bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating the risk of SARS-CoV-2 deaths using a Markov switching-volatility model combined with heavy-tailed distributions for South Africa
Authors: Mthethwa Nobuhle , Chifurira Retius , Chinhamu Knowledge 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundSARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19 virus) infection exposed the unpreparedness of African countries to health-related issues, South Africa included. Africa recorded more than 211 853 deaths as a consequence of Covid-19. When rare and deadly diseases require urgent hospitalisation strikes, governments and healthcare providers are usually caught unprepared, resulting in huge loss of lives. Usually, at the beginning of such pandemics, there is no rich data for health practitioners and academics to be able to forecast the number of patients or deaths related to the pandemic. This study aims to predict the number of deaths associated with Covid-19 infection. With the availability of the number of deaths on a daily basis, the results stemming from this study are important to inform and plan health policy.MethodsThis study uses the daily number of deaths due to Covid-19 infection. Exploratory data analysis reveals that the data exhibits non-normality, three structural breaks and volatility clustering characteristics. The Markov switching (MS)-generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH)-type model combined with heavy-tailed distributions is fitted to the returns of the data. Using available daily reported Covid-19-related deaths up until 26 August 2021, we report 10-day ahead forecasts of deaths. All forecasts are compared to the actual observed values in the forecasting period.ResultsThe Anderson–Darling Goodness of fit test confirms that the fitted models are adequate for the data. The Kupiec likelihood ratio test and the root mean square error (RMSE) were used to select the robust model at different risk levels. At 95% the MS(3)-GARCH(1,1) combined with Pearson’s type IV distribution (PIVD) is the best model. This indicates that the proposed best-fitting model is reasonable and can be used for predicting the daily number of deaths due to Covid-19.ConclusionThe MS(3)-GARCH(1,1)-PIVD model provides a reliable and accurate method for predicting the minimum number of death due to Covid-19. The accuracy of the proposed model will assist policymakers, academics and health practitioners in forecasting the volatility of future health-related deaths in which the predictability of volatility plays an integral role in health risk management.
Strain engineering and metabolic flux analysis of a probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii for metabolizing l-fucose, a mammalian mucin component
Authors: Kim Jungyeon , Cheong Yu Eun , Yu Sora , Jin Yong-Su , Kim Kyoung Heon 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast that exhibits antimicrobial and anti-toxin activities. Although S. boulardii has been clinically used for decades to treat gastrointestinal disorders, several studies have reported weak or no beneficial effects of S. boulardii administration in some cases. These conflicting results of S. boulardii efficacity may be due to nutrient deficiencies in the intestine that make it difficult for S. boulardii to maintain its metabolic activity.

Results
To enable S. boulardii to overcome any nutritional deficiencies in the intestine, we constructed a S. boulardii strain that could metabolize l-fucose, a major component of mucin in the gut epithelium. The fucU, fucI, fucK, and fucA from Escherichia coli and HXT4 from S. cerevisiae were overexpressed in S. boulardii. The engineered S. boulardii metabolized l-fucose and produced 1,2-propanediol under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. It also produced large amounts of 1,2-propanediol under strict anaerobic conditions. An in silico genome-scale metabolic model analysis was performed to simulate the growth of S. boulardii on l-fucose, and elementary flux modes were calculated to identify critical metabolic reactions for assimilating l-fucose. As a result, we found that the engineered S. boulardii consumes l-fucose via (S)-lactaldehyde-(S)-lactate-pyruvate pathway, which is highly oxygen dependent.

Conclusion
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in which S. cerevisiae and S. boulardii strains capable of metabolizing l-fucose have been constructed. This strategy could be used to enhance the metabolic activity of S. boulardii and other probiotic microorganisms in the gut.
Proximal junctional kyphosis is a compensation for post-operative negative C2-FH in ASD patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Xin , Shu Shibin , Zhu Zezhang , Gu Qi , Liu Zhen , Qiu Yong , Bao Hongda 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Recent studies have found that C2-FH is close to 0 cm in both standing and sitting position for asymptomatic adults. We hypothesize that the thoracic spine may compensate with PJK when the immediate post-operative C2-FH was not ideally restored in adult spinal deformity (ASD).

