bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Türkiye’de 2017-2020 Yılları Arasında Yaşanan İş Kazaları ve Yaralanma Olaylarının İllere Göre Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: OZTURK Tufan
Published: September 2022

Türkiye’de iş kazaları nedeniyle işçiler ölüyor veya engelli kalıyor. Bu durum devleti ve toplumu çok boyutlu şekilde olumsuz etkiliyor. Bu nedenle iş kazalarının yapısının araştırılması ve önlenmesi gerekiyor. Bu çalışmada Türkiye’de meydana gelmiş iş kazaları ve sonrasındaki yaralanma durumları iller bakımından araştırılmıştır. Çalışmada iş kazaları ve bu iş kazalarında yaralanmış 5 günden daha fazla tedavi gerektiren kazazede sayılarına göre iller kümelenmiştir; sonrasında 100.000 istihdam başına düşen iş kazaları ve 100.000 istihdam başına düşen 5 günden daha fazla tedavi gerektiren kazazede sayılarına göre iller tekrar kümelenmiştir. Bu iki farklı teknikle yapılan kümeleme işleminde 81 ilin 4 farklı kümeye ayrıldığı belirlenmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlar, Türkiye il bazlı harita sistemine işlenerek yüksek riskli iller koyu renkli, düşük riskli iller açık renkli olarak işaretlenmiştir. Bu kapsamda; Zonguldak ile Bilecik başta olmak üzere Kocaeli, Manisa, Tekirdağ, Karaman, Yalova ve Karabük illerinde iş kazası ve yaralanmaların yoğun şekilde meydana geldiği belirlenmiştir. Çalışmanın sonuçları değerlendirilerek akademisyenlere, sosyal politika yetkililerine bazı önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
An Effective Average Tax Rate as the Deciding Factor in Tax Competitiveness in the Context of Foreign Investment Influx
Authors: Andrejovska Alena , Glova Jozef
Published: September 2022

A higher tax burden in individual countries need not always deter investors from investing profitably. Countries use tax burden levels in the form of changes in tax rates to attract foreign investment. The main objective of this study is to examine the tax competitiveness of the Slovak Republic compared to European Union (EU) countries (EU-27) and to evaluate the origin, extent, and form of investments from foreign investors in tangible and intangible assets in the Slovak Republic. To meet this objective, we first calculate the average tax rate for specific crossborder investments coming to Slovakia from all EU countries. To determine tax competitiveness, we compare the calculated effective average tax rate (EATR) with the EATR in individual EU countries. Finally, we perform an analysis of EATR and foreign direct investment (FDI) using cluster analysis, which categorises EU countries and evaluates their tax competitiveness. The analysis and comparison of values are conducted for the year 2019, while the countries are divided into old (EU-15) and new (EU-12) EU member countries. The article concludes that the calculated Slovak EART for cross-border investment is more profitable for old EU member countries and is, thus, more tax-competitive versus investors’ countries of origin. We can further state that the tax burden is among the most important indicators for investors and, thus, a lower EATR value than that in an investor’s country of origin contributes to the inflow of equity participation of FDI in Slovakia.
Analysing Labour-Based Estimates of Automation and Their Implications. A Comparative Approach from an Economic Competitiveness Perspective
Authors: Otoiu Adrian , Titan Emilia , Paraschiv Dorel Mihai , Dinu Vasile , Manea Daniela Ioana
Published: September 2022

Given the advent of Industry 4.0 and the importance of labour-based automation in ensuring competitiveness at the firm, regional cluster, or country level, the paper aims to explore, for the first time, the features of several estimates of occupational/labour automation and to assess the potential risks associated with it. A comparative analysis of the most well-established estimates of labour automation, the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) degree of automation estimates and Frey and Osborne’s future probabilities of automation was carried out to see whether, and to what extent, these estimates are compatible. Results show significant distributional differences between them, which are quantified into automation-triggered disruption risks at the occupational level, as current levels of labour automation are, in some cases, well below their future estimates. Work context features were used to derive a typology of occupations, which can explain up to one-third of the current, and up to half of the future levels of labour automation. Finally, we identified which occupations and occupational groups are likely to be affected by the highest risk of automation-induced displacement and estimated the magnitude of different disruption classes. Conclusions are compatible with other economywide assessments of the impact of labour automation on the workforce, thus being valuable inputs for corporate strategy, decision-makers and human resource planners as they address a growing need for quantitative insights useful for adapting the labour force structure, workers’ skills, and the task content of occupations to the competitiveness requirements related to the process of digitization in the Industry 4.0 context.
New Indicators of Innovation Activity in Economic Growth Models
Authors: Reznakova Maria , Stefankova Stanislava
Published: September 2022

