bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Less in the West: The tangibility of international organizations and their media visibility around the world
Authors: Parizek Michal
Published: May 2024

This paper presents the first theoretical and large-scale empirical account of the visibility of major global international organizations (IOs) in news media around the world. It focuses on the everyday, continuous coverage of IOs, through which knowledge and support of IOs can be built over time. Synthesizing insights from Media Studies and International Relations (IR), I develop a theoretical framework centered on the tangibility of IOs’ work—its concreteness and proximity to audiences—as the key driver of variation in IOs’ media visibility across states. Empirically, I study the media visibility of the 40 IOs and IO bodies that form the UN System broadly defined, including virtually all the major formal global IOs. I find that the IOs are systematically more visible in states where they conduct tangible development-focused operational activity. The differences are sizeable: IO media visibility in states with the lowest levels of human development is approximately 75% higher than in highest-development level states, typically Western. The empirical analysis is based on a novel dataset of more than 3.4 million news articles in 63 languages and 135 states, accounting for 96% of the world population, spanning 2018–2021. Natural language processing-based analysis is complemented with human coding of the content of a sample of articles, further highlighting the importance of the development-focused operational activity of IOs for their media visibility. The findings have important implications for our understanding of the public image of IOs in Western states and beyond.
MNCs’ Corporate Social Innovation in Emerging Markets: Antecedents, Outcomes, and Boundary Conditions
Authors: Nwoba Arinze Christian , Kusi Samuel , Adebajo Adedapo , Prempeh Mark Kofi
Published: May 2024

This study examines (i) the relationship between first social mover multinational corporations (MNCs) and corporate social innovation (CSI); (ii) the impact of MNCs’ CSI on social value creation; and (iii) the moderating role of local embeddedness on the relationship between the first social mover MNCs, CSI, and social value creation. The study builds from the behavioral theory of social entrepreneurship. Primary data was collected from 150 MNCs operating in Nigeria—a social and resource-constrained emerging market in sub-Saharan Africa. Findings show that there is a positive relationship between first social mover MNCs and CSI. The findings also show that CSI has a positive relationship with social value creation. Furthermore, the findings reveal that local embeddedness strengthens the path between first social mover MNCs, CSI, and social value creation path. These findings have important implications for CSI and international management research as well as the growth and management of MNCs operating in emerging markets in sub-Saharan Africa.
Identification of the biological functions and chemo-therapeutic responses of ITGB superfamily in ovarian cancer
Authors: Han Jiawen , Lyu Lin
Published: May 2024

Background

Patients with ovarian cancer (OC) tend to face a poor prognosis due to a lack of typical symptoms and a high rate of recurrence and chemo-resistance. Therefore, identifying representative and reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and prediction of chemo-therapeutic responses is vital for improving the prognosis of OC.

Methods

Expression levels, IHC staining, and subcellular distribution of eight ITGBs were analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-Ovarian Serous Cystadenocarcinoma (OV) database, GEO DataSets, and the HPA website. PrognoScan and Univariate Cox were used for prognostic analysis. TIDE database, TIMER database, and GSCA database were used to analyze the correlation between immune functions and ITGBs. Consensus clustering analysis was performed to subtype OC patients in the TCGA database. LASSO regression was used to construct the predictive model. The Cytoscape software was used for identifying hub genes. The ‘pRRophetic’ R package was applied to predict chemo-therapeutic responses of ITGBs.

Results

ITGBs were upregulated in OC tissues except ITGB1 and ITGB3. High expression of ITGBs correlated with an unfavorable prognosis of OC except ITGB2. In OC, there was a strong correlation between immune responses and ITGB2, 6, and 7. In addition, the expression matrix of eight ITGBs divided the TCGA-OV database into two subgroups. Subgroup A showed upregulation of eight ITGBs. The predictive model distinguishes OC patients from favorable prognosis to poor prognosis. Chemo-therapeutic responses showed that ITGBs were able to predict responses of common chemo-therapeutic drugs for patients with OC.

Conclusions

This article provides evidence for predicting prognosis, immuno-, and chemo-therapeutic responses of ITGBs in OC and reveals related biological functions of ITGBs in OC.
Nutritional Considerations During Major Weight Loss Therapy: Focus on Optimal Protein and a Low-Carbohydrate Dietary Pattern
Authors: Volek Jeff S. , Kackley Madison L. , Buga Alex
Published: May 2024

Purpose of Review

Considering the high prevalence of obesity and related metabolic impairments in the population, the unique role nutrition has in weight loss, reversing metabolic disorders, and maintaining health cannot be overstated. Normal weight and well-being are compatible with varying dietary patterns, but for the last half century there has been a strong emphasis on low-fat, low-saturated fat, high-carbohydrate based approaches. Whereas low-fat dietary patterns can be effective for a subset of individuals, we now have a population where the vast majority of adults have excess adiposity and some degree of metabolic impairment. We are also entering a new era with greater access to bariatric surgery and approval of anti-obesity medications (glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues) that produce substantial weight loss for many people, but there are concerns about disproportionate loss of lean mass and nutritional deficiencies.

