bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization and Classification of Soils and Land Suitability Evaluation for the Production of Major Crops at Anzecha Watershed, Gurage Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Moshago Semu , Regassa Alemayehu , Yitbarek Teshome
Published: September 2022

The study was conducted at Anzecha watershed in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia, to characterize and classify the soils and to evaluate the physical land suitability of the area for the production of major crops (maize, teff, and wheat). The soils were classified based on World Reference Base for soil resource. The physical land suitability was made following FAO guideline using maximum limitation method. Four profiles were opened along toposequence and designate as upper, middle, lower, and toe slope positions (pedons 1, 2, 3, and 4), respectively. Soils of the watershed had low level of available phosphorous, low electrical conductivity, no coarse fragments, low acidity, and great depth. The soils were classified as Acrisols, Nitisols, and Vertisols. The land suitability evaluation for production of major crops showed that upper slope position (20.8%) was currently not suitable (N1) for maize, teff, and wheat. Middle slope position (27.3%) was marginally suitable (S3) for maize, teff, and wheat. Lower slope position (32.5%) was moderately suitable (S2) for maize and marginally suitable (S3) for teff and wheat. Toe slope position (19.4%) was moderately suitable (S2) for maize and teff and marginally suitable (S3) for wheat. There is no topographic position that was classified as highly suitable (S1). Hence, farmers of the area should implement major land improvement practice to create optimum condition for production of major crops or should change a land utilization type. Moreover, the soils of the study area were acidic and, therefore, there has to be acid soils management strategy in the area.
Knee Squeaking in Native Joint after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Izzo Matteo , Ranger Pierre
Published: September 2022

Articular squeaking sounds cause discomfort, frustration, and embarrassment for affected patients, especially in social contexts. Postsurgical native knee squeaking is rare, and only limited data on the subject are available in the literature. This study presents a case of knee squeaking after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A 22-year-old woman underwent reconstructive ACL surgery for an isolated tear in her right knee using an outside-in bone-patellar tendon-bone technique. Two months after the surgery, squeaking sound at knee flexion in both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing conditions appeared without any further symptoms. The audible squeaking sound was a source of frustration and embarrassment for the patient. Given the unsuccessful attempts at diagnostic imaging, a diagnostic arthroscopy was performed during which a multistrand, long-chain, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene suture was found moving freely in the joint. This suture, originally attached to the patellar bone portion of the graft, was removed during the arthroscopy. After the procedure, the patient reported having no more knee squeaking sound episodes. Friction of a nonabsorbable suture between the cartilage of a femoral condyle and a tibial plateau can produce a characteristic articular high-pitch squeaking sound. This should alert the surgeon to the possible presence of a freely moving fixation material in the knee. Diagnosis is clinical, as diagnostic imaging techniques have poor sensitivity.
Visualizing the Emperor’s Pantheon
Authors: Zhan Zhenpeng
Published: September 2022

In the early 1740s, a set of carved lacquer containers were imperially commissioned in Suzhou to hold Daoist and Buddhist scriptures transcribed by the Qianlong emperor. Decorated with numerous deities in bas-relief, these understudied luxury objects shed new light on Buddhist and Daoist material cultures at the High Qing court and offer a glimpse of the imperial patron’s religious cosmology. Focusing on Qianlong’s two miniature pantheons and tracing the life history of objects in Qing palaces, this article explores the key role played by sacred images in elevating devotional objects of religious significance. As the most important offerings to Daoist and Buddhist deities, the lacquer boxes containing imperially transcribed scriptures were set on altars in different temples in the Forbidden City, even after Qianlong’s death. Characterized by rich religious symbolism, the Daoist and Buddhist icons designed for the containers embody visual efficacy that elevated the concealed scriptures and complemented the sacred spaces where they were enshrined.
The Emotional Mechanism Between Leader Feedback Quality and Teacher Voice: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Zhang Ying , Shen Mengyi
Published: September 2022

Although teacher emotion has been recognized as one important factor affecting teaching, learning, and teachers’ wellbeing, less attention has been paid to its role in school management. As an emotional perspective of explaining organizational behavior, the Affective Event Theory was used to uncover the emotional mechanism of the associations between leader feedback quality and teacher voice behavior. A sample of 491 teachers from 27 primary and secondary schools participated in this study. A moderated mediation model was used in data analysis. The result demonstrated that: First, leader feedback quality was positively associated with teacher voice behavior. Second, teacher positive emotion mediated the relationship between leader feedback quality and teacher voice behavior while teacher negative emotion played a masking effect. Third, leader feedback accuracy moderated the relationship between leader feedback quality and teacher negative emotion.
Why They Kept Committed: Emotional Drives of Rotating Teachers in the Context of Teacher Rotation Policy in China
Authors: Zhou Shenji , Ye Juyan
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study is to examine China’s teacher rotation policies, which are intended to narrow the urban-rural teacher quality gap. A qualitative approach is used to explore the emotional drives of eight teachers who participated in teacher rotation in Y District, Beijing. This study applies Archer’s social theory of emotion, which establishes a link between personal concerns and emotional commentaries. Data reveals four emotional drives or concerns: embodying sender schools, reciprocity with rural school leaders, rapport with colleagues, and conscience towards students. Conscience is viewed as the primary drive for rotating teachers to focus their efforts on teaching and learning in order to avoid shame. Relationships with sender schools, rural school leaders, and colleagues all have an effect on rotating teachers’ hybrid self-identity as insiders/outsiders of two social circles, engendering a range of emotions. This study emphasizes the importance of making sense of the emotional structures and dynamics of rotating teachers. Finally, the implications of improving the efficacy of teacher rotation are discussed.
Redescription of Chelidoperca barazeri, with a revised key and literature review to species of Chelidoperca in Taiwan (Perciformes: Serranidae)
Authors: TANG CHI-NGAI , MATSUNUMA MIZUKI
Published: September 2022

