bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave vs radiofrequency ablation for small renal masses: perioperative and oncological outcomes
Authors: Jannello Letizia Maria Ippolita , Orsi Franco , Luzzago Stefano , Mauri Giovanni , Mistretta Francesco A. , Piccinelli Mattia Luca , Vaccaro Chiara , Tozzi Marco , Maiettini Daniele , Varano Gianluca , Caramella Stefano , Della Vigna Paolo , Ferro Matteo , Bonomo Guido , Tian Zhe , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , De Cobelli Ottavio , Musi Gennaro
Published: September 2024

Objective

To conduct a comprehensive comparison of microwave ablation (MWA) vs radiofrequency ablation (RFA) outcomes in the treatment of small renal masses (SRMs), specifically: TRIFECTA ([i] complete ablation, [ii] absence of Clavien–Dindo Grade ≥III complications, and [iii] absence of ≥30% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate) achievement, operative time (OT), and local recurrence rate (LRR).

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively analysed 531 patients with SRMs (clinical T1a–b) treated with MWA or RFA at a single centre (2008–2022). First, multivariable logistic regression models were used for testing TRIFECTA achievement. Second, multivariable Poisson regression models were used to evaluate variables associated with longer OT. Finally, Kaplan–Meier plots depicted LRR over time. All analyses were repeated after 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM).

Results

Of 531 patients with SRMs, 373/531 (70.2%) underwent MWA and 158/531 (29.8%) RFA. MWA demonstrated superior TRIFECTA achievement (314/373 [84.2%]) compared to RFA (114/158 [72.2%], P = 0.001). These differences were driven by higher rates of complete ablation in MWA‐ vs RFA‐treated patients (348/373 [93.3%] vs 137/158 [86.7%], P < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression models, MWA was associated with higher TRIFECTA achievement, compared to RFA, before (odds ratio [OR] 1.92, P = 0.008) and after PSM (OR 1.99, P = 0.023). Finally, the median OT was shorter for MWA vs RFA (105 vs 115 min; P = 0.002). At Poisson regression analyses, MWA predicted shorter OT before (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.86, P < 0.001) and after PSM (IRR 0.85, P < 0.001). Local recurrence occurred in 17/373 (4.6%) MWA‐treated patients and 21/158 (13.3%) RFA‐treated patients (P = 0.29) after a median (interquartile range) follow‐up of 24 (8–46) months. There were no differences in the LRR in Kaplan–Meier plots before (P = 0.29) and after PSM (P = 0.42).

Conclusion

Microwave ablation provides higher TRIFECTA achievement, and shorter OT than RFA. No significant differences were found regarding the LRR.
Genetics of anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract with congenital heart disease: A review
Authors: Barakat Amin J. , Butler Merlin G.
Published: September 2024

Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) and congenital heart disease (CHD) are the most common congenital defects and constitute a major cause of morbidity in children. Anomalies of both systems may be isolated or associated with congenital anomalies of other organ systems. Various reports support the co‐occurrence of CAKUT and CHD, although the prevalence can vary. Cardiovascular anomalies occur in 11.2% to 34% of patients with CAKUT, and CAKUT occur in 5.3% to 35.8% of those with CHD. The co‐occurrence of genetic factors in both CAKUT and CHD would raise common etiologies including genetics, genetic‐environmental interactions, or shared molecular mechanisms and pathways such as NODAL, NOTCH, BMP, WNT, and VEGF. Studies in animal models and humans have indicated a genetic etiology for CHD and CAKUT with hundreds of genes recognized and thousands of entries, found in a catalog of human genetic disorders. There are over 80 CAKUT genes and over 100 CHD genes available for clinical testing. For example, the HNFIB gene accounts for 5% to 31% of reported cases of CAKUT. In view of the association between CAKUT and CHD, a thorough cardiac examination should be performed in patients with CAKUT, and a similar evaluation for CAKUT in the presence of CHD. This will allow early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention to improve the long‐ term outcome of patients affected, and test for at‐risk family members. We present here evidence for an association of anomalies involving the two organ systems, and discuss possible etiologies of targeted genes, their functions, biological processes and interactions on embryogenesis.
Environmental DNA metabarcoding in the Cape Fold aquatic ecoregion: Opportunities and challenges for eDNA uptake in an endemism hotspot
Authors: Van Nynatten Alexander , Castañeda Rowshyra A. , Chakona Albert , Lovejoy Nathan R. , Weyl Olaf L. F. , Mandrak Nicholas E.
Published: September 2024

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has the potential to significantly improve surveys of biodiversity in freshwater systems. However, this methodology is still infrequently used in global hotspots of endemic species, in part because of two major barriers to the success of eDNA metabarcoding: (1) insufficient regional taxonomic representation in public reference sequence databases; and (2) inconsistent species incidence and abundance estimates when compared to conventional surveys.

We sampled eDNA and conducted visual surveys in the headwaters of two rivers in the Cape Fold aquatic ecoregion, South Africa. A reference sequence database was generated for the regional diversity of fishes to improve taxonomic classification of endemic species. We also compared the consistency of incidence data and relative abundance estimates of fishes from eDNA metabarcoding sequencing results and visual surveys (snorkel and underwater cameras) at each site sampled.

