bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cysteine dioxygenase and taurine are essential for embryo implantation by involving in E2-ERα and P4-PR signaling in mouse
Authors: Zhang Di , Wang Zhijuan , Luo Xuan , Guo Hongzhou , Qiu Guobin , Gong Yuneng , Gao Hongxu , Cui Sheng
Published: January 2023

Background

Taurine performs multiple physiological functions, and the maintenance of taurine level for most mammals relies on active uptake from diet and endogenous taurine synthesis through its synthesis enzymes, including cysteine dioxygenase (CDO). In addition, uterus tissue and uterus fluid are rich in taurine, and taurine synthesis is regulated by estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4), the key hormones priming embryo-uterine crosstalk during embryo implantation, but the functional interactions and mechanisms among which are largely unknown. The present study was thus proposed to identify the effects of CDO and taurine on embryo implantation and related mechanisms by using Cdo knockout (KO) and ovariectomy (OVX) mouse models.

Results

The uterine CDO expression was assayed from the first day of plugging (d 1) to d 8 and the results showed that CDO expression level increased from d 1 to d 4, followed by a significant decline on d 5 and persisted to d 8, which was highly correlated with serum and uterine taurine levels, and serum P4 concentration. Next, Cdo KO mouse was established by CRISPER/Cas9. It was showed that Cdo deletion sharply decreased the taurine levels both in serum and uterus tissue, causing implantation defects and severe subfertility. However, the implantation defects in Cdo KO mice were partly rescued by the taurine supplementation. In addition, Cdo deletion led to a sharp decrease in the expressions of P4 receptor (PR) and its responsive genes Ihh, Hoxa10 and Hand2. Although the expression of uterine estrogen receptor (ERα) had no significant change, the levels of ERα induced genes (Muc1, Ltf) during the implantation window were upregulated after Cdo deletion. These accompanied by the suppression of stroma cell proliferation. Meanwhile, E2 inhibited CDO expression through ERα and P4 upregulated CDO expression through PR.

Conclusion

The present study firstly demonstrates that taurine and CDO play prominent roles in uterine receptivity and embryo implantation by involving in E2-ERα and P4-PR signaling. These are crucial for our understanding the mechanism of embryo implantation, and infer that taurine is a potential agent for improving reproductive efficiency of livestock industry and reproductive medicine.
Identifying the shift in global wildfire weather conditions over the past four decades: an analysis based on change-points and long-term trends
Authors: Shi Ke , Touge Yoshiya
Published: January 2023

Most of studies on change-point at a regional or global scale have only examined a single hydrometeorological variable and have been unable to identify any underlying explanations. In this study, we identified change-points and long-term trends of six wildfire-related variables and attempted to explain the cause of change-point from atmospheric–oceanic indices. As a result, we discovered that the main change-point dates for the precipitation, temperature, and drought codes, as well as the duff moisture code, fine fuel moisture code, and fire weather index, were 1995–2000 and 2000–2005, respectively. Furthermore, the relationship between the change-point of six variables and atmospheric–oceanic indices was discussed through the correlation coefficient. For example, the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation was found to dominate the precipitation in West Africa. In addition, we divided the globe into eight homogenous wildfire weather zones based on the change-point dates and long-term trends of the six variables.
Unprecedented warming in Northwestern India during April of 2022: roles of local forcing and atmospheric Rossby wave
Authors: Qin Jianhuang , Liu Heng , Li Baosheng
Published: January 2023

A high surface air temperature (SAT) record over Northwestern India was reported in April 2022. This study examines the contribution of interannual variability on Indian SAT and possible reasons for the extreme SAT during April 2022. Result shows that the interannual variability of SAT is captured by the first two leading modes using the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis. Both of them show highest values over the Northwestern India and are simultaneous energetic during 2022. The EOF1 is related to the Indian Ocean Basin Mode (IOBM) and an anomalous anti-cyclone in the troposphere, while the Rossby wave train from the North Atlantic to the north of India controls the EOF2. The active IOBM and strong Rossby wave source account for the extreme SAT over northwestern India during April 2022. In addition, the Indian regional mean SAT during April is well represented by the indices of IOBM and tropospheric anomalous anti-cyclone, which can help to improve the prediction of SAT over India.
Self-harm emergency department visits in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from a sentinel surveillance system
Authors: Saxena Shikha , Liu Li , Pollock Nathaniel , McFaull Steven R.
Published: January 2023

Background

Self-harm is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, though the prevalence tends to be highest among adolescents. As an indicator in suicide surveillance, the incidence of self-harm is useful because it is sensitive to social, environmental, and economic conditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the epidemiology of self-harm has varied across contexts. This study aims to investigate the changes in self-harm emergency department visits in 2020 compared to a pre-pandemic period in 2018–2019.

