat. Męczliwość, nudności/niestrawność, częste infekcje, bóle kości i stawów, ból brzucha oraz utrata apetytu były skutkami ubocznymi leczenia IKT, które wpływały na zwiększony poziom objawów lękowych. Wiek, długość trwania leczenia oraz płeć w minimalnym zakresie wpływały na występowanie objawów lękowych.

Wnioski

Praca wskazuje na duże znaczenie występowania skutków ubocznych leczenia IKT dla pojawiania się objawów lękowych. Praca lekarzy, psychologów oraz firm farmaceutycznych nad zmniejszeniem/ złagodzeniem skutków ubocznych może wpłynąć na lepszą jakość życia tych pacjentów. Dodatkowo, prowadzone od kilku lat próby odstawienia leczenia niektórymi IKT (imatynibem i nilotynibem) u pacjentów uzyskujących głęboką odpowiedź molekularną może sprzyjać poprawie ich stanu psychicznego.
protagonismo infantil em cenários latino-americanos: diálogos limiares com os estudos da infância
Authors: Voltarelli Monique Aparecida
Published: November 2022

Studying childhood in Latin America requires considering the context of social inequality in which so many children are immersed, as well as the complexity of thinking about the pluralization of childhood and the multiplicity of life experiences of children in this region. Children encounter scenarios of discrimination, subordination and social segregation, among other situations that configure their action in a society that distances them from the universal, ideal understanding of childhood that is associated with schooling and play; nor are they always protected in those institutional spaces that should guarantee their full development. In this respect, thinking about Latin American children's protagonism and participation in their own lifeworlds requires an understanding of the different social realities that do not promote given, ready-made types and styles, but which are built on the dynamics of relationships, spaces, places and times so that the participation occurs. The present study aims to address reflections on child protagonism in Latin America through an exploratory study of the scientific publications on the subject in the Spanish-speaking countries of the continent in recent years, in order to identify how the concept has been understood and discussed in the academic environment. This literature, which has historically occupied the social and scientific margins, will make it possible to understand the different experiences of living childhood in these countries, and to dialogue with the issues and problems that permeate children’s lives. These problems demand attention, and call for initiatives and spaces for participation that will act to increase the social visibility of children.
PRODUTOS EDUCACIONAIS DIGITAIS PARA AUXÍLIO EM AULAS REMOTAS DE BIOLOGIA NO CONTEXTO DE (PÓS) PANDEMIA COVID-19
Authors: Amorim Douglas Carvalho de , Costa Cleide Jane de Sá Araújo
Published: November 2022

A pandemia causada pelo vírus Sars-Cov-2, que provocou a doença Covid-19, promoveu o isolamento social afetando assim diferentes setores sociais, incluindo a Educação. Como prevenção à saúde, as aulas presenciais foram substituídas por aulas remotas emergenciais mediadas por tecnologias digitais de forma síncrona e assíncrona. Neste contexto, este estudo propõe investigar como seis produtos educacionais digitais produzidos no intervalo de tempo de 2013 a 2019 no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ensino de Ciências e Matemática (PPGECIM) da Universidade Federal de Alagoas (UFAL) podem auxiliar professores no ensino remoto de Biologia no contexto atual de pandemia Covid-19 e pós-pandemia. A hipótese que sustentou o estudo foi que todos os produtos educacionais digitais encontrados de 2013 a 2019 apresentam potencialidades para auxiliar professores de Biologia no ensino remoto de diferentes conteúdos da disciplina, no contexto atual da pandemia e pós-pandemia Covid-2019.  A abordagem do estudo foi qualitativa com delineamento exploratório bibliográfico. Os dados foram coletados no site do PPGECIM nas dissertações e produtos digitais encontrados. A análise dos dados ocorreu por meio da técnica análise do conteúdo (AC). Como principais resultados, o estudo revelou que diferentes produtos digitais com diferentes temas podem auxiliar professores de Biologia no enriquecimento de aulas remotas no tempo atual e que, no contexto de pós-pandemia, se evidencia contribuições para aulas híbridas.
EDUCAÇÃO, MUSEUS E CIBERCULTURA
Authors: Carvalho Felipe , Santos Edmea , Pimentel Mariano , Santos Rosemary dos
Published: November 2022

v. 6, n. 4 (2022) - EDUCAÇÃO MUSEAL E A PANDEMIA DE COVID-19
Os “Acordos de Washington” de 1942 e a criação da Companhia Vale do Rio Doce: apontamentos para uma história transnacional do desenvolvimento brasileiro
Authors: Correa Maria Leticia
Published: November 2022