Methods
The inclusion criteria were as follows: ASD patients over 45 years old; Cobb angle > 30°; with posterior spinal correction surgery; at least 2 years follow-up. C2-FH was defined as the distance between the femoral heads to the C2 vertical line. All participants were divided into two groups according to the occurrence of PJK at the last follow-up: PJK group and non-PJK group.

Results
68 ASD patients, with a minimum follow-up of 2.5 years, were included. PJK was found in 24 patients (35.3%) while the rest 44 patients remained no sagittal malalignment. Immediately post-operative C2-FH showed significant difference between PJK group and non-PJK group (p = 0.015). However, at the last follow-up, C2-FH showed no significant difference between PJK and non-PJK group and the mean value of C2-FH in both groups was approximately − 1 cm, indicating that ASD patients could develop various compensatory mechanisms to maintain sagittal global balance. The AUC was 0.84 (95%CI 0.68–0.97), indicating the well effectiveness of ROC curve and cut-off value in predicting occurrence of PJK in ASD patients. Based on the ROC curve, the optimal cut-off value of C2-FH as indicators for occurrence of PJK was − 42.3 mm.

Conclusion
Immediate postoperative negative global malalignment (C2-FH < − 42.3 mm) may predict proximal junctional kyphosis in ASD patients. The normal value of C2-FH, − 1 cm, may be the target of global sagittal compensation, and PJK is a compensatory mechanism.
Trial registration: 2021-LCYJ-DBZ-05, 2021.07, Retrospective study.
Role of TET dioxygenases in the regulation of both normal and pathological hematopoiesis
Authors: Joshi Kanak , Zhang Lei , Breslin S.J. Peter , Kini Ameet R. , Zhang Jiwang 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe family of ten-eleven translocation dioxygenases (TETs) consists of TET1, TET2, and TET3. Although all TETs are expressed in hematopoietic tissues, only TET2 is commonly found to be mutated in age-related clonal hematopoiesis and hematopoietic malignancies. TET2 mutation causes abnormal epigenetic landscape changes and results in multiple stages of lineage commitment/differentiation defects as well as genetic instability in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). TET2 mutations are founder mutations (first hits) in approximately 40–50% of cases of TET2-mutant (TET2MT) hematopoietic malignancies and are later hits in the remaining cases. In both situations, TET2MT collaborates with co-occurring mutations to promote malignant transformation. In TET2MT tumor cells, TET1 and TET3 partially compensate for TET2 activity and contribute to the pathogenesis of TET2MT hematopoietic malignancies. Here we summarize the most recent research on TETs in regulating of both normal and pathogenic hematopoiesis. We review the concomitant mutations and aberrant signals in TET2MT malignancies. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms by which concomitant mutations and aberrant signals determine lineage commitment in HSPCs and the identity of hematopoietic malignancies. Finally, we discuss potential strategies to treat TET2MT hematopoietic malignancies, including reverting the methylation state of TET2 target genes and targeting the concomitant mutations and aberrant signals.
Future clinical priorities in neurodevelopmental disorders: an international perspective
Authors: Roy Ashok , Roy Meera , Shah Henal Rakesh 
Published: October 2022