Methods

Self-harm emergency department visits were extracted from the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program database from 2018 to 2020. We compared the data in 2020 with the pre-pandemic baseline in 2018–2019. We examined the changes in volume, the percentages of self-harm cases among all intentional injuries by sex, age group, and the proportions of self-harm cases by method of injury. We also quantified the time trends of the percentages of self-harm cases among all intentional injuries using Joinpoint regression.

Results

The overall volume of emergency visits related to self-harm was higher in 2020 during weeks 24–51 compared to the average volumes for the same weeks of 2018–2019. Percentage of self-harm among all intentional injury emergency department visits was significantly higher by 6.1% among females (p < 0.05) and by 5.3% among males in 2020 than in 2018–2019 (p < 0.05). The 11-to-18-year age group showed an increase in the percentage of self-harm among all intentional injury emergency department visits by 7.4% in 2020 when compared to 2018–2019. Time trend analyses showed that the percentages of self-harm among all intentional injury emergency department visits were higher during weeks 4–52 in 2020 than in 2018–2019, for both males and females.

Conclusions

The percentage of emergency department visits related to self-harm among all intentional injury visits were higher during 2020 than in 2018–2019. These results underscore the importance of continued surveillance of self-harm in Canada to better understand the sociodemographic factors affecting self-harm and to inform the prevention strategies and policies.
Reply to comment by Williams on “spatial changes in inclusion band spacing as an indicator of temporal changes in slow slip and tremor recurrence intervals”
Authors: Nishiyama Naoki
Published: January 2023

Our recent paper (Nishiyama et al. in Earth Planets Space 73:126, 2021) suggested that the sealing time of a crack-seal event recorded in quartz-filled shear veins in the Makimine mélange may temporally increase or decrease. Nishiyama et al. (Earth Planets Space 73:126, 2021) describes the optical estimates of the vapor–liquid ratio of primary two-phase fluid inclusions between solid inclusion bands in shear veins. The variation in vapor–liquid ratio was used as an indicator of fluid pressure conditions at the time of trapping of fluid inclusions during a crack-seal event. Comment on our paper (Williams in Earth Plantes Space 10.1186/s40623-022-01599-1 2023) raised the issue that our paper neglected the error in fluid pressure associated with the uncertainties in the optical estimate of the vapor–liquid ratio of fluid inclusions. Williams (Earth Plantes Space 2023 10.1186/s40623-022-01599-1) claimed that, if a certain uncertainty in the optical estimate of the vapor–liquid ratio is considered, there is a large error in the fluid pressure. The argument by Williams (Earth Plantes Space 2023 10.1186/s40623-022-01599-1) is based on the assumption that the uncertainty of the vapor–liquid ratio can be determined accurately. An accurate estimate of the uncertainty of the vapor–liquid ratio is possible if the homogenization temperature of the fluid inclusion is measured. However, it has been a challenging issue to measure the homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions between inclusion bands in a crack-seal vein, because the spacing of inclusion bands is too small (typically, a few tens of microns or less) to measure the homogenization temperature. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a confidential discussion regarding the error in the fluid pressure during a crack-seal event. Nishiyama et al. (Earth Planets 73:126, 2021) showed the sealing time of a crack-seal vein for a wide range of fluid pressure drops and discussed that the sealing time is comparable to the slow slip and tremor recurrence intervals when the fluid pressure drop is large. We consider that such a presentation and discussion are appropriate rather than discussing the error in fluid pressure based on the ambiguous uncertainty in the optical vapor–liquid ratio estimate.

Graphical Abstract
Research on interaction of innovation spillovers in the AI, Fin-Tech, and IoT industries: considering structural changes accelerated by COVID-19
Authors: Ho Chi-Ming
Published: January 2023

This paper aims to probe the influence of innovation spillovers in the artificial intelligence (AI) and financial technology (Fin-tech) industries on the value of the internet of things (IoT) companies. Python was utilized to download public information from Yahoo Finance, and then the GARCH model was used to extract the fluctuations of cross-industry innovation spillovers. Next, the Fama–French three-factor model was used to explore the interactive changes between variables. The panel data regression analysis indicates that the more firms accept innovation spillovers from other industries, the better the excess return; however, this effect differs because of industrial attributes and the environmental changes induced by COVID-19. Additionally, this study finds that investing in large-cap growth stocks of IoT firms is more likely to yield excess returns. Finally, the study yields lessons for policy leverage to accelerate the upgrading and transformation of innovation-interactive industries by referring to the practices of Singapore and South Korea.
Ecological validity of don’t remember and don’t know for distinguishing accessibility- versus availability-based retrieval failures in older and younger adults: knowledge for news events
Authors: Umanath Sharda , Coane Jennifer H. , Huff Mark J. , Cimenian Tamar , Chang Kai
Published: January 2023

