bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reading Together the Aesthetics and Politics of Decolonization: A View from Morocco
Authors: Laachir Karima
Published: July 2024

The attempt to decolonize Arabic thought haunted a generation of Maghrebi intellectuals who were predominantly steeped in French colonial schooling and were largely influenced by the metropole's intellectual trends of the 1960s and 1970s. This paper focuses on two Moroccan intellectuals: Abdallah Laroui (b. 1933) and Abdelkebir Khatibi (1938–2009), both considered ‘radical critics’ who invented a decolonial language of Arabic critique in both Arabic and French that draws on local and global paradigms. Laroui's philosophical and historical works, mostly written in French, are widely studied and translated, but his literary works written in Arabic are little known or studied. In the case of Khatibi, whose critical and literary works are in French, the combined analysis of the critical and the literary remains limited. This paper proposes a comparative ‘reading together’ of Laroui's novel Al-Ghorba (Exile, 1971) with Khatibi's La mémoire tatouée (Tattooed memory, 1971), while engaging with questions of the aesthetics and forms of creativity that expand the critical field for both authors. I argue that reading Laroui and Khatibi's literary works together can shed important light on their decolonial aesthetics and politics, particularly on how they perceived the unfinished project of decolonization as being aimed at imperial hegemony as well as at the internal exclusions of ethnonationalism.
Citalopram exposure of hESCs during neuronal differentiation identifies dysregulated genes involved in neurodevelopment and depression
Authors: Spildrejorde Mari , Leithaug Magnus , Samara Athina , Aass Hans Christian D. , Sharma Ankush , Acharya Ganesh , Nordeng Hedvig , Gervin Kristina , Lyle Robert
Published: July 2024

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including citalopram, are widely used antidepressants during pregnancy. However, the effects of prenatal exposure to citalopram on neurodevelopment remain poorly understood. We aimed to investigate the impact of citalopram exposure on early neuronal differentiation of human embryonic stem cells using a multi-omics approach. Citalopram induced time- and dose-dependent effects on gene expression and DNA methylation of genes involved in neurodevelopmental processes or linked to depression, such as BDNF, GDF11, CCL2, STC1, DDIT4 and GAD2. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis revealed distinct clusters of stem cells, neuronal progenitors and neuroblasts, where exposure to citalopram subtly influenced progenitor subtypes. Pseudotemporal analysis showed enhanced neuronal differentiation. Our findings suggest that citalopram exposure during early neuronal differentiation influences gene expression patterns associated with neurodevelopment and depression, providing insights into its potential neurodevelopmental impact and highlighting the importance of further research to understand the long-term consequences of prenatal SSRI exposure.
The role of N-acetylcysteine in osteogenic microenvironment for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Zheng Haowen , Liu Jiacheng , Sun Lanxin , Meng Zhaosong
Published: July 2024

Bone defect is a common clinical symptom which can arise from various causes. Currently, bone tissue engineering has demonstrated positive therapeutic effects for bone defect repair by using seeding cells such as mesenchymal stem cells and precursor cells. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a stable, safe and highly bioavailable antioxidant that shows promising prospects in bone tissue engineering due to the ability to attenuate oxidative stress and enhance the osteogenic potential and immune regulatory function of cells. This review systematically introduces the antioxidant mechanism of NAC, analyzes the advancements in NAC-related research involving mesenchymal stem cells, precursor cells, innate immune cells and animal models, discusses its function using the classic oral microenvironment as an example, and places particular emphasis on the innovative applications of NAC-modified tissue engineering biomaterials. Finally, current limitations and future prospects are proposed, with the aim of providing inspiration for targeted readers in the field.
A critical review of test methods and alternative scientific approaches to compliance and safety evaluation of paper and board for food contact
Authors: Störmer Angela , Hetzel Lisa , Franz Roland
Published: July 2024

Paper and board are widely used as food contact materials. For such sensitive applications, consumer safety regarding the transfer of chemical components and contaminants to the food needs to be established. Such safety assessments are becoming increasingly challenging not only due to intentionally added substances but also non-intentionally added substances. In the European Union, compliance testing and safety evaluation of paper in food contact are largely based on national legislation and standards. The underlying tests are conventional methods, often overestimating and sometimes underestimating the migration into food. In this article, the relevant standard test methods are contrasted with currently available scientific knowledge. The scientific approaches to develop and identify suitable test methods are critically reviewed. Furthermore, theoretical predictions via mathematical modeling, with the aim to realistically simulate transfer to food, are presented and discussed in comparison with available migration studies with foods. Objectives are to (i) summarize the actual scientific knowledge in the field and draw conclusions regarding the potential and limitations of the existing test methods and (ii) identify research gaps toward a better qualitative and quantitative understanding of transport processes of volatile and non-volatile substances from paper and board into foods.
The role of parents’ beliefs regarding their children’s literacy acquisition
Authors: Ratka-Pauler Anna , Birnbaum Lisa , Kröner Stephan
Published: July 2024

