bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Level and correlates of disrespect and abuse among newborns in selected public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Gezahegn Rediet , Estifanos Abiy Seifu
Published: August 2023

Background

The provision of respectful and dignified maternal and newborn care is an important component of the quality of childbirth care. Although a growing body of evidence was generated on disrespect and abuse (D&A) of women during childbirth in the past decade there is limited evidence on D&A experienced by newborns. Our study aimed to determine the level of and factors associated with D&A among newborns.

Methods

We conducted the study in three public hospitals in Addis Ababa. We directly observed childbirth care starting from the first stage of labor through two hours after the birth of 498 mother–baby dyads. We used frequencies and percentages to describe different forms of D&A among newborns. We used binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis to assess the association between the D&A among newborns and independent variables.

Result

All of the newborns 496/496 (100%) experienced at least one form of D&A. Physical abuse was experienced by 41.1% of newborns in the form of unnecessary airway suctioning (23.2%) or slapping or holding upside down (33.5%). Additionally, 42.3% weren’t dried immediately after birth, 9.1% weren’t placed on the mother’s abdomen skin-to-skin, 61.7% had their cord cut before 1 min of birth, 34.9% weren’t breastfed within an hour of birth, 24.2% didn’t receive vitamin K and 1.8% didn’t receive tetracycline. All newborns who developed complications (69/69) received treatments without the consent of parents/caregivers. Moreover, 93.6% of parents/caregivers didn’t receive explanations regarding newborn care while the lack of breastfeeding counseling and thermal support during the immediate post-partum period was 87.3%. The likelihood of D&A was higher among newborns who were preterm (AOR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.11–3.69), female (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.37–2.95), delivered assisted by instrument (AOR = 2.19; 95%CI: 1.20–3.99), whose mothers reside in rural areas (AOR = 1.97; 95%CI: 1.22–3.20), born from unmarried mothers (AOR = 2.77; 95%CI (1.26–6.06) and whose mothers received fewer than four-time antenatal care (ANC) visits (AOR = 2.37; 95%CI: 1.42–3.96).

Conclusion

Our study found a high magnitude D&A among newborns. Gestational age at birth, sex of the newborn, maternal residence, maternal marital status, number of ANC visits, and mode of delivery were statistically significantly associated with D&A among newborns.
Prevalence of morbidities across the lifespan for adults with spinal muscular atrophy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: G. Whitney Daniel , E. Neil Knierbein Erin , K. Daunter Alecia
Published: August 2023

Background

Recently approved treatments for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) may shift clinical care priorities to secondary complications associated with SMA-related aging. To date, there is little knowledge about the natural history of morbidities across the adult lifespan for SMA. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and odds ratio (OR) of various morbidities among adults with vs. without SMA prior to SMA-related treatment.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study that accessed Medicare fee-for-service and commercial claims data from 01/01/2008-12/22/2016. Data from adults ≥ 18 years old with SMA and without SMA matched (1:200 case:control) on demographics, region, and study entry year were included. The prevalence of 30 morbidities across physiologic systems (e.g., cardiovascular, metabolic, musculoskeletal, urinary) and mental health disorders was examined. Age- and sex-adjusted OR was estimated using logistic regression for each morbidity and effect modification by age and sex was tested.

Results

There were 2,427 adults with SMA (mean [SD] age, 59.7 [17.4] years; 49.0% female) and 484,528 matched adults without SMA. Adults with vs. without SMA had a higher prevalence and adjusted OR of all 30 morbidities, ranging from OR = 1.61 (95% CI = 1.45–1.80) for hypothyroidism to OR = 7.80 (95% CI = 7.10–8.57) for fluid/electrolyte disorders. There was effect modification by age for 24 morbidities. The OR was highest for the youngest age group (18–40 years; OR range, 2.38 to 117.7; all P < 0.05) and declined with older age groups, but still remained significantly elevated in the oldest age group (≥ 75 years; OR range, 1.30 to 5.96; all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The limitations of this study are that evidence of morbidities were limited to diagnostic claims and information on SMA type and symptoms or onset were not available. In conclusion, adults with SMA had a higher and earlier prevalence of a variety of morbidities across physiological systems and mental health disorders.
Initiatives to promote access to medicines after publication of the Brazilian Policy on the Comprehensive Care of People with Rare Diseases
Authors: Cunico Cássia , Vicente Geison , Leite Silvana Nair
Published: August 2023

Background

Rare diseases affect a small number of people compared to prevalent diseases. The vast majority of these diseases are of genetic origin, have no cure, are chronic and can lead to death. Although the right to access medicines is included in the constitutionally guaranteed right to health in Brazil, problems in the supply of medicines for rare diseases are reported in the country. This study aimed to describe and analyse the initiatives to promote access to medicines for treating rare diseases in the Unified Health System, Brazil, after the publication of the Brazilian Policy on the Comprehensive Care of People with Rare Diseases. Based on the model published by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, which described access to medicines in prelaunch, perilaunch and postlaunch policies, the initiatives referring to each category were summarized based on documentary research searched in online databases from January 2014 to December 2020.

