bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estudo taxonômico de Sloanea L. (Elaeocarpaceae) na Região Metropolitana de Belém, Pará, Amazônia Brasileira
Authors: Teixeira Lisandra Assunção , Sampaio Daniela , Gil André dos Santos Bragança , Delprete Piero Giuseppe
Published: June 2024

Este estudo objetivou contribuir para o conhecimento taxonômico de Sloanea (Elaeocarpaceae) na Região Metropolitana de Belém, no estado do Pará, Amazônia Brasileira. Foram registradas oito espécies de Sloanea: S. floribunda, S. grandiflora, S. granulosa, S. guianensis, S. nitida, S. porphyrocarpa, S. sinemariensis e S. terniflora. São fornecidas chave de identificação, descrições morfológicas, informações sobre distribuição geográfica e comentários taxonômicos das espécies tratadas.
Editor’s Pick: Genetics and Pathophysiology of Co-occurrence of Congenital Heart Disease and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Ong Leong Tung
Published: June 2024

There is increasing evidence demonstrating that children with congenital heart disease (CHD) have a greater risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in later life. This review aims to summarise the genetics and pathophysiology underlying both conditions. A PubMed search was performed to identify relevant studies exploring the comorbidities of ASD and CHD. The comorbidities of ASD and CHD can be explained by the influence of common and rare variants that contribute to genetic risks. De novo mutations in chromatin remodelling genes, and common genetic loci in the development of brain and heart in utero, can lead to the co-occurrence of ASD and CHD. Furthermore, there are several cases of syndromic ASD with concurrent CHD presentation. Foetuses with CHD may have abnormal haemodynamic changes and alteration of brain circulation in utero, resulting in impaired development of the brain, and increased risk of ASD. Abnormal brain development or brain injury as observed in MRI studies of infants with CHD may also contribute to the risk of ASD. Children with CHD should have regular neurodevelopmental assessment to screen for ASD symptoms for early diagnosis and intervention.
Application of Islamic Economic Concepts as a Role Model in Increasing the Wooden Furniture Business in Bengkalis
Authors: Saputra Andrian , Alma’arif
Published: June 2024

This article discusses the role of fiqh knowledge in managing the muamalah process, including in the context of buying and selling. The business in the field of wooden furniture is really hot because this business is very promising and produces large profits. Especially in Bengkalis Regency, an area that is an island in Riau Province. Even though this area is small, it has a lot of natural wealth. For example, mining for oil, palm oil, and furniture materials, namely quality trees and wood to be used in making houses and other furniture materials. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative using library research. In practice, not many furniture business processes apply Islamic principles in running the business. For example, illegal logging of forests is carried out, the impact of which is detrimental to residents. In fact, in Islam itself, all businesses carried out are prohibited from destroying the environment and harming other people for the sake of personal interests and some groups. For this reason, this research was carried out to analyze and review the extent of the wooden furniture business practices in Bengkalis based on Islamic fiqh, both the implementation and transactions of the furniture business carried out.
Rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis based on cyp141 via real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification (cyp141-RealAmp)
Authors: Zhu Yinyin , Feng Zi , Xu Yinfang , Luo Sha , Zhang Ruixian , Shi Xudong , Wu Xuping , Zhang Hongying
Published: June 2024

Background

The rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is essential for controlling tuberculosis.
Methods We designed a portable thermocycler-based real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (cyp141-RealAmp) using six oligonucleotide primers derived from cyp141 to detect MTB. A combined number of 213 sputum samples (169 obtained from clinically diagnosed cases of pulmonary TB and 44 from a control group without tuberculosis) underwent Acid-fast bacillus (AFB) smear, culture, Xpert MTB/RIF assays, and cyp141-RealAmp assay.