Only 1% of eDNA metabarcoding reads could be classified to fish species without the supplementation of reference sequence databases for local endemic species. Once regional reference sequences were added, a total of nine species were detected and >99% reads classified. A strong positive relationship (Φ = 0.75) was observed between the patterns of detections using eDNA and visual approaches. However, eDNA metabarcoding detected more species than visual methods. In addition, the relative read frequency and abundance observed in visual surveys was significantly correlated (R2 = 0.85–0.88, p < 0.001) in the majority of the small pools surveyed.

Incomplete public reference sequence databases hinder the use of eDNA metabarcoding in regions of high endemicity. Local reference sequence libraries can overcome these challenges. When appropriately implemented, eDNA metabarcoding shows promise, producing results consistent or better than the more frequently used and labour‐intensive visual surveys.

Efficient survey methods like eDNA metabarcoding are urgently needed to improve aquatic monitoring efforts globally. Understanding how eDNA metabarcoding sequencing results relate to conventional survey methods is a key step in its implementation in ecoregions with high endemicity.
Impact of Cohesion Funds on Convergence Club's Economic Growth
Authors: Oleš Tomáš , Hudcovský Martin
Published: September 2024

This paper empirically estimates the impact of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) on economic growth across European regions. The narrative of this paper is based on the convergence club hypothesis. In this context, we implement the data‐driven Phillips and Sul test to classify European regions into endogenously identified convergence clubs that tend to converge to different steady‐state equilibria. We find three substantially different convergence clubs in terms of both per capita output and spatial location: capital cities and metropolitan areas (along the so‐called “Blue Banana”), core countries, and the periphery. We observe a persistent core‐periphery pattern in terms of output per capita among European regions with different rates of convergence. The convergence club comprising capital cities and metropolitan areas converges almost four times faster than the rest of the EU. Subsequently, we estimate club‐specific growth regressions to investigate the impact of ESIF expenditures on short‐run economic growth. Our main identification strategy relies on two instrumental variables, namely the spatial lag of EFSI expenditures‐to‐GDP and the air distance to Brussels, to address a strong endogeneity problem in strongly biased relationship between ESIF expenditures‐to‐GDP and short‐run economic growth. Our results indicate a positive impact of ESIF expenditures‐to‐GDP on short‐run economic growth in the second (core) and third (periphery) convergence clubs, with the impact being twice as large in the latter compared to the former. These results remain robust when adjusting the growth regressions to use ESIF expenditures‐to‐population instead of ESIF expenditures‐to‐GDP, although the pronounced difference in effect magnitude among convergence clubs diminishes.
The role of infection in signalling root resorption: A narrative review
Authors: Lin S. , Moreinos D. , Mavridou A. M. , Novak R. , Rotstein I. , Abbott P. V.
Published: September 2024

Background

Root resorption consists of complex, multistep processes that involve cell signalling caused by inflammation and stromal cells, which promotes the secretion of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand/ macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (RANKL/M‐CSF) resulting in a resorptive process.

Objective

The aim of this narrative review was to analyse the literature related to root resorption resulting from microbial infection and to comparing it with non‐microbial infection.

Methods

An electronic literature search was performed using the PubMed database and applying keywords of articles published in English. Eligible papers were reviewed to reveal the descriptions of bone and root resorption processes. The abstracts were searched manually to identify articles about infection‐stimulating bone and root resorption.

Results

Three main types of root resorption were identified, two associated with primary bacterial infection and one secondary to bacterial infection. These include external inflammatory resorption, internal inflammatory resorption and external cervical (invasive) resorption.

Discussion

The magnitude of cytokine involvement that promotes resorption and M‐CSF/RANKL production depends on multiple factors, including pathogen virulence, site of infection and host genetic factors that activate the inflammation at the infection site. Two mechanisms activate the resorption mechanisms—the canonical and non‐canonical pathways that can activate clastic cells independently of the RANKL/RANK canonical pathways.

Conclusions

Two pathways of root resorption co‐exist in the body. When resorption is caused by infection, chronic inflammation due to bacterial infection prolongs the secretions of pro‐inflammatory cytokines that intensify root and bone resorption. The second pathway is bacterial independent of the non‐infection root resorption that is part of the wound healing process, which is limited in time due to its innate ability.
Development and validation of a model to predict the outcomes of radical cystectomy in patients with bladder cancer
Authors: Fukuokaya Wataru , Miki Jun , Taoka Rikiya , Saito Ryoichi , Matsui Yoshiyuki , Hatakeyama Shingo , Kawahara Takashi , Matsuda Ayumu , Kawai Taketo , Kato Minoru , Sazuka Tomokazu , Sano Takeshi , Urabe Fumihiko , Kashima Soki , Naito Hirohito , Murakami Yoji , Nishiyama Naotaka , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Kitamura Hiroshi , Kimura Takahiro
Published: September 2024

Objectives

This study aims to develop a prognostic model that estimates the post‐operative risk of cancer‐specific mortality in patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy (RC).

Methods

We analyzed the data from patients with bladder cancer who had undergone radical cystectomy without receiving adjuvant chemotherapy across 36 institutions in the Japan Urological Oncology Group. The data were randomly split into training (N = 1348) and validation sets (N = 674) in a 2:1 ratio. Twenty‐five variables were analyzed, and a multivariable Cox regression model predicting cancer‐specific mortality was developed and validated. Prognostic scores were categorized into good and poor prognostic groups based on the upper tertile. The performance of the model was compared against the CheckMate 274 risk classification as a reference, which is used for determining the indication of adjuvant nivolumab therapy.

