bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Characteristics Associated With Re-Insertion and Postoperative Complication of Ventilation Tube Insertion in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Kwon Ha-Nee , Kim Seok-Hyun , Oh Se-Joon , Kong Soo-Keun , Lee Il Woo , Lee Hyun Min
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives Otitis media with effusion is a common disease in the pediatric population. When medical treatment fails, ventilation tube insertion (VTI) is the best treatment choice. In this article, we aimed to analyze complications following VTI and evaluate clinical characteristics that increase the possibility of reoperation.Subjects and Method This study retrospective reviewed the medical charts of 287 pediatric patients who underwent VTI in our institute from May 2015 to June 2020. Patients were classified into two groups: the single VTI group, who were operated on once, and the multiple VTI group, who were operated on at least twice. We studied the differences between the two groups regarding patient demographics, the operative method, operative-related data, treatment outcomes, and complications.Results Our study included 181 patients (308 ears), consisting of 114 males (63.0%) and 67 females (37.0%). Among the patients, 141 patients (237 ears) were included in the single VTI group, and 40 patients (71 ears) were included in the multiple VTI group. There was a higher tendency of re-operation for patients whose age was younger at the first operation than for older patients and for those who had underlying diseases such as genetic diseases, developmental delay or language delay. We also found that the retraction state of the tympanic membrane after tube extrusion and earlier extrusion or obstruction of the ventilation tube was statistically significant factors associated with reoperation.Conclusion Our study identified factors affecting the possibility of reoperation. Regular follow-ups are necessary if these factors are present.
A Case of MELAS Syndrome Involving Diabetes Mellitus, Cerebellar Ataxia and Progressive Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Kang Sun Seong , Lee Woong-Woo , Choi Jung Ho , Shim Hyun Joon
Published: May 2023

Mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome is a maternally inherited mitochondrial disorder. MELAS syndrome manifests different clinical symptoms due to mitochondrial heteroplasmy and individual susceptibility and tends to be aggravated by metabolic events. It presents various clinical manifestations including hearing impairment, diabetes mellitus, and stroke like episodes. However, to date, only a few cases of MELAS syndrome accompanied with cerebellar ataxia have been reported in Korea. We hereby present an unusual case of a patient diagnosed with MELAS syndrome involving diabetes mellitus, cerebellar ataxia and sensorineural hearing loss, which were aggravated by metabolic stresses such as pregnancy and hypoglycemic shock.
A Case of Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Mixed With Invasive Fungal Sinusitis of Maxillary Sinus
Authors: Kim Yong Wan
Published: May 2023

A Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma rapidly forms a deep ulcer and invades the sinuses, orbital wall, and the palate. It is important to detect and treat early as it can, although rarely, be accompanied by rapid ulcerative destruction and sepsis due to necrosis. An 80-year-old female visited our hospital complaining of right nasal congestion and facial edema. A fungal ball in the right maxillary sinus and a defect in the anterior wall of the maxilla were observed by paranasal sinus computed tomography, and sinus endoscopic surgery and Caldwell Luc operation were performed. The intraoperative biopsy showed findings suitable for invasive fungal sinusitis. Based on this, a secondary medial maxillectomy was performed; however, peripheral T-cell lymphoma mixed with invasive fungal sinusitis was reported on the permanent biopsy. We report a case of peripheral T-cell lymphoma mixed with invasive fungal sinusitis of maxillary sinus.
Peranan Supervisi Pendidikan dalam Meningkatkan Mutu Pendidikan
Authors: Nasution Inom , Safitri Mela , Halawa Syafitri , Zuchairunnisa Zuchairunnisa , Khotimah Nur , Ramadhan Syahpan
Published: May 2023

Supervisi sangat berperan dalam meningkatkan mutu pendidikan. supervisi pendidikan berperan memberi kemudahan dan membantu kepala sekolah dan guru mengembangkan potensi secara optimal. Supervisi atau supervisor memiliki peran strategis dalam memberikan layanan terhadap Guru yang mendapatkan kesulitan atau terjadi penurunan dalam kompetensinya. Oleh sebab itu pembinaan supervisi agar Dapat melaksanakan tugas kepengawasan akademik dan manajerial mutlak harus memiliki kompetensi supervisor. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana peran supervisor atau supervisi pendidikan dalam meningkatkan mutu pendidikan. Jenis penelitian ini ialah penelitian Dengan pendekatan kualitatif yaitu dengan menggunakan Studi literatur yang Dilakukan dengan menemukan referensi teori dari jurnal, buku dan lain sebagainya yang Sesuai dengan kasus yang diperoleh. Supervisi pengajaran merupakan pekerjaan professional, yang menuntut Persyaratan sebagaimana layaknya pekerjaan professional yang lain. Tugas seorang supervisor Adalah untuk membantu, mendorong, dan memberikan keyakinan kepada guru bahwa proses Belajar-mengajar dapat dan harus diperbaiki.
Fgf8 regulates first pharyngeal arch segmentation through pouch-cleft interactions
Authors: Zbasnik Nathaniel , Fish Jennifer L.
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The pharyngeal arches are transient developmental structures that, in vertebrates, give rise to tissues of the head and neck. A critical process underlying the specification of distinct arch derivatives is segmentation of the arches along the anterior-posterior axis. Formation of ectodermal-endodermal interfaces is a key mediator of this process, and although it is essential, mechanisms regulating the establishment of these interfaces vary between pouches and between taxa.

