bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Intrafibrillar Mineralization Strategy Enhances Adhesive–Dentin Interface
Authors: Gao X. , Wang Z. , Yang H. , Huang C.
Published: November 2023

Biomimetic mineralization of dentin collagen appears to be a promising strategy to optimize dentin bonding durability. However, traditional postbonding mineralization strategies based on Ca/P ion release still have some drawbacks, such as being time-consuming, having a spatiotemporal mismatch, and having limited intrafibrillar minerals. To tackle these problems, a prebonding rapid intrafibrillar mineralization strategy was developed in the present study. Specifically, polyacrylic acid–stabilized amorphous calcium fluoride (PAA-ACF) was found to induce rapid intrafibrillar mineralization of the single-layer collagen model and dentin collagen at just 1 min and 10 min, as identified by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. This strategy has also been identified to strengthen the mechanical properties of demineralized dentin within a clinically acceptable timeframe. Significantly, the bonding strength of the PAA-ACF–treated groups outperformed the control group irrespective of aging modes. In addition, the endogenous matrix metalloproteinases as well as exogenous bacterial erosion were inhibited, thus reducing the degradation of dentin collagen. High-quality integration of the hybrid layer and the underlying dentin was also demonstrated. On the basis of the present results, the concept of “prebonding rapid intrafibrillar mineralization” was proposed. This user-friendly scheme introduced PAA-ACF–based intrafibrillar mineralization into dentin bonding for the first time. As multifunctional primers, PAA-ACF precursors have the potential to shed new light on prolonging the service life of adhesive restorations, with promising significance.
Improvement of earth-to-air heat exchanger performance by adding cost-efficient soil
Authors: El Khachine Houda , Ouahabi Mohamed Hatim , Taoukil Driss
Published: November 2023

Geothermal research advances earth-to-air heat exchanger (EAHE) technology, offering promising air conditioning solutions for all buildings. Our study targets improved energy efficiency for the EAHE system, focusing on cost-effective approaches to enhance its technical, economic, and environmental performance. The thermal performance and economic viability of the EAHE system hinge on the thermal characteristics of the surrounding soil. The EAHE model features a single pipe with dimensions of 0.5 meters in diameter, 1 centimeter in thickness, and 10 meters in length. These pipes are strategically placed at depths of 1 meter, 2 meters, 3 meters, and 4 meters below the ground's surface. To optimize heat exchange efficiency while minimizing pipe length, we propose using a secondary soil material with high thermal conductivity as a lining for the EAHE pipes. Our innovative approach carefully considers the economic and environmental aspects of various lining materials, resulting in optimal performance at a minimal cost. Extensive simulations and data analysis lead us to identify an ideal lining material, naturally available, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective, ensuring peak efficiency. Our investigation assesses the EAHE system's thermal performance for both summer cooling and winter heating, demonstrating its effectiveness across seasons. This research underscores the case for utilizing EAHE systems during winter and autumn for heating and during spring and summer for cooling. Our findings are supported by robust performance indicators, confirming the effectiveness of our approach.
Immaculate Conception of Gender: The Marian Phenomenon Among Catholic Women Pilgrims
Authors: Yılmaz Ozan Can
Published: November 2023

This research concerns the phenomenological pragmatics of the Marian imaginaries in the study of gender and religion as intersecting and coconstituting themes. The contemporary constructions of antiquity occur in two ways: phantasmatic conceptions of the sacred as indoctrinated gendered catechisms, and embodied forms manifest on the body, thus serving as dogmatic disruptions for human sexuality. Reminiscent of Irigaray, what are the ways in which seemingly sexed bodies shelter the deterritorialized Queen? In what manner do bodies on pilgrimage facilitate the mediation of the mediatrix? This study examines how the queen of virgins, the Regina Virginum, demarcates the visions of womanhood and femininity through fieldwork among the Latina Catholic women pilgrims to the House of the Virgin Mary in Selçuk Province, Turkey. In this context, it further provides an analysis of discourse within the context of Pope Francis’ address at the General Audience held in the Paul VI Audience Hall on Wednesday, 23 August 2023. The research results are set to highlight how women can cultivate empowerment by embracing their inner selves, paralleling Mary’s spiritual influence on women’s agency. Findings demonstrate how women utilize pilgrimage experiences, inspired by Mary’s multifaceted symbolism, to challenge gender norms, reconstruct identities, and assert agency, emphasizing the transformative potential of religious practices in empowering women.
This Is My Body
Authors: Isherwood Lisa
Published: November 2023

This article will examine the difficulties involved in female embodiment facing as it does negativity from Church Fathers to philosophers and psychologists. The female body is hardly ever just allowed ‘to be’. I will argue that placed within the frame of radical incarnation and the dismissal of dualistic metaphysics gives the female body the freedom to be and further places those who would deny the freedom in the realm of those who commit blasphemy and not simply patriarchal misogynists.
Family and Systems Theory in Counselor Education: A PRISMA Systematic Review
Authors: Falkenstien Bridger D. , Bohecker Lynn , Vik Lindsay
Published: November 2023

