bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of parental lines, F1 and F2 sunflower hybrids to Septoria leaf spot infection and some inheritance patterns
Authors: Levitskaya Kristina , Soroka Anatoliy , Lyakh Viktor
Published: May 2023

The foliar fungal disease Septoria leaf spot is economically important for sunflowers. It develops most intensively during the wet and warm season. However, the genetic nature of sunflower resistance to Septoria leaf spot is still not clear. The purpose of our work was to identify some inheritance patterns of sunflower resistance to this disease based on the assessment of lines and hybrids of the first and second generations. The studied material was sown in 2020 and 2021 and subsequently grown on a stationary artificial infectious plot enriched with Septoria helianthi pathogen. The frequency of infection and the severity of infection of each sample were taken into account. The two-factor variance analysis revealed a significant influence of genotype on the frequency of infection in six sunflower lines and confirmed the effect of individuality of the response of individual genotypes to disease damage. It was shown that about 65 % of the total variation of the trait is due to the genetic nature of the line, and only a little more than 20 % and about 11 % – to the influence of the environment and the “genotype × environment” interaction respectively. Based on disease damage data in 2020 and 2021, the lines were classified as susceptible, moderately susceptible, moderately resistant and resistant. Differentiation of lines according to sensitivity to Septoria leaf spot made it possible to obtain hybrids with different manifestations of the trait in their parents. The nature of inheritance of infection frequency in F1 sunflower hybrids was determined by the degree of dominance. As a result, it was revealed intermediate inheritance, as well as positive and negative overdominance of the trait. The severity of infection by S. helianthi pathogen in F1 hybrids was inherited according to the type of parental form with greater resistance to the disease. F2 populations were found to inherit infection frequency from the more resistant parent, showing a proportion of infected plants similar to that of the more resistant line from a given cross combination. It has been shown that the frequency of infection of the F2 population with Septoria leaf spot can be affected by the severity of infection of F1 plant with the pathogen S. helianthi.
Vibration Signal-Based Diagnosis of Wind Turbine Blade Conditions for Improving Energy Extraction Using Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Sethi Manas Ranjan , Sahoo Sudarsan , Dhanraj Joshuva Arockia , Sugumaran V.
Published: April 2023

Wind power capacity is rapidly expanding across the world. In many nations, however, wind energy profit margins are being reduced. As a result, many wind farm operators are looking for ways to save costs and reduce maintenance issues. This research provides a condition monitoring and predictive maintenance framework for wind turbines based on artificial intelligence. This paper aims to create a model that categorizes various blade defects using statistical attributes with acquired vibration signals. The fault classification uses machine learning approaches, including attribute extraction, selection, and classification. First, statistical characteristics or attributes are extracted from wind turbine quaver or vibration signals utilizing a data acquisition system, then feature selection is performed using a decision tree algorithm to choose the best attributes. Next, feature classification is performed with 15-fold cross-validations using different models of tree classifiers. Then, based on their accuracy percentage, the results of machine learning classifiers are compared to provide a good model of the turbine blade for the real-time monitoring system. The objective of this learning is to design a prototype that will work best for the fault classification of turbine blades with less computational time. The logistic model tree shows the best classification accuracy of 91.57 %, with 1.72 seconds of computation time.
A Texture Statistics Encoding Model Reveals Hierarchical Feature Selectivity across Human Visual Cortex
Authors: Henderson Margaret M. , Tarr Michael J. , Wehbe Leila
Published: May 2023

Midlevel features, such as contour and texture, provide a computational link between low- and high-level visual representations. Although the nature of midlevel representations in the brain is not fully understood, past work has suggested a texture statistics model, called the P–S model (Portilla and Simoncelli, 2000), is a candidate for predicting neural responses in areas V1–V4 as well as human behavioral data. However, it is not currently known how well this model accounts for the responses of higher visual cortex to natural scene images. To examine this, we constructed single-voxel encoding models based on P–S statistics and fit the models to fMRI data from human subjects (both sexes) from the Natural Scenes Dataset (Allen et al., 2022). We demonstrate that the texture statistics encoding model can predict the held-out responses of individual voxels in early retinotopic areas and higher-level category-selective areas. The ability of the model to reliably predict signal in higher visual cortex suggests that the representation of texture statistics features is widespread throughout the brain. Furthermore, using variance partitioning analyses, we identify which features are most uniquely predictive of brain responses and show that the contributions of higher-order texture features increase from early areas to higher areas on the ventral and lateral surfaces. We also demonstrate that patterns of sensitivity to texture statistics can be used to recover broad organizational axes within visual cortex, including dimensions that capture semantic image content. These results provide a key step forward in characterizing how midlevel feature representations emerge hierarchically across the visual system.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIntermediate visual features, like texture, play an important role in cortical computations and may contribute to tasks like object and scene recognition. Here, we used a texture model proposed in past work to construct encoding models that predict the responses of neural populations in human visual cortex (measured with fMRI) to natural scene stimuli. We show that responses of neural populations at multiple levels of the visual system can be predicted by this model, and that the model is able to reveal an increase in the complexity of feature representations from early retinotopic cortex to higher areas of ventral and lateral visual cortex. These results support the idea that texture-like representations may play a broad underlying role in visual processing.
Uma distribution with properties and applications
Authors: Shanker Rama
Published: April 2023

