bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tempo das finanças e o cotidiano bancário da população em Buenos Aires
Authors: Creuz Villy
Published: June 2024

Finance is the spine of the economy in every country in the world. However, its manifestations are singular in each socio-spatial formation with local properties and specificities. In Argentina, particularly in the city of Buenos Aires, there is a distribution of financial work through what we refer to as bank-wise commerce, that is, premises that mix commercial functions with banking activities. The text seeks to travel the routes of money in the social and territorial division of labor, establishing the digital monetary economy, highlighting the participation of financial businesses in the landscape of the Buenos Aires city, changing the life of relationships. In this context, new temporalities are experienced by social actors, accelerating commercial processes and urban consumption.
Fronteras rememoradas y sentidos de pertenencia nacional. Museos, monumentos y sitios conmemorativos como artefactos culturales y dispositivos de poder en Brasil, Paraguay y Argentina.
Authors: Benedetti Alejandro , Fabri Silvina
Published: June 2024

O presente artigo tem como objetivo estabelecer conexões analíticas entre representações arquitetônicas, uso e valorização de objetos e personagens históricos que intervém na elaboração político-cultural de uma narrativa própria de uma singularidade identitária centrada na rememoração das fronteiras nacionais. Se trata dos museus, monumentos e locais comemorativos, ou seja, dispositivos institucionais que tornam visíveis eventos relevantes e figuras importantes, nos quais os significados compartilhados operam em termos simbólicos e representacionais. Museus, monumentos e locais comemorativos são artefatos que compõem a estrutura significativa do nacionalismo, contribuindo para a reprodução diária da nação como comunidade, em um tempo e espaço, seja no Brasil, Paraguai, Argentina ou qualquer outro lugar.
Aquém da fronteira, dos direitos e do acolhimento: mobilidade e imobilidade em tempos de pandemia
Authors: Jesus Alex Dias de
Published: June 2024

La pandemia de Covid-19 ha tenido un profundo impacto en las diversas formas de movilidad dentro y fuera de las fronteras internacionales. Frente a eso, este artículo analiza los efectos que las medidas de restricción de ingreso al territorio brasileño tuvieron sobre la movilidad transfronteriza durante la pandemia y articula una discusión en torno a la justificación epidemiológica utilizada para discriminar y securitizar las migraciones y los desplazamientos transfronterizos. Para ello, se utiliza un análisis de 42 Ordenanzas publicadas por el gobierno brasileño, entre 2020 y 2022, y los registros administrativos del Sistema de Tránsito Internacional (STI), de la Policía Federal, con el fin de identificar los efectos de las restricciones a la movilidad documentada en los puestos fronterizos terrestres del país. Este análisis se combinó con investigación de campo en 13 ciudades gemelas ubicadas en los arcos Sur, Centro y Norte. Los resultados apuntan a la utilización de la crisis sanitaria para reforzar y ampliar las medidas selectivas y restrictivas a la migración.
Da Gestell à ecologia profunda: ressonâncias do pensamento de Martin Heidegger no cenário ecofilosófico contemporâneo
Authors: Moreira Gilvanio
Published: June 2024

The article discusses the impact of Martin Heidegger's (1889-1976) late thinking on the general lines of current ecological thought, which, in theory, would come close to the German author's criticism of the Gestell phenomenon. In fact, although in some aspects it is close and in others it distances itself from Heidegger's original project, this discussion resonates with some contemporary authors, such as Michel Maffesoli and Félix Guattari. In this sense, the work aims to demonstrate the extent to which Heidegger's criticism of the Gestell phenomenon has repercussions on this sphere of activity of Ecosophy, which, in general terms, seeks to rescue a multidimensional relationship (aesthetic-political-social-environmental) between the human being and the natural eco (oikos).
Discurso de formatura ao Conservatório de Música da Nova Inglaterra
Authors: Marcuse Herbert , Dias Gabriel
Published: June 2024

In 1968, Herbert Marcuse delivered a speech to the New England Conservatory of Music. This is a text by the critical theorist focused exclusively on music. In the Speech, Marcuse mobilizes authors such as Adorno, Hegel and Schopenhauer, as well as musicians such as Bach, Mahler and Schoenberg, explaining the aspect of freedom and denial of music in the face of established reality.
Apologia da apologia da letra h
Authors: Temp Daniel
Published: June 2024

Hamann's diatribe against the alleged dogmas of the Enlightenment represents a still pertinent warning against the illusions that can affect philosophical reflection, especially nowadays, when the algorithmic language typical of some segments of science is prone to bite increasingly larger slices of our imagination. At least is that what claims this essay by reconstructing Hamann's diatribes against one of his contemporaries and then giving them a new lease of life by bringing them into the context of contemporary discussions about the scope and role of reason in human life.
Treatment of oral mucocele in a baby under local procedures
Authors: Esteves Camilla Vieira , Gushiken de Campos Wladimir , Teixeira Vinícius , Santos Graicy Vital dos , Martins Marília Trierveiler , Lemos Júnior Celso Augusto
Published: June 2024

