bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of rose damascene extract on anxiety and sexual function of breastfeeding women: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Akbarzadeh Gohar , Abedi Parvin , Jahanfar Shayesteh , Mansurkhani Hossein Sadeghi , Fakhri Ahmad , Maraghi Elham
Published: December 2024

Background

Sexual dysfunction is prevalent among breastfeeding women.

Objective

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Rose damascene extract on sexual function and anxiety of breastfeeding women.

Materials and methods

This was a randomized controlled trial. This study was conducted on 87 breastfeeding women who received either Rose damascene (n = 44) or placebo (n = 43) for eight weeks. The primary outcomes were sexual function and anxiety. A demographic questionnaire, and obstetric questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Scale (FSFI), and the Spielberger questionnaire were used to collect the data. Chi-square test, independent t-test, and ANCOVA were used to analyze the data.

Results

In the intervention group, there was a significant increase in the scores of sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction, while the score of pain reduced significantly after eight weeks of intervention (p < 0.001). The mean total score of sexual function prior to the intervention was 19.61 ± 5.02 and 21.46 ± 3.08 in the intervention and control groups, respectively. After intervention, this score was improved in the intervention group compared to the control group (25.21 ± 1.62 vs. 21.82 ± 3, p < 0.001). The pre-intervention score of trait anxiety was 47.97 ± 4.68 and 48.44 ± 5.89 in the intervention and control groups, respectively, which was improved in the intervention group compared to the control group after intervention (51.63 ± 3.53 vs. 48.13 ± 5.57, p < 0.001). Although there was an improvement in the score of state anxiety in the intervention group compared to the control group, the difference was not statistically significant (43.31 ± 6.41 vs. 44.30 ± 8.87, p = 0.397).

Conclusion

Rose damascene could significantly improve the sexual functions of breastfeeding women. It also decreased the trait anxiety but failed to improve the state anxiety significantly. Using this herb is recommended to enhance sexual performance in breastfeeding women.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.irct.ir/trial/61375, identifier IRCT20211015052775N1.
Dynamic principles of the microbiome and the bovine vagina: a review
Authors: Dias Nicholas Wege , Poole Rebecca , Soffa Dallas R. , Brown Kyle Joel Hickman
Published: December 2024

The role of microbes inhabiting various body sites in supporting host physiology and health is substantial, and recent advancements in DNA sequencing technology have facilitated a more in-depth understanding of these microbial contributions. The influence of microbiota within a given organ can be broadly categorized as having two main functions: (1) promoting organ homeostasis and (2) creating conditions that inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, thereby protecting the host from diseases. In livestock production, numerous phenotypes critical to industry outcomes are affected by the microbiome, which has sparked considerable academic interest in recent years. This review aims to analyze the extensive data available on the microbiomes of humans and other mammalian species, examining microbiome ecology to elucidate principles that may assist in interpreting data on livestock microbiomes. Additionally, the review will discuss techniques available for investigating various microbiome aspects and will examine existing data on the reproductive microbiome, with a particular focus on the bovine vaginal microbiome.
Physicochemical property and microbial community characteristics of the casing soil for cultivating Oudemansiella raphanipes
Authors: Liu Jinjia , Qin Zhongyu , Wu Jinqiang , Su Jiao , Feng Pengcheng , Su Wenting
Published: December 2024

Background

Casing soil is critical for the cultivation process of Oudemansiella raphanipes and promotes the formation of mushroom fruiting bodies. Therefore, reliable casing soil indicators are crucial for obtaining high yields of high-quality mushrooms.

Methods

In this study, soil enzyme activity, physicochemical properties, and microorganisms at five cultivation stages [namely casing (A1), mycelial (A2), primordial (A3), fruiting (A4), and harvesting (A5)] of O. raphanipes cultivation were evaluated in casing soils.

Results

The results indicated that sucrase and catalase activities were significantly increased with increasing cultivation time (p < 0.01), and the activities peaked [16.67 and 0.25 g/(g·h), respectively] at A4. Urease activity peaked [1.56 g/(g·h)] at A1, and it decreased gradually (p < 0.01). Polyphenol oxidase activity was significantly higher at A2 [0.95 g/(g·h)] than at the other stages and was significantly lower at A1 [0.06 g/(g·h)]. Soil pH peaked at A1 (8.20) and decreased gradually (p = 0.003). Soil total organic carbon content increased significantly with increasing cultivation time (p < 0.001) and was the highest at A5 (8.40 g/kg). The available phosphorus at A1 (0.40 g/kg) was significantly higher than those at the other stages (p = 0.004), and the available nitrogen at A1 (0.28 g/kg) and A3 (0.26 g/kg) was significantly higher than those at the other stages (p < 0.001). The number and diversity of bacteria and fungi in soil increased gradually, and nine bacterial and four fungal genera were identified.