Recent Findings

No matter the approach used to achieve major weight loss, careful attention to nutritional considerations is necessary. Here, we examine the recent findings regarding the importance of adequate protein to maintain lean mass, the rationale and evidence supporting low-carbohydrate and ketogenic dietary patterns, and the potential benefits of including exercise training in the context of major weight loss.

While losing and sustaining weight loss has proven challenging, we are optimistic that application of emerging nutrition science, particularly personalized well-formulated low-carbohydrate dietary patterns that contain adequate protein (1.2 to 2.0 g per kilogram reference weight) and achieve the beneficial metabolic state of euketonemia (circulating ketones 0.5 to 5 mM), is a promising path for many individuals with excess adiposity.

Graphical Abstract

Created with Biorender.com.
The current status of health care indices and functional independence among older adults: data from HelpAge international-jordan study
Authors: Abufaraj Mohammad , Alhalaseh Lana , Al-sabbagh Mohammed Q. , Eyadat Zaid , Khatib Walid Al , Samara Osama A , Moonesar Immanuel Azaad , Smith Lee , Al qutob Raeda
Published: May 2024

Background

Health services should anticipate the changing pattern of illnesses associated with population aging to promote healthy aging.

Aim

We aimed to evaluate health indices and chronic illnesses and their relationship with functional independence in community Syrian refugees & Jordanian elderly.

Methods

A stratified sample of 1,718 community older adults aged ≥ 60-year-old from four major Jordanian governorates was interviewed in this cross-sectional study. Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living was utilized to assess functional status. Data were analyzed using STATA 15.

Results

Despite the similarities in baseline function, Syrian refugees had more multimorbidities but less active health insurance, accessibility to healthcare services and availability of medications and medical devices than Jordanians. Two-thirds had multimorbidities; with heart diseases, musculoskeletal conditions, hypertension, and diabetes being the most commonly reported chronic illnesses. Females had significantly more multimorbidities, and functional dependence, yet less education, income and accessibility to healthcare services. The mean Katz Index score was 4.99 ± 1.61. Significant predictors of functional dependence included increasing age, lower level of education, and some chronic illnesses.

Conclusion

National inclusive plans to support vulnerable older adults especially refugees and older women, provide health insurance, enhance access to health care facilities, and manage chronic medical illnesses comprehensively are urgently needed to improve independence of community-living older adults and to promote healthy aging.
Configuring Mixed-Integer Programming Solvers for Large-Scale Instances
Authors: Kemminer Robin , Lange Jannick , Kempkes Jens Peter , Tierney Kevin , Weiß Dimitri
Published: May 2024

Algorithm configuration techniques automatically search for parameters of solvers and algorithms that provide minimal runtime or maximal solution quality on specified instance sets. Mixed-integer programming (MIP) solvers pose a particular challenge for algorithm configurators due to the difficulty of finding optimal, or even feasible, solutions on the large-scale problems commonly found in practice. We introduce the OPTANO Algorithm Tuner (OAT) to find configurations for MIP solvers and other optimization algorithms. We present and evaluate several critical components of OAT for solving MIPs in particular and show that OAT can find configurations that significantly improve the solution time of MIPs on two different datasets.
The relationships between strengths-based teaching practices and students’ general, strengths, and academic self-efficacy
Authors: Anderson Amy M. , Or Justina , Maguire Kelly R.
Published: May 2024

A deficit-based approach to teaching is widely embedded in higher education. Such an approach emphasizes what is wrong and does not allow for a comprehensive view of students. To counteract this negative approach, higher education teachers may employ strengths-based practices, which bring one’s strengths and resources to light, enabling a holistic understanding of self and students. Existing literature supports the positive effects of strengths-based teaching practices on college students, including their self-efficacy, which is crucial to their development. As such, this study sought to add empirical evidence for the relationships between strengths-based teaching in higher education and college students’ general, strengths, and academic self-efficacy (N = 268). Correlational analyses revealed statistically significant, moderate positive relationships between a strengths-based teaching practice and college students’ general, strengths, and academic self-efficacy. These findings offered insights into higher education teaching practices. Specifically, it may benefit higher education teachers to employ a strengths-based teaching approach as an inclusive practice to serve all college students. However, given the limitations of the current study, additional empirical research on strengths-based teaching practices is recommended.
Multivariate Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Dziuda Darius M.
Published: May 2024

Multivariate biomarker discovery is increasingly important in the realm of biomedical research, and is poised to become a crucial facet of personalized medicine. This will prompt the demand for a myriad of novel biomarkers representing distinct 'omic' biosignatures, allowing selection and tailoring treatments to the various individual characteristics of a particular patient. This concise and self-contained book covers all aspects of predictive modeling for biomarker discovery based on high-dimensional data, as well as modern data science methods for identification of parsimonious and robust multivariate biomarkers for medical diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized medicine. It provides a detailed description of state-of-the-art methods for parallel multivariate feature selection and supervised learning algorithms for regression and classification, as well as methods for proper validation of multivariate biomarkers and predictive models implementing them. This is an invaluable resource for scientists and students interested in bioinformatics, data science, and related areas.
Feral Empire
Authors: Renton Kathryn
Published: May 2024