Chelidoperca barazeri Lee, Lee, Matsunuma & Chen, 2019 is redescribed based on two sub-adult types and 12 additional non-types specimens collected from the type locality and southwestern Taiwan, respectively. The identification of the additional specimens were supported by morphological and/or molecular approaches. C. barazeri is characterized by the following combination of characters: three scale rows between lateral line and base of 6th dorsal-fin spine; pored lateral-line scales 34‒37, modally 36; modally 2+7 developed gill rakers on the upper and lower limb; soft dorsal fin with series of large yellow spots; and the anal-fin with a yellow margin. C. barazeri is most similar to C. tosaensis and can be distinguished from C. tosaensis by: relatively less pored lateral line scales, 34‒37 (vs. 37‒43, modally 39); anal-fin without series of spot; penultimate and the last dorsal- and anal-fin rays in adult not elongated (vs. well elongated in adults); presence of a faint and discontinuous stripe formed by clusters of melanophores along the mid-lateral body when preserved (vs. without or very indistinct). Furthermore, six species of Chelidoperca are confirmed occurring in the Taiwanese water by literature reviews. A key to Chelidoperca from the Taiwanese water is provided.
Stomach content analysis of young Russell's oarfish (Regalecus russelii) from Taiwan, and a report on an unusual case of predation
Authors: HUANG SHIH-PIN , SHAO KWANG-TSAO
Published: September 2022

In this study, we analyzed the stomach content of two individuals of rare, young Russell’s oarfish, Regalecus russelii, from Taiwan. One of them was captured alive along with larval fish and crustaceans by a stow net from the shallow waters (15-18m deep) of the Tamsui River mouth. A total of 38 individuals of larval fish belonging to three species (86.4% of all prey) and 6 individuals of crustaceans belonging to three species were found in the Russell’s oarfish specimen’s stomach. Among the prey, the Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) was the most dominant fish species, accounting for 44.7% of all fishes; and luciferids were the most dominant crustaceans, accounting for 66.7% of all crustaceans. All the prey fish were sandy or a mixture of sandy and muddy sediment dwellers. The luciferids and Japanese anchovies are characterized by having diel vertical migration behavior. Based on the sampling information and biological characteristics of the fish larvae and crustaceans, we conjectured that the abundance of these prey when they moved up to the upper layer of the Tamsui River mouth at nighttime had attracted the young Russell’s oarfish to hunt there. In addition, we speculated that it might be easier for the vertical-swimming Russell's oarfish to hunt a large number of luciferids assembled in the upper layer of the water by its particular posture or angle of view.
Stratospheric Modulation of the MJO through Cirrus Cloud Feedbacks
Authors: Lin Jonathan , Emanuel Kerry
Published: September 2022

Recent observations have indicated significant modulation of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) by the phase of the stratospheric quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) during boreal winter. Composites of the MJO show that upper-tropospheric ice cloud fraction and water vapor anomalies are generally collocated, and that an eastward tilt with height in cloud fraction exists. Through radiative transfer calculations, it is shown that ice clouds have a stronger tropospheric radiative forcing than do water vapor anomalies, highlighting the importance of incorporating upper-tropospheric–lower-stratospheric processes into simple models of the MJO. The coupled troposphere–stratosphere linear model previously developed by the authors is extended by including a mean wind in the stratosphere and a prognostic equation for cirrus clouds, which are forced dynamically and allowed to modulate tropospheric radiative cooling, similar to the effect of tropospheric water vapor in previous formulations. Under these modifications, the model still produces a slow, eastward-propagating mode that resembles the MJO. The sign of zonal mean wind in the stratosphere is shown to control both the upward wave propagation and tropospheric vertical structure of the mode. Under varying stratospheric wind and interactive cirrus cloud radiation, the MJO-like mode has weaker growth rates under stratospheric westerlies than easterlies, consistent with the observed MJO–QBO relationship. These results are directly attributable to an enhanced barotropic mode under QBO easterlies. It is also shown that differential zonal advection of cirrus clouds leads to weaker growth rates under stratospheric westerlies than easterlies. Implications and limitations of the linear theory are discussed.

