bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Issues in the identification of the Aptian/Albian boundary in South Atlantic basins and beyond
Authors: AZEVEDO Ricardo L.M. , ANTUNES Rogério L. , BRUNO Mauro D.R.
Published: August 2023

The use of taxonomic-phylogenetic criteria established for planktonic foraminifera in the 2000's and the definition of the Albian Global Stratotype Section Point (GSSP-Alb) have resulted in a major change in the interpretation of the carbonate sections overlying the giant layer of salt present in basins of the South Central Atlantic (CSA) and their equivalent strata in the Equatorial South Atlantic (ESA), and interior of northeastern Brazil (BNE). These post-salt carbonates have long been considered Albian in age, but they contain a planktonic foraminifera association characteristically Aptian. Great conflicts arise, however, when this faunal association is compared with biostratigraphic successions based on other fossil groups or with lithostratigraphic and geochronological data. Controversies similar to those observed at sites 363 and 364 of the Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) leg 40, drilled almost 45 years ago, have resurfaced. Thus, it is paradoxical that the remarkable disappearance of large species of planktonic foraminifera, associated with the top of the Paraticinella rohri Zone (of the upper Aptian), occurred stratigraphically above a typical Albian calcareous nannofossil succession (as the First Stratigraphic Occurrences of Hayesites albiensis, Tranolithus orionatus, Axopodorhabdus biramiculatus, and Eiffellithus turriseiffelli) or the FOs of three known species of pelagic calcispheres, all assumed to be of Albian age. Another notorious conflict lies in the fact that these carbonates rest directly on the salt layer onlapping the South Atlantic Middle Barrier (SAMB), where trachyandesite has been dated at 113.2 ± 0.1 Ma, identical to the value established for the GSSP-Alb. Detailed examination of 16 stratigraphic sections from around the world shows that the difficulties of fully applying the GSSP-Alb criteria are not limited to the CSA, ESA, and BNE basins. The explanation of these controversies may lie in the specific conditions of the water mass of the primitive South Atlantic that may have influenced morphological alterations or affected the temporal amplitude of taxa. But until geochronological, biostratigraphic, and lithostratigraphic incompatibilities can be clarified, it is here recommended to use the base of the evaporitic layer as the reference for the Aptian/Albian transition in CSA, ESA, and BNE basins.
Late Miocene biostratigraphy and paleoenvironment of the Sais Basin (southern Rifian Corridor, Morocco): New insights from the Moulay Yakoub area
Authors: Targhi Soukaina , Barhoun Nadia , Bachiri Taoufiq Naima , Achab Mohamed , Essamoud Rachid , Bahaj Hanane , Rahmouna Jihad , Berry Naima
Published: August 2023

During the Late Miocene, the Rifian Corridor was one of the two main corridors allowing exchanges between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Seas. Sedimentary records accumulated along this corridor and specifically, in the Sais Basin, constitute case-study material for understanding the impact of the South Rifian Corridor on the evolution of the fauna, phytoplankton and environment during the Late Miocene. In order to reconstruct the evolution of marine paleoenvironments in the Moulay Yakoub region and to compare this evolution with other areas of the Sais basin, we conducted an integrated biostratigraphic and palynological study of the Upper Miocene of borehole KA 102. High-resolution biostratigraphy based on planktonic foraminifera revised and defined the chronostratigraphic framework of the Upper Miocene sedimentary series of the Moulay Yakoub region providing an age of 7.8 Ma to 6.52 Ma (Late Tortonian to Early Messinian). In the Late Tortonian, the planktonic foraminiferal assemblages suggest an open and relatively deep marine environment. At the Tortonian/Messinian boundary, planktonic foraminiferal and dinoflagellate associations, as well as distal indices, suggest a relatively deep and neritic distal marine environment with a decrease in diversity and an increase in reworked taxa. Surface waters are warm with a minor cooling trend observed just below this boundary. In comparison to previously studied sections in the Sais Basin, the Lower Messinian is characterized by a deeper and more distal marine environment. However, proximal trends and warm surface water conditions persisted in all studied areas from the basin during this period.
Hiatuses and redeposits in the Tithonian-Berriasian transition at Le Chouet (Les Près, La Drôme, SE France): Sedimentological and biostratigraphical implications
Authors: Granier Bruno R.C. , Ferry Serge , Benzaggagh Mohamed
Published: August 2023