An exploration of peer-reviewed articles published in the last decade in 11 journals from the American Counseling Association (ACA) was conducted to identify the state of research on teaching family and systems theory in the field of counselor education. This study presents a review of the relevant literature using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. While much has been published over the past decade specific to family and systems theory, few recommendations exist for counselor educators attempting to select the most recent and relevant publications to include in their counselor education curricula. A summary of the review and recommendations for counselor educators who are designing and teaching counselor education curricula on family and systems theory are provided.
Rural Women, Creative Writing, and Resistance
Authors: McElroy Honor B.
Published: November 2023

Blending narrative portraiture and feminist methods, this study explored the lives of two rural women who are creative writers. The study asked (1) What are their critical purposes? and (2) How did gender and place intersect in their writing lives? The findings were that the women used creative writing to engage in praxis by creating and disseminating knowledge. Their writing critically interrogated and redefined conceptions of womanhood. Additional critical purposes were unique to women's intersectional identities and lived experiences. They ranged from interrogating societal perspectives of gender, sexuality, and race to interrogating rurality and sexual violence. The aesthetic texts they created articulated and advocated for intersubjective truths. Shifting the focus of critical literacy from pedagogy and reading to writing beyond educational spaces, the women drew upon critical literacy not as a means of being taught how to understand the power of texts, but to wield the power of texts themselves.
Docked Bikeshare Equity and Goal Conflict: An Evaluation Using Gini Coefficients and Lorenz Curves
Authors: Harmony Xavier
Published: November 2023

The equitable distribution of docked bikeshare is an important issue for transportation decision-makers. Gini coefficients and Lorenz curves can be used to study transportation inequality. This study used these methods to achieve three outcomes. First, this study identified a gap in bikeshare equity literature and provided a more nuanced measure of bikeshare supply to better evaluate how well bikeshare meets demand. Second, the updated measure of distributional equity was used to evaluate bikeshare equity in Washington, DC. Third, using historical trip data, the Gini coefficient calculations indicated which trip types are better served. Comparison of the results highlighted a potential conflict in program goals: equity versus supporting existing bikeshare members. Policy feedback may bias this trade-off in favor of members, reinforcing spatial inequalities. Overall, this paper further demonstrated how Gini coefficients and Lorenz curves can be useful tools for evaluating inequality in transportation systems.
Determination of age-specific reference intervals for selected serum and urinary biomarkers in elderly cats
Authors: Mortier Femke , van Leeuwenberg Robby , Daminet Sylvie , Paepe Dominique
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Annual health screening is recommended in elderly cats to allow the early detection of conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hyperthyroidism. Nevertheless, age-specific reference intervals (RIs) for renal and thyroid parameters in this population are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine age-specific RIs for selected serum and urine biomarkers related to CKD and hyperthyroidism, namely serum creatinine (sCr), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), phosphate (P), total calcium (tCa), total thyroxine (TT4), urinary protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) and urine specific gravity (USG). These RIs were established for elderly cats (aged ⩾7 years) in general, as well as for mature adult cats (aged 7–10 years) and senior cats (aged >10 years) separately.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted on client-owned cats aged ⩾7 years and considered healthy by their owners. The cats were screened to rule out metabolic and systemic diseases by means of a thorough history, complete physical examination, blood examination and urinalysis. The data from 206 healthy elderly cats (134 mature adult and 72 senior cats) were included. Age-appropriate RIs were determined following the guidelines of the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology and compared with existing laboratory RIs.

Results

Clinically relevant differences between the age-specific RI and the laboratory RI were found for several variables. Compared with the laboratory RI, the upper limit of the RI for cats aged ⩾7 years was lower for sCr, TT4 and P, and higher for SDMA. The lower limit of the age-appropriate RI was lower for USG. The new RI was almost identical to the existing laboratory RI for tCa and UPC.

Conclusions and relevance

Using age-specific RIs for renal and thyroid biomarkers in mature adult and senior cats has important clinical consequences for the interpretation of health screening results in elderly cats. This confirms the need to adapt laboratory RIs to the specific animal population for which the RI will be used.
Moderate-Severe TBI as a Progressive Disorder: Patterns and Predictors of Cognitive Declines in the Chronic Stages of Injury
Authors: Green Robin E. A. , Dabek Marika K. , Changoor Alana , Rybkina Julia , Monette Georges A. , Colella Brenda
Published: November 2023

Background

Moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been associated with progressive cognitive decline in the chronic injury stages in a small number of studies.

Objective

This study aimed to (i) replicate our previous findings of decline from 1 to 3+ years post-injury in a larger, non-overlapping sample and (ii) extend these findings by examining the proportion of decliners in 2 earlier time windows, and by investigating novel predictors of decline.

Methods

N = 48 patients with moderate-severe TBI underwent neuropsychological assessment at 2, 5, 12 months, and 30+ months post-injury. We employed the Reliable Change Index (RCI) to evaluate decline, stability and improvement across time and logistic regression to identify predictors of decline (demographic/cognitive reserve; injury-related).

Results

The proportions of patients showing decline were: 12.5% (2-5 months post-injury), 17% (5-12 months post-injury), and 27% (12-30+ months post-injury). Measures of verbal retrieval were most sensitive to decline. Of the predictors, only left progressive hippocampal volume loss from 5 to 12 months post-injury significantly predicted cognitive decline from 12 to 30+ months post-injury.