Significance Statement

Recent observations have shown that the strength of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), a global-scale envelope of wind and rain that slowly moves eastward in the tropics and dominates global-weather variations on time scales of around a month, is strongly influenced by the direction of the winds in the lower stratosphere, the layer of the atmosphere that lies above where weather occurs. So far, modeling studies have been unable to reproduce this connection in global climate models. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanisms through which the stratosphere can modulate the MJO, by using simple theoretical models. In particular, we point to the role that ice clouds high in the atmosphere play in influencing the MJO.
An open-label, single-arm phase 2 trial of valemetostat for relapsed or refractory adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma
Authors: Izutsu Koji , Makita Shinichi , Nosaka Kisato , Yoshimitsu Makoto , Utsunomiya Atae , Kusumoto Shigeru , Morishima Satoko , Tsukasaki Kunihiro , Kawamata Toyotaka , Ono Takaaki , Rai Shinya , Katsuya Hiroo , Ishikawa Jun , Yamada Hironori , Kato Kazunobu , Tachibana Masaya , Kakurai Yasuyuki , Adachi Nobuaki , Tobinai Kensei , Yonekura Kentaro , Ishitsuka Kenji
Published: September 2022

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma with poor prognosis and few treatment options for patients with relapsed, recurrent, or refractory disease. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of valemetostat, a potent enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and EZH1 inhibitor, in treating relapsed or refractory (R/R) ATL. This multicenter phase 2 trial enrolled patients with R/R aggressive ATL (acute, lymphoma, unfavorable chronic type). Patients received valemetostat 200 mg/day orally until progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point was overall response rate (ORR) centrally assessed by an independent efficacy assessment committee (IEAC). Secondary end points included best response in disease compartments, duration of response (DOR), pharmacokinetics, and safety. Twenty-five patients (median age, 69.0 years) with a median of 3 prior lines of therapy were enrolled; 24 had prior mogamulizumab treatment. The primary end point was met with a centrally reviewed ORR of 48.0% (90% confidence interval [CI], 30.5-65.9), including 5 complete and 7 partial remissions. Patients pretreated with mogamulizumab had an ORR of 45.8% (4 complete and 7 partial remissions). IEAC-assessed median DOR was not reached (NR) (95% CI, 1.87 to NR; months). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were manageable. TEAEs that occurred in ≥20% of patients included thrombocytopenia, anemia, alopecia, dysgeusia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, leukopenia, decreased appetite, and pyrexia. Grade ≥3 TEAEs included thrombocytopenia, anemia, lymphopenia, leukopenia, and neutropenia. Valemetostat demonstrated promising efficacy and tolerability in heavily pretreated patients, warranting further investigation in treating R/R ATL. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT04102150.
Health-related quality of life with lisocabtagene maraleucel vs standard of care in relapsed or refractory LBCL
Authors: Abramson Jeremy S. , Johnston Patrick B. , Kamdar Manali , Ibrahimi Sami , Izutsu Koji , Arnason Jon , Glass Bertram , Mutsaers Pim , Lunning Matthew , Braverman Julia , Liu Fei Fei , Crotta Alessandro , Montheard Sandrine , Previtali Alessandro , Guo Shien , Shi Ling , Solomon Scott R.
Published: September 2022

Lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel) has shown promising efficacy in clinical trials for patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). We present health-related quality of life (HRQOL) results from the TRANSFORM study, the first comparative analysis of liso-cel vs standard of care (SOC) as second-line therapy in this population. Adults with LBCL refractory or relapsed ≤12 months after first-line therapy and eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation were randomized 1:1 to the liso-cel or SOC arms (3 cycles of immunochemotherapy in which responders proceeded to high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation). HRQOL was assessed by European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire – 30 items and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lymphoma subscale. Patients with baseline and ≥1 postbaseline assessment were analyzed (liso-cel, n = 47; SOC, n = 43). The proportion of patients with meaningful improvement in global health status/quality of life (QOL) was higher, whereas deterioration was lower in the liso-cel arm vs SOC arm from day 126 to month 6. Mean change scores showed meaningful worsening in global health status/QOL at month 6, fatigue at day 29 and month 6, and pain at month 6 with SOC; mean scores for other domains were maintained or improved in both arms. Time to confirmed deterioration favored the liso-cel arm vs SOC arm in global health status/QOL (median: not reached vs 19.0 weeks, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.24-0.94). HRQOL was either improved or maintained from baseline in patients with relapsed/refractory LBCL in the liso-cel arm vs SOC arm as second-line treatment. This study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT0357531.
An assessment of the proportion of LGB+ persons in the Belgian population, their identification as sexual minority, mental health and experienced minority stress
Authors: De Schrijver Lotte , Fomenko Elizaveta , Krahé Barbara , Dewaele Alexis , Harb Jonathan , Janssen Erick , Motmans Joz , Roelens Kristien , Vander Beken Tom , Keygnaert Ines
Published: September 2022

Background

Previous studies report vast mental health problems in sexual minority people. Representative national proportion estimates on self-identifying LGB+ persons are missing in Belgium. Lacking data collection regarding sexual orientation in either census or governmental survey data limits our understanding of the true population sizes of different sexual orientation groups and their respective health outcomes. This study assessed the proportion of LGB+ and heterosexual persons in Belgium, LGB+ persons’ self-identification as sexual minority, mental health, and experienced minority stress.

