bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Study and Theoretical Model of Shaped Charge Jet Penetrating Into Thick‐Walled Target With Following Velocity
Authors: Li Jun-run , Lu Yong-gang , Liang Bin , Xu Hengwei , Chen Xing , Zhang Jian
Published: June 2024

In order to investigate the effect of the carrier’s initial velocity on the jet’s damage power, this paper conducted the numerical simulation of a jet penetrating thick‐walled targets at various following velocities (the carrier’s initial velocity). For large stand‐off distance (D), the influence on jet formation parameters was revealed under different following velocities (ranging from 0 to 1000 m/s), and the jet’s penetration performances were analyzed at various stand‐off distances (ranging from 3D to 10D). Then, taking 3D as an example, the study investigated the influence mechanism of the coupling between following velocity and impact angle (ranging from −60° to 60°) on jet penetration performance. The results show that an increase in the following velocity causes the jet to bend and break at an earlier time. The following velocity has a minimal effect on jet tip velocity. Additionally, the lateral displacement is linearly correlated with stand‐off distance. For normal penetration, the jet penetration depth decreases exponentially as the following velocity increases at the same stand‐off distance. Especially, the penetration depth decreases by over 80% when the following velocity exceeds 600 m/s, and a further increase in the following velocity has a minimal effect on jet penetration depth. A greater jet penetration depth was achieved for the climbing‐oblique penetration (COP) than the diving‐oblique penetration (DOP) due to an increase in dynamic stand‐off distance. Finally, the ratio of oblique to normal penetration depth for a jet with varying following velocities was derived based on the theory of steady‐jet and hole expansion, and its accuracy was verified.
On ∼n Notion of Conjugacy in Some Classes of Epigroups
Authors: Shah Aftab Hussain , Alali Amal S. , Parray Mohd Rafiq
Published: June 2024

The action of any group on itself by conjugation and the corresponding conjugacy relation plays an important role in group theory. Generalizing the group theoretic notion of conjugacy to semigroups is one of the interesting problems, and semigroup theorists had produced substantial amount of research in this direction. The challenge to introduce a new notion of conjugacy in semigroups is to choose the suitable set of conjugating elements. A semigroup may contain a zero, and if zero lies in the conjugating set, then the relation reduces to the universal relation as can be seen in the notions ∼l, ∼p, and ∼o. To avoid this problem, various innovative notions of conjugacy in semigroups have been considered so far, and ∼n is one of these notions. ∼n is an equivalence relation in any semigroup, coincides with the usual group theoretic notion if the underlying semigroup is a group, and does not reduce to a universal relation even if S contains a zero. In this paper, we study ∼n notion of conjugacy in some classes of epigroups. Since epigroups are generalizations of groups, our results of this paper are innovative and generalize the existing results on other notions. After proving some fundamental results, we compare our results with existing ones and prove that they are worth contribution in the study of conjugacy in epigroups.
Supplementary Figure 4 from Association of ESR1 Germline Variants with TP53 Somatic Variants in Breast Tumors in a Genome-wide Study
Authors: Tjader Nijole P. , Beer Abigail J. , Ramroop Johnny , Tai Mei-Chee , Ping Jie , Gandhi Tanish , Dauch Cara , Neuhausen Susan L. , Ziv Elad , Sotelo Nereida , Ghanekar Shreya , Meadows Owen , Paredes Monica , Gillespie Jessica L. , Aeilts Amber M. , Hampel Heather , Zheng Wei , Jia Guochong , Hu Qiang , Wei Lei , Liu Song , Ambrosone Christine B. , Palmer Julie R. , Carpten John D. , Yao Song , Stevens Patrick , Ho Weang-Kee , Pan Jia Wern , Fadda Paolo , Huo Dezheng , Teo Soo-Hwang , McElroy Joseph Paul , Toland Amanda E.
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Figure 4
Supplementary Figure 3 from Association of ESR1 Germline Variants with TP53 Somatic Variants in Breast Tumors in a Genome-wide Study
Authors: Tjader Nijole P. , Beer Abigail J. , Ramroop Johnny , Tai Mei-Chee , Ping Jie , Gandhi Tanish , Dauch Cara , Neuhausen Susan L. , Ziv Elad , Sotelo Nereida , Ghanekar Shreya , Meadows Owen , Paredes Monica , Gillespie Jessica L. , Aeilts Amber M. , Hampel Heather , Zheng Wei , Jia Guochong , Hu Qiang , Wei Lei , Liu Song , Ambrosone Christine B. , Palmer Julie R. , Carpten John D. , Yao Song , Stevens Patrick , Ho Weang-Kee , Pan Jia Wern , Fadda Paolo , Huo Dezheng , Teo Soo-Hwang , McElroy Joseph Paul , Toland Amanda E.
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Figure 3
Putrescine Supplementation Limits the Expansion of pks+ Escherichia coli and Tumor Development in the Colon
Authors: Oliero Manon , Cuisiniere Thibault , Ajayi Ayodeji S. , Gerkins Claire , Hajjar Roy , Fragoso Gabriela , Calvé Annie , Vennin Rendos Hervé , Mathieu-Denoncourt Annabelle , Dagbert François , De Broux Éric , Loungnarath Rasmy , Schwenter Frank , Sebajang Herawaty , Ratelle Richard , Wassef Ramses , Richard Carole , Duperthuy Marylise , Gravel Andrée E. , Vincent Antony T. , Santos Manuela M.
Published: June 2024

