bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pain and participation in social activities in people with relapsing remitting and progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Jain Dhruv , Bernstein Charles N , Graff Lesley A , Patten Scott B , Bolton James M , Fisk John D , Hitchon Carol , Marriott James J , Marrie Ruth Ann ,   for the CIHR Team in Defining the Burden and Managing the Effects of Immune-mediated Inflammatory Disease
Published: July 2023

Background

Differences in pain between subtypes of multiple sclerosis are understudied.

Objective

To compare the prevalence of pain, and the association between pain and: (a) pain interference and (b) social participation in people with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis and progressive multiple sclerosis.

Methods

Participants completed the McGill Pain Questionnaire Short-Form-2, Pain Effects Scale and Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities-V2.0 questionnaires. We tested the association between multiple sclerosis subtype, pain severity, and pain interference/social participation using quantile regression.

Results

Of 231 participants (relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: 161, progressive multiple sclerosis: 70), 82.3% were women. The prevalence of pain was 95.2%, of more than mild pain was 38.1%, and of pain-related limitations was 87%; there were no differences between multiple sclerosis subtypes. Compared to participants with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis, those with progressive multiple sclerosis reported higher pain interference (mean (standard deviation) Pain Effects Scale; progressive multiple sclerosis: 15[6.0] vs relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: 13[5], p = 0.039) and lower social participation (Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities T-scores 45[9.0] vs 48.3[8.9], p = 0.011). However, on multivariable analysis accounting for age, physical disability, mood/anxiety and fatigue, multiple sclerosis subtype was not associated with differences in pain interference or social participation.

Conclusions

Pain was nearly ubiquitous. Over one-third of individuals with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis and progressive multiple sclerosis reported pronounced pain, although this did not differ by multiple sclerosis subtype.
“Lynch Syndrome”—From Healer to a Vulnerable Patient: A Transformative Odyssey
Authors: Khalid Aisha
Published: July 2023

Lynch syndrome, an autosomal dominant genetic disorder, increases the risk of certain cancers, notably colorectal cancer. Early genetic testing and surveillance can significantly reduce associated morbidity and mortality. However, young patients face significant challenges navigating the healthcare system, with the psychological impact often neglected. Coping with the hereditary condition and elevated cancer risk can lead to distress, anxiety, and depression. Healthcare providers tend to focus on physical aspects, disregarding psychological well-being, leading to reduced treatment compliance and satisfaction. This case highlights the need for multidisciplinary teams and mental health support, emphasizing patient-centered care and support systems within the healthcare system.
Wineries in the Itata and Cauquenes Valleys: Local flavors, multiple dispossessions and care for the commons as pluriverses for (neo)peasant climate resilience
Authors: Jerez Henríquez Bárbara , Eugenia Cid-Aguayo Beatriz , Oliveros Verónica , Henríquez Ramírez Alfonso Andrés , Letelier Eduardo , Bastías-Mercado Francisco , Vanhulst Julien
Published: July 2023

Within the framework of the global climate crisis and its specific effect of the mega-drought affecting dryland agriculture in the central-southern area of Chile, this study analyzes peasant wineries as a historical and collaborative commons, with traditional and agroecological knowledge and practices, which is organized and represents an important pluriverse for climate resilience. This takes place despite the threat of dispossession and multiple enclosures associated with the advance of industrial-level wineries and corporate forest plantations. The text analyzes the ways that small winegrowers in the Itata and Cauquenes Valleys protect their heritage and income by integrating interdisciplinary contributions from geology (evaluating climate change manifestations in their valleys), social sciences (observing the care and production practices of the wine-growing commons), and law (analyzing possible legal frameworks to develop in this common defense). All these actions are integrated from an analytical framework of political ecology and climate justice. In these experiences, we recognize multiple elements of climate resilience adapted to the agroecological conditions of dryland farming, showing that wineries are an activity which can protect the local territory and provide climate justice, contributing to protecting cultural heritage and socioenvironmental well-being in communities.
Privatizing water in the Atacama Desert and the resurgence of Atacameño indigeneity
Authors: Prieto Manuel
Published: July 2023

Until the mid-1980s, the Atacameño indigenous people were broadly caricatured as Chilean peasants or herders. In the 1980s, they began a process of resurgence as indigenous in order to attain legal recognition. Structural approaches to indigeneity have explored this phenomenon by seeing Atacameños as passive subjects whose identity has been imposed, fixed, or mediated by the law and by external actors (e.g. bureaucrats, intellectuals, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)). Problematizing these viewpoints, I argue here that Atacameños, rather than adopting indigeneity based on predetermined structural factors or instrumental motivations, are active agents in their resurgence and the articulation of their identity against cultural assimilation and extractive industries. Based largely on oral evidence collected from indigenous leaders and other key actors, I show that the dispossession and threats that the neoliberal Chilean Water Code brought to the Atacameños served as critical historical sediment for the resurgence and articulation of their indigeneity. The results problematize the hegemonic perspective that presents authenticity as a requisite for indigeneity and indigenous people as colonial power victims. Instead, Atacameños are situated agents who revived their identity within a broader process in order to challenge dominant structures concerning access to resources, principally water.
Writing a useful empirical journal article
Authors: King Andrew A.
Published: July 2023

