bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connective tissue nevus misdiagnosed as juvenile localized scleroderma
Authors: Tirelli F. , Giraudo C. , Soliani M. , Calabrese F. , Martini G. , Gisondi P. , Meneghel A. , Zulian Francesco
Published: October 2023

Background

Connective tissue nevi (CTN) are congenital hamartomas caused by excessive proliferation of dermis components. In children, CTN can mimic juvenile localized scleroderma (JLS), an immune mediated skin disorder that requires aggressive immunosuppression. Objectives: Aim of our study was to describe a series of pediatric patients with CTN misdiagnosed as JLS and the discerning characteristics between the two conditions.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of children referred to our Center during the last two decades for JLS who received a final diagnosis of CTN. Clinical, laboratory, histopathological and instrumental data (MRI and thermography) were collected and compared with those with JLS.

Results

Seventeen patients with mean age at onset 4.6 years entered the study. All came to our Center with a certain diagnosis of JLS (n = 15) or suspected JLS (n = 2). The indurated skin lesions were flat and resembled either circumscribed morphea or pansclerotic morphea. In 14 patients (82.4%) they were mainly localized at the lower limbs and in three (17.6%) at the upper limbs. No patient had laboratory inflammatory changes or positive autoantibodies. Skin biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of CTN: non-familial collagenoma in eleven (64.7%), mixed CTN in four (23.5%) and familial CTN in two (11.8%). Mean age at final diagnosis was 9.5 years, with a mean diagnostic delay of 4.8 years (range 1–15 years). Sixteen patients underwent musculoskeletal MRI that was normal in all except two who showed muscle perifascial enhancement. Thermography was normal in all patients. At our first evaluation, eleven patients (64.7%) were on systemic treatment (methotrexate 11, corticosteroids 7, biologics 2), three (17.6%) on topical corticosteroids and three untreated.

Conclusions

CTN can be misdiagnosed as JLS and therefore aggressively treated with prolonged and inappropriate immunosuppression. The absence of inflammatory appearance of the skin lesions, normal instrumental and laboratory findings and the accurate evaluation of skin biopsy are crucial to address the right diagnosis.
Health workers’ experience of providing second-trimester abortion care in Ethiopia: a qualitative study
Authors: McLean Emily , Blystad Astrid , Mirkuzie Alemnesh H. , Miljeteig Ingrid
Published: October 2023

Background

Second-trimester abortions are less common than abortions in the first trimester, yet they disproportionately account for a higher burden of abortion-related mortality and morbidity worldwide. Health workers play a crucial role in granting or denying access to these services, yet little is known about their experiences. Ethiopia has been successful in reducing mortality due to unsafe abortion over the past decade, but access to second trimester abortion remains a challenge. The aim of this study is to better understand this issue by exploring the experiences of second-trimester abortion providers working in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

A qualitative study with 13 in-depth semi-structured interviews with 16 health workers directly involved in providing second-trimester abortions, this included obstetrician and gynaecologist specialists and residents, general practitioners, nurses, and midwives. Data was collected at four public hospitals and one non-governmental clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and analysed using Malterud’s text-condensation method.

Results

The providers recognized the critical need for second-trimester abortion services and were motivated by their empathy towards women who often sought care late due to marginalisation and poverty making it difficult to access abortion before the second trimester. However, service provision was challenging according to the providers, and barriers like lack of access to essential drugs and equipment, few providers willing to conduct abortions late in pregnancy and unclear guidelines were commonly experienced. This led to highly demanding working conditions. The providers experienced ethical dilemmas pertaining to the possible viability of the fetus and women desperately requesting the service after the legal limit.

Conclusions

Second-trimester abortion providers faced severe barriers and ethical dilemmas pushing their moral threshold and medical risk-taking in efforts to deliver second-trimester abortions to vulnerable women in need of the service. Effort is needed to minimize health system barriers and improve guidelines and support for second-trimester abortion providers in order to increase access and quality of second-trimester abortion services in Ethiopia. The barriers forcing women into second trimester abortions also need to be addressed.
Identification and estimation of lodging in bread wheat genotypes using machine learning predictive algorithms
Authors: Rabieyan Ehsan , Darvishzadeh Reza , Alipour Hadi
Published: October 2023

Background

Lodging or stem bending decreases wheat yield quality and quantity. Thus, the traits reflected in early lodging wheat are helpful for early monitoring to some extent. In order to identify the superior genotypes and compare multiple linear regression (MLR) with support vector regression (SVR), artificial neural network (ANN), and random forest regression (RF) for predicting lodging in Iranian wheat accessions, a total of 228 wheat accessions were cultivated under field conditions in an alpha-lattice experiment, randomized incomplete block design, with two replications in two cropping seasons (2018–2019 and 2019–2020). To measure traits, a total of 20 plants were isolated from each plot and were measured using image processing.

Results

The lodging score index (LS) had the highest positive correlation with plant height (r = 0.78**), Number of nodes (r = 0.71**), and internode length 1 (r = 0.70**). Genotypes were classified into four groups based on heat map output. The most lodging-resistant genotypes showed a lodging index of zero or close to zero. The findings revealed that the RF algorithm provided a more accurate estimate (R2 = 0.887 and RMSE = 0.091 for training data and R2 = 0.768 and RMSE = 0.124 for testing data) of wheat lodging than the ANN and SVR algorithms, and its robustness was as good as ANN but better than SVR.

