bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CLDN18.2 expression and its impact on prognosis and the immune microenvironment in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Canming , Wang Yukai , Chen Jinxia , Wang Yi , Pang Chuhong , Liang Chen , Yuan Li , Ma Yubo
Published: August 2023

Background

The investigational use of zolbetuximab (IMAB362), a groundbreaking monoclonal antibody medication targeting claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2), for treatment of advanced gastrointestinal cancers is currently underway. The unclear clinicopathological characteristics and tumour immune microenvironment of CLDN18.2-positive gastric cancer (GC) make it difficult to develop and optimize CLDN18.2-targeted therapies.

Methods

A total of 451 tumour tissues, 342 matched paraneoplastic tissues, and 107 matched metastatic lymph nodes were collected from GC patients. These specimens were stained for CLDN18.2 expression and quantified using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Correlations between CLDN18.2 expression and clinicopathological features as well as immune-related factors were analysed. Survival curves were drawn using the Kaplan‒Meier approach, and independent factors affecting GC prognosis were identified using Cox regression analysis. Information from relevant databases was used for corroboration.

Results

Expression of the CLDN18.2 gene was significantly lower in gastric tumour tissues than in normal tissues (p < 0.001) but comparable in metastatic lymph nodes (p = 0.851). CLDN18.2 expression was significantly associated with Borrmann type, degree of differentiation, PD-L1 expression, and survival in GC patients and was identified as an independent risk factor for patient prognosis (HR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.16–2.11, p = 0.003). There was no correlation between CLDN18.2 expression and HER2, Lauren type, tumour size, TNM stage, or any other clinicopathological characteristic. In CLDN18.2-positive tumours, fractions of CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells were significantly higher than those in CLDN18.2-negative tumours. Patients with CLDN18.2-negative expression and significant CD4 + T-cell or CD8 + T-cell infiltration had the best prognosis (5-year OS: 61.0%, P = 0.036; 5-year OS: 62.2%, P = 0.034).

Conclusions

CLDN18.2 is expressed at a low level in tumour tissues and serves as an independent prognostic factor for patients with GC. Furthermore, CLDN18.2 correlates with immune infiltrating cells and PD-L1 expression.
Influence of different surface treatment on bonding of metal and ceramic Orthodontic Brackets to CAD-CAM all ceramic materials
Authors: Haralur Satheesh B. , Alqahtani Abdulrahman Mushabbab , Shiban Abdullah Saeed , Alattaf Zyad Muhammed , Chaturvedi Saurabh , AlQahtani Saeed M , Alqahtani Nasser M
Published: August 2023

Background

Developing efficient bonding techniques for orthodontic brackets and all-ceramic materials continues to pose a clinical difficulty. This study aimed to evaluate the shear bond strengths (SBS) of metal and ceramic brackets to various all-ceramic CAD-CAM materials, such as lithium disilicate CAD (LDS-CAD), polymer-infiltrated ceramic (PIC), zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass ceramic (ZLS), and 5YTZP zirconia after different surface treatments and thermal cycling.

Materials and methods

The samples were divided into two groups to be bonded with ceramic and metal lower incisor brackets. Each group was subdivided into a control group devoid of any surface treatment, 10% HF acid (HFA) etching, ceramic etch & prime (MEP), Al2O3 air abrasion, and medium grit diamond bur roughening. After surface treatment, brackets were bonded with composite resin cement, thermal cycled, and tested for shear bond strength. The failed surfaces were evaluated with a digital microscope to analyse the type of failure. The data were statistically analysed using a one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests at p < 0.05.

Results

The highest mean bond strengths were found with HFA etching in LDS-CAD (13.17 ± 0.26 MPa) and ZLS (12.85 0.52 MPa). Diamond bur recorded the lowest mean bond strength roughening across all the ceramic groups. There were significant differences in mean shear bond values per surface treatment (p < 0.001) and ceramic materials.

Conclusion

Among the surface treatment protocols evaluated, HFA etching and MEP surface treatment resulted in enhanced bond strength of both ceramic and metal brackets to CAD-CAM all ceramic materials.
Evaluation of the impact of fluoride in drinking water and tea on the enamel of deciduous and permanent teeth
Authors: Çakır Asu , Şahin Tuğçe Nur
Published: August 2023

Background

Systemic fluoride intake is predominantly derived from drinking water and tea. It’s been noted that water and tea containing fluoride, within the boundaries set by the World Health Organization, can lessen the prevalence of dental caries. A review of the literature did not uncover any study that has examined the impact of fluoride in bottled drinking water and tea on enamel of deciduous and permanent teeth. Thus, we assessed the effects of fluoride present in seven different brands of bottled water from distinct geographical regions of Turkey, and a type of tea produced and packaged in Turkey, on the enamel of deciduous and permanent teeth.

Materials and methods

Fluoride analysis was performed on drinking water sourced from seven different regions of Turkey and a brand of tea brewed with these waters. The tea was harvested and packaged in Turkey. The analysis was conducted using an ion-selective electrode. In total, 112 tooth enamel samples (56 deciduous molars and 56 permanent molars) were randomly divided into eight distinct groups. These were kept in water for 15 min and tea for 15 min every day for a month. The eighth group was treated with fluoride gel prior to tea and water applications. The amount of fluoride in the tooth enamel structure was evaluated using an SEM EDX device before and after the experiment.