The impact of research depends on how well readers can understand and use published reports, yet as researchers we often fail to consider what our readers need. Instead, we structure reports to match a socially accepted, but often inappropriate, standard design – the “hourglass”. In this essay, I suggest that when writing a report, we should adjust our reporting style to suit our target readers. I outline four reporting templates for quantitative empirical studies that are suited to differing reader needs.
Evolution of selfish multicellularity: collective organisation of individual spatio-temporal regulatory strategies
Authors: Vroomans Renske M. A. , Colizzi Enrico Sandro
Published: July 2023

Background

The unicellular ancestors of modern-day multicellular organisms were remarkably complex. They had an extensive set of regulatory and signalling genes, an intricate life cycle and could change their behaviour in response to environmental changes. At the transition to multicellularity, some of these behaviours were co-opted to organise the development of the nascent multicellular organism. Here, we focus on the transition to multicellularity before the evolution of stable cell differentiation, to reveal how the emergence of clusters affects the evolution of cell behaviour.

Results

We construct a computational model of a population of cells that can evolve the regulation of their behavioural state - either division or migration - and study both a unicellular and a multicellular context. Cells compete for reproduction and for resources to survive in a seasonally changing environment. We find that the evolution of multicellularity strongly determines the co-evolution of cell behaviour, by altering the competition dynamics between cells. When adhesion cannot evolve, cells compete for survival by rapidly migrating towards resources before dividing. When adhesion evolves, emergent collective migration alleviates the pressure on individual cells to reach resources. This allows individual cells to maximise their own replication. Migrating adhesive clusters display striking patterns of spatio-temporal cell state changes that visually resemble animal development.

Conclusions

Our model demonstrates how emergent selection pressures at the onset of multicellularity can drive the evolution of cellular behaviour to give rise to developmental patterns.
Symplectic numerical methods in optics and imaging: ray tracing in spherical gradient-index lenses and computer-generated image rendering
Authors: McKeon Ben , Goncharov Alexander
Published: July 2023

This paper provides an introduction to symplectic numerical integration techniques and examines various optical applications. We first outline the fundamentals of Hamiltonian optics and detail the construction of a symplectic method via the splitting technique. Numerical experiments involving a selection of spherically symmetric gradient-index lenses compare the accuracy of various symplectic methods with equivalent nonsymplectic methods. The best performing methods are then further tested as part of an image rendering task which incorporates nonlinear ray tracing, comparing the tracing time required by each method. Future improvements, recommendations and uses for symplectic ray tracing are also considered.
Credibility of vaccine-related content on Twitter during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Yousefinaghani Samira , Dara Rozita , Wang Alice , MacKay Melissa , Papadopoulos Andrew , Sharif Shayan
Published: July 2023

During national COVID-19 vaccine campaigns, people continuously engaged on Twitter to receive updates on the latest public health information, and to discuss and share their experiences. During this time, the spread of misinformation was widespread, which threatened the uptake of vaccines. It is therefore critical to understand the reasons behind vaccine misinformation and strategies to mitigate it. The current research aimed to understand the content of misleading tweets and the characteristics of their corresponding accounts. We performed a machine learning approach to identify misinformation in vaccine-related tweets, and calculated the demographic, engagement metrics and bot-like activities of corresponding accounts. We found critical periods where high amounts of misinformation coincided with important vaccine announcements, such as emergency approvals of vaccines. Moreover, we found Asian countries had a lower percentage of misinformation shared compared to Europe and North America. Our results showed accounts spreading misinformation had an overall 10% greater likelihood of bot activity and 15% more astroturf bot activity than accounts spreading accurate information. Furthermore, we found that accounts spreading misinformation had five times fewer followers and three times fewer verified badges than fact-sharing accounts. The findings of this study may help authorities to develop strategies to fight COVID-19 vaccine misinformation and improve vaccine uptake.
A collaborative approach to improving representation in viral genomic surveillance
Authors: Kim Paul Y. , Kim Audrey Y. , Newman Jamie J. , Cella Eleonora , Bishop Thomas C. , Huwe Peter J. , Uchakina Olga N. , McKallip Robert J. , Mack Vance L. , Hill Marnie P. , Ogungbe Ifedayo Victor , Adeyinka Olawale , Jones Samuel , Ware Gregory , Carroll Jennifer , Sawyer Jarrod F. , Densmore Kenneth H. , Foster Michael , Valmond Lescia , Thomas John , Azarian Taj , Queen Krista , Kamil Jeremy P.
Published: July 2023