Our extensive literature review shows that innovations are fundamental to maintaining competitiveness at both micro- and macro-economic levels. In this study, we address how to improve the measurement of innovations and their impact on a country’s competitiveness and economic growth. We provide an overview of indicators used to measure innovations and propose three new ones that are supposed to capture knowledge spillover: The Foreign Knowledge Inflow, Domestic Knowledge Outflow, and General Propensity to Patent. Innovation was proxied by the number of patent applications, which we supplemented with indexes measuring the origin of knowledge and its transfer. We employed the system GMM method on panel data of 56 countries for 2002–2019 to confirm and compare the informational value of standard innovation indicators and our indexes. Implementation of indexes revealed the counteracting impact of patenting on economic growth when the positive effect of innovation creation is weakened by knowledge disclosure. We provide evidence that a low propensity to patent facilitates growth. The impact of foreign knowledge on an economy is dependent on its technological capacity. The infusion of foreign knowledge boosts the growth of fast-growing economies but inhibits the growth of less technologically sophisticated ones. This supports our assumption that when researching the impact of innovations on economic growth, it is crucial to consider additional factors. Hence, index implementation appears to be the correct method.
The Application of Progressive HR Tools in the Environment of Slovak Enterprises
Authors: Stacho Zdenko , Lizbetinova Lenka , Stachova Katarina , Starecek Augustin
Published: September 2022

In the context of developments influenced by digitalization, as well as the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and not most minor changes in employee demands on the working environment across all generations, new tools and concepts are being developed in the field of people management in order to sustain competitiveness. The main objective of the paper is to present results of research focused on a specific analysis of applying modern human resource management tools in entities operating in Slovakia with a focus on the maintenance and growth potential of their competitiveness in the European economic area. To meet this objective, particular data obtained through a questionnaire survey were statistically processed and 841 enterprises were contacted. Elements of playful principles (gamification), used in various human resource management tools, bring a positive effect both in saving resources and in qualitative outputs, which was the purpose of the research focus on identifying the existence of the so-called “aha effect”. Evaluations of formulated hypotheses as well as determination of whether there is a statistically significant dependence between the actual application in the enterprises and the degree of importance for their future in relation to individual tools and concepts in human resource management were carried out with the use of Spearman’s correlation test. The research results show that there is a strong positive and statistically significant dependence between the actual application of the analyzed tools and concepts in the enterprises and the perceived degree of their importance for the future competitiveness of the enterprises.
Media as a scholarly source of information: evidence from legal theses and dissertations
Authors: Bangani Siviwe , Chizwina Sabelo , Moyo Mathew
Published: September 2022

his study sought to determine the citation of media sources by law students in South Africa. Data were gathered from theses and dissertations of selected law schools in the country using specifically designed excel spreadsheets comprising columns for citations and sources, among others. The results, in relation to the research questions of the study, indicate that media, as a source of information, was the least cited while other secondary sources of information such as journal articles and books were among the most cited sources. Regarding usage of the media, the results show that newspapers had a high citation rate, followed by Television, radio, with magazines coming last. The study findings further indicate that two African economic giants, South Africa and Nigeria, were among the top origin of the media cited, alongside the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. The results further indicate that the Mail and Guardian, the British Broadcasting Corporation, and the Economist magazine, were the most cited forms of media. The study also indicates a positive but weak relationship between scholarly (citation) and public impact (circulation) of media sources. Keywords: Theses and dissertations, legal education, media, Newspapers, Magazines, Television and Radio
ICTs for enhancing knowledge management amongst academics at the National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe
Authors: Dewah Peterson , Sibanda Florence
Published: September 2022

This study investigated the use of Information and Communication Technologies that are used to for knowledge management amongst academics at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) based on anecdotal evidence that inadequate IT resources have always hampered knowledge management among academics. The purpose of the study was to investigate how ICTs are used to enhance knowledge management amongst academics at the NUST. Anchored on the interpretivist paradigm, the study used qualitative research method in a case study design where interviews were conducted with six deans of faculties across the university and one ICTs officer. Data was gathered through face-to-face in-depth interviews and analysed using themes. Findings indicated that NUST provides the academics with desktop computers for knowledge management and laptops are provided only on request. Academics are offered training when the ICTs department introduces new software. It also emerged that mistrust and bureaucracy in the university affects lecturers’ knowledge management. The study concluded that academics at the university are aware of the importance of ICTs in managing knowledge, but weak and unreliable internet connection were major barriers to knowledge management amongst academics. The study recommends adequate provision of technologies such as laptops since some academics are reluctant to share knowledge using personal resources.
A neutrophil–B-cell axis impacts tissue damage control in a mouse model of intraabdominal bacterial infection via Cxcr4
Authors: Gawish Riem , Maier Barbara , Obermayer Georg , Watzenboeck Martin L , Gorki Anna-Dorothea , Quattrone Federica , Farhat Asma , Lakovits Karin , Hladik Anastasiya , Korosec Ana , Alimohammadi Arman , Mesteri Ildiko , Oberndorfer Felicitas , Oakley Fiona , Brain John , Boon Louis , Lang Irene , Binder Christoph J , Knapp Sylvia
Published: September 2022

