bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural history of hepatitis B virus-associated decompensated cirrhosis with low-level viremia: a retrospective study
Authors: Huang Xu , Yan Meimei , Deng Zerun , Yao Lei , Han Dan , Sun Lihua
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims:Patients with low-level hepatitis B virus (HBV) viremia, HBV DNA negativity, and HBsAg negativity can still progress to decompensated cirrhosis; however, clinical research data in such patients, especially treatment-naïve patients, are currently insufficient. This study assessed the natural history of aforementioned patients.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of 250 patients with HBV-associated decompensated cirrhosis(HBV DNA＜2000IU/mL) who had not been treated with antiviral medication.ResultsThe mean age of the 250 patients was 53.90 ± 11.73 years and 183 patients (73.2%) were male. HBV DNA, HBsAg, and HBeAg positivity was detected in 77 (30.8%), 200 (80%), and 137 (54.8%) patients, respectively. HBsAg (odds ratio [OR], 3.303; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.338–8.152; P = 0.010) and HBeAg (OR, 0.200; 95% CI, 0.107–0.376; P < 0.001) positivity were independent factors for LLV. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (P < 0.001) and portal vein thrombosis (P = 0.001) was higher in the LLV group. Multivariate analysis showed that HBV DNA positivity (OR, 3.548; 95% CI, 1.463–8.604; P = 0.005), HBeAg positivity (OR, 0.080; 95% CI, 0.022–0.289; P < 0.001), and glutamyltransferase (GGT) (OR, 1.003; 95% CI, 1.000–1.006; P = 0.040) were independent factors for HCC. Age was not related to the occurrence of cirrhosis complications.ConclusionPatients with HBV-associated decompensated cirrhosis still had severe liver damage and could develop severe cirrhosis complications. HCC risk was higher in LLV patients. HBsAg positivity and HBeAg negativity may be associated to the occurrence of LLV.
Flexible parametric methods for calculating life expectancy in small populations
Authors: Tyrer Freya , Chudasama Yogini , Lambert Paul , Rutherford Mark J
Published: August 2022

BackgroundLife expectancy is a simple measure of assessing health differences between two or more populations but current life expectancy calculations are not reliable for small populations. A potential solution to this is to borrow strength from larger populations from the same source but this has not formally been investigated.MethodsUsing data on 451,222 individuals from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) on the presence/absence of intellectual disability and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), we compared stratified and combined flexible parametric models, and Chiang’s methods, for calculating life expectancy. Confidence intervals were calculated using the Delta method, Chiang’s adjusted life table approach and bootstrapping.ResultsThe flexible parametric models allowed calculation of life expectancy by exact age and beyond traditional life expectancy age thresholds. The combined model that fit age interaction effects as a spline term provided greater statistical precision for small covariate subgroups by borrowing strength from the larger subgroups. However, careful consideration of the distribution of events in the smallest group was needed.ConclusionsLife expectancy is a simple measure to compare health differences between populations. The use of combined flexible parametric methods to calculate life expectancy in small samples has shown promising results by allowing life expectancy to be modelled by exact age, greater statistical precision and prediction of different covariate patterns without stratification. We recommend further investigation of their application for both policymakers and researchers.
Specific cutting energy and surface roughness in high-speed dry milling of 30CrMnSiNi2A steel with CVD and PVD coated inserts
Authors: Jin Zhang , Kang Xinzhen , Cao Huajun , Yi Hao , Huang Xuefeng , Li Chengchao
Published: August 2022

Existing research on coated tools does not predict data while exploring the changing rules. As well as the traditional cutting process parameters neither guarantees the surface quality of the 30CrMnSiNi2A nor attains high material removal rate (MRR). Accurate control and prediction of workpiece three-dimensional surface roughness (Sq) and specific cutting energy consumption (SCEC) are of vital significance to improve quality, reduce cost and improve efficiency. Here, according to the new SCEC calculation model and the influence of measuring position on Sq, the SCEC and Sq values are accurately obtained. Then, based on the idea of fitting formula, the influence of cutting parameters on SCEC and Sq in high-speed dry (HSD) milling of 30CrMnSiNi2A steel is analyzed according to CVD and PVD coated inserts. Finally, the SCEC and Sq prediction models considering coating type, cutting speed, feed per tooth and cutting width are established by using the XGBoost algorithm. The R2 values of SCEC and Sq are 0.92465 and 0.91527, respectively, indicating that the model has a good prediction effect on experimental data. The feasibility of HSD milling of 30CrMnSiNi2A steel with CVD and PVD coated inserts is verified by analyzing SCEC, Sq and cutting temperature, which provides experimental basis for high efficiency and high precision machining of 30CrMnSiNi2A steel.
New human ATM variants are able to regain ATM functions in Ataxia Telangiectasia disease
Authors: Ricci Anastasia , Biancucci Federica , Morganti Gianluca , Magnani Mauro , Menotta Michele
Published: August 2022

