bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Narratives of living through Ebola: An exploration of a Liberian community’s agency
Authors: Thompson Esi E.
Published: November 2024

The Ebola outbreak in 2014–2016 was the worst of its kind. Its end has been credited in part to community level communication and engagement. But scholarship has not focused much on community members agentic sensemaking expressions and processes during the outbreak. This study focuses on a Liberian community members’ agency in their sensemaking communicative processes that constituted their lived negotiations of health and wellbeing during the Ebola epidemic. The study reconstructs the narratives and reflections of community members in disease outbreaks to show how these reveal their expressions (or suppressions) of agency and quest for survival and life sustenance. Using data from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, the study provides a conduit for foregrounding local interpretive frames into mainstream discourses through the reinterpretations of expressions of agency. The findings suggest that community members are not agentless, but their agency is enacted within constraints preceding and exacerbated by the Ebola outbreak and expressed within existing structures and knowledge economies about culture and health. The agency of community members needs to be understood and harnessed for health communication.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D status does not affect energy metabolism among young, healthy, non-obese adults: a metabolic chamber study
Authors: Zhang Lin , Cai Haogang , Bai Xiaorong , Xiao Wensheng , Cao Zhen-Bo , Zhang Yang
Published: November 2024

Purpose

here is a general consensus that an inverse relationship exists between vitamin D status and body mass index (BMI) in overweight and obese individuals, leading to the hypothesis that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the development of unfavorable metabolic phenotypes. However, evidence from non-obese adults remains limited. This study measured energy metabolism in non-obese adults using a metabolic chamber and explored its association with vitamin D status.

Methods

Sixty-nine healthy adults (mean age = 22.8 years, mean BMI = 20.7 kg/m2) participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants were categorized into vitamin D-deficient, insufficient, and sufficient groups based on the Chinese classification for total 25(OH)D levels (WS/T 677–2020). They performed typical daily activities in a metabolic chamber, where their baseline lipid profile, 24-hour energy expenditure, and substrate oxidation were measured.

Results

A two-way ANOVA (seasonality × 25(OH)D) revealed no statistically significant differences in total energy expenditure, resting energy expenditure, sleeping energy expenditure, walking energy expenditure, carbohydrate oxidation rate, or fat oxidation rate among the three groups (p > 0.05). These results remained consistent even after adjusting for fat-free mass. Although statistically significant correlations were found between 25(OH)D status and certain lipid profile markers (i.e., total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and free fatty acid) (p < 0.05), these correlations were weak, with Pearson’s correlation coefficients below 0.3.

Conclusions

Total 25(OH)D status does not affect energy metabolism in young, healthy, non-obese adults. Along with existing evidence, this suggests that low 25(OH)D status is more likely a consequence of unfavorable metabolic phenotypes rather than a contributing factor.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR-IIR-17010604.
Static voltage stability analysis of integrated smart energy systems
Authors: Huang Jungao , Ding Xuetian , Jin Dongyong , Liu Zhangjie
Published: November 2024

The analysis of multi-energy flows forms the cornerstone for the study of state estimation, safety assessment, and optimization in integrated smart energy systems (ISES). The interactions between various energy flows and the inherent variability of renewable energy sources often lead to significant challenges to the static stability of ISES. This paper investigates the static voltage stability of ISES under multi-energy coupling conditions through multi-energy flow analysis in electric-gas-thermal energy systems. First, a steady-state model of the ISES is constructed by representing the interconnected energy subsystems as equivalent sources and loads in the power grid. Subsequently, through the coupling elements of ISES, the power flows of the natural gas system (NGS) and the district heating system (DHS) are converted into active power in the electrical power system (EPS), resulting in an equivalent power flow equation for the ISES. Then, using Brouwer’s fixed-point theorem, the analytical sufficient conditions for solving the equivalent power flow equation are derived. Finally, a simulation model based on MATLAB/Simulink is established. The steady-state criterion for ISES is obtained in this paper, and the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed conclusions are verified by the simulation results.
Enhanced visualization of microbiome data in repeated measures designs
Authors: Little Amarise , Deek Rebecca A. , Zhang Angela , Zhao Ni , Ling Wodan , Wu Michael C.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Repeated measures microbiome studies, including longitudinal and clustered designs, offer valuable insights into the dynamics of microbial communities and their associations with various health outcomes. However, visualizing such multivariate data poses significant challenges, particularly in distinguishing meaningful biological patterns from noise introduced by covariates and the complexities of repeated measures.

Methods

In this study, we propose a framework to enhance the visualization of repeated measures microbiome data using Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) adjusted for covariates through linear mixed models (LMM). Our method adjusts for confounding variables and accounts for the repeated measures structure of the data, enabling clearer identification of microbial community variations across time points or clusters.

Results

We demonstrate the utility of our approach through simulated scenarios and real datasets, showing that it effectively mitigates the influence of nuisance covariates and highlights key axes of microbiome variation.