Results

By targeting MTB cyp141, this technique could detect as low as 10 copies/reaction within 30 min, and it was successfully rejected by other mycobacteria and other bacterial species tested. Of the 169 patients, there was no statistical difference between the detection rate of cyp141-RealAmp (92.90%, 95% CI: 89.03–96.07) and that of Xpert MTB/RIF (94.67%, 95% CI: 91.28–98.06) (P > 0.05), but both were statistically higher than that of culture (65.68%, 95% CI: 58.52–72.84) (P< 0.05) and AFB (57.40%, 95% CI: 49.94–64.86) (P< 0.05). Both cyp141-RealAmp and Xpert MTB/RIF had a specificity of 100%. Furthermore, a high concordance between cyp141-RealAmp and Xpert MTB/RIF was found (Kappa = 0.89).

Conclusion

The cyp141-RealAmp assay was shown to be effective, responsive, and accurate in this study. This method offers a prospective strategy for the speedy and precise detection of MTB.
Analysis of gut microecological characteristics and differences between children with biliary atresia and non-biliary atresia in infantile cholestasis
Authors: Liu Yajun , Zhang Yuan , Guo Cheng , Li Muxia , Wang Ye , Zhang Lin
Published: June 2024

Introduction

In infants with cholestasis, variations in the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids and the gut microbiota (GM) characteristics differ between those with biliary atresia (BA) and non-BA, prompting a differential analysis of their respective GM profiles.

Methods

Using 16S rDNA gene sequencing to analyse the variance in GM composition among three groups: infants with BA (BA group, n=26), non-BA cholestasis (IC group, n=37), and healthy infants (control group, n=50). Additionally, correlation analysis was conducted between GM and liver function-related indicators.

Results

Principal component analysis using Bray–Curtis distance measurement revealed a significant distinction between microbial samples in the IC group compared to the two other groups. IC-accumulated co-abundance groups exhibited positive correlations with aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and total bile acid serum levels. These correlations were notably reinforced upon the exclusion of microbial samples from children with BA.

Conclusion

The varying “enterohepatic circulation” status of bile acids in children with BA and non-BA cholestasis contributes to distinct GM structures and functions. This divergence underscores the potential for targeted GM interventions tailored to the specific aetiologies of cholestasis.
Control strategies in enhanced stand-alone mini-grid operations for the NESI–an overview
Authors: Balogun Adeola , Olajube Ayobami , Awelewa Ayokunle , Agoro Sodiq , Okafor Frank , Sanni Timilehin , Samuel Isaac , Ajilore Adejumoke
Published: June 2024

Diverse control strategies for enhancing operations of isolated distribution grids are reviewed. Such distribution grids are called mini-grids or micro-grids, depending on their power flow capabilities. Robust control schemes identified in other climates for mini-grid and micro-grid operations are yet to be fully explored in the Nigerian electricity supply industry (NESI). Sustainable control strategies suitable for isolated distribution grids in the NESI predicate on capabilities for diverse objectives, such as energy conservation, affordability, efficient power throughput, and utilization, for enhanced resiliency and reliability. Consequently, the distributed control system in hierarchical layers is identified as a suitable choice for mini-grid operations in Nigeria because of its robustness in scalability and in energy conservation. However, the model predictive control (MPC) scheme is observed to be uniquely applicable in all of the hierarchical control layers. Therefore, a cascade-free MPC with improved robustness against sensitivity to system parameter variation is presented at the primary control layer for an H8 voltage source inverter (VSI) used for grid integration of the solar photovoltaic (PV) system. The H8 inverter gives more promising mitigation strategies against common-mode voltage and leakage current. Moreover, the control of DC link voltage for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is achieved by the H8 inverter, thereby eliminating the need for a separate converter for MPPT. Thus, sustainability is achieved.
Anti-C1q antibodies: a biomarker for diagnosis and management of lupus nephritis. A narrative review
Authors: Calatroni Marta , Moroni Gabriella , Conte Emanuele , Stella Matteo , Reggiani Francesco , Ponticelli Claudio
Published: June 2024

