bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of 1,2-propanediol from glycerol in Klebsiella pneumoniae GEM167 with flux enhancement of the oxidative pathway
Authors: Jo Min-Ho , Ju Jung-Hyun , Heo Sun-Yeon , Cho Jaehoon , Jeong Ki Jun , Kim Min-Soo , Kim Chul-Ho , Oh Baek-Rock
Published: February 2023

Background

To support the sustainability of biodiesel production, by-products, such as crude glycerol, should be converted into high-value chemical products. 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PDO) has been widely used as a building block in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Recently, the microbial bioconversion of lactic acid into 1,2-PDO is attracting attention to overcome limitations of previous biosynthetic pathways for production of 1,2-PDO. In this study, we examined the effect of genetic engineering, metabolic engineering, and control of bioprocess factors on the production of 1,2-PDO from lactic acid by K. pneumoniae GEM167 with flux enhancement of the oxidative pathway, using glycerol as carbon source.

Results

We developed K. pneumoniae GEM167ΔadhE/pBR-1,2PDO, a novel bacterial strain that has blockage of ethanol biosynthesis and biosynthesized 1,2-PDO from lactic acid when glycerol is carbon source. Increasing the agitation speed from 200 to 400 rpm not only increased 1,2-PDO production by 2.24-fold to 731.0 ± 24.7 mg/L at 48 h but also increased the amount of a by-product, 2,3-butanediol. We attempted to inhibit 2,3-butanediol biosynthesis using the approaches of pH control and metabolic engineering. Control of pH at 7.0 successfully increased 1,2-PDO production (1016.5 ± 37.3 mg/L at 48 h), but the metabolic engineering approach was not successful. The plasmid in this strain maintained 100% stability for 72 h.

Conclusions

This study is the first to report the biosynthesis of 1,2-PDO from lactic acid in K. pneumoniae when glycerol was carbon source. The 1,2-PDO production was enhanced by blocking the synthesis of 2,3-butanediol through pH control. Our results indicate that K. pneumoniae GEM167 has potential for the production of additional valuable chemical products from metabolites produced through oxidative pathways.
A comprehensive survey of permethrin resistance in human head louse populations from northwest Iran: ex vivo and molecular monitoring of knockdown resistance alleles
Authors: Ghavami Mohammad Bagher , Panahi Sanaz , Nabati Seyede Maede , Ghanbari Maryam , Taghiloo Behrooz
Published: February 2023

Background

Head louse infestation is an important public health problem, and expanding resistance to permethrin is a major challenge to its control. The mapping and detection of pyrethroid resistance are essential to the development of appropriate treatments and ensure the effectiveness of current measures. The aim of this study was to present the phenotypic and genotypic basis of permethrin resistance and identify knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in head louse populations in northwestern Iran.

Methods

Adult head lice were collected from 1059 infested girls in Ardebil, East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan and Zanjan Provinces, northwestern Iran. The toxicity of permethrin and the possible synergistic effect of piperonyl butoxide (PBO) on this toxicity were assessed using bioassays. Fragments of voltage-sensitive sodium channels (vssc) and cytochrome b (cytb) genes were amplified and analyzed for the detection of knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations and mitochondrial groups. Moreover, genotypes of the two hot spot regions of the vssc gene were determined by melting curve analysis of amplicons.

Results

A total of 1450 adult head lice were collected during 2016–2021. Live lice were exposed to a dose of 1% permethrin for 12 h, and the median lethal time (LT50) and time to achieve 90% mortality (LT90) were determined to be 6 and 14.8 h, respectively. Topical application of 2 and 16 ng permethrin per louse resulted in 25% and 42.11% mortality, respectively. Pre-exposure of samples to 3% piperonyl butoxide had no synergistic effect on the effects of permethrin. Analysis of the 774-bp vssc gene fragment showed the presence of the M815I, T917I and L920F mutations, wild-type and T917I mutation, in 91.6%, 4.2% and 4.2% of samples, respectively. Investigation of the mitochondrial cytb gene demonstrated the predominance of clade B. The frequency of domain II segment 4 (S4)-S5 kdr genotypes in mitochondrial groups was identical, and heterozygotes were present in 93.5% of samples. A significant difference was detected in the frequency of domain IIS1-S3 kdr genotypes, and the frequency of resistant alleles and heterozygotes was higher in clade B than in clade A.

Conclusions

The presence of kdr mutations in the vssc gene and the non-synergist effect of PBO indicate that pyrethroid target site insensitivity is the main resistance mechanism. This phenomenon and the high frequency of resistant alleles necessitate that new pediculosis management programs be developed. Further studies need to be conducted to identify all factors contributing this resistance and to develop alternative pediculicides.

