bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymorphism in autophagy-related genes LRP1 and CAPZA1 may promote gastric mucosal atrophy
Authors: Yamaguchi Naoyuki , Sakaguchi Takuki , Isomoto Hajime , Inamine Tatsuo , Tsukamoto Ryoya , Fukuda Daisuke , Ohnita Ken , Kanda Tsutomu , Matsushima Kayoko , Hirayama Tatsuro , Yashima Kazuo , Tsukamoto Kazuhiro
Published: May 2023

Background

Helicobacter pylori secretes cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) into the gastric epithelium, causing gastric mucosal atrophy (GMA) and gastric cancer. In contrast, host cells degrade CagA via autophagy. However, the association between polymorphisms in autophagy-related genes and GMA must be fully elucidated.

Results

We evaluated the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in autophagy-related genes (low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1, LRP1; capping actin protein of muscle Z-line alpha subunit 1, CAPAZ1; and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1, LAMP1) and GMA in 200 H. pylori-positive individuals. The frequency of the T/T genotype at rs1800137 in LRP1 was significantly lower in the GMA group than in the non-GMA group (p = 0.018, odds ratio [OR] = 0.188). The frequencies of the G/A or A/A genotype at rs4423118 and T/A or A/A genotype at rs58618380 of CAPAZ1 in the GMA group were significantly higher than those in the non-GMA group (p = 0.029 and p = 0.027, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that C/C or C/T genotype at rs1800137, T/A or A/A genotype at rs58618380, and age were independent risk factors for GMA (p = 0.038, p = 0.023, and p = 0.006, respectively). Furthermore, individuals with the rs1800137 C/C or C/T genotype of LRP1 had a 5.3-fold higher susceptibility to GMA. These genetic tests may provide future directions for precision medicine for individuals more likely to develop GMA.

Conclusion

LRP1 and CAPZA1 polymorphisms may be associated with the development of GMA.
Comparing food consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic: analysis of household income and expenditure survey data in Iran
Authors: Hajipoor Mojtaba , Rahbarinejad Pegah , Irankhah Kiyavash , Sobhani Seyyed Reza
Published: May 2023

Background

On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the outbreak of the infectious disease COVID-19 as a pandemic. The health strategies of nations lead to possible changes in lifestyle and increase poor eating habits. Hence, the purpose of this study is to compare food consumption during COVID-19 pandemic in Iran.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used secondary data from the Households Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) conducted annually by the Statistical Centre of Iran. Food cost data of HIES included the amount of all food items in household food baskets during the last month. Then, they were classified into six food groups to evaluate their energy intake. The consequence of food consumption was analyzed as a function of socioeconomic status (SES) variables and residence pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

In total, 75,885 households (83.5% male) were included in the study. Among the population of urban and rural areas as well as in different SES categories, people tended to increase the consumption of meat (P < 0.05) and fresh foods, especially vegetable groups (P < 0.001) and decrease the consumption of fruit (P < 0.001), fat and sweets groups (P < 0.05) and also in energy intake (P < 0.05). Macronutrient changes were different in the category of SES, urban and rural.

Conclusion

Our study indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic had different effects on food groups, energy and macronutrients consumption, which could be due to possible changes in food patterns as a result of the pandemic.
The implications of decolonization on China’s academic global health: a dialogue with Stephen Gloyd at the Luhu Global Health Salon
Authors: Tang Yu , Zhang Feifei , Xu Dong Roman
Published: May 2023

The call for decolonization in global health is growing alongside China’s increasing involvement in the field. This perspective paper presents and extends with a further literature review of a dialogue with Stephen Gloyd, a global health professor from the University of Washington, conducted in July 2022 at the Luhu Global Health Salon. Drawing from Gloyd’s four decades of experiences in low- and middle-income countries, as well as his role in creating the University of Washington’s global health department, the doctoral program in implementation science, and the non-governmental organization, Health Alliance International, this paper delves into the concept of decolonization in global health and explores how Chinese universities can expand their participation in global health while striving for equity and justice. Focusing on China’s academic global health research, education, and practice, the paper proposes specific recommendations for building an equity-focused global health curriculum, addressing power imbalances and inequalities in university-affiliated organizations, and strengthening South-South cooperation in practice. The paper offers implications for Chinese universities on expanding future global health cooperation, promoting global health governance, and avoiding recolonization.
Comparison of Airtraq™ video-laryngoscope and Macintosh laryngoscope for tracheal intubation in adults—a randomised study
Authors: Meena Seema , Chaudhary Sujata , Salhotra Rashmi , Bharti Swati , Khurana Bismanjeet Kaur
Published: May 2023

Background

Airway management by intubation is considered a major responsibility and vital skill for anaesthesiologists. Direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation under vision continues to be the gold standard for airway management. Though conventional laryngoscopy is done with Macintosh blade, it has its own drawbacks. The Airtraq™ is a tube/guide channelled video-laryngoscope and can be used in patients with normal as well as difficult airway. On literature review, studies comparing intubation time with Airtraq™ and Macintosh laryngoscopes have shown heterogeneous results. Therefore, the present study was designed to compare the Airtraq™ video-laryngoscope and Macintosh laryngoscope for tracheal intubation in adults.