Discussion

This refined visualization technique provides a robust tool for researchers to explore and understand microbial community dynamics in repeated measures microbiome studies.
Length of stay and determinants of early discharge and extended stay after cesarean delivery in a resource-limited setting: southern Ethiopia, 2023
Authors: Kitil Gemeda Wakgari , Birgoda Gebremaryam Temesgen , Walle Agmasie Damtew , Dinagde Dagne Deresa , Feyisa Gizu Tola , Gebrehiwot Yosef Alemayehu , Degefa Bekem Dibaba
Published: November 2024

Background

For mothers and newborns to obtain the recommended postnatal care follow-up and package, the healthcare facility has to provide a minimum length of stay following delivery. Early discharge may result in a shortened recovery time, less access to resources and support, and a prolonged stay, resulting in a greater risk of postpartum depression and financial constraints. In Ethiopia, there has been no study conducted on the length of hospital stays following a cesarean delivery. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the average length of stay and identify factors influencing both early discharges and prolonged stays after cesarean delivery in southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted between November 23, 2022, and March 23, 2023. A systematic sampling method was used to select 367 participants, and data were collected using the Kobo Toolbox mobile application. The mean length of stay was calculated in hours, and descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Multinomial logistic regression was employed to analyze the determinants of length of stay, with significance set at a p-value of <0.05.

Results

The mean duration of the length of stay of mothers in health facilities after cesarean delivery is 65 h or approximately 2.71 days (SD ± 0.77). Determinants of shorter stay included women aged 20–24 years [AOR = 5.19; 95%CI 1.51–8.23], distance from hospital 30–60 min [AOR = 2.51; 95% CI 1.12–5.73], first antenatal booking [AOR = 0.16; 95%CI 0.05–0.25], monthly income <2,000 birr [AOR = 3.11; 95%CI 1.18–6.05], had health insurance [AOR = 0.35; 95% CI 0.26–0.37] and had counseled [AOR = 0.09; 95%CI 0.07–0.154]. Extended stays were associated with severe pre-eclampsia [AOR = 2.80; 95%CI 2.41–3.27], multiple births [AOR = 2.51; 95%CI 1.34–4.71], and postoperative complications [AOR = 3.52; 95%CI 1.35–5.01].

Conclusion

The average post-cesarean hospital stay is 2.71 days, with duration influenced by factors such as age, distance to the hospital, access to antenatal care, income, insurance, and the presence of complications. Targeted interventions, such as improving access to antenatal care, providing financial support, and proactively managing complications, can improve outcomes.
Case report: CD7-targeted autologous CAR-T therapy for the treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergoing allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in the long-term follow-up
Authors: Li Lian-Lian , Xia Yue-Ping , Li Qianqian , Wang Peng , Sun Ping-Ping , Wang Xing-Guang , Zhang Rui
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has emerged as a promising approach for treating relapsed/refractory (r/r) T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). However, it is mostly used as a bridging therapy for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Furthermore, secondary allo-HSCT is costly and associated with significantly high treatment-related mortality rate than the primary transplants. In this report, we present the case of an adult T-ALL patient who underwent CD7-targeted autologous CAR-T cell therapy that was not bridged with secondary allo-HSCT.

Case presentation

The adult T-ALL patient relapsed for a third time after undergoing allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCI) and achieving the first complete remission (CR1). Therefore, the patient was administered CD7-targeted autologous CAR-T cell therapy that was not bridged with secondary allo-HSCT. Towards this, the endogenous CD7-deleted CAR (CD7-CAR7) T cells were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology. However, after the first infusion, the CD7 CAR-T cells did not show significant proliferation when analyzed at two weeks and the patient became positive for peripheral measurable residual disease (MRD). Therefore, after a two-week period, an augmented dose of CAR-T cells was administered. MRD was monitored in the peripheral blood and bone marrow samples. The patient achieved complete remission and did not require targeted treatment after the completion of CD7 CAR-T-cell therapy. The current follow-up data has shown that the patient is negative for MRD and has been disease-free for more than 42 months.

Conclusion

The results of this case study provide evidence for the long-term efficacy of CD7-targeted autologous CAR-T-cell therapy without requiring secondary allo-HSCT in patients with r/r T-ALL that have relapsed after previous allogeneic PBSCT.
Spatio-temporal variations of the heat fluxes at the ice-ocean interface in the Bohai Sea
Authors: Jia Bin , Xu Libang , Chen Xueen , Zhang Wenyan
Published: November 2024