Graphical Abstract
A novel inflammatory biomarker, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio, is associated with 5-year outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Li Jiawen , Zhu Pei , Li Yulong , Yan Kailun , Tang Xiaofang , Xu Jingjing , Yang Weixian , Qiao Shubin , Yang Yuejin , Gao Runlin , Xu Bo , Yuan Jinqing , Zhao Xueyan
Published: February 2023

Background

Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) combined with diabetes have a higher risk of cardiovascular events, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)-to-albumin ratio (CAR) is a novel inflammatory biomarker. However, whether the CAR can identify high-risk patients with CAD and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) remains unclear.

Methods

The present study was based on a prospective and observational cohort with 10,724 individuals who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in Fu Wai Hospital throughout the year 2013 consecutively enrolled. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The secondary endpoint was cardiac mortality. CAR was calculated with the formula: hs-CRP (mg/L)/albumin (g/L). According to the optimal cut-off value of CAR for all-cause mortality, patients were divided into higher CAR (CAR-H) and lower CAR (CAR-L) groups.

Results

A total of 2755 patients with T2DM who underwent PCI and received dual antiplatelet therapy were finally enrolled. During a follow-up of 5 years (interquartile range: 5.0–5.1 years), 126 (4.6%) all-cause mortalities and 74 (2.7%) cardiac mortalities were recorded. In the multivariable Cox model, CAR-H was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.634, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.121–2.380, p = 0.011) and cardiac mortality (HR: 1.733, 95% CI 1.059–2.835, p = 0.029) compared with CAR-L. When comparing the predictive value, CAR was superior to hs-CRP for all-cause mortality (area under the curve [AUC] 0.588 vs. 0.580, p = 0.002) and cardiac mortality (AUC 0.602 vs. 0.593, p = 0.004).

Conclusion

In this real-world cohort study, a higher level of CAR was associated with worse 5-year outcomes among diabetic patients with PCI.
A molecular epidemiological study on Escherichia coli in young chicks with colibacillosis identified two possible outbreaks across farms
Authors: Kravik Inger Helene , Kaspersen Håkon , Sjurseth Siri Kulberg , Dean Katharine Rose , David Bruce , Aspholm Marina , Sekse Camilla
Published: February 2023

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is the cause of colibacillosis outbreaks in young poultry chicks, resulting in acute to peracute death. The high morbidity and mortality caused by colibacillosis results in poor animal welfare, reduced sustainability and economical loss worldwide. To advance the understanding of the molecular epidemiology, genomic relatedness and virulence traits of APEC, we performed systematic sampling from 45 confirmed colibacillosis broiler flocks with high first week mortality (FWM) during 2018–2021. From these flocks, 219 APEC isolates were whole genome sequenced (WGS) and bioinformatic analyses were performed. The bioinformatic analyses included sequence typing (ST), serotyping, detection of virulence-associated genes (VAGs) and phylogenetic analysis. Our results showed a high prevalence of ST23, ST429 and ST95 among APEC isolates from Norwegian broiler flocks, and identified ST23, ST429, ST117 and ST371 to cause disease more often alone, compared to ST95, ST69 and ST10. Phylogenetic analyses, together with associated metadata, identified two distinct outbreaks of colibacillosis across farms caused by ST429 and ST23 and gave insight into expected SNP distances within and between flocks identified with the same ST. Further, our results highlighted the need for combining two typing methods, such as serotyping and sequence typing, to better discriminate strains of APEC. Ultimately, systematic sampling of APEC from multiple birds in a flock, together with WGS as a diagnostic tool is important to identify the disease-causing APEC within a flock and to detect outbreaks of colibacillosis across farms.
A Gronwall inequality and its applications to the Cauchy-type problem under ψ-Hilfer proportional fractional operators
Authors: Sudsutad Weerawat , Thaiprayoon Chatthai , Khaminsou Bounmy , Alzabut Jehad , Kongson Jutarat
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we propose a generalized Gronwall inequality in the context of theψ-Hilfer proportional fractional derivative. Using Picard’s successive approximation and the definition of Mittag–Leffler functions, we construct the representation formula of the solution for theψ-Hilfer proportional fractional differential equation with constant coefficient in the form of the Mittag–Leffler kernel. The uniqueness result is proved by using Banach’s fixed-point theorem with some properties of the Mittag–Leffler kernel. Additionally, Ulam–Hyers–Mittag–Leffler stability results are analyzed. Finally, numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the theory’s application.
A critical evaluation, challenges, and future perspectives of using artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in smart classrooms
Authors: Dimitriadou Eleni , Lanitis Andreas
Published: February 2023