Mucocele is a benign oral lesion, occurring due to partial or complete obstruction of the duct of a minor salivary gland. Obstruction of the salivary gland duct results in saliva retention in the septum and underlying tissues, forming a lesion. The lesion is asymptomatic and often regresses on its own. It may be transparent or purplish in color. It occurs in patients of all ages, from babies to the elderly. Objectives: To report a case of oral mucocele treatment in a baby, performed locally . Materials and methods: A 4-month-old male baby was referred for evaluation with a lower lip lesion present since birth. The diagnosis suggested a lower lip mucocele, and cryosurgery was performed. Results: After 2 months, we noted lesion recurrence, and the patient returned to dental care. A conventional surgical excision of the mucocele was performed. After one year of follow-ups, no recurrences were noticed. Conclusion: This case report highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary team for effective treatment in patients and diagnosis.
Deletion of Talin1 in Myeloid Cells Facilitates Atherosclerosis in Mice
Authors: Shi Huiping , Song Jianhua , Gao Liang , Shan Xindi , Panicker Sumith R. , Yao Longbiao , McDaniel Michael , Zhou Meixiang , McGee Samuel , Zhong Hui , Griffin Courtney T. , Xia Lijun , Shao Bojing
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:

Integrin-regulated monocyte recruitment and cellular responses of monocyte-derived macrophages are critical for the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In the canonical model, talin1 controls ligand binding to integrins, a prerequisite for integrins to mediate leukocyte recruitment and induce immune responses. However, the role of talin1 in the development of atherosclerosis has not been studied. Our study investigated how talin1 in myeloid cells regulates the progression of atherosclerosis.

METHODS:

On an
Apoe

−/−

background, myeloid talin1-deficient mice and the control mice were fed with a high-fat diet for 8 or 12 weeks to induce atherosclerosis. The atherosclerosis development in the aorta and monocyte recruitment into atherosclerotic lesions were analyzed.

RESULTS:

Myeloid talin1 deletion facilitated the formation of atherosclerotic lesions and macrophage deposition in lesions. Talin1 deletion abolished integrin β2–mediated adhesion of monocytes but did not impair integrin α4β1–dependent cell adhesion in a flow adhesion assay. Strikingly, talin1 deletion did not prevent Mn
2+
- or chemokine-induced activation of integrin α4β1 to the high-affinity state for ligands. In an in vivo competitive homing assay, monocyte infiltration into inflamed tissues was prohibited by antibodies to integrin α4β1 but was not affected by talin1 deletion or antibodies to integrin β2. Furthermore, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) analysis showed that macrophages produced cytokines to promote inflammation and the proliferation of smooth muscle cells. Ligand binding to integrin β3 inhibited cytokine generation in macrophages, although talin1 deletion abolished the negative effects of integrin β3.

CONCLUSIONS:

Integrin α4β1 controls monocyte recruitment during atherosclerosis. Talin1 is dispensable for integrin α4β1 activation to the high-affinity state and integrin α4β1–mediated monocyte recruitment. Yet, talin1 is required for integrin β3 to inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Thus, intact monocyte recruitment and elevated inflammatory responses cause enhanced atherosclerosis in talin1-deficient mice. Our study provides novel insights into the roles of myeloid talin1 and integrins in the progression of atherosclerosis.
Hypertriglyceridemia Results From an Impaired Catabolism of Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins in
PLIN1
-Related Lipodystrophy
Authors: Vergès Bruno , Vantyghem Marie-Christine , Reznik Yves , Duvillard Laurence , Rouland Alexia , Capel Emilie , Vigouroux Corinne
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:

Pathogenic variants in
PLIN1
-encoding PLIN1 (perilipin-1) are responsible for an autosomal dominant form of familial partial lipodystrophy (FPL) associated with severe insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and important hypertriglyceridemia. This study aims to decipher the mechanisms of hypertriglyceridemia associated with
PLIN1
-related FPL.

METHODS:

We performed an in vivo lipoprotein kinetic study in 6 affected patients compared with 13 healthy controls and 8 patients with type 2 diabetes. Glucose and lipid parameters, including plasma LPL (lipoprotein lipase) mass, were measured.
LPL
mRNA and protein expression were evaluated in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue from patients with 5
PLIN1
-mutated FPL and 3 controls.

RESULTS:

Patients with
PLIN1
-mutated FPL presented with decreased fat mass, insulin resistance, and diabetes (glycated hemoglobin A1c, 6.68±0.70% versus 7.48±1.63% in patients with type 2 diabetes; mean±SD;
P
=0.27). Their plasma triglycerides were higher (5.96±3.08 mmol/L) than in controls (0.76±0.27 mmol/L;
P
<0.0001) and patients with type 2 diabetes (2.94±1.46 mmol/L,
P
=0.006). Compared with controls, patients with
PLIN1
-related FPL had a significant reduction of the indirect fractional catabolic rate of VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein)-apoB100 toward IDL (intermediate-density lipoprotein)/LDL (low-density lipoprotein; 1.79±1.38 versus 5.34±2.45 pool/d;
P
=0.003) and the indirect fractional catabolic rate of IDL-apoB100 toward LDL (2.14±1.44 versus 7.51±4.07 pool/d;
P
=0.005). VLDL-apoB100 production was not different between patients with
PLIN1
-related FPL and controls. Compared with patients with type 2 diabetes, patients with
PLIN1
-related FPL also showed a significant reduction of the catabolism of both VLDL-apoB100 (
P
=0.031) and IDL-apoB100 (
P
=0.031). Plasma LPL mass was significantly lower in patients with
PLIN1
-related FPL than in controls (21.03±10.08 versus 55.76±13.10 ng/mL;
P
<0.0001), although the LPL protein expression in adipose tissue was similar. VLDL-apoB100 and IDL-apoB100 indirect fractional catabolic rates were negatively correlated with plasma triglycerides and positively correlated with LPL mass.