Our new study of the Tithonian and lower Berriasian succession of Le Chouet (Les Près, La Drôme, France) better characterizes the lithological succession, the macro- and microfacies, and the stratigraphic ranges of some microfossils mostly calibrated on the calpionellid biozonation. On the lithological side, the Tithonian strata are dominantly characterized by thick-bedded breccias representing debris flows and related calciturbidites whereas the Berriasian strata are typically white limestones that also comprises scattered intercalations of thin-bedded breccias and calciturbitides (including cryptic mud calciturbidites). In thin sections, these white limestones display mud- to wackestone textures and their allochems are mostly tiny bioclasts (e.g., radiolarians, calpionellids, saccocomids). Breccias are lithoclastic rudstones and/or floatstones with a matrix similar to the calciturbidites. Their lithoclasts are either extraclasts sensu stricto (i.e., material derived from updip shallow-water areas) or pseudointraclasts, representing reworked subautochthonous material (i.e., mud- and wackestone lithoclasts with radiolarians, saccocomids and/or calpionellids). In addition to the erosional features observed at the bases of the gravity flows, these pseudointraclasts document the intensity of submarine erosion. Locally they help to estimate the depths of erosion updip of the deposit. A number of bioclasts are reworked from updip shallow-water areas; among them, it is worth mentioning the foraminifer Protopeneroplis ultragranulata (Gorbatchik), the first occurrence of which is dated to late early Tithonian. Saccocomids are part of the dominating pelagic biota reported from the lower and lower upper Tithonian interval whereas calpionellids replace them in the uppermost Tithonian to lower Berriasian interval. Intervals with saccocomids characteristic of zones 4-5 and zones 6-7 are respectively ascribed here to the lower Tithonian (4-5) and pro parte to the upper Tithonian (6-7). The biozonation of the calpionellid group sensu lato allows identification of the Boneti Subzone of the chitinoidellids, the Crassicollaria Zone with its four subzones (A0-A3), and the Alpina Zone with its first subzone (B1). On the basis of biostratigraphical and sedimentological data (including the rates of sedimentation), most zonal boundaries are located at the erosional bases of breccia or turbidite layers and thus coincide with hiatuses.
Determination of oxidative stress in 3-dimensional reconstructed human tissues grown at the air-liquid interface using Promega’s GSH/GSSG-Glo™ Assay kit, using single lysate preparations
Authors: Patel Vivek S. , Wahab Adam , Behrsing Holger P.
Published: August 2023

Glutathione is an endogenous antioxidant known for its protective role in various oxidative stress-mediated diseases. It is abundantly present in all human cell types and its levels, reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) are frequently used to determine the oxidative state of biological systems (Marrocco et al., 2017). It is the ratio of these biomarkers that provide more comprehensive oxidative stress information about the tissues, as opposed to other kits measuring only one. While GSH/GSSG assay kits are available from several manufacturers, Promega’s GSH/GSSG-Glo™ Assay kit seems to be highly sensitive and can be used with a low number of cells. However, the Promega assay is designed to measure total glutathione (tGSH) and GSSG in cell lysate samples from different wells or separate 3-dimensional (3D) tissues (reconstructed human tissues grown at the air-liquid interface (ALI)) or precision-cut tissue slices, with different lysis reagents to be used for assessments of each molecule. Using this assay for 3D tissues is not cost-effective as researchers would need to double the number of tissues for the experiment just for this single oxidative stress ratio endpoint. In this protocol, we describe a simple lysis method for 3D tissues that enables the use of a single tissue for measuring both GSH and GSSG using the GSH/GSSG-Glo™ Assay. The 3D tissues can be lysed using sulfosalicylic acid and then the lysate supernatants can be used immediately or stored for use at a later time. Before running the Promega assay, the samples must be neutralized using HEPES buffer and diluted as necessary to get the signal within a linear range. The samples can then be used for measuring the tGSH and GSSG using Promega’s assay procedure. The entire procedure can be completed within 5 hours.
Evaluation of the stress reactive countermeasure effectiveness in workplace: a randomized, controlled, cross-over study
Authors: Ráčková Lucie , Diamond Madison , Butin Inès , Boyer Stanislas , Boyer Laure , Chabani Emma
Published: August 2023

This protocol serves to examine the effectiveness of a workplace-based reactive stress countermeasure (e.g., an action or device intended to prevent or mitigate undesirable effects of acute stress). It’s designed specifically for the context where decrease of acute stress reaction is desired while preserving vigilance and avoiding sleepiness. The study adopts a cross-over, controlled design. The order of interventions is randomized and blinded to the data collector and data analyst. This approach ensures increased validity and reliability of research outcomes while minimizing the number of participants required. The protocol employs affordable state-of-the-art subjective indicators measured using questionnaires, as well as objective physiological indicators of arousal (heart rate, respiration rate, electrodermal activity, frontal EEG). Baseline stress levels are measured, followed by induced acute stress using the Maastricht Acute Stress Task, and subsequent sessions of either countermeasure or control. Data analysis includes descriptive, time series, and ANCOVA or general linear models approaches. The protocol is estimated to take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours for completion.
scNanoHi-C: a single-cell long-read concatemer sequencing method to reveal high-order chromatinstructures within individual cells
Authors: Li Wen , Lu Jiansen , Tang Fuchou
Published: August 2023

The high-order three-dimensional (3D) organization of regulatory genomic elements provides a topological basis for gene regulation, but it remains unclear how multiple regulatory elements across the mammalian genome interact within an individual cell. To address this, herein, we developed scNanoHi-C, which applies Nanopore sequencing to explore genome-wide proximal high-order chromatin contacts within individual cells. Evaluation of the method suggested that scNanoHi-C reliably and effectively profiled 3D chromatin structure and distinguished structure subtypes among single cells. This method could also be used to detect genomic variations,including CNVs and SVs, as well as to scaffold the de novo assembly of single-cell genomes. Importantly, our results suggested that extensive high-order chromatin structures exist in active chromatin regions across the genome, and multiway interactions between enhancers and their target promoters were identified within single cells. Altogether, scNanoHi-C offers new opportunities to investigate high-order 3D genome structures at the single-cell level.
The SAFE Procedure: A Practical Stopping Heuristic for Active Learning-Based Screening in Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Authors: Boetje Josien , de Schoot Rens van
Published: August 2023