The term "Smart Classroom" has evolved over time and nowadays reflects the technological advancements incorporated in educational spaces. The rapid advances in technology, and the need to create more efficient and creative classes that support both in-class and remote activities, have led to the integration of Artificial Intelligence and smart technologies in smart classes. In this paper we discuss the concept of Artificial Intelligence in Education and present a literature review related to smart classroom technology, with an emphasis on emerging technologies such as AI-related technologies. As part of this survey key technologies related to smart classes used for effective class management that enhance the convenience of classroom environments, the use of different types of smart teaching aids during the educational process and the use of automated performance assessment technologies are presented. Apart from discussing a variety of technological accomplishments in each of the aforementioned areas, the role of AI is discussed, allowing the readers to comprehend the importance of AI in key technologies related to smart classes. Furthermore, through a SWOT analysis, the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of adopting AI in smart classes are presented, while the future perspectives and challenges in utilizing AI-based techniques in smart classes are discussed. This survey targets educators and AI professionals so that the former get informed about the potential, and limitations of AI in education, while the latter can get inspiration from the challenges and peculiarities of educational AI-based systems.
Successful surgical management of massive hemoretroperitoneum caused by spontaneous rupture of retroperitoneal lymph node metastases in a patient with advanced mixed germ cell tumor: a COVID-19 pandemic-related surgical challenge
Authors: Vasiliadis Konstantinos , Simou Chrysanthi , Tzotzou Anastasios , Kalinderis Nikolaos , Valoukas Dimitrios , Pazarli Elsa , Drakontaidis Paulos , Papavasiliou Christos
Published: February 2023

Background

Spontaneous rapture of a germ cell tumor (GCT) metastases causing massive hemoretroperitoneum in a patient without choriocarcinoma component who has not received previous systemic chemotherapy is an exceedingly rare event. In such a devastating case scenario, a high index of clinical suspicion for early diagnosis and appropriate management is crucial.

Case presentation

We report on a 25-year-old male patient with a 4-month history of orchiectomy for testicular GCT (tGCT), who presented in the emergency department with acute abdomen and hemodynamic instability. Urgent computed tomography scan depicted a retroperitoneal mass measuring approximately 13 × 11.4 × 15 cm and massive intraperitoneal hemorrhage. Hemoperitoneum caused by spontaneous rapture of the metastatic retroperitoneal mass was suspected. COVID-19 pandemic-related deviation from the oncologic surveillance standards combined with COVID-19-related patient’s emotional distress and self-neglect had led to loss of opportunity for appropriate adjuvant chemotherapy, obviously leading to the development of this devastating complication. An emergency, surgical exploration was decided. The bleeding mass was adequately exposed following a Cattell–Braasch maneuver and active bleeding was controlled by a challenging resection of approximately 80% of the lymph node mass volume. Pathological evaluation of the specimen revealed teratoma with low volume of yolk sac tumor component and extensive necrosis, findings compatible with the patient’s history. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, followed by early start of adjuvant chemotherapy. Two years after the operation the patient is doing well with no evidence of recurrent disease.

Conclusions

Massive hemoperitoneum is a devastating event that exceedingly rarely can complicate the clinical course of patients with advanced tGCT. Emergency surgical intervention is usually necessary however, sound judgement and careful surgical techniques are required for a positive and uneventful outcome. During COVID-19 pandemic, first-line medical personnel push their limits further not only to ensure health care services standards but also, to manage unpredictable, life-threatening cancer-related complications, associated with COVID-19-related deviation from appropriate oncologic surveillance and care.
Unmet need for family planning and associated factors among adolescent girls and young women in Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis of Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Asmamaw Desale Bihonegn , Negash Wubshet Debebe
Published: February 2023

Background

Unmet need for family planning among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) is a common cause of the low contraceptive utilization in developing countries, including Ethiopia. To address problems associated with unmet for family planning among adolescent girls and young women nationally available evidences are essential. However, there is limited evidence regarding factors associated with the unmet need for family planning among adolescent girls and young women in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aims to assess the prevalence and associated factors of unmet need for family planning among adolescent girls and young women in Ethiopia.

Methods

Our analysis was based on secondary data using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data. A total weighted sample of 1086 adolescent girls and young women was included in this study. A multi-level mixed-effect logistic regression analysis was fitted. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to show the strength and direction of the association. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value less than 0.05.

Results

The prevalence of unmet need for family planning was 28.3% (95% CI: 25.7, 31.0). Adolescent girls and young women age 15–19 years (aOR: 2.4, 95%CI: 1.3, 4.3), household wealth quantile; poor (aOR: 5.6, 95%CI: 2.8, 11.1) and middle (aOR: 2.9, 95%CI: 1.4, 6.0), had no media exposure (aOR: 2.1, 95%CI: 1.1, 4.1), and adolescent girls and young women from developing regions (aOR: 5.1, 95%CI: 1.1, 14.5) were significantly associated with unmet need for family planning.