CONCLUSIONS:

We show that hypertriglyceridemia associated with
PLIN1
-related FPL results from a marked decrease in the catabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (VLDL and IDL). This could be due to a pronounced reduction in LPL availability, related to the decreased adipose tissue mass.
G Protein-Coupled Receptors: A Century of Research and Discovery
Authors: Liu Samuel , Anderson Preston J. , Rajagopal Sudarshan , Lefkowitz Robert J. , Rockman Howard A.
Published: June 2024

GPCRs (G protein-coupled receptors), also known as 7 transmembrane domain receptors, are the largest receptor family in the human genome, with ≈800 members. GPCRs regulate nearly every aspect of human physiology and disease, thus serving as important drug targets in cardiovascular disease. Sharing a conserved structure comprised of 7 transmembrane α-helices, GPCRs couple to heterotrimeric G-proteins, GPCR kinases, and β-arrestins, promoting downstream signaling through second messengers and other intracellular signaling pathways. GPCR drug development has led to important cardiovascular therapies, such as antagonists of β-adrenergic and angiotensin II receptors for heart failure and hypertension, and agonists of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor for reducing adverse cardiovascular events and other emerging indications. There continues to be a major interest in GPCR drug development in cardiovascular and cardiometabolic disease, driven by advances in GPCR mechanistic studies and structure-based drug design. This review recounts the rich history of GPCR research, including the current state of clinically used GPCR drugs, and highlights newly discovered aspects of GPCR biology and promising directions for future investigation. As additional mechanisms for regulating GPCR signaling are uncovered, new strategies for targeting these ubiquitous receptors hold tremendous promise for the field of cardiovascular medicine.
How parental phubbing decreases adolescent core self-evaluation through basic psychological need satisfaction: Evidence from longitudinal mediation analysis and longitudinal network analysis
Authors: Shen Xinyuan , Xie Xiaochun
Published: June 2024

Parental phubbing refers to the phenomenon where parents ignore their children due to mobile phone use during parent-child interactions. This study examined the longitudinal mediating role of basic psychological need satisfaction in the relations between parental phubbing and adolescents’ core self-evaluation. We recruited 629 adolescents ( Mage = 15.20 years, SDage = 1.62 years) to participate in our longitudinal survey. Longitudinal mediation analyses revealed that parental phubbing negatively predicted adolescents' core self-evaluation by diminishing their basic psychological need satisfaction. Additionally, longitudinal network analyses identified two significant parental phubbing behaviors that impact adolescents' core self-evaluation: parents keeping mobile phones in hand during interactions with their adolescents and checking mobile phone information during mealtime. Our work provides a novel understanding on how parental phubbing decreases adolescent core self-evaluation.
Logistic Simulations to Assess the Effect of Florida Department of Transportation’s Incentive and Disincentive Specifications on Long-Term Asphalt Pavement Performance
Authors: Lee Hyung S. , Moseley Howie , Sholar Greg , Choubane Bouzid
Published: June 2024

The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT’s) percent within limits (PWL) specification for acceptance and payment of asphalt materials was first implemented in 2002. The objective of this study was to determine the effect that FDOT’s PWL specification has on the long-term performance of asphalt pavements. In this study, multinomial logistic regression analysis (MLRA) was used to assess the effect of FDOT’s PWL specification on long-term asphalt pavements. The MLRA results were used to determine the probability of a pavement section showing a higher level of long-term distress as a function of the composite pay factor (CPF). This probability indicates that FDOT’s CPF is cost-effective (i.e., the higher the CPF, the lower the probability of distress). Moreover, it was shown that CPF has a profound effect on cracking and raveling of both dense and open graded mixtures. The results of additional logistic simulation for dense graded mixtures indicate that FDOT’s new CPF weightings, implemented in the 2019 specification, may result in improved mixture quality and significantly reduce the probability of long-term cracking and raveling, compared with the original weightings in the 2002 specification. For open graded mixtures, although FDOT’s CPF original weightings, implemented in 2002 (and still being used), are cost-effective, the results indicate that the probabilities of cracking and raveling may be reduced further by updating the weightings for percentage passing a 3/8-in. sieve and percentage passing a No. 8 sieve.
Predicting Directional Traffic Volume at Intersections with Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures Data Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Wang Bangyu , Fulda Nancy , Huang Zhengyang , Schultz Grant G. , Macfarlane Gregory S. , Arnesen Joseph , Khayyat Adnan
Published: June 2024