Nephritis is a frequent and severe complication of Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE). The clinical course of lupus nephritis (LN) is usually characterized by alternating phases of remission and exacerbation. Flares of LN can lead to deterioration of kidney function, necessitating timely diagnosis and therapy. The presence of autoantibodies against C1q (anti-C1qAb) in the sera of SLE patients has been reported in various studies. Some research suggests that the presence and changes in the titer of anti-C1qAb may be associated with the development of LN, as well as with LN activity and renal flares. However, the exact role of anti-C1qAb in LN remains a subject of debate. Despite variability in the results of published studies, anti-C1qAb hold promise as noninvasive markers for assessing LN activity in SLE patients. Measuring anti-C1qAb levels could aid in diagnosing and managing LN during periods of both inactive disease and renal flares. Nevertheless, larger controlled trials with standardized laboratory assays are necessary to further establish the utility of anti-C1qAb in predicting the reactivation and remission of LN and guiding treatment strategies.
Gallium-incorporated TiO2 thin films by atomic layer deposition for future electronic devices
Authors: Sun Qingxuan , Lin Yingzhen , Han Chaoya , Yang Ze , Li Ying , Zeng Yuping , Yang Weifeng , Zhang Jie
Published: June 2024

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) with advantages including abundance in earth, non-toxicity, high chemical stability, surface hydrophobicity in dark, and extremely high permittivity could be highly promising for advanced electronics. However, the thermal stability and low bandgap (Eg) of TiO2 pose a big challenge for TiO2 to be used as dielectric, which could be resolved by doping with other metal cations. In this work, we studied the impact of gallium incorporation on electrical and material characteristics of TiO2 thin films. These TiO2 and TiXGaO films with thickness of 15 nm were derived by atomic layer deposition (ALD) and then annealed in O2 ambient at 500°C, where the levels of Ga incorporation were tuned by the cycle ratio (X) of TiO2 to that of Ga2O3 during ALD growth. Both thin film transistors (TFTs) using TiXGaO (TiO2) thin films as the channel and metal-oxide semiconductor capacitors (MOSCAPs) using TiXGaO (TiO2) thin films as the dielectric were fabricated to unravel the impact of Ga incorporation on electrical properties of TiO2 thin films. It is found that the Ga incorporation reduces the conductivity of TiO2 thin films significantly. Pure TiO2 thin films could be the ideal channel material for TFTs with excellent switching behaviors whereas Ga-incorporated TiO2 thin films could be the dielectric material for MOSCAPs with good insulating properties. The leakage current and dielectric constant (k) value are also found to be decreased with the increased Ga content in TiXGaO/Si MOSCAPs. Additionally, the density of interface trap (Dit) between TiXGaO and Si were extracted by multi-frequency conductance method, where a “U-shape” trap profile with similar level of Dit values can be observed for TiXGaO MOSCAPs with varying Ga contents. Material characterizations show that the Ga incorporation destabilizes the crystallization and enlarges the bandgap (Eg) of TiO2 while maintaining a smooth surface. Interestingly, Ga incorporation is found to decrease the overall oxygen content and introduce more oxygen-related defects in the film. As a result, the reduction of leakage current upon Ga incorporation in MOSCAPs could be explained by amorphization of the film and enlarged band offset to Si rather than oxygen defect passivation. These Ga-incorporated TiO2 films may found promising usage in future electronic device applications such as trench capacitors in dynamic random-access memory, where the emerging high-k dielectrics with low leakage currents and high thermal stability are demanded.
Investigating the role of Caspase-1 in a mouse model of Juvenile X-linked Retinoschisis
Authors: Gehrke Ella J. , Pandey Araniko , Thompson Jacob , Bhattarai Sajag , Gurung Prajwal , Hsu Ying , Drack Arlene V.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Previous studies have reported Caspase-1 (Casp1) is upregulated in mouse models of Juvenile X-linked Retinoschisis (XLRS), however no functional role for Casp1 in disease progression has been identified. We performed electroretinogram (ERG) and standardized optical coherence tomography (OCT) in mice deficient in the Retinoschisin-1 (Rs1) and Casp1 and Caspase-11 (Casp11) genes (Rs1-KO;Casp1/11−/−) to test the hypothesis that Casp1 may play a role in disease evolution and or severity of disease. Currently, no studies have ventured to investigate the longer-term effects of Casp1 on phenotypic severity and disease progression over time in XLRS, and specifically the effect on electroretinogram.