The stochastic natures of lifetime data are really a challenge for statistician to search a suitable distribution for modeling and analysis of lifetime data. Keeping in mind the stochastic natures of lifetime data, a new lifetime distribution named Uma distribution has been suggested. Its several statistical properties, estimation of parameter and applications have been discussed. Applications of the distribution have been presented with three datasets and the goodness of fit of Uma distribution has been compared with exponential, Lindley, Shanker, Akash and Sujatha distributions.
Review of the evidence for the pharmacological management including surgery for obesity in people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Asif  Muhammad
Published: April 2023

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Men lips enhancement: new customized approach for male’s lip treatments
Authors: Haddad Alessandra , Santos Fogaça Andréia dos , Saito Fábio Lopes , Souza Brandão Graziele Áquila de , Toledo Avelar Luiz Eduardo
Published: April 2023

Background: Among men, interest in undergoing aesthetic procedures has grown over the years. In particular, men are increasingly seeking lip procedures. However, there are still very few scientific reports involving lip treatments for men. Objective: The aim of this article is to describe a novel lip-filling technique performed on 23 male patients according to their needs. Methods: The technique described is a lip treatment developed to serve the male audience. In this technique, three possible treatments (booster effect, volumization, and beautification) are performed according to the patient's desire in synergy with the evaluation of the cosmetic professional. Thus, this study involved 23 male patients who wished to improve the labial and/or perilabial region and who had not undergone any previous lip procedures. Results: This study presented a novel approach to male lip fillers according to three main demands and successfully adapted to the sexual dimorphism of the lip region. The booster was the most often applied lip-filling treatment, used in approximately 56.5% of patients. On the other hand, the least often applied treatment was volumization, used in approximately 13% of patients. All patients reported being satisfied with the treatment performed. Only five patients experienced adverse reactions/complications post-treatment, which were ecchymosis and edema, but were resolved. Conclusion: This technique proved to be effective, safe, and personalized, with very satisfactory results, according to most patients. This study also evidenced the need for and importance of developing further studies of lip filling techniques for the male audience.
Cutaneous manifestations of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Benelmouffok O Gacem , Hadef Djohra , Ladj Mohamed Sam
Published: April 2023

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects both adults and children, but with different degrees of severity. Indeed, pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (pSLE) is more serious than that of adults and the management is heavier with significant comorbidity. The clinical manifestations are polymorphic. The skin is one of the target organs most diversely affected by the disease. Indeed the cutaneous manifestations are frequent, they are almost constant during the evolution reflecting the activity of the disease. Long considered relatively benign, they are sometimes very debilitating and can take several forms, some of which can lead to functional, aesthetic and psychic disabilities. Therapeutic management depends on the types of skin lesions, the depth, the extent of the lesions and the aesthetic impact. Therapeutic management uses several molecules, in particular synthetic antimalarial and other treatments ranging from sun protection products, to topical and systemic corticosteroids, to immunosuppressants and immunomodulators.
Ulcerating variety of carpal tunnel syndrome mimicking scleroderma
Authors: Carmen M Baied , Ernesto Gutfraind
Published: April 2023

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy, affecting 1 to 3% of the population. Digital ulcers and skin lesions are unusually related to this neuropathy. We present the case of a patient with digital ulcers secondary to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Providing Optimal Nutrition to Very Low Birthweight Infants in the NICU
Authors: Kim Jae H.
Published: May 2023

Major improvements in preterm nutrition have taken place in the past 2 decades that have resulted in the successful survival of extremely preterm infants. Nutrition management for preterm infants traverses several different epochs during hospitalization. More standardization of practice has been evaluated during the early epochs (parenteral nutrition and enteral feeding advancement), whereas later epochs are opportunities for enhanced research to further standardize nutrition practices.
Characteristics Associated With Serious Self-Harm Events in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Sekmen Mert , Grijalva Carlos G. , Zhu Yuwei , Williams Derek J. , Feinstein James A. , Stassun Justine C. , Johnson Jakobi A. , Tanguturi Yasas C. , Gay James C. , Antoon James W.
Published: May 2023

OBJECTIVES

To identify patterns of psychiatric comorbidity among children and adolescents with a serious self-harm event.

METHODS

We studied children aged 5 to 18 years hospitalized with a neuropsychiatric event at 2 children’s hospitals from April 2016 to March 2020. We used Bayesian profile regression to identify distinct clinical profiles of risk for self-harm events from 32 covariates: age, sex, and 30 mental health diagnostic groups. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% credible intervals (CIs) were calculated compared with a reference profile with the overall baseline risk of the cohort.