Method

A representative sample of 4632 individuals drawn from the Belgian National Register completed measures of sexual orientation, subjective minority status, and its importance for their identity as well as a range of mental-health measures.

Results

LGB+ participants made up 10.02% of the total sample and 52.59% of LGB+ participants self-identified as sexual minority. Most sexual minority participants considered sexual minority characteristics important for their identity. LGB+ persons reported significantly worse mental health than heterosexual persons. Sexual minority participants did not report high levels of minority stress, but those who considered minority characteristics key for their identity reported higher levels of minority stress. LGB+ participants who did not identify as minority reported fewer persons they trust.

Conclusions

The proportion of persons who identified as LGB+ was twice as large as the proportion of persons who identified as a minority based on their sexual orientation. LGB+ persons show poorer mental health compared to heterosexual persons. This difference was unrelated to minority stress, sociodemographic differences, minority identification, or the importance attached to minority characteristics.
Diagnostic accuracy of the Ottawa ankle rule to exclude fractures in acute ankle injuries in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gomes Yolanda E. , Chau Minh , Banwell Helen A. , Causby Ryan S.
Published: September 2022

Background

Ankle traumas are common presenting injuries to emergency departments in Australia and worldwide. The Ottawa Ankle Rules (OAR) are a clinical decision tool to exclude ankle fractures, thereby precluding the need for radiographic imaging in patients with acute ankle injury. Previous studies support the OAR as an accurate means of excluding ankle and midfoot fractures, but have included a paediatric population, report both the ankle and mid-foot, or are greater than 5 years old. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to update and assess the existing evidence of the diagnostic accuracy of the Ottawa Ankle Rule (OAR) acute ankle injuries in adults.

Methods

A systematic search and screen of was performed for relevant articles dated 1992 to 2020. Prospective and retrospective studies documenting OAR outcomes by physicians to assess ankle injuries were included. Critical appraisal of included studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool. Outcomes related to psychometric data were pooled using random effects or fixed effects modelling to calculate diagnostic performance of the OAR. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using the Higgins I2 test, with Spearman’s correlation test for threshold effect.

Results

From 254 unique studies identified in the screening process, 15 were included, involving 8560 patients from 13 countries. Sensitivity, specificity, negative likelihood ratio, positive likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.91 (95% CI, 0.89 to 0.92), 0.25 (95% CI, 0.24 to 0.26), 1.47 (95% CI, 1.11 to 1.93), 0.15 (95% CI, 0.72 to 0.29) and 10.95 (95% CI, 5.14 to 23.35) respectively, with high between-study heterogeneity observed (sensitivity: I2 = 94.3%,p < 0.01; specificity: I2 = 99.2%,p < 0.01). Most studies presented with low risk of bias and concern regarding applicability following assessment against QUADAS-2 criteria.

Conclusions

Application of the OAR is highly sensitive and can correctly predict the likelihood of ankle fractures when present, however, lower specificity rates increase the likelihood of false positives. Overall, the use of the OAR tool is supported as a cost-effective method of reducing unnecessary radiographic referral, that should improve efficiency, lower medical costs and reduce waiting times.
The interaction between rs 3,807,992 genotypes with the dietary inflammatory index on Leptin, Leptin resistance, and Galectin 3 in obese and overweight women
Authors: Shiraseb Farideh , Farazi Mena , Rasaei Niloufar , Clark Cain C. T. , Jamili Shahin , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: September 2022

Objective

Obesity is related to increasing leptin and some inflammatory factors that are associated with low-grade inflammation. Moreover, several studies have shown Caveolin-1 (CAV1) genetic variations may be associated with dietary intake. The current study aimed to evaluate the interaction of CAV1 rs3807992 with types of the energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (EDII) in leptin, leptin resistance, and Galectin 3, as inflammatory factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out on 363 overweight and obese females. Dietary intake and DII were obtained from a 147-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The CAV-1 genotype was measured using the PCR-RFLP method. Anthropometric values and serum levels of leptin and Galectin 3 were measured by standard methods.

Results

Increased adherence to EDII in the interaction with CAV1 genotypes led to an increase in leptin level 79.15 (mg/l) (β = 79.15, CI = − 1.23,163.94, P = 0.04) in model 3, after controlling for further potential confounders. By contrast, adherence to EDII in the interaction with the genotype including risk alleles showed no significant interaction, even after adjustment in model 3 (β = 0.55, CI = − 0.99, 2.09, P = 0.48). Although, a marginal positive significant interaction was found between EDII and CAV1 genotypes on Galectin 3, after adjustment in model 3 (β = 31.35, CI = 0.13, 77.13, P = 0.05).

Conclusions

The present study indicates that a high adherence of EDII and CAV1 genotypes containing risk alleles may be a prognostic factor and increase both leptin and Galectin3. However, it seems that the presence of interaction was not on leptin resistance. Further functional studies are necessary to elucidate the exact mechanism.
Glucocorticoid therapy reduces ocular hypertension in active moderate-severe thyroid-associated orbitopathy
Authors: Tang Chengyang , liang Liang , zheng Xiaoya , Hu Hong , Liu Chun , Long Jian
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Ocular hypertension (OHT) is an important clinical feature of thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO).While the prevalence and outcome of OHT in TAO remains unclear. This study investigates this in moderate-severe active TAO.