Results

The median time to intubation was significantly longer in group A [45 (27–77) s] than in group M [24 (21–26) s] (p < 0.001). In both groups, 96% patients had POGO score 75–100% and CL grade I. Intubation was noted to be easy in 88% cases in group A and 92% in group M (p > 0.05). Three cases in group A required a second attempt for successful intubation, whereas in group M, all cases were intubated in the first attempt (p > 0.05). Hemodynamic parameters and complications were comparable among the groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Airtraq™ video-laryngoscope took longer time for intubation than Macintosh laryngoscope. However, both the devices were similar in terms of glottic view, ease of intubation, number of intubation attempts, incidence of failed intubation, hemodynamic changes, and complications. The overall performance of Airtraq™ video-laryngoscope was similar to Macintosh laryngoscope in patients having normal airways.
Carbon reduction of plastic’s circular strategies: tracking the effects along supply chains with waste input–output modeling
Authors: Chang Chien Jui-Hao , Chen Pi-Cheng
Published: May 2023

Plastic is a material associated with various Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions along the life cycles of different products. Many economies have adopted or planned for strategies to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic goods and materials. The benefits of reductions in waste generation and GHG emissions need to be evaluated for setting the priority to select policy instruments for managing various plastic materials, products, and wastes. Several studies have made evaluations for the circulation of plastic using different models. However, many models for the circular economy focused on the effect on the macroeconomy rather than the detailed supply chain effects of an individual policy proposal. The reason could be the lack of an environmental assessment model with sufficient clear resolutions in the sectors, waste types, and waste treatments. In addition, the structure of the models limits many studies in modeling the scenarios diverting end-of-life products from waste treatments to recycling and reuse as secondary materials. To bridge this gap, this study adopted the waste input–output analysis methodology and compiled the models of baseline and four scenarios using the material flow and waste stream data of Taiwan with reference to a classification of four kinds of circular intervention from a review paper. We provide the details about the modeling results and settings for diverting plastic to the solid recovered fuel for power generation, closing the loops of plastic bags, extending the life of plastic cabinets and other plastic products, and improving the plastic products supply chain’s resource efficiencies. In the illustration of the results of GHG reductions in the supply chains and waste treatment activities, we present Sankey diagrams, which make the analysis of supply chains more straightforward. The developed method to render the Sankey diagram from the modeling result of an input–output-based model is presented in this article.
Assessment of sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in Behçet’s disease
Authors: Shaddad Ahmad M. , Hussein Aliaë A. R. Mohamed , Safwat Shady Mohamed , Talaat Esraa A. , Farrag Sara , Gamal Nada M. , Khaleel Waleed Gamal Elddin
Published: May 2023

Background

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a multi-organ disease with different systemic manifestations. While rare in the United States and Europe, it is more common in the Middle East and Asia. BD is one of the commonest encountered vasculitis in Egypt. This study aims to evaluate BD patients' sleep patterns, quality of life, and psychological aspects.

Methods

Patients suffering from Behçet’s disease (thirty patients) and 30 matched age and sex-healthy control participants were recruited in our study. The assessment included the entire clinical history and laboratory investigations, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and Oxygen saturation level. Evaluation of sleep quality and presence of sleep-disordered breathing was done using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia severity index (ISI), and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). Hamilton’s anxiety (HAM-A) and depression rating scales (HAM-D) were used for psychological assessment. The Short Form 36 Quality Of Life Scale (SF-36 QOL) assessed participants' quality of life.

Results

Behçet’s disease patients suffered significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to the control group. The prevalence of insomnia and daytime sleepiness was significantly higher among BD patients. All components of PSQI, including the global score, were significantly higher among the BD group. Physical functioning, role limitation due to physical health, and emotional problems; also, general health indices were significantly lower for the BD group. Patients with active BD showed significantly higher levels of anxiety, depression, insomnia, day time dysfunction and significantly lower all domains of the SF-36 QOL Scale.

Conclusions

BD is associated with low sleep quality and high levels of anxiety and depression.

Disease activity directly impacts anxiety, depression levels, lower sleep quality, and lower quality of life among BD patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT05142995. Registered November 20, 2021.
Study on anti-crack effect of semi-rigid base pavement with stress absorbing layer
Authors: Nie Dan , Wang Shuxia , Sun Panxu , Huang Changjing
Published: May 2023