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by uncontrolled systemic inflammation and coagulation, leading to multiorgan failure. Therapeutic options to prevent sepsis-associated immunopathology remain scarce. Here, we established a mouse model of long-lasting disease tolerance during severe sepsis, manifested by diminished immunothrombosis and organ damage in spite of a high pathogen burden. We found that both neutrophils and B cells emerged as key regulators of tissue integrity. Enduring changes in the transcriptional profile of neutrophils include upregulated Cxcr4 expression in protected, tolerant hosts. Neutrophil Cxcr4 upregulation required the presence of B cells, suggesting that B cells promoted disease tolerance by improving tissue damage control via the suppression of neutrophils’ tissue-damaging properties. Finally, therapeutic administration of a Cxcr4 agonist successfully promoted tissue damage control and prevented liver damage during sepsis. Our findings highlight the importance of a critical B-cell/neutrophil interaction during sepsis and establish neutrophil Cxcr4 activation as a potential means to promote disease tolerance during sepsis.
Evolution of cell size control is canalized towards adders or sizers by cell cycle structure and selective pressures
Authors: Proulx-Giraldeau Felix , Skotheim Jan M , François Paul
Published: September 2022

Cell size is controlled to be within a specific range to support physiological function. To control their size, cells use diverse mechanisms ranging from ‘sizers’, in which differences in cell size are compensated for in a single cell division cycle, to ‘adders’, in which a constant amount of cell growth occurs in each cell cycle. This diversity raises the question why a particular cell would implement one rather than another mechanism? To address this question, we performed a series of simulations evolving cell size control networks. The size control mechanism that evolved was influenced by both cell cycle structure and specific selection pressures. Moreover, evolved networks recapitulated known size control properties of naturally occurring networks. If the mechanism is based on a G1 size control and an S/G2/M timer, as found for budding yeast and some human cells, adders likely evolve. But, if the G1 phase is significantly longer than the S/G2/M phase, as is often the case in mammalian cells in vivo, sizers become more likely. Sizers also evolve when the cell cycle structure is inverted so that G1 is a timer, while S/G2/M performs size control, as is the case for the fission yeast S. pombe. For some size control networks, cell size consistently decreases in each cycle until a burst of cell cycle inhibitor drives an extended G1 phase much like the cell division cycle of the green algae Chlamydomonas. That these size control networks evolved such self-organized criticality shows how the evolution of complex systems can drive the emergence of critical processes.
Airway basal cells show regionally distinct potential to undergo metaplastic differentiation
Authors: Zhou Yizhuo , Yang Ying , Guo Lihao , Qian Jun , Ge Jian , Sinner Debora , Ding Hongxu , Califano Andrea , Cardoso Wellington V
Published: September 2022

Basal cells are multipotent stem cells of a variety of organs, including the respiratory tract, where they are major components of the airway epithelium. However, it remains unclear how diverse basal cells are and how distinct subpopulations respond to airway challenges. Using single cell RNA-sequencing and functional approaches, we report a significant and previously underappreciated degree of heterogeneity in the basal cell pool, leading to identification of six subpopulations in the adult murine trachea. Among these, we found two major subpopulations, collectively comprising the most uncommitted of all the pools, but with distinct gene expression signatures. Notably, these occupy distinct ventral and dorsal tracheal niches and differ in their ability to self-renew and initiate a program of differentiation in response to environmental perturbations in primary cultures and in mouse injury models in vivo. We found that such heterogeneity is acquired prenatally, when the basal cell pool and local niches are still being established, and depends on the integrity of these niches, as supported by the altered basal cell phenotype of tracheal cartilage-deficient mouse mutants. Finally, we show that features that distinguish these progenitor subpopulations in murine airways are conserved in humans. Together, the data provide novel insights into the origin and impact of basal cell heterogeneity on the establishment of regionally distinct responses of the airway epithelium during injury-repair and in disease conditions.
Identification of orphan ligand-receptor relationships using a cell-based CRISPRa enrichment screening platform
Authors: Siepe Dirk H , Henneberg Lukas T , Wilson Steven C , Hess Gaelen T , Bassik Michael C , Zinn Kai , Garcia K Christopher
Published: September 2022

Secreted proteins, which include cytokines, hormones, and growth factors, are extracellular ligands that control key signaling pathways mediating cell-cell communication within and between tissues and organs. Many drugs target secreted ligands and their cell surface receptors. Still, there are hundreds of secreted human proteins that either have no identified receptors (‘orphans’) or are likely to act through cell surface receptors that have not yet been characterized. Discovery of secreted ligand-receptor interactions by high-throughput screening has been problematic, because the most commonly used high-throughput methods for protein-protein interaction (PPI) screening are not optimized for extracellular interactions. Cell-based screening is a promising technology for the deorphanization of ligand-receptor interactions, because multimerized ligands can enrich for cells expressing low affinity cell surface receptors, and such methods do not require purification of receptor extracellular domains. Here, we present a proteo-genomic cell-based CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) enrichment screening platform employing customized pooled cell surface receptor sgRNA libraries in combination with a magnetic bead selection-based enrichment workflow for rapid, parallel ligand-receptor deorphanization. We curated 80 potentially high-value orphan secreted proteins and ultimately screened 20 secreted ligands against two cell sgRNA libraries with targeted expression of all single-pass (TM1) or multi-pass transmembrane (TM2+) receptors by CRISPRa. We identified previously unknown interactions in 12 of these screens, and validated several of them using surface plasmon resonance and/or cell binding assays. The newly deorphanized ligands include three receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase (RPTP) ligands and a chemokine-like protein that binds to killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs). These new interactions provide a resource for future investigations of interactions between the human-secreted and membrane proteomes.
Exercise interventions in migraine patients: a YouTube content analysis study based on grades of recommendation
Authors: Reina-Varona Álvaro , Rodríguez de Rivera-Romero Borja , Cabrera-López Carlos Donato , Fierro-Marrero José , Sánchez-Ruiz Irene , La Touche Roy
Published: September 2022

