bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APOE ε4 gene dose effect on imaging and blood biomarkers of neuroinflammation and beta-amyloid in cognitively unimpaired elderly
Authors: Snellman Anniina , Ekblad Laura L. , Tuisku Jouni , Koivumäki Mikko , Ashton Nicholas J. , Lantero-Rodriguez Juan , Karikari Thomas K. , Helin Semi , Bucci Marco , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Parkkola Riitta , Karrasch Mira , Schöll Michael , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Rinne Juha O.
Published: April 2023

Background

Neuroinflammation, characterized by increased reactivity of microglia and astrocytes in the brain, is known to be present at various stages of the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continuum. However, its presence and relationship with amyloid pathology in cognitively normal at-risk individuals is less clear. Here, we used positron emission tomography (PET) and blood biomarker measurements to examine differences in neuroinflammation and beta-amyloid (Aβ) and their association in cognitively unimpaired homozygotes, heterozygotes, or non-carriers of the APOE ε4 allele, the strongest genetic risk for sporadic AD.

Methods

Sixty 60–75-year-old APOE ε4 homozygotes (n = 19), heterozygotes (n = 21), and non-carriers (n = 20) were recruited in collaboration with the local Auria biobank. The participants underwent 11C-PK11195 PET (targeting 18-kDa translocator protein, TSPO), 11C-PiB PET (targeting Aβ), brain MRI, and neuropsychological testing including a preclinical cognitive composite (APCC). 11C-PK11195 distribution volume ratios and 11C-PiB standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) were calculated for regions typical for early Aβ accumulation in AD. Blood samples were drawn for measuring plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and plasma Aβ1-42/1.40.

Results

In our cognitively unimpaired sample, cortical 11C-PiB-binding increased according to APOE ε4 gene dose (median composite SUVR 1.47 (range 1.38–1.66) in non-carriers, 1.55 (1.43–2.02) in heterozygotes, and 2.13 (1.61–2.83) in homozygotes, P = 0.002). In contrast, cortical composite 11C-PK11195-binding did not differ between the APOE ε4 gene doses (P = 0.27) or between Aβ-positive and Aβ-negative individuals (P = 0.81) and associated with higher Aβ burden only in APOE ε4 homozygotes (Rho = 0.47, P = 0.043). Plasma GFAP concentration correlated with cortical 11C-PiB (Rho = 0.35, P = 0.040), but not 11C-PK11195-binding (Rho = 0.13, P = 0.47) in Aβ-positive individuals. In the total cognitively unimpaired population, both higher composite 11C-PK11195-binding and plasma GFAP were associated with lower hippocampal volume, whereas elevated 11C-PiB-binding was associated with lower APCC scores.

Conclusions

Only Aβ burden measured by PET, but not markers of neuroinflammation, differed among cognitively unimpaired elderly with different APOE ε4 gene dose. However, APOE ε4 gene dose seemed to modulate the association between neuroinflammation and Aβ.
The fragile healthcare system in Lebanon: sounding the alarm about its possible collapse
Authors: Bou Sanayeh Elie , El Chamieh Carolla
Published: April 2023

Lebanon is currently facing a complex and multifaceted healthcare crisis. The country has been grappling with a severe financial crisis since 2019, which has been compounded by the social unrest, the devastating Beirut blast in 2020, and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, many hospitals in Lebanon are facing significant difficulties following the devaluation of the Lebanese currency, which has made it difficult for them to purchase necessary medical supplies and equipment. This report aims to examine the difficulties faced by hospitals in Lebanon due to these various factors, and to discuss potential solutions to address the crisis.
Allelic phenotype prediction of phenylketonuria based on the machine learning method
Authors: Fang Yang , Gao Jinshuang , Guo Yaqing , Li Xiaole , Yuan Enwu , Yuan Erfeng , Song Liying , Shi Qianqian , Yu Haiyang , Zhao Dehua , Zhang Linlin
Published: April 2023

Background

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is caused by mutations in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene. Our study aimed to predict the phenotype using the allelic genotype.

Methods

A total of 1291 PKU patients with 623 various variants were used as the training dataset for predicting allelic phenotypes. We designed a common machine learning framework to predict allelic genotypes associated with the phenotype.

Results

We identified 235 different mutations and 623 various allelic genotypes. The features extracted from the structure of mutations and graph properties of the PKU network to predict the phenotype of PKU were named PPML (PKU phenotype predicted by machine learning). The phenotype of PKU was classified into three different categories: classical PKU (cPKU), mild PKU (mPKU) and mild hyperphenylalaninemia (MHP). Three hub nodes (c.728G>A for cPKU, c.721 for mPKU and c.158G>A for HPA) were used as each classification center, and 5 node attributes were extracted from the network graph for machine learning training features. The area under the ROC curve was AUC = 0.832 for cPKU, AUC = 0.678 for mPKU and AUC = 0.874 for MHP. This suggests that PPML is a powerful method to predict allelic phenotypes in PKU and can be used for genetic counseling of PKU families.