For the characteristics of semi-rigid base asphalt pavement prone to cracking, various stress-absorption layers are applied widely by decreasing stress concentration, improving interlayer bonding and waterproofing. Existing studies on the anti-cracking effect of stress absorbing layers rarely consider top-down fatigue cracking on the outside of the boundary of the vehicle loading zone. Firstly, this paper proposes a finite element model setting a downward expansion of fatigue crack in pavement based on fracture mechanics. The influence law of modulus and thickness of stress absorbing layer on stress intensity factor of crack tip and the fatigue life of the pavement is analyzed furthermore. Numerical calculation results demonstrate that shearing stress intensity factor increases with stress absorbing layer thickness and decreases with stress absorbing layer modulus, while fatigue life of pavement grows with the modulus of the stress absorbing layer and decreases with its thickness. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the modulus of the stress absorbing layer has a greater effect on the fatigue life of the pavement relative to thickness, which offers reference for further promotion and application of stress absorbing layer.
Use of cognitive remediation to treat negative symptoms in schizophrenia: is it time yet?
Authors: Penadés Rafael , Wykes Til
Published: May 2023

Cognitive remediation is currently recommended to treat cognitive and functional impairments in patients with schizophrenia. Recently, treatment of negative symptoms has been proposed as a new target for cognitive remediation. Evidence of reductions in negative symptoms has been described in different meta-analyses. However, treating primary negative symptoms is still an open question. Despite some emerging evidence, more research focused on individuals with primary negative symptoms is indispensable. In addition, more attention to the role of moderators and mediators and the use of more specific assessments is necessary. Nevertheless, cognitive remediation could be considered as one promising option to treat primary negative symptoms.
From Boring to Bravo! Using Learning Science to Create Memorable Presentations
Authors: Schwartz Jennifer E. , Brondfield Sam , Walsh Katherine , Manochakian Rami
Published: May 2023

The practice of oncology continues to evolve over time. Educators find themselves in a position where they are no longer able to teach a topic in its entirety. Moreover, the rapid expansion of information available through research and discovery in the field of oncology makes it difficult for learners to process the constant barrage of new content. Lecturers continue to impart knowledge using didactic techniques, often trying to include as much material as possible in the time permitted. The question becomes: In the face of an impossibly large field, how can one assist learners in learning, and retaining, what is most important? The science of learning continues to develop, and we now recognize that there are ways to teach that optimally facilitate the retention and application of knowledge. By using these strategies, educators can make it easier for learners to absorb and retain key information. This article will touch upon several such techniques: cognitive load optimization, analogy, contrasting cases, elaboration, and just-in-time telling. By applying these methods to didactic presentations, educators can ensure that their lessons are heard, understood, and ultimately transformed into something unforgettable.
Randomized Phase III Trial of Pemetrexed Versus Docetaxel in Patients With Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Previously Treated With Chemotherapy
Authors: Hanna Nasser , Shepherd Frances A. , Fossella Frank V. , Pereira Jose R. , De Marinis Filippo , von Pawel Joachim , Gatzemeier Ulrich , Tsao Thomas Chang Yao , Pless Miklos , Muller Thomas , Lim Hong-Liang , Desch Christopher , Szondy Klara , Gervais Radj , Shaharyar  , Manegold Christian , Paul Sofia , Paoletti Paolo , Einhorn Lawrence , Bunn Paul A.
Published: May 2023

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy and toxicity of pemetrexed versus docetaxel in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) previously treated with chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients had a performance status 0 to 2, previous treatment with one prior chemotherapy regimen for advanced NSCLC, and adequate organ function. Patients received pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) day 1 with vitamin B12, folic acid, and dexamethasone or docetaxel 75 mg/m2 IV day 1 with dexamethasone every 21 days. The primary end point was overall survival.

RESULTS

Five hundred seventy-one patients were randomly assigned. Overall response rates were 9.1% and 8.8% (analysis of variance P = .105) for pemetrexed and docetaxel, respectively. Median progression-free survival was 2.9 months for each arm, and median survival time was 8.3 versus 7.9 months ( P = not significant) for pemetrexed and docetaxel, respectively. The 1-year survival rate for each arm was 29.7%. Patients receiving docetaxel were more likely to have grade 3 or 4 neutropenia (40.2% v 5.3%; P < .001), febrile neutropenia (12.7% v 1.9%; P < .001), neutropenia with infections (3.3% v 0.0%; P = .004), hospitalizations for neutropenic fever (13.4% v 1.5%; P < .001), hospitalizations due to other drug related adverse events (10.5% v 6.4%; P = .092), use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support (19.2% v 2.6%, P < .001) and all grade alopecia (37.7% v 6.4%; P < .001) compared with patients receiving pemetrexed.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with pemetrexed resulted in clinically equivalent efficacy outcomes, but with significantly fewer side effects compared with docetaxel in the second-line treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC and should be considered a standard treatment option for second-line NSCLC when available.
Testing for ESR1 Mutations to Guide Therapy for Hormone Receptor–Positive, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer: ASCO Guideline Rapid Recommendation Update
Authors: Burstein Harold J. , DeMichele Angela , Somerfield Mark R. , Henry N. Lynn ,   for the Biomarker Testing and Endocrine and Targeted Therapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer Expert Panels
Published: May 2023