Automated traffic signal performance measures (ATSPM) have become widely adopted and utilized by state and local agencies in the U.S. for collecting real-time traffic data 24 h a day, 7 days a week. These agencies have developed new performance measures and applications to address their local transportation planning needs. However, recent research has identified data quality issues in the collected data from ATSPM systems. Specifically, the traffic volumes collected through ATSPM exhibit data anomalies that do not accurately reflect the actual traffic patterns at intersections. As such, there is a need to address the data quality issues found in ATSPM datasets. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the use of machine learning algorithms and statistical methods to predict traffic volume at intersections. Existing traffic volume data, along with additional metrics such as timestamps, weather conditions, crash data, and holidays, are evaluated to predict traffic volume and address the data anomalies present in ATSPM datasets. Two statistical methods and four machine learning algorithms are evaluated to determine their ability to predict traffic volumes. By comparing the root mean square error (RMSE) and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) between each model, the results demonstrate that the long short-term memory (LSTM) model exhibits the lowest error in predicting traffic volume compared with the other models. The LSTM model achieves an RMSE as low as 9.4 vehicles and an MAPE as low as 35%. By leveraging the LSTM model, traffic agencies can enhance the quality of their ATSPM data, enabling better decision-making for traffic operations by their engineers and planners.
Compassion for All: Real-World Online Donations Contradict Compassion Fade
Authors: Meier Dominik S.
Published: June 2024

People tend to donate more to help a single rather than a group of victims. However, recent studies were able to reverse this compassion fade effect by presenting people with multiple donation appeals with different victim group sizes (joint evaluation) instead of just one donation appeal (separate evaluation). Because practitioners often use the compassion fade effect to boost giving, the reversal of this effect in joint evaluation settings has important implications for fundraising. This study tests whether the reversed compassion fade effect can be replicated in the field by using data from the crowdfunding platform GoFundMe. When browsing projects on GoFundMe, people see multiple projects displayed at once, placing them in a joint evaluation context. I found a concave effect of the perceived victim group size on the amount of funds raised, the number of donations received, and the size of the average donation received by a project.
Depressive symptoms, sleep-wake features, and insomnia among female students: The role of rumination
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wang Fei , Zou Liuni , Lee Shih-Yu
Published: June 2024

Depression symptoms are prevalent among nursing students, especially those in Asia. This study assessed the association between rumination and depression symptoms among female nursing students ( N = 148) and the chain mediation role of sleep-wake indexes and insomnia symptoms. The data were collected from a battery of questionnaires and consecutive 7-day actigraphy data for analyzing sleep-wake indexes. About 54.1% of the participants had either mild or moderate depression symptoms. Most students (89.2%) had a delayed circadian phase, and circadian activity rhythm (CAR) was not ideal. The path mediation model underwent analysis using the PROCESS macros. The results showed that rumination in students is directly positively correlated with depressive symptoms ( b = 4.831). Moreover, the association between rumination and depressive symptoms is sequent (moderating effect = 0.12, 95% CI [0.017, 0.410]). The proposed model in this study provides a foundation for improving educational programs on sleep hygiene and promoting mental wellness.
The efficacy, safety and effectiveness of hyperoncotic albumin solutions in patients with sepsis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bannard-Smith Jonathan , Elrakhawy Mohamed , Norman Gill , Owen Rhiannon , Felton Tim , Dark Paul
Published: June 2024

Background:

Intravenous fluid therapy is a ubiquitous intervention for the management of patients with sepsis, however excessive cumulative fluid balance has been shown to result in worse outcomes. Hyperoncotic albumin is presented in low volumes, is an effective resuscitation fluid and may have effects beyond plasma volume expansion alone. This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy, safety and effectiveness of hyperoncotic albumin solutions in the management of sepsis.

Methods:

We searched four databases and two trial registries for controlled clinical trials of hyperoncotic albumin for management of sepsis. Review outcomes were mortality, need for renal replacement therapy, cumulative-fluid balance, and need for organ support. We used methods guided by the Cochrane Handbook for reviews of clinical interventions. Studies were assessed using Cochrane’s Risk of Bias 2 tool. We performed pairwise meta-analysis where possible. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE.

Results:

We included six trials; four (2772 patients) were meta-analysed. Most studies had moderate or high risk of bias. There was no significant difference in 28-day mortality for septic patients receiving hyperoncotic albumin compared to other intravenous fluids (OR 0.95, [95% CI: 0.8–1.12]); in patients with septic shock (2013 patients) there was a significant reduction (OR 0.82 [95% CI: 0.68–0.98]). There was no significant difference in safety outcomes. Hyperoncotic albumin was associated with variable reduction in early cumulative fluid balance and faster resolution of shock.

Conclusions:

There is no good-quality evidence to support the use of hyperoncotic albumin in patients with sepsis, but it may reduce short-term mortality in the sub-groups with septic shock. It appears safe in terms of need for renal replacement therapy and is associated with reduced early cumulative fluid balance and faster resolution of shock. Larger, better quality randomised controlled trials in patients with septic shock may enhance the certainty of these findings.