Conclusion

Overall, it seems that the RF model can provide a helpful predictive and exploratory tool to estimate wheat lodging in the field. This work can contribute to the adoption of managerial approaches for precise and non-destructive monitoring of lodging.
Modulating activity of PVN neurons prevents atrial fibrillation induced circulation dysfunction by electroacupuncture at BL15
Authors: Wang Jingya , Zhang Qiumei , Yao Lin , He Teng , Chen Xinyi , Su Yang , Sun Shengxuan , Fan Mengyue , Yan Jinglan , Wang Taiyi , Zhang Meng , Guo Feng , Mo Shiqing , Lu Manqi , Zou Meixia , Li Liangjie , Yuan Qing , Pan Huashan , Chen Yongjun
Published: October 2023

Background

Circulation dysfunction is a major contributing factor to thrombosis in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) for which effective interventions are lacking. Growing evidence indicates that regulating the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), an autonomic control center, could offer a novel strategy for treating cardiovascular and circulatory diseases. Concurrently, electroacupuncture (EA) at Xinshu (BL15), a form of peripheral nerve stimulation, has shown efficacy in treating several cardiovascular conditions, although its specific mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of EA at BL15 on circulatory dysfunction in a rat AF model and investigate the pivotal role of PVN neuronal activity.

Methods

To mimic the onset of AF, male SD rats received tail intravenous injection of ACh-CaCl2 and were then subjected to EA at BL15, sham EA, or EA at Shenshu (BL23). Macro- and micro-circulation function were evaluated using in vivo ultrasound imaging and laser doppler testing, respectively. Vasomotricity was assessed by measuring dimension changes during vascular relaxation and contraction. Vascular endothelial function was measured using myograph, and the activation of the autonomic nerve system was evaluated through nerve activity signals. Additionally, chemogenetic manipulation was used to block PVN neuronal activation to further elucidate the role of PVN activation in the prevention of AF-induced blood circulation dysfunction through EA treatment.

Results

Our data demonstrate that EA at BL15, but not BL23 or sham EA, effectively prevented AF-induced macro- and micro-circulation dysfunction. Furthermore, EA at BL15 restored AF-induced vasomotricity impairment. Additionally, EA treatment prevented abnormal activation of the autonomic nerve system induced by AF, although it did not address vascular endothelial dysfunction. Importantly, excessive activation of PVN neurons negated the protective effects of EA treatment on AF-induced circulation dysfunction in rats.

Conclusion

These results indicate that EA treatment at BL15 modulates PVN neuronal activity and provides protection against AF-induced circulatory dysfunction.
Patient pathways for rare diseases in Europe: ataxia as an example
Authors: Vallortigara Julie , Greenfield Julie , Hunt Barry , Hoffman Deborah , Reinhard Carola , Graessner Holm , Federico Antonio , Quoidbach Vinciane , Morris Steve , Giunti Paola
Published: October 2023

Background

Progressive ataxias are rare and complex neurological disorders that represent a challenge for the clinicians to diagnose and manage them. This study explored the patient pathways of individuals attending specialist ataxia centres (SAC) compared with non–specialist settings. We investigated specifically how diagnosis was reached, the access to healthcare services, treatments, and care satisfaction. The focus of this study was on early intervention, coordination of treatment to understand the care provision in different countries.

Methods

A patient survey was done in the UK, Germany and Italy to gather information about diagnosis and management of the ataxias in specialist (SAC) and non-specialist settings, utilisation of other primary and secondary health care services, and patients’ satisfaction of received treatment.

Results

Patients gave positive feedback about the role of SAC in understanding their condition, ways to manage their ataxia (p < 0.001; UK) and delivering care adapted to their needs (p < 0.001; UK), in coordinating referrals to other healthcare specialists, and in offering opportunities to take part in research studies. Similar barriers for patients were identified in accessing the SACs among the selected countries, UK, Germany, and Italy.

Conclusions

This study provides crucial information about the ataxia patients care pathways in three European countries. Overall, the results showed a trend in patients’ satisfaction being better in SAC compared to non-SAC. The outcomes can be used now for policy recommendations on how to improve treatment and care for people with these very rare and complex neurological diseases across Europe.
Histone acetyltransferase CSRP2BP promotes the epithelial–mesenchymal transition and metastasis of cervical cancer cells by activating N-cadherin
Authors: Yang Xiaohui , Sun Fei , Gao Yueying , Li MengYongwei , Liu Mian , Wei Yunjian , Jie Qiuling , Wang Yibing , Mei Jiaoqi , Mei Jingjing , Ma Linna , Shi Yuechuan , Chen Manling , Li Yongsheng , Li Qi , Liu Mingyao , Ma Yanlin
Published: October 2023

Background

Dysregulated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in cervical cancer metastasis and associated with histone acetylation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of histone acetylation in cervical cancer EMT and metastasis are still elusive.

Methods

We systematically investigated the expression patterns of histone acetylation genes and their correlations with the EMT pathway in cervical cancer. The expression of CSRP2BP among cervical cancer tissues and cell lines was detected using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry analyses. The effects of CSRP2BP on cervical cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenicity were examined by cell growth curve, EdU assay, flow cytometry and xenotransplantation assays. Wound healing assays, transwell migration assays and pulmonary metastasis model were used to evaluate the effects of CSRP2BP on cell invasion and metastasis of cervical cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. RNA-seq, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and luciferase reporter assays were used to uncover the molecular mechanisms of CSRP2BP in promoting cervical cancer EMT and metastasis.