ASCO Rapid Recommendations Updates highlight revisions to select ASCO guideline recommendations as a response to the emergence of new and practice-changing data. The rapid updates are supported by an evidence review and follow the guideline development processes outlined in the ASCO Guideline Methodology Manual. The goal of these articles is to disseminate updated recommendations, in a timely manner, to better inform health practitioners and the public on the best available cancer care options. See the Appendix for disclaimers and other important information ( Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 , online only).
Unilateral Graves’ Disease in a Bilobar Thyroid Gland: A Very Unusual Cause of Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Alaybaa Khaled , Alhuzaim Omar
Published: May 2023

Graves’ disease (GD) is an autoimmune condition that affects both thyroid gland lobes. Patients with GD with unilateral thyroid scan uptake are rare. These patients present with classic Graves’ symptoms, occasionally with Graves’ ophthalmopathy characteristics and increased thyroid hormones, and scintigraphic assessment reveals radiotracer uptake in only 1 lobe of the thyroid gland. In this case, a 48-year-old female presented with symptoms and signs indicative of thyrotoxicosis. Laboratory results revealed that TSH was undetectable, whereas free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine were in the high-normal range. Positive results were observed for both thyroid-stimulating Ig and TSH receptor antibodies. Ultrasonography of the thyroid gland revealed an enlarged left lobe with heterogeneous echotexture and a hyperemic gland without any focal lesions, distinct nodules, or cysts. Thyroid scintigraphy revealed enlarged and increased radioisotope uptake in the left lobe and decreased uptake in the right lobe, with no hot or cold nodules. The most likely diagnosis was unilateral GD. The patient was administered carbimazole and within 8 weeks had improved clinically and biochemically.
Long-term Effectiveness of Ethanol Ablation in Controlling Neck Nodal Metastases in Childhood Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Hay Ian D , Lee Robert A , Reading Carl C , Pittock Siobhan T , Sharma Animesh , Thompson Geoffrey B , William Charboneau J
Published: May 2023

Context

Childhood papillary thyroid carcinoma (CPTC), despite bilateral thyroidectomy, nodal dissection and radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA), recurs within neck nodal metastases (NNM) in 33% within 20 postoperative years. These NNM are usually treated with reoperation or further radioiodine. Ethanol ablation (EA) may be considered when numbers of NNM are limited.

Objective

We studied the long-term results of EA in 14 patients presenting with CPTC during 1978 to 2013 and having EA for NNM during 2000 to 2018.

Methods

Cytologic diagnoses of 20 NNM (median diameter 9 mm; median volume 203 mm3) were biopsy proven. EA was performed during 2 outpatient sessions under local anesthesia; total volume injected ranged from 0.1 to 2.8 cc (median 0.7). All were followed regularly by sonography and underwent volume recalculation and intranodal Doppler flow measurements. Successful ablation required reduction both in NNM volume and vascularity.

Results

Post EA, patients were followed for 5 to 20 years (median 16). There were no complications, including postprocedure hoarseness. All 20 NNM shrank (mean by 87%) and Doppler flow eliminated in 19 of 20. After EA, 11 NNM (55%) disappeared on sonography; 8 of 11 before 20 months. Nine ablated foci were still identifiable after a median of 147 months; only one identifiable 5-mm NNM retained flow. Median serum Tg post EA was 0.6 ng/mL. Only one patient had an increase in Tg attributed to lung metastases.

Conclusion

EA of NNM in CPTC is effective and safe. Our results suggest that for CPTC patients who do not wish further surgery and are uncomfortable with active surveillance of NNM, EA represents a minimally invasive outpatient management option.
The Shifting Nature of Subsistence on the Hopi Indian Reservation
Authors: Johnson Tai Elizabeth
Published: May 2023

On the outstretched fingers of Black Mesa lie the longest continually inhabited settlements in North America. Here, on the Hopi Indian Reservation, roots of blue corn reach deep into sandy soil that sustained one of the world's most biologically diverse agricultural systems for over one thousand years. In dry farmed fields fed by violent monsoon storms and in terraced gardens irrigated by ancestral springs, Hopi agriculturalists perfected a system of spiritual and physical subsistence that produced the majority of food consumed in Hopi communities. During the twentieth century, the rise of wage labor and increased access to cash facilitated the shift from a diet comprised primarily of traditional food produced by Hopi farmers to one dependent on food purchased in grocery stores or acquired through food aid programs, contributing to high rates of obesity and diabetes. Despite deep fractures in their food system, Hopis continued to produce and consume traditional foods while negotiating the terms upon which new foods were adopted into their culinary universe, demonstrating sustained resilience in the face of a shifting subsistence base.
Fragmentary, Censored, Indispensable
Authors: Bowles Brett
Published: May 2023

