bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diabetes has no additional impact on retinal ganglion cell loss in a mouse model of spontaneous glaucoma
Authors: Maestroni Silvia , Belvedere Arianna , Viganò Ilaria , Meoni Cesare , Di Matteo Federico , Gabellini Daniela , Bandello Francesco , Pierro Luisa , Zerbini Gianpaolo
Published: December 2022

Purpose

There is no valid medical treatment for diabetic retinopathy mostly because its pathogenesis remains largely unknown. Early stages of diabetic retinopathy, just like glaucoma, are characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells. Whether the two diseases may share a similar pathogenic background is unknown.

Methods

To clarify this issue the thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer was studied in vivo by optical coherence tomography in 10 Ins2Akita (diabetic) and 10 C57BL/6J (control) mice. The number of retinal ganglion cells and retina's surface covered by neurofilaments were quantified ex vivo in 12 normoglycemic DBA/2J (glaucoma) and 11 diabetic (alloxan-induced) DBA/2J mice (glaucoma + diabetes).

Results

At 16 weeks of age retinal nerve fiber layer was significantly thinner in Ins2Akita mice confirming the neurodegenerative impact of diabetes. Number of retinal ganglion cells and retina's surface covered by neurofilaments were similar in normoglycemic and diabetic DBA/2J mice with the exception of the superior quadrant where the number of retinal ganglion cells was increased in animals with glaucoma + diabetes.

Conclusions

In presence of glaucoma, diabetes is unable to induce further retinal ganglion cells loss. The hypothesis that the mechanism leading to retinal ganglion cells loss may be shared by the two diseases cannot be ruled out. Whether early diabetes-driven retinal neurodegeneration could be prevented by neuroprotective treatment proven to be effective in case of glaucoma, remains to be clarified.
An efficient computational model for adhesive contact mechanics based on a lumped parameter formulation
Authors: Ram T. R. SreeSastha , Mathews Rojin , Jayadeep U.B.
Published: December 2022

Adhesive force due to van der Waals interactions plays a significant role in contact interactions at small scale. In this work, we propose a novel simulation module for performing adhesive contact analysis using a finite element (FE) software, based on a lumped parameter formulation. The numerical results are validated by comparing with analytical results. The proposed model significantly reduces computational resource requirements compared to direct implementation of body force in FE software. Adhesion-induced instability (jump-to-contact) phenomenon is studied with the help of this computational model. Finally, we demonstrate the applicability of the proposed formulation by studying the effect of adhesion applied to cantilever dynamics on an atomic force microscope.
The clinical implications of digital technology
Authors: Idelji-Tehrani Saam , Dubicka Bernadka , Graham Richard
Published: December 2022

The proliferation of digital technology within the lives of children and young people (CYP) provides arguably one of the most significant clinical and ethical paradigm shifts in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. One can argue that mental health research has taken a myopic approach to understanding the interaction between young people’s technology use and their mental health. Mental health clinicians also need a better understanding of the digital lives of CYP and how technology may be supporting or harming their mental health. Within this paper, we argue that greater longitudinal research is required, particularly in vulnerable groups, and that there is an essential need for a standardised digital use assessment (DUA) tool, which assimilates CYP use of technology and their vulnerabilities/resilience to online risks. We subsequently offer a series of questions clinicians can use to explore technology use by CYP. Such an aide memoire may empower clinicians to have wider discussions around digital technology use with CYP, while also helping to develop appropriate safety and management plans.
‘Amusing and Fun’, ‘Arresting’, or ‘The Wrong Pictures’? Methodological Lessons from Using Photo-Elicitation in a Study of Academic Retirement
Authors: Crow Graham
Published: December 2022

This article reports on the use of photo-elicitation in a mixed methods study of academics’ later careers and retirement. Interviewees, who were either in their later career stage or retired from university work, were asked during the interviews to discuss the resonance that pre-selected images had with their understanding of retirement. Despite reluctance on some participants’ part to engage with the images, the majority took the opportunity to elaborate on themes of time, purpose, trajectories, hopes, and fears, rejecting images that they considered stereotypically negative. The argument is made that photo-elicitation’s pioneers have served subsequent users of the method well by being candid about its challenges as well as its potential and by encouraging creativity and flexibility in its application rather than presenting a set way to proceed. Because research does not always go according to plan, photo-elicitation’s potential for creative and flexible use recommends it to both novice and established practitioners, possibly as a complement to other methods in mixed methods projects.
‘I’m just not gay-gay’: Exploring same-sex desire and sexual minority identity formation in SKAM and its Western European remakes
Authors: Dhaenens Frederik , Mediavilla Aboulaoula Salma , Lion Anke
Published: December 2022