Methods: Here, we focus on the patterning and morphogenesis of epithelia associated with the first pharyngeal arch, the first pharyngeal pouch (pp1) and the first pharyngeal cleft (pc1), and the role of Fgf8 dosage in these processes in the mouse model system.

Results: We find that severe reductions of Fgf8 levels disrupt both pp1 and pc1 development. Notably, out-pocketing of pp1 is largely robust to Fgf8 reductions, however, pp1 extension along the proximal-distal axis fails when Fgf8 is low. Our data indicate that Fgf8 is required for specification of regional identity in both pp1 and pc1, for localized changes in cell polarity, and for elongation and extension of both pp1 and pc1.

Discussion: Based on Fgf8-mediated changes in tissue relationships between pp1 and pc1, we hypothesize that extension of pp1 requires physical interaction with pc1. Overall, our data indicate a critical role for the lateral surface ectoderm in segmentation of the first pharyngeal arch that has previously been under-appreciated.
Spiropyran-based chromic hydrogels for CO2 absorption and detection
Authors: Marco Arnau , Guirado Gonzalo , Sebastián Rosa María , Hernando Jordi
Published: May 2023

By enabling rapid, cost-effective, user-friendly and in situ detection of carbon dioxide, colorimetric CO2 sensors are of relevance for a variety of fields. However, it still remains a challenge the development of optical chemosensors for CO2 that combine high sensitivity, selectivity and reusability with facile integration into solid materials. Herein we pursued this goal by preparing hydrogels functionalized with spiropyrans, a well-known class of molecular switches that undergo different color changes upon application of light and acid stimuli. By varying the nature of the substituents of the spiropyran core, different acidochromic responses are obtained in aqueous media that allow discriminating CO2 from other acid gases (e.g., HCl). Interestingly, this behavior can be transferred to functional solid materials by synthesizing polymerizable spiropyran derivatives, which are used to prepare hydrogels. These materials preserve the acidochromic properties of the incorporated spiropyrans, thus leading to selective, reversible and quantifiable color changes upon exposure to different CO2 amounts. In addition, CO2 desorption and, therefore, recovery of the initial state of the chemosensor is favored by irradiation with visible light. This makes spiropyran-based chromic hydrogels promising systems for the colorimetric monitorization of carbon dioxide in a diversity of applications.
Genome organization and genomics in Chlamydia: whole genome sequencing increases understanding of chlamydial virulence, evolution, and phylogeny
Authors: Luu Laurence Don Wai , Kasimov Vasilli , Phillips Samuel , Myers Garry S. A. , Jelocnik Martina
Published: May 2023

The genus Chlamydia contains important obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens to humans and animals, including C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae. Since 1998, when the first Chlamydia genome was published, our understanding of how these microbes interact, evolved and adapted to different intracellular host environments has been transformed due to the expansion of chlamydial genomes. This review explores the current state of knowledge in Chlamydia genomics and how whole genome sequencing has revolutionised our understanding of Chlamydia virulence, evolution, and phylogeny over the past two and a half decades. This review will also highlight developments in multi-omics and other approaches that have complemented whole genome sequencing to advance knowledge of Chlamydia pathogenesis and future directions for chlamydial genomics.
Mendelian randomization study reveals a causal relationship between coronary artery disease and cognitive impairment
Authors: Xu Shihan , Liu Yanfei , Wang Qing , Liu Fenglan , Xu Fengqin , Liu Yue
Published: May 2023

Background

Growing evidence suggests that Coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with cognitive impairment. However, these results from observational studies was not entirely consistent, with some detecting no such association. And it is necessary to explore the causal relationship between CAD and cognitive impairment.

Objective

We aimed to explore the potential causal relationship between CAD and cognitive impairment by using bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.

Methods

Instrument variants were extracted according to strict selection criteria. And we used publicly available summary-level GWAS data. Five different methods of MR [random-effect inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR Egger, weighted median, weighted mode and Wald ratio] were used to explore the causal relationship between CAD and cognitive impairment.

Results

There was little evidence to support a causal effect of CAD on cognitive impairment in the forward MR analysis. In the reverse MR analyses, We detect causal effects of fluid intelligence score (IVW: β = −0.12, 95% CI of −0.18 to −0.06, P = 6.8 × 10−5), cognitive performance (IVW: β = −0.18, 95% CI of −0.28 to −0.08, P = 5.8 × 10−4) and dementia with lewy bodies (IVW: OR = 1.07, 95% CI of 1.04–1.10, P = 1.1 × 10−5) on CAD.