With pursuit of incremental progress and generalizability of findings in mind, we examined a possible boundary for older and younger adults’ metacognitive distinction between what is not stored in memory versus merely inaccessible with materials that are not process pure to knowledge or events: information regarding news events. Participants were asked questions about public events such as celebrity news, tragedies, and political events that were widely experienced in the previous 10–12 years, responding “I don’t know” (DK) or “I don’t remember” (DR) when retrieval failed. Memories of these events are relatively recently acquired in rich, naturalistic contexts and are likely not fully separated from episodic details. When retrieval failed, DR items were recognized with higher accuracy than DK items, both immediately and 2 years later, confirming that self-reportednot rememberingreflects failures of accessibility, whereasnot knowingbetter captures a lack of availability. In fact, older adults distinguished between the causes of retrieval failures more precisely than younger adults. Together, these findings advance the reliability, validity, and generalizability of using DR and DK as a metacognitive tool to address the phenomenological experience and behavioral consequences of retrieval failures of information that contains both semantic and episodic features. Implications for metacognition in aging and related constructs like familiarity, remembering, and knowing are discussed.
Reliability and efficiency enhancement of a radial distribution system through value-based auto-recloser placement and network remodelling
Authors: Ghosh Bratati , Chakraborty Ajoy Kumar , Bhowmik Arup Ratan
Published: January 2023

The electric distribution system (EDS) is prone to faults leading to power interruptions. The present energy market demands that electricity utilities invest more in different measures to improve the performance of the EDS. The approach proposed here details a composite dual-phased methodology to improve the reliability and efficiency of the power delivered by the EDS. In the first phase, the optimal allocation of auto-reclosers (AR) is undertaken by employing a newly formulated algorithm. The determination of the total number and location for AR placement is based on the economic analysis of two factors, i.e., AR investment-maintenance cost and total benefit earned in terms of reliability improvement due to AR placement. The analysis also takes into account the impact of power outages on different load types, the load growth rate, and the inflation rate. Further, to enhance the efficiency of the AR-incorporated EDS, the technique of Radial Distribution System Remodelling is employed in the second phase. This method searches for a radial configuration that delivers power at minimum line losses. These phases comprising complex combinatorial operations are aided by a fresh hybrid of the Sine Cosine Algorithm, Krill Herd Algorithm, and a genetic operator of Differential Evolution. The results obtained from its application on the IEEE 69-bus distribution test system prove the credibility of the suggested formulation.
Post-traumatic epilepsy in Cameroon: a retrospective study in a referral hospital
Authors: Motah Mathieu , Gams Massi Daniel , Assonfack Sinju Franklin , Magnerou Annick Mélanie , Bila Lamou Eric Guemekane , Nkouonlack Cyrille , Doumbe Jacques , Esene Ignatius , Siysi Verla Vincent , Eyenga Victor-Claude , Mapoure Yacouba Njankouo
Published: January 2023

Background

Post-traumatic epilepsy is defined as the onset of at least one seizure beyond the first week following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). High prevalence of TBI in our setting may contribute to the burden of epilepsy in adult population. This is a retrospective review of medical records of patients admitted from January 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2019) at Douala General Hospital. We included patients aged ≥ 18 years with seizure onset at least one week after TBI. Incomplete files and previously known epilepsy were excluded. Data on sociodemography, clinical and para-clinical features, treatment and outcome were analysed using R software version 36.2.

Results

We finally included 65 patients with post-traumatic epilepsy among 993 medical records of epilepsy. The mean age was 35.1 ± 12.6 years, with 64.6% of male. Road traffic accident was the main aetiology of brain trauma (78.5%), resulting in haemorrhagic contusions (21.5%), sub-dural haematoma (15.4%), and diffuse axonal lesions (15.4%) mainly. Seizure onset was within 2 years post-trauma in 73.8% of cases. Generalized tonic–clonic seizures were the commonest seizure’s type. Electroencephalogram was abnormal in 81%, including 47% of focal discharges. Antiepileptic drugs were mainly sodium valproate, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital. Seizure freedom was obtained in 67.7% of cases.

Conclusions

Post-traumatic epilepsy is a heterogeneous, frequent and often disabling complication of traumatic brain injury. Road traffic accident is the main cause of brain trauma. It affects a young and active population. About half of cases presented GTCS. With antiepileptic drugs, more than two-thirds of patients become seizure-free.
Stroke-related early seizures: clinical and neurophysiological study in a sample of Egyptian population
Authors: Mohamed Aya Taha , El Rakawy Mahmoud Hemeda , Abdelhamid Yousry Abo Elnaga , Hazzou Ahmed Mohammed , Wahid el din Mona Mokhtar
Published: January 2023

Background

Available data collected from patients of different types of acute cerebrovascular strokes can detect risk factors, clinical data (including semiology of seizures), EEG findings and functional outcome of these patients. Stroke, both ischemic and hemorrhagic, has been considered an essential cause of epilepsy, especially in the elderly. Complications of acute stroke during the early days after the insult determine the ultimate outcome of events. The aim of this study is to determine the clinical and neurophysiological characteristics of stroke patients with or without clinical evident fits for early detection and better management.

