bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra-low frequency noise external cavity diode laser systems for quantum applications
Authors: Kolodzie Niklas , Mirgorodskiy Ivan , Nölleke Christian , Schmidt Piet O.
Published: July 2024

We present two distinct ultra-low frequency noise lasers at 729 nm with a fast frequency noise of 30 Hz2/Hz, corresponding to a Lorentzian linewidth of 0.1 kHz. The characteristics of both lasers, which are based on different types of laser diodes, are investigated using experimental and theoretical analysis with a focus on identifying the advantages and disadvantages of each type of system. Specifically, we study the differences and similarities in mode behavior while tuning frequency noise and linewidth reduction. Furthermore, we demonstrate the locking capability of these systems on medium-finesse cavities. The results provide insights into the unique operational characteristics of these ultra-low noise lasers and their potential applications in quantum technology that require high levels of control fidelity.
Continuous-wave degenerate cavity laser for optical imaging in scattering media
Authors: Xu Mengyin , Zhu Jie , Xu Mingfeng , Pu Mingbo , Wang Sha
Published: July 2024

Lasers play a significant role in optical communication, medical, and scientific research, owing to their high brightness and high coherence. However, the high spatial coherence will lead to specific challenges, such as speckle noise in imaging and wavefront distortion during propagation through scattering media. Here, a continuous-wave (cw) degenerate cavity laser (DCL) with low spatial coherence is demonstrated with efficient suppression of the thermal lensing effect from the gain crystal. Experimentally, a cw degenerate laser output with about 2000 transverse modes corresponding to a speckle contrast of about 0.0224 is achieved. This laser can be used for speckle reduction and is robust against atmospheric turbulence, which may find applications in the field of laser imaging technology and illumination.
Adaptive carrier-phase-noise-canceled LiDAR for range-Doppler imaging beyond hundreds of laser coherence length
Authors: Xu Chen , Liu Deng-feng , Song An-peng , Li Yu-tang , Guo You-ming , Jin Kai , Wei Kai
Published: July 2024

Carrier-phase noise limits both the performance and the maximum operation range of coherent LiDAR. To address this issue, we propose a carrier-phase-noise-canceled LiDAR based on an auxiliary interferometer and adaptive filters. Compared to previous methods, this approach is calibration-free and offers higher compensation accuracy, as well as applicability of dynamic target detection. Experiments of range-Doppler imaging for stationary targets and rotating extended targets have been performed, and the detection results close to the theoretical resolution were obtained at the round trip distance to the target beyond 981 times and 106 times coherence length, respectively.
Enhanced detection of UV fluorescence from food products and tissue using lanthanide-doped polymer composite membranes
Authors: Carrillo-Betancourt Rodolfo A. , Hernández-Cordero Juan
Published: July 2024

We demonstrate polymer composite membranes that can be coupled to conventional spectroscopic tools for enhancing the detection of weak UV fluorescence signals. The membranes incorporate a down-conversion phosphor with lanthanide ions allowing for the detection of UV emission from biomolecules commonly found in food products. We also explore their capability to discern between healthy and wounded tissue through measurements of the UV autofluorescence emission from skin. Our results show that the composite membranes have great potential to improve UV fluorescence detection in applications related to the biomedical, pharmaceutical and food areas.
Single-shot, spatio-temporal analysis of relativistic plasma optics
Authors: Dulat Ankit , Lad Amit D. , Aparajit C. , Choudhary Anandam , Ved Yash M. , Veisz Laszlo , Ravindra Kumar G.
Published: July 2024

Plasma optics, promising for shaping and amplifying ultra-high-power laser pulses, are subject to the huge modulations and fluctuations inherent in plasma excitation at high intensities. Understanding the impact of plasma-optic-induced modulations on the spatio-temporal structure of the resulting pulses demands multidimensional characterization of relativistic plasma dynamics, an extremely difficult task, particularly at the low repetition rates typical of such lasers. Here, we present three-dimensional (3D) spatio-temporal measurements of such pulses based on spectral interferometry. We measure the complex space-time distortions induced in the laser pulses by relativistic plasma while simultaneously capturing the underlying plasma dynamics, all in a single shot. This all-optical technique can capture 3D spatio-temporal couplings within pulses at ultra-high peak powers, enabling further progress in ultra-high-intensity laser and plasma technologies.
Flat-topped optical spectrum as a specific marker of multi-pulse grouping in soliton fiber laser
Authors: Korobko Dmitry , Ribenek Valeria , Itrin Pavel , Fotiadi Andrei
Published: July 2024

We report the experimental observation of a stable generation regime in a soliton fiber laser, characterized by a distinct flat-topped optical spectrum. Notably, in multi-pulse generation, this specific spectrum shape prevents the harmonic mode-locking state, instead aligning the solitons into bound complexes or tight chaotic bunches. Physically, this suggests that in the observed regime, long-range attractive forces dominate over inter-pulse repulsion across the entire laser cavity. Our experimental findings align with numerical simulations, which demonstrate that the predominance of long-range inter-pulse attraction is due to a complex interaction mechanism. This mechanism combines the generation of dispersive waves with dissipative forces arising from gain depletion and recovery.
Aberrant activation of hippocampal astrocytes causes neuroinflammation and cognitive decline in mice
Authors: Kim Jae-Hong , Michiko Nakamura , Choi In-Sun , Kim Yujung , Jeong Ji-Young , Lee Maan-Gee , Jang Il-Sung , Suk Kyoungho
Published: July 2024