Results

The final model incorporated eight variables. In the validation set, it outperformed the CheckMate 274 risk classification with superior time‐dependent area under the curves (5‐year: 0.81 vs. 0.67) and was well‐calibrated. Furthermore, our model reclassified 27.8% of patients categorized as high‐risk by the CheckMate 274 risk classification into the good prognosis group.

Conclusions

We developed and validated a prognostic model for patients with bladder cancer who underwent RC. This model will be beneficial in identifying patients with poor prognosis and those who are potential candidates for clinical trials of adjuvant therapy.
Is use of flowable resin composite an option for occluso‐proximal restorations in primary teeth? A fracture strength analysis
Authors: Cavalheiro Cleber Paradzinski , da Silva Carolina Lopes , Leitune Vicente Castelo Branco , de Araujo Fernando Borba , Imparato José Carlos Pettorossi , Lenzi Tathiane Larissa
Published: September 2024

Background

Use of flowable resin composites for ocluso‐proximal restorations in primary molars could improve cervical adaptation, and reduce the failure risk.

Aim

To investigate the fracture strength of occluso‐proximal restorations in primary teeth using different flowable resin composites (as an intermediate layer or entire cavity) and a conventional resin composite (incremental technique).

Design

Two standardized occluso‐proximal cavities were prepared on mesial and distal surfaces of 50 sound primary molars. The teeth were randomly assigned into five groups (n = 10): 2 mm Filtek Bulk Fill Flow + Z350 XT; 4 mm Filtek Bulk Fill Flow; 2 mm Z350 XT Flow + Z350 XT; 4 mm Z350 XT Flow; and Z350 XT inserted by incremental technique. All restored teeth were subjected to cariogenic challenge and then submitted to fracture strength test. The failure pattern of each specimen was categorized as reparable or irreparable/need for replacement based on the World Dental Federation (FDI) criteria. Fracture strength means were submitted to one‐way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests. Failure pattern was analyzed descriptively.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference on fracture strength among groups (p = .48). A similar distribution of reparable (35%–40%) and irreparable (60%–65%) failures was observed among groups.

Conclusion

Based on a laboratorial setting, the use of different flowable resin composites (as an intermediate layer or entire cavity) may be an option to restore occluso‐proximal cavities in primary molars.
Educational, labour market and relationship outcomes in people with acne
Authors: Barbieri John S. , Farkas Dóra K. , Skipper Niels , Bhate Ketaki , Langan Sinéad M. , Kibsgaard Line , Sørensen Henrik T. , Schmidt Sigrun A. J.
Published: September 2024

Background

Although acne is associated with scarring, mental health comorbidities and bullying, little is known about its impact on socio‐economic outcomes.

Objectives

To examine the association between acne and educational, labour market and relationship outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide registry‐based cohort study in Denmark. We included birth cohorts from 1982 to 1988 and compared those with and without acne identified using hospital diagnosis codes and redeemed prescriptions. Our main educational outcome was educational attainment. The main labour market outcomes were earned income at age 30 and long‐term unemployment at any time before age 30. The main relationship outcomes were single partnership and childlessness by age 30. Outcomes were assessed using Poisson regression for binary outcomes and linear regression for continuous outcomes, adjusted for sex, calendar year, mother's socio‐economic position and hormonal contraception use.

Results

Those with acne had a lower risk of not completing upper secondary education (relative risk (RR): 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76–0.83) and higher education (RR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.88–0.91), with absolute differences up to 4 percentage points. Persons with acne had slightly higher income (mean percentile difference: 2.6%, 95% CI: 2.2–2.9) and lower risk of long‐term unemployment than those without acne (9.8% vs. 11.4%; RR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.87–0.93). The prevalence of being single until age 30 was similar (19.7% vs. 20.1%; adjusted RR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.94–0.98) but childlessness was slightly more prevalent (60.5% vs. 57.5%; adjusted RR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02–1.04). However, all associations were attenuated or lost in secondary analysis restricted to exposure‐discordant siblings to address confounding from family‐related factors.

Conclusions

Acne during adolescence does not seem to affect long‐term educational, labour market or relationship outcomes. However, there is a need for additional studies to validate the findings in untreated patients and different health and social systems.
The GFAP proteoform puzzle: How to advance GFAP as a fluid biomarker in neurological diseases
Authors: Gogishvili Dea , Honey Madison I. J. , Verberk Inge M. W. , Vermunt Lisa , Hol Elly M. , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Abeln Sanne
Published: September 2024

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a well‐established biomarker of reactive astrogliosis in the central nervous system because of its elevated levels following brain injury and various neurological disorders. The advent of ultra‐sensitive methods for measuring low‐abundant proteins has significantly enhanced our understanding of GFAP levels in the serum or plasma of patients with diverse neurological diseases. Clinical studies have demonstrated that GFAP holds promise both as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, including but not limited to individuals with Alzheimer's disease. GFAP exhibits diverse forms and structures, herein referred to as its proteoform complexity, encompassing conformational dynamics, isoforms and post‐translational modifications (PTMs). In this review, we explore how the proteoform complexity of GFAP influences its detection, which may affect the differential diagnostic performance of GFAP in different biological fluids and can provide valuable insights into underlying biological processes. Additionally, proteoforms are often disease‐specific, and our review provides suggestions and highlights areas to focus on for the development of new assays for measuring GFAP, including isoforms, PTMs, discharge mechanisms, breakdown products, higher‐order species and interacting partners. By addressing the knowledge gaps highlighted in this review, we aim to support the clinical translation and interpretation of GFAP in both CSF and blood and the development of reliable, reproducible and specific prognostic and diagnostic tests. To enhance disease pathology comprehension and optimise GFAP as a biomarker, a thorough understanding of detected proteoforms in biofluids is essential.