Ataxia Telangiectasia is a rare neurodegenerative disease caused by biallelic mutations in the Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated gene. No cure is currently available for these patients but positive effects on neurologic features in AT patients have been achieved by dexamethasone administration through autologous erythrocytes (EryDex) in phase II and phase III clinical trials, leading us to explore the molecular mechanisms behind the drug action. During these investigations new ATM variants, which originated from alternative splicing of ATM messenger, were discovered, and detected in vivo in the blood of AT patients treated with EryDex. Some of the new ATM variants, alongside an i n silico designed one, were characterized and examined in AT fibroblast cell lines. ATM variants were capable of rescuing ATM activity in AT cells, particularly in the nuclear role of DNA DSBs recognition and repair, and in the cytoplasmic role of modulating autophagy, antioxidant capacity and mitochondria functionality, all of the features that are compromised in AT but essential for neuron survival. These outcomes are triggered by the kinase and further functional domains of the tested ATM variants, that are useful for restoring cellular functionality. The in silico designed ATM variant eliciting most of the functionality recover may be exploited in gene therapy or gene delivery for the treatment of AT patients.
The FBXO32/ATR/ATM axis acts as a molecular switch to control the sensitivity of osteosarcoma cells to irradiation through its regulation of EXO1 expression
Authors: Lu Yao , Huang Panpan , Li Yanli , Liu Wenyu , Li Jing , Zhao Rui , Shi Ce , Cao Gaolu
Published: August 2022

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone cancer in children and adolescents. In clinical treatments, the insensitivity of OS to conventional radiotherapy regimens significantly contributes to poor patient prognosis and survival. EXO1 is responsible for DNA repair pathways and telomere maintenance. Meanwhile, ATM and ATR are considered switches as they can regulate the expression of EXO1. However, their expression and interaction in OS cells under irradiation (IR) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the roles of FBXO32, ATM, ATR and EXO1 in OS radiotherapy insensitivity and poor patient prognosis and explore potential pathogenic mechanisms. Methods: Bioinformatics methods were employed to analyze differential gene expression and the correlations with prognosis in OS. Cell counting kit 8 assays, clone formation assays, and flow cytometry were used to evaluate cell survival and apopotosis under IR. Co-IP assays detected protein-protein interactions. Results: Bioinformatics analysis revealed that EXO1 is closely related to the survival, apoptosis and poorer prognosis in OS. The silencing of EXO1 suppressed cell proliferation and increased the sensitivity of OS cells. Molecular biological experiments showed that the ATM and ATR acted as the switch to regulate EXO1 expression under IR. Conclusion: Higher expression of EXO1, which was closely correlated with IR insensitivity and poorer prognosis, might be used as a prognostic indicator for OS. Phosphorylated-ATM enhanced the expression of EXO1, and phosphorylated-ATR induced the degradation of EXO1. More importantly, FBXO32 degraded ATR via ubiquitination in time dependent. Our data may provide a reference for future research on mechanisms, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of OS.
Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence for Perioperative Tracking Patients: Towards a New Model for an Operating Rooms
Authors: Bottani Eleonora , Bellini Valentina , Mordonini Monica , Pellegrino Mattia , Lombardo Gianfranco , Franchi Beatrice , Craca Michelangelo , Bignami Elena
Published: August 2022

Operating rooms management is a critical point in healthcare organizations; inefficient scheduling and allocation of human and physical resources are often present. This study aims to automatically collect data from a real surgical scenario to develop an integrated technological-organizational model that optimizes the operating block resources.Each patient is real-time tracked and located by wearing a bracelet sensor with a unique identifier. Exploiting indoor localization, the software architecture is able to collect the time spent in every steps inside the surgical block. The preliminary results are promising, making the study feasible and functional. Times automatically recorded are much more precise than those collected by humans and reported in the organization's information system. In addition, Machine Learning can exploit the historical data collection to predict the surgery time required for each patient according to the patient’s specific profile. This approach will make it possible to plan short and long-term strategies optimizing the available resources.
Elucidation of independently modulated genes in Streptococcus pyogenes reveals carbon sources that control its expression of hemolytic toxins
Authors: Hirose Yujiro , Poudel Saugat , Sastry Anand , Rychel Kevin , Zielinski Daniel , Lim Hyun Gyu , Menon Nitasha , Bergsten Helena , Uchiyama Satoshi , Hanada Tomoki , Kawabata Shigetada , Palsson Bernhard , Nizet Victor
Published: August 2022

Streptococcus pyogenes can cause a wide variety of acute infections throughout the body of its human host. The underlying transcriptional regulatory network (TRN) is responsible for altering the physiological state of the bacterium to adapt to each host environment. Consequently, an in-depth understanding the comprehensive dynamics of its TRN could inform new therapeutic strategies. Here, we compiled 116 existing high-quality RNA-seq data sets of S. pyogenes serotype M1, and estimated the TRN structure in a top-down fashion by performing independent component analysis (ICA). The algorithm computed 42 independently modulated sets of genes (iModulons). Four iModulons contained nga-ifs-slo virulence-related operon, which allowed us to identify carbon sources that control its expression. In particular, dextrin utilization upregulated nga-ifs-slo operon by activation of two-component regulatory system CovRS-related iModulons, and changed bacterial hemolytic activity compared to glucose or maltose utilization. Finally, we show that the iModulon-based TRN structure can be used to simplify interpretation of noisy bacterial transcriptome at the infection site.
DNMT1 has prognostic values in HER2-positive breast cancer
Authors: Chu Pei-Yi , Wu Hsing-Ju , Chen Po-Ming , Wang Shin-Mae , Lin Hung-Yu , Tang Feng-Yao , Chiang En-Pei Isabel
Published: August 2022

