bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between the severity of nasal septal deviation and nasopharynx volume in different ages and sexes: a cone-beam computed tomography study
Authors: Shams Nasim , Razavi Mahshid , Zabihzadeh Mansour , Shokuhifar Mohammadreza , Rakhshan Vahid
Published: April 2022

Background

Nasal septum deviation (NSD) can cause serious anatomical and clinical complications. It can change the breathing pattern and thus alter the anatomy of the airway structures. Despite its importance, the association between NSD with the nasopharynx volume (NPV) has not been assessed before. Therefore, we aimed to investigate it for the first time.

Methods

Archival CBCTs of 202 patients older than 17 years and without any history of trauma or pathology of the nasopharynx and without any orthodontic/orthognathic treatments were evaluated (129 women, 73 men, mean age: 36.24 ± 14.61 years). All included CBCTs must have been taken with a 12 × 8 field of view and fully covered the nasopharynx areas. The extent of NSD (°) and NPV (mm3) were measured. NSDs were categorized as mild (NSD ˂ 9°), moderate (9 ≤ NSD ≤ 15°), and severe (NSD ˃ 15°). Associations between sex, age, NSD, and nasopharynx volume were assessed using independent-samples t test, chi-square, one-way ANOVA, Tamhane post hoc test, Pearson and point-biserial correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regressions (α = 0.05).

Results

Mean NSDs were 11.27 ± 4.69° (range 1–19.5), 11.58 ± 4.63°, and 10.70 ± 4.76° in the sample, females, and males, respectively (P > 0.05). Of females, 27.9%, 40.3%, and 31.8% had mild, moderate, and severe NSDs. These were 35.6%, 39.7%, and 24.7% in males (P > 0.05). Mean NPVs were 4.88 ± 1.49, 4.80 ± 1.43, and 5.04 ± 1.60 mm3 in the sample, females, and males, respectively (P > 0.05). Mean NPVs were 6.41 ± 1.21, 4.87 ± 0.73, and 3.30 ± 0.65 mm3 in mild, moderate, and severe NSD groups (all P values = 0.000). Mean ages were 27.06 ± 6.49, 29.80 ± 9.64, and 54.73 ± 8.45 years in mild, moderate, and severe NSD groups (severe group being older than the other two groups, P = 0.000). NSD was strongly, negatively correlated with NPV (R = − 0.793, P = 0.000). Sex was not correlated with NPV or NSD (P ≥ 0.189). Age was negatively and positively correlated with NPV and NSD, respectively (P = 0.000). Modeling NSD (β = −0.776, P = 0.000) as a predictor for NPV rendered age effect insignificant (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

It was found, for the first time, that the more deviated the nasal septum, the smaller the nasopharynx volume. Aging might increase NSD and through it, reduce the nasopharynx volume. Sex might not affect NSD or NPV.
Choroidal melanoma with synchronous Fuchs’ adenoma and novel ATRX mutation
Authors: Harford Elli , Palmer Jane M. , Glasson William J. , Warrier Sunil K. , Whitehead Kevin J. , Brooks Kelly M. , Johansson Peter A. , Hayward Nicholas K. , McGrath Lindsay A.
Published: April 2022

Background

To report a case of Fuchs’ adenoma occurring in an eye with a large choroidal melanoma. We have reviewed the literature to describe the clinical presentation, ultrasound characteristics and pathological features of these entities.

Case presentation

A 69-year-old Caucasian man presented with vision loss from a large choroidal melanoma. Enucleation showed an incidental Fuchs’ adenoma in the same eye. Whole-exome sequence analysis was also performed on the patient’s blood and melanoma, which showed a rarely-reported ATRX mutation.

Conclusions

Fuchs’ adenoma is an under-diagnosed benign age-related hyperplasia of the non-pigmented ciliary epithelium (NPCE). Given its location and characteristics, it can be mistaken for choroidal melanoma and clinicians are reminded how to differentiate between these pathologies and that they may co-exist.
A framework for rehabilitation for older adults living with dementia
Authors: Ries Julie D.
Published: April 2022

Introduction & Background

The aging of the population assures increased prevalence of Individuals Living with Dementia (ILwD) and there will be an increased representation of this cohort requiring physical rehabilitation. If physical therapists (PTs) manage these patients as they do their age-matched, cognitively-intact peers, they will likely be unsuccessful. ILwD have unique needs related to interpersonal and pragmatic components of rehabilitation. Therapeutic nihilism (doubting the benefit of therapy) is well-documented in PTs, either because of existing biases about dementia or previous challenges in working with ILwD. Physical rehabilitation eligibility and placement decisions are often made by PTs without special training in dementia, based upon brief exposure to patients in environments not well-designed for their best functioning. This can lead to underestimation of rehabilitation potential and denial of future PT services. PTs who work with ILwD desire more practical knowledge and targeted skills. Those with more education and training have a more positive attitude and outlook related to ILwD.

