bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current State of Alternative to Discipline Programs for Pharmacists in the United States
Authors: Mendoza Evelyn M. , Reyes Caitlin J. , Choflet Amanda , Davidson Judy E. , Lee Kelly C. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a mental health condition that can alter an individual's behavior. Among healthcare workers, SUD use can lead to impairment on the job and may lead to loss of professional licenses. Alternative to discipline (ATD) programs may legally protect healthcare professionals experiencing job impairment due to SUD. The objective of the study was to identify and characterize the ATD programs for pharmacists in the United States. The goal of the study is to raise awareness of the current state of ATD programs for pharmacists in the United States and encourage improvement in accessibility of benefits.
Methods
A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted to determine the accessibility of information for ATD programs for pharmacists within the United States from the perspective of a pharmacist seeking help for a SUD. An internet search strategy was used to mimic a pharmacist seeking assistance. Results of this search were compared to published evidence on key elements of an ATD program: availability, quality and accessibility.
Results
Among the 50 states and District of Columbia, an internet search located 45: 51 jurisdictions with ATD programs. Of these only five states/territory had all of the necessary components for an ATD program to predict successful recovery.
Conclusion
Pharmacists are not immune to mental health disorders including SUD. Consistent and effective ATD programs are needed to care for pharmacists with SUD so that they can return to the workforce.
Further characterization of lipase B from Ustilago maydis expressed in Pichia pastoris: a member of the Candida antarctica lipase B-like superfamily
Authors: Robles-Machuca Marcela , Diaz-Vidal Tania , Camacho-Ruiz M. Angeles , Martínez-Pérez Raúl B. , Campo Martha Martin del , Mateos-Díaz Juan Carlos , Rodríguez Jorge A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Lipases from the basidiomycete fungus Ustilago maydis are promising but underexplored biocatalysts due to their high homology with Candida antarctica lipases. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of a recombinant CALB-like lipase from U. maydis expressed in Pichia pastoris (rUMLB), and compares its properties with those of the well-studied recombinant lipase B from C. antarctica (rCALB). Biochemical analyses included evaluations of optimal pH, temperature, triglyceride (TG) preference for short and medium acyl chains, phospholipase and amidase activities, enantiopreference, thermostability, stability in organic solvents, and responses to NaCl concentration. rUMLB, a glycosylated enzyme with a molecular weight of 38.6 kDa, exhibited cold-active behavior at 0°C and preferred hydrolysis on short-chain fatty acid TGs, like rCALB. Both enzymes displayed strong (R)-enantiopreference and increased activity in non-polar solvents; however, rUMLB was more sensitive to polar solvents. Notably, rUMLB, and was activated at high salt concentrations as previously reported for rCALB. rUMLB uniquely demonstrated significant phospholipase activity towards natural phospholipids, a feature not observed in rCALB. These comparative insights highlight the functional diversity within the CALB-type lipase family, underscoring UMLB’s potential as a versatile biocatalyst and providing valuable information for biotechnological applications and the understanding of enzyme structure-function relationships of CALB superfamily.
Remdesivir inhibits the progression of experimental colitis stimulated by dextran sodium sulfate
Authors: Li Hailong , Yang Ying , Li Jinhe , Hu Yayue , Mao Ruiqi , Ye Xiaoman , Wu Xi , Li Zherui , Han Liqing , Gu Xiaoting , Cao Hailong , Zhou Honggang , Yang Cheng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Remdesivir, a broad-spectrum antiviral prodrug, has been investigated for its potential effects on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Using a mouse model with acute colitis induced by 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), we administered remdesivir at doses of 12.5 and 25 mg/kg from day 1 to 7. Our research demonstrated that remdesivir treatment notably decreased disease activity scores and improved colon tissue damage under the microscope. It also boosted the levels of tight junction proteins such as occludin and claudin-1, while reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as the adhesion molecule ICAM-1. Further analysis showed that remdesivir significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory markers CD3, EMR, and MPO in the mice's colorectal tissues. Additionally, it was found to regulate the gut microbiota and restore bile acid levels. Remdesivir was also observed to stabilize AnxA5, modulating the NF-κB pathway and thereby reducing inflammation, which was confirmed by its ability to counteract the effects of Si-AnxA5 suppression in LPS-treated Caco-2 cells. These findings indicate that remdesivir may activate the AnxA5 signaling pathway, offering a new perspective for treating experimental colitis. This suggests that remdesivir could be a valuable candidate for further development and therapeutic refinement in the context of IBD.