Conclusions

Unmet need for family planning was high among adolescent girls and young women when compared to the national average and the United Nations sphere standard of unmet need for family planning. Age, wealth quantile, media exposure, and region were significantly associated with unmet need for family planning. Hence, there is the need to implement consistently effective family planning policies among AGYW living in developing regions of Ethiopia. Moreover, Public health policies and interventions that improve the existing strategies to improve media exposure of AGYW on family planning issues and increase the wealth status of households should be designed and implemented to reduce the unmet need for family planning in Ethiopia.
Extreme dependencies and spillovers between gold and stock markets: evidence from MENA countries
Authors: Mensi Walid , Maitra Debasish , Selmi Refk , Vo Xuan Vinh
Published: February 2023

This study addresses whether gold exhibits the function of a hedge or safe haven as often referred to in academia. It contributes to the existing literature by (i) revisiting this question for the principal stock markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and (ii) using the copula-quantile-on-quantile and conditional value at risk methods to detail the risks facing market participants provided with accurate information about various gold and stock market scenarios (i.e., bear, normal, bull). The results provide strong evidence of quantile dependence between gold and stock returns. Positive correlations are found between MENA gold and stock markets when both are bullish. Conversely, when stock returns are bearish, gold markets show negative correlations with MENA stock markets. The risk spillover from gold to stock markets intensified during the global financial and European crises. Given the risk spillover between gold and stock markets, investors in MENA markets should be careful when considering gold as a safe haven because its effectiveness as a hedge is not the same in all MENA stock markets. Investors and portfolio managers should rebalance their portfolio compositions under various gold and stock market conditions. Overall, such precise insights about the heterogeneous linkages and spillovers between gold and MENA stock returns provide potential input for developing effective hedging strategies and optimal portfolio allocations.
Volume embolization ratio of coiled cerebral aneurysms, does awake technique affect the results?
Authors: Eldawoody Hany A. Fikry , Aziz Mohamed Mostafa , Abouhashem Safwat
Published: February 2023

Background

Despite the great innovations in the neuroendovascular techniques and related materials, there are still notable percentages of recurrent cerebral aneurysms after aneurysm coiling. Aneurysm packing density is well known to affect the initial angiographic result of aneurysm embolization and has a crucial role in the stability of aneurysm obliteration. Although aneurysm coiling is commonly performed under general anesthesia, it could be performed under local anesthesia in certain circumstances.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to compare the volume embolization ratio (VER) and angiographic results of cerebral aneurysm embolization performed under local and general anesthesia.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective cohort analysis of 20 consecutive cases of coiled cerebral aneurysms that were coiled under LA. Further, 15 cerebral aneurysm coil embolization cases have been collected from our data as matched control group.

Results

Embolization was performed under local anesthesia (Group A) in 20 patients (57.1%) and under general anesthesia (Group B) in 15 patients (42.9%). At the end of the procedure, control angiogram revealed complete obliteration in 13 patients (37.1%), while incomplete obliteration was detected in 22 patients (62.9%). The mean VER 27.9 ± 11.8 without a significant difference between both groups of the study as the VER of Group (A) was 26.05 ± 8.4 and that of Group B was 30.44 ± 15.2. Follow-up angiography at 1 year revealed complete obliteration in 17 (48.6%) of the coiled aneurysms, while incomplete obliteration was detected in 18 patients (51.4%).

Conclusions

Endovascular coiling of cerebral aneurysms under local anesthesia is a safe and feasible procedure without significant effects on the VER.
Antibiotics profile map of clinical A. baumannii strains isolated from health institutions in Turkey: a database search study and analysis of publications from 2011 to 2022
Authors: Abed Ahmed Badri , Korcan Safiye Elif , Güngör Serdar
Published: February 2023

Background

Acinetobacter baumannii is recognized as a major threat that causes healthcare-associated infections and causes a huge challenge to the health system worldwide. This research study was designed to detect the types and profiles of antibiotics tested against A. baumannii clinical strains in Turkey to evaluate their effectiveness and reevaluate their usage.

Main body of the abstract

The study depended on data search strategy using the online electronic database. We carried out a detailed analysis to all original research articles from 2011 to 2022 all conducted in Turkey. The study involved 91 articles and revealed about 40 antibiotics tested from 2006 to 2021 against A. baumannii with a different frequency. The more frequency antibiotics tested by health institutions in Turkey during this period included 15 antibiotics which are (Amikacin, Gentamicin, Imipenem, Meropenem, Cefoperazone–sulbactam, Ceftazidime, Cefepime, Ampicillin/sulbactam, Piperacillin, Piperacillin/tazobactam, Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Trimethoprim–Sulfamethoxazole, Colistin and Tigecycline). The frequency of resistance rate with percentage of (80–100%) shown by A. baumannii against these antibiotics was as follows (40.96%, 50.64%, 77.77%, 78.31%, 46.15%, 94.11%, 88.23%, 80.85%, 95.46%, 91.93%, 93.42%, 82.85%, 53.57%, 2.66%, 3.70%), respectively. From 2016 to 2021, an increase in resistance rates by A. baumannii against Colistin and Tigecycline was indicated noticeably. The 0% resistance rates during this period against Colistin were reported in a percentage of 16.6%, while the appearance of highly noticeable resistance (from 80 to 100 = 3.70%) against Tigecycline and the continuous elevation of resistance rates against this drug was worrisome.