Background

Migraine is the second leading cause of disability worldwide, engendering a high economic cost in developed countries. The adverse events related to pharmacological treatment use have increased interest in non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise. YouTube offers a public source of information for migraine patients regarding exercise interventions for migraine improvement. However, this information has not been validated to ensure the quality and validity of its content.

Objective

This qualitative content analysis study aims to review and evaluate YouTube videos regarding exercise for migraine.

Methods

A systematic review of the current evidence regarding exercise for migraine was performed to establish evidence classification and grades of recommendation with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network tool. The data sources were PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane, EBSCO, Google Scholar and Web of Science. The quality of YouTube videos on exercise in migraine was reviewed using the Global Quality Scale and DISCERN scale. Finally, the classification in grades of recommendation was used to evaluate the included videos in terms of the various exercise modalities.

Results

The classification into recommendation grades showed a grade B for aerobic exercise, yoga and changes in lifestyle behavior regarding exercise. A total of 129 videos were included. The healthcare and exercise professional authors produced higher quality videos with a significant statistical difference, although the alternative therapists and patients’ videos had a greater impact and a higher viewership based on correlation analysis. The evaluation of the videos based on the recommendation grades could only include 90 videos. 71% of these videos showed a B grade of recommendation, which corresponded to fewer than half of the total included videos.

Conclusions

YouTube needs higher quality videos on exercise for migraine, and healthcare and exercise professional authors need to improve their scoping strategies to acquire more views. The authors of YouTube videos should have better access to the best current evidence regarding exercise interventions in migraine.
Optimal selection of COVID-19 vaccination sites in the Philippines at the municipal level
Authors: Cabanilla Kurt Izak , Enriquez Erika Antonette T. , Velasco Arrianne Crystal , Mendoza Victoria May P. , Mendoza Renier
Published: September 2022

In this work, we present an approach to determine the optimal location of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination sites at the municipal level. We assume that each municipality is subdivided into smaller administrative units, which we refer to as barangays. The proposed method solves a minimization problem arising from a facility location problem, which is formulated based on the proximity of the vaccination sites to the barangays, the number of COVID-19 cases, and the population densities of the barangays. These objectives are formulated as a single optimization problem. As an alternative decision support tool, we develop a bi-objective optimization problem that considers distance and population coverage. Lastly, we propose a dynamic optimization approach that recalculates the optimal vaccination sites to account for the changes in the population of the barangays that have completed their vaccination program. A numerical scheme that solves the optimization problems is presented and the detailed description of the algorithms, which are coded in Python and MATLAB, are uploaded to a public repository. As an illustration, we apply our method to determine the optimal location of vaccination sites in San Juan, a municipality in the province of Batangas, in the Philippines. We hope that this study may guide the local government units in coming up with strategic and accessible plans for vaccine administration.
Evaluation of Beauveria Bassiana, Neem Oil and Selected Insecticides on Population of Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) on Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Patil Rakesh Girishgouda , Tayde Anoorag R.
Published: September 2022

A field trail was conducted at Crop Research Farm (CRF)  SHUATS Naini, Prayagraj, during kharif 2021 in Randomized block design with seven treatments viz, Imidacloprid 17.8% SL Thiodicarb75%WP,Spinosad 45% SC, Emamectin benzoate 5% SG, Neem oil, Beauveria bassiana 1x108 CFU/ml, Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC  and untreated control in three replication. Data were taken on fall armyworm population. The larval population of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E.Smith) on three, seven and fourteen days after spraying revealed that the treatment Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (5.15) proved to be the most effective treatment followed by Thiodicarb75%WP (6.44), Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC (7.41), Spinosad 45% SC (8.23), Imidacloprid 17.8%SL (8.79), whereas Neem oil 3% (10.24)  and B. bassiana 1x108 CFU/ml (10.93) were of  least effective against Spodoptera frugiperda. Plot treated with Emamectin benzoate 5% SG showed highest yield (35.31q/ha), followed by Thiodicarb75% WP (34.21q/ha), Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC (32.58q/ha), Spinosad 45% SC (32.08q/ha), Imidacloprid 17.8% SL (31.21qt/ha), Neem oil 3% (29.63q/ha) and B.bassiana 1x108 CFU/ml (28.02), as compared to control (22.44q/ha).
Antimicrobial Activity of Ten Local Actinobacterial Strains against ESKAPE, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas baetica Pathogens
Authors: Abduljaba Maryam Hazim , Salih Talal Sabhan
Published: September 2022

Aims: The study included the isolation, purification, cultural characteristics, antimicrobial activities and molecular identification of local actinobacterial strains isolated from different locations north of Iraq.

