bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specificity of a pancreatic lipase point-of-care test and agreement with pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity in cats without clinical evidence of pancreatitis
Authors: Xenoulis Panagiotis G , Moraiti Katerina T , Spanou Victoria M , Chatzis Manolis K , Kokkinaki Kassiopi CG , Saridomichelakis Manolis N , Steiner Jörg M
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the specificity of a rapid point-of-care test for the estimation of feline pancreatic lipase (SNAP fPL) in healthy and sick cats without clinical evidence of pancreatitis. A second objective was to evaluate the agreement between SNAP fPL and serum pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI), as measured by Spec fPL.

Methods

A total of 150 cats were prospectively enrolled into this study. Of them, 82 cats were healthy while 68 cats had various diseases but no clinical signs (eg, anorexia, depression, vomiting) raising a suspicion of pancreatitis.

Results

SNAP fPL was normal in 133/150 cats (specificity 89%) without obvious clinical pancreatitis. SNAP fPL was normal in 74/82 healthy cats (specificity 90%) and in 59/68 cats that were sick but without typical signs of pancreatitis (specificity 87%). The agreement between SNAP fPL and Spec fPL was substantial (k = 0.64) in healthy cats and almost perfect (k = 0.93) in sick cats. The overall agreement between SNAP fPL and Spec fPL was almost perfect (k = 0.81).

Conclusions and relevance

The specificity of SNAP fPL in this group of cats was high. There was a substantial and almost perfect agreement between the SNAP fPL and Spec fPL in healthy cats and sick cats without suspected pancreatitis, respectively. In the small percentage of cats with abnormal SNAP fPL and/or Spec fPL results, the possibility of subclinical pancreatitis cannot be excluded.
Markers of entanglement: Survival strategies within the neoliberal university and the promise of carceral futures
Authors: Mokhtari Mitra
Published: July 2023

Within the neoliberal era, the university's form and function have shifted. These shifts necessitate an unraveling of the synergies of institutions of higher education with carceral institutions. Building from the scholarship of the “college-prison nexus” and the “academic-prison symbiosis,” this paper converges on the criminology department's role within these synergies. Based on an analysis of department websites and the introductory course syllabi of English-speaking criminology departments in Canada (n = 50), I interrogate the methods used to advertise to students. I identify six markers of entanglement that are part of how departments market themselves in the neoliberal era to the student–consumer. These markers include career prospects, field placements, faculty research, pracademics, job training, and dual/bridging degrees. Utilizing these markers as a departure point, I analyze these indicators of relationships that exist between the university and the carceral apparatus. In doing so, I interrogate how these relationships can (re)produce carceral logics and systems and offer the university an articulated pathway of survival through carceral intrenchment.
New Zealand is “racist as f**k”: Linguistic racism and te reo Māori
Authors: May Stephen
Published: July 2023

A key feature of the confluence of modern nation-state formation and colonization has been the marginalization and denigration of minoritized language varieties, particularly Indigenous languages, over time. Indigenous languages have been actively proscribed in public language domains, such as education, leading to their inevitable shift and loss, in settler-colonial contexts worldwide. This process of linguistic hierarchization has long been recognized in the sociology of language and the sociology of nationalism but the overt and covert linguistic racism attendant upon it had remained relatively under-explored. Recent discussions within sociolinguistics and linguistic anthropology, however, have addressed this lacuna, particularly through the development of raciolinguistics as a theoretical framework. Linguistic racism, a form of cultural racism, uses discursive constructions of language use and related linguistic hierarchies as a proxy for the racialized discrimination and subordination of Indigenous peoples and other minoritized ethnic groups. Here, I explore discourses of linguistic racism by Pākehā (White) New Zealanders in Aotearoa New Zealand toward te reo Māori, the Indigenous Māori language, in everyday discourses and the media. I focus particularly on the public contestation of the increasing normalization of te reo Māori in contemporary New Zealand society, the result of the successes of the last 40 years of Māori language revitalization, via both overt and covert forms of linguistic racism toward te reo Māori. These discourses act in defense of English monolingualism, the direct linguistic legacy of New Zealand’s settler-colonial history, along with the privileges this history has provided for White, monolingual English-speaking New Zealanders. Interestingly, the racialized opposition to te reo Māori is most evident among older, White New Zealanders. This suggests the potential for change among younger New Zealanders and New Zealand’s increasingly diverse migrant population, both of whom appear more open to the ongoing development of societal bilingualism in English and te reo Māori.
Evidence for the Technical Adequacy of the Teacher Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Beliefs Scale
Authors: Miller Faith G. , Li Anna
Published: July 2023