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a framework for rehabilitation with ILwD equipped with pragmatic ideas to facilitate therapeutic success. The four primary components of the model are: (1) Establish a personal RELATIONSHIP, (2) Use intentional verbal and nonverbal COMMUNICATION, (3) Understand and optimize MOTOR LEARNING capabilities, and (4) Create a safe, purposeful ENVIRONMENT. Specific strategies to help PTs optimize each component are provided with supporting evidence. The model is intended to be dynamic, encouraging PTs to capitalize on the most accessible strategies within their control for a given patient and setting.

Implications

This framework provides a practical resource for working with ILwD with immediate implications for facilitating therapeutic success. The model is displayed in a schematic that reminds the reader of ideas at a glance within the context of each of the components. If an appreciation for this content was among core competencies required among PTs working with ILwD, perhaps there would be significantly fewer patients written off as “uncooperative” or “unable to participate” in PT.
Study on the role of transcription factor SPI1 in the development of glioma
Authors: Du Baoshun , Gao Wuji , Qin Yu , Zhong Jiateng , Zhang Zheying
Published: April 2022

Background

Glioma is a common malignant brain tumor. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the transcription factor SPI1 in glioma.

Methods

SPI1 expression in glioma was identified using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Cell proliferation was assessed using the CCK8 assay. Transwell and wound healing assays were utilized to evaluate cell migration. Additionally, cell cycle and apoptosis were detected using flow cytometry.

Results

We observed that the expression level of SPI1 was up-regulated in glioma tissues, compared to normal tissues. Furthermore, we found that SPI1 is able to promote proliferation and migration of glioma cells in vitro. Flow cytometry results demonstrate that, compared to si-NC cells, si-SPI1 cells stagnated in the G1 phase, and down-regulation of SPI1 expression is able to increase rates of apoptosis. Double luciferase activity and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay results indicated that SPI1 can bind to the promoter sites and promote the proliferation and migration of glioma cells by regulating the expression of oncogenic PAICS.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that SPI1 can promote proliferation and migration of glioma. Furthermore, SPI1 can be utilized as a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for glioma.
That person is now with or without a mask: how encoding context modulates identity recognition
Authors: Garcia-Marques Teresa , Oliveira Manuel , Nunes Ludmila
Published: April 2022

Previous research has mostly approached face recognition and target identification by focusing on face perception mechanisms, but memory mechanisms also appear to play a role. Here, we examined how the presence of a mask interferes with the memory mechanisms involved in face recognition, focusing on the dynamic interplay between encoding and recognition processes. We approach two known memory effects: (a) matching study and test conditions effects (i.e., by presenting masked and/or unmasked faces) and (b) testing expectation effects (i.e., knowing in advance that a mask could be put on or taken off). Across three experiments using a yes/no recognition paradigm, the presence of a mask was orthogonally manipulated at the study and the test phases. All data showed no evidence of matching effects. In Experiment 1, the presence of masks either at study or test impaired the correct identification of a target. But in Experiments 2 and 3, in which the presence of masks at study or test was manipulated within participants, only masks presented at test-only impaired face identification. In these conditions, test expectations led participants to use similar encoding strategies to process masked and unmasked faces. Across all studies, participants were more liberal (i.e., used a more lenient criterion) when identifying masked faces presented at the test. We discuss these results and propose that to better understand how people may identify a face wearing a mask, researchers should take into account that memory is an active process of discrimination, in which expectations regarding test conditions may induce an encoding strategy that enables overcoming perceptual deficits.
Incorporating patient experience into drug development for ulcerative colitis: development of the Urgency Numeric Rating Scale, a patient-reported outcome measure to assess bowel urgency in adults
Authors: Dubinsky Marla C. , Irving Peter M. , Panaccione Remo , Naegeli April N. , Potts-Bleakman Alison , Arora Vipin , Shan Mingyang , Travis Simon
Published: April 2022

Background

Bowel urgency, the sudden or immediate need to have a bowel movement, is a common, bothersome and disruptive symptom of ulcerative colitis (UC). UC treatment goals include control of urgency; however, it is not consistently assessed in UC clinical trials. The Urgency Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) is a new patient-reported measure to assess severity of bowel urgency in adults with UC developed in accordance with Food and Drug Administration guidelines.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were used to develop Urgency NRS. The scale asks patients to report the immediacy status of their UC symptom over the past 24 h on an 11-point horizontal numeric rating scale [0 (No urgency) to 10 (Worst possible urgency)]. Higher scores indicate worse urgency severity. A 2-week diary study assessed floor and ceiling effects, test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (2,1) between Week 1 and 2), and construct validity (Spearman correlation using Week 1 scores). Weekly scores were calculated as mean score over each 7-day period.

Results

Qualitative interviews with 16 UC patients (mean age 37.9 ± 11.6 years; 50% female; 56% White) confirmed relevance, content, and comprehensiveness. The 2-week diary study included 41 UC patients (mean age 44.2 ± 14.6 years; 51% female; 56% White). No ceiling or floor effects were identified. Test–retest reliability was high (ICC = 0.877). Average Urgency NRS and patient global rating of severity scores were highly correlated, with a moderate correlation between average Urgency NRS and stool frequency, demonstrating construct validity.