Methodology: Oligotrophic medium supplemented with the antifungals cycloheximide (50 mg/l) and nystatin (30 mg/l) was used for preliminary isolation. ISP-3 medium was chosen as a potential medium for subsequent purification of actinobacterial strains. The cultural characteristics of all isolated actinobacterial strains were elucidated on International Streptomyces Project media (ISP2-ISP-7). 16S rRNA marker gene was used for molecular identification using 27F and 1492R universal primers.

Results: Ten isolates were biologically active against tested ESKAPE, Bacillus subtilis and pseudomonas paetica pathogens when cultured on different ISPs media under the OSMAC approach. Six representative isolates that exhibited antimicrobial activity against all or almost tested bacteria were sequenced using 16S rRNA gene. The sequences were compared with those of other actinobacterial strains that are found in Genebank database to find the best similarity and the close reference strains to our isolates. Five of the sequenced strains have been identified as Streptomyces species; MT5, MT8, MT12, MT23 and MT26 and one was identified as a rare actinobacterial strain Lentzea sp.; MT4. Nucleotide sequences have been provided and deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information NCBI under the accession numbers ON514131, ON514133, ON514134, ON514135, ON514136 and ON514130 respectively.
An Alternative Teaching Process in a Social Studies Course: Learning through Digital Storytelling
Authors: BAŞCI NAMLI Zeynep , KAYAALP Fatih , MERAL Elif
Published: September 2022

Bu araştırmanın amacı, dijital öykülerle yürütülen sosyal bilgiler dersinin öğrencilerin akademik başarıları, teknolojiye yönelik tutumları üzerine etkisini incelemek ve sürece ilişkin öğrencilerin görüşlerini tespit etmektir. Belirtilen amaç doğrultusunda çalışmada karma araştırma yaklaşımı içerisinde yer alan gömülü desen kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu, toplam 41 ilkokul dördüncü sınıf öğrencisi oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmacılar tarafından geliştirilen akademik başarı testi, teknolojiye yönelik tutum ölçeği ve yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu veri toplama aracı olarak kullanılmıştır. Akademik başarı testi ve teknolojiye yönelik tutum ölçeğinden elde edilen verilerin analizinde betimsel ve kestirimsel istatistikler kullanılırken yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmelerden elde edilen veriler içerik analizi ile çözümlenmiştir. Araştırmadan elde edilen nicel bulgular, akademik başarı ve teknolojiye yönelik tutum açısından deney grubu öğrencileri lehine istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark gösterirken; nitel veriler ortaya çıkan farkın nedenlerini açıklayıp nicel verileri destekler niteliktedir. Araştırma sonucunda eğlenceli, izleme ve dinlemeye teşvik edici, sürece aktif katılım imkanı sağlayan dijital öykülerin kolay ve kalıcı öğrenmelere fırsat sağlayarak akademik başarıyı artırdığı, teknolojiye yönelik tutumun gelişminde etkili olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bu sonuca göre anlamlı öğrenmelerin gerçekleştirilmesine zengin bir içerik sunan dijital öykülerin sosyal bilgiler derslerinde kullanılabilecek alternatif pedagojik bir yol olduğu ifade edilebilir.
Evaluation of Medicare Coverage and Estimated Out-of-Pocket Costs for Generic Abiraterone Products
Authors: Gupta Arjun , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , Blaes Anne H. , Booth Christopher M. , Dusetzina Stacie B.
Published: September 2022

This cross-sectional study evaluates the association of generic competition and changes in product coverage and cost-sharing by using Medicare data and estimated out-of-pocket costs for the oral specialty drug abiraterone.
Associations of Age at Diagnosis and Duration of Diabetes With Morbidity and Mortality Among Older Adults
Authors: Cigolle Christine T. , Blaum Caroline S. , Lyu Chen , Ha Jinkyung , Kabeto Mohammed , Zhong Judy
Published: September 2022

Importance

Older adults vary widely in age at diagnosis and duration of type 2 diabetes, but treatment often ignores this heterogeneity.

Objectives

To investigate the associations of diabetes vs no diabetes, age at diagnosis, and diabetes duration with negative health outcomes in people 50 years and older.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included participants in the 1995 through 2018 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a population-based, biennial longitudinal health interview survey of older adults in the US. The study sample included adults 50 years or older (n = 36 060) without diabetes at entry. Data were analyzed from June 1, 2021, to July 31, 2022.

Exposures

The presence of diabetes, specifically the age at diabetes diagnosis, was the main exposure of the study. Age at diagnosis was defined as the age when the respondent first reported diabetes. Adults who developed diabetes were classified into 3 age-at-diagnosis groups: 50 to 59 years, 60 to 69 years, and 70 years and older.

Main Outcomes and Measures

For each diabetes age-at-diagnosis group, a propensity score–matched control group of respondents who never developed diabetes was constructed. The association of diabetes with the incidence of key outcomes—including heart disease, stroke, disability, cognitive impairment, and all-cause mortality—was estimated and the association of diabetes vs no diabetes among the age-at-diagnosis case and matched control groups was compared.

