bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proposed mechanisms of hypertension and risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in LGBT communities
Authors: Taweh Omar , Moreira Jesse D.
Published: July 2023

Hypertension (HTN), a highly prevalent public issue affecting one in two adults in the United States, has recently been shown to differentially burden individuals belonging to marginalized communities, such as the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities. The minority stress theory posits that a unique combination of marginalization-related psychosocial stressors and coping behaviors may underlie the increased burden of diseases like HTN in LGBT populations. Uncontrolled or poorly managed HTN often leads to the development of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, such as heart failure (HF). Despite our understanding of minority stress theory and demonstrated associations between LGBT identities and HTN, the mechanisms whereby psychosocial stress drives HTN in LGBT populations remain unclear. This mini-review discusses the physiological systems governing blood pressure and the epidemiology of HTN across different subgroups of LGBT people. In addition, we propose mechanisms demonstrated in the general population whereby psychological stress has been implicated in elevating blood pressure that may be occurring in LGBT populations. Finally, we discuss the limitations of current studies and methodological frameworks to make suggestions for study designs to better delineate the mechanisms of psychosocial stress-related HTN in LGBT communities.
Chronic Lymphocytic Inflammation with Pontine Perivascular Enhancement Responsive to Steroids (CLIPPERS Syndrome): A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Shrestha Nripesh Man , Acharya Niranjan , Desar Rabindra
Published: July 2023

CLIPPERS is a rare, chronic inflammatory neurological syndrome affecting multiple regions of the brain including the brainstem, cerebellum, and spinal cord. More than 100 cases have been documented globally since its initial description in 2010. This article reports the first case of the CLIPPERS syndrome in Nepal. Clinical and radiological evidences of the patient lead to the diagnosis of this disease. Brain MRI reveals punctate and curvilinear gadolinium enhancement in the pons and cerebellum, which is diagnostic for the disease. Steroid therapy has been reported to be effective in treating CLIPPERS syndrome. Although its pathophysiology indicates an immune-mediated process, the etiology is yet unknown. The treatment and prognosis of this illness depend on an early and accurate diagnosis.
Tumor Cell–Intrinsic c-Myb Upregulation Stimulates Antitumor Immunity in a Murine Colorectal Cancer Model
Authors: van Gogh Merel , Glaus Garzon Jesus F. , Sahin Dilara , Knopfova Lucia , Benes Petr , Boyman Onur , Jurisica Igor , Borsig Lubor
Published: July 2023

The transcription factor c-Myb is overexpressed in many different types of solid tumors, including colorectal cancer. However, its exact role in tumorigenesis is unclear. In this study, we show that tumor-intrinsic c-Myb expression in mouse models of colon cancer and melanoma suppresses tumor growth. Although no differences in proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis of tumors were evident in tumors with distinct levels of c-Myb expression, we observed changes in intratumoral immune cell infiltrates. MC38 tumors with upregulated c-Myb expression showed increased numbers of CD103+ dendritic cells and eosinophils, but decreased tumor-associated macrophages (TAM). Concomitantly, an increase in the number of activated cytotoxic CD8+ T cells upon c-Myb upregulation was observed, which correlated with a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment and increased numbers of M1 polarized TAMs. Mechanistically, c-Myb upregulation in immunogenic MC38 colon cancer cells resulted in enhanced expression of immunomodulatory genes, including those encoding β2-microglobulin and IFNβ, and decreased expression of the gene encoding the chemokine receptor CCR2. The increased numbers of activated cytotoxic CD8+ T cells contributed to tumor growth attenuation. In poorly immunogenic CT26, LLC, and B16-BL6 tumor cells, c-Myb upregulation did not affect the immunomodulatory gene expression. Despite this, c-Myb upregulation led to reduced B16-BL6 tumor growth but it did not affect tumor growth of CT26 and LLC tumors. Altogether, we postulate that c-Myb functions as a tumor suppressor in a tumor cell–type specific manner and modulates antitumor immunity.
Novel Use of Dasiglucagon, a Soluble Glucagon Analog, for the Treatment of Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia Secondary to Suspected Insulinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Reynolds Dana , Mitteer Lauren M , Sigal Winifred , Boyajian Linda , McKnight Heather , Bhatti Tricia , States Lisa , Becker Susan , Adzick N. Scott , Lord Katherine , De Leon Diva D.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia is the most common cause of persistent hypoglycemia in children and adults. In adolescents and adults, hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia is most frequently caused by an insulin-producing tumor. Case Presentation: A 17-year-old, previously healthy male presented with recurrent and severe episodes of hypoglycemia. Diagnostic evaluation was consistent with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, and an insulinoma was suspected. Multiple imaging studies and surgical exploration failed to identify a lesion. Over the course of months, the patient was found to be refractory to conventional medical interventions. Conclusion: Upon approval from the US Food and Drug Administration and the Institutional Review Board, the patient was treated with dasiglucagon, a novel soluble glucagon analog, under a single-patient Investigational New Drug. The patient has tolerated the medication and has been able to achieve appropriate glycemic control.
Tolvaptan’s Association with Low Risk of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease and Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Tagaya Tomoki , Hayashi Hiroki , Ogata Soshiro , Takahashi Kazuo , Koide Shigehisa , Inaguma Daijo , Hasegawa Midori , Yuzawa Yukio , Tsuboi Naotake
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, is often empirically used to treat acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) initially. Conversely, decongestion using tolvaptan, an aquaretic, is thought to maintain renal function compared to furosemide. However, it has not been investigated in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) at high risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI). This study aimed to investigate AKI incidence using tolvaptan add-on treatment, compared to increased furosemide treatment for patients with ADHF complicated by advanced CKD. Methods: We retrospectively studied patients with advanced CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <45 mL/min/1.73 m2) who developed ADHF under outpatient furosemide treatment. The exposure was set to tolvaptan add-on treatment, and the control was set to increased furosemide treatment. Results: Of the 163 patients enrolled, 79 were in the tolvaptan group and 84 in the furosemide group. The mean age was 71.6 years, the percentage of males was 63.8%, the mean eGFR was 15.7 mL/min/1.73 m2, and patients with CKD stage G5 were 61.9%. AKI incidence was 17.7% in the tolvaptan group and 42.9% in the furosemide group (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.34 [0.13–0.86], p = 0.023 in multivariate logistic regression analysis). Persistent AKI incidence was 11.8% in the tolvaptan group and 32.9% in the furosemide group (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.34 [0.10–1.06], p = 0.066 in the multinomial logit analysis). Conclusion: This study suggests that tolvaptan may be better than furosemide in patients with ADHF experiencing complicated advanced CKD.
Seasonal Modulation of the Madden–Julian Oscillation’s Impact on Rainfall in Sri Lanka
Authors: Yasanayake Chanud N. , Zaitchik Benjamin F. , Gnanadesikan Anand
Published: July 2023