Results

Statistically significant differences were found in fluoride content of enamel between water brands and tooth type (deciduous and permanent teeth). Fluoride levels were higher in the enamel of deciduous teeth than in permanent teeth.

Conclusion

Regular exposure of enamel samples to black tea and water led to an increase in fluoride levels in the enamel; thus, regular consumption of black tea and fluoride water could help reduce the prevalence of dental caries.
Association between long working hours and unmet dental needs in wage workers
Authors: Choi Youngjin , Kim Inah , Song Jaechul
Published: August 2023

Background

Many previous studies on the reasons behind unmet dental needs focus on economic issues. However, in this research, we aimed to investigate the relationship between long working hours and unmet dental needs while considering the influence of occupational factors in wage workers.

Methods

This study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2012–2018) and analyzed a sample of 12,104 wage workers. Unmet dental needs were defined as cases in which individuals did not receive dental care, despite their need for examination or treatment, within the last year. Long working hours were defined as exceeding 52 h per week, based on the standard working hours stipulated by the Labor Standards Act. A binomial model was applied to calculate the prevalence ratio through multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

The prevalence of unmet dental needs was observed in 3,948 cases (32.5%), among which 1,478 attributed their presence to lack of time. The prevalence of unmet dental needs showed an inverse relationship with the education level and household income. The wage workers who worked long hours had the highest prevalence of unmet dental needs. Long working hours were found to be 1.18 times (95% CI 1.07–1.29) more likely to result in unmet dental care compared to working less than 40 h. The relationship between long working hours and unmet dental needs were statistically significant only in men (PR 1.24, 95% CI 1.07–1.43). However, the relationship between long working hours and unmet dental needs owing to time were in both men and women (men: PR 1.59, 95% CI 1.20–2.11, women: PR 1.90, 95% CI 1.48–2.43).

Conclusions

This study confirmed that long working hours and unmet dental needs are related when occupational factors are taken into consideration, despite the absence of oral health indicators. Using this study as a reference, further research is necessary to identify the underlying causes of unmet dental care and to improve access to dental services in the future.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for oral leukoplakia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of single-arm studies examining efficacy and subgroup analyses
Authors: Zhang Rui , Gao Tong , Wang Dan
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of oral leukoplakia and explore the subgroup factors that may influence its effectiveness.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant studies. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata15.0 software. Cochran’s Q test and I2 statistics were used to evaluate heterogeneity, egger’s test was used to evaluate publication bias.

Results

The analysis of 17 studies included in this study suggests that PDT may be effective in achieving complete response (CR) [ES = 0.50, 95%CI: (0.33,0.66)], partial response (PR) [ES = 0.42, 95%CI: (0.27,0.56)], no response (NR) [ES = 0.19, 95%CI: (0.11,0.27)]in patients with oral leukoplakia. The recurrence rate was also evaluated [ES = 0.13, 95%CI: (0.08,0.18)]. Subgroup analysis showed that various factors such as light source, wavelength, medium, duration of application, clinical and pathological diagnosis classification influenced efficacy of PDT. The lesion areas of the leukoplakia after treatment were reduced by 1.97cm2 compared with those before treatment.

Conclusion

Our findings show that PDT is a viable treatment for oral leukoplakia. However, the effectiveness of the therapy may depend on several factors, as suggested by our subgroup analyses. (Registration no. CRD42023399848 in Prospero, 26/02/2023)
Impact of mixing insufficiencies on L-phenylalanine production with an Escherichia coli reporter strain in a novel two-compartment bioreactor
Authors: Hoang Manh Dat , Polte Ingmar , Frantzmann Lukas , von den Eichen Nikolas , Heins Anna-Lena , Weuster-Botz Dirk
Published: August 2023

Background

The omnipresence of population heterogeneity in industrial bioprocesses originates from prevailing dynamic bioprocess conditions, which promote differences in the expression of cellular characteristics. Despite the awareness, the concrete consequences of this phenomenon remain poorly understood.

Results

Therefore, for the first time, a L-phenylalanine overproducing Escherichia coli quadruple reporter strain was established for monitoring of general stress response, growth behavior, oxygen limitation and product formation of single cells based on mTagBFP2, mEmerald, CyOFP1, and mCardinal2 expression measured by flow cytometry. This strain was applied for the fed-batch production of L-phenylalanine from glycerol and ammonia in a stirred-tank bioreactor at homogeneous conditions compared to the same process in a novel two-compartment bioreactor. This two-compartment bioreactor consists of a stirred-tank bioreactor with an initial volume of 0.9 L (homogeneous zone) with a coiled flow inverter with a fixed working volume of 0.45 L as a bypass (limitation zone) operated at a mean hydraulic residence time of 102 s. The product formation was similar in both bioreactor setups with maximum L-phenylalanine concentrations of 21.1 ± 0.6 g L−1 demonstrating the consistency of this study’s microbial L-phenylalanine production. However, cell growth was vulnerable to repetitive exposure to the dynamically changing conditions in the two-compartment bioreactor with maximum biomass yields reduced by 21%. The functionality of reporter molecules was approved in the stirred-tank bioreactor cultivation, in which expressed fluorescence levels of all four markers were in accordance with respective process state variables. Additional evaluation of the distributions on single-cell level revealed the presence of population heterogeneity in both bioprocesses. Especially for the marker of the general stress response and the product formation, the corresponding histograms were characterized by bimodal shapes and broad distributions. These phenomena were pronounced particularly at the beginning and the end of the fed-batch process.