Results

Different actions and policy interventions were identified, which went through the expansion of resources for research and development, health regulations, incorporation of new drugs, review and publication of clinical guidelines, and expansion of the network of care facilities by the Ministry of Health. On the other hand, aspects related to care policies, pricing methods, technological development, and development of pharmaceutical service processes were not implemented.

Conclusions

Although it is impossible to determine the explicit motivation of such actions concerning the Policy, its publication certainly was a landmark in Brazilian society, allowing greater recognition of the needs of rare disease patients and the specificities of treatment’. However, this study suggests that the steps that make up the life cycle of medicines are not linked, lacking articulation and integration of the care network, and consequently, there is no evidence that rare disease policy publication has generated a broad impact on the promotion of access to medicines to treat rare diseases in Brazil.
Neuropeptide Y directly reduced apoptosis of granulosa cells, and the expression of NPY and its receptors in PCOS subjects
Authors: Urata Yoko , Salehi Reza , Wyse Brandon A. , Jahangiri Sahar , Librach Clifford L. , Tzeng Chii-Ruey , Osuga Yutaka , Tsang Benjamin
Published: August 2023

Background

Most women with anovulatory infertility show polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and androgen excess is known as a key factor involved in pathogenicity of PCOS. However, the mechanism of follicular developmental arrest in PCOS is not completely understood. The reproductive function of Neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the ovary during folliculogenesis was previously reported; NPY function in apoptosis and proliferation of granulosa cells (GCs) is follicular-stage dependent. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of NPY in ovarian follicular development and the pathogenesis of PCOS.

Methods

To simulate the PCOS phenotype using a rat model, 21-day old Sprague Dawley rats were implanted with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) capsule (83 µg/day) and euthanized after 28 days. mRNA and protein content of NPY and its receptors were assessed in GCs from DHT treated rats using RT-qPCR and Western blot, respectively. Proliferation and apoptosis of GCs was assessed using Ki67- and TUNEL assays. Finally, NPY levels were measured in human follicular fluid (FF) from matched PCOS and non-PCOS patients using ELISA.

Results

GCs from DHT treated rats (PCOS-GCs) contained significantly less NPY protein and Npy mRNA by 0.16- and 0.56-fold, respectively, and more NPY receptor type 2 and 5 protein by 2.21- and 3.17-fold, respectively, when compared to sham control. Addition of recombinant NPY to PCOS-GCs culture did not alter Ki67-positive but significantly decreased TUNEL-positive cells by 0.65-fold, but not to baseline levels. There was no significant difference in NPY levels in FF between PCOS and non-PCOS subjects.

Conclusions

These results indicate that DHT modulates expression of NPY and its receptors, NPY decreases DHT-induced GCs apoptosis. That alterations in NPY’s function might be involved in follicular developmental failure of PCOS.
Brain tissue oxygen monitoring in traumatic brain injury: part I—To what extent does PbtO2 reflect global cerebral physiology?
Authors: Svedung Wettervik Teodor , Beqiri Erta , Bögli Stefan Yu , Placek Michal , Guilfoyle Mathew R. , Helmy Adel , Lavinio Andrea , O’Leary Ronan , Hutchinson Peter J. , Smielewski Peter
Published: August 2023

Background

The primary aim was to explore the association of global cerebral physiological variables including intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebrovascular reactivity (PRx), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), and deviation from the PRx-based optimal CPP value (∆CPPopt; actual CPP-CPPopt) in relation to brain tissue oxygenation (pbtO2) in traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods

A total of 425 TBI patients with ICP- and pbtO2 monitoring for at least 12 h, who had been treated at the neurocritical care unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK, between 2002 and 2022 were included. Generalized additive models (GAMs) and linear mixed effect models were used to explore the association of ICP, PRx, CPP, and CPPopt in relation to pbtO2. PbtO2 < 20 mmHg, ICP > 20 mmHg, PRx > 0.30, CPP < 60 mmHg, and ∆CPPopt < − 5 mmHg were considered as cerebral insults.

Results

PbtO2 < 20 mmHg occurred in median during 17% of the monitoring time and in less than 5% in combination with ICP > 20 mmHg, PRx > 0.30, CPP < 60 mmHg, or ∆CPPopt < − 5 mmHg. In GAM analyses, pbtO2 remained around 25 mmHg over a large range of ICP ([0;50] mmHg) and PRx [− 1;1], but deteriorated below 20 mmHg for extremely low CPP below 30 mmHg and ∆CPPopt below − 30 mmHg. In linear mixed effect models, ICP, CPP, PRx, and ∆CPPopt were significantly associated with pbtO2, but the fixed effects could only explain a very small extent of the pbtO2 variation.

