bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cohort Profile: The St. Göran Bipolar Project
Authors: Pålsson Erik , Jonsson Lina , Klahn Luisa , Kardell Mathias , Göteson Andreas , Abé Christoph , Aspholmer Andreas , Liberg Benny , Pelanis Aurimantas , Sparding Timea , Landén Mikael
Published: June 2024

Background
The St. Göran Bipolar Project (SBP) was launched as a longitudinal outpatient study investigation. The overarching objective was to identify predictive factors associated with long-term outcomes of individuals with bipolar disorder, encompassing cognitive function, relapse rate, treatment responses, and functional outcome. Furthermore, the aim was to incorporate brain imaging, biochemical analyses of cerebrospinal fluid and blood, and genetics in a multifaceted approach that target several levels of observation.
Methods
The SBP is a collaboration between academia and healthcare, enrolling individuals treated at the respective bipolar outpatient clinics in Stockholm (SBP-S) and Gothenburg (SBP-G), Sweden. Healthy controls were identified through Statistics Sweden and enrolled at both sites. Data and sample collection included structured interview instruments, self-rated questionnaires, blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples, magnetic resonance imaging, and neuropsychological tests. A subset of study participants has completed 7- and 14-year follow-up visits.
Discussion
The SBP has generated many original findings and recent studies have used the advantages of longitudinal follow-ups and the presence of a replication cohort. While data collection is approaching completion, collected data continue to be used to address new research questions. The two key strengths of the St. Göran study are the detailed and multimodal information collected at each study visit and the extended follow-up period. The naturalistic setting of the study means findings are often applicable to individuals with bipolar disorder in real-world scenarios. However, the variability in completeness of collected information is substantial for some modalities and drop-out rates between baseline and follow-up study visits can introduce selection bias. Further, though the control population in the study was randomly selected from the general population, it may not be fully representative as recruitment was limited to individuals who actively responded to contact.
Trial registration
SBP is an observational clinical study, and it was registered on Researchweb (https://www.researchweb.org/is/vgr/project/39411) January 1st 2009 (project ID: 39411).
Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders in Pediatric Intensive Care
Authors: Celmeli Fatih , Oz Ayse , Kihdir Hasan Serdar , Ongun Ebru Atike , Onal Aysel , Ceylaner Serdar , Aykut Ayca , Aydın Sultan , Baris Safa
Published: June 2024

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are a heterogeneous group of genetic diseases characterized by impaired immune system function. This prospective study aimed to determine the frequency, characteristics, and clinical course of IEI patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and identify mortality-related factors. Over three years, 33 out of 753 PICU patients were diagnosed with IEIs, with an incidence of 4.39%. The most common disorders were immunodeficiencies with immune dysregulation (48.5%), followed by combined immunodeficiencies (24.2%). Severe viral infections (61%) and life-threatening infections (51.7%) were the most frequent warning signs. Only 31% of patients exhibited at least two Jeffrey Modell Foundation warning signs. The mortality rate was 58%, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment. Newborn screening and family segregation studies are crucial to improving outcomes for IEI patients in intensive care settings.
Association of Clustered Dietary Inorganic Salt Intake With Risk of Urinary Incontinence Among Middle-aged and Older US Women: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Utilizing NHANES 2009-2018 Data
Authors: Sun Wenyu , Kang Jibin , Liu Haoxuan , Wang Ruoyin , Chen Xiaoling , Zheng Wenzhong
Published: June 2024

Background
The relationship between the integrated classification of dietary inorganic salts and urinary incontinence (UI) requires further investigation. This study aims to assess the relationship between dietary inorganic salt intake and UI in American women aged 45 years and older.
Methods
We used five cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with self-report UI data. A total of 8102 women, 40 years and older, were enrolled in this study. Cluster analysis was used to categorize different intakes of dietary inorganic salts. Weighted multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association between dietary inorganic salt intake and UI. Subgroup analyses and curve fitting further investigated this relationship.
Results
We observed a relationship between dietary inorganic salt intake and physical UI. As dietary inorganic salt intake increased, the risk of physical UI also rose, particularly among those in the higher intake categories (Class2 versus Class1: OR = 0.82, 95% CI (0.69,0.99); Class3 versus Class1: OR = 0.72, 95% CI (0.60,0.87)). Similar relationships were also observed when examining individual inorganic salt intakes. In subgroup analyses, we found a significant interaction between vaginal deliveries and dietary inorganic salt intake (p = 0.041).
Conclusions
An association was found between dietary inorganic salt intake and physical UI in US women aged 40 years and older. Excessive inorganic salt intake increased the risk of physical UI by 28% compared with normal intake. This association was evident for individual salt intakes and may be stronger in non-vaginally delivered women and whites.
Monogenic Common Variable Immunodeficiency (Mo-CVID) Score for optimizing the diagnostic metamorphosis in pediatric CVID cohort
Authors: Barbati Federica , Lodi Lorenzo , Boscia Silvia , Cortimiglia Martina , Calistri Elisa , Quaranta Francesca , Maggi Laura , Mazzoni Alessio , Palterer Boaz , Annunziato Francesco , Azzari Chiara , Ricci Silvia
Published: June 2024