Early literacy acquisition is influenced by children’s social and cultural background. Several empirical studies have shown that by considering literacy activities at home and providing cultural resources, the correlation between the social and cultural background and the children’s literacy achievement can be significantly reduced. This suggests a crucial importance of parents’ beliefs and their role as active agents in the acquisition of literacy skills at home. The aim of the present study is therefore to provide an overview of the range of relevant parental attitudes towards joint literacy activities. In an elicitation study based on the theory of planned behavior, the statements of N = 25 German parents of pre-preschool and preschool children were recorded. All deductive categories based on the theory of planned behavior were confirmed, furthermore the category system could be differentiated inductively. Thus the parental beliefs about joint literacy activities were comprehensively mapped. It is discussed how the explorative results of this study can be used in further studies, for example, to generate a questionnaire based on the TPB to assess parental beliefs for joint literacy activities.
Adjustable parameters-based control strategy for VSG-type grid forming converters considering grid strength
Authors: Hu Xuekai , Li Zifan , Shu Zhipeng , Wang Yaqin
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Grid-forming control has received increasing attention for being an effective solution to cope with low-inertia and weak damping systems. Owing to the basic characteristics of transient voltage regulation, inertia support and primary frequency regulation (PFR), virtual synchronous generator (VSG) is the most promising candidate of grid-forming control scheme. The damping characteristic plays a significant role in stabilizing when the system is disturbed. However, the traditional approaches for damping emulation pose a number of problems, such as the introduction of phase-locked loop (PLL) that may lead to stability issues, or the blurring of the functional distinction between damping characteristic and primary frequency regulation. Moreover, the grid strength affects the operational characteristics of the converters.

Methods

Based on the background of these issues, firstly, an effective transient damping power strategy is proposed in this paper. In contrast to conventional damping approaches, the proposed scheme provides a positive damping during transient period that suppresses the fluctuation of active power, and has no impact on the steady-state frequency droop characteristic. Ulteriorly, based on small-signal models and classical control theory, an parameters adjustment strategy for both active and reactive power control is proposed to considerably enhance the adaptability of the converter to the variations in grid strength.

Results and Discussion

The results obtained from PSCAD/EMTDC and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) platform verify that proposed control strategy exhibits excellent transient damping effect, the decoupling characteristic between fixed damping coefficient and PFR coefficient, and performs well across a broad spectrum of grid strengths.
Working characteristic research on the mechanical stable platform of the automatic vertical drilling system
Authors: Chai Lin , Sun Qiang , Liu Baolin , Tang Feng
Published: July 2024

As a novel technology, the mechanical stable platform can effectively improve the temperature resistance of the automatic vertical drilling system, but its working characteristics are still not yet clear. In this paper, theoretical mechanics is introduced to establish the critical deviation angle model, in order to evaluate the sensitivity of the mechanical stable platform to well deviation. Multi-body dynamics simulation is applied to mutually verify the models and further analyze the effect of vibration. The results show that the critical deviation angle is not only affected by the platform design parameters, but also by the system speed and external vibration. When the system angular velocity is less than the critical angular velocityωc(3.76 rad/s), the critical deviation angleαC′gradually decreases with the decreasing angular velocity until it approaches the extreme deviation angleαl(5.1°). The critical deviation angle is jointly affected by the amplitude A and frequency B of torsional vibration. When A>500°/s and B > 8 Hz, its variation range is between theαl(5.1°) and the critical deviation angleαc(7.03°). The critical deviation angle is jointly affected by the amplitude E and frequency F of axial vibration, with its value always greater thanαc, but very small range of variation (0.2°). Torsional vibration plays a dominant role in torsional-axial coupled vibration, and the additional effect of axial vibration is relatively small. The results obtained herein are significant for further understanding and improvement of the performance of the mechanical vertical drilling system.
Ancient diversification in extreme environments: exploring the historical biogeography of the Antarctic winged midge Parochlus steinenii (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: Maturana Claudia S. , Contador Mejias Tamara , Simões Felipe L. , Valladares Moisés A. , Vidal Paula M. , Gañán Melisa , González-Wevar Claudio A. , Poulin Elie , Sands Chester J. , Convey Peter
Published: July 2024