Results

A total of 7739 HRS respondents developed diabetes and were included in the analysis (4267 women [55.1%]; mean [SD] age at diagnosis, 67.4 [9.9] years). The age-at-diagnosis groups included 1866 respondents at 50 to 59 years, 2834 at 60 to 69 years, and 3039 at 70 years or older; 28 321 HRS respondents never developed diabetes. Age at diagnosis of 50 to 59 years was significantly associated with incident heart disease (hazard ratio [HR], 1.66 [95% CI, 1.40-1.96]), stroke (HR, 1.64 [95% CI, 1.30-2.07]), disability (HR, 2.08 [95% CI, 1.59-2.72]), cognitive impairment (HR, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.05-1.61]), and mortality (HR, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.29-1.71]) compared with matched controls, even when accounting for diabetes duration. These associations significantly decreased with advancing age at diagnosis. Respondents with diabetes diagnosed at 70 years or older only showed a significant association with the outcome of elevated mortality (HR, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.01-1.17]).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cohort study suggest that age at diabetes diagnosis was differentially associated with outcomes and that younger age groups were at elevated risk of heart disease, stroke, disability, cognitive impairment, and all-cause mortality. These findings reinforce the clinical heterogeneity of diabetes and highlight the importance of improving diabetes management in adults with earlier diagnosis.
Hurricane season and addiction: SAMHSA guidance to OTPs
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2022

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has said that patient safety comes first, which means that Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) patients may get increased methadone take‐homes even without permission. Preemptive guidance to obtain approval from the OTP's State Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA) — an office within the state alcohol and drug agency — already has been issued by SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), which regulates OTPs. The SOTA approval to close the OTP can come either via the OTP extranet (an internet that can only be accessed by authorized users), or verbally to the OTP sponsor (owner), said Christopher Garrett, SAMHSA spokesperson. In addition, requests to close may be submitted to SAMHSA retroactively, he told ADAW last week, as Hurricane Ian was bearing down on Florida.
New drug policy organization to focus on bold moves
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: September 2022

Last month, Kevin Sabet, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), joined a group of prominent leaders in announcing the formation of a new federal drug policy organization for which he will serve as CEO. In announcing the establishment of the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions, Sabet said: “Our current addiction crisis is unprecedented, and it requires an unprecedented response. Ironically, an independent, nonpartisan, comprehensive drug policy organization focusing on bold solutions to the drug crisis in the United States does not currently exist. We intend to change that by advancing proven policy solutions to prevent drug use before it starts and get people into recovery when it does.”
Salt solubility modeling in mixed solvents with a modified Pitzer approach: Application in water + MEG + electrolyte systems
Authors: Moura‐Neto Mário H. , Monteiro Mateus Fernandes , Deus Marcell Santana , Deus Katherine Carrilho de Oliveira , Oliveira Jose Augusto Furtado , Pereira Leonardo Santos , Chiavone‐Filho Osvaldo
Published: September 2022

Monoethylene glycol (MEG) has been applied as an inhibitor of hydrate formation in natural gas exploitation. The recovery unit of MEG presents salt scale issues that promote operational problems. A literature survey and analysis of salt solubility data in water–MEG mixtures have been performed, revealing that experimental studies are available for eight electrolyte species (NaCl, NaHCO3, KCl, Na2SO4, KI, KBr, K2SO4, and CaSO4), in total 616 data points. This work aimed at the development of a calculation methodology using Pitzer–Lorimer approach for salt solubility in mixed solvents. Python language was properly used to design the computational tool, which is freely available. The results demonstrated the feasibility of the salt solubility description in mixed solvents, and relative deviations less than 5% were obtained for the eight studied salts. Furthermore, the developed tool can be easily applied for parameter estimation and salt solubility prediction of other electrolyte systems.
Is height related to fertility? An evaluation of women from low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Murasko Jason
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To present an empirical description of the association between height and lifetime fertility in women from low‐ and middle‐income countries, allowing for flexible functional relationships.

Methods

A pooled sample (N = 846 257) of women ages 35–49 in Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) from 64 countries, with regional samples for Latin America, South Asia, and sub‐Saharan Africa. Flexibly‐estimated structured additive regression models estimate variations in the height‐fertility relationship over the height distribution.

Results

Across samples, height is shown to have nonlinear relationships with number of children ever born and age at first birth. Number of children increases with height until a maximum below average height, after which the number of children decreases. Age at first marriage decreases with height until a minimum below average height, and then increases. Except at the shortest heights, much of the variation in fertility is suggested to reflect socioeconomic differences across heights. At the shortest heights, variation is suggested to reflect later ages at first birth, except for women in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Conclusion

A nonlinear relationship is indicated between height and fertility. Much of the relationship is suggested to reflect height‐variations in socioeconomic status and age at first birth.
Effect of number of inlets on performance and flow field of large‐scale cyclone separators
Authors: Wang Zetao , Sun Guogang , Yuan Shiwei , Qian Zhen , Song Zhengyuan
Published: September 2022