Results

The brain imaging of the cases group who developed seizures showed that 50% of the cases have arterial ischemic infarction, 30% venous infarction, 6.67% ischemic infarction with haemorrhagic transformation, 6.67% intracerebral haemorrhage and 6.67% have subarachnoid haemorrhage. Based on the 2017 ILAE criteria, 43.33% of the patients developed focal to bilateral tonic clonic seizures, 33.33% developed focal aware seizures, 16.67% of the patients developed generalized tonic clonic seizures and 6.67% of the patient developed status epilepticus. EEG findings of the group of patients who developed seizures showed, focal slowing in 46.67%, focal epileptiform activity in 13.33%, focal activity with secondary generalization in 10%, PLEDS in 6.67%, generalized epileptiform activity in 6.67%, generalized slowing in 6.67% and normal EEG in 10% of the patients. Non convulsive status was found in 2 patients (6.67%) of the group with altered mental status. There was no PLEDS in EEG of group of patients without clinical seizures. This study did not find age and sex differences in patients with and without seizures. In addition, it was found that there was no statistically significant difference between the three groups as regard history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart diseases, atrial fibrillation, carotid stenosis and collagen diseases. There was no significant relationship between seizures and early treatment with Rtpa and thrombectomy.

Conclusions

Focal to bilateral tonic clonic and focal aware seizures were the most prevalent type of early onset seizures after stroke, followed by generalized tonic clonic seizures and status epilepticus. Most EEG findings in this study were focal slowing, focal epileptiform activities, generalized epileptiform activities and PLEDS.
Tackling imbalanced data in cybersecurity with transfer learning: a case with ROP payload detection
Authors: Wang Haizhou , Singhal Anoop , Liu Peng
Published: January 2023

In recent years, deep learning gained proliferating popularity in the cybersecurity application domain, since when being compared to traditional machine learning methods, it usually involves less human efforts, produces better results, and provides better generalizability. However, the imbalanced data issue is very common in cybersecurity, which can substantially deteriorate the performance of the deep learning models. This paper introduces a transfer learning based method to tackle the imbalanced data issue in cybersecurity using return-oriented programming payload detection as a case study. We achieved 0.0290 average false positive rate, 0.9705 average F1 score and 0.9521 average detection rate on 3 different target domain programs using 2 different source domain programs, with 0 benign training data sample in the target domain. The performance improvement compared to the baseline is a trade-off between false positive rate and detection rate. Using our approach, the total number of false positives is reduced by 23.16%, and as a trade-off, the number of detected malicious samples decreases by 0.68%.
Assessment of safe injection awareness and practices among healthcare providers at primary health care facilities
Authors: Ali Lamia , Eldessouki Randa
Published: January 2023

Background

Unsafe injection necessitates some preventive steps including promoting and assuring the execution of safe injection administration and waste disposal methods. The present study aimed to assess the awareness and practices of safe injection among health care providers working at all primary health care (PHC) facilities in Fayoum governorate, Egypt. Also, it assessed the awareness, readiness, and response related to needle stick injuries (NSIs).

Methods

A cross-sectional observational study conducted from September to December 2019 at all working PHC facilities in Fayoum Governorate, Egypt, resulted in enrolling 685 health care providers, and observation of 520 injection processes. Data were collected by a combination of staff interviews and structured observation of different injection processes using the WHO revised C tool.

Results

Safe injection and post-exposure NSI policies and procedures was implemented in 96.5% of the PHC facilities. Compliance to hand wash before preparing a procedure was 56.7%. Immediate disposal of used needles was 76.2% in observed injections. Hepatitis B vaccination rate among participants was 87.2%. Most participants 87.6% admitted the existence of a NSI reporting system but only 38.8% of those who had experienced NSI event reported. The rate of NSI was 14%.

Conclusions

Fayoum PHC facilities have good awareness level among providers and broadly accepted compliance with injection practices as per the WHO tool. Most injection-safety aspects were satisfactory, and implemented measures to face NSI were in place. Appropriate timely actions are required to maintain the fair awareness and improve injections practices in the PHC facilities.
The management of newborns with critical congenital heart diseases prior to transport to a cardiac center
Authors: Alkhushi Naif
Published: January 2023

Critical congenital heart diseases (CCHD) are important causes of mortality and morbidity in the newborn period. Even after diagnosis, their management could be seriously compromised by the unplanned delivery in hospitals with limited expertise and resources. The newborn may spend days or week before transport putting a significant burden on the neonatal team to manage such challenging diseases. In this review, the management principles of each individual pathology are discussed in the setting before transport to cardiac centers. Understanding these principles will help the treating teams evaluate and manage those complex conditions. The review avoids the advanced discussion on the management of CCHDs not applicable to the pre-transport setup. It highlights the critical elements in the maintenance of normal hemodynamics specific to each pathology and their variation.
Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy for Advanced Gastroesophageal Cancer: ASCO Guideline
Authors: Shah Manish A. , Kennedy Erin B. , Alarcon-Rozas Ashley E. , Alcindor Thierry , Bartley Angela N. , Malowany Aubrey Belk , Bhadkamkar Nishin A. , Deighton Dana C. , Janjigian Yelena , Karippot Asha , Khan Uqba , King Daniel A. , Klute Kelsey , Lacy Jill , Lee James J. , Mehta Rutika , Mukherjee Sarbajit , Nagarajan Arun , Park Haeseong , Saeed Anwaar , Semrad Thomas J. , Shitara Kohei , Smyth Elizabeth , Uboha Nataliya V. , Vincelli Melani , Wainberg Zev , Rajdev Lakshmi
Published: January 2023

PURPOSE

To develop recommendations involving targeted therapies for patients with advanced gastroesophageal cancer.