Reactive astrocytes are associated with neuroinflammation and cognitive decline in diverse neuropathologies; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We used optogenetic and chemogenetic tools to identify the crucial roles of the hippocampal CA1 astrocytes in cognitive decline. Our results showed that repeated optogenetic stimulation of the hippocampal CA1 astrocytes induced cognitive impairment in mice and decreased synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP), which was accompanied by the appearance of inflammatory astrocytes. Mechanistic studies conducted using knockout animal models and hippocampal neuronal cultures showed that lipocalin-2 (LCN2), derived from reactive astrocytes, mediated neuroinflammation and induced cognitive impairment by decreasing the LTP through the reduction of neuronal NMDA receptors. Sustained chemogenetic stimulation of hippocampal astrocytes provided similar results. Conversely, these phenomena were attenuated by a metabolic inhibitor of astrocytes. Fiber photometry using GCaMP revealed a high level of hippocampal astrocyte activation in the neuroinflammation model. Our findings suggest that reactive astrocytes in the hippocampus are sufficient and required to induce cognitive decline through LCN2 release and synaptic modulation. This abnormal glial–neuron interaction may contribute to the pathogenesis of cognitive disturbances in neuroinflammation-associated brain conditions.
Identifying cell states in single-cell RNA-seq data at statistically maximal resolution
Authors: Grobecker Pascal , Sakoparnig Thomas , van Nimwegen Erik
Published: July 2024

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has become a popular experimental method to study variation of gene expression within a population of cells. However, obtaining an accurate picture of the diversity of distinct gene expression states that are present in a given dataset is highly challenging because of the sparsity of the scRNA-seq data and its inhomogeneous measurement noise properties. Although a vast number of different methods is applied in the literature for clustering cells into subsets with ‘similar’ expression profiles, these methods generally lack rigorously specified objectives, involve multiple complex layers of normalization, filtering, feature selection, dimensionality-reduction, employ ad hoc measures of distance or similarity between cells, often ignore the known measurement noise properties of scRNA-seq measurements, and include a large number of tunable parameters. Consequently, it is virtually impossible to assign concrete biophysical meaning to the clusterings that result from these methods. Here we address the following problem: Given raw unique molecule identifier (UMI) counts of an scRNA-seq dataset, partition the cells into subsets such that the gene expression states of the cells in each subset are statistically indistinguishable, and each subset corresponds to a distinct gene expression state. That is, we aim to partition cells so as to maximally reduce the complexity of the dataset without removing any of its meaningful structure. We show that, given the known measurement noise structure of scRNA-seq data, this problem is mathematically well-defined and derive its unique solution from first principles. We have implemented this solution in a tool called Cellstates which operates directly on the raw data and automatically determines the optimal partition and cluster number, with zero tunable parameters. We show that, on synthetic datasets, Cellstates almost perfectly recovers optimal partitions. On real data, Cellstates robustly identifies subtle substructure within groups of cells that are traditionally annotated as a common cell type. Moreover, we show that the diversity of gene expression states that Cellstates identifies systematically depends on the tissue of origin and not on technical features of the experiments such as the total number of cells and total UMI count per cell. In addition to the Cellstates tool we also provide a small toolbox of software to place the identified cellstates into a hierarchical tree of higher-order clusters, to identify the most important differentially expressed genes at each branch of this hierarchy, and to visualize these results.
Epidemiological modeling of SARS-CoV-2 in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) reveals conditions for introduction and widespread transmission
Authors: Rosenblatt Elias , Cook Jonathan D. , DiRenzo Graziella V. , Grant Evan H. Campbell , Arce Fernando , Pepin Kim M. , Rudolph F. Javiera , Runge Michael C. , Shriner Susan , Walsh Daniel P. , Mosher Brittany A.
Published: July 2024

Emerging infectious diseases with zoonotic potential often have complex socioecological dynamics and limited ecological data, requiring integration of epidemiological modeling with surveillance. Although our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 has advanced considerably since its detection in late 2019, the factors influencing its introduction and transmission in wildlife hosts, particularly white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), remain poorly understood. We use a Susceptible-Infected-Recovered-Susceptible epidemiological model to investigate the spillover risk and transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in wild and captive white-tailed deer populations across various simulated scenarios. We found that captive scenarios pose a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 introduction from humans into deer herds and subsequent transmission among deer, compared to wild herds. However, even in wild herds, the transmission risk is often substantial enough to sustain infections. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the strength of introduction from humans influences outbreak characteristics only to a certain extent. Transmission among deer was frequently sufficient for widespread outbreaks in deer populations, regardless of the initial level of introduction. We also explore the potential for fence line interactions between captive and wild deer to elevate outbreak metrics in wild herds that have the lowest risk of introduction and sustained transmission. Our results indicate that SARS-CoV-2 could be introduced and maintained in deer herds across a range of circumstances based on testing a range of introduction and transmission risks in various captive and wild scenarios. Our approach and findings will aid One Health strategies that mitigate persistent SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in white-tailed deer populations and potential spillback to humans.
Testing for Hepatitis B and C virus and HIV in mental healthcare settings in England between 2015–2021
Authors: Hibbert Matthew , Simmons Ruth , Dearman Peter , Lester James , Powell Annabel , Chau Cuong , Humphreys Clare , Hughes Liz , Heslin Margaret , Desai Monica , Sabin Caroline
Published: July 2024