Implementation of social and emotional learning (SEL) programs and practices is becoming increasingly prevalent in Pre-K through Grade 12 educational settings. Research provides robust evidence to support positive outcomes associated with SEL implementation; however, we also know that implementation can be impacted by a variety of different individual and organizational factors. Teacher beliefs can influence how teachers implement SEL programming and represent an important area of study. The purpose of this study was to explore evidence for the technical adequacy of the Teacher SEL Beliefs Scale by examining the internal structure, internal consistency, and relations between subscale scores and teacher self-reported implementation fidelity of the Second Step SEL program. Confirmatory factor analysis of 103 teachers’ responses indicated that the three-factor solution found by prior authors, consisting of Comfort, Commitment, and Culture subscales, was also supported in the current sample. Moreover, ordinal logistic regression analyses suggested that the Comfort factor was significantly associated with how consistently teachers reported implementing the Second Step program. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Two Maps, Two Tales and Two Truths: A Purposeful Transformational Approach to the Nkonya–Alavanyo Conflict in Ghana
Authors: Agyei Prince Duah , Möller Frank , Väyrynen Tarja
Published: July 2023

In this article, we suggest rethinking the conflict resolution agenda among seemingly latent intractable communal conflicts by moving toward a constructive transformation of these conflicts. We connect Coser's theorization on social conflict and Lederach's conflict transformational ideas to, first, offer an alternative way of reconceptualizing conflict in ways that focus on harnessing the inherent potentialities of conflicts while changing the negative relational patterns among disputants; second, we propose emancipation from the local turn in peacebuilding to a local-local turn that will create a sense of local ownership, legitimize the process and increase the likelihood of acceptable and durable outcomes. To substantialize our argument, we present phenomenologically generated evidence from the Nkonya–Alavanyo conflict, which persists for over a century despite several attempts at its resolution. The conflict revolves around two truths derived from two maps and two tales and is overshadowed by mutual accusations and historically conditioned distrust of mediators.
Reporting civilizational collapse: Research notes from a world-in-crisis
Authors: Cottle Simon
Published: July 2023

There is a woeful silence in global media as well as a widespread reluctance in the fields of media and communication studies to fully recognize and research the systemic and interlocking nature of deepening existential threats that together now constitute today’s ‘world-in-crisis’. It is time to move beyond disaggregated news reporting and research parochialisms and grapple conceptually and theoretically as well as empirically and politically with the complexity of the planetary emergency and its communication. This article elaborates on these claims and provides conceptual and theoretical coordinates of use in re-imagining mainstream journalism’s potential for processes of transition and transformation.
Factors influencing social prescribing initiatives: a systematic review of qualitative evidence
Authors: Ebrahimoghli R , Pezeshki MZ , Farajzadeh P , Arab-Zozani M , Mehrtak M , Alizadeh M
Published: July 2023

Aims:

Social prescribing is a growing health policy agenda to improve the quality and effectiveness of health systems. However, systematically collected knowledge on factors influencing the effective implementation of SP is scarce. A systematic review was conducted to identify and categorize factors influencing social prescribing initiatives.

Methods:

A search of three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Knowledge) was carried out to retrieve studies from inception to May 2022, supplemented by grey literature searching and snowballing of the relevant references. The inclusion criteria were original empirical research, qualitative data collection, and a description of factors affecting social prescribing initiatives. Study quality was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. We categorized the results of individual studies using a narrative approach.

Results:

A total of 23 studies were included for analysis. Along with patient-related factors (patient-centeredness, clinical complexity, perception, knowledge), three main settings of social prescribing initiatives (including healthcare providers, link workers, and voluntary and community sectors) are affected by (1) individual characteristics (knowledge, perception, skill mix); (2) interpersonal relations (collaboration, trust, feedback, supportive climate, follow-up, sustained connection, peer support within and across sectors); (3) organizational contingencies (resource adequacy, staffing, training, role description, continuity of support, caseload management, monitoring, affordability, accessibility, referral criteria, and tailored support); and (4) political context (national policy and guidance, stewardship, planning, cocreation, bureaucracy, economic condition, and the number of support organizations).

Conclusion:

Many factors influencing social prescribing initiatives were identified. The results of this review can be applied by different stakeholders of social prescribing to guide development, implementation, description, and evaluation.
New insights into balancing wound healing and scarless skin repair
Authors: Zhou Shengxi , Xie Mengbo , Su Jingjing , Cai Bingjie , Li Jingan , Zhang Kun
Published: July 2023

Scars caused by skin injuries after burns, wounds, abrasions and operations have serious physical and psychological effects on patients. In recent years, the research of scar free wound repair has been greatly expanded. However, understanding the complex mechanisms of wound healing, in which various cells, cytokines and mechanical force interact, is critical to developing a treatment that can achieve scarless wound healing. Therefore, this paper reviews the types of wounds, the mechanism of scar formation in the healing process, and the current research progress on the dual consideration of wound healing and scar prevention, and some strategies for the treatment of scar free wound repair.
Diagnostic yield and novel candidate genes for neurodevelopmental disorders by exome sequencing in an unselected cohort with microcephaly
Authors: Wang Chunli , Zhou Wei , Zhang Luyan , Fu Luhan , Shi Wei , Qing Yan , Lu Fen , Tang Jian , Gao Xiucheng , Zhang Aihua , Jia Zhanjun , Zhang Yue , Zhao Xiaoke , Zheng Bixia
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Microcephaly is caused by reduced brain volume and most usually associated with a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). To provide an overview of the diagnostic yield of whole exome sequencing (WES) and promote novel candidates in genetically unsolved families, we studied the clinical and genetic landscape of an unselected Chinese cohort of patients with microcephaly.