For the tropical country of Sri Lanka, subseasonal variability in precipitation is both ecologically and societally relevant, influencing agricultural yields, natural hazard risk, energy production, and disease incidence. The primary driver of this subseasonal precipitation variability is the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). Here we investigate this influence on Sri Lankan precipitation across seasons, describing MJO-associated precipitation patterns and exploring the potential for MJO-informed subseasonal forecasts. We do so using 40-yr satellite-derived records of precipitation with high spatial resolution (from CHIRPS v2.0) and related meteorological and atmospheric fields (from ERA5 and MERRA-2). We find a direct MJO influence on precipitation corresponding to propagation of the MJO’s convectively active region and suppressed region near Sri Lanka, with the strength and spatial patterns of this influence differing across seasons. There are particularly strong impacts in the second intermonsoon (SIM; October–November) and southwest monsoon (SWM; May–September) seasons. During SIM the impacts are island-wide, but strongest in the northeast. During the SWM the absolute impacts are localized to the southwest, but the relative impacts (i.e., relative to precipitation climatology) are fairly uniform across the island. Moreover, we find significant associations between MJO phase and Sri Lankan precipitation at time scales of up to several weeks. Notably, these associations are stronger when using the OLR-based MJO index (OMI) rather than the more commonly used real-time multivariate MJO index (RMM). While the MJO associations we describe here arise from a highly simplified forecasting scheme, they provide a foundation and impetus for developing a more complete, MJO-informed precipitation forecast method.

Significance Statement

Rainfall variability at the subseasonal (weeks–months) time scale is critical to societal well-being, given its fundamental importance for agriculture, flood risk, hydropower generation, and disease incidence. Our work describes how such rainfall variability in Sri Lanka is impacted by the Madden–Julian oscillation, in which a region of enhanced rainfall and cloudiness, paired with a region of decreased rainfall and cloudiness, circles the globe every 30–60 days. Our results suggest that its influence on Sri Lankan rainfall may be strong enough that incorporating knowledge of the Madden–Julian oscillation into forecasts can improve the accuracy of rainfall prediction for Sri Lanka. Future work should develop a more comprehensive forecast method to assess viability in real-world forecasting scenarios.
The impact of psychological resilience on chronic patients’ depression during the dynamic Zero-COVID policy: the mediating role of stigma and the moderating role of sleep quality
Authors: Mei Yujin , Yang Xue , Liu Changjun , Li Yuqing , Gui Jiaofeng , Zhang Lin
Published: July 2023

Objective

Chronic patients are experiencing depression caused by themselves or the surrounding environment, how to cope with the change of mentality and adjust the psychological stress response, especially under the background of the current dynamic Zero-COVID policy in China, is a problem worth further discussion. The researchers constructed a mediating regulation model to test the influence of psychological resilience on depression of chronic patients during dynamic Zero-COVID, as well as the mediating role of stigma and the moderating role of sleep.