Conclusion

This study offers soil characteristic and microbial community data for O. raphanipes casing soil at different cultivation stages, which could facilitate sustainable cultivation of O. raphanipes and reduction of live contaminants.
Multimodal monitoring of cerebral perfusion in carotid endarterectomy patients: a computational fluid dynamics study
Authors: Guo Lei , Zhang Jun , Lv Kai , Li Xiong , Guo Meiling , Li Chunling
Published: December 2024

Objective

To evaluate postoperative cerebral perfusion changes and their influencing factors in carotid endarterectomy (CEA) patients by integrating multimodal monitoring methods, including cerebral regional oxygen saturation (rSO2), carotid ultrasound (CU), computed tomographic angiography (CTA), and computed tomographic perfusion imaging (CTP), with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) assessment.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study on patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis undergoing CEA at our institution. Pre- and postoperative assessments included CU, CTA, CTP, and rSO2 monitoring. Hemodynamic parameters recorded were mean flow velocity (MFV), peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), resistance index (RI), rSO2, and cerebral blood flow (CBF). CFD quantified the total pressure (TP), wall shear stress (WSS), wall shear stress ratio (WSSR), and translesional pressure ratio (PR) of the ICA. Pearson correlation was used to analyze factors influencing cerebral perfusion changes. Multivariate logistic regression identified risk factors for cerebral hyperperfusion (CH). The predictive value of multimodal and single-modality monitoring for CH was evaluated using ROC curve analysis.

Results

Fifty-six patients were included, with nine developing postoperative CH. CU showed significant reductions in MFV, PSV, EDV, and RI of the ICA (p < 0.001). Ipsilateral rSO2 increased significantly (p = 0.013), while contralateral rSO2 showed no significant change (p = 0.861). CFD revealed significant decreases in TP, WSS, and WSSR (p < 0.001), along with a significant increase in PR (p < 0.001). Pearson analysis indicated that change rate of CBF (ΔCBF) positively correlated with ΔPR and ΔrSO2, and negatively correlated with ΔTP, ΔWSS, and Δ WSSR. Multivariate logistic regression identified preoperative WSSR (pre-WSSR) and ΔPR as risk factors for CH following CEA. Combined ΔPR, ΔrSO2, ΔMFV, and pre-WSSR had higher sensitivity and specificity than single-modality monitoring for predicting CH.

Conclusion

CFD-based multimodal monitoring effectively identified cerebral perfusion changes and risk factors for CH in CEA patients, with superior predictive accuracy compared to single-modality methods. Nevertheless, further validation is necessary to establish its clinical utility.
Proximal median nerve neuropathy: electrodiagnostic and ultrasound findings in 62 patients
Authors: Shields Lisa B. E. , Iyer Vasudeva G. , Zhang Yi Ping , Shields Christopher B.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Proximal median nerve (PMN) neuropathies are caused by lesions proximal to the carpal tunnel, which include the forearm, elbow, upper arm, and brachial plexus. Differentiating between carpal tunnel syndrome and PMN neuropathies is important to guide management and is based on clinical, electrodiagnostic (EDX), and ultrasound (US) findings. This study describes the clinical, EDX, and US features in 62 patients with PMNs.

Methods

All patients underwent EDX studies, and 52 (83.9%) had a US study. The patients were assigned to one of the following four localization zones of PMN neuropathies based on clinical and EDX criteria: Zone 1: extends from the fascicles in the brachial plexus contributing to the median nerve to the innervation of the pronator teres (PT); Zone 2: distal to the branch to the PT and proximal to the origin of the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN); Zone 3: involves the origin of the AIN; and Zone 4: distal to the origin of the AIN and proximal to the carpal tunnel. The localization was based on the pattern of muscle weakness, topography of EMG abnormalities, and US study findings.

Results

The anatomical locations of the PMN neuropathies based on clinical, EDX, and US findings were as follows: Zone 1 in 38 patients (61.3%), Zone 2 in 6 patients (9.7%), Zone 3 in 7 patients (11.3%), and Zone 4 in 11 patients (17.7%). The most common etiology among all 62 patients was iatrogenic injury (30 [48.4%]), followed by non-iatrogenic trauma (20 [32.2%]). The following EDX findings were noted: prolonged distal motor latency (29 [46.8%]), decreased motor nerve conduction velocity in the forearm (22 [35.5%]), low amplitude or absent compound muscle action potentials (50 [80.6%]), and abnormal or absent sensory nerve action potentials (50 [80.6%]). Of the 52 (83.9%) patients who underwent US studies, a total of 22 (42.3%) patients showed an increased cross-sectional area of the median nerve. A neuroma was observed in 9 patients (17.4%).

Conclusion

It is often possible to localize the site of the median nerve involvement and gain insight into the underlying cause based on clinical and EMG findings, but in certain cases, a US study may be necessary to confirm the location.
Comparative analysis of the clinical aspects of colorectal cancer in young adult and older adult patients in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aldriwesh Marwh G. , Aljaian Amer R. , Alorf Khalid M. , Bayounis Mohammed A. , Alrayani Yazeed H. , Philip Winnie , Algarni Mohammed , Alselaim Nahar A. , Alotibi Raniah S.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Recent studies have shown an increase in the prevalence of early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) in people aged 20–49 compared to those aged 50–74, with a more rapid increase in the younger age groups. Poorly differentiated, left-sided, and rectal tumors were more common in young adults than in older adult CRC patients. We aimed to improve the understanding of early-onset CRC and to guide primary care physicians on strategies to mitigate its impact.