Escherichia coli that harbor the polyketide synthase (pks) genomic island produce colibactin and are associated with sporadic colorectal cancer development. Given the considerable prevalence of pks+ bacteria in healthy individuals, we sought to identify strategies to limit the growth and expansion of pks+ E. coli. We found that culture supernatants of the probiotic strain E. coli Nissle 1917 were able to inhibit the growth of the murine pathogenic strain pks+ E. coli NC101 (EcNC101). We performed a nontargeted analysis of the metabolome in supernatants from several E. coli strains and identified putrescine as a potential postbiotic capable of suppressing EcNC101 growth in vitro. The effect of putrescine supplementation was then evaluated in the azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium mouse model of colorectal cancer in mice colonized with EcNC101. Putrescine supplementation inhibited the growth of pks+ E. coli, reduced the number and size of colonic tumors, and downmodulated the release of inflammatory cytokines in the colonic lumen. Additionally, putrescine supplementation led to shifts in the composition and function of gut microbiota, characterized by an increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and enhanced acetate production. The effect of putrescine was further confirmed in vitro using a pks+ E. coli strain isolated from a patient with colorectal cancer. These results suggest that probiotic-derived metabolites can be used as an alternative to live bacteria in individuals at risk of developing colorectal cancer due to the presence of pks+ bacteria in their colon.

Significance:

Putrescine supplementation inhibits the growth of cancer-promoting bacteria in the gut, lowers inflammation, and reduces colon cancer development. The consumption of healthy foods rich in putrescine may be a potential prophylactic approach for individuals at risk of developing colorectal cancer due to the presence of pks+ bacteria in their colon.
A morte de um liberal: uma louvação tardia
Authors: Elias Maria José
Published: June 2024

This is the biography of the writer, journalist, folklorist and historian Mario Neme. Bom in the city of Piracicaba in the State of São Paulo on May 2nd 1912, he died in the city of São Paulo on March 14th, 1973. He began his career as a journalist. His rich and diversified work as a writer is marked by two distinct phases, the literary one  and the historical. As a fictionist, he wrote two books of short stories which gave rise to literary polemics at the time, due to the originality of his style and themes, renewing the genus. Among the epochs of historical events, he chose to focus Colonial Brazil, with emphasis on the history of the State of São Paulo, producing, to begin with, small essays and regional studies. As director of the Museu Paulista from 1961 to 1973, he showed a dynamic conception of museology, furnishing the institution with an auditorium for courses and conferences, as well as laboratories of restauration and cine-photo-sonography. He stimulated research in the sectore of archeology, ethnology and history, also reactivating the publication of the Anais do Museu Paulista, which had been paralised for ten years. The transfer of the Museu Paulista to the University of São Paulo was his work. His whole life was dedicated to research. As a literary man, he always tried to write in consonance with life, searching for the proper language and participating as a personage in his dramas and comedies; as a folklorist and historian he also left the mark of his research in his published works. Donana sofredora and Mulher que sabe latim are his best works as a fictionist; as a journalist, Plataforma da nova geração; as a historian, Fórmulas 'políticas do Brasil holandês (1971) and O Brasil no tempo de Nassau (ms.)
História: conceito e obra
Authors: Bresciani Maria Stella Martins
Published: June 2024

Intellectual work is always politically engaged work. For this very reason every study has to face, in some moment, the task of questioning the political intention which asserts that research and scientific work can be “neutral”. This paper intends to pose questions concerning the meaning of historical work, since historians have usually been considered as specific and particular intellectual workers. Whenever the rules of the division of intellectual work are followed and respected, historians are expected to describe and explain past historical processes. From this point of view historians have only to look back into the past searching for already settled facts, which reach the present through documents. Wishing to reconstruct a reliable picture of the past, historians have often followed the documents as if they were the true “bearers of history”. This submissiveness in the face of the documents has not only made historians accept subjects or topics defined by the documents, but has also transformed them into subjects for investigation and analysis. The work of historians, therefore, has proceeded in circles : it both starts and finishes within the same subject, though with the objective of widening and improving understanding. We intend to discuss in this paper abolitionism, immigration policy and republicanism. These subjects formed part of the same moment in the Brazilian historical process of late nineteenth century, although they appear as separate and even divergent political currents. Our aim is to point out that in the proposal to eliminate the appropriation of man by man two intentions were present: to free the person of the slave, but also to maintain afterwards control over his action and most importantly control over his labor. In this sense, abolitionist propaganda represented part of the proposal for the formation of a labor market within well defined parameters. We also attempt to indicate how these objectives formed part of a broader and seemingly contradictory political process: to democratize in order to increase and centralize the mechanisms of social control.
A documentação histórica do Museu Paulista: documentos adquiridos da Biblioteca “Eduardo Prado"
Authors: Makino Miyoko
Published: June 2024

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O desenvolvimento dos estaleiros no Brasil colonial: a construção civil no Grão-Pará e Maranhão no século XVIII
Authors: Bladgett Louis Andrew
Published: June 2024