SKAM (NRK, 2015–2017), a popular Norwegian teen drama series, was praised for its season revolving around a nonheterosexual cis-male teenager coming to terms with his sexual desires and identity. Broadcasting companies from predominantly Western European countries bought the format and created local versions. The essay explores how SKAM and three Western European remakes represent same-sex desire and sexual identity formation. We found that the remakes were rather faithful to the politics of representation of the Norwegian source text. Emphasizing authenticity and everyday realism, they situate the teenagers in a Western context that may feature less blatant heterosexism and homophobia but where heteronormativity still co-constructs the process of sexual identity formation and general attitudes towards same-sex desire and LGBTQ culture. We postulate that SKAM and its remakes encourage LGBTQ and heterosexual teens to deconstruct their homonegative prejudices and become aware of the pervasiveness of heteronormativity.
Degree of group consensus shapes perceived power structures and decision-process evaluations of groups
Authors: Li Tianyi , Parker Jeffrey R. , Clarkson Joshua J.
Published: December 2022

Groups often make decisions by consensus and choose the option(s) preferred by the majority. Most research has therefore treated group consensus as a singular construct, contrasting consensus and dissensus, or the majority and minority. The current research, however, found that varying degrees of consensus among the majority impacted outside observers’ perceptions of the voting group’s internal power structure and evaluations of its decision-making process. Specifically, partial consent (not all members agree), versus unanimous consent (all members agree), led observers to (i) infer that the group had a more decentralized, egalitarian (vs centralized, hierarchical) power structure and, consequently (ii) evaluated the group’s ostensible decision-making process more (vs less) favorably. In sum, this research demonstrated how a lack of unanimity can bolster group perceptions, identified one context where that effect was attenuated by making unanimity favorable, discusses the role of procedural fairness in group judgments, and reveals potential implications for public affairs.
Tobler’s law and wavefront patterns in the spatial spread of COVID-19 across Europe during the Delta and Omicron waves
Authors: Plümper Thomas , Neumayer Eric
Published: December 2022

Aims:

Epidemic wavefront models predict the spread of medieval pandemics such as the plague well. Our aim was to explore whether they contribute to understanding the spread of COVID-19, the first truly global pandemic of the 21st century with its fast and frequent international travel links.

Methods:

We analysed the spatial spread of reaching a threshold of very high incidence of new daily infections of the virus across European countries in the autumn of 2021 in which the Delta variant was dominant, as well as an even higher threshold of incidence in the subsequent spread of infections across the same set of countries during the winter of 2021/2022 when the Omicron variant of the virus became dominant.

Results:

We found patterns that are consistent with wavefront models for both periods of the pandemic in Europe.

Conclusions:

Modern means of transportation strongly accelerated the spread of the virus and typically generated diffusion patterns along bidirectional constrained mobility networks in addition to stochastic diffusion processes. However, since the majority of mobility, including mobility across international borders, is over short distances, wavefront patterns in the spread of a pandemic are still to be expected.
Optimization of homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion in a light-duty diesel engine operated using ethyl acetate-gasoline blends
Authors: Kale Aneesh Vijay , Krishnasamy Anand
Published: December 2022

The low temperature combustion mode of homogeneous charge compression ignition eliminates particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen (NO x) emissions trade-off that prevails in high-temperature, diffusion-controlled conventional diesel combustion (CDC). In the present research, the significant challenge of narrow operating load range that hinders the commercial implementation of light-duty HCCI engines was overcome by employing ethyl acetate-gasoline blends. The gasoline concentration in test fuels was reduced in 10% decrements, from 84% to 24%, to replace it with ethyl acetate. The use of ethyl acetate, a renewable fuel, can help solve the energy crisis due to the rapid depletion of fossil fuels. An ignition improver was blended in the test fuels in a predetermined amount of 6% so that combustion stability was not hampered at lower loads. Parametric investigations were conducted to study the effect of progressively increasing ethyl acetate in test fuels on HCCI combustion, performance, and emissions. The machine learning tool of artificial neural network was implemented to learn the behavior of the test engine, considering load and fuel composition as input variables. The feedforward artificial neural network models were developed to predict the start of combustion, combustion phasing, indicated thermal efficiency, and emissions of carbon monoxide, soot, NO x, and unburned hydrocarbon (HC). A multi-objective optimization was performed to arrive at the best operating condition by integrating artificial neural network models with the genetic algorithm. All the developed artificial neural network models could predict responses with acceptable accuracy. The genetic algorithm indicated that the optimum point of the operation was at 80% load and 65% ethyl acetate in the test fuels. Experiments were conducted to validate the optimal HCCI conditions that resulted in 27% higher indicated thermal efficiency, 54% lower HC+NOx, and 99% lower soot emissions than CDC. Overall, the present study demonstrated the benefits of considering ethyl acetate as a fuel to improve HCCI engine metrics of off-road diesel engines.
An Innovative Adaptation of an HIV Status-Neutral, Community-Informed, Socioemotional Asset-Building Intervention With the House Ball Community
Authors: Hirshfield Sabina , Birnbaum Jeffrey M. , Turner DeAnne , Roberson Michael , Bailey Marlon M. , Smith Martez D. R. , Nelson LaRon E.
Published: December 2022

