bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of resveratrol against cadmium-induced toxicity on ovine oocyte in vitro maturation and fertilization
Authors: Piras Anna Rita , Ariu Federica , Maltana Alessio , Leoni Giovanni Giuseppe , Martino Nicola Antonio , Mastrorocco Antonella , Dell’Aquila Maria Elena , Bogliolo Luisa
Published: July 2022

Background

Heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental contaminant with a potential toxicity that might negatively affect female reproduction and fertility. It has been reported that Cd exposure impaired the quality of oocytes and led to a defective maturation and fertilization, through oxidative stress induction. Resveratrol (Res) is a natural polyphenol with strong antioxidant properties that exhibited protective role in preventing oocyte redox homeostasis disruption and quality decline. Here, we explored whether the addition of Res to in vitro maturation (IVM) medium might act as a protection against Cd-induced toxicity on ovine oocyte maturation and fertilization. Firstly, we evaluated the effect of supplementing IVM medium with two different Res concentrations (1 and 2 μmol/L) on nuclear maturation and fertilization of oocytes matured under CdCl2 (2 μmol/L) exposure. Therefore, the concentration of 1 μmol/L Res was selected to analyse the effects of this compound on intracellular ROS levels, mitochondrial (mt) distribution and activity, chromatin configuration, cytoskeleton morphology, cortical granules (CGs) distribution and mRNA expression of genes associated with cellular response to oxidative stress (i.e. SIRT1, SOD 1, GPX1, GSR, CAT) in Cd-exposed in vitro matured oocytes.

Results

We found that 1 μmol/L Res restored the reduced oocyte meiotic competence induced by Cd exposure as well as, Res sustained oocyte ability to be normally fertilized and decreased polyspermic fertilization at both tested concentrations. Moreover, we demonstrated that 1 μmol/L Res mitigated Cd-induced alterations of oocyte cytoplasmic maturation by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, preventing mt dysfunction, maintaining the correct meiotic spindle and cortical F-actin assembly and the normal cortical granule distribution as well as up-regulating SIRT1, SOD1 and GPX1 genes.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings highlighted the beneficial influence exerted by Res in preventing Cd-induced disturbance of nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation and subsequent fertilization in ovine oocytes. Res treatment may help to establish defence strategies counteracting Cd-induced toxicity on the female gamete.
Widespread alterations in microRNA biogenesis in human Huntington’s disease putamen
Authors: Petry Serena , Keraudren Rémi , Nateghi Behnaz , Loiselle Andréanne , Pircs Karolina , Jakobsson Johan , Sephton Chantelle , Langlois Mélanie , St-Amour Isabelle , Hébert Sébastien S.
Published: July 2022

Altered microRNA (miRNA) expression is a common feature of Huntington’s disease (HD) and could participate in disease onset and progression. However, little is known about the underlying causes of miRNA disruption in HD. We and others have previously shown that mutant Huntingtin binds to Ago2, a central component of miRNA biogenesis, and disrupts mature miRNA levels. In this study, we sought to determine if miRNA maturation per se was compromised in HD. Towards this end, we characterized major miRNA biogenesis pathway components and miRNA maturation products (pri-miRNA, pre-miRNA, and mature) in human HD (N = 41, Vonsattel grades HD2-4) and healthy control (N = 25) subjects. Notably, the striatum (putamen) and cortex (BA39) from the same individuals were analyzed in parallel. We show that Ago2, Drosha, and Dicer were strongly downregulated in human HD at the early stages of the disease. Using a panel of HD-related miRNAs (miR-10b, miR-196b, miR-132, miR-212, miR-127, miR-128), we uncovered various types of maturation defects in the HD brain, the most prominent occurring at the pre-miRNA to mature miRNA maturation step. Consistent with earlier findings, we provide evidence that alterations in autophagy could participate in miRNA maturation defects. Notably, most changes occurred in the striatum, which is more prone to HTT aggregation and neurodegeneration. Likewise, we observed no significant alterations in miRNA biogenesis in human HD cortex and blood, strengthening tissue-specific effects. Overall, these data provide important clues into the underlying mechanisms behind miRNA alterations in HD-susceptible tissues. Further investigations are now required to understand the biological, diagnostic, and therapeutic implications of miRNA/RNAi biogenesis defects in HD and related neurodegenerative disorders.
Long-chain alkenones in the Shimosa Group reveal palaeotemperatures of the Pleistocene interglacial Palaeo-Tokyo Bays
Authors: Kajita Hiroto , Nakazawa Tsutomu , Utsunomiya Masayuki , Ohkouchi Naohiko , Sato Miyako , Harada Naomi , Kawahata Hodaka
Published: July 2022