Conclusion

This MR analysis provides evidence of a causal association between cognitive impairment and CAD. Our findings highlight the importance of screening for coronary heart disease in patients of cognitive impairment, which might provide new insight into the prevention of CAD. Moreover, our study provides clues for risk factor identification and early prediction of CAD.
VEGF-A related SNPs: a cardiovascular context
Authors: Meza-Alvarado J. C. , Page R. A. , Mallard B. , Bromhead C. , Palmer B. R.
Published: May 2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Currently, cardiovascular disease risk algorithms play a role in primary prevention. However, this is complicated by a lack of powerfully predictive biomarkers that could be observed in individuals before the onset of overt symptoms. A key potential biomarker for heart disease is the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A), a molecule that plays a pivotal role in blood vessel formation. This molecule has a complex biological role in the cardiovascular system due to the processes it influences, and its production is impacted by various CVD risk factors. Research in different populations has shown single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may affect circulating VEGF-A plasma levels, with some variants associated with the development of CVDs, as well as CVD risk factors. This minireview aims to give an overview of the VEGF family, and of the SNPs reported to influence VEGF-A levels, cardiovascular disease, and other risk factors used in CVD risk assessments.
Influence of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on higher education performance: mediating effect of quality culture
Authors: Iqbal Shahzaf , Razalli Mohd Rizal , Taib Che Azlan Bin
Published: May 2023

This study intends to investigate the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation of faculty on higher education performance through quality culture in public and private universities of Pakistan. The study uses a nationwide survey approach, while data are collected from administrative managers through online and in-person questionnaires using stratified random sampling techniques. Of the 150 questionnaires distributed, 111 were received, however, 105 are considered valid while the data are analyzed by PLS-SEM. The results revealed the significant effect of intrinsic motivation and quality culture on higher education performance, and of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on quality culture; however, the effect of extrinsic motivation on higher education performance is not empirically supported. Besides, quality culture is found to be a statistically significant mediator in the relationship between intrinsic motivation and higher education performance, and extrinsic motivation and higher education performance. The relatively smaller sample size and reliance on administrative managers as the sole respondents are the possible weaknesses of this study. This study has expanded the theoretical and empirical understanding by introducing intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation as predictor variables in relation to higher education performance and implicating quality culture as a mediator. This study has important implications for policymakers, administrators, and quality managers to focus on employees’ motivation to create a quality culture, which in turn will improve the performance of their respective organizations.
Renal function is a major predictor of circulating acyl-CoA-binding protein/diazepam-binding inhibitor
Authors: Schürfeld Robin , Sandner Benjamin , Hoffmann Annett , Klöting Nora , Baratashvili Ekaterine , Nowicki Marcin , Paeschke Sabine , Kosacka Joanna , Kralisch Susan , Bachmann Anette , Frille Armin , Dietel Anja , Stolzenburg Jens-Uwe , Blüher Matthias , Zhang Ming-Zhi , Harris Raymond C. , Isermann Berend , Stumvoll Michael , Tönjes Anke , Ebert Thomas
Published: May 2023

Objective

Acyl-CoA-binding protein (ACBP)/diazepam-binding inhibitor has lately been described as an endocrine factor affecting food intake and lipid metabolism. ACBP is dysregulated in catabolic/malnutrition states like sepsis or systemic inflammation. However, regulation of ACBP has not been investigated in conditions with impaired kidney function, so far.

Design/methods

Serum ACBP concentrations were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay i) in a cohort of 60 individuals with kidney failure (KF) on chronic haemodialysis and compared to 60 individuals with a preserved kidney function; and ii) in a human model of acute kidney dysfunction (AKD). In addition, mACBP mRNA expression was assessed in two CKD mouse models and in two distinct groups of non-CKD mice. Further, mRNA expression of mACBP was measured in vitro in isolated, differentiated mouse adipocytes - brown and white - after exposure to the uremic agent indoxyl sulfate.

Results

Median [interquartile range] serum ACBP was almost 20-fold increased in KF (514.0 [339.3] µg/l) compared to subjects without KF (26.1 [39.1] µg/l) (p<0.001). eGFR was the most important, inverse predictor of circulating ACBP in multivariate analysis (standardized β=-0.839; p<0.001). Furthermore, AKD increased ACBP concentrations almost 3-fold (p<0.001). Increased ACBP levels were not caused by augmented mACBP mRNA expression in different tissues of CKD mice in vivo or in indoxyl sulfate-treated adipocytes in vitro.

Conclusions

Circulating ACBP inversely associates with renal function, most likely through renal retention of the cytokine. Future studies need to investigate ACBP physiology in malnutrition-related disease states, such as CKD, and to adjust for markers of renal function.
Validation and marker-assisted selection of DArT-genomic regions associated with wheat yield-related traits under normal and drought conditions
Authors: Hashem Mostafa , Sandhu Karansher Singh , Ismail Saleh M. , Börner Andreas , Sallam Ahmed
Published: May 2023