Black men who have sex with men (MSM) have the highest incidence of new HIV diagnoses compared to other populations and face multiple stigmas. Some have found refuge in the House Ball Community (HBC)—a national network of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) kinship commitments (families) that affirm gender expression(s) and sexualities and provide skills-building for its members. Internal and external socioemotional assets influence the health of young Black sexual and gender minorities; building these assets in the HBC is critical to facilitating engagement in health-promoting behaviors. To address this critical gap in HIV prevention, we describe an adaptation of 3MV, a best-evidence, group-level retreat-based risk reduction intervention developed for HIV-negative Black MSM. Clinicians, researchers, HBC members/leaders, and community experts collaborated to adapt 3MV for the HBC. Our Family, Our Voices (OFOV) is an HIV status-neutral, risk-reduction intervention that focuses on asset-building for young, gender-diverse Black HBC members, with the HBC family unit as the focus of the intervention. We describe the collaborative adaptation process and the development of HBC-relevant intervention topics. This novel adaptation and collaborative community model provides a framework for researchers and clinicians to follow when adapting evidence-based interventions for priority populations.
Study on the structure-activity relationships between superimposed polymer membranes based on graphene doped cationic hydrophilic polyurethane and the pilling & static resistance of coated cashmere fabrics
Authors: Quan Heng , Ren Jingzhi , Xiao Li , Wang Yang , Ni Lijie
Published: December 2022

The effects of superimposed polymer membranes doped by graphene via the foaming micro-coating technique on the pilling and static resistance of coated cashmere fabrics are studied. The bonding behaviors to fibers of polymer, which are inescapable in the traditional dipping processing technique, are avoided by the foaming micro-coating technique. Some flexible hydrophilic cationic polyurethanes are purposefully designed and employed in the micro-coating processing of cashmere fabric, and the effects of different coating techniques on the pilling, static, UV and washing resistance of coated cashmere fabric are studied. Results show that the semi-embedded graphene in the “top coating” membrane contributes to static resistance. The pilling resistance of cashmere fabric covered by polymer membranes is enhanced from Grade 1.5 to Grade 4.5 when the its weight gain rate of “bottom coating” reaches 1.5% (o.m.f.), and its static voltage half-life decreases from over 120 s to about 1 s because of functional “top coating.” In addition, the ultraviolet protection factor value of the finished cashmere is doubled, and its anti-pilling and anti-static effects can tolerate more than five times of washing.
The initial experience with the Embotrap III stent-retriever in a real world setting
Authors: Omrani Osama , Hafezi-Bakhtiari Nema , DeSouza Peter , Nikola Christos , Wong Ken , Lansley Joseph , Dhillon Permesh , Makalanda Levansri , Chan Nathan , Harrison Thomas , Andrews Alex , Siow Isabel , Lee Keng Siang , Yeo Leonard , Spooner Oliver , Bhogal Pervinder
Published: December 2022

Stent-retriever based mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has gained wide acceptance as the treatment of choice for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO). The Embotrap 3 is the latest iteration within this class of device. We present our results using the new Embotrap 3 device.

Materials and Methods

We performed a retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database to identify all patients treated with the Embotrap 3 stent-retriever between January 2021 and January 2022. We recorded the baseline demographics, NIHSS, ASPECT score and clot characteristics, first pass and final eTICI scores, complications and 90 day mRS.

Results

One hundred and ten patients met the inclusion criteria, average age 69 ± 14 years, 50% were male ( n = 55). The median NIHSS at presentation was 18 (range 3–30) and 58.2% received IV tPA prior to MT. The median ASPECT score on plain CT was 8 with average clot length 20.2 ± 14.8 mm ( n = 93). The first pass effect (FPE) was seen in 41.8% of cases with modified FPE seen in 59.1%. A 24-hour CT scan ( n = 97) showed median ASPECTs of 7. 43.8% of patients achieve mRS ≤ 2 at 90-day mRS ( n = 64).

Conclusion

The Embotrap 3 stent-retriever has a high rate of FPE and final recanalization in this real world cohort of patients.
Sticking to the status quo with a twist: Western media representations of fiscal negotiations during the Greek economic crisis
Authors: Boukouvidis Tryfon
Published: December 2022

In a volatile global economic system, the need for comprehensive media portrayal of economic crises intensifies. Crises expose the deficiencies of existing financial systems and present opportunities for structural change, but media coverage consistently promotes hegemonic structures. During the Great Recession of 2008, media narratives of Greek and foreign newspapers represented Greece's debt crisis as a national problem rather than a systemic problem. This study examines newspaper coverage of the Greek economic crisis in the summer of 2015 to explore whether the lack of comprehensive coverage persisted in the aftermath of the Great Recession. A qualitative content analysis of legacy newspapers suggests the press has become more rigorous in interpreting the underlying mechanisms of a crisis instead of solely covering episodic events, but with a caveat: most analysis comes from editorials. The findings indicate that financial systems are portrayed as unmalleable institutions.
Visual Speech Improves Older and Younger Adults’ Response Time and Accuracy for Speech Comprehension in Noise
Authors: Beadle Julie , Kim Jeesun , Davis Chris
Published: December 2022