Results

We prioritized a top candidate histone acetyltransferase, CSRP2BP, as a key player in cervical cancer EMT and metastasis. The expression of CSRP2BP was significantly increased in cervical cancer tissues and high CSRP2BP expression was associated with poor prognosis. Overexpression of CSRP2BP promoted cervical cancer cell proliferation and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo,while knockdown of CSRP2BP obtained the opposite effects. In addition, CSRP2BP promoted resistance to cisplatin chemotherapy. Mechanistically, CSRP2BP mediated histone 4 acetylation at lysine sites 5 and 12, cooperated with the transcription factor SMAD4 to bind to the SEB2 sequence in theN-cadheringene promotor and upregulated N-cadherin transcription. Consequently, CSRP2BP promoted cervical cancer cell EMT and metastasis through activating N-cadherin.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the histone acetyltransferase CSRP2BP promotes cervical cancer metastasis partially through increasing the EMT and suggests that CSRP2BP could be a prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target for combating cervical cancer metastasis.
A multi‐professional survey of UK practice in the use of intra‐articular corticosteroid injection for symptomatic first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis
Authors: Backhouse Michael R. , Halstead Jill , Roddy Edward , Dhukaram Vivek , Chapman Anna , Arnold Susanne , Bruce Julie
Published: October 2023

Background

The first metatarsophalangeal joint is the most common site of osteoarthritis (OA) in the foot and ankle. Intra‐articular corticosteroid injections are widely used for this condition, but little is known about their use in practice. This study explored current practice within the UK National Health Service (NHS) relating to the administration of intra‐articular corticosteroids for people with painful first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) OA.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey using Qualtrics online survey platform (Qualtrics, Provo, UT, USA), distributed through professional bodies, special interest groups, and social media.

Results

One hundred forty‐four healthcare professionals responded, including podiatrists (53/144; 39%), orthopaedic surgeons (28/144; 19%), podiatric surgeons (26/144; 17%) and physiotherapists (24/144; 16%). Half of respondents administered up to 25 corticosteroid injections per year (67/136; 49%) but some administered more than fifty (21/136; 15%). Injections were administered across the healthcare system but were most common in hospital settings (64/136; 44%) followed by community (38/136; 26%), with less delivered in primary care (11/136; 8%). Half of respondents routinely used image‐guidance, either ultrasound or x‐ray/fluoroscopy (65/136; 48%) although over one third used none (52/136; 38%). Imaging guidance was more common amongst medical professionals (21/31; 68%) compared to non‐medical health professionals (45/105; 43%).

Overall, methylprednisolone acetate was the most common corticosteroid used. Medical professionals mostly injected methylprednisolone acetate (n = 15/27; 56%) or triamcinolone acetonide (n = 11/27; 41%), whereas premixed methylprednisolone acetate with lidocaine hydrochloride was the most common preparation used by non‐medical health professionals (41/85; 48%). When injecting non premixed steroid, lidocaine hydrochloride (15/35; 43%) was the most common choice of local anaesthetic for non‐medical health professionals but medical professionals showed more variation between lidocaine hydrochloride (8/23; 35%) levobupivacaine hydrochloride (9/23; 39%) and bupivacaine hydrochloride (5/23; 22%).

Conclusions

Multiple professional groups regularly administer intra‐articular corticosteroids for symptomatic first MTPJ OA across a range of NHS healthcare settings. Overall, methylprednisolone acetate was the most commonly administered steroid and lidocaine hydrochloride the most common local anaesthetic. There was large variation in the use of imaging guidance, type and dose of steroid, local anaesthetic, and clinical pathways used in the intra‐articular injection of corticosteroids for people with first MTPJ OA.
High BMI is associated with lower TNF-α inhibitor serum trough levels and higher disease activity in patients with axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: de Wolff Liseth , Arends Suzanne , Brouwer Elisabeth , Bootsma Hendrika , Spoorenberg Anneke
Published: October 2023

Background

TNF-α inhibitor (TNFi) serum trough levels have previously been found to be related to disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). However, most research regarding serum trough levels has been conducted in patients who only recently started TNFi therapy. Therefore, our objective was to explore TNFi serum trough level measurements in relation to disease activity and BMI in the total axSpA population in daily clinical practice, also including patients on long-term TNFi therapy.

Methods

Consecutive patients from the Groningen Leeuwarden Axial Spondyloarthritis (GLAS) cohort were approached for a TNFi serum trough level measurement during their regular outpatient visit at the UMCG. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to analyse the relation of serum trough levels with disease activity and BMI. Logistic regression was performed to analyse the relation between therapeutic drug levels and disease activity, corrected for potential confounders, including BMI.

Results

Thirty-four patients on adalimumab and 21 patients on etanercept were included. Mean age was 45 ± 12 years, 47% were male, median BMI was 26.4 (IQR 23.9–32.5) and median treatment duration was 41 months (range 2–126). According to definitions of Sanquin, 47% of patients had therapeutic serum trough levels. No significant correlations were found between TNFi levels and disease activity (ASDAS-CRP: adalimumab: ρ = -0.16, p = 0.39; etanercept: ρ = -0.29, p = 0.20). TNFi levels were moderately correlated with BMI (adalimumab: ρ = -0.48, p = 0.004; etanercept: ρ = -0.50, p = 0.021). Patients with active disease (ASDAS ≥ 2.1) showed higher BMI than patients with inactive disease (median 29.7 vs. 24.6, p = 0.015). In multivariable regression analyses, BMI was identified as the only confounder for the relationship between therapeutic drug levels and ASDAS.