The performance and flow field of large‐scale cyclones with different inlet numbers were investigated by using computational fluid dynamics methods. The results show that the efficiency, pressure drop, and performance factor of cyclones increase with the increase in the number of inlets, and the quadruple inlet cyclone having the best overall performance is supposed to adopt. The number of inlets of the cyclone increases, the tangential velocity increases, and the short‐circuit flow rate decreases; however, when the number of inlets is greater than 2, both variations are lessened. In this study, the vortex eccentricity of the quadruple inlet cyclone is the smallest, the vortex eccentricity of the double and triple inlet cyclone is comparable, and the vortex eccentricity of the single inlet cyclone is the most significant.
Cholinergic, catecholaminergic, serotonergic, and orexinergic neuronal populations in the brain of the lesser hedgehog tenrec (Echinops telfairi)
Authors: Malungo Illke B. , Mokale Reabetswe , Bertelsen Mads F. , Manger Paul R.
Published: September 2022

The current study provides an analysis of the cholinergic, catecholaminergic, serotonergic, and orexinergic neuronal populations, or nuclei, in the brain of the lesser hedgehog tenrec, as revealed with immunohistochemical techniques. For all four of these neuromodulatory systems, the nuclear organization was very similar to that observed in other Afrotherian species and is broadly similar to that observed in other mammals. The cholinergic system shows the most variation, with the lesser hedgehog tenrec exhibiting palely immunopositive cholinergic neurons in the ventral portion of the lateral septal nucleus, and the possible absence of cholinergic neurons in the parabigeminal nucleus and the medullary tegmental field. The nuclear complement of the catecholaminergic, serotonergic and orexinergic systems showed no specific variances in the lesser hedgehog tenrec when compared to other Afrotherians, or broadly with other mammals. A striking feature of the lesser hedgehog tenrec brain is a significant mesencephalic flexure that is observed in most members of the Tenrecoidea, as well as the closely related Chrysochlorinae (golden moles), but is not present in the greater otter shrew, a species of the Potomogalidae lineage currently incorporated into the Tenrecoidea. In addition, the cholinergic neurons of the ventral portion of the lateral septal nucleus are observed in the golden moles, but not in the greater otter shrew. This indicates that either complex parallel evolution of these features occurred in the Tenrecoidea and Chrysochlorinae lineages, or that the placement of the Potomogalidae within the Tenrecoidea needs to be re‐examined.
Benchmarking the Degradation Behavior of Aluminum Foil Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Timothy , Thenuwara Akila C. , Yao Wendy , Sandoval Stephanie Elizabeth , Wang Congcheng , Kang Dae Hoon , Majumdar Diptarka , Gopalaswamy Rajesh , McDowell Matthew T.
Published: September 2022

Aluminum is an attractive candidate for replacing graphite anodes in lithium‐ion batteries because of its high specific capacity and the potential for direct use as foil. However, achieving reversible reaction of aluminum is challenging due to volume changes, SEI formation, and sluggish ion transport. Although prior work has investigated electrochemical transformation behavior of aluminum, the effects of key variables, including areal capacity per cycle and alloy composition, are not well understood. Here, we carry out comprehensive electrochemical testing to benchmark the performance of two different aluminum foils (99.999 % Al and Al 8111). We find that for constant thickness, both foil compositions exhibit a power‐law dependence of cycle life on the lithiated areal capacity per cycle, revealing that degradation is significantly more rapid at higher areal capacities. This behavior is interpreted as an “electrochemical fatigue” mechanism, in analogy to mechanical fatigue. Additionally, the alloy composition was found to strongly affect the Coulombic efficiency (CE), with high‐purity foils exhibiting higher initial CE but reduced long‐term stability. Finally, operando optical microscopy revealed different spatiotemporal reaction mechanisms amongst the different materials. This improved understanding of aluminum foil anodes paves the way for efforts to engineer aluminum‐based foils with enhanced stability.
Genetic evaluation of HAND2 gene and its effects on thalidomide embryopathy
Authors: Rengel Bruna Duarte , Kowalski Thayne Woycinck , Bremm João Matheus , do Amaral Gomes Julia , Schüler‐Faccini Lavínia , Vianna Fernanda Sales Luiz , Fraga Lucas Rosa
Published: September 2022

Background

HAND2 is a transcription factor important for embryonic development, required for limbs and cardiovascular development. Thalidomide is a drug responsible to a spectrum of congenital anomalies known as Thalidomide Embryopathy (TE), which includes mainly limb and heart defects. It is known that HAND2 interaction with TBX5, an important protein for limbs and heart development, is inhibited by Thalidomide. The aim of this study was to evaluate and characterize HAND2 in the context of TE, and to evaluate its variability in TE individuals.

Methods

DNA from 35 TE subjects was extracted from saliva samples and PCR was performed for amplification and Sanger sequencing of HAND2 coding sequence.