Methods

Sixty-eight patients with active moderate-severe TAO were recruited, 49 of whom were treated with 12-week GC therapy.The clinical and biochemical parameters were collected.Treatment outcomes were evaluated after GC therapy.

Results

The prevalence of OHT was 44.85% in moderate-severe active TAO patients,including 81.97% of mild hypertension, 13.11% of moderate hypertension and 4.92% of severe hypertension.

Clinical and biochemical parameters had no significant difference between OHT patients and non-OHT patients,such as age, sex distributions, smoking status, the kind and the duration of thyroid disease,the duration of eye symptoms and the level of FT3,FT4,TSH, TR-Ab, and Tpo-Ab, Tg-Ab(all P > 0.05).

After GC therapy,the intraocular pressure(IOP) in OHT eyes decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while IOP in non-OHT eyes remained unchanged (P > 0.05).There was no significant difference in CAS and the effective rate of GC therapy between OHT eyes and non-OHT eyes (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

In moderate-severe active TAO, the prevalence of OHT was 44.85%, most of which were mild hypertension.OHT was relieved by GC therapy,which had no effect on the efficacy of GC therapy.Our results will enhance physicians' confidence in GC therapy.
Uygur type 2 diabetes patient fecal microbiota transplantation disrupts blood glucose and bile acid levels by changing the ability of the intestinal flora to metabolize bile acids in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Wang Chanyue , Wang Ye , Yang Hao , Tian Zirun , Zhu Manli , Sha Xiaoting , Ran Ju , Li Linlin
Published: September 2022

Background

Our epidemiological study showed that the intestinal flora of Uygur T2DM patients differed from that of normal glucose-tolerant people. However, whether the Uygur T2DM fecal microbiota transplantation could reproduce the glucose metabolism disorder and the mechanism behind has not been reported. This study was designed to explore whether Uygur T2DM fecal microbiota transplantation could reproduce the glucose metabolism disorder and its mechanism.

Methods

The normal diet and high fat diet group consisted of C57BL/6 mice orally administered 0.2 mL sterile normal saline. For the MT (microbiota transplantation) intervention groups, C57BL/6 mice received oral 0.2 mL faecal microorganisms from Uygur T2DM. All mice were treated daily for 8 weeks and Blood glucose levels of mice were detected. Mice faecal DNA samples were sequenced and quantified using 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Then we detected the ability of the intestinal flora to metabolize bile acids (BAs) through co-culture of fecal bacteria and BAs. BA levels in plasma were determined by UPLC-MS. Further BA receptors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) expression levels were determined with RT-q PCR and western blotting.

Results

MT impaired insulin and oral glucose tolerance. Deoxycholic acid increased and tauro-β-muricholic acid and the non-12-OH BA:12-OH BA ratio decreased in plasma. MT improved the ability of intestinal flora to produce deoxycholic acid. Besides, the vitamin D receptor in the liver and ileum and GLP-1 in the ileum decreased significantly.

Conclusions

Uygur T2DM fecal microbiota transplantation disrupts glucose metabolism by changing the ability of intestinal flora to metabolize BAs and the BAs/GLP-1 pathway.
Exploring the why: risk factors for HIV and barriers to sexual and reproductive health service access among adolescents in Nigeria
Authors: Folayan Morenike O. , Sam-Agudu Nadia A. , Harrison Abigail
Published: September 2022

Background

Early sexual debut, low educational attainment, history of rape and transactional and intergenerational sex have been associated with HIV infection among Nigerian adolescents, especially females. We sought to understand the “why”, and how to mitigate against these determinants and barriers to addressing adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV prevention needs.

Methods

This qualitative study generated data from 49 focus group discussions with male and female adolescents living with and without HIV, healthcare workers, members of civil society organizations working with young people, and parents of adolescents living with HIV. Participants were recruited from all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Data was analysed with ATLAS.ti software. Hermeneutic units were created, and codes developed from focus group transcripts. Network View Manager was used to create maps of codes, memos and quotations, and relevant quotes were retrieved from transcripts.

Results

Four major themes were identified, relating to individual, parental, community and government roles in reducing the risk of HIV and unplanned pregnancy among adolescents in Nigeria. Individual factors influencing sexual risk behaviours of adolescents include peer pressure, poor risk perception for HIV, and misconceptions about the efficacy of contraceptives and condoms. Respondents entrusted State responsibilities such as facilitation of HIV-affected adolescents’ access to education, rather, to individuals, parents and the community; and placed the blame for rape on rape survivors. Findings also highlighted the inadequacy of health systems to address adolescents’ needs for treatment of sexually transmitted infections and to provide appropriate education on secondary HIV prevention for those living with HIV.

Conclusion

Rigorous studies are needed to understand dynamics between adolescents’ risk behavior, HIV risk perception, parental roles in mitigating HIV risk in adolescents, and the role of communities and government in HIV prevention and treatment for adolescents in Nigeria.
Post-traumatic growth among UK military personnel deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan: data from phase 3 of a military cohort study
Authors: Dyball Daniel , Taylor-Beirne Sean , Greenberg Neil , Stevelink Sharon A. M. , Fear Nicola T.
Published: September 2022

Background

Post-traumatic growth (PTG) refers to beneficial psychological change following trauma.