Conclusions

Identical to our previous study, 27% of patients declined from 12 to 30+ months post-injury. Additionally, we found that the further from injury, the greater the proportion of patients declining. Importantly, earlier progressive hippocampal volume loss predicted later cognitive decline. Taken together, the findings highlight the need for ongoing research and treatment that target these deleterious mechanisms affecting patients in the chronic stages of moderate-severe TBI.
Using neural networks and hierarchical cluster analysis to study goal kicks in football
Authors: Arnau Notari Andres Roger , Calabuig JM , Catalan Cesar , Garcia Raffi LM , Pardo Gila JM , Pons Anaya Roberto , Sánchez Pérez EA
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study is to build a mathematical model that predicts the success of a goal kick in soccer. The model is based on an ensemble of neural networks whose inputs are five features extracted directly from the goal kick and one more that depends on the opposing team. This new variable is calculated using a hierarchical cluster analysis and divides the possible opponents by their defensive strategy. It is shown that it has a relevant importance in the result of a goal kick, which validates the idea of using the presented methodology that takes into account the opponent’s tactics when analyzing specific plays of a soccer match.
Factors for progressive pulmonary fibrosis in connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease
Authors: Kim Kyuhwan , Lee Jongmin , Jo Yong Suk
Published: November 2023

Background:

Progressive fibrosis can occur in connective tissue disease (CTD)-related interstitial lung disease (ILD) and make the prognosis worse.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate factors related to progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) phenotype in CTD-ILDs.

Design:

Medical records of patients diagnosed as CTD and ILD at a single, tertiary hospital in South Korea were retrospectively reviewed.

Methods:

Patients whose lung functions were followed up for more than a year were included in analysis. PPF was defined as forced vital capacity (FVC) declined ⩾10% or diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLco) ⩾15%.

Results:

Of 110 patients with CTD-ILD, 24.5% progressed into PPF. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Sjogren’s disease accounted for more than 63% of PPF. Compositions of CTD type were similar between PPF and non-PPF. Clinical characteristics and proportion of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern on chest images were also similar between PPF and non-PPF. Approximately 10% of patients in both groups were treated with anti-fibrotic agents. Use of systemic steroids and/or other immunomodulating agents lowered the risk of developing PPF in CTD-ILD patients after adjusting for gender-age-physiology score and smoking status (adjusted odds ratio: 0.25, 95% confidence interval: 0.07–0.85).

Conclusion:

About a quarter of CTD-ILD progressed into PPF. The use of immunomodulating agents lowered the risk of developing PPF. To improve outcomes of patients, future studies need to detect patients at higher risk for PPF earlier and set up clinical guidelines for treatment strategies in the process of PPF.
Clinical practice in prostate PET imaging
Authors: Huls Sean J. , Burkett Brian , Ehman Eric , Lowe Val J. , Subramaniam Rathan M. , Kendi A. Tuba
Published: November 2023

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in prostate cancer has advanced significantly in the past decade with prostate cancer targeted radiopharmaceuticals now playing a growing role in diagnosis, staging, and treatment. This narrative review focuses on the most commonly used PET radiopharmaceuticals in the USA: prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), fluciclovine, and choline. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is used in many other malignancies, but rarely in prostate cancer. Previous literature is discussed regarding each radiopharmaceutical’s utility in the settings of screening/diagnosis, initial staging, biochemical recurrence, advanced disease, and evaluation prior to targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy and radiation therapy. PET imaging has demonstrated utility over traditional imaging in various scenarios; however, there are few head-to-head studies comparing PET radiopharmaceuticals. PSMA radiopharmaceuticals are the newest tracers developed and have unique properties and uses, especially at low prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. However, each PET radiopharmaceutical has different properties which can affect image interpretation. Choline and fluciclovine have minimal urinary activity, whereas PSMA agents can have high urinary activity which may affect locoregional disease evaluation. Of the three radiopharmaceuticals, only PSMA is approved for both diagnostic and therapeutic indications with 177Lu-PSMA. A variety of diagnostic PET radiotracers for prostate cancer allows for increased flexibility, especially in the setting of supply chain and medication shortages. For the time being, keeping a diverse group of PET radiopharmaceuticals for prostate cancer is justifiable.
Integrin α10β1-Selected Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reduce Pain and Cartilage Degradation and Increase Immunomodulation in an Equine Osteoarthritis Model
Authors: Andersen Camilla , Jacobsen Stine , Uvebrant Kristina , Griffin John F. , Vonk Lucienne Angela , Walters Marie , Berg Lise Charlotte , Lundgren-Åkerlund Evy , Lindegaard Casper
Published: November 2023

Objective

Integrin α10β1-selected mesenchymal stem cells (integrin α10-MSCs) have previously shown potential in treating cartilage damage and osteoarthritis (OA) in vitro and in animal models in vivo. The aim of this study was to further investigate disease-modifying effects of integrin α10-MSCs.