By tracing the dramatic spread of horses throughout the Americas, Feral Empire explores how horses shaped society and politics during the first century of Spanish conquest and colonization. It defines a culture of the horse in medieval and early modern Spain which, when introduced to the New World, left its imprint in colonial hierarchies and power structures. Horse populations, growing rapidly through intentional and uncontrolled breeding, served as engines of both social exclusion and mobility across the Iberian World. This growth undermined colonial ideals of domestication, purity, and breed in Spain's expanding empire. Drawing on extensive research across Latin America and Spain, Kathryn Renton offers an intimate look at animals and their role in the formation of empires. Iberian colonialism in the Americas cannot be explained without understanding human-equine relationships and the centrality of colonialism to human-equine relationships in the early modern world. This title is part of the Flip it Open Program and may also be available Open Access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details.
Reading with the Burneys
Authors: Coulombeau Sophie
Published: May 2024

This Element offers a multidimensional study of reading practice and sibling rivalry in late eighteenth-century Britain. The case study is the Aberdeen student and disgraced thief Charles Burney's treatment of Evelina (1778), the debut novel of his sister Frances Burney. Coulombeau uses Charles's manuscript poetry, letters, and marginalia, alongside illustrative prints and circulating library archives, to tell the story of how he attempted to control Evelina's reception in an effort to bolster his own socio-literary status. Uniting approaches drawn from literary studies, biography, bibliography, and the history of the book, the Element enriches scholarly understanding of the reception of Frances Burney's fiction, with broader implications for studies of gender, class, kinship and reading in this period. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
The Vicar of Wakefield
Authors: Goldsmith Oliver
Published: May 2024

This newly edited critical edition of an enduringly popular tale, one of the most widely reprinted and illustrated works of fiction in English, offers readers an authoritative text along with extensive and helpful annotation. Following the lives of the vicar and his family, and the various calamities which befall them, The Vicar of Wakefield was one of the most popular and beloved works of eighteenth-century fiction. A lively introduction details the reception of Goldsmith's tale, from comments by Frances Burney and Goethe, through Sir Walter Scott, Washington Irving and Henry James, to critics of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The volume also includes appendices comprising a wealth of contextual information, enhancing the work for contemporary readers. For scholars of Goldsmith and new readers alike, this edition will prove the authoritative version of a tale that moved generations of readers to laughter and to tears.
Static and dynamic characteristics of supersonic cruise missile with damaged wing
Authors: Zhuo C.F. , He Z.R. , Ren X.B. , Wang Y.K.
Published: May 2024

Accurately evaluating the aerodynamic performance of the missile with damaged structures is very important for the subsequent flight control strategy. At present, few researchers have studied the aerodynamic characteristics of damaged supersonic cruise missiles. Based on CFD (computational fluid dynamics) solutions and the dynamic derivative identification method, the differences in static and dynamic characteristics between the damaged and undamaged models are compared. The results indicate that when the extent of damage increases, the change rate of drag coefficient at larger AoA (angle-of-attack) is greater than that at the smaller AoA. On the contrary, the change rate of lift coefficient at larger AoA is smaller than that at smaller AoA. Meanwhile, the absolute value of the static pitch moment decreases, but the absolute value of the roll moment increases. Damage causes a change in the absolute values of the pitch and roll dynamic derivatives, and the dynamic derivatives do not vary monotonically with the increase of AoA. The turning point occurs at about
$\alpha$
= 5°. The areas of the hysteresis loops of the pitch-roll coupling moment increase, which makes the dynamic coupling characteristic between the pitch and roll directions increase. Finally, the maximum allowable damage extent of the missile wing that can achieve static trim is obtained and validated by controlling the deflection of the four rudders.
Efficacy and Safety of High PEEP NIV in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Šitum Ivan , Hrvoić Lovro , Mamić Gloria , Džaja Nikolina , Popović Zvonimir , Karković Nikica , Jurković Ivan , Erceg Ante , Premužić Vedran , Mažar Mirabel , Mihaljević Slobodan , Perković Romana , Karmelić Dora , Lovrić Daniel
Published: May 2024

Objective:

To investigate the efficacy and safety of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) with high PEEP levels application in patients with COVID–19–related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Methods:

This is a retrospective cohort study with data collected from 95 patients who were administered NIV as part of their treatment in the COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) at University Hospital Centre Zagreb between October 2021 and February 2022. The definite outcome was NIV failure.

Results:

High PEEP NIV was applied in all 95 patients; 54 (56.84%) patients could be kept solely on NIV, while 41 (43.16%) patients required intubation. ICU mortality of patients solely on NIV was 3.70%, while total ICU mortality was 35.79%. The most significant difference in the dynamic of respiratory parameters between 2 patient groups was visible on Day 3 of ICU stay: By that day, patients kept solely on NIV required significantly lower PEEP levels and had better improvement in PaO2, P/F ratio, and HACOR score.