METHODS

The American Society of Clinical Oncology convened an Expert Panel to conduct a systematic review of relevant studies and develop recommendations for clinical practice.

RESULTS

Eighteen randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review.

RECOMMENDATIONS

For human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–negative patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (AC) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) combined positive score (CPS) ≥ 5, first-line therapy with nivolumab and chemotherapy (CT) is recommended. For HER2-negative patients with esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) AC and PD-L1 CPS ≥ 5, first-line therapy with nivolumab and CT is recommended. First-line therapy with pembrolizumab and CT is recommended for HER2-negative patients with esophageal or GEJ AC and PD-L1 CPS ≥ 10. For patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and PD-L1 tumor proportion score ≥ 1%, nivolumab plus CT, or nivolumab plus ipilimumab is recommended; for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and PD-L1 CPS ≥ 10, pembrolizumab plus CT is recommended. For patients with HER2-positive gastric or GEJ previously untreated, unresectable or metastatic AC, trastuzumab plus pembrolizumab is recommended, in combination with CT. For patients with advanced gastroesophageal or GEJ AC whose disease has progressed after first-line therapy, ramucirumab plus paclitaxel is recommended. For HER2-positive patients with gastric or GEJ AC who have progressed after first-line therapy, trastuzumab deruxtecan is recommended. In all cases, participation in a clinical trial is recommended as it is the panel's expectation that targeted treatment options for gastroesophageal cancer will continue to evolve. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/gastrointestinal-cancer-guidelines .
Collective cell migration is spatiotemporally regulated during mammary epithelial bifurcation
Authors: Neumann Neil M. , Kim Daniel M. , Huebner Robert J. , Ewald Andrew J.
Published: January 2023

Branched epithelial networks are generated through an iterative process of elongation and bifurcation. We sought to understand bifurcation of the mammary epithelium. To visualize this process, we utilized three-dimensional (3D) organotypic culture and time-lapse confocal microscopy. We tracked cell migration during bifurcation and observed local reductions in cell speed at the nascent bifurcation cleft. This effect was proximity dependent, as individual cells approaching the cleft reduced speed, whereas cells exiting the cleft increased speed. As the cells slow down, they orient both migration and protrusions towards the nascent cleft, while cells in the adjacent branches orient towards the elongating tips. We next tested the hypothesis that TGF-β signaling controls mammary branching by regulating cell migration. We first validated that addition of TGF-β1 (TGFB1) protein increased cleft number, whereas inhibition of TGF-β signaling reduced cleft number. Then, consistent with our hypothesis, we observed that pharmacological inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling acutely decreased epithelial migration speed. Our data suggest a model for mammary epithelial bifurcation in which TGF-β signaling regulates cell migration to determine the local sites of bifurcation and the global pattern of the tubular network.
Functional crosstalk between the TIM22 complex and YME1 machinery maintains mitochondrial proteostasis and integrity
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Waingankar Tejashree Pradip , D'Silva Patrick
Published: January 2023

TIM22 pathway cargos are essential for sustaining mitochondrial homeostasis as an excess of these proteins leads to proteostatic stress and cell death. Yme1 is an inner membrane metalloprotease that regulates protein quality control with chaperone-like and proteolytic activities. Although the mitochondrial translocase and protease machinery are critical for organelle health, their functional association remains unexplored. The present study unravels a novel genetic connection between the TIM22 complex and YME1 machinery in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that is required for maintaining mitochondrial health. Our genetic analyses indicate that impairment in the TIM22 complex rescues the respiratory growth defects of cells without Yme1. Furthermore, Yme1 is essential for the stability of the TIM22 complex and regulates the proteostasis of TIM22 pathway substrates. Moreover, impairment in the TIM22 complex suppressed the mitochondrial structural and functional defects of Yme1-devoid cells. In summary, excessive levels of TIM22 pathway substrates could be one of the reasons for respiratory growth defects of cells lacking Yme1, and compromising the TIM22 complex can compensate for the imbalance in mitochondrial proteostasis caused by the loss of Yme1.
AMG232 inhibits angiogenesis in glioma through the p53–RBM4–VEGFR2 pathway
Authors: Xiao Yao , Li Mingliang , Ma Teng , Ning Hao , Liu Libo
Published: January 2023