The terrestrial fauna of Antarctica consists of a limited number of species, notably insects, small crustaceans and other micro-invertebrates. Over long periods of evolutionary isolation, these organisms have developed varying degrees of tolerance to multifaceted environmental stresses. Recent molecular biogeographical research highlights the enduring persistence of much of Antarctica’s current terrestrial fauna, with estimates spanning from hundreds of thousands to millions of years. Parochlus steinenii, commonly known as the Antarctic winged midge, stands out as one of the only two insect species native to Antarctica. Distributed across three biogeographic regions, southern South America and the Falkland/Malvinas Islands, sub-Antarctic South Georgia and the Maritime Antarctic South Shetland Islands, this midge raises questions about the temporal isolation of its populations and their divergence. Employing mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers, we conducted phylogeographic and demographic analyses on 151 individuals of P. steinenii obtained across the three main biogeographic regions including the Magellanic sub-Antarctic Ecoregion (MSE) of southern South America, the sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia (SG) and the South Shetland Islands (SSI) within the Maritime Antarctic (MA). Our data support the diversification of P. steinenii during the mid-Pleistocene around 1.46 Mya. This period included a branching event between a clade containing only specimens from the MSE and a clade containing individuals from a broader range of locations including the SSI and SG. Based on intraspecific phylogeographic and demographic inferences, we detected strong evolutionary divergence between the three main biogeographic regions. We also detected a signal of population growth during the deglaciation process in SSI and SG, contrary to the pattern seen in the MSE. The different demographic and phylogeographic histories between the sampled biogeographic regions could result from the MA and SG experiencing a strong genetic bottleneck due to a reduction in population size during the Last Glacial Maximum, while the MSE maintained a significant effective population size. The high level of divergence detected between individuals from the MSE and the remaining biogeographic regions supports the hypothesis of a speciation process taking place in P. steinenii.
Association between systemic inflammatory response index and bone turnover markers in Chinese patients with osteoporotic fractures: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhou Peng , Lu Ke , Li Chong , Xu Min-zhe , Ye Yao-wei , Shan Hui-qiang , Yin Yi
Published: July 2024

Background

The systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) is a novel composite biomarker of inflammation. However, there is limited information on its use in the context of osteoporotic fractures. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the association between baseline SIRI values and bone turnover markers (BTMs) in Chinese patients diagnosed with osteoporotic fractures (OPFs), to offer a more precise method for assessing bone health and inflammation in clinical settings.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 3,558 hospitalized patients with OPFs who required surgery or hospitalization at the First People’s Hospital of Kunshan City from January 2017 to July 2022. Baseline measurements of SIRI, β-CTX (beta-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen), and P1NP (procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide) were obtained. The analyses were adjusted for variables, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and other initial laboratory and clinical findings. Furthermore, multivariable logistic regression, smooth curve fitting, and threshold analysis were also performed.

Results

The results revealed a negative correlation between baseline SIRI values and both β-CTX and P1NP levels. After adjusting for covariates in the regression analysis, each unit increase in SIRI was found to be inked to a reduction of 0.04 (β = −0.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.05 to −0.03; with p-value <0.001) in β-CTX levels and a decrease of 3.77 (β = 3.77; 95% CI, 5.07 to 2.47; with p-value <0.001) in P1NP levels. Furthermore, a curvilinear relationship and threshold effect were also identified. Turning points were identified at SIRI values of 1.41 and 1.63 on the adjusted smooth curve.

Conclusion

The results showed a negative correlation between the baseline SIRI value and β-CTX level, as well as the level of P1NP. This suggests a possible link between the systemic inflammatory response and reduced bone metabolism. If these findings are verified, SIRI has the potential to function as a predictive indicator for BTMs. Nevertheless, additional research is necessary to verify these findings.
Bamboo fiber improves piglet growth performance by regulating the microbial composition of lactating sows and their offspring piglets
Authors: Dai Fawen , Lin Tao , Jin Muqu , Huang Xia , Wang Lu , Ma Jing , Yu Hang , Fan Xianlin , Nong Xiang , Zuo Jianjun
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Feeding bamboo powder is a kind of fiber raw material mainly composed of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF). In this study, IDF-based rice husk meal and feeding bamboo powder were used to compare the effects of bamboo fiber on fecal microflora and the performance of lactating sows and their offspring piglets.

Methods

Thirty healthy crossbred gilts (Yorkshire × Landrace) at day 105 of gestation were randomly allocated into three groups: CON, TRE1 supplemented with 2% BBF1 (feeding bamboo powder), and TRE2 supplemented with 2% BBF2 (99% feeding bamboo powder +1% bamboo fiber polymer material). The reproductive performance, serum indexes, and fecal microbiota of sows and piglets were analyzed. The results showed that, compared with CON, the average feed intake of sows in TRE1 during the second week of lactation was significantly increased by 21.96% (p < 0.05), the average daily gain (ADG) per litter in TRE1 on 11–21 days and 3–21 days of lactation was significantly increased by 50.68 and 31.61%, respectively (p < 0.05), and the serum triglyceride content of sows in TRE1 on the 21st day of lactation was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The 16S rRNA analysis showed that dietary bamboo fiber significantly increased the fecal microbial richness index Ace, Chao, and Sobs of sows (p < 0.05) and tended to increase the Sobs index of suckling piglets on day 21 (p < 0.10). Compared with CON, BBF1 supplementation significantly decreased the abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group in feces of sows on days 7 and 21 after delivery (p < 0.05), while BBF2 decreased the genera Christensenellaceae_R-7_group on days 7 (p < 0.10) and 21 (p < 0.05) after delivery. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the abundance of Phascolarctobacterium in the feces of piglets on the 21st day after delivery was significantly positively correlated with diarrhea rate and significantly negatively correlated with ADG per litter, day 21 litter weight, and 3- to 21-day survival rate. In contrast, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group was significantly negatively correlated with diarrhea rate and positively correlated with ADG per litter.