RESULTS

We included 1098 children hospitalized with a neuropsychiatric event (median age 14 years [interquartile range (IQR) 11–16]). Of these, 406 (37%) were diagnosed with a self-harm event. We identified 4 distinct profiles with varying risk for a self-harm diagnosis. The low-risk profile (median 0.035 [IQR 0.029–0.041]; OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.04–0.15) was composed primarily of children aged 5 to 9 years without a previous psychiatric diagnosis. The moderate-risk profile (median 0.30 [IQR 0.27–0.33]; reference profile) included psychiatric diagnoses without depressive disorders. Older female adolescents with a combination of anxiety, depression, substance, and trauma disorders characterized the high-risk profile (median 0.69 [IQR 0.67–0.70]; OR 5.09, 95% CI 3.11–8.38). Younger males with mood and developmental disorders represented the very high-risk profile (median 0.76 [IQR 0.73–0.79]; OR 7.21, 95% CI 3.69–15.20).

CONCLUSIONS

We describe 4 separate profiles of psychiatric comorbidity that can help identify children at elevated risk for a self-harm event and subsequent opportunities for intervention.
New distribution areas of some species of plants on the southern part of the Caspian coast
Authors: Huseynova H. Z.
Published: April 2023

Plant species were collected in the botanical-geographic regions of Lankaran-Mughan and Lankaran lowland located on the sou­thern part of the Caspian coast. During the ecological-geobotanical studies we conducted on the southern part of the Caspian coast, we obtained information about the morphological features and systematic taxa of the wild flora of Lankaran-Mugan and Lankaran lowland botanical-geographical regions. In this article we describe the ecology and distribution of Dianthus cyri Fisch. & C. A. Mey, Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd., Trigonella cancellata Deef., Cruciata articulata (L.) Ehrend, Triglochin maritimum L., Crypsis alopecuroides (Pill. et Mitt.) Schard., Poa masenderana Freyn & Sint., Nymphaea alba L., Arabis mollis Stev., Acer hyrcanum Fisch, Tamarix meyeri Boiss., Symphytum pereginum Ledeb., Nonnea decurrens (C. A. Mey.) G. Donfil., Veronica ceratocarpa C. A. Mey., Campanula odontosepala Boiss., Achillea millefolium L., Carduus pystrix C. A. May., Centaurea hyrcanica Bornm. These species are endemic, rare, endangered, and included in the "Red Book of Azerbaijan". In addition to being decorative, they have a certain significance as a raw material for human and veterinary medicine.
Traditional kava-drinking, cognition and driver fitness
Authors: Aporosa Apo
Published: May 2023

Kava, or ‘the plant of the gods’, grows widely across tropical Moananuiākea (the Pacific). Used in traditional medicine, its roots are also ground and steeped in water to make a drink with relaxant effects. Kava has deep cultural significance, but because it is customarily consumed in large quantities over several hours, concerns have been raised about its effects on driver safety. Dr ‘Apo’ Aporosa, a Research Fellow at the University of Waikato in New Zealand, has studied the impact of traditional kava use on cognition and its implications for driver fitness.
Editor's Note
Authors:   Universidad Central, Domurath Irina , Gamonal Sergio , Wilemann Javier ,   Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez
Published: May 2023

editors note on the special issue on interdisciplinary studies in law.
DO ENSINO DE INGLÊS PARA CRIANÇAS À EDUCAÇÃO LINGUÍSTICA EM LÍNGUA INGLESA COM ELAS: REFLEXÕES TEÓRICAS E REDIRECIONAMENTOS EPISTEMOLÓGICOS SOB VOZES MÚLTIPLAS
Authors: Tonelli Juliana Reichert Assunção
Published: May 2023

RESUMO Este artigo parte da necessidade de compreender até que ponto, no Brasil, o ensino de inglês, na educação infantil e nos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental (1º ao 5º ano), vem encontrando espaços na constituição de profissionais da área, para assumir outras posturas teóricas e epistemológicas e reorientar o olhar dos envolvidos nesse contexto, incluindo a autora. Ao analisar os dados advindos de duas fontes, uma disciplina ofertada em um curso de graduação e um curso de extensão, ambos concernentes ao ensino de línguas adicionais na infância, almejou-se identificar sentidos atribuídos por docentes no que se refere a assumir diferentes posturas e razões para o ensino de inglês ou de uma educação linguística na e para a infância. Para isso, buscaram-se marcas linguísticas que justificam o uso de novas nomenclaturas nos dizeres de professores e professoras que atuam na área que sinalizam posturas adotadas em atividades desenvolvidas em âmbito de formação. Verificaram-se, ainda, os modos de organização de uma disciplina optativa, haja vista que modificações realizadas no seu programa colaboraram para melhor visualizar necessidades emergentes no que tange a discussões que façam mais sentido ao que tem sido vivenciado nas aulas de inglês nos anos iniciais. Conclui-se que o termo ‘educação linguística na infância com crianças’ vem sendo preferido no lugar de ‘ensino de inglês para crianças’, uma vez que reflexões promovidas no referido campo constroem entendimento de que educar por meio da língua amplia as possibilidades de ensino amparado em uma abordagem linguística sensível e ampliada.
MAPEANDO A PROFICIÊNCIA EM LEITURA E COMPREENSÃO ORAL EM INGLÊS DE ALUNOS DE LETRAS
Authors: Borges-Almeida Vanessa
Published: May 2023