Conclusions

The web version of PPML predicts PKU allele classification supported by applicable real cases and prediction results. It is an online database that can be used for PKU phenotype prediction http://www.bioinfogenetics.info/PPML/.
Efficacy of Occipital Nerve Stimulation in Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias: A Systematic Review
Authors: Veilleux Catherine , Khousakoun Devon , Kwon Churl-Su , Amoozegar Farnaz , Girgis Fady
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) are a group of highly disabling primary headache disorders. Although pharmacological treatments exist, they are not always effective or well tolerated. Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) is a potentially effective surgical treatment.

OBJECTIVE:

To perform a systematic review of the efficacy of ONS in treating TACs.

METHODS:

A systematic review was performed using Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Primary outcomes were reduction in headache intensity, duration, and frequency. Secondary outcomes included adverse event rate and reduction in medication use. Because of large differences in outcome measures, data for patients suffering from short-lasting, unilateral, and neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA) were reported separately. Risk of bias was assessed using the NIH Quality Assessment Tools.

RESULTS:

A total of 417 patients from 14 published papers were included in the analysis, of which 15 patients were in the SUNCT/SUNA cohort. The mean reduction in headache intensity and duration was 26.2% and 31.4%, respectively. There was a mean reduction in headache frequency of 50%, as well as a 61.2% reduction in the use of abortive medications and a 31.1% reduction in the use of prophylactic medications. In the SUNCT/SUNA cohort, the mean decrease in headache intensity and duration was 56.8% and 42.8%. The overall responder rate, defined as a >50% reduction in attack frequency, was 60.8% for the non-SUNCT/non-SUNA cohort and 66.7% for the SUNCT/SUNA cohort. Adverse events requiring repeat surgery were reported in 33% of cases. Risk of bias assessment suggests that articles included in this review had reasonable internal validity.

CONCLUSION:

ONS may be an effective surgical treatment for approximately two thirds of patients with medically refractory TACs.
Differential diagnosis of parotid gland tumors using apparent diffusion coefficient, texture features, and their combination
Authors: Muraoka Hirotaka , Kaneda Takashi , Kondo Takumi , Okada Shunya , Tokunaga Satoshi
Published: April 2023

Objectives:

Warthin’s tumors (WT) and pleomorphic adenomas (PA) are the commonest parotid gland tumors; however, their differentiation remains difficult. This study aimed to investigate the utility of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, texture features, and their combination for the differential diagnosis of parotid gland tumors.

Methods:

Patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between April 2008 and March 2021 for parotid gland tumors were included and divided into two groups according to the tumor type: WT and PA. The tumor types were used as predictor variables, while the ADC value, texture features, and their combination were the outcome variables. Texture features were measured on short tau inversion recovery (STIR) images and selected using the Fisher’s coefficient method and probability of error, and average correlation coefficients. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to analyze bivariate statistics. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess the ability of the ADC value, texture features, and their combination to distinguishing between the two tumor types.

Results:

A total of 22 patients were included, 11 in each group. The ADC value, 10 texture features, and their combination were significantly different between the two groups (p < .001). Moreover, all three variables had high area under the curve values of 0.93–0.96.

Conclusion:

The ADC value, texture features, and their combination demonstrated good diagnostic ability to distinguish between WTs and PAs. This method may be used to aid the differential diagnosis of parotid gland tumors, thereby promoting timely and adequate treatment.
Ranking of cardiovascular risk factors in Romania- regional epidemiological approach
Authors: Puṣcaṣu Cristina-Monica , Tecău Alina-Simona , Nemet Gabriela-Codruṭa
Published: April 2023

An extensive epidemiological investigation was applied regarding the risk factors, to a cohort of patients with pre-existing heart disease, hospitalized for tertiary prophylaxis in a rehabilitation hospital. The group of 499 patients from all regions of the country respected the proportions of gender and environment of origin for the general population of Romania and was adjusted according to regional proportions.
The ranking of risk factors and protection factors present in the studied population was made, at the level of each of the 8 regions of the country and for the whole country consolidated. The profile of the cardiovascular patient was identified. We used risk factors for population characterization, not for aggregation into tools for assessing total cardiovascular risk (as is the trend in large cohort studies since Framingham)
The data processing was done to be able to develop prevention strategies in the interest of the specific individual, not to standardize population characteristics and translate them to the individual thus decreasing their appropriateness.
Keywords: 1 cardiovascular risk-factors, 2 cardiovascular diseases prevention , 3 cardiovascular rehabilitation.
Quality of life outcomes evaluation after motor rehabilitation of the lower limbs using a stationary bicycle
Authors: Murgoci Nicolae
Published: April 2023