Conclusion:

High PEEP applied by NIV was a safe option for the initial respiratory treatment of all patients, despite the severity of ARDS. For some patients, it was also shown to be the only necessary form of oxygen supplementation.
Theta functions, fourth moments of eigenforms and the sup-norm problem II
Authors: Khayutin Ilya , Nelson Paul D. , Steiner Raphael S.
Published: May 2024

Let f be an

$L^2$

-normalized holomorphic newform of weight k on

$\Gamma _0(N) \backslash \mathbb {H}$

with N squarefree or, more generally, on any hyperbolic surface

$\Gamma \backslash \mathbb {H}$

attached to an Eichler order of squarefree level in an indefinite quaternion algebra over

$\mathbb {Q}$

. Denote by V the hyperbolic volume of said surface. We prove the sup-norm estimate

$$\begin{align*}\| \Im(\cdot)^{\frac{k}{2}} f \|_{\infty} \ll_{\varepsilon} (k V)^{\frac{1}{4}+\varepsilon} \end{align*}$$

with absolute implied constant. For a cuspidal Maaß newform

$\varphi $

of eigenvalue

$\lambda $

on such a surface, we prove that

$$\begin{align*}\|\varphi \|_{\infty} \ll_{\lambda,\varepsilon} V^{\frac{1}{4}+\varepsilon}. \end{align*}$$

We establish analogous estimates in the setting of definite quaternion algebras.
“I was also trying to protect myself and save my life,” experiences of people living with severe mental illness and their caregivers regarding COVID-19 response in Uganda
Authors: Nakasujja Noeline , Alinaitwe Racheal , Nakigudde Janet , Turiho Andrew , Birabwa-Oketcho Harriet , Musisi Seggane
Published: May 2024

Introduction

People with severe mental illness (SMI) are highly vulnerable and more affected by epidemics than the general population. They encounter limited access to care, miss out on infection prevention measures and are more prone to relapses.

Objectives

This study explored the experiences of individuals with SMI and their caregivers in Uganda during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its focus was on the impact of COVID-19 and its response measures on their mental health.

Methods

The study was conducted at three sites; a national referral mental hospital, a regional referral hospital and a district hospital. Participants included persons with SMI, their caregivers and mental health professionals. Data collection involved in-depth interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Phenomenological thematic analysis was employed.

Results

The key themes identified encompassed challenges in accessing mental health services, disrupted routine care, the impact of lockdown measures and discrimination.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the unique challenges faced by individuals with SMI and their caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda. There is need for interventions focusing on continued access to care, improving information dissemination and addressing the psychological impact of containment measures on people with SMI.
Regime of torture: Guantánamo Bay’s ongoing detention and prosecutions of the CIA’s Rendition, Detention, and Interrogation prisoners
Authors: Blakeley Ruth , Price Megan
Published: May 2024

Under the Convention against Torture, if states know of torture having taken place, they have obligations to provide redress and rehabilitation for victims and pursue prosecution of those responsible. Despite this, the United States continues to detain prisoners who were subjected to years of CIA torture in Guantánamo Bay. The United States is pursuing the death penalty through the Military Commissions (MC) system which falls far short of any international standards for fair trial. Ongoing systematic physical and psychological abuse prolongs torture’s effects. We argue that the ongoing arbitrary detention, abuse, denial of healthcare, and the MCs constitute a regime of torture that persists today, with the acquiescence of successive US administrations, and with the collusion of multiple agencies of the US state. This regime is deliberately intended to keep CIA torture victims incommunicado as long as possible to prevent evidence of the worst excesses of CIA torture from ever coming to light. This regime has profound implications for human rights accountability and the rule of law. Our argument offers an opportunity to revisit the prevailing narrative in International Relations literature, which tends to view the CIA torture programme as an aberration, and its closure an indicator of the restoration of the anti-torture norm.
When Do Mass Labor Strikes Reshape the Public? New Findings and a Research Agenda for Political Science
Authors: Hertel-Fernandez Alexander
Published: May 2024

I consider the role of exposure to large-scale strikes in shaping preferences about workplace action and labor unions, replicating and extending past work identifying the effect of large-scale teachers’ strikes. I study a large 2019 grocery store strike. Using an original survey fielded in affected states and an instrumental variables design, I find strike exposure increased support for the strikes, including actions taken supporting the striking workers. I do not find consistent evidence that strikes increased interest in online actions to support other workers or in workers taking most forms of labor actions at their own jobs. Firsthand contact with strikes had no effect on individuals’ broader perceptions of the labor movement or support for a union at their job. These results suggest important distinctions between strikes. Suggestive evidence indicates that the grocery strikes may have failed to inspire a greater sense of linked fate between affected members of the public and striking workers, as had occurred with teachers’ strikes. I conclude by laying out a research agenda for understanding the impact of mass strikes.
Introducing the global climate security atlas
Authors: Cabré Anna , Kaufmann Samuel , Marinov Irina , Weisberg Michael
Published: May 2024

Non-Technical Summary

There is a need to develop tools that facilitate knowledge sharing and cooperation among researchers, institutions, and countries around the world, especially concerning global, transboundary, and long-term climate impacts. The IPCC report aims to achieve this goal, and emphasizes that digitization of global maps, centralization of multidisciplinary results, and further sorting and simplification of data products are necessary to make the immense amount of information accessible to broader communities. To this end, we build a new digital atlas useful for training the future generation of climate scientists, for academic collaboration, and as a first stop in intergovernmental conversations.