Background:
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was found to induce aberrant methylation in critical genes involved in insulin signaling and angiogenesis in humans, presumably due to protein stabilization of DNA methyltransferases. Whether IL-6 and DNMT1 impact breast cancer (BC) prognosis remains unknown.
Methods
TIMER2.0 web server was used for comprehensive analysis from TCGA. Associations between DNMT1 and IL-6 in tumor immune microenvironment was explored via single cell sequencing (SCS) from TISCH. IL-6 and DNMT1 expressions were investigated in tissue microarray of our own cohort (n = 285) as well as in BC cell-lines. Invasion activity was compared between high and low IL-6/DNMT expressing BC cell-lines treated with/without IL-6 antibody.
Results
DNMT1 mRNA was significantly higher in the BC tissues (p < 0.001) with a mutation rate of 1.16%. A positive correlation between IL-6 and DNMT1 protein levels was found in tissue array. Increased IL-6 mRNA did not appear to be a good prognostic marker for overall survival in HER2 + BC patients whereas higher DNMT1 mRNA was a good prognostic marker for poor overall survival in HER2 + BC patients. Among different BC subtypes in our cohort, hormone receptor negative (HR-)/HER2 positive (HER2+) patients had the poorest survival (n = 43). Cox regression indicated that IL-6, and DNMT1 are independent prognostic factors in HR-/HER2 + BC patients. DNMT1 expressed in malignant cells, also in innate and adaptive immune cells including macrophages, CD4(+)T and CD8(+)T cells, whereas IL-6 was only found in malignant cells. HER2 + MDA-MB-453 (high IL-6/high DNMT1) exhibited higher invasiveness compared to HER2 + SKBR3 (low IL-6/low DNMT1). IL-6 (10 ng/ml) significantly promoted the invasiveness in SKBR3 whereas IL-6 antibody (10 µg/ml) significantly suppressed the invasiveness of MDA-MB-453.
Conclusions
DNMT1 overexpression could be responsible for HR-/HER2 + BC progression in tumor immune microenvironment. We suggest that IL-6 inhibition in combination with anti-HER2 therapy is a potential therapeutic strategy for treating DNMT1-overexpressing HER2-positive BC patients.
Development of Novel Privacy User based Authentication Approach on Internet of Drones in Wireless Communication
Authors: Guduru Rama Krishna , C Vanmathi
Published: August 2022

Drone internet of things (IoT) is a new computer system idea that describes future technological deployments using diverse drone/node communication methods in 5G-oriented networks. It has emerged in recent years. Sophisticated 5G networks are constantly updating the information of users in data sharing with quick adoption of advanced computing. Security/privacy is required to access data in-between users and also necessitates an efficient user’s cryptographic techniques to provide strong authentication users’ secure keys. Chebyshev Polynomial Source Authentication Schema based on Elliptic Curve Cryptography (CPSASECC) is proposed to offer secure data services for users in 5G network systems to obtain data straightly from a drone/user to permitted access from another drones/users. Wireless communication uses one-way communication with various characteristic vulner-abilities and uses Chebyshev polynomials for linear data exchange. To exchange session keys using comparable safe channels in wireless IoD, employ Elliptic curve cryptography with interactive computational load and secure connections for authentication using elliptic curve encryption. According to the results of this approach’s performance study, it is possible to share data across multiple users while maintaining safe authentication. Data transmission in a wireless IoD environment is more efficient and safer to theoretical/se-curity analysis that improves the quality-of-service characteristics.
The postoperative analgesic efficacy of different regional anesthesia techniques in breast cancer surgery: a network meta-analysis
Authors: an ran , Wang Dan , Liang Xiao Long , Chen Qi , Pang Qian Yun , Liu Hongliang
Published: August 2022

Background: Different regional anesthesia techniques have been successfully performed for pain management in breast cancer surgery, but it is unclear which is the best regional anesthesia technique The aim of the present network meta-analysis was to assess the analgesic efficacy and disadvantages of all regional anesthesia techniques. Methods: Multiple databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcomes were acute postoperative pain (rest), postoperative morphine consumption, incidence of chronic pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The association between the regional anesthesia and analgesic efficacy was evaluated by Bayesian network meta-analysis.Results: We included 100 RCTs and 6639 patients in this study. The network meta-analysis showed that paravertebral nerve block, pectoral nerve-2 block, serratus anterior plane block, erector spinae plane block, rhomboid intercostal block and local anesthetic infusion were associated with significantly decreased postoperative pain scores, morphine consumption and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting compared with no block. Regarding the incidence of chronic pain (3 months postoperatively), no significance was detected between the different regional anesthesia techniques. In the cumulative ranking curve analysis, the rank of rhomboid intercostal block was the for postoperative care unit pain scores, postoperative 24-hour morphine consumption and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Furthermore, pectoral nerve-1 block, interscalene brachial plexus block, serratus anterior plane block with pectoral nerve-1 blocks and serratus anterior plane block with pectoral nerve-2 blocks were not different compared with no block for pain management in breast cancer surgery. Conclusion: Regional anesthesia techniques including, paravertebral nerve block, pectoral nerve-2 block, serratus anterior plane block, erector spinae plane block, rhomboid intercostal block and local anesthetic infusion, can effectively alleviate postoperative acute analgesia and reduce postoperative morphine consumption but cannot reduce chronic pain after breast surgery. rhomboid intercostal block might be the optimal technique for postoperative analgesia in breast cancer surgery, but the strength of the evidence was very low.
Global change explains the neotropical rattlesnake Crotalus durissus (Serpentes: Viperidae) range expansion in South America
Authors: Guerra Gabriela Ferreira Campos , Vale Mariana Moncassim , Tardin Rodrigo , Fernandes Daniel Silva
Published: August 2022