People living with severe mental illness have an increased prevalence of bloodborne viruses (BBVs) such as hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C viruses (HCV), and HIV. To help improve the physical health of people living with severe mental illness, we aim to understand associations with BBV testing and treatment provision among those tested in mental healthcare settings in England. HBV surface antigen [HBsAg], antibody HCV [anti-HCV] and HIV testing and demographic information pertaining to people tested in mental health settings in England were extracted from a BBV testing dataset. Records pertaining to individuals diagnosed with HCV or HIV were linked to treatment datasets. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to understand demographic associations with test positivity for each BBV. Between 2015–2021, 18,221 people tested for a BBV in a mental health setting (56% male, 71% White ethnicity), 90% of whom were in inpatient care. Testing positive for HBsAg, anti-HCV and HIV was 1.1% (95%CI: 0.93–1.26%), 4.3% (4.00–4.63%) and 1.1% (0.92–1.25%) respectively. In multivariable analyses, women had reduced odds of testing positive for anti-HCV and HIV compared to men. Being of Asian, Black, or another ethnicity was associated with increased odds of testing HBsAg positive and Black ethnicity was associated with a positive HIV test result compared to White ethnicity. White ethnicity was associated with testing anti-HCV test positive compared to all other ethnicities. Half (344/708) of those who were anti-HCV positive would have benefitted from treatment (HCV-RNA positive), of which 58% received treatment. HIV treatment (96%) and viral suppression (94%) after testing in mental healthcare was high. To improve the physical health of people living with mental health conditions and to aid England’s hepatitis elimination and HIV transmission goals, opt-out testing for BBVs may be beneficial to reduce health inequalities among people experiencing mental illness.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices toward female genital schistosomiasis among community women and healthcare professionals in Kimpese region, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Wambui Cecilia Wangari , Madinga Joule , Ashepet Mercy Gloria , Anyolitho Maxson Kenneth , Mitashi Patrick , Huyse Tine
Published: July 2024

Background

Chronic infection with Schistosoma haematobium causes female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), which leads to diverse lesions in the female genital tract and several complications, including infertility and a higher risk for HIV transmission. This study aims to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward FGS and associated factors among women and health professionals in the schistosomiasis endemic focus of Kimpese, western Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Methods

In January 2022, two semi-quantitative questionnaires were administered to 201 randomly selected community women in Kifua II village, and to purposely selected health professionals (20 nurses and 41 doctors) from Kimpese Health Zone. KAP statements were coded using Likert scale, summarized as frequencies and percentages, and assessed for internal reliability using Cronbach’s alpha. Associations between the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents and the KAP variables were assessed using Pearson chi-square (χ2) test, Cramer’s V (φ) and gamma (γ) coefficients.

Results

Overall, respondents had high knowledge of schistosomiasis in general but low FGS-specific knowledge (91% versus 45%). Misconceptions concerned the disease transmission, with 30.3% of women and 25% of the nurses believing that FGS is transmitted by drinking untreated water, while 26.8% of the doctors mentioned sexual contact as a mode of FGS transmission. Negative attitudes included considering FGS not a very serious disease (34.8%), feeling uncomfortable during gynaecological examination (35.3%), difficulties avoiding risky water contact (72.1%) and open defecation/urination (41.3%), not intending to share FGS status with their husbands (38.3%) and loved ones (63.6%), and believing that husbands would leave them if they were infertile (31.8%). Regarding practices, 77.6% of women engaged daily in activities involving contact with water. Practices of health professionals were hampered by the lack of equipment and specialized knowledge for FGS diagnosis with only 57% of healthcare workers having a microscope in their facilities. Women’s KAPs varied by age, education, marital status, occupation and monthly income.

Conclusion

This study highlights insufficient knowledge, existing negative attitudes, at risk practices towards FGS by women, and limitations of FGS management by health professionals. These findings can help for tailored health education and WASH strategies, and call for health professional’s capacities reinforcement.
The relationship between NLR, LDL-C/HDL-C, NHR and coronary artery disease
Authors: Yuan Shuaishuai , Li Lingling , Pu Tian , Fan Xizhen , Wang Zheng , Xie Pailing , Li Peijun
Published: July 2024

Objective

Chronic inflammation and dyslipidemia are key risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. We retrospectively explored the association between the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the ratio of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and the neutrophil to HDL-C ratio (NHR), and the severity of coronary lesions in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Method

In June 2023, we selected 1210 patients who were diagnosed with ACS based on chest pain from January 2017 to December 2022. Of these, 1100 patients with abnormal coronary angiography were categorized into the experimental group, and 110 patients with normal coronary angiography were classified as the control group. We collected routine blood tests, lipid profiles, and coronary angiography results at admission (before coronary angiography). Patients were then stratified into a control group (Gensini score = 0) and an experimental group (Gensini score = 0) based on the Gensini score. The experimental group was further divided into a low score group (Gensini score < 69) and a high score group (Gensini score ≥ 69).