Methods

Adult patients with CRC identified within 2015–2022 were recruited and divided into young adult-onset (CRC identified at age ≤49 years) and older adult-onset (CRC identified at age ≥50 years). Clinical data were retrieved from electronic medical records, then analyzed. Multivariable analyses were performed to predict the CRC prognosis in both age groups.

Results

The study cohort had 530 patients categorized into young adult (n=98; 18.5%) and older adult (n=432; 81.5%). Higher proportions of family histories of CRC, other malignancies, and inflammatory bowel disease in the young adult group were observed (P<0.05). Gastrointestinal symptoms mainly abdominal pain and nausea were more often identified in the young adults. Mucinous adenocarcinoma, signet ring cells, and poorly differentiated tumors were higher in the young adults (P<0.05). Lymphovascular invasion was an independent predictor for advanced stage CRC (AOR 8.638, 95%CI 2.152–34.673, P=0.002 for young adults and AOR 21.757, 95%CI 10.025–47.219, P=0.001 for older adults). Further, the mucinous (AOR 3.727, 95%CI 1.937–7.173, P=0.001 for young adults and AOR 3.534, 95%CI 1.698–7.354, P=0.001 for older adults) and lymphovascular invasion (AOR 3.371, 95%CI 2.107–5.393, P=0.001 for young adults and AOR 3.246, 95%CI 1.910–5.517, P=0.001 for older adults) were independent predictors for recurrence/late metastasis in both age groups.

Conclusion

We recommended to raise awareness among healthcare providers of the importance of lowering the threshold of suspicion in young people presenting with worrisome gastrointestinal symptoms. Our findings suggested the importance of reconsidering the current CRC screening guidelines to lower the threshold of the recommended starting age.
Cutaneous adverse events due to checkpoint inhibitors – a retrospective analysis at a tertiary referral hospital in Switzerland 2019-2022
Authors: Furrer-Matcau Clara , Sieber Chloé , Lehnick Dirk , Brand Christoph Urs , Hug Balthasar
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Checkpoint inhibitors are increasingly important in anti-cancer treatment. Therefore, knowledge of immune-related cutaneous adverse events (ir-cAE) is crucial for therapy management and continuation.

Objective

The study aimed to analyze the incidence of cutaneous adverse events caused by checkpoint inhibitor therapy, including their clinical presentation, management, and impact on further treatment.

Methods

This is a descriptive, monocentric retrospective study that uses data from the electronic health record system at a tertiary referral hospital in Central Switzerland from September 2019 to September 2022. The electronic health records of patients who received a therapy with checkpoint inhibitors were examined for age, sex, type of immunotherapy, time to occurrence of ir-cAEs, characteristics of the ir-cAEs, the treatment approach, and the continuation or cessation of the therapy due to ir-cAEs.

Results

Out of 431 patients, for 131 patients (30.4%) at least one ir-cAE event was documented. In particular, 109 (25.3%) experienced pruritus and 61 (14.2%) showed a maculopapular exanthema. The severity of the ir-cAE was mild in 88 patients (67.2% out of those with ir-cAEs). Ir-cAE were observed in 10 out of 20 patients (50%) treated with ipilimumab/nivolumab and in 15 out of 24 (62.5%) treated with durvalumab. In 15 patients (3.5%), checkpoint inhibitor therapy had to be discontinued due to cutaneous side effects.

Conclusions

This study showed that approximately one third of the patients experienced ir-cAEs. The most frequently observed ir-cAEs were pruritus, maculopapular exanthema and xerosis cutis. In general, the dermatological manifestations are mild and responsive to topical treatment or self-limiting with no requirement for treatment interruption.
Case Report: Acute intussusception in a 2-year-old male patient: a rare case of Burkitt's lymphoma coexisting with Meckel's diverticulum
Authors: Fang Xinggui , Yang Biao , Cao Ming , Xu Xiaodong , Wang Benquan
Published: December 2024

In children, 90% cases of intussusception are idiopathic and the remaining 10% are attributed to underlying diseases (most commonly due to Meckel's diverticulum, polyps then either duplication cyst or mesentery cysts, and rarely due to Burkitt's lymphoma). The occurrence of acute intestinal intussusception caused by Burkitt's lymphoma in children under the age of 5 is exceedingly rare. Burkitt's lymphoma presents with diverse clinical manifestations, often leading to the identification of an abdominal tumor in pediatric patients. This highly aggressive and rapidly proliferating neoplasm can induce indirect symptoms due to compression or direct involvement of the intestinal lumen, resulting in intussusception. Herein, we present a case report of ileocolic-type intussusception in a 2-year-old boy, which was attributed to the coexistence of Burkitt's lymphoma and Meckel's diverticulum. Notably, this patient exhibited atypical clinical features for Burkitt's lymphoma and did not belong to the high-risk demographic associated with this rare disease. Furthermore, this case represents a unique combination involving the most prevalent cause of Meckel's diverticula and the rarest etiology of Burkitt's lymphoma.
Based on laser scanning surface 3D reconstruction intelligent assembly system
Authors: Liu Yanchen , Zhang Zhouqi , Chen Gong , Rong Hou , Li Yufeng
Published: December 2024

