bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
La falta de personal especializado en la unidad de violencia de género de Fiscalía General del Estado, en la ciudad de Cuenca, lo cual vulnera el debido proceso
Authors: Ordoñez Llanos Ángel Roberto , Torres Wilchez Marcelo 
Published: March 2024

Introducción: la presente investigación está direccionada al estudio de la falta del personal especializado en la Unidad de Género de la Fiscalía General del Estado (FGE), con sede en la ciudad de Cuenca, provincia del Azuay; este personal profesional, se encuentra a disposición de FGE, para realizar las labores investigativas que se requiera en los diferentes delitos que se puedan presentar, mismos que se encuentran colegiados al Sistema Especializado Integral de Investigación, Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses, determinado en los Art. 448, 449 y 450 del Código Orgánico Integral Penal (COIP), más conocidos como peritos y/o auxiliares de la justicia, son mencionados así, por ser expertos en la materia que se requiera, para investigar, resolver y exponer hechos de manera científica, ratificando o desvirtuando hechos que estén o no apegados a una realidad de un presunto delito. Objetivos: determinar si los recursos económicos destinados a la Unidad Especializada de Violencia de Genero de la ciudad de Cuenca son suficientes para realizar una investigación adecuada. Metodología: en el presente artículo de investigación se utilizó un método didáctico, así como un método estadístico, para conocer lo que se planteó dentro del objetivo general y los objetivos específicos en el anteproyecto. Resultados: los resultados obtenidos de la investigación reflejan una negatividad en vista de que no son resueltos ni una cuarta parte de lo que ingresa a la Unidad de Violencia de Genero del cantón Cuenca, ya que por la carga procesal no se puede avanzar con la mayoría de casos, quedando en la impunidad. Conclusiones: la falta de este personal especializado que le hace a la Unidad de Genero de FGE de la ciudad de Cuenca, es por la carga laboral que la misma mantiene, resultando insuficiente el personal especializado que cuenta la Fiscalía Provincial del Azuay, ya que los mismos se encuentran a disposición de todas las Unidades o Fiscalías de la ciudad y de la provincia, vulnerando de esta manera claramente el principio de celeridad y del debido proceso, ya que muchos casos quedan en la impunidad, por falta de celeridad y eficiencia en el sistema de justicia. Área de estudio general: Derecho. Área de estudio específica: Derecho Procesal.
Economic evaluation of two therapeutic sequences in the first-line treatment of moderate to severe active ulcerative rectocolitis in Italy
Authors: Armeni Patrizio , Compagnucci Elena , Fiorino Gionata , Lolli Vincenzo , Mazzone Grazia , Orlando Ambrogio , Principi Mariabeatrice , Ravasio Roberto , Rizzello Fernando , Savarino Edoardo Vincenzo , Tombari Francesca 
Published: March 2024

Background: Vedolizumab (VDZ) and infliximab are used to treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC). The choice of the drug to use at first-line is often based on a combination of clinical and economic factors. The cost of treatment pathway is rarely considered. Therefore, this cost-consequence analysis (CCA) investigated the overall costs of treatment pathway for vedolizumab followed by infliximab (VDZ → IFX) compared to infliximab followed by vedolizumab (IFX → VDZ).
Methods: We used a published cost-consequence model (CCM), based on a targeted literature search reporting the time-on-treatment data for vedolizumab or infliximab in UC in first and second-line of treatment. CCM time horizon was defined by the length of treatment sequences. Considering the Italian hospital perspective, the CCA evaluated the biologic drugs acquisition costs, drug administration costs, hospitalization costs, switch costs, colectomy costs and third-line treatment costs. Third-line options included colectomy, tofacitinib, ustekinumab or dose escalation of second-line biologic.
Results: Over the 5.2-year time horizon (duration of the longer VDZ → IFX pathway), the mean cost per patient of VDZ → IFX pathway was slightly lower than the mean cost per patient of IFX → VDZ pathway (€ 86,339 vs 89,636). The CCM predicted that using VDZ as first-line treatment delayed the time to costly third-line therapies compared to first-line using IFX (VDZ-first-line median time-on-treatment 3.6-years and IFX-second-line 1.6-years; IFX-first-line 1.4-years and VDZ-second-line 2.3-years and third-line 1.5-years).