There are two objects for writing this article. The first is to trace the general development of the shipbuilding industry in Colonial Brazil. The second and principie object is to study in greater detail the subject in eighteenth century Grão-Pará and Maranhão. As you can imagine, thcre are few secondary sources that deal with the development of naval construction during this time period in the north of Brazil. However in the “Seção de Manuscritos” of the Nation Library in Rio de Janeiro can be found various primary sources important to the elaboration of this theme. Among the most important of this Information is encountred in the extensive documentation of the Luso-Brazilian naturalist, Dr. Alexandre Rodrigues Ferreira (1756-1815). His “Viagem Filosófica”, “Memória sobre a Marinha do Estado do Grão-Pará” and “Relação das Madeiras para Construção Naval” form a great part of the basic research involved in the writing of this article.
Legalismo Autocrático na Administração Pública e o Controle pelo Poder Judiciário
Authors: Assis Luiz Eduardo Altenburg de
Published: June 2024

The article examines the role of the Judiciary in controlling autocratic legalism in Public Administration. To this end, it characterizes autocratic legalism as a phenomenon in which public agents deliberately seek to erode democratic institutions and accountability mechanisms through apparently legitimate administrative acts. Then, it examines the precedent of the Federal Supreme Court in ADFP nº 622 / DF, which has used the concept of autocratic legalism to suspend an act of the President of the Republic that prevented civil society's participation in the National Council for Children and Teenagers (CONANDA). Finally, it demonstrates the insufficiency of traditional theories of judiciary control over Public Administration and the need for a re-reading of the principle of legality in favor of the idea of juricity as a necessary condition for the judicial control of autocratic legalism in Public Administration.
O Ressarcimento do dano em acordos de leniência da lei anticorrupção
Authors: Souza Ana Paula Peresi de
Published: June 2024

O estudo analisa controvérsias existentes em relação ao ressarcimento do dano em acordos de leniência regidos pela Lei n.º 12.846, de 2013, como a natureza jurídica dessa obrigação, a possibilidade de quitação, a metodologia de cálculo e a cobrança do ressarcimento em patamar adicional ao que convencionado por quem não participou do acordo. Este trabalho concluiu, ao final, que a obrigação de ressarcimento do dano exige aprimoramentos em relação à metodologia de apuração do dano, que atualmente não está definida normativamente e não é amplamente conhecida, haja vista a ausência de transparência dos acordos de leniência nesse aspecto. A partir do aprimoramento da metodologia, as outras controvérsias antes mencionadas poderão ser mitigadas, tudo a contribuir para a segurança jurídica dos acordos de leniência e o combate à corrupção.
A função regulatória das compras públicas e o projeto de nova lei de licitações e contratos
Authors: Ferreira Júnior Ednaldo
Published: June 2024

This article analyzes Law 14.133/2021 from the perspective of the strategic use of public procurement. Therefore, it formulates three critics: the lack of provision for the creation of a central public procurement authority endowed, at least, with normative power; maintaining the criterion for judging the lowest price without any restrictions on its application; the possibility of entering continuous supply contracts for too long periods. The writing essentially use, basically, national and foreign bibliography to justify its critics, exceptionally of the last critic, which formulation is also based on quantitative data provided by the electronic federal government’s shopping portal.
Associations of Urban Blue and Green Spaces With Coronary Artery Calcification in Black Individuals and Disadvantaged Neighborhoods
Authors: Kim Kyeezu , Joyce Brian T. , Zheng Yinan , Nannini Drew R. , Wang Jun , Gordon-Larsen Penny , Bhatt Ankeet S. , Gabriel Kelley P. , Shikany James M. , Hu Ming , Chen Aimin , Reges Orna , Carnethon Mercedes R. , Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Zhang Kai , Hou Lifang
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:

Proximity to urban blue and green spaces has been associated with improved cardiovascular health; however, few studies have examined the role of race and socioeconomic status in these associations.

METHODS:

Data were from the CARDIA study (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults). We included longitudinal measurements (1985–1986 to 2010–2011) of blue and green spaces, including percentage of blue space cover, distance to the nearest river, green space cover, and distance to the nearest major park. Presence of coronary artery calcification (CAC) was measured with noncontrast cardiac computed tomography in 2010 to 2011. The associations of blue and green spaces with CAC were assessed with generalized estimating equation regression with adjustment for demographics, individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status, health-related behaviors, and other health conditions. We conducted stratified analyses by race and neighborhood deprivation score to investigate whether the association varied according to social determinants of health.

RESULTS:

The analytic sample included 1365 Black and 1555 White participants with a mean±SD age of 50.1±3.6 years. Among Black participants, shorter distance to a river and greater green space cover were associated with lower odds of CAC (per interquartile range decrease [1.45 km] to the river: odds ratio [OR], 0.90 [95% CI, 0.84–0.96]; per 10 percentage-point increase of green space cover: OR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.75–0.95]). Among participants in deprived neighborhoods, greater green space cover was associated with lower odds of CAC (per a 10 percentage-point increase: OR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.80–0.99]), whereas shorter distance to the park was associated with higher odds of CAC (per an interquartile range decrease [5.3 km]: OR, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.00–1.15]). Black participants in deprived neighborhoods had lower odds of CAC with shorter distance to a river (per an interquartile range decrease: OR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.82–0.98]) and greater green space cover (per a 10 percentage-point increase: OR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.75–0.97]). There was no statistical interaction between the blue and green spaces and race or neighborhood characteristics in association with CAC.