Conclusions

The here shown findings confirm multiple reporter strains to be a noninvasive tool for monitoring cellular characteristics and identifying potential subpopulations in bioprocesses. In combination with experiments in scale-down setups, these can be utilized for a better physiological understanding of bioprocesses and support future scale-up procedures.
Hydrophilic nanofibers with aligned topography modulate macrophage-mediated host responses via the NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Ren Yiming , Chen Yi , Chen Wei , Deng Haotian , Li Peiqi , Liu Yubo , Gao Cangjian , Tian Guangzhao , Ning Chao , Yuan Zhiguo , Sui Xiang , Liu Shuyun , Guo Quanyi
Published: August 2023

Successful biomaterial implantation requires appropriate immune responses. Macrophages are key mediators involved in this process. Currently, exploitation of the intrinsic properties of biomaterials to modulate macrophages and immune responses is appealing. In this study, we prepared hydrophilic nanofibers with an aligned topography by incorporating polyethylene glycol and polycaprolactone using axial electrospinning. We investigated the effect of the nanofibers on macrophage behavior and the underlying mechanisms. With the increase of hydrophilicity of aligned nanofibers, the inflammatory gene expression of macrophages adhering to them was downregulated, and M2 polarization was induced. We further presented clear evidence that the inflammasome NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) was the cellular sensor by which macrophages sense the biomaterials, and it acted as a regulator of the macrophage-mediated response to foreign bodies and implant integration. In vivo, we showed that the fibers shaped the implant-related immune microenvironment and ameliorated peritendinous adhesions. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that hydrophilic aligned nanofibers exhibited better biocompatibility and immunological properties.
Bojungikgi-tang improves skin barrier function and immune response in atopic dermatitis mice fed a low aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand diet
Authors: Ahn You Mee , Shin Sarah , Jang Ji-hye , Jung Jeeyoun
Published: August 2023

Background

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system and maintaining skin barrier function. AhR signaling is pivotal in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD), and the absence of AhR ligands further contributes to the progression or worsening of AD symptoms.

Methods

AD was induced with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), and Bojungikgi-tang (BJIKT) was administered orally daily for 10 weeks. Serum IgE, splenocyte IL-4, and IFN-γ levels, skin barrier genes, and AhR target gene expressions were analyzed using RNA-sequencing analysis. Spleen tissues were extracted for fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis to analyze the effect of BJIKT on immune responses. A correlation analysis was conducted to analyze the correlation between immune markers and skin barrier genes and AhR target genes.

Results

BJIKT effectively improved AD symptoms in AD mice fed a low AhR ligand diet by reducing neutrophil and eosinophil counts, lowering IgE levels in the blood, and decreasing IL-4 and IFN-γ levels in the splenocytes. Additionally, BJIKT significantly reduced epithelial skin thickness and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values and reversed the decreased expression of skin barrier genes. BJIKT also considerably altered the expression of AhR target genes, including Ahr, Ahrr, cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), and CYP1B1. Furthermore, AhR target pathway genes were negatively correlated with immune cell subtypes, including CD4 + and CD8 + T cells and macrophages (CD11b + F4/80 +) at the systemic level.

Conclusions

BJIKT can regulate AhR activation and may help reduce inflammation in AD by regulating the expression of skin barrier genes and immune responses.
A novel approach for direct detection of the IGH::CRLF2 gene fusion by fluorescent in situ hybridization
Authors: González-Arreola Rosa María , García-Romero Adriana , Magaña-Torres María Teresa , González-García Juan Ramón
Published: August 2023

Background

High expression of the Cytokine Receptor-Like Factor 2 (CRLF2) gene has been observed in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia BCR-ABL1-like subtype. Currently, there is no commercial system available for the direct detection of the IGH::CRLF2 fusion by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), as there are for many other leukemia-related gene fusions. In an effort to verify the IGH::CRLF2 fusion, some researchers prepare home-grown FISH probes from bacterial artificial chromosome clones flanking the IGH and CRLF2 genes, which is the best alternative to confirm the fusion, however difficult to reproduce in most cytogenetic laboratories.

Results

For the direct observation of the IGH::CRLF2 gene fusion we designed a methodological approach requiring the two commercially available IGH and CRLF2 break-apart probes.

Conclusions

Our methodological approach allows direct visualization of the IGH::CRLF2 gene fusion and has the potential to be used for identification of other gene fusions.
Mitochondrial genomic investigation reveals a clear association between species and genotypes of Lucilia and geographic origin in Australia
Authors: Kapoor Shilpa , Young Neil D. , Yang Ying Ting , Batterham Philip , Gasser Robin B. , Bowles Vernon M. , Anstead Clare A. , Perry Trent
Published: August 2023

Background

Lucilia cuprina and L. sericata (family Calliphoridae) are globally significant ectoparasites of sheep. Current literature suggests that only one of these blowfly subspecies, L. cuprina dorsalis, is a primary parasite causing myiasis (flystrike) in sheep in Australia. These species and subspecies are difficult to distinguish using morphological features. Hence, being able to accurately identify blowflies is critical for diagnosis and for understanding their relationships with their hosts and environment.

Methods

In this study, adult blowflies (5 pools of 17 flies; n = 85) were collected from five locations in different states [New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD), Tasmania (TAS), Victoria (VIC) and Western Australia (WA)] of Australia and their mitochondrial (mt) genomes were assembled.