Present study aims for the QoL assessment after performing a physiotherapeutic program for lower limbs rehabilitation using a stationary bicycle. Subjects are outpatients, n=7, mean age 51.86 ± 11.82, BMI (kg/m2) mean of 29.37±6.43. Before the beginning of the rehabilitation program (T0) was the first evaluation with RAND SF-36 version 1 and after eight weeks of physical therapy the second one (T2). QoL measurements assessment implies eight criteria. Appropriateness - the main objective of gait facilitation was fulfilled for all seven patients. Acceptability- response rates T0/T2 = 100%. Feasibility - SF-36 OrthoToolKit is licensed (Optum) and available freely online, with a completion time of 6 min in the kit tool. Validity was proved by specialty literature. Reliability Intraclass correlation coefficient - ICC (Cronbach's Alpha overall test-retest, patient/physical therapist T0/T2 =0.995/1.000) Pearson correlation coefficient between items - strong statistical significance (p<.05). Responsiveness The T-test for paired samples, Wilcoxon, Sign Test resulted significant (p<.05) for each subsequent scale. Effect size (Partial Eta Squared) based on z-score η2 = .432 physical components and .534 mental components – large effect. Precision- based on Likert response. Interpretability - Romanian version was used. QoL outcomes measuring eight criteria proved a positive impact of the intervention on patients.
The analyse of the antioxidant effect of natural peloidotherapy in aging process
Authors: Stanciu Liliana-Elena , Iliescu Madalina-Gabriela , Petcu Lucian , Uzun Andreea-Bianca , Ungureanu Adelina-Elena , Ungur Rodica-Ana , Ciortea Viorela Mihaela , Irsay Laszlo , Ionescu Elena-Valentina , Oprea Carmen , Mihailov Claudia
Published: April 2023

Medical research has developed remarkably in recent years, including the involvement of the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) family of enzymes in the course of human aging, with numerous clinical studies published in the literature reporting this particular fact. Thus, mud therapy and its effect on biological aging have been represented in papers that have been published to date. Papers published in the literature analyzing GPx vari-ation during sapropelic mud therapy suggest the beneficial effect of this family of en-zymes in diseases with an important inflammatory component, mainly monitored in patients with osteoarthritis. This study investigated the effects of sapropelic mud treat-ment on GPx values in patients receiving treatment with sapropelic mud at the Balneal and Rehabilitation Sanatorium of Techirghiol, Romania. We included 52 patients, split into two groups, who received treatment with cold mud baths and warm mud baths. Values close to statistical significance were found in patients who received treatment with cold mud baths in terms of mean GPx values at the four-time points studied. Fur-ther studies evaluating GPx in patients receiving sapropelic mud treatment are needed.
Sampling from the Gibbs Distribution in Congestion Games
Authors: Kleer Pieter
Published: April 2023

Logit dynamics is a form of randomized game dynamics in which players have a bias toward strategic deviations that give a higher improvement in cost. It is used extensively in practice. In congestion (or potential) games, the dynamics converge to the so-called Gibbs distribution over the set of all strategy profiles when interpreted as a Markov chain. In general, logit dynamics can converge slowly to the Gibbs distribution, but beyond that, not much is known about its algorithmic aspects, nor that of the Gibbs distribution. In this work, we are interested in the following two questions for congestion games: (i) Is there an efficient algorithm for sampling from the Gibbs distribution? (ii) If yes, does there also exist natural randomized dynamics that converge quickly to the Gibbs distribution? We first study these questions in extension parallel congestion games, a well-studied special case of symmetric network congestion games. As our main result, we show that there is a simple variation on the logit dynamics that converges quickly to the Gibbs distribution in such games. We also address the first question for the class of so-called capacitated uniform congestion games and the second question for max cut games played on a complete graph. To prove our results, we rely on the recent breakthrough work of Anari et al. (2019) regarding the approximate sampling of a base of a matroid according to a strongly log-concave probability distribution.
A MATEMÁTICA EM PRÁTICAS LÚDICAS EDUCATIVAS NO PROCESSO ENSINOAPRENDIZADO DE CRIANÇAS DOS ANOS INICIAIS NO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL
Authors: Marques Bispo Joana Nély
Published: April 2023

O presente artigo tem como objetivo relatar as práticas lúdicas educativas de uma professora realizadas com crianças dos anos iniciais do Ensino Fundamental em uma escola da rede pública do município de Niterói, no estado do Rio de Janeiro; tendo como destaque a disciplina Matemática desenvolvida de forma interdisciplinar e transdisciplinar. Este relato expõe as possibilidades do processo ensinoaprendizado sob a metodologia nos/dos/com os cotidianos de autoria de Nilda Alves (2002, 2007, 2008 e 2015). Para delinear as ações lúdicas educativas serão utilizadas narrativas das crianças do 4º ano de escolaridade, imagens e descrições de cada atividade. Os resultados se referem aos aspectos positivos de uma pedagogia brincante com a fração na culinária, para isso foi feita no refeitório da escola uma pizza de rúcula, foi usado o dinheiro com o mercadinho, igualmente utilizamos o tabuleiro da multiplicação, assim como um vídeo da cultura indígena e o estudo de figuras geométricas planas mediante grafismo indígena brasileiro; exemplificando que é possível transformar as aulas em momentos de experiências marcantes.
Editorial
Authors: Leite Vania Finholdt Angelo
Published: April 2023

não se aplica
Relação professor-aluno: discussão a partir da obra Anne de Avonlea
Authors: Bagio Viviane Aparecida
Published: April 2023