The Shimosa Group, a Middle- to Late-Pleistocene sedimentary succession, has been the focus of stratigraphic attention because it lies beneath the Tokyo metropolitan area of central Japan. It is also of palaeoclimatic significance because it contains important interglacial marine strata of the past 450,000 years. Because the marine strata of the Shimosa Group were formed in the shallow inner bay known as the Palaeo-Tokyo Bay, rare occurrences of planktonic foraminifera make it difficult to quantitatively reconstruct the palaeo-sea surface temperatures (SSTs). Here, we extracted long-chain alkenones (LCAs) from the core GS-UR-1 penetrating the Shimosa Group to Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 11. We found that the alkenone unsaturation ratio appears to reflect the SST of the Palaeo-Tokyo Bay formed during the peaks of MISs 5e, 7e, 9, and 11, which was consistent with the inflowing water mass changes inferred from the benthic foraminiferal assemblages. The palaeo-SSTs during each interglacial period were 2–3 °C higher than the pre-industrial levels of Tokyo Bay and seemed to reach a level similar to that of the Holocene thermal maximum. The findings of this study demonstrate that the LCA-based proxy, which has not before been utilised in studies on the Shimosa Group, has strong potential to provide palaeoceanic and stratigraphic information.
Chorioretinal abnormalities in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: case reports
Authors: Ariello Leonardo E. , Mello Luiz Guilherme Marchesi , Pimentel Sérgio Luis Gianotti , Monteiro Mário L. R.
Published: July 2022

Background

Papilledema is the main ocular finding in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) although several chorioretinal abnormalities may also occur and contribute to visual loss. The purpose of this paper is to describe two cases of chorioretinal abnormalities associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension: one with choroidal folds and another with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, an extremely unusual ocular complication in the disease.

Case presentation

Case 1: A 47-year-old woman previous diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension treated with weight loss and acetazolamide that over the following 6 months had optic disc edema gradually resolved. The patient was follow-up for a period of 10 years and the papilledema disappeared, but choroidal folds remained unchanged. Case 2: A 61-year-old female patient was seen as a follow-up examination of a 5-year history of IIH that presented with papilledema. The patient was asymptomatic but fundoscopy evaluation revealed a yellowish white peripapillary subretinal nodular lesion temporally in OD. Multimodal imaging studies were made, and the patient was diagnosed with a rare and just recent described association of IIH and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

Conclusion

Papilledema, RNFL and retinal ganglion cell loss are the most common structural complications of IIH, but chorioretinal complications are important findings and should be carefully evaluated in such patients. Awareness of such occurrence and the use of appropriated clinical and multimodal imaging studies are of great importance for its early detection, leading to proper treatment and prevention of further visual loss.
Saphenous nerve block versus femoral nerve block in enhanced recovery after knee replacement surgery under spinal anaesthesia
Authors: El-Ghandour Aya Mahmoud , Mohamed Ahmed Saeed , Abosief Eman Mohamed Kamal , Ghoneim Mohammed Mohammed Abd El-Fattah , Ahmad Aya Hisham Moussa
Published: July 2022

Background

Inadequate pain management after total knee replacement (TKR) prolongs recovery time and increases the risk of postoperative complications. Peripheral nerve fibres blockade has been used as a mode of analgesia after TKR. Femoral nerve block (FNB) is often used to provide postoperative analgesia after TKR. However, FNB causes quadriceps muscle weakness leading to delayed ambulation, patient discomfort and prolonged hospital stay. Nowadays, saphenous nerve block is a relatively new alternative being superior to FNB for providing pure blockage of sensory nerve fibres with preserving quadriceps muscle strength.

Results

Results of this study showed that leg raising test percentages were significantly higher in group S compared to group F (86.7% versus 43.3% respectively), whereas, time up and go (TUG) test values were significantly lower in group S compared to group F (Mean ±SD values were 22.47 ± 4.93 versus 44.6 ± 4.18 respectively with a p-value < 0.0001). Numerical rating score (NRS) for pain scoring was measured at 30 min after admission to PACU, 3, 6, 12 and 24hrs postoperatively showed no significant differences in both groups F & S (1;(0-2), 1;(1-2), 2;(1-2), 2;(1-2), 2;(2-2) versus 1;(0-2), 1;(1-2), 2;(1-3), 2;(1-2), 2;(2-3) respectively with a p-value 0.42, 0.1, 0.1, 0.49, 0.67). Also, both groups showed no significant difference in cumulative 1st 24hrs Nalbuphine consumption (Mean ±SD were 15.33 ± 7.3 for F group versus 14.33 ± 6.26 for S group with a p-value 0.57).

Conclusions

Despite the excellent analgesic effect of FNB, saphenous nerve block could be a favorable choice as a mode of analgesia after TKR, as it preserves quadriceps motor strength and promotes early mobilization compared to FNB.
The supply-side effects of cannabis legalization
Authors: Han Joohun , Ng’ombe John N.
Published: July 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study is to examine how cannabis legalization and corresponding taxation would affect the supply-side of the cannabis market. Specifically, the study considers various scenarios in which Oklahoma legalizes recreational cannabis for adult use and simulates changes in state-level market sales for other legal states and the average grower profits in Oklahoma. We assume that legalizing recreational cannabis in medical-only states would significantly increase the demand quantity in the legalized states and the local government would levy a significant level of tax on recreational cannabis. These assumptions are based on the post-legalization phenomena in other legalized US states.

Method

We simulate outcomes in the cannabis industry under the assumption of representative consumers with constant elasticity of substitution demand behavior and profit-maximizing firms with a Cobb-Douglas profit function. All agents are assumed to take exogenous prices as given. We calibrate the model using state-level sales data from 2020 and explore potential policies in Oklahoma and at the federal level.