Conclusion

In this cross-sectional, observational study of axSpA patients mainly on long-term treatment with TNFi, higher BMI was significantly associated with lower adalimumab and etanercept serum trough levels and higher disease activity.
Perinatal folate levels do not influence tumor latency or multiplicity in a model of NF1 associated plexiform-like neurofibromas
Authors: Williams Kyle B. , Marley Andrew R. , Tibbitts Justin , Moertel Christopher L. , Johnson Kimberly J. , Linden Michael A. , Largaespada David A. , Marcotte Erin L.
Published: October 2023

Objective

In epidemiological and experimental research, high folic acid intake has been demonstrated to accelerate tumor development among populations with genetic and/or molecular susceptibility to cancer. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal dominant disorder predisposing affected individuals to tumorigenesis, including benign plexiform neurofibromas; however, understanding of factors associated with tumor risk in NF1 patients is limited. Therefore, we investigated whether pregestational folic acid intake modified plexiform-like peripheral nerve sheath tumor risk in a transgenic NF1 murine model.

Results

We observed no significant differences in overall survival according to folate group. Relative to controls (180 days), median survival did not statistically differ in deficient (174 days,P = 0.56) or supplemented (177 days,P = 0.13) folate groups. Dietary folate intake was positively associated with RBC folate levels at weaning, (P = 0.023, 0.0096, and 0.0006 for deficient vs. control, control vs. supplemented, and deficient vs. supplemented groups, respectively). Dorsal root ganglia (DRG), brachial plexi, and sciatic nerves were assessed according to folate group. Mice in the folate deficient group had significantly more enlarged DRG relative to controls (P = 0.044), but no other groups statistically differed. No significant differences for brachial plexi or sciatic nerve enlargement were observed according to folate status.
Developing a vaccine against velogenic sub-genotype seven of Newcastle disease virus based on virus-like particles
Authors: Firouzamandi Masoumeh , Helan Javad Ashrafi , Moeini Hassan , Soleimanian Alireza , Khatemeh Saeed , Hosseini Seyed Davoud
Published: October 2023

In the present study, for the first time, we released and assembled the particles of three major structural proteins of velogenic NDV (M, HN, and F glycoproteins) as a NDV-VLPs. The ElISA result of the cytokines of splenocyte suspension cells showed that IL2, IL10, TNF-α, and IFN- ˠ titers were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in mice that were immunized only with NDV-VLPs three times with a 10-day interval, in comparison to those that were immunized with NDV-VLPs twice in a 10-day interval and received a B1 live vaccine boost on the third interval. Flow cytometry results showed that CD8 + titers in the group that only received NDV-VLP was higher than other group. However, serum ELISA results did not show a significantly (p ≥ 0.05) higher NDV antibody titer in NDV-VLPs immunized mice compared to the boosted group. Besides, HI results of SPF chickens vaccinated with NDV-VLPs and boosted with B1 live vaccine were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than those that only received NDV-VLPs. Interestingly, after challenging with NDV sub-genotype VII, all the chickens that were solely vaccinated with NDV-VLPs remained alive (six out of six), whereas two out of six chickens that were vaccinated with NDV-VLPs and also received the B1 live vaccine boost died. In conclusion, our results strongly indicated that the T-cell immune response in an NDV host is more important than the B-cell response. Also, the results of the present study revealed that to completely protect chickens against velogenic NDV strains, a vaccine comprising specific epitopes of velogenic strain is needed.
Performance evaluation of in-house developed Covid-19 IgG/IgM antibody rapid diagnostic kit
Authors: G Vinaya Chandu Vidya Sagar , Reddy PV Janardhan , Suravajhala Prashanth , Suravajhala Renuka , V Uday Kiran , PB Kavi Kishor , TC Venkateswarulu , Polavarapu Rathnagiri
Published: October 2023

In the interest of preventing the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic from spreading, it is crucial to promptly identify and confine afflicted patients. Serological antibody testing is a significant diagnostic technique that is increasingly employed in clinics, however its clinical use is still being investigated. The present study was carried out to scrutinize how well Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody testing using in-house developed rapid antibody assay worked against the chemiluminescence (CLIA) assay. Either IgG positive (IgG + IgM-) or IgM positive (IgM + IgG-); both IgG and IgM positive (IgM + IgG+); and negatives (IgM- IgG-) have been evaluated. A total of 300 samples with diverse age and sexual identity data were included. The combined sensitivities for IgG + IgM+, IgM + IgG-, IgG + IgM- and IgG-IgM- were evaluated. More accurate diagnostic results may be obtained using molecular diagnostic tools. The Antibody Rapid Diagnostic kit’s (in-house developed) performance was satisfactory for determining the presence of Covid-19 infection with IgG and IgM positivity. The IgG and IgM positivity helped evaluate the immune response in the individual for the COVID-19 infection. These results lend support to the additional utilisation of serological antibody tests in the COVID-19 diagnosis.
Pan-cancer analysis identifies RNF43 as a prognostic, therapeutic and immunological biomarker
Authors: Xu Yingting , Lin Zhengjun , Ji Yuqiao , Zhang Chen , Tang Xianzhe , Li Chuan , Liu Tang
Published: October 2023

Background

RING finger protein 43 (RNF43), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is a homologous gene mutated in several cancers. However, the pan-cancer panoramic picture of RNF43 and its predictive value for tumor immune phenotypes and immunotherapeutic efficacy are still largely unclear. Our study aims to clarify the functions of RNF43 in predicting the prognosis, immune signature, and immunotherapeutic efficacy in pan-cancer.