Aims

This study explores the sociodemographic, health and deployment-related factors associated with PTG in serving/ex-serving UK armed forces personnel deployed to military operations in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Method

Multinomial logistic regression analyses were applied to retrospective questionnaire data collected 2014–2016, stratified by gender. PTG scores were split into tertiles of no/very low PTG, low PTG and moderate/large PTG.

Results

A total of 1447/4610 male personnel (30.8%) and 198/570 female personnel (34.8%) reported moderate/large PTG. Male personnel were more likely to report moderate/large PTG compared with no/very low PTG if they reported a greater belief of being in serious danger (relative risk ratio (RRR) 2.47, 95% CI 1.68–3.64), were a reservist (RRR 2.37, 95% CI 1.80–3.11), reported good/excellent general health (fair/poor general health: RRR 0.33, 95% CI 0.24–0.46), a greater number of combat experiences, less alcohol use, better mental health, were of lower rank or were younger. Female personnel were more likely to report moderate/large PTG if they were single (in a relationship: RRR 0.40, 95% CI 0.22–0.74), had left military service (RRR 2.34, 95% CI 1.31–4.17), reported better mental health (common mental disorder: RRR 0.37, 95% CI 0.17–0.84), were a reservist, reported a greater number of combat experiences or were younger. Post-traumatic stress disorder had a curvilinear relationship with PTG.

Conclusions

A moderate/large degree of PTG among the UK armed forces is associated with mostly positive health experiences, except for post-traumatic stress disorder.
Mass claims in maritime law and alternative methods of dispute resolution
Authors: Κουτούζη Κλεοπάτρα
Published: September 2022

Διερεύνηση του τρόπου επίλυσης συλλογικών αξιώσεων στο χώρο των ναυτικών ατυχημάτων με προσφυγή σε εναλλακτικές μορφές επίλυσης, ιδίως στη διαιτησία. Η έρευνα εστιάζει σε δύο κατηγορίες γένεσης συλλογικών αξιώσεων στον ευρύτερο χώρο του ναυτικού δικαίου: τα ατυχήματα (με την ευρεία έννοια) που αφορούν τους επιβάτες στη θαλάσσια μεταφορά προσώπων και τις ενδοσυμβατικές αξιώσεις αποζημίωσης αυτών και τα ατυχήματα που προκαλούν ρύπανση της θάλασσας από πλοία και τις επακόλουθες αδικοπρακτικές αξιώσεις των διαφόρων κατηγοριών ζημιωθέντων.
Deformable mirror-based photoacoustic remote sensing (PARS) microscopy for depth scanning
Authors: Mukhangaliyeva Lyazzat , Kocer Samed , Warren Alkris , Bell Kevan , Boktor Marian , Yavuz Mustafa , Abdel-Rahman Eihab , Haji Reza Parsin
Published: September 2022

Optically shifting the focal plane to allow depth scanning of delicate biological structures and processes in their natural environment offers an appealing alternative to conventional mechanical scanning. Our technique uses a deformable mirror-based photoacoustic remote sensing microscopy (PARS) with a focus shifting of Δz ∼ 240 µm. We achieve this by integrating a deformable mirror that functions as a varifocal mirror for axial scanning. First, the system's focal shift capability was demonstrated with USAF resolution targets and carbon fiber phantoms, followed by in-vivo visualizations of blood vessels in chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). This work represents an initial step toward developing a non-contact, label-free, and aberration-free PARS imaging system with axial scanning capability.
Security enhancement of a W-band millimeter-wave signal based on 3D Hilbert scrambling and diffusion
Authors: Wang Zhiyi , Xiao Yaoqiang , Wang Bingshuai , Wang Sitao , He Jing
Published: September 2022

A physical layer enhancement scheme of the W-band millimeter-wave signal based on chaotic grouping and segmentation encryption, 3D Hilbert scrambling, and diffusion is proposed in this paper. Chaotic grouping and segmentation bit-level encryption can enhance the randomness of data and enlarge the key space. 3D Hilbert scrambling and chaotic diffusion are performed in symbol and subcarrier domains. The correlation of data can be effectively reduced after encryption. The analyses show that the key space of the proposed scheme can reach ∼10152. The encrypted W-band millimeter-wave signal can be successfully transmitted in the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) radio-over-fiber (RoF) system of 50-km standard single-mode fiber (SSMF) and 3-m wireless channel, and the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can enhance the security of the system without negatively affecting transmission performance.
Cas9 targeted nanopore sequencing with enhanced variant calling improves CYP2D6-CYP2D7 hybrid allele genotyping
Authors: Rubben Kaat , Tilleman Laurentijn , Deserranno Koen , Tytgat Olivier , Deforce Dieter , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip
Published: September 2022