A Smartphone-Based Affordable NavigationSystem using Visual SLAM for Blind and VisuallyImpaired People
Authors: Wang Meiheng , Wu Di , Song Chengqun , Cheng Jun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Navigation guidance is crucial for blind and visually impaired (BVI) people. However, current navigation tools face challenges such as cumbersome portability, and limited cognitive capabilities. With the advancement of smartphone technology, it is convenient to utilize visual sensors to perceive the surrounding environments. Furthermore, the vision-based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) makes it possible to build high-accuracy navigation maps. Therefore, we propose a smartphone-based navigation method for the BVI, which leverages the SLAM by purely adopting a stereo camera as a sensor. Our system can be decomposed into two stages: (1) Initially, we conduct an offline mapping, where RGB images are utilized to build semantic maps including 3D point cloud maps and 2D grid maps. (2) Subsequently, the user is allowed to select the desired object as the goal, and then the online navigation provides accurate positioning and optimal path planning while avoiding obstacles in real time. In addition, the navigation adopts an incremental strategy, enabling the user to easily reach goals step by step. Through extensive experiments, we evaluate the effectiveness of our system in mapping, object localization, and path planning, which demonstrates its comprehensive ability to enhance the independent mobility of the BVI. We release our implementation as open source software at https://github.com/Takerhythm/Indoor navigation for blind.
Multi-omics reveals changes in astrocyte fatty acid metabolism during early stages of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhong Jie , Li Manhui , Dai Ziwei , Wan Jun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Astrocytes undergo extensive changes during Alzheimer's disease (AD), including reactive transformations induced by Aβ deposition and adjustments in lipid metabolism, ion balance, neuronal support, and inflammatory responses. Although dysfunctional astrocytes are known to contribute to AD progression, a detailed characterization of the dynamic alterations in astrocytes at the levels of transcriptome, proteome and metabolome during the progression of AD, especially in its early stages, is lacking.
Methods
We conducted an integrated multi-omics profiling of astrocytes obtained from APPswe/PSEN1ΔE9 transgenic AD and WT mice, including transcriptomics, proteomics, spatial metabolomics, to characterize the dynamic changes in astrocyte profiles over the course of AD progression. To investigate whether similar changes are present in early human AD and related to disease outcomes, we also analyzed single-nucleus RNA sequencing data of human brain samples, and dietary profiles and cognitive function data in human subjects to establish the link between astrocyte phenotypes and AD progression.
Results
Multi-omics profiling revealed significant changes in fatty acid metabolism of astrocytes in 6-month-old AD mice, especially deficiency in synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. Such dysregulation in fatty acid metabolism was also observed in astrocytes from human brain samples with low AD pathology. Analysis of human dietary profiles demonstrated significant associations between dietary composition of polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids and cognitive function.
Conclusion
Our study identified abnormal fatty acid metabolism as a hallmark of astrocytes at early stages of AD before the onset of apparent symptoms, revealing a close link between dysregulated fatty acid metabolism and disease progression.
Serum total bilirubin levels and renal function prognosis in Chinese kidney transplant recipients during outpatient follow-up
Authors: He Qitian , Wei Haiyuan , Li Limin , Kong Lingxi , Qin Weijuan , Xie Li 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Renal function is critical in kidney transplant recipients, as it is a key indicator of graft health and patient prognosis. The present study aims to explore the prognostic value of serum total bilirubin levels in predicting renal function outcomes in this population.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of 264 stable kidney transplant recipients from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University. The study's primary endpoint was the development of chronic renal allograft dysfunction. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate whether total bilirubin and Cystatin C were independently related. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed using the lowest total bilirubin group as an outcome variable. The Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curve was plotted to describe the survival period. The relationship between serum total bilirubin and renal outcomes in renal transplant recipients was evaluated using multiple Cox regression analysis.
Results
Multiple linear regression analysis showed a negative correlation between total bilirubin and cystatin C(β=-0.924; p = 0.03). Our analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between serum total bilirubin and cystatin C levels, suggesting that higher bilirubin levels are associated with better renal function. Binary logistic regression analysis suggested a correlation between glomerular filtration rate and low total bilirubin levels (OR = 0.962, 95%CI = 0.937~0.988, p = 0.004). The K-M curve suggested that higher total bilirubin levels were associated with better survival outcomes (p = 0.003). Multiple Cox regression analysis demonstrated that high total bilirubin levels predicted better postoperative outcomes in kidney transplant recipients (HR, 0.468; 95CI, 0.235~0.931; p = 0.03). The Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression analysis further confirmed the protective role of higher bilirubin levels in post-transplant renal function.
Conclusions
The findings indicate that serum total bilirubin may serve as a prognostic biomarker for renal function in kidney transplant recipients, offering a potential tool for early identification of those at risk for renal insufficiency.