To improve the assembly accuracy of intelligent assembly process, a 3D surface reconstruction system based on laser scanning for assembly targets and assembly positions was designed. The light source uses a line laser to provide structured light, enabling rapid scanning of the assembly target surface on a single line. Calculate the spatial relationship between the assembly target and the assembly position through the calibration board. A position inversion optimization algorithm has been proposed. By completing the transformation of feature points from local coordinates to global coordinates. The energy distribution in the central area of the CCD image plane was simulated and analyzed under different baseline lengths, and the optimal baseline position of 35 mm was determined. The experiment is divided into two parts, and the reconstruction of the three-dimensional surface of the free-form surface target based on laser scanning was completed in the laboratory. The optimized target 3D point cloud data is evenly distributed, with almost no scattered points on the main two local surfaces, which well reflects the surface structure of the target. In the actual outdoor assembly experiment, the system cooperated with the assembly vehicle to achieve the correct assembly of the assembly. The reconstruction accuracy deviation of most test points is very small, with over 85% of test points having an error of less than 0.54 mm. The average deviation of these points before and after optimization is 0.67 mm. This system has higher application value in the field of large-scale intelligent assembly.
Protracted maternal malnutrition induces aberrant changes in maternal uterine artery hemodynamics and the metabolic profiles of the dam and neonate
Authors: Thorson Jennifer F. , Prezotto Ligia D.
Published: December 2024

Malnutritional stress during gestation is a well-established driver of metabolic disfunction in offspring. Extended exposure to malnutrition requires metabolic plasticity as the animal shifts toward a catabolic state. In this paper we demonstrate the influence of malnutrition throughout gestation on uterine artery hemodynamics and the metabolism of the dam and neonate. We hypothesized that gestational malnutrition reduces blood flow of the maternal uterine artery and regulates the metabolic profile of the dam and offspring. Further, the combination of these factors consequently influences the concentration of metabolites in the cerebrospinal fluid of the neonate at birth. To test our hypotheses, pregnant cows caring a single female fetus were assigned to treatments by age and body condition score to one of three individually-fed dietary treatments: Underfed, Control, or Overfed throughout gestation. Uterine blood flow was measured via transrectal Doppler ultrasonography in late gestation. Blood samples were collected from dams throughout gestation, and blood and cerebrospinal fluid were collected from neonates at birth to analyze concentration of metabolites. In the current report, we reveal that maternal malnutrition regulates uterine artery hemodynamics and the maternal metabolic profile throughout gestation. This is the first report to demonstrate that maternal undernutrition leads to an increase in the concentration of urea nitrogen in neonates. Finally, a concentration gradient of metabolites from the dam to neonatal cerebrospinal fluid was observed, which may have potential implications for central nervous system development. These findings not only illustrate the complexity of the maternal-to-fetal interaction required to support the growth of the fetus and homeostasis of the dam but also reveals a novel avenue for investigating the influence of protracted maternal malnutrition on metabolic pathway preferences in offspring. Moreover, these findings are of paramount importance in the development of intervention strategies for morbid neonates.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of circular RNAs for exogenous trehalose-mediated heat stress responses in tea plants (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Zheng Shizhong , Liu Chufei , Zhou Ziwei , Xu Liyi , Ruan Biyuan , Chen Xiaohui
Published: December 2024

Background

Heat stress is one of the main environmental factors limiting the growth, yield and quality of tea plants (Camellia sinensis). Trehalose involved in plant responses to multiple adverse environmental stresses, including heat stress. However, the roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) and their involvement in the trehalose response to heat stress remain unknown.

Methods

In this study, circRNA-sequencing was performed to analyze the characteristics of circRNAs in trehalose-induced responses to heat stress in tea plants. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis was used to determine the potential function of circRNAs, and the expression of differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs) and their host genes related to Non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and Homologous recombination (HR) were analyzed. To further explore the effect of trehalose on DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), the reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents, specially hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2−), in heat-stressed tea plants were investigated.