Conclusions

Bowel urgency is a distinct symptom of UC. The Urgency NRS is a well-defined, content-valid, and reliable measurement of bowel urgency in adults with UC.
Dermatomyositis post vaccine against SARS-COV2
Authors: Camargo Coronel Adolfo , Jiménez Balderas Francisco Javier , Quiñones Moya Horacio , Hernández Zavala Mario Raúl , Mandinabeitia Rodríguez Pedro , Hernández Vázquez José Ramiro , Zamora Zarco Sandy , Aguilar Castillo Sergio De Jesús
Published: April 2022

Background

Dermatomyositis belongs to an infrequent group of diseases predominantly found in patients older than 40 years old and is characterized by dermal and muscular findings. This disease presents itself as proximal, ascending and symmetric weakness and typical dermatosis with findings such as elevated muscle enzymes, altered electromyography and typical changes in muscle biopsy; as of today, the etiology of the disease in unknown. The COVID-19 vaccine has been a fundamental tactic to achieve control of the coronavirus (SARS CoV2), and it’s clear that the benefits of getting the vaccine overweight the risks that might come along with it. Although rare, all adverse effects should be reported, this could help us to understand the elusive pathophysiology of inflammatory idiopathic myopathy.

Case presentation

In this text we will describe the case of a patient with dermatomyositis who was vaccinated against SARS CoV2 with BNT162b2 mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech), showing a temporal relation between the vaccination and the beginning of her symptoms. We realized all the diagnostic approach to the suspected disease including electromyography, muscle biopsy and laboratory findings, corroborating the diagnosis. The patient received standard treatment for this disease (steroid therapy) and have a classic slow improvement.

Conclusions

Although it´s not possible to confirm a direct correlation between the vaccine and the onset of the disease, we considered that there are enough data to suspect that this could be a trigger event and therefore should always be considered a possible cause for a case of inflammatory idiopathic myopathy.
Assessment of the impact of green synthesized copper nanoparticles on freshwater snails (Indoplanorbis exustus) in comparison with field-control and lab-control snails
Authors: Mehraj Ahtisham , Pandit Sangeeta V.
Published: April 2022

Background

Nanomaterials are used extensively because of their optical, electrical, catalytic, and mechanical properties. To understand the biological processes in an experimental organism, we aimed to highlight the comparative results obtained in the field-control, lab-control, and experimental freshwater snails (Indoplanorbis exustus). Terminalia arjuna bark extract was used for the synthesis of CuNPs and for characterization SEM, XRD, and FTIR techniques were used.

Results

The estimated LC50 concentration for 96 h was to be 9.97 mg/L, thereafter animals were exposed further for 14 days to sub-lethal concentrations: 1/7th (1.42 mg/L), 1/5th (1.99 mg/L), 1/3rd (3.32 mg/L), and 1/2nd (4.98 mg/L). The data collected after conducting experiments on snails in the laboratory varied from the field-control snails. For comparison, the protein profile of field-control, lab-control, and experimental animals were displayed using sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and then compared based on molecular masses. The bacterial isolates obtained were all belonging to streptococcus family. All isolates were Gram-positive and catalase-negative. A significant increase in bioaccumulation of CuNPs and dose-dependent necrosis was observed after 14 days.

Conclusions

The results obtained from the field control animals were different from those obtained in the lab control and experimental groups upon exposure to increasing concentration of CuNPs for 14 days.
The effects of OSAS corrective surgery and anesthesia on inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Ince Ulku , Kabukcu Hanife Karakaya , Bostanci Aslı , Ozdem Sebahat , Turhan Murat , Kucukcetin Ikbal Ozen
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Oxidative stress and airway inflammation are important in the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

We examined the levels of inflammation and oxidative stress parameters in patients without OSAS and grouped as mild, moderate, and severe OSAS according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). In addition, we investigated the changes in these parameters in patients whose airway obstruction was resolved by surgical treatment.

Materials and method

The groups included 18 patients with an AHI below 5 (group 1), 28 patients with an AHI between 5 and 15 (group 2), 25 patients with an AHI between 15 and 30 (group 3), and 30 patients with an AHI of over 30 (group 4).

Blood samples were collected from patients following the induction of anesthesia (1st measurement), after the operation (2nd measurement), on the postoperative 3rd day (3rd measurement), and at the postoperative 2nd month (4th measurement). Arylesterase (ARE), paraoxonase (PON), nitrotyrosine (NT), leukocyte, CRP, and HDL were measured.

Results

The inter-group comparisons revealed differences in the 3rd measurement of leukocyte count and CRP value, in the 3rd and 4th measurements of HDL (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the inter-group or intra-group comparisons for ARE, PON, and NT values (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

We observed that CRP, HDL PON, ARE, NT levels, and the leukocyte count were not related to the severity of OSAS in patients with OSAS. The difference observed in CRP and leukocyte count may be due to the continuous effect of the inflammatory effect of surgery in the early post-operative period. We thought that the increase in HDL in all groups after the 5th postoperative day was due to the surgical correction of airway obstruction. As a result, we concluded that CRP, HDL, PON, ARE, NT, and leukocyte levels are not markers for OSAS.
Young adults’ familiarity with different cannabis product terms: the need for standardized cannabis surveys
Authors: Berberian S. , Broussard M. L. , Tully C. , Methuku V. , Pardini D. A. , Meier M. H.
Published: April 2022

Background

Cannabis legalization has resulted in the proliferation of cannabis products. Participants’ familiarity with terms for these products may have implications for assessment, as unfamiliarity with particular terms may result in under-reports of use.