The lack of routine viral genomic surveillance delayed the initial detection of SARS-CoV-2, allowing the virus to spread unfettered at the outset of the U.S. epidemic. Over subsequent months, poor surveillance enabled variants to emerge unnoticed. Against this backdrop, long-standing social and racial inequities have contributed to a greater burden of cases and deaths among minority groups. To begin to address these problems, we developed a new variant surveillance model geared toward building ‘next generation’ genome sequencing capacity at universities in or near rural areas and engaging the participation of their local communities. The resulting genomic surveillance network has generated more than 1,000 SARS-CoV-2 genomes to date, including the first confirmed case in northeast Louisiana of Omicron, and the first and sixth confirmed cases in Georgia of the emergent BA.2.75 and BQ.1.1 variants, respectively. In agreement with other studies, significantly higher viral gene copy numbers were observed in Delta variant samples compared to those from Omicron BA.1 variant infections, and lower copy numbers were seen in asymptomatic infections relative to symptomatic ones. Collectively, the results and outcomes from our collaborative work demonstrate that establishing genomic surveillance capacity at smaller academic institutions in rural areas and fostering relationships between academic teams and local health clinics represent a robust pathway to improve pandemic readiness.
Is that an answer to the question?
Authors: Udvardi Anna
Published: July 2023

A disszertáció alapjául szolgáló kutatás 77, gyógytornászok (GYT) és betegeik közötti első találkozás párbeszédeit elemzi nyelvi-pragmatikai szempontból. A kutatás célja, hogy feltárja 1) a GYT-ok, a vizit problémaprezentációs fázisát indító nyitókérdéseinek (NYK) nyelvi jellegzetességeit; 2) a betegek válaszadási stratégiáit, és 3) a kérdés-válasz párok közötti kapcsolatot. A vizsgálat kényelmi mintavételezéssel történt; 22 GYT (mind nő) és 77 beteg (12 férfi és 65 nő) vett részt benne. Az anyaggyűjtés egyetlen budapesti kórházban történt, a résztvevők közötti első vizitről hangfelvétel készült. A NYK-ek és a betegek válaszainak, valamint a kettő közötti kapcsolat jellegzetességeinek a feltárása kvalitatív módon, a nyelvészeti konverzációelemzés, és a pragmatika eszköztárát felhasználva történt. Ezen kívül a NYK-válasz párok közötti összefüggések statisztikai vizsgálatára is sor került Pearson-féle khi-négyzet próbák segítségével. A leíró elemzés a NYK-ek négy fő kategóriáját azonosította, továbbá 6 nyelvi jellegzetességet vizsgált minden egyes NYK esetében. A betegek válaszainak információtartalmára épülő induktív elemzés 7 válaszkategóriát eredményezett. A kvalitatív és a kvantitatív vizsgálatok eredményei szerint a NYK-ek vizsgált nyelvi jellegzetességei nem szolgálnak magyarázattal a betegek válaszainak sokszínűségére, illetve látszólagos nem együttműködő jellegükre. A disszertáció amellett érvel, hogy a szociokognitív megközelítés keretein belül adható magyarázat a jelenségre. Ennek lényege, hogy a betegek válaszát a társalgásokban megjelenő egocentrikus komponens befolyásolja, azaz a betegek megelőző tapasztalatai, illetve a számukra fontos, kiemelkedő információk mind hatással vannak a válaszok tartalmára.
Vitamin D metabolism in patient with type 1 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and charcot foot: a case report
Authors: Yaroslavtseva M. V. , El-Taravi Ya. A. , Bondarenko O. N. , Povaliaeva A. A. , Pigarova E. A.
Published: July 2023

Patients with multiple complications of diabetes mellitus often have significant deviations in the parameters of calcium-phosphorus and bone metabolism. The multifactorial nature of the pathogenesis of such disorders makes it difficult to manage patients with a long and complicated course of diabetes mellitus. This article describes a clinical case of a patient with a long history of type 1 diabetes mellitus, kidney transplantation as a result of terminal renal failure, and diabetic neuroosteoarthropathy. The features of vitamin D metabolism, the importance of timely diagnosis of phosphorus-calcium disorders and the features of patient therapy are discussed.
Modern possibilities and prospects in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Ushanova F. O. , Demidova T. Yu. , Korotkova T. N.
Published: July 2023

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a life-threatening disease characterized by a decrease in the production of hormones by the adrenal cortex and requires lifelong replacement therapy with glucocorticoids (GCs) and, in some cases, mineralocorticoids (MCs). The number of individuals with primary and secondary AI in Europe is estimated at 20-50 per 100 thousand people, the increase in the number of cases of this disease in the world may be partly due to the rapid increase in the frequency of use of GC in various clinical strategies, including in oncological diseases.

In AI, hormone replacement therapy is vital, but long-term use of GC may be associated with various adverse effects, especially at non-physiological concentrations of GC. This review provides a brief overview of the current therapeutic possibilities of AI hormone therapy, which contributes to the prevention of the development of adrenal crises, as well as promising opportunities for more effective imitation of the physiological profile of cortisol, aimed at preventing the development of undesirable effects of therapy. Several different forms of AI are currently available, differing in profile, duration of action, and route of administration. The most preferred currently in the treatment of AI are GCs with a short half-life, which provides a more manageable action profile and a lower risk of side effects. Promising substitution therapy options include modified-release hydrocortisone preparations, as well as new methods of drug administration using an insulin pump, which will better mimic the physiological effects of endogenous cortisol.
Comorbid patient with type 2 diabetes in the postcovid period: clinical case
Authors: Izmailova M. Ya. , Belova K. M. , Bogacheva T. L.
Published: July 2023