Results

The analysis showed only one variant; a synonymous variant p.P51 (rs59621536) in exon 1 found in three individuals. Further in silico evaluation confirmed highly HAND2 conservation, being the 3′UTR the most polymorphic region of the gene. Additional computational analyses classified the variant as neutral, without alteration in splicing and miRNA sites. In silico predictions pointed to alteration of two CpG islands adjacent to the variant; however, we did not observe any alterations on the methylation pattern of HAND2 gene in our sample. Moreover, alteration of the binding site of MeCP2, a nuclear protein involved in DNA methylation, was predicted along with alteration in HAND2 mRNA structure.

Conclusions

Considering HAND2 being a well conserved gene, further studies with a larger sample should be performed to evaluate the role this gene on genetic susceptibility to TE.
A core musculoskeletal anatomy syllabus for undergraduate physical therapy student education
Authors: Woodley Stephanie J. , Green Rodney A. , Webb Alexandra L.
Published: September 2022

Knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy is fundamental to physical therapy education. Although detailed anatomy syllabi have been developed for medical and other health professional students, none are available for training physical therapists. Therefore, the aim of this project was to produce a core musculoskeletal anatomy syllabus specific to physical therapy students, utilizing a modified Delphi approach. An international Delphi panel (n = 53) composed of anatomists and clinicians involved in physical therapy education considered a total of 2193 anatomical items arranged in four categories (musculoskeletal concepts; vertebral column; pectoral girdle and upper limb; pelvic girdle and lower limb). Using specific criteria, items were rated on the basis of whether they were considered essential knowledge for a competent physical therapy student, and were categorized as core, recommended, not recommended or not core. Of the 2193 items, 1700 (77.5%) were rated as core or recommended. For musculoskeletal concepts, 70% (233/332) of items were categorized as core/recommended. Approximately 80% of items in the other three categories were considered core/recommended—vertebral column (355/440), pectoral girdle and upper limb (513/657), and pelvic girdle and lower limb (599/764). This project presents a detailed musculoskeletal anatomy syllabus which may be used within a physical therapy curriculum. A key difference compared to published musculoskeletal anatomy syllabi for medical students is that a greater number of items are considered core/recommended (approximately 80% vs. 50%). These findings will now be considered and deliberated in accordance with the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists modified Delphi approach.
The factors influencing the accuracy of pre‐operative endoscopic ultrasonography assessment in endoscopic treatments for gastrointestinal tumors
Authors: Zhao Yan , Ren Mudan , Jia Ai , Zhang Juan , Wang Shuying , Zhao Qian , Cai Guohong , He Shuixiang
Published: September 2022

Background

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing the accuracy of Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS) as a preoperative assessment for gastrointestinal tumors.

Methods

A total of 261 patients with 264 gastrointestinal tumors were enrolled in the study. The parameters of the gastrointestinal lesions examined under EUS and their pathology were recorded and analyzed.

Results

The accuracy of EUS for detecting intramucosal lesions and subepithelial lesions (SELs) were 83.6% and 91.4%, respectively. One hundred and ninety‐four (73.5%) lesions originated from the mucous layer, as determined by pre‐operation EUS examinations. The accuracy of EUS in predicting the correct T stage for intramucosal lesions in the gastric region, esophagus, and colorectum was 77%, 71.8%, and 84.6%, respectively. According to the Paris endoscopic classification, the distribution of macroscopic patterns was different between the EUS‐pathology conformity and nonconformity groups (p = 0.018). In the nonconformity group, 48.6% of erosive lesions were classified as 0‐IIc, 0‐IIa + IIc, 0‐IIc + IIa or 0‐III macroscopic patterns compared with 26% patients in the conformity group (p = 0.025). Univariate analyses demonstrated that ulcerative lesions (OR = 7.516, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 2.574–21.952, p < 0.001), location at the cardia of the stomach (OR = 3.619, 95%CI 1.076–12.168, p = 0.038), malignant tumor (OR = 2.920, 95%CI 1.339–6.368, p = 0.007) were significantly associated with EUS inaccuracy. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that ulcer was an independent risk factor associated with EUS inaccuracy, with odds ratios of 5.094 (95% CI: 1.641–15.807, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that EUS is a reliable and easy‐to‐use diagnostic tool in decision‐making regarding appropriate endoscopic treatment for gastrointestinal tumors. However, the diagnostic accuracy of EUS appeared questionable in the presence of ulceration.
Light‐Harvesting Artificial Cells for the Generation of ATP and NADPH†
Authors: Su Ziwei , Zhang Xiangxiang , Wang Weichen , Dong Mingdong , Han Xiaojun
Published: September 2022

Comprehensive Summary

The bottom‐up construction of self‐powered artificial cells is significant to understand the energy supply and metabolism of nature cells. Here, we demonstrate an efficient manner to build thylakoid‐containing artificial cells, which continuously convert light energy into chemical energy to supply adenosine 5’‐triphosphate (ATP) under light illumination. The production of ATP supplies energy to promote the biological enzyme cascade reactions, where glucose is transformed into glucose 6‐phosphate (G6P) under the catalysis of hexokinase (HK). G6P was further converted to gluconolactone 6‐phosphate (PG) in the presence of 6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), meanwhile NADP+ was converted to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). The self‐powered artificial cells were demonstrated to generate ATP and NADPH successively, which provided a way for building more complicated artificial cells.