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) is one of the most important steps in marker-assisted selection. Few studies have validated quantitative trait loci for marker-assisted selection of yield traits under drought stress conditions in wheat. A set of 138 highly diverse wheat genotypes were tested under normal and drought stress conditions for 2 years. Plant height, heading date, spike length, grain number per spike, grain yield per spike, and 1000-kernel weight were scored. High genetic variation was found among genotypes in all traits scored under both conditions in the 2 years. The same panel was genotyped using a diversity-array technology (DArT) marker, and a genome-wide association study was performed to find alleles associated with yield traits under all conditions. A set of 191 significant DArT markers were identified in this study. The results of the genome-wide association study revealed eight common markers in wheat that were significantly associated with the same traits under both conditions in the 2 years. Out of the eight markers, seven were located on the D genome except one marker. Four validated markers were located on the 3D chromosome and found in complete linkage disequilibrium. Moreover, these four markers were significantly associated with the heading date under both conditions and the grain yield per spike under drought stress condition in the 2 years. This high-linkage disequilibrium genomic region was located within the TraesCS3D02G002400 gene model. Furthermore, of the eight validated markers, seven were previously reported to be associated with yield traits under normal and drought conditions. The results of this study provided very promising DArT markers that can be used for marker-assisted selection to genetically improve yield traits under normal and drought conditions.
Factors in homeowners’ willingness to adopt nitrogen-reducing innovative/alternative septic systems
Authors: Rudman Alexie N. , Mulvaney Kate K. , Merrill Nathaniel H. , Canfield Katherine N.
Published: May 2023

When environmental mitigation requires individual adoption, engagement approaches centered on cost effectiveness and technological efficiency alone are often insufficient. Through focus groups with adopters and prospective adopters, this research identifies factors influencing homeowners’ willingness to adopt Innovative/Alternative (I/A) septic systems for nitrogen reduction. We apply concepts from technology adoption and behavior change models as a framework for illustrating the homeowner decision-making process around I/A adoption. The perceived needs to replace an old/failing septic system, comply with local regulations, and protect local water quality synergistically catalyzed adoption. Adoption was further influenced by the larger context within which it is taking place, perceived characteristics of I/A systems and the installation process, system aesthetics concerns, and homeowners’ attitudes and beliefs. Considering how these factors affect adoption could enable resource managers to design more targeted interventions to encourage adoption through behavior change strategies such as social marketing, and to improve how these systems are communicated. If I/A systems are to be used as a tool to achieve water quality goals, the considerations influencing homeowners’ willingness to install these systems will be critical to incentivizing voluntary adoption. Many of these factors are relevant to the adoption of other individual-level environmental management strategies, which are being increasingly deployed in response to complex, nonpoint source pollution issues.
Epidemiological characteristics for patients with traumatic brain injury and the nomogram model for poor prognosis: an 18-year hospital-based study
Authors: Guo Shaochun , Han Ruili , Chen Fan , Ji Peigang , Liu Jinghui , Zhai Yulong , Chao Min , Zhao Wenjian , Jiao Yang , Fan Chao , Huang Tao , Wang Na , Ge Shunnan , Qu Yan , Wang Yuan , Wang Liang
Published: May 2023

Objective

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global social, economic, and health challenge that is associated with premature death and long-term disability. In the context of rapid development of urbanization, the analysis of TBI rate and mortality trend could provide abundant diagnosis and treatment suggestions, which helps to form future reference on public health strategies.

Methods

In this study, as one of major neurosurgical centers in China, we focused on the regime shift of TBI based on 18-year consecutive clinical data and evaluated the epidemiological features. In our current study, a total of 11,068 TBI patients were reviewed.

Results

The major cause of TBI was road traffic injuries (44.%), while the main type of injury was cerebral contusion (n = 4,974 [44.94%]). Regarding to temporal changes, a decreasing trend in TBI incidence for patients under 44 years old was observed, while an increasing trend for those aged over 45 years was indicated. Incidences of RTI and assaults decreased, while ground level fall presented increasing incidences. The total number of deaths was 933 (8.43%), with a decreasing trend in overall mortality since 2011. Age, cause of injury, GCS at admission, Injury Severity Score, shock state at admission, trauma-related diagnoses and treatments were significantly associated with mortality. A predictive nomogram model for poor prognosis was developed based on patient's GOS scores at discharge.

Conclusions

The trends and characteristics of TBI patients changed with rapid development of urbanization in the past 18 years. Further larger studies are warranted to verify its clinical suggestions.
Cochlear implant electrode impedance subcomponents as biomarker for residual hearing
Authors: Schraivogel Stephan , Aebischer Philipp , Weder Stefan , Caversaccio Marco , Wimmer Wilhelm
Published: May 2023

Introduction and objectives

Maintaining the structural integrity of the cochlea and preserving residual hearing is crucial for patients, especially for those for whom electric acoustic stimulation is intended. Impedances could reflect trauma due to electrode array insertion and therefore could serve as a biomarker for residual hearing. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between residual hearing and estimated impedance subcomponents in a known collective from an exploratory study.

Methods

A total of 42 patients with lateral wall electrode arrays from the same manufacturer were included in the study. For each patient, we used data from audiological measurements to compute residual hearing, impedance telemetry recordings to estimate near and far-field impedances using an approximation model, and computed tomography scans to extract anatomical information about the cochlea. We assessed the association between residual hearing and impedance subcomponent data using linear mixed-effects models.