Active learning has become an increasingly popular method for screening large amounts of data in systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The active learning process continually improves its predictions on the remaining unlabeled records, with the goal of identifying all relevant records as early as possible. However, determining the optimal point at which to stop the active learning process is a challenge. The cost of additional labeling of records by the reviewer must be balanced against the cost of errors made by the current model. This paper introduces the SAFE procedure, a practical and conservative set of stopping heuristics that offers a clear guideline for determining when to end the active learning process in screening software like ASReview. Our main conclusion of this paper is that relying on a single stopping rule is not sufficient and employing an eclectic mix of stopping heuristics helps to minimize the risk of missing relevant papers in the screening processThe SAFE procedure combines different heuristics to avoid stopping too early and potentially missing relevant records. The SAFE procedure takes into account the model's accuracy and uncertainty, as well as the cost of continuing to label records. This procedure for using active learning in systematic literature review screening provides a practical and efficient approach that can save significant time and resources while ensuring a conservative approach to determining when to end the active learning process. The proposed stopping heuristic balances the costs of continued screening with the risk of missing relevant records, providing a practical solution for reviewers to make informed decisions on when to stop screening. The proposed method can assist researchers in identifying relevant records early, which can ultimately lead to improved evidence synthesis and decision-making in many fields.
Clinical Evaluation of MyoCare in Europe (CEME): study protocol for a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, and controlled clinical trial.
Authors: Alvarez-Peregrina Cristina , Sanchez-Tena Miguel Angel , Martinez-Perez Clara , Villa-Collar Cesar , Group Clinical Evaluation of MyoCare in Europe the CEME Study , Ohlendorf Arne
Published: August 2023

Background
Myopia prevalence has been increasing in the last decades and its pathological consequences, including myopic maculopathy and high myopia-associated optic neuropathy, are now one of the most common causes of visual impairment. It is estimated that by 2050 more than 50% of Europeans and Americans, which is alarming due to the high morbidity of myopes over − 6.00D. Once myopia has appeared, there are different options with scientific evidence to try to slow the axial length growth. Ophthalmic lenses are the less invasive treatment to control myopia, and there is evidence about the efficacy of different designs, mainly in the Asiatic population. However, new designs have been launched and it is not known if efficacy is the same between Asiatic and European subjects. Thus, we have setup a randomized, controlled, double-blind, and multicenter trial to investigate the efficacy of a new design of ophthalmic lenses for myopia control in European children.
Methods
A 2-year prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled, and double-blind clinical trial is used to investigate the efficacy of a new design of ophthalmic lenses to slow the progression of myopia. 300 children aged from 6 to 13 years old will be recruited and randomly assigned to a study or control group. The study group will be composed of 150 children wearing MyoCare while the control group will be composed of 150 children wearing Clearview. The inclusion criteria will be myopia with a spherical equivalent between − 0.75D and − 5.00D, astigmatism < 1.50D, and anisometropia < 1.00D, as well as having a historical evolution of at least − 0.50 The primary outcome is to compare the mean annual progression of the spherical equivalent between both groups. The secondary outcomes are axial length, choroidal thickness, phorias, and accommodative status of both groups.
Discussion
This study will be the first randomized and controlled clinical trial in European children with spectacle lenses based on simultaneous competing defocus. The results will shed light on the clinical evidence of spectacle lenses relying on this new design for the management of myopia with results of efficacy in the non-Asiatic population.
Trial registration: EU Clinical Trials Register, EudraCT: 2022 − 001696. Registered on 27 April 2022, and ClinicalTrials.gov, ID NCT05919654. Registered on 26 June 2023
12-month outcomes of treatment-naïve retinal vein occlusion initially treated with either dexamethasone implants or vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors: Data from the Fight Retinal Blindness! registry
Authors: GARAY-ARAMBURU GONZAGA , Hunt Adrian , Arruabarrena Carolina , Mehta Hemal , Invernizzi Alessandro , Gabrielle Pierre-Henry , Guillaumie Tremeur , Wolff Benjamin , Gillies Mark , Zarranz-Ventura Javier
Published: August 2023

Aim: To compare baseline characteristics, initial response and 12-month efficacy and safety outcomes in eyes with branch and central retinal vein occlusion (BRVO and CRVO) initially treated with either dexamethasone implants (DEX) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors where both are available as first-line therapy.
Methods: Multi-centre study from European Fight Retinal Blindness! centres using the retinal vein occlusion module in routine clinical care.
Results: Of 725 eligible eyes, only 10% received DEX initially with very frequent adjunctive VEGF inhibitors (BRVO-DEX 49%, CRVO-DEX 60%). The primary outcome of mean adjusted change in VA at 12 months with DEX and VEGF inhibitors initiated groups were not statistically significantly different (BRVO: DEX +6.7, VEGF +10.6 letters; CRVO: DEX +2.8, VEGF +6.8 letters). DEX initiated eyes had fewer injections and visits than VEGF inhibitors initiated eyes but intraocular pressure required treatment more often in BRVO with DEX than VEGF inhibitors. We found the BRVO-DEX eyes had greater initial mean changes in VA and central subfield thickness (CST) and achieved inactivity sooner than BRVO-VEGF eyes. The mean CST after the first three months was above 350μm in all but the BRVO-VEGF group, suggesting undertreatment in routine care.
Conclusion:In routine care DEX is uncommonly used when available as initial treatment of BRVO and CRVO and is often supplemented with VEGF inhibitors within the first year. The 12-month outcomes were similar, but DEX initiated eyes did have fewer injections and visits but more episodes of raised IOP compared with those starting VEGF inhibitors.
Origin of the Laurentian Great Lakes fish fauna through upward adaptive radiation cascade prior to the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Backenstose Nathan , Macguigan Daniel , Osborne Christopher , Bernal Moisés , Thomas Elizabeth , Normandeau Eric , Yule Daniel , Stott Wendylee , Ackiss Amanda , Albert Victor , Bernatchez Louis , Krabbenhoft Trevor
Published: August 2023