Methods

Rs1-KO;Casp1/11−/− mice were generated by breeding Rs1-KO mice with Casp1/11−/− mice. OCT imaging was analyzed at 2-, 4-, and 15–16 months of age. Outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and adapted standardized cyst severity score were measured and averaged from 4 locations 500 μm from the optic nerve. Adapted standardized cyst severity score was 1: absent cysts, 2: <30 μm, 3: 30–49 μm, 4: 50–69 μm, 5: 70–99 μm, 6: >99 μm. Electroretinograms (ERG) were recorded in dark-adapted and light-adapted conditions at 2 and 4 months. Results obtained from Rs1-KO and Rs1-KO;Casp1/11−/− eyes were compared with age matched WT control eyes at 2 months.

Results

Intraretinal schisis was not observed on OCT in WT eyes, while schisis was apparent in most Rs1-KO and Rs1-KO;Casp1/11−/− eyes at 2 and 4 months of age. There was no difference in the cyst severity score from 2 to 4 months of age, or ONL thickness from 2 to 16 months of age between Rs1-KO and Rs1-KO;Casp1/11−/− eyes. ERG amplitudes were similarly reduced in Rs1-KO and Rs1-KO;Casp1/11−/− compared to WT controls at 2 months of age, and there was no difference between Rs1-KO and Rs1-KO;Casp1/11−/− eyes at 2 or 4 months of age, suggesting no impact on the electrical function of photoreceptors over time in the absence of Casp1.

Conclusion

Although Casp1 has been reported to be significantly upregulated in Rs1-KO mice, our preliminary data suggest that removing Casp1/11 does not modulate photoreceptor electrical function or alter the trajectory of the retinal architecture over time.
Developing digital competencies of nursing professionals in continuing education and training – a scoping review
Authors: Tischendorf Tim , Hasseler Martina , Schaal Tom , Ruppert Sven-Nelson , Marchwacka Maria , Heitmann-Möller André , Schaffrin Sandra
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The German health and care system is transforming due to advancing digitalization. New technological applications in nursing, such as social and assistance robotics, artificial intelligence and legal framework conditions are increasingly focused in numerous research projects. However, the approaches to digitalization in nursing are very different. When integrating technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence into nursing, it is particularly important to ensure that ethical and human aspects are taken into account. A structured classification of the development of digitalization in nursing care is currently hardly possible. In order to be able to adequately deal with this digital transformation, the acquisition of digital competences in nursing education programs is pivotal. These include the confident, critical and creative use of information and communication technologies in a private and professional context. This paper focuses on the question which specific training offers already exist at national and international level for nursing professions to acquire digital competences.

Methods

A scoping review according to the PRISMA scheme was conducted in the PubMed and CINAHL databases. The search period for the scoping review extended from 2017 to 2024.

Results

The selection of the studies took place by inclusion and exclusion criteria and the content-related orientation of the publications. After reviewing the titles and abstracts, eight studies were included. Of these, four were published in German-speaking countries and another four in international English-language journals.

Discussion

The topic of digitization of the nursing professions and the question of how nurses can acquire digital competences is gaining international attention. Nevertheless, the research on explicit continuing education programs for nursing professions is still undifferentiated. No specific continuing education offer for the development of digital competences of nursing professionals was identified. Many authors remained at the meta-level when developing methodological concepts for the acquisition of digital competences. The systematic integration of digitalization into higher education and continuing vocational training is mentioned in the publications. The development of theory- and research-based educational frameworks, which can be used as a basis for curricula in nursing studies and continuing education, is highly recommendable.
Profiles of apple allergen components and its diagnostic value in Northern China
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Chen Lijia , Lan Tianfei , Wang Hongtian , Wang Xueyan
Published: June 2024

Background

Limited is known on the profiles of apple allergy in China.