Results

We find that, under the scenarios we consider, legalization of recreational cannabis in Oklahoma would lead to a decrease in the quantity of cannabis sold in Oklahoma’s medical cannabis market as well as decreases in the quantity of cannabis sold in other states on average. Furthermore, we find that as the excise tax rate on recreational cannabis in Oklahoma is increased, the demand quantity in recreational cannabis market would decrease while the other markets’ demand quantity would increase on average. As the elasticity of substitution between state-level products increases, the overall demand quantity would increase and the market quantity across states become more sensitive to Oklahoma’s tax policies. This pattern could become starker as the elasticity of substitution between recreational and medical cannabis increases. In terms of profit, heavy taxation and price decrease due to legalization would significantly decrease cannabis producers’ production and profit levels unless the cost reduction strategies complement legalization.

Conclusion

Based on our results, the legalization of recreational cannabis has the potential to generate tax revenue to fund critical government projects and services. However, such legalization would have to be done carefully because heavy excise taxes would decrease the legal cannabis market demand and growers’ profit, which would incentivize producers and consumers to move to the illicit cannabis market. Policymakers would have to compromise between the levels of interstate transportation and taxation to ensure that cannabis suppliers also realize some profit within the cannabis supply chain.
Anti-cancer properties of cannflavin A and potential synergistic effects with gemcitabine, cisplatin, and cannabinoids in bladder cancer
Authors: Tomko Andrea M. , Whynot Erin G. , Dupré Denis J.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Several studies have shown anti-tumor effects of components present in cannabis in different models. Unfortunately, little is known about the potential anti-tumoral effects of most compounds present in cannabis in bladder cancer and how these compounds could potentially positively or negatively impact the actions of chemotherapeutic agents. Our study aims to evaluate the effects of a compound found in Cannabis sativa that has not been extensively studied to date, cannflavin A, in bladder cancer cell lines. We aimed to identify whether cannflavin A co-treatment with agents commonly used to treat bladder cancer, such as gemcitabine and cisplatin, is able to produce synergistic effects. We also evaluated whether co-treatment of cannflavin A with various cannabinoids could produce synergistic effects.

Methods

Two transitional cell carcinoma cell lines were used to assess the cytotoxic effects of the flavonoid cannflavin A up to 100 μM. We tested the potential synergistic cytotoxic effects of cannflavin A with gemcitabine (up to 100 nM), cisplatin (up to 100 μM), and cannabinoids (up to 10 μM). We also evaluated the activation of the apoptotic cascade using annexin V and whether cannflavin A has the ability to reduce invasion using a Matrigel assay.

Results

Cell viability of bladder cancer cell lines was affected in a concentration-dependent fashion in response to cannflavin A, and its combination with gemcitabine or cisplatin induced differential responses—from antagonistic to additive—and synergism was also observed in some instances, depending on the concentrations and drugs used. Cannflavin A also activated apoptosis via caspase 3 cleavage and was able to reduce invasion by 50%. Interestingly, cannflavin A displayed synergistic properties with other cannabinoids like Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabichromene, and cannabivarin in the bladder cancer cell lines.

Discussion

Our results indicate that compounds from Cannabis sativa other than cannabinoids, like the flavonoid cannflavin A, can be cytotoxic to human bladder transitional carcinoma cells and that this compound can exert synergistic effects when combined with other agents. In vivo studies will be needed to confirm the activity of cannflavin A as a potential agent for bladder cancer treatment.
Comparison of grain protein profiles of Brazilian cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) cultivars based on principal component analysis
Authors: Honaiser Tuany Camila , Rossi Gabriela Barbosa , de Moura Rocha Maurisrael , Arisi Ana Carolina Maisonnave
Published: July 2022

This study aims to compare the grain protein profile of four Brazilian cowpea cultivars (BRS Aracê, BRS Itaim, BRS Pajeú, and BRS Xiquexique) by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and principal component analysis (PCA). 2-DE efficiently separate cowpea protein profiles, showing high homogeneity among the four cultivars. In addition, the principal component analysis indicated that there is a difference in abundance of proteins among the cultivars. The cultivars BRS Aracê and BRS Xiquexique, both biofortified in iron and zinc, were separated from the cultivars BRS Itaim and BRS Pajeú. These results demonstrate that protein profiles can be used to discriminate cowpea varieties.

Graphical Abstract
Epidemiology and Risk Factors for the Development of Infectious Complications in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study in Latin America
Authors: Bove Virginia , Riva Eloísa , Vásquez Jule , Peña Camila , Seehaus Cristian , Samanez César , Bustos Justina , Hernández Marcos , Fernández Julio , Ríos Oliday , Rodríguez Yusaima , Figueredo Irving , Fantl Dorotea , Malpica Luis
Published: July 2022

PURPOSE

Infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). In Latin America, data on infectious complications in this patient population are lacking.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study of patients with newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) in seven Latin American countries between June 2019 and May 2020. Patients with active disease, on active therapy, and with a follow-up of 6 months from the time of diagnosis were included. Our primary end point was the number of infectious events that required hospitalization for ≥ 24 hours.