Methods

We performed WES in an unselected cohort of 103 NDDs patients with microcephaly as one of the features. Full evaluation of potential novel candidate genes was applied in genetically undiagnosed families. Functional validations of selected variants were conducted in cultured cells. To augment the discovery of novel candidates, we queried our genomic sequencing data repository for additional likely disease-causing variants in the identified candidate genes.

Results

In 65 families (63.1%), causative sequence variants (SVs) and clinically relevant copy number variants (CNVs) with a pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) level were identified. By incorporating coverage analysis to WES, a pathogenic or likely pathogenic CNV was detected in 15 families (16/103, 15.5%). In another eight families (8/103, 7.8%), we identified variants in newly reported gene (CCND2) and potential novel neurodevelopmental disorders /microcephaly candidate genes, which involved in cell cycle and division (PWP2, CCND2), CDC42/RAC signaling related actin cytoskeletal organization (DOCK9, RHOF), neurogenesis (ELAVL3, PPP1R9B, KCNH3) and transcription regulation (IRF2BP1). By looking into our data repository of 5066 families with NDDs, we identified additional two cases with variants in DOCK9 and PPP1R9B, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results expand the morbid genome of monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders and support the adoption of WES as a first-tier test for individuals with microcephaly.
Symptoms and symptom clusters in patients newly diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease: results from the IBSEN III Study
Authors: Johansen Ingunn , Småstuen Milada Cvancarova , Løkkeberg Stine Torp , Kristensen Vendel Ailin , Høivik Marte Lie , Lund Charlotte , Olsen Bjørn , Strande Vibeke , Huppertz-Hauss Gert , Aabrekk Tone Bergene , Bengtson May-Bente , Ricanek Petr , Detlie Trond Espen , Frigstad Svein Oskar , Jelsness-Jørgensen Lars-Petter , Opheim Randi
Published: July 2023

Background

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease report multiple symptoms, but the relationships among co-occurring symptoms are poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of symptoms and explore symptom clusters and possible associations between symptom clusters and socio-demographic and clinical variables in patients newly diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods

The IBSEN III study is a prospective population-based inception cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. This study used patient data from the three largest hospitals in the study catchment area. The Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale was used to assess the prevalence of symptoms. Symptom clusters were identified using principal component analysis. Possible associations between socio-demographic and clinical variables and symptom cluster membership were estimated using regression analysis.

Results

Of the 573 patients (age, ≥18 years) diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, 350 (61.1%) completed the questionnaire (responders). Eleven symptoms were reported by >50% of the responders. The three most prevalent symptoms were bloating (84%), drowsiness (81%), and lack of energy (81%). Three symptom clusters were identified: psychological (56% of the patients), impaired energy (28%), and physical (16%) clusters. Multinomial regression analysis revealed that vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with the impaired energy cluster (odds ratio=2.49, 95% confidence interval [1.00-6.2],
p=0.05).

Conclusions

We found high symptom prevalence in patients newly diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. Three distinct symptom clusters were identified, and the psychological cluster includes >50% of the patients. Vitamin D deficiency is the only factor associated with cluster membership, namely the impaired energy cluster.
The efficacy and safety of patent Foramen Ovale Closure for Refractory Epilepsy (PFOC-RE): a prospectively randomized control trial of an innovative surgical therapy for refractory epilepsy patients with PFO of high-grade right-to-left shunt
Authors: Shuming Ji , Hua Li , Yusha Tang , Lei Chen
Published: July 2023

Background

A significant proportion of patients with epilepsy have an unknown etiology and lack effective targeted therapeutic drugs. Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) induces hypoxia and microembolism, leading to cerebral neurological dysfunction and increased epilepsy risk. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of PFO closure for relieving epileptic seizures in patients with refractory epilepsy associated with PFO.

Methods/design

Recruitment takes place at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China, for an open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial. The trial will include 110 patients with refractory epilepsy and PFO. Disease diagnoses will conform to the diagnostic criteria of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) for refractory epilepsy and the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) for PFO. Refractory epilepsy and high-grade right-to-left shunt (RLS) of the PFO will be further diagnosed using 24-hour video electroencephalogram and transthoracic echocardiography with contrast injection, respectively. Eligible participants require a secondary or higher volume of RLS.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200065681). Registered on November 11, 2022.
COVID-19 vaccine registry for pregnant women: policy to control complications of vaccination in pregnant women in 2021–2022
Authors: Asadi Farkhondeh , Shakiba Roya , Rabiei Reza , Emami Hassan , Sabahi Azam
Published: July 2023

Background

Data management related to COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women is vital to improve the treatment process and to establish preventive programs. Implementing a registry to manage data is an essential part of this process. This study aims to design a national model of the COVID-19 vaccination registry for pregnant women in Iran.