Thermodynamic process between the ice and the ocean plays a critical role in the evolution of sea-ice growth and melting in marginal seas. At the ice-ocean interface, the oceanic heat flux and the conductive heat flux transmitted through the ice layer jointly determine the latent heat flux driving the phase change (i.e., ice freezing/melting). In this study, the determination of two important thermal parameters in the ice module of the HAMSOM ice-ocean coupled model, namely the mixed layer thickness and the heat exchange coefficient at the ice-ocean interface, has been adjusted to improve the model performance. Spatio-temporal variations of heat fluxes at the ice-ocean interface in the Bohai Sea are investigated, based on the validated sea ice simulation in the 2011/2012 ice season. The relationships between the interfacial heat fluxes and oceanic and atmospheric conditioning factors are identified. We found that the surface conductive heat flux through ice shows short-term fluctuations corresponding to the atmospheric conditions, the magnitude of these fluctuations decreases with depth in the ice layer, likely due to reduced influence from atmospheric conditions at greater depths. Atmospheric conditions are the key controlling factors of the conductive heat flux through ice, while the oceanic heat flux is mainly controlled by the oceanic conditions (i.e., mixed layer temperature). Spatially, the value of the oceanic heat flux is larger in the marginal ice zone with relatively thin ice than in the inner ice zone with relatively thick ice. In the Bohai Sea, when ice is growing, heat within the ice layer is transferred upward from the ice base, and the heat is losing at the ice-ocean interface. This heat loss in the inner ice zone is obviously greater than that in the marginal ice zone. Whereas when ice is melting, the opposite is true.
Adaptation mechanisms of Alcanivorax facilitating its predominance in marine environments
Authors: Chen Zhen , Xiang Shizheng , Lu Yao , Lai Qiliang , Dong Chunming , Li Jianyang , Li Guizhen , Shao Zongze
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Alcanivorax, a typical alkane-degrading bacterium, has demonstrated the ability to utilize inorganic electron donor in some reports. However, a comprehensive analysis of its potentiality to utilize inorganic electron donor is still lacking.

Methods

In this study, genomic and phylogenetic analyzes were used to explore the potential oxidative capacity of inorganic compounds in Alcanivorax. And its functions were verified through physiological experiments.

Results

The sulfur oxidation-related genes sqr and tsdA are prevalent and have various evolutionary origins. Potential genes for CO oxidation were present in 39 strains, whereas genes associated with iron, hydrogen, and ammonia oxidation were either rare or absent. The physiological functions of Sqr and TsdA were confirmed in six representative strains under heterotrophic conditions. Adding thiosulfate enhanced Alcanivorax growth. However, Alcanivorax bacteria perform sulfide detoxification through Sqr rather than by gaining energy via sulfide oxidation Although no strain was confirmed to be chemoautotrophs, we discovered that the two clades, A. xenomutans and A. profundimaris, can grow under conditions with very low organic matter.

Discussion

The ability to utilize inorganic compounds as a supplementary energy source and adapt to carbon oligotrophic growth may contribute to the prevalence of Alcanivorax in marine ecosystems.
Postoperative dry eye following femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery: insights and preventive strategies
Authors: Lin Bin , Li Dong-kan , Zhang Ling , Chen Long-long , Gao Ying-ying
Published: November 2024

Postoperative dry eye is a common complication following femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, and the patient interface (PI) used during the procedure may play a significant role in its occurrence. This study, utilizing a meticulous scientific search strategy, identified seven relevant articles through literature search engines. Most of these studies employed contact-type PI during surgeries, while one researcher used a non-contact PI. All studies assessed dry eye symptoms at various postoperative periods using metrics such as the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear Break-Up Time (BUT), Schirmer I test (SIt), and so on. However, the findings were inconsistent. On this basis, this comprehensive review delves into the potential impact of different patient interfaces on corneal nerve damage and conjunctival goblet cell injury, possibly contributing to an increased risk of postoperative dry eye. The review also explores various preventive and solution strategies, including improving PI design, reducing surgical time, and utilizing tear protective agents. The findings highlight the importance of optimizing the PI to minimize the risk of postoperative dry eye in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.
A bird-eye view of diaphragmatic endometriosis: current practices and future perspectives
Authors: Naem Antoine , Roman Horace , Martin Dan C. , Krentel Harald
Published: November 2024

Diaphragmatic endometriosis is one of the most common localization of extra-pelvic endometriosis and may cause debilitating symptoms such as cyclic shoulder pain, right upper abdominal pain, and right-sided chest pain. Diaphragmatic endometriosis may also be asymptomatic. The exact mechanisms by which diaphragmatic endometriosis originates are unknown. The high correlation between severe pelvic endometriosis and diaphragmatic endometriosis suggests that the latter originates from endometriotic cells that reach the upper abdomen by circulating with the peritoneal fluid current. Robust evidence regarding the preoperative diagnosis and optimal management of diaphragmatic endometriosis is lacking. Most reports rely on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for the radiologic diagnosis of diaphragmatic endometriosis. Although its sensitivity ranged between 78% and 83%, MRI was found to underestimate the extent of diaphragmatic endometriosis in comparison with the surgical findings. Accumulating evidence indicates that asymptomatic diaphragmatic endometriosis is very unlikely to progress, and therefore, could be left in situ when incidentally found. The efficiency of ablative and excisional approaches for symptomatic endometriosis has not been assessed thoroughly to date. In addition, it is unclear whether combining the laparoscopic approach with video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) may result in an optimized result. This gap exists due to the lack of data about the association between diaphragmatic and thoracic endometriosis. In this review, we aimed to provide a state of the art description of the current knowledge and gaps about the pathogenesis, diagnostics, and treatment modalities of diaphragmatic endometriosis.
A nested case-control study on the association of gut virome in early pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wu Xinrui , Liu Xinpeng , Xu Wenbo , Chen Wenhui , Zhong Zixin , Tan Hongzhuan , Xiang Tianyu
Published: November 2024