RESUMO Este artigo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa de natureza quantitativa acerca da proficiência em leitura e compreensão oral em língua inglesa de alunos de cursos de Letras (Inglês) de uma universidade pública brasileira. Os objetivos do estudo foram mapear o nível de proficiência dos alunos do início até a metade do curso e identificar se há progressão de nível conforme avançam nas cadeias de disciplinas específicas para as habilidades escritas e para as orais. Um questionário sobre o perfil acadêmico e simulados das provas de leitura e de compreensão oral do International English Language Testing System (IELTS) foram aplicados a 385 alunos, dos quais 243 fizeram a prova de leitura e 198, a prova de compreensão oral. Ainda, destes, 32 refizeram a prova de compreensão oral, e 15, a de leitura. Os dados foram analisados com estatística descritiva e inferencial não paramétrica. Os resultados revelam progressão de nível de proficiência, tanto em leitura quanto em compreensão oral, do início do curso para o final das cadeias de habilidades.
Antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds in ora-pro-nóbis flour (Pereskia aculeata Miller)
Authors: Ciríaco Ariane Cristina de Almeida , Mendes Ricardo de Morais , Carvalho Vania Silva
Published: May 2023

Abstract The ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Miller) is a cactus popularly known as “poor man's meat” due to its popular use related to the protein content found in its leaves and its low cost, thus being classified as an Unconventional Food Plant (UFP). The plant is recognized for the high nutritional value of their leaves, and it can be used in cooking and folk medicine. However, studies on the chemical characteristics and antioxidant capacity of ora-pro-nóbis fruits are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential and phenolic compounds of the stem and leaf flours and fruit pulp of P. aculeata Miller. The stem and leaves were washed and dried in a circulation oven at 60° ± 2 °C, and crushed in an industrial blender. The fruit was washed and macerated in natura, then hydroethanolic extracts were prepared. The content of phenolic compounds was evaluated using the Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and the results showed a total phenol content in the stem, leaves and fruits of 0.25; 1.01 and 118.2 mg EAG g-1 of extract, respectively. Antioxidants were evaluated using the DPPH method, obtaining values for stem, leaf and fruit of 1.20; 1.40 and 1.50 mg of fruit g-1 of DPPH respectively, and also by the ABTS method of stem, leaf and fruit of:13.82; 6.30; 3.20 µmol of Trolox g-1, respectively. Thus, P. aculeata Miller presented in its stem, leaves and fruits an expressive amount of phenolic and antioxidant compounds, being a potential resource to contribute to the prevention of several disorders associated with the production of free radicals as well as an alternative in the enrichment of foods and being a useful source for a food additive.
Locus and timing of gender resolution: Probes, goals and predictions
Authors: Willer Gold Jana
Published: May 2023

Two lines of theoretical research have dominated the question of the locus of gender resolution in the context of Slavic conjunct agreement. Goal Resolution accounts comprise of the assumption made by mainstream research that resolved value (masculine plural) on ConjP goal is readily available to be copied onto probe (Bošković 2009; Franks and Willer-Gold 2014; Marušič et al. 2015; Murphy and Puškar 2018). The Probe Resolution account instead argues that gender resolution takes place on probe once gender values have been copied from the two conjuncts, as proposed by Citko (2018). The current study aims to experimentally test the validity of these two theoretical accounts of gender resolution. In this objective, we first discuss the results of an elicited production study on conjunct agreement in South Slavic (Willer-Gold et al. 2018), which found production times for nine gender combinations to strongly correlate with uniformity of agreement exponents. This finding indicates that simultaneous activation of multiple conjunct agreement strategies is resolved by competition at the level of morphological exponents on probe, offering support for the Probe Resolution account. We then report a novel study comprised of three self-paced reading experiments in Croatian (n: 99) designed to validate the resolved masculine gender on ConjP goal with (in)congruent gender conjuncts. Results of this study suggest  is an early predictor of the gender on the upcoming verbal target but its violation is detected late in the presence of an alternative agreement strategy in the experimental paradigm, and as expected when this alternative is eliminated from the experimental paradigm favouring Goal Resolution theories. Conflicting data from comprehension (self-paced reading) and production (elicited production) studies supporting Goal and Probe approaches are finally considered in the context of the production-comprehension asymmetry often observed in gender attraction studies.
Methodology forTFP Bioeconomy Impact post Covid-19 on the agricultural economy v1
Authors: A Zuniga-Gonzalez C
Published: May 2023