Methods

The present study is an applied descriptive study conducted in 2021 and 2022 in two stages. In the first stage, the coordinates of the National Registry of COVID-19 vaccination of pregnant women from related references and articles, as well as the comparative study of the National Registry of COVID-19 vaccination of pregnant women in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom was done. In the second stage, the preliminary model was designed. The model was validated using the Delphi technique and questionnaire tools and analyzing the data.

Results

The presented national COVID-19 vaccination registry model of pregnant women’s main components consist of objectives, data sources, structure, minimum data set, standards, and registry processes, all of which received 100% expert consensus.

Conclusion

The vaccination registry of pregnant women has a major role in managing COVID-19 vaccination data of pregnant women and can be one of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education priorities.
Implementing a quality improvement initiative for private healthcare facilities to achieve accreditation: experience from India
Authors: Nair Tapas Sadasivan , Memon Parvez , Tripathi Sanjay , Srivastava Ashish , Sunny Kujur Meshach , Singh Deepti , Bhamare Parag , Yadav Vikas , Kumar Srivastava Vineet , Prasad Pallipamula Suranjeen , Usmanova Gulnoza , Kumar Somesh
Published: July 2023

Background

The Manyata program is a quality improvement initiative for private healthcare facilities in India which provided maternity care services. Under this initiative, technical assistance was provided to selected facilities in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Maharashtra which were interested in obtaining ‘entry level certification’ under the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) for provision of quality services. This paper describes the change in quality at those Manyata-supported facilities when assessed by the NABH standards of care.

Methods

Twenty-eight private-sector facilities underwent NABH assessments in the three states from August 2017 to February 2019. Baseline assessment (by program staff) and NABH assessment (by NABH assessors) findings were compared to assess the change in quality of care as per NABH standards of care. The reported performance gaps from NABH assessments were then also classified by thematic areas and suggested corrective actions based on program implementation experience.

Results

The overall adherence to NABH standards of care improved from 9% in the baseline assessment to 80% in the NABH assessment. A total of 831 performance gaps were identified by the NABH assessments, of which documentation issues accounted for a majority (70%), followed by training (19%). Most performance gaps could be corrected either by revising existing documentation or creating new documentation (62%), or by orienting facility staff on various protocols (35%).

Conclusion

While the adherence of facilities to the NABH standards of care improved considerably, certain performance gaps remained, which were primarily related to documentation of facility policies and protocols and training of staff, and required corrective actions for the facilities to achieve NABH entry level certification.
Resistance of Anopheles stephensi to selected insecticides used for indoor residual spraying and long-lasting insecticidal nets in Ethiopia
Authors: Teshome Abebe , Erko Berhanu , Golassa Lemu , Yohannes Gedeon , Irish Seth R. , Zohdy Sarah , Yoshimizu Melissa , Dugassa Sisay
Published: July 2023

Background

Malaria, transmitted by the bite of infective female Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a global public health problem. The presence of invasive Anopheles stephensi, capable of transmitting Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum, was first reported in Ethiopia in 2016. The ecology of this mosquito species differs from that of Anopheles arabiensis, the primary malaria vector in Ethiopia. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of selected insecticides, which are used in indoor residual spraying (IRS) and selected long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) for malaria vector control against adult An. stephensi.

Methods

Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes were collected as larvae and pupae from Awash Subah Kilo Town and Haro Adi village, Ethiopia. Adult female An. stephensi, reared from larvae and pupae collected from the field, aged 3–5 days were exposed to impregnated papers of IRS insecticides (propoxur 0.1%, bendiocarb 0.1%, pirimiphos-methyl 0.25%), and insecticides used in LLINs (alpha-cypermethrin 0.05%, deltamethrin 0.05% and permethrin 0.75%), using diagnostic doses and WHO test tubes in a bio-secure insectary at Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University. For each test and control tube, batches of 25 female An. stephensi were used to test each insecticide used in IRS. Additionally, cone bioassay tests were conducted to expose An. stephensi from the reared population to four brands of LLINs, MAGNet™ (alpha-cypermethrin), PermaNet® 2.0 (deltamethrin), DuraNet© (alpha-cypermethrin) and SafeNet® (alpha-cypermethrin). A batch of ten sugar-fed female mosquitoes aged 2–5 days was exposed to samples taken from five positions/sides of a net. The data from all replicates were pooled and descriptive statistics were used to describe features of the data.

Results

All An. stephensi collected from Awash Subah Kilo Town and Haro Adi village (around Metehara) were resistant to all tested insecticides used in both IRS and LLINs. Of the tested LLINs, only MAGNet™ (alpha-cypermethrin active ingredient) caused 100% knockdown and mortality to An. stephensi at 60 min and 24 h post exposure, while all other net brands caused mortality below the WHO cut-off points (< 90%). All these nets, except SafeNet®, were collected during LLIN distribution for community members through the National Malaria Programme, in December 2020.