Results

A total of 11402 circRNAs were detected from CK, T (heat stress) and TT (heat stress + trehalose) samples. Among these circRNAs, 573, 620 and 550 circRNAs were identified as differentially expressed in the T vs. CK, TT vs. CK and TT vs. T comparison groups, respectively. The host genes of DECs were enriched in NHEJ and HR pathways, implying a critical role of circRNAs in DSBs repair. The expression level of circKu70-1 and circKu70-3 showed positive correlations with their host gene, ATP-dependent DNA helicase II 70 kDa subunit (CsKu70), while circKu70-2 exhibited an opposite expression trend. Similarly, circRad50 displayed a negative correlation with its host gene, DNA repair protein RAD50 (CsRad50). Notably, the expression of CsKu70 and CsRad50, which are crucial for initiating DSB repair, was decreased in the trehalose-treated (TT) samples. This finding suggests that trehalose may play a role in modulating the expression of circRNAs and their host genes involved in NHEJ and HR pathways, ultimately contributing to reduced DSB damage during heat stress. Moreover, exogenous trehalose significantly reduced H2O2 and O2− contents in tea plants under heat stress, suggesting that trehalose could mitigate heat-induced damage resulting from ROS overproduction.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that circRNAs play a crucial role in maintaining genome integrity. Specifically, they may function as molecular hubs that respond to changes of the levels of H2O2 and O2− induced by trehalose, and subsequently regulate the DSBs mediated by their host genes. This, in turn, further impacts genome stability, ultimately enhancing heat tolerance in tea plants. Our findings provided new insight into the potential applications of trehalose as an agrochemical in tea plants and revealed the potential role of circRNAs in tea plants heat tolerance.
Strategies to enhance greenhouse strawberry yield through honeybee pollination behavior: a simulation study
Authors: Cao Zhihao , Jiang Shuo , Qu Hongchun
Published: December 2024

Strawberries are a widely cultivated greenhouse crop in China, primarily pollinated by honeybees, in accordance with traditional planting practices and local conditions. Extensive research has demonstrated that cross-pollination benefits numerous strawberry cultivars, leading to enhanced yield through the interplanting of different cultivars. However, the high costs associated with cultivation have hindered systematic research on the design of interplanting strategies. In this study, we utilized a simulation model to investigate how to leverage honeybee natural foraging behavior to improve pollination efficiency and explore fruit weight under various interplanting strategies within a greenhouse. Our findings indicate that adopting an alternating planting approach for different cultivars within the same bed effectively facilitates cross-pollination, leading to increased strawberry fruit yield. Additionally, dividing the strawberry plants into two batches and staggering their planting time helps mitigating the pressure of competition for bee pollination during peak blooming period, consequently contributing to enhanced yield. These proposed planting strategies offer valuable cultivation suggestions for farmers in some remote areas in China who still rely on honeybees as primary pollinators.
Exploring the influence of urban art interventions on attraction and wellbeing: an empirical field experiment
Authors: Dehove Margot , Mikuni Jan , Podolin Nikita , Moser Martin Karl , Resch Bernd , Doerrzapf Linda , Boehm Pia Marlena , Prager Katharina , Leder Helmut , Oberzaucher Elisabeth
Published: December 2024

While cities are attractive places, brimming with opportunities and possibilities for their inhabitants, they have also been found to have negative consequences, especially on physical and mental health. In a world of ever-growing urban populations, it is important to understand how to make cities healthier and more pleasant places to live. In the present study, we investigated the impact of art as an urban intervention and compared it to the well-known effects of greenery (i.e., plants and vegetation) in an identically framed intervention. Specifically, we looked at how people engage with a Graetzloase (a type of parklet) and its embedding urban environment in terms of visual and spatial attraction as well as wellbeing. The Graetzloase displayed either abstract art or greenery and was placed on two distinct streets that, among other elements, also contained art and greenery. Our field study captured the ongoing experiences during people’s exploration of the urban environment by employing mobile eye-trackers and physiological devices. While our findings demonstrated a certain level of visual and spatial attraction towards the Graetzloases, it was not as pronounced as initially anticipated. Nevertheless, our analyses still inform on What decorating element should be placed in a Graetzloase, as well as Where to implement the Graetzloase. Our results suggest that artistic elements are more visually attractive (i.e., they were looked at for longer times) than the greenery, and that both visual and spatial attraction towards the Graetzloases are greatly impacted by the street context. We found that the Art Graetzloase when displayed in a wide street containing greenery elements, is visually more present in the participant’s visual field than all the other experimental combinations. The more precise analyses of the participant viewing behavior confirm this trend. Regarding wellbeing, we found no evidence for the impact of street context or the types of decorations in the Graetzloases. Our results establish an initial empirical foundation for the design and placement of not only future parklets but also urban art interventions in general.
The effect size of rs521851 in the intron of MAGI2/S-SCAM on HADS-D scores correlates with EAT-26 scores for eating disorders risk
Authors: Pinakhina Daria , Kasyanov Evgeny , Rukavishnikov Grigory , Larin Andrey K. , Veselovsky Vladimir A. , Rakitko Alexander , Neznanov Nikholay , Kibitov Alexander , Mazo Galina , Artomov Mykyta
Published: December 2024