Methods

A convenience sample of 861 college students from one U.S. university completed a survey in the spring of 2020 about their familiarity with a variety of cannabis product terms and use of a variety of cannabis products.

Results

Participants varied in their familiarity with cannabis product terms. For example, with regard to terms for cannabis concentrates with very high concentrations of THC, 85% of participants reported being familiar with the term “wax pen or THC oil,” but only 27% reported being familiar with the term “butane hash oil (BHO)” (i.e., the oil that composes most concentrates). Moreover, of participants who reported use of concentrates based on selecting pictures of the products they had used (n = 324, 40%), 99% (n = 322) reported having seen a “wax pen or THC oil” based on a written list of product terms, whereas only 20% (n = 65) reported having seen “butane hash oil (BHO).” This suggests that asking about use of “butane hash oil” use may result in lower rates of cannabis concentrate use than asking about use of “wax pen/THC oil.” With regard to terms for marijuana flower, 29% of participants (n = 248) reported being unfamiliar with the term marijuana “buds or flowers.” Of participants who reported use of marijuana flower based on selecting pictures of the products they had used (38% of the sample, n = 329), only 86% (n = 282) reported having seen marijuana “buds or flowers” based on a written list of product terms. This suggests that asking about use of marijuana “buds or flowers” use could result in under-reporting due to lack of familiarity with that term. Finally, when asked to select pictures of the cannabis product(s) that participants thought constituted “marijuana,” participants most commonly selected pictures of marijuana flower (93%), followed by wax pen/THC oil (57%) and edibles (49%).

Conclusions

Young adults vary in their familiarity with cannabis product terms, and some may under-report cannabis use in surveys that rely on written cannabis product terms. Young adults also differ in terms of which cannabis products they think constitute “marijuana.” Although participants’ familiarity with specific cannabis product terms in this sample may not generalize to other populations, results highlight the need for standardized surveys of cannabis use that incorporate pictures of cannabis products to overcome issues related to variability in familiarity with cannabis product terms.
Fibromyalgia syndrome and dental anxiety
Authors: Ilhanli Manolya , Karacesme Mehmet Alptekin , Ilhanli Ilker , Celenk Peruze
Published: April 2022

Background

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) is often accompanied by anxiety. Dental anxiety is common in society and negatively affects the application of patients to the dentist.

Aims

We aimed to examine the presence of dental anxiety in FM patients and to compare it with the non-FM controls. The aim was also extended to examine the relationship between FM disease severity and dental anxiety.

Methods

Sixty-three patients diagnosed with FM and 50 age- and sex-matched non-FM controls were included. All participants were asked to answer the Modified dental anxiety scale (MDAS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD anxiety and HAD depression, respectively). FM patients were also asked to answer the Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ).

Results

There were 18 (28.57%) participants in the FM group with an MDAS score of ≥ 16 (anxiety), and 3 (6%) participants in the control group. All 10 participants with MDAS score ≥ 19 (dental phobic) were in the FM group (15.87%). There was a moderate positive correlation between FIQ score and MDAS Score. There were significant positive correlations between the MDAS Score and HAD anxiety and HAD depression scores.

Conclusions

The frequency of dental anxiety may be high in FM patients and disease activity may negatively affect dental anxiety. This is the first study to examine the presence of dental anxiety in fibromyalgia syndrome and its relationship with disease severity. This study draws attention to the presence of dental anxiety, which will negatively affect dental interventions and follow-ups in Fibromyalgia, which is quite common.
Evaluation of essential oils nanoemulsions formulations on Botrytis cinerea growth, pathology and grey mould incidence on cucumber fruits
Authors: Ziedan El-Sayed H. E. , Saad Moataza M. , El-Kafrawy Ahmed A. , Sahab Ahmed F. , Mossa Abdel-Tawab H.
Published: April 2022

Background

Grey mould caused by Botrytis cinerea of cucumber immature fruits is the most epidemic fungal diseases causing significantly losses of fruits during development on cucumber plant in winter season.

Material and methods

Crude and nanoemulsions of clove, black seed, lemon and orange essential oils at (5000 ppm) and also different formulations of clove, black seed and lemon oils nanoemulsions as single or in combination were tested against mycelial linear growth of B. cinerea (MF996363) as well sclerotial formation and pathological activity on the development of germinated seeds of cucumber.

Results

Essential oils nanoemulsion formulation of clove + black seed (2:1) at 5000 ppm was the best formulation significantly reduced mycelia linear growth of B. cinerea by 61.0% followed by 28% formulation (1:1) and (1:2). In addition, nanoemulsions formulations of clove, black seed essential oils (2:1) were highly reduced the count of sclerotial formation of B. cinerea and completely (100%) suppress seed rot and seedling mortality of cucumber followed by nanoemulsion of clove only.