Conclusions

Anopheles stephensi is resistant to all tested insecticides used in IRS and in the tested LLIN brands did not cause mosquito mortality as expected, except MAGNet. This suggests that control of this invasive vector using existing adult malaria vector control methods will likely be inadequate and that alternative strategies may be necessary.
'It’s not going to be a one size fits all': a qualitative exploration of the potential utility of three drug checking service models in Scotland
Authors: Carver Hannah , Falzon Danilo , Masterton Wendy , Wallace Bruce , Aston Elizabeth V. , Measham Fiona , Hunter Carole , Sumnall Harry , Gittins Rosalind , Raeburn Fiona , Craik Vicki , Priyadarshi Saket , Rothney Laura , Weir Kira , Parkes Tessa
Published: July 2023

Background

Scotland currently has the highest rates of drug-related deaths in Europe, so drug checking services are being explored due to their potential role in reducing these deaths and related harms. Drug checking services allow individuals to submit presumed psychoactive drug samples for analysis, and then receive individualised feedback and counselling. This paper explores participants’ views on the advantages and challenges of three hypothetical service models, to inform future service delivery in Scotland.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 43 people: 27 professional stakeholders, 11 people with experience of drug use, and five family members across three cities. Vignettes were used to provide short descriptions of three hypothetical service models during the interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Participants identified advantages and challenges for each of the three potential service models. The third sector (not-for-profit) model was favoured overall by participants, and the NHS substance use treatment service was the least popular. Participants also noted that multiple drug checking sites within one city, along with outreach models would be advantageous, to meet the diverse needs of different groups of people who use drugs.

Conclusions

Drug checking services need to be tailored to local context and needs, with a range of service models being possible, in order to meet the needs of a heterogeneous group of people who use drugs. Addressing issues around stigma, accessibility, and concerns about the potential impact of accessing drug checking on access to and outcomes of drug treatment, are essential for successful service delivery.
Investigating residual leukemic cells in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a practical approach using a streamlined interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization method on cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Karapetyan Knarik , Gizhlaryan Mane , Kalinovskaia Olga , Hovhannisyan Anna , Tadevosyan Gohar , Matinyan Lilit , Tamamyan Gevorg , Ghazaryan Narine
Published: July 2023

Introduction

A precise diagnosis of central nervous system involvement in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) requires comprehensive knowledge of morphological analysis, with a focus on the quantity and quality of cells being examined. Some research has utilized techniques such as immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (iFISH) on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytospin samples to detect any remaining leukemic cells in the CSF. To obtain reliable results using immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry, it is essential to use freshly collected specimens within a limited timeframe. At the same time, PCR requires a sufficient number of cells for DNA extraction. On the other hand, the iFISH procedure on CSF cytospin samples can be challenging and requires practice. Therefore, there is a need for a fast, easy method that will be affordable and marketable in laboratories where the above methods are not available, or the sample is insufficient to use those methods.

Methods

The samples were prepared by centrifugation of 1 mL aliquots of CSF collected into EDTA tubes. The CSF sample was centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 3 min, the supernatant was removed, and the pellet was placed in KCl hypotonic solution for 5 min at 37 °C. Other steps (fixation, hybridization, wash steps, and analysis) were the same as in the standard protocol for blood samples. The BCR-ABL1 rearrangements were performed and evaluated in 200 interphase cells.

Results

90% of Ph(+) cells were found in CSF.

Conclusion

We propose a significantly streamlined iFISH method for detecting blast/residual leukemic cells in acute lymphoblastic leukemia using CSF as a complementary test option.
Ovarian reserve in women with cystic fibrosis: is this a cause of sub-fertility?
Authors: Cohen-Cymberknoh Malena , Garber Keren Marks , Reiter Joel , Shteinberg Michal , Stolovas Aielet , Barghouti Iyad , Adler Lazarovits Chana , Esh Broder Efrat , Hershko Klement Anat
Published: July 2023

Background

Over the past two decades, increasing number of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) survive into adulthood. Compared to the general population, sub-fertility is an obstacle for many women with CF (wwCF). Decreased ovarian reserve has been proposed as a possible cause, but limited data is available to support this. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ovarian reserve in wwCF and to correlate this with patients’ demographic and clinical data.

Methods

Reproductive-aged wwCF were enrolled during their routine medical appointments. Assessment included Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels, routine blood tests and antral follicular count (AFC) evaluation. Additionally, demographic, and clinical information were collected.

Results

A total of wenty-three wwCF were enrolled, with ages ranging from 19 to 40 years (median 27 years). Among the fourteen wwCF who were considering pregnancy, five (35.7%) disclosed undergoing an infertility assessment and receiving fertility treatments. All but one patient had an Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level between the 5th and 95th % for age. Measurement of the antral follicular count (AFC) was possible in 12 of the 23 patients and was ranging 8–40 with a median of 17. The proportion of wwCF presenting below median AMH values was not different in sub-fertile as compared to fertile wwCF (P value 0.54). There were no correlations between AMH levels and disease severity parameters. AMH seemed to be relatively higher in wwCF with mild class mutations, but this was not shown to have statistical significance.