The presented review describes a clinical case of a comorbid patient type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the severity of whose disease was due to the presence of COVID-19 infection suffered on the eve of hospitalization, as well as the presence of concomitant diseases from the cardiovascular and nervous systems. In the aggregate of simultaneously occurring pathological processes, a patient with type 2 diabetes had a picture of uncontrolled hyperglycemia. The lifeline for the comorbid patient was orientation towards a more effective triple combined hypoglycemic therapy consisting of a type 2 sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, a medcine from the aGLP-1 group and metformin.
Genetic evaluation in infertility: Case of infertile couple with deletion and duplication of chromosome 9q12
Authors: L Risha Nahar , S Vyjayanthi , Mallidi Varalakshmi , GVVS Kanaka Bhushanam
Published: July 2023

Infertility is defined as the inability of women to ever bear a child or become pregnant after one year unprotected sexual intercourse or carry a pregnancy to a live birth. Genetic counseling can increase a couple's chance of having a healthy baby. Some forms of infertility, particularly sperm abnormalities in males and oligomenorrhoea/ amenorrhoea in females have a genetic basis. Couples with these forms of infertility may be at increased risk for transmitting infertility to their children, for having a miscarriage or for having a child with a serious genetic condition. Based on international guidelines for appropriate use of genetic testing in infertility, cytogenetic testing is strongly advised in all cases of infertility. Apart from this, there are several other molecular genetic tests such as Y chromosome deletions, FRAX-A, CFTR gene analysis that are recommended during diagnostic work up of infertility and prior to ART. In the present paper, we report a case of an infertile couple who were referred for genetic evaluation for infertility prior to ART. The husband had a partial trisomy of 9q12 heterochromatin region [46,XY,dup(9)(q12)] while the wife had a partial monosomy of the same 9q12 heterochromatin region [46,XX,del(9)(q12)]. The case discussion emphasizes the role of genetic testing and counseling in infertility cases to determine the etiology of infertility, determination of risk of genetically abnormal offspring. This helps the couple make an informed choice regarding their reproductive choices. Genetic testing and genetic counselling should always be part of an extensive evaluation of infertile couples, especially those opting for ART. Keywords: Genetic evaluation; infertility; deletion and duplication of chromosome 9q12
A modified efficiency-NTU method (m-ε-NTU) for calculating air coolers in dehumidifying or frost conditions. Part I
Authors: Portyanikhin Vladimir A.
Published: July 2023

In this part of the article, a literary review of the methods of stationary calculations of air coolers operating in dehumidifying or frost conditions is carried out. The approaches used at the moment are reviewed, namely: dehumidification coefficient method; logarithmic enthalpy difference method (LMED); equivalent dry-bulb temperature method (EDT); as well as -NTU method (efficiency number of heat transfer units) for calculating counterflow chilled water coils. Their main differences are shown and the key expressions used in them are given. A comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the considered methods showed the rationality of using -NTU approach due to the possibility of its application for both design and verification calculations of heat exchangers. Since the classical -NTU method is not directly applicable to dehumidifying or frost conditions, it becomes necessary to adapt it to the calculations of air coolers of all types (both counterflow and parallel-flow air coolers without phase transition of the cooling fluid, and for cases with its phase transition) to correctly describe the effect of the above processes on heat exchange.
Analysis of the applicability of typical refrigerants in single-stage refrigerating machines for temperature control of objects at temperatures of minus 50 ... minus 70ºС
Authors: Bichkov Evgeniy , Yakovlev Valentin I.
Published: July 2023

The article presents the results of a computational analysis of refrigerating machines for thermostating objects at a temperature level of minus 50 ... minus 70C, based on the use of standard refrigerants produced in large quantities as working bodies. The comparison of low-temperature vapor compression machines with one- and two-stage compression on various refrigerants for generating cold at a temperature level of minus 60 C is presented. Rational areas of application of such machines are determined, and recommendations for their improvement are given.
Clinical application of neodymium magnetic instruments for the removal of foreign bodies in blind wounds
Authors: Shvediuk Viktor V. , Elin Nikita E. , Dzidzava Ilya I. , Fufayev Evgeniy E. , Barinov Oleg V.
Published: July 2023