Results

The progression of impedance subcomponents showed that far-field impedance was stable over time compared to near-field impedance. Low-frequency residual hearing demonstrated the progressive nature of hearing loss, with 48% of patients showing full or partial hearing preservation after 6 months of follow-up. Analysis revealed a statistically significant negative effect of near-field impedance on residual hearing (−3.81 dB HL per kΩ; p < 0.001). No significant effect of far-field impedance was found.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that near-field impedance offers higher specificity for residual hearing monitoring, while far-field impedance was not significantly associated with residual hearing. These results highlight the potential of impedance subcomponents as objective biomarkers for outcome monitoring in cochlear implantation.
Evaluation of dihydrotestosterone and dihydroprogesterone levels and gene expression of genes involved in neurosteroidogenesis in the SH-SY5Y Alzheimer disease cell model
Authors: Radagdam Saeed , Khaki-Khatibi Fatemeh , Rahbarghazi Reza , Shademan Behrouz , Nourazarian Seyed Manouchehr , Nikanfar Masoud , Nourazarian Alireza
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia worldwide. This study investigated the effects of lipopolysaccharide on neurosteroidogenesis and its relationship to growth and differentiation using SH-SY5Y cells.

Methods

In this study, we used the MTT assay to assess the impact of LPS on SH-SY5Y cell viability. We also evaluated apoptotic effects using FITC Annexin V staining to detect phosphatidylserine in the cell membrane. To identify gene expression related to human neurogenesis, we utilized the RT2 Profiler TM PCR array human neurogenesis PAHS-404Z.

Results

Our study found that LPS had an IC50 level of 0.25 μg/mL on the SH-SY5Y cell line after 48 h. We observed Aβ deposition in SH-SY5Y cells treated with LPS, and a decrease in DHT and DHP levels in the cells. Our analysis showed that the total rate of apoptosis varied with LPS dilution: 4.6% at 0.1 μg/mL, 10.5% at 10 μg/mL, and 44.1% at 50 μg/mL. We also observed an increase in the expression of several genes involved in human neurogenesis, including ASCL1, BCL2, BDNF, CDK5R1, CDK5RAP2, CREB1, DRD2, HES1, HEYL, NOTCH1, STAT3, and TGFB1, after treatment with LPS at 10 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL. LPS at 50 μg/mL increased the expression of FLNA and NEUROG2, as well as the other genes mentioned.

Conclusion

Our study showed that LPS treatment altered the expression of human neurogenesis genes and decreased DHT and DHP levels in SH-SY5Y cells. These findings suggest that targeting LPS, DHT, and DHP could be potential therapeutic strategies to treat AD or improve its symptoms.
Comparative efficacy and acceptability of licensed dose intranasal corticosteroids for moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Soe Kay Khine , Krikeerati Thanachit , Pheerapanyawaranun Chatkamol , Niyomnaitham Suvimol , Phinyo Phichayut , Thongngarm Torpong
Published: May 2023

No evidence shows that one intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) is better than another for treating moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis (AR). This network meta-analysis assessed the comparative efficacy and acceptability of licensed dose aqueous INCSs. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched until 31 March 2022. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials comparing INCSs with placebo or other types of INCSs in patients with moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data following the Preferred Reporting Items in Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guideline. A random-effects model was used for data pooling. Continuous outcomes were expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD). The primary outcomes were the efficacy in improving total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and treatment acceptability (the study dropout). We included 26 studies, 13 with 5,134 seasonal AR patients and 13 with 4,393 perennial AR patients. Most placebo-controlled studies had a moderate quality of evidence. In seasonal AR, mometasone furoate (MF) was ranked the highest efficacy, followed by fluticasone furoate (FF), ciclesonide (CIC), fluticasone propionate and triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) (SMD −0.47, 95% CI: −0.63 to −0.31; −0.46, 95% CI: −0.59 to −0.33; −0.44, 95% CI: −0.75 to −0.13; −0.42, 95% CI: −0.67 to −0.17 and −0.41, 95% CI: −0.81 to −0.00), In perennial AR, budesonide was ranked the highest efficacy, followed by FF, TAA, CIC, and MF (SMD −0.43, 95% CI: −0.75 to −0.11; −0.36, 95% CI: −0.53 to −0.19; −0.32, 95% CI: −0.54 to −0.10; −0.29, 95% CI: −0.48 to −0.11; and −0.28, 95% CI: −0.55 to −0.01). The acceptability of all included INCSs was not inferior to the placebo. According to our indirect comparison, some INCSs have superior efficacy to others with moderate quality of evidence in most placebo-controlled studies for treating moderate-to-severe AR.
Helicity and topological charge tunable optical vortex based on a Hermite-Gaussian beam dynamically controlled folded-cavity resonator
Authors: Lin Shibing , Wang Deen , Zheng Yamin , Guo Liquan , Zhang Yifan , Zhuang Yongchen , Huang Lei
Published: May 2023