Conclusions

PbtO2 below 20 mmHg was relatively frequent and often occurred in the absence of disturbances in ICP, PRx, CPP, and ∆CPPopt. There were significant, but weak associations between the global cerebral physiological variables and pbtO2, suggesting that hypoxic pbtO2 is often a complex and independent pathophysiological event. Thus, other variables may be more crucial to explain pbtO2 and, likewise, pbtO2 may not be a suitable outcome measure to determine whether global cerebral blood flow optimization such as CPPopt therapy is successful.
Comparative polar and lipid plasma metabolomics differentiate KSHV infection and disease states
Authors: Privatt Sara R. , Braga Camila Pereira , Johnson Alicia , Lidenge Salum J. , Berry Luke , Ngowi John R. , Ngalamika Owen , Chapple Andrew G. , Mwaiselage Julius , Wood Charles , West John T. , Adamec Jiri
Published: August 2023

Background

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a neoplastic disease etiologically associated with infection by the Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). KS manifests primarily as cutaneous lesions in individuals due to either age (classical KS), HIV infection (epidemic KS), or tissue rejection preventatives in transplantation (iatrogenic KS) but can also occur in individuals, predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), lacking any obvious immune suppression (endemic KS). The high endemicity of KSHV and human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV) co-infection in Africa results in KS being one of the top 5 cancers there. As with most viral cancers, infection with KSHV alone is insufficient to induce tumorigenesis. Indeed, KSHV infection of primary human endothelial cell cultures, even at high levels, is rarely associated with long-term culture, transformation, or growth deregulation, yet infection in vivo is sustained for life. Investigations of immune mediators that distinguish KSHV infection, KSHV/HIV co-infection, and symptomatic KS disease have yet to reveal consistent correlates of protection against or progression to KS. In addition to viral infection, it is plausible that pathogenesis also requires an immunological and metabolic environment permissive to the abnormal endothelial cell growth evident in KS tumors. In this study, we explored whether plasma metabolomes could differentiate asymptomatic KSHV-infected individuals with or without HIV co-infection and symptomatic KS from each other.

Methods

To investigate how metabolic changes may correlate with co-infections and tumorigenesis, plasma samples derived from KSHV seropositive sub-Saharan African subjects in three groups, (A) asymptomatic (lacking neoplastic disease) with KSHV infection only, (B) asymptomatic co-infected with KSHV and HIV, and (C) symptomatic with clinically diagnosed KS, were subjected to analysis of lipid and polar metabolite profiles

Results

Polar and nonpolar plasma metabolic differentials were evident in both comparisons. Integration of the metabolic findings with our previously reported KS transcriptomics data suggests dysregulation of amino acid/urea cycle and purine metabolic pathways, in concert with viral infection in KS disease progression.

Conclusions

This study is, to our knowledge, the first to report human plasma metabolic differentials between in vivo KSHV infection and co-infection with HIV, as well as differentials between co-infection and epidemic KS.
Large intracranial supratentorial tuberculoma imitating as a malignant lesion: a case report
Authors: Vyas Shashin N. , Shekhawat Jitender
Published: August 2023

Background

CNS TB roughly correlates to 1–10% of all intracranial tumors. The spectrum of CNS-TB is wide and can present as tuberculous meningitis, tubercular abscess, tuberculoma, or hypertrophic pachymeningitis. Tuberculomas are usually located at the corticomedullary junction and periventricular region, as expected for hematogenous dissemination. They are mostly infratentorial in children and supratentorial in adults. They may present months to years after infection.

Observations

Here we have a 55-year-old female who presented with a history of headaches, sudden loss of consciousness, and seizures. Initial imaging showed a right parietal mass lesion appearing to be malignant on initial imaging which had a significant mass effect and midline shift. The patient was operated on for the same and histopathology showed chronic granulomatous lesion and tissue staining s/o tuberculosis.

Lessons

So a diagnostic option for infective etiology should be kept even for an intracranial supratentorial mass lesion.
Deciphering the functional diversity of the gut microbiota of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens): recent advances and future challenges
Authors: Eke Maurielle , Tougeron Kévin , Hamidovic Alisa , Tinkeu Leonard S. Ngamo , Hance Thierry , Renoz François
Published: August 2023

Bioconversion using insects is a promising strategy to convert organic waste (catering leftovers, harvest waste, food processing byproducts, etc.) into biomass that can be used for multiple applications, turned into high added-value products, and address environmental, societal and economic concerns. Due to its ability to feed on a tremendous variety of organic wastes, the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) has recently emerged as a promising insect for bioconversion of organic wastes on an industrial scale. A growing number of studies have highlighted the pivotal role of the gut microbiota in the performance and health of this insect species. This review aims to provide a critical overview of current knowledge regarding the functional diversity of the gut microbiota ofH. illucens, highlighting its importance for bioconversion, food safety and the development of new biotechnological tools. After providing an overview of the different strategies that have been used to outline the microbial communities ofH. illucens, we discuss the diversity of these gut microbes and the beneficial services they can provide to their insect host. Emphasis is placed on technical strategies and aspects of host biology that require special attention in the near future of research. We also argue that the singular digestive capabilities and complex gut microbiota ofH. illucensmake this insect species a valuable model for addressing fundamental questions regarding the interactions that insects have evolved with microorganisms. By proposing new avenues of research, this review aims to stimulate research on the microbiota of a promising insect to address the challenges of bioconversion, but also fundamental questions regarding bacterial symbiosis in insects.
Mind the gap: forest soils as a hidden hub for global micro- and nanoplastic pollution
Authors: Weber Collin J. , Rillig Matthias C. , Bigalke Moritz
Published: August 2023