AMG232 effectively inhibits cancers with wild-type p53 (also known as TP53) by reactivating p53, but whether it inhibits glioma angiogenesis remains unclear. This study confirms that AMG232 inhibits the proliferation of glioma endothelial cells (GECs) in a dose-dependent manner and inhibits the angiogenesis of GECs. p53 and RNA-binding motif protein 4 (RBM4) were expressed at low levels in GECs, while MDM2 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2, also known as KDR) were highly expressed. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that AMG232 upregulated p53 and RBM4, and downregulated MDM2 and VEGFR2 by blocking the MDM2–p53 interaction. Both p53 silencing and RBM4 silencing significantly upregulated the expression of VEGFR2, promoted the proliferation, migration and tube formation of GECs, and reversed the effects of AMG232 on downregulating VEGFR2 and inhibiting the angiogenesis of GECs. AMG232 increased RBM4 expression by upregulating p53, and p53 bound to RBM4 and promoted its transcription. RBM4 bound to and shortened the half-life of VEGFR2, promoting its degradation. Finally, AMG232 produced a significant decrease in new vessels and hemoglobin content in vivo. This study proves that AMG232 inhibits glioma angiogenesis by blocking the MDM2–p53 interaction, in which the p53–RBM4–VEGFR2 pathway plays an important role.
Temporal configuration and modality of components determine the performance of bumble bees during the learning of a multimodal signal
Authors: Riveros Andre J.
Published: January 2023

Across communicative systems, the ability of compound signals to enhance receiver's perception and decoding is a potent explanation for the evolution of complexity. In nature, complex signaling involves spatiotemporal variation in perception of signal components; yet, how the synchrony between components affects performance of the receiver is much less understood. In the coevolution of plants and pollinators, bees are a model for understanding how visual and chemical components of floral displays may interact to influence performance. Understanding whether the temporal dimension of signal components impacts performance is central for evaluating hypotheses about the facilitation of information processing and for predicting how particular trait combinations function in nature. Here, I evaluated the role of the temporal dimension by testing the performance of bumble bees under restrained conditions while learning a bimodal (olfactory and visual) stimulus. I trained bumble bees under six different stimuli varying in their internal synchrony and structure. I also evaluated the acquisition of the individual components. I show that the temporal configuration and the identity of the components impact their combined and separate acquisition. Performance was favored by partial asynchrony and the initial presentation of the visual component, leading to higher acquisition of the olfactory component. This indicates that compound stimuli resembling the partially synchronous presentation of a floral display favor performance in a pollinator, thus highlighting the time dimension as crucial for the enhancement. Moreover, this supports the hypothesis that the evolution of multimodal floral signals may have been favored by the asynchrony perceived by the receiver during free flight.
Trends in pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality in the United States from 2000 to 2019; a SEER based study
Authors: Abidoye Oluseyi , Cho Young Min , Bhushan Sheena , Adewunmi Comfort , Choudhury Hasan
Published: January 2023

Background:  The annual incidence and mortality rates of pancreatic cancer has been rising. We analyzed pancreatic cancer trends by demographics and geographic location.

Methods:  Data was obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry 17 were available to assess trends of pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality from 2000 to 2019.

Results:  The pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality rates consistently increased over time from 2000 to 2019. Incidence of pancreatic cancer was highest in males (14; 95% Cl, 13.9,14.1) and blacks (15.4 95% Cl,15.2, 15.6). The incidence was highest in Alaska (16.2; 95% Cl, 14.1, 18.5), and lowest in Utah (10.7; 95% Cl, 10.4, 11.0). Incidence increased at 0.85% per year (95% Cl, 0.76, 0.92; P < .001). Overall incidence increased significantly for all sex, race, stage sub-groups except for Blacks (APC of 0.04%; 95% Cl, -0.14, 0.22; P = 0.649), and American Indian/Alaska natives (APC of -0.22 %; 95% Cl, -1.33, 0.89; P= 0.679). There was an overall significant increase in incidence across all states except for Alaska. Incidence-based mortality of pancreatic cancer was highest in males (12.6; 95% Cl, 12.5,12.7) and blacks (14.1; 95% Cl, 13.9, 14.3). Mortality was highest in Alaska (15.1; 95% Cl, 13.1,17.3), and lowest in Utah (9.6; 95% Cl, 9.3,9.9). Mortality increased at 0.91% per year (95% Cl, 0.32, 1.50; P = .005). The overall incidence-based mortality increased significantly only in the males APC, 0.95% (95% Cl, 0.36, 1.54; P = 0.003), females APC 1.18 (95% Cl, 0.47, 1.89; P = 0.002) and whites APC 1.05% (95% Cl, 0.45, 1.66; P = 0.002). Furthermore, there was an overall significant increase in incidence-based mortality across all states except for Alaska, Hawaii and Washington.