Helicity and topological charge are two important characteristic parameters for vortex beam applications, including optical communications, optical manipulation and material processing, etc. In this work, a helicity and topological charge tunable vortex laser based on a folded resonant cavity is presented. In the resonant cavity, a Z-shaped structure is adopted and two deformable mirrors (DMs) are cascaded into the cavity as intro-cavity modulation elements. By applying different voltage combinations to the DMs, the Hermite-Gaussian (HG) beam with different indices and distribution orientations θ could be generated from the Z-shaped folded-cavity resonator. An extra-cavity astigmatic mode converter is adopted to convert the generated HG beam to the corresponding vortex beam with tunable helicity and topological charge, and the simulation results verified the feasibility of the presented vortex laser. In the experiment, the HGm,0θ beam (m = 1 to 10 and θ = −90 ° to 90 °]) and the vortex beam (topological charge l from ±1 to ±10 and left/right helicity) were flexibly achieved by simply adjusting the driving voltage combinations of the intra-cavity cascaded DMs.
Modelling performance by continents in swimming
Authors: Yustres Amores I. , Santos del Cerro J. , González-Mohíno F. , Hermosilla F. , González-Ravé J. M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction: There is a growing interest in the scientific community about the progression and congruity in the performance of talented participants who complete representing different nations in the most important international events. The prediction of incoming performances is nowadays in demand with the objective of returning in talent investment. Talent identification programs have tried to select and develop sports talent over years. However, to our knowledge, there is a lack of research about success in swimming World Championships (WCs) performance considering continents-country and how successful outcomes are influenced by these variables. Therefore, the primary goal is to analyze the effect of early specialization comparing the performance progression model of the countries gathered by continents.

Methods: Participant’s data from all Junior and Senior WCs between 2006 and 2017 from International Swimming Federation (FINA). One-way ANOVA, ANCOVA and regression model were used to explain whether the variable category, age, best z-score, experience, and continent influences the performance obtained in Absolute WC.

Results: Significant differences (p < 0.01) were found between the average performance obtained by the two different categories (junior: swimmers participating in junior WCs before senior WCs; senior: swimmers participating in senior WCs without previous participation in junior WCs), where swimmers from category junior showed significant better performance’s times than seniors, except in America. ANCOVA results showed that generally, the greatest differences where in the earliest ages, with best performance registered in category junior in all the continents. Also, the experience was a significant variable in the general model.

Conclusion: Swimmers who had participated in junior category prior absolute obtained better performance’s times than those swimmers who participated directly in absolute, in the first participation in senior WC. Thus, early specialization is a key factor to obtain better results in senior WCs for all the continents, except in America.
Maternal high-intensity interval training as a suitable approach for offspring’s heart protection in rat: evidence from oxidative stress and mitochondrial genes
Authors: Mohammadkhani Reihaneh , Komaki Alireza , Karimi Seyed Asaad , Behzad Mahdi , Heidarisasan Shirin , Salehi Iraj
Published: May 2023

Considerable scientific evidence suggests that the intrauterine environment plays a crucial role in determining the long-term health of offspring. The present study aims to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training in maternal rats before and during pregnancy on the antioxidant status, mitochondrial gene expression, and anxiety-like behavior of their offspring. A total of thirty-two female rats were assigned to four maternal groups based on the timing of exercise: before pregnancy, before and during pregnancy, during pregnancy, and sedentary. The female and male offspring were allocated to groups that matched their mothers’ exercise regimen. Anxiety-like behavior in the offspring was evaluated using the open-field and elevated plus-maze tests. Our findings indicate that maternal HIIT does not have any detrimental effect on the anxiety-related behavior of offspring. Also, maternal exercise before and during pregnancy could improve the general activity of the offspring. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that female offspring exhibit more locomotion activity than males. Besides, maternal HIIT leads to a reduction in the levels of TOS and MDA, while TAC levels increase, and significantly upregulate the gene expression of PGC1-α, NFR1, and NRF2 in both sexes in the heart. Therefore, our study suggests that maternal HIIT is a beneficial maternal behavior and serves as a cardioprotective agent to enhance the health of the next generations.
Effects of a 24-week exercise program on anthropometric, body composition, metabolic status, cardiovascular response, and neuromuscular capacity, in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Jacinto Miguel , Matos Rui , Monteiro Diogo , Antunes Raul , Caseiro André , Gomes Beatriz , Campos Maria João , Ferreira José Pedro
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased in the last decades, including in people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). This is even more concerning when it is globally accepted that a low physical condition contributes to the deterioration of functionality and increases the risk of developing chronic diseases during life, with effective implications for health and well-being. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of two physical exercise intervention programs on institutionalized individuals with IDD.

Methods: Twenty-one adults with IDD (43.04 ± 11.18 years) were split by convenience into three groups: i) an indoor training group (IG; N = 7; 24-week machine-based gym intervention), ii) an outdoor training group (OG; N = 7; 24-week outdoor intervention with low-content materials), and iii) a control group (CG; N = 7). Assessed outcomes included indicators of health and neuromuscular capacity. The ShapiroWilk (n < 50) and Levene tests were used to verify data normality and homoscedasticity. A Kruskal-Walli test was performed to understand if there were differences between the groups. For comparison purposes and to assess hypothetical differences between groups, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Friedman test were used. The respective effect size was calculated, and the significance level was defined at 0.05.