Technical Summary

Climate change is a significant threat to humanity, and its impacts on natural and human systems have already been observed. Climate action requires both global and local cooperation and needs to be approached together with other world crises in a transformative, systemic, and holistic way, prioritizing long-term human and ecological well-being and short-term targeted action. Bridging the gap between climate scientists, educators, and decision-makers is crucial, which requires a multidisciplinary approach, meaningful collaboration tools, practical simplification, and visualization of research output data, and more effective communication. To address some of these challenges in communication for decision-making, as well as challenges in multidisciplinary climate teaching and research, we built a new digital atlas called the Perry World House Global Climate Security Atlas. Researchers, teachers, and policymakers are encouraged to use the Atlas to visualize global information on physical climate projections, environmental, and ecological data, as well as information on human, social, and political systems. In this paper, we motivate the need for the Atlas and summarize its potential uses, provide a summary description of the datasets, and offer suggestions on how to bridge the gap between science and policymaking.

Social Media Summary

A new interactive Atlas that brings together global, transboundary, multidisciplinary, and long-term climate impacts.
Abbrüche in der Pflegeausbildung
Authors: Scholl Ilka , Deimel Diane , Schulz Michael , Löhr Michael
Published: May 2024

Zusammenfassung: Bundesweit zeichnet sich eine hohe Abbruchquote in der Pflegeausbildung von 30% ab (Einig et al., 2020). Die Gründe und die daraus resultierenden Maßnahmen sind vielfältig und verdienen daher genauere Betrachtung. Welche Möglichkeiten die Träger der praktischen Ausbildung im Umgang mit den Auszubildenden haben, zeigt der folgende Beitrag.
„Was Angehörigen hilft, muss immer maßgeschneidert sein“
Authors: Müller Christoph , Vögeli Samuel , Wolf Nina
Published: May 2024

Zusammenfassung: Angehörige von Menschen mit Demenz brauchen viel Aufmerksamkeit. Die Demenzberaterin Nina Wolf und der Pflegefachmann Samuel Vögeli haben ein Buch geschrieben, das die Sprache der Praxis spricht. Sie haben mit Christoph Müller gesprochen.
Generation of a lethal mouse model expressing human ACE2 and TMPRSS2 for SARS-CoV-2 infection and pathogenesis
Authors: Jeong Gi Uk , Hwang Insu , Lee Wooseong , Choi Ji Hyun , Yoon Gun Young , Kim Hae Soo , Yang Jeong-Sun , Kim Kyung-Chang , Lee Joo-Yeon , Kim Seong-Jun , Kwon Young-Chan , Kim Kyun-Do
Published: May 2024

Mouse models expressing human ACE2 for coronavirus disease 2019 have been frequently used to understand its pathogenesis and develop therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2. Given that human TMPRSS2 supports viral entry, replication, and pathogenesis, we established a double-transgenic mouse model expressing both human ACE2 and TMPRSS2 for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Co-overexpression of both genes increased viral infectivity in vitro and in vivo. Double-transgenic mice showed significant body weight loss, clinical disease symptoms, acute lung injury, lung inflammation, and lethality in response to viral infection, indicating that they were highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Pretreatment with the TMPRSS2 inhibitor, nafamostat, effectively reduced virus-induced weight loss, viral replication, and mortality in the double-transgenic mice. Moreover, the susceptibility and differential pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 variants were demonstrated in this animal model. Together, our results demonstrate that double-transgenic mice could provide a highly susceptible mouse model for viral infection to understand SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and evaluate antiviral therapeutics against coronavirus disease 2019.
Hydrops and congenital diaphragmatic hernia: reported incidence and postnatal outcomes. Analysis of the congenital diaphragmatic hernia study group registry
Authors: Mesas Burgos Carmen , Ebanks Ashley H. , Löf-Granström Anna , Holden Kylie I. , Johnson Anthony , Conner Peter , Harting Matthew T. ,   The Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group
Published: May 2024

Objective

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) associated with hydrops is rare. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of this combination of anomalies and the postnatal outcomes from a large database for CDH.

Study design

Data from the multicenter, multinational database on infants with prenatally diagnosed CDH (CDHSG Registry) born from 2015 to 2021 were analyzed.