Conclusions

Foliar application of nanoemulsion formulation of clove + black seeds is promising than fungicides (Topsin M-70) in controlling grey mould on cucumber fruits caused by B. cinerea in plastic greenhouse with no phytotoxicity on cucumber plants.
Phytochemical analysis of some selected traditional medicinal plants in Ethiopia
Authors: Agidew Misganaw Gedlu
Published: April 2022

Background

This review of relevant medicinal plants is based on the fundamental knowledge accumulated by indigenous people of Ethiopia and to identify which types of selected medicinal plants for phytochemical analysis were analyzed and which one is not analyzed at Ethiopian levels. In this review, the most traditional medicinal plant species found and used in Ethiopia are chosen.

Results

The qualitative phytochemical analysis, some of which are the most important phytochemicals such as phenolic, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, phlobatannins, anthraquinones, and reducing sugars are studied by the researcher. Most studies have revealed that some phytochemicals are present in some medicinal plants while some are absent. The phytochemical properties of some species were studied likeArtemisia afra(Ariti),Aloe Vera(Erret),Yzygium guineense(Dokuma),Ruta chalepensis(Tenadam),Ocimum grattissimum(Damakese),Nigella sativa(Tikur Azmud),Lepidium sativum(Feto),Hagenia abyssinica(Kosso),Croton macrostachyus(Bisana), andRhamnus prinoides(Gesho).

Conclusions

This review has shown that traditional medicinal plants whose phytochemical properties are not studied have various medicinal purposes like treating mastitis, preventing boils, hemorrhoids, congestion, headache, hepatitis, liver, vertigo, stomatitis, kidneys, liver, and vision for treating anemia, hemorrhoid coughs, fluxes, and stomatitis in most animals and human beings. So that identifying the plants based on the investigation and analysis of phytochemical properties of such plant species are more important than Ethiopian levels.
Husband’s influence in the use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) method in Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Utami Fitriana Putri , Gustina Erni , Sulistiawan Dedik , Matahari Ratu , Sari Bakti Permata
Published: April 2022

Background

The long-acting reversible contraceptive method is one way to overcome the high population growth rate. The long-term contraception method is more efficient to regulate pregnancy because it can be used for a long period of time and is safer and more effective and the failure rate is relatively low at 0.2 per 100 users. The strong patriarchal culture in the Special Region of Yogyakarta is one of the factors that determine the wife's decision to use the long-term contraception method. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of knowledge, attitudes, and support from husbands in the use of the LARC method in the Special Region of Yogyakarta.

Method

This study used secondary data from the 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS) taking the Special Region of Yogyakarta province as a level of analysis or as a place of research. The population was all fertile couples aged 15–49 years as many as 123 couples. The sample was as many as 71 respondents who had made the inclusion criteria refer to criteria used in the 2017 IDHS, namely fertile age couple who used LARC and non-LARC contraception. Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis.

Results

The results showed that there is no relationship between husband's knowledge (p value = 0.330), husband's attitude (p value = 1.000), and husband's support (p value = 0.771) on the choice of LARC in the Special Region of Yogyakarta.

Conclusion

Even though in a patriarchal culture, husbands do not play a major role in contraceptive choices because of the presence of women empowerment and misinformation about the contraceptive method itself, close communication between husband and wife and the socialization of LARC by health workers is expected to increase its use.
Official Position of the Brazilian Association of Bone Assessment and Metabolism (ABRASSO) on the evaluation of body composition by densitometry—part II (clinical aspects): interpretation, reporting, and special situations
Authors: Maeda Sergio Setsuo , Albergaria Ben-Hur , Szejnfeld Vera Lúcia , Lazaretti-Castro Marise , Arantes Henrique Pierotti , Ushida Marcela , Domiciano Diogo Souza , Pereira Rosa Maria Rodrigues , Marin-Mio Rosângela Villa , de Oliveira Mônica Longo , de Mendonça Laura Maria Carvalho , do Prado Mirley , de Souza Guilherme Cardenaz , Palchetti Cecília Zanin , Sarni Roseli Oselka Saccardo , Terreri Maria Teresa , de Castro Luiz Claudio Gonçalves , Artoni Silvana Martinez Baraldi , Amoroso Lizandra , Karcher Débora Emy , Prado Carla M. , Gonzalez Maria Cristina , de Medeiros Pinheiro Marcelo
Published: April 2022

Objective

To present an updated and evidence-based guideline for the use of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess body composition in clinical practice.

Materials and methods

This Official Position was developed by the Scientific Committee of the Brazilian Association of Bone Assessment and Metabolism (Associação Brasileira de Avaliação Óssea e Osteometabolismo, ABRASSO) and experts in the field who were invited to contribute to the preparation of this document. The authors searched current databases for relevant publications in the area of body composition assessment. In this second part of the Official Position, the authors discuss the interpretation and reporting of body composition parameters assessed by DXA and the use of DXA for body composition evaluation in special situations, including evaluation of children, persons with HIV, and animals.