Tomando como referência a obra Anne de Avonlea, nos dispusemos a discutir a relação entre professor e aluno, para estabelecer uma relação temporal a partir da seguinte indagação: Como as diferentes ações e atitudes sobre a relação professor-aluno, presentes na obra Anne de Avonlea, refletem abordagens de ensino sistematizadas? O estudo, de natureza teórico-analítica, estabelece relação com os diversos conceitos relativos à relação entre professor e aluno, bem como ao ensino, além de seus conceitos: autoridade e autoritarismo; disciplina, indisciplina e autodisciplina; diálogo; percepção, expectativas e estratégias e gestão da sala de aula. Concluímos que assim como exposto na obra, várias situações podem ocorrer e facilitar/dificultar o a relação entre professor e aluno, bem como instigar ao desenvolvimento de possibilidades para superar possíveis percalços. Anne nos ensina que há espaço entre o instituído e a instituição, desde que o instituinte encontre as estratégias que o possibilitem trabalhar.
A formação para a pesquisa na linha 1 do (PPGE/Unicentro): em destaque as disciplinas e o processo de orientação
Authors: Chimel Luciane , Lima Michelle Fernandes
Published: April 2023

Na presente pesquisa, refletimos sobre a formação oferecida ao pesquisador pela Linha 1- Políticas Educacionais, História e Organização da educação do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação da Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste (PPGE/UNICENTRO), contemplando as disciplinas e o processo de orientação para análise. Para a proposta, utilizamos dados públicos disponíveis no site do (PPGE/UNICENTRO) e no Regulamento do Programa. Fizemos uso de entrevistas semiestruturadas e questionários aplicados para egressos da Linha 1 e professores do programa, a fim de compreender a formação do pesquisador e os desafios no percurso de escrita da dissertação em relação aos aspectos teóricos e metodológicos. Diante do exposto, apontamos que pesquisas estão sendo produzidas e aprovadas. No entanto, não sabemos como é a orientação e a relação entre orientando e orientador na formulação desses estudos e o processo de formação desses pesquisadores, já que são poucos os trabalhos que analisam tal processo.
Utilização do alfabeto móvel organizado por crianças com TEA: Percepções de profissionais
Authors: Paiva Maria Aparecida Ferreira de , Santos Andréa Rizzo dos
Published: April 2023

Este artigo aborda as percepções dos profissionais envolvidos na escolarização de crianças com TEA e sua construção da linguagem escrita a partir da usabilidade do Alfabeto Móvel Organizado (AMO), em oficinas sobre o funcionamento alfabético do sistema de escrita. Tratou-se de uma pesquisa participante de cunho descritiva com abordagem qualitativa, realizada em uma Creche Escola de um município aulista. Participaram três professoras do ensino regular, uma professora de Educação Especial, dois Auxiliares de Desenvolvimento Infantil (ADIs) e cinquenta crianças matriculadas em três turmas de Etapa II, sendo que quatro delas eram diagnosticadas com TEA. Utilizou-se como instrumentos para coleta de dados questionários, registros de filmagem, fotografias e diário de campo. Os resultados revelaram que o uso do AMO permitiu às quatro crianças com TEA, mostrar seus saberes. Concluiu-se que o AMO teve papel importante para a inclusão dessas crianças, favorecendo seu sentimento de pertencimento no contexto educacional regular.
Ensino das ciências biológicas e a contextualização de saberes: uma análise do currículo de formação docente
Authors: Silva Luiz Felipe Pereira , Ramos Marcelo Alves
Published: April 2023

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo analisar os componentes curriculares do curso de licenciatura em ciências biológicas de uma universidade pública no estado de Pernambuco para assim descrever se estes contribuem para a sensibilização dos professores e valorização de conhecimentos culturas locais em aulas de ciências e biologia.
Fechamento das escolas do campo: entre os territórios de articulação, resistência e luta
Authors: Lima de Oliveira Lanna Cecília , Costa Silva Luana Patrícia , Ferreira da Silva Matheus
Published: April 2023

Neste artigo, busca-se promover uma reflexão a partir da análise do papel organizacional da sociedade civil na luta contra o fechamento das escolas do campo, com o objetivo de traçar um panorama sobre as articulações em defesa da Educação do Campo e apresentar um estudo de caso, referente ao processo de resistência e luta relacionada à reabertura da Escola Municipal Maria Emília Maracajá, localizada no sítio São José do Bonfim, na cidade de Areia, Paraíba. Os pressupostos teóricos que fundamentam esta pesquisa ancoram-se nos estudos de Arroyo (2008, 2014), Caldart (2008), Molina (2008), e outros estudiosos que se debruçam e contribuem nos territórios da Educação do Campo. A base metodológica utilizada orienta-se por meio da abordagem qualitativa e da Pesquisa Participante, a partir dos estudos de Brandão (2006) e Yin (2001). Os dados observados no censo deixam explícita a opção pela negação ao direito à escola nos territórios camponeses, à medida que há uma crescente no fechamento das escolas do campo, com destaque para a região nordeste. Apesar disso, a sociedade tem-se organizado em rede e empenhado esforços para alterar essa realidade e alcançar conquistas a partir da luta contra o fechamento dessas escolas. A reabertura da Escola Maria Emília Maracajá é reflexo dessa organização e demonstra o poder da articulação dos sujeitos em defesa de seus direitos.
A produção científica sobre educação física na educação infantil no GTT escola/ Conbrace
Authors: Oliveira Palhano Dayane , Sabbag Samantha , Duek Viviane Preichardt
Published: April 2023