Past research suggests that older adults expend more cognitive resources when processing visual speech than younger adults. If so, given resource limitations, older adults may not get as large a visual speech benefit as younger ones on a resource-demanding speech processing task. We tested this using a speech comprehension task that required attention across two talkers and a simple response (i.e., the question-and-answer task) and measured response time and accuracy. Specifically, we compared the size of visual speech benefit for older and younger adults. We also examined whether the presence of a visual distractor would reduce the visual speech benefit more for older than younger adults. Twenty-five older adults (12 females, MAge = 72) and 25 younger adults (17 females, MAge = 22) completed the question-and-answer task under time pressure. The task included the following conditions: auditory and visual (AV) speech; AV speech plus visual distractor; and auditory speech with static face images. Both age groups showed a visual speech benefit regardless of whether a visual distractor was also presented. Likewise, the size of the visual speech benefit did not significantly interact with age group for accuracy or the potentially more sensitive response time measure.
Clinical Outcomes of Renal Replacement Therapy in Pediatric Acute Kidney Injury: A 10-Year Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Voraruth Chayuttra , Pirojsakul Kwanchai , Saisawat Pawaree , Chantarogh Songkiat , Tangnararatchakit Kanchana
Published: December 2022

Children with severe acute kidney injury (AKI) have had a high mortality rate despite the use of advanced renal replacement therapy (RRT). This study aims to determine the clinical outcomes and the predictors of survival in pediatric AKI requiring RRT in Thailand. All patients aged 1 month to 18 years with AKI requiring RRT in the Department of Pediatrics, Ramathibodi Hospital from January 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2019 were enrolled. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained through a medical record review. There were 92 patients with a 45% survival rate. Five factors associated with mortality included multi-organ dysfunction syndrome, presence of sepsis, high pediatric risk of mortality III, use of nephrotoxic drugs, and use of vasopressors. By multivariate analysis, the presence of sepsis and the use of nephrotoxic drugs were independently associated with mortality. Patients with fluid overload ≥10% was associated with poor survival.
Characterizing the Accessibility and Content of Surgical and Medical Retina Fellowship Program Websites
Authors: Cheng Brian T. , Kim Anne B. , Zhu Ivy , Mirza Rukhsana G.
Published: December 2022

Purpose: To assess the accessibility and content of surgical and medical retina fellowship websites. Methods: The websites of all surgical and medical retina fellowship programs were examined. Each program’s website was evaluated based on information available on 10 recruitment and 10 training criteria. The presence of the criteria was summed to calculate a total content score (range, 0-20). Also examined were the differences in website content score by number of fellows, geographic location, and Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO) compliance. Results: This study identified 102 surgical and 25 medical retina programs. Overall, 91.2% of surgical and 88.0% of medical retina programs had an accessible website. The surgical retina program website contained a mean of 9.8 of the total criteria, including 4.9 recruitment criteria and 5.2 training criteria, with no significant differences by number of fellows, geography, or AUPO status. Medical retina websites contained a mean of 9.3 total criteria, including 4.5 recruitment criteria and 4.9 training criteria. Website content scores for medical retina programs were associated with geography and AUPO status, which was consistent when stratifyed by recruitment and training criteria. Conclusions: Most surgical and medical retina fellowships have an accessible program website. However, there are opportunities to improve the completeness and consistency of information on these websites. Improved websites can help programs attract well-suited candidates and might address multiple inefficiencies in the application process.
Visual Acuity in Patients Requiring Intravitreal Injections: Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Delay in Care
Authors: Song Weilin , Kanyo Emese , Bastian Riley , Singh Rishi P. , Rachitskaya Aleksandra V.
Published: December 2022

Purpose: To assess the short-term and long-term effects of a delay in care on visual acuity (VA) in patients requiring intravitreal injections. Methods: This retrospective cohort study comprised patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), or retinal vein occlusion (RVO) receiving intravitreal injections. The visual and anatomic outcomes at the next completed visit and at the 1-year follow-up were studied. Results: Of 1172 patients, 38% had a delay in care (mean 5.7 weeks). Compared with baseline, these patients lost VA (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters) (mean −2.13 ± 0.49 SE) in the short-term ( P = .0003) and had a thicker central subfield. Patients with no delay in care had a net VA gain (0.97 ± 0.39) ( P = .0067). There was no difference in VA between 1 year and the baseline in either group. Long term, patients with nAMD in both groups had VA loss (no delay in care: −1.76 ± 0.60; delayed care: −2.44 ± 0.78) ( P = .0005 and P = .0114, respectively). Patients with DME and no delay in care maintained gains in vision (4.68 ± 1.86) but those with delayed care did not (1.72 ± 2.24) ( P = .0202 and P = .3756, respectively). In both groups, patients with RVO had no significant difference in vision from baseline. Conclusions: In patients requiring intravitreal injections, a delay in care of 5.7 weeks affected vision outcomes in the short term but not the long term.
How I Do It: Surveillance Endoscopy for Barrett’s Esophagus and Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia
Authors: Kolb Jennifer M.
Published: December 2022