Results

Each mt genome assembled was ~ 15 kb in size and encoded 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs and a control region. The Lucilia species mt genomes were conserved in structure, and the genes retained the same order and direction. The overall nucleotide composition was heavily biased towards As and Ts—77.7% of the whole genomes. Pairwise nucleotide diversity suggested divergence between Lucilia cuprina cuprina, L. c. dorsalis and L. sericata. Comparative analyses of these mt genomes with published data demonstrated that the blowflies collected from sheep farm in TAS clustered within a clade with L. sericata. The flies collected from an urban location in QLD were more closely related to L. sericata and represented the subspecies L. c. cuprina, whereas the flies collected from sheep farms in NSW, VIC and WA represented the subspecies L. c. dorsalis.

Conclusions

Phylogenetic analyses of the mt genomes representing Lucilia from the five geographic locations in Australia supported the previously demonstrated paraphyly of L. cuprina with respect to L. sericata and revealed that L. c. cuprina is distinct from L. c. dorsalis and that L. c. cuprina is more closely related to L. sericata than L. c. dorsalis. The mt genomes reported here provide an important molecular resource to develop tools for species- and subspecies-level identification of Lucilia from different geographical regions across Australia.

Graphical Abstract
Utilization of Various Industrial Wastes in Ordinary Concrete Under Normal Manufacturing Conditions
Authors: Al-Tersawy Sherif H. , Zakey Sahar E. , El-Sadany Rasha A. , Sallam Hossam El-Din M.
Published: August 2023

The main objective of the present work is to evaluate using alkaline wastewater from pot factories (recycled NaOH solutions with variant concentrations and pH values) along with waste powders possessing pozzolanic properties, such as supplementary cementitious materials and stone waste dust in concrete under normal manufacturing conditions. An extensive analysis of the chemical components and the physical properties of the used materials was achieved. Both supplementary cementitious materials and stone waste dust materials were used as 0%, 10%, 20%, or 30% partial cement replacements using either tap water or alkaline wastewater to make samples for physical, mechanical, and microstructure testing. Thermodynamic modeling was used to evaluate the effect of the flushed alkaline industrial water and the powders on the hydration products. The results showed an increase in the workability of the mixes made with alkaline wastewater, an increase in water absorption for samples made with alkaline wastewater at the age of 28 days, and a relative decrease in compressive strength at 3 and 28 days, respectively. Despite the reduction in mechanical strength, most samples made with alkaline wastewater and 10%, 20% supplementary cementitious materials, or stone waste dust materials gave an accepted concrete grade. The microstructure analysis showed a slight change in pores distribution, pores values, and hydration products at 3 and 28 days. The thermodynamic analysis provided insight into data on the effect of supplementary cementitious materials, stone waste dust materials, and alkaline wastewater on hydration products. Finally, the combination of these wastes in concrete production showed satisfactory conclusions.
Soluble TREM-1 plasma concentration predicts poor outcome in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Gibot Sébastien , Lafon Thomas , Jacquin Laurent , Lefevre Benjamin , Kimmoun Antoine , Guillaumot Anne , Losser Marie-Reine , Douplat Marion , Argaud Laurent , De Ciancio Guillaume , Jolly Lucie , Touly Nina , Derive Marc , Malaplate Catherine , Luc Amandine , Baumann Cédric , François Bruno
Published: August 2023

Background

The immuno-receptor Triggering Expressed on Myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) is activated during bacterial infectious diseases, where it amplifies the inflammatory response. Small studies suggest that TREM-1 could be involved in viral infections, including COVID-19. We here aim to decipher whether plasma concentration of the soluble form of TREM-1 (sTREM-1) could predict the outcome of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre prospective observational study in 3 university hospitals in France. Consecutive hospitalized patients with confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2 were enrolled. Plasma concentration of sTREM-1 was measured on admission and then at days 4, 6, 8, 14, 21, and 28 in patients admitted into an ICU (ICU cohort: ICUC) or 3 times a week for patients hospitalized in a medical ward (Conventional Cohort: ConvC). Clinical and biological data were prospectively recorded and patients were followed-up for 90 days. For medical ward patients, the outcome was deemed complicated in case of requirement of increased oxygen supply > 5 L/min, transfer to an ICU, or death. For Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients, complicated outcome was defined by death in the ICU.

Results

Plasma concentration of sTREM-1 at inclusion was higher in ICU patients (n = 269) than in medical ward patients (n = 562) (224 pg/mL (IQR 144–320) vs 147 pg/mL (76–249), p < 0.0001), and higher in patients with a complicated outcome in both cohorts: 178 (94–300) vs 135 pg/mL (70–220), p < 0.0001 in the ward patients, and 342 (288–532) vs 206 pg/mL (134–291), p < 0.0001 in the ICU patients. Elevated sTREM-1 baseline concentration was an independent predictor of complicated outcomes (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.5 (1.1–2.1), p = 0.02 in ward patients; HR = 3.8 (1.8–8.0), p = 0.0003 in ICU patients). An sTREM-1 plasma concentration of 224 pg/mL had a sensitivity of 42%, and a specificity of 76% in the ConvC for complicated outcome. In the ICUC, a 287 pg/mL cutoff had a sensitivity of 78%, and a specificity of 74% for death. The sTREM-1 concentrations increased over time in the ConvC patients with a complicated outcome (p = 0.017), but not in the ICUC patients.