SUMMARYIn this reflection we summarise the various obstacles to accessing healthcare encountered by people with neurodevelopmental disorders (intellectual disability, autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) with and without mental health problems. We outline different service models from around the world, ranging from the person centred to the institutional. Finally, we suggest ways of addressing some of the problems identified, including a model of integrated care involving intellectual disability, neurodevelopmental and mental health services that would better serve this population.
Burst of DNA Double-Strand Breaks by Dicopper(II) Complex with a p-Cresol-2,6-Bis(amide-tether-dpa) Ligand via Reductive O2-Activation
Authors: Hata Machi , Kadoya Yuki , Hitomi Yutaka , Kodera Masahito 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
We found bursts of DNA double-strand breaks by a dicopper(II) complex with a p-cresol-2,6-bis(amide-tether-dpa) ligand (HL) [Cu2(μ-1,1-OAc)(μ-1,3-OAc)(L)]2+ (1) via reductive O2-activa-tion with sodium ascorbate (AscNa) under air, where 26% of supercoiled plasmid DNA was converted to linear form in 1 min. The reasons for bursts of DNA double-strand breaks by 1 were clarified in comparison with a Robson type dicopper complex [Cu2(μ-OH)(bpmp)]2+ (2) and an iron complex of N4Py ligand [Fe(MeCN)(N4Py)]2+ (3). Spectroscopic, electrochemical, and kinetic studies revealed that upon reaction with AscNa, 1 is rapidly reduced to Cu(I)Cu(II) and Cu(I)Cu(I) species, which are involved in rate-limiting three electron reduction of O2 to HO• responsible for the DNA cleavage. The HO• formation was monitored by emission spectral change of terephthalic acid (TA). DNA binding abilities of 1 and 3 were examined by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and electronic absorption spectral and IR spectral changes. These revealed that the rapid HO• formation and the large binding number and rigid binding to DNA are key features of 1 to enable the burst of DNA double-strand breaks.
Rethinking the Statistical Analysis of Neuromechanical Data
Authors: Wilkinson Ross D. , Mazzo Melissa R. , Feeney Daniel F. 
Published: October 2022

ABSTRACTResearchers in neuromechanics should upgrade their statistical toolbox. We propose linear mixed-effects models in place of commonly used statistical tests to better capture subject-specific baselines and treatment-associated effects that naturally occur in neuromechanics. Researchers can use this approach to handle sporadic missing data, avoid the assumption of conditional independence in observations, and successfully model complex experimental protocols.
Proposed Musculoskeletal Examination of Youth and Adolescent Baseball Players
Authors: Kindstrand Nathan Allen , McNeill Brian T. , Dickenson Scott B. , Magnusson Nick , Sum Jonathan C. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWith a wide range of injuries in youth baseball, and more than 12 million amateur baseball players in the United States, a comprehensive list of tests and measures may be helpful to assess strength, mobility, and motor control throughout the kinetic chain to reduce risk of injury in this population. Many studies have looked at youth baseball players using a single test or a small number of tests to determine the prevalence of specific injuries in youth baseball, but to this author's knowledge, there is no comprehensive musculoskeletal screen published at this time specific to youth baseball. The purpose of this article is to review literature published over the last year relative to injury in youth and adolescent baseball players in an effort to update the reader on current concepts, risk factors in this population, and to provide an updated systematic screening process that may be used in reducing injury rates.
A basis for prenatal diagnosis of Haemophilia-A in Pakistani patients
Authors: Sadiq Muhammad Arif , Ahmed Suhaib , Afzal Muhammad , Tashfeen Sunila 
Published: October 2022

Objective: To screen Haemophilia-A patients for five known recurrent F8 gene variants and to analyze CA repeats in intron 13 of F8 gene in the mother and the affected child pairs.
Methods: In this descriptive cross sectional study, 80 unrelated pairs of “mother and son” affected by Haemophilia-A were recruited as subjects. After collection of samples DNA was extracted using the Chelex (Bio-Rad, USA) method. Five known F8 gene variants were screened in the mothers and the affected sons by the allele specific PCR. The amplified products were separated on 2% agarose gels.CA repeats in intron 13 of the F8 gene in the mother and the affected child pairs were analyzed by Sanger sequencing method. The CA repeat alleles were used to look for the feasibility of linkage based diagnosis of Haemophilia-A in the affected families. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0.
Results: In the 80 subject “mother and son” pairs a recurrent F8 gene variant was found in 32 pairs (40%). The most recurrent variant c.6869G>A was seen in 12 (15%). Linkage based analysis of the CA repeats in intron 13 was found to be informative in 29 (36.2%) mother-son pairs.
Conclusion: The five known Haemophilia-A disease causing variants were found in 40% of the Pakistani Haemophilia-A patients. The five recurrent F8 gene variants and the CA repeats in intron 13 of F8 gene can provide a comprehensive basis for carrying out prenatal diagnosis and carrier screening in majority of the Pakistani Haemophilia-A families.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.6524
How to cite this:Sadiq MA, Ahmed S, Afzal M, Tasfeen S. A basis for prenatal diagnosis of Haemophilia-A in Pakistani patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.6524
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
A New Look at an Inscribed Ceramic Medallion with Gladiators (Equites) from the Region of Parthicopolis in the Roman Province of Macedonia
Authors: Nankov Emil 
Published: October 2022