Conclusions

Our results, in contrast with the limited available published data, do not support the hypothesis that decreased ovarian reserve plays a major role in infertility in wwCF.
PAI-1 regulates AT2-mediated re-alveolarization and ion permeability
Authors: Ali Gibran , Zhang Mo , Chang Jianjun , Zhao Runzhen , Jin Yang , Zhang Jiwang , Ji Hong-Long
Published: July 2023

Background

Acute lung injury is characterized by overwhelmingly elevated PAI-1 in both lung edema fluid and the circulating system. The role of increased PAI-1, encoded by Serpine1 gene, in the regeneration of injured lung epithelium has not been understood completely. This study aimed to investigate the role of Serpine1 in the regulation of alveolar type 2 epithelial cell (AT2) fate in a humanized mouse line carrying diseased mutants (Serpine1Tg).

Methods

Wild-type (wt) and Serpine1Tg AT2 cells were either cultured as monolayers or 3D alveolospheres. Colony-forming assay and total surface area of organoids were analyzed. AT1 and AT2 cells in organoids were counted by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). To test the potential effects of elevated PAI-1 on the permeability in the epithelial monolayers, we digitized the biophysical properties of polarized AT2 monolayers grown at the air–liquid interface.

Results

A significant reduction in total AT2 cells harvested in Serpine1Tg mice was observed compared with wt controls. AT2 cells harvested from Serpine1Tg mice reduced significantly over the wt controls. Spheroids formed by Serpine1Tg AT2 cells were lesser than wt control. Similarly, the corresponding surface area, a readout of re-alveolarization of injured epithelium, was markedly reduced in Serpine1Tg organoids. FACS analysis revealed a significant suppression in the number of AT2 cells, in particular, the CD44+ subpopulation, in Serpine1Tg organoids. A lesser ratio of AT1:AT2 cells in Serpine1Tg organoids was observed compared with wt cultures. There was a significant increase in transepithelial resistance but not amiloride inhibition.

Conclusions

Our study suggests elevated PAI-1 in injured lungs downregulates alveolar epithelial regeneration by reducing the AT2 self-renewal, particularly in the CD44+ cells.
Pan-cancer analysis from multi-omics data reveals AAMP as an unfavourable prognostic marker
Authors: Wang Yang , Liu Ting , Zhang Ke , Huang Rong-hai , Jiang Li
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Angio-associated migratory cell protein (AAMP) is a protein that participates in cell migration and is reported to be involved in cancer progression. However, the molecular mechanism of AAMP in pan-cancer is not known.

Methods

We used multi-omics data, such as TIMER, TCGA, GTEx, CPTAC, HPA, and cBioPortal to analyze AAMP expression, and gene alteration in pan-cancer. Univariate Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier were utilized to explore prognostic significance of AAMP expression level. We applied Spearman analysis to investigate the correlation between AAMP and TMB, MSI, immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints. Moreover, we mainly studied liver hepatocellular carcinoma(LIHC) to explore AAMP expression, clinical significance, and prognosis. Cox regression analysis was used to study independent factor to predict prognosis for AAMP in LIHC. GSEA was utilized to investigate the biological function for AAMP in LIHC.

Results

AAMP was overexpressed in most cancers, and high AAMP expression was associated with worse overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and progress-free interval (PFI) for LIHC and adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Moreover, AAMP had the highest mutation frequency in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC). AAMP was correlated with TMB and MSI in esophageal carcinoma (ESCA), stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD), lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), and thyroid carcinoma (THCA). Then, we focus on LIHC to investigate the expression and prognosis of AAMP. AAMP overexpression was related to histological grade and pathological stage in LIHC. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that AAMP overexpression was an independent adverse prognostic marker for LIHC. AAMP expression was correlated with immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoints in LIHC. Function enrichment analysis indicated the participation of AAMP in the cell cycle and DNA replication.

Conclusions

AAMP was a latent prognostic indicator for pan-cancer and had high potential as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of LIHC.
Effects of Aerobic and Speed Training Versus Active Control on Repeated Sprint Ability and Measures of Self-confidence and Anxiety in Highly Trained Male Soccer Players
Authors: Selmi Walid , Hammami Raouf , Kasmi Sofien , Sehli Sonia , Rebai Haithem , Duncan Michael , Chtara Mokhtar , Granacher Urs
Published: July 2023

Background

While there is ample evidence on the effects of single-mode aerobic and speed training on physical fitness in soccer players, less is known on the combined effects of these exercise regimens on physical and psychological factors.

Aim

This study aimed to compare the effects of aerobic and speed training with soccer-specific training versus soccer-specific training only on aerobic performance during the YOYO intermittent fitness test level 1 (final velocity, total distance [TD], maximal oxygen consumption [VO2max]), repeated sprint ability (best, total sprint time [RSABT, RSATT], sprint decrement [RSA dec]) performance and somatic anxiety (SA), cognitive anxiety (CA), and self-confidence (SC) adaptations in soccer players.

Methods

Thirty-eight highly trained male athletes aged 18.9 ± 0.5 years were randomly assigned to an aerobic and speed training group (COMB-G; n = 20) or an active control group (CON-G; n = 18). Aerobic training comprised intermittent exercises at 110–120% of the final velocity achieved at the end of the YOYO IL1 test. Speed training involved maximal sprints over 15–20-m with 5–6 sets per session. Aerobic or speed training lasted 20 min per session and replaced parts of the soccer-specific training. CON-G performed the soccer-specific training including technical, tactical drills and small-sided games. Training volume was similar between groups. Pre, post intervention, all participants performed a repeated-sprint ability (RSA) test, the YO-YO IL1 test and the players completed a Competitive Scale Anxiety Inventory (CSAI-2).