Background

Recent studies have increasingly shown the connection between gut microbiome and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, no studies have explored the relationship between the gut virome and GDM, and the underlying mechanism remains unknown.

Methods

We performed a nested case-control study within a follow-up cohort, enrolling 51 patients with GDM and 51 healthy controls. Shotgun metagenomics sequencing was used to explore gut virome profiles during early pregnancy.

Results

Diversity analysis revealed no difference in the overall gut virome composition between two groups, however, we found greater abundance of Escherichia phage SH2026Stx1 (Q = 0.23), Enterobacteria phage mEp043 c-1 (Q = 0.21), crAssphage cr50_1 (Q = 0.21), Enterobacteria phage phi80 (Q = 0.21), and Escherichia phage HK106 (Q = 0.23) in GDM patients. Cross-kingdom correlation analysis showed the negative correlation between the gut bacterium Eubacterium eligens and three bacteriophages (Escherichia phage SH2026Stx1, Enterobacteria phage mEp043 c-1, and Escherichia phage HK106) in GDM group (r < 0, P < 0.05). Based on gut microbial features and clinical indicators, we constructed a new prediction model using random forest method for GDM with good predictive performance (AUC of 0.893, 95% CI: 0.736 ∼ 0.990).

Conclusion

This study is the first to investigate the relationship between the gut virome and GDM as well as the cross-kingdom correlation between gut viruses and bacteria in GDM. Our findings could enhance strategies for preventing and treating GDM from the perspective of gut microbiome, offering valuable insights into its pathogenesis.
Multimodal fusion-powered English speaking robot
Authors: Pan Ruiying
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Speech recognition and multimodal learning are two critical areas in machine learning. Current multimodal speech recognition systems often encounter challenges such as high computational demands and model complexity.

Methods

To overcome these issues, we propose a novel framework-EnglishAL-Net, a Multimodal Fusion-powered English Speaking Robot. This framework leverages the ALBEF model, optimizing it for real-time speech and multimodal interaction, and incorporates a newly designed text and image editor to fuse visual and textual information. The robot processes dynamic spoken input through the integration of Neural Machine Translation (NMT), enhancing its ability to understand and respond to spoken language.

Results and discussion

In the experimental section, we constructed a dataset containing various scenarios and oral instructions for testing. The results show that compared to traditional unimodal processing methods, our model significantly improves both language understanding accuracy and response time. This research not only enhances the performance of multimodal interaction in robots but also opens up new possibilities for applications of robotic technology in education, rescue, customer service, and other fields, holding significant theoretical and practical value.
Repurposing of PSMA-targeted diagnostic and therapeutic agents for the detection and treatment of giant cell tumors of bone
Authors: McAllister Brenna C. , Mesbahi Nooshin , Dodson Esther E. , Abdulsalam Sakinah , Berkman Clifford E. , Caromile Leslie A.
Published: November 2024

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a rare bone tumor often necessitating surgical intervention, radiation therapy, or treatment with bisphosphonates or denosumab. 99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy for GCTB has limited specificity, and the relatively high uptake of 18F-FDG in GCTB makes it challenging to differentiate it from other benign bone tumors. More specific detection and treatment modalities for GCTB are needed to enhance patient monitoring and outcomes. Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) is present in the neovasculature of various tumors, yet unexplored in GCTB. PSMA-targeted imaging and radiotherapeutic agents Locametz and Pluvicto are a powerful theranostic pair for detecting and treating PSMA-positive metastatic tumors, including those in bone, and thus have considerable potential to be repurposed for GCTB. This study aimed to determine if the vasculature of GCTB was PSMA-positive and whether targeting it with PSMA-specific agents was feasible. Using bone core samples from 28 GCTB patients and 9 negative controls, we present the first robust detection of PSMA on the tumor vasculature of GCTB. To demonstrate the potential repurposed use of PSMA-targeted agents in detecting and treating GCTB, we used a PSMA-specific fluorescent probe (FAM-C6-1298) as a model for these radiopharmaceutical agents. Incubation of fresh GCTB tissue samples with FAM-C6-1298 showed increased fluorescence intensity compared to controls, indicating successful targeting of PSMA in GCTB tissue. In conclusion, our data established that PSMA is not only present in the tumor vasculature of GCTB patient tissue but can be effectively targeted with repurposed PSMA-specific radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and therapy.
Population pharmacokinetics of rilpivirine following oral administration and long-acting intramuscular injection in real-world people with HIV
Authors: Thoueille Paul , Saldanha Susana Alves , Schaller Fabian , Choong Eva , Veuve François , Munting Aline , Cavassini Matthias , Braun Dominique , Günthard Huldrych F. , Duran Ramirez Jessy J. , Surial Bernard , Furrer Hansjakob , Rauch Andri , Ustero Pilar , Calmy Alexandra , Stöckle Marcel , Di Benedetto Caroline , Bernasconi Enos , Schmid Patrick , Marzolini Catia , Girardin François R. , Buclin Thierry , Decosterd Laurent A. , Guidi Monia
Published: November 2024