While the massacre of peaceful Algerian demonstrators by French police on October 17, 1961, has been thoroughly studied by historians and is well known to the general public thanks to a sprawling corpus of novels, plays, songs, films, bandes dessinées, and other retrospective representations, to date there has been no careful archaeology of the event's original audiovisual archive from 1961. This article takes up that challenge in two stages: first, by identifying the photos and newsreel footage shot on the night of October 17, specifying the circumstances of their production, (non)distribution, and impact in the immediate aftermath of the massacre; second, by surveying how key elements of the original archive were recycled over the following sixty years to serve in turn as surrogates for and complements to other sources of knowledge about this infamous and long-dissimulated crime d’état.
Y-complex nucleoporins independently contribute to nuclear pore assembly and gene regulation in neuronal progenitors
Authors: Orniacki Clarisse , Verrico Annalisa , Pelletier Stéphane , Souquet Benoit , Coulpier Fanny , Jourdren Laurent , Benetti Serena , Doye Valérie
Published: May 2023

Besides assembling nuclear pore complexes, the conduits of nuclear transport, many nucleoporins also contribute to chromatin organization and gene expression, with critical roles in development and pathologies. We previously reported that Nup133 and Seh1, two components of the Y-complex subassembly of the nuclear pore scaffold, are dispensable for mouse embryonic stem cell viability but required for their survival during neuroectodermal differentiation. Here, a transcriptomic analysis revealed that Nup133 regulates a subset of genes at early stages of neuroectodermal differentiation, including Lhx1 and Nup210l, which encodes a newly validated nucleoporin. These genes are also misregulated in Nup133ΔMid neuronal progenitors, in which nuclear pore basket assembly is impaired. However, a four-fold reduction of Nup133 levels, despite also affecting basket assembly, is not sufficient to alter Nup210l and Lhx1 expression. Finally, these two genes are also misregulated in Seh1-deficient neural progenitors, which only show a mild reduction in nuclear pore density. Together these data reveal a shared function of Y-complex nucleoporins in gene regulation during neuroectodermal differentiation, apparently independent of nuclear pore basket integrity.
Emersion and recovery alter oxygen consumption, ammonia and urea excretion, and oxidative stress parameters, but not diffusive water exchange or transepithelial potential in the green crab (Carcinus maenas)
Authors: Sadauskas-Henrique Helen , Johannsson Ora E. , Po Beverly H. K. , Val Adalberto L. , Wood Chris M.
Published: May 2023

The green crab (Carcinus maenas) is an inshore species affected by intertidal zonation patterns, facing periods of emersion during low tide and submersion during high tide. During these periods of air and subsequent water exposure, these species can face physiological challenges. We examined changes in O2 consumption rate (ṀO2), and ammonia and urea excretion rates over sequential 14 h periods in seawater (32 ppt, control), in air and during recovery in seawater after air exposure (13°C throughout). At the end of each exposure, the anterior (5th) and posterior (8th) gills and the hepatopancreas were removed for measurements of oxidative stress parameters (TBARs and catalase in the gills and hepatopancreas, and protein carbonyls in the gills). ṀO2 remained unchanged during air exposure, but increased greatly (3.4-fold above control levels) during the recovery period. Ammonia and urea net fluxes were reduced by 98% during air exposure, but rebounded during recovery to >2-fold the control rates. Exchangeable water pools, rate constants of diffusive water exchange, unidirectional diffusive water flux rates (using tritiated water) and transepithelial potential were also measured during control and recovery treatments, but exhibited no significant changes. Damage to proteins was not observed in either gill. However, lipid damage occurred in the anterior (respiratory) gill after the air exposure but not in the posterior (ionoregulatory) gill or hepatopancreas. Catalase activity also decreased significantly in recovery relative to levels during air exposure in both the anterior gill and hepatopancreas, but not in the posterior gill. The crabs did not modify water metabolism or permeability. We conclude that ṀO2 was maintained but not enhanced during air exposure, while ammonia and urea-N excretion were impaired. As a result, all of these parameters increase greatly during re-immersion recovery, and oxidative stress also occurs. Clearly, emersion is not without physiological costs.
Effect of clinical pharmacists participating in nutritional therapy for patients with acute cerebral infarction complicated with dysphagia
Authors: Wu Lixin , Hou Haiyan
Published: May 2023

Objective: To explore the effect of clinical pharmacists participating in nutritional therapy for patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI) complicated with dysphagia.

Methods: This is a Clinical comparative study. A total of 82 patients with ACI complicated with dysphagia treated in Baoding No.1 Central Hospital from May 2021 to February 2022 were included as subjects. They were divided into control group (n= 40, without clinical pharmacists) and experimental group (n= 42, with clinical pharmacists) using a random number table. The effect of nutritional therapy and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.

Results: In the experimental group, PALB and ALB were both higher than those in the control group on the seven and 14-day after treatment (p< 0.05), while HB was higher than that in the control group only on the 14-day after treatment (p< 0.05). After treatment for 14-day, MAMC and TSF in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group (p< 0.05), while NIHSS score was lower than that in the control group (p< 0.05). The incidence of adverse events in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group (p< 0.05).