Conclusion: The CCA showed that a biologic treatment pathway that begins with first-line vedolizumab is not more expensive than one beginning with first-line infliximab and delayed the time to costly third-line.
STABILIZATION OF WATER-COAL COMPO­SITE FUELS USING CARBON MICRO-NANO­MATERIALS AND AMINO ALCOHOLS
Authors: Klishchenko Roman 
Published: March 2024

The study investigated the potential of stabilizing composite water-coal fuel (CWCF) by adding carbon micro-nanomaterials obtained through the plasma-chemical conversion of organics-containing wastewater and amino alcohols. The study focused on systems based on anthracite with a solid phase concentration of 62%. Two amino alcohols, 2-amino-­2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) and 2-amino-­2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol (AEPD) were used at concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2.5% by weight of CWCF.
The low stability and heterogeneity of coal particle distribution in organic liquids cause an increase in the viscosity of dispersed systems in combined systems. To regulate the rheological properties and stabilize the CWCF, chemicals such as dispersants, plasticizers, and stabili­zers are added. The CWCF 's properties can be improved by using additives such as sodium, calcium, and magnesium lignosulfonates, and naphthalene sulfonic acids. However, these reagents may not provide the desired properties of coal slurries in organomineral environments. Therefore, substitutes for these pro­ducts need to be found.
Amino alcohols are commonly used as dispersants and stabilizers, especially in the production of water-based paints. They are low in cost, low in toxicity, and serve as anti-corrosive agents and pH stabilizers without causing excessive foaming. To strengthen the spatial structure, reactive particles such as carbon micro- and nanomaterials (CNM) can be introduced into the CWCF. Unlike polyelectrolytes and surfactants, CNM particles can have a varying number of active centers depending on the method of formation. By varying the properties of CNMs, it is possible to increase the number of contact centers and form a spatial grid without increasing the concentration of surfactants and polyelectrolytes. This is because contact interactions are activated during grinding, forming a new surface with energy-saturated active centers. As a result, the concentration of the system can be increased, and the calorific value of the fuel can be increased as well. However, the presence of an organic component can render mechanochemical activation ineffective by shielding active sites with large organic molecules. Therefore, identifying the most effective stabilizer reagents and deve­loping technology for their introduction into the dispersed system is a crucial and intricate problem in obtaining CWCF
The study revealed that the ξ potential of anthracite particles is 40–45 mV in the pre­sence of amino alcohols. Sedimentation stabi­lity in the presence of highly dispersed carbon additives increases from 5–6 to 10–14 days, i.e., almost twice. The introduction of highly dispersed carbon leads to an increase in the effective viscosity of the systems and can be recommended for controlling the fluidity of the CWCF. The technical and operational requirements are best met by the CWCF containing 0.25% AMR and 1% highly dispersed carbon.
Detection of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in ocular samples is linked to viral load in the nasopharynx
Authors: Kimpel Janine , Rössler Annika , Bante David , Borena Wegene , von Laer Dorothee , Zehetner Claus , Rauchegger Teresa , Seiwald Stefanie , Falkensammer Barbara 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionSARS-CoV-2 is known to infect respiratory tissue cells. However, less is known about infection of ocular tissue and potential infectivity of lacrimal fluid. With this study, we want to compare viral loads in eye and nasopharyngeal swabs and analyze these for infectious virus.MethodsBetween May 2020 and April 2021 ocular and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 28 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients treated on the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-ward of the University Hospital of Innsbruck, Austria. Samples with PCR detectable SARS-CoV-2 were analyzed via whole genome sequencing and an attempt was made to isolate infectious virus.ResultsAt the time point of sample collection, 22 individuals were still PCR positive in nasopharyngeal samples and in 6 of these patients one or both ocular samples were additionally positive. CT-values in eyes were generally higher compared to corresponding nasopharyngeal samples and we observed a tendency for lower CT-values, i.e. increased viral load, in nasopharyngeal swabs of individuals with at least one infected eye, compared to those where ocular samples were PCR negative. Ocular and nasopharyngeal sequences from the same patient were assigned to the same variant, either the D614G or the Alpha variant. Infectious virus was successfully isolated from 9 nasopharyngeal swabs, however only from one of the seven PCR positive ocular samples.ConclusionWe could detect SARS-CoV-2 in eyes of some of the infected patients albeit at lower levels compared to nasopharyngeal swabs. However, our results also indicate that lacrimal fluid might be infectious in patients with high viral load.