Methods

By using RNA-seq, mutation, and clinical data from the TCGA database, the expression levels and prognostic significance of RNF43 in pan-cancer were analyzed. The genetic alteration characteristics of RNF43 were displayed by the cBioPortal database. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed to investigate the potential biological functions and signaling pathways modulated by RNF43 in cancers. The relationship of RNF43 expression with immune cell infiltration, and immune modulators expression was interpreted by the ESTIMATE algorithm, CIBERSORT algorithm, and TISIDB database. The correlations between RNF43, microsatellite instability (MSI), and tumor mutation burden (TMB) were also investigated. Furthermore, the predictive value of RNF43 for immunotherapeutic efficacy and drug sensitivity was further illustrated. Besides, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to validate the expression of the RNF43 in different cancer types by our clinical cohorts, including patients with lung cancer, sarcoma, breast cancer, and kidney renal clear cell carcinoma.

Results

The results demonstrated that RNF43 was abnormally expressed in multiple cancers, and RNF43 is a critical prognosis-related factor in several cancers. RNF43 was frequently mutated in several cancers with a high frequency of 4%, and truncating mutation was the most frequent RNF43 mutation type. RNF43 expression was linked to the abundance of several immune cell types, including CD8+ T cells, B cells, and macrophages within the tumor immune microenvironment. Furthermore, RNF43 expression was significantly correlated with the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment, and it could predict the sensitivity of various anti-cancer drugs. Finally, IHC explored and validated the different expression levels of RNF43 in different cancers by our clinical samples.

Conclusion

Our results first present the expression pattern and the mutation signature of RNF43, highlighting that RNF43 is an important prognostic biomarker in pan-cancer. Furthermore, RNF43 seems to be a critical modulator in the tumor immune microenvironment and can function as a promising biomarker for predicting the immunotherapeutic efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment, and drug sensitivity in cancer treatment.
Is it possible to quantify the current resilience level of an agri-food system? A review of the literature
Authors: Tebaldi Letizia , Vignali Giuseppe
Published: October 2023

Nowadays being resilient is a requirement of all companies and more in general supply chains, as a consequence of the frequent disruptions which repeatedly affect systems and challenge markets from different sides. But how to state whether a company and its related supply chain are resilient or not? To address the present issue, a literature review was carried out on documents proposing quantitative tools or metrics for quantifying the resilience level of an agri-food supply chain, which is a specific field subjected to several threats and accordingly deserving attention. Due to the limited number of documents retrieved (i.e., 26 articles), stressing the gap to be filled in literature, mainly bibliometric analyses were performed on the sample, but contents were also deepened, resuming the different tools available at present. Results reflect the call for the development of models aiming at assessing the resilience of these systems before disruptions and non-controlled events occur; moreover, the industrial level turned out to be neglected, given the fact that all the studies deal with the farm stage (and in general agricultural activities).
Novel methodologies for host-microbe interactions and microbiome-targeted therapeutics in 3D organotypic skin models
Authors: Rikken Gijs , Meesters Luca D. , Jansen Patrick A. M. , Rodijk-Olthuis Diana , van Vlijmen-Willems Ivonne M. J. J. , Niehues Hanna , Smits Jos P. H. , Oláh Peter , Homey Bernhard , Schalkwijk Joost , Zeeuwen Patrick L. J. M. , van den Bogaard Ellen H.
Published: October 2023

Background

Following descriptive studies on skin microbiota in health and disease, mechanistic studies on the interplay between skin and microbes are on the rise, for which experimental models are in great demand. Here, we present a novel methodology for microbial colonization of organotypic skin and analysis thereof.

Results

An inoculation device ensured a standardized application area on the stratum corneum and a homogenous distribution of bacteria, while preventing infection of the basolateral culture medium even during prolonged culture periods for up to 2 weeks at a specific culture temperature and humidity. Hereby, host-microbe interactions and antibiotic interventions could be studied, revealing diverse host responses to various skin-related bacteria and pathogens.

Conclusions

Our methodology is easily transferable to a wide variety of organotypic skin or mucosal models and different microbes at every cell culture facility at low costs. We envision that this study will kick-start skin microbiome studies using human organotypic skin cultures, providing a powerful alternative to experimental animal models in pre-clinical research.
Spatio-temporal disparities of Clonorchis sinensis infection in animal hosts in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Kai , Tan Jing , Xiao Lu , Pan Rui-Tai , Yao Xiao-Yan , Shi Fu-Yan , Li Shi‐Zhu , Li Lan‐Hua
Published: October 2023

Background

Clonorchissinensis, one of the most important food-borne zoonotic trematodes, remains prevalent in China. Understanding its infection status in animals is crucial for controlling human clonorchiasis. Here we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to focus on the spatio-temporal disparities of C.sinensis infection in animals in China.

Methods

Data on C.sinensis prevalence in snails, the second intermediate hosts, or animal reservoirs in China were extracted from electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Chinese Wanfang database, CNKI, VIP, and China Biomedical Literature database. A random-effects meta-analysis model was utilized to estimate the pooled prevalence in each of the above animal hosts. Subgroup analysis and multivariable meta-regression were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity across studies and compare the temporal disparity of infection rates between high and low epidemic areas. Scatter plots were used to depict the biogeographical characteristics of regions reporting C.sinensis infection in animals.