A feature of modern military conflicts is the high frequency of shrapnel wounds. The search for foreign bodies, even under X-ray navigation, can be technically difficult, lengthy and not always successful. Most injuring objects have ferromagnetic properties.
AIM: The Military Medical Academy, Saint Petersburg purpose of the study: to evaluate the effectiveness of removing ferromagnetic foreign bodies from blind wounds using neodymium magnetic instruments.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Instruments based on a neodymium magnet for removing foreign bodies and a technique for their use have been developed. An analysis was made of 45 operations where traditional instruments were used and 75 operations using original magnetic instruments. Of these, in 40 cases of blind wounds, foreign bodies were removed from the soft tissues of various areas, and in 35 cases, foreign bodies were removed during videothoracoscopy operations for blind penetrating chest wounds. The criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the method were the duration of the operation, the duration of work with the X-ray unit and the number of detected and removed foreign bodies in a fixed period of time.
CONCLUSION: High efficiency, simplicity, accessibility, minimally invasiveness of the developed instruments have been proven. Neodymium magnets made it possible to reduce the time of radiation exposure and the duration of the operation, to increase the efficiency of removing ferromagnetic foreign bodies. The use of original instruments makes it possible to detect 80% of foreign bodies in 10 minutes, and within 30 minutes to remove 90% of foreign bodies from the soft tissues of the wounded. With videothoracoscopy, the time of fluoroscopy was halved, and the total duration of the surgical intervention was reduced by 40%.
Rozwijanie mądrości w praktyce edukacyjnej. Scenariusze zajęć w przedszkolu i szkole podstawowej
Authors: Płóciennik Elżbieta
Published: July 2023

Edukacja dla mądrości, przykłady sytuacji edukacyjnych służących rozwijaniu mądrości, scenariusze zajęć sprzyjających rozwojowi mądrości na początkowych etapach kształcenia. Kolejna publikacja w ramach serii „Edukacja dla Mądrości”, inspirowanej koncepcją i dokonaniami Roberta J. Sternberga (Teaching for Wisdom) - praktyczny poradnik metodyczny dla nauczycieli, wychowawców i pedagogów, pracujących w różnych instytucjach oświatowych, dla konsultantów i doradców metodycznych, a także rodziców. Zawiera wprowadzenie teoretyczne oraz przykłady sytuacji edukacyjnych, służących rozwijaniu inteligencji analitycznej, twórczej, praktycznej, refleksyjności, myślenia dialogicznego i dialektycznego oraz propozycje konkretnych ćwiczeń. Czytelnik znajdzie również zestaw scenariuszy zajęć do pracy z dziećmi w przedszkolu i szkole podstawowej. Poradnik uzupełniają gotowe do powielenia karty pracy.
Myślenie pytajne. Teoria i kształcenie
Authors: Szmidt Krzysztof J. , Płóciennik Elżbieta
Published: July 2023

Publikacja dla nauczycieli różnych przedmiotów, pedagogów różnych specjalności, trenerów twórczości, psychologów szkolnych i trenerów grupowych, animatorów kultury – dla wszystkich tych, którym bliskie jest odkrywanie świata wraz z wychowankami. Zawiera oryginalną i pierwszą tak rozwiniętą w polskiej pedagogice teoretyczną koncepcję myślenia pytajnego jako twórczej kompetencji poznawczej, którą warto rozwijać u uczniów we wszystkich kategoriach wieku. W części metodycznej czytelnik znajdzie modele lekcji twórczego myślenia pytajnego oraz Dydaktyczny Kodeks Nauczyciela Stymulującego Myślenie Pytajne Uczniów, będący rejestrem zasad pomocy uczniom w rozwoju myślenia pytajnego, nie tylko w klasie szkolnej. Zamieszczono tu także czterdzieści wybranych ćwiczeń (dla wszystkich poziomów kształcenia) wraz ze zwięzłymi zasadami prowadzenia tego typu zajęć. Na końcu autorzy proponują Inwentarz Klasy Przyjaznej Myśleniu Pytajnemu Uczniów.
WITHDRAWN: Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Exosomes in Successful Management of Renal Failure and Pulmonary Toxicity Caused Due to Paraquat Poisoning
Authors: Cherukuri Bharath , Shaik Arif , Kutumbaka Surya , Anne' Suresh , Dubey Rounak
Published: July 2023

Paraquat is a commonly used herbicide worldwide and its ingestion is associated with a high mortality rate as no definitive treatment is available. This case report describes a 57-year-old male admitted to NRI General Hospital after ingestion of paraquat, resulting in renal failure and pulmonary toxicity. He was initially treated with the standard treatment modalities, which included immunosuppression, hemoperfusion and haemodialysis, but had no significant improvement. The patient was treated with umbilical cord blood-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and exosomes as a lifesaving measure. He was treated with three doses each of MSCs(1.5 X 108 cells/dose) and exosomes ( 5 × 1010 vesicles/ dose) on every alternate day starting from the fourth day of consumption of paraquat, and his condition gradually improved. A fourth dose of MSC and exosomes was given on the 15th day of ingestion, and other supportive measures were continued throughout. The patient was discharged on the 24th day in stable condition. MSCs and exosomes had a significant contribution in improving the outcome and may be explored for use in similar situations.
Protecting Group-Minimum, Practical N-to-C Peptide Synthesis
Authors: Kanai Motomu , Tatsumi Toshifumi , Sasamoto Koki , Matsumoto Takuya , Hirano Ryo , Oikawa Kazuki , Nakano Masato , Yoshida Masaru , Oisaki Kounosuke
Published: July 2023