Review registration:

PROSPERO ref: CRD42021150674
Inflammatory and transudative B-line patterns on lung ultrasound: a brief communication
Authors: Rajamani Arvind , Hassan Anwar , Bharadwaj Pranav Arun , Arvind Hemamalini , Huang Stephen
Published: June 2024

Lung ultrasonic B-lines have high accuracy in diagnosing extravascular lung water (ELW) but have not been systematically subcategorized to differentiate the varied etiologies of ELW. This brief communication describes subcategories of B-lines into “inflammatory” and “transudative” patterns, based on their location, pleural morphology and associated subpleural pathologies. This subcategorization was derived using information from trainees undergoing lung ultrasound training in the Learning Ultrasound in Critical Care program, pathophysiological principles and their corresponding ultrasound correlates. This subcategorization helped trainees differentiate inflammatory pathologies of ELW (e.g. pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome) from transudative (congestive) pathologies (e.g. fluid overload, cardiac failure).
Primary non-cutaneous melanomas of the head and neck: Case series and review of the literature
Authors: Thabet Wadii , Zitouni Chaima , Chebil Azer , Masmoudi Mohamed , Hasnaoui Mehdi , Mighri Khalifa
Published: June 2024

Primary non-cutaneous melanoma is a rare type of melanoma that occurs mostly on mucosal surfaces. The head and neck region is the most common site for these melanomas. The following cases described herein include patients diagnosed with primary non-cutaneous melanomas. The locations included the parotid gland (one case), the submandibular gland (one case), and the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (three cases). Among these patients, one patient developed lymph node metastasis and one patient had distant metastasis. Treatment included endoscopic surgery (one case), endoscopic surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy (one case), open surgery (one case), and palliative chemotherapy (one case). One patient refused to receive treatment. After treatment, one patient had local recurrence. A local and distant recurrence was noted in one case. This report aims to describe clinical features, treatment options, and prognosis of primary non-cutaneous melanomas of the head and neck.
Upregulated miR-146b-3p predicted rheumatoid arthritis development and regulated TNF-α-induced excessive proliferation, motility, and inflammation in MH7A cells
Authors: Ma Linxiao , Liu Huijie , Shao Ping , Lv Qian
Published: June 2024

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic immune system disease with a high disability rate threatening the living quality of patients. Identifying potential biomarkers for RA is of necessity to improve the prevention and management of RA.

Objectives

This study focused on miR-146b-3p evaluating its clinical significance and revealing the underlying regulatory mechanisms.

Materials and methods

A total of 107 RA patients were enrolled, and both serum and synovial tissues were collected. Another 78 osteoarthritis patients (OA, providing synovial tissues), and 72 healthy individuals (providing serum samples) were enrolled as the control group. The expression of miR-146b-3p was analyzed by PCR and analyzed with ROC and Pearson correlation analyses evaluating its significance in diagnosis and development prediction of RA patients. In vitro, MH7A cells were treated with TNF-α. The regulation of cell proliferation, motility, and inflammation by miR-146b-3p was assessed by CCK8, Transwell, and ELISA assays.

Results

Significant upregulation of miR-146b-3p was observed in serum and synovial tissues of RA patients, which distinguished RA patients and were positively correlated with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP), and rheumatoid factor (RF) of RA patients. TNF-α promoted the proliferation and motility of MH7A cells and induced significant inflammation in cells. Silencing miR-146b-3p alleviated the effect of TNF-α and negatively regulated the expression of HMGCR. The knockdown of HMGCR reversed the protective effect of miR-146b-3p silencing on TNF-α-stimulated MH7A cells.

Conclusions

Increased miR-146b-3p served as a biomarker for the diagnosis and severity of RA. Silencing miR-146b-3p could suppress TNF-α-induced excessive proliferation, motility, and inflammation via regulating HMGCR in MH7A cells.
Vibrio cholerae O1 and Escherichia coli O157:H7 from drinking water and wastewater in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Mogessie Helina , Legesse Mengistu , Hailu Aklilu Feleke , Teklehaymanot Tilahun , Alemayehu Haile , Abubeker Rajiha , Ashenafi Mogessie
Published: June 2024

Background

In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, open ditches along innner roads in residential areas serve to convey domestic wastewater and rainwater away from residences. Contamination of drinking water by wastewater through faulty distribution lines could expose households to waterborne illnesses. This prompted the study to assess the microbiological safety of wastewater and drinking water in Addis Ababa, identify the pathogens therein, and determine their antibiotic resistance patterns.

Results Vibrio cholerae

O1, mainly Hikojima serotype, was isolated from 23 wastewater and 16 drinking water samples. Similarly, 19 wastewater and 10 drinking water samples yielded Escherichia coli O157:H7. V. cholerae O1 were 100% resistant to the penicillins (Amoxacillin and Ampicillin), and 51–82% were resistant to the cephalosporins. About 44% of the V. cholerae O1 isolates in this study were Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producers. Moreover, 26% were resistant to Meropenem. Peperacillin/Tazobactam was the only effective β-lactam antibiotic against V. cholerae O1. V. cholerae O1 isolates showed 37 different patterns of multiple resistance ranging from a minimum of three to a maximum of ten antimicrobials. Of the E. coli O157:H7 isolates, 71% were ESBL producers. About 96% were resistant to Ampicillin. Amikacin and Gentamicin were very effective against E. coli O157:H7 isolates. The isolates from wastewater and drinking water showed multiple antibiotic resistance against three to eight antibiotic drugs.