Purpose
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most frequent symptomatic primary immunodeficiency, representing an "umbrella" diagnosis due to its clinical and immunological heterogeneity. The primary objective of this study was to describe a cohort of pediatric subjects with CVID, characterizing them from clinical, immunological, and genetic viewpoints. Secondary, we propose a model for prioritizing genetic investigations in these patients.
Methods
Patients with a CVID diagnosis followed at Meyer Children’s Hospital, IRCSS, Florence, were enrolled. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed according to the latest update of the International Union of Immunological Societies 2022.
Results
Thirty-two patients were enrolled. Genetic variants were identified in 17 patients (53%), including known variants in SLC39A7, PRKCD, STAT3, NFKB1, PIK3R1, PLCG2, RFXANK, PRKDC, TNFRSF13B, and novel variants in SPI1 and NFKB1. Comparing the gene-positive and gene-negative patients cohorts, we demonstrated that a CVID monogenic cause is more likely to be found in case of early disease onset, positive family history, autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and specific immunological alterations. Using these criteria, we developed a pediatric Monogenic CVID (Mo-CVID) scoring system to hypothesize when a pediatric patient is more likely to have a genetic mutation causing CVID.
Conclusion
Genetic analysis in CVID patients can help stratifying patients into different disease entities to predict complications and prognosis, ensure appropriate genetic counseling and possibly personalize treatment. A scoring system such as Mo-CVID score could help physicians to prioritize genetic testing, and to perform further genetic testing in patients with high score but with negative first analysis.
Down-regulation of ESRP2 inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation via inhibiting cyclinD1
Authors: He Caiping , Chen Yuting , Zhang Ximin , Feng Huancun , Rao Yuzhen , Ji Tangyang , Xu Jiagui , Wang Wenya
Published: June 2024

Background
Epithelial splicing regulatory protein 2 (ESRP2),an important alternative splicing protein of mRNA, is reported to have a dual role in tumors, which can promote or inhibit the occurrence and development of tumors. However, the function and mechanism of ESRP2 in breast cancer (BC) remain unclear.
Methods
The distribution of ESRP2 expression in breast cancer and the correlation between ESRP2 expression and the overall survival rate were detected by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Gene Ontology(GO)analysis, containing biological process, cellular components, and molecular function,was utilized to evaluate the potential mechanism of ESRP2 in breast cancer. The ESRP2 expression in breast cancer cell lines was detected by real-time quantitative PCR analysis (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. Cell clone was performed to examine the proliferation of ESRP2 knockdown in MCF-7 cells. The cell cycle was measured by flow cytometry assays. The role of ESRP2 knockdown in synergistic effect with chemotherapeutic agents was also determined by MTT assay.
Results
Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that the ESRP2 gene was elevated in breast cancer cells and its overexpression was strongly correlated with shorter overall survival. GO analysis revealed that ESRP2 expression was related to cell proliferation. ESRP2 mRNA and protein expression were elevated in breast cancer cell lines, compared to the normal human breast cell line MCF-10A. Dwon-regulation of ESRP2 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted the sensitivity of chemotherapy drug, Cisplatin(DDP) and Paclitaxel (TAXOL), in MCF-7 cells.Additionally,ESRP2 knockdown obstructed the cell cycle at the G1 phase and caused a decrease in cyclinD1 protein expression.
Conclusions
These findings reveal that ESRP2 is highly expressed in breast cancer and is correlated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. ESRP2 knockdown can inhibit MCF-7 cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle at the G1 phase and promoting the sensitivity of chemotherapy drugs (DDP and TAXOL)in MCF-7 cells. ESRP2 may be required for the regulation of breast cancer progression, as well as a critical target for the clinical treatment of breast cancer.
Which neonates should have a pre-operative echocardiography? Findings from a national survey and a retrospective tertiary single-centre analysis in the United Kingdom
Authors: Chin Joel WE , Kelsall Anthony WR , Jenkins Danny , Khushu Abha , Stubbs Daniel , Lynch Johanne
Published: June 2024

Purpose
The detection of congenital heart disease (CHD) before neonatal surgery is crucial for anaesthetic and perioperative management. There are no established criteria for preoperative echocardiography in neonates. We aimed to survey current practice in the United Kingdom and evaluate the reliability of antenatal screening and postnatal clinical assessment in detecting CHD before surgery.
Method
A 9-point questionnaire was sent to all paediatric surgical centres in the United Kingdom to assess their practice. Subsequently, a single-centre retrospective review of all neonatal surgery over 5 years (2015–2020) was conducted in our tertiary paediatric/neonatal hospital. Data included preoperative clinical assessment, performance of chest radiograph and echocardiography. Indications for echocardiography were categorised and assessed using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value.
Results
All 26 paediatric surgical centres responded to our survey. 23/26 (88.5%) did not have established criteria or guidelines for preoperative echocardiography. There was a large variation in which surgical conditions required a preoperative scan and whether a normal clinical examination was considered sufficient to not require one. For the retrospective review, 454 patients were identified. There were 40 cases with CHDs (8.8%), 13 were classed as major. Indications for echocardiography were categorised into abnormal fetal cardiac screening, medical/surgical conditions associated with CHD and an abnormal cardiorespiratory examination. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for major CHD was 46%, 99%, 67%, 98% for abnormal fetal screening, 46%, 97%, 35%, 98% for associated medical conditions, 62%, 66%, 6%, 98% for associated surgical conditions, and 100%, 66%, 9%, 100% for abnormal clinical examination.
Conclusion
The use of preoperative echocardiography in neonates is not standardised across the UK.. The results from our cohort demonstrates that fetal echocardiography is not sufficient to capture all major CHDs, but the absence of abnormal clinical examination is highly reliable in ruling out major CHD. Specifying a list of medical/surgical of conditions associated with CHD warranting preoperative echocardiography may improve yield, but this depends on the availability of resources and expertise.
Rerouting UAVs in Dynamic Environment Based on Optimised Interfered Fluid Dynamical System
Authors: Tamanakijprasart Komsun , Mondal Sabyasachi , Tsourdos Antonios
Published: June 2024