The neotropical rattlesnake Crotalus durissus occurs in South America, where it is generally associated to open areas in the dry diagonal composed of xeric and savanna biomes. Since the 1950’s, however, the species started to be recorded in rainforest biomes. Land-use change, especially the conversion of forests to pasture, remains a widely believed but still untested hypothesis to explain this range expansion. An equally untested alternative hypothesis is ongoing climate change as a driver of the expansion. Here we modeled the current distribution of C. durissus using occurrence records prior to 1950 for model calibration. Model predictions were then evaluated using occurrence records post-1950. The sets of models considered (i) only bioclimatic predictors, (ii) only land-use land-cover predictors, and (iii) a combination of both. Our results indicated that since 1950’s the geographic range of C. durissus is expanding due to ongoing changes in climate (isothermality and precipitation), and, most importantly, the increase in pasture areas. This range expansion encompasses the Argentinian Chaco and the arc of deforestation in the Amazon, which were unsuitable before the 1950’s. The ongoing range expansion of the neotropical rattlesnake can become a public health issue, given that it is a venomous snake of medical importance. The expansion of the neotropical rattlesnake range can be controlled through public policies aimed at restraining deforestation (especially in the Amazon and the Gran Chaco) and encouraging reforestation (especially in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest).
Measurements of natural radionuclide Levels and Hazards in Lega Dembi Gold Mining, Oromia, Ethiopia.
Authors: Yachiso Gebi Tuku
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to evaluate natural radioactivity levels and hazards of radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in soil samples taken from 15 locations in the Lega Dembi gold mining, Oromia, Ethiopia, using gamma-ray spectroscopy coupled with an HPGe detector. It was observed that the respective mean specific activities for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K determined in the mining site were 23.87±0.7, 52.5±1.8, and 391.62±11.35 Bq/kg, and 8.89±0.4, 13.83±0.6 and 423.68±9.5 Bq/kg in the living areas. The specific activity of 232Th was above the permissively limit in the mining site, while for 226Ra and 40K were within the limit. The specific activity of 40K in the living area was observed to be above the permissively limit. The calculated value of radiation hazards parameters; radium equivalent activity (Raeq), internal and external hazards indices (Hin and Hex), the mean annual effective dose (AED), and gamma representative indices (Iγr) were within permissively limit. The mean absorbed dose rate in the mining site was above the recommended safety limit. The total annual gonadal dose equivalent value was found to be 494.8±8.7 µSv/year in the mining site. This value was also above the permissively limit values of 300 µSv/year.
Fine-scale structuring of surface picophytoplankton communities in the ultra-oligotrophic Southeastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Suchanov Michael , Dente Elad , Steindler Laura , Rahav Eyal , Lehahn Yoav
Published: August 2022

The spatial distribution of phytoplankton is characterized by distinct fine-scale (1-100km) patchiness associated with mesoscale and sub-mesoscale ocean dynamics. While fine-scale patchiness in total phytoplankton biomass is often observed in satellite and in-situ data, fine-scale structuring of phytoplankton communities is still rarely documented, limiting our ability to accurately characterize ocean biodiversity. Here we show results from a high resolution study aimed at characterizing fine-scale variations in the community composition of picophytoplankton inhabiting the summertime surface waters of the Southeastern Mediterranean. Combining high resolution (30m) Landsat imagery and in-situ measurements along two transacts, we show that in the ultra-oligotrophic conditions characterizing this region picophytoplankton may be assembled in fine-scale patches that significantly differ in their community composition. The separated patches are also characterized by distinct signatures in the surface temperature and salinity space, providing observational evidence to the phytoplanktonic landscape being organized in segregated fine-scale assemblages that differ in their life history. Our results indicate that fine-scale variability patterns and the processes underlying their formation should be considered when investigating ecological and biogeochemical processes in oligotrophic waters, and demonstrate the potential of harnessing very high resolution satellite data (~10 m) for that purpose.
Molecular identification of date palm root rot fungal diseases and control with metal nanoparticles in Egypt
Authors: Arafat Prof. Khaled Hussein
Published: August 2022