Conclusions

Open ditches for wastewater conveyance along innner roads in residence areas and underground faulty municipal water distribution lines could be possible sources for V. cholerae O1 and E. coli O157:H7 infections to surrounding households and for dissemination of multiple drug resistance in humans and, potentially, the environment.
Comparison of conventional MRI analysis versus MRI-based radiomics to predict the circumferential margin resection involvement of rectal cancer
Authors: Liang Hong , Ma Dongnan , Ma Yanqing , Hang Yuan , Guan Zheng , Zhang Yang , Wei Yuguo , Wang Peng , Zhang Ming
Published: June 2024

Background

To compare the application of conventional MRI analysis and MRI-based radiomics to identify the circumferential resection margin (CRM) status of rectal cancer (RC).

Methods

A cohort of 301 RC patients with 66 CRM invloved status and 235 CRM non-involved status were enrolled in this retrospective study between September 2017 and August 2022. Conventional MRI characteristics included gender, age, diameter, distance to anus, MRI-based T/N phase, CEA, and CA 19 − 9, then the relevant logistic model (Logistic-cMRI) was built. MRI-based radiomics of rectal cancer and mesorectal fascia were calculated after volume of interest segmentation, and the logistic model of rectal cancer radiomics (Logistic-rcRadio) and mesorectal fascia radiomics (Logistic-mfRadio) were constructed. And the combined nomogram (nomo-cMRI/rcRadio/mfRadio) containing conventional MRI characteristics, radiomics of rectal cancer and mesorectal fascia was developed. The receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) was delineated and the area under curve (AUC) was calculated the efficiency of models.

Results

The AUC of Logistic-cMRI was 0.864 (95%CI, 0.820 to 0.901). The AUC of Logistic-rcRadio was 0.883 (95%CI, 0.832 to 0.928) in the training set and 0.725 (95%CI, 0.616 to 0.826) in the testing set. The AUCs of Logistic-mfRadio was 0.891 (95%CI, 0.838 to 0.936) in the training set and 0.820 (95%CI, 0.725 to 0.905) in the testing set. The AUCs of nomo-cMRI/rcRadio/mfRadio were the highest in both the training set of 0.942 (95%CI, 0.901 to 0.969) and the testing set of 0.909 (95%CI, 0.830 to 0.959).

Conclusion

MRI-based radiomics of rectal cancer and mesorectal fascia showed similar efficacy in predicting the CRM status of RC. The combined nomogram performed better in assessment.
Impact of the 2008 economic crisis on the burden of hepatitis B and C diseases in Southern European countries
Authors: Palladino Claudia , Ramis Rebeca , Ezeonwumelu Ifeanyi Jude , Biondi Antonio , Carreras Giulia , Fischer Florian , Gallus Silvano , Golinelli Davide , Gorini Giuseppe , Hassan Shoaib , Kabir Zubair , Koyanagi Ai , Lazarus Jeffrey V. , Mentis Alexios-Fotios A. , Meretoja Tuomo J. , Mokdad Ali H. , Monasta Lorenzo , Mulita Francesk , Postma Maarten J. , Tabarés-Seisdedos Rafael , Thiyagarajan Arulmani , Taveira Nuno , Briz Verónica ,   GBD 2019 Southern Europe Hepatitis B & C Collaborators
Published: June 2024

Background

The economic crisis that began in 2008 has severely affected Southern (Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain) Western European (SWE) countries of Western Europe (WE) and may have affected ongoing efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of the economic crisis on the burden of HBV and HCV disease.

Methods

Global Burden of Diseases 2019 data were used to analyse the rates of epidemiological metrics of HBV and HCV acute and chronic infections in SWE and WE. Time series modelling was performed to quantify the impact of healthcare expenditure on the time trend of HBV and HCV disease burden in 2000–2019.

Results

Declining trends in incidence and prevalence rates of acute HBV (aHBV) and chronic HBV were observed in SWE and WE, with the pace of decline being slower in the post-austerity period (2010–2019) and mortality due to HBV stabilised in SWE. Acute HCV (aHCV) metrics and chronic HCV incidence and mortality showed a stable trend in SWE and WE, whereas the prevalence of chronic HCV showed an oscillating trend, decreasing in WE in 2010–2019 (p < 0.001). Liver cancer due to both hepatitis infections showed a stagnant burden over time. An inverse association was observed between health expenditure and metrics of both acute and chronic HBV and HCV.