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Deciphering the role of sphingosine 1‐phosphate in central nervous system myelination and repair
Authors: Binish Fatima , Xiao Junhua
Published: September 2024

Sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid of the sphingolipid family and plays a pivotal role in the mammalian nervous system. Indeed, S1P is a therapeutic target for treating demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Being part of an interconnected sphingolipid metabolic network, the amount of S1P available for signalling is equilibrated between its synthetic (sphingosine kinases 1 and 2) and degradative (sphingosine 1‐phosphate lyase) enzymes. Once produced, S1P exerts its biological roles via signalling to a family of five G protein‐coupled S1P receptors 1–5 (S1PR1–5). Despite significant progress, the precise roles that S1P metabolism and downstream signalling play in regulating myelin formation and repair remain largely opaque and somewhat controversial. Genetic or pharmacological studies adopting various model systems identify that stimulating S1P‐S1PR signalling protects myelin‐forming oligodendrocytes after central nervous system (CNS) injury and attenuates demyelination in vivo. However, evidence to support its role in remyelination of the mammalian CNS is limited, although blocking S1P synthesis sheds light on the role of endogenous S1P in promoting CNS remyelination. This review focuses on summarising the current understanding of S1P in CNS myelin formation and repair, discussing the complexity of S1P–S1PR interaction and the underlying mechanism by which S1P biosynthesis and signalling regulates oligodendrocyte myelination in the healthy and injured mammalian CNS, raising new questions for future investigation.

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Prospective evaluation of uterine artery Doppler for prognosis in endometrial cancer: A tertiary single‐center experience
Authors: Xaligli Gültap , Sancar Ceren , Serin Gürdeniz , Akman Levent , Özdemir Necmettin , Zekioğlu Osman , Terek Coşan , Özsaran Aydın , Yildirim Nuri
Published: September 2024

Aims

Our research aims to shed light on the connection between histopathological differences that affect the prognosis of endometrial cancer and Doppler indices measured in the uterine arteries.

Methods

Seventy‐four women with a confirmed diagnosis of endometrial cancer participated in this prospective study. The flow characteristics of the bilateral uterine arteries were evaluated and recorded using color Doppler sonography. After hysterectomy, a correlation analysis was performed between these factors and histological findings.

Results

Patients who complained of menometrorrhagia had significantly higher uterine artery peak systolic flow (p = 0.020) than those who had postmenopausal vaginal bleeding. Endometrioid adenocarcinoma was the most common type (71.4%). Doppler pulsatility index and resistance index in the uterine arteries didn't show statistically significant differences between histologic subtypes, tumor grade, myometrial invasion, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node involvement, malignant peritoneal cytology, genetic mutation, or extrauterine involvement. Those without cervical involvement had higher uterine artery Doppler peak systolic flow/end diastolic flow (p = 0.024).

Conclusions

Endometrial cancer made uterine artery, myometrium and endometrium less resistant to blood flow. However, these blood flow indices have not been standardized enough to be utilized as diagnostic tests just yet. Standardization based on more advanced studies would make it possible to use ultrasonography for non‐invasive diagnosis and would accelerate and facilitate clinical management.
Exploring the cyanobacterial diversity in Portugal: Description of four new genera from LEGE‐CC using the polyphasic approach
Authors: de Oliveira Flavio Luis , Hentschke Guilherme Scotta , Morais João , Silva Raquel , Cruz Pedro , Vasconcelos Vitor M.
Published: September 2024