Short conclusion

Stability in high resistance rates against some antibiotics for the last 10 years and the increase in resistance rates against effective antibiotics by A. baumannii should undergo for more studies and re-evaluation.
Decreasing delays in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Brazil: a nationwide multicenter observational study
Authors: de Albuquerque Cleandro Pires , Reis Ana Paula Monteiro Gomides , Santos Ana Beatriz Vargas , Bértolo Manoel Barros , Júnior Paulo Louzada , Giorgi Rina Dalva Neubarth , Radominski Sebastião Cezar , Resende Guimarães Maria Fernanda B. , Bonfiglioli Karina Rossi , da Cunha Sauma Maria de Fátima L. , Pereira Ivânio Alves , Brenol Claiton Viegas , da Mota Licia Maria Henrique , Santos-Neto Leopoldo , Castelar Pinheiro Geraldo R.
Published: February 2023

Background

Management delays imply worse outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and, therefore, should be minimized. We evaluated changes in diagnostic and treatment delays regarding RA in the last decades in Brazil.

Methods

Adults fulfilling the ACR/EULAR (2010) criteria for RA were assessed. Delays in diagnosis and treatment, and the frequencies of early management initiation within thresholds (windows of opportunity) of 3, 6, and 12 months from symptoms onset were evaluated. The Mann–Kendall trend test, chi-squared tests with Cramer’s V effect sizes and analysis of variance were conducted.

Results

We included 1116 patients: 89.4% female, 56.8% white, mean (SD) age 57.1 (11.5) years. A downward trend was found in diagnostic (tau = − 0.677, p < 0.001) and treatment (tau = − 0.695, p < 0.001) delays from 1990 to 2015. The frequency of early management increased throughout the period, with ascending effect sizes across the 3-, 6-, and 12-month windows (V = 0.120, 0.200 and 0.261, respectively). Despite all improvements, even in recent years (2011–2015) the diagnostic and treatment delays still remained unacceptably high [median (IQR): 8 (4–12) and 11 (5–17) months, respectively], with only 17.2% of the patients treated within the shortest, 3-month window.

Conclusion

The delays in diagnosis and treatment of RA decreased during the last decades in Brazil. Improvements (effect sizes) were greater at eliminating extreme delays (≥ 12 months) than in attaining really short management windows (≤ 3 months). Very early treatment was still an unrealistic goal for most patients with RA.
The association between comorbid body dysmorphic disorder and depression: moderation effect of age and mediation effect of body mass index and body image among Pakistani students
Authors: Haider Arsalan , Wei Zhang , Parveen Shagufta , Mehmood Arshad
Published: February 2023

Background

American Psychological Association defined body dysmorphic disorder as being obsessed with observed (preoccupied) flaws in one’s appearance. The observed flaws cause ample distress and/or worsening in the quality of life, isolation, lessening in social or professional functioning, while also being linked to depression and attempt suicide. Generally, younger individuals are more displeased and anxious about defects that can be seen or unseen. The study aimed to explore the predictive role of body mass index and body image in the relationship between comorbid body dysmorphic disorder and depressive symptoms among adults. A cross-sectional study used self-report measures; for depression, body apperception, and body dysmorphic disorder scale were administered to 281 undergraduate and post-graduate adults of Hazara division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, consisting male (54.80%) and women (45.19%).

Results

Results indicated that body dysmorphic disorder was positively associated with body image and negatively with depression. As males are prone to stressors in Pakistani society, stressors overwhelm them more than females (Cohen’s d = .436). On body mass index categories, depression, age, and gender were substantially different in three categories. Structural equation modeling evidenced that body dysmorphic disorder indirectly predicts depression when age is used as a moderator and mediation effect of body mass index.

Conclusions

It is concluded that body dysmorphic disorder is prevalent at a younger age, overweight and underweight among adults. Therefore, the complexity of body dysmorphic disorder and its similarity with body image can be better understood within the specific context. The potential implication is it make easy to understand for the researchers and mental health care practitioners.
Pulmonary embolism presenting as delirium: an acute confusional state in an elderly patient—a case report
Authors: Ahaneku Chidimma A. , Akpu Benard B. , Njoku Chibueze H. , Elem David E. , Ekeng Bassey E.
Published: February 2023

Background

Large numbers of elderly patients are admitted to hospitals in acute confusional states. In many, the underlying causes are easily found; in some, correct diagnosis is difficult. Pulmonary embolism (PE), the most serious clinical presentation of venous thromboembolism, is often misdiagnosed because of its non-specific features including delirium.

Case presentation

A 73-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital in a confused state with no obvious risk factors of PE. D-dimer levels were elevated and contrast-enhanced high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest confirmed the diagnosis of PE. She was treated with enoxaparin and discharged on dabigatran. Her symptoms had resolved at the time of discharge, and she has been stable for over three month’s follow-up visit.