Conclusions

Epidemiological metrics for HBV and HCV showed a slower pace of decline in the post-austerity period with better improvement for HBV, a stabilisation of mortality and a stagnant burden for liver cancer due to both hepatitis infections. The economic crisis of 2008 had a negative impact on the burden of hepatitis B and C. Elimination of HBV and HCV by 2030 will be a major challenge in the SWE countries.
Cognitive performance trends among European older adults: exploring variations across cohorts, gender, and educational levels (2007–2017)
Authors: Rehnberg Johan , Fors Stefan , Ford Katherine J. , Leist Anja K.
Published: June 2024

Background

This study explores recent cohort trends in cognitive performance among older Europeans from 2007 to 2017, addressing three key questions: (1) Did cognitive performance improve universally and across the performance distribution during this period? (2) Did these improvements occur across educational levels and for both men and women? (3) Can established risk factors explain these performance gains?

Methods

Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) across 12 European countries, we assessed immediate recall, delayed recall, and verbal fluency in individuals aged 60 to 94 in both 2007 and 2017 (n = 32 773). Differences between the two time points were estimated with linear mixed effects regression models and quantile regression.

Results

Cognitive performance improved in all age groups, across educational levels, and for both men and women between 2007 and 2017. Notably, improvements were more pronounced at the upper end of the performance distribution for delayed recall and verbal fluency. Education explained approximately 20% of the observed improvements. Risk factors did not explain the observed improvements.

Conclusions

European cohorts of both younger-old and older adults continue to exhibit improvements in cognitive performance. Variation in the size of the cohort improvements across the performance distributions in delayed recall and in verbal fluency may contribute to growing inequalities in cognitive outcomes. Future research should further investigate the potential heterogeneity in cognitive performance gains.

Trial registration

Not applicable.
Exploring online reproductive health promotion in Canada: a focus on behavioral and environmental influences from a sex and gender perspective
Authors: Rice Alexandra R. , Durowaye Toluwanimi D. , Konkle Anne T. M. , Phillips Karen P.
Published: June 2024

Background

Reproductive health promotion can enable early mitigation of behavioral and environmental risk factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, while optimizing health of women + (all genders that can gestate a fetus) and babies. Although the biological and social influences of partners on pregnancy are well established, it is unknown whether online Canadian government reproductive health promotion also targets men and partners throughout the reproductive lifespan.

Methods

Reproductive health promotion, designed for the general public, was assessed in a multi-jurisdictional sample of Canadian government (federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal) and select non-governmental organization (NGO) websites. For each website, information related to environmental and behavioral influences on reproductive health (preconception, pregnancy, postpartum) was evaluated based on comprehensiveness, audience-specificity, and scientific quality.

Results

Government and NGO websites provided sparse reproductive health promotion for partners which was generally limited to preconception behavior topics with little coverage of environmental hazard topics. For women + , environmental and behavioral influences on reproductive health were well promoted for pregnancy, with content gaps for preconception and postpartum stages.

Conclusion

Although it is well established that partners influence pregnancy outcomes and fetal/infant health, Canadian government website promotion of partner-specific environmental and behavioral risks was limited. Most websites across jurisdictions promoted behavioral influences on pregnancy, however gaps were apparent in the provision of health information related to environmental hazards. As all reproductive stages, including preconception and postpartum, may be susceptible to environmental and behavioral influences, online health promotion should use a sex- and gender-lens to address biological contributions to embryo, fetal and infant development, as well as contributions of partners to the physical and social environments of the home.
Report on palliative sedation medication usage: a survey of palliative care experts in Eight European countries
Authors: Pozsgai Éva , Garralda Eduardo , Busa Csilla , Payne Sheila , Hasselaar Jeroen , Mosoiu Daniela , Surges Séverine M. , Van der Elst Michaël , Mercadante Sebastiano , Centeno Carlos , Csikós Ágnes
Published: June 2024

Background

The practice of palliative sedation continues to raise ethical questions among people, which in turn leads to its varied acceptance and practice across regions. As part of the Palliative Sedation European Union (EU) project, the aim of the present study was to determine the perceptions of palliative care experts regarding the practice of palliative sedation in eight European countries (The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, UK, Italy, Spain, Hungary, and Romania).

Methods

A specifically designed survey, including questions on the most frequently used medications for palliative sedation, their availability per countries and settings, and the barriers and facilitators to the appropriate practice of palliative sedation was sent to expert clinicians involved and knowledgeable in palliative care in the indicated countries. A purposive sampling strategy was used to select at least 18 participating clinicians per consortium country. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted on the survey data.

Results

Of the 208 expert clinicians invited to participate, 124 participants completed the survey. Midazolam was perceived to be the most frequently used benzodiazepine in all eight countries. 86% and 89% of expert clinicians in Germany and Italy, respectively, perceived midazolam was used “almost always”, while in Hungary and Romania only about 50% or less of the respondents perceived this. Levomepromazine was the neuroleptic most frequently perceived to be used for palliative sedation in the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Between 38- 86% of all eight countries´ expert clinicians believed that opioid medications were “almost always” used during palliative sedation. The perceived use of IV hydration and artificial nutrition “almost always” was generally low, while the country where both IV hydration and artificial nutrition were considered to be “very often” given by a third of the expert clinicians, was in Hungary, with 36% and 27%, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study provides insight about the differences in the perceived practice of medication during palliative sedation between eight European countries. In countries where palliative care services have been established longer perceptions regarding medication use during palliative sedation were more in line with the recommended European guidelines than in Central and Eastern European countries like Romania and Hungary.
Cognitive enhancing effect of rTMS combined with tDCS in patients with major depressive disorder: a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled study
Authors: Li Xingxing , Liu Junyao , Wei Shuochi , Yu Chang , Wang Dongmei , Li Yuchen , Li Jiaxin , Zhuang Wenhao , Luo Rui-Chen-Xi , Li Yanli , Liu Zhiwang , Su Yuqiu , Liu Jimeng , Xu Yongming , Fan Jialin , Zhu Guidong , Xu Weiqian , Tang Yiping , Yan Hui , Cho Raymond Y. , Kosten Thomas R. , Zhou Dongsheng , Zhang Xiangyang
Published: June 2024