Global plastic pollution has become a major concern because of its effects on environmental and human health. A major fraction of environmental plastics is likely stored temporarily within terrestrial soils. However, even though forests represent the third most common type of land cover on Earth, almost nothing is known about plastics in forest soils. The atmospheric transport of micro- and nanoplastics provides ample opportunity for forest canopies to intercept plastic particles. These plastic particles, together with local plastic sources like litter and items used in forest management, eventually reach forest soils. In this paper we discuss the potential role of forest soils as a hub within global plastic cycles; transport processes from the atmosphere to the soil; and the integration of plastics into forest material cycles. Taken together, plastic in forests could have a major impact on sensitive ecosystems, economically important functions and global environmental plastic budgets. We also develop a roadmap for further investigation into plastics in forest soil systems.
A deep-learning approach for dynamic region merging applied to feature extraction from borehole microresistivity images
Authors: Long Gang , Shen Jinsong , Li Yaxi , Wang Lei
Published: August 2023

The primary purpose of processing borehole resistivity images is to identify and extract high (or low) resistivity anomalous areas, which are associated with resistive fractures and dissolved pores. To improve the accuracy and applicability of these models, a new intelligent method combining dynamic-region merging (DRM) with a deep-learning network (U-net) is proposed. The superpixel method, also referred to as linear spectral clustering (LSC), was applied to segment fractures and dissolved pores that are represented by a resistivity contrast in the original resistivity images. The sequential probability ratio test technique was then used to implement the DRM procedure to group many oversegmented small regions. A convolutional neural network (U-net architecture) model was used to automatically identify geologic features with various scales. The trained neural network was then used to identify the segmented resistivity images that had been processed by the DRM. The results showed that the superpixel algorithm and U-net combination significantly improved the accuracy of the classification and identification of fractures and dissolved pores in different test data sets. Moreover, it solved the problem of few-shot learning, enabling a pretrained model to generalize over new data categories.
Removing abnormal environmental noise in nodal land seismic data using deep learning
Authors: Li Xiaobin , Qi Qiaomu , Yang Yuyong , Duan Pengfei , Cao Zhonglin
Published: August 2023

In field seismic data, abnormal environmental noise from the acquisition environment often is unavoidable, and its characteristics are complex. Abnormal environmental noise has a strong amplitude (tens of thousands times the average seismic amplitudes) and masks the effective seismic signal. The traditional method for removing such abnormal environmental noise relies on energy scanning to identify the noise location. However, energy scanning cannot always accurately identify such noise due to the sudden energy change at the locations of first-breaks and surface waves. A deep learning method for removing abnormal environmental noise has been developed. The presence of environmental noise with large amplitude also results in an uneven energy distribution. The existing denoising networks rarely consider this situation. Based on the characteristics of environmental noise received by the nodal seismic acquisition system, a workflow for automatically generating the training data sets has been established. The network is built based on the Unet with the incorporation of a residual block. The Batchnorm layer is specifically omitted to adapt to the uneven energy distribution. Synthetic and field data testing have confirmed the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method. The new method indicates better denoising performance and greater flexibility than the traditional method. Comparison between different networks also indicates that the new Residual Block Connected Unet is much more effective in denoising seismic data that contain abnormal environmental noise.
An innovative medical waste management system in a smart city using XAI and vehicle routing optimization
Authors: Boudanga Zineb , benhadou Siham , Medromi Hicham
Published: August 2023

Background: The management of medical waste is a complex task that necessitates effective strategies to mitigate health risks, comply with regulations, and minimize environmental impact. In this study, a novel approach based on collaboration and technological advancements is proposed.

Methods: By utilizing colored bags with identification tags, smart containers with sensors, object recognition sensors, air and soil control sensors, vehicles with Global Positioning System (GPS) and temperature humidity sensors, and outsourced waste treatment, the system optimizes waste sorting, storage, and treatment operations. Additionally, the incorporation of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) technology, leveraging scikit-learn, xgboost, catboost, lightgbm, and skorch, provides real-time insights and data analytics, facilitating informed decision-making and process optimization.

Results: The integration of these cutting-edge technologies forms the foundation of an efficient and intelligent medical waste management system. Furthermore, the article highlights the use of genetic algorithms (GA) to solve vehicle routing models, optimizing waste collection routes and minimizing transportation time to treatment centers.