RESULTS

Of 248 patients with NDMM, 89 (35.9%) had infectious complications (113 infectious events), the majority (67.3%) within the first 3 months from diagnosis. The most common sites of infection were respiratory (38%) and urinary tract (31%). The microbial agent was identified in 57.5% of patients with gram-negative bacteria (73.5%) as the most common pathogen. Viral infections were infrequent, and no patients with fungal infection were reported. In the multivariable analysis, diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR], 2.71; 95% CI, 1.23 to 6.00; P = .014), creatinine ≥ 2 mg/dL (OR, 4.87; 95% CI, 2.29 to 10.35; P < .001), no use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis (OR, 6.66; 95% CI, 3.43 to 12.92; P < .001), and treatment with immunomodulatory drugs (OR, 3.02; 95% CI, 1.24 to 6.29; P = .003) were independent factors associated with bacterial infections. At 6 months, 21 patients (8.5%) had died, 47.6% related to infectious complications.

CONCLUSION

Bacterial infections are a substantial cause of hospital admissions and early death in patients with NDMM. Antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered to reduce infectious complications in patients with MM.
Palliative Care Use Among People Living With HIV and Cancer: An Analysis of the National Cancer Database (2004-2018)
Authors: Islam Jessica Y. , Nogueira Leticia , Suneja Gita , Coghill Anna , Akinyemiju Tomi
Published: July 2022

PURPOSE:

People living with HIV (PLWH) diagnosed with cancer are less likely to receive quality cancer treatment compared with HIV-negative patients. Timely provision of palliative care (PC) during cancer treatment can increase patient's survival and improve quality of life. Our objective was to compare the use of PC by HIV status among adults diagnosed with cancer in the United States.

METHODS:

More than 19 million individuals age 18-90 years diagnosed with the 11 most common cancers among PLWH were selected from the National Cancer Database (2004-2018). The National Cancer Database defined PC as any surgery, radiation, systemic therapy, or pain management treatment with noncurative intent. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations between HIV status and PC receipt by cancer site and stage after adjustment for covariates.

RESULTS:

The study population included 52,306 HIV-positive (average age: 56.5 years) and 19,115,520 HIV-negative (average age: 63.7 years) cancer cases. PLWH diagnosed with stage I-III cancer were more likely to receive PC compared with their HIV-negative counterparts (adjusted odds ratio [aO]: 1.96; 95% CI, 1.80 to 2.14); however, they were also less likely to receive curative cancer treatment (aOR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.59). PLWH diagnosed with stage IV cancer were less likely to receive PC (aOR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.74) compared with HIV-negative patients. When evaluated by cancer site, PLWH diagnosed with stage IV lung (aOR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.87) and colorectal (aOR, 0.72, 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.95) cancers were less likely to receive PC than HIV-negative patients.

CONCLUSION:

PLWH diagnosed with stage IV cancer, particularly lung and colorectal cancers, were less likely to receive PC compared with cancer patients without HIV. PLWH with nonmetastatic disease were more likely to receive PC but less likely to receive curative treatment, reinforcing that clinical strategies are needed to improve the quality of care among PLWH.
Insulin Shocks
Authors: White Joseph , Corwin Nicholas
Published: July 2022

Some of the news about insulin is shocking. In the United States, people have died because they were rationing a life-saving medication discovered in the 1920s. How could this happen? Perhaps a better question is why anyone should be surprised. The insulin story both illustrates and challenges many understandings of the problems with insurance, treatment, payment, and politics in the US health care system. It particularly highlights consequences of structuring price discounts as rebates to health plans or government instead of as lower individual prices to patients. Perversely, this encourages higher list prices, which, for patients without insurance or with high cost sharing, make insulin less affordable than it would be without the rebates.
Feasibility, Safety, and Preliminary Efficacy of Very Low-Volume Interval Training in Advanced Cancer Patients
Authors: RELJIC DEJAN , HERRMANN HANS J. , JAKOBS BENEDIKT , DIETERICH WALBURGA , MOUGIAKAKOS DIMITRIOS , NEURATH MARKUS F. , ZOPF YURDAGÜL
Published: July 2022

Purpose

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to improve cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and health-related outcomes in various chronic diseases, including cancer. However, data on feasibility and efficacy of HIIT in advanced cancer patients are still sparse, presumably because of safety concerns, like suspected immunosuppression after vigorous exercise. This randomized, sham-intervention controlled study aimed to investigate feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of very low-volume HIIT (LOW-HIIT) in advanced cancer patients.

Methods

Twenty-seven patients (55.4 ± 13.2 yr) with different advanced cancers (Union for International Cancer Control [UICC] III/IV) were randomly allocated to LOW-HIIT (n = 13), consisting of 5 × 1 min cycle ergometer intervals (14 min per session total duration) at 80% to 95% HRpeak (two sessions per week for 12 wk), or a sham intervention (n = 14) performing light physical mobilization exercises (SHAM). Primary outcomes were attrition and attendance rates, with values of ≤25% and ≥80%, respectively, considered acceptable. Secondary outcomes were safety, protocol fidelity, physiological (including CRF measures) and patient-reported outcomes (including fatigue and quality of life).

Results

One of 13 patients (8%) receiving LOW-HIIT dropped out. Mean attendance rate was ~93%. The prescribed minimum exercise intensity was consistently reached by all patients. Low-volume HIIT was well tolerated and not associated with any serious adverse event nor with increased infection susceptibility. There were no biochemical signs of acute immunosuppression after LOW-HIIT. Contrarily, differentiation and degranulation of natural killer cells was acutely increased postexercise. Low-volume HIIT improved CRF measures including peak oxygen uptake, self-reported fatigue, physical, and social functioning. No significant changes occurred in the SHAM group.