Navigating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) through areas full of obstacles is a complex task. Traditional path planning methods, which rely on pre-generated paths, fall short in real-world scenarios where dynamic obstacles are introduced. To ensure mission success, UAVs must reroute dynamically to avoid collisions. The need for real-time decision-making further complicates this dynamic path-planning problem. We have developed a novel dynamic path-planning algorithm to address these challenges based on the Interfered Fluid Dynamical System (IFDS) framework. Drawing inspiration from how water naturally flows around obstacles, the IFDS algorithm adapts to changing environments to generate paths. We have augmented IFDS with environmental data, such as weather and terrain, to enhance its path calculations and optimise it using numerical methods. Every aspect of the algorithm is expressed in a closed form, enabling efficient real-time execution even in a three-dimensional environment, making our solution particularly suited for real-world UAV navigation.
Effects of a PNF Stretching Protocol on Anterior Pelvic Tilt and Range of Motion in Hamstrings in Young Adult and Middle-Aged Individuals
Authors: Kumai Julia R. , Travis Caleb D. , Butte Katie Thralls , Cannavan Dale
Published: June 2024

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a quadriceps/hip flexor Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretch protocol on anterior pelvic tilt (APT), hamstring range of motion (ROM), and gluteal muscle activation. We also examined the relationship between hamstring ROM and gluteal activation. Eligible participants (N = 35; 24(± 4) years) completed an 8-minute stationary bike warm-up at a self-selected pace. Then participants completed measurements of standing sagittal assessment, Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR), and Cook’s Hook test (CH) to measure APT, hamstring ROM, and gluteal activation, respectively. After a 4-minute rest, the measures were repeated. A quadriceps/hip flexor PNF stretch intervention (~ 4 minutes) was completed (10-6-30-second hold-relax method). The measures were repeated a third time. The study found 86% (right side), and 88% (left side) with APT initially improved their APT to normal after the PNF intervention. There was a significant bilateral improvement in hamstring ROM after the PNF intervention (p < 0.001). For gluteal activation, 30% (right side) and 45% (left side) improved from hamstring dominance to gluteal dominance after the PNF intervention. Lastly, those that were gluteal dominant (favorable) had significantly more hamstring ROM than those that were hamstring dominant at all time points (p < 0.001). These data support a hip flexors/quadriceps PNF stretch protocol were effective to immediately reduce APT, increase hamstring ROM and gluteal activation, thereby improving lumbo-pelvic posture.
The incidence rate of hyperuricemia and association with food habits during a 10-year cohort study. Yazd Healthy Heart Cohort
Authors: Namayandeh Seyedeh Mahdieh , Askari Maryam , kouchakzadeh Parisa , Soltani Mohammadhosein , Bafghi Seyed Mahmood Sadr
Published: June 2024

Hyperuricemia (HUA) has increased in adults in the past few years. This study investigates HUA incidence and its association with food habits during a 10-year cohort study in Yazd province. This retrospective cohort study (Yazd Healthy Heart Cohort (YHHC)) was conducted in 2005–2006. One thousand nine hundred eighty-five people aged 20–74 were followed for ten years. Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 software. A Binary logistic regression was used in modeling. Confidence intervals for incidence were also calculated using the Stata 13 software. The significance level was set as p < 0.05. The cumulative incidence rate of HUA in all individuals, males and females, was 17.3%, 16.4%, and 18.4%, respectively.OR and RR of HUA were (OR= 1.59 & RR=1.40) in abnormal waist circumference (WC) (P=0.02), (OR= 1.88 & RR= 1.55) in fast food consumers (P=0.009) and (OR= 0.48 & RR=0.68) in people with a high socioeconomic level (p=0.02). Abnormal WC and fast food consumption are risk factors for HUA. The high socioeconomic level is one of the protective factors of HUA.
WITHDRAWN: Rare metal mineralization and geochemical characterization of El Mansouri Ring Complex, Northern Arabian Nubian Shield: Implications for petrogenesis and tectonic setting
Authors: SALEH Gehad M. , EMAD Baaha M. , NASR T.
Published: June 2024