Conclusion

PE should be regarded as a differential in elderly patients with an acute confusional state despite the absence of obvious risk factors. Investigating for and treating when confirmed may save a life.
Autism: social care, reasonable adjustments and the personal passport
Authors: Tromans Samuel , Stewart Zandrea , Brugha Traolach
Published: February 2023

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with differences in social communication and interaction, as well as a restricted, repetitive repertoire of behaviours and interests. Autistic people will have areas of interest and can possess abilities that are of potential benefit to both themselves and wider society. However, many find that their opportunities are limited. Here, we will discuss how a social model of care can help meet the needs of autistic people.
miR-223 Plays a Key Role in Obesogen-Enhanced Adipogenesis in Mesenchymal Stem Cells and in Transgenerational Obesity
Authors: Chang Richard C , Joloya Erika M , Li Zhuorui , Shoucri Bassem M , Shioda Toshi , Blumberg Bruce
Published: February 2023

Exposure of pregnant F0 mouse dams to the obesogen tributyltin (TBT) predisposes unexposed male descendants to obesity and diverts mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) toward the adipocytic lineage. TBT promotes adipogenic commitment and differentiation of MSCs in vitro. To identify TBT-induced factors predisposing MSCs toward the adipocytic fate, we exposed mouse MSCs to TBT, the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)-selective agonist rosiglitazone, or the retinoid X receptor (RXR)-selective agonist LG-100268. Then we determined their transcriptomal profiles to determine candidate microRNAs (miR) regulating adipogenic commitment and differentiation. Of the top 10 candidate microRNAs predicted by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, miR-21, miR-33, and miR-223 were expressed consistent with an ability to differentially regulate target genes during adipogenesis. We found that 24-hour exposure to 50nM TBT caused miR-223 levels in MSCs to increase; expression of its target genes ZEB1, NFIB, and FOXP1 was decreased. Rosiglitazone and TBT increased miR-223 levels. This induction was inhibited by the PPARγ antagonist T0070907 but not by the RXR antagonists HX531 or UVI3003, placing miR-223 downstream of PPARγ. Chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed TBT-induced binding of PPARγ to regulatory elements in the miR-223 promoter. miR-223 levels were elevated in white adipose tissue of F2 and F3 male descendants of pregnant F0 mouse dams exposed to 50nM TBT throughout gestation. miR-223 levels were potentiated in males fed an increased fat diet. We infer that TBT induced miR-223 expression and increased adipogenesis in MSCs through the PPARγ pathway and that transgenerationally increased expression of miR-223 plays an important role in the development of obesity caused by TBT exposure.
Altered Expression of Several Molecular Mediators of Cerebrospinal Fluid Production inHypMice
Authors: Kaplan Jared , Tommasini Steven , Yao Gang-Qing , Zhu Meiling , Nishimura Sayoko , Ghazarian Sevanne , Louvi Angeliki , Insogna Karl
Published: February 2023

Context

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a genetic disease, causing life-long hypophosphatemia due to overproduction of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). XLH is associated with Chiari malformations, cranial synostosis, and syringomyelia. FGF23 signals through FGFR1c and requires a coreceptor, α-Klotho, which is expressed in the renal distal convoluted tubules and the choroid plexus (ChP). In the ChP, α-Klotho participates in regulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production by shuttling the sodium/potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+/K+-ATPase) to the luminal membrane. The sodium/potassium/chloride cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) also makes a substantial contribution to CSF production.

Objective

Since CSF production has not been studied in XLH, we sought to determine if there are changes in the expression of these molecules in the ChP of Hyp mice, the murine model of XLH, as a first step toward testing the hypothesis that altered CSF production contributes to the cranial and spinal malformations seen this disease.

Methods

Semi-quantitative real-time PCR was used to analyze the level of expression of transcripts for Fgfr1c, and thee key regulators of CSF production, Klotho, Atp1a1 and Slc12a2. In situ hybridization was used to provide anatomical localization for the encoded proteins.

Results

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) demonstrated significant upregulation of Klotho transcripts in the fourth ventricle of Hyp mice compared to controls. Transcript levels for Fgfr1c were unchanged in Hyp mice. Atp1a1 transcripts encoding the alpha-1 subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase were significantly downregulated in the third and lateral ventricles (LV). Expression levels of the Slc12a2 transcript (which encodes NKCC1) were unchanged in Hyp mice compared to controls. In situ hybridization (ISH) confirmed the presence of all 4 transcripts in the LV ChP both of WT and Hyp mice.

Conclusion

This is the first study to document a significant change in the level of expression of the molecular machinery required for CSF production in Hyp mice. Whether similar changes occur in patients with XLH, potentially contributing to the cranial and spinal cord abnormalities frequently seen in XLH, remains to be determined.
Rac1 and Rac3 GTPases and TPC2 are required for axonal outgrowth and migration of cortical interneurons
Authors: Kounoupa Zouzana , Tivodar Simona , Theodorakis Kostas , Kyriakis Dimitrios , Denaxa Myrto , Karagogeos Domna
Published: February 2023