Method

From October 2021 to February 2022, this study used a multi-stage sampling method and random number table method to collect data in the Shang Cheng District of Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province. Firstly, the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Zhejiang University School of Medicine, a third-class hospital was randomly selected from the Shang Cheng District. Secondly, three departments were strategically selected from this hospital: endocrinology, dermatology, and traditional Chinese medicine. Thirdly, survey points were set up in each department, and chronic patients were strategically selected for questionnaire surveys. Finally, a face-to-face survey was conducted on 398 chronic patients who met the criteria for inclusion. In addition, chronic medical illness burden was assessed using the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale-Geriatrics (CIRS-G), psychological resilience was measured by the Conner-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), stigma was measured by the Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness (SSCI), sleep was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI) and depression was estimated by the Patient Health Questionaire-9(PHQ-9). SPSS (version 25.0) and PROCESS (version 4.0) were used for correlation analysis, mediation analysis, and mediated moderation analysis.

Results

Psychological resilience was negatively correlated with depression, stigma, and sleep. Depression was positively correlated with stigma and sleep. Stigma and sleep were positively correlated; Stigma played a mediating role in the relationship between psychological resilience and depression; Sleep moderated the first half of the pathway “psychological resilience $$\to$$ stigma $$\to$$ depression”.

Conclusion

Psychological resilience affected depression directly and indirectly through stigma. At the same time, sleep played a moderating role between psychological resilience and depression. The correlation between psychological resilience and stigma was stronger when levels of sleep levels were higher.
Variation in responses to photoperiods and temperatures in Japanese medaka from different latitudes
Authors: Shinomiya Ai , Adachi Daisuke , Shimmura Tsuyoshi , Tanikawa Miki , Hiramatsu Naoshi , Ijiri Shigeho , Naruse Kiyoshi , Sakaizumi Mitsuru , Yoshimura Takashi
Published: July 2023

Seasonal changes are more robust and dynamic at higher latitudes than at lower latitudes, and animals sense seasonal changes in the environment and alter their physiology and behavior to better adapt to harsh winter conditions. However, the genetic basis for sensing seasonal changes, including the photoperiod and temperature, remains unclear. Medaka (Oryzias latipes species complex), widely distributed from subtropical to cool-temperate regions throughout the Japanese archipelago, provides an excellent model to tackle this subject. In this study, we examined the critical photoperiods and critical temperatures required for seasonal gonadal development in female medaka from local populations at various latitudes. Intraspecific differences in critical photoperiods and temperatures were detected, demonstrating that these differences were genetically controlled. Most medaka populations could perceive the difference between photoperiods for at least 1 h. Populations in the Northern Japanese group required 14 h of light in a 24 h photoperiod to develop their ovaries, whereas ovaries from the Southern Japanese group developed under 13 h of light. Additionally, Miyazaki and Ginoza populations from lower latitudes were able to spawn under short-day conditions of 11 and 10 h of light, respectively. Investigation of the critical temperature demonstrated that the Higashidori population, the population from the northernmost region of medaka habitats, had a critical temperature of over 18 °C, which was the highest critical temperature among the populations examined. The Miyazaki and the Ginoza populations, in contrast, were found to have critical temperatures under 14 °C. When we conducted a transplant experiment in a high-latitudinal environment using medaka populations with different seasonal responses, the population from higher latitudes, which had a longer critical photoperiod and a higher critical temperature, showed a slower reproductive onset but quickly reached a peak of ovarian size. The current findings show that low latitudinal populations are less responsive to photoperiodic and temperature changes, implying that variations in this responsiveness can alter seasonal timing of reproduction and change fitness to natural environments with varying harshnesses of seasonal changes. Local medaka populations will contribute to elucidating the genetic basis of seasonal time perception and adaptation to environmental changes.
Evaluation of vitamin A and E deficiency with severity of SARS-COV-2 disease: a case–control study
Authors: Mandour Iman Atef , Hussein Sabah Ahmed , Hanna Hany William Z. , Abdellatif Salma Ahmed , Fahmy Balsam Sherif
Published: July 2023

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 can cause severe inflammation and damage to the lungs. Vitamins A and E are essential in the enhancement of immunity and they tend to decrease in cases with inflammation. Determination of serum levels of vitamins A and E in COVID-19 patients was the aim of the study.

Methods

This case–control study was carried out on 30 ICU–admitted SARS-CoV-2–infected individuals (group A), 30 ward–admitted SARS-CoV-2–infected individuals (group B) and 30 healthy controls (group C). High-performance liquid chromatography was used to measure vitamin A and E levels.

Results

Median levels of vitamin A in group A [0.16 (0.08–0.23) µg/ml] were significantly lower than those in group B [0.4 (0.15–0.65) µg/ml] and in group C [0.81 (0.70–1.16) µg/ml] with P value < 0.001, while there was no significant difference between groups concerning vitamin E levels (P value = 0.535). Vitamin A deficiency showed significant correlation with lower hemoglobin levels, lower platelet counts, higher total leucocyte counts, higher C- reactive protein levels, and higher D-dimer levels. ROC curve construction showed that vitamin A level with cut off < 0.65 µg/ml increases risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) development with sensitivity 90% and specificity 83.3%. Logistic regression analysis showed that cases with vitamin A levels < 0.65 µg/ml were more prone to develop ARDS (OR = 0.003 [0.000–0.036] P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Levels of vitamin A were reduced in COVID-19 patients particularly in ICU–admitted cases. This ensures the association of decreased vitamin A with disease morbidity and the importance of vitamin A supplementation as part of disease management.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrial.gov, NCT05946499. Registered 12 July 2023—Retrospectively registered.
https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S000DGLS&selectaction=Edit&uid=U00070DC&ts=2&cx=gieusm.
Effectiveness of neutral honey as a tissue fixative in histopathology
Authors: Alwahaibi Nasar , Al Dhahli Buthaina , Al Issaei Halima , Al Wahaibi Loai , Al Sinawi Shadia
Published: July 2023

Background: In routine histopathology, 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) is the choice fixative. However, formalin is a human carcinogen, so there is a necessity for a safer alternative. To the best of our knowledge, neutral honey, where the pH is around seven, not natural or artificial honey, has not been tested to fix histological samples. This study determined the effectiveness of neutral buffered honey and other types of fixatives to fix histological tissues.