Conclusions

In COVID-19 patients, plasma concentration of sTREM-1 is an independent predictor of the outcome, although its positive and negative likelihood ratio are not good enough to guide clinical decision as a standalone marker.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Liver Fibrosis, and Utility of Noninvasive Scores in Patients With Acromegaly
Authors: Eroğlu İmdat , Iremli Burcin Gonul , Idilman Ilkay S , Yuce Deniz , Lay Incilay , Akata Deniz , Erbas Tomris
Published: August 2023

Context

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolical disorder and can lead to liver fibrosis. Because it is commonly seen, several noninvasive scores (NS) have been validated to identify high-risk patients. Patients with NAFLD have been shown to have higher serum angiopoietin-like protein-8 (ANGPTL-8) levels.

Objective

The risk of NAFLD is known insufficiently in acromegaly. Moreover, the utility of the NS and the link between NAFLD and ANGPTL-8 in acromegaly is unknown.

Methods

Thirty-two patients with acromegaly (n = 15, active [AA] and n = 17, controlled acromegaly [CA]) and 19 healthy controls were included. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-proton density fat fraction (PDFF) was used to evaluate hepatic steatosis, and magnetic resonance elastography to evaluate liver stiffness measurement. ANGPTL-8 levels were measured with ELISA.

Results

Median liver MRI-PDFF and NAFLD prevalence in AA were lower than in CA (P = .026 and P < .001, respectively). Median magnetic resonance elastography-liver stiffness measurement were similar across groups. Of the NS, visceral adiposity index, fatty liver index, hepatic steatosis index, and triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) all showed positive correlation with the liver MRI-PDFF in the control group. However, only TyG significantly correlated with liver fat in the AA and CA groups. There was no correlation between traditional NAFLD risk factors (body mass index, waist circumference, C-reactive protein, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, visceral adipose tissue) and liver MRI-PDFF in the AA and CA. Patients with acromegaly with NAFLD had lower GH, IGF-1, and ANGPTL-8 levels than in those without NAFLD (P = .025, P = .011, and P = .036, respectively).

Conclusion

Active acromegaly may protect from NAFLD because of high GH. In patients with acromegaly, NAFLD risk cannot be explained with classical risk factors; hence, additional risk factors must be identified. TyG is the best score to evaluate NAFLD risk. Lower ANGPTL-8 in patients with acromegaly and NAFLD implies this hormone may be raised because of insulin resistance rather than being a cause for NAFLD.
A New COL1A1 Mutation Associated With Type I Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Treatment Options for a Woman of Childbearing Age
Authors: Berti Sabrina , Luppi Elena , Seri Marco , Zavatta Guido
Published: August 2023

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare heritable skeletal dysplasia, clinically characterized by abnormal bone fragility and predisposition to fractures. Here, we describe the case of a 30-year-old woman harboring a novel frameshift variant in the COL1A1 gene, causing a mild but characteristic phenotype of type I OI. She has blue sclerae, a medical history of fractures during infancy and puberty, a vertebral fracture at a young age, and joint hypermobility. The mutation, c.108del (p.Pro37GInfs*37), causes a premature stop codon insertion, predicted to lead to an unstable mRNA, with a consequent reduction in type I collagen quantity. At present, little is known about the evolution of this phenotype during pregnancy, lactation, and premenopause, conditions that could increase the risk of fractures. Management of type I OI in a young woman of childbearing potential is problematic because most antiosteoporotic drugs are contraindicated in pregnancy, as discussed in our brief review.
Identification of Risks of Material Misstatement: Information in the Audit File
Authors: Yudintseva L.
Published: August 2023

The article presents the author’s methodology for identifying the risks of material misstatement, based on the requirements of regulatory legislation in the fi eld of audit. Th e process of reflecting the results of the audit survey in the working documentation is considered. Attention is focused on the individual components of the audit file in order to detail the data obtained and combine them into a single information flow. The main problematic aspects in the formation of the auditor’s working documentation in terms of identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement are analyzed.
Mega Cisterna Magna (MCM) in a man with frotteurism symptoms - a case report
Authors: Błachut Michał , Dębski Paweł Gustaw , Badura-Brzoza Karina , Świerzy Krzysztof , Lew-Starowicz Zbigniew
Published: August 2023

Mega cistera magna (MCM) to anomalia rozwojowa mózgu pojawiająca się w 1% obrazów radiologicznych. Występuje ona wtedy, gdy wymiar poprzeczny zbiornika móżdżkowo-rdzeniowego jest większy niż 10 mm. Jest to najważniejszy zbiornik w jamie czaszki. Od przodu ograniczony jest on przez rdzeń przedłużony, od tyłu przez oponę twardą, a od góry przez móżdżek. Izolowane anomalie w budowie tej okolicy mózgu często nie powodują żadnych objawów klinicznych. W badaniach coraz większą uwagę zwraca się jednak na udział móżdżku w regulacji procesów poznawczych oraz afektywnych. Procesy te mogą z kolei wiązać się również z regulacją w zakresie życia seksualnego. Celem pracy jest przedstawienie funkcjonowania psychoseksualnego mężczyzny ze zdiagnozowanym MCM, podejrzanego o dokonanie pięciu czynów zabronionych o charakterze seksualnym. Istnienie takiej budowy OUN w połączeniu z analizą wywiadu, danych z akt sprawy oraz z wynikami badań seksuologicznych, psychologicznych i psychiatrycznych było podstawą oceny ograniczenia zdolności badanego do kierowania swoim postępowaniem w czasie zarzucanych czynów, przy zachowanej zdolności do rozpoznania ich znaczenia.
Classical psychedelics in psychiatry – renaissance of interest and therapeutic perspectives
Authors: Jachimowski Askaniusz , Kucia Krzysztof
Published: August 2023