Accessible drug modalities have continued to increase in number in recent years. Peptides play a central role as pharmaceuticals and biomaterials in these new drug modalities. Although traditional peptide synthesis using chain-elongation from C- to N-terminus is reliable, it produces large quantities of chemical waste derived from protecting groups and condensation reagents, which place a heavy burden on the environment. Here we report an alternative N-to-C elongation strategy utilizing catalytic peptide thioacid formation and oxidative peptide bond formation with main chain-unprotected amino acids under aerobic conditions. This method is applicable to both iterative peptide couplings and convergent fragment couplings without requiring elaborate condensation reagents and protecting group manipulations. A recyclable N-hydroxy pyridone additive effectively suppresses epimerization at the elongating chain. We demonstrate the practicality of this method by showcasing a straightforward synthesis of the nonapeptide DSIP. This method further opens the door to clean and atom-efficient peptide synthesis.
Genome-wide Association Study on Resistance of Cultivated Soybean to Fusarium oxysporum Root Rot in Northeast China
Authors: Sang Yongsheng , Liu Xiaodong , Yuan Cuiping , Yao Tong , Li Yuqiu , Wang Dechun , Zhao Hongkun , Wang Yumin
Published: July 2023

Background
Fusarium oxysporum is a prevalent fungal pathogen that diminishes soybean yield through seedling disease and root rot. Fusarium oxysporum root rot (FORR) damage could be effectively prevented by identifying resistance genes and developing resistant cultivars. Therefore, to carry out fine mapping and marker development of FORR resistance genes is of great significance for the cultivation of resistant varieties. In this study, 350 soybean germplasm accessions, mainly from Northeast China, underwent genotyping using the SoySNP50K Illumina BeadChip, which includes 52,041 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Their resistance to FORR was assessed in a greenhouse. Genome-wide association studies utilizing the general linear model, mixed linear model, compressed mixed linear model, and settlement of MLM under progressively exclusive relationship models were conducted to identify marker-trait associations while effectively controlling for population structure.
Results
The results demonstrated that these models effectively managed population structure. Eight SNP loci significantly associated with FORR resistance in soybean were detected, primarily located on Chromosome 6. Notably, there was a strong linkage disequilibrium between the large-effect SNPs ss715595462 and ss715595463, contributing substantially to phenotypic variation. Within the genetic interval encompassing these loci, 26 genes were present, with one gene Glyma.06G088400 encoding a protein kinase family protein containing a leucine-rich repeat domain identified as a potential candidate gene in the reference genome of Williams82. Additionally, quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis evaluated the gene expression levels between highly resistant and susceptible accessions, focusing on primary root tissues collected at different time points after F. oxysporum inoculation. Among the examined genes, only this gene emerged as the strongest candidate associated with FORR resistance.
Conclusions
The identification of this candidate gene Glyma.06G088400 improves our understanding of soybean resistance to FORR and the markers strongly linked to resistance can be beneficial for molecular marker-assisted selection in breeding resistant soybean accessions against F. oxysporum.
Comparison of the Transistor Channel Length and Performance Parameters of a Fully Differential Operational Amplifier
Authors: Genzebu Tsegaye Menberu
Published: July 2023

Today's practical applications require an amplifier with high-performance specifications. Reduce the scale of transistor sizes in operational amplifiers (op-amps) to obtain better values for the performance characteristics are important. The main objective of this study was to understand the relationship between the performance parameters of a fully differential amplifier and the channel length of the transistors. In this study, fully differential op-amp performance metrics were examined and contrasted with their channel lengths utilizing a common 1.8V power supply. The graphs were plotted using Python software. The outcome demonstrates that, as the transistor's channel length decreases, the gain and unity gain band width of the fully differential op-amp increase. This demonstrates how reducing the transistor's size allows for high amplification devices. The totally differential op-amp's power dissipation and settling time are also decreased as the transistor's channel length is decreased. This shows that in order to create fully differential op-amps that operate for long periods of time, the transistor size needs to be decreased.
Effect of Peritoneal Dialysate on Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Variability in Pediatric Patients Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Prukngampun Natthida , Densupsoontorn Narumon , Pattaragarn Anirut , Pooliam Julaporn , Tinnabut Intraparch , Sumboonnanonda Achra , Supavekin Suroj , Piyaphanee Nuntawan , Lomjansook Kraisoon , Thunsiribuddhichai Yanarin , Chaiyapak Thanaporn
Published: July 2023