Conclusion

This document offers recommendations for the use of DXA in body composition evaluation, including indications, interpretation, and applications, to serve as a guiding tool in clinical practice and research for health care professionals in Brazil.
Abstract security patterns and the design of secure systems
Authors: Fernandez Eduardo B. , Yoshioka Nobukazu , Washizaki Hironori , Yoder Joseph
Published: April 2022

During the initial stages of software development, the primary goal is to define precise and detailed requirements without concern for software realizations. Security constraints should be introduced then and must be based on the semantic aspects of applications, not on their software architectures, as it is the case in most secure development methodologies. In these stages, we need to identify threats as attacker goals and indicate what conceptual security defenses are needed to thwart these goals, without consideration of implementation details. We can consider the effects of threats on the application assets and try to find ways to stop them. These threats should be controlled with abstract security mechanisms that can be realized by abstract security patterns (ASPs), that include only the core functions of these mechanisms, which must be present in every implementation of them. An abstract security pattern describes a conceptual security mechanism that includes functions able to stop or mitigate a threat or comply with a regulation or institutional policy. We describe here the properties of ASPs and present a detailed example. We relate ASPs to each other and to Security Solution Frames, which describe families of related patterns. We show how to include ASPs to secure an application, as well as how to derive concrete patterns from them. Finally, we discuss their practical value, including their use in “security by design” and IoT systems design.
Mental health and wellbeing among Egyptian medical students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: El-Gabry Dina Aly , Okasha Tarek , Shaker Nermin , Elserafy Doha , Yehia Mariam , Aziz Karim Abdel , Bhugra Dinesh , Molodynski Andrew , Elkhatib Hossam
Published: April 2022

Background

Medical students are prone to experience high levels of stress during their studies, which can lead to burnout and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, that can affect their academic performance and ability to practice. We therefore conducted an online survey to collect data on demographics, sources of stress, mental health problems, burnout, and substance use in 547 medical students from two universities in Cairo. We used the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), the General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12), and the CAGE questionnaire.

Results

Our results indicated that 16% of participants were diagnosed with a mental illness while in medical school, with 88% screening positive for burnout on the OLBI, 63% reaching the threshold as cases on the GHQ-12 and 9% screening positive on the CAGE questionnaire. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between scores on the OLBI and the GHQ-12.

Conclusions

Our study indicated that there were very high levels of psychological distress (burnout, mental illness) among medical students, with high rates of disengagement and exhaustion.
Diagnostic value of platelet indices in COVID 19 infection: a case-control study from a single tertiary care center
Authors: Shankaralingappa Arundhathi , Tummidi Santosh , Arun Babu Thirunavukkarasu
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Platelets are not only involved in hemostasis and coagulation, but play a significant role in innate immunity and inflammatory response. Excess production of cytokines and acute phase reactants affect megakaryopoiesis resulting in the release of immature platelets from the bone marrow altering platelet indices.

Aim

To study platelet indices in RT-PCR-proven COVID patients and non-COVID patients.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted on 199 COVID-19 patients and 198 normal individuals. Blood samples were analyzed in an automated hematology analyzer. The platelet indices like platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet large cell count (PLCC), and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) were compared among two groups.

Results

Platelet count in COVID-19 patients were significantly low (p<0.01) compared to controls, and a significant number of COVID-19 patients had thrombocytopenia. Plateletcrit (PCT) was also significantly decreased in COVID-19 patients compared to non-COVID individuals. MPV, PDW, and PLCR were significantly (p<0.05) high in COVID-19 patients in comparison to controls, but was not significantly raised in a large number of cases. In contrast, there were no significant differences in platelet large cell count (PLCC) values between COVID-19 cases and non-COVID-19 controls.

Conclusion

Platelet indices like platelet count, PCT, MPV, PDW, and P-LCR are significantly altered in COVID-19 infection and thereby can be used as biomarkers in COVID-19. Further research is needed to find if these simple, cost-effective parameters can be used to predict the severity and prognosis in COVID-19 infection.
Status of fish health management and biosecurity measures in fish farms, cages and hatcheries in Western Kenya
Authors: Kyule-Muendo Domitila , Otachi Elick , Awour Fonda , Ogello Erick , Obiero Kevin , Abwao Jacob , Muthoni Cecilia , Munguti Jonathan
Published: April 2022

Background

Aquaculture is one of the critical sectors contributing to food and nutrition security, income and employment opportunities to millions of people, and is currently the fastest growing food-producing sector globally. With the global increase in aquaculture production, focus on biosecurity and fish health management is becoming increasingly important to address the risks and impacts of aquatic diseases. Within the framework of adaptive research, this study aimed at assessing the levels of awareness and preparedness of fish farmers in Western Kenya to meet fish health management and biosecurity requirements as important parameters determining the success of their farming activities.

Methods

A total of 504 fish farmers were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire generated by a computer-aided personal interview (CAPI). The data collected was summarized using descriptive statistics using SPSS version 25. The homogeneity of frequency data of all the parameters between the three counties was tested using a non-parametric Pearson Chi-Square test at α = 0.05.

Results

The key findings were that 76.1% of the fish farmers reported mortalities in their farms, with 2.3% reporting mortalities above 50% of the stocked fish, but with a majority (85.5%) reporting loss of up to 10%. In extrapolation, the total loss from the farms correlates with stagnation in aquaculture production in Kenya.