Substancje zmieniające stany świadomości były wykorzystywane w lecznictwie kultur tradycyjnych od setek lat. W zachodnim kręgu kulturowym naukowa ciekawość i nadzieja na przełom w leczeniu zróżnicowanych zaburzeń psychicznych były podstawą pierwszej fali badań na ludziach z wykorzystaniem psychodelików. Po zsyntetyzowaniu LSD substancje psychodeliczne wzbudziły intensywne, lecz krótkotrwałe zainteresowanie wśród specjalistów zdrowia psychicznego na początku drugiej połowy XX wieku. We wstępnych badaniach substancje takie jak psylocybina czy LSD wykorzystywane jako uzupełnienie psychoterapii wykazały obiecujące efekty terapeutyczne, jednak z przyczyn prawno-politycznych wszelkie prace badawcze zostały wstrzymane w latach 70-tych. Ostatnie dwie dekady to okres renesansu zainteresowania wykorzystaniem substancji psychodelicznych w psychiatrii. Mimo wczesnego etapu prac, dotychczasowe badania kliniczne wskazują na potencjalne korzyści z zastosowania psychodelików w leczeniu zaburzeń lękowych, afektywnych czy uzależnień. Co więcej, jak dotąd nie odnotowano poważnych działań niepożądanych tej formy terapii. Jednak z powodu szeregu barier natury zarówno medycznej, jak i prawnej, powstanie pierwszego leku psychotropowego o właściwościach psychodelicznych jawi się jako zadanie wyjątkowo skomplikowane. Dalsze, precyzyjnie skonstruowane badania na dużych grupach pacjentów są niezbędne, aby rozstrzygnąć czy psychodeliki mogą znaleźć praktyczne zastosowanie w terapii psychiatrycznej, czy wręcz stać się długo wyczekiwany przełomem w leczeniu zaburzeń psychicznych.
Psychiatric conditions in the practice of National Emergency Medical Services teams in eastern Poland during the SARS-CoV2 pandemic
Authors: Dudziński Łukasz , Glinka Marcin , Panczyk Mariusz
Published: August 2023

Cel pracy

Ocena wpływu epidemii COVID-19 w Polsce na liczbę wyjazdów zespołów Państwowego Ratownictwa Medycznego do pacjentów z zaburzeniami psychicznymi.

Metoda

Badanie obejmowało retrospektywną analizę wyjazdów ZRM powiatu łukowskiego (północna część woj. lubelskiego) w dwuletnim okresie od marca 2019 do końca lutego 2021 (rok przed epidemią – okres I, oraz rok trwania epidemii w Polsce- okres II). Materiał stanowiły Karty Zlecenia Wyjazdu i Karty Medycznych Czynności Ratunkowych ZRM.

Wyniki

W 2 letnim okresie wystąpiło 862 zdarzenia spełniające kryteria włączenia do analizy, odpowiednio 442 – okres I i 420 – okres II. W obu okresach mężczyźni byli częściej przedmiotem analizy (68,7% Pre-Pan; 71,1% Pan). Interwencje częściej miały miejsce na terenie miast (60,3% Pre-Pan; 60,7% Pan). Udział alkoholu i środków psychoaktywnych jako przyczynie interwencji ZRM do stanów psychiatrycznych był większy w okresie pandemii

Wnioski

1. Pandemia COVID–19 nie wpłynęła w znaczący sposób na liczbę interwencji ZRM związanych z zaburzeniami psychicznymi w rejonie objętym analizą
2. Średni czas realizacji interwencji ZRM do stanów psychiatrycznych nieznacznie zwiększył się w okresie epidemii
3. Zarówno w okresie przed jak i podczas pandemii w interwencjach objętych analizą to mężczyźni zdecydowanie częściej byli pacjentami ZRM
4. Wiek pacjentów objętych analizą nie zmienił się istotnie przed i podczas pandemii
5. Największy udział w analizie mają zdarzenia spowodowane nadużyciem alkoholu i zaostrzenia objawów schizofrenii zarówno przed jak i podczas pandemii
Editorial
Authors: Dudek Dominika , Sobański Jerzy A. , Klasa Katarzyna
Published: August 2023

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Aos olhos de Poe: da leitura literária à produção textual a partir do conto “O Homem da Multidão”, de Edgar Allan Poe
Authors: Souza Matheus Silva de , Oliveira William Brenno Dos Santos , Costa Júlia Dayane Ribeiro da , Coutinho Renata Karolyne Gomes
Published: August 2023

O ensino de literatura, conforme é pregado atualmente, estabelece-se em meio a práticas de leitura engessadas e pouco proveitosas para os alunos-leitores em formação. Por isso, o objetivo deste estudo é discutir a formação do sujeito leitor em sala de aula a partir do arcabouço teórico-crítico sobre o ensino de literatura formado por Todorov (2009), Rouxel (2013, 2014) e Rezende (2014), propondo-se, também, a reflexão acerca das práticas de leitura na educação básica brasileira, com o intuito de orientar um possível rompimento com a perspectiva monológica e racionalizante de ensino, para, assim, (re)pensar os métodos e mudar os rumos da leitura literária no âmbito escolar. Além disso, este artigo apresenta uma proposta de ensino de literatura, baseada no conto “O Homem da Multidão”, de Edgar Allan Poe, que visa à produção de crônicas na escola.
A vergonha é um fato social?
Authors: Potrich Maithê
Published: August 2023