Conclusions: Overall, the combination of advanced technologies, optimization algorithms, and XAI contributes to improved waste management practices, ultimately benefiting both public health and the environment.
The economic impact of living with a rare disease for children and their families: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Buckle Niamh , Doyle Orla , Kodate Naonori , Somanadhan Suja
Published: August 2023

Background: Rare diseases are an often chronic, progressive and life-limiting group of conditions affecting more than 30 million people in Europe. These diseases are associated with significant direct and indirect costs to a spectrum of stakeholders, ranging from individuals and their families to society overall. Further quantitative research on the economic cost for children and their families living with a rare disease is required as there is little known on this topic. This scoping review aims to document the extent and type of evidence on the economic impacts of living with a rare disease for children and their families.

Methods: This scoping review will follow the PRISMA-ScR and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and follow the six-stage methodology for scoping reviews: (1) identifying the research question, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) study selection, (4) charting the data, (5) collating, summarising and reporting results and (6) knowledge user consultation. Key inclusion criteria have been developed according to the Population-Concept-Context (PCC) framework. The databases EconLit, ABI/Inform, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus will be searched for possible articles for inclusion. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts of potential articles using a dual review process to ensure all relevant studies are included. All included articles will be assessed using a validated quality appraisal tool. A panel of patient and public involvement representatives experiencing rare diseases and knowledge users will validate the review results.

Conclusions: This scoping review will map the current literature on the economic impact of paediatric rare diseases to understand how these impacts affect children living with rare diseases and their families. This evidence has the potential to influence policy and future research in this area and will support the future development of a cost-minimal intervention prototype to address the economic impact for families as part of this doctoral project.
The Attention Economy: Measuring the Value of Free Goods on the Internet
Authors: Brynjolfsson Erik , Kim Seon Tae , Oh Joo Hee
Published: August 2023

We develop a framework to measure the value of free goods and services available on the internet. The conventional method of measuring consumer surplus based on monetary expenditures is ineffective because these goods’ prices are predominantly zero. As the saying goes, time is money, and thus, our method addresses this challenge by quantifying the value of the time that consumers devote to consuming these free goods. We apply our model to data on the allocation of individuals’ time among internet, television, leisure, and work, and this enables us to estimate the consumer surplus of free goods. We find that the average incremental welfare gain from the internet for each year between 2002 and 2011 was about $38 billion per year in the United States, which is equivalent to approximately 0.29% of the annual GDP. In contrast, if we had not considered the value of time, then the estimated annual incremental welfare gain would have been only $2.7 billion, which is barely 7% of the estimate derived from our model, which considers the time spent on consuming these goods. Our approach can be readily extended to the valuation of other zero-priced goods and services, such as television. In addition, our results show the importance of not only quantity but also quality (e.g., internet speed) in determining the welfare contributions of free goods.
Mind the Gap: Gender Disparity in Online Learning Platform Interactions
Authors: Wang Zhihan (Helen) , Li Jun , Wu Di (Andrew)
Published: August 2023

Problem definition: Education technology innovations, such as massive open online course (MOOC) platforms, could potentially enable a more inclusive learning environment by delivering education to traditionally disadvantaged learners, like women. However, inclusivity does not necessarily translate into equal treatment on the platform. We investigate whether female and male learners benefit equally from forum discussions—typically the only form of interaction available—in online learning platforms. Methodology/results: Utilizing a large-scale, interaction-level data set on 174 courses on Coursera, we uncover an economically sizable and statistically significant disparity between male and female learners in receiving responses to their posts in MOOC discussion forums. On average, female learners’ questions are 3.11 percentage points less likely to receive responses from teaching staff than male learners’ questions, which equals 15.2% of the female group average. We also find significant gender disparity in staff response quality and sentiments. We investigate possible mechanisms behind the gender disparity using new techniques, including textual analysis tools. We show that the disparity is not because of content differences in male and female learners’ posts, nor is it attributable to their linguistic styles or the reputation of the posters. Instead, our results are most consistent with a male-driven gender homophily mechanism; although female staff members are gender neutral in their interactions with learners, male staff members systemically prefer responding to posts from male learners. We additionally show that receiving staff response leads to significant improvement in course passing rates, particularly for female learners. Therefore, the unequal access to information through course forums unfavorably hinders female learners’ performance. Managerial implications: Our results provide operational and organizational suggestions to platforms and content providers, including degendering user identifiers, implementing a content-focused post recommendation system, incorporating a gender-neutral user reputation system, promoting the recruiting of female teaching staff, and providing staff training that highlights the importance of gender-neutral interactions.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.0426 .
Linezolid-induced pancreatitis associated with lactic acidosis and relative hypoglycemia: A rare case report
Authors: Kim Gi Eun , Ansari Soubiya , Ali Ateeque , Adams Ehab , Eltahir Mugahid
Published: August 2023