Methods: The panel data was organized with FAO Statistic data. Linear programming with an enveloping data analysis (DEA) approach was used to measure the Malmquist TFP indices to determine the inter-annual changes by region in productivity and technical efficiency.
Penicillin-Induced Anti-Factor VIII Antibodies: A Case Report
Authors: Junior Valter , Oliveira Marta , Araújo Paulo , Melo Fabio , Fontes Luciana , Lima Glaydes , Correia Cláudia , Gouveia Pedro , Domingues Ana , Aguiar Rebeca , Vanderlei Ana , Correa Lorena , Koury Joana , Brandão Renata , Vieira Juliana , Duartes Bruna , Correia Maria , Costa Manuela
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Acquired hemophilia A is very rare autoimmune disorder caused by an autoantibody to factor VIII that interferes with its coagulant function. It may be associated with a number of conditions such as lymphoproliferative disorders, drugs and solid malignancies. Hemarthrosis in Acquired hemophilia A is very rare clinical presentation and was never reported in cases induced by penicillin. Case presentation: We report a 65-year-old male, born and living in Brazil, who presented hemorrhagic episodes complicated with joint hemarthrosis due to acquired hemophilia A caused by a commonly used drug, Benzathine penicillin.Disease management was focused on controlling bleeding, primarily with the use of factor VIII inhibition bypassing activity and eradicate the autoantibody using various immunosuppressants. The challenges in manage this case included delayed diagnosis, durable remissions, difficulty achieving hemostasis. Clinical and laboratory coagulation response has improved eight weeks after only with the administration of double immunosuppression medication: corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide. Conclusion: This case gives us the lesson that prompt diagnosis and treatment achieved by hematologists may improve the prognosis and prevent severe bleeding. Early detection is vital to improving outcomes.
Ventilatory support and respiratory infection in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: FC Cezar , KV Cantarini , HA Gaspar , CF Oliveira
Published: May 2023

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes significant and progressive functional loss, leading to a high degree of dependence. The disease’s consequences include hypoventilation, inefficient cough, dysphagia, and malnutrition, which predispose patients to recurrent respiratory infections and reduced life expectancy. A growing number of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis patients are being treated with mechanical ventilation at home. Ventilatory support can be invasive or non-invasive. Since little has been reported on the association between ventilatory support type and the incidence of pneumonia in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, this study aims to evaluate the incidence density of pneumonia in Brazilian patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis who received private home care, correlating it with ventilatory support type and comparing it with the global incidence among home care patients.
Utilization of Therapeutic Interventions for Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) Hospitalized Patients and Emerging Treatment Possibilities from Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Malik Preeti , Zergham Azka , Patel Neel , Kerakhan Yasameen , Somi Shamima , Honganur Nagaraj , Akbar Aelia , Deol Aran , Jaiswal Richa , Gabrilove Janice , Patel Urvish
Published: May 2023

Background and Objective: Few small observational studies have described various therapeutic interventions utilized in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients based on single/multi-center experiences across the globe. Understanding the utilization of available and possible treatments to curb the COVID-19 pandemic is paramount. We aimed to identify the prevalence and disease-associated utilization of specific therapeutic reagents in hospitalized COVID-19 patients as a function of severity status. Methods: In systematic review and meta-analysis, extracted data on treatments utilized and severity of COVID-19 hospitalized patients from observational studies using PRISMA guidelines from December 1, 2019 to August 20, 2020. The pooled prevalence and odds of treatment utilization were obtained, and created forest plots using random‐effects models. Results: 29 studies with 8570 COVID-19-positive patients were included. Higher odds of the utilization of steroids (pooled OR:4.47; 95%CI:3.18–6.28; p<0.00001), antibiotics (3.1;1.81–5.30; p<0.0001), and IV Immunoglobulin (IVIG) (3.76;2.11–6.72; p<0.00001) was observed in patients with severe disease. No association of remdesivir (initially administered via clinical trials and subsequently FDA-approved during this study period), lopinavir/ritonavir, or hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) treatment with the severity of disease was observed. Conclusion: Higher utilization of steroids, lopinavir/ritonavir, antibiotics, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), and IV Immunoglobulin (IVIG) was observed in severe COVID-19 patients. Due to limited studies on remdesivir, its accurate utilization could not be delineated. Currently, no Level A evidence favoring single-drug treatment for COVID-19 exists, and trials are needed of combination therapy to evaluate efficacy on the survival outcome.
State Government Policy Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States 2020-2022: Concordant Heterogeneity?
Authors: Koziol James , Schnitzer Jan
Published: May 2023