Discussion

These results indicated that maternal BBF1 supplementation improved the litter weight gain of suckling piglets, which was associated with the improvement of diversity and structure of the fecal microbiota in the piglets.
RNAi-dependent expression of sperm genes in ADL chemosensory neurons is required for olfactory responses in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Ow Maria C. , Nishiguchi Mailyn A. , Dar Abdul Rouf , Butcher Rebecca A. , Hall Sarah E.
Published: July 2024

Environmental conditions experienced early in the life of an animal can result in gene expression changes later in its life history. We have previously shown that C. elegans animals that experienced the developmentally arrested and stress resistant dauer stage (postdauers) retain a cellular memory of early-life stress that manifests during adulthood as genome-wide changes in gene expression, chromatin states, and altered life history traits. One consequence of developmental reprogramming in C. elegans postdauer adults is the downregulation of osm-9 TRPV channel gene expression in the ADL chemosensory neurons resulting in reduced avoidance to a pheromone component, ascr#3. This altered response to ascr#3 requires the principal effector of the somatic nuclear RNAi pathway, the Argonaute (AGO) NRDE-3. To investigate the role of the somatic nuclear RNAi pathway in regulating the developmental reprogramming of ADL due to early-life stress, we profiled the mRNA transcriptome of control and postdauer ADL in wild-type and nrde-3 mutant adults. We found 711 differentially expressed (DE) genes between control and postdauer ADL neurons, 90% of which are dependent upon NRDE-3. Additionally, we identified a conserved sequence that is enriched in the upstream regulatory sequences of the NRDE-3-dependent differentially expressed genes. Surprisingly, 214 of the ADL DE genes are considered “germline-expressed”, including 21 genes encoding the Major Sperm Proteins and two genes encoding the sperm-specific PP1 phosphatases, GSP-3 and GSP-4. Loss of function mutations in gsp-3 resulted in both aberrant avoidance and attraction behaviors. We also show that an AGO pseudogene, Y49F6A.1 (wago-11), is expressed in ADL and is required for ascr#3 avoidance. Overall, our results suggest that small RNAs and reproductive genes program the ADL mRNA transcriptome during their developmental history and highlight a nexus between neuronal and reproductive networks in calibrating animal neuroplasticity.
Gestational diabetes mellitus: Impacts on fetal neurodevelopment, gut dysbiosis, and the promise of precision medicine
Authors: Biete Michelle , Vasudevan Sona
Published: July 2024

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic disorder affecting approximately 16.5% of pregnancies worldwide and causing significant health concerns. GDM is a serious pregnancy complication caused by chronic insulin resistance in the mother and has been associated with the development of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. Emerging data support the notion that GDM affects both the maternal and fetal microbiome, altering the composition and function of the gut microbiota, resulting in dysbiosis. The observed dysregulation of microbial presence in GDM pregnancies has been connected to fetal neurodevelopmental problems. Several reviews have focused on the intricate development of maternal dysbiosis affecting the fetal microbiome. Omics data have been instrumental in deciphering the underlying relationship among GDM, gut dysbiosis, and fetal neurodevelopment, paving the way for precision medicine. Microbiome-associated omics analyses help elucidate how dysbiosis contributes to metabolic disturbances and inflammation, linking microbial changes to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as those seen in GDM. Integrating omics data across these different layers—genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics—offers a comprehensive view of the molecular landscape underlying GDM. This review outlines the affected pathways and proposes future developments and possible personalized therapeutic interventions by integrating omics data on the maternal microbiome, genetics, lifestyle factors, and other relevant biomarkers aimed at identifying women at high risk of developing GDM. For example, machine learning tools have emerged with powerful capabilities to extract meaningful insights from large datasets.
Aspects of 6th generation sensing technology: from sensing to sense
Authors: Mazumdar Hirak , Khondakar Kamil Reza , Das Suparna , Kaushik Ajeet
Published: July 2024