Result

1. Statistically significant differences were observed between the control and experimental groups in terms of gender, age, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes, smoking history, and counts of neutrophils (NEU), lymphocytes (LYM), monocytes (MON), eosinophils (EOS), red cell distribution width (RDW), total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, LDL-C, NLR, LDL-C/HDL-C, and NHR (P<0.05). Furthermore, differences in BMI, hypertension, diabetes, smoking history, NEU, LYM, MON, TC, triglyceride (TG), HDL-C, LDL-C, NLR, LDL-C/HDL-C, and NHR were significant between the low and high score groups (P<0.05). 2. NEU, LYM, MON, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, NLR, LDL-C/HDL-C, and NHR showed significant correlations with the Gensini score (r>0.2, P<0.05), with NLR and LDL-C/HDL-C showing the strongest correlations (r = 0.822, P = 0.000). 3. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve indicated that the combination of NLR and LDL-C/HDL-C had superior sensitivity and specificity in predicting the severity of coronary lesions, with a significant difference (P<0.05). The sensitivity was 87.1%, the specificity was 90.9%, and the cut-off point was 2.04. 4. A predictive model was developed based on the ratio of NLR and LDL-C/HDL-C to the Gensini score. The final model score was calculated as 6.803 + 7.029NLR + 13.079LDL-C/HDL-C (R2 = 0.708).

Conclusion

Compared to NLR, LDL-C/HDL-C, and NHR, the combined NLR and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio is a more accurate marker for assessing the severity of coronary artery disease in ACS patients. Its convenience and effectiveness make it a promising tool for early assessment, timely risk stratification, and appropriate clinical intervention, ultimately improving clinical outcomes for ACS patients.
Integrated group antenatal and pediatric care in Haiti: A comprehensive care accompaniment model
Authors: Casella Jean-Baptiste Meredith , Julmisse Marc , Adeyemo Oluwatosin O. , Vital Julmiste Thamar Monide , Illuzzi Jessica L.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The J9 Plus (J9) maternal-child accompaniment program is based on four pillars: group antenatal care (GANC), group pediatric care, psychosocial support, and community-based care. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the J9 model of care on perinatal outcomes.

Methodology

We conducted a convergent mixed methods study of maternal-newborn dyads born in 2019 at Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais. Quantitative data was collected retrospectively to compare dyads receiving J9 care to usual care. A secondary analysis of qualitative data described patient perspectives of J9 care.

Results

Antenatal care attendance was significantly higher among women in J9 (n = 524) compared to usual care (n = 523), with 490(93%) and 189(36%) having >4 visits, respectively; p <0.001, as was post-partum visit attendance [271(52%) compared to 84(16%), p<0.001] and use of post-partum family planning methods [98(19%) compared to 47(9%), p = 0.003]. Incidence of pre-eclampsia with severe features was significantly lower in the J9 group [44(9%)] compared to the usual care group [73(14%)], p <0.001. Maternal and neonatal mortality and low birth weight did not differ across groups. Cesarean delivery [103(20%) and 82(16%), p<0.001] and preterm birth [118 (24%)] and 80 (17%), p <0.001] were higher in the J9 group compared to usual care, respectively. In the qualitative analysis, ease of access to high-quality care, meaningful social support, and maternal empowerment through education were identified as key contributors to these outcomes.

Conclusion

Compared to usual care, the J9 Plus maternal-child accompaniment model of care is associated with increased engagement in antenatal and postpartum care, increased utilization of post-partum family planning, and lower incidence of pre-eclampsia with severe features, which remains a leading cause of maternal mortality in Haiti. The J9 accompaniment approach to care is an empowering model that has the potential to be replicated in similar settings to improve quality of care and outcomes globally.
Comparison of quantity, quality and antibacterial activity of essential oil Mentha longifolia (L.) L. under different traditional and modern extraction methods
Authors: Karimnejad Masoumeh , Ghavam Mansureh
Published: July 2024