The evolutionary histories of adaptive radiations can be marked by dramatic demographic fluctuations. However, the demographic histories of ecologically-linked co-diversifying lineages remains understudied. The Laurentian Great Lakes provide a unique system of two lineages that are dispersed across depth gradients with a predator-prey relationship. We show that the North American Coregonus species complex radiated rapidly prior to the Last Glacial Maximum (80–90 ka), a globally warm period, followed by rapid expansion in population size. Similar patterns of demographic expansion were observed in the predator species, Salvelinus namaycush, following a brief time lag, which we hypothesize to be driven by predator prey dynamics. Diversification of prey into deepwater created ecological opportunities for the predators, facilitating their demographic expansion through an upward adaptive radiation cascade. This study provides a new timeline and environmental context for the origin of the Laurentian Great Lakes fish fauna, and firmly establishes this system as drivers of ecological diversification and rapid speciation through cyclical glaciation.
Effects of sex steroids on the regulation of pituitary gonadotropins in the pituitary and hypothalamus
Authors: Yacca Susdiaman S , Kanasaki Haruhiko , Tumurbaatar Tuvshintugs , Cairang Zhuoma , Oride Aki , Okada Hiroe , Kyo Satoru
Published: August 2023

Sex steroids play a pivotal role in the control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In this study, we examined how the sex steroids estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) influence the synthesis of three pituitary gonadotropin subunits in a pituitary gonadotroph cell model (LβT2 cells) in vitro and ovary-intact rats in vivo. The effects of sex steroids on Kiss1 gene expression in the hypothalamus were also examined in ovary-intact rats. E2 increased common glycoprotein alpha (Cga) and luteinizing hormone beta (Lhb) subunit promoter activity as well as their mRNA expression. Although gonadotropin subunit promoter activity was not modulated by P4, Cga and Lhb mRNA expression was increased by P4. DHT inhibited Cga and Lhb mRNA expression with a concomitant decrease in their promoter activity. During the 2-week administration of exogenous E2 to ovary-intact rats, the estrous cycle, which was determined by vaginal smears, was disrupted. P4 or DHT administration completely eliminated the estrous cycle in rats. Protein expression of all three gonadotropin subunits within the pituitary gland was inhibited by E2 or P4 treatment in vivo; however, DHT reduced Cga expression but did not modulate Lhb or follicle-stimulating hormone beta subunit expression. E2 administration significantly repressed Kiss1 mRNA expression in a posterior hypothalamic region that included the arcuate nucleus. P4 and DHT did not modulate Kiss1 mRNA expression in this region. In contrast, P4 administration significantly inhibited Kiss1 mRNA expression in a posterior region of the hypothalamus that included the anteroventral periventricular nucleus. Our findings suggest that sex steroids have different effects in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
Research on the Mechanism of Humic Acid Effect on the Strength of Cement-cured Dredged Sludge
Authors: Gong Shunmei , Feng Songbao , Wang Shiquan , Duan Limin , Niu Zhiyong , Xu Qiang , Zhang Qigui , Chen Yuanyuan
Published: August 2023

As an essential component of sludge, soil organic matter is also the most energetic component of the sludge solid phase. However, the organic content of sludge reduces the engineering qualities of cement-cured sludge and restricts the cement curing reaction process. Humic acid (HA) was employed in tests conducted indoors to mimic the organic material naturally present in the waste sludge. The effect of different HA and cement dosages was investigated for the strength of the dredged sludge. The mechanism of the effect of HA on the strength of cement-solidified dredged sludge (CDS) was examined in conjunction with the findings of unconfined compression strength (UCS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). (1)The overall unconfined compressive strength of CDS decreased after the addition of HA. (2) The strength of the HA sludge-cured body exhibits an increasing trend with the increase in cement input. The strength of sludge cured bodies with high HA content can be enhanced by correctly increasing the curing agent. (3) HA acts as a cement retarder, delaying hydration time by adhering to the surface of cement particles to form an adsorption coating. (4) As observed by SEM, the conversion of C-S-H to foil-like is hindered by HA in the silt, and its microscopic morphology changes with the change of HA content, which is manifested by the decrease of CDS intensity on a macroscopic scale.
A tumor microenvironment-based classification of gastric cancer for more effective diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Duda Dan , Dima Simona , Sorop Andrei , Kitahara Shuji , Setia Namrata , Chivu-Economescu Mihaela , Matei Lilia , Herlea Vlad , Pechianu Nicolae , Inomata Takenori , Matsui Aya , Khachatryan Anna , Aoki Shuichi , Lauwers Gregory , Popescu Irinel
Published: August 2023