Results/Discussion: There was a difference in fat mass in OG (initial ≠ intermediate; Bonferroni corrected: t = 2.405; p = 0.048; W = 0.08 and initial ≠ final moments; Bonferroni corrected: t = 2.405; p = 0.048; W = 0.08). Indoor intervention programs seem to be more effective than outdoor intervention programs for reducing heart rate rest (t = −2.912; p = 0.011; W = −0.104) when compared with CG.

Conclusion: A low-cost outdoor intervention in contact with nature appears to be more effective for fat mass reduction. The results for heart rate variability are not clear and robust. Finally, an indoor intervention using weight-training machines appears to be a good method to promote neuromuscular capacity.
Gene expression variations and allele-specific expression of two rice and their hybrid in caryopses at single-nucleus resolution
Authors: Zhou Han , Deng Xing Wang , He Hang
Published: May 2023

Seeds are an indispensable part of the flowering plant life cycle and a critical determinant of agricultural production. Distinct differences in the anatomy and morphology of seeds separate monocots and dicots. Although some progress has been made with respect to understanding seed development in Arabidopsis, the transcriptomic features of monocotyledon seeds at the cellular level are much less understood. Since most important cereal crops, such as rice, maize, and wheat, are monocots, it is essential to study transcriptional differentiation and heterogeneity during seed development at a finer scale. Here, we present single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) results of over three thousand nuclei from caryopses of the rice cultivars Nipponbare and 9311 and their intersubspecies F1 hybrid. A transcriptomics atlas that covers most of the cell types present during the early developmental stage of rice caryopses was successfully constructed. Additionally, novel specific marker genes were identified for each nuclear cluster in the rice caryopsis. Moreover, with a focus on rice endosperm, the differentiation trajectory of endosperm subclusters was reconstructed to reveal the developmental process. Allele-specific expression (ASE) profiling in endosperm revealed 345 genes with ASE (ASEGs). Further pairwise comparisons of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in each endosperm cluster among the three rice samples demonstrated transcriptional divergence. Our research reveals differentiation in rice caryopsis from the single-nucleus perspective and provides valuable resources to facilitate clarification of the molecular mechanism underlying caryopsis development in rice and other monocots.
Politics or markets: The dual role of the motivation to achieve organizational legitimacy in the development of knowledge management capabilities and business model innovation
Authors: Liao Suqin , Wei Jingjing , Hu Qianying
Published: May 2023

Despite business model innovation being the object of much interest, limited attention has paid on how and when knowledge management capabilities enhance business model innovation in the literature. Build upon institutional theory and knowledge-based view, we seek to investigate how knowledge management capabilities affect the business model innovation by exploring the dual role of different types of legitimation motivations in triggering knowledge management capabilities, and moderating the relationship between knowledge management capabilities, and business model innovation. The data collected from the 236 Chinese new ventures running their businesses across a variety of sectors. The results indicate the both political and market legitimation motivation positively affect knowledge management capabilities. The relationship between knowledge management capabilities and business model innovation are more strongly in high motivation to achieve market legitimacy. However, the positive effect of knowledge management capabilities stimulate business model innovation is more strongly in moderately motivation to achieve political legitimacy than in low or highly political legitimation motivation. The paper has significantly contributed to advancing the body of knowledge of institutional and business model innovation theory and providing deeper insights on the correlation between firm’s motivation to achieve legitimacy and knowledge management capabilities for business model innovations.
Documenting heritage language experience using questionnaires
Authors: Tomić Aleksandra , Rodina Yulia , Bayram Fatih , De Cat Cécile
Published: May 2023

Introduction

There exists a great degree of variability in the documentation of multilingual experience across different instruments. The present paper contributes to the “methods turn” and individual differences focus in (heritage) bilingualism by proposing a comprehensive online questionnaire building on existing questionnaires and the experience of using them to document heritage bilingualism: the Heritage Language Experience (HeLEx) online questionnaire. HeLEx is validated against and contrasted to an extended version of the Language and Social Background Questionnaire designed for heritage speakers (HSs), LSBQ-H.

Methods

We compare data elicited with both questionnaires in turn from a group of Turkish HSs (n = 174, mean age=32). Our validation focuses on traditional language background variables, including language exposure and use, language proficiency, language dominance, as well as a more novel measure of language entropy. The analyses are based on a subset of key questions from each questionnaire that capture language experience for up to five languages, four modalities, and five social contexts. In a subsequent set of analyses, we explore the impact of different types of response scales, response mechanisms, and manners of variable derivation on the informativity of the data they can provide, in terms of the scope, granularity and distributional properties of the derived measures.