The geographic distribution of alkaline-carbonatitic complexes in the Egyptian Eastern Desert is restricted, leading to ongoing arguments on their geotectonic settings and petrogenesis. The petrogenesis of the El Mansouri Ring Complex has been investigated through the evaluation of the mineral chemistry and whole-rock geochemical data of alkaline and carbonatite rocks associated with this complex. The El Mansouri Ring Complex consists of trachyte, alkali feldspar syenite, and quartz syenites, along with carbonatites. Three types of carbonatites have been formed: a) calcite-carbonatite (søvites), b) dolomite-calcite carbonatite, and c) dolomite-carbonatite (beforsite). The alkaline rocks mostly include K-feldspar, plagioclase, sodic pyroxene (aegirine-augite), and alkali amphiboles (riebeckite and arfvedsonite), along with zircon, apatite, allanite, fluorite, and opaques. The El Mansouri intrusive rocks exhibit alkaline to peralkaline geochemical properties, characterized by low amounts of CaO, MgO, and Sr and significant concentrations of total alkalis (Na2O + K2O), Nb, Rb, Y, and REEs. These characteristics bear a resemblance to the properties seen in A-type granites that are formed from mantle-derived magma in an anorogenic setting. Their composition contains abundant rare earth elements (REEs) and incompatible elements, exhibiting negative anomalies in K, Sr, Ti, Ba, and P and positive anomalies in Zr and Rb. The carbonatites exhibit significant concentrations of high-field strength elements (HFSE), such as U, Th, Zr, Nb, and Y, as well as large ion lithophile elements (LILE), including Rb, Pb, and Sr. Additionally, they have negative anomalies of K, P, and Ti with regards to REEs. The El Mansouri alkaline rocks are plotted in the field of the within-plate granites and exhibit characteristics of the A1 subtype of the A-type granite. Additionally, the associated carbonatites are classified as calcio-carbonatites. The studied El Mansouri Ring Complex is proposed to have been formed by the fractional crystallization of a mafic magma comparable to oceanic island basalt (OIB). While the carbonatites originated from the crystal fractionation of a parental carbonated-syenitic magma. In the highly radioactive zone, the main minerals are kasolite, uranothorite, columbite, ishikawaite, xenotime, zircon, monazite, and fluorite. The carbonatites have the greatest U and Th. The radioactivity level in these carbonatites may reach up to 395 ppm eU, whereas the alkali feldspar syenite has 173 ppm eU and, and the quartz syenite contains 125 ppm eU.
Socio-economic disparities in unplanned hospital admission and in- hospital outcomes among children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Ghimire Laxmi V , Khanal Sagya , Torabyan Zareh , El-Rahi Hiba , Cong Catherine , Chou Fu-Sheng , Aljohani Othman A. , Moon-Grady Anita J.
Published: June 2024

Unplanned/non-elective admissions have been associated with worse clinical outcomes and increased use of hospital resources. We hypothesize that children with congenital heart disease (CHD) from lower socio-economic status backgrounds have higher rates of unplanned hospital admissions and increased hospital resource utilization. We used Kids’ Inpatient Database (2016 and 2019). We included children < 21 years of age with CHD, and excluded newborn hospitalization. We further categorized CHD into simple lesions, complex bi-ventricular lesions, and single ventricle lesions. Admission types were further divided into surgical and non-surgical admissions. We used a logistic regression model to calculate the risk of unplanned hospital admission, mortality, and hospital resource utilization in children with different socio-economic status backgrounds. Out of 4,722,684 admitted children, excluding those with newborn hospitalization, 199,757 had CHD and met the study criteria. 121,626 had mild CHD, 61,639 complex bi-ventricular lesions, and 16,462 single ventricle lesions. Surgical admission comprised 20%(n = 39,694). In the CHD cohort, 27% had elective admissions, while 73% had non-elective admissions. Mortality was higher in unplanned admissions vs elective admissions, 3.0% vs 0.93%, P < 0.001. Unplanned admissions were more common in lowest income neighborhoods vs highest income neighborhoods, aOR = 1.4(1.3–1.5), P < 0.001 and were consistent at different age groups. There were higher rates of unplanned admissions in lowest income neighborhoods for each category of CHD and for both medical and surgical admission groups. Lengths of hospitalization were longer in the poorest neighborhood compared to their wealthiest counterparts, median of 7 days (IQR 3–21) vs 6 (3–17), P < 0.001. In conclusion, children with CHD who live in lowest income neighborhoods have increased odds of unplanned hospitalization for both surgical and non-surgical admissions and have higher mortality and resource utilization.
Water model experiments on bubble motion and bubbly flows in a gas-liquid-liquid multiphase reactor
Authors: Wang Shengnan , Wang Jie , Wang Wei , Cai Xiaoyi , Zhao Hongliang , Lv Chao
Published: June 2024

A water model of a bottom-blown system has been established for investigating the bubble rising characteristic from one liquid phase to another, and also to probe the liquid-liquid interfacial movement with bubble crossing. Bubble shape and its influence on the interface are studied using wetting and non-wetting nozzles, respectively. Larger-size bubbles are formed from wetting nozzles which enhanced the liquid-liquid interface fluctuation. With the use of a double-nozzle injection gas, a too-small inter-hole distance will promote the bubble coalescence and form larger-size bubbles, and appropriately controlling the inter-hole distance can improve the slag-metal mixing and transfer.
Blockchain Intelligence Empowered Uncertainty Management in IoT Assisted Smart Grids
Authors: GS Tamizharasi , P Arjun K , Sathiyaraj R. , Shankar Achyut , Siarry Patrick
Published: June 2024