O estudo teve por objetivo mapear e explorar a produção científica sobre Educação Física na Educação Infantil publicada no Grupo de Trabalho Temático (GTT) Escola do CBCE/Conbrace entre 2005 e 2019. Foi realizada análise bibliométrica de 52 artigos que faziam referência à Educação Física na Educação Infantil. Os resultados indicaram que a produção sobre a temática se manteve estável ao longo do período investigado, concentrada na região sudeste do Brasil e tendo crianças como a principal população investigada. As palavras-chaves mais empregadas nos estudos publicados são Educação Infantil e Educação Física. Conclui-se que a produção científica em torno da Educação Física na Educação Infantil vinculada ao GTT Escola, é incipiente em algumas regiões do país, estando concentrada em poucas Universidades que produzem sobre o tema, demandando ampliação a fim de subsidiar a formação inicial e estimular o debate sobre a presença de professores de Educação Física nesta etapa educacional.
Pure Obturator Dislocation of the Hip, a Rare Variety of Regular Dislocations, and Long-Term Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Bouziane Walid , Amine Machmachi , Aharram Soufiane , Agoumi Omar , Daoudi Abdelkrim
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Traumatic knee dislocation is considered an orthopedic emergency. Knee dislocations are relatively infrequent injuries. This injury frequently occurs from high-energy impact trauma. Neurovascular injuries can result in debilitating consequences if the diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Associated complications include degenerative arthritis, permanent neurovascular injury, and amputation. The poorest prognosis is seen in patients with knee dislocation longer than 6-8 hours before reduction. History: The 25-year-old male patient presented with a history of a road traffic accident to the emergency department. The patient presented with swelling, pain, and deformity of the left knee and leg. Examination: On examination, the patient had tense swelling and tenderness of the left knee joint and leg. Visible deformity of the left knee joint is seen. The posterior tibial artery and dorsalispedis artery were not palpable. Active ankle and toe movements were absent. Investigations: Plain radiograph was taken at the emergency department of the left knee and leg. X-rays showed anterior dislocation of the knee joint. Treatment: After valid written informed consent, the dislocated left knee joint was reduced under sedation in the operation theatre and immobilized in the above knee plaster slab. Reduction of the knee joint was done within 4 hours of injury. Then the distal pulses were re-assessed. The posterior tibial and dorsalispedis artery was absent. Hence, MR Angiography of the left lower limb was done. It showed popliteal artery transection. So, the artery was explored and end-to-end vascular anastomosis was done. A knee-spanning external fixator was applied to the left lower limb. Fasciotomy was done for the tense leg compartments. After a week, the fasciotomy wounds were infected for which extensive debridement of the wounds was done and antibiotic beads were placed. Knee was mobilized with a gradual range of motion exercises and non-weight bearing mobilization with a foot drop splint. Gradually full weight-bearing ambulation was allowed. Conclusion: Knee dislocation is rare, albeit a serious and potentially limb-threatening condition. The prognosis of knee dislocations is variable and is heavily dependent on the time interval between trauma and initiation of management. Immediate, timely, and proper management can salvage the limb, and amputation is not the only solution. Keywords: Dislocation, Posterior tibial artery, Fasciotomy
Genomic characterization of endemic diarrheagenic Escherichia coli and Escherichia albertii from infants with diarrhea in Vietnam
Authors: Iguchi Atsushi , Takemura Taichiro , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Nguyen Thi Thu Huong , Kikuchi Taisei , Okuno Miki , Tokizawa Asako , Iwashita Hanako , Pham Hong Quynh Anh , Doan Thi Hang , Tran Na Ly , Tran Thi Luong , Nguyen Thi Hang , Tran Thi Hien , Pham Tuyet Ngoc Linh , Dao Trung Duc , Vu Thi My Hanh , Nguyen Thi Nga , Vu Hieu , Nguyen Van Trang , Vu Thi Thu Huong , Le Thanh Huong , Lai Tuan Anh , Ngo Tuan Cuong , Hasebe Futoshi , Nguyen Dong Tu , Yamashiro Tetsu
Published: April 2023

Background

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) is a group of bacterial pathogens that causes life-threatening diarrhea in children in developing countries. However, there is limited information on the characteristics of DEC isolated from patients in these countries. A detailed genomic analysis of 61 DEC-like isolates from infants with diarrhea was performed to clarify and share the characteristics of DEC prevalent in Vietnam.

Principal findings

DEC was classified into 57 strains, including 33 enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) (54.1%), 20 enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) (32.8%), two enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) (3.3%), one enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), and one ETEC/EIEC hybrid (1.6% each), and surprisingly into four Escherichia albertii strains (6.6%). Furthermore, several epidemic DEC clones showed an uncommon combination of pathotypes and serotypes, such as EAEC Og130:Hg27, EAEC OgGp9:Hg18, EAEC OgX13:H27, EPEC OgGp7:Hg16, and E. albertii EAOg1:HgUT. Genomic analysis also revealed the presence of various genes and mutations associated with antibiotic resistance in many isolates. Strains that demonstrate potential resistance to ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone, drugs recommended for treating childhood diarrhea, accounted for 65.6% and 41%, respectively.