Nesse artigo busca-se analisar os entendimentos envolvidos na criação da Companhia Vale do Rio Doce a partir de duas dinâmicas principais: por um lado, a autorização de funcionamento à companhia estrangeira Itabira Iron Ore Company Ltd., proprietária das jazidas no município mineiro de mesmo nome; e, por outro, a iniciativa da criação da companhia estatal de economia mista, favorecida pelas condições existentes no contexto da Segunda Guerra Mundial. Para tal objetivo, aborda-se a implementação dos chamados “acordos de Washington”, de 1942, nos aspectos dizendo respeito à organização da Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, que contaram, desde as primeiras gestões junto ao governo dos Estados Unidos, com a participação de representantes do empresariado e do governo de Minas Gerais. A investigação baseia-se em artigos e reportagens da revista O Observador Econômico e Financeiro sobre o problema da exploração do minério de ferro e da siderurgia em Minas Gerais, editados no período do Estado Novo.
“O NOME DELE É GUSTAVO, E ELE É A MINHA MÃE”: REPRODUÇÃO E PARENTESCO ENTRE HOMENS TRANS QUE ENGRAVIDARAM
Authors: Monteiro Anne Alencar
Published: November 2022

Este artigo traz uma análise relacional em torno da gravidez transmasculina. A partir da abordagem etnográfica, são apresentadas as vivências de quatro homens trans brasileiros que passaram pela experiência da gestação. Ao longo do texto é explorada a maneira como as narrativas de constituição intersubjetiva da transmasculinidade envolvem uma (re)criação das relações ligadas ao parentesco. Com isso há uma reinterpretação daquilo que chamavam como maternidade, principalmente no uso das terminologias pai/mãe. A vivência da gestação está contextualizada a partir do que eles chamam de transição de gênero e é construída com base na relação com as outras pessoas, sobretudo com aquelas que fazem parte da família. Esse processo não é feito sem conflito, tensiona as categorias de parentesco que remetem à paternidade e à maternidade, sendo essas categorias passíveis de mudanças e negociações. Assim, a gestação transmasculina rompe com a associação direta entre feminilidade-gravidez-maternidade.
A different way of life: a qualitative study on the experiences of family caregivers of stroke survivors living at home
Authors: Malewezi Emmie , O'Brien Mary R. , Knighting Katherine , Thomas Juliet , Jack Barbara
Published: November 2022

There are approximately 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK, with the majority of them relying on family caregivers for support. However, the needs of family caregivers are not routinely assessed by most services. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of stroke family caregivers following the implementation of the Care Act, 2014. A total of 16 semi-structured, digitally recorded face-to-face qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of stroke family caregivers in north-west England. Thematic analysis was undertaken. Two themes were identified: the effects of caregiving and the unmet needs of the family caregivers. Despite changes to legislation, family caregivers of stroke survivors continue to experience challenges, such as financial problems, information needs, and a lack of respite and emotional support when providing care. Existing approaches to identifying and supporting caregiver needs are insufficient. Proactive approaches are required to ensure the needs of family caregivers are identified and addressed on a regular basis.
Fear of using medicines in pregnancy risks the lives of women and children
Authors: Ekechi Christine
Published: November 2022

Medicine research and development has been instrumental in improving outcomes for countless individuals, but women, especially pregnant women, have been left behind. Disadvantaged during pregnancy as a result of apprehension over drug use for new or existing conditions, women face worse outcomes for under- or untreated disease. Solving this problem will require input from regulators, the pharmaceutical industry and clinicians.
Balancing act
Authors: Russell Meredith Jones
Published: November 2022