The recent advances in renewable energy sources impose an urgent need on global community to find an alternative measure for climate-unfriendly fossil fuels. As a result, the energy flow across smart grids has become bidirectional that requires greater attention. Despite the increasing advantages of smart grid application, it deals with greater challenges in managing the supply and demand of power sources. This is because of the reason that power generation, distribution and consumption across smart grids are highly complex. Since all these processes are time-dependent, dynamic management of grid stability has become a significant requirement. Most existing systems adopt a distributed system with a central authority to solve this problem. Such systems are more prone to various security attacks and become a single point of failure in many cases. This paper proposes a blockchain-based decentralized multiparty learning system to ensure smart grid stability with enhanced security and efficiency measures. The experimental observations are made with a power grid simulation dataset taken from Kaggle. From the experiment, it is observed that the proposed approach takes an average of 25ms to read the data across the block, and it takes around 4s to generate a new block. Further with respect to the addition of more intelligent terminals, the proposed approach consumes only 70% of the energy required by conventional methods to perform the task. The prediction and classification accuracy of the proposed system is also analyzed, and it shows 98% accuracy.
A novel synthesis of high-performance electrode material by wet-chemical route based on TiN-CuO composite
Authors: Riaz Junaid , Zhang Yongguo , Cao Jianchun , Bibi Amina , Zhang Zhengyun , Zhou Xiaolong
Published: June 2024

Modern-era energy crises have arisen as a result of industry's quick expansion. There must be a proliferation of autonomous, renewable-energy-powered, high-capacity storage systems. The high specific capacitance (Cs) is a result of the EDLC's stellar cathode characteristics. The remarkable conductivity and storage capacity of transition metal nitride-based oxides (TMOs) have made them an attractive option for use as cathode materials in supercapacitor (SC) devices. The present study successfully synthesized the TiN-CuO composite for electrode material by employing the straightforward wet-chemical method. But the fact that the TiN-CuO combination is crystalline suggests it could be used as an electrode in SCs. The electrochemical performance of the TiN-CuO electrode was also highlighted by its exceptional specific capacitance (Cs) of 843.5 F/g. Furthermore, the TiN-CuO‖MnO2-KOH electrode displays a power density (Pd) of 17595 W/kg and an energy density (Ed) of 44.88 Wh/kg. In addition, the TiN-CuO‖MnO2-KOH electrode has shown remarkable cyclic stability of 97.3% up to 10,000 cycles, at 10A/g. The electrochemical characteristics of fabricated TiN-CuO electrode material are superior to those of pure materials, rendering it an attractive candidate for use in energy storage devices such as supercapacitors (SCs).
Single-cell transcriptomic analyses of mouse idh1 mutant growth plate chondrocytes reveal distinct cell populations responsible for longitudinal growth and enchondroma formation
Authors: Puviindran Vijitha , Shimada Eijiro , Huang Zeyu , Ma Xinyi , Ban Ga I , Xiang Yu , Zhang Hongyuan , Ou Jianhong , Wei Xiaolin , Nakagawa Makoto , Martin John , Diao Yarui , Alman Benjamin A.
Published: June 2024

Enchondromas are a common tumor in bone that can occur as multiple lesions in enchondromatosis, which is associated with deformity of the effected bone. These lesions harbor mutations in IDH and driving expression of a mutant Idh1 in Col2 expressing cells in mice causes an enchondromatosis phenotype. In this study we compared growth plates from E18.5 mice expressing a mutant Idh1 with control littermates using single cell RNA sequencing. Data from Col2 expressing cells were analyzed using UMAP and RNA pseudo-time analyses. A unique cluster of cells was identified in the mutant growth plates that expressed genes known to be upregulated in enchondromas. There was also a cluster of cells that was underrepresented in the mutant growth plates that expressed genes known to be important in longitudinal bone growth. Immunofluorescence showed that the genes from the unique cluster identified in the mutant growth plates were expressed in multiple growth plate anatomic zones, and pseudo-time analysis also suggested these cells could arise from multiple growth plate chondrocyte subpopulations. This data identifies subpopulations of cells in control and mutant growth plates, and supports the notion that a mutant Idh1 alters the subpopulations of growth plate chondrocytes, resulting a subpopulation of cells that become enchondromas at the expense of other populations that contribute to longitudinal growth.
“Getting Out of a Dark Place”: A qualitative exploration of the impact, current coping, and what breast cancer survivors hope to gain by participating in a fear of recurrence clinical trial
Authors: Nuseibeh Betsey Zenk , Hoy Michelle S. , Panoch Janet E. , Gowan Tayler M. , Buckles Deborah M. , Schwarz Madison E. , Johns Shelley A.
Published: June 2024