Em A Vergonha, escrito em 1995 e publicado no Brasil em 2022 pela Editora Fósforo, a escritora francesa e vencedora do Prêmio Nobel de Literatura Annie Ernaux precisou de pouco mais de 80 páginas para contar a si como ela existiu em 1952, ano em que viu seu pai tentar matar sua mãe. O objetivo principal dessa resenha é buscar conexões entre os aspectos sociológicos que atribuem singularidade à obra autobiográfica de Annie Ernaux e teorias clássicas da Sociologia e da Antropologia. Privilegia-se, sobretudo, o diálogo entre Ernaux e o sociólogo francês Emile Durkheim através do conceito de fato social. Por fim, as peculiarades da escrita de Ernaux são confrontadas com as características dos gêneros literários modernos, num esforço para categorizar o livro A Vergonha.
Bildungsroman feminino: rupturas do romance de formação contemporâneo em O peso do pássaro morto, de Aline Bei
Authors: Dos Santos Soares Luana Raquel , Ferreira Vasconcelos Vania Maria
Published: August 2023

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo investigar os meios pelos quais o romance contemporâneo O peso do pássaro morto (2017), de Aline Bei, ao trazer os processos de formação de uma protagonista mulher, se constitui como um Bildungsroman feminino. A partir dos trabalhos de Maas (2000) e Pinto (1990), nos debruçamos sobre a gênese do Bildungsroman e sobre o percurso de construção de uma tradição feminina do gênero. Analisamos o final fracassado da protagonista, diferente do destino do herói masculino do Bildungsroman “tradicional”, construindo possibilidades de sentido possíveis para a morte da protagonista.
Uma máquina para porcos: entre figuras animalescas, horror e violência nas narrativas contemporâneas Amnesia e Porco de Raça
Authors: Martins Gomes de Oliveira Bella Beatriz , Furtado Ramos Wellington
Published: August 2023

As narrativas de horror são um ambiente de representação não apenas do medo, como também da realidade contemporânea, visto a presença de diversos símbolos da violência e da opressão da sociedade. A narrativa audiovisual Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs e a obra literária Porco de Raça apresentam nitidamente os efeitos dessa violência, demonstrando, para o jogador/leitor, não só o processo de desumanização das personagens, como o delírio e seu consequente efeito de animalização daqueles que não são “bem-vistos” pela sociedade. Este ensaio tem como objetivo apresentar, mediante a literatura comparada, as vivências animalescas e violentas experienciadas pelas personagens nas obras Porco de Raça e Amnesia: A Machine For Pigs, a fim de responder como os efeitos do preconceito e da submissão das minorias às imposições de uma cultura opressora influenciam a vida cotidiana.
Analysis of Security Access Control Systems in Fog Computing Environment
Authors: Zhang Junlin
Published: August 2023

Fog computing is a computing environment that can respond to user operational needs in real time. Aiming at the shortcomings of user privacy protection performance and structural performance, a method of completely hiding access structures is proposed under the framework of cloud and mist computing. The cuckoo filter is applied to the fog computing environment, and users are detected through fog nodes. If an attribute is detected to exist in the fully hidden access structure, the mapping function between the attribute and the access structure line number is returned. The research results show that with the increase of the number of attributes, the advantage of attribute confirmation time for fog servers is gradually obvious; The overall delay of fog computing is shorter, the Time To Live (TTL) is longer, the average delay is only 3 ms, and the delay is lower; The completely hidden access structure constructed by the cuckoo algorithm occupies only 1% of the total system steps, which can more effectively achieve user privacy protection without increasing overhead. The proposed scheme greatly reduces the amount of computation while fully protecting user privacy, and meets the needs of users for fast and secure access.
Security of Encrypted Images in Network Transmission Based on an Improved Chaos Algorithm
Authors: Du Gaili
Published: August 2023

With the wide application of 5G networks, many digital images must rely on networks for transmission. Traditional image encryption algorithms can no longer meet modern security requirements, and it is important to protect digital images in network transmission more securely. To address the shortcomings of traditional chaotic algorithms in image encryption, such as the strong randomness of image pixel replacement and time-consuming computations of image pixel iteration, we use a fractional-order Fourier transform to replace the image pixel matrix, a one-dimensional logistic chaos algorithm to reduce the problem of strong randomness of image pixels, and a sine chaos-based idea to optimize the diffusion algorithm to reduce the computational complexity. After encrypting a digital image in simulation experiments, we achieved better results through statistical analysis, adjacent pixel correlation, and resistance to differential attack performance analysis index tests, and verified the protection effect of this algorithm in digital images during network attacks.
Machine Learning: Research on Detection of Network Security Vulnerabilities by Extracting and Matching Features
Authors: Xue Ying
Published: August 2023