Results

A two (group: COMB-G, CON-G) by two (time: pre, post) mixed ANOVA (group-by-time) was computed. Significant group-by-time interactions were found for RSATT (F = 117.3; p < 0.001; Pη2 = 1.78), RSABT (F = 82.4; p < 0.001; Pη2 = 1.53), final velocity (F = 85.8; p < 0.001; Pη2 = 1.53), TD (F = 87.1; p < 0.001; Pη2 = 1.56), and VO2max (F = 18.0; p < 0.001; Pη2 = 0.72). In addition, significant group-by-time interactions were observed for SC (F = 90.2; p < 0.001; d = 1.60), SA (F = 60.5; p < 0.001; Pη2 = 1.70), and CA (F = 20.7; p < 0.001; Pη2 = 0.75). Post-hoc analyses indicated significant improvements for all dependent variables from pre- to post-training in favor of COMB-G.

Conclusion

Aerobic and speed training in combination with soccer-specific training is a safe and effective training method as it exerts positive effects not only for physical fitness but also for self-confidence and the coping of anxiety in male soccer players.
A narrative review on the role of magnesium in immune regulation, inflammation, infectious diseases, and cancer
Authors: Ashique Sumel , Kumar Shubneesh , Hussain Afzal , Mishra Neeraj , Garg Ashish , Gowda B. H. Jaswanth , Farid Arshad , Gupta Gaurav , Dua Kamal , Taghizadeh-Hesary Farzad
Published: July 2023

Background

Magnesium (Mg) has gained much importance recently because of its unique range of biological functions. It is one of the most significant micronutrients in biological systems. This review aims to outline the immune-regulating actions of Mg and its crucial role in regulating inflammation and immune response to infectious agents and malignancies.

Methods

We conducted a literature review on MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science to determine the impact of Mg on immune regulation in three settings of inflammation, infection, and cancer. We thoroughly examined all abstracts and full-text articles and selected the most relevant ones for inclusion in this review.

Results

Mg has long been associated with immunological responses, both nonspecific and specific. It plays a pivotal role in diverse immune responses by participating in multiple mechanisms. It facilitates substance P binding to lymphoblasts, promotes T helper, B cell, and macrophage responses to lymphokines, and facilitates antibody-dependent cytolysis and immune cell adherence. Besides, Mg serves as a cofactor for C'3 convertase and immunoglobulin synthesis. It additionally boasts a significant anti-cancer effect. Chronic Mg deficiency leads to enhanced baseline inflammation associated with oxidative stress, related to various age-associated morbidities. A deficiency of Mg in rodents has been observed to impact the cell-mediated immunity and synthesis of IgG adversely. This deficiency can lead to various complications, such as lymphoma, histaminosis, hypereosinophilia, increased levels of IgE, and atrophy of the thymus. The immunological consequences of Mg deficiency in humans can be influenced by the genetic regulation of Mg levels in blood cells. Mg can also mediate cell cycle progression. There has been a renewed interest in the physiology and therapeutic efficacy of Mg. However, the in-depth mechanisms, their clinical significance, and their importance in malignancies and inflammatory disorders still need to be clarified.

Conclusions

Mg is essential for optimal immune function and regulating inflammation. Deficiency in Mg can lead to temporary or long-term immune dysfunction. A balanced diet usually provides sufficient Mg, but supplementation may be necessary in some cases. Excessive supplementation can have negative impacts on immune function and should be avoided. This review provides an update on the importance of Mg in an immune response against cancer cells and infectious agents and how it regulates inflammation, oxidative stress, cell progression, differentiation, and apoptosis.
The Political Economy of International Regulatory Cooperation
Authors: Maggi Giovanni , Ossa Ralph
Published: July 2023

We examine international regulatory agreements that are negotiated under lobbying pressures from producer groups. The way in which lobbying influences the cooperative setting of regulatory policies, as well as the welfare impacts of international agreements, depend crucially on whether the interests of producers in different countries are aligned or in conflict. The former situation tends to occur for product standards, while the latter tends to occur for process standards. We find that, if producer lobbies are strong enough, agreements on product standards lead to excessive deregulation and decrease welfare, while agreements on process standards tighten regulations and enhance welfare. (JEL F13, F14, F15, L15, L51)
Problems and Prospects of Implementation of Compliance Control in Agribusiness Organizations in the Context of Digital Transformation
Authors: Yudintseva L.
Published: July 2023

The article substantiates the need to implement a compliance control system at the enterprises of the agro-industrial complex. The features of its implementation in the conditions of digital transformation are considered. The key risks that can have a significant impact on the reliability of the formation of reporting data of enterprises of the considered sector of the economy are indicated. The main problems in the organization of the compliance control mechanism as an effective risk minimization management system are analyzed.
Development of Regional and Municipal Taxation As a Factor in Ensuring the Balance of the Economy
Authors: Dvoretskaya V.
Published: July 2023