The 6th-generation (6G) sensing technology is transforming the ways we perceive and interact with the world in real scenarios. It combines advanced materials, sophisticated algorithms, and connectivity to create intelligent, context-aware systems that can interpret and respond to environmental stimuli with unprecedented accuracy and speed. The key advancements include 1) ultra-sensitive sensors capable of detecting physical, chemical, and biological changes at low concentrations, 2) the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for enhanced data processing, and 3) the deployment of IoT networks with 5th-generation (5G) for seamless data transmission and real-time analysis. These cutting-edge technologies create immersive environments where devices capture data and anticipate user needs and environmental conditions. The 6G sensing technology has potential applications across sectors like point-of-care (PoC), healthcare, urban planning, and environmental monitoring. The transition from sensing to sense-making represents a paradigm shift, fostering a more intuitive, responsive, and interconnected world. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and prospects of 6G sensing technology, highlighting its transformative potential and the challenges in realizing its full capabilities.
Relapse treatment with low-dose steroids in steroid-sensitive minimal change disease
Authors: Martin Capon Irene , Gutierrez Eduardo , Huerta Ana , Viera Elizabeth , Alvarez Nadal Marta , Fernández-Lucas Milagros , Villacorta Javier
Published: July 2024

Background

The treatment of minimal change disease (MCD) consists of a high dose of steroids for several months, implying significant drug toxicity. Nevertheless, relapses of steroid-sensitive MCD usually respond to lower doses of steroids.

Methods

The objective of this study was to analyze whether a low dose of steroids (LDS) is effective for the treatment of MCD relapses. Since 2018, new relapses of steroid-sensitive adult patients with MCD in three Spanish centers have been treated with LDS. The cumulative dose of steroids, the time to remission, and the relapse-free time were compared between relapses treated with LDS and previous relapses of the same patients treated with a standard dose of steroids (SDS).

Results

A total of 51 relapses in 31 patients were treated with LDS and compared with 48 historical relapses of the same patients treated with SDS. The mean doses of prednisone adjusted by weight for the initial treatment were 0.45 mg/kg (0.40–0.51 mg/kg) in the relapses treated with LDS and 0.88 mg/kg (0.81–1.00 mg/kg) in those treated with SDS. The mean cumulative doses of prednisone in LDS- and SDS-treated relapses were 1,191 mg (801–1,890 mg) and 3,700 mg (2,755–5,800 mg), respectively. The duration of treatment was 63 days (42–117 days) in the LDS group and was 140 days (65–195 days) in the SDS group. All patients achieved complete remission within 1 month after steroid therapy in both groups. The times to remission of the LDS and SDS groups were 19.10 ± 12.80 and 18.93 ± 12.98 days, respectively (p = 0.95).

Conclusion

Among the steroid-sensitive patients with MCD, relapse therapy with LDS (0.5 mg/kg) appears effective and allows minimization of the steroid cumulative dose.
Clinical validation of commercial deep-learning based auto-segmentation models for organs at risk in the head and neck region: a single institution study
Authors: Johnson Casey L. , Press Robert H. , Simone Charles B. , Shen Brian , Tsai Pingfang , Hu Lei , Yu Francis , Apinorasethkul Chavanon , Ackerman Christopher , Zhai Huifang , Lin Haibo , Huang Sheng
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To evaluate organ at risk (OAR) auto-segmentation in the head and neck region of computed tomography images using two different commercially available deep-learning-based auto-segmentation (DLAS) tools in a single institutional clinical applications.

Methods

Twenty-two OARs were manually contoured by clinicians according to published guidelines on planning computed tomography (pCT) images for 40 clinical head and neck cancer (HNC) cases. Automatic contours were generated for each patient using two deep-learning-based auto-segmentation models—Manteia AccuContour and MIM ProtégéAI. The accuracy and integrity of autocontours (ACs) were then compared to expert contours (ECs) using the Sørensen-Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and Mean Distance (MD) metrics.

Results

ACs were generated for 22 OARs using AccuContour and 17 OARs using ProtégéAI with average contour generation time of 1 min/patient and 5 min/patient respectively. EC and AC agreement was highest for the mandible (DSC 0.90 ± 0.16) and (DSC 0.91 ± 0.03), and lowest for the chiasm (DSC 0.28 ± 0.14) and (DSC 0.30 ± 0.14) for AccuContour and ProtégéAI respectively. Using AccuContour, the average MD was<1mm for 10 of the 22 OARs contoured, 1-2mm for 6 OARs, and 2-3mm for 6 OARs. For ProtégéAI, the average mean distance was<1mm for 8 out of 17 OARs, 1-2mm for 6 OARs, and 2-3mm for 3 OARs.