Rho GTPases, among them Rac1 and Rac3, are major transducers of extracellular signals and are involved in multiple cellular processes. In cortical interneurons, the neurons that control the balance between excitation and inhibition of cortical circuits, Rac1 and Rac3 are essential for their development. Ablation of both leads to a severe reduction in the numbers of mature interneurons found in the murine cortex, which is partially due to abnormal cell cycle progression of interneuron precursors and defective formation of growth cones in young neurons. Here, we present new evidence that upon Rac1 and Rac3 ablation, centrosome, Golgi complex and lysosome positioning is significantly perturbed, thus affecting both interneuron migration and axon growth. Moreover, for the first time, we provide evidence of altered expression and localization of the two-pore channel 2 (TPC2) voltage-gated ion channel that mediates Ca2+ release. Pharmacological inhibition of TPC2 negatively affected axonal growth and migration of interneurons. Our data, taken together, suggest that TPC2 contributes to the severe phenotype in axon growth initiation, extension and interneuron migration in the absence of Rac1 and Rac3.
A Theoretical Study on Rate Constants of Excited State Proton Transfer Reaction in Anthracene-Urea Derivatives
Authors: Onozawa Shu , Nishimura Yoshinobu , Matsui Toru
Published: February 2023

We elucidate the origin of the two types of observed fluorescence in a complex consisting of nPUA (1-anthracen-n-yl-3-phenylurea; n = 1, 2, 9) and an acetate ion. By calculating the molecular properties related to the proton transfer reaction in the excited state, we clarified a correlation between the acid dissociation constant in the excited state (pKa) in the urea moiety and the rate constant of the excited state proton transfer reaction. The computed pKa suggests that the proton on the anthracenyl group side is transferred in the case of 1PUA and 2PUA, whereas the proton on the phenyl group side is transferred in 9PUA. Low pKa and activation barriers were calculated for 9PUA, which causes the stability of 9PUA due to the absence of the planarity after the proton transfer reaction.
Financial Sanctions, SWIFT, and the Architecture of the International Payment System
Authors: Cipriani Marco , Goldberg Linda S. , La Spada Gabriele
Published: February 2023

Financial sanctions, alongside economic sanctions, are components of the toolkit used by governments as part of international diplomacy. The use of sanctions, especially financial, has increased over the last 70 years. Financial sanctions have been particularly important whenever the goals of the sanctioning countries were related to democracy and human rights. Financial sanctions restrict entities—countries, businesses, or even individuals—from purchasing or selling financial assets, or from accessing custodial or other financial services. They can be imposed on a sanctioned entity’s ability to access the infrastructures that are in place to execute international payments, irrespective of whether such payments underpin financial or real activity. This article explains how financial sanctions can be designed to limit access to the international payment system and, in particular, the SWIFT network, and provides some recent examples.
Photon-counting detector CT: early clinical experience review
Authors: Sartoretti Thomas , Wildberger Joachim E , Flohr Thomas , Alkadhi Hatem
Published: February 2023

Since its development in the 1970s, X-ray CT has emerged as a landmark diagnostic imaging modality of modern medicine. Technological advances have been crucial to the success of CT imaging, as they have increasingly enabled improvements in image quality and diagnostic value at increasing radiation dose efficiency. With recent advances in engineering and physics, a novel technology has emerged with the potential to surpass several shortcomings and limitations of current CT systems. Photon-counting detector (PCD)-CT might substantially improve and expand the applicability of CT imaging by offering intrinsic spectral capabilities, increased spatial resolution, reduced electronic noise and improved image contrast. In this review we sought to summarize the first clinical experience of PCD-CT. We focused on most recent prototype and first clinically approved PCD-CT systems thereby reviewing initial publications and presenting corresponding clinical cases.
Biodiversity of high-mountain woody plants in the East Carpathians in Ukraine
Authors: Tasenkevich Lydia , Boratyński Adam , Skrypec Krystyna , Seniv Maria , Khmil Tetiana , Walas Łukasz
Published: February 2023

The highest parts of the European mountain massifs are covered by subalpine and alpine vegetation, with rich flora containing many relic woody plants adapted to cold temperatures and relatively short vegetation periods. In the Ukrainian Carpathians, only several highest mountain massifs form environmental conditions suitable for high mountain plants. The aim of the study was the detection of the centre of biodiversity of the high mountain plants in the East Carpathians in Ukraine. We expected the largest number of high mountain woody species in the Ukrainian East Carpathians would occur in the Chornohora, the largest and most elevated mountain chain in the country. To solve this problem, the geographic distribution of 16 woody species was analysed cartographically. We gathered georeferenced data of 919 localities of taxa, which occur in the subalpine and alpine vegetation belts, and prepared maps of their distribution using QGIS software. Additionally, we analysed vertical distribution and occurrence on different expositions of every taxon. Most of analysed subalpine and alpine species occur in the highest and the largest mountain massifs. The high mountain woody species occur in the Ukrainian parts of the East Carpathians mainly in the largest mountain massifs, the Chornohora, Svydovets, Chyvchyny, Marmarosh, and to a lesser extent, also in the Gorgany. The vertical distribution and predominant occurrence on the northern or close to northern expositions of most subalpine and alpine species indicate their demands for the relatively high level of humidity of the soil and high level of precipitation. These condition point to the relic character of most of analysed species, which origin from the glacial periods of the Pleistocene. Most of the taxa, which have centres of their distribution in the alpine and sub-alpine vegetation belts of the East Carpathians in the Ukraine territory are valuable but threatened elements of the Ukrainian flora.
Genetic resources of the oldest trees of Pinus sylvestris L. from the last natural forest in Europe
Authors: Wojnicka-Półtorak Aleksandra , Celiński Konrad , Chudzińska Ewa
Published: February 2023