Design

OA was surgically induced in 17 horses. Eighteen days after surgery, horses received 2 × 107integrin α10-MSCs intra-articularly or were left untreated. Lameness and response to carpal flexion was assessed weekly along with synovial fluid (SF) analysis. On day 52 after treatment, horses were euthanized, and carpi were evaluated by computed tomography (CT), MRI, histology, and for macroscopic pathology and integrin α10-MSCs were traced in the joint tissues.

Results

Lameness and response to carpal flexion significantly improved over time following integrin α10-MSC treatment. Treated horses had milder macroscopic cartilage pathology and lower cartilage histology scores than the untreated group. Prostaglandin E2 and interleukin-10 increased in the SF after integrin α10-MSC injection. Integrin α10-MSCs were found in SF from treated horses up to day 17 after treatment, and in the articular cartilage and subchondral bone from 5 of 8 treated horses after euthanasia at 52 days after treatment. The integrin α10-MSC injection did not cause joint flare.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that intra-articular (IA) injection of integrin α10-MSCs appears to be safe, alleviate pathological changes in the joint, and improve joint function in an equine post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) model. The results suggest that integrin α10-MSCs hold promise as a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD).
Investigating self-report and neuropsychological assessments of cognitive flexibility in people with and without persistent pain: An online, cross-sectional, observational study
Authors: Howlett Caitlin A , Stanford Tyman , Berryman Carolyn , Karran Emma L , Bellan Valeria , Coussens Scott , Miles Stephanie , Moseley G Lorimer
Published: November 2023

Introduction

People with persistent pain experience problems modifying their cognition and behaviours when task or environmental demands change – abilities otherwise known as cognitive flexibility. However, limitations and inconsistent results of previous studies raise concerns over the quality of that evidence. We aimed to determine whether people with and without persistent pain differ on two assessments that are commonly used to assess cognitive flexibility. We also examined the relationship between the two assessments and explored whether people with and without persistent pain are distinguishable based on their scores on these assessments.

Methods

Participant demographics and symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed. Participants completed the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Multiple linear regression on the two outcome variables: CFI (total score) and WCST (% perseverative responses) was applied using backward stepwise selection. Both outcomes were calculated as a standardised proportion of the outcome scale and log-odds transformed to meet the model assumptions. Correlation analysis and logistic regression were used to investigate our secondary and exploratory aims.

Results

Data were available from 128 participants with persistent pain and 68 pain-free controls. After adjusting for covariates, no differences were found between people with and without persistent pain on either assessment of cognitive flexibility. No significant correlations were detected between the two assessments in either group. The probability of having persistent pain was also not associated with scores on either or both assessments.

Conclusion

‘Cognitive flexibility’ appears similar in people with and without persistent pain.
Platelets mediate the clearance of senescent red blood cells by forming prophagocytic platelet-cell complexes
Authors: Ningtyas Dian C. , Leitner Florentina , Sohail Huma , Thong Yee Lin , Hicks Sarah M. , Ali Sidra , Drew Megan , Javed Kiran , Lee Jiwon , Kenangalem Enny , Poespoprodjo Jeanne R. , Anstey Nicholas M. , Rug Melanie , Choi Philip Y.-I. , Kho Steven , Gardiner Elizabeth E. , McMorran Brendan J.
Published: November 2023

In humans, ∼0.1% to 0.3% of circulating red blood cells (RBCs) are present as platelet-RBC (P-RBC) complexes, and it is 1% to 2% in mice. Excessive P-RBC complexes are found in diseases that compromise RBC health (eg, sickle cell disease and malaria) and contribute to pathogenesis. However, the physiological role of P-RBC complexes in healthy blood is unknown. As a result of damage accumulated over their lifetime, RBCs nearing senescence exhibit physiological and molecular changes akin to those in platelet-binding RBCs in sickle cell disease and malaria. Therefore, we hypothesized that RBCs nearing senescence are targets for platelet binding and P-RBC formation. Confirming this hypothesis, pulse-chase labeling studies in mice revealed an approximately tenfold increase in P-RBC complexes in the most chronologically aged RBC population compared with younger cells. When reintroduced into mice, these complexes were selectively cleared from the bloodstream (in preference to platelet-free RBC) through the reticuloendothelial system and erythrophagocytes in the spleen. As a corollary, patients without a spleen had higher levels of complexes in their bloodstream. When the platelet supply was artificially reduced in mice, fewer RBC complexes were formed, fewer erythrophagocytes were generated, and more senescent RBCs remained in circulation. Similar imbalances in complex levels and senescent RBC burden were observed in humans with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). These findings indicate that platelets are important for binding and clearing senescent RBCs, and disruptions in platelet count or complex formation and clearance may negatively affect RBC homeostasis and may contribute to the known risk of thrombosis in ITP and after splenectomy.
Survival in primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, 2016 to 2021: etoposide is better than its reputation
Authors: Böhm Svea , Wustrau Katharina , Pachlopnik Schmid Jana , Prader Seraina , Ahlmann Martina , Yacobovich Joanne , Beier Rita , Speckmann Carsten , Behnisch Wolfgang , Ifversen Marianne , Jordan Michael , Marsh Rebecca , Naumann-Bartsch Nora , Mauz-Körholz Christine , Hönig Manfred , Schulz Ansgar , Malinowska Iwona , Hines Melissa , Nichols Kim E. , Gil-Herrera Juana , Talano Julie-An , Crooks Bruce , Formankova Renata , Jorch Norbert , Bakhtiar Shahrzad , Kühnle Ingrid , Streiter Monika , Nathrath Michaela , Russo Alexandra , Dürken Matthias , Lang Peter , Lindemans Caroline , Henter Jan-Inge , Lehmberg Kai , Ehl Stephan
Published: November 2023

Primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (pHLH) is a life-threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome that develops mainly in patients with genetic disorders of lymphocyte cytotoxicity and X-linked lymphoproliferative syndromes. Previous studies with etoposide-based treatment followed by hematopoetic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) resulted in 5-year survival of 50% to 59%. Contemporary data are lacking. We evaluated 88 patients with pHLH documented in the international HLH registry from 2016-2021. In 12 of 88 patients, diagnosis was made without HLH activity, based on siblings or albinism. Major HLH-directed drugs (etoposide, antithymocyte globulin, alemtuzumab, emapalumab, ruxolitinib) were administered to 66 of 76 patients who were symptomatic (86% first-line etoposide); 16 of 57 patients treated with etoposide and 3 of 9 with other first-line treatment received salvage therapy. HSCT was performed in 75 patients; 7 patients died before HSCT. Three-year probability of survival (pSU) was 82% (confidence interval [CI], 72%-88%) for the entire cohort and 77% (CI, 64%-86%) for patients receiving first-line etoposide. Compared with the HLH-2004 study, both pre-HSCT and post-HSCT survival of patients receiving first-line etoposide improved, 83% to 91% and 70% to 88%. Differences to HLH-2004 included preferential use of reduced-toxicity conditioning and reduced time from diagnosis to HSCT (from 148 to 88 days). Three-year pSU was lower with haploidentical (4 of 9 patients [44%]) than with other donors (62 of 66 [94%]; P < .001). Importantly, early HSCT for patients who were asymptomatic resulted in 100% survival, emphasizing the potential benefit of newborn screening. This contemporary standard-of-care study of patients with pHLH reveals that first-line etoposide-based therapy is better than previously reported, providing a benchmark for novel treatment regimes.
Laparoscopic versus open partial nephrectomy: prospective randomized study for assessment of surgical, functional, and oncological outcomes
Authors: Elmohamady Basheer N. , Goma Rabea , Gharib Tarek , Mostafa Mohamed K. , Nouh Islam
Published: November 2023

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical, functional, and oncological outcomes between open partial nephrectomy (OPN) and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN).

Methods

This prospective, randomized study was performed on patients who underwent partial nephrectomy under general anesthesia. Patients were randomized using the closed envelope method to either LPN or OPN. Baseline demographics and surgical, functional, and oncological outcomes were compared. A per-protocol analysis was used.

Results

Randomized study was conducted on 166 patients. The LPN, in comparison to the OPN group, was associated with significantly shorter hospital stay (3 vs. 4 days), less blood transfusion (10% vs. 12%), longer operative time (134 min vs. 124 min), lower visual analog pain score (7 vs. 8), and lower estimated GFR (70.7 ± 17.5 vs. 72.3 ± 14.7).

Conclusions

Oncological and functional results were comparable between LPN and OPN. However, LPN was superior to open surgery because of less hospital stay, visual analog pain score, and blood loss.
Speed control with low complexity for multiple autonomous vehicles in roundabouts
Authors: Farkas Zsófia , Németh Balázs , Mihály András , Gáspár Péter
Published: November 2023

The paper introduces a high level speed control method for the coordination of multiple autonomous vehicles (AVs) in roundabout scenarios. The aim of the control method is to guarantee collision-free motion of the AVs, and similarly, to minimize their traveling time. In the method a priority-based ordering process of the AVs is used, which enforces the time-efficient motion of the AVs. The collision-free motion is guaranteed through an optimization-based method including control input constraints. The ordering process and the optimization form a low complexity solution, which requires low computation effort. The proposed control strategy is involved in the high level of a hierarchical control structure. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is illustrated by simulation examples and Hardware-in-the-Loop demonstration.
Improved quality metrics for association and reproducibility in chromatin accessibility data using mutual information
Authors: Roth Cullen , Venu Vrinda , Job Vanessa , Lubbers Nicholas , Sanbonmatsu Karissa Y. , Steadman Christina R. , Starkenburg Shawn R.
Published: November 2023

Background

Correlation metrics are widely utilized in genomics analysis and often implemented with little regard to assumptions of normality, homoscedasticity, and independence of values. This is especially true when comparing values between replicated sequencing experiments that probe chromatin accessibility, such as assays for transposase-accessible chromatin via sequencing (ATAC-seq). Such data can possess several regions across the human genome with little to no sequencing depth and are thus non-normal with a large portion of zero values. Despite distributed use in the epigenomics field, few studies have evaluated and benchmarked how correlation and association statistics behave across ATAC-seq experiments with known differences or the effects of removing specific outliers from the data. Here, we developed a computational simulation of ATAC-seq data to elucidate the behavior of correlation statistics and to compare their accuracy under set conditions of reproducibility.