Methods: The study was conducted between July 2019 and August 2020 at Sultan Qaboos University, Oman. Sections from three rat livers, kidneys, and stomach tissues were fixed with 10% NBF, neutral buffered Sumer honey (dwarf honey bee), neutral buffered date honey, formalin, Sumer honey, date honey, alcoholic formalin, alcoholic Sumer honey, and alcoholic date honey for 24 hours. Samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), special stains, and vimentin methods. Three expert biomedical scientists then evaluated the fixed and stained samples for the quality of all sections. The fixation ability of the different honey solutions was then compared to 10% NBF and the utility was determined using nuclear and cytoplasmic criteria, specificity, and intensity.

Results: H&E showed adequate nuclear staining in all groups compared to 10% NBF. The specificity and intensity of all groups for the Periodic acid–Schiff method were identical to 10% NBF except for Sumer honey and alcoholic date honey. Vimentin showed comparable findings with 10% NBF as there were no significant differences.

Conclusions: The findings of this study encourage the use of honey, including neutral, as a possible safe substitute fixative for formalin, however, further experiments on larger specimens should be conducted.
A feasibility randomized controlled superiority trial of fluticasone-vilanterol once daily use for the treatment of mild asthma in adults
Authors: Jassim Ghufran , Morcos Maria , O’Connell Maeve , Cunningham Wayne
Published: July 2023

Background: The objective of this pilot study is to assess feasibility (recruitment and retention rates) of conducting a definitive randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the effectiveness of fluticasone-vilanterol (Long-acting beta agonist+ Inhaled corticosteroids; LABA+ICS) in the management of mild asthma in adults, compared with usual care.

Methods: In this 8-month parallel two-arm pilot trial we randomly assigned 18 patients with mild asthma in a 1:1 ratio to the treatment (n=10) or usual care (n=8) arms. The treatment group received daily LABA+ICS therapy while the usual care group continued as required SABA or SABA+ICS combination. The main outcome measures were descriptors of study feasibility. Secondary outcomes were asthma control score, quality of life, and the number of asthma exacerbations.  

Results: The baseline characteristics of participants did not differ significantly across the two arms at the start of the trial. Because of slow recruitment and limited funding, the study didn’t meet our recruitment target but did successfully meet our retention criteria. At 32 weeks, analysis indicated significant improvement in asthma control scores in the intervention arm (1.31 vs 2.91; 95% CI [0.72, 2.44]; P-value=0.003), but no significant differences were noted in quality-of-life scores (P-value=0.197). There were no significant differences in post-intervention asthma control mean score (P-value=0.361) or QoL mean score (P-value=0.337) between the two arms after adjustment for pre-intervention scores.

Conclusions: This pilot RCT indicates that a definitive RCT is feasible in a primary health care setting. We recommend increasing the recruitment rate by relaxing eligibility criteria, extending the timeline, and increasing the number of sites for recruitment.

ClincialTrials.gov registration: NCT04265105 (11/02/2020)
Analyzing the impact of reforestation on forest fires and the economic outcome in an area in northern Greece.
Authors: Papatheodorou Ioannis , Kitikidou Kyriaki , Stampoulidis Athanasios , Milios Elias
Published: July 2023

The reforestation that occurred in the South Evros region in northern Greece was documented and studied. Our hypothesis is that the economic footprint of reforestation with conifers is negative, and the presence of conifers influences the size of the burned area in forest fires. The reforested area, the species, the amount spent on reforestation and operations to enhance the quality of the forest products, as well as the amount of money spent to protect such areas and prevent fires, were documented. Additionally, the extraction of forest products and the sales income were examined. The numbers of fires, as well as the total burned area, were documented for the fires that occurred in the studied forests between 1980 and 2016. Then, the fire episodes that had burned areas of more than 100 hectares, were examined. In order to compare spending across time, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was utilized to convert all gathered expense numbers to December 2016 values. The cost of reforestation is significantly greater than the income it produces, and there is a correlation between the size of the burned forest area and the presence of conifers in the burned area. Based on the results of the present study, the use of conifers in reforestations must be avoided in all cases in the studied area, as well as in similar areas regarding their characteristics and ecology
Spatiotemporal dynamics characterise spectral connectivity profiles of continuous speaking and listening
Authors: Abbasi Omid , Steingräber Nadine , Chalas Nikos , Kluger Daniel S. , Gross Joachim
Published: July 2023