CONCLUSIONS:

Longitudinally, shorter distance to a river and greater green space cover were associated with less CAC among Black participants and those in deprived neighborhoods. Shorter distance to a park was associated with increased odds of CAC among participants in deprived neighborhoods. Black participants residing in more deprived neighborhoods showed lower odds of CAC in association with greater exposure to river and green space cover.
Global prevalence of hereditary thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura determined by genetic analysis
Authors: Seidizadeh Omid , Cairo Andrea , Mancini Ilaria , George James N. , Peyvandi Flora
Published: June 2024

Hereditary thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (hTTP) is a rare autosomal recessive, life-threatening disorder caused by a severe deficiency of the plasma enzyme, ADAMTS13. The current estimated prevalence of hTTP in different regions of the world, 0.5 to 2.0 patients per million, is determined by the frequency of diagnosed patients. To evaluate more accurately the worldwide prevalence of hTTP, and also the prevalence within distinct ethnic groups, we used data available in exome and genome sequencing of 807 162 (730 947 exomes, 76 215 genomes) subjects reported recently by the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD-v4.1). Among 1 614 324 analyzed alleles in the gnomAD population we identified 6321 distinct ADAMTS13 variants. Of these, 758 were defined as pathogenic; 140 (18%) variants had been previously reported and 618 (82%) were novel (predicted as pathogenic). In total 10 154 alleles (0.6%) were carrying the reported or predicted pathogenic variants; 7759 (77%) with previously reported variants. Considering all 758 pathogenic variants and also only the 140 previously reported variants, we estimated a global hTTP prevalence of 40 and 23 cases per 106, respectively. Considering only the 140 previously reported variants, the highest estimated prevalence was in East Asians (42 per 106). The estimated prevalences of other populations were: Finnish, 32 per 106; non-Finnish Europeans, 28 per 106; Admixed Americans, 19 per 106; Africans/African Americans, 6 per 106; and South Asians, 4 per 106. The lowest prevalences were Middle Eastern, 1 per 106 and Ashkenazi Jews, 0.7 per 106. This population-based genetic epidemiology study reports that hTTP prevalence is substantially higher than the currently estimated prevalence based on diagnosed patients. Many patients with hTTP may not be diagnosed or may have died during the neonatal period.
Optimisation of detecting chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in acute pulmonary embolism survivors: the InShape IV study
Authors: Luijten Dieuwke , Valerio Luca , Boon Gudula J.A.M. , Barco Stefano , Bogaard Harm Jan , Delcroix Marion , Ende-Verhaar Yvonne , Huisman Menno V. , Jara-Palomares Luis , Kreitner Karl-Friedrich , Kroft Lucia J.M. , Mairuhu Albert T.A. , Mavromanoli Anna C. , Meijboom Lilian J. , van Mens Thijs E. , Ninaber Maarten K. , Nossent Esther J. , Pruszczyk Piotr , Rosenkranz Stephan , Vliegen Hubert , Vonk Noordegraaf Anton , Konstantinides Stavros V. , Klok Frederikus A.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is often diagnosed late in acute pulmonary embolism survivors: more efficient testing to expedite diagnosis may considerably improve patient outcomes. The InShape II algorithm safely rules out CTEPH (failure rate 0.29%) while requiring echocardiography in only 19% of patients but may be improved by adding detailed reading of the computed tomography pulmonary angiography diagnosing the index pulmonary embolism.

Methods

We evaluated 12 new algorithms, incorporating the CTEPH prediction score, ECG reading, N‑terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels and dedicated computed tomography pulmonary angiography reading, in the international InShape II cohort (n=341) and part of the German FOCUS cohort (n=171). Evaluation criteria included failure rate, defined as the incidence of confirmed CTEPH in pulmonary embolism patients in whom echocardiography was deemed unnecessary by the algorithm, and the overall net reclassification index compared to the InShape II algorithm.

Results

The algorithm starting with computed tomography pulmonary angiography reading of the index pulmonary embolism for six signs of CTEPH, followed by ECG/N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level assessment and echocardiography resulted in the most beneficial change compared to InShape II, with a need for echocardiography in 20% (+5%), a failure rate of 0% and a net reclassification index of +3.5%, reflecting improved performance over the InShape II algorithm. In the FOCUS cohort, this approach lowered echocardiography need to 24% (−6%) and missed no CTEPH cases, with a net reclassification index of +6.0%.

Conclusion

Dedicated computed tomography pulmonary angiography reading of the index pulmonary embolism improved the performance of the InShape II algorithm and may improve the selection of pulmonary embolism survivors who require echocardiography to rule out CTEPH.
Cognitive interference of respiratoryversuslimb muscle dual tasking in healthy adults
Authors: Rassam Peter , de Mori Tamires , Van Hollebeke Marine , Rozenberg Dmitry , Davenport Paul , Vallis Lori Ann , Reid W. Darlene
Published: June 2024

Background

Inspiratory threshold loading (ITL) and associated dyspnoea have been shown to interfere with cognition during cognitive–motor dual tasking. However, ITL has not been compared with another rhythmic muscle activity, such as lower limb pedalling. While ITL has been shown to interfere with cognition, the mechanism of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during ITL or other rhythmical muscle dual tasking, has not been elucidated. Given the cognitive interference that arises during ITL, we hypothesise that ITL cognitive–motor dual tasking will result in greater cognitive decrements and increased PFC activity compared with the pedalling cognitive–motor dual task.