Conclusions

Low-volume HIIT can be regarded as feasible and safe in advanced cancer patients. Our preliminary data indicate favorable acute effects on NK-cells and beneficial chronic adaptations in CRF, fatigue, and aspects of quality of life.
Pregnant women's diets and fatty acid intake - a study of the frequency of intake of products that are sources of fatty acids among women in the third trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Grot Martina , Grabowska Kinga , Białek-Dratwa Agnieszka , Grajek Mateusz
Published: July 2022

Background: Polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential for the human body, have several positive functions that affect human health. Pregnancy is a time of particular demand for these acids, especially DHA and EPA, whose sources are mainly oily marine fish. The supply of adequate amounts of these acids conditions the proper development of the fetus, influencing, among other things, the formation of the central nervous system and the development of the child's retina, as well as protecting against premature birth and increasing the child's birth weight. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of consumption of fish, vegetable oils, and products rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and evaluate DHA supplementation by pregnant women, as well as to assess knowledge of PFAs, especially DHA and EPA.Material and methods: 210 pregnant women were included in the study. A self-administered and online survey questionnaires were used as the research tool. A database was created using Microsoft Excel.Results: According to the recommended amounts, 2-3 times a week, Marine fish was consumed by only 12.86% of the women surveyed. Regular consumption of ALA-rich products, such as flaxseed, was declared by 10 respondents, while 59.05% of the surveyed women did not consume it at all. The use of DHA acid supplementation during pregnancy was unequivocally declared by 58 women surveyed, representing only ¼ of the women surveyed.Conclusions: The dietary behavior of pregnant women related to fish consumption is not correct, the overall proportion of fish in the diet of the subjects does not cover the recommended amounts. Vegetable oils and products rich in PFAs are not consumed with adequate frequency by pregnant women. DHA supplementation by pregnant women, despite low fish consumption, is underestimated and at a very low level.
Fatores associados à aderência em programa comunitário de atividade física numa capital brasileira
Authors: Monteiro Glauber Rocha , Santos Cristiane Kelly Aquino dos , Pereira Gilene de Jesus , Silva Roberto Jerônimo dos Santos
Published: July 2022

Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar os fatores associados à aderência em um Programa Comunitário de Atividade Física de uma capital do nordeste brasileiro. Trata-se de uma coorte retrospectiva, de base populacional. Foram analisados 2.616 registros de participantes, relacionando tempo de adesão à dezesseis covariáveis referente a dados sociodemográficos, estilo de vida, percepção de saúde e doenças referidas por diagnóstico clínico, entre 2004 e 2009. Foi utilizado estimador de sobrevida não-paramétrico Kaplan-Meier para caracterizar o grupo e estimar a aderência e o teste de logrank para comparar as categorias de cada covariável, utilizando p ≤ 0,20. Foram inseridas no modelo final de Cox àquelas que apresentaram valor de p ≤ 0,05, determinando a Razão de Chance (OR) da aderência com um intervalo de confiança de 95%. As análises foram realizadas no SPSS for Windows® versão 22. Foi observado 97,4% casos de desistência e 2,6% de censura. Mantiveram chances de aderência “grupamento etário de 35-59 anos de idade” (OR = 1,839; IC95%: 1,625 – 2,083), “60 anos de idade ou mais” (OR = 1,197; IC95%: 1,080 – 1,325) e “estresse” (OR = 1,087; IC95%: 1,004 – 1,178). Apresentaram menores chances de aderência indivíduos que relataram lombalgia (OR = 0,887; IC95%: 0,810 – 0,972) e aqueles com renda entre um e três salários mínimos mensais (OR = 0,751; IC95%: 0,596 - 0,961). Assim, verifica-se baixa aderência nos primeiros meses de participação, em que adultos, idosos e participantes com estresse apresentam maiores chances de aderência, ao contrário dos lombálgicos e indivíduos menos abastados.
Covid-19 Pandemic and Dentistry: Perception of Dental Trainees from Peshawar Regarding their Mental Health
Authors: Zaib Aalia , GILANI SYED IMRAN , ZAIB UBAID , Asif Muhammad
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to find out the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of House Officers (HO) and Postgraduates (PG) dental trainees. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 380 participants. A total number of 194 HOs and 186 PG trainees from all the teaching dental hospitals of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa participated. The time duration of this study was December 2020 till March 2021. A self-administered questionnaire was used that comprised of closed-ended questions on perceptions of trainees regarding their mental health. The data was recorded and analyzed using SPSS statistical package 26.0. A total number of 380 Trainee dentists participated in the study and half of them (48%) reported to be tested positive for COVID-19 previously. During the peak of the pandemic, the overall mental health (90.8%) of the participants was compromised. The most common reasons reported were financial issues (58.9%) and psychomotor skills (52.1%). Fear of putting the family in danger (94.2%) was also a significant factor adding to mental health deterioration. It was also reported in our study that the females were more psychologically affected as compared to their male counterparts with a P-Value less than 0.05. This study shows the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of house officers and postgraduate dental trainees. Our research concluded that majority of internees mental health was negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant incidence of fear, anxiety, and concern, among other psychological symptoms.
Health visitors' experiences talking about difficulties with the parent–infant relationship
Authors: Kouvaras Stef , Hassett Alex , Lumsden Virginia
Published: July 2022