Background

The pharmacokinetics of long-acting rilpivirine has mostly been studied in clinical trials, which do not fully address the uncertainties that arise in routine clinical situations.

Aims and methods

Our population analysis aims to establish percentile curves for rilpivirine concentrations in people with HIV (PWH) followed-up in a routine clinical setting, while identifying patient-related factors that may influence rilpivirine exposure. A total of 238 PWH enrolled in our nationwide multicenter observational study contributed to 1038 concentrations (186 and 852 concentrations after oral and intramuscular injection, respectively).

Results

Rilpivirine pharmacokinetics were best described by a two-compartment model with an oral to intramuscular relative bioavailability factor. A simple zero-order absorption process was retained for oral administration while a parallel first-order absorption was used for intramuscular administration, with 27.6% of the dose released via a fast absorption pathway and the remaining fraction via a slow absorption pathway. Our model estimated that long-acting rilpivirine reaches steady-state after 2.5 years and has an elimination half-life of 18 weeks, consistent with published estimates. In females, a 45.6% reduction in the proportion of the dose absorbed via the rapid absorption pathway was observed. However, this resulted in no more than 15% difference in trough concentrations (Ctrough) compared to males, which was not considered to be clinically relevant.

Conclusion

Overall, our model-based simulations showed that only approximately 50% of long-acting rilpivirine Ctrough would be above the 50 ng/mL threshold associated with optimal therapeutic response, while approximately 85% of Ctrough would be above the first quartile of concentrations observed in Phase III trials (32 ng/mL).
Discovery of novel and highly potent dual-targeting PKMYT1/HDAC2 inhibitors for hepatocellular carcinoma through structure-based virtual screening and biological evaluation
Authors: Yang Yang , Wang Yuting , Chen Jing , Niu Miao-Miao , Wang Yongbin , Jin Xing
Published: November 2024

Simultaneous inhibition of two or more pathways is playing a crucial role in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with complex and diverse pathogenesis. However, there have been no reports of dual-targeting inhibitors for protein kinase membrane-associated tyrosine/threonine 1 (PKMYT1) and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), which are critical targets for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. Here, an integrated strategy of virtual screening was utilized to identify dual-targeting inhibitors for PKMYT1 and HDAC2. Notably, PKHD-5 has been identified as a potent inhibitor that selectively targets both PKMYT1 and HDAC2 with nanomolar affinity. Molecular dynamics have confirmed the strong binding stability of PKHD-5 with PKMYT1 and HDAC2. Importantly, it displayed a notably lower IC50 against the HepG2/MDR cell line, underscoring its potential to surmount drug resistance, while exhibiting minimal toxicity towards the normal liver cell line L02. Additionally, PKHD-5 has demonstrated significant antitumor proliferation effects without significant toxicity. In summary, the results suggest that PKHD-5 is a promising candidate for further preclinical studies of hepatocellular carcinoma therapy.
Towards p-11B medium configurations with high Pfus/PBrems ratios
Authors: Daponta C. , Moustaizis S. , Eliezer S. , Henis Z. , Lalousis P. , Nissim N. , Schweitzer Y.
Published: November 2024

Aneutronic p-11B nuclear fusion is promising for clean energy production, as it produces three (3) alpha particles with 8.7 MeV total energy. However, the main difficulty for p-11B fusion ignition (Q = Pfus/PBrems≥ 1) concerns the nuclear cross section and thus, reactivity efficiency at higher than 200 keV medium temperatures. To overcome this difficulty, the present work emphasizes on the numerical investigation of medium schemes (configurations) with enhanced reactivity. The configurations refer to the addition of energetic protons in a low-density 11boron or proton–11boron medium (n = 1020 m−3), with (np/nB) > 1 for Bremsstrahlung losses optimization and initial temperature in the range of 1 keV ≤ Tin≤ 400 keV. A self-consistent multi-fluid global particle and energy balance code, including collisions between all medium species (p, 11B, e, α), is used for the description of the temporal evolution of all fusion medium physical parameters and the evaluation of the optimum initial conditions for the obtainment of Q ≥ 1. The numerical simulation results show that the coupling between the 200 keV < Ep,0≤ 750 keV energetic protons and the 1 keV ≤ Tin≤ 400 keV initial fusion medium leads to ignition, 1 ≤ Q < 1.4, below Tin= 100 keV. In all the presented initial medium temperature cases, and especially, the lower (<) than 100 keV, the ignition condition (Pfus/PBrems) > 1 arises, as a consequence of the chain reactions and the related avalanche alpha heating effect.
Graft-derived cell free DNA: used for assessment of early graft status and its implications for long-term kidney function
Authors: Wei Liang , Zhao Yongheng , Deng Shaoping , Wu Shaoping , Wang Hailian , Luo Xiangwei , Yang Hongji
Published: November 2024