Significance

Our finding indicate that the routine use of these antibiotics has selected resistant DECs, resulting in a situation where these drugs do not provide in therapeutic effects for some patients. Bridging this gap requires continuous investigations and information sharing regarding the type and distribution of endemic DEC and E. albertii and their antibiotic resistance in different countries.
Anakinra in hospitalized COVID-19 patients guided by baseline soluble urokinase plasminogen receptor plasma levels: A real world, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Segala Francesco Vladimiro , Rando Emanuele , Salvati Federica , Negri Marcantonio , Catania Francesca , Sanmartin Flavia , Murri Rita , Giamarellos-Bourboulis Evangelos J. , Fantoni Massimo
Published: April 2023

Background

In patients with COVID-19 and baseline soluble urokinase plasminogen receptor plasma (suPAR) levels ≥ 6ng/mL, early administration of anakinra, a recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, may prevent disease progression and death. In case of suPAR testing unavailability, the Severe COvid Prediction Estimate (SCOPE) score may be used as an alternative in guiding treatment decisions.

Methods

We conducted a monocenter, retrospective cohort study, including patients with SARS-CoV2 infection and respiratory failure. Patients treated with anakinra (anakinra group, AG) were compared to two control groups of patients who did not receive anakinra, respectively with ≥ 6 ng/mL (CG1) and < 6 ng/mL (CG2) baseline suPAR levels. Controls were manually paired by age, sex, date of admission and vaccination status and, for patients with high baseline suPAR, propensity score weighting for receiving anakinra was applied. Primary endpoint of the study was disease progression at day 14 from admission, as defined by patient distribution on a simplified version of the 11-point World Health Organization Clinical Progression Scale (WHO-CPS).

Results

Between July, 2021 and January, 2022, 153 patients were included, among which 56 were treated with off-label anakinra, 49 retrospectively fulfilled prescriptive criteria for anakinra and were assigned to CG1, and 48 presented with suPAR levels < 6ng/mL and were assigned to CG2. At day 14, when comparing to CG1, patients who received anakinra had significantly reduced odds of progressing towards worse clinical outcome both in ordinal regression analysis (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.11–0.54, p<0.001) and in propensity-adjusted multiple logistic regression analysis (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.12–0.82, p = 0.021) thus controlling for a wide number of covariates. Sensitivities of baseline suPAR and SCOPE score in predicting progression towards severe disease or death at day 14 were similar (83% vs 100%, p = 0.59).

Conclusion

This real-word, retrospective cohort study confirmed the safety and the efficacy of suPAR-guided, early use of anakinra in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure.
Validation of direct CT measurement of malrotation in femoral neck fractures: A bone model study
Authors: Liodakis Emmanouil , Pöhler Gesa Helen , Sonnow Lena , Mommsen Philipp , Clausen Jan-Dierk , Graulich Tilman , Maslaris Alexander , Omar Mohamed , Stübig Timo , Sehmisch Stephan , Omar Pacha Tarek
Published: April 2023

Background

While postoperative malrotation in the subtrochanteric region is a well-known problem, malrotation after osteosynthesis in proximal femoral fractures has not been extensively studied. In this context, many methods for perioperatively assessment of femoral torsion have been described, but none of them is applicable in the basicervical region of the proximal femur. As an important difference in femoral neck fractures, the discontinuous neck fails to serve as a significant “pointer” for measurements and malfunctions to be placed in relation to the condylar plane. Considering postoperative maltorsion at any location as a substantial negative effect on patients’ outcome and functional expectations, precise and patient-friendly rotation measurement standards in femoral neck fractures are desired in clinical practice. Recently, a novel computed tomography (CT) based geometric technique was described named “direct measurement” with promising results covering this diagnostic disparity, but still requires validation. Thus, we aimed to validate the previously described technique using a controlled range of displacement in a femoral neck fracture Sawbone® model.

Methods and findings

A goniometer was designed to set retro- and anteversion of the proximal femur in a reproducible manner. Prospectively, all femurs underwent a CT scan and were measured 3D for displacement. The interclass correlation between the CT measurements and the goniometer measurements was calculated and was found to be very high (1.00, 95% confidence interval: 0.99–1.00; p < 0.001). For the mean of all measurements, the Pearson’s correlation was 1.00 (p < 0.001). No significant differences in the measurements of both investigators were observed, with 20° of retroversion not significant (-1.20 ± 1.71; 95% confidence interval: -2.43–0.03; p = 0.054).

Conclusion

This CT-based 3D measurement technique may allow for perioperative malrotation assessment in basicervical femoral neck fractures and appears to be feasible in femoral neck fractures when it comes to rare cases of osteosynthesis. Further investigations are still needed to define the thresholds of malrotation provoking functional impairment after osteosynthesis in basicervical femoral neck fractures.
Prevalence and nature of self-reported visual complaints in people with Parkinson’s disease—Outcome of the Screening Visual Complaints questionnaire
Authors: van der Lijn Iris , de Haan Gera A. , van der Feen Fleur E. , Huizinga Famke , Stellingwerf Catharina , van Laar Teus , Heutink Joost
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Visual complaints can have a vast impact on the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). In clinical practice however, visual complaints often remain undetected. A better understanding of visual complaints is necessary to optimize care for people with PD and visual complaints. This study aims at determining the prevalence of visual complaints experienced by a large outpatient cohort of people with PD compared to a control group. In addition, relations between visual complaints and demographic and disease-related variables are investigated.