An association between the MAGI2 (S-SCAM) intron variant rs521851 and depression symptoms, as measured by the depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D), has been recently reported. The role of MAGI2 in depression has been linked to disruptions in the gut–brain axis. In this study, we investigated the association between rs521851 and HADS-D scores in an independent cohort of 380 individuals, consisting of 238 patients with an ICD-10 diagnosis of depression and 142 healthy controls. The original association was replicated in the patient cohort but not in the control group. Further analysis revealed that the effect size of rs521851 on HADS-D scores was moderated by Eating Attitudes Test 26 (EAT-26) scores. In participants with an EAT-26 score of ≥20, the effect size of rs521851 on HADS-D was more than 20 times greater compared to those with an EAT-26 score of <20. These findings successfully replicate the original association signal for MAGI2 and HADS-D, and highlight the role of MAGI2 in gut–brain interactions.
Grand (meta) challenges in planetary health: environmental, social, and cognitive
Authors: Butler Colin David
Published: December 2024

The term “planetary health”, coined in the 1970s, arose from planetary consciousness, stimulated in part by the dawn of the space age, and commensurate recognition that our species faces extraordinary obstacles (“limits to growth”) if it is to fulfil its promise. While such awareness was then widely suppressed, awareness is reviving, driven by the now obvious perils, not only of climate change but also from weaponization and national aggression. Our neoliberal society (including in academic circles) has inappropriately rewarded articles and researchers that are biased toward optimism. This article proposes six grand (“meta”) challenges that planetary health must face.
Seeking professional help for sleep-related complaints
Authors: Rauch Lisa , Schneider Torsten , Wendt Claus
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Sleep-related complaints affect a significant proportion of the adult population in many societies. Despite the prevalence of symptoms and potential secondary and comorbid conditions, the utilization of professional help is quite low. The underlying reasons for this phenomenon have yet to be adequately investigated. To address this gap, we expand the conventional explanatory models to encompass the perceived cause as an explanatory factor. This is aimed to contribute to a better understanding of the help-seeking behavior and to create the basis for possible measures.

Materials and methods

The empirical basis of the study is a quantitative data set collected in Germany in 2015 comprising 3,000 individuals between the ages of 40 and 75. Of these individuals, 761 reported experiencing sleep-related complaints. In our logistic regression, the binary dependent variable is whether professional help has already been sought. In addition to the factors included in the behavioral model of health service use, we utilize the perceived cause as a predictor, categorizing the variable as follows: exclusively mental, partially mental, and not mental.

Results

Our analysis shows that individuals who attributed their sleep disturbances solely to their psyche were significantly less likely to seek professional help (AME: −0.158**). These differences remain significant after controlling for the severity of the complaints, their duration, and other covariates (AME: −0.117**). The data also suggest that this group is more likely to seek self-help through medication.

Discussion

The results indicate the importance of focusing healthcare systems and public health policy on sleep-related complaints and their management. The aim is not only to alleviate sleep complaints, but also to reduce the risk of secondary diseases and to identify possible comorbidities. Additionally, it is a factor in reducing safety risks for the general public. Therefore, various measures should be implemented, including destigmatizing, improving health literacy, a more comprehensive offer of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-I), and a more thorough examinations by physicians.
Association of burnout and working environment conditions in respiratory care professionals in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Al-Anazi Saad , Habib Syed Shahid , Al-khlaiwi Thamir , Alodhayani Abdulaziz Alhomaidi , Alotaibi Abdulmueen , Aldulejan Saja , Al Safadi Sufana , Alshammari Fahad Saad , Marar Aqeelah , Alrashdi Afaf , Almutairi Alhanouf G. , Alshahrani Mohammed
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Burnout is a pervasive issue in healthcare, and it impacts both the wellbeing of healthcare professionals and the quality of patient care. This study examines factors associated with burnout and working environment among respiratory therapists in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from respiratory therapists. We collected 315 questionnaires including burnout assessment. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between various variables and the likelihood of experiencing severe burnout and personal achievement problems.

Results

Marital status was a significant predictor of severe burnout (p = 0.001), with single individuals having 8.2 times higher odds than married individuals. Working longer than 44 h per week was associated with a 19.3-fold increase in the odds of severe personal achievement issues compared to those working 40–44 h per week (p < 0.001). Age, gender, living arrangements, education, employment status, and salary level were not significant predictors of severe burnout or personal achievement issues.

Conclusion with discussion

The findings highlight that marital status and extended working hours are significantly associated with increased burnout among respiratory therapists in Saudi Arabia. These results underscore the importance of social support networks and work-life balance in mitigating burnout risks within this profession.
Prevalence of measurable residual disease in patients with refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma who reached complete response: a cross-sectional multicentric study
Authors: Neves Manuel , Gerivaz Rita , Esteves Graça , Bergantim Rui , Ferreira Gisela , Coelho Henrique , Afonso Celina , Duarte Delfim , Neves Anabela , Silva Helena Matos , Caetano Joana , Jaime Rita , Geraldes Catarina , Lúcio Paulo
Published: December 2024

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematologic malignancy, and even though the complete response (CR) rate has been growing, a high percentage of patients continues to relapse. Recent research showed that most relapses may be related to the persistence of measurable residual disease (MRD). In this study, we intended to evaluate the MRD status in MM patients who reached CR in their second or third lines of treatment.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, multicentre, non-interventional study to describe the MRD status in patients with relapsed or refractory MM (rrMM), with documented CR; adult male and female patients, from 11 Portuguese sites, in their second or third line of treatment were included. Bone marrow MRD was assessed through next-generation flow cytometry (NGF) technology.