Background: Previous adult studies have yielded conflicting results regarding whether the presence (D+) or absence (D-) of peritoneal dialysate affects the accuracy of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measurements. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the accuracy of BIA data varies between D+ and D- measurements in children.
Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited chronic kidney disease stage 5 patients aged 3 to 18 years who received peritoneal dialysis. Body composition was assessed by multifrequency BIA, and values were compared between D+ and D- measurements using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots.
Results: Fifty paired BIA measurements were collected from 18 patients with a mean age of 13.6±4.1 years and a mean dialysate fill volume of 1,006±239.7 ml/m2. Almost all BIA parameters exhibited excellent correlations between D+ and D- measurements (ICC values=0.954-0.998). There was a trend of increased fluid status, including extracellular water, edema index, and overhydration, in D+ measurements, with mean differences (95% CIs) of 0.5 (0.4-0.6) L, 0.002 (0.001-0.002), and 0.1 (0.1-0.2) L, respectively. Soft lean mass and fat-free mass were higher in D+ measurements, with mean differences (95% CIs) of 1.4 (1.2-1.6), and 1.6 (1.4-1.8) kg, respectively. The Bland-Altman plots showed low variability in BIA parameters, as indicated by the narrow 95% limits of agreement between D+ and D- measurements.
Conclusions: Almost all BIA parameters exhibited excellent correlations and low variability between D+ and D- measurements. We recommend that BIA measurements be collected from children regardless of the presence of peritoneal dialysate.
The course of self-perceived cognitive functioning among patients with lymphoma and the co-occurrence with fatigue and psychological distress
Authors: Ekels Afke , Oerlemans Simone , Schagen Sanne B. , Issa Djamila E. , Thielen Noortje , Nijziel Marten R. , Poel Marjolein W.M. , Arts Lindy P.J. , Posthuma Eduardus F.M. , Poll-Franse Lonneke V.
Published: July 2023

Purpose: To investigate the proportion of patients with lymphoma with persistent clinically relevant cognitive impairment, and its relation with treatment, fatigue and psychological distress.
Methods: Patients with Diffuse-Large-B-Cell-Lymphoma (DLBCL), Follicular-Lymphoma (FL) and Chronic-Lymphocytic-Leukemia (CLL)/Small-Lymphocytic-Lymphoma (SLL), diagnosed between 2004-2010 or 2015-2019, were followed up to eight years post-diagnosis. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained from the Netherlands Cancer Registry and the Population-based HAematological Registry for Observational Studies. The EORTC QLQ-C30 was used to assess cognitive functioning and fatigue, and the HADS to assess psychological distress. Individual growth curve models were performed. Results were compared with an age- and sex-matched normative population.
Results: 924 patients were included (70% response rate). Persistent cognitive impairment was twice as high in patients (30%) compared to the normative population (15%). Additionally, 74% of patients reported co-occurring symptoms of persistent fatigue and/or psychological distress. Patients with FL (-23 points, p<0.001) and CLL/SLL (-10 points, p<0.05) reported clinically relevant deterioration of cognitive functioning, as did the normative population (FLnorm -5 points, DLBCLnorm -4 points, both p<0.05). Younger age, higher fatigue and/or psychological distress at inclusion were associated with worse cognitive functioning (all p’s <0.01). Treatment appeared less relevant.
Conclusion: Almost one-third of patients with lymphoma report persistent cognitive impairment, remaining present up to eight years post-diagnosis. Early onset and co-occurrence of symptoms highlight the need for clinicians to discuss symptoms with patients early.
Implications for Cancer Survivors: Early recognition of cognitive impairment could increase timely referral to suitable supportive care (i.e. lifestyle interventions) and reduce (long-term) symptom burden.
Pathophysiology characterization and early detection of Alzheimer’s disease in South China’s Aging Population: for the Greater-Bay- Area Healthy Aging Brain Study (GHABS)
Authors: Liu Zhen , Cai Yue , Li Anqi , Lan Guoyu , Sun Pan , Liu Lin , Zhu Yalin , Yang Jie , Zhou Yajing , Guo Lizhi , Zhang Laihong , Deng Shuqing , Shi Dai , Chen Shuda , Yu Xianfeng , Chen Xuhui , Zhao Ruiyue , Wang Qingyong , Ran Pengcheng , Xu Linsen , Zhou Liemin , Sun Kun , Wang Xinlu , Peng Qiyu , Han Ying , Guo Tengfei
Published: July 2023

INTRODUCTION
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affects approximately 100 million aged 60 or above older adults in China. However, a community-based longitudinal neuroimaging AD cohort is rarely available in China, particularly in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great-Bay-Area of South China.
METHODS
Following the standard protocols of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, the Greater-Bay-Area Healthy Aging Brain Study (GHABS) was initiated in Shenzhen in May 2021. The GHABS cohort focuses on the pathophysiology characterization and early detection of AD in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, one of the largest population regions in China.
RESULTS
The aims, study design, data collection, and potential applications of GHABS are summarized. Currently, 565 participants have completed cognitive assessments and blood sample collection in the GHABS cohort by June 23, 2023, and 68% of the cohort were cognitively unimpaired or had a subjective cognitive decline. Additionally, 276 and 65 participants completed stool and CSF sample collection. So far, 396, 346, and 70 participants had MRI, Aβ PET, and tau PET imaging scans, respectively.
DISCUSSION
The GHABS cohort aims to: 1) summarize the characteristic and evolution of AD pathologies across the clinical and biological stages of AD in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area; 2) determine the earliest abnormal signs of AD using biofluid markers and neuroimaging; 3) identify and validate novel blood biomarkers and imaging techniques for the early detection and prevention trials of AD.
Calculation of Compound Hazard Probability using Convolution of Distributions
Authors: Sanabria L.A.
Published: July 2023