This paper reconsiders a ceramic medallion found near the village of Palat on the right bank of the Strymon River, ca. 8 km northwest of the town of Sandanski in southwest Bulgaria. The cluster of Roman settlements near the village of Palat may have belonged to the territory of Parthicopolis (mod. Sandanski), which fell under the jurisdiction of Macedonia Prima. The medallion illustrates a gladiatorial combat between two equites, who are identifiable through their pairing, clothing and weapons. Autopsy established the presence of a Greek inscription, which had so far escaped attention. The recorded names, Σωτηρίδας and Αἴας, seem to correspond to the equites depicted. Gladiatorial scenes with inscribed names are quite commonly represented on various media, including ceramic medallions, especially in the western provinces of the Roman empire. Ceramic medallions, serving a range of functions, were mass-produced in molds. The larger dimensions of our example, most probably a product of a local workshop, could be intended to be hung on a wall in the privacy of a domestic residence, although the possibility for funerary use cannot be excluded. This artifact from Palat, inspired by imagery current in the western provinces of the Roman empire, bears testimony to Roman cultural influence in the territory of Parthicopolis in the first half of the third century AD. At the same time, it offers hitherto overlooked iconographic indications that the equites’ role in the games was commemorated through the medium of ceramic medallions along the Thracian frontier, as it was in the western provinces of the Roman empire.
Working Paper 41: Targeting unexplained wealth in British Columbia
Authors: Dornbierer Andrew 
Published: October 2022

The final recommendation of the Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in British Columbia (‘the Commission’) urged the government to legislate an unexplained wealth order (‘UWO’) as part of a wider approach to counter the prevalence of money laundering and proceeds of crime in the province.
This document analyses the feasibility of this recommendation. It:

briefly explains the concept of unexplained wealth and how it can be targeted through legislative instruments;
outlines the reasons for which the Commissioner proposed a UWO for British Columbia;
explains how a UK-style UWO works and assess the probability that a mechanism of this kind would successfully recover unexplained wealth in British Columbia;
addresses the constitutional issues that may arise if a UK-style UWO was introduced, as outlined by former Supreme Court Justice, the Honourable Thomas A. Cromwell C.C., in his annexed opinion to the report;
explains other legislative options that target unexplained wealth (including those in Western Australia and Ireland) and assess their constitutional compatibility and potential effectiveness as compared to a UK-style UWO;
explores the legal rights issues that may arise if either a UK-style UWO or a traditional UWO was introduced; and
outlines the legislative safeguards that could be put in place to reduce the risk that any such mechanisms would negatively impact on established legal rights.

This document has been prepared by experts working with the Basel Institute on Governance, an independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to countering corruption and other financial crimes, and the Vancouver Anti-Corruption Institute, an organisation devoted to anti-corruption efforts and legislative change.
Psycho-neuro-endocrine accompaniments of individual variants of nitrogenous metabolites exchange
Authors: Bombushkar Igor , Korda Mykhaylo , Gozhenko Anatoliy , Żukow Xawery , Popovych Igor 
Published: October 2022