Results

Using these simulations, we monitored the behavior of several correlation statistics, including the Pearson’sRand Spearman’s$$\rho$$ρcoefficients as well as Kendall’s$$\tau$$τand Top–Down correlation. We also test the behavior of association measures, including the coefficient of determinationR$$^2$$2, Kendall’s W, and normalized mutual information. Our experiments reveal an insensitivity of most statistics, including Spearman’s$$\rho$$ρ, Kendall’s$$\tau$$τ, and Kendall’s W, to increasing differences between simulated ATAC-seq replicates. The removal of co-zeros (regions lacking mapped sequenced reads) between simulated experiments greatly improves the estimates of correlation and association. After removing co-zeros, theR$$^2$$2coefficient and normalized mutual information display the best performance, having a closer one-to-one relationship with the known portion of shared, enhanced loci between simulated replicates. When comparing values between experimental ATAC-seq data using a random forest model, mutual information best predicts ATAC-seq replicate relationships.

Conclusions

Collectively, this study demonstrates how measures of correlation and association can behave in epigenomics experiments. We provide improved strategies for quantifying relationships in these increasingly prevalent and important chromatin accessibility assays.
MiREx: mRNA levels prediction from gene sequence and miRNA target knowledge
Authors: Pianfetti Elena , Lovino Marta , Ficarra Elisa , Martignetti Loredana
Published: November 2023

Messenger RNA (mRNA) has an essential role in the protein production process. Predicting mRNA expression levels accurately is crucial for understanding gene regulation, and various models (statistical and neural network-based) have been developed for this purpose. A few models predict mRNA expression levels from the DNA sequence, exploiting the DNA sequence and gene features (e.g., number of exons/introns, gene length). Other models include information about long-range interaction molecules (i.e., enhancers/silencers) and transcriptional regulators as predictive features, such as transcription factors (TFs) and small RNAs (e.g., microRNAs - miRNAs). Recently, a convolutional neural network (CNN) model, called Xpresso, has been proposed for mRNA expression level prediction leveraging the promoter sequence and mRNAs’ half-life features (gene features). To push forward the mRNA level prediction, we present miREx, a CNN-based tool that includes information about miRNA targets and expression levels in the model. Indeed, each miRNA can target specific genes, and the model exploits this information to guide the learning process. In detail, not all miRNAs are included, only a selected subset with the highest impact on the model. MiREx has been evaluated on four cancer primary sites from the genomics data commons (GDC) database: lung, kidney, breast, and corpus uteri. Results show that mRNA level prediction benefits from selected miRNA targets and expression information. Future model developments could include other transcriptional regulators or be trained with proteomics data to infer protein levels.
Analysis of codon usage patterns in 48 Aconitum species
Authors: Yang Meihua , Liu Jiahao , Yang Wanqing , Li Zhen , Hai Yonglin , Duan Baozhong , Zhang Haizhu , Yang Xiaoli , Xia Conglong
Published: November 2023

Background

The Aconitum genus is a crucial member of the Ranunculaceae family. There are 350 Aconitum species worldwide, with about 170 species found in China. These species are known for their various pharmacological effects and are commonly used to treat joint pain, cold abdominal pain, and other ailments. Codon usage bias (CUB) analysis contributes to evolutionary relationships and phylogeny. Based on protein-coding sequences (PCGs), we selected 48 species of Aconitum for CUB analysis.

Results

The results revealed that Aconitum species had less than 50% GC content. Furthermore, the distribution of GC content was irregular and followed a trend of GC1 > GC2 > GC3, indicating a bias towards A/T bases. The relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) heat map revealed the presence of conservative codons with slight variations within the genus. The effective number of codons (ENC)-Plot and the parity rule 2 (PR2)-bias plot analysis indicate that natural selection is the primary factor influencing the variation in codon usage. As a result, we screened various optimal codons and found that A/T bases were preferred as the last codon. Furthermore, our Maximum Likelihood (ML) analysis based on PCGs among 48 Aconitum species yielded results consistent with those obtained from complete chloroplast (cp.) genome data. This suggests that analyzing mutation in PCGs is an efficient method for demonstrating the phylogeny of species at the genus level.

Conclusions

The CUB analysis of 48 species of Aconitum was mainly influenced by natural selection. This study reveals the CUB pattern of Aconitum and lays the foundation for future genetic modification and phylogenetic analyses.
Aesthetics of everyday life and its related factors among older adults in Kashan (2021–2022)
Authors: Zamani Nafise , Izadi-Avanji Fatemeh Sadat , Safa Azade , Azizi-Fini Ismail , Mohammadnejad Esmaeil
Published: November 2023

Background

Aesthetics of everyday life are associated with the physical, mental, and social health of older adults, leading them to experience a successful old age. This study aimed to examine the aesthetics of everyday life and its related factors among older adults in Kashan from 2021 to 2022.