While the economic slow down is generally posing challenges to sales and acquisitions, the nursery sector is bucking the trend. Meredith Jones Russell reports
Rethinking the Components of Regulation of Cognition through the Structural Validity of the Meta-Text Test
Authors: Castillo-Diaz Marcio Alexander , Gomes Cristiano Mauro Assis , Jelihovschi Enio Galinkin
Published: November 2022

The field of studies in metacognition points to some limitations in the way the construct has traditionally been measured and shows a near absence of performance-based tests. The Meta-Text is a performance-based test recently created to assess components of cognition regulation: planning, monitoring, and judgment. This study presents the first evidence on the structural validity of the Meta-Text, by analyzing its dimensionality and reliability in a sample of 655 Honduran university students. Different models were tested, via item confirmatory factor analysis. The results indicated that the specific factors of planning and monitoring do not hold empirically. The bifactor model containing the general cognition regulation factor and the judgment-specific factor was evaluated as the best model (CFI = .992; NFI = .963; TLI = .991; RMSEA = .021). The reliability of the factors in this model proved to be acceptable (Ω = .701 & .699). The judgment items were well loaded only by the judgment factor, suggesting that the judgment construct may actually be another component of the metacognitive knowledge dimension but having little role in cognition regulation. The results show initial evidence on the structural validity of the Meta-Text and give rise to information previously unidentified by the field which has conceptual implications for theorizing metacognitive components.
Genetic Analysis of Agronomic and Quality Traits from Multi-Location white Yam Trials using Mixed Model with Genomic Relationship Matrix
Authors: Norman Prince Emmanuel , Tongoona Pangirayi Bernard , Danquah Agyemang , Danquah Eric Y. , Agre Paterne A. , Agbona Afolabi , Asiedu Robert , Asfaw Asrat
Published: November 2022

Traits that define the suitability of a crop for production and consumption are often assessed and predicted to identify superior genotypes for commercial deployment. This study assessed genetic parameter estimates and prediction for 25 agronomic and quality traits in 49 white yam clones. It employed best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) in a mixed model analysis using genomic relationship matrix derived from 6337 Diversity Array Technology (DArT) molecular markers, multivariate technique of the principal component and canonical discriminant analysis with BLUP predicted values to select key traits for yam breeding. Findings revealed that additive genetic, non-additive genetic and non-genetic factors contributed substantially to phenotypic variation of the studied yam traits. The non-genetic effects accounted for higher variation than the total genetic effects for majority of the traits except yam mosaic virus (YMV), tuber number per plant, ash content, flour yield, peel loss, and protein content. The narrow sense heritability was generally low (<0.30) for all traits except yam anthracnose (0.31), ash content (0.30) and peel loss (0.89). Trait selection with multivariate analysis identified 15 from the 25 traits with fresh tuber yield, tuber dry matter content (DMC), YMV, root-knot and Scutellonema bradys nematode susceptibility as the most important traits for white yam variety testing. This paper presents the importance of complementing BLUP prediction that accounts for the relationship among the genotypes with multivariate analysis for genetic parameter estimation, prediction and selection in yam breeding trials to accelerate the genetic gains.
Polycaprolactone-Coated Alginate/b-Tricalcium Phosphate Beads to Locally Deliver Vancomycin: A Pilot Study
Authors: Fang Taolin , Cao Heng , Shao Zhengzhong , Dong Jian
Published: November 2022

Orthopedic device-related infections (ODRI) are difficult to control and the management of ODRI most frequently includes surgery and long-term antimicrobial therapy. Local application of vancomycin through a biodegradable carrier like alginate would provide a valuable tool, although it is hard to control the drug-release for a prolonged period of time due to its permeability. Coating with hydrophobic polymer such as polycaprolactone (PCL) may sustain the vancomycin release. We fabricated four types of vancomycin containing alginate/b-TCP beads (uncoated, coated with 1.25 w/v%, 2.5 w/v%, and 5.0 w/v% PCL). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that b-TCP particles were uniformly distributed on the surface of the uncoated beads and the most homogenous coating layer was observed using 2.5 w/v% PCL. Vancomycin release and its bioactivity were measured at the designated time points (1, 4, 12, 24 hours, then every day until disintegration). Burst release occured on the first hour, day 1, 2 and 6 respectively. The beads without coating dissolved at day 3, and those with different coatings dissolved at day 5, 6, and 9. The minimum concentration of the vancomycin in the elution was approximately 5 mg/L, higher than the vancomycin’s minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). PCL-coated alginate/b-TCP beads loaded with vancomycin may provide a potential local drug delivery device for the adjuvant antimicrobial therapy of the ODRI.
The Analysis of Postural Stability and the Risk of Falls After the Ischemic Stroke of the Brain - the Preliminary Report
Authors: Olczak Anna
Published: November 2022