Methods

30 healthy participants (16 females; median age 23 (interquartile range 23–24) years) were recruited. They performed five 3-min tasks in a single visit in a random order: single tasks were ITL, pedalling and Stroop task and dual tasks were ITL–Stroop and pedalling–Stroop. Participant's PFC activity was assessed bilaterally using functional near-infrared spectroscopy throughout each task. Single- and dual-task cognitive performance was evaluated by measuring Stroop task reaction time and accuracy. Dyspnoea and rating of perceived exertion were evaluated at the end of each task.

Results

ITL–Stroop resulted in greater impairments in reaction time (p<0.001), accuracy (p<0.01) and increased medial/dorsolateral PFC activity (p≤0.006) than pedalling–Stroop. ITL–Stroop elicited greater Borg dyspnoea and rating of perceived exertion than pedalling–Stroop (p<0.001), despite pedalling–Stroop having a greater heart rate response (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The heightened cognitive decrements, perceptual response and PFC activity suggest that inspiratory muscle loading and its accompanied dyspnoea results in greater cognitive interference than rhythmic pedalling.
Deprescribing in older adults in a French community: a questionnaire study on patients’ beliefs and attitudes
Authors: Geremie Thibaut , Guiguet-Auclair Candy , Laroche Marie Laure , Mely Pierre , Gerbaud Laurent , Blanquet Marie
Published: June 2024

Background

General practitioners (GPs) have a central role to play on reduction of polypharmacy and deprescribing. This study aimed to assess beliefs and attitudes towards deprescribing in patients, aged 65 years or older in primary care, and to identify factors associated with deprescribing and their willingness to stop medication.

Methods

A questionnaire study was performed between 23 May and 29 July 2022 on patients aged 65 years or older attending a GP’s surgery in a French area. We used the French version of the revised Patients’ Attitudes Towards Deprescribing self-report questionnaire (rPATD), which measures four subscales (“Burden”, “Appropriateness”, “Concerns about stopping” and, “Involvement”), patients’ willingness to stop one of their regular medicines, and patients’ satisfaction with their current medicines.

Results

The study enrolled 200 patients. Median age was 76 years old (IQR 71–81), 55% were women, and 42.5% took 5 or more medications per day. Although most patients (92.5%) were satisfied with their current medicines, 35% were reluctant to stop medications they had been taking for a long time, and 89.5% were willing to stop medication if asked to by their GP. Patients aged less than 75 years old reported more concerns about stopping. Women and patients with higher educational attainment showed significantly higher involvement in medication management.

Conclusions

The majority of older adults were willing to stop one or more of their regular medicines if asked to do so by their GP. GPs should address deprescribing into their current practice.
The development and implementation of a proficiency testing program for SARS-CoV-2 using dried tube specimens in resource-limited countries
Authors: Lutaaya Pius , Guido Ocung , Ssentamu Hasifah Nakato , Kasule George William , Akumu Mary , Kabahita Jupiter Marina , Bagaya Bernard , Musisi Kenneth , Oola Denis , Katuramu Anitah , Nsawotebba Andrew , Kigozi Edgar , Nakazzi Faith , Solomon Joel Kabugo , Adam Isa , Beatrice Orena , Namutebi Joanita , Ayebare Brenda , Nyombi Abdunoor , Manyonge Charles , Patrick Ademun Julius , Fredrick Kangave , Joloba Moses L
Published: June 2024

Introduction

When COVID-19 hit the world in 2019, an enhanced focus on diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2 was essential for a successful pandemic response. Testing laboratories stretched their capabilities for the new coronavirus by adopting different test methods. The necessity of having external quality assurance (EQA) mechanisms was even more critical due to this rapid expansion. However, there was a lack of experience in providing the necessary SARS-CoV-2 EQA materials, especially in locations with constrained resources.

Objective

We aimed to create a PT (Proficiency testing) programme based on the Dried Tube Specimens (DTS) method that would be a practical option for molecular based SARS-CoV-2 EQA in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Methods

Based on previous ISO/IEC 17043:2010 accreditation experiences and with assistance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Supranational Reference Laboratory of Uganda (adapted the DTS sample preparation method and completed a pilot EQA program between 2020 and 2021. Stability and panel validation testing was conducted on the designed materials before shipping to pilot participants in six African countries. Participants received a panel containing five SARS-CoV-2 DTS samples, transported at ambient conditions. Results submitted by participants were compared to validation results. Participants were graded as satisfactory (≥ 80%) or unsatisfactory (< 80%) and performance reports disseminated.

Results

Our SARS-CoV-2 stability experiments showed that SARS-CoV-2 RNA was stable (-15 to -25 °C, 4 to 8 °C, (18 to 28 °C) room temperature and 35 to 38 °C) as well as DTS panels (4 to 8 °C, 18 to 28 °C, 35 to 38 °C and 45 °C) for a period of 4 weeks. The SARS-CoV-2 DTS panels were successfully piloted in 35 test sites from Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Seychelles. The pilot results of the participants showed good accuracy, with an average of 86% (30/35) concordance with the original SARS CoV-2 expectations.