Conclusion: Pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality rates increased overall but differed by demographics and geographic location.
A qualitative study exploring experiences, attitudes, and wellbeing of university students of a period of restricted movement and self-testing during COVID-19 “Incoming Student Wellbeing and Benefits of Serial COVID-19 testing (ISWAB)” study
Authors: McGovern Maeve , Burton Edel , Fanning Liam , Killeen Gerard , O'Sullivan Kathleen , O'Mullane John , Fitzgerald Anthony P. , Byrne Michael , Kearney Patricia M.
Published: January 2023

Background: As part of Ireland’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, travellers to Ireland were required to restrict movements on arrival. Worldwide compliance with measures such as quarantine and testing vary and are influenced by factors including an individual’s knowledge of trust in, and attitudes towards these measures. The aim of this study was to explore student experiences of restricted movements after entering Ireland from abroad and to assess the acceptability and feasibility of self-administered SARS-CoV-2 tests.

Methods: The Incoming Student Wellbeing and the Acceptability and Benefits of serial COVID-19 testing (ISWAB) study recruited university students who travelled into Ireland and were required by national public health guidance to restrict their movements. As part of the study, students were provided with SARS-CoV-2 self-test kits. This qualitative study explored the students’ attitudes to self-testing and restricted movements using focus groups and interviews. Ethical approval was obtained. Interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed.

Results: Of 41 ISWAB participants, 32 agreed to participate in a follow-up qualitative study providing written consent. One focus group, two group interviews and three individual interviews were conducted in August 2021, on Microsoft Teams. Among the 11 (seven male, four female) students interviewed, self-testing was considered feasible and acceptable. Facilitators of adherence to restrictions included: support with grocery shopping and study periods coinciding with quarantine. Barriers to well-being included: living alone, being an individual who leads a social lifestyle, and the number of days of quarantine completed.

Conclusions: This qualitative study demonstrated high levels of compliance with restriction of movement guidelines and self-testing, with limited impact on general well-being. Self-testing for SARS-CoV-2 was found to be practical and achievable for at home use by participants in this study. The findings of this study may inform future self-testing initiatives.
Health economic analyses of latent tuberculosis infection screening and preventive treatment among people living with HIV in lower tuberculosis incidence settings: a systematic review
Authors: Baggaley Rebecca F. , Vegvari Carolin , Dimala Christian A. , Lipman Marc , Miller Robert F. , Brown James , Degtyareva Svetlana , White Helena A. , Hollingsworth T. Déirdre , Pareek Manish
Published: January 2023

Introduction: In lower tuberculosis (TB) incidence countries (<100 cases/100,000/year), screening and preventive treatment (PT) for latent TB infection (LTBI) among people living with HIV (PLWH) is often recommended, yet guidelines advising which groups to prioritise for screening can be contradictory and implementation patchy. Evidence of LTBI screening cost-effectiveness may improve uptake and health outcomes at reasonable cost.

Methods: Our systematic review assessed cost-effectiveness estimates of LTBI screening/PT strategies among PLWH in lower TB incidence countries to identify model-driving inputs and methodological differences. Databases were searched 1980-2020. Studies including health economic evaluation of LTBI screening of PLWH in lower TB incidence countries (<100 cases/100,000/year) were included.

Results: Of 2,644 articles screened, nine studies were included. Cost-effectiveness estimates of LTBI screening/PT for PLWH varied widely, with universal screening/PT found highly cost-effective by some studies, while only targeting to high-risk groups (such as those from mid/high TB incidence countries) deemed cost-effective by others. Cost-effectiveness of strategies screening all PLWH from studies published in the past five years varied from US$2828 to US$144,929/quality-adjusted life-year gained (2018 prices). Study quality varied, with inconsistent reporting of methods and results limiting comparability of studies. Cost-effectiveness varied markedly by screening guideline, with British HIV Association guidelines more cost-effective than NICE guidelines in the UK.

Discussion: Cost-effectiveness studies of LTBI screening/PT for PLWH in lower TB incidence settings are scarce, with large variations in methods and assumptions used, target populations and screening/PT strategies evaluated. The limited evidence suggests LTBI screening/PT may be cost-effective for some PLWH groups but further research is required, particularly on strategies targeting screening/PT to PLWH at higher risk. Standardisation of model descriptions and results reporting could facilitate reliable comparisons between studies, particularly to identify those factors driving the wide disparity between cost-effectiveness estimates.

Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020166338 (18/03/2020).
Enhancing media communication of health research: an evaluation of the Journalist in Residence Programme at the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme
Authors: Semu Phumisa Josephine , Kalera Mhango Rachel N , Makwinja Regina , Sambakunsi Rodrick , Nyirenda Deborah , Gooding Kate
Published: January 2023

Background: In 2012, the Science Communication department at the Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme (MLW) established the Journalist in Residence Programme (JIR) to train journalists and give them support when reporting health research stories for MLW. However, the programme had not been evaluated since its inception. We assessed the impact of media training and support through this programme on the development of health research reporting in Malawi.