A randomized feasibility trial of the modified Atkins diet in older adults with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Buchholz Alison , Deme Pragney , Betz Joshua F. , Brandt Jason , Haughey Norman , Cervenka Mackenzie C. 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is increasing in prevalence, but effective treatments for its cognitive impairment remain severely limited. This study investigates the impact of ketone body production through dietary manipulation on memory in persons with mild cognitive impairment due to early AD and explores potential mechanisms of action.MethodsWe conducted a 12-week, parallel-group, controlled feasibility trial of a ketogenic diet, the modified Atkins diet (MAD), compared to a control diet in patients with cognitive impairments attributed to AD. We administered neuropsychological assessments, including memory tests, and collected blood samples at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention. We performed untargeted lipidomic and targeted metabolomic analyses on plasma samples to detect changes over time.ResultsA total of 839 individuals were screened to yield 38 randomized participants, with 20 assigned to receive MAD and 18 assigned to receive a control diet. Due to attrition, only 13 in the MAD arm and nine in the control arm were assessed for the primary endpoint, with two participants meeting ketosis levels used to define MAD adherence criteria. The average change from baseline in the Memory Composite Score was 1.37 (95% CI: −0.87, 4.90) points higher in the MAD group compared to the control group. The effect size of the intervention on baseline MAD change was moderate (Cohen’s D = 0.57, 95% CI: −0.67, 1.33). In the 15 participants (nine MAD, six control) assessed for lipidomic and metabolomic-lipidomics and metabolomics, 13 metabolites and 10 lipids showed significant changes from baseline to 12 weeks, including triacylglycerols (TAGs, 50:5, 52:5, and 52:6), sphingomyelins (SM, 44:3, 46:0, 46:3, and 48:1), acetoacetate, fatty acylcarnitines, glycerol-3-phosphate, and hydroxy fatty acids.ConclusionsAttrition was greatest between baseline and week 6. All participants retained at week 6 completed the study. Despite low rates of adherence by criteria defined a priori, lipidomic and metabolomic analyses indicate significant changes from baseline in circulating lipids and metabolites between MAD and control participants at 12-week postrandomization, and MAD participants showed greater, albeit nonsignificant, improvement in memory.
Nighttime warming promotes copper translocation from root to shoot of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) through enlarging root systems
Authors: Qi Lin , Li Chunxia , Lai Lukuan , Kou Taiji , Deng Yi 
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to investigate whether and how nighttime warming (NW) influences the copper (Cu) bioaccumulation of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Cu pollution. We examined plant growth, Cu concentration, and antioxidant enzymes of wheat after 6 months of Cu exposure (0, 100, 400, and 800 mg/kg) under NW. The results indicated that, NW of 1.54°C significantly promoted Cu translocation from root to shoot through an increasing root system under increased Cu treatments (p &lt; 0.05). The Cu contents of grains were significantly increased by NW under 800 mg/kg Cu treatment (p &lt; 0.05). NW decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity under increased Cu treatments (p &lt; 0.05). There were significantly negative correlations between biomass and Cu concentrations of the same part under NW (p &lt; 0.05). The root biomass significantly increased by 51% in NW compared with nonnighttime warming (CK) (p &lt; 0.05). These results provided evidence that wheat might respond to NW by altering their roots so that they were larger, thinner, and longer, suggesting that soil Cu translocation from root to shoot would be accelerated resulting from the expanded roots under elevated temperatures, and thus forewarned the food safety risks of climate change in agricultural ecosystem.