Extraction is the first and most important step in obtaining the effective ingredients of medicinal plants. Mentha longifolia (L.) L. is of considerable economic importance as a natural raw material for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Since the effect of different extraction methods (traditional and modern methods) on the quantity, quality and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of this plant has not been done simultaneously; the present study was designed for the first time with the aim of identifying the best extraction method in terms of these features. For this purpose, extracting the essential oil of M. longifolia with the methods of hydrodistillation with Clevenger device (HDC), steam distillation with Kaiser device (SDK), simultaneous distillation with a solvent (SDE), hydrodistillation with microwave device (HDM), pretreatment of ultrasonic waves and Clevenger (U+HDC) and supercritical fluid (SF) were performed. Chemical compounds were identified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Antimicrobial activity of essential oils against various clinical microbial strains was evaluated by agar diffusion method and determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration (MIC and MBC). The results showed that the highest and lowest yields of M. longifolia leaf essential oil belonged to HDC (1.6083%) and HDM (0.3416%). The highest number of compounds belonged to SDK essential oil and was equal to 72 compounds (with a relative percentage of 87.13%) and the lowest number of compounds was related to the SF essential oil sample (7 compounds with a relative percentage of 100%). Piperitenone (25.2–41.38%), piperitenone oxide (22.02–0%), pulegone (10.81–0%) and 1,8-cineole (5–35.0%) are the dominant and main components of M. longifolia essential oil were subjected to different extraction methods. Antimicrobial activity results showed that the lowest MIC value belonged to essential oils extracted by HDM, SDK, SDE and U+HDC methods with a value of 1000 μg/mL was observed against Gram-negative bacteria Shigella dysenteriae, which was 5 times weaker than rifampin and 7 times weaker than gentamicin. Therefore, it can be concluded that in terms of efficiency of the HDC method, in terms of the percentage of compounds of the HDM method, and in terms of microbial activity, the SDK, HDM and U+HDC methods performed better.
One or many labels? a longitudinal qualitative study of patients’ journey to diagnosis at a specialist NHS Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) clinic
Authors: Knoop Iris , Jones Annie S. K. , Ibrahimi Ereza , Bogosian Angeliki , Gall Nicholas , Moss-Morris Rona
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) is a poorly understood syndrome of multiple disabling symptoms. This study explored the process of seeking a diagnosis of PoTS. Analysis focused on changes before and after participants’ first appointment with a national PoTS clinic, and explored whether a diagnosis is beneficial in the context of multiple co-occurring conditions and an absence of licenced treatments.

Design

A longitudinal, qualitative study.

Methods

Participants (n = 15) in this nested qualitative study were recruited from a larger study of people who had been newly referred to a National specialist NHS Cardiology PoTS service. Semi-structured interviews were conducted remotely before, and 6 months after their first appointment with the clinic. Data was analysed longitudinally and inductively using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

Results

Three overarching themes were identified: “Slowly moving forward and finding positive gains”, “Needing more pieces of the puzzle to see the bigger picture”, and “The value and impact of investigations”. Findings suggested that not much had changed in the 6 months between interviews. Participants were moving forward in terms of diagnoses, treatment and adjustment following their appointment, but many were still seeking further clarity and possible diagnoses. Investigations, appointments, and new-found problems, continued to have a substantial impact over time.

Conclusions

The journey to diagnosis for patients with suspected PoTS appeared to promote acceptance of self, and of limitations posed by symptoms. However, many participants continued their search for an explanation for every symptom experience, and this may become increasingly complex, the more labels that have been acquired. Lack of clarity contributed to ongoing difficulties for this patient group alongside fraught relations with health care professionals (HCPs). A more coherent, integrated approach which is communicated clearly to patients is recommended.
Game location effect in game-related statistics and pre-shot combination differences between winners and losers during the basketball ACB COVID-19 season
Authors: Bustamante-Sánchez Álvaro , Jiménez-Saiz Sergio L.
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to assess pre-shot combinations and game-location influence, together with the traditional game-related statistics to evaluate their impact in the performance of the teams in the Asociación de Clubs de Baloncesto (ACB) Spanish basketball league. The COVID-19 season was a great opportunity to better analyse the effect of game-location among ACB-teams to evaluate the differences between winners and losers. A retrospective cross-sectional study of the 2019–2020 ACB season (137 games of the regular season and 33 games of the final stage) was carried out. Game-related statistics were gathered from InStat (https://basketball.instatscout.com/). To evaluate the key performance indicators in this context, a discriminant analysis together with a binary logistic regression were run. The main results revealed that specific variables (normalized per minute played), such as points, field-goal percentage, field goals made, defensive rebounds, assists, and contested field goals made, played a crucial role in classifying winners and losers (p<0.05). Defensive rebounds (0.29±0.05 vs 0.24±0.04, p < 0.001), and assists (0.23±0.05 vs 0.19±0.04, p = 0.042), were key performance indicators for home-court winners. Defensive rebounds (0.29±0.05 vs 0.25±0.04, p < 0.001), and field-goal percentage (48.2±5.31 vs 42.7±5.95, p = 0.009) were key performance variables for away-court winners. Neutral-court winners had better isolation efficiency (49.5±31.6 vs 33.3±31.4, p < 0.05) and contested shot percentage (48.2±6.02 vs 44.8±5.34, p < 0.05) in the context of neutral-court tournaments. Uncontested shots and pick-and-roll efficiency seem not to be so important in the ACB when compared to the (National Basketball Association) NBA. Teams should look for players who assist to good shooters, as well as the presence of specialized players proficient in defensive rebounding. In the context of neutral-court tournaments, the importance of isolations and contested-shot performance is critical.
The differentiation of Lgr5+ progenitor cells on nanostructures of self-assembled silica beads
Authors: Cai Wenjun , Huang Zhichun , Sun Baobin , Lu Ling , Ding Xiaoqiong , Tao Feng
Published: July 2024