Parent–infant relationships are important for healthy child development and health visitors are in a prime position to highlight any difficulties. Limited research exists into health visitors' experiences of talking about these difficulties; therefore, this study aimed to shed further light on the subject. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 10 qualified health visitors working with parents and infants aged 0–4. Five themes emerged from the data: the felt experience – connection to the personal; the impact of containing and carrying the burden; how to name the elephant in the room; coping mechanisms; and some things help, some things hinder. Findings highlighted the emotional burden on participants leading to avoidance of having conversations. In conclusion, there is a need for reflective spaces and consultations, as well as future research to include exploring difficulties with fathers.
Veterinary nurse skill utilisation in small animal practice
Authors: Vivian Sarah R , Dumbell Lucy , Wilkinson Kate
Published: July 2022

Aim:

Confidence levels can be affected in individuals that do not clearly understand a job role; be it the employee, those that delegate to them or the owners of the patients that they treat. Determining how registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) are currently utilised in practice was one part of a study that looked at their overall preparedness to work within the veterinary environment.

Methods:

A vignette of the demographics of veterinary nurses was established and frequencies were determined for a variety of duties: 1) administration, 2) management and 3) patient care.

Results:

The results of this research indicate that there is more that can be done to promote the use of RVNs alongside the understanding of duties that should be carried out in this role. It must not be overlooked, however, that nurses are gaining opportunities to be involved in a variety of duties and therefore need to champion themselves to have these skills recognised.

Conclusion:

It is important RVNs fully understand their job role before they begin the much needed journey of embedding themselves into the practice.
Complex refractive indices of Spiro-TTB and C60 for optical analysis of perovskite silicon tandem solar cells
Authors: Sittinger Volker , Schulze Patricia S. C. , Messmer Christoph , Pflug Andreas , Goldschmidt Jan Christoph
Published: July 2022

Evaporated charge extraction layers from organic molecular materials are vital in perovskite-based solar cells. For opto-electronic device optimization their complex refractive indices must be known for the visible and near infrared wavelength regime; however, accurate determination from thin organic films below 50 nm can be challenging. By combining spectrophotometry, variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry, and X-ray reflectivity with an algorithm that simultaneously fits all available spectra, the complex refractive index of evaporated Spiro-TTB and C60 layers is determined with high accuracy. Based on that, an optical losses analysis for perovskite silicon solar cells shows that 15 nm of Spiro–TTB in the front of a n-i-p device reduces current by only 0.1 mA/cm2, compared to a substantial loss of 0.5 mA/cm2 due to 15 nm of C60 in a p-i-n device. Optical device simulation predicts high optical generation current densities of 19.7 and 20.1 mA/cm2 for the fully-textured, module-integrated p-i-n and n-i-p devices, respectively.
Noise-like pulse generation in an Nd-doped single-mode all-fiber mode-locked Raman laser operating at 0.93 µm
Authors: Zhang Bin , Li Ping , Zhang Xingyu , Li Ming , Liu Jing , Zhao Haoxu , Hu Qiongyu , Chen Xiaohan
Published: July 2022

Based on the Nd-doped single-mode fiber (SMF) as the gain medium and SMF as the Raman medium, an all-fiber mode-locked Raman laser operating at 0.93 µm waveband was demonstrated for the first time. A mandrel with a diameter of 10 mm was employed to introduce bending losses to suppress the dominant emission of Nd-doped fiber at 1.06 µm. A noise-like pulse with a pulse width of 194.70 fs, a repetition rate of 1.73 MHz and a single pulse energy of 2.03 nJ was obtained in the mode-locked Raman laser with a Stokes wavelength of 932.59 nm. Such an ultrafast all-fiber Raman laser operating at 0.93 µm has the advantages of low cost, simple structure and compactness, and can be used as an ideal light source for the two-photon microscopy.
Research on transmission characteristics of wireless ultraviolet communication in floating dust weather based on the particle scale spectrum
Authors: Zhang Lijian , Chen Jiaqi , Song Peng , Ma Shouling , Guo Hua
Published: July 2022

Floating dust weather has a great impact on wireless ultraviolet (UV) communication (UVC). In this paper, the distribution of floating dust particle spectrum is considered. And a wireless UV scattering communication model in floating dust weather is established. The transmission characteristics of UV channel are studied by the segmentation of floating dust particle spectrum. In order to reduce the complexity of particle spectrum segmentation algorithm and the simulation time, an equivalent particle size method is proposed based on the particle scale spectrum segmentation method. At the same time, the equivalent concentration of equivalent particles is given. The simulation results show that the path losses calculated by the two methods can be well fitted. Outdoor experiments of wireless UVC under different floating dust weather conditions are carried out. The simulation results are consistent with the experimental results, which verify the effectiveness of the equivalent particle size method based on particle spectrum distribution.
Large near-infrared lateral photovoltaic effect in an organic egg albumin/Si structure
Authors: Zhao Xinhui , Wang Renzhi , Bao Peng , Niu Yiru , Zheng Diyuan , Zhao Zhuyikang , Su Nan , Hu Chenhua , Hu Su , Wang Ying , Wang Hui
Published: July 2022