Culture collections such as the Blue Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology Culture Collection (LEGE‐CC) hold approximately 1200 cyanobacterial strains and are critical community resources. However, many isolates in this and other collections have not been described with a polyphasic approach, and this limits further study. Here, we employed a polyphasic methodology that integrates 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analyses, similarity (p‐distance), 16S‐23S ITS rRNA region secondary structures, morphological analyses, and habitat assessments to describe four novel cyanobacterial genera from the LEGE‐CC, Portugal. Pseudolimnococcus planktonicus gen. et sp. nov. (Chroococcales) is phylogenetically and morphologically related to Limnococcus. The 16S rRNA gene similarity between the types of both genera is only 93.1%. Morphologically, Pseudolimnococcus cells do not reach the original spherical shape before the next division or have aerotopes and firm mucilage, while Limnococcus cells reach the original shape, lack aerotopes, and have diffluent mucilage. Eucapsopsis lusitanus gen. et sp. nov. (Chroococcales) is morphologically similar to Eucapsis but differs from it by having aerotopes and diffluent envelope. Eucapsis lacks aerotopes and has firm mucilaginous envelopes, rarely diffluent. Both genera are phylogenetically very distant from each other and have only 90.68% 16S rRNA gene similarity. Pseudoacaryochloris arrabidensis gen. et sp. nov. (Acaryochloridales) differs from Acaryochloris by the lack of mucilaginous envelope, which is present in Acaryochloris. Both genera are phylogenetically distant and have only 94.1% 16S rRNA gene similarity. Moreover, Acaryochloris is marine (sponge symbiont), while Pseudoacaryochloris is from freshwater. Vasconcelosia minhoensis gen. et sp. nov. (Nodosilineales) is phylogenetically related to Cymatolege but has only 94.3% similarity with this genus. Morphologically both genera are distinct. Vasconcelosia has a Romeria‐like structure, while Cymatolege has a Phormidium‐like structure. In all cases the 16S‐23S ITS rRNA region secondary structures are in agreement with the other analyses. These novel genera expand the diversity of cyanobacteria in culture collections.
Shared understandings, actioned in multiple ways by teachers of writing
Authors: Parr Judy M. , Gadd Murray
Published: September 2024

Underpinning this consideration of writing instruction in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) is the premise that acts of teaching interact with the context in which they occur; they are shaped by the socio‐cultural milieu, philosophical and socio‐political traditions, curriculum and assessment systems, and the nature of individual classrooms. This perspective positions research regarding effective teaching and learning as requiring interpretation and, often, adaptation. Further, we have argued elsewhere that shared theories or understandings about constructs in writing instruction, applied within a context, can give rise to varied acts of instruction. Two constructs in writing instruction, key given features of the NZ context, are examined: developing independent, self‐regulating writers, and engaging in responsive, sustaining pedagogy. In NZ, shared theory of the importance of developing independent, self‐regulating writers is actioned in multiple pedagogical acts or approaches: teaching of strategies, largely through modelling; scaffolding goal setting; providing opportunities for decision making and choice; and enabling peer and self‐evaluation. Promoting self‐regulation is important given a policy of continuous intake, and traditions of non‐streamed classrooms and of teaching the individual. Shared understandings about responsiveness include knowing each individual student and building on, and sustaining, existing strengths. In teaching, writing this includes differentiating instruction often through the use of small‐group instruction, providing targeted, accessible feedback, and the use of culturally sustaining forms of instruction such as those involving trans‐languaging and storytelling. These understandings align with shared views of teaching as iterative inquiry and with official invitations to adapt curricula to fit local contexts.
Factors associated with moral sensitivity among nurses in adult intensive care units: A cross‐sectional study in China
Authors: Pang Fang , Zhang Yaodan , Liu Huan , Du Aiping , Tian Yongming , Chen Heyu , Xu Yu
Published: September 2024

Background

Moral sensitivity may play a role in dealing with ethical issues in ICUs. However, the moral sensitivity of adult ICU nurses in China and its predictors have not been well investigated.

Aim

To analyse the moral sensitivity of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses and its predictors.

Study Design

A cross‐sectional study through convenience sampling was conducted in the ICUs of five hospitals in China between November and December 2022. A total of 331 ICU nurses were recruited. Data were obtained using a self‐developed socio‐demographic characteristic questionnaire, the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire, the Jefferson Scale of Empathy‐Health Professionals and the Organizational Climate Scale for Nursing. The participating institutions received a link to the tools used for online data collection, which they then forwarded to nursing staff.

Results

The valid response rate was 96.98% (n = 321). The total mean moral sensitivity score of nurses was 43.04 ± 5.95. The mean scores for empathic ability and organizational climate for nursing were 91.97 ± 17.88 and 101.28 ± 14.77, respectively. Regression analyses revealed that the primary factors associated with moral sensitivity among critical care nurses included work tenure (p < .05), empathic ability (p < .001) and organizational climate (p < .001).

Conclusions

High levels of moral sensitivity were found in critical care nurses in China. Work tenure, empathic ability and organizational climate were significant predictors of moral sensitivity in critical care nurses.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

To enhance the ethical sensitivity of ICU nurses, we suggest to strengthen the training of novice nurses so that they can better face the moral dilemma in clinical practice. In addition, organizational managers should also take measures to create a positive and harmonious working atmosphere, promote the application of moral knowledge in nursing practice and enhance their moral sensitivity.
Landscape structures and stand attributes jointly regulate forest productivity
Authors: Zou Hengchao , Zhang Huayong
Published: September 2024