Conclusions

This study concludes that there is a paucity of knowledge on fish health management systems and biosecurity measures which presents a serious threat to aquaculture production in the studied counties and poses a great risk to trans-boundary live fish trade between Kenya and her neighbouring countries. Although fish farming is a promising area, it has had so many challenges among them high mortality rates. In China and other Asian countries, which are the world leaders in aquaculture production, they are making headway in fish health management and biosecurity. This study recommends the development of a coordinated awareness campaigns on fish health management and biosecurity measures to fish farmers in Kenya.
Seismic monitoring for subsurface uncertainties at the Endurance CO2 store
Authors: Sutherland Fiona , Lawrance Dominic , Legrand Philippe , Wraith Edwin
Published: April 2022

The development of the Endurance structure in the southern North Sea as a CO2 store offers a potentially large decarbonization opportunity for industry along the east coast of England. The Bunter Sandstone Formation in the Endurance structure has been assessed as an excellent candidate for CO2 storage due to its position, depth, reservoir properties, and extensive seal. Monitoring CO2 during active injection and after closure is vital to confirming containment and conformance of the CO2 within the store. There are two key subsurface uncertainties: compartmentalization and vertical permeability. Current seismic resolution does not provide imaging of thin, low-permeability layers that may create low relative vertical permeability, and the high net to gross of the sandstone limits imaging of any minor faulting. However, the strong CO2 response on 4D seismic likely will illuminate baffles and barriers to flow along with variations in reservoir permeability. In 2020, four two-dimensional high-resolution (2DHR) seismic data test lines were acquired to assess the best technology for imaging and monitoring Endurance. High-resolution seismic was concluded to provide quality imaging from the base of the reservoir (approximately 1500 m true vertical depth subsea) up through the overburden to image the entire subsurface and to demonstrate safe storage of CO2.
Predictors of family caregiving burden of persons with schizophrenia with and without transition of primary caregivers from 1994 to 2015 in rural China
Authors: Peng Man-Man , Ma Zhiying , Chen She-Ying , Luo Wei , Hu Shi-Hui , Yang Xin , Liu Bo , Chan Cecilia Lai-Wan , Ran Mao-Sheng
Published: April 2022

Background

Little is known about how sociodemographic and clinical factors affect the caregiving burden of persons with schizophrenia (PwSs) with transition in primary caregivers.

Aims

This study aimed to examine the predictive effects of sociodemographic and clinical factors on the caregiving burden of PwSs with and without caregiver transition from 1994 to 2015 in rural China.

Method

Using panel data, 206 dyads of PwSs and their primary caregivers were investigated in both 1994 and 2015. The generalised linear model approach was used to examine the predictive effects of sociodemographic factors, severity of symptoms and changes in social functioning on the caregiving burden with and without caregiver transition.

Results

The percentages of families with and without caregiver transition were 38.8% and 61.2%, respectively. Among families without caregiver transition, a heavier burden was significantly related to a larger family size and more severe symptoms in PwSs. Deteriorated functioning of ‘social activities outside the household’ and improved functioning of ‘activity in the household’ were protective factors against a heavy caregiving burden. Among families with caregiver transition, younger age, improved marital functioning, deteriorated self-care functioning, and better functioning of ‘social interest or concern’ were significant risk factors for caregiving burden.

Conclusions

The effects of sociodemographic and clinical correlates on the caregiving burden were different among families with and without caregiver transition. It is crucial to explore the caregiver arrangement of PwSs and the risk factors for burden over time, which will facilitate culture-specific family interventions, community-based mental health services and recovery.
The Clandestine Philosophy of Graffiti in Port-au-Prince
Authors: De Ferrari Guillermina
Published: April 2022

Inspired by the enigmatic phrase “Le poème tué” (the murdered poem) that the author saw written on the walls of Port-au-Prince, this essay explores street art in Port-au-Prince as staging a public debate about different ways of approaching a life of precarity and crisis. It analyzes “Le poème tué” graffiti by young Haitian poet Ricardo Boucher, along with murals by Jerry (Jerry Rosembert Moïse) and Francisco Silva, political graffiti about the PetroCaribe corruption scandal, and the writing and artwork on tap-tap buses, as emergent affects and ideologies about the art of flourishing “in spite of all.” In a succession of accidental encounters, the author claims, passersby find in the public city competing ideas about how to negotiate unlivable circumstances through moral character, the building of community, or revolution.
Caribbean Studies in Digital Space and Time
Authors: Josephs Kelly Baker
Published: April 2022

This essay is part of a special section on Edward Kamau Brathwaite’s 1975 essay “Caribbean Man in Space and Time” (reprinted in the issue), briefly tracing the dissemination history of Brathwaite’s essay, then focusing on two main lines of argument in it to explore their significance for current practices and possibilities in Caribbean studies. Using three contemporary digital projects as examples, the author elaborates on the potential affordances and limitations of digital platforms and technologies as (in Brathwaite’s terms) “agents of change,” while arguing the case for “how the digital allows us to think the Caribbean differently.”
The histone variant macroH2A1.1 regulates RNA polymerase II-paused genes within defined chromatin interaction landscapes
Authors: Recoules Ludmila , Heurteau Alexandre , Raynal Flavien , Karasu Nezih , Moutahir Fatima , Bejjani Fabienne , Jariel-Encontre Isabelle , Cuvier Olivier , Sexton Thomas , Lavigne Anne-Claire , Bystricky Kerstin
Published: April 2022