Conclusion: Pharmaceutical intervention in nutritional therapy for patients with ACI complicated with dysphagia has positive significance in further improving the nutritional status and nutritional indexes, enhancing the efficacy of drug treatment and reducing the risk of adverse events, and is worthy of promotion.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.4.7121

How to cite this: Wu L, Hou H. Effect of clinical pharmacists participating in nutritional therapy for patients with acute cerebral infarction complicated with dysphagia. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(4):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.4.7121

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The science of birdsong and the spectrogram, the technique that changed it all
Authors: Amador Ana , Mindlin Gabriel B.
Published: May 2023

It is common for significant advances in science to come hand in hand with innovative techniques. The study of birdsong was able to immensely expand incorporating novel rigorous investigations when a graphic and informative representation of sound was achieved. The result of this technique, the spectrogram, allows describing the pitch modulations and timbre properties of sounds as a function of time. In this paper we review its history and some of its applications.
The DECIDE project: from surveillance data to decision-support for farmers and veterinarians
Authors: van Schaik Gerdien , Hostens Miel , Faverjon Céline , Jensen Dan B. , Kristensen Anders R. , Ezanno Pauline , Frössling Jenny , Dórea Fernanda , Jensen Britt-Bang , Carmo Luis Pedro , Steeneveld Wilma , Rushton Jonathan , Gilbert William , Bearth Angela , Siegrist Michael , Kaler Jasmeet , Ripperger Johannes , Siehler Jamuna , de Wit Sjaak , Garcia-Morante Beatriz , Segalés Joaquim , Pardon Bart , Bokma Jade , Nielen Mirjam
Published: May 2023

Farmers, veterinarians and other animal health managers in the livestock sector are currently missing sufficient information on prevalence and burden of contagious endemic animal diseases. They need adequate tools for risk assessment and prioritization of control measures for these diseases. The DECIDE project develops data-driven decision-support tools, which present (i) robust and early signals of disease emergence and options for diagnostic confirmation; and (ii) options for controlling the disease along with their implications in terms of disease spread, economic burden and animal welfare. DECIDE focuses on respiratory and gastro-intestinal syndromes in the three most important terrestrial livestock species (pigs, poultry, cattle) and on reduced growth and mortality in two of the most important aquaculture species (salmon and trout). For each of these, we (i) identify the stakeholder needs; (ii) determine the burden of disease and costs of control measures; (iii) develop data sharing frameworks based on federated data access and meta-information sharing; (iv) build multivariate and multi-level models for creating early warning systems; and (v) rank interventions based on multiple criteria. Together, all of this forms decision-support tools to be integrated in existing farm management systems wherever possible and to be evaluated in several pilot implementations in farms across Europe. The results of DECIDE lead to improved use of surveillance data and evidence-based decisions on disease control. Improved disease control is essential for a sustainable food chain in Europe with increased animal health and welfare and that protects human health.
The genome sequence of a cockchafer, Melolontha melolontha (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Ashworth Mike ,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: May 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Melolontha melolontha (a cockchafer; Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Scarabaeidae). The genome sequence is 1,656.9 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 18.4 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 17,392 protein coding genes.
Probiotics and gut-skin axis - new look on factors affecting skin condition
Authors: Małolepsza Aleksandra , Dembowski Tomasz
Published: May 2023

Introduction and purpose 

The human gut microbiota consists of trillions of microscopic organisms, mostly bacterias. They play a significant role in nutrient metabolism, maintenance of structural integrity of the gut mucosal barrier, immunomodulation and protection against pathogens. Many factors can influence the composition of the intestinal microbiota, for example antibiotics, diet or stress. These factors may lead to dysbiosis which causes activation of neurotransmitters. It can results in the entry of metabolites to the blood stream, systemic immune dysregulation and alteration of skin microbiota. The aim of the study was to review the literature and determine the effects of intestinal microbiota and probiotics in selected skin diseases and what is new - skin aging process. 

State of knowledge 

We analyzed numerous studies which indicate that disturbed gut microbiota can be related to some chronic diseases, including skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, psoriasis and rosacea. Additionally, it has been proven that bacterial dysbiosis can intensify the skin aging proces. In order to reproduce normal gut microbiota probiotics are used. Despite the fact that there are only a few studies showing the unequivocal effect of probiotics on skin diseases, their results seem to be encouraging. 

Conclusions 

Proper composition of the intestinal microbiome determines the homeostasis of the human body. Disturbance of the gut microbiome play a significant role not only in development and aggravation of many skin diseases, but also have an impact on the skin aging. Despite quite a lot number of studies assessing the impact of microbiota on certain skin disorders, there is still a need to evaluate impact of probiotics. Researches indicate that they can be used as a helpful therapeutic tool. Taking this into account, it is worth considering it in the treatment process.
Caracterización de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible priorizados por las compañías latinoamericanas
Authors: Álvarez Duque Mayren Dahiana , Monsalve Franco Laura Cristina , Correa-Mejía Diego Andres
Published: May 2023