Objective

To explore the clinical significance of apple allergen components in northern China.

Methods

This study recruited 40 participants and categorized into apple tolerance (n = 19) and allergy (n = 21) group. The latter was categorized into oral allergy symptoms (OAS, n = 14) and generalized symptoms (GS, n = 7). All participants underwent ImmunoCAP screening to assess sIgE levels of birch, apple, and their components.

Results

The sensitization rates were 90% for Bet v 1, 85% for Mal d 1, 35% for Bet v 2, and 20% for Mal d 3. The overall positive rate for apple allergens was 97.5%, with half demonstrating mono-sensitization to Mal d 1. Birch, Bet v 1 and Mal d 1 sIgE levels had consistent areas under the curve (AUC 0.747, p = 0.037; AUC 0.799, p = 0.012; AUC 0.902, p < 0.001 respectively) in diagnosing apple allergy. The optimal cut-off values were determined to be 22.85 kUA/L (63.6% sensitivity, 85.7% specificity), 6.84 kUA/L (81.8% sensitivity, 71.4% specificity) and 1.61 kUA/L (93.8% sensitivity, 75.0% specificity), respectively. No allergens or components demonstrated diagnostic value in distinguishing between OAS and GS. Mal d 3 sensitization was correlated with mugwort allergy and higher risk of peach, nuts or legumes generalized allergy.

Conclusion

Mal d 1 was major allergen and the best for diagnosing apple allergy. Mal d 3 does not necessarily indicate severe allergic reaction to apples in northern China but may indicate mugwort sensitization and an increased risk of peach, nuts or legumes allergy.
Engineering principles for rationally design therapeutic strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hernández-Magaña Alexis , Bensussen Antonio , Martínez-García Juan Carlos , Álvarez-Buylla Elena R.
Published: June 2024

The search for new therapeutic strategies against cancer has favored the emergence of rationally designed treatments. These treatments have focused on attacking cell plasticity mechanisms to block the transformation of epithelial cells into cancerous cells. The aim of these approaches was to control particularly lethal cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma. However, they have not been able to control the progression of cancer for unknown reasons. Facing this scenario, emerging areas such as systems biology propose using engineering principles to design and optimize cancer treatments. Beyond the possibilities that this approach might offer, it is necessary to know whether its implementation at a clinical level is viable or not. Therefore, in this paper, we will review the engineering principles that could be applied to rationally design strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma, and discuss whether the necessary elements exist to implement them. In particular, we will emphasize whether these engineering principles could be applied to fight hepatocellular carcinoma.
Individualized high-resolution analysis to categorize diverse learning and memory deficits in tau rTg4510 mice exposed to low-intensity blast
Authors: Zuckerman Amitai , Siedhoff Heather R. , Balderrama Ashley , Li Runting , Sun Grace Y. , Cifu David X. , Cernak Ibolja , Cui Jiankun , Gu Zezong
Published: June 2024

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) resulting from low-intensity blast (LIB) exposure in military and civilian individuals is linked to enduring behavioral and cognitive abnormalities. These injuries can serve as confounding risk factors for the development of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (ADRD). Recent animal studies have demonstrated LIB-induced brain damage at the molecular and nanoscale levels. Nevertheless, the mechanisms linking these damages to cognitive abnormalities are unresolved. Challenges preventing the translation of preclinical studies into meaningful findings in “real-world clinics” encompass the heterogeneity observed between different species and strains, variable time durations of the tests, quantification of dosing effects and differing approaches to data analysis. Moreover, while behavioral tests in most pre-clinical studies are conducted at the group level, clinical tests are predominantly assessed on an individual basis. In this investigation, we advanced a high-resolution and sensitive method utilizing the CognitionWall test system and applying reversal learning data to the Boltzmann fitting curves. A flow chart was developed that enable categorizing individual mouse to different levels of learning deficits and patterns. In this study, rTg4510 mice, which represent a neuropathology model due to elevated levels of tau P301L, together with the non-carrier genotype were exposed to LIB. Results revealed distinct and intricate patterns of learning deficits and patterns within each group and in relation to blast exposure. With the current findings, it is possible to establish connections between mice with specific cognitive deficits to molecular changes. This approach can enhance the translational value of preclinical findings and also allow for future development of a precision clinical treatment plan for ameliorating neurologic damage of individuals with mTBI.
Advances in novel biomaterials combined with traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation technology in treatment of peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Liu Xinhao , Hu Zekai , Huang Yixiao , Hu Lelun , Lu Jinnuo , Chen Mengning , Xue Han , Ma Shujie , Wan Jie , Hu Jun
Published: June 2024