The aim of the work is the analysis of postural stability and the risk of falls at persons after ischemic stroke of brain in reference to persons with the disease of the intervertebral disc.
Thirty persons were studied (15 - after ischemic stroke, 8 women and 7 men, and 15 - with disease of intervertebral disc in the lumbar section of the spine, 6 women and 9 men) in the sharp period of the disease. The investigation consisted in execution of tests on postural stability and the risk of falls with using of the dynamic platform (Biodeks SD) on the beginning and on the end three weeks lasting the therapy. Results of Postural Stability like the risk of falls while duration of the therapy, in both studied groups, were changed. Group of patients after the ischemic stroke of the brain showed higher values in the test of postural stability and the risk of fall than the patients with the degenerative changes lumbar section of the spine. Persons with the disorders of the central nervous arrangement manifest the larger risk of the fall than the orthopedic patients. The larger quantity of inclination noted down in the arrow and frontal plane during the test of postural stability at patients with neurological disorders.
Spontaneous Neurological Recovery of Patients with Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries (ATSCI) without Intervention the Injured Cord”
Authors: El Masri W.S.
Published: November 2022

Acute traumatic spinal cord injuries (ATSCI) are life threatening and life changing events. With good Active Physiological Conservative Management (APCM) of the injured spine and the systemic effects of cord damage to prevent further mechanical and non-mechanical damage of the cord the majority of patients make some spontaneous neurological recovery (SNR). The magnitude and extent of this recovery depends on the initial degree and topographical sparing of sensory and sensory-motor tracts functions at and below the Zone of Partial Preservation (ZPP).
Pigments in Ancient Manuscripts and Paintings Brought to Life by Raman Spectroscopy: A Short Review
Authors: Sarkar Chhandasi GuhaRoy
Published: November 2022

The current review focusses on the importance of Raman spectroscopy in identification of pigments in ancient manuscripts and panel and canvas paintings. The major advantage of Raman spectroscopy is its non-destructive nature and its capacity of In situ analysis. The present paper discusses the pigments detected in different artworks, their chemical compositions and corresponding Raman bands. It highlights the fact that the establishment of the pigment palette of an artwork provides valuable information regarding degradation products and mechanisms which helps in conservation efforts. It also aids in understanding the authenticity of any specimen. Raman spectroscopy has transcended the boundary of cultural history and has been able to throw light on ancient trade routes, thus exhibiting its significance in the general historical study of a region. The article refers to publications during the period 1995-2022 in order to portray the versatility of the utilization of Raman spectroscopy in the stated arena.
A Facile and Convenient Method to Reduce Organo Azides under Electrochemical Condition and Investigation of the Process thorough Cyclic Voltammetry
Authors: Lona Deena Paliakkara , Selvaraj Savariraj Joseph , Thomas K Joby
Published: November 2022

Organo azides are potential precursors for the preparation of amines by different ways of chemical reduction. In the present studies , a simple and more convenient method was developed to reduce to the corresponding amine or sulphonamide under electrochemical condition using sodium ascorbate as the promoter and platinum electrodes. The reduction was achieved with sulfonyl azides, alkyl and aryl azides with moderate to quantitative yields. Cyclic voltametry studies were carried out to study this electrochemical reduction.
Eco-friendly Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Activity Study of Novel Ligand Derived from 2-Amino Benzothiazole and 6-Bromo-2-Phenyl-(4H)-4-Benzopyranone and its Transition Metal Complexes.
Authors: Sonune S. S. , Moharir S. P. , Undegaonkar M. G. , Kirdant A. S.
Published: November 2022