Results and Discussion

Our results show that both HeLEx and LSBQ-H are successful at detecting the important distributional patterns in the data and reveal a number of advantages of HeLEx. In the discussion, we consider the impact of methodological choices regarding question phrasing, visual format, response options, and response mechanisms. We emphasize that these choices are not trivial and can affect the derived measures and subsequent analyses on the impact of individual differences on language acquisition and processing.
Potential impact of extra education on the development of executive functions within a year in preschool children: an exploratory research
Authors: Dolgikh Alexandra , Bayanova Larisa , Chichinina Elena
Published: May 2023

Executive functions have been shown to develop through various extra classes in preschool age. But the optimal for executive functions development system of such classes has not yet been explored. The present exploratory study aimed to examine the difference in the executive functions development within a year between children attending the system of extra classes (music, choreography, art, foreign language, literacy, math, computer science, and science) twice a week for 4 h in a preschool education center and children who did not take no extra classes. There were 60 children who attended extra classes and 64 children who did not take extra classes. In each group, approximately 17% were boys. The first assessment of executive functions was performed in the penultimate year of kindergarten, when the children were 5–6 years old. The second was performed 1 year later. The executive function level was assessed using NEPSY-II subtests “Inhibition,” “Statue,” “Memory for Designs,” “Sentences Repetition,” and “Dimensional Change Card Sort.” Mothers also reported about their children’s attendance in extra classes, their children’s screen time, the level of maternal education, and the level of family income. The study revealed that children attending the system of the extra classes showed a higher verbal working memory development within a year than the children taking no extra classes. The obtained data plays an important role for the design of further research of the topic and for the practical recommendations for parents and teachers.
Supratentorial cerebrospinal fluid diversion using image-guided trigonal ventriculostomy during retrosigmoid craniotomy for cerebellopontine angle tumors
Authors: Roethlisberger Michel , Eberhard Noëmi Elisabeth , Rychen Jonathan , Al-Zahid Saif , Jayapalan Ronie Romelean , Zweifel Christian , Karuppiah Ravindran , Waran Vicknes
Published: May 2023

Background

Cerebellar contusion, swelling and herniation is frequently encoutered upon durotomy in patients undergoing retrosigmoid craniotomy for cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors, despite using standard methods to obtain adequate cerebellar relaxation.

Objective

The aim of this study is to report an alternative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-diversion method using image-guided ipsilateral trigonal ventriculostomy.

Methods

Single-center retro- and prospective cohort study of n = 62 patients undergoing above-mentioned technique. Prior durotomy, CSF-diversion was performed to the point where the posterior fossa dura was visibly pulsatile. Outcome assessment consisted of the surgeon's intra- and postoperative clinical observations, and postoperative radiological imaging.

Results

Fifty-two out of n = 62 (84%) cases were eligible for analysis. The surgeons consistently reported successful ventricular puncture and a pulsatile dura prior durotomy without cerebellar contusion, swelling or herniation through the dural incision in n = 51/52 (98%) cases. Forty-nine out of n = 52 (94%) catheters were placed correctly within the first attempt, with the majority of catheter tips (n = 50, 96%) located intraventricularly (grade 1 or 2). In n = 4/52 (8%) patients, postoperative imaging revealed evidence of a ventriculostomy-related hemorrhage (VRH) associated with an intracerebral hemorrhage [n = 2/52 (4%)] or an isolated intraventricular hemorrhage [n = 2/52 (4%)]. However, these hemorrhagic complications were not associated with neurological symptoms, surgical interventions or postoperative hydrocephalus. None of the evaluated patients demonstrated radiological signs of upward transtentorial herniation.

Conclusion

The method described above efficiently allows CSF-diversion prior durotomy to reduce cerebellar pressure during retrosigmoid approach for CPA tumors. However, there is an inherent risk of subclinical supratentorial hemorrhagic complications.
Spatial and Temporal Movements of Free-Roaming Cats and Wildlife in Two Local Government Areas in Greater Sydney, Australia
Authors: Davey Isabella J. L. , Westman Mark E. , Van der Saag Dominique , Ma Gemma C. , Kennedy Brooke P. A.
Published: May 2023

Free-roaming cats pose a risk to their own health and welfare, as well as to the health and welfare of wildlife and humans. This study aimed to monitor and quantify area-specific free-roaming cat movement. Two local government areas (LGAs) in Greater Sydney were included, Campbelltown (CT) and the Blue Mountains (BM). Motion-capture cameras were installed on 100 volunteer properties (50 per LGA) to indirectly capture animal movements over two months. Transect drives were completed eight times (four per LGA) to directly observe roaming cats in residential areas. The cameras and transects both identified higher free-roaming cat numbers in CT (density of 0.31 cats per ha, resulting in an estimated abundance of 361 cats in the 1604 ha of residential area) than the BM (density of 0.21 cats per ha, resulting in an estimated abundance of 3365 cats in the 10,000 ha of residential area). More wildlife events were captured in the BM (total = 5580) than CT (total = 2697). However, there was no significant difference between CT and the BM for cat events (p = 0.11) or wildlife events (p = 0.32) observed via the cameras. Temporally, cats were observed via the cameras throughout the entire day with peaks at 9:30 am and 8:00 pm in the BM, and 7:00 am and 12:00 pm in CT. Overlaps in activity times were recorded for free-roaming cats with bandicoots (BM), possums (BM), and small mammals (BM and CT). This study demonstrates that camera monitoring on private property and transect drives are useful methods to quantify free-roaming cat abundance to inform cat management interventions.