Results

A total of 3985 patients were entered in the registry during the study period, 3156 were prenatally diagnosed and 88 were reported to have associated fluid in at least 1 compartment, representing 2.8% of all prenatally diagnosed CDH cases in the registry. The overall survival to discharge for CDH patients with hydrops was 43%. The hydropic CDH group had lower birth weight and gestational age at birth, and increased incidence of right-sided CDH (55%), and rate of non-repair (45%). However, the survival rate for hydropic infants with CDH undergoing surgical repair was 80%. Other associated anomalies were more common in hydropic CDH (50% vs 37%, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Hydropic CDH is rare, only 2.8% of all prenatally diagnosed cases, and more commonly occurring in right-sided CDH. Survival rates are low, with higher rates of non-repair. However, decision-making regarding goals of care and an aggressive surgical approach in selected cases may result in survival rates comparable to non-hydropic cases.
3D motion analysis dataset of healthy young adult volunteers walking and running on overground and treadmill
Authors: Riglet Louis , Delphin Corentin , Claquesin Lauranne , Orliac Baptiste , Ornetti Paul , Laroche Davy , Gueugnon Mathieu
Published: May 2024

Used on clinical and sportive context, three-dimensional motion analysis is considered as the gold standard in the biomechanics field. The proposed dataset has been established on 30 asymptomatic young participants. Volunteers were asked to walk at slow, comfortable and fast speeds, and to run at comfortable and fast speeds on overground and treadmill using shoes. Three dimensional trajectories of 63 reflective markers, 3D ground reaction forces and moments were simultaneously recorded. A total of 4840 and 18159 gait cycles were measured for overground and treadmill walking, respectively. Additionally, 2931 and 18945 cycles were measured for overground and treadmill running, respectively. The dataset is presented in C3D and CSV files either in raw or pre-processed format. The aim of this dataset is to provide a complete set of data that will help for the gait characterization during clinical gait analysis and in a sportive context. This data could be used for the creation of a baseline database for clinical purposes to research activities exploring the gait and the run.
Future optimism group based on the chronological stress view is less likely to be severe procrastinators
Authors: Kashiwakura Saya , Hiraki Kazuo
Published: May 2024

Previous studies have shown that procrastinators tend to disregard the future. However, the "time view" of procrastinators, including their impressions of the future, has not been sufficiently examined. Therefore, we introduced new indices, "chronological stress view" and "chronological well-being view," which treat impressions of the past, present, and future (= time view) as time-series data via stress and well-being, respectively. The results showed that the group that believed that stress did not increase as they moved into the future had a lower percentage of severe procrastinators. No relationship was found between the chronological well-being view and procrastination. This result suggests that people who are relatively optimistic about the future based on the chronological stress view are less likely to be severe procrastinators. This may suggest the importance of having a hopeful prospect in the future to avoid procrastinating on actions that should yield greater rewards in the future.
Determinants of low Apgar score among newborns delivered by Cesarean section in Nigist Eleni Mohammed memorial specialized hospital, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Desalegn Mitiku , Yohannes Tadele , Tesfaye Legesse
Published: May 2024

A variety of factors can predispose newborns to have a low Apgar score after delivery. Identification of the determinants of low Apgar scores is an important first step to take to apply the necessary precautions. This study aimed to identify the determinants of low fifth-minute Apgar score after a Cesarean section. An institutional-based case–control study was conducted among mothers who deliver their newborns by Cesarean section in Nigist Eleni Mohammed Memorial Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia, from July 1, 2022, to September 30, 2022. Data were collected from 70 cases and 140 controls using a semi-structured checklist. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select both charts of mothers with cases and controls. Charts of mothers with newborns Apgar score less than 7 were considered as cases; whereas a similar group of charts of mothers with newborns with fifth-minute Apgar score greater than or equal to 7 were categorized as control. Descriptive statistics and bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to describe the mothers and newborns and identify determinants of the fifth-minute low Apgar score, respectively. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with their respective 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to declare the determinant factors, and the statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. In total, 140 controls and 70 cases of mothers charts were enrolled in this study. The Mean ± SD age of mothers of cases and controls were 26.9 ± 4.9 and 27.06 ± 4.1 years, respectively. General anaesthesia (AOR = 4.2; 95% CI: 1.9 ‒ 9.3), rural residence (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI, 1.7‒8.1), low birth weight (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI, 1.3‒7.8), and emergency Cesarean section (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.2 ‒ 5.8) were identified determinant factors of low fifth minute Apgar score. A fifth-minute low Apgar score was significantly associated with newborns delivered through emergency Cesarean section, low birth weight, rural residence, and delivered from mothers who had undergone Cesarean section under general anaesthesia.
Broadscale spatial synchrony in a West Nile virus mosquito vector across multiple timescales
Authors: Campbell Lindsay P. , Bauer Amely M. , Tavares Yasmin , Guralnick Robert P. , Reuman Daniel
Published: May 2024

Insects often exhibit irruptive population dynamics determined by environmental conditions. We examine if populations of the Culex tarsalis mosquito, a West Nile virus (WNV) vector, fluctuate synchronously over broad spatial extents and multiple timescales and whether climate drives synchrony in Cx. tarsalis, especially at annual timescales, due to the synchronous influence of temperature, precipitation, and/or humidity. We leveraged mosquito collections across 9 National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) sites distributed in the interior West and Great Plains region USA over a 45-month period, and associated gridMET climate data. We utilized wavelet phasor mean fields and wavelet linear models to quantify spatial synchrony for mosquitoes and climate and to calculate the importance of climate in explaining Cx. tarsalis synchrony. We also tested whether the strength of spatial synchrony may vary directionally across years. We found significant annual synchrony in Cx. tarsalis, and short-term synchrony during a single period in 2018. Mean minimum temperature was a significant predictor of annual Cx. tarsalis spatial synchrony, and we found a marginally significant decrease in annual Cx. tarsalis synchrony. Significant Cx. tarsalis synchrony during 2018 coincided with an anomalous increase in precipitation. This work provides a valuable step toward understanding broadscale synchrony in a WNV vector.
Ecofriendly solidification of sand using microbially induced calcium phosphate precipitation
Authors: Avramenko Maksym , Nakashima Kazunori , Takano Chikara , Kawasaki Satoru
Published: May 2024