Methods

This cross-sectional study consisted of 350 older adults who were referred to Urban Comprehensive Health Service Centers (UCHSC) in Kashan. Sampling was done by a two-stage method (cluster, random). The data collection was performed with a background information questionnaire and the Elderly’s Perception of Everyday Aesthetics scale (EPEA-S). Data were analyzed using an independent t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression tests in the SPSS software.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 69.56 ± 6.63 years. The mean score of aesthetics of everyday life in older adults was 133.02 ± 14.73, with the family and others subscale receiving the highest score. The univariate test indicated a statistically significant correlation between age, employment status, education, income, smoking, social activities, physical activities, interest in artistic works, and the aesthetics of everyday life in older adults (P < 0.01). Multivariate linear analysis showed that age, employment status, smoking, income, social activities, physical activities, and interest in artistic works predicted and explained 28% of the variance of life aesthetics in older adults (R2 = 0.28).

Conclusions

The aesthetics of everyday life of the Iranian older adults were in a good range. Healthcare providers and families of older adults can use this concept to enhance the elderly’s physical, mental, and social health.
Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of multidrug resistant and extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales isolated from clinical samples in the western region in Cameroon
Authors: Nkengkana Omer Aurelle , Founou Raspail Carrel , Founou Luria Leslie , Dimani Brice Davy , Koudoum Patrice Landry , Zemtsa Jessica Ravalona , Mbossi Aurelia , Mawout Cyrielle Signe , Tegang Larissa Tchakounte , Noubom Michel
Published: November 2023

Background

The 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) report has listed extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) as critical pathogens for public health and requiring urgently new antibiotics. The aim of this study was to characterize phenotypically and genotypically ESBL-E isolated among clinical samples in Dschang, Cameroon.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted during a four-month periods from February to May 2022 in the two biggest hospitals of Dschang. Clinical samples were collected and cultured on Eosin Methylene Blue agar. Suspected growing colonies were biochemically identified using the Enterosystem Kit 18R. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was done using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method and interpretated according to the CA-SFM recommendations. ESBL phenotypes were double screened using CHROMagar™ ESBL and double disk synergy test (DDST). The detection of resistance genes was performed using conventional and multiplex PCR methods. Results were analyzed with SPSS (version 21) and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 152 Enterobacterales were isolated among 597 clinical samples including urine, blood, cervico-vaginal, urethral swabs and wound samples. The overall prevalence of ESBL-Enterobacterales was 29.61% (45/152). The most represented ESBL species were Escherichia coli (n = 23; 51.11%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 8; 17.78%) and Citrobacter freundii (n = 6; 13.33%).

Conclusion

This study reveals the high burden of ESBL-E among clinical samples in the regional hospital in Dschang with the most common species being E. coli and K. pneumoniae. It confirmed the high occurrence of blaCTX−M and blaTEM among ESBL-E. The study suggests that implementing antimicrobial stewardship program and real-time surveillance of antimicrobial resistance are needed in the Western region of Cameroon. Moreover, the implementation of infection prevention and control measures (IPC) is essential to curb the dissemination of these bacteria from community to hospital settings. Implementation of national action plan to fight against antimicrobial resistance at the local levels is urgently needed.
Evaluation of a method to identify midwives in national provider identifier data
Authors: Vanderlaan Jennifer , Jefferson Karen
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Comparison of national midwife workforce data from the National Provider Identifier file determined it undercounted midwives compared to national data available from the American Midwifery Certification Board. This undercount may be due to the existence of three taxonomy categories for midwives when registering for the National Provider Identifier. The objective of this study was to obtain an accurate count of advanced practice midwives using the National Provider Identifier Data.

Methods

A recode strategy was created using the NPPES Data Dissemination File for November 7, 2021. The strategy identified advanced practice midwives using education and certification information provided in the “credentials” field. The strategy was validated using the NPPES Data Dissemination File for August 7, 2022 and the gold standard was the American Midwifery Certification Board count of midwives by state for August, 2022. Validation compared the accuracy and precision of the recode to the accuracy and precision of using the advanced practice midwife taxonomy category.

Results

The recode strategy improved the accuracy and precision of the count of advanced practice midwives compared to the identification of advanced practice midwives using the advanced practice midwife taxonomy category.

Conclusions for practice

Recoding the NPPES Data Dissemination File provides a more accurate and precise count of advanced practice midwives than relying on the existing advanced practice midwife taxonomy classification. Researchers can use the NPPES Data Dissemination File when studying the midwifery workforce.
Prevalence and pattern of retinopathy of prematurity at two national referral hospitals in Uganda: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ndyabawe Iddi , Namiiro Flavia , Muhumuza Anita Tumwebaze , Nakibuka Jesca , Otiti Juliet , Ampaire Anne , Kasadhakawo Moses , Msonge Fransisco , Mohamed Siyad , Nyanzi Mary , Tumukunde Victor Spector , Semulimi Andrew Weil , Mukunya David , Bwonya Dan , Magala Primrose , Gilbert Clare , Dietrich Nancy Maria Douat , Cagliari Patricia Zanotelli , Hedstrom Anna , Blair Mike , Jones Becca , Nyonyintono James , Doka Aisha Muhamad , Nakitende Bariirah Bushirah , Graham Hamish R. , Carden Susan Mary , Subhi Rami , Nsibirwa Grace Ssali
Published: November 2023

Background

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of blindness in children and an ROP epidemic is predicted this decade in sub-Saharan Africa. With the increasing survival rate of preterm babies in Uganda, and no data on ROP prevalence, there is a need to assess the burden of ROP to inform preventive strategies and targeted screening.