Results

The overall pooled prevalence of C.sinensis was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.6–1.2%) in snails, 14.2% (12.7–15.7%) in the second intermediate host, and 14.3% (11.4–17.6%) in animal reservoirs. Prevalence in low epidemic areas (with human prevalence < 1%) decreased from 0.6% (0.2–1.2%) before 1990 to 0.0% (0.0–3.6%) after 2010 in snails (P = 0.0499), from 20.3% (15.6–25.3%) to 8.8% (5.6–12.6%) in the second intermediate hosts (P = 0.0002), and from 18.3% (12.7–24.7%) to 4.7% (1.0–10.4%) in animal reservoirs. However, no similar decrease in prevalence was observed in high epidemic areas (with human prevalence ≥ 1.0%). C.sinensis infections were predominantly reported in areas with altitudes below 2346 m and annual cumulative precipitation above 345 mm and were mostly concentrated in eastern China.

Conclusions

There are spatio-temporal disparities in the animal infections of C.sinensis in different areas of China. Animal infections are primarily concentrated in regions with low altitude and high precipitation. The results suggest that implementing One Health-based comprehensive measures targeting both humans and animals, especially in high epidemic areas, is essential for successful eradication of C.sinensis in China.
Evaluation of effectiveness of school-based nutrition education in improving the consumption of pulses-based food among female adolescents in Northwest Ethiopia: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mekonnen Fantahun Ayenew , Biks Gashaw Andargie , Azale Telake , Mengistu Netsanet Worku
Published: October 2023

Background

Protein undernutrition is a prevalent health problem in Ethiopia severely affecting the reproductive outcome of women. This is mainly because of inadequate consumption of protein due to the high cost of animal-origin food and the lack of knowledge about the benefits and the methods of preparation of pulses-based foods. Therefore, this trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition education in improving the consumption of pulses-based foods among female adolescents.

Methods

A two-arm pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted among female adolescents in Northwest Ethiopia. Clusters were schools assigned into intervention and control groups by cluster randomization. The trial participants were female adolescents. The intervention was pulses-based nutrition education, and the comparator was the usual dietary practice of adolescent girls. The education was delivered over four weeks on a 45–60 min session per week basis. The primary outcome of the intervention was pulses-based food consumption, and the secondary outcomes were knowledge and attitude about pulses food. Data on the outcome and the confounding variables were collected at baseline and end-line of the intervention. The analysis was based on intention-to-treat analysis, and a log-binomial logistic regression model was fitted to the data to calculate relative risk with the correspondingpvalue adjusted for baseline characteristics. The intervention was considered effective when thepvalue was < 0.05.

Results

A total of 269 intervention and 278 control participants from the four clusters completed the trial making response rates of 92.1% and 95.2%, respectively. The pulses-based nutrition education enabled participants in the intervention group to maintain their pulses-based food consumption state, while participants in the control group significantly reduced their consumption by about threefold [ARR; 95% CI 2.99 (1.87, 4.79)] from harvesting to non-harvesting season. The consumption of pulses-based food was higher by 16% among the intervention participants as compared to the control participants [ARD; 95% CI 0.16 (0.10, 0.21)].

Conclusion

Pulses-based nutrition education is effective in improving the consumption of pulses-based food among female adolescents. Therefore, policies and strategies are required to integrate this intervention in the school nutrition program.

Trial registration: The trial was registered in the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR202111813445259) on 02 November 2021.
What Goes Around: Language Change and Glottalization in Vermont
Authors: Roberts Julie , Nesbitt Monica
Published: October 2023

Glottalization in English has a rich history of research, most of it focusing on the origin, social characteristics, and change in the feature over time. Glottalization has been shown to be a robust variable, its form influenced by phontetic, social, and regional factors. The current study also explores these issues but with the advantage of two samples of speech: one from the 1930s comprising 17 speakers, and one from the 1990s, comprising 53 (31 females and 22 males). Most of the 1930s group, which represented all available speakers, were over 50; the 1990s sample ranged in age from childhood through old age, with the majority being 16 through 40. This time depth allows us to see the possible origin of this feature in an isolated rural area and its change over time as the regional demographics change. We present arguments that the phonetic and social factors surrounding glottalization interacted to produce a new form (glottal replacement) with newly evolving social meanings.
You Ain’t from Here, Are You? Subregional Variation and Identification among Young Appalachians
Authors: Hasty J. Daniel , Childs Becky
Published: October 2023

This article examines a three-way subregional distinction between Northern, Middle, and Southern Appalachia based on younger respondents’ self-reported use of traditional lexical, phonological, and syntactic features of Appalachian English (AppE). As a result of recent social changes that have led to less isolation in Appalachia, it considers subregional differences in AppE use between young urban and rural speakers as well as subregional differences between Appalachian identity and use of AppE. Understanding how young speakers across Appalachia are adapting and integrating traditional or mainstream features provides a lens for broader examination of the ways in which speakers of vernacular dialects negotiate the choice between competing dialect norms.
Chemical Structure Evaluations of Amine Hardeners to Ensure and Predict the Performance of Wet Adhesion of Epoxies
Authors: Nakamura Yasuyuki , Hibi Yusuke , Naito Kimiyoshi , Yamamoto Norie , Hanamura Misato
Published: October 2023

The relationship between the chemical structure and performance of a water-sorbed epoxy adhesive (wet adhesion) provides fundamental data for epoxy adhesives for application in wet and underwater environments. However, data on the effect of the chemical structure on wet adhesion remains insufficient. This study systematically examined the wet adhesion strengths of epoxies comprising bisphenol A diglycidyl ether and various amines. The use of numerical parameters quantifying the features of the chemical structure and physicochemical properties via theoretical calculations to analyze the correlation between wet adhesion and the chemical structure of amine yielded clear linear relationships. This enabled the extraction of the amine molecular structural features that were superior in wet adhesion, in addition to quantification of the certainties of the features contributing to the physical properties. Furthermore, a prediction model for wet adhesive strength was prepared using machine-learning least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis. The model exhibited a reasonable accuracy, even using only 14 experimental values, and its effectiveness was verified experimentally. This process facilitates the rational design and selection of amine hardeners for preparing epoxies with excellent performance in wet conditions and underwater environments.
If You Build It, Will They Come? A Quasi-experiment of Sidewalk Improvements and Physical Activity
Authors: Knell Gregory , Durand Casey P. , Shuval Kerem , Kohl Harold W. , Salvo Deborah , Olyuomi Abiodun , Gabriel Kelley Pettee
Published: October 2023