CYP2D6 is a very important pharmacogene as it is responsible for the metabolization or bioactivation of 20 to 30% of the clinically used drugs. However, despite its relatively small length of only 4.4 kb, it is one of the most challenging pharmacogenes to genotype due to the high similarity with its neighboring pseudogenes and the frequent occurrence of CYP2D6-CYP2D7 hybrids. Unfortunately, most current genotyping methods are therefore not able to correctly determine the complete CYP2D6-CYP2D7 sequence. Therefore, we developed a genotyping assay to generate complete allele-specific consensus sequences of complex regions by optimizing the PCR-free nanopore Cas9-targeted sequencing (nCATS) method combined with adaptive sequencing, and developing a new comprehensive long read genotyping (CoLoRGen) pipeline. The CoLoRGen pipeline first generates consensus sequences of both alleles and subsequently determines both large structural and small variants to ultimately assign the correct star-alleles. In reference samples, our genotyping assay confirms the presence of CYP2D6-CYP2D7 large structural variants, single nucleotide variants (SNVs), and small insertions and deletions (INDELs) that go undetected by most current assays. Moreover, our results provide direct evidence that the CYP2D6 genotype of the NA12878 DNA should be updated to include the CYP2D6-CYP2D7 *68 hybrid and several additional single nucleotide variants compared to existing references. Ultimately, the nCATS-CoLoRGen genotyping assay additionally allows for more accurate gene function predictions by enabling the possibility to detect and phase de novo mutations in addition to known large structural and small variants.
AFF4 regulates cellular adipogenic differentiation via targeting autophagy
Authors: Chen Yaqian , Li Qiwen , Liu Yuting , Chen Xuelan , Jiang Shuang , Lin Weimin , Zhang Yuning , Liu Rui , Shao Bin , Chen Chong , Yuan Quan , Zhou Chenchen
Published: September 2022

Transcriptional elongation is a universal and critical step during gene expression. The super elongation complex (SEC) regulates the rapid transcriptional induction by mobilizing paused RNA polymerase II (Pol II). Dysregulation of SEC is closely associated with human diseases. However, the physiological role of SEC during development and homeostasis remains largely unexplored. Here we studied the function of SEC in adipogenesis by manipulating an essential scaffold protein AF4/FMR2 family member 4 (AFF4), which assembles and stabilizes SEC. Knockdown of AFF4 in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes inhibits cellular adipogenic differentiation. Overexpression of AFF4 enhances adipogenesis and ectopic adipose tissue formation. We further generate Fabp4-cre driven adipose-specific Aff4 knockout mice and find that AFF4 deficiency impedes adipocyte development and white fat depot formation. Mechanistically, we discover AFF4 regulates autophagy during adipogenesis. AFF4 directly binds to autophagy-related protein ATG5 and ATG16L1, and promotes their transcription. Depleting ATG5 or ATG16L1 abrogates adipogenesis in AFF4-overepressing cells, while overexpression of ATG5 and ATG16L1 rescues the impaired adipogenesis in Aff4-knockout cells. Collectively, our results unveil the functional importance of AFF4 in regulating autophagy and adipogenic differentiation, which broaden our understanding of the transcriptional regulation of adipogenesis.
A study of the spatial correlation network structure of urban innovation in Guangdong
Authors: Liu Wei , Chen Qiuling , Wang Yue
Published: September 2022

Based on the modified gravity model, a spatial correlation network of innovation was constructed among cities in Guangdong, China. Social network analysis was employed to explore their evolution characteristics during 2009–2017. The results indicate that the innovation output of prefecture-level cities in Guangdong Province shows both spatial correlations and differences. Their network shows lower density, higher efficiency, and rigid stratification properties. Based on small cluster analysis, these cities are classified into four blocks, the members of which changed. In 2017, four well-defined subgroups formed, which are “bidirectional spillover plate”, “main spillover plate”, “net beneficial plate”, and “agent plate”. With this network, the geographical characteristics of the innovation capabilities and differences among the cities in Guangdong, as well as the different positions and roles of each city in the associated network, can be properly understood. Consequently, the transmission mechanisms and development strategies of innovation in Guangdong Province can be better explored.
ICSI in non-male factor infertility patients does not alter metabolomic signature in sibling embryos as evidenced by sensitivity enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
Authors: Jijo Ameya , Cheredath Aswathi , Uppangala Shubhashree , Lakshmi R. Vani , Joseph David , Meitei Huidrom Yaiphaba , Asampille Gitanjali , Kumar Pratap , Gowda G. A. Nagana , Kalthur Guruprasad , Kovacic Borut , Adiga Satish Kumar
Published: September 2022