Date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are the most important crop in New Valley Governorate, Egypt, with approximately two million trees and 60,000 tons of fruit. Date palms in Egyptian conditions are infected with various diseases caused by many soilborne pathogenic fungi, resulting in significant root rot of offshoots and trees. The most virulent fungus recorded in Egypt was Fusarium oxysporum, which caused date palm root rot, followed by F. moniliforme, F. solani, Thielaviopsis paradoxa, Botryodiplodia theobromae and Rhizoctonia solani. The survey, samples collected, disease incidence and severity percent of date palm root rot diseases were conducted in five districts (Kharga, Baris, Balat, Dakhla and Farafra) each with five sites in New Valley Governorate. The highest DI and DS percentages were 42.67 and 14.27% in Dakhla District, while the latest DI and DS percentages were 19.37 and 6.62% in Farafra District. Molecular identification of sixteen pathogenic fungal isolates (including eight fungi first detected on date palms in Egypt) was performed using Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS). The highest pathogenic fungus was Fusarium oxysporum, the last was Marasmius palmivorus. CH-NP was most effective in vitro at 100 ppm, while SiO2 was least effective. The most effective nanoparticle treatment in the greenhouse was CH-NP, while the lowest treatment was ZnO before soil infestation. Although CH-NP was the most effective treatment after soil infestation, SiO2 was the least effective treatment. To our knowledge, this study is the first report of the association of eight new fungi with date palm root diseases in Egypt.
The role of sclerostin in rheumatoid arthritis in a Syrian population: a potential indicator of disease activity in newly-diagnosed patients
Authors: Hussein Rama , Kakaje Ameer , Aboukhais Imad
Published: August 2022

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that can cause irreversible joint deformities and bone erosions. Criteria to diagnose RA includs many laboratory tests with variable sensitivity and specificity. Sclerostin, a Wnt inhibitor, could be associated with the reduced bone formation in RA. This study aims to measure sclerostin level and its association with RA and its activity.Materials and methods: This study contained fifty-eight RA cases and thirty controls who were age and sex matched. All laboratory tests were conducted on both groups, including sclerostin which was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The disease activity was assessed using disease activity scores (DAS28).Results: Our results showed that sclerostin levels were significantly higher in RA patients compared to control (p<0.001) but were significantly lower than RA patients with joint deformities (0.026). Sclerostin levels also correlated with CRP (r=0.328, p=0.012), Anti-CCP (r=0.418, p=0.001), tender joint count (r=0.293, p=0.025), and DAS28 (r=0.26, p=0.047). There was not a significant association with other variables such as ESR, and rheumatoid factor. By using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the best cut-off value of sclerostin was 249.69 pg/ml which showed (AUC 0.910, sensitivity 87.9%; specificity 93.3%) and [Odd Ratio (OR) Value & P-value: 102, P< 0.0001].Conclusion: Sclerostin can be used in addition to other parameters to diagnose RA as it was associated with RA with good sensitivity and specificity. It was also associated in early joint destruction and tenderness.
The ω-Amidase/NIT2 is a novel redox-sensitive key regulator of glutamine metabolism in endothelial cells
Authors:   , Müller Niklas
Published: August 2022

Oxidative stress is thought to be a driver for several diseases. However, many data to support this concept were obtained by the addition of extracellular H2O2 to cells. This does not reflect the dynamics of intracellular redox modifications. Cells actively control their redox-state, and increased formation of ROS is a response to cellular stress situations such as chronic inflammation. In this study, it was shown that different types of ROS lead to different metabolic and transcriptomic responses of HUVECs. While 300 μM extracellular H2O2 led to substantial metabolic and transcriptomic changes, the effects of DAO-derived H2O2 and menadione were low to moderate, indicating that the source and the concentration of ROS are important in eliciting changes in metabolism and gene expression. Specifically, it was identified that acute increases in ROS transiently inactivate the enzyme ω-amidase/NIT2 of the glutaminase II pathway, which supplies cells with anaplerotic α-ketoglutarate. The pathway has not been studied systematically because, as noted above, the major intermediate, KGM, is not commercially available. In the present study, an internal standard for targeted detection of KGM in cells and blood plasma/serum was used. Deletion of NIT2 by CRISPR/Cas9 significantly reduced α-ketoglutarate levels in HUVECs and elevated KGM levels. It appears that in cell culture conditions, hydrolysis of KGM to α-ketoglutarate is very efficient. Knockout of the glutamine transaminases significantly reduced methionine, suggesting that the glutaminase II pathway is an important source of amino acid replenishment. Similar to genetic silencing of GLS1 [91,92], HUVECs lacking NIT2 showed reduced proliferation and angiogenic sprouting. Furthermore, our results indicate that, at least in HUVECs, the enzyme also locates in the mitochondria where it interacts with key enzymes of glutamine/glutamate/α-ketoglutarate metabolism. The data of the present work indicate that the glutaminase II pathway is an underappreciated, redox-sensitive pathway for glutamine utilization in HUVECs. Genetic deletion of NIT2 has considerable physiological effects highlighting the importance of glutamine for ECs.
Toista ajatellen. Historiallisia ja kulttuurisia näkökulmia toiseuden kohtaamiseen
Authors: Kivistö Sari , Pihlström Sami
Published: August 2022