Objectives. We investigate governmental responses to the COVID-19 pandemic on a statewide basis between January 2020 and June 2022, together with mortality rates attributable to COVID-19 over the same period. Our aim is to demarcate the states’ responses, and examine whether these differential responses are associated with COVID-19 mortality. Methods. Our study is based on individual state data from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker, OxCGRT. We focus on the Government Response Index, the most comprehensive index tracked in the OxCGRT dataset. We use multivariate techniques to group the states into clusters relative to their similarities on the Government Response Index, and determine mortality rates attributable to COVID-19 in the individual groups. Results. We find that the Government Response Index was sustained at relatively constant levels in the states, with two major transition periods: a rapid rise in stringency during April through June of 2020, and a gradual decline in May and June of 2021. Heterogeneity in the Government Response Index dramatically increased in 2022. No consistent patterns emerge when relating government stringency measures with COVID-19 mortality rates. Conclusions. There is inconsistent evidence that increased governmental stringency is associated with lower COVID-19 mortality; judicious selection of time frames can lead to contrasting inferences. Political trends and motivations appear to have an outsized influence on governmental responses to the COVID-19 public health crisis, to the detriment of the populace.
Opiate Sensitivity in Fruit Flies
Authors: Karnib Nabil , Long Brandon , Staaden Moira , Sprague Jon , Hall F. Scott , Jacobson Daniel , Huber Robert
Published: May 2023

Substance use disorder is a debilitating clinical condition in which behavioral dependence results from biological, environmental, genetic, and psychosocial factors. An epidemic surrounding the use and abuse of opioids is ravaging the world. While considerable efforts have explored the social drivers of addiction, a deeper understanding of biological causes and genetic vulnerabilities, preventative interventions, and effective treatments, have all proven elusive. This perspective article aims to remind readers that addictive natural compounds such as cocaine, nicotine, cathinone, or morphine, evolved as defensive metabolites to deter insect herbivory. The molecular mechanisms underlying motivational seeking and learning/reward show remarkable conservation since their early emergence in bilateral metazoans. An extended coevolutionary arms race subsequently weaponized these compounds into disruptors of learning, motivation, and incentivized attention. When plant chemical defenses attack insect physiology, humans are rendered susceptible due to strong conservation in the underlying molecular machinery. This perspective addresses the paradox that opiates were shaped to target insect neuropharmacology, even though this taxon appears to lack the recognized opioid receptor clade of mammals. We argue that the link is to be found in the allatostatin receptor, a basal ortholog of opioid receptors. Moreover, preliminary evidence indicates that morphine reduces Drosophila feeding and locomotion, concordant with a purported role as a defensive compound reducing herbivory. An implementation via allatostatin-mediated mechanisms is likely. This research argues for a broader heuristic perspective of substance abuse and a recognition of the evolutionary constraints that have likely shaped the biological drivers of opioid sensitivity and of its behavioral targets.
End-of-Life Care in the Time of Covid-19 in Brazil: Grief and Communication Issues
Authors: Miziara Ivan Dieb , Miziara Carmen
Published: May 2023

The authors comment on communication problems with patients and families in ICUs during the social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. They report new techniques used, such as a virtual visit via WhatsApp, and the creation of multidisciplinary teams to assist family members in overcoming grief after the death of their loved ones.
The Impact of Distance Education, Due to COVID-19 On Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Practicing Effective Inclusive Pedagogical Approaches in Greece
Authors: Rentzi Argyro
Published: May 2023

In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic appeared, due to which strict health measures were announced by the World Health Organization around the world. Among these health measures were the strict adherence to hygiene, the use of a protective mask and social isolation. These measures were, immediately, implemented in schools worldwide. School, after all, is a living social system, which is included in the wider society and interacts with it. For this reason, every important social phenomenon that brings about changes in the way of life of humanity (pandemic, war, etc.), directly affects the school environment, forcing its adaptation to them. Therefore, schools in Greece implemented distance education for all the students, during the 2020-21 school year, applying inclusive distance education practices for children with special educational needs and disabilities. In Greek schools, children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder belong in the category of “students with special educational needs”. Unfortunately, as proven by research, COVID-19 had a negative impact on children, diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, having affected children’s behavior to such an extent that great difficulties are observed in their adapting to the social conditions of school. Because of these results, inclusive pedagogical practices are formed in Greek public primary education to help these children adjust into the school learning environment. This theoretical study will document the above facts and will, also, present these practices.
Psychotropic Deprescribing in the Geriatric Population: A Review
Authors: Prasad Sakshi , Katta Maanya , Sarangi Ashish
Published: May 2023