Improving sidewalks could lead to more physical activity through improved access, while providing a safe and defined space to walk. However, findings on the association between sidewalks and physical activity are inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in self-reported and accelerometer-derived physical activity associated with living near recently improved sidewalks in a diverse, community-based sample from the Houston Travel Related Activity in Neighborhoods Study. Data are from 430 adults and include baseline and first annual follow-up (2014–2017). Fully adjusted, two-step regression models were built to test the hypothesis that living near (within 250 m) an improved sidewalk was associated with greater levels of physical activity compared with not living near an improved sidewalk. Most participants were female, were non-Hispanic black, had low income, and had low education, and nearly half lived near at least one improved sidewalk. After adjustment, among participants reporting some physical activity, living near two sidewalk improvements was associated with 1.6 times more minutes per week of walking and leisure-time physical activity compared with those not living near a sidewalk improvement (P < 0.05). On the basis of accelerometry, which does not specifically quantify domain-specific physical activity, there were no significant associations. In conclusion, although these mixed findings warrant further research, results suggest that improving sidewalks may have an effect on participants' physical activity. Nonspecific definitions of sidewalk improvements could be contributing to type 1 error. Future work should also examine behavioral interventions alongside changes to the built environment to determine the effects on physical activity.
O MAPA DAS PARCERIAS PÚBLICO-PRIVADAS NO ESTADO DE MATO GROSSO DO SUL
Authors: Motta Nádia de Moura Mattos , Casagranda Yasmin Gomes , Azevedo Denise Barros de
Published: October 2023

Parcerias Público-Privadas (PPP´s) são um mecanismo de incentivo à inserção do capital privado no conjunto de fontes, o qual pode financiar o setor de infraestrutura da administração pública. Por meio da análise dos Planos Estaduais de PPP´s, publicados pelo Estado de Mato Grosso Sul (MS), analisou-se a evolução da tendência dos projetos publicados, demonstrando o perfil estratégico adotado pelo MS e sua efetiva implementação. Para este artigo, utilizou-se da pesquisa documental, mediante as publicações do Diário Oficial do Estado, Diário Oficial da União e artigos sobre o tema. Foi possível analisar o interesse de MS na utilização desse mecanismo. Desde o marco regulatório brasileiro, em 2004, o estado tem elaborado seu Plano Estadual de PPP regularmente, com exceção de apenas 2 (dois), em um intervalo de 8 (oito) anos, entre 2014 e 2022. A efetividade em 53,84% de realização dos projetos indica a concretização da modernização buscada para o MS.
Τα σταυροθεοτοκία στην βυζαντινή μουσική και το stabat mater στις δυτικές μουσικές παραδόσεις
Authors: Λουκίδου Μαρία-Δέσποινα
Published: October 2023

Το θέμα της μητέρας του Χριστού που θρηνεί κατά το Πάθος του Υιού της είναι η απαρχή κι ο θεμέλιος λίθος αυτής της εργασίας. Στο διάβα των αιώνων αυτό το θέμα έχει εμπνεύσει πλήθος δημιουργών σε ολόκληρη την Χριστιανοσύνη. Η έρευνα περιλαμβάνει τους θρηνητικούς ύμνους (σταυροθεοτοκία) που αποδίδονται στον βυζαντινό αυτοκράτορα του 10ου αιώνα Λέοντα Στ´ τον Σοφό, οι οποίοι περιλαμβάνονται σε μουσικούς κώδικες, κυρίως Στιχηράρια, από τον 10ο - 12ο αι. σε Παλαιοβυζαντινή σημειογραφία και 12ο - 15ο αι. σε Μεσοβυζαντινή σημειογραφία. Καταγράφονται τα υμνογραφικά κείμενα και αναλύονται έντεκα σταυροθεοτοκία μελοποιημένα σε όλο το φάσμα της οκταηχίας. Οι μουσικολογικές αναλύσεις περιλαμβάνουν αντιπαραβολές πηγών, μεταγραμματισμούς των παλαιών μελών στο πεντάγραμμο, καθώς και μεταγραφές των εξηγήσεων τους από τον Χουρμούζιο Χαρτοφύλακα (αρχές 19ου αι.).Η δεύτερη ομάδα θρήνων που προσεγγίζεται είναι τα δεκαπεντασύλλαβα ποιητικά κείμενα που αποδίδονται στον Άγιο Ιωάννη τον Κουκουζέλη (14ος αι.) και ανήκουν στο καλοφωνικό είδος μελοποιίας. Από αυτή την ομάδα θρήνων αναλύονται τρεις ύμνοι. Το Stabat mater dolorosa, έργο του 13ου αι., είναι το αντιπροσωπευτικότερο θρηνητικό ποίημα της δυτικής παράδοσης. Μεταξύ των δεκάδων μελοποιήσεων που έχει γνωρίσει, επιλέχθηκαν έντεκα συνθέσεις κορυφαίων δημιουργών όπως του Josquin des Pres, του Orlando di Lasso, του Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, του Antonín Dvořák, του Arvo Pärt και άλλες, χρονολογημένες από τον 13ο - 20ό αι. Τα έργα αναλύονται με βάση όλα τα στοιχεία της μουσικής και πρωτίστως με γνώμονα τη ρητορική του κειμένου. Ο θρήνος της μάνας είναι η ενοποιός δύναμη των δύο παραδόσεων που κινούνται ανεξάρτητα αλλά έχουν βαθιά κοινή ρίζα και προέλευση. Στόχος της έρευνας παραμένει η εμβριθής αναζήτηση των τρόπων μουσικής έκφρασης ενός κοινού θέματος σε δύο διαφορετικά περιβάλλοντα.
AI & ΙοΤ-enabled exergy optimization for carbon-neutral ship operation
Authors: Κακλής Δημήτριος
Published: October 2023