Conclusions

Both DLAS programs were proven to be valuable tools to significantly reduce the time required to generate large amounts of OAR contours in the head and neck region, even though manual editing of ACs is likely needed prior to implementation into treatment planning. The DSCs and MDs achieved were similar to those reported in other studies that evaluated various other DLAS solutions. Still, small volume structures with nonideal contrast in CT images, such as nerves, are very challenging and will require additional solutions to achieve sufficient results.
Understanding the treatment response and resistance to targeted therapies in non-small cell lung cancer: clinical insights and perspectives
Authors: Zhang Hang , Zhang Yingying , Zhu Yingying , Dong Tian , Liu Zheng
Published: July 2024

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common subtype of lung cancer with a generally poor prognosis. In recent years, advances in targeted therapy and sequencing technology have brought significant improvement in the therapeutic outcomes of patients with advanced NSCLC. Targeted inhibitors directed against specific mutated or rearranged oncogenes, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), and receptor tyrosine kinase ROS proto-oncogene 1(ROS1) among others, exhibit promising anti-tumor activity. Unfortunately, some patients develop acquired resistance and disease progression soon after initial remission. Despite the continuous development of new drugs and strategies to overcome drug resistance, it is still a major challenge in the treatment of NSCLC. The landscape of targeted therapy for NSCLC is evolving rapidly in response to the pace of scientific research. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive review of tumor target antigens and agents related to targeted therapy in NSCLC.
Clinical and pathological characteristics of cervical clear cell carcinoma in patients not exposed to diethylstilbestrol: a comprehensive analysis of 49 cases
Authors: Zeng Jing , Jiang Wei , Li Kemin , Zhang Mengpei , Chen Jinghong , Duan Yuanqiong , Li Qingli , Yin Rutie
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics, treatment strategies, and prognosis of cervical clear cell carcinoma (CCCC) in patients not exposed to diethylstilbestrol in utero

Methods

The patients diagnosed with CCCC at West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University between January 2011 and Jun 2023 were enrolled for this retrospective study. The clinical characteristics and information on treatment and follow-up were collected. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression analysis were performed to identify the relative variables for predicting progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Of the 49 patients included, the Federation International of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) (2018) stage distribution was 37 (75.5%) stage I, 6 (12.2%) stage II, and 6 (12.2%) stage III. The median follow-up interval was 24.1 months. Six (12.2%) patients had a recurrence, and five (10.2%) patients died. The 5-year PFS rate was 86.8%, and the 5-year OS rate was 88.2%. No recurrence or death was detected in two patients who successfully completed fertility-preserving treatment and seven patients who underwent surgery to preserve ovaries. Two patients became pregnant, giving birth to two babies. The univariate analysis showed that FIGO stage, Pelvic lymph node (PLN) metastasis, lymph vascular space invasion, and depth of stromal invasion (P < 0.05) were significantly associated with PFS and OS. However, no significant prognostic factors were identified in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Ovary-preserving treatment and fertility-preserving surgery are safe and feasible in early-stage CCCC. Surveillance other than adjuvant treatment may be a better choice for early-stage CCCC without any pathological risk factors. More targeted therapies and immunotherapy should be pursued in future studies.
Comparisons of infection events associated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in patients with inflammatory arthritis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Ziwei , Zou Yue , Li Guangyao , Zhao Sixuan , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2024

Objective: To compare the risk of infection in inflammatory arthritis patients treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched from inception to 28 December 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing TNF inhibitors and reporting infections. Subsequently, pairwise and network meta-analyses were conducted to determine odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: A total of 61 RCTs involving 20,458 patients were included. Pairwise meta-analysis revealed that certolizumab pegol was significantly associated with an increased risk of serious infection compared to placebo (OR:2.28, 95% CI: 1.13–4.62). Both adalimumab and certolizumab pegol were also significantly associated with an increased risk of any infection compared to placebo (OR:1.18, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.30 and OR:1.40, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.76, respectively). Moreover, a network meta-analysis indicated that certolizumab pegol and infliximab were associated with a higher risk of serious infection compared to other TNF inhibitors. In the cumulative ranking of any infection risk, certolizumab pegol had the highest risk compared with others. TNF inhibitors increased the risk of tuberculosis but not that of herpes zoster.

Conclusion: Available evidence indicates etanercept and golimumab are likely associated with a lower risk of infection compared to other TNF inhibitors in inflammatory arthritis. For patients at a heightened risk of infection, prioritizing the use of etanercept and golimumab may be advisable to minimize patient risk.

Systematic Review Registration: identifier CRD42022316577
Research progress in mechanism of anticancer action of shikonin targeting reactive oxygen species
Authors: Qi Ke , Li Jiayi , Hu Yang , Qiao Yiyun , Mu Yongping
Published: July 2024

