Bulletin of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering (BCSEE)
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Human Pseudoislet System for Synchronous Assessment of Fluorescent Biosensor Dynamics and Hormone Secretory Profiles
No full textThe pancreatic islets of Langerhans, which are small 3D collections of specialized endocrine and supporting cells interspersed throughout the pancreas, have a central role in the control of glucose homeostasis through the secretion of insulin by beta cells, which lowers blood glucose, and glucagon by alpha cells, which raises blood glucose. Intracellular signaling pathways, including those mediated by cAMP, are key for regulated alpha and beta cell hormone secretion. The 3D islet structure, while essential for coordinated islet function, presents experimental challenges for mechanistic studies of the intracellular signaling pathways in primary human islet cells. To overcome these challenges and limitations, this protocol describes an integrated live-cell imaging and microfluidic platform using primary human pseudoislets generated from donors without diabetes that resemble native islets in their morphology, composition, and function. These pseudoislets are size-controlled through the dispersion and reaggregation process of primary human islet cells. In the dispersed state, islet cell gene expression can be manipulated; for example, biosensors such as the genetically encoded cAMP biosensor, cADDis, can be introduced. Once formed, pseudoislets expressing a genetically encoded biosensor, in combination with confocal microscopy and a microperifusion platform, allow for the synchronous assessment of fluorescent biosensor dynamics and alpha and beta cell hormone secretory profiles to provide more insight into cellular processes and function.</p
Epicardial fat thickness in type 2 diabetes outpatient care
No full textVisceral fat is an independent predictor of the cardiovascular risk in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), but it is rarely assessed during an outpatient visit. Epicardial fat (EAT), the visceral fat of the heart, plays a role in coronary artery disease (CAD). EAT thickness can be clinically assessed with standard ultrasound. In this study we sought to evaluate the association of ambulatory ultrasound measured EAT thickness with CAD in asymptomatic well controlled T2DM subjects on metformin monotherapy during outpatient visits.
This was single center, pragmatic study in 142 T2DM patients. Each subject underwent baseline ultrasound EAT thickness measurement, anthropometric and biomarkers. The incidence of CAD was detected after 1 year. At baseline, HbA1c was 6.7 % and BMI 34.9 kg/m2, EAT thickness was 8.3 ± 2.3 in women and 9.4 ± 2.4 mm in men, higher than threshold values for high cardiovascular risk. In multivariate models, EAT was the only statistically significant correlate of CAD at 1-year f/u (p = 0.04). Conclusions Point of care ultrasound measured EAT thickness is a good correlate of CAD in well controlled and asymptomatic T2DM subjects on metformin monotherapy. EAT thickness predicted CAD better than traditional risk factors, such as BMI, HbA1c, age, blood pressure or duration of diabetes.
•Visceral fat plays a major role in diabetes-related cardiovascular risk. However visceral fat is not routinely assessed during outpatient visit.•Patients risk is often based on traditional parameters such as A1c, BMI.•Epicardial fat is strongly associated with diabetes related cardiovascular diseases.•Epicardial fat thickness can be easily and not invasively measured with ultrasound in an outpatient visit. Epicardial fat is marker of visceral fat.•In this real world study we found that ultrasound measured epicardial fat thickness was the best predictor of CAD in patients with well controlled type 2 diabetes and obesity on Metformin monotherapy.•Ultrasound assessment of visceral fat during outpatient visit can provide a better stratification of the cardiovascular risk than traditional markers in type 2 patients who would have been considered at low risk based only on A1c
Examining the effect of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic-induced stress and anxiety on humoral immunity in healthcare workers
No full textOBJECTIVEThe effect of stress on vaccine-induced humoral immunity and therapeutic interventions to mitigate pandemic-related stress remain under-explored.METHODSParticipants in a longitudinal cohort study (n = 189) completed a validated measure, 7-instrument Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and 10-instrument stress measure (SM-10) to assess stress and anxiety following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Serum was collected to obtain SARS-CoV-2 antibody titer levels.RESULTSParticipants experienced increased stress due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic with a positive correlation between GAD-7 scores and peak antibody (Ab) titers overall; however, there was a negative association with scores commensurate with severe anxiety. Healthcare workers (HCW) and younger participants were more significantly affected by anxiety.CONCLUSIONSMild anxiety levels may have immune-enhancing effects, whereas severe anxiety may cause antibody generation reduction. Mental health-focused interventions are imperative for younger adults and HCWs. Young adults may be more resilient to increased stress levels