Conclusion

The SARS-CoV-2 DTS PT panel is reliable, stable at ambient temperature, simple to prepare and requires minimal resources.
Screening of potential hub genes involved in Kidney Wilms tumor via bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Liu Tingting , Qin Lilu , Wang Chen , Peng Guangbei , Liu Zhong , Tao Junfeng
Published: June 2024

Background

Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common pediatric embryonal tumor. Improving patient outcomes requires advances in understanding and targeting the multiple genes and cellular control pathways, but its pathogenesis is currently not well-researched. We aimed to identify the potential molecular biological mechanism of WT and develop new prognostic markers and molecular targets by comparing gene expression profiles of Wilms tumors and fetal normal kidneys.

Methods

Differential gene expression analysis was performed on Wilms tumor transcriptomic data from the GEO and TARGET databases. For biological functional analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were utilized. Out of 24 hub genes identified, nine were found to be prognostic-related through univariate Cox regression analysis. These nine genes underwent LASSO regression analysis to enhance the predictive capability of the model. The key hub genes were validated in the GSE73209 datasets, and cell function experiments were conducted to identify the genes’ functions in WiT-49 cells.

Results

The enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were significantly involved in the regulation of angiogenesis and regulation of cell differentiation. 24 DEGs were identified through PPI networks and the MCODE algorithm, and 9 of 24 genes were related to WT patients’ prognosis. EMCN and CCNA1 were identified as key hub genes, and related to the progression of WT. Functionally, over-expression of EMCN and CCNA1 knockdown inhibited cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of Wilms tumor cells.

Conclusions

EMCN and CCNA1 were identified as key prognostic markers in Wilms tumor, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets. Differential gene expression and enrichment analyses indicate significant roles in angiogenesis and cell differentiation.
Hypoxemia and its clinical predictors among children with respiratory distress admitted to the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tamene Deresse Gugsa , Toni Alemayehu Teklu , Ali Mohammed Seid
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Hypoxemia is a common complication of childhood respiratory tract infections and non-respiratory infections. Hypoxemic children have a five-fold increased risk of death compared to children without hypoxemia. In addition, there is limited evidence about hypoxemia and clinical predictors in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the prevalence and clinical predictors of hypoxemia among children with respiratory distress admitted to the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2020 to May 2021 in northwest Ethiopia. A total of 399 study participants were selected using systematic random sampling. The oxygen saturation of the child was measured using Masimo rad-5 pulse oximetry. SPSS version 21 software was used for statistical analysis.

Result

In this study, the prevalence of hypoxemia among children with respiratory distress was 63.5%. The clinical signs and symptoms significantly associated with hypoxemia were: head-nodding (AOR: 4.1, 95% CI: 1.81–9.28) and chest indrawing (AOR: 3.08, 95% CI: 1.32–7.16) which were considered statistically the risk factors for hypoxemia while inability to feed (AOR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.02–0.77) was the protective factor for hypoxemia. The most sensitive predictors of hypoxemia were fast breathing with sensitivity (98.4%), nasal flaring (100.0%), chest indrawing (83.6%), and intercostal retraction (93.1%). The best specific predictors of hypoxemia were breathing difficulty with specificity (79.4%), inability to feed (100.0%), wheezing (83.0%), cyanosis (98.6%), impaired consciousness (94.2%), head-nodding (88.7%), and supra-sternal retraction (96.5%).

Conclusion and recommendation

The prevalence of hypoxemia among children was high. The predictors of hypoxemia were the inability to feed, head nodding, and chest indrawing. It is recommended that the health care settings provide immediate care for the children with an inability to feed, head nodding, and chest indrawing. The policymakers better to focus on preventive strategies, particularly those with the most specific clinical predictors.
Impulsivity and inhibitory control in deficit and non-deficit schizophrenia
Authors: Bielecki Maksymilian , Tyburski Ernest , Plichta Piotr , Samochowiec Jerzy , Kucharska-Mazur Jolanta , Podwalski Piotr , Rek-Owodziń Katarzyna , Waszczuk Katarzyna , Sagan Leszek , Michalczyk Anna , Rudkowski Krzysztof , Karabanowicz Ewa , Świątkowska Katarzyna , Misiak Błażej , Bąba-Kubiś Agata , Mak Monika
Published: June 2024

Background

There is conflicting evidence on impulsivity and its potential relationship with inhibitory control in schizophrenia. This study therefore aimed to identify differences in impulsivity and cognitive and motor inhibition between patients with deficit (DS) and non-deficit (NDS) schizophrenia and healthy controls (HC). We also explored the relationships between impulsivity and different dimensions of inhibitory control in all studied groups.

Methods

The sample comprised 28 DS patients, 45 NDS patients, and 39 age-matched HC. A neuropsychological battery was used.

Results

DS patients scored lower in venturesomeness, while those with NDS scored higher in impulsiveness compared to HC. In addition, both groups of patients scored higher on measures of cognitive and motor inhibition, including those relatively independent of information processing speed (although the results were slightly different after adjusting for IQ and/or years of education). Correlations between impulsivity and cognitive inhibition emerged in DS patients, while links between impulsivity and motor inhibition were observed in HC.