With approximately one million diagnosed cases and over 700,000 deaths recorded annually, gastric cancer (GC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. GC is a heterogeneous tumor. Thus, optimal management requires biomarkers of prognosis, treatment selection, and treatment response. The Cancer Genome Atlas program sub-classified GC into molecular subtypes, providing a framework for treatment personalization using traditional chemotherapies or biologics. Here, we report a comprehensive study of GC vascular and immune tumor microenvironment (TME)-based on stage and molecular subtypes of the disease and their correlation with outcomes. Using tissues and blood circulating biomarkers and a molecular classification, we identified cancer cell and tumor archetypes, which show that the TME evolves with the disease stage and is a major determinant of prognosis. Moreover, our TME-based subtyping strategy allowed the identification of archetype-specific prognostic biomarkers such as CDH1-mutant GC and circulating IL-6 that provided information beyond and independent of TMN staging, MSI status, and consensus molecular subtyping. The results show that integrating molecular subtyping with TME-specific biomarkers could contribute to improved patient prognostication and may provide a basis for treatment stratification, including for contemporary anti-angiogenesis and immunotherapy approaches.
Oral supplementation with melengestrol acetate incorporated in protein-energy blocks II- effect on pregnancy rates of Nellore cows submitted to FTAI and FTET.
Authors: Nogueira Eriklis , Neves Thiago Vieira , Silva Juliana Correa Borges , Vaz Francisco Eduardo Machado , Silva Lucas Gomes da , Oliveira Luiz Orcirio Fialho , Mingoti Gisele Zoccal
Published: August 2023

The study aimed to evaluate the use of Melengestrol acetate (MGA) supplementation in protein-energy blocks on pregnancy rate post-FTAI or post-FTET for multiparous Nellore cows. In trial 1, 863 cows were submitted to FTAI following P4-estradiol protocol. After FTAI, the animals were allocated into three groups: control (n = 301): supplemented with nutritional blocks; MGA13-18 (n = 309): supplementation with same nutritional block added with MGA between the 13th and 18th days after FTAI; MGA6-18 (n = 253): supplementation with same nutritional block added with MGA between the 6th to 18th days after FTAI. In the second trial, 310 embryo recipients’ cows were submitted to the same estrus synchronization protocol and in vitro-produced embryos were transferred 7 days after the estimated estrus day (D0), and divided into two groups: control (n = 149): supplemented with nutritional blocks without the addition of MGA; MGA group (n = 161): supplemented with nutritional blocks added with MGA between 13th and 18th days after D0. In trial 1, the P/AI were similar for MGA13-18 (56.6%: 175/309) and MGA6-18 (57.70%: 146/253) groups, which were higher (P = 0.0273) than the Control (48.5%: 146/301). In trial 2, pregnancy rates weren´t influenced by treatments [Control: 49.33% (74/149); MGA: 54.37% (87/161); P = 0.185]. In conclusion, supplementation with MGA incorporated into nutritional blocks improves P/AI, proving to be a hormonal tool capable of increasing reproductive efficiency in cattle without major changes in animal supplementation management. The supply of MGA after FTET to recipient cows did not increase pregnancy rates.
Childhood Traumatic Cataract in Nigeria; A Multicenter Study: 2017-2021
Authors: Ademola-Popoola Dupe , Muhammad Nasiru , Mayor Atima , Wade Patricia , Ezegwui Ifeoma , Musa Kareem , Ugalahi Mary , Nkanga Elizabeth Dennis , Udeh Nnenma , Ezisi Chinyelu , Okeigbemen Valentina , Dawodu Oseluese , Panshak Tenmang , Okanya Chinenyenwa , Etiowo Nkama , Sule Ademola , Obajolowo Tokunbo , Olusanya Bolutife , Muhammad Hassan
Published: August 2023

Objective: To determine the frequency, demography, etiology and mechanisms of ocular injuries associated with childhood traumatic cataract in Nigeria
Methods: A retrospective multicenter study conducted across ten child eye health tertiary facilities in Nigeria between January 2017 and December 2021. Clinic records of all children aged 0-17 years who had been diagnosed with cataract at the various participating centers were reviewed. Information collected include: biodata, mechanism of injury; laterality, place of injury; object responsible; person responsible; duration before presentation and surgical intervention.
Results: A total of 636 out of 1656 children (38.4%) had traumatic cataracts during the study period. Their mean age was 109.4 ± 45.2 months with a male to female ratio of 2:1. Most injuries were unilateral, two (0.3%) children had bilateral involvement. Only 78(15.3%) children presented within 4 weeks of the injury. Closed globe injuries were responsible for the traumatic cataract in 475(74.7%) children, while open globe injuries were more likely to present within 24 hours (P <0.001). The commonest objects of injury were cane, sticks, plant, wood and play materials. Self-inflicted injuries occurred in about 82(13%) children while 407(64.0%) were caused by close relatives and contacts. The location where trauma occurred was home in 375(59.8%) and school in 107(16.8%) children.
Conclusion: This multicenter study demonstrates that more than one-third of all childhood cataracts in Nigeria are trauma-related and majority are due to closed globe injuries. Public health interventions to reduce the occurrence of ocular trauma and to encourage early presentation after trauma are advocated.
Creativity in undergraduate medical education: Teaching activities during student groups’ idea evaluation process
Authors: Broekhoven Kim van , Uum Martina van , Meijer Paulien , Kroesbergen Evelyn H. , Huck Jojanneke
Published: August 2023