Thinking about the Other. Historical and Cultural Perspectives on Encountering Otherness Human lives are crucially shaped by encounters of otherness – or, rather, various othernesses. This book explores the ethical challenge of developing an appropriate and respectful relation to other human beings by analyzing a number of historical and cultural cases of relating to the other. The topics range from barbarism, racist stereotypes, female rhetoric, and vampires to philosophical analyses of Finnish writers like Eino Leino and Väinö Linna, and from lyrical depictions of pain to an “antitheodicist” reflection on Primo Levi’s Holocaust writing. A chapter on what it means to take a critical distance to other human beings in the context of the covid-19 pandemic concludes the volume. The authors approach these diverse issues (which are all aspects of the same basic problem of understanding and acknowledging otherness) from the perspective of an interdisciplinary humanistic reflection integrating literary analysis and philosophical argumentation.
Caseous necrosis of the mitral annulus masquerading as an intracardiac mass
Authors: Shou Benjamin L , Haloub Meghan E , Zhou Alice L , Lawton Jennifer S
Published: August 2022

Caseous necrosis of the mitral annulus is a rare condition which typically involves the posterior leaflet or annulus. We report the case of a 71-year-old female with extensive comorbidities, presenting with dyspnea and angina, who had an incidental echocardiographic finding of a mass on or near the mitral valve. The mass increased in size over the course of three years and was associated with severe mitral regurgitation. The mass was initially thought to be a myxoma, however, surgical exploration revealed caseous necrosis of the posterior mitral annulus. Following removal of the necrotic tissue and distorted mitral leaflet, a bioprosthetic mitral valve was implanted and the patient recovered uneventfully.
Inari large-bore mechanical thrombectomy in intermediate-high risk submassive PE patients: Case series and literature review
Authors: Mathbout Mohammad F , Al Hennawi Hussam , Khedr Anwar , Bidwell Katrina , Todoran Thomas M
Published: August 2022

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the most common causes of cardiovascular (CV) mortality worldwide. Owing to the associated morbidity and mortality with other treatment modalities, including systemic thrombolysis, a discernible change in the era of acute pulmonary embolism management has been reported. Catheter-directed thrombectomy using the FlowTriever system (Inari Medical; Irvine, CA, USA) was shown to reduce endpoints of interest in patients with acute intermediate-high risk PE and was associated with rapid hemodynamic improvement. In this report, we describe our experience with three cases of patients presenting with submassive PE, whereby immediate pulmonary artery pressure improvement was evident in all cases after successful mechanical thrombectomy. Our experience supports the use of FlowTriever mechanical thrombectomy for the treatment of submassive PE in clinical practice, with a call for further research to establish associated benefits.
Identifikasi kompetensi komunikasi lulusan perguruan tinggi di era gig economy
Authors: Annisaa Fitri , Utari Prahastiwi , Surwati Chatarina Heny Dwi
Published: August 2022

This research aims to identify the communication competencies needed by college graduates to face the gig economy era. In addition, this research will look at the latest trends in required competencies in the gig economy era. These competencies are essential to discuss because graduates in the COVID-19 era need to adapt to the needs of the industry and a disruptive work environment. Using a case study method, we conducted this research with six informants' purposive sampling data collection techniques and in-depth interviews. In addition, we also conducted interviews with informants who have different types of gig jobs to enrich the research results. The results of this study are that the communication competencies needed are public speaking, creative writing, networking, and good teamwork in separated team. However, communication competence alone is not enough. The research informants also added that universities must also change and teach various other competencies such as how to read and negotiate contracts and look at job trends and minimum salaries for gig workers in these fields.***Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi kompetensi komunikasi yang dibutuhkan lulusan perguruan tinggi untuk menghadapi era gig economy. Selain itu, penelitian ini akan melihat tren terkini kompetensi yang dibutuhkan di era gig economy. Kompetensi tersebut penting untuk dibahas karena lulusan di era COVID-19 perlu beradaptasi dengan kebutuhan industri dan lingkungan kerja yang disruptif. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode studi kasus, dengan teknik pengumpulan data purposive sampling dan wawancara mendalam pada enam informan. Peneliti melakukan wawancara dengan informan yang memiliki jenis pekerjaan gig berbeda agar memperkaya hasil penelitian. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah kompetensi komunikasi yang dibutuhkan adalah kemampuan berbicara di depan umum, menulis kreatif, berjaringan, serta bekerja sama dalam tim yang terpisah. Namun, kompetensi komunikasi saja tidak cukup. Para informan penelitian juga menambahkan bahwa perguruan tinggi juga harus berubah dan mengajarkan berbagai kompetensi lain, seperti cara membaca dan menegosiasi kontrak, serta melihat tren pekerjaan dan gaji minimum pekerja gig di bidang tersebut.
O amor e o abuso em “Ponciá Vicêncio” de Conceição Evaristo (2017)
Authors: Matos Renata
Published: August 2022