The novel Ligand was prepared by irradiation of 2-amino-1-methyl benzimidazole and 3’,5’-dimethoxy-4'-hyroxy acetophenone, in scientific microwave oven and its transition metal complexes were prepared from Ni(II), Mn(II), Cd(II), Fe(III), Cu(II), Zn(II), Co(II), Ag(I) salts. The synthesized Schiff base ligand and its complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, spectral technics such as UV-Visible, FT-IR, 1HNMR, LC-MS and Thermo gravimetric analysis. The biological activity of novel ligand and its complexes were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Aspergillus Niger.
Comparison of different RGB InP-quantum-dot-on-chip LED configurations
Authors: Karadza Bega , Van Avermaet Hannes , Mingabudinova Leila , Hens Zeger , Meuret Youri
Published: November 2022

InP/ZnSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) offer a cadmium-free solution to make white LEDs with a narrow blue, green and red emission peak. Such LEDs are required for display and lighting applications with high color gamut. An important phenomenon that hampers the efficiency of such quantum-dot-on-chip LEDs is re-absorption of already converted light by the QDs. Proposed solutions to remedy this effect often rely on complex or cost-ineffective manufacturing methods. In this work, four different RGB QD-on-chip LED package configurations are investigated that can be fabricated with a simple cavity encapsulation method. Using accurate optical simulations, the impact of QD re-absorption on the overall luminous efficacy of the light source is analyzed for these four configurations as a function of the photo-luminescent quantum yield (PLQY) of the QDs. The simulation results are validated by implementing these configurations in QD-on-chip LEDs using a single set of red and green emitting InP/ZnSe/ZnS QDs. In this way, the benefits are demonstrated of adding volume scattering particles or a hemispherical extraction dome to the LED package. The best configuration in terms of luminous efficacy, however, is one where the red QDs are deposited in the recycling cavity, while the green QDs are incorporated in the extraction dome. Using this configuration with green and red InP/ZnSe/ZnS QDs with a PLQY of 75% and 65% respectively, luminous efficacy of 102 lm/W was realized for white light with a CCT of 3000 K.
Anomalous soliton trapping in net-normal dispersion lasers
Authors: Du Yueqing , He Zhiwen , Zeng Chao , Mao Dong , Zhao Jianlin
Published: November 2022

In a nonlinear optical system with birefringence such as fiber lasers, soliton trapping can be achieved when the fast (slow) component experiences blueshift (redshift) at normal dispersion to compensate for polarization-mode dispersion (PMD). In this Letter, we demonstrate an anomalous vector soliton (VS) whose fast (slow) component shifts to the red (blue) sides, which is opposite to traditional soliton trapping. It is found that the repulsion between the two components is induced by net-normal dispersion and PMD, while the attraction is ascribed to linear mode coupling and saturable absorption. The equilibrium of attraction and repulsion permits the self-consistent evolution of VSs circulating in the cavity. Our results indicate that the stability and dynamics of VSs are worth revisiting and studying in-depth, especially in lasers with complex configurations, despite it being a well-known object in nonlinear optics.
Enhancing speckle statistics for imaging inside scattering media
Authors: Chen Wei-Yu , O’Toole Matthew , Sankaranarayanan Aswin C. , Levin Anat
Published: November 2022

We exploit memory effect
correlations in speckles for the imaging of incoherent fluorescent
sources behind scattering tissue. These correlations are often weak
when imaging thick scattering tissues and complex illumination
patterns, both of which greatly limit the practicality of associated
techniques. In this work, we introduce a spatial light modulator
between the tissue sample and the imaging sensor and capture multiple
modulations of the speckle pattern. We show that by correctly
designing the modulation patterns and the associated reconstruction
algorithm, statistical correlations in the measurements can be greatly
enhanced. We exploit this to demonstrate the reconstruction of
mega-pixel sized fluorescent patterns behind the scattering
tissue.
Co-Creative Vermittlungsplattformen für die Psychische Gesundheitsversorgung
Authors: Kegel Felix , Greve Maike , Schnell Knut , Stein Miriam , Kolbe Lutz M.
Published: November 2022

Im deutschen Gesundheitswesen nimmt die Versorgung psychischer Störungen eine immer wichtigere Rolle ein. Nicht erst seit dem Beginn der Corona-Pandemie steigt die Zahl der Menschen mit psychischen Erkrankungen deutlich an. Damit gehen sowohl wirtschaftliche als auch persönliche Herausforderungen einher.