Methods

The Screening Visual Complaints questionnaire (SVCq) screened for 19 visual complaints in a cohort of people with idiopathic PD (n = 581) and an age-matched control group without PD (n = 583).

Results

People with PD experienced significantly more complaints than controls, and a greater impact of visual complaints on their daily lives. Complaints that were most common (‘often/always’) were unclear vision (21.7%), difficulty reading (21.6%), trouble focusing (17.1%), and blinded by bright light (16.8%). Largest differences with controls were found for double vision, needing more time to see and having trouble with traffic participation due to visual complaints. Age, disease duration, disease severity, and the amount of antiparkinsonian medication related positively to the prevalence and severity of visual complaints.

Conclusion

Visual complaints are highly prevalent and occur in great variety in people with PD. These complaints progress with the disease and have a large impact on the daily lives of these people. Standardized questioning is advised for timely recognition and treatment of these complaints.
Liu-type pretest and shrinkage estimation for the conditional autoregressive model
Authors: Al-Momani Marwan
Published: April 2023

Spatial regression models have recently received a lot of attention in a variety of fields to address the spatial autocorrelation effect. One important class of spatial models is the Conditional Autoregressive (CA). Theses models have been widely used to analyze spatial data in various areas, as geography, epidemiology, disease surveillance, civilian planning, mapping of poorness signals and others. In this article, we propose the Liu-type pretest, shrinkage and positive shrinkages estimators for the large-scale effect parameter vector of the CA regression model. The set of the proposed estimators are evaluated analytically via their asymptotic bias, quadratic bias, the asymptotic quadratic risks, and numerically via their relative mean squared errors. Our results demonstrate that the proposed estimators are more efficient than Liu-type estimator. To conclude this paper, we apply the proposed estimators to the Boston housing prices data, and applied a bootstrapping technique to evaluate the estimators based on their mean squared prediction error.
Blood pressure status affects atrial fibrillation in diabetic end-stage renal disease
Authors: Han Kyung-Do , Hwang YouMi , Park Sang Hyun
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasing as the elderly population continues to increase. Chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension are known risk factors for AF. Since multimorbidity exists in chronic kidney disease, it is difficult to determine the impact of hypertension alone. Furthermore, little is known about the impact of hypertension on predicting AF in diabetic end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Here, we evaluated the effect of differential blood pressure control on AF prevalence among the diabetic ESRD population.

Methods

From the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, 2 717 072 individuals with diabetes underwent health examinations during 2005–2019. Exactly 13 859 individuals with diabetic ESRD without a prior history of AF were selected and included in the analysis. Based on blood pressure level and previous hypertension medication history, we subdivided them into five groups: normal (normotensive), pre-hypertension, new onset hypertension, controlled hypertension, and uncontrolled hypertension. AF risk according to the blood pressure groups was estimated using Cox proportional-hazards models.

Results

Among the five groups, the new onset hypertension, controlled hypertension, and uncontrolled hypertension groups showed a higher AF risk. In patients on antihypertensives, diastolic blood pressure ≥100 mmHg was significantly associated with AF risk. High pulse pressure showed a significant risk for AF in patients on antihypertensives.

Conclusion

In patients with diabetic ESRD, overt hypertension and a history of hypertension impacts AF. AF risk was higher in the ESRD population with diastolic blood pressure ≥100 mmHg and pulse pressure >60 mmHg.
Comparison of clinicians’ and researchers’ ratings of proposed diagnostic criteria for compulsive buying-shopping disorder within a Delphi study
Authors: Laskowski Nora M. , Trotzke Patrick , Ali Kathina , Fassnacht Dan B. , Kyrios Mike , Häder Michael , Müller Astrid
Published: April 2023

Diagnostic criteria for compulsive buying shopping disorder were recently proposed based on a Delphi consensus study including 138 experts from 35 countries. The present study represents a secondary analysis of those data. To provide further support for the validity of expert responses in the Delphi study, the sample was retrospectively divided into clinician and researcher subgroups. The two groups were compared with respect to demographic variables, their importance ratings of clinical features, possible diagnostic criteria, differential diagnoses and specifiers of compulsive buying shopping disorder. Researchers reported less years of treating/assessing individuals with compulsive buying shopping disorder and stated that they have treated/assessed individuals with compulsive buying shopping disorder less often in the last 12 months than clinicians. Responses from the two groups concerning the importance ratings of possible diagnostic criteria of compulsive buying shopping disorder converged with only few minor differences with small to moderate group effects. However, even for those criteria, the consensus threshold (≥75% agreement with the proposed criterion) was reached in both groups. The lack of differences in the responses of the two groups indicates good validity for the proposed diagnostic criteria. Future research should address the clinical applicability and diagnostic validity of the criteria.
지진 조기경보 시스템 고도화에 대한 지불의사금액 추정
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Lee Kangil , Cha Wonkyu , Jeong Seokho
Published: April 2023