O amor é um tema continuamente exaltado em nossas relações sociais. Entretanto, as experiências amorosas figuram o principal espaço de ocorrência da violência contra as mulheres. Em vista disso, o presente trabalho procura compreender como a construção social do amor se conecta à manutenção do relacionamento abusivo na obra literária “Ponciá Vicêncio”, de Conceição Evaristo (2017). Pudemos verificar que a atribuição de papéis sociais às mulheres e aos homens, no seio da dominação masculina operante no patriarcado, atua na continuidade de relações abusivas, em que a ideia de cuidado como campo inerente ao feminino é fortemente evocada. Desse modo, conclui-se que o amor romântico incorpora os códigos característicos do sistema de domina- ção patriarcal e, concomitantemente, influi na reprodução do mesmo
La idea de la industrialización en Colombia 1918-2018
Authors:   Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Colombia, Pérez Toro José Alberto
Published: August 2022

Colombia registró un crecimiento sostenido y real del producto interno bruto (pib) del 4,65 % anual entre 1906 y el 2000. Este comportamiento multiplicó 66 veces el ingreso nacional. Este registro histórico es muy alto en comparación con la mayoría de los países en desarrollo y regiones prósperas del mundo. Por otro lado, el aumento promedio de la población fue del 2,35 % anual; este indicador se multiplicó 8,86 veces durante este periodo. Al contrastar estas dos tasas de desarrollo económico, se advierte que el ingreso per cápita se elevó 7,45 veces durante 94 años, cifra considerable comparada con la de muchos países de la región Latinoamericana. Estos valores son motivo de reflexión y fuente de un análisis empírico, ya que propician una indagación acerca de las posibles causas que originaron el cambio. En nuestra investigación estudiamos algunas de estas razones económicas y nos basamos en conocidos modelos de crecimiento; a la vez, advertimos que, en particular, la industrialización es una de las causas que estimularon este desarrollo económico, en virtud de las mejoras en la productividad por la generación de empleo calificado y el impulso de la urbanización y la especialización regional. Tales elementos económicos y sociales promovieron en últimas el cambio estructural al remover obstáculos que impedían el crecimiento económico. Las causas del avance económico son múltiples; nos referiremos a algunas a continuación, aun cuando su exposición detallada sobrepasa el propósito de esta investigación. A lo largo del libro se presentará una reconstrucción histórica desde 1925 hasta el 2015, la cual nos permitirá ver en perspectiva la dinámica de la industrialización. Además, ilustraremos algunas experiencias de los empresarios y pioneros, que, al avanzar el siglo, popularizaron las ideas tanto económicas como empresariales, que promovían la capitalización, la modernización de las plantas manufactureras y, de esta manera, digamos, repetir el ciclo histórico de la industrialización temprana de los países avanzados.
A Web-Based Application for Personalized Ecological Momentary Assessment in Psychiatric Care: User-Centered Development of the PETRA Application
Authors: Bos Fionneke M , von Klipstein Lino , Emerencia Ando C , Veermans Erwin , Verhage Tom , Snippe Evelien , Doornbos Bennard , Hadders-Prins Grietje , Wichers Marieke , Riese Harriëtte
Published: August 2022

Background

Smartphone self-monitoring of mood, symptoms, and contextual factors through ecological momentary assessment (EMA) provides insights into the daily lives of people undergoing psychiatric treatment. Therefore, EMA has the potential to improve their care. To integrate EMA into treatment, a clinical tool that helps clients and clinicians create personalized EMA diaries and interpret the gathered data is needed.

Objective

This study aimed to develop a web-based application for personalized EMA in specialized psychiatric care in close collaboration with all stakeholders (ie, clients, clinicians, researchers, and software developers).

Methods

The participants were 52 clients with mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders and 45 clinicians (psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychiatric nurses). We engaged them in interviews, focus groups, and usability sessions to determine the requirements for an EMA web application and repeatedly obtained feedback on iteratively improved high-fidelity EMA web application prototypes. We used human-centered design principles to determine important requirements for the web application and designed high-fidelity prototypes that were continuously re-evaluated and adapted.

Results

The iterative development process resulted in Personalized Treatment by Real-time Assessment (PETRA), which is a scientifically grounded web application for the integration of personalized EMA in Dutch clinical care. PETRA includes a decision aid to support clients and clinicians with constructing personalized EMA diaries, an EMA diary item repository, an SMS text message–based diary delivery system, and a feedback module for visualizing the gathered EMA data. PETRA is integrated into electronic health record systems to ensure ease of use and sustainable integration in clinical care and adheres to privacy regulations.

Conclusions

PETRA was built to fulfill the needs of clients and clinicians for a user-friendly and personalized EMA tool embedded in routine psychiatric care. PETRA is unique in this codevelopment process, its extensive but user-friendly personalization options, its integration into electronic health record systems, its transdiagnostic focus, and its strong scientific foundation in the design of EMA diaries and feedback. The clinical effectiveness of integrating personalized diaries via PETRA into care requires further research. As such, PETRA paves the way for a systematic investigation of the utility of personalized EMA for routine mental health care.
Social Determinants of Health and Diabetes-Related Distress in Patients With Insulin-Dependent Type 2 Diabetes: Cross-sectional, Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Levy Natalie K , Park Agnes , Solis Daniela , Hu Lu , Langford Aisha T , Wang Binhuan , Rogers Erin S
Published: August 2022

Background

Social determinants of health (SDOH) refer to the social, economic, and psychosocial conditions that influence health. Lower levels of SDOH factors including income, education, and employment are associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes, poorer glycemic control, and increased diabetes-related mortality. Few studies have conducted a comprehensive evaluation of multiple SDOH factors in a population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Objective

This study aimed to identify the range of SDOH challenges—including diabetes-related distress—that impact patients with insulin-dependent diabetes at an urban safety-net clinic using the 5-domain SDOH framework developed by the Healthy People 2020 initiative.