Los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) implementados como una meta de sostenibilidad a nivel global por la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas plantean como propósito alcanzar el bienestar humano a través de la protección del medio ambiente, la igualdad, la reducción de la pobreza, la educación y el diseño de ciudades y pueblos. Con este artículo se pretende caracterizar las prácticas de revelación de dichos objetivos en Latinoamérica. Para este propósito se desarrolló un modelo de análisis de contenido de los reportes corporativos en 77 empresas de los países pertenecientes al Mercado Integral Latinoamericano para los períodos 2019 y 2020, obteniendo como resultado que una gran cantidad de empresas menciona los ODS más relacionados con su actividad económica, pero no evidencian la forma cómo los ejecutan, es decir, no señalan actividades ni indicadores que hagan relación al efectivo aportea esta Agenda 2030. A través de este texto se pretende profundizar acerca de la incursión de los ODS en las empresas de diferentes mercados, ya que al tratarse de un tema relativamente novedoso y voluntario implica muchos retos no solo por parte de las organizaciones, sino para los gobiernos y la academia.
Geographic Virtual Pooling of Hospital Resources: Data-Driven Trade-off Between Waiting and Traveling
Authors: Jiang Yangzi , Abouee Mehrizi Hossein , Van Mieghem Jan A.
Published: May 2023

Problem definition: Patient-level data from 72 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) hospitals in Ontario, Canada from 2013 to 2017 show that over 60% of patients exceeded their wait time targets. We conduct a data-driven analysis to quantify the reduction in the patient fraction exceeding (FET) target for MRI services through geographic virtual resource-sharing while limiting incremental driving time. We present a data-driven method to solve the geographic pooling problem of partitioning 72 hospitals with heterogeneous patients with different wait time targets located in a two-dimensional region into a set of clusters. Methodology/results: We propose an “augmented-priority rule,” which is a sequencing rule that balances the patient’s initial priority class and the number of days until her wait time target. We then use neural networks to predict patient arrival and service times. We combine this predicted information and the sequencing rule to implement “advance scheduling,” which informs the patient of her treatment day and location when requesting an MRI scan. We then optimize the number of geographic resource pools among the 72 hospitals using genetic algorithms. Our resource-pooling model lowers the FET from 66% to 36% while constraining the average incremental travel time below three hours. In addition, our model shows that only 10 additional scanners are needed to achieve 10% FET, whereas 50 additional scanners would be needed without resource sharing. Over 70% of the hospitals are not worse off financially. Each individual hospital, measured over at least two weeks, achieves a higher machine utilization and a lower FET. Managerial implications: Our paper provides a practical, data-driven geographical resource-sharing model that hospitals can readily implement. Our method achieves a near-optimal solution with low computational complexity. Using smart data-driven scheduling, a little extra capacity placed at the right location is all we need to achieve the desired FET under geographic resource-sharing.

Funding: This paper is supported by the following grant: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) [Grant CIHR-950-231935].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2023.1225 .
Technical Note—New Bounds for Cardinality-Constrained Assortment Optimization Under the Nested Logit Model
Authors: Kunnumkal Sumit
Published: May 2023

Assortment optimization involves determining the optimal set of products to show customers and is a fundamental problem in retail operations. The nested logit choice model is a popular and widely used choice model to capture customer behavior. In “New Bounds for Cardinality-Constrained Assortment Optimization Under the Nested Logit Model,” Kunnumkal presents a new method for making the assortment decisions under the nested logit choice model when there is a constraint on the number of products that can be offered within each nest. Computational experiments reveal that the assortments obtained by the solution method are near optimal, with the average optimality gap being under 1%.
How Should We Score Athletes and Candidates: Geometric Scoring Rules
Authors: Kondratev Aleksei Y. , Ianovski Egor , Nesterov Alexander S.
Published: May 2023

Scoring in Multi-Event Tournaments

How much is a first place worth? Is the athlete who came first once and third twice better than the athlete who came second three times? Different sports value these positions differently: (60, 54, 48) in IBU biathlon, (25, 18, 15) in F1 racing, (8, 7, 6) in Diamond League athletics. Are these choices based on anything? Is there even a rational way to choose a scoring vector of arbitrary length to rank any number of athletes? In “How should we score athletes and candidates: Geometric scoring rules,” authors A.Y. Kondratev, E. Ianovski, and A.S. Nesterov investigate two approaches to how the problem of choosing a scoring vector for a tournament can be reduced to the choice of a single parameter: an axiomatic approach based on eliminating spoilers and an optimization approach based on maximizing the expected quality of the winner. Intriguingly, the vectors generated by the second approach are uncannily similar to those used in real sporting events.
Assessing Vision Mission Goals and Objectives (VMGOs) of Islamic Finance and Banking Program Study Trisakti University
Authors: Nurhaida Dida , Kusuma Wijaya Aji , Chaniago Nuraini , Qolbiyyah Qoriatul , Kartini Ai
Published: May 2023