This study estimated the willingness to pay (WTP) to enhance an earthquake early warning system (EEWS). Korea's need to prepare for earthquake damage, such as large-scale earthquakes accompanied by significant damage that affected Gyeongju in 2016 and Pohang in 2017, has come. The faster an earthquake warning is delivered, the more advantageous it is to secure an evacuation time; thus, an EEWS is a vital preparedness policy to minimize earthquake damage. As a result of estimating the WTP for the enhanced EEWS using the contingent valuation method (CVM) in this paper, whether the respondent has experienced an earthquake and considered the EEWS an effective earthquake preparedness countermeasure statistically affects their WTP. It was a primary variable with a significant impact, and the total WTP for enhanced domestic EEWS was estimated at about KRW 1.2 trillion. The scale of benefits of enhanced EEWS evaluated in this study can provide important information in establishing policies related to earthquake disaster-related damage prevention.
Open Government and Open Governance: Exploring Strategies for Open Data, Service, and Process in the Public Sector
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Ahn Chang Won , Lee Eun Mi
Published: April 2023

This study examines how the Korean government should prepare for changes in the ICT and data markets. The government is emphasizing openness and innovation as well as improving efficiency and effectiveness. It insists that the public sector, public policy, and public service need more open and innovative. An open government is an open governance system that observes and considers how the roles and behaviors of other actors in the state and society are changing, not just the situations that occur within the public sector. Because it is difficult to accurately define the social problems facing the government alone, it is necessary to cooperate with other entities outside the government by enhancing openness, transparency, and participation based on ICT. Standards are required to strengthen universality in technical aspects such as interoperability, and supporting standard service quality. These can be used in other countries for processes such as procurement, planning, and decision- making. By examining the historical evolution and preparation process of open government from e-government, this study tries to derive the essential elements for building a successful platform government in the future.
MSME Marketing Performance during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Empowered Interaction Capability
Authors: Sumaryanto Sumaryanto , Widajanti Erni
Published: April 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on the marketing performance of MSMEs in Indonesia, as indicated by a decrease in sales. Therefore, various strategies must be carried out to boost the sales, including by implementing marketing innovations and increasing the ability to interact with customers. In addition to examining the effect of marketing innovation, consumer need adaptability, empowered interaction capability, and marketing intelligence on marketing performance, this study also aims to examine the effect of empowered interaction capability on marketing performance mediated by consumer need adaptability and marketing intelligence in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Banjarsari District during the Covid-19 pandemic. The sample of this study consists of 51 MSMEs spread across Banjarsari District, Surakarta Regency, Central Java. The analytical method used is Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results of this study show that empowered interaction capability has a significant positive effect on marketing performance. Meanwhile, marketing innovation, consumer need adaptability, and marketing intelligence have no effect on marketing performance. Likewise, consumer need adaptability and marketing intelligence do not mediate the effect of empowered interaction capability on marketing performance. The implication of this research for MSMEs is that MSMEs need to increase empowered interaction capability through increased collaboration and co-creation so that customers are willing to provide ideas or suggestions to the company, thereby increasing company performance.
Forecasting Macroeconomic Variables and their Effect on Poverty
Authors: Assel Muhammad Ridhwan , Hanoeboen Bin Raudha Arif , Laitupa Abdul Aziz , Saptenno Fibryano
Published: April 2023

Forecasting macroeconomic variables is crucial to measure dynamic changes during uncertain economic conditions. This study examines and analyzes the appropriate and accurate forecasting model to predict macroeconomic variables in Maluku Province. The main variables used are economic growth, unemployment, inflation, and poverty. The modeling used in this study were Bayesian Vector Autoregressions Model and the Univariate Benchmark Model. The results of this study indicate that the two models have different specifications and forecasting directions. The value of the Univariate Benchmark modelâ€™s forecast error size is relatively smaller than that of the Bayesian Vector Autoregressions Model. The results of forecasting macroeconomic variables in Maluku Province have a relatively good level of accuracy and are close to the actual value of the sample period. The Error Correction Model test results show that only the Error Correction Term variable significantly affects the poverty level in the short term. Meanwhile, in the long term, the unemployment rate has a significant effect, and the model used is proven valid. The forecasting results from the model show that the Maluku provincial government must maintain the stability of macroeconomic variables, especially the inflation rate and unemploymentrate, because they tend to increase in the coming year. It can have an impact on reducing peopleâ€™s purchasing power.
Consequences of Distributive Justice Climate Based on Target Similarity Approach: Hierarchical Linear Model Analysis
Authors: Purnomo Ratno , Wulandari Siti Zulaikha , Kurniasih Retno
Published: April 2023

Research on the consequences of organizational justice climate will still grow in the future, especially its cross-level impact on individual outcomes. This study examines the unique combined impact of a multi-foci distributive justice climate on trust in supervisors, organizational commitment, and proactive behavior. In estimating our proposed model, we involved 153 workforces of public sector organizations in Banyumas, Central Java, and analyzed them using Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM). This study confirmed that multi-foci and target-based distributive justice climate consequences are supported. Distributive justice climate foci organization positively impacts organizational commitment, while the distributive justice climate foci supervisors positively impact trust in supervisors. In addition, the distributive justice climate also impacts proactive behavior. Trust in supervisors, and organizational commitment are proven to mediate the relationship between a distributive justice climate and proactive behavior. This research offers unique practical and theoretical contributions to the public sector industry. Our work is the first research using a multi-foci and target similarity model and related literature by applying Social Exchange Theory (SET) to the constructs of a multi-foci distributive justice climate, trust in supervisors, organizational commitment, and proactive behavior.