Methods

The pilot study used a cross-sectional, mixed methods approach. Participants were recruited from 3 programs within a general internal medicine clinic that provides ambulatory care for patients with uncontrolled T2DM. We administered an investigator-developed SDOH survey based on the Healthy People 2020 framework and the validated Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS), which assesses 4 domains of diabetes-related distress. One-on-one interviews were conducted to gain in-depth information about challenges.

Results

In total, 57 participants had an average hemoglobin A1c level of 11.0% (SD 2.6%). Overall, 92% (52/57) of participants had a barrier in at least one SDOH domain. SDOH challenges were most commonly reported in the domain of Health and Health Care (84%, 48/57), followed by Economic Stability (54%, n=31), Neighborhood and Built Environment (53%, n=30), Education and Health Literacy (47%, n=27), and Social and Community context (37%, n=21). The mean overall DDS score was 2.09 (SD 0.84), where scores of ≥2 indicate distress. Further, 79% (45/57) of participants had at least moderate diabetes-related distress in one of the 4 DDS domains. General themes that emerged from participant interviews included job interference with healthy behaviors, concerns about burdening others, challenges communicating with providers, and difficulty getting appointments in a timely manner.

Conclusions

We found high levels of SDOH barriers across all 5 domains of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthy People 2020 framework, including significant levels of diabetes-related distress. Future programs to address SDOH barriers in patients with uncontrolled insulin-dependent diabetes should consider screening for and focusing on a wide range of challenges.
School Climate and Student Behavioral Problems
Authors: Durisic Masa
Published: August 2022

In recent decades, the world’s scientific and professional literature has been increasingly interested in contextual factors at the school level that support the academic and psychosocial outcomes of schooling. One of the constructs that is considered to be the key to improving the overall development of students is school climate. Although the available empirical material abounds in evidence of the effects of school climate on the academic and psychosocial outcomes of education, this link continues to attract the attention of researchers.The aim of this paper is to systematically consider the connection between school climate and student behavioral problems. Upon having an insight into numerous studies dealing with the issue, one can notice the connection between different forms of externalizing and internalizing behavioral problems, along with the indicators of a negative school climate, such as: vaguely set rules of conduct, teachers who do not motivate nor monitor students’ work and progress, lack of disciplinary measures, teaching without the use of modern forms and methods of work, inadequate reward for student achievements, negative classroom climate, bad relationships, poor cooperation with parents, etc.It is quite certain that the school environment, along with all its characteristics, climate and the way its is organized, directly or indirectly contributes to a specific manner of behaving. In addition to identifying school climate as a factor associated with various forms of externalized and internalized problems in student behavior, we must underscore its importance in reducing and preventing behavioral problems.
Strawberries of hope: food security and strawberry production in times of pandemic sacity
Authors: Exime Ethol , Nepomoceno Taiane Aparecida Ribeiro , Ahlert Alvori , Gonzalez Aline Costa
Published: August 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic devastated thousands of lives, causing a health and socioeconomic crisis, with direct effects on increasing poverty and hunger. However, these aspects are rarely associated with semi-hydroponic fruit production and its role in food security. Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to identify a successful case of food production in family farming in a small municipality called Diamante do Sul, located in the state of Paraná, Brazil, which has one of the worst Municipal Human Development Indexes of the state. This article was based on a case study. The data were collected from non-participant observation and a semi-structured interview, applied to a farmer selected by convenience. We verified that the technological innovation of semi-hydroponics represents an excellent alternative for the production of strawberry fruit, in quantity and quality. This production system, implemented through the access to rural credit, besides the fast return on investment, acts in the generation of income for the family and the strengthening of their productive autonomy. Thus, the production of strawberries in times of pandemic famine has an influence on food security and the movement of the local economy, since production occurs throughout the year.
Adaptação para implementação online de uma intervenção em Psicologia Positiva para a promoção de saúde
Authors: Durgante Helen Bedinoto , Dell’Aglio Débora Dalbosco
Published: August 2022

Este estudo descreve a adaptação online de uma intervenção em Psicologia Positiva para promoção de saúde. Como diretriz metodológica, utilizou-se o The Formative Method for Adapting Psychotherapy e o Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, nos eixos: características da intervenção; dos indivíduos; contextos interno e externo; processo de implementação. A intervenção consistiu em 6 encontros grupais online, com 10 integrantes da equipe de gestão em saúde de uma associação de aposentados do RS, Brasil, média de idade 43,6 anos (DP = 15,86). Um questionário de avaliação foi preenchido ao final das atividades e estatísticas descritivas revelaram satisfação dos participantes com a intervenção e com o moderador, assim como generalização dos conteúdos. Foram sugeridas alterações, especialmente aumento da carga horária das sessões. Sugere-se a sistematização dos processos utilizados neste estudo para embasar pesquisas de implementação e adaptação de intervenções online para diferentes contextos e público-alvo.