Purpose
Many breast cancer survivors (BCS) experience high levels of psychological distress, including fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). Clinical levels of FCR can negatively impact quality of life and tend to remain stable without intervention. Identifying the impact of FCR on BCS’ lives and how BCS cope with FCR can inform effective care of BCS with FCR. This study’s purpose was to explore the nature of FCR by analyzing qualitative data from an FCR randomized controlled trial (RCT).
Methods
This qualitative study was part of a 3-arm RCT for BCS (N = 390) reporting clinical FCR at eligibility screening(R01CA255480). Enrolled BCS completed a baseline survey, including three open-ended questions regarding FCR experiences. Following thematic analysis, responses were sorted by BCS’ baseline score on the 7-item Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR-7) scale, identifying trends by FCR level.
Results
Persistent FCR tended to impact BCS’ daily lives across five key domains: emotional, behavioral, cognitive, relational, and professional life. Most participants identified at least one coping strategy, with strategies consistent across FCR-7 score levels. The number of strategies listed tended to increase and tended toward avoidant coping with higher FCR-7 scores. BCS were seeking strategies designed to gain a greater sense of purpose, sense of belonging, and sense of control.
Conclusion
This study suggests many BCS with clinical FCR are suffering without adequate means of coping. Clinicians are encouraged to regularly ask survivors about FCR and its impact. The discussion can foster education about actual risk and ways BCS could reduce their risk of recurrence.
Expression of mRNA for molecules that regulate angiogenesis, endothelial cell survival, and vascular permeability is altered in endothelial cells isolated from db/db mouse hearts
Authors: Bartkowiak Krzysztof , Bartkowiak Mateusz , Jankowska-Steifer Ewa , Ratajska Anna , Czarnowska Elżbieta , Kujawa Marek , Aniołek Olga , Niderla-Bielińska Justyna
Published: June 2024

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a condition that includes symptoms such as obesity, hyperglycemia, and hypertension, which elevate the cardiovascular risk. An impaired angiogenic response of endothelial cells (ECs) in heart and peripheral organs has been proposed in MetS, but the mechanisms of this phenomenon have not been explored. Results obtained from evaluating the whole myocardium are inconsistent, since different types of cells react differently to MetS environment. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to study the VEGF/VEGFR molecular pathway, which regulates an angiogenic response and microvascular permeability in ECs isolated from db/db mouse hearts. The expression of mRNAs for VEGF/VEGFR axis proteins was assessed with RT-PCR in ECs isolated from control and db/db mouse myocardium. The density of CD31-, VEGFR2-, and VE-cadherin-positive cells was examined with confocal microscopy, and the ultrastructure of ECs was analyzed with transmission electron microscopy. The aortic ring assay was used to assess the capacity of ECs to respond to angiogenic stimuli. Our results showed a decreased number of microvessels, diminished expression of VE-cadherin and VEGFR2 and widened gaps between the ECs of microcapillaries, although the levels of mRNA for VEGF/VEGFR axis proteins were elevated. The aortic ring assay showed a diminished number of sprouts in db/db mice compared with that in controls. These results may indicate that ECs in MetS enhance the production of mRNA for VEGF/VRGFR axis proteins, yet sprout formation and vascular barrier maintenance are limited. These novel data may provide a foundation for further studies on cardiac angiogenesis in MetS.
Determinants of Family Planning Services Uptake Among Women Within the Reproductive Age in the Yendi Municipality in Northern Ghana
Authors: Suleman Iddrisu , Gbeti Collins , Dalaba Maxwell , Yidana Adadow , Aninanya Gifty Apiung
Published: June 2024

The study investigated the determinants of family planning services uptake among women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years) in the Yendi municipality in the northern region of Ghana. A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 396 reproductive-aged women, sampled from 6 randomly selected health facilities in the Yendi municipality. The child welfare clinic (CWC) served as the point for the sampling of study participants. Data was collected with questionnaires adapted from previously validated tools. Data was analysed using SPSS v27 in descriptive and inferential statistics. The desire to control pregnancy was a key factor for wanting family planning (79.3%). Most respondents (80.6%) had high knowledge of family planning services and injectables (37.1%) and condoms (24.7%) were the preferred family planning methods. The desire to control pregnancy was a key factor for wanting family planning (79.3%). The significant sociodemographic determinants of family planning uptake were Religion (Christians (aOR: 7.51; 95%CI: 1.48–38.00:; p = 0.015), traditionalist (aOR: 12.1; 95%CI: 1.90–78.36; p = 0.009)), education (secondary education (aOR: 84.99; 95%CI: 20.02–360.84:; p = 0.000), tertiary education (aOR: 158.74; 95%CI: 33.71–747.52; p = 0.000), and no formal education (aOR: 11.83; 95%CI: 2.10–46.76:; p = 0.000)), Occupation (farmers (aOR: 12.30; 95%CI: 3.21–47.03; p = 0.000)), Marital status (married (aOR: 0.13; 95%CI: 0.03–0.57; p = 0.007)). Factors that made women less likely to use family planning were unfriendly service providers (aOR: 2.33; 95%CI: 1.28–4.21; p = 0.005), fear of side effects (aOR: 2.19; 95%CI: 1.19–4.05; p = 0.012), and lack of knowledge about available FP services aOR: 0.45; 95%CI: 0.26–0.77; p = 0.004). Though the awareness of family planning was found to be high, there are still Sociodemographic and health-related barriers to family planning utilization.
Postmortem analyses of myocardial microRNA expression in sepsis
Authors: Lehto Pasi , Saukko Taru , Säkkinen Hanna , Syrjälä Hannu , Kerkelä Risto , Skarp Sini , Saarimäki Samu , Pakanen Lasse , Porvari Katja , Karhu Jaana , Ala-Kokko Tero
Published: June 2024