Background

The long-term graft survival is closely related to its early status, yet the indices for assessing the early graft status are complex and lack quantitative values. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of GcfDNA as a comprehensive, non-invasive, convenient, and quantifiable indicator for evaluating early graft status.

Methods

In this study, 138 recipients who underwent primary kidney transplantation were enrolled. Peripheral blood samples, each 10 mL, were collected on days 1 and 7 post-transplantation. The quantification of both the graft cell-free DNA (GcfDNA) fraction (%) and GcfDNA concentration (copies per milliliter, cp/mL) was performed using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR).

Results

For most recipients, both the GcfDNA fraction and concentration had a rapid decline at 7 days post-transplantation, reaching median values of approximately 0.7% and 53.5 cp/mL, respectively. No significant associations were found between GcfDNA values and other clinical parameters. On the seventh postoperative day, we observed a significant elevation in GcfDNA concentration among recipients with eGFR values < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Additionally, notable increases were identified in both GcfDNA fraction and concentration variations within this specific subgroup. The findings of our study indicate a negative correlation between the concentration and fractional changes of GcfDNA on postoperative days 1 and 7, as well as the GcfDNA concentration on postoperative day 7, with eGFR within the 1–2 years post-transplantation period. The ROC curve of GcfDNA_Copies_Variation. day1-day 7 showed the highest AUC value AUC = 0.8006, with high sensitivity (90.14%) and specificity (77.61%), and PPV and NPV were 81.01% and 88.14%, respectively. Using four classical algorithm models, we found that the xgboost regression model achieved the best predictive performance (area under the curve (AUC) values = 0.862) for eGFR within 1–2 years post-transplantation, with high sensitivity (85.7%) and specificity (85%).

Conclusion

The changes of GcfDNA levels in the early stage are closely related to kidney function within 1–2 years post-transplantation. As a comprehensive indicator of graft function, GcfDNA has great potential for clinical application.
Full-length single-molecule sequencing uncovers novel insight into the global landscape of the cold stress response in trifoliate orange (Citrus trifoliata)
Authors: Wang Yue , Fang Tian , Liu Jihong
Published: November 2024

Trifoliate orange (Citrus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) is a cold-hardy citrus species that contributes to citrus production by frequently serving as a rootstock. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying cold tolerance in citrus, particularly post-transcriptional regulation, remain largely unidentified. In this study, we constructed a transcriptome map of trifoliate orange subjected to cold stress by integrating full-length single-molecule sequencing and Illumina short-read sequencing. The hybrid sequencing approach yielded a more comprehensive set of full-length transcripts than was previously available from the reference genome. In particular, the high-quality transcripts enabled the detection of extensive alternative splicing (AS), with intron retention (IR) identified as the predominant AS event in trifoliate orange. Transcriptome analysis revealed that genes associated with starch and sucrose metabolism were significantly enriched among the cold-responsive genes. Consistent with these data, soluble sugar content was elevated by the cold treatments. Additionally, the expression of multiple genes encoding enzymes with antioxidant activity, including PODs and SODs, was induced, which plays a pivotal role in the mitigation of continuous ROS production. Furthermore, we observed that AS and transcriptional regulation modulate distinct pathways. We also found that the expression of genes encoding key transcription factors (TFs) was highly induced by cold stress and that some of the mRNAs encoding these key TFs were differentially spliced. This dataset provides comprehensive transcriptional and post-transcriptional profiles of the response to cold stress in trifoliate orange that may help to identify genes that contribute to cold tolerance in citrus.
Follow the eyes: gaze and grammaticality
Authors: Hunyadi Laszlo
Published: November 2024

This paper studies the role of eye tracking in detecting grammatical violation in reading tasks. It tests the assumption that encountering syntactic violation has its correspondence in the behavioral patterns associated with gazing. Applying the T-pattern analysis offered by the research environment Theme, it is shown that the observation of grammaticality/agrammaticality in samples of experiments is reflected in the partial correlation of these categories across a number of structural patterns. It is however also shown that their expected difference in the total duration of focusing is not confirmed. It is suggested that associating eye tracking with an additional sound recording or with linguistic ERP studies could widen the categorical spectrum of identifying grammatical violations.
A longitudinal study on the impact of perceived stress on academic engagement among deaf college students: the moderating effect of positive emotions
Authors: Chen Tianlin , Xu Kunjin , Luo Lan , Chen Yongfei
Published: November 2024

Introduction

This longitudinal study sought to examine the dynamic influence of perceived stress on academic engagement among deaf college students, as well as assess the moderating role of positive emotions in this relationship. Given the unique challenges faced by deaf students in educational environments, understanding these dynamics becomes crucial for developing effective support strategies.