Background: Creativity should be cultivated in medical education to tackle the increasingly complex problems in the medical world; however, despite this need for novelty, students collaborating in groups to solve a medical problem often seek consensus around low-novelty ideas. This study aims to explore the challenges medical student groups face while evaluating and improving creative ideas, and to identify teaching activities that overcome these challenges.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 14 teachers from the ‘innovation project’ at Radboud university medical centre in the Netherlands.
Results: Student groups face challenges in balancing the goals of novelty and usefulness in their search for creative ideas, often selecting either novel ideas that are infeasible or ineffective, or useful ideas that already exist. Furthermore, teachers also identified problematic group dynamics as a challenge in the idea evaluation process. To overcome these challenges, teachers reported using cognitive, affective, metacognitive, and socio-communicative teaching activities.
Conclusions: Medical students may not develop their most creative ideas even when creative solutions are required in the medical context. This study highlights the importance of teaching medical students to skilfully manage the twin goals of novelty and usefulness in their search for creative solutions, while also dealing with group dynamics.
Raynaud’s phenomenon on initiation of Lithium therapy: A Case Report.
Authors: Boland Cailin , Adams Emma , Wong Man Ching , Denihan Cian
Published: August 2023

Lithium Carbonate is an effective treatment for affective disorders, but has a range of side effects. This case report highlights a rare side effect of Raynaud’s phenomenon following initiation of Lithium therapy in a patient with recurrent depressive disorder. He was commenced on Lithium therapy to treat severe treatment resistant depression with psychotic symptoms when alternative treatments trialled were ineffective. He had no other risk factors or known aetiological causes for development of Raynaud’s phenomenon. Symptoms resolved on discontinuation of Lithium and re-emerged on recommencement. Previous case series have shown Lithium effectively treating vasospastic disorders such as cluster headache and Raynaud’s phenomenon. However, a paradoxical reaction to those previously described was induced in this case.
Economic impact of antagonist protocol vs primed progesterone protocol in oocyte donor program A retrospective study
Authors: GONZALO JOSEP , Castelo-Branco Camil , garcia sandra , Devesa Marta , Polyzos Nikolaos
Published: August 2023

Objective: To assess the cost-effectiveness of two ovarian stimulation procedures comparing the use of FSH antagonists with the use of FSH primed progesterone protocol in a oocyte donor program.
Design: Calculation of cost-effectiveness ratios (costs per outcome achieved) from clinical practices using a retrospective cohort single university center study carried out from 2012 to 2021.
Main Outcome Measure(s): Cost-effectiveness ratios as cost per mature oocyte and cost per treatment.
Result(s): According to the economic analysis, ovarian stimulation with FSH antagonist protocol increased the overall cost of the treatment as well as the cost per retrieved and effective oocyte. The cost of gonadotrophins per mature oocyte retrieved was 49.27 ± 17.94 € and the cost of medication per mature oocyte retrieved was 59.26± 28.01 € . In the FSH primed progesterone group, the cost of gonadotrophins per mature oocyte retrieved was 44.67 ± 16.65€ and the cost of medication per mature oocyte retrieved was 44.91 ± 20.86€
Conclusion(s): Cost-effectiveness is a compelling reason for an egg donation program. Progestins can present an effective and less expensive option for egg donation programs in terms of cost.
Association of Physical Activity and Vitamin D Deficiency with Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults: A Population Based Cross-sectional Analysis from NHANES 2011-14
Authors: Guo Jing , Mo Hongfei , Zuo Longfei , Liang Rui , Lyu Quanjun
Published: August 2023

Objectives
The global aging situation is becoming increasingly critical and cognitive impairment in the elderly has become a public health burden of concern. Physical activity (PA) and vitamin D may play a key role in improving cognitive impairment. However, little studies have examined the interaction between these two. The purpose of this study was to assess the association of PA and vitamin D with cognitive impairment in older adults, as well as the interactions of PA and vitamin D.
Materials and Methods
This study was conducted by multi-stage random sampling of elderly people ≥ 60 years old, and a total sample of 2492 (1207 males and 1285 females, mean age of 69.41 ± 6.75 years) with complete data was included in the analysis. PA was assessed by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, and < 600 MET-min/wk was used as the division criteria. Serum vitamin D was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D2/D3 concentration < 20 ng/ml was used as a vitamin D deficiency criterion. Cognitive function was assessed by three subtests: the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s disease word learning test (CERAD-WL) for immediate and delayed learning, the Animal Fluency Test (AFT) for verbal fluency; and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DDST) for information processing speed and switching attention. All three subtests were scored at less than the lowest quartile of the score as a criterion for cognitive impairment. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for chi-square test, rank sum test, interaction analysis, subgroup analysis and regression analysis.
Results
Lower level of PA is associated with higher odds of cognitive impairment. (CERAD W-L: OR = 1.596, 95% CI: 1.338–1.905, P < 0.001; AFT: OR = 1.833, 95% CI: 1.534–2.190, P < 0.001; DDST: OR = 1.936, 95% CI: 1.609–2.329, P < 0.001). Vitamin D deficiency has significant effects in AFT (OR = 1.322, 95% CI: 1.103–1.584, P = 0.003) and DDST (OR = 1.619, 95% CI: 1.345–1.948, P < 0.001). After adjusted for covariates, PA and vitamin D have multiplicative interaction on AFT (OR = 0.662, 95% CI: 0.448–0.977, P = 0.038) and DDST (OR = 0.775, 95% CI: 0.363–0.868, P = 0.009). The interaction between PA and vitamin D was not significant in the CERAD W-L (OR = 0.757, 95% CI: 0.508–1.128, P = 0.172).
Conclusions
The results showed that lower level of PA and vitamin D deficiency were associated with higher odds of cognitive impairment in the elderly population and that there was a multiplicative interaction between PA and vitamin D on cognitive function, with a significant effect of vitamin D on cognitive impairment in high PA conditions.
Quantitative gait analysis and prediction usingartificial intelligence for patients with gait disorders
Authors: Chaabane Nawel Ben , Conze Pierre-Henri , Lempereur Mathieu , Quellec Gwenolé , Rémy-Néris Olivier , Brochard Sylvain , Cochener Béatrice , Lamard Mathieu
Published: August 2023