Barrett’s esophagus and gastric intestinal metaplasia are precancerous conditions in the upper gastrointestinal tract that are easily identifiable on endoscopy. Although most cases will never progress to cancer, these conditions warrant endoscopic surveillance to detect and treat dysplasia. The key to detecting precancerous lesions is to follow a systematic approach for a high-quality examination. Additional steps to optimize practice are to apply image enhanced endoscopy, spend adequate time inspecting, appreciate principles of optical diagnosis, recognize mucosal and vascular patterns consistent with intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia, and take targeted biopsies of abnormalities.
Long-term follow-up of a randomized controlled trial of choline for neurodevelopment in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: corpus callosum white matter microstructure and neurocognitive outcomes
Authors: Gimbel Blake A. , Anthony Mary E. , Ernst Abigail M. , Roediger Donovan J. , de Water Erik , Eckerle Judith K. , Boys Christopher J. , Radke Joshua P. , Mueller Bryon A. , Fuglestad Anita J. , Zeisel Steven H. , Georgieff Michael K. , Wozniak Jeffrey R.
Published: December 2022

Background

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a lifelong condition. Early interventions targeting core neurocognitive deficits have the potential to confer long-term neurodevelopmental benefits. Time-targeted choline supplementation is one such intervention that has been shown to provide neurodevelopmental benefits that emerge with age during childhood. We present a long-term follow-up study evaluating the neurodevelopmental effects of early choline supplementation in children with FASD approximately 7 years on average after an initial efficacy trial.

Methods

The initial study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of choline vs. placebo in 2.5 to 5 year olds with FASD. Participants in this long-term follow-up study include 18 children (9 placebo; 9 choline) seen 7 years on average following initial trial completion. The mean age at follow-up was 11.0 years old. Diagnoses were 28% fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), 28% partial FAS, and 44% alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder. The follow-up included measures of executive functioning and an MRI scan.

Results

Children who received choline had better performance on several tasks of lower-order executive function (e.g., processing speed) and showed higher white matter microstructure organization (i.e., greater axon coherence) in the splenium of the corpus callosum compared to the placebo group.

Conclusions

These preliminary findings, although exploratory at this stage, highlight potential long-term benefits of choline as a neurodevelopmental intervention for FASD and suggest that choline may affect white matter development, representing a potential target of choline in this population.

Trial registration

Prior to enrollment, this trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01149538) on June 23, 2010.
Popular media and the bombardment of evolution misconceptions
Authors: Ferguson Daniel G. , Abele Jessica , Palmer Sarah , Willis Jordan , McDonald Connor , Messer Chandler , Lindberg Juliana , Ogden T. Heath , Bailey Elizabeth G. , Jensen Jamie L.
Published: December 2022

Background

Many students enter science classrooms with misconceptions about scientific principles. One of the most perceived controversial scientific principle for students is evolution. Students struggle to learn and accept evolution due to the many misconceptions students have interacted with before they enter a biology class. Evolution misconceptions come from many sources, such as religious beliefs, textbooks, and even unprepared educators. However, with students spending on average over seven hours a day viewing popular media, it is crucial to investigate further the accuracy of the portrayals of evolution in popular media.

Results

We gathered data on the sources students saw evolution portrayed in popular media and determined what misconceptions were present in these popular media references. We found that 96% of the popular media references mentioned by students in our study inaccurately depicted evolution. The two most common misconceptions we observed in popular media were that evolution was depicted as a linear process and that individual organisms evolve instead of populations.

Conclusion

Popular media does a poor job depicting evolution, which may be why many students are hesitant to learn evolution and overcome misconceptions. We suggest that these incorrect portrayals of evolution may provide an engaging way to teach correct evolutionary principles in the classroom.
Improved compound–protein interaction site and binding affinity prediction using self-supervised protein embeddings
Authors: Wu Jialin , Liu Zhe , Yang Xiaofeng , Lin Zhanglin
Published: December 2022

Background

Compound–protein interaction site and binding affinity predictions are crucial for drug discovery and drug design. In recent years, many deep learning-based methods have been proposed for predications related to compound–protein interaction. For protein inputs, how to make use of protein primary sequence and tertiary structure information has impact on prediction results.

Results

In this study, we propose a deep learning model based on a multi-objective neural network, which involves a multi-objective neural network for compound–protein interaction site and binding affinity prediction. We used several kinds of self-supervised protein embeddings to enrich our protein inputs and used convolutional neural networks to extract features from them. Our results demonstrate that our model had improvements in terms of interaction site prediction and affinity prediction compared to previous models. In a case study, our model could better predict binding sites, which also showed its effectiveness.

Conclusion

These results suggest that our model could be a helpful tool for compound–protein related predictions.
Patterns of abundance, chromosomal localization, and domain organization among c-di-GMP-metabolizing genes revealed by comparative genomics of five alphaproteobacterial orders
Authors: Koppenhöfer Sonja , Lang Andrew S.
Published: December 2022

Background

Bis-(3′-5′)-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) is a bacterial second messenger that affects diverse processes in different bacteria, including the cell cycle, motility, and biofilm formation. Its cellular levels are controlled by the opposing activities of two types of enzymes, with synthesis by diguanylate cyclases containing a GGDEF domain and degradation by phosphodiesterases containing either an HD-GYP or an EAL domain. These enzymes are ubiquitous in bacteria with up to 50 encoded in some genomes, the specific functions of which are mostly unknown.