Every higher educational institution has a vision and mission that reflects its goals, identity, core values, and its purpose of existence. This study aims to assess the clarity, realism, and congruency of the vision mission as well as goals and objectives (VMGOs) of the Diploma Study Program in Islamic Finance and Islamic (IFB) Faculty of Economics and Business, Trisakti University of T and understanding, accepted and carried out by all stakeholders. It also evaluates stakeholder engagement in achieving the vision and mission through practical educational activities and practices. The data were quantitatively analysed utilizing mean and standard deviation. The result shows that Diploma IFB’s VMGOs are visible and realistic among the academic community, including lecturers, academic staff, and students. Their level of understanding and acceptability is immense. They also believe that the activity is in line with these statements. The research recommends that more efforts be made in disseminating VMGOs to internal and external stakeholders. The activities need to be more focused to make them feel that the teaching and non-teaching activities are all geared toward achieving the VMGOs
Case Report: Pneumonia Provocate Thyroid Storm in Graves Disease
Authors: Hermawati Berty Denny , Prabowo Nurhasan Agung , Putri Desy Puspa , Myrtha Risalina , Apriningsih Hendrastutik
Published: May 2023

Introduction: A thyroid crisis is an endocrine emergency involving many organ systems and can be fatal to the patient's survival. Although cases of thyroid crisis are rare, the mortality rate is significant which reaches 20–50%. The presence of comorbidities such as pneumonia infection increases the risk of death dramatically. Infection is a factor that can trigger thyroid crisis and exacerbate thyrotoxicosis. This condition of thyroid crisis most often occurs in people with hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease. We present the case of a patient with Graves' disease, aged 22 years, who developed a thyroid crisis due to community-acquired pneumonia infection. This study aims to provide a case report regarding the thyroid crisis due to pneumonia.

Results: We carried out a physical and some appropriate supporting examinations to confirm the diagnosis. Wayne's index was 26, indicating hyperthyroidism. Assessment with Burch-Wartofsky obtained a score of 45, indicating suspicion of a thyroid storm. Then supportive care was provided to the patient. The community-acquired pneumonia as a triggering factor was treated with antibiotics. Thyrotoxicosis conditions were treated with antithyroid, beta-blocker, and glucocorticoid drugs. The patient's condition improved after treatment.

Conclusion: It is crucial to detect and treat thyroid storm as quickly as possible since it has a high mortality rate. Wayne's score is useful for identifying hyperthyroidism based on clinical symptoms. The Burch-Wartofsky Point Scale scores are used to diagnose thyroid storms. Thyroid storm should be managed according to PERKENI (Perkumpulan Endokrinologi Indonesia) and ATA (American Thyroid Association) recommendations. This case serves as an example of how to make a proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent morbidity and death due to thyroid crisis.
Distributed optical strain sensing measurements down to cryogenic temperatures
Authors: Kandemir K. , Guinchard M. , Crouvizier M. , Sacristan O. , Mugnier S.
Published: May 2023

Rayleigh backscattering (RBS)-based distributed fiber sensors technology is becoming more and more crucial in various fields such as aerospace and defense, automotive, civil, and geotechnical. This technology is measuring the naturally occurring Rayleigh backscatter level in the optical fiber core; thus, any standard single-mode telecom optical fiber can be used. The application of distributed optical fiber strain sensing in the harsh environments of the European Organization for Nuclear Research required several mechanical tests to study the accuracy of strain sensing in cryogenic conditions. This study compares the performance of a RBS-based distributed optical fiber strain sensing down to cryogenic temperatures (4.2 K) with previously validated instrumentations such as electrical strain gauges and fiber Bragg grating technologies.
Snapshot super-resolution indirect time-of-flight camera using a grating-based subpixel encoder and depth-regularizing compressive reconstruction
Authors: Kawachi Hodaka , Nakamura Tomoya , Iwata Kazuya , Makihara Yasushi , Yagi Yasushi
Published: May 2023

An indirect time-of-flight (iToF) camera is an inexpensive depth-map measurement device with a large pixel count; however, spatial resolution is generally lower than that of ordinary image sensors due to the more complicated sensor design for time-resolved measurement. To solve this problem, we apply the snapshot digital super-resolution method to an iToF camera employing compressive sensing and point-spread-function (PSF) engineering. For PSF engineering, we also propose the attachment of a diffraction grating onto a lens as an optical subpixel encoder. Furthermore, exploiting this iToF camera scheme, we also propose compressive reconstruction processing that regularizes a depth map directly. We quantitatively investigated the effectiveness of our method through simulations and verified it by optical experiments with a prototype.
Topological enhancement of evanescent field localization in all-dielectric metasurfaces
Authors: Lepeshov Sergey , Yesmantovich Maksim , Bogdanov Andrey
Published: May 2023

Bound states in a continuum in periodic photonic structures can be
described as topological defects in the k-space. These vortices can migrate
within the Brillouin zone when the geometrical parameters of the
system vary. In this study, we focus on the migration of the
polarization vortex across the light line, from the radiation
continuum to the waveguide mode domain. We found that during this
transition, the far-field polarization vortex transforms into a
near-field vortex. This near-field vortex is characterized by an
enhanced localization of the evanescent field due to the vanishing
fundamental Fourier harmonic of the Bloch amplitude. This mechanism
can be used to improve polaritonic devices and optical sensors based
on all-dielectric metasurfaces by increasing the overlap between
optical modes and 2D excitons or thin layers of bio-analytes.