Quantitative Gait Analysis (QGA) is considered as an objective measure of gait performance. In this study, we aim at designingan artificial intelligence that can efficiently predict the progression of gait quality using kinematic data obtained from QGA. Forthis purpose, a gait database collected from 734 patients with gait disorders is used. As the patient walks, kinematic data iscollected during the gait session. This data is processed to generate the Gait Profile Score (GPS) for each gait cycle. Trackingpotential GPS variations enables detecting changes in gait quality. In this regard, our work is driven by predicting such futurevariations. Two approaches were considered: signal-based and image-based. The signal-based one uses raw gait cycles,while the image-based one employs a two-dimensional Fast Fourier Transform (2D FFT) representation of gait cycles. Severalarchitectures were developed, and the obtained Area Under the Curve (AUC) was above 0.72 for both approaches. To the bestof our knowledge, our study is the first to apply neural networks for gait prediction tasks.
Whole genome sequencing provides evidence for Bacillus velezensis SH-1471 as a beneficial rhizosphere bacterium in plants
Authors: Shen Yunxin , Shi Zhufeng , Zhao Jiangyuan , Li Minggang , Wang Nan , Mo Yanfang , Yang Tongyu , Tang Jiacai , Zhou Xudong , Chen Qibin , Yang Peiweng
Published: August 2023

Bacillus spp. is widely used in agriculture due to its diverse biological activities. We isolated a Bacillus velezensis SH-1471 from the rhizosphere soil of healthy tobacco, which has broad-spectrum antagonistic activity against a variety of plant pathogenic fungi such as Fusarium oxysporum, and can be colonized in the rhizosphere of a variety of plants. This study will further explore its mechanism by combining biological and molecular biology methods. B. velezensis SH-1471 contains a ring chromosome of 4181346 bp with a mean G+C content of 46.18%. We identified 14 homologous genes related to biosynthesis of resistant secondary metabolite, and three clusters encoded potential new antibacterial substances. It also contains a large number of genes from colonizing bacteria and genes related to plant bacterial interactions. It also contains genes related to environmental stress, as well as genes related to drug resistance. In addition, we found that there are many metabolites in the strain that can inhibit the growth of pathogens. Therefore, B. velezensis SH-1471 is a potential biological control strain with important application value. The results of this study will help to further study the mechanism of B. velezensis SH-1471 in biological control of plant diseases and promote its application.
Obesity-induced PARIS (ZNF746) accumulation in adipose progenitor cells leads to attenuated mitochondrial biogenesis and impaired adipogenesis
Authors: Hachiya Kazuki , Deguchi Yusuke , Hirata Takuro , Arikawa Tomoya , Fukai Hiroto , Esashi Tatsuhiro , Nagasawa Kota , Mizunoe Yuhei , Nozaki Yuka , Kobayashi Masaki , Higami Yoshikazu
Published: August 2023

White adipose tissue (WAT) is critical for whole-body energy metabolism, and its dysfunction leads to various metabolic disorders. In recent years, many studies have suggested that impaired mitochondria may contribute to the obesity-related decline in adipose tissue function, but the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate these mechanisms, we carried out a comprehensive analysis of WAT from mice with diet-induced obesity. The transcription factor Parkin interactive substrate (PARIS or ZNF746), which suppresses the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), a key regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, was found to be accumulated in adipose progenitor cells from obese mice. Furthermore, we demonstrated that 3T3-L1 preadipocytes with overexpression of PARIS protein exhibited decreased mitochondrial biogenesis and impaired adipogenesis. Our results suggest that the accumulation of PARIS protein may be a novel component of the pathogenesis of obesity-related dysfunction in WAT.
Volatile aroma and physicochemical characteristics of freeze-dried coconut water using different encapsulating agents
Authors: Tanongkankit Yardfon , Eadmusik Sunee , Detchewa Pakkawat , Budsabun Tanakwan , Panphut Wattana , Jakkranuhwat Nattakan , Rittisak Sriwiang , Nonthanum Panadda , Phungamngoen Chanthima
Published: August 2023