The efflux pumps Rv1877 and Rv0191 play differential roles in the protection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis against chemical stress
Authors: Sao Emani Carine , Reiling Norbert 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundIt was previously shown that GlnA3sc enabled Streptomyces coelicolor to survive in excess polyamines. However, subsequent studies revealed that Rv1878, the corresponding Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) ortholog, was not essential for the detoxification of spermine (Spm), in M.tb. On the other hand, the multi-drug efflux pump Rv1877 was previously shown to enable export of a wide range of compounds, while Rv0191 was shown to be more specific to chloramphenicol.RationaleTherefore, we first wanted to determine if detoxification of Spm by efflux can be achieved by any efflux pump, or if that was dependent upon the function of the pump. Next, since Rv1878 was found not to be essential for the detoxification of Spm, we sought to follow-up on the investigation of the physiological role of Rv1878 along with Rv1877 and Rv0191.ApproachTo evaluate the specificity of efflux pumps in the mycobacterial tolerance to Spm, we generated unmarked ∆rv1877 and ∆rv0191 M.tb mutants and evaluated their susceptibility to Spm. To follow up on the investigation of any other physiological roles they may have, we characterized them along with the ∆rv1878 M.tb mutant.ResultsThe ∆rv1877 mutant was sensitive to Spm stress, while the ∆rv0191 mutant was not. On the other hand, the ∆rv1878 mutant grew better than the wild-type during iron starvation yet was sensitive to cell wall stress. The proteins Rv1877 and Rv1878 seemed to play physiological roles during hypoxia and acidic stress. Lastly, the ∆rv0191 mutant was the only mutant that was sensitive to oxidative stress.ConclusionThe multidrug MFS-type efflux pump Rv1877 is required for Spm detoxification, as opposed to Rv0191 which seems to play a more specific role. Moreover, Rv1878 seems to play a role in the regulation of iron homeostasis and the reconstitution of the cell wall of M.tb. On the other hand, the sensitivity of the ∆rv0191 mutant to oxidative stress, suggests that Rv0191 may be responsible for the transport of low molecular weight thiols.
Impact of olfactory function on the trajectory of cognition, motor function, and quality of life in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Lin Chia-Yen , Tsai Yu-Shan , Chang Ming-Hong 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundOlfactory dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with more severe phenotypes, but trajectories of cognitive function, disease severity, and subdomains of quality-of-life measurements in patients with distinct olfactory profiles remain underexplored.ObjectiveTo analyze the influence of olfaction on trajectories of clinical parameters in patients with PD.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SubjectsFrom October 2016 to May 2021, the study tracked 58 participants over 3 years. Participants completed follow-up assessments using tools including the Chinese version of the University of Pennsylvania’s Smell Identification Test (UPSIT), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Movement Disorder Society-sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, and the Chinese translation of the 39-item Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39).MethodsParticipants were divided into anosmia (UPSIT &lt; 19) and non-anosmia (UPSIT ≥ 19) groups based on initial scores. Generalized estimating equations and repeated measures correlations were used to examine longitudinal associations and correlations between olfaction and clinical parameters.ResultsDivergent cognitive trajectories were observed between groups. The anosmia group exhibited a faster cognitive decline (adjusted B [beta coefficient] = −1.8, p = 0.012) according to the interaction effect of olfaction and time on the MoCA score. The anosmia group exhibited no longitudinal correlation between cognition and olfactory function but showed correlations with age (rrm [coefficient of repeated measures correlation] = −0.464, p = 0.004) and disease duration (rrm = −0.457, p = 0.005). The non-anosmia group’s UPSIT scores decreased over time (B = −2.3, p = 0.005) alongside a significant correlation with motor function (rrm = −0.479, p = 0.006).ConclusionThe anosmia group’s accelerated cognitive decline correlated with age and disease duration, but not olfactory function, suggesting a poor cognitive outcome in this population despite the lack of longitudinal correlation between cognition and olfaction. The non-anosmia group exhibited progressive olfactory degradation and notable correlations between motor function and UPSIT scores, implying pathological accumulation in the olfactory structure and basal ganglia.