The article is devoted to the consideration of the main directions of tax incentives for the development of regions. Proposals have been made on the use of tax regulation rules, which are able to respond quickly enough to changing economic conditions, to organize the activities of business entities, especially economically powerful ones, which are the «locomotive» of the development of territories.
Audit in the Context of Digitalization: Problems and Prospects
Authors: Kurnykina Ol'ga
Published: July 2023

The global introduction of digitalization in all spheres of society and economy development has determined the need for the transformation of audit and audit technologies based on digital business models and regularly updated information technologies. The article explores the directions of digitalization development in audit, considers its advantages, as well as possible risks and problems. Measures are proposed to overcome risks and problems, and to activate the process of digitalization implementation in modern conditions.
The Development of Network Transformational Programs for Distressed Companies’ Rescue on the Example of Engineering Industry
Authors: L'vova O.
Published: July 2023

A mechanism for managing transformation programs for the rescue of distressed companies is suggested and based on the adaptation of the project management algorithm, including: 1) formation of a list of projects in the areas of market development, business process improvement, resource optimization; 2) establishment of interconnection and mutual influence of projects based on a network approach; 3) prioritization of projects by assigning network ranks. In contrast to the traditional approach to understanding the crisis management program as a linear set of projects, the author uses a network approach that allows us to consider the projects included in the program as its interrelated components. Taking into account the mutual influence of each project on others makes it possible to take a systematic look at the implementation of the crisis management program, increases the chances of not missing important elements and predicting the consequences of applying not only individual measures, but also their complex (for example, to see that the failure of one project will lead to the inability to complete others), unwinding the tangle of relationships taking into account the priority of projects, their ranking. The proposed methodological approach is tested on an illustrative example of engineering enterprise.
Aplicación del Bilingual Aphasia Test en un grupo de control de hispanohablantes monolingües con enfermedad de Párkinson.
Authors: Olmedo Iglesias Hugo
Published: July 2023

En este trabajo se utiliza el Bilingual Aphasia Test (BAT) para evaluar el deterioro lingüístico que se produce en pacientes monolingües que padecen párkinson. Comenzaremos realizando una breve introducción sobre la enfermedad y la relación de esta con el bilingüismo. Para el estudio, se han utilizado 18 pacientes monolingües (9 hombres y 9 mujeres), procedente la mayoría de la provincia de Cádiz y con una edad media de 70 años. Los resultados que se observaron en estos pacientes, que conforman el grupo control del experimento, son que existe un mayor índice de error en tareas de decisión léxica, lectura silenciosa de párrafo y dictado de frases.
La intersección de los planos fonético y fonológico en las vocales de las hablas andaluzas orientales.
Authors: Ramírez Quesada Estrella
Published: July 2023

Desde que Navarro Tomás (1939a) estableció la posibilidad de que la abertura vocálica que se da en las hablas de Andalucía oriental tenga valor fonológico, se han sucedido las opiniones que apoyan la hipótesis o, por el contrario, declaran que dicha abertura no tiene carácter fonológico, de tal manera que es otro rasgo de tipo prosódico o el propio contexto lo que permite distinguir pares como cuente/cuentes o mano/manos. En este artículo se presentan los resultados de una prueba de reconocimiento auditivo de unidades léxicas –que conforman hipotéticos pares mínimos– desprovistas de contexto, con el objetivo de comprobar qué diferencias de abertura vocálica son distinguidas por un grupo formado por cincuenta informantes. A partir de los resultados tratará de establecerse una explicación del fenómeno como muestra de la interrelación entre la fonética y la fonología.
Atuação da Educação Física em um hospital universitário da rede pública: uso do método AMPARO
Authors: Miranda Valter Paulo Neves , Oliveira Júlia Cunha Santos , Moreira Matheus Martins , Papini Camila Bosquiero
Published: July 2023

A atuação do Profissional de Educação Física (PEF) na “Atenção intra-hospitalar” ainda é recente, não havendo evidências e informações padronizadas na assistência aos pacientes. Objetivou-se apresentar e promover o método “AMPARO” no Programa de Recondicionamento Físico (PRF) do Hospital de Clínicas das Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro. AMPARO significa Avaliação Multidimensional, Planejamento, Atuação, Reavaliação e Orientação de atividades e exercícios físicos, visando aprimoramento das capacidades físicas relacionadas à saúde. Mais de 1600 atendimentos (avaliações e exercícios físicos) foram realizados. Completaram as 36 sessões do PRF, 31 pacientes, média de idade de 46,12 ± 13,58, sendo 25 (80,6%) do sexo feminino. Houve melhora na aptidão cardiovascular (p < 0,001), aumento da massa magra (p = 0,025) e aumento do tempo de atividade física moderada (p = 0,030). Conclui-se que o “PRF-Método AMPARO” vem se mostrando eficiente na assistência integral à saúde de pacientes atendidos por PEF em um hospital universitário da rede pública.