Background: Linezolid is known to cause side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and headaches of short duration. As extended use of linezolid is becoming more common, additional rare side effects should be considered. Case Presentation: A 68-year-old man hospitalized for osteomyelitis developed severe abdominal pain and altered mental status following five weeks of linezolid therapy. Laboratory studies showed very high lipase levels, lactic acidosis not responding to resuscitation, and relative hypoglycemia. All common causes of pancreatitis were ruled out, and a trial of linezolid withdrawal was done resulting in drastic improvement in the patient's clinical status. Conclusions: For patients on extended course of linezolid who develop abdominal pain, drug-induced pancreatitis should be considered as a side effect, and a trial of withdrawal of linezolid should be undertaken.
Recurrent high-risk pulmonary thromboembolism treated with repeated thrombolytic therapy could be helpful for certain patients: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Bigdelu Leila , Ebrahimi Negar , Maadarani Ossama
Published: August 2023

Acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is considered the third most frequent acute cardiovascular syndrome behind myocardial infarction and stroke, with annual incidence rates ranging from 39 to 115 per 100,000 people and ranking high among the causes of cardiovascular mortality. High-risk PTE is characterised by haemodynamic instability and encompasses clinical manifestations such as cardiac arrest, obstructive shock and persistent hypotension. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommends a reperfusion strategy with systemic thrombolytic therapy for high-risk PTE under class I, level B if there are no contraindications. Overall, unsuccessful thrombolytic therapy and recurrent PTE have been reported in 8% of patients with high-risk PTE. The guidelines recommend surgical pulmonary embolectomy if thrombolysis is contraindicated or has failed. The position of repeated thrombolytic therapy as a treatment option in patients with recurrent high-risk PTE, especially in situations with a lack of surgical expertise or resources, was not mentioned in the guidelines. We report the case of a patient who suffered a recurrent high-risk PTE and was treated with repeated thrombolytic therapy that was effective and resulted in excellent outcomes.
Successful treatment of a case of COVID-19 pneumonia following kidney transplantation using paxlovid and tocilizumab
Authors: Chen Qian , Niu Yu-Lin
Published: August 2023

Insulin, a small protein with 51 amino acids synthesized by pancreatic β-cells, is crucial to sustain glucose homeostasis at biochemical and molecular levels. Numerous metabolic dysfunctions are related to insulin-mediated altered glucose homeostasis. One of the significant pathophysiological conditions linked to the insulin associated disorder is diabetes mellitus (DM) (type 1, type 2, and gestational). Insulin resistance (IR) is one of the major underlying causes of metabolic disorders despite its association with several physiological conditions. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is another pathophysiological condition that is associated with IR, hypertension, and obesity. Further, several other pathophysiological disorders/diseases are associated with the insulin malfunctioning, which include polycystic ovary syndrome, neuronal disorders, and cancer. Insulinomas are an uncommon type of pancreatic β-cell-derived neuroendocrine tumor that makes up 2% of all pancreatic neoplasms. Literature revealed that different biochemical events, molecular signaling pathways, microRNAs, and microbiota act as connecting links between insulin disorder and associated pathophysiology such as DM, insuloma, neurological disorder, MS, and cancer. In this review, we focus on the insulin-related disorders and the underlying mechanisms associated with the pathophysiology.
Diagnosis and treatment of Whipple disease after kidney transplantation: A case report
Authors: Chen Qian , Niu Yu-Lin , Zhang Tao
Published: August 2023

Insulin, a small protein with 51 amino acids synthesized by pancreatic β-cells, is crucial to sustain glucose homeostasis at biochemical and molecular levels. Numerous metabolic dysfunctions are related to insulin-mediated altered glucose homeostasis. One of the significant pathophysiological conditions linked to the insulin associated disorder is diabetes mellitus (DM) (type 1, type 2, and gestational). Insulin resistance (IR) is one of the major underlying causes of metabolic disorders despite its association with several physiological conditions. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is another pathophysiological condition that is associated with IR, hypertension, and obesity. Further, several other pathophysiological disorders/diseases are associated with the insulin malfunctioning, which include polycystic ovary syndrome, neuronal disorders, and cancer. Insulinomas are an uncommon type of pancreatic β-cell-derived neuroendocrine tumor that makes up 2% of all pancreatic neoplasms. Literature revealed that different biochemical events, molecular signaling pathways, microRNAs, and microbiota act as connecting links between insulin disorder and associated pathophysiology such as DM, insuloma, neurological disorder, MS, and cancer. In this review, we focus on the insulin-related disorders and the underlying mechanisms associated with the pathophysiology.
Degradation of Biebrich Scarlet Textile Dye by using MBIR Dowex-1x8
Authors: Yadav Lal Chand , Jaimini Hariom , Meena R. C. , L. Meena S.
Published: August 2023

In the present study, Methylene blue immobilized resin (MBIR) Dowex-1x8, an effective heterogeneous photocatalyst, is used to perform the photocatalytic degradation of Biebrich Scarlet (BS) Textile dye. The degradation of the dye was systematically investigated under different parameters such as pH of the Biebrich Scarlet dye solution, different Photocatalyst doses, dye solution concentrations, and UV/Visible light intensity. Optimum results are shown for various parameters, such as temperature of 30oC, pH of 7.5, photocatalyst loading dose of 2.0 g, and light intensity of 10.5mW/cm2. Maximum degradation is shown on the above optimum condition and complete degradation was held in 210 minutes on the above optimum condition.
Acoustical and Spectroscopical Analysis of Surfactant with Different Alcohols at Various Concentrations and Temperatures
Authors: Aruna S. , Thiyagarajan R. , Panneerselvam A. , Gnanasaravanan S.
Published: August 2023