Supporting cells(SCs) have been demonstrated to be a reliable source for regenerating hair cells(HCs). Previous research has reported that Lgr5+ SCs can regenerate HCs both in vitro and in vivo. However, there is limited knowledge about the impact of the material on Lgr5+ cells. In this study, Lgr5+ cells were isolated from neonatal Lgr5-EGFP-CreERT2 transgenic mice by flow cytometry and then plated on self-assembled silica beads (SB). Lgr5+ cell differentiation was observed by immunofluorescence. We found that in the direct differentiation assay, the SB group generated more hair cells than the control group(*p < 0.05). Especially in the SB group, Lgr5+ progenitors generated significantly more Myo7a+ HCs outside of the colony than in the control group(**p < 0.01). In the sphere differentiation assay, we found that the diameter of spheres in the SB group was significantly larger compared to those of the control group(**p < 0.01). However, the difference in the ratio of myo7a+ cell counts was not obvious(P>0.05). The experiment proved that the self-assembled silica beads could promote the differentiation of Lgr5+ progenitors in vitro. Our findings implicate that nanostructures of self-assembled silica beads can be used as vectors for stem cell research in the inner ear.
Maternal skepticism regarding children’s vaccination in Jordan: Investigating the knowledge, attitude, and adherence
Authors: Al-Rashdan Rand A. , Ta’an Wafa’a , Mukattash Tareq , Williams Brett
Published: July 2024

Vaccination is critical to every responsible healthcare system, yielding several health and economic benefits. However, skepticism is a major challenge to vaccination adherence among parents globally. Mothers are primary decision-makers on children’s vaccination; therefore, this study aims to assess maternal knowledge, attitudes, and adherence to children’s routine vaccination in Jordan, identify the main sources of related information, and explore the awareness and hesitancy related to elective vaccination, which is not incorporated into the national vaccination program (e.g., varicella, flu, meningitis, and meningococcal vaccines). A descriptive, cross-sectional design was conducted to collect data from 533 Jordanian mothers between August and November 2023. Participant mothers completed an online self-administered questionnaire comprising demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and adherence to children’s vaccination. The surveyed mothers in general exhibited high levels of knowledge, attitudes, and adherence concerning children’s vaccination and a relatively moderate level of adherence concerning elective vaccines. The mothers’ perspectives of reluctance towards elective vaccines were explored. The primary healthcare center and physicians were the most prevalent sources of mothers’ vaccine-related information. Future efforts should implement tailored health education campaigns that address specific knowledge gaps, such as misconceptions about contraindications and side effects, promote awareness about elective vaccines, and engage healthcare providers to facilitate informed decision-making among Jordanian mothers and improve children’s vaccination coverage.
Patients’ experiences of living with low anterior resection syndrome three to six months after colorectal cancer surgery: A phenomenological study
Authors: Løvall Camilla , Mjelde Lotte Miriam Eri , Eide Leslie S. P. , Reime Marit Hegg
Published: July 2024

Background

Increased use of sphincter-preserving surgery following colorectal cancer has led to more people living with low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), a disordered bowel function that significantly impacts quality of life. Little is known about how patients experience the first months following sphincter-preserving surgery and having LARS.

Objective

To shed light on what it means to live with LARS in the first three to six months after colorectal cancer sphincter-preserving surgery.

Method

A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach constitutes the study design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants from September 2022 to January 2023. The transcribed interviews were analysed using Giorgi’s phenomenological method.

Results

Five themes emerged from the analysis: bowel emptying becomes all-consuming and affects both daily life and working life, you hear what they’re saying, but don’t understand what it means until your body goes through it, low anterior resection syndrome may impact sexual life, leaving feelings of guilt, it doesn’t matter what the circumstances are, but rather how one deals with them, and support and follow-up from healthcare professionals, employers, family and friends are crucial for living a good life with LARS.