Forest productivity is a crucial integrator of ecosystem functions and services. Although the effects of landscape structure on species richness and stand structure have been extensively studied, how landscape structures affect forest productivity and their interactions with stand‐level attributes, especially in the context of considerable land use change, remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of landscape structures (fragmentation, complexity, and heterogeneity) and their interactions with stand‐level attributes on forest productivity in the conterminous United States across three spatial scales (1–3 km), using an extensive forest inventory dataset from the national forest inventories (NFI) plots. Our results revealed that all landscape indices around selected forest plots significantly increased from 2006 to 2016. Across three scales, forest productivity and stand‐level attributes (number of trees, tree species richness, and structural diversity) exhibited unimodal relationships with landscape fragmentation and complexity, while generally showed positive correlations with landscape heterogeneity. The interactions between landscape structures and stand attributes enhanced the explanatory power of forest productivity. Landscape complexity directly or indirectly reduced forest productivity by decreasing the number of trees and tree species richness, whereas landscape fragmentation and heterogeneity had the opposite effects. Furthermore, landscape heterogeneity and stand age had relatively stronger total effects (the sum of direct and indirect effects) on forest productivity, and their strength increased modestly with spatial scales. However, tree species richness consistently had the lowest total effects. Our study elucidates the complex driving mechanisms of landscape patterns on forest productivity across spatial scales, providing a deeper understanding of ecosystem complexity and responses to accelerating land use changes.
Effects of Pathological Characteristics on Functional Scores and Surgical Satisfaction in Patients after Hallux Valgus Surgery
Authors: Jiang Guohua , Zhou Qi , Zhao Tianjing , Liu Yijun , Zeng Canjun
Published: September 2024

Objective

Few studies have explored the relationship between the pathological characteristics of hallux valgus and surgical outcomes. The aim of our study was to report the influence of pathological characteristics such as the tibial sesamoid position (TSP) and first metatarsal pronation on postoperative functional scores and patient satisfaction with hallux valgus surgery.

Methods

From June 2017 to December 2022, a retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent hallux valgus surgery at our hospital. Anteroposterior (AP) x‐ray parameters (hallux valgus angle [HVA], intermetatarsal angle [IMA], distal metatarsal articular angle [DMAA], TSP, first metatarsal pronation, and first metatarsophalangeal joint dislocation) (preoperative weight‐bearing, immediate postoperative non‐weight‐bearing, and early postoperative weight‐bearing), visual analog scale (VAS) scores, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot scores, SAFE‐Q self‐administered foot evaluation questionnaire (excluding the Sports Activity subscale), complications, and patient satisfaction were used to describe the outcomes. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression models were used to identify factors influencing postoperative functional scores and patient satisfaction after hallux valgus surgery.

Results

Eighty‐one patients (92 feet) whose early radiographic parameters and latest follow‐up scores improved significantly (p < 0.01) were included in the present study. The overall complication rate was 27.2%, with recurrence being the most common complication (20.7%). Functional scores and patient satisfaction were associated with age; preoperative, immediate postoperative, and early postoperative HVA; and immediate postoperative IMA (p < 0.05), but not with TSP, first metatarsal pronation, DMAA, callosities, toe deformities, or first metatarsophalangeal joint dislocation (p > 0.05). The R
2 values of the multiple linear regression models predicting postoperative functional scores and patient satisfaction ranged from 0.042 to 0.351.

Conclusion

TSP and first metatarsal pronation were unrelated to postoperative functional scores or patient satisfaction. This finding enhances surgeons' understanding of the functional prognosis of hallux valgus surgery, particularly aiding in explaining the condition and assessing surgical outcomes.
Segregation Between an Ornamental and a Disease Driver Gene Provides Insights Into Pigment Cell Regulation
Authors: Soria Erika , Lu Qiusheng , Boswell Will , Du Kang , Xing Yanting , Boswell Mikki , Weldon Korri S. , Lai Zhao , Savage Markita , Schartl Manfred , Lu Yuan
Published: September 2024

Genetic interactions are adaptive within a species. Hybridization can disrupt such species‐specific genetic interactions and creates novel interactions that alter the hybrid progeny overall fitness. Hybrid incompatibility, which refers to degenerative genetic interactions that decrease the overall hybrid survival and sterility, is one of the results from combining two diverged genomes in hybrids. The discovery of spontaneous lethal tumorigenesis and underlying genetic interactions in select hybrids between diverged Xiphophorus species showed that lethal pathological process can result from degenerative genetic interactions. Such genetic interactions leading to lethal phenotype are thought to shield gene flow between diverged species. However, hybrids between certain Xiphophorus species do not develop such tumors. Here we report the identification of a locus residing in the genome of one Xiphophorus species that represses an oncogene from a different species. Our finding provides insights into normal and pathological pigment cell development, regulation and a molecular mechanism in hybrid incompatibility.
Why most Ukrainians feel anger, hatred, or contempt toward Russian citizens after the 2022 Russian invasion
Authors: Ash Konstantin , Shapovalov Miroslav
Published: September 2024

We use four surveys from Ukraine asking respondents to name at most three emotions that describe their feelings toward Russian citizens to assess how and why responses have changed since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. We find that 76% of Ukrainians now feel anger, hatred, or contempt toward Russian citizens compared to about 15% before the invasion. Respondents who agreed that Russian citizens supported the war to build an empire were especially more likely to feel either hatred, anger, or contempt. Perceived public desire for conquest speaks to perceived responsibility associated with anger and failure to meet an important standard associated with contempt. Additionally, anger, hatred, and contempt toward Russian citizens especially increased among respondents who mixed the use of Russian and Ukrainian or were from Eastern Ukraine, suggesting the invasion shifted attitudes toward Russian citizens among previously more pro‐Russian Ukrainians. Anger, hatred, and contempt toward both Russian citizens and the Russian government also have distinct action tendencies, cumulatively reducing support for a peaceful settlement.
Some approximations to the path formula for some nonlinear models
Authors: Kartsonaki Christiana
Published: September 2024