Dieser Artikel leistet einen Beitrag zur digitalen Transformation im Gesundheitswesen, indem eine konzeptionelle Analyse der Vermittlungsproblematik in der psychischen Gesundheitsversorgung vorgenommen wird. Die Studie zeigt, dass digitale Plattformen die Möglichkeit bieten, den bisherigen undurchsichtigen Angebotsmarkt zu strukturieren, Betroffenen sowie deren Angehörigen passende online und offline Versorgungs- und Unterstützungsangebote niederschwellig zugänglich zu machen und die Patient*innenreise sinnvoll zu erweitern. Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen die Notwendigkeit der Berücksichtigung der Eigenschaften Regionalität, Inklusion und Kollaboration der Plattform sowie die der Umsetzung mit Hilfe co-creativer Methodiken. Zusammenfassend stellt die Studie eine umfassende und kontextualisierte Konzeption einer Vermittlungsplattform dar, und liefert damit sowohl für den wissenschaftlichen Diskurs im Bereich Gesundheits-IT als auch für Stakeholder aus der Praxis relevante Anhaltspunkte für die Gestaltung und Konzeption zukünftiger Plattformen.
Reliability of COVID-19 data: An evaluation and reflection
Authors: Miller April R. , Charepoo Samin , Yan Erik , Frost Ryan W. , Sturgeon Zachary J. , Gibbon Grace , Balius Patrick N. , Thomas Cedonia S. , Schmitt Melanie A. , Sass Daniel A. , Walters James B. , Flood Tracy L. , Schmitt Thomas A. ,   on behalf of the COVID-19 Data Project
Published: November 2022

Importance

The rapid proliferation of COVID-19 has left governments scrambling, and several data aggregators are now assisting in the reporting of county cases and deaths. The different variables affecting reporting (e.g., time delays in reporting) necessitates a well-documented reliability study examining the data methods and discussion of possible causes of differences between aggregators.

Objective

To statistically evaluate the reliability of COVID-19 data across aggregators using case fatality rate (CFR) estimates and reliability statistics.

Design, setting, and participants

Cases and deaths were collected daily by volunteers via state and local health departments, as primary sources and newspaper reports, as secondary sources. In an effort to begin comparison for reliability statistical analysis, BroadStreet collected data from other COVID-19 aggregator sources, including USAFacts, Johns Hopkins University, New York Times, The COVID Tracking Project.

Main outcomes and measures

COVID-19 cases and death counts at the county and state levels.

Results

Lower levels of inter-rater agreement were observed across aggregators associated with the number of deaths, which manifested itself in state level Bayesian estimates of COVID-19 fatality rates.

Conclusions and relevance

A national, publicly available data set is needed for current and future disease outbreaks and improved reliability in reporting.
Variables appended to ABS frames: Has their data quality improved?
Authors: Roth Shelley , Caporaso Andrew , DeMatteis Jill
Published: November 2022

Address based sampling (ABS) has become current state-of-the-art methodology for conducting household surveys by mail, telephone or web in the United States. One potential advantage of ABS frames is that additional information about the sampled households can be appended and leveraged for data collection and analytic purposes. The appended data come from many sources and are of variable quality and completeness. The goals of this research were to evaluate data quality of demographic and socioeconomic variables provided for recent ABS samples from one vendor, and to examine their potential usefulness for sample design, including oversampling. We report on the completeness of the appended data as well as their concordance with data reported by respondents to two recent large ABS household surveys, one that invited households to complete the survey online and another that was mail only. Based on the quality assessment, we also examine the utility of the appended variables for oversampling. Our general conclusions are that the quality of select appended variables has improved such that the Hispanic origin, Hispanic surname, and presence of age group 65+ variables may be used to efficiently oversample these subgroups. However, this is not the case for oversampling other subgroups through appended variables for home tenure; those with head of household whose educational attainment is high school or less; low income households; households with children; presence of age groups 18–24, 25–34, and 35–64; or households based on the number of adults in the household.