Conclusion

Participants described struggles living with major LARS in the early period following hospital discharge. However, few months later, they had developed strategies enabling them to control their everyday life. Support and follow-up from healthcare professionals, employers, family, and friends were crucial when learning to live with major LARS. Participants expressed desire for a systematic and proactive follow-up from healthcare professionals and contact with peer-support groups.
Development of clinical prediction model to guide the use of CT head scans for non-traumatic Thai patient with seizure: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Suriyanusorn Pimploy , Lokeskrawee Thanin , Patumanond Jayanton , Lawanaskol Suppachai , Wongyikul Pakpoom
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to develop clinical predictor tools for guiding the use of computed tomography (CT) head scans in non-traumatic Thai patients presented with seizure. A prediction model using a retrospective cross-sectional design was conducted. We recruited adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) who had been diagnosed with seizures by their physicians and had undergone CT head scans for further investigation. Positive CT head defined as the presence of any new lesion that related to the patient’s presented seizure officially reported by radiologist. A total of 9 candidate predictors were preselected. The prediction model was developed using a full multivariable logistic regression with backward stepwise elimination. We evaluated the model’s predictive performance in terms of its discriminative ability and calibration via AuROC and calibration plot. The application was then constructed based on final model. A total of 362 patients were included into the analysis which comprising of 71 patients with positive CT head findings and 291 patients with normal results. Six final predictors were identified including: Glasgow coma scale, the presence of focal neurological deficit, history of malignancy, history of CVA, Epilepsy, and the presence of alcohol withdrawal symptom. In terms of discriminative ability, the final model demonstrated excellent performance (AuROC of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.76–0.87)). The calibration plot illustrated a good agreement between observed and predicted risks. This prediction model offers a reliable tool for effectively reduce unnecessary use and instill confidence in supporting physicians in determining the need for CT head scans in non-traumatic patients with seizures.
Diabetes mellitus, hearing loss, and therapeutic interventions: A systematic review of insights from preclinical animal models
Authors: Mittal Rahul , Keith Grant , Lacey Mitchel , Lemos Joana R. N. , Mittal Jeenu , Assayed Amro , Hirani Khemraj
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review article is to evaluate the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) utilizing preclinical animal models. The review focused on studies assessing SNHL in diabetic animal models, elucidating the mechanisms of DM-associated SNHL, and exploring the response of diabetic animal models to noise overexposure. We also discussed studies investigating the efficacy of potential therapeutic strategies for amelioration of DM-associated SNHL in the animal models.

Methods

A protocol of this systematic review was designed a priori and was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD42023439961). We conducted a comprehensive search on PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE databases. A minimum of three reviewers independently screened, selected, and extracted data. The risk of bias assessment of eligible studies was conducted using the Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool.

Results

Following the screening of 238 studies, twelve original articles were included in this systematic review. The studies revealed that hyperglycemia significantly affects auditory function, with various pathological mechanisms contributing to DM-induced hearing impairment, including cochlear synaptopathy, microangiopathy, neuropathy, oxidative stress, mitochondrial abnormalities, and apoptosis-mediated cell death. Emerging interventions, such as Asiaticoside, Trigonelline, Chlorogenic acid, and Huotanquyu granules, demonstrated efficacy in providing otoprotection for preserving cochlear hair cells and hearing function.

Conclusions

Our systematic review delves into the intricate relationship between DM and hearing impairment in animal models. Future research should focus on targeted therapies to enhance cochlear mitochondrial function, alleviate oxidative stress, and regulate apoptosis. The association between SNHL and social isolation as well as cognitive decline underscores the necessity for innovative therapeutic modalities addressing yet undiscovered mechanisms. Translating findings from animal models to human studies will validate these findings, offering a synergistic approach to effectively manage DM-associated co-morbidities such as hearing impairment.
Virtual tissue microstructure reconstruction across species using generative deep learning
Authors: Bettancourt Nicolás , Pérez-Gallardo Cristian , Candia Valeria , Guevara Pamela , Kalaidzidis Yannis , Zerial Marino , Segovia-Miranda Fabián , Morales-Navarrete Hernán
Published: July 2024

Analyzing tissue microstructure is essential for understanding complex biological systems in different species. Tissue functions largely depend on their intrinsic tissue architecture. Therefore, studying the three-dimensional (3D) microstructure of tissues, such as the liver, is particularly fascinating due to its conserved essential roles in metabolic processes and detoxification. Here, we present TiMiGNet, a novel deep learning approach for virtual 3D tissue microstructure reconstruction using Generative Adversarial Networks and fluorescence microscopy. TiMiGNet overcomes challenges such as poor antibody penetration and time-intensive procedures by generating accurate, high-resolution predictions of tissue components across large volumes without the need of paired images as input. We applied TiMiGNet to analyze tissue microstructure in mouse and human liver tissue. TiMiGNet shows high performance in predicting structures like bile canaliculi, sinusoids, and Kupffer cell shapes from actin meshwork images. Remarkably, using TiMiGNet we were able to computationally reconstruct tissue structures that cannot be directly imaged due experimental limitations in deep dense tissues, a significant advancement in deep tissue imaging. Our open-source virtual prediction tool facilitates accessible and efficient multi-species tissue microstructure analysis, accommodating researchers with varying expertise levels. Overall, our method represents a powerful approach for studying tissue microstructure, with far-reaching applications in diverse biological contexts and species.
Octopamine is required for successful reproduction in the classical insect model, Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Leyria Jimena , Orchard Ian , Lange Angela B.
Published: July 2024

In insects, biogenic amines function as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and neurohormones, influencing various behaviors, including those related to reproduction such as response to sex pheromones, oogenesis, oviposition, courtship, and mating. Octopamine (OA), an analog of the vertebrate norepinephrine, is synthesized from the biogenic amine tyramine by the enzyme tyramine β-hydroxylase (TβH). Here, we investigate the mechanisms and target genes underlying the role of OA in successful reproduction in females of Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of Chagas disease, by downregulating TβH mRNA expression (thereby reducing OA content) using RNA interference (RNAi), and in vivo and ex vivo application of OA. Injection of females with dsTβH impairs successful reproduction at least in part, by decreasing the transcript expression of enzymes involved in juvenile hormone biosynthesis, the primary hormone for oogenesis in R. prolixus, thereby interfering with oogenesis, ovulation and oviposition. This study offers valuable insights into the involvement of OA for successful reproduction in R. prolixus females. Understanding the reproductive biology of R. prolixus is crucial in a medical context for controlling the spread of the disease.
Sounds Irish, Acts Global: Explaining the Success of Ireland’s Popular Music Industry, Michael Mary Murphy and Jim Rogers (2023)
Authors: Bestley Russ
Published: July 2024