In linear least squares regression there exists a simple decomposition of the effect of an exposure on an outcome into two parts in the presence of an intermediate variable. This decomposition is described and then analogous decompositions for other models are examined, namely for logistic regression and proportional hazards models.
Characterisation of two new HLA‐DPA1 alleles: HLA‐DPA1*02:139 and ‐DPA1*02:140N
Authors: Moya‐Quiles María Rosa , Muro Manuel
Published: September 2024

HLA‐DPA1*02:139 and ‐DPA1*02:140N, two novel HLA‐DPA1 alleles detected by next‐generation sequencing.
HLA‐B*07:510, a novel HLA‐B allele identified in two not relative individuals
Authors: Loginova Maria , Morozova Nadezhda , Paramonov Igor
Published: September 2024

HLA‐B*07:510, a novel HLA‐B allele with one exonic mutation identified in two Russian individuals.
Endometriosis as a risk factor for ovarian cancer: an update on screening, risk reduction, treatment and prognosis
Authors: Campbell Rosie , Milford Kirsty , Peyton‐Jones Benjamin , Hannemann Michael
Published: September 2024

Key content:

Endometriosis affects up to 10% of women. While many regard endometriosis as a benign (non‐cancerous) disease, there are well‐established links to epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Proposed mechanisms for malignant transformation include chronic inflammation, hyperestrogenism and oxidative stress. Mutations in the tumour suppressor gene ARID1A have also been implicated in the development of endometriosis‐associated ovarian cancer (EAOC).

Endometriosis is reported to almost double a woman's background risk of ovarian cancer.

Risk reduction strategies are effective in reducing the incidence of EAOC. These include tubal ligation, excision of endometriosis and combined hormonal contraception.

Novel therapies targeting tumour suppressor gene mutations present in EAOC are undergoing phase I & II clinical trials.

Learning objectives:

To increase knowledge of the association between endometriosis and EOC.

To understand the updated evidence for screening, risk and risk reduction strategies.

To be informed of potential novel therapies currently in the clinical trial stage of development.

Ethical issues:

Increased public awareness and improved clinician knowledge may lead to more and earlier‐stage disease detection.

Women are more informed, necessitating clinicians to deliver evidence‐based counselling to meet their informational needs.
Fullness of q$q$‐Araki‐Woods factors
Authors: Kumar Manish , Wang Simeng
Published: September 2024

The ‐Araki‐Woods factor associated to a group of orthogonal transformations on a real separable Hilbert space is full as soon as .
TAM RECEPTORS IN THE PATHOLOGY OF BLADDER CANCER: APPROACHES TO PERSONALISED MEDICINE
Authors: Kriajevskaia M.
Published: September 2024

Bladder cancer (BC) is a cancer of the lining epithelium of the bladder. In 75% of cases, it is presented as a non-muscle invasive disease (NMIBC), with a 5-year patient survival of more than 90%. However, 25% of BC patients develop an aggressive and chemoresistant muscle-invasive form of cancer (MIBC) with less than 50% 5-year survival, making BC the 13th deadliest cancer. Moreover, the treatment for MIBC, including cystectomy and bladder reconstruction, is costly and available only in developed countries, leaving patients in other countries without efficient treatment. So, there is an urgent need to develop and implement new personalised treatment schemes in Western and low – to middle-income countries with progressively ageing populations.
In our work, we study the regulatory role of the TAM Receptor Tyrosine kinases (AXL, MERTK, and TYRO3) in signalling in BC. It has been shown before that TAM receptors are activated in different cancer types, where they regulate drug resistance, immune evasion and metastasis.  We analyse how TAM signalling contributes to the development of chemoresistance in BC and propose that interfering with these pathways may be a part of new combination therapy approaches.
We analyse TAM receptor expression and activation in primary patient materials (solid and liquid biopsies) and develop organoid cultures for testing anti-TAM inhibitors and chemotherapeutic agents. According to our recent data, soluble extracellular domains of TAMs are present in urine samples of BC patients and are suitable as urine predictive biomarkers to use in BC.
БАНКИРОВАНИЯ НЕОНАТАЛЬНЫХ МЕЗЕНХИМАЛЬНЫХ СТВОЛОВЫХ КЛЕТОК В КАЗАХСТАНЕ
Authors: Нуркина А.К. , Огай В.Б. , Мухамбетова А.Е. , Ержанов С.А. , Айтилесова В.У. , Куаныш С.
Published: September 2024