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was developed to overcome male factor infertility, however, there recently has been an increasing trend in ICSI usage irrespective of the etiology, demonstrating an overuse of this insemination technique. There is a limited knowledge on the behaviour of ICSI derived embryos in non-male factor infertility patients. Metabolomic assessment of preimplantation embryos in conjunction with morphological evaluation can provide better understanding of embryonic behaviour. Hence, this study was undertaken to explore if there are any metabolomic differences between IVF and ICSI derived sibling day-5 blastocysts from non-male factor infertility patients. This prospective study included nineteen couples with non-male factor infertility undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology. The sibling oocytes retrieved from each patient were randomly assigned to two groups and inseminated either by IVF or ICSI. Spent culture media (SCM) in which embryos were cultured up to day 5 were collected and investigated using sensitivity enhanced NMR based metabolite profiling utilizing high resolution (800 MHz) NMR equipped with cryogenically cooled micro-coil (1.7 mm) probe. The metabolomic signature between IVF and ICSI derived sibling blastocysts was assessed. A significant reduction in the concentrations of pyruvate, citrate, glucose and lysine were observed in both IVF and ICSI sibling embryos compared to medium control (P< 0.05–0.001). Further, histidine and valine level was found lower in ICSI embryos compared to medium control (P<0.05) during 96 hours ofin vitroculture. Notably, between IVF and ICSI SCM, no significant difference in the concentration of the metabolites was found. Our results suggest that ICSI in non-male factor does not alter the SCM metabolomic signature during 96 hours of embryonic development.
Interbirth interval and maternal anaemia in 21 sub-Saharan African countries: A fractional-polynomial analysis
Authors: Mruts Kalayu Brhane , Gebremedhin Amanuel Tesfay , Tessema Gizachew A. , Scott Jane A. , Pereira Gavin
Published: September 2022

Background

Maternal anaemia is a global public health problem contributing to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. In addition to other risk factors, interbirth interval has been identified as a potentially modifiable risk factor of maternal anaemia. However, the current evidence for the association between interbirth interval and maternal anaemia remains inconclusive. Hence, this study examined the association between the interbirth interval and maternal anaemia in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

We conducted a multinational cross-sectional study of interbirth interval (time between two singleton live births) and maternal anaemia (haemoglobin levels < 12 g/dl for non-pregnant women, < 11 g/dl for pregnant women) for 21 sub-Saharan African countries using the most recent nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys, 2010–2017. A weighted multivariable fractional polynomial function was used to estimate the non-linear relationship between interbirth interval and maternal anaemia, considering interbirth interval as a continuous variable and adjusting for potential confounders. Analyses were stratified by reproductive classification (non-pregnant and pregnant women).

Results

There were 81,693 women included in the study (89.2% non-pregnant, 10.8% pregnant). Of all women, 32.2% were in their postpartum period. Overall, 36.9% of women had anaemia (36.0% of non-pregnant and 44.3% of pregnant women). Of the participants, 15% had a short interbirth interval (<24 months), and 16% had a long interbirth interval (≥ 60 months). We found that both short and longer interbirth intervals were associated with an increased risk of maternal anaemia in a dose-response fashion. Relatively a lower risk of maternal anaemia was observed between 24 and 40 months of interbirth intervals.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that both short and longer interbirth intervals were associated with an increased risk of maternal anaemia in sub-Saharan Africa.
MARKETING AS A FUNCTION OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF PHILOSOPHY OF UTILITARISM AND AXIOLOGY
Authors: Belyaev V. I. , Pyatkova O. N.
Published: September 2022

The article proposes a method for managing the development of consumer properties of goods using the categories of utility and value. The author considers the content of the philosophy of utilitarianism and axiology. The author proposes to use their fundamental principles as the basis of the marketing function for the development of consumer properties of goods. Utility, according to the theory of utilitarianism, is capable of shaping such social behavior that increases the level of satisfaction with the everyday life of the bulk of consumers. Value in the everyday life appears in the desire of individuals and large social groups to obtain real quantitative benefits from the consumption of purchased goods. Finally, utility of individual consumer properties is represented by the value of the entire product for sale. That is the task of marketing in business. The solution to this task is the real substantive connection between the philosophy of utilitarianism and axiology with the functional tasks of marketing to develop the functional characteristics of the good. These characteristics, in the process of buying and selling, are perceived by buyers as its consumer properties, by which they judge the value of the purchase. The author proposes to use these philosophical principles in solving the functional tasks of marketing for the development of goods by the means of a three-level model for analyzing the consumer properties of goods. According to this model at the first level the author proposes to use an indicator that reflects the value of the purchase, for example, car fuel efficiency. At the second and third levels there are the consumer properties of individual components, aggregates that consumers integrate in consciousness into the value of the entire product. This value determines the behavior of the buyer when making purchases.
REGIONS OF RUSSIA AS CENTERS OF GRAVITORY FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SITEZ BUSINESSES (ORGANIZATIONS) CENDEZ SPECIAL TAX REGIONS
Authors: Koretskaia-Garmash V. A.
Published: September 2022

The paper deals with the problem of choosing a special tax regime by small businesses (enterprises) in order to reduce the fiscal burden on business. The purpose of the article is to identify the regions of Russia with «attractive» tax conditions for the creation of small businesses in the conditions of special tax regimes, taking into account tax changes in the practice of property taxation. The regions of Russia with the largest share of the employed able-bodied population in small business for 2018-2020 have been identified. The features of the taxation of property of organizations depending on its location and type of real estate are established; vehicles depending on the region of their registration, capacity and date of issue. Changes in the tax legislation of property taxation of organizations in the conditions of special tax regimes are considered. Conclusions are drawn about the expediency of taxpayers choosing the cities of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad, Novosibirsk, Sverdlovsk, Voronezh and Tyumen regions for starting a business and choosing a special tax regime. The results obtained are of interest to Russian organizations using special tax regimes.