The existence of vulnerabilities is a serious threat to the security of networks, which needs to be detected timely. In this paper, machine learning methods were mainly studied. Firstly, network security vulnerabilities were briefly introduced, and then a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) + Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) method was designed to extract and match vulnerability features by preprocessing vulnerability data based on National Vulnerability Database. It was found that the CNN-LSTM method had high training accuracy, and its recall rate, precision, F1, and Mathews correlation coefficient (MCC) values were better than those of support vector machine and other methods in detecting the test set; its F1 and MCC values reached 0.8807 and 0.9738, respectively; the F1 value was above 0.85 in detecting different categories of vulnerabilities. The results demonstrate the reliability of the CNN-LSTM method for vulnerability detection. The CNN-LSTM method can be applied to real networks.
Quantum Image Encryption Algorithm Incorporating Bit-plane Color Representation and Real Ket Model
Authors: Zhou Xv , He Jinwen
Published: August 2023

Image is one of the most important carriers of information that humans transmit on a daily basis. Therefore, the security of images in the transmission process has been a key study subject. A quantum bit-plane representation of the Real Ket model (QBRK) is proposed, which requires 2n+4 and 2n+6 quantum bits to represent gray-scale and color images of 22n−k×2k size, respectively. On the basis of the QBRK model and chaotic system, an image encryption algorithm is proposed according to pixel position encoding for slice dislocation and quantum bit-plane XOR operation. First, we use a modified logistics chaos system to generate two matrices that perform matrix determinant transformations in the bit-plane. Then, we perform an XOR operation on the pixel values based on the parity bit-plane. Finally, the pixel diffusion is completed by permutation with each cut encoding in the QBRK model. According to the simulation outcomes and security analysis, the encryption algorithm is very efficient and well resists state-of-the-art attacks.
Multidisciplinary integrated optimal design process for optomechanical structures
Authors: Kim Chol-Hyon , Kim Jong-Nam , Kim Sun-Chol , Yun Myong-Song , Kim Gyong-Jin , Han Yong-Gil
Published: August 2023

This paper presents an integrated design process for optomechanical structures based on multidisciplinary optimization. The proposed integrated optimal design process comprises a finite element analysis by ANSYS Workbench, the MATLAB optomechanical transfer program, an optical analysis by ZEMAX, and the multidisciplinary optimization solver by Isight. In ANSYS Workbench, the deformation of optical surfaces, structures, and responses according to the design requirements is calculated in one project. Then, Zernike polynomial coefficients are calculated from surface deformation data of optical surfaces through a MATLAB optomechanical transfer program. In ZEMAX, the Zernike polynomial coefficients are imported into optical surface models of an optical system; then, optical performance parameters, such as the wavefront error, optical aberration, MTF, and OPD, are calculated. In the Isight environment, automatic iterative computations are performed between these three programs and, as a result, the design dimensions of optomechanical structures are determined, satisfying the design requirements and improving the performance of an optical system. By using this integrated optimal design process, the optimal design and analysis for a complete optomechanical structure, as well as individual structure parts, can be performed successfully. In this paper, the optimal design problem for three parts of a Cassegrain telescope, which consists of a primary mirror with an outer diameter of 156 mm and a secondary mirror with an outer diameter of 46 mm, was taken as an example. By using optimal parts, the image wavefront error of the Cassegrain telescope was decreased from 29.9 to 16.1 nm.
Detection of phase change of light using photorefractive liquid crystal and its application to laser ultrasonics
Authors: Sasaki Takeo , Takashi Toshinobu , Suzuki Kaita , Ikeda Gouta , Kawano Ayumi , Ishii Yukihiro , Le Khoa , Naka Yumiko
Published: August 2023

Laser ultrasonics using a photorefractive liquid crystal is investigated with coaxial- and counter-optical setups. The proposed laser ultrasonic method involves irradiating an object with a laser pulse to produce an ultrasonic vibration and then using another laser beam to detect the vibration. The phase of the laser beam reflected from the object is shifted by the ultrasonic vibration. By using liquid crystals with photorefractive properties, this phase shift can be detected. Compared to traditional laser ultrasonic methods, this system offers a simpler optical setup and allows for more precise measurements that are unaffected by environmental vibrations.
Examining the prevalence and determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding: Evidence from the 2017/2018 Benin demographic and health survey
Authors: Armah-Ansah Ebenezer Kwesi , Wilson Elvis Ato , Oteng Kenneth Fosu , Bawa Benedicta , Dawson Joseph Yaw
Published: August 2023

Early initiation of breastfeeding has been noted as one of the well-known and successful interventions that contributes to the reduction of early childhood mortality and morbidity. The Government of Benin has established multi-sectoral institutions and policies to increase the prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding. However, there is little information on the prevalence and the determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding in Benin. This study therefore sought to examine the prevalence and determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding among women in Benin. This is a secondary data analysis of the 2017/2018 Benin demographic and health survey. The study included weighted sample of 7,223 women between the ages of 15 and 49. STATA was used for the data analysis. We used a multilevel logistic regression to investigate the factors of early breastfeeding initiation in Benin. To determine the significant relationships, the data were reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and p-value 0.05. The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding among mothers was 56.0%. Early initiation of breastfeeding was lower among employed women (aOR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.69–0.94), women who had caesarean section (aOR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.16–0.28), those exposed to mass media (aOR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.75–0.96) and women who received assistance at birth from skilled worker (aOR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.46–0.71). The findings of this study showed that four in ten children miss early initiation of breastfeeding in Benin. The findings, therefore, call for the need for policymakers to shape existing programs and consider new programs and policies to help improve early initiation of breastfeeding practices in Benin. It is, therefore, recommended that information, education and communication programs targeting mothers who are less likely to practice early initiation of breastfeeding be formulated, implemented, and monitored accordingly by the Ministry of Health.