Speech production and perception are fundamental processes of human cognition that both rely on intricate processing mechanisms that are still poorly understood. Here, we study these processes by using magnetoencephalography (MEG) to comprehensively map connectivity of regional brain activity within the brain and to the speech envelope during continuous speaking and listening. Our results reveal not only a partly shared neural substrate for both processes but also a dissociation in space, delay, and frequency. Neural activity in motor and frontal areas is coupled to succeeding speech in delta band (1 to 3 Hz), whereas coupling in the theta range follows speech in temporal areas during speaking. Neural connectivity results showed a separation of bottom-up and top-down signalling in distinct frequency bands during speaking. Here, we show that frequency-specific connectivity channels for bottom-up and top-down signalling support continuous speaking and listening. These findings further shed light on the complex interplay between different brain regions involved in speech production and perception.
Influence of students’ personality, gender, income and age on their intentions to create new information technology and telecommunications ventures
Authors: Barrera-Verdugo Gustavo , Cadena-Echverría Jaime , Villarroel-Villarroel Antonio , Contreras-Fuenzalida Michelle
Published: July 2023

Businesses associated with information technology and telecommunications have increased in importance since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic due to transformations in working and buying. Currently, universities in Latin America are making efforts to strengthen entrepreneurial attitudes and skills in their students. In this context, it is of interest to understand how the combination of personality traits, gender, income and age/generation affect entrepreneurial intentions toward these kinds of businesses. This research analyzes the responses of 788 university students from Chile and Ecuador to an online self-report survey using regression models with the aim of evaluating the effect of Big Five personality traits on the intention to undertake information technology and telecommunications businesses and measuring the moderation of gender, family income, and belonging to the centennial generation. The findings support a significant influence of the traits of neuroticism, openness and conscientiousness on entrepreneurial intention and suggest that female gender and higher family income have a negative impact on the intention to undertake these businesses. Moreover, an important moderating effect of female gender and lower family income levels is supported. This study sheds new light on students’ characteristics that affect their participation in information technology and telecommunications ventures through the identification of a unique combination of relevant personality traits, gender and income levels. The findings are useful for designing and developing appropriate programs aimed at developing this kind of technology business in Latin America as well as promoting the entrepreneurship of groups that express a lower intention to undertake businesses, such as female students.
HUBUNGAN ANTARA SELF-DISCLOSURE DENGAN PENYESUAIAN DIRI PADA MAHASISWA PRODI D3 KEPERAWATAN POLTEKKES SEMARANG
Authors: Kusumaningtyas Anisa , Rahmandani Amalia
Published: July 2023

Penyesuaian diri adalah kemampuan seorang dalam menghadapi situasi atau perubahan kondisi, seperti transisi ke lingkungan perkuliahan dan sistem pembelajaran teori-praktik. Self-disclosure adalah sebuah komunikasi dimana seseorang mengungkapkan informasi mengenai dirinya dan biasanya bersifat tersembunyi. Setiap mahasiswa akan mengalami masa transisi ke lingkungan baru, termasuk mahasiswa keperawatan. Masa transisi ini akan mendorong mahasiswa keperawatan untuk beradaptasi dengan suasana baru dan kurikulum baru. Pengungkapan diri akan membantu mahasiswa keperawatan untuk berkomunikasi mengenai kesulitan yang dialami dalam menyesuaikan diri. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara self-disclosure dengan penyesuaian diri pada mahasiswa Prodi D3 Keperawatan Poltekkes Semarang. Subjek penelitian ini adalah 132 mahasiswa keperawatan diperoleh menggunakan teknik cluster random sampling. Alat ukur yang digunakan adalah Skala Self-Disclosure (24 aitem, α = 0,872) dan Skala Penyesuaian Diri (41 aitem, α = 0,930). Analisis data menggunakan Spearman’s Rho menunjukkan adanya hubungan positif yang signifikan antara self-disclosure dengan penyesuaian diri pada subjek penelitian ini (rxy = 0,678; p = 0,000). Hasil ini menunjukkan bahwa semakin tinggi self-disclosure, maka semakin baik penyesuaian diri yang dimiliki mahasiswa. Sebaliknya, semakin rendah self-disclosure, maka semakin buruk juga penyesuaian diri yang dimiliki mahasiswa.
Internal medicine intern performance on the gastrointestinal physical exam
Authors: Gips Julia R. , Stein Ariella Apfel , Luckin Joyce , Garibaldi Brian T.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The gastrointestinal (GI) physical exam provides critical information about underlying disease states. However, since assessment of physical examination skills is rarely conducted as part of internal medicine residency training, little is known about resident performance on the GI physical exam.

Methods

During a clinical skills assessment that took place between November 2019 and February 2020, internal medicine interns examined the same patient with chronic liver disease while being observed by faculty preceptors. We compared the exam maneuvers performed with those expected by the faculty evaluators. We noted which maneuvers were performed incorrectly, whether physical exam technique correlated with identification of physical exam findings, and if performance on the physical exam was associated with building an appropriate differential diagnosis. This four-hour assessment was required for internal medicine interns within two different residency programs in the Baltimore area.