Background

Cognitive dysfunction is one of the common symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have been studied separately in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction in MDD patients. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of rTMS combined with tDCS as a new therapy to improve neurocognitive impairment in MDD patients.

Methods

In this brief 2-week, double-blind, randomized, and sham-controlled trial, a total of 550 patients were screened, and 240 MDD inpatients were randomized into four groups (active rTMS + active tDCS, active rTMS + sham tDCS, sham rTMS + active tDCS, sham rTMS + sham tDCS). Finally, 203 patients completed the study and received 10 treatment sessions over a 2-week period. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) was performed to assess patients’ cognitive function at baseline and week 2. Also, we applied the 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-24) to assess patients’ depressive symptoms at baseline and week 2.

Results

After 10 sessions of treatment, the rTMS combined with the tDCS group showed more significant improvements in the RBANS total score, immediate memory, and visuospatial/constructional index score (all p < 0.05). Moreover, post hoc tests revealed a significant increase in the RBANS total score and Visuospatial/Constructional in the combined treatment group compared to the other three groups but in the immediate memory, the combined treatment group only showed a better improvement than the sham group. The results also showed the RBANS total score increased significantly higher in the active rTMS group compared with the sham group. However, rTMS or tDCS alone was not superior to the sham group in terms of other cognitive performance. In addition, the rTMS combined with the tDCS group showed a greater reduction in HDRS-24 total score and a better depression response rate than the other three groups.

Conclusions

rTMS combined with tDCS treatment is more effective than any single intervention in treating cognitive dysfunction and depressive symptoms in MDD patients.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100052122).
Molecular genomic and epigenomic characteristics related to aspirin and clopidogrel resistance
Authors: Kim Jei , Shin Byoung-Soo , Kim Dae-Hyun , Shin Dong-Ick , Ahn Seong Hwan , Kim Jae Guk , Ryu Su Hyun , Moon Hye Rin , Kang Hyun Goo , Jeong Hyeseon , Yum Kyu Sun , Chae Hee-Yun , Kim Do-Hyung , Kang Keunsoo , Kim Jeeyeon
Published: June 2024

Background

Mediators, genomic and epigenomic characteristics involving in metabolism of arachidonic acid by cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (ALOX) and hepatic activation of clopidogrel have been individually suggested as factors associated with resistance against aspirin and clopidogrel. The present multi-center prospective cohort study evaluated whether the mediators, genomic and epigenomic characteristics participating in arachidonic acid metabolism and clopidogrel activation could be factors that improve the prediction of the aspirin and clopidogrel resistance in addition to cardiovascular risks.

Methods

We enrolled 988 patients with transient ischemic attack and ischemic stroke who were evaluated for a recurrence of ischemic stroke to confirm clinical resistance, and measured aspirin (ARU) and P2Y12 reaction units (PRU) using VerifyNow to assess laboratory resistance 12 weeks after aspirin and clopidogrel administration. We investigated whether mediators, genotypes, and promoter methylation of genes involved in COX and ALOX metabolisms and clopidogrel activation could synergistically improve the prediction of ischemic stroke recurrence and the ARU and PRU levels by integrating to the established cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

The logistic model to predict the recurrence used thromboxane A synthase 1 (TXAS1, rs41708) A/A genotype and ALOX12 promoter methylation as independent variables, and, improved sensitivity of recurrence prediction from 3.4% before to 13.8% after adding the mediators, genomic and epigenomic variables to the cardiovascular risks. The linear model we used to predict the ARU level included leukotriene B4, COX2 (rs20417) C/G and thromboxane A2 receptor (rs1131882) A/A genotypes with the addition of COX1 and ALOX15 promoter methylations as variables. The linear PRU prediction model included G/A and prostaglandin I receptor (rs4987262) G/A genotypes, COX2 and TXAS1 promoter methylation, as well as cytochrome P450 2C19*2 (rs4244285) A/A, G/A, and *3 (rs4986893) A/A genotypes as variables. The linear models for predicting ARU (r = 0.291, R2 = 0.033, p < 0.01) and PRU (r = 0.503, R2 = 0.210, p < 0.001) levels had improved prediction performance after adding the genomic and epigenomic variables to the cardiovascular risks.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that different mediators, genomic and epigenomic characteristics of arachidonic acid metabolism and clopidogrel activation synergistically improved the prediction of the aspirin and clopidogrel resistance together with the cardiovascular risk factors.

Trial registration

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03823274.