Case report: A novel ACTA1 variant in a patient with nemaline rods and increased glycogen deposition
Authors: Piga Daniela , Rimoldi Martina , Magri Francesca , Zanotti Simona , Napoli Laura , Ripolone Michela , Pagliarani Serena , Ciscato Patrizia , Velardo Daniele , D’Amico Adele , Bertini Enrico , Comi Giacomo Pietro , Ronchi Dario , Corti Stefania 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundCongenital myopathies are a group of heterogeneous inherited disorders, mainly characterized by early-onset hypotonia and muscle weakness. The spectrum of clinical phenotype can be highly variable, going from very mild to severe presentations. The course also varies broadly resulting in a fatal outcome in the most severe cases but can either be benign or lead to an amelioration even in severe presentations. Muscle biopsy analysis is crucial for the identification of pathognomonic morphological features, such as core areas, nemaline bodies or rods, nuclear centralizations and congenital type 1 fibers disproportion. However, multiple abnormalities in the same muscle can be observed, making more complex the myopathological scenario.Case presentationHere, we describe an Italian newborn presenting with severe hypotonia, respiratory insufficiency, inability to suck and swallow, requiring mechanical ventilation and gastrostomy feeding. Muscle biopsy analyzed by light microscopy showed the presence of vacuoles filled with glycogen, suggesting a metabolic myopathy, but also fuchsinophilic inclusions. Ultrastructural studies confirmed the presence of normally structured glycogen, and the presence of minirods, directing the diagnostic hypothesis toward a nemaline myopathy. An expanded Next Generation Sequencing analysis targeting congenital myopathies genes revealed the presence of a novel heterozygous c.965 T &gt; A p. (Leu322Gln) variant in the ACTA1 gene, which encodes the skeletal muscle alpha-actin.ConclusionOur case expands the repertoire of molecular and pathological features observed in actinopathies. We highlight the value of ultrastructural examination to investigate the abnormalities detected at the histological level. We also emphasized the use of expanded gene panels in the molecular analysis of neuromuscular patients, especially for those ones presenting multiple bioptic alterations.
Behavioral disinhibition in stroke
Authors: Tang Wai Kwong , Hui Edward , Leung Thomas Wai Hong 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundPost-stroke behavioral disinhibition (PSBD) is common in stroke survivors and often presents as impulsive, tactless or vulgar behavior. However, it often remains undiagnosed and thus untreated, even though it can lead to a longer length of stay in a rehabilitation facility. The proposed study will aim to evaluate the clinical, neuropsychological and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlates of PSBD in a cohort of stroke survivors and describe its 12-month course.MethodsThis prospective cohort study will recruit 237 patients and will be conducted at the Neurology Unit of the Prince of Wales Hospital. The project duration will be 24 months. The patients will be examined by multiple MRI methods, including diffusion-weighted imaging, within 1 week after stroke onset. The patients and their caregivers will receive a detailed assessment at a research clinic at 3, 9 and 15 months after stroke onset (T1, T2 and T3, respectively). The disinhibition subscale of the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe) will be completed by each subject and caregiver, and scores ≥65 will be considered to indicate PSBD.A stepwise logistic regression will be performed to assess the importance of lesions in the regions of interest (ROIs), together with other significant variables identified in the univariate analyses. For patients with PSBD at T1, the FrSBe disinhibition scores will be compared between the groups of patients with and without ROI infarcts, using covariance analysis. The demographic, clinical and MRI variables of remitters and non-remitters will be examined again at T2 and T3 by logistic regression.DiscussionThis project will be the first MRI study on PSBD in stroke survivors. The results will shed light on the associations of lesions in the orbitofrontal cortex, anterior temporal lobe and subcortical brain structures with the risk of PSBD. The obtained data will advance our understanding of the pathogenesis and clinical course of PSBD in stroke, as well as other neurological conditions. The findings are thus likely to be applicable to the large population of patients with neurological disorders at risk of PSBD and are expected to stimulate further research in this field.