Background
Sepsis can lead to myocardial depression, playing a significant role in sepsis pathophysiology, clinical care, and outcome. To gain more insight into the pathophysiology of the myocardial response in sepsis, we investigated the expression of microRNA in myocardial autopsy specimens in critically ill deceased with sepsis and non-septic controls.
Materials and methods
In this retrospective observational study, we obtained myocardial tissue samples collected during autopsy from adult patients deceased with sepsis (n = 15) for routine histological examination. We obtained control myocardial tissue specimens (n = 15) from medicolegal autopsies of cadavers whose cause of death was injury or who were found dead at home and the cause of death was coronary artery disease with sudden cardiac arrest. RNA was isolated from formalin-fixed paraffin- embedded (FFPE) cardiac samples using the RecoverAll Total Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit for FFPE (Invitrogen). Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified using edgeR v3.32. MicroRNA was considered up- or down-regulated if the false discovery rate was < 0.05 and logarithmic fold change (log2FC) ≥ 1 for up-regulated or log2FC ≤ -1 for down-regulated miRNAs. The mean difference and 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for normalized read counts. Predicted miRNA targets were retrieved using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software, and pathway enrichment and classification were performed using PantherDB.
Results
Differential expression analysis identified a total of 32 miRNAs in the myocardial specimens. Eight miRNAs had a significant change in the mean difference based on the 95% CI, with the largest increase in mean counts in septic samples with hsa-miR-12136 and the highest fold change with hsa-miR-146b-5p. The threshold for down-regulated miRNAs in sepsis compared to controls was obtained with hsa-miR-144-5p and hsa-miR-451a, with the latter having the largest decrease in mean counts and fold decrease.
Conclusions
Several regulatory miRNAs were up- or down-regulated in the myocardial tissue of patients deceased with sepsis compared to non-septic subjects. The predicted target genes of miRNAs are associated with biological functions related to cardiovascular functions, cell viability, cell adhesion, and regulation of inflammatory and immune response.
Unlocking Nature's Arsenal: Drug design with Zanthoxylum armatum against Malaria
Authors: Khan Hamna , Bibi Ayesha , Mukhtar Mamuna , Khan Haris Ahmed
Published: June 2024

Malaria remains a worldwide health concern, requiring novel ways in medication development to counteract the parasite Plasmodium's developing resistance. In this work, we investigated the herb Zanthoxylum armatum's potential as a malaria treatment. This plant is well-known for its abundance of phytoconstituents. Through molecular docking experiments, we specifically examined the interactions between these phytoconstituents and the major malarial receptor proteins, Pf AMA 1, 1F9-3D7, PvRON2 and Pf AMA 1. Among the phytoconstituents studied, α-Amyrins demonstrated the best docking efficiency, according to the docking analysis. This result implies that α-Amyrins could be a promising anti-malarial drug. Drug developers find Pf AMA 1 and PvRON2, two essential receptor proteins involved in Plasmodium vivax and falciparum invasion processes, respectively, to be appealing targets. The ability of α-Amyrins to bind with these receptor proteins successfully indicates that they may be a crucial molecule in interfering with the parasite's invasion mechanism. Novel anti-malarial medications can be developed by understanding the structural basis of the inhibitory effects of α-Amyrins on malarial proteins through their molecular interactions. These results add to the increasing amount of data that suggests using natural items to combat malaria. With its wide range of phytoconstituents, Zanthoxylum armatum is a useful tool for drug research. To investigate the effectiveness, safety, and potential of α-Amyrins and its derivatives as a novel class of anti-malarial medicines, additional experimental validation is necessary. This research represents a step forward in unlocking nature's arsenal for the development of effective and sustainable strategies against malaria.
Chronic Non-Substances Mental Disorders and Associated Factors of Its Psychological Distress: A Community-based Study with Geospatial Analysis
Authors: Murtadho Fadhiil Ansyarullah , Yaqin Muhammad Ainul , Limoa Erlyn , Tawali Suryani , Aziz Ilhamuddin , Syawal Iskam , Darwis Widitra
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This study explores the geospatial distribution of Chronic Non-Substances Mental Disorders (CNsMD) in Makassar, Indonesia, and the impact of geospatial dependency on the connectivity of biopsychosocial factors and psychological distress of CNSMD
Methods
Community-based cross-sectional surveys of 733 respondents with CNsMDs from the 18 public health centers in Makassar, Indonesia were analyzed. Geospatial analysis using Global and Local Moran’s I was performed to investigate the distribution pattern of every CNsMD in Makassar. Exposures included the biopsychosocial domains. Outcomes were defined as psychological distress quantified with the GHQ-12 instrument. Two models were used to explore associations between exposures and outcomes: multivariable logistic regression and spatial regression.
Results
Among 733 respondents, 56,2% were female; the mean age was 35.99 years. Schizophrenia predominated for 39.02% of all CNsMD. Random distribution for CNsMD was identified (Global Moran’s I 0.196, Z-score = 1.429,p = 0.07). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that biological factors with old age > 47 y.o. (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 13.44,95%CI = 5.17 to 19.55), refusal to be referred to a psychiatrist (AOR 3.52,95%CI = 1.68 to 7.35), social domains in the form of self-stigma (AOR 3.47, 95%CI = 1.83 to 6.59), and high family economic status (AOR = 4.81,95%CI = 1.46 to 15.89) were significantly (p < 0.05) increased the psychological distress. The spatial regression demonstrated psycho-cognitive factors as the most predominant factor in reducing psychological distress (R2 = 0.509,p < 0.001).
Conclusion
The geospatial dependency of biopsychosocial factors on CNsMD’s psychological distress in the population requires the design of inclusive and targeted community interventions.
An international study of clinical, demographic and competence-related determinants of communication with professionals
Authors: Arraras Juan Ignacio , Giesinger Johannes , Shamieh Omar , Bahar Iqbal , Koller Michael , Bredart Anne , Costantini Anna , Greimel Eva , Sztankay Monika , Wintner Lisa M. , Sousa Marina Carreiro , Ishiki Hiroto , Kontogianni Meropi , Wolan Maja , Kikawa Yuichiro , Lanceley Anne , Gioulbasanis Ioannis , Harle Amelie , Zarandona Uxue , Kulis Dagmara , Gašpert Tihana , Kuljanic Karin
Published: June 2024