Review of: Sounds Irish, Acts Global: Explaining the Success of Ireland’s Popular Music Industry, Michael Mary Murphy and Jim Rogers (2023)

Sheffield: Equinox Publishing, 222 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-78179-779-2, h/bk, £70.00
Transfigured New York: Interviews with Experimental Artists and Musicians, 1980-1990, Brooke Wentz (2023)
Authors: Loydell Rupert
Published: July 2024

Review of: Transfigured New York: Interviews with Experimental Artists and Musicians, 1980-1990, Brooke Wentz (2023)

New York: Columbia University Press, 324 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-23121-088-1, h/bk, £35
Who Cares Anyway: Post-Punk San Francisco and the End of the Analog Age, Will York (2023)
Authors: Sewell John Ike
Published: July 2024

Review of: Who Cares Anyway: Post-Punk San Francisco and the End of the Analog Age, Will York (2023)

Oxford: Headpress Books, 572 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-91531-609-5, p/bk, £22.99
Exploring the expectations of the product manager role: the case of the Hungarian software industry
Authors: Sipos Andrea , Szabó Bálint
Published: July 2024

Stakeholder-driven development has become significant in the software industry. As a result, product managers have taken on a crucial role in IT projects by considering the demands of stakeholders, business objectives and knowing available technological solutions. The theoretical section of this article provides an overview of the evolution and characteristics of the product manager role. This paper empirically explored the various expectations towards product managers through the example of the Hungarian software industry by the content analysis of job advertisements (n=212) from LinkedIn. The identified patterns show that the product manager role differs depending on the size of the company. The results show that as the size of a company increases, leadership and active listening skills become increasingly important. On the other hand, micro- and small enterprises demonstrate the highest level of responsibility regarding cooperation. The findings of this article can offer valuable guidance for future product managers.
Chatbots from the users’ perspective – A systematic literature review
Authors: Harmat Vanda
Published: July 2024

The application of chatbots in business organizations is becoming ever more widespread. When developing an interface, besides the aspects of efficiency, human values, and users’ social and emotional needs also should be respected. From this perspective, understanding the impact of human-chatbot interaction (HCI) on individuals’ behavior is paramount. This article aims to contribute to the exploration of users’ perspectives on chatbots through a systematic literature review of 31 papers examined with content analysis. The results show that besides functionality, entertainment is also important for users during HCI. The growing magnitude of humanlike attributes that could support this need does however not provide users with the feeling of satisfaction but can evoke feelings of anxiety instead.
Métodos diagnósticos moleculares en enfermedades neuromusculares y neurodegenerativas de origen genético
Authors: Suárez-Obando Fernando , Ordóñez-Vásquez Adriana , Suárez Ordóñez Luisa Fernanda , Prieto Juan Carlos
Published: July 2024

El estudio etiológico de las enfermedades neuro genéticas requiere del diagnóstico molecular, para lo cual se necesitan diversas técnicas de análisis genético que deben ser conocidas por el médico tratante y a su vez, ser analizadas por el laboratorio, a la luz de la orientación clínica. La falta de conocimiento de las correlaciones entre los fenotipos y las pruebas adecuadas puede llevar a errores en el diagnóstico, dado que la técnica equivocada no identificaría la causa genética subyacente, confundiendo o aplazando el diagnóstico. Se presenta una revisión de las técnicas de biología molecular aplicadas al diagnóstico neuro genético, ejemplos de correlaciones clínicas con técnicas específicas y tablas con los tipos de alelo relacionados con la confirmación diagnóstica. Esta revisión es de utilidad para la interpretación clínica y para el análisis e informe de resultados por parte de los laboratorios que realizan pruebas moleculares diagnósticas.
Successful Treatment of Rituximab-Induced Crohn's Disease With Ustekinumab
Authors: Li Xue Jing , Fung Brian M. , Kumar Rashmi
Published: July 2024

Autoimmune optic papillitis is a rare disorder that causes progressive visual loss, often treated with rituximab (RTX). However, its use is not without risks. Here, we present a 51-year-old man who experienced vision loss because of autoimmune optic papillitis, which was well-controlled with RTX. Four years later, the patient developed abdominal pain and diarrhea and was found to have RTX-induced Crohn's disease (CD). The patient failed treatment with azathioprine, but was subsequently able to achieve clinical and endoscopic remission of his CD with ustekinumab, while continuing RTX therapy for autoimmune optic papillitis. This case report describes the efficacy of the anti-interleukin 12/23 monoclonal antibody in inducing remission of RTX-induced CD.