The ultrasonic velocity of molecules in medium supplies valid information about the binding forces between molecules. Surfactants are chemicals that self-assemble molecular clusters in a solution (oil or water phase) known as micelles. SLS has been suggested as a potentially effective topical microbicide for intravaginal usage to suppress and potentially prevent infection by various enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. The acoustical parameters such as ultrasonic velocity, density, and viscosity of a solution containing an anionic surfactant (SLS) and alcohols (Anise and Cinnamyl alcohol) are determined at various temperatures (303,313 and 323 K). Similarly, the acoustical parameters such as adiabatic compressibility (b), intermolecular free length (Lf), internal pressure () Rao's constant (Ra), absorption coefficient (a/f2), free volume (Vf), cohesive energy (CE), relaxation time (), acoustic impedance (Za), and solvation number (Sn) were calculated from the observed values. At the end, it is concluded that SLS+water- Anise alcohol has been used as a best additive. This composite has a lower foaming tendency due to lower surface tension, leading to a newer product.
Value-Added Application of Bourbon Spent Grain and Proso Millet for High-Fiber Extruded Product
Authors: Woomer Joseph , Schendel Rachel , Lovely Jennifer , Vijayakumar Paul P , Adedeji Akinbode A
Published: August 2023

Highlights

Distillers spent grain (DSG) constitutes a major disposal problem for the bourbon industry.

The impact of DSG particle size and addition level on the quality attributes of extruded products was evaluated.

Particle size and addition level modulated the extrusion of DSG-proso millet-based extrudate.

Some quality of extrudates with up to 10% DSG addition level and 300 µm particle size compared favorably with the control.

Abstract. Bourbon is an important export for the US, especially in the state of Kentucky, which accounts for 95% of global production. The disposal of the main byproduct of bourbon distilling is a major problem for the industry. Distiller’s spent grain (DSG) produced contains insoluble and soluble fibers and protein, making it an attractive option as a health-promoting functional ingredient in food production. The objective of this research was to determine the DSG properties needed for the development of high-fiber extruded products with millet as the base-starch ingredient. Samples were produced using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. A two-way factorial design was used to test the effect of DSG particle size (180, 300, and 500 µm) and addition levels (5%, 10%, and 15%) on some physico-functional properties of the extrudates, such as specific mechanical energy, water solubility index, water absorption index, radial expansion ratio, fracturability, hardness, porosity, degree of gelatinization, and pasting properties. In general, higher DSG addition levels resulted in decreased radial expansion and porosity, and created harder, bulkier, and darker color products. However, samples produced with medium particle size DSG (300 µm) at 5% addition level saw no significant decrease in expansion or hardness compared to the control (0% DSG). Similarly, at 10% DSG addition level and coarse (500 µm) particle size, there was no significant difference in porosity compared to the control group. This study shows that optimized particle size and DSG addition level allow the incorporation of bourbon spent grain into an extruded-expanded product without significant loss of attributes but with higher dietary fiber content. Keywords: Bourbon, Distillers Spent Grain, Extrusion, High-fiber, Proso Millet.
Tunable Four-Wave-Mixing enabled by Self-Phase-Modulation of chirped pulses.
Authors: Corso Cassia , Mansuryan Tigran , Tonello Alessandro , Arosa Yago , Stepanenko Yuriy , COUDERC Vincent , Krupa Katarzyna
Published: August 2023

We experimentally demonstrate how a concatenation of standard and microstructure fiber segments permits adjusting the Four-Wave-Mixing sideband position over a large spectral range by varying the chirp of an input pulsed pump at a fixed wavelength. The blue- and red-shifted sidebands can stand aside over ~ 200 nm and ~ 450 nm from the pump, respectively, which agrees well with the numerical simulations. We validate our approach by showing the feasibility of CARS imaging.
Genome-wide fitness profiling reveals molecular mechanisms that bacteria use to interact with Trichoderma atroviride exometabolites
Authors: Villalobos-Escobedo José Manuel , Mercado-Esquivias Maria Belen , Adams Catharine , Kauffman W. Berkeley , Malmstrom Rex R. , Deutschbauer Adam M. , Glass N. Louise
Published: August 2023