Background: Potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) is defined as the usage of a medication for which the risks surpass the perceived benefits, particularly when more efficient alternatives exist. The focus has now shifted from prescribing to deprescribing, especially with one aging. Methods: Based on the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) criteria, we performed a search of articles published in Medline and google scholar databases between 2008 and 2022 using terms such as Deprescribing, Psychogeriatric patients, polypharmacy, psychotropic drugs, benzodiazepines, and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM). The initial search yielded 3058 articles. After review, 53 articles were included for discussion. Discussion: Polypharmacy and multimorbidity are multifaceted interconnected concepts in geriatric care that call for timely intervention and interdisciplinary management across each healthcare and social setting. And although the literature and studies on the benefits are variable, deprescribing appears to be overall efficacious. Conclusion: Further research on the efficacy of strategies and existing guidelines in lowering PIMs in geriatric psychiatry patients is warranted. The purpose of this review is to give an outline of the current evidence to inform effective methods for deprescribing PIMs for older persons, with an emphasis on strategies clinicians can use to address challenges to these approaches
Combined immunotherapy and radiation induce cellular and humoral immune responses to tumor-associated antigens and prolong survival of patients with advanced cancers.
Authors: Mann Dean , Berlyn Kathleen
Published: May 2023

Immunotherapy is effective in treating patients with a variety of cancers We developed and employed an immunotherapeutic protocol that combined intra-tumor injection of autologous immature dendritic cells , with standard of care radiation to treat patients with a variety of different advanced solid tumors. Pre and post treatment peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( PBMC) were assayed for their capacity to kill autologous tumor cell lines that had been established from patients with different advanced solid tumors. PBMC obtained post treatment were cytotoxic to autologous but not allogeneic tumor cell lines. Cytotoxic activity increased as relative numbers of CD8+-CD56+ dual positive lymphoid cells increased in PBMC obtained post treatment. The autologous tumor cell line directed cytotoxicity was shown to be mediated by both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms. Cytotoxicity of PBMC obtained post treatment was enhanced after co-culture with autologous and not allogeneic tumor cell line lysates. Antibody activity to mesothelin, a tumor associated antigen expressed in a variety of solid tumors, increased in post treatment serum samples from lung cancer patients. These sera mediated antibody directed cellular cytotoxicity ( ADCC) to mesothelin expressing tumor cell lines. SSurvival of 96 patients with a variety advanced cancers patients treated on this protocol over a 3 year period and followed for 1000+ days was significantly increased in patients with low tumor burden ( lesion at <5 sites with diameters < 3cm) (Km= <0.0001) regardless of malignancy. These findings support application of this combination of immunotherapy and radiation in the treatment of cancer patients with advanced disease
Rare Complications of Celiac Disease: Clinicopathologic Features
Authors: Tinguria Mukund
Published: May 2023

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune mediated disorder characterised by intolerance to glutens in certain grains like whet, barley, and rye. The exposure to gliadin protein component in the susceptible individuals leads to an inflammatory reaction damaging small bowel mucosa with progressive disappearance of intestinal villi. The damaged intestinal mucosa leads to malabsorption. The usual symptoms of celiac disease include diarrhea, steatorrhea, weight loss, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Diagnosis is based on clinical features, duodenal biopsy, elevated levels of anti-gliadin antibodies and response to gluten free diet. Contrary to common belief, celiac disease is a protein systemic disease rather than merely a pure digestive alteration. Celiac disease is closely associated with genes that code HLA -II antigens mainly of DQ2 and DQ8 classes, production of disease specific antibodies (i.e., endomysial antibodies), multiorgan involvement, comorbidity with other autoimmune diseases (shared autoimmunity), familial aggregation, and immune system dysregulation. The clinical presentation of celiac disease can be variable. In mild form, patients can be almost asymptomatic whereas in the most severe form, the patients are at increased risk of life-threatening complications. Celiac disease has a well-known association with other autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune liver diseases (autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis), diabetes mellitus, autoimmune thyroid diseases, skin diseases such as dermatitis herpetiformis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren’s syndrome, psoriasis, sarcoidosis, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and pancreatitis. In addition, celiac disease may be associated with rare but potentially serious complications such as, collagenous sprue, ulcerative jejunoileitis, refractory celiac disease (RCD), enteropathy associated T-cell lymphoma, small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA), hyposplenism, and cavitating mesenteric lymph node syndrome (CMLNS). The present article describes clinicopathologic features of these rare but serious complications of celiac disease.
Insights on the Pathophysiology of the Progression to Decompensated Hepato-Splenic Schistosomiasis
Authors: Carvalho Bernardo
Published: May 2023