Results

We used comparative analyses to identify genomic patterns among genes encoding proteins with GGDEF, EAL, and HD-GYP domains in five orders of the class Alphaproteobacteria. GGDEF-containing sequences and GGDEF-EAL hybrids were the most abundant and had the highest diversity of co-occurring auxiliary domains while EAL and HD-GYP containing sequences were less abundant and less diverse with respect to auxiliary domains. There were striking patterns in the chromosomal localizations of the genes found in two of the orders. The Rhodobacterales’ EAL-encoding genes and Rhizobiales’ GGDEF-EAL-encoding genes showed opposing patterns of distribution compared to the GGDEF-encoding genes. In the Rhodobacterales, the GGDEF-encoding genes showed a tri-modal distribution with peaks mid-way between the origin (ori) and terminus (ter) of replication and atterwhile the EAL-encoding genes peaked nearori. The patterns were more complex in the Rhizobiales, but the GGDEF-encoding genes were biased for localization nearter.

Conclusions

The observed patterns in the chromosomal localizations of these genes suggest a coupling of synthesis and hydrolysis of c-di-GMP with the cell cycle. Moreover, the higher proportions and diversities of auxiliary domains associated with GGDEF domains and GGDEF-EAL hybrids compared to EAL or HD-GYP domains could indicate that more stimuli affect synthesis compared to hydrolysis of c-di-GMP.
Characterization of the bacterial microbiome of Amblyomma scalpturatum and Amblyomma ovale collected from Tapirus terrestris and Amblyomma sabanerae collected from Chelonoidis denticulata, Madre de Dios- Peru
Authors: Rojas-Jaimes Jesús , Lindo-Seminario David , Correa-Núñez Germán , Diringer Benoit
Published: December 2022

Background

Ticks are arthropods that can host and transmit pathogens to wild animals, domestic animals, and even humans. The microbiome in ticks is an endosymbiotic, pathogenic and is yet to be fully understood.

Results

Adult male Amblyomma scalpturatum (A. scalpturatum) and Amblyomma ovale (A. ovale) ticks were collected from Tapirus terrestris (T. terrestris) captured in the rural area of San Lorenzo Village, and males Amblyomma sabanerae were collected from Chelonoidis denticulate (C. denticulate) of the Gamita Farm in the Amazon region of Madre de Dios, Peru. The Chao1 and Shannon–Weaver analyses indicated a greater bacterial richness and diversity in male A. sabanerae (Amblyomma sabanerae; 613.65–2.03) compared to male A. scalpturatum and A. ovale (A. scalpturatum and A. ovale; 102.17–0.40). Taxonomic analyses identified 478 operational taxonomic units representing 220 bacterial genera in A. sabanerae and 86 operational taxonomic units representing 28 bacterial genera in A. scalpturatum and A. ovale. Of the most prevalent genera was Francisella (73.2%) in A. sabanerae, and Acinetobacter (96.8%) in A. scalpturatum and A. ovale to be considered as the core microbiome of A. sabanerae and A. scalpturatum/A. ovale respectively.

Conclusions

We found a high bacterial diversity in male of A. sabanerae collected from C. denticulata showed prevalence of Francisella and prevalence of Acinetobacter in male A. scalpturatum and A. ovale collected from T. terrestris. The greatest bacterial diversity and richness was found in males A. sabanerae. This is the first bacterial metagenomic study performed in A. scalpturatum/A. ovale and A. sabanerae collected from T. terrestris and C. denticulata in the Peruvian jungle.
Analgesic outcomes of tramadol alone and in combination with Butorphanol or Flurbiprofen Axetil after cesarean section: a retrospective study with propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Yang Guiying , Wu Zhuoxi , Deng Qiangting , Liang Yan , Bao Xiaohang , Yan Guangming , Peng Jing , Liu Wenjun , Tan Dan , Li Hong
Published: December 2022

Background

The Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology recommends a multimodal analgesia regimen for cesarean delivery analgesia. This study aimed to compare the analgesic effects of tramadol alone and combined with butorphanol or flurbiprofen axetil after a cesarean section.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis based on the electronic medical records of a teaching hospital in China from January 2018 to January 2020. We collected data on demographic characteristics, anesthesia, analgesia strategy, and pain intensity postoperatively during the first 48 hours. Inadequate postoperative analgesia during this period was defined as an NRS score ≥ 4. We also collected data regarding off-bed activity and intestinal function recovery. Participants were classified into three groups according to analgesia regimens. Groups T, TF, and TB received tramadol, a mixture of tramadol and flurbiprofen axetil, and a combination of tramadol and butorphanol, respectively. Analgesic outcomes were compared using propensity score matching analysis.