Results

More than half of the 29 participating interns (n=17, 58.6 %) received a “needs improvement” score on their physical exam technique. Technique was highly correlated with identifying the correct physical signs (r=0.88, p<0.0001). The most commonly excluded maneuvers were assessing for splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. The most commonly missed findings were splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. Most interns included chronic liver disease as part of their differential diagnosis even if they received “needs improvement” scores on physical exam technique or identifying physical signs.

Conclusions

Internal medicine interns would benefit from learning an organized approach to the gastrointestinal exam. This would likely lead to increased identification of important gastrointestinal findings.
Estimation of hardwood lignin concentrations by UV spectroscopy and chlorine demethylation
Authors: Parasuraman Prasanna , Singh Ramesh , Bolton Todd S. , Omori Shigetoshi , Francis Raymond C.
Published: July 2023

Major projects are underway in our laboratory focusing on mildly acidic (pH>3) and alkaline (pH<10) pretreatments of hardwood chips prior to incineration for electric power or prior to pulping for paper manufacture. Production of lignocellulosic ethanol from the hemicelluloses in the hydrolyzates will be attempted. It is of great interest to quantify the concentrations of lignin in these hydrolyzates, since lignin fragments are suspected as fermentation inhibitors. UV spectroscopy is normally used to estimate the concentration of aqueous soluble lignin. However, the 203 nm absorbance gave unreliable results for these hydrolyzates, and on some occasions the 278 nm absorbance was unduly influenced by high absorbance in the 260-265 nm range. A credible method that uses chlorination to generate methanol from the methoxyl groups in lignin will be described. Model compound experiments showed that syringyl lignin units, with two methoxyl groups, gave a methanol yield of ~1.0 mmole/ mmole of aromatic rings.
"Wir haben getan, was wir zu tun schuldig waren" (Lukas 17, 10)
Authors: Auweter-Kurtz Monika , Enns Fernando , Dierken Jörg , Reinitzer Heimo , Greve Helmut
Published: July 2023

Der vorliegende Band dokumentiert die Reden, die während der akademischen Feier anlässlich der Verleihung der Würde eines Dr. theol. honoris causa an Prof. Dr. Helmut Greve am 19. November 2007 in der Universität Hamburg gehalten wurden.
A Invenção da Santidade: representações e devoções religiosas na cidade do Recife (1902-1980)
Authors: Moura Carlos André Silva de
Published: July 2023

Resumo Os processos de beatificação e canonização, recebidos pelos órgãos da Igreja Católica, atendem a um longo procedimento, com resoluções canônicas que buscam reconhecer a vida extraordinária do candidato, investigar a sua fama de santidade e os possíveis milagres que lhe são atribuídos. No entanto, diferente das orientações institucionais, em diversos espaços e temporalidades, fiéis também atribuíram sacralidade a indivíduos por supostas graças/milagres alcançados ou uma identidade com elementos que envolvem narrativas de sacrifícios pessoais. A partir das propostas da História Cultural das Religiões, analisamos a invenção da fama de santidade de três personagens no Recife que foram venerados por integrantes de múltiplas camadas sociais durante o século XX. A partir das narrativas apresentadas em jornais, compreendemos como parte da população conferiu sentido aos cultos que estavam distantes de um reconhecimento da hierarquia eclesiástica romana. Nesse sentido, analisamos a construção das devoções sem a intervenção da Igreja em um instante de readaptação das relações do político com o religioso ou a partir de uma identidade social com a população.
Assessment framework for asset maintenance in passenger terminals
Authors: Manamperi Shanika Kanchani , Perera Asoka Jayalath
Published: July 2023

Asset management is an emerging discipline worldwide since most organisations are facing challenges in sustaining their operations with the ageing of assets. Moreover, managing of assets and the cost of maintenance are real-time challenges for organisations. Hence, the objective of this study is to develop a framework for predictive maintenance of assets considering the existing assessment frameworks of early researchers. The significance of this research is that the framework was developed focusing on passenger terminals where this concept had been narrowly addressed. The Kandy Multimodal Transit Terminal was selected as the case study. Accordingly, a Markov chain was used for developing the framework. A conceptual framework was introduced for the predictive maintenance of assets and cost projections considering the availability of data. The outcome of this research facilitates reduction of the consequences in asset maintenance management and management of the budget allocation for the maintenance in passenger terminals.
Dysfunctional Coupling of Cerebral Blood Flow and Susceptibility Value in the Bilateral Hippocampus is Associated with Cognitive Decline in Nondialysis Patients with CKD
Authors: Wang Hao , Liu Xu , Song Lijun , Yang Wenbo , Li Mingan , Chen Qian , Lv Han , Zhao Pengfei , Yang Zhenghan , Liu Wenhu , Wang Zhen-chang
Published: July 2023

Significance Statement

Patients with end stage CKD often develop cognitive decline, but whether this is related to the underlying disease or to hemodialysis remains unclear. We performed three-dimensional pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling and quantitative susceptibility mapping prospectively in 40 patients with stage 1–4 CKD, 47 nondialysis patients with stage 5 CKD, and 44 healthy controls. Our magnetic resonance imaging data demonstrate that changes in cerebral blood flow–susceptibility coupling might underlie this cognitive decline, perhaps in the hippocampus and thalamus. These results suggest that magnetic resonance imaging parameters are potential biomarkers of cognitive decline in patients with CKD. Moreover, our findings may lead to discovery of novel therapeutic targets to prevent cognitive decline in patients with CKD.