Previously reported photoelectric devices have mainly been limited to
inorganic materials. Even though preparing high-performance
photoelectric devices with organic biomaterials is an inevitable trend
in commercialization, fabricating organic photoelectric devices based
on naturally occurring materials with high sensitivity remains a great
challenge due to the high resistivity of and few free electrons in
these materials. Herein, high-performance photoelectric devices based
on an egg albumin (EA)/Si structure are proposed, and a new, to the
best of our knowledge, perspective is provided on photodetection in
naturally occurring materials by utilizing the surface state of p-Si
to separate light-induced carriers effectively. The free electrons of
metal atoms restrain the surface states, leading to a sensitivity of
5 mV/mm for metal/Si devices, while the sensitivity of the EA/Si
device in the near-infrared region is greatly promoted to 357 mW/mm,
which is intimately related to the lack of effect of EA on the
dangling bonds of the surface. The EA/Si device is among the most
sensitive organic near-infrared photoelectronic device to date. This
work opens up new avenues to overcome the obstacle of the low
sensitivity of organic photodetectors, indicating that the EA/Si
device has great potential for future applications in flexible
photovoltaic devices.
Improving the laser performance of ion beam sputtered dielectric thin films through the suppression of nanoscale defects by employing a xenon sputtering gas
Authors: Mirkarimi P. B. , Harthcock C. , Qiu S. R. , Negres R. A. , Guss G. , Voisin T. , Hammons J. A. , Colla C. A. , Mason H. E. , Than A. , Vipin D. , Huang M.
Published: July 2022

Laser damage-prone precursors in high index materials such as hafnia are believed to be the primary limiter in the performance of dielectric multilayer films to advance ultra-high power and energy laser applications. Removing or suppressing these precursors is the key to fabricating laser damage resistant thin films for the enabling technologies. Early work has revealed that nanobubbles formed by entrapped argon (Ar) working gas in ion beam sputtering (IBS) produced hafnia films are primarily responsible for the onset of laser damage upon exposure to UV, ns-laser pulses. In this study, we demonstrate that the UV ns-laser damage onset of IBS produced hafnia films can be improved to 3.1 +/- 0.2 J/cm2 by substituting the conventional Ar working gas with xenon (Xe), a nearly 1 J/cm2 increase from that of the Ar produced hafnia films. In addition to the suppression of the overall point-defect density of the hafnia films, the reduction of the Xe entrapment eliminates the nanobubbles and the generation of plasmas that initiates the laser damage. The defect suppression and its correlation to the increase in laser damage threshold is revealed by the combined analysis of Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and laser damage testing. Monte Carlo simulations suggest a much smaller entrapment of Xe gas by comparison to Ar, which is attributed to the significant difference in the energy of the reflected neutrals (3X) which are likely to be implanted. These results provide an effective process route with a fundamental understanding for producing high laser damage resistant dielectric films for high power and high energy laser applications.
Effective medium approximation for the dielectric environment of coated gold nanorods
Authors: Lioi David B. , Izor Sarah N. , Varshney Vikas , DeJarnette Hugh M. , Derosa Pedro A. , Kennedy W. Joshua
Published: July 2022

Coated gold nanorods (GNRs) are attractive as chemical sensors because their plasmon resonance energy is strongly dependent on the value of the dielectric constant in the local environment. For thin coatings (<≈20 nm), the plasmon resonance is sensitive to both the coating and the surrounding medium, while for thicker coatings the plasmons are effectively screened from their surroundings. We use finite element modeling to develop a semi-empirical effective medium approximation for the dielectric constant surrounding GNRs 30-50 nm in length with coating thicknesses of 0.5-200 nm. We demonstrate that this approximation can be used to correctly interpret shifts in plasmon resonance energy when the dielectric constant of the surroundings changes with temperature. We compare plasmon resonances of gold nanorods embedded in an epoxy matrix when coated with polyethylene glycol or silica of various thicknesses during thermal cycling. The derived expression for the effective medium dielectric of a coated rod will help device engineers optimize the sensitivity and robustness of coated GNR plasmonic sensors.
The usefulness of D-dimer as a predictive marker for mortality in patients with COVID-19 hospitalized during the first wave in Italy
Authors: Hassan Shermarke , Ferrari Barbara , Rossio Raffaella , la Mura Vincenzo , Artoni Andrea , Gualtierotti Roberta , Martinelli Ida , Nobili Alessandro , Bandera Alessandra , Gori Andrea , Blasi Francesco , Monzani Valter , Costantino Giorgio , Harari Sergio , Rosendaal Frits Richard , Peyvandi Flora ,   on behalf of the COVID-19 Network working group
Published: July 2022

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents an urgent threat to global health. Identification of predictors of poor outcomes will assist medical staff in treatment and allocating limited healthcare resources.

Aims

The primary aim was to study the value of D-dimer as a predictive marker for in-hospital mortality.

Methods

This was a cohort study. The study population consisted of hospitalized patients (age >18 years), who were diagnosed with COVID-19 based on real-time PCR at 9 hospitals during the first COVID-19 wave in Lombardy, Italy (Feb-May 2020). The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. Information was obtained from patient records. Statistical analyses were performed using a Fine-Gray competing risk survival model. Model discrimination was assessed using Harrell’s C-index and model calibration was assessed using a calibration plot.