Results

Among the 68 subjects who gave informed consent, 48 were considered eligible for the study. Of the 48 subjects with confirmed CR, 31 (64.6%) had undetectable MRD levels. The incidence of undetectable MRD was lower in International Staging System (ISS) III patients compared with ISS I/II patients (60% vs. 70.8%; p = 0.45), and lower in patients treated without daratumumab-containing regimens compared with those treated with daratumumab-containing regimens (57.1% vs. 75.0%; p = 0.30). Notably, despite the small sample size, the incidence of undetectable MRD was significantly lower in patients with high-risk cytogenetics compared to those with standard risk (33.3% vs. 76.0%; p = 0.04).

Discussion

Our results highlight the possibility of achieving undetectable MRD in the rrMM setting, especially in earlier stages and with highly effective protocols. We expect that this work leverages the implementation of larger real-world evidence studies in rrMM patients, in which MRD may also be defined as a primary endpoint.
Fabrication of a novel “all in one glove”- a functional tool for oral hygiene maintenance and the assessment of its effectiveness on plaque control in spastic cerebral palsy patients
Authors: Palanisamy Sucharitha , Cholan Priyanka , Parthasarathy Harinath , Tadepalli Anupama
Published: December 2024

Background & objective

Spastic Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder from non-progressive brain injury or malformation during development, severely impairing movement, coordination, reflexes, posture, balance, and motor skills. Individuals with spastic CP experience limb spasticity, complicating tasks like precise gripping, particularly with toothbrushes. This study proposed a novel “all-in-one glove” for oral hygiene, assessing its efficacy and comparing it to conventional toothbrushes for spastic CP patients.

Methods & materials

This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 30 clinically diagnosed spastic CP patients with Group 1 consisting of 15 Subjects with clinically diagnosed spastic CP with generalized gingival diseases using conventional oral hygiene techniques with weekly oral hygiene reinforcement and Group 2 consisting of 15 Subjects with clinically diagnosed spastic cerebral palsy with generalized gingival diseases using the novel “all in one glove” method for oral hygiene maintenance with weekly oral hygiene reinforcement. The Clinical Parameters assessed includes Full mouth plaque scores, Full mouth bleeding scores and OHI scores recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months.

Results

A statistically significant reduction was observed in Full-mouth Plaque, Bleeding, and Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) scores in both the groups (48.87% & 43.285%, 31.57% & 26.66%, 57.29% & 47.37% respectively). The Group 2 exhibited a marginally higher percentage reduction in all clinical parameters compared to the Group 1 at the measured time points.

Conclusion

The utilization of the “All in one glove” has improved the effectiveness of oral hygiene maintenance and gingival health in spastic CP individuals.

Clinical Trial Registration

[ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier, [REF/2022/06/055641].
Bi-modal contrastive learning for crop classification using Sentinel-2 and Planetscope
Authors: Patnala Ankit , Stadtler Scarlet , Schultz Martin G. , Gall Juergen
Published: December 2024

Remote sensing has enabled large-scale crop classification for understanding agricultural ecosystems and estimating production yields. In recent years, machine learning has become increasingly relevant for automated crop classification. However, the existing algorithms require a huge amount of annotated data. Self-supervised learning, which enables training on unlabeled data, has great potential to overcome the problem of annotation. Contrastive learning, a self-supervised approach based on instance discrimination, has shown promising results in the field of natural as well as remote sensing images. Crop data often consists of field parcels or sets of pixels from small spatial regions. Additionally, one needs to account for temporal patterns to correctly label crops. Hence, the standard approaches for landcover classification cannot be applied. In this work, we propose two contrastive self-supervised learning approaches to obtain a pre-trained model for crop classification without the need for labeled data. First, we adopt the uni-modal contrastive method (SCARF) and, second, we use a bi-modal approach based on Sentinel-2 and Planetscope data instead of standard transformations developed for natural images to accommodate the spectral characteristics of crop pixels. Evaluation in three regions of Germany and France shows that crop classification with the pre-trained multi-modal model is superior to the pre-trained uni-modal method as well as the supervised baseline models in the majority of test cases.
“Good childhood”: children’s perception and evaluation of transnational families
Authors: König Alexandra , Schwittek Jessica , Jendrzey Katarzyna
Published: December 2024