The functional significance of mitochondrial respiratory chain supercomplexes
No full textAbstract The mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) is a key energy transducer in eukaryotic cells. Four respiratory chain complexes cooperate in the transfer of electrons derived from various metabolic pathways to molecular oxygen, thereby establishing an electrochemical gradient over the inner mitochondrial membrane that powers ATP synthesis. This electron transport relies on mobile electron carries that functionally connect the complexes. While the individual complexes can operate independently, they are in situ organized into large assemblies termed respiratory supercomplexes. Recent structural and functional studies have provided some answers to the question of whether the supercomplex organization confers an advantage for cellular energy conversion. However, the jury is still out, regarding the universality of these claims. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on the functional significance of MRC supercomplexes, highlight experimental limitations, and suggest potential new strategies to overcome these obstacles
Low Health Literacy, Lack of Knowledge, and Self-Control Hinder Healthy Lifestyles in Diverse Patients with Steatotic Liver Disease
No full textIn parallel with the obesity and diabetes epidemics, steatotic liver disease (SLD) has emerged as a major global public health concern. The mainstay of therapy is counseling on weight loss and increased exercise. However, such lifestyle modifications infrequently lead to success. We aimed to identify barriers to diet and lifestyle modification in patients with SLD.
Patients with SLD completed a 14-item questionnaire that assigned barriers to healthy eating to three categories: lack of knowledge, lack of self-control, and lack of time, with a higher summary score indicating more perceived barriers. We administered assessments of health literacy and physical activity. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and ordinal regression analysis.
We included 151 participants with a median age of 64; 54% were female and 68.2% were Hispanic. Median BMI was 31.9 kg/m
. Most respondents, 68.2%, had low health literacy and were either underactive, 29.1% or sedentary, 23.2%. Lack of self-control was the strongest barrier to achieving a healthy lifestyle, followed by lack of knowledge. Lack of time was not significant barrier. Patients with the most significant barriers were more likely to have obesity, low health literacy, and be sedentary.
Lack of self-control and knowledge are the greatest barriers to adopting a healthy lifestyle in patients with SLD. Future clinical interventions should integrate education that targets various health literacy levels with behavioral approaches to improve a sense of agency
The D32 spin chain and its finite-size spectrum
No full textA
bstract
Using the analytic Bethe ansatz, we initiate a study of the scaling limit of the quasi-periodic
D
3
2
spin chain. Supported by a detailed symmetry analysis, we determine the effective scaling dimensions of a large class of states in the parameter regime
γ
∈ (0
,
π
4
). Besides two compact degrees of freedom, we identify two independent continuous components in the finite-size spectrum. The influence of large twist angles on the latter reveals also the presence of discrete states. This allows for a conjecture on the central charge of the conformal field theory describing the scaling limit of the lattice model
PrEP and Behavioral Health Treatment Referral Among HIV Test Counselors in Miami-Dade County: A Rapid Qualitative Study Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research
No full textHIV test counselors are well positioned to refer individuals to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and behavioral health treatments. HIV test counselors in Miami-Dade County (N = 20), a priority jurisdiction for Ending the HIV Epidemic, completed interviews to assess determinants of PrEP and behavioral health treatment referrals. To identify determinants, we used a rapid deductive qualitative analysis approach and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Identified determinants sometimes served as facilitators (e.g., relative priority, leadership importance) and sometimes as barriers (e.g., lack of access to knowledge and information, available resources for referrals) to making referrals. We also observed differences in determinants between PrEP and behavioral health referrals. For example, complexity (perceived difficulty of the referral) was a barrier to behavioral health more often than PrEP referral. Our findings suggest that determinants across many CFIR domains affect referral implementation, and the corresponding need for multiple implementation strategies to improve implementation of PrEP and behavioral health referrals in the context of HIV testing.Los consejeros que proveen las pruebas de VIH estan posicionados para referir a las personas a la profilaxis prexposicion (PrEP) y a tratamientos de la salud mental y uso de sustancias. Los consejeros que proveen las pruebas de VIH en el condado de Miami-Dade (N = 20), una jurisdiccion prioritaria para el Plan para Poner Fin a la Epidemia del VIH: Un Plan para los Estados Unidos, completaron entrevistas para evaluar los determinantes