Excessive buildup of highly reactive molecules can occur due to the generation and dysregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their associated signaling pathways. ROS have a dual function in cancer development, either leading to DNA mutations that promote the growth and dissemination of cancer cells, or triggering the death of cancer cells. Cancer cells strategically balance their fate by modulating ROS levels, activating pro-cancer signaling pathways, and suppressing antioxidant defenses. Consequently, targeting ROS has emerged as a promising strategy in cancer therapy. Shikonin and its derivatives, along with related drug carriers, can impact several signaling pathways by targeting components involved with oxidative stress to induce processes such as apoptosis, necroptosis, cell cycle arrest, autophagy, as well as modulation of ferroptosis. Moreover, they can increase the responsiveness of drug-resistant cells to chemotherapy drugs, based on the specific characteristics of ROS, as well as the kind and stage of cancer. This research explores the pro-cancer and anti-cancer impacts of ROS, summarize the mechanisms and research achievements of shikonin-targeted ROS in anti-cancer effects and provide suggestions for designing further anti-tumor experiments and undertaking further experimental and practical research.
Adolescents’ academic performance: what helps them and what hinders them from achievement and success?
Authors: Horanicova Simona , Husarova Daniela , Madarasova Geckova Andrea , Lackova Rebicova Miriama , Sokolova Lenka , de Winter Andrea F. , Reijneveld Sijmen A.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Research on adolescents’ academic performance has mostly focused on the contribution of objective factors, such as socioeconomic situation of the family or individual cognitive skills and school results. Evidence with a focus on adolescents’ subjective experiences is scarce. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore factors related to adolescents’ academic performance from their perspectives.

Methods

We used data from 11 group semi-structured interviews conducted in 2020/2021 with 45 adolescents in the first year of high school in Slovakia (mean age = 14.98; 22.2% boys). Participants were selected from three types of high school with regards to the graduation system. We analysed the data using consensual qualitative research and thematic analysis.

Results

Based on the statements of the adolescents, we identified five main themes of factors that affect their academic performance. Adolescents reported that the following contribute to their academic performance: the contents and methods of teaching; how teachers behave and do their jobs; the way in which adolescents study and what motivates them; support within and outside the school, and the environment and appearance of the school. Adolescents reported that improving the curricula and using teaching methods that balance theoretical information with practical skills training would help their academic performance immensely.

Conclusion

We identified several factors related to adolescents’ academic performance using their own perspectives and experiences. Strengthening the capacities of teachers may largely benefit adolescents’ educational process and further academic performance.
The Method of Everything vs. Experimenter Bias of Loophole-Free Bell Experiments
Authors: Morales Manuel S.
Published: July 2024

Experimenter bias compromises the integrity and advancement of science, especially when awarded as such. For example, the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics awarded for the loophole-free experiments that tested physicist John S. Bell's inequality theorem. These experiments employed the logic of conducting local experiments to obtain local evidence that contradicted local realistic theories of nature, thereby validating quantum mechanics as a fundamental non-local theory. However, there was one loophole that was wittingly not tested by the Nobel laureates. The notable exception was Bell's “super-deterministic” loophole, which was validated (2000) (2001) (2002) (2003) (2004) (2005) (2006) (2007) (2008) (2009) (2010) (2011) (2012) non-locally, thus compromising the subsequent Nobel Prize. More importantly, the discovery of two mutually exclusive and jointly exhaustive non-local hidden variables revealed why local scientific methods obtain false-positive and false-negative results. With knowledge of this fundamental omission, the inclusion of the non-local hidden variables in the local methods used in science can then advance it to be a complete study of nature.
Examining modification of the associations between air pollution and birth outcomes by neighborhood deprivation in a North Carolina birth cohort, 2011–2015
Authors: Cowan Kristen N. , Krajewski Alison K. , Jimenez Monica P. , Luben Thomas J. , Messer Lynne C. , Rappazzo Kristen M.
Published: July 2024

Background

Evidence from studies of air pollutants and birth outcomes suggests an association, but uncertainties around geographical variability and modifying factors still remain. As neighborhood-level social characteristics are associated with birth outcomes, we assess whether neighborhood deprivation level is an effect measure modifier on the association between air pollution and birth outcomes in a North Carolina birth cohort.

Methods

Using birth certificate data, all North Carolina residential singleton live births from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2015 with gestational ages of 20–44 weeks (n = 566,799) were examined for birth defect diagnoses and preterm birth. Exposures were daily average fine particulate matter (PM2.5), daily 8-h maximum nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and daily 8-h maximum ozone (O3) modeled concentrations, and the modifier of interest was the neighborhood deprivation index (NDI). Linear binomial models were used to estimate the prevalence differences and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between ambient air pollution and birth defect diagnoses. Modified Poisson regression models were used to estimate risk differences (RDs) and 95% CIs for air pollution and preterm birth. Models were stratified by the neighborhood deprivation index group (low, medium, or high) to assess potential modification by NDI.

Results

Approximately 3.1% of the study population had at least one birth defect and 8.18% were born preterm. For preterm birth, associations with PM2.5 and O3 did not follow a conclusive pattern and there was no evidence of modification by NDI. The associations between NO2 and preterm birth were generally negative across exposure windows except for a positive association with NO2 and preterm birth for high NDI [RD: 34.70 (95% CI 4.84–64.56)] for entire pregnancy exposure. There was no evidence of associations between pollutants examined and birth defects.