Methods

Across a seven-month period, encompassing two semesters, 223 deaf college students were evaluated three times using the Perceived Stress Questionnaire, the Academic Engagement Questionnaire, and the Positive Emotions Questionnaire.

Results

The results indicated that these students experienced high and variable levels of perceived stress, along with inadequate and similarly fluctuating levels of academic engagement. Their positive emotions were moderately low but relatively consistent. Perceived stress was found to be a negative predictor of academic engagement, while positive emotions positively predicted academic engagement. Furthermore, positive emotions acted as a moderating factor, alleviating the negative effects of perceived stress on academic engagement and serving as a protective mechanism for the academic engagement of deaf college students.

Discussion

This research sheds light on the impact of perceived stress on academic engagement in deaf college students, and reveals the underlying mechanisms, contributing precious empirical evidence to further our comprehension and enhance special education services.
The prevalence of anxiety symptoms/disorders in cancer patients: a meta-analysis
Authors: Amiri Sohrab
Published: November 2024

Objective

Cancer can have negative effects on mental health. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anxiety symptoms/disorders in cancer patients’ worldwide using meta-analysis.

Methods

The study population was cancer patients who had cancer at the time of the study. The outcome studied in this study was anxiety symptoms/disorders. PubMed and Scopus were searched based on the syntax of keywords, this search was limited to articles published in English until September 2021. For this meta-analysis, data on the prevalence of anxiety were first extracted for each of the eligible studies. The random-effects method was used for the pool of all studies. Subgroup analysis was performed based on sex, anxiety disorders, cancer site, and continents. Heterogeneity in the studies was also assessed.

Result

After evaluating and screening the studies, eighty-four studies were included in the meta-analysis. Prevalence of anxiety symptoms/disorders in cancer patients showed that this prevalence is 23% (I2 = 99.59) in the 95% confidence interval between 22-25%. This prevalence was 20% (I2 = 96.06%) in the 95% confidence interval between 15-24% in men and this prevalence is 31% (I2 = 99.72%) in the 95% confidence interval between 28-34% in women. The highest prevalence of anxiety was in patients with ovarian, breast, and lung cancers.

Discussion

It showed a high prevalence of anxiety symptoms/disorders in cancer patients, in addition to therapeutic interventions for cancer, the necessary interventions should be made on the anxiety of these patients. Methodological limitation was the heterogeneity between the studies included in the meta-analysis. Some types of cancer sites could not be studied because the number of studies was small or the site of cancer was not identified.
The dopamine hypothesis for ADHD: An evaluation of evidence accumulated from human studies and animal models
Authors: MacDonald Hayley J. , Kleppe Rune , Szigetvari Peter D. , Haavik Jan
Published: November 2024

Multiple lines of evidence indicate that altered dopamine signaling may be involved in neuropsychiatric disorders and common behavioral traits. Here we critically review evidence collected during the past 40-plus years supporting the role of dopamine dysfunction in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We recapitulate the basic components of dopaminergic signaling in the central nervous system, focusing on core enzymes, transporters and receptors involved in monoaminergic functions, particularly in striatal and cortical regions. We summarize key human brain imaging and genetic studies reporting associations between dopaminergic neurotransmission and behavioral traits, with an emphasis on ADHD. We also consider ADHD in the context of animal models and single gene, metabolic, and neurological disorders with established dysfunction of the dopaminergic system. Examining the evidence in this way leads us to conclude that there is evidence for the involvement of dopamine but limited evidence for a hypo-dopaminergic state per se as a key component of ADHD. We propose a path forward to increase our understanding of dopamine signaling in human behavioral traits and disorders that should particularly focus on its role in clinical subgroups, during brain development and how it interacts with other neurotransmitter systems.
Pathway analysis of clinical nurse educator’s intention to use virtual reality technology based on the UTAUT model
Authors: Mengying Li , Dongquan Fu , Lin Li , Yining Cao , Huijuan He , Siyu Zhou , Dan Yin
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the willingness of clinical nurse educator to adopt virtual reality technology, while also examining the underlying mechanisms that influence this willingness through the lens of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT).