This study introduces microbiologically induced calcium phosphate precipitation (MICPP) as a novel and environmentally sustainable method of soil stabilization. Using Limosilactobacillus sp., especially NBRC 14511 and fish bone solution (FBS) extracted from Tuna fish bones, the study was aimed at testing the feasibility of calcium phosphate compounds (CPCs) deposition and sand stabilization. Dynamic changes in pH and calcium ion (Ca2+) concentration during the precipitation experiments affected the precipitation and sequential conversion of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) to hydroxyapatite (HAp), which was confirmed by XRD and SEM analysis. Sand solidification experiments demonstrated improvements in unconfined compressive strength (UCS), especially at higher Urea/Ca2+ ratios. The UCS values obtained were 10.35 MPa at a ratio of 2.0, 3.34 MPa at a ratio of 1.0, and 0.43 MPa at a ratio of 0.5, highlighting the advantages of MICPP over traditional methods. Microstructural analysis further clarified the mineral composition, demonstrating the potential of MICPP in environmentally friendly soil engineering. The study highlights the promise of MICPP for sustainable soil stabilization, offering improved mechanical properties and reducing environmental impact, paving the way for novel geotechnical practices.
Topical insulin for refractory persistent corneal epithelial defects
Authors: Abdi Parisa , Ghaffari Reza , Azad Nikoo , Alshaheeb Ahmed , Latifi Golshan , Soltani Shahgoli Sahel , Fakhredin Hanieh
Published: May 2024

The aim was clinical evaluation of the efficacy of topical insulin eye drops in patients with refractory persistent epithelial defects (PEDs). This prospective non-randomized investigation was conducted to examine the efficacy of insulin eye drops in treating patients with PEDs that did not respond to conventional therapy. A total of twenty-three patients were included in the study, and they were administered insulin eye drops formulated as 1 U/mL, four times a day. The rate of epithelial defect resolution and time to complete corneal re-epithelialization were considered primary outcome measures. The relative prognostic impact of initial wound size and other parameters, including age, sex, smoking, diabetes, and hypertension were also analyzed. The results showed that during follow-up (maximum 50 days), a total of 16 patients (69.6%) achieved improvement. Insulin eye drops significantly reduced the corneal wounding area in 75% of patients with small epithelial defects (5.5 mm2 or less) during 20 days. Only 61% of patients with moderate epithelial defects (5.51–16 mm2) showed a significant recovery in 20–30 days. Also, 71% of patients with a defect size greater than 16 mm2, demonstrated a significant improvement in the rate of corneal epithelial wound healing in about 50 days. In conclusion topical insulin reduces the PED area and accelerates the ocular surface epithelium wound healing.
A lecturer’s voice quality and its effect on memory, listening effort, and perception in a VR environment
Authors: Schiller Isabel S. , Breuer Carolin , Aspöck Lukas , Ehret Jonathan , Bönsch Andrea , Kuhlen Torsten W. , Fels Janina , Schlittmeier Sabine J.
Published: May 2024

Many lecturers develop voice problems, such as hoarseness. Nevertheless, research on how voice quality influences listeners’ perception, comprehension, and retention of spoken language is limited to a small number of audio-only experiments. We aimed to address this gap by using audio-visual virtual reality (VR) to investigate the impact of a lecturer’s hoarseness on university students’ heard text recall, listening effort, and listening impression. Fifty participants were immersed in a virtual seminar room, where they engaged in a Dual-Task Paradigm. They listened to narratives presented by a virtual female professor, who spoke in either a typical or hoarse voice. Simultaneously, participants performed a secondary task. Results revealed significantly prolonged secondary-task response times with the hoarse voice compared to the typical voice, indicating increased listening effort. Subjectively, participants rated the hoarse voice as more annoying, effortful to listen to, and impeding for their cognitive performance. No effect of voice quality was found on heard text recall, suggesting that, while hoarseness may compromise certain aspects of spoken language processing, this might not necessarily result in reduced information retention. In summary, our findings underscore the importance of promoting vocal health among lecturers, which may contribute to enhanced listening conditions in learning spaces.
Examining the relationship between land use and childhood leukemia and lymphoma in Tehran
Authors: Norzaee Samira , Yunesian Masud , Ghorbanian Arsalan , Farzadkia Mahdi , Rezaei Kalantary Roshanak , Kermani Majid , Nourbakhsh Seyed Mohammad-Kazem , Eghbali Aziz
Published: May 2024