Results

Data from 2323 cases of caesarean section were included in the analysis, and 521 pairs were matched in each group according to their propensity score. Compared with group T, The inadequate analgesia on pain at rest and pain at movement was lower in group TF (RR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.36–0.49, P = 0.001 and RR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.48–0.69, P < 0.001, respectively),and the incidence of inadequate control of pain at movement was higher in group TB (RR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.22–1.55, P < 0.001).

Additionally, the percentage of off-bed activity at 2 days postoperatively was higher in group TB than in groups TF and T (78.7% vs. 68.5 and 78.7% vs. 64.9%, respectively, P < 0.001). The incidence of intestinal function recovery 2 days after cesarean delivery in group TB was higher than that in group TF (73.3% vs. 66.2%, P = 0.013).

Conclusions

Combining tramadol and flurbiprofen axetil could enhance the analgesic effect and be safely used for analgesia after a cesarean section. However, combining tramadol and butorphanol may produce an antagonistic effect.
Using group testing in a two-phase epidemiologic design to identify the effects of a large number of antibody reactions on disease risk
Authors: Mehta Tanvi , Malinovsky Yaakov , Abnet Christian C. , Albert Paul S.
Published: December 2022

Background

The role of immunological responses to exposed bacteria on disease incidence is increasingly under investigation. With many bacterial species, and many potential antibody reactions to a particular species, the large number of assays required for this type of discovery can make it prohibitively expensive. We propose a two-phase group testing design to more efficiently screen numerous antibody effects in a case-control setting.

Methods

Phase 1 uses group testing to select antibodies that are differentially expressed between cases and controls. The selected antibodies go on to Phase 2 individual testing.

Results

We evaluate the two-phase group testing design through simulations and example data and find that it substantially reduces the number of assays required relative to standard case-control and group testing designs, while maintaining similar statistical properties.

Conclusion

The proposed two-phase group testing design can dramatically reduce the number of assays required, while providing comparable results to a case-control design.
General practice management of depression among patients with coronary heart disease in Australia
Authors: Jahan Habiba , Bernardo Carla , Gonzalez-Chica David , Benson Jill , Stocks Nigel
Published: December 2022

Background

Incident depression is associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) and increased morbidity and mortality. Treatment of depression with antidepressants and psychotherapy can be beneficial for these patients to reduce the risk of further CHD events. Ongoing management of CHD and depression mainly occurs in the community, but little is known about the identification and care of patients with comorbid CHD and depression in general practice. This study explores the prescription of antidepressants for these patients by sociodemographic variables.

Methods

This is an open cohort study with de-identified data based on electronic medical records of 880,900 regular patients aged 40 + years from a national general practice database in Australia (MedicineInsight). Data from 2011–2018 was used to classify patients as newly recorded CHD (CHD recorded in 2018 but not in previous years), previously recorded CHD (CHD recorded between 2011–2017) or no recorded history of CHD. Antidepressant prescribing in 2018 considered active ingredients and commercial brand names. The association between sociodemographic variables and antidepressant prescribing was tabulated according to the CHD status.

Results

The proportion of current depression among patients with newly recorded CHD was 11.4% (95%CI 10.3–12.6), 10.5% among those with previously recorded CHD (95%CI 10.0–11.1) and 9.6% among those with no recorded history of CHD (95%CI 9.2–10.1). Antidepressant prescribing was slightly higher among those with newly recorded CHD (76.4%; 95%CI 72.1–80.6) than among those with previously recorded CHD (71.6%; 95%CI 69.9–73.2) or no history of CHD (69.5%; 95%CI 68.6–70.4). Among males with newly recorded CHD and depression, antidepressant prescribing was more frequent in major cities or inner regional areas (~ 81%) than in outer/remote Australia (66.6%; 95% CI 52.8–80.4%).

Conclusions

Although antidepressant prescribing was slightly greater in those with newly recorded CHD compared to those with depression alone, its clinical significance is uncertain. Much larger differences in prescribing were seen by geographic location and could be addressed by innovations in clinical practice.
Defibrotide improved the outcome of monocrotaline induced rat hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome
Authors: Liu Zhenli , Liang Shan , Wei Xinhuan , Du Xiaofei , Zhang Jing
Published: December 2022

Background and aim

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) induced hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) occurred worldwide and the mortality rate remained high because there were no specific therapies. Defibrotide was effective for HSOS following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. But the pathogenesis of the two types of HSOS were not equivalent. The purpose of this study was to see if defibrotide was also effective in PA induced rat HSOS.

Methods

First we improved rat HSOS model by using higher dose (230 mg/kg) of monocrotaline (a kind of PA) as the dose of median lethal dose. So drug effectiveness could be assessed by survival time. Next, male SD rats were divided into 5 groups. They were control group, model group, low dose low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) treatment group, high dose LMWH treatment group and defibrotide treatment group. Rats’ survival time, liver function, white blood cell count and cytokines were compared among the groups. The DeLeve score was used to assess the severity of liver pathology.