Methods

A convenience sampling method was employed to select 225 clinical nurse educator, all of whom possess a professional qualification certificate as nurse practitioners, from a tertiary hospital in Wuhan City, Hubei Province. The study utilized an adapted UTAUT model theory-based design to develop several questionnaires: the performance expectancy questionnaire (11 items), the effort expectancy questionnaire (4 items), the social influence questionnaire (6 items), the facilitating conditions questionnaire (7 items), and the behavioral intention questionnaire (4 items). These instruments were designed to assess the clinical nurse educators’ willingness to adopt VR technology. Furthermore, a regression model was established to analyze the factors influencing this willingness, utilizing SPSS 26.0 for statistical analysis and validating the model through path analysis with AMOS 24.0, where a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The questionnaire demonstrated strong reliability and validity, yielding a total of 222 valid samples, comprising 209 females (94.14%) and 13 males (5.86%). Among the clinical nurse educators, 163 (73.42%) reported a willingness to use virtual reality technology, with scores of 4 or higher. Pearson correlation analysis revealed positive correlations between performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions with behavioral intention (p < 0.05). Furthermore, regression analysis indicated that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions had a positive impact on behavioral intention (p < 0.05). The path model exhibited a good fit, and the results were consistent with the regression analysis, showing that the effects of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence on the behavioral intention to use virtual reality technology were 0.231, 0.150, 0.236, and 0.247, respectively.

Conclusion

Clinical nurse educators exhibit a robust willingness to engage with VR technology. Moreover, improving factors such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions can substantially enhance their readiness to adopt this technology.
Individual and community level determinants of minimum meal frequency among breastfeeding children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis of 2019 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey data
Authors: Melak Dagnachew , Abeje Eyob Tilahun , Bayou Fekade Demeke , Getaneh Fekadeselassie Belege , Asmare Lakew , Endawkie Abel , Gedefie Alemu , Muche Amare , Mohammed Anissa , Ayres Aznamariam
Published: November 2024

Background

Minimum meal frequency (MMF) is a vital indicator of whether a child’s energy needs are being met. Previous studies in Ethiopia on MMF have primarily focused on individual factors, often using basic logistic regression models with limited scope and small sample sizes. In contrast, this study aims to identify the key determinants of MMF among breastfed children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia, examining both individual and community-level factors through multilevel logistic regression analysis, utilizing nationally representative data.

Method

The study utilized a community-based cross-sectional design with a sample of 1,245 6–23 month breastfed children in Ethiopia, using data from the 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic Health Survey. Mixed effect logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with MMF. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals were used to assess variable associations, while Intra-cluster correlation (ICC), median odds ratio (MOR), and proportional change in variance (PCV) were employed to gauge random variation.

Result

The proportion of 6–23-month breastfeeding children with MMF was found to be 55.9% (95% CI: 53.2, 58.6). In mixed effect logistic regression; breastfeeding initiation time within days after birth [AOR = 0.44; 95%CI: (0.24, 0.80)], maternal primary educational level [AOR = 1.46; 95%CI: (1.03, 2.05)], maternal higher level education [AOR = 2.43; 95%CI: (1.22, 4.81)] and children from wealthiest household wealth index [AOR = 2.13; 95%CI: (1.04, 4.33)] were individual-level factors and children from city-based regions [AOR = 1.75; 95%CI: (1.10, 2.77)] was community level factors significantly associated with MMF. The final model indicates that 50.8% of the variation in MMF was explained by combined factors at both individual and community levels and also the variation across clusters remained statistically significant (ICC = 8.1% and variance = 0.29 with p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Minimum meal frequency is a proxy for meeting energy requirements and it is a key indicator of infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practice. According to this study finding, the prevalence of MMF among 6–23-month children in Ethiopia was found to be low. The study also suggest that time of breastfeeding initiation, women’s educational level, household wealth index, and contextual region were factors significantly associated with MMF. It is recommended that IYCF strategies should be implemented widely through women’s education and empowerment and promoting early initiation of breast feeding to increase the proportion of children to be fed with MMF appropriate for their age.
Associations between smoking and coronary heart disease: mediating role of RDW
Authors: Ma Mingfeng , Wu Yue , He Xingmin , Zhang Miaomiao , Han Yanlin , Guo Renwei , Li Shaojie
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Previous studies have demonstrated that both smoking and coronary heart disease (CHD) are linked to red cell distribution width (RDW). However, the role of the RDW in the association between smoking and CHD remains unclear. This study investigates the role of RDW in the association between smoking and coronary heart disease.

Methods

Data from 13,080 adults aged 40–80 years were analyzed from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2006 and 2017. Statistical methods included regression analysis, restricted cubic spline curve (RCS), subgroup analysis, and mediation analysis.

Results

Results showed higher RDW levels in participants with smoking and/or CHD than in those without. Smoking status was positively associated with RDW and CHD even after adjusting for potential confounders. A nonlinear relationship between RDW and CHD was observed (P for nonlinear <0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that sex influenced the relationship between smoking and CHD (p = 0.0284). Mediation analysis showed that increased RDW levels mediated the association between smoking status and CHD (PM = 2.1959%, ACME = 0.000694, 95% CI = 0.000262–0.001259, p < 0.001).

Discussion

Our research showed that smoking, RDW, and CHD are interrelated, with RDW playing as a mediator, offering a novel perspective for the prevention and management of CHD.