We conducted a hospital-based case–control study to explore the association between proximity to various land use types and childhood leukemia and lymphoma. This research involved 428 cases of childhood leukemia and lymphoma (2016–2021), along with a control group of 428 children aged 1–15 in Tehran. We analyzed the risk of childhood cancer associated with land use by employing logistic regression adjusted for confounding factors such as parental smoking and family history. The odds ratio (OR) for children with leukemia and lymphoma residing within 100 m of the nearest highway was 1.87 (95% CI = 1.00–3.49) and 1.71 (95% CI = 1.00–2.93), respectively, in comparison to those living at a distance of 1000 m or more from a highway. The OR for leukemia with exposure to petrol stations within 100 m was 2.15 (95% CI = 1.00–4.63), and for lymphoma it was 1.09 (95% CI = 0.47–2.50). A significant association was observed near power lines (OR = 3.05; 95% CI = 0.97–9.55) within < 100 m for leukemia. However, no significant association was observed between power lines and the incidence of childhood lymphoma. There was no association between bus stations, major road class 2, and the incidence of childhood leukemia and lymphoma. In conclusion, our results suggest a possible association between the incidence of childhood leukemia and proximity to different urban land uses (i.e., highways and petrol stations). This study is the first step in understanding how urban land use affects childhood leukemia and lymphoma in Tehran. However, comprehensive studies considering individual-level data and specific pollutants are essential for a more nuanced understanding of these associations.
Quality of life in women with normal pregnancy
Authors: Wójcik Małgorzata , Aniśko Bartosz , Siatkowski Idzi
Published: May 2024

Pregnancy affects a woman’s physiological and psychological state. One of the most important aspects that requires attention is the quality of life of pregnant women. The quality of life of women during this period is influenced by a number of factors, such as back and pelvic pain, physiotherapy and physical activity, and also sexual satisfaction. Eighty-five women aged 21–40 years (30.80 ± 5.05) in pregnancy trimesters participated in the study: 17 women were in the first trimester, 32 women were in the second, and 36 women in the third trimester. The World Health Organisation Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women SSS-W-R15 were used to answer the research hypotheses. Respondents also provided information on questions regarding physiotherapy treatments and physical activity. Quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) and disability due to back pain (ODI) showed a statistical association and relationship (p-value = 0.045, rho = − 0.22). Quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) has an association with sexual satisfaction in pregnant women (SSS-W-R15) (p-value = 0.003, rho = 0.32). The trimester of pregnancy has an effect on ODI (p-value = 0.027). A significant effect occurred in a detailed comparison between the first and third trimesters of pregnancy (p-value = 0.026). The trimester also has an impact on quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) (p-value = 0.002). In a detailed analysis, a significant effect occurred between the first and third trimesters of pregnancy (p-value = 0.001). Moreover, the trimester of pregnancy has an impact on sexual satisfaction (SSS-W-R15) (p-value = 0.027). After detailed statistical analysis, a significant effect occurred between trimesters one and three of pregnancy (p-value = 0.046). On the other hand, the number of days of physical activity performed by pregnant women per month and the type of physical activity had no effect on the ODI (p-value = 0.071). The type of physical activity performed by pregnant women also has no effect on ODI (p-value = 0.023). The number of physiotherapy treatments used has no effect on the ODI (p-value = 0.156). Type of physiotherapy treatment has no effect on ODI (p-value = 0.620). Normal pregnancy quality of life (WHOQOL) is related to ODI and sexual satisfaction (SSS-W-R15), while the trimester of pregnancy also has an impact on quality of life, disability due to back pain and sexual satisfaction.
Single cell RNA analysis uncovers the cell differentiation and functionalization for air breathing of frog lung
Authors: Chang Liming , Chen Qiheng , Wang Bin , Liu Jiongyu , Zhang Meihua , Zhu Wei , Jiang Jianping
Published: May 2024

The evolution and development of vertebrate lungs have been widely studied due to their significance in terrestrial adaptation. Amphibians possess the most primitive lungs among tetrapods, underscoring their evolutionary importance in bridging the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life. However, the intricate process of cell differentiation during amphibian lung development remains poorly understood. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we identify 13 cell types in the developing lungs of a land-dwelling frog (Microhyla fissipes). We elucidate the differentiation trajectories and mechanisms of mesenchymal cells, identifying five cell fates and their respective driver genes. Using temporal dynamics analyses, we reveal the gene expression switches of epithelial cells, which facilitate air breathing during metamorphosis. Furthermore, by integrating the published data from another amphibian and two terrestrial mammals, we illuminate both conserved and divergent cellular repertoires during the evolution of tetrapod lungs. These findings uncover the frog lung cell differentiation trajectories and functionalization for breathing in air and provide valuable insights into the cell-type evolution of vertebrate lungs.
Administration sequence- and formation-dependent vaccination using acid-degradable polymeric nanoparticles with high antigen encapsulation capability
Authors: Choi Yeon Su , Felgner Jiin , Jan Sharon , Hernandez-Davies Jenny E. , Davies D. Huw , Kwon Young Jik
Published: May 2024

Acid-degradable polymeric nanoparticles with a high capability of GFP encapsulation demonstrate efficient antibody production in combination with booster injection of free antigens.