Conclusions

Our results suggest the presence of deficits in experimentally assessed inhibitory control in schizophrenia patients, with predominant impulsivity in the NDS population. In addition, impulsivity may affect the cognitive control of inhibition in deficit schizophrenia. Nevertheless, due to the preliminary nature of these findings, they require further empirical verification in future research.
Association between sedentary behavior, screen time and metabolic syndrome among Chinese children and adolescents
Authors: Cheng Xue , Guo Qiya , Ju Lahong , Gong Weiyi , Wei Xiaoqi , Xu Xiaoli , Zhao Liyun , Fang Hongyun
Published: June 2024

Background

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between sedentary behavior, screen time and MetS among Chinese children and adolescents aged 7–17 years. Data was obtained from the China National Nutrition and Health Surveillance of Children and Lactating Mothers in 2016–2017.

Methods

Data on sedentary time, screen time, and MetS indicators were obtained through physical and health questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and clinical examinations. MetS was defined according to the Cook’s criteria. Wilcoxon rank sum test and chi-square test were applied for comparisons of measurement data and counting data, respectively. The relationship between sedentary time, screen time, and MetS and its components was analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

The prevalence of MetS among 7-17-year-old students in 2016–2017 was 5.45%. Compared to those with low sedentary behavior, in high sedentary behavior groups, the prevalence of abdominal obesity, high TG, low HDL-C, and MetS was high in boys, and the prevalence of abdominal obesity, high TG, hyperglycemia, and MetS was high in girls. Moreover, for those who reported ≥ 3 h/day of screen time, the prevalence of abdominal obesity, low HDL-C, and MetS was higher in boys, and the prevalence of abdominal obesity and MetS was higher in girls. After adjusting for confounding variables, the risks of abdominal obesity, high TG, low HDL-C, and MetS were higher in high-level sedentary time group, and the risks of abdominal obesity and MetS were 1.15 and 1.14 times higher for those who spent ≥ 3 h/day on screen time, respectively.

Conclusions

This study shows that high levels of sedentary time and screen time were associated with an increased likelihood of MetS among Chinese children and adolescents aged 7–17 years. Reducing sedentary behavior and screen time may contribute to the prevention of metabolic diseases.
“Put your personality into the call”: A qualitative interview study illuminating strategies for improving men’s engagement on crisis helplines
Authors: Trail Katherine , O’Gorman Kieran , Seidler Zac , Oliffe John , Hunt Tara , Rice Simon
Published: June 2024

Background

Crisis telephone helplines are an integral part of community suicide prevention. Despite high male suicide rates, men’s experiences of these services are poorly understood. The current study explored men’s perspectives of their interactions with helpline counsellors to understand how their engagement on helplines can be enhanced.

Method

Sixteen men (19–71 years) who had previously used a mental health or crisis helpline in Australia completed individual semi-structured interviews about their experiences. Data were analysed using interpretive descriptive methodologies.

Results

Two themes derived from the data related to how men engaged with counsellors on helpline services. First, men emphasized the importance of helpline counsellors creating and maintaining an authentic connection across the call, providing suggestions for strategies to secure connection. Second, men discussed how counsellors can facilitate outcomes through offering space for their narratives and aiding in referrals to other support services when required.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the value of crisis helplines for men’s suicide prevention services while identifying target areas to improve engagement. We discuss implications for the findings including suggestions for gender-sensitive care within crisis helplines.
Association between delayed ambulation and increased risk of adverse events after lumbar fusion surgery in elderly patients
Authors: Wang Shuai-Kang , Chai Xin-Yi , Wang Peng , Kong Chao , Lu Shi-Bao
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The relationship between delayed ambulation (DA) and postoperative adverse events (AEs) following transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in elderly patients remains elusive. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of DA on the postoperative AEs including complications, readmission and prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS).

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively established database of elderly patients (aged 65 years and older) who underwent TLIF surgery. The early ambulation (EA) group was defined as patients ambulated within 48 h after surgery, whereas the delayed ambulation (DA) group was patients ambulated at a minimum of 48 h postoperatively. The DA patients were 1:1 propensity-score matched to the EA patients based on age, gender and the number of fused segments. Univariate analysis was used to compare postoperative outcomes between the two groups, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for adverse events and DA.

Results

After excluding 125 patients for various reasons, 1025 patients (≤ 48 h: N = 659 and > 48 h: N = 366) were included in the final analysis. After propensity score matching, there were 326 matched patients in each group. There were no significant differences in the baseline data and the surgery-related variables between the two groups (p > 0.05). The patients in the DA group had a significant higher incidence of postoperative AEs (46.0% vs. 34.0%, p = 0.002) and longer LOS (p = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression identified that age, operative time, diabetes, and DA were independently associated with postoperative AEs, whereas greater age, higher international normalized ratio, and intraoperative estimated blood loss were identified as independent risk factors for DA.