de la PrEP y las referencias a proveedores para el tratamiento de salud mental y uso de sustancias. Para identificar los determinantes, utilizamos un analisis cualitativo deductivo rapido de CFIR. Los determinantes identificados a veces sirvieron como facilitadores (por ejemplo, prioridad relativa, importancia del liderazgo) y a veces como barreras (por ejemplo, falta de acceso a informacion, recursos disponibles para referencias) para hacer las referencias. Tambien observamos diferencias en los determinantes entre la PrEP y las referencias de salud mental y uso de sustancias. Por ejemplo, la complejidad (dificultad percibida de la referencia) fue una barrera para la salud mental y uso de sustancias mas frecuente en comparacion con los de PrEP. Nuestros resultados de la investigacion sugieren que los determinantes en varios dominios de CFIR afectan la implementacion de referencias a proveedores para el tratamiento de salud mental y uso de sustancias y la necesidad correspondiente de multiples estrategias de implementacion para mejorar la implementacion de la PrEP y el sistema de referencias para los servicios de salud mental y de uso de sustancias en el contexto de las pruebas de VIH.</p
Application of K-Means Clustering on School Identification in the Distribution of Assistance Funds for DPRD Members: Case Study in North Padang Lawas DPRD
No full textIn this study, the k-means algorithm was used to group schools and categorize DPRD grants into very feasible, feasible, and impractical categories for better focus. Based on the results of computational analysis using the K-Means clustering algorithm using the Euclidean distance equation for the distribution of DPRD suction subsidies from 52 schools, 28 schools are in the very decent category and 11 schools are decent. In that category, 13 schools were found with fewer categories. executable category. RapidMiner Studio v.7.6 software can group schools based on the distribution needs of DPRD suction tools for more effective and efficient results
Implementation Of DeLone And McLean Models To Measure The Success Of Online-Based Tutoring System
No full textOnline learning system or better known as tutoring "bimbel" online is one of the learning methods that are delivered electronically using a computer device or smartphone and connected to the internet. Online tutoring is designed to enable distance learning through the internet without having to come face-to-face with the teacher. Rumah Belajar is a learning portal prepared by the Ministry of Education and Culture containing more than 12,934 learning materials. This portal can be utilized by students as an alternative to getting learning materials, be it inside or outside school hours. This research uses DeLone and McLean success model which only uses variable information quality, system quality, service quality, and user satisfaction. From the results of questionnaire collection, as many as 100 respondents provided th e data information needed in this study. The data is processed with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) application using AMOS22 application. It is expected that with this research can be obtained recommendations about the learning system or online learning guidance that is good and liked by many users
Interactions Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Alzheimer's Disease Through Activation of the Inflammasome
No full textTraumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in the United States and a recognized risk factor for the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The relationship between these conditions is not completely understood, but the conditions may share additive or synergistic pathological hallmarks that may serve as novel therapeutic targets. Heightened inflammasome signaling plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of central nervous system injury (CNS) and the release of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) speck from neurons and activated microglia contribute significantly to TBI and AD pathology. This study investigated whether inflammasome signaling after TBI was augmented in AD transgenic mice models and whether this signaling pathway impacted biochemical and neuropathological outcomes as well as overall cognitive function. There was a statistically significant increase in the levels of inflammasome signaling proteins caspase-1, caspase-8, ASC, and interleukin (IL)-1β after TBI in both wild type and 3xTg animals. At 1-day post injury, significant increases in ASC and IL-1β protein were measured in AD TBI mice compared to WT TBI. Behavioral testing showed that injured AD mice had altered cognitive function when compared to injured WT mice. Elevated Aβ was seen in the ipsilateral cortex and hippocampus of sham and injured AD when compared to respective groups at 12 weeks post injury along with brain volumetric loss in injured AD mice. Finally, treatment of injured AD mice with IC100, an anti-ASC monoclonal antibody, inhibited the inflammasome, as evidenced by reduced levels of IL-1β in the injured cortex at 1-week post injury. These findings show that the inflammasome response is heightened in mice genetically predisposed to AD and suggest that AD may exacerbate TBI pathology. Thus, dampening inflammasome signaling may offer a novel approach for the treatment of AD and TBI.</p