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) represent one of the primary neuropathies leading to lifelong disability. Nerve regeneration and targeted muscle atrophy stand as the two most crucial factors influencing functional rehabilitation post peripheral nerve injury. Over time, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) rehabilitation approaches such as acupuncture, Tuina, and microneedles serve as pivot means to activate the regeneration of injured nerve Schwann cells. By promoting axon regeneration, these approaches can accomplish nerve repair, reconstruction, and functional rehabilitation. Although TCM rehabilitation approaches have clinically demonstrated effectiveness in promoting the repair and regeneration of PNI, the related molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This significantly hampers the application and promotion of TCM rehabilitation in PNI recovery. Therefore, deeply delving into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of TCM rehabilitation technologies to foster nerve regeneration stands as the most pressing issue. On the other hand, in recent years, novel biomaterials represented by hydrogels, microfluidic platforms, and new chitosan scaffolds have showed their unique roles in treating various degrees of nerve injury. These methods exhibit immense potential in conducting high-throughput cell and organoid culture in vitro and synthesizing diverse tissue engineering scaffolds and drug carriers. We believe that the combination of TCM rehabilitation technology and novel biomaterials can more effectively address precise treatment issues such as identification of treatment target and dosage control. Therefore, this paper not only summarizes the molecular mechanisms of TCM rehabilitation technology and novel biomaterials in treating peripheral nerve injury individually, but also explores the research direction of precise treatment by integrating the two at both macro and micro levels. Such integration may facilitate the exploration of cellular and molecular mechanisms related to neurodegeneration and regeneration, providing a scientific and theoretical foundation for the precise functional rehabilitation of PNI in the future.
Case report: Clinical features of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia presenting with cardiac tamponade: a case series study and literature review
Authors: Li Tonghui , Tang Xue , He Xuezhi , Zhang Lei , Zhang Ya , Wang Lulu , Liu Shilin , Zhou Guichi , Wen Feiqiu , Liu Sixi , Mai Huirong , Wang Ying
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study aims to elucidate the clinical features observed in cases of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) initially presenting with cardiac tamponade and to share treatment experiences.

Materials and methods

Five pediatric patients were initially diagnosed with AML accompanied by cardiac myeloid sarcoma (MS). The diagnosis was established by examining our hospital records and reviewing pertinent literature from 1990 to July 2023, accessible through MEDLINE/PubMed. We comprehensively assessed the clinical characteristics and treatment modalities employed for these patients.

Result

Five pediatric patients presented with acute symptoms, including shortness of breath, malaise, cough, and fever, leading to their hospitalization. Physical examination revealed irritability, hypoxia, tachypnea, tachycardia, and hypotension. Initial detection utilized chest X-ray or echocardiogram, leading to subsequent diagnoses based on pericardial effusion and/or bone marrow examination. Two patients received chemotherapy at the time of initial diagnosis, one with cytarabine and etoposide, and the other with cytarabine and cladribine. Post-treatment, their bone marrow achieved remission, and over a 2.5-year follow-up, their cardiac function remained favorable. Unfortunately, the remaining three patients succumbed within two weeks after diagnosis, either due to receiving alternative drugs or without undergoing chemotherapy.