Gender Differences in Quality of Dying and Death among Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Study in China
Authors: Feng Xiaohong , Dai Xiujun , Du Jinlin , Yang Zheng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The aging of China is deepening year by year, and improving the quality of dying and death (QODD) is increasingly becoming an urgent and realistic need. This study explores the gender differences in the quality of dying and death and its influencing factors among Chinese elderly people, aiming to provide assistance to the relevant authorities in formulating end-of-life care policies for the elderly, and to adapt to the needs of an aging society.
Methods
Based on the data of the Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey (CLHLS) during 2008–2018, a total of 7,341 respondents were included. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the quality of dying and death among Chinese elderly people and its influencing factors. In addition, Fairlie decomposition analysis was performed to quantify the contribution level of different influencing factors.
Results
The proportion of high QODD among female elderly (63.80%) was significantly higher than male elderly (56.00%), which was statistically significant. Logistic regression showed that age, residence, home facilities score, place of death, medical costs, got timely treatment, number of chronic diseases and unconsciousness were the factors influencing QODD among male elderly. Meanwhile, residence, marital status, home facilities score, place of death, got timely treatment, bedridden, suffered from serious illness, unconsciousness and drinking were the factors influencing QODD among female elderly. Fairlie decomposition showed that 52.11% of the QODD differences between the elderly of different sexes were related to gender differences, and 47.89% were related to other personal characteristics.
Conclusion
Chinese men have a poorer QODD compared to women. The main factors contributing to this difference were age, the number of chronic diseases, suffered from serious illness, unconsciousness, place of death, residence and home facilities scores. To ensure successful aging, the relevant departments should focus on these factors and work towards reducing the gender differences in QODD.
Major depressive episodes and diet quality among Brazilian adults and older adults: results from the 2013 and 2019 National Health Survey
Authors: Schiatti Jéssica Carollina Von Schusterschitz Soares , Muniz Ludmila Correa , Santos Leonardo Pozza 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the association between major depressive episodes and diet quality among Brazilian adults and older adults.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, population-based study using data from the National Health Survey (PNS) from 2013 and 2019. Major depressive episodes were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and classified in two ways: based on a cutoff point of ≥9 points on the scale and according to the diagnostic criteria of the Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Diet quality was assessed using a diet quality score that considered the week consumption of seven food items. We used both crude and adjusted linear regression models to explore the association between major depressive episodes and food consumption.
Results: In both 2013 and 2019, individuals with major depressive episodes had a diet quality score 0.20 standard deviations higher compared to their peers, indicating a worse diet quality. This association remained consistent regardless of the criteria used to define exposure and the potential confounders. Sensitivity analysis considering each food item separately revealed a lower prevalence of regular consumption of beans, vegetables, fruits, and milk, as well as a higher prevalence of regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets among individuals with major depressive episodes.
Conclusion: Major depressive episodes appear to be linked to lower diet quality in the Brazilian population. Policymakers and public health programs should consider approaches to improve both mental health and dietary habits.
Fluid wetting and penetration characteristics in T-shaped microchannels
Authors: Zhang Huijie , Lippert Anja , Leonhardt Ronny , Tolle Tobias , Nagel Luise , Maric Tomislav 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

A thorough understanding of media tightness in automotive electronics is crucial for ensuring more reliable and compact product designs, ultimately improving product quality. Concerning the fundamental characteristics of fluid leakage issues, the dynamic wetting and penetration behavior on small scales is of special interest and importance. In this work, four T-shaped microchannels with one inlet and two outlets are experimentally investigated in terms of contact angle dynamics and interface movement over time, generating novel insight into the wetting mechanisms and fluid distribution. With a main channel width of 1 mm, a crevice width of w = 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm and a rounding edge radius of r = 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, the geometrical effects on the fluid penetration depth in the crevice and the interface edge pinning effect are analyzed quantitatively using an automated image processing procedure. It is found that the measured dynamic contact angles in all parts can be well described by molecular kinetic theory using local contact line velocities, even with local surface effects and abrupt geometry changes. Moreover, a smaller crevice width, a sharper edge and a larger flow velocity tend to enhance the interface pinning effect and prevent fluid penetration into the crevice. The rounding radius has a more significant effect on the interface pinning compared with crevice width. The experimental data and image processing algorithm are made publicly available.