Σε αυτήν τη διδακτορική εργασία παρουσιάζεται ένα ολιστικό πλαίσιο για τον ναυτιλιακό τομέα, το οποίο έχει ως στόχο να επιτρέψει στους ενδιαφερόμενους φορείς, ναυλομέτοχους και εξωτερικούς προμηθευτές που συνδέονται με το ναυτιλιακό τομέα, να αναπτύξουν ενεργά το φάσμα των προηγμένων τεχνολογιών και εξελίξεων στο πεδίο του Διαδικτύου των Πραγμάτων (IoT) και της Τεχνητής Νοημοσύνης (AI), προκειμένου να αναπτύξουν ένα πρωτοπόρο σχέδιο δράσης προς μία "έξυπνη" και περιβαλλοντικά βιώσιμη ναυτιλία τόσο για υπάρχοντα πλοία όσο και για νέες κατασκευές. Αυτό το εργαλείο ανάλυσης και συγxώνευσης "μεγάλων δεδομένων" ("Big Data Tool") συλλέγει συνεχώς πληροφορία σε πραγματικο χρόνο σχετικά με τη λειτουργική κατάσταση του πλοίου μέσω ενός συνόλου προηγμένων πλαισίων ροής για κατανεμημένη επεξεργασία και μεθόδους υπολογισμού και πρόβλεψης, υποστηρίζοντας παράλληλα την Συνεχή Ενσωμάτωση/Διάθεση (CI/CD) των υπηρεσιών μέσω ενός προηγμένου Συστημάτων Υποστήριξης Λήψης Αποφάσης (Decision Support System) μεταξύ της Κεντρικής Διοίκησης (HQ) και του πλοίου (EDGE). Η υλοποίηση και η ενσωμάτωση ενός τέτοιου είδους υπηρεσίας είναι υψίστης σημασίας για τις λειτουργίες και τις διαδικασίες συντήρησης των πλοίων, καθώς ο ναυτιλιακός τομέας έχει καταστεί μαρτυρας εκθετικής αύξηση σε διαθεσιμότητα δεδομένων τα τελευταία χρόνια. Μεταξύ άλλων τεχνολογικών εξελίξεων που σχετίζονται με τη βελτιστοποίηση της λειτουργίας των πλοίων, αυτή η εργασία παρουσιάζει και υλοποιεί τη ροή εργασίας και τα κύρια στοιχεία ενός προσαρμοστικού αγωγού για τη συλλογή, και ανάπτυξη μοντέλων μηχανικής μάθησης. Χρησιμοποιώντας δομημένες μεθόδους (Γράφους Γνώσης) για να υποστηρίξουν την σημασιολογική επισημείωση μεταξύ των αποκτηθέντων λειτουργικών χαρακτηριστικών και των δεδομένων, στοχεύουμε να απλοποιήσουμε και να τυποποιήσουμε σε μεγάλο βαθμό τις διαδικασίες που σχετίζονται με την αναγνώριση μοτίβων, προκειμένου να παρέχουμε στους ναυλομέτοχους ακριβείς πληροφορίες σχετικά με τη λειτουργική κατάσταση του πλοίου. Αυτή η βιβλιοθήκη αποτελεί τον βασικό γνωσιακό άξονα γύρω από τον οποίο κατασκευάζεται το ολιστικό σύσημα παρακολουθησης/μοντελεοποίησης πλοίου και περικλείει πληροφορίες, πηγές δεδομένων, σχετικές περιπτώσεις χρήσης και κατάλληλα μοντέλα προσομοίωσης με απώτερο σκοπό την πραγμάτωση ενός ψηφιακού διδυμου (Digital Twin) του πλοίου. Το προαναφερθέν πλαίσιο υποστηρίζεται από πληθώρα μοντέλων προσομοίωσης σχετικά με τον έλεγχο εκπομπών, την ασφάλεια και την απόδοση. Αυτά τα μοντέλα αντιστοιχούν κυρίως σε αναλυτικές προσεγγίσεις χρησιμοποιώντας κλαδικές εξισώσεις προσέγγισης επιφανειών (Spline approximation) και την τυπική θεωρία και γνώση ναυπηγικής, μοντέλα μηχανικής μάθησης για την προσέγγιση της κατανάλωσης καυσίμου πετρελαίου, καθώς και τεχνικές βελτιστοποίησης πορείας βασισμένες σε αρχές εύρεσης συντομότερης διαδρομής και δυναμικού προγραμματισμού για την επίτευξη αποδοτικότητας στην λειτουργία των πλοίων με σαφή οφέλη στη μείωση εκπομπών, τη συμμόρφωση με τους περιβαλλοντικούς κανονισμούς και την ασφάλεια του πληρώματος στο πλοίο.