The histone variant macroH2A1.1 plays a role in cancer development and metastasis. To determine the underlying molecular mechanisms, we mapped the genome-wide localization of endogenous macroH2A1.1 in the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. We demonstrate that macroH2A1.1 specifically binds to active promoters and enhancers in addition to facultative heterochromatin. Selective knock down of macroH2A1.1 deregulates the expression of hundreds of highly active genes. Depending on the chromatin landscape, macroH2A1.1 acts through two distinct molecular mechanisms. The first mitigates excessive transcription by binding over domains including the promoter and the gene body. The second stimulates expression of RNA polymerase II (Pol II)-paused genes, including genes regulating mammary tumor cell migration. In contrast to the first mechanism, macroH2A1.1 specifically associates with the transcription start site of Pol II-paused genes. These processes occur in a predefined local 3D genome landscape, but do not require rewiring of enhancer-promoter contacts. We thus propose that macroH2A1.1 serves as a transcriptional modulator with a potential role in assisting the conversion of promoter-locked Pol II into a productive, elongating Pol II.
Venom production and secretion in reptiles
Authors: Mackessy Stephen P.
Published: April 2022

The venom glands of reptiles, particularly those of front-fanged advanced snakes, must satisfy conflicting biological demands: rapid synthesis of potentially labile and highly toxic proteins, storage in the gland lumen for long periods, stabilization of the stored secretions, immediate activation of toxins upon deployment and protection of the animal from the toxic effects of its own venom. This dynamic system could serve as a model for the study of a variety of different phenomena involving exocrine gland activation, protein synthesis, stabilization of protein products and secretory mechanisms. However, these studies have been hampered by a lack of a long-term model that can be propagated in the lab (as opposed to whole-animal studies). Numerous attempts have been made to extend the lifetime of venom gland secretory cells, but only recently has an organoid model been shown to have the requisite qualities of recapitulation of the native system, self-propagation and long-term viability (>1 year). A tractable model is now available for myriad cell- and molecular-level studies of venom glands, protein synthesis and secretion. However, venom glands of reptiles are not identical, and many differ very extensively in overall architecture, microanatomy and protein products produced. This Review summarizes the similarities among and differences between venom glands of helodermatid lizards and of rear-fanged and front-fanged snakes, highlighting those areas that are well understood and identifying areas where future studies can fill in significant gaps in knowledge of these ancient, yet fascinating systems.
High-fat diet affects measures of skeletal muscle contractile performance in a temperature-specific manner but does not influence regional thermal sensitivity
Authors: Tallis Jason , James Rob S. , Eyre Emma L. J. , Cox Val M. , Hurst Josh
Published: April 2022

The present study examined whether high-fat diet (HFD) consumption for 20 weeks had a temperature-specific effect on the contractile performance and regional thermal sensitivity of isolated mouse soleus and diaphragm muscle. Four-week-old female CD-1 mice were randomly selected to consume either a standard laboratory diet or a standard laboratory diet in conjunction with a HFD for 20 weeks. Peripheral soleus and core diaphragm were isolated from each animal and maximal isometric force and work loop power were assessed at 20, 28, 35 and 40°C. Increasing temperature to 35°C resulted in greater isometric stress, lower activation and relaxation time, and higher work loop power in both muscles. A further increase in temperature to 40°C did not affect isometric force but increased work loop power output of the soleus. Conversely, isometric force of the diaphragm was reduced and work loop power maintained when temperature was increased to 40°C. HFD consumption resulted in greater isometric force and absolute work loop power of the soleus and reduced isometric stress of the diaphragm, effects that were less apparent at lower temperatures. When the relationship between temperature and each measure of contractile function was examined by linear regression, there was no difference in slope between the control or HFD groups for either the soleus or diaphragm. These results indicate that whilst contractile function initially increases with temperature, the temperature to elicit maximal performance is muscle and contractile mode specific. Furthermore, HFD effects on contractile function are temperature specific, but HFD does not influence the relationship between temperature and performance.
Does Consumption Respond to Transitory Shocks? Reconciling Natural Experiments and Semistructural Methods
Authors: Commault Jeanne
Published: April 2022

Studies based on natural experiments find that consumption responds strongly and significantly to a transitory variation in income, while semistructural estimations find no pass-through of transitory shocks to consumption. I develop a more robust semistructural estimator that relaxes the assumption that log consumption is a random walk. The robust pass-through estimate is significant and large, implying a yearly marginal propensity to consume of 0.32, close to the natural experiment findings. The robust estimator performs well in numerical simulations of a life cycle model, while nonrobust estimators do not. The difference between the two in the simulations is similar to their difference in the survey data. (JEL D15, E21, J11)