Purpose: This study aims to identify the clinical and demographic determinants of patients’ communication with professionals in an international sample of cancer patients.
Methods: Cancer patients completed EORTC communication questionnaire QLQ-COMU26 to assess ten areas of communication with their doctor or nurses plus another item to assess how competent they felt when communicating with professionals. Bivariable analyses and multivariable linear regression models were performed separately for each QLQ-COMU26 area.
Results: 988 patients from 15 centres in 13 countries (five cultural areas) were included in the study. Higher age was related to higher level of communication in eight QLQ-COMU26 areas. Males reported higher level of communication in three areas. Lower levels of studies and a higher level of perceived competence when communicating with professionals were related to higher level of communication in the ten QLQ-COMU26 areas. Communication was of a higher level with nurses than with doctors in four areas. Having received previous treatment with the same doctor or group of nurses was related to higher communication levels in seven areas. Lack of comorbidity was related to higher communication levels in two areas. Various differences in determinants were found among tumour sites
Conclusion Our regression model has shown several relationships between communication and the demographic and clinical variables that may help to identify patients at risk of poor communication. Future studies could focus on communication at diagnosis and in follow-up, and on areas such as assessing the particularities of communication between patient and professionals in relation to each cancer type.
Triaffine Decoder for span-based Chinese Named Entity Recognition
Authors: Liu Dongsheng , Li Qirui , Peng Zhiping , He Jieguang , Liang Zhushen , Qiu Jinbo , Cui Delong
Published: June 2024

In recent years, some advanced NER (Named Entity Recognition) models have achieved satisfactory results, but modern neural networks are often plagued by the over-confidence problem. Driven by the lack of entity information in the span-based NER model, we perform lexical enhancement operations for Chinese in the decoding layer of the span-based NER model. Roughly speaking, our model builds on the advanced span-based NER model by utilizing the Triaffine structure to construct a tree-shaped scoring mechanism for the decoding process of entities, and at the same time adding a softlexicon embedding in the input layer of the model. The improved model can introduce more entity information, obtain more advanced performance than before, and alleviate the over-confidence problem. Our model experiments on four well-known Chinese NER datasets and the F1 values on three of them achieve competitive results compared to the baseline model.
Nonlocal numerical simulation of thermoelectric coupling field by using peridynamic differential operator
Authors: Zhu Hongji , Yu Jia , Zhu Qingshan , Li Yang
Published: June 2024

This study developed a novel nonlocal numerical model based on the peridynamic differential operator to analyze the thermoelectric coupling field. The thermoelectric coupling equations and boundary conditions are transformed from the classical partial differential form to the nonlocal integral form. By introducing the peridynamic function, a one-dimensional nonlocal model is established. This model can accurately capture the spatial distributions of the temperature field and material parameters when considering temperature-dependent thermoelectric material parameters. The numerical solutions from this nonlocal peridynamic model were found to agree well with those from the homotopy analysis method. Using this model, the influence of temperature boundary conditions and structure length on output performance is studied. The intrinsic relationship between the material parameters and the output properties within the structure is revealed. This presented nonlocal model provides an accurate mathematical tool to solve the thermoelectric coupling field for thermoelectric structures performance analysis.
Brief Report: A Survey of California State Court Judges on Cases involving Defendants with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Caliman Carolina R. , Berryessa Colleen M.
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This brief report examines the impact of a defendant’s Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis, as well as the influence of expert testimony and genetic evidence, on the perceptions, knowledge, and sentencing views of a sample of state court judges in the U.S.
Methods
Data were collected from sixty-one California Superior Court judges who responded to a survey featuring a structured case study about a defendant diagnosed with ASD. The survey assessed judges’ views on the influence of the defendant’s ASD diagnosis and its genetic etiological influences on sentencing, responsibility, and perceptions of the defendant’s behavior.
Results
Findings indicate that most judges believe that an ASD diagnosis and its genetic influences would influence their sentencing decisions, with almost all considering it a mitigating factor to sentencing, but that it did not substantially affect a defendant’s legal responsibility. Survey responses revealed significant gaps in judges’ knowledge about ASD, underscoring the need for enhanced judicial training.
Conclusion
Findings highlight the influence of ASD and behavioral genetic evidence on judicial views and potential decision-making in cases involving defendants with ASD, indicating a clear need for improved access to education and resources on the disorder. Addressing these educational gaps can help the criminal justice system better accommodate the complexities associated with scientific and ASD evidence, which may promote more equitable treatment for defendants with ASD.