Банкирование неонатальных мезенхимальных стволовых клеток (НМСК) представляет собой стратегическое решения для сохранения потенциально ценных ресурсов для лечения различных заболеваний в перспективе. Эти клетки, извлекаемые из пуповинной ткани и пуповинной крови, обладают уникальными регенеративными свойствами, что делает их применение перспективным в лечении множества патологий. В частности, аутологичное использование НМСК позволяет проводить терапию без рисков иммунного отторжения, что значительно повышает их эффективность.
Процесс внедрения хранения персонализированных НМСК включает в себя ряд критически важных этапов, от начального извлечения клеток до их потенциального применения в терапевтических целях. Первый банк неонатальных стволовых клеток был создан в 2014 году компанией «Медицелл», который осуществляет сбор и хранения мононуклеарной  фракции пуповинной крови и в 2022 году совместно с ТОО «Национальный центр биотехнологии» наладил и оптимизировал многоступенчатый процесс выделения, экспансии и криоконсервации мезенхимальных стволовых клеток. На данный момент услуга банкирования клеток включает хранение клеток на 10 лет с поддержанием условий необходимых для сохранения высокой жизнеспособности клеток.
В исследовательских работах, посвященных начальным фазам внедрения процесса изоляции клеток, было установлено, что ткань пуповины является оптимальным источником НМСК. Для выделения клеток используется метод основанный на ферментативной деградации ткани и адгезивных свойствах клеток: Вартанов студень пуповины изолируется и подвергается обработке. После экспансии клеток необходимо проводить комплексные анализы, включающие проверку на грибковые и микробные контаминации, а также дополнительные характеризации.
В контексте проекта по банкированию НМСК, криогенное хранение представляет собой следующий важный этап. В процессе разработки методик персонализированного хранения особое внимание уделяется криоконсервации. Этот этап критически важен для поддержания долгосрочной сохранности и функциональности клеточного материала. Для этого мы обеспечили создание специализированных условий хранения, которые не только гарантируют стабильность и безопасность замороженных клеток, но и обеспечивают их готовность к последующему терапевтическому использованию.
Несмотря на значительные успехи, в Казахстане существуют определенные трудности в области банкирования НМСК. Законодательная база в данной сфере остаётся несформулированной и нуждается в конкретных рекомендациях, которые бы охватывали все аспекты работы с НМСК.
Следовательно, банкирование стволовых клеток является перспективной областью в современной медицине, обладающей потенциалом кардинально трансформировать методы лечения и восстановления здоровья. Однако, эффективное внедрение и применение данной технологии требуют строгого соблюдения этических норм и правовых регуляций.
Entornos posibles de vida artificial cúantica
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Hernández García Iliana , Niño Bernal Raúl , Hernández García Jaime
Published: September 2024

Este libro estudia las transiciones bioestéticas al considerar las dinámicas cuánticas en la naturaleza. Se trata de entornos cuánticos sensibles que se activan con la interacción con mundos micro, que derivan posibilidades en los mundos meso y macro, como escalas emergentes de las combinatorias exponenciales. A estos entornos los denominamos mundos cuánticos inmersivos, porque plantean ecosistemas naturoartificiales tanto para unas posnaturalezas en devenir como para la habitabilidad de los espacios urbanos. En la vida artificial cuántica, el mundo no se describe, sino que se crea con cada interacción. Así, las creaciones en computación cuántica configuran sistemas vivos artificiales que desdibujan la diferencia entre lo orgánico y lo inorgánico. Uno de los rasgos más singulares de la dinámica cuántica es la no localidad en el espacio arquitectónico, que se reconfigura con cada situación librada al azar. Así, emergen verdaderos entornos cuánticos interactivos hechos de datos, pero también de materia sensible que generan horizontes de inmersión y percepción que no habíamos experimentado antes. Esto significa que habitamos una diversidad de caminos, todos ellos simultáneos y actuamos en un presente poshumano sin localidad espacial.
Flow and Heat Transfer in a Ribbed Converging-Diverging U-Duct Under Rotating and Non-Rotating Conditions
Authors: Kim Wanjae , Shih Tom I-P. , Dalton Richard P. , Bryden Kenneth Mark , Chang Sung Yong , Park Gyu Sang
Published: September 2024

A numerical study based on steady Reynolds-averaged-Navier–Stokes (RANS) with the shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model was performed to investigate the flow and heat transfer in a ribbed U-duct with a rectangular cross section that converges linearly in the radially outward direction and diverges linearly in the radially inward direction under rotating and nonrotating conditions. Parameters examined include rotation number (Roi = 0, 0.0219, 0.0336, 0.0731), Reynolds number (Rei = 46,000, 100,000, and 154,000), and the duct's taper angle (α = 0 deg and 1.41 deg) under conditions relevant to gas turbines used for electric power generation. Results obtained show that increasing the taper angle from 0 deg to 1.41 deg, which appears negligibly small, significantly increases both the friction coefficient and the Nusselt number whether there is rotation or not. With rotation at Roi = 0.0336 and Rei = 100,000, the maximum increase in the average friction coefficient and Nusselt number was found to be 41.7% and 36.6%, respectively. Without rotation at Rei = 46,000, those are 11.5% and 14.7%, respectively.
Relationship Between Supporting Leg Stiffness and Trunk Kinematics of the Kicking Leg During Soccer Kicking
Authors: Tamura Akihiro , Shimura Keita , Inoue Yuri
Published: September 2024

The stiffness of the supporting leg may alter the energy transfer to the trunk and lower extremities of the kicking leg, which may affect kick performance. This study aimed to clarify whether the stiffness of the supporting leg affects the trunk kinematics during kicking and kicking performance in soccer players. Twenty-two male collegiate soccer players participated in the study. The data for the stiffness properties of the supporting leg and trunk kinematics were obtained and calculated using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system. The results showed that a greater leg stiffness of the supporting leg was associated with a lower trunk rotation angle during kicking. There were no significant correlations between the maximum swing speed and the stiffness of the supporting leg (P < .05). These results suggest that stiffness of the supporting leg may restrain trunk rotation during the kicking motion. However, the lack of a relationship with swing speed indicates the need for further investigation into its effects on kicking performance.