Background

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and susceptibility values reflect vascular and iron metabolism, providing mechanistic insights into conditions of health and disease. Nondialysis patients with CKD show a cognitive decline, but the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this remain unclear.

Methods

Three-dimensional pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling and quantitative susceptibility mapping were prospectively performed in 40 patients with stage 1–4 CKD (CKD 1–4), 47 nondialysis patients with stage 5 CKD (CKD 5ND), and 44 healthy controls (HCs). Voxel-based global and regional analyses of CBF, susceptibility values, and vascular-susceptibility coupling were performed. Furthermore, the association between clinical performance and cerebral perfusion and iron deposition was analyzed.

Results

For CBF, patients with CKD 5ND had higher normalized CBF in the hippocampus and thalamus than HCs. Patients with CKD 5ND had higher normalized CBF in the hippocampus and thalamus than those with CKD 1–4. The susceptibility values in the hippocampus and thalamus were lower in patients with CKD 5ND than in HCs. Patients with CKD 5ND had higher susceptibility value in the caudate nucleus than those with CKD 1–4. More importantly, patients with CKD 5ND had lower CBF-susceptibility coupling than HCs. In addition, CBF and susceptibility values were significantly associated with clinical performance.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate a new neuropathological mechanism in patients with CKD, which leads to regional changes in CBF-susceptibility coupling. These changes are related to cognitive decline, providing potential imaging markers for assessing clinical disability and cognitive decline in these patients.
Study of the efficiency of the removal of steroid hormones from water by reverse osmosis
Authors: Vanni Débora Carolina , Silvestre Wendel Paulo , Baldasso Camila
Published: July 2023

Water contamination by micropollutants is increasing, including steroid hormones. Indiscriminate use, incorrect disposal, inefficient treatment of water and effluents, and less restrictive legislation promote the contamination of effluents and water, with harmful consequences for the environment and human health. In this work, it was evaluated the use of reverse osmosis in the removal of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel, synthetic steroids that are components of contraceptives. The hydraulic permeability of the membrane was assessed before, during, and after reverse osmosis of an aqueous solution of contraceptive, as well as the retention of hormones, of a synthetic solution of contraceptive used as the feed. 95.6% retention of the compounds was observed, demonstrating the efficiency of reverse osmosis in the removal of solutes. In addition, there was no important reduction of the hydraulic permeability of the membrane when compared to the clean membrane and after reverse osmosis, demonstrating that the cleaning step was efficient in removing fouling or other interferents formed during the process. Reverse osmosis was efficient in the removal of constituents of contraceptives from aqueous solutions, being an option in the treatment of water and effluents aiming to attain better potability and smaller toxicity risks for the environment and human health.
La transición al carro eléctrico
Authors: Amórtegui Rodríguez Luis Renato
Published: July 2023

Este artículo tiene como fin describir, analizar y explorar el proceso de la transición energética desde fósiles a renovables y desde vehículos con motor de combustión a eléctrico. Tomando como base la evolución cuantitativa del mercado mundial petrolero y automotriz y las sinergias generadas por ambas industrias desde el surgimiento de la automotriz y el fortalecimiento de la petrolera a principios del siglo XX, y como estas transiciones pueden afectar la seguridad energética y los intereses nacionales función a las oportunidades y amenazas. De igual forma, presentar como ha evolucionado la producción automotriz desde 2000 tendiente a identificar su comportamiento y la tendencia esperada en términos de liderazgos del mercado, que en última instancia definirá el futuro de la masificación del carro eléctrico enmarcado dentro de la problemática del cambio climático.
Lower extremity function and subsequent risk of cardiovascular incidence among the elderly in China: evidence from a nationwide survey
Authors: FENG Shixing , WANG Junqi , LI Hangyu , WANG Tianyi , LIU Jialin , LIANG Yafeng , WANG Ying , LIU Jinmin , HAN Dongran , LIU Yixing
Published: July 2023

Aims
Given that little is known about the effect of lower extremity function (LEF) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) subsequent risk among older adults, the association between LEF and CVD in the older Chinese population was investigated by cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis using the nationally representative data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS).
Methods
The sample comprised 4636 participants aged at least 60 years from the CHARLS 2011. LEF was defined according to the short physical performance battery (SPPB) scores lower than 8. CVD was defined as the presence of physician-diagnosed heart disease and/or stroke. A total of 4636 participants were recruited from the CHARLS 2011 and were followed up in 2018.
Results
The prevalence of CVD in total populations, good LEF, normal LEF, and poor LEF individuals were 19.07%, 16.97%, 20.72%, 24.77%, respectively. Poor LEF was associated with CVD in total populations. In the longitudinal analysis, individuals with poor LEF were more likely to have incident CVD than good LEF peers, especially stroke. In CVD components, compared to good LEF, individuals with poor LEF had higher risks of heart disease and stroke, and they had higher risks of newly onset stroke but not newly onset heart disease.
Conclusion
The results suggest the potential usefulness of the short physical performance battery for classifying stroke risk in older Chinese adults, which also suggested that preventing and/or improving lower extremity function may be beneficial for reducing stroke incidence and promoting healthy aging for older adults.
Bovine Trypanosomiasis Prevalence, Farmer’s Perception, Apparent Vector Density and Associated Risk Factors in Dembecha District of Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Tarekegn Yeshiwas , Yirgalem Metages , Alemu Sissay , Bogale Arega Tafere
Published: July 2023