Results

Out of 1049 patients, 507 patients (46%) had evaluable data. Of these 507 patients, 96 died within 30 days. The cumulative incidence of in-hospital mortality within 30 days was 19% (95CI: 16%-23%), and the majority of deaths occurred within the first 10 days. A prediction model containing D-dimer as the only predictor had a C-index of 0.66 (95%CI: 0.61–0.71). Overall calibration of the model was very poor. The addition of D-dimer to a model containing age, sex and co-morbidities as predictors did not lead to any meaningful improvement in either the C-index or the calibration plot.

Conclusion

The predictive value of D-dimer alone was moderate, and the addition of D-dimer to a simple model containing basic clinical characteristics did not lead to any improvement in model performance.
Ripple density resolution dependence on ripple width
Authors: Supin Alexander Ya. , Milekhina Olga N. , Nechaev Dmitry I. , Tomozova Marina S.
Published: July 2022

The goal of the study was to investigate how variations in ripple width influence the ripple density resolution. The influence of the ripple width was investigated with two experimental paradigms: (i) discrimination between a rippled test signal and a rippled reference signal with opposite ripple phases and (ii) discrimination between a rippled test signal and a flat reference signal. The ripple density resolution depended on the ripple width: the narrower the width, the higher the resolution. For distinguishing between two rippled signals, the resolution varied from 15.1 ripples/oct at a ripple width of 9% of the ripple frequency spacing to 8.1 ripples/oct at 64%. For distinguishing between a rippled test signal and a non-rippled reference signal, the resolution varied from 85 ripples/oct at a ripple width of 9% to 9.3 ripples/oct at a ripple width of 64%. For distinguishing between two rippled signals, the result can be explained by the increased ripple depth in the excitation pattern due to the widening of the inter-ripple gaps. For distinguishing between a rippled test signal and a non-rippled reference signal, the result can be explained by the increased ratio between the autocorrelated and uncorrelated components of the input signal.
Structural insights into the RNA interaction with Yam bean Mosaic virus (coat protein) from Pachyrhizus erosus using bioinformatics approach
Authors: Acharya Varsha , Arutselvan R. , Pati Kalidas , Rout Ajaya Kumar , Dehury Budheswar , Chauhan V. B. S. , Nedunchezhiyan M.
Published: July 2022

Plants are constantly threatened by a virus infection, i.e., Potyviruses, the second largest genus of plant viruses which results in several million-dollar losses in various essential crops globally. Yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus) is considered to be one of the essential tuberous legume crops holding a great potential source of starch. Yam Bean Mosaic Virus (YBMV) of Potyvirus group belonging to the family potyviridae affects Yam bean and several angiosperms both in the tropical and sub-tropical regions causing large economical losses in crops. In this study, we attempted to understand the sequence-structure relationship and mode of RNA binding mechanism in YBMV CP using in silico integrative modeling and all-atoms molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The assembly of coat protein (CP) subunits from YBMV and the plausible mode of RNA binding were compared with the experimental structure of CP from Watermelon mosaic virus potyvirus (5ODV). The transmembrane helix region is present in the YBMV CP sequence ranging from 76 to 91 amino acids. Like the close structural-homolog, 24 CPs monomeric sub-units formed YBMV a conserved fold. Our computational study showed that ARG124, ARG155, and TYR151 orient towards the inner side of the virion, while, THR122, GLN125, SER92, ASP94 reside towards the outer side of the virion. Despite sharing very low sequence similarity with CPs from other plant viruses, the strongly conserved residues Ser, Arg, and Asp within the RNA binding pocket of YBMV CP indicate the presence of a highly conserved RNA binding site in CPs from different families. Using several bioinformatics tools and comprehensive analysis from MD simulation, our study has provided novel insights into the RNA binding mechanism in YBMV CP. Thus, we anticipate that our findings from this study will be useful for the development of new therapeutic agents against the pathogen, paving the way for researchers to better control this destructive plant virus.
A potential relationship between soil disinfestation efficacy and leaf green reflectance
Authors: Kim Steven B. , Fennimore Steven A. , Kim Dong Sub
Published: July 2022

Soil disinfestation with steam was evaluated as an alternative to fumigation. Following soil disinfestation, plant health has traditionally been measured using plant size and yield. Plant health can be measured in a timely manner more efficiently, more easily and non-destructively using image analysis. We hypothesized that plant health could be quantified and treatments can be differentiated using an RGB (Red, Green, Blue) image analysis program, particularly by observing the greenness of plant leaves. However, plant size or the proportion of green area could be unreliable due to plant loss and camera’s position and angle. To this end, we decided to evaluate plant health by analyzing the RGB codes associated with the green color only, which detects the chlorophyll reflectance and nutrient status, noting that the degree of greenness within the green-leaf-area was not affected by the plant size. We identified five RGB codes that are commonly observed in the plant leaves and ordered them from dark green to light green. Among the five RGB codes, the relative percentage covered by the darkest green to the lightest green was significantly different between the steam and chloropicrin treatments and the control, and it was not significantly different between the steam and chloropicrin treatments. Furthermore, the result was correlated with the total yield, and the trend observed in the first year was replicated in the second year of this experiment. In this study, we demonstrate that the RGB image analysis can be used as an early marker of the treatment effect on the plant health and productivity.