The last fragments of primeval forests in the European lowlands have survived in the Białowieża Forest (BF). A characteristic feature of its forest stands is a complex and multi-age structure. From a genetic perspective, old trees represent a genetic pool that is a product of the selection forces acting over centuries. Therefore, it is extremely important to make a genetic inventory of such old trees and preserve their genetic resources for future generations. The aims of this study were: 1) genotyping the oldest trees of Pinus sylvestris in the Sitki Reserve of the Białowieża Forest in Poland; and 2) characterisation of the genetic structure of this old Scots pine tree stand. In total, 98 old trees aged above 100 years were analysed using eight nuclear microsatellite markers. The first study on the genotyping of the oldest Scots pine trees in the BF, indicated that each of the trees has a unique genotype, so it can be unambiguously identified by a genetic profile. Overall, 85% of trees showed an individual heterozygosity of 0.5 or higher. We demonstrated, that eight polymorphic microsatellite loci of the nuclear genome are sufficient to create an individual genetic profile of each tree. Our results will provide necessary background information for the conservation of native genetic resources of Pinus sylvestris.
Systematic review: The effectiveness of 6-thioguanine nucleotide-based dose optimisation of thiopurines in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Mateen Bilal , Patel Mehul , Akobeng Anthony , Gordon Morris , Hayee Bu'Hussain
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Clinical guidelines highlight the potential utility of metabolite-based thiopurine dose optimisation strategies in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this review was to summarise the evidence of effectiveness and safety of a 6-thioguanine nucleotide (6-TGN) metabolite-based dosing strategy for maintenance of remission using azathioprine or mercaptopurine in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Methods: We searched the Cochrane central register of controlled trials, EMBASE, clinicaltrials.gov, the WHO international clinical trials registry platform, and relevant grey literature, up to 1 December 2021. Inclusion criteria were: all randomised (active comparator) controlled trials of azathioprine or mercaptopurine used for the purposes of maintenance of remission in Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis where the dose in the intervention arm was optimised based on 6-TGN metabolite assay results. Studies of any duration were eligible for inclusion, and no age restrictions were applied.

Results: No studies met the eligibility criteria for this review. Four randomised controlled studies (two of which are currently underway) were identified that assessed the effectiveness of metabolite-based dose optimisation for thiopurine therapy, but were not eligible either because they did not differentiate between induction and maintenance therapy or because of a lack of an appropriate active comparator.

Conclusions: There is no RCT-based evidence for dose optimisation using a 6-TGN metabolite-based dosing strategy for maintenance of remission in Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Where evidence is available from combination induction and maintenance trials, it suggests that such a strategy is no better than weight-based dosing.

Cochrane protocol registration: CD014795
The genome sequence of an ichneumonid wasp, Amblyteles armatorius (Forster, 1771)
Authors: Sivell Olga , Broad Gavin R. ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Amblyteles armatorius (an ichneumonid wasp; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Ichneumonidae). The genome sequence is 216 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 12 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.6 kilobases in length.
Financial Control in the Context of the Transformation of Socio-Economic Processes
Authors: Arabyan Knarik
Published: February 2023

The article discusses the role of financial control and its individual types in the context of the transformation of socio-economic processes. Th e possibility of integrating different types of financial control to improve the efficiency of the entire financial system is being explored.
Russia’s budget in 2023–2025: priorities and risks
Authors: Smirnov I.
Published: February 2023

According to parliamentary analysts, the federal budget of Russia for 2023-2025. provides not only for the domestic economy to enter the growth trajectory, but also for serious structural changes in it, corresponding to the requirements of the times and new challenges of the world market.
FORMATION AND MAINTENANCE OF LOYALTY OF MEDICAL PERSONNEL
Authors: Skripnichenko L. , Thagalizhokova L.
Published: February 2023

To analyze the areas of formation and maintenance of loyalty of the staff of medical institutions, a survey of employees of organizations was conducted according to the L. Porter loyalty questionnaire and the eNPS methodology.

The study showed that in the organizations under consideration, an average level of loyalty was formed, relying in most cases on the emotional component. To maintain the existing situation, a systematic assessment of loyalty and satisfaction of personnel is required. With a general positive attitude of employees towards the organization, sharply negative assessments were identified, which is a potential problem area.

Staff loyalty is associated with such advantages of the organization as comfortable working conditions and the prestige of the organization, which gives a competitive advantage in the employer market. The results of the study made it possible to formulate a number of practical recommendations for maintaining and increasing employee loyalty in the organization.