Results

The model group exhibited typical liver pathology of HSOS, such as hepatic sinus dilation, congestion, endothelial injury of central lobular vein, coagulative necrosis of hepatocytes and fibrin deposition in the subendothelial. The pathologic characteristics indicated that the model was built up successfully. The survival rate was significantly higher in defibrotide group (81.8%) than model group (43.7%), while the survival rates were similar in the two LMWH groups (62.5% and 75%) and model group. The survival time only be prolonged by defibrotide (P=0.028) but not LMWH (P>0.05). DeLeve score was improved most in the defibrotide group than the two LMWH groups (both P<0.01). Changes in DeLeve score, liver function, plasma level of tumor necrosis factor α and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 exhibited the same trends.

Conclusion

Defibrotide could improve the outcome of monocrotaline-induced rat HSOS indicating that defibrotide might be a better choice than LMWH in clinical practice.
Elevated fasting glucose level increases the risk of fatty liver disease: a 10-year study of 31,154 individuals
Authors: Deng Jiang , Han Zhiyi , Tang Hailing , Yao Cong , Li Xiaoling , Xu Jingyuan , Zhou Mimi , Xing Xin , Wu Fangxiong , Li Jianning , Lu Xiaolan , Shi Haitao
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Dysglycemia promotes the occurrence of fatty liver disease (FLD). However, the process is unclear. This study aimed to analyze the median time-to-onset, cumulative prevalence and influencing factors for the occurrence of FLD in people undergoing routine screening and evaluation.

Methods

Data from Karamay Central Hospital (September 2008–April 2017) were analyzed. Survival analysis was performed to calculate the median time and cumulative prevalence of FLD associated with normal and elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels. Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine risk factors.

Results

A total of 31,154 participants were included in the two cohorts of this study, including 15,763 men. The mean age was 41.1 ± 12.2 years. There were 2230 patients (1725 male) in the elevated FBG group, the median age was 53 years (range 21–85 years), the median time-to-onset of FLD was 5.2 years. The incidence of FLD was 121/1000 person-years, and the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 7-year prevalence rates were 4%, 30%, 49%, and 64%, respectively. The normal FBG group included 28,924 participants (14,038 male), the median age was 40 years (range 17–87 years), and the corresponding values were as follows: 8.3 years, 66/1000 person-years, and 3%, 16%, 28%, and 41%, respectively. The Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that age, blood pressure, FBG, body mass index and triglycerides were independent influencing factors for FLD in individuals (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Elevated FBG levels increase the risk of FLD and should be treated promptly.
The clinical manifestation and the influence of age and comorbidities on long-term chikungunya disease and health-related quality of life: a 60-month prospective cohort study in Curaçao
Authors: Doran Churnalisa , Gerstenbluth Izzy , Duits Ashley , Lourents Norediz , Halabi Yaskara , Burgerhof Johannes , Tami Adriana , Bailey Ajay
Published: December 2022

Background

Persistent rheumatic symptoms and its impact on health-related quality of life (QoL), induced by the Indian Ocean Lineage (IOL) chikungunya virus (CHIKV) genotype have been widely studied. In 2014, a major CHIKV outbreak of the Asian genotype occurred in Curaçao, after which we established a longitudinal cohort in 2015, to follow the long-term CHIKV sequalae. Currently, the long-term clinical manifestations and its impact on QoL induced by the Asian CHIKV genotype, followed prospectively through time, and the association of age and comorbidities with rheumatic symptoms persistence, 60 months (M60) after disease onset is unknown.

Methods

The cohort of 304 laboratory confirmed patients were followed prospectively in time at 3–16 months (M3-16), 30 months (M30), and M60 after disease onset. Demographic and clinical characteristics, and the 36-item short-form survey (SF-36) QoL status were collected through questionnaires. At M60, QoL scores were compared to general population (CHIK-) norms.

Results

A total of 169 (56%) patients participated (74.6% female, mean age 56.1 years) at all time points, 107 (63%) were classified as recovered and 62 (37%) as affected. The affected patients reported an increase in the prevalence of arthralgia (P .001) and arthralgia in the lower extremities (P < .001), at M30 compared to M3-16. At M60, in comparison to recovered patients, affected patients reported a higher prevalence of recurrent rheumatic symptoms of moderate to severe pain, irrespective of age and comorbidities, and a higher prevalence of non-rheumatic symptoms (P < .001). Arthralgia in the upper (odds ratio (OR): 4.79; confidence interval (CI): 2.01–11.44; P < .001) and lower (OR: 8.68; CI: 3.47–21.69; P < .001) extremities, and headache (OR: 3.85; CI: 1.40–10.54; P = .009) were associated with being affected. The SF-36 QoL scores of the recovered patients were less impaired over time compared to the QoL scores of the affected patients. At M60, the QoL scores of the recovered patients were comparable to the CHIK- QoL scores.

Conclusions

Rheumatic and non-rheumatic symptoms, and QoL impairment may persist, 60 months following infection with the Asian CHIKV genotype, similar to the IOL genotype disease sequelae. Further research is needed to follow the clinical manifestations and QoL impact of each CHIKV genotype.