Background. Earlier we showed, by constructing regression models, that plasma nitrogenous metabolites (uric acid, urea, creatinine and bilirubin) are able to influence the state of the trait anxiety, autonomic and central nervous and endocrine systems. In this study of the same cohort, other methodological approaches were used. Materials and Methods. The object of observation were almost healthy volunteers: 30 females (30÷76 y) and 31 males (24÷69 y). In basal conditions determined plasma levels of nitrogenous metabolites as well as cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone, triiodothyronine and calcitonin, estimated the severity of the trait and reactive anxiety, recorded the ongoing HRV and EEG. After 4 or 7 days, repeated testing was performed. Results. By the method of cluster analysis, four groups were created, the members of which differ minimally from each other in terms of the constellation of nitrogenous metabolites, but differ maximally from the members of other groups. Using the method of discriminant analysis, it was found that nitrogenous clusters differ from each other in terms of sex, age, trait anxiety, as well as 30 neuro-endocrine parameters. Conclusion. The obtained data confirm and supplement previous data on the physiological psycho-neuro-endocrine activity of plasma nitrogenous metabolites.
The All-Ireland Guidelines for the diagnosis, assessment and management of lymphoedema
Authors: Rankin Jane , Morris Kay , Reilly Aoife 
Published: October 2022

The last decade has produced a plethora of lymphoedema-based research. As such, a new All-Ireland Guideline for lymphoedema diagnosis, assessment and management was required to replace the 2008 CREST Guideline. A research team was commissioned to work with healthcare staff and service users following international research standards practice. An evidence–based clinical practice guideline was developed to aid clinicians in the diagnosis, assessment, and management of lymphoedema. Recommendations were formulated based on the evidence available to answer each clinical question and were assigned a grade based on the strength of the evidence. In the absence of sufficient evidence and in an effort to maximise clinical applicability, recommendations were also based on expert opinion, which was gathered via guideline member consensus. The recommendations from the guideline, which aim to provide healthcare professionals with clear, evidence-based guidance on the diagnosis, assessment and management of patients with all types of lymphoedema, should be communicated at all levels regarding responsibility for implementation in clinical care and service development. Audit should be a core component of the implementation. A budget impact analysis should be completed to determine additional costs required to fully implement the guideline.
Cholesterol: how to measure and how to treat
Authors: Pottle Alison 
Published: October 2022

Raised lipid levels are a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Alison Pottle provides an overview of how these are measured and the lifestyle measures and medications that can be used to reduce risk in these patients Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in England and Wales. Raised lipid levels are a significant risk factor for CVD. Lipids are a heterogeneous group of substances which include cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins. The link between increased lipid levels and atherosclerosis was first established in the early 1900s. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the critical role of low density lipoproteins and other cholesterol-rich apolipoprotein-B containing lipoproteins in atherosclerotic plaque formation and the subsequent risk of CVD events. There is now clear indication that the lower the achieved LDL levels, the lower the risk of CVD. Multiple interventions including changes in lifestyle together with the use of lipid-lowering therapies may be required to achieve desired lipid levels, and practice nurses can play a key role in this. This article will discuss how cholesterol levels are measured and the treatment strategies now available.
How to relate progestogen-only pill guidance to clinical practice
Authors: Nicol Claire 
Published: October 2022

A new guideline for the use of progestogen-only pills has been published. Claire Nicol explains how this relates to clinical practice The Clinical Effectiveness Unit (CEU) of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) regularly updates and develops national UK clinical guidelines relating to contraception. The updated FSRH progestogen-only pills (POPs) guideline was published in August 2022 and gives an overview of all POPs available in the UK. This article will highlight what is new or important in the guideline and how to relate the recommendations to clinical practice.
Administering medications in general practice: what do non-prescribers need to know?
Authors: Brindley Allison 
Published: October 2022

Administering medicines in general practice is often complicated for non-prescribers. Allison Brindley looks at the legal and professional boundaries around this complex topic Misunderstandings and uncertainty around the professional responsibilities and legal requirements for non-prescribing general practice nurses (GPNs) when administering medications in general practice is an ongoing issue. This article reflects on practices of the past and the influences and drivers for GPN practice, helping to explain why this remains such a difficult concept. The legal and professional boundaries are explored and summarised into understandable and relatable terms, encouraging non-prescribing GPNs to make safe and considered decisions regarding the supply and administration of medicines. The dynamics of being employed by GPs can create tension for nurses in terms of meeting the expectations of the employer while working within professional boundaries. After reading this article, GPNs should feel empowered to question prescribing practices in their place of work.