This research studied how different types and concentrations of encapsulating agents impacted freeze-dried coconut water products. Volatile aroma and physicochemical product characteristics were evaluated. The encapsulating agents were maltodextrin 4–8% (w/v), polydextrose 4–8% (w/v) and xanthan gum 0.1–0.3% (w/v). A plate freezer and an air blast freezer were used to pre-freeze the coconut water before drying. Freezing time had no impact on moisture content and water activity. The flavor of coconut water is composed of alkanes, aldehyde, ketones, organic acids and some other flavor substances. Encapsulating agents are the main factors affecting the flavor of coconut water. Optimal conditions for producing dried coconut water were adding polydextrose at a concentration of 8%. Volatile compounds were assessed under different conditions of SPME-GC-MS. The composition of flavor compounds in coconut water is complex and mainly includes esters, aldehydes, and phenols. Results showed that encapsulating agents improved the volatile aroma of dried coconut water products.
Accurate determination of the magnetic axis of a solenoid using measured field data and understanding the beam dynamics
Authors: sinha gautam , Malik Ritesh
Published: August 2023

Fundamental understanding of both the theory and the measurement procedure of a solenoid is the key to execute the project cost effectively and to achieve the desired performance. Attempt is made to understand the beam dynamic of charge particles by considering the conservation of canonical angular momentum of non-zero values. Analytical expression to generate a parallel beam using solenoid is derived. Effect of final beam size on the values of spherical aberration coefficient and focal length of a solenoid is studied using electron trajectories. Practical procedure to tune the above two parameters of a solenoid by simple modification is demonstrated. Mathematical model is derived to accurately determine the axis of a solenoid and the magnetic centre using measured magnetic field data and experimentally demonstrated the validity of the theory. Several solenoids are characterised using the procedure and used in the 9.5 MeV 10 kW electron LINAC which is appropriate for the use of sterilization of medical products and food irradiation.
Association between Total Genotype Score and Muscle Injuries in Top-level Football Players: a pilot study
Authors: Massidda Myosotis , Flore Laura , Cugia Paolo , Piras Francesco , Scorcu Marco , Kikuchi Naoki , Cięszczyk Pawel , Maciejewska-Skrendo Agnieszka , Tocco Filippo , Calò Carla Maria
Published: August 2023

Background. Recently, genetic predisposition to injury has become a popular area of research and the association between a few Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and the susceptibility to develop musculoskeletal injuries has been shown. This pilot study aimed to investigate the combined effect of common gene polymorphisms previously associated with muscle injuries in Italian soccer players. Results. A total of 64 Italian top soccer players (age 23.1 ± 5.5 years; height 179.3 ± 7.3 cm; weight 73.0 ± 7.9 kg) were genotyped for 4 gene polymorphisms (ACE I/D rs 4341, ACTN-3 R/X rs 1815739, COL5A1 C/T rs 12722, MCT1 A/T rs1049434). Muscle injuries were gathered for 10 years (2009–2019). Buccal swabs were used to obtain genomic DNA, and the PCR method was used to genotype the samples. Logistic regression analyses showed a significant association of all four polymorphisms with muscle injury incidence (P < 0.01), while ACTN3 and COL5A1 polymorphisms were also significantly associated with injury severity (P = 0.042 and P = 0.012, respectively). In addition, the mean total genotype score (TGS) was significantly higher in injured than in non-injured (control) soccer players (injured: 57.5 ± 15.5 vs. non-injured: 36.6 ± 13.7, t = 6.33, P < 0.001) and this was a strong predictor of muscle injury (OR = 2.93, 95% CI: 0.06–0.18, P > 0.001). Conclusions. These data suggest that carrying a high number of "protective" gene variants could influence an individual's susceptibility to developing muscle injuries in soccer. Adapting the training load parameters to the athletes’ genetic profile represents today the new frontier of the methodology of training.
The impact of Night Shift Stress and Sleep Disturbance on Quality of life among Nurses: Case in Palestine Red Crescent and Al-Ahli Hospital
Authors: AL-hrinat Jebril , Al-Ansi Abdullah M. , Hendi Aseel , Adwan Ghadeer , Hazaimeh Manar
Published: August 2023

Background Nurses play a vital role in providing round-the-clock care to patients, but the challenges associated with working night shifts can have significant implications for their well-being and quality of life.
Methods This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the impact of night shift stress and sleep disturbance on the quality of life among nurses working in Palestine Red Crescent Society and Al-Ahli Hospital. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 189 full-time registered nurses with at least one year of job experience. The participants completed a questionnaire assessing night shift stress, sleep disturbance, and quality of life. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and path analysis were conducted to analyze the data.
Results The results revealed that night shift stress had a direct negative impact on the quality of life of nurses. Sleep disturbance was found to mediate the relationship between night shift stress and quality of life, indicating that higher levels of night shift stress were associated with increased sleep disturbance, which, in turn, led to poorer quality of life outcomes.
Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of addressing night shift stress and sleep disturbance among nurses to enhance their well-being and improve the quality of care provided to patients. In conclusion, this study contributes to the existing literature by demonstrating the detrimental effects of night shift stress and sleep disturbance on the quality of life of nurses. It emphasizes the importance of implementing interventions and creating supportive work environments that address the unique challenges faced by nurses working night shifts. By prioritizing the well-being of nurses, healthcare organizations can promote a healthier workforce and improve patient outcomes.