The hazard produced by natural phenomena on infrastructure and urban populations has been widely studied. Researchers recognise that the danger posed by these phenomena depends on their extreme values. Most researchers focus on the extremes of natural phenomena considered in isolation, one variable at a time. What is relevant in hazard studies is, however, coincident extremes of several climatic variables, i.e. the presence of compound extremes. The peak value of these extremes seldom coincide, but off-peak values located in the tail of the distributions are often concurrent and can lead to catastrophic events. The problem is complicated by the presence of correlations between these variables. This paper presents a robust methodology to solve the problem based on the convolution of distributions. To illustrate the methodology, the case of a cyclone landing close to a coastal city is discussed, and its probability of flooding and recurrence period is calculated.
Autonomous Compared with Conventional Mower Use on St. Augustinegrass Lawn Quality
Authors: Boeri P. Agustin , Lindsey Alex J. , Unruh J. Bryan
Published: July 2023

Autonomous (i.e., robotic) mowers have recently garnered interest with the public and within the turfgrass industry. However, limited research has been conducted on their use for mowing warm-season turfgrasses. An experiment was conducted at the University of Florida’s West Florida Research and Education Center (Jay, FL, USA) to investigate the performance of an autonomous mower using a lower than recommended height-of-cut on St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum). Treatments included an autonomous mower with a height-of-cut of 2.5 inches set to mow daily and a conventional mulching mower with weekly mowing at recommended height-of-cut of 3.5 inches. Data collection included weekly digital images that were subjected to digital image analysis to determine overall turfgrass quality, percent green cover, and uniformity. The autonomous mower resulted in greater overall turfgrass quality from January to March and in November, and greater green cover from November to April compared with conventional mowing. Additionally, the autonomous mower produced greater turfgrass uniformity than conventional mowing. Results indicate that autonomous mowers can be successfully used to maintain St. Augustinegrass at a lower than recommended height-of-cut.
Water reuse for vine irrigation: from research to full-scale implementation
Authors: Ayache Chrystelle , Poussade Yvan , Jaeger Yves , Soyeux Emmanuel
Published: July 2023

Water scarcity is a worldwide problem, which leads to unprecedented pressure on water supply in arid and semi-arid regions. Treated wastewater is an alternative water resource, therefore, its reuse for agricultural irrigation has been growing worldwide since the beginning of the 21st century. In several regions of wine-producing countries (e.g., Australia, California – USA, Spain), wastewater reuse appears to be the most accessible alternative, both financially and technically, for agricultural uses that notably do not require drinking water. From the summer of 2022, vine irrigation full-scale implementation will start with tertiary treated municipal wastewater in the French Languedoc region. This was made possible thanks to a collaborative research project conducted between 2013 and 2018 to address all potential health and environmental risks associated with this process. This research project was conducted in the south of France, with experimental and control plots both equipped with drip irrigation systems. All the results produced during the research project demonstrated the feasibility of applying this process for vine drip irrigation while effectively managing health and environmental risks and complying with the regulation. A social acceptance and economic study were also performed in order to broaden the scope of the project scalability evaluation.
Mathematical model for assessing the prognostic significance of 25(OH)D deficiency in the progression of diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Netrebin L.I. , Pankiv V.I. , Kyryliuk M.L.
Published: July 2023

Background. In modern medicine, modeling of pathological processes is actively implementing in clinical endocrinology and ophthalmology. This process provides an opportunity to predict the risk of occurrence, course, prognosis and development of complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), in particular diabetic retinopathy (DR). Nowadays, special attention is paid to the course of DR against the background of vitamin D deficiency. But in the scientific literature, there are no mathematical models for assessing the risk of DM progression in patients with type 2 diabetes against the background of vitamin D deficiency. Aim of the study is to develop an adequate mathematical model for assessing the prognostic significance of 25(OH)D deficiency in the progression of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and methods. An open observational single-center one-stage selective study was conducted. It was approved by the Local Ethics Committee. Seventy-one patients (138 eyes) with T2DM and DR (men and women; mean age 61.9 ± 2.4 years; mean HbA1c 8.12 ± 0.91 %) were divided into 3 groups, based on the stage of DR (according to fundus instrumental examination). The inclusion of patients in groups with DR was carried out in accordance with the ETDRS protocol (2019). Statistical processing included ANOVA, MANOVA and regression analysis with the construction of logistic regression models. Results. A statistically significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the risk of a high degree of DR was found with an increasing concentration of 25(OH)D in the blood plasma for each 1 ng/ml (odds ratio = 0.46 (0.32–0.67)). The pseudocorrelation index (Nagelkerke) R2 is 0.54, area under a receiver operating characteristic curve is 0.92 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85–0.97), which indicates the presence of a strong relationship between the risk of a high degree of DR and the concentration of 25(OH)D in the blood, gender and HbA1c level. The obtained multifactorial model was represented by the appropriate mathematical formula. The sensitivity (according to the Youden index) of the obtained logistic regression model is 84.4 % (95% CI 73.1–92.2), specificity is 92.3% (95% CI 74.9–99.1). Conclusions. An adequate mathematical model of logistic regression was developed to assess the prognostic significance of total vitamin D deficiency in the progression of DR in patients with T2DM. Its prognostic significance is 96.4 % (95% CI 87.7–99.0).