Conclusion

This is the first and largest case series of pediatric AML patients with cardiac MS, manifesting initially with cardiac tamponade. It highlights the rarity and high mortality associated with this condition. The critical factors for reducing mortality include identifying clinical manifestations, conducting thorough physical examinations, performing echocardiography promptly, initiating early and timely pericardial drainage, and avoiding cardiotoxic chemotherapy medications.
Orphan drug policy analysis in China
Authors: Liu Meilin , Lu Yanqin , Li Junfeng , Zhang Yongtao , Zhang Shanshan , Liu Yisheng
Published: June 2024

Rare diseases have various types, low incidence rates, complex conditions, and are often difficult to diagnose. Due to China’s large population, there is a significant number of rare disease patients, but there is a shortage of orphan drugs. Consequently, these patients often find themselves in a situation where necessary medications are either unavailable or unaffordable. To address this urgent clinical need, China has implemented a series of orphan drug policies aimed at improving drug accessibility and affordability. In terms of drug accessibility, companies are encouraged to expedite drug development through the implementation of tax incentives, guidance for clinical research on rare diseases, and the provision of data protection periods of 6 years, along with market exclusivity periods limited to a maximum of 7 years. Moreover, exemptions for clinical trials, acceptance of overseas clinical trial data, and the creation of a list prioritizing clinically urgent new drugs from overseas have been introduced to expedite the drug registration application, review, inspection, and approval processes. In terms of drug affordability, the import value-added tax on rare disease drugs has been reduced by 3%, and various provinces and cities have established a representative rare disease protection model, which includes special funds, medical assistance programs, and serious disease insurance. The national medical insurance catalog has been adjusted to reduce the financial burden on rare disease patients, resulting in an increase in the number of orphan drugs covered by the catalog to 95 as of March 2024. By comparing orphan drug policies in the United States, the European Union, Japan, Australia, and other countries (or regions), we will provide relevant suggestions to further improve orphan drug policies in China, thus bringing more treatment options and hope to patients with rare diseases.
A real-world disproportionality analysis of Tivozanib data mining of the public version of FDA adverse event reporting system
Authors: Wang Kaixuan , Wang Mengmeng , Li Wensheng , Wang Xiaohui
Published: June 2024

Background

Tivozanib, a vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in a phase III clinical trials for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. However, comprehensive evaluation of its long-term safety profile in a large sample population remains elusive. The current study assessed Tivozanib-related adverse events of real-world through data mining of the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System FDA Adverse Event Reporting System.

Methods

Disproportionality analyses, utilizing reporting odds ratio proportional reporting ratio Bayesian confidence propagation neural network and multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker (MGPS) algorithms, were conducted to quantify signals of Tivozanib-related AEs. Weibull distribution was used to predict the varying risk incidence of AEs over time.

Results

Out of 5,361,420 reports collected from the FAERS database, 1,366 reports of Tivozanib-associated AEs were identified. A total of 94 significant disproportionality preferred terms (PTs) conforming to the four algorithms simultaneously were retained. The most common AEs included fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, blood pressure increased, decreased appetite, and dysphonia, consistent with prior specifications and clinical trials. Unexpected significant AEs such as dyspnea, constipation, pain in extremity, stomatitis, and palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome was observed. The median onset time of Tivozanib-related AEs was 37 days (interquartile range [IQR] 11.75–91 days), with a majority (n = 127, 46.35%) occurring within the initial month following Tivozanib initiation.

Conclusion

Our observations align with clinical assertions regarding Tivozanib’s safety profile. Additionally, we unveil potential novel and unexpected AE signatures associated with Tivozanib administration, highlighting the imperative for prospective clinical studies to validate these findings and elucidate their causal relationships. These results furnish valuable evidence to steer future clinical inquiries aimed at elucidating the safety profile of Tivozanib.
Diversity of Colletotrichum species associated with anthracnose on Euonymus japonicus and their sensitivity to fungicides
Authors: Liu Yayong , Tan Xiaoqian , Zhao Juan , Niu Yajie , Hsiang Tom , Yu Zhihe , Qin Wentao
Published: June 2024