Methods

We conducted a two-center cross-sectional study of preterm (< 37 weeks gestational age) infants from the neonatal units of Kawempe National Referral Hospital (KNRH) and Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital (MSWNH) from August 2022 to October 2022. An ophthalmologist examined all participants using an indirect ophthalmoscope with a + 20D convex lens and captured digital images using a Volk iNview™ Fundus Camera. The collected data were entered into Epidata 4.2 and exported to Stata 14.0 for analysis.

Results

331 preterm infants enrolled in this study. The oxygen received was unblended. The mean gestational age was 30.4 ± 2.7 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 1597 ± 509 g. 18/101 (17.8%) were found to have any ROP amongst the preterm infants recruited from MSWNH, 1/230 (0.4%) from KNRH [95% CI] had any stage of ROP (i.e. stage 5). Of these, 8 (42.1%) had stage 2 ROP. Infants with a birth weight below 1500 g were 10 times more likely to have ROP than those among infants with a birth weight more than 1500 g [AOR: 10.07 (2.71–37.44)]. Infants who were not fed exclusively on breast milk had higher odds of having ROP than those exclusively fed on breast milk [AOR: 7.82(1.92–31.82)].

Conclusion

6% of preterm infants born in two tertiary hospitals in Uganda were found to have ROP. Lack of exclusive feeding on breast milk and birth weight of less than 1500 g were strong predictors of ROP. The higher prevalence of ROP in MSWNH calls for cautious use of oxygen among preterms. We recommend targeted ROP screening for those at risk.
Echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular dimensions and function in newborns with omphalocele and pulmonary
Authors: Yang Si-Si , Huang Wen-Chang , Wang Peng , Gong Fang-Qi , Liu Tai-Xiang , Tou Jin-Fa , Lai Deng-Ming
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore echocardiographic parameters of the left ventricle (LV) in relation to the outcomes of omphalocele neonates with pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted among omphalocele patients with PH born from 2019 to 2020. Patients in this study did not have additional severe malformations or chromosomal aberrations. Patients who died under palliative care were excluded. The echocardiographic parameters of LV were obtained within 24 h after birth. Clinical and outcomes data were recorded, echocardiograms evaluated for left ventricular internal dimension in end-diastole (LVIDd), end-diastolic volume (EDV), stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output index (CI), among others.

Results

There were 18 omphalocele newborns with PH, of whom 14 survived and 4 died. Both groups were comparable in the baseline characteristics. Non-survival was associated with a smaller LV [LVIDd (12.2 mm versus15.7 mm, p < 0.05), EDV (3.5 ml versus 6.8 ml, p < 0.05)] and with worse systolic function [SV (2.3 ml versus 4.2 ml, p < 0.05), and CI (1.7 L/min/m2 versus 2.9 L/min/m2, p < 0.01)].

Conclusion

In the cohort of omphalocele patients with PH, lower LVIDd, EDV, SV and CI were associated with mortality.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Association between mitochondrial DNA levels and depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Wenhui , Zhu Lingqun , Chen Yi , Zhuo Yudi , Wan Shurun , Guo Rongjuan
Published: November 2023

Background

Mitochondrial dysfunction leading to disturbances in energy metabolism has emerged as one of the risk factors in the pathogenesis of depression. Numerous studies have identified alterations in the content of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid of individuals with depression. Researchers have sought to establish a clear association between mtDNA and depression. Consequently, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to assess the existing evidence regarding the impact of mtDNA on depression.

Methods

This study conducted a thorough search of the following databases up to March 13, 2023: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, Wanfang Database, SINOMED, the China Science and Technology Journal Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The meta-analysis was carried out using RevMan (version 5.4) and Stata (version 16.0) software. In addition, publication bias was assessed with funnel plots, Begg’s test and Egger’s test.

Results

Our analysis included data from 10 articles, including 12 studies for further examination. A total of 1400 participants were included in this study, comprising 709 (including 300 males and 409 females) patients with depression and 691 (including 303 males and 388 females) healthy controls. The average age of depressed patients was (42.98 ± 2.55) years, and the average age of healthy people was (41.71 ± 2.6) years. The scales used to assess outcomes are Hamilton-rating scale for Depression(4 articles), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale(3 articles), and Mini-Internatioal Neuropsychiatric Interview (1 articles). The meta-analysis revealed significantly higher levels of mtDNA in circulating blood samples and skin fibroblasts of individuals with depression in comparison to healthy controls [standardized mean difference(SMD) = 0.42, 95% confidence intervals(CI): 0.16, 0.67].

Conclusions

Our study concludes that there is a significant (p < 0.05) increase in mtDNA levels in serum, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid in individuals with depression. These findings suggest that mtDNA could serve as a potential biomarker for diagnosing depression.

Registration number

PROSPERO CRD42023414285.