Hepato-splenic schistosomiasis is the most important etiology of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. It represents a particular type of chronic liver disease, which presents unique characteristics that differentiate it from those found in cirrhosis. The relative preservation of liver parenchyma despite portal fibrosis was thought to yield a more benign course of hepato-splenic schistosomiasis in terms of synthetic dysfunction and late decompensations. However, a wide range of immunologic and vascular modifications is responsible for an otherwise progressive liver disease resulting in decompensated condition frequently undistinguished from hepatic cirrhosis. A predominant Th2 immune response type, in which a fibrogenic profile of cytokines and interleukins such as IL-13, provides an immune-inflammatory background that favors fibrosis and its progression. Intra-hepatic vascular changes with portal vein branch derangement and abnormal vascular proliferation also contribute to continued disarray of the liver architecture resulting in decompensated disease frequently undistinguished from hepatic cirrhosis. This article will review immunologic and pathophysiological aspects of hepato-splenic schistosomiasis that might explain disease progression and severity.
A Pilot Study of Neurobiological Mechanisms of Stress and Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Bremner J. , Piccinelli Marina , Garcia Ernest , Moncayo Valeria , Elon Lisa , Nye Jonathon , David C. , Washington Brianna , Ortega Rebeca , Desai Shivang , Okoh Alexis , Cheung Brian , Soyebo Britt , Shallenberger Lucy , Raggi Paolo , Shah Amit , Daaboul Obada , Jajeh Mohamed , Ziegler Carrie , Driggers Emily , Murrah Nancy , Cecco Carlo , Assen Marly , Krafty Robert , Quyyumi Arshed , Vaccarino Viola
Published: May 2023

Objective: Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death and disability. Although psychological stress has been identified as an important potential contributor, mechanisms by which stress increases risk of heart disease and mortality are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to assess mechanisms by which stress acts through the brain and heart to confer increased CHD risk. Methods: Coronary Heart Disease patients (N=10) underwent cardiac imaging with [Tc-99m] sestamibi single photon emission tomography at rest and during a public speaking mental stress task. Patients returned for a second day and underwent positron emission tomography imaging of the brain, heart, bone marrow, aorta (indicating inflammation) and subcutaneous adipose tissue, after injection of [18F]2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose for assessment of glucose uptake followed mental stress. Patients with (N=4) and without (N=6) mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia were compared for glucose uptake in brain, heart, adipose tissue and aorta with mental stress. Results: Patients with mental stress-induced ischemia showed a pattern of increased uptake in the heart, medial prefrontal cortex, and adipose tissue with stress. In the heart disease group as a whole, activity increase with stress in the medial prefrontal brain and amygdala correlated with stress-induced increases in spleen (r=0.69, p=0.038; and r=0.69, p=0.04 respectfully). Stress-induced frontal lobe increased uptake correlated with stress-induced aorta uptake (r=0.71, p=0.016). Activity in insula and medial prefrontal cortex was correlated with post-stress activity in bone marrow and adipose tissue. Activity in other brain areas not implicated in stress did not show similar correlations. Increases in medial prefrontal activity with stress correlated with increased cardiac glucose uptake with stress, suggestive of myocardial ischemia (r=0.85, p=0.004). Conclusions: These findings suggest a link between brain response to stress in key areas mediating emotion and peripheral organs involved in inflammation and hematopoietic activity, as well as myocardial ischemia, in Coronary Heart Disease patients.
Barriers to Mammography Screening among Black Women at a Community Health Center in South Florida, USA
Authors: Jones Tarsha , Wisdom-Chambers Karen , Freeman Katherine , Edwards Karethy
Published: May 2023

Background: In the United States (US), Black/African American women suffer disproportionately from breast cancer health disparities with a 40% higher death rate compared to White women. Mammography screening is considered a critical tool in mitigating disparities, yet Black women experience barriers to screening and are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess the relative frequency of mammography screening and to examine perceived and actual barriers to screening among women who receive care in our nurse-led community health center. Methods: We conducted a survey examining frequency of mammography screening and beliefs about breast cancer including perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers to mammography screening, guided by the Champion Health Belief Model. Results: A total of 30 Black/African American women completed the survey. The mean age of the participants was 54.3 years ± 9.17 (SD); 43.3% had a high school education or less; 50% had incomes below $60,000 per year; 26.7% were uninsured; 10% were on Medicaid; and only 50% were working full-time. We found that only half of the participants reported having annual mammograms 16 (53.3%), 1 (3.3%) every 6 months, 8 (26.6%) every 2-3 years, and 5 (16.7%) never had a mammogram in their lifetime. Frequently cited barriers included: ‘getting a mammogram would be inconvenient for me’; ‘getting a mammogram could cause breast cancer’; ‘the treatment I would get for breast cancer would be worse than the cancer itself’; ‘being treated for breast cancer would cause me a lot of problems’; ‘other health problems would keep me from having a mammogram’; concern about pain with having a mammogram would keep me from having one; and not being able to afford a mammogram would keep me from having one’. Having no health insurance was also a barrier. Conclusion: This study found suboptimal utilization of annual screening mammograms among low-income Black women at a community health center in Florida and women reported several barriers. Given the high mortality rate of breast cancer among Black/African American women, we have integrated a Patient Navigator in our health system to reduce barriers to breast cancer screening, follow-up care, and to facilitate timely access to treatment, thus ultimately reducing breast cancer health disparities and promoting health equity.