Methods: Qualitative approaches were used to conduct in-depth interviews with five journalists, two editors, two consultants, five researchers, and three Ministry of Health officials. Two focus group discussions were also conducted with selected Community Advisory Group members in Blantyre and Chikwawa. All interviews and focus group discussions were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was conducted using Nvivo11.

Results: The JIR programme has a positive impact on the development of health research reporting in Malawi. The quantity and quality of health research stories generated from Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust research have increased after introducing the programme. Additionally, journalists are motivated to write health research stories as they get training and support through the programme. The health research work being implemented by Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust is appreciated by policy makers and the public at large through stories published by journalists in the programme.

Conclusions: This evaluation found that the JIR programme is a powerful tool for achieving the development of health research reporting in Malawi.
Correspondence article on the research protocol titled ‘Towards Health Equity and Transformative Action on tribal health (THETA) study to describe, explain and act on tribal health inequities in India: A health systems research study protocol’ published in Wellcome Open Research in December 2019
Authors: Kumar Rajnesh , Dumka Neha , Kotwal Atul
Published: January 2023

Research on indigenous (Tribal) populations is a step towards understanding the various tribal health issues and challenges and paves the way for addressing these issues. However, such populations are categorised as vulnerable and marginalised according to National ethical guidelines by Indian council of medical research. Hence, adequate measures are needed to be ensured by researchers while undertaking any research involving tribal populations to safeguard the rights of research participants. The purpose of this correspondence is to initiate a discussion among the researchers to give due consideration to research ethics especially when the research is being conducted on vulnerable populations and take adequate safeguard measures as suggested by National ethical guidelines to protect the rights of study participants.
The genome sequence of the spotted kaleidoscope jellyfish, Haliclystus octoradiatus (James-Clark, 1863)
Authors: Blaxter Mark ,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: January 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual Haliclystus octoradiatus (the spotted kaleidoscope jellyfish; Cnidaria; Staurozoa; Stauromedusae; Haliclystidae). The genome sequence is 262 megabases in span. Most of the assembly (98.3%) is scaffolded into nine (9) chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome was also assembled and is 18.3 kilobases in length.
Case Report: Anti-MDA-5 dermatomyositis in a resource-limited setting
Authors: Risal Ujjwol , Pandey Suravi , Pangeni Raju , Pandey Rakshya , Bhattarai Dharmagat , Adhikari Sudeep , Basnyat Buddha
Published: January 2023

Anti-Melanoma Differentiation-Associated gene 5 (Anti-MDA-5) dermatomyositis is a rare subtype of inflammatory myopathy characterized by unique skin lesions, rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease, and skeletal muscle inflammation. It has a high mortality rate in the absence of early treatment. However, diagnosis of this entity is challenging in a country like Nepal because of various constraints such as lack of expert rheumatologists and resource limitations. Here we describe a case of one patient who had presented to us with generalized weakness, cough and shortness of breath who was finally diagnosed as anti-MDA-5 dermatomyositis. He responded to combination of immunosuppressives and is currently doing well. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in managing such cases in a resource-limited setting.
Prenatal attachment by first-time fathers – the pilot study of the factor structure of the Polish-language version of the Prenatal Attachment Inventory for men (PAI-M)
Authors: Kossakowska Karolina
Published: January 2023

Aim of the study

This study aims to assess the psychometric properties and factor structure of the Polish translation of Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI) in the male version (PAI-M).

Subject or material and methods

A cross-sectional self-assessment study was conducted among a group of 406 Polish first-time expectant fathers during three sessions (n=113, n=186, and n=107, respectively). The reliability and construct validity of the PAI were evaluated. An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were conducted.

Results

The EFA extracted a three-factor structure (Feelings, Thoughts and beliefs, and Interactions and activities); its fit to the model has been confirmed by the CFA. Therefore, the final version of the PAI-M consists of 10 statements, comprising three factors, and demonstrates satisfactory internal consistency.

Discussion

The structure of PAI-M found in the current study confirms and emphasizes that the mode of experiencing pregnancy and forming an attachment to an unborn child differs between men and women. Fathers were found to be less likely to manifest attachment by sharing information about how active the baby is in the womb and found it more difficult to attribute traits to the baby during this period. They manifested prenatal attachment mainly through emotions such as joy, happiness or love.

Conclusions

The PAI-M is a reliable and valid instrument for use in Polish first-time expectant fathers to investigate the development of the paternal attachment towards the unborn child.
Changes in communication and language thinking of Ukrainians in the era of the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Kosmeda Tetiana , Osipova Tetiana , Slipets'ka Vira
Published: January 2023

Under the influence of the coronavirus pandemic, the modern world is expe-riencing a communicative revolution. Internet communication and the phenomenon of virtuality are globalizing, and behavioural and communicative models are being modified. In this reality, a person rebuilds and acquires new knowledge, the perception of the world changes, new language thinking appears, a kind of neologization of the Ukrainian language takes place, linguistic terminology develops and the linguistic creativity is being actualized.