Conclusions

Delayed ambulation was an independent risk factor for postoperative AEs after TLIF in elderly patients. Older age, increased intraoperative blood loss and worse coagulation function were associated with delayed ambulation.
Development of a prediction nomogram for 1-month mortality in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Feng Zhong , Wei Yandong , Wang Ying , Liu Chao , Qu Dong , Li Jingna , Ma Lishuang , Niu Wenquan
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Although many prognostic factors in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) have been described, no consensus thus far has been reached on which and how many factors are involved. The aim of this study is to analyze the association of multiple prenatal and postnatal factors with 1-month mortality of neonates with CDH and to construct a nomogram prediction model based on significant factors.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of neonates with CDH at our center from 2013 to 2022 was conducted. The primary outcome was 1-month mortality. All study variables were obtained either prenatally or on the first day of life. Risk for 1-month mortality of CDH was quantified by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) in multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

After graded multivariable adjustment, six factors were found to be independently and consistently associated with the significant risk of 1-month mortality in neonates with CDH, including gestational age of prenatal diagnosis (OR, 95% CI, P value: 0.845, 0.772 to 0.925, < 0.001), observed-to-expected lung-to-head ratio (0.907, 0.873 to 0.943, < 0.001), liver herniation (3.226, 1.361 to 7.648, 0.008), severity of pulmonary hypertension (6.170, 2.678 to 14.217, < 0.001), diameter of defect (1.560, 1.084 to 2.245, 0.017), and oxygen index (6.298, 3.383 to 11.724, < 0.001). Based on six significant factors identified, a nomogram model was constructed to predict the risk for 1-month mortality in neonates with CDH, and this model had decent prediction accuracy as reflected by the C-index of 94.42%.

Conclusions

Our findings provide evidence for the association of six preoperational and intraoperative factors with the risk of 1-month mortality in neonates with CDH, and this association was reinforced in a nomogram model.
Comparison of outcome of TIP urethroplasty with or without Buck’s Fascia repair
Authors: Hamid Raashid , Baba Aejaz A.
Published: June 2024

Objective

TIP is the most common preformed type of Urethroplasty. The intermediate barrier is used as a waterproofing layer to prevent fistula formation. Many tissues have been utilized as a barrier layer, with varying success rates. The search for a better intermediate layer will continue. In this study, we aim to evaluate the role of Buck’s Fascia as a covering for the neo-urethra to prevent fistula formation in patients who underwent Snodgrass Urethroplasty.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted between 2018 and 2022. Patients were randomly assigned to either Group ‘A’ or Group ‘B’. Group A included patients who underwent the Snodgrass procedure with a Buck’s Fascia cover, while Group B included patients whose neo-urethra was covered with the dartos flap. These patients were closely monitored for the development of short- and long-term complications in both groups, and the results were recorded.

Results

The study involved 164 patients, who underwent midpenile and distal hypospadias repair using the Snodgrass technique. In Group ‘A’ (84 patients), the neo-urethra was covered with Buck’s Fascia, while in Group ‘B’ (80 patients), the neo-urethra was covered with the dartos flap. The mean age of the children was (23.06 ± 16.12) months in group ‘A’ & (26.06 ± 14.07) months in group ‘B’. mean operating time was (40 ± 11.43) minutes, in Group ‘A’, and (70 ± 17.43) minutes, in Group ‘B’. Meatal stenosis occurred in 3.57% of children in Group ‘A’ and 10% of patients in Group ‘B’. Urethral fistulas were encountered in 2.35% of cases in Group ‘A’and 10% in Group ‘B’. The difference between the groups was statistically significant.
CTHRC1 is a prognostic biomarker correlated with immune infiltration in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Zhichao , Ren Xusheng , Wang Yiling , Liu Ping , Lin Peng , Jin Shumei , Xu Chao
Published: June 2024

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide, characterized by high morbidity, high mortality, and poor prognosis. Collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1) has been shown to be highly expressed in various cancers. However, its biological functions, potential role as a biomarker, and its relationship with immune infiltrates in HNSCC remain unclear. Our principal objective was to analyze CTHRC1 expression, its prognostic implications, biological functions, and its effects on the immune system in HNSCC patients using bioinformatics analysis.

Methods

The expression matrix was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). CTHRC1 expression in HNSCC was analyzed between tumor and adjacent normal tissues, different stages were compared, and its impact on clinical prognosis was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) were employed for enrichment analysis. The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database (STRING) was used to analyze protein-protein interactions. Pearson correlation tests were used to investigate the association between CTHRC1 expression and immune checkpoints. The correlation between CTHRC1 and immune infiltration was investigated using CIBERSORT, TIMER, and ESTIMATE.

Results

Compared to adjacent normal tissues, CTHRC1 was found to be highly overexpressed in tumors. Increased expression of CTHRC1 was more evident in the advanced stage of HNSCC and predicted a poor prognosis. Most genes related to CTHRC1 in HNSCC were enriched in physiological functions of Extracellular matrix(ECM) and tumor. Furthermore, several immune checkpoints, such as TNFSF4 and CD276 have been shown to be associated with CTHRC1 expression. Notably, the level of CTHRC1 expression correlated significantly with immune infiltration levels, particularly activated macrophages in HNSCC.

Conclusions

High expression of CTHRC1 predicts poor prognosis and is associated with immune infiltration in HNSCC, confirming its utility as a tumor marker for HNSCC.

Trial registration

Not applicable. All data are from public databases and do not contain any clinical trials.