In public debates, transnational families are portrayed as a deviation from the norm of “good childhood.” In Europe, this is emphasized by the term “Euro-orphans,” branding parents’ (especially mothers’) absence as a violation and scandalizing it. Children’s voices are rarely heard in public discourse, and although research is now turning its attention to the “stayer children,” they and their perspectives on transnational family life remain underrepresented, especially in Europe. In a German-Polish project, we investigate how children perceive and evaluate transnational family life based on 27 group discussions with 12-14-year-olds (with and without own transnational family experience) in Poland. The analysis shows that (1) the presence of parents is central to the normative pattern of a good childhood from children’s perspective, but (2) they use differentiated criteria when assessing (temporary) parental migration, i.e., they do not refer to “universal” needs of children. Additionally, (3) children request that they be informed about the migration-decision early on and involved in the organization of the time of separation to make it as acceptable as possible for them. Thereby, they offer interpretations of transnational families that contribute to erode the norm of good childhood. We see our paper as a sociologically and socio-politically relevant contribution to expanding the discussion on transnational families, both from the perspective of children who discuss and problematize transnational family life as more than merely a question of violating the norm of parents’ presence, and with our focus on the European region, which provides specific contextual conditions for transnational families.
The challenges of being imperfect: how do judges and prosecutors deal with sentencing disparity
Authors: Plesničar Mojca M.
Published: December 2024

Legal decision-making aspires to be objective, a principle regarded as foundational to justice, public trust, and the legitimacy of legal outcomes. However, this ideal is often challenged by the reality of human judgment, which is influenced by subjective factors such as emotions, biases, and varying cognitive strategies. This paper investigates the psychological challenges faced by legal professionals in the context of sentencing, drawing on data from studies involving judges and prosecutors in Slovenia. Through workshops, interviews, and focus groups, the research highlights substantial inconsistencies in sentencing practices, even for similar offences. These disparities reveal the limits of objectivity within the judicial process, prompting legal professionals to reflect on the systemic and individual factors driving variability. The analysis focuses on how judges and prosecutors react to these discrepancies, examining a range of emotional and psychological responses—including the rationalization of decisions, the pursuit of consistency through personal “sentencing codes,” and reliance on collegial input to cope with the absence of formal guidelines. The analysis draws on concepts from cognitive dissonance theory, deliberate ignorance, emotional labour, and personality types to explore how professionals reconcile the ideal of objectivity with the imperfections of human judgment. It highlights the profound emotional toll that discrepancies in sentencing can take on decision-makers and how these emotional reactions influence their professional identity and approach to justice. By contextualising these findings within the sociology of emotions, this paper emphasises how the emotional realities of legal professionals shape their responses to perceived failures and impact their capacity to deliver justice. Ultimately, this study aims to foster a deeper understanding of the human aspects of judicial decision-making, underscoring the need for systemic reforms to mitigate disparities, provide support, and promote consistency in sentencing practices.
A practical framework for the design of resistance exercise interventions in oncology research settings—a narrative review
Authors: Fairman Ciaran M.
Published: December 2024

Resistance exercise (RE) has been demonstrated to result in a myriad of benefits for individuals treated for cancer, including improvements in muscle mass, strength, physical function, and quality of life. Though this has resulted in the development of recommendations for RE in cancer management from various international governing bodies, there is also increasing recognition of the need to improve the design of RE interventions in oncology. The design and execution of RE trials are notoriously complex, attempting to account for numerous cancer/treatment related symptoms/side effects. Further, the design of exercise trials in oncology also present numerous logistical challenges, particularly those that are scaled for effectiveness, where multi-site trials with numerous exercise facilities are almost a necessity. As such, this review paper highlights these considerations, and takes evidence from relevant areas (RE trials/recommendations in oncology, older adults, and other clinical populations), and provide a practical framework for consideration in the design and delivery of RE trials. Ultimately, the purpose of this framework is to provide suggestions for researchers on how to design/conduct RE trials for individuals with cancer, rather than synthesizing evidence for guidelines/recommendations on the optimal RE dose/program.
IoT based climate smart agriculture succeeded by blockchain database—A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Safeer Sajid , Mastro Giuseppe De , Pulvento Cataldo
Published: December 2024

Modern-day agriculture is vital for sustainable production, ensuring a consistent supply of food and fiber for humanity. The data proving its quality is economically significant, encompassing farm conditions, irrigation practices, inventories, contracts, and deals within the agro-food supply sector. To ensure transparent and secure data transfer and storage, a trustworthy interconnected databank is essential for all concerned authorities and contributors. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture with blockchain technology offers an unparalleled solution. This combination serves as a distributed ledger, ensuring transparent and secure management of critical environmental and supply chain data. The IoT-based blockchain infrastructure enhances agricultural sustainability and environmental monitoring. It is anticipated that this technology will become increasingly accurate and effective in addressing persistent challenges in the agro-food sector. This bibliometric analysis reviews and synthesizes relevant literature from the Scopus database, highlighting the growth and trends in IoT and blockchain research applied to precision agriculture. The study reveals a remarkable 47.58% annual growth rate in research within this field, starting with only three published documents in 2019 and peaking at 21 in 2022 and 20 in 2024. Globally, China and India lead in publication output, collectively accounting for 62% of the articles. In terms of citations, India ranks highest with 550 total citations, followed by Italy with 431 citations during 2019–2024. This comprehensive study serves as a valuable reference for understanding the research trends and growth in IoT and blockchain applications in agriculture, providing critical insights for future developments in this rapidly evolving field.