Trichoderma spp. are ubiquitous rhizosphere fungi capable of producing several classes of secondary metabolites that can modify the dynamics of the plant-associated microbiome. However, the bacterial-fungal mechanisms that mediate these interactions have not been fully characterized. Here, a random barcode transposon-site sequencing (RB-TnSeq) approach was employed to identify bacterial genes important for fitness in the presence of Trichoderma atroviride exudates. We selected three rhizosphere bacteria with RB-TnSeq mutant libraries that can promote plant growth: the nitrogen fixers Klebsiella michiganensis M5aI and Herbaspirillum seropedicae SmR1, and Pseudomonas simiae WCS417. As a non-rhizosphere species, Pseudomonas putida KT2440 was also included. From the RB-TnSeq data, nitrogen-fixing bacteria competed mainly for iron and required the siderophore transport system TonB/ExbB for optimal fitness in the presence of T. atroviride exudates. In contrast, P. simiae and P. putida were highly dependent on mechanisms associated with membrane lipid modification that are required for resistance to cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs). A mutant in the Hog1-MAP kinase (Δtmk3) gene of T. atroviride showed altered expression patterns of many nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) biosynthetic gene clusters with potential antibiotic activity. In contrast to exudates from wild-type T. atroviride, bacterial mutants containing lesions in genes associated with resistance to antibiotics did not show fitness defects when RB-TnSeq libraries were exposed to exudates from the Δtmk3 mutant. Unexpectedly, exudates from wild-type T. atroviride and the Δtmk3 mutant rescued purine auxotrophic mutants of H. seropedicae, K. michiganensis and P. simiae. Metabolomic analysis on exudates from wild-type T. atroviride and the Δtmk3 mutant showed that both strains excrete purines and complex metabolites; functional Tmk3 is required to produce some of these metabolites. This study highlights the complex interplay between Trichoderma-metabolites and soil bacteria, revealing both beneficial and antagonistic effects, and underscoring the intricate and multifaceted nature of this relationship.
Backup transcription factor binding sites protect human genes from mutations in the promoter
Authors: Brown Jay C.
Published: August 2023

This study was designed to test the idea that the regulatory regions of human genes have evolved to be resistant to the effects of mutations in their primary function, the control of gene expression. It is proposed that the transcription factor/transcription factor binding site (TF/TFBS) pair having the greatest effect on control of a gene is the one with the highest abundance among the regulatory elements. Other pairs would have the same effect on gene expression and would predominate in the event of a mutation in the most abundant pair. It is expected that the overall regulatory design proposed here will be highly resistant to mutagenic change that would otherwise affect expression of the gene. The idea was tested beginning with a database of 42 human genes highly specific for expression in brain. For each gene, the five most abundant TF/TFBS pairs were identified and compared in their TFBS occupancy as measured by their ChIP-seq signal. A similar signal was observed and interpreted as evidence that the TF/TFBS pairs can substitute for one another. TF/TFBS pairs were also compared in their ability to substitute for one another in their effect on the level of gene expression. The study of brain specific genes was complemented with the same analysis performed with 31 human liver specific genes. Like the study of brain genes, the liver results supported the view that TF/TFBS pairs in liver specific genes can substitute for one another in the event of mutagenic damage. Finally, the TFBSs in the brain specific and liver specific gene populations were compared with each other with the goal of identifying any brain selective or liver selective TFBSs. Of the 89 TFBSs in the pooled population, 58 were found only in brain specific but not liver specific genes, 8 only in liver specific but not brain specific genes and 23 were found in both brain and liver specific genes. The results were interpreted to emphasize the large number of TFBS in brain specific genes.
Population genetic testing and SERPINA1 sequencing identifies unidentified alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency alleles and gene-environment interaction with hepatitis C infection
Authors: Schuler Bryce A. , Bastarache Lisa , Wang Janey , He Jing , Van Driest Sara L. , Denny Joshua C.
Published: August 2023

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), a relatively common autosomal recessive genetic disorder, is underdiagnosed in symptomatic individuals. We sought to compare the risk of liver transplantation associated with hepatitis C infection with AATD heterozygotes and homozygotes and determine if SERPINA1 sequencing would identify undiagnosed AATD. We performed a retrospective cohort study in a deidentified Electronic Health Record (EHR)-linked DNA biobank with 72,027 individuals genotyped for the M, Z, and S alleles in SERPINA1. We investigated liver transplantation frequency by genotype group and compared with hepatitis C infection. We performed SERPINA1 sequencing in carriers of pathogenic AATD alleles who underwent liver transplantation. Liver transplantation was associated with the Z allele (ZZ: odds ratio [OR] = 1.31, p<2e-16; MZ: OR = 1.02, p = 1.2e-13) and with hepatitis C (OR = 1.20, p<2e-16). For liver transplantation, there was a significant interaction between genotype and hepatitis C (ZZ: interaction OR = 1.23, p = 4.7e-4; MZ: interaction OR = 1.11, p = 6.9e-13). Sequencing uncovered a second, rare, pathogenic SERPINA1 variant in six of 133 individuals with liver transplants and without hepatitis C. Liver transplantation was more common in individuals with AATD risk alleles (including heterozygotes), and AATD and hepatitis C demonstrated evidence of a gene-environment interaction in relation to liver transplantation. The current AATD screening strategy may miss diagnoses whereas SERPINA1 sequencing may increase diagnostic yield for AATD, stratify risk for liver disease, and inform clinical management for individuals with AATD risk alleles and liver disease risk factors.