Conclusions

There may be differences in the association between NO2 exposure and preterm birth by NDI but we did not observe any evidence of associations for birth defects. Our results support the public health protection afforded by reductions in air pollution, even in areas of neighborhood deprivation, but future research conducted in areas with higher levels of air pollution and evaluating the potential for modification by neighborhood deprivation level would be informative.
Relative age effects in German youth A and B men's soccer teams: survival of the fittest?
Authors: Heilmann Florian , Kuhlig Alexander , Stoll Oliver
Published: July 2024

The study investigates relative age effects (RAE) in German youth soccer (Youth Bundesliga A: January 2004 to December 2005 and B: January 2006 to December 2007; highest league in German youth soccer) and its persistence in third-division players. Data from the 2022–2023 season (120 teams, 3,174 players) were analyzed using chi-square tests. Significant RAE was found in the A-series (p < .001), B-series (p < .001), and third-division professionals (p < .001). Notably, RAE was prominent among younger players but less evident in older third-division players (p = .116), indicating a diminishing selection effect with age and professional tenure. Coaches and talent managers are advised to consider RAE and additional factors like player maturity in talent selection for more efficient talent management strategies, especially in youth academies.
Effects of dam metabolic profile and seasonality (Spring vs. Winter) on their offspring’ metabolism, health, and immunity: maternal factors in dairy calves’ analytes
Authors: Santos Fernanda Carolina Ramos dos , Santarosa Bianca Paola , Dal Más Felipe Eduardo , Silva Karen Nascimento da , Guirro Érica Cristina Bueno do Prado , Gomes Viviani
Published: July 2024

Maternal status during the transition period can significantly impact the health and performance of Holstein dairy calves, with lasting effects on various variables. However, the relationship between maternal late gestation metabolic status, seasonality, and their impact on offspring remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the influence of maternal variables at calving on the performance, metabolism, and immunity of 28 dairy calves during their first month of life. Blood samples were collected from 28 Holstein cows at calving. Median results for maternal variables including non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), glucose, total protein (TP), albumin, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), haptoglobin (Hp), body weight (BW), and body condition score (BCS) were determined. These median values served as a basis for categorizing the offspring into two groups based on their dams’ high or low degree of each maternal variable. Additionally, calves were categorized by the season of birth (Spring vs. Winter), with 14 in each. Blood samples were collected from the calves at birth and on days 1, 7, 14, and 28 to assess IgG, biochemical parameters, and haptoglobin concentration. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by polymorphonuclear cells stimulated by various agents was also evaluated. Clinical assessments were conducted for diarrhea and bovine respiratory disease frequencies. Despite the overall health of the cows, differences were observed in the calves between maternal groups. Heavier cows with high maternal BCS tended to have larger offspring, while high maternal BCS was associated with increased diarrhea prevalence. Low maternal BCS resulted in a stronger innate immune response, indicated by higher ROS production. Calves from cows experiencing metabolic changes during calving displayed elevated Hp concentrations. Spring-born calves were larger but had lower serum IgG concentration and reduced innate immune response compared to winter-born calves. Additionally, spring-born calves exhibited higher Hp and increased diarrhea prevalence on day 28. These findings underscore the importance of the prenatal period in determining neonatal health and suggest further research to elucidate the long-term clinical implications of maternal effects on offspring health and growth. Investigating offspring constituents later in life can provide insight into the persistence of maternal effects over time.
Fibromyalgia: A Review of the Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Multidisciplinary Treatment Strategies
Authors: Jurado-Priego Lina Noelia , Cueto-Ureña Cristina , Ramírez-Expósito María Jesús , Martínez-Martos José Manuel
Published: July 2024

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain, which may or may not be associated with muscle or joint stiffness, accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. It is a highly prevalent condition globally, being considered the third most common musculoskeletal disorder, following lower back pain and osteoarthritis. It is more prevalent in women than in men, and although it can occur at any age, it is more common between the ages of thirty and thirty-five. Although the pathophysiology and etiopathogenesis remain largely unknown, three underlying processes in fibromyalgia have been investigated. These include central sensitization, associated with an increase in the release of both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters; peripheral sensitization, involving alterations in peripheral nociceptor signaling; and inflammatory and immune mechanisms that develop concurrently with the aforementioned processes. Furthermore, it has been determined that genetic, endocrine, psychological, and sleep disorders may influence the development of this pathology. The accurate diagnosis of fibromyalgia remains challenging as it lacks specific diagnostic biomarkers, which are still under investigation. Nonetheless, diagnostic approaches to the condition have evolved based on the use of scales and questionnaires for pain identification. The complexity associated with this pathology makes it difficult to establish a single effective treatment. Therefore, treatment is multidisciplinary, involving both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions aimed at alleviating symptoms. The non-pharmacological treatments outlined in this review are primarily related to physiotherapy interventions. The effectiveness of physical exercise, both on land and in water, as well as the application of electrotherapy combined with transcranial therapy and manual therapy has been highlighted. All of these interventions aim to improve the quality of life of patients highly affected by fibromyalgia.