Trypanosomiases play a great role in reduction of animal’s production and affect animal and human settlement worldwide. A cross-sectional study design was conducted in Dembecha district, Ethiopia from 2019 to 2020 to study bovine trypanosomiasis prevalence, the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis, farmer’s perception, and fly vector density and associated risk factors. Blood samples were taken from 528 bovine randomly and evaluated. In addition, questionnaire surveillance was conducted to determine the farmer perception on the disease through 100 interviewed farmers. The overall disease prevalence was 5.49% (n = 29/528). The infection was mainly caused by Trypanosome congolense, 69% (n = 20) and Trypanosome vivax 31% (n = 9), which was significant difference (P = 0.00). When compared to different categories, greater results were registered in poor body condition and black and related color with significant difference. In kebeles (p = 0.78), sex (p = 0.43) and age groups (p = 0.16), there was no significance difference identified. The infected cattle mean packed cell volume (19.20 ± 2.91) was lowered than negative animals (25.88 ± 3.82) with significant difference (P = 0.00). The overall apparent density of flies was 1233 (2.34 f/t/d), Out of these 59.4% belong to the genus Glossina and the remaining is shared by two genera namely Stomoxy and Tabanus. The apparent density of Glossina, Stomoxy and Tabanus were 1.43f/t/d, 0.5f/t/d and 0.46 f/t/d respectively were caught, identified and estimated. Higher proportion of fly vectors were identified in lowland areas, riverine vegetation type and wet/rainy season as compared to other areas, vegetation type and season factors. Prevalence of the disease in age and sex categories were had no statistical difference.
Robust Passivity-based Nonlinear Controller Design for Bilateral Teleoperation System under Variable Time Delay and Variable Load Disturbance
Authors: Uyulan Caglar
Published: July 2023

The communication pathways between the master and slave play a crucial role in determining the performance of a bilateral system. This research focuses on implementing a robust passivity-based nonlinear control method for the bilateral/teleoperation system. The algorithm addresses the issues of variable communication and control delays plus load disturbance in the feedback, which can lead to instability and reduced transparency, and also handles the parameter changes in the system. To tackle these problems, we propose a controller that incorporates a second-order super-twisting sliding-mode observer to counteract the effects of communication and control delays in the feedback loop. Additionally, a sliding mode assist disturbance observer is used for compensating the load torque variations. A robust passivity-based nonlinear controller has been investigated for this problem, with a particular emphasis on compensating for random/constant time delays through a disturbance rejection strategy. This control method aims to ensure stability and transparency while accounting for time-varying delays. Furthermore, the controller compensates for load torque variations on the slave side through load estimation. The system model consists of two interconnected direct-drive motors. One motor represents a specific joint actuator of the robot, while the other motor emulates the overall dynamics affecting the joint through torque control. This actuator-dynamics load pair enables real-time simulation of any robotic configuration without the physical presence of the robot. The proposed approach utilizes a nonlinear controller framework to reframe the complex bilateral control problem as a means of controlling the interactive dynamic system. This approach simplifies the solution and significantly improves stability and transparency performance. To evaluate the system's behavior and controller performance, various computer simulations are performed using step and sinusoidal inputs. The simulations demonstrate a satisfactory level of accuracy and transparency between the estimated and actual slave positions, even in the presence of constant/random measurement delays and variable/step-type load variations on the slave side. These findings provide strong support for implementing this approach in real-time internet-based bilateral control systems.
Influence of Si nanocrystals on polyaniline conductivity
Authors: Grigoreva L. N.  , Ilin A. S.  , Martyshov M. N.  , Savin K. A.  , Forsh P. A.  , Kashkarov P. K.
Published: July 2023

The electrical properties of a complex of polyaniline with poly-2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (PANI-PAMPSA) and composites based on it with the addition of silicon nanocrystals (nc-Si) ranging in size from 30 nm to 100 nm are studied in this article. It was found that the dc conductivity of PANI-PAMSA decreases with the introduction of nc-Si. Investigations of alternating current showed that the frequency dependence of the conductivity of the polymer and composites based on it obeys the Jonscher law, which indicates a significant role of the hopping mechanism of conductivity. A mechanism of PANI-PAMPSA conductivity reducing by incorporation of silicon nanocrystals is proposed. The mechanism is associated with energy distribution of localized states in the band gap of the polymer changing and is independent of the nc-Si synthesis method. Keywords: polyaniline, silicon nanoparticles, conductivity, nanocomposites.