Dangerous Action Recognition Method of Personnel in Hazardous Chemical Scenes Fused with Object Detection
Authors: Jiao Hengchao , Zhang Guangwen , Wang Chun , Meng Zheng , Chen Xinguo , Li Hongwei 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Most hazardous chemical accidents are caused by human factors such as using mobile phones and smoking. Therefore, it is very necessary to promptly and accurately identify and warn against such behavior. Based on the video of hazardous chemicals collected by mixed reality glasses, this paper introduces the object detection mechanism into the Human action recognition task based on bone points, and proposes a petrochemical scene human-computer interaction behavior recognition method that integrates object detection. Specifically, the OpenPose method is first used to obtain the skeletal information of the characters in the video, and then the behavior recognition method is used to obtain the initial behavior category. Secondly, use the MYOLOv3 proposed in this article to detect objects of interest and obtain their category and location information. Then, the interactive relationship between people and objects is characterized by judging the spatial position relationship between people and objects. Finally, a decision-making fusion strategy is proposed to fuse the person’s initial behavior category, object information, and character interaction relationships to obtain the final behavior recognition result. Experimental results show that our proposed method can accurately identify dangerous behaviors of people.
Microbiome-wide PheWAS links gut microbial SNVs to human health and exposures
Authors: Fu Jingyuan , Wang Daoming , Andreu-Sánchez Sergio , Peng Haoran , Ruiz-Moreno Angel , Zhernakova Daria , Kurilshikov Alexander , Gacesa Ranko , Temba Godfrey , Kullaya Vesla , Xavier Ramnik , de Mast Quirijn , Joosten Leo , Riksen Niels , Rutten Joost , Netea Mihai , Sanna Serena , Wijmenga Cisca , Weersma Rinse , Zhernakova Alexandra 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The importance of the gut microbiome in human health has been widely recognized, with alterations in species abundances now reported for many different diseases. In recent years, observations of within-species genetic diversity and strain-level functional differences have urged the field to transition to analyzing microbes at the genetic level, taking advantage of genetic variants in the metagenome to pinpoint relevant genes and pathways. Here, we conducted a phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) of 12.7 million gut microbial single nucleotide variants (SNVs) with 244 host health phenotypes and environmental exposures in 10,781 individuals from six independent cohorts from Europe and Africa. We found 3,018 associations supported by at least two cohorts for 105 host factors, including age, sex and cardiovascular and metabolic parameters. Moreover, we found 34,927 significant associations in single-cohort analyses where SNV–phenotype pairs were only available for one cohort. All identified associations are detailed in an online catalog (https://fulab.web.rug.nl/SNV-MWAS/). The associated microbial SNVs inform mechanistic hypotheses about microbial functionality in human health and provide insights into microbial adaptation and evolution in response to changes in the environment and host physiology. For example, we identified 718 age-associated gut microbial SNVs across multiple cohorts and used these microbial SNVs to accurately predict host age. We also identified SNVs in microbial genes associated with lipid concentrations and BMI, including SNVs in the isoleucine-tRNA synthetase gene of Clostridium phoceensis and an α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone-mimicking clpB gene of Alistipes ihumii. Mediation analysis provided evidence that microbial genetic variations may be under selection enforced by environmental factors, but also that they mediate the effects on the host, e.g. the isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase gene of C. phoceensis mediated dietary effects on four phenotypes. Overall, this study identifies new biological connections between human host and microbial genetic variants, exposing the functional layer of gut microbiome data hidden at base pair resolution and revealing microbial adaptation and evolution in relation to host lifestyle and physiology.
Stress Landscape of Folding Brain Serves as a Map for Axonal Pathfinding
Authors: Solhtalab Akbar , Foroughi Ali H. , Pierotich Lana , Razavi Mir Jalil 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Understanding the mechanics underlying the connections between cortical folding and the development of brain connectivity is crucial, especially given that many brain disorders exhibit abnormal folding patterns and disrupted connectivity. Despite the importance of this relationship, existing models fail to explain how growing axon bundles navigate the stress field within a folding brain, or how this bidirectional and dynamic interaction shapes the resulting surface morphologies and connectivity patterns. Here, we propose the concept of “axon reorientation” in the folding brain and formulate a mechanical model to uncover the dynamic multiscale mechanics of the linkages between cortical folding and connectivity development. Simulations incorporating axon bundle reorientation and stress-induced growth reveal the potential mechanical mechanisms that lead to higher axon bundle density in gyri (ridges) compared to sulci (valleys), offering a more accurate representation than previous models. In particular, the degree of gyrification is shown to correlate strongly with the density, growth rate, and mechanical properties of underlying axon bundles. Model predictions are supported by in vivo diffusion tensor imaging of the human brain. Our findings suggest that mechanics plays a far more significant role in the healthy development of cortical folds and connectivity than previously recognized.