As an evergreen shrub, Euonymus japonicus plays a crucial role in urban landscape construction, and its growth is affected by severe foliar anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum spp. However, the biodiversity of Colletotrichum species associated with anthracnose on E. japonicus remains undetermined. This study involved a two-year collection of E. japonicus leaf samples with typical anthracnose symptoms from 9 districts in Beijing, China. A total of 194 Colletotrichum isolates were obtained, and eight Colletotrichum species were subsequently identified using morphological characteristics and molecular identification with the ACT, GADPH, CHS, TUB2, and CAL genes, as well as the rDNA-ITS region. These species included Colletotrichum aenigma, C. fructicola, C. gloeosporioides, C. grossum, C. hebeiense, C. karstii, C. siamense, and C. theobromicola with C. siamense being the most prevalent (57%), followed by C. aenigma and C. theobromicola. Furthermore, C. fructicola, C. grossum and C. hebeiense are reported for the first time as causal agents of anthracnose on E. japonicus worldwide, and C. karstii is newly reported to be associated with E. japonicus anthracnose in China. Pathogenicity tests revealed that all tested isolates exhibited pathogenicity in the presence of wounds, emphasizing the need to avoid artificial or mechanical wounds to prevent infection in E. japonicus management. The EC50 values of five fungicides, namely difenoconazole, flusilazole, tebuconazole, hexaconazole, and prochloraz, were found to be less than 10 mg/L, indicating their strong potential for application. Notably, the EC50 of prochloraz was less than 0.05 mg/L for C. theobromicola. These findings offer valuable insights for the management of anthracnose on E. japonicus.
The motivational beliefs and attitudes about writing of international students enrolled in online academic English classes during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Collins Penelope , Leo Michael S. , Eslami Maryam , Hebert Michael , Levine Julian , Lee Jerry Won
Published: June 2024

Despite the growing attention to motivation, less is known about international students’ motivational beliefs and attitudes about academic writing. In this study, we aimed to explore the motivational factors influencing international students’ performance in academic English classes at a large public research university in the western United States. Specifically, we examined students’ self-efficacy, goal orientation, beliefs, and affect for writing, along with their malleability, and their contributions to academic achievement in academic English writing classes. The sample comprised 97 students, predominantly from China, enrolled in online academic English courses. Exploratory factor analysis tended to extract more complex models of the motivational constructs than principal component analysis. Students’ self-efficacy and enjoyment of writing significantly increased from the beginning to the end of the 10-week term, suggesting motivational factors’ malleability. Hierarchical linear modeling revealed that students’ self-efficacy at the beginning of the term positively predicted their final grades. However, logistic mixed modeling revealed that students who held stronger beliefs about writing as a means of exploring and expressing ideas had lower odds of passing. Our findings contribute to the understanding of international students’ motivation in academic English settings in higher education and offers potential pedagogical interventions to enhance their academic success.
Catalysts of violence against women students: the role of the university, aggressors, and victims
Authors: Barbosa Aline dos Santos , Romani-Dias Marcello , Veludo-de-Oliveira Tania
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to bring a multilevel perspective to the discussion of the antecedents of violence against women in higher education settings.

Originality/value

This paper was guided by the need indicated in the literature for research on the multiple levels that constitute the context of violence against women, as this is a public health problem, a designation that indicates the urgency with which this pervasive phenomenon should be addressed. The university context is conducive to this type of research, as it includes situations that favor instances of violence. Additionally, it aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Gender Equality and Quality Educations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper follows a qualitative and interpretative approach. This choice was due to the need to know the “how” and “why” elements that are part of violence against women in the university context. As the main source of evidence for the study, we conducted 20 in-depth interviews with women (victims) and men (aggressors), all university students involved in situations of violence. The transcription of the interviews generated 346 quotations, including 41 analysis codes.

Findings

After conducting the data coding, we identified that (i) the actions and omissions of the educational institution, (ii) the taste for violence, the perception of self-efficacy and the influence of the aggressors’ group of friends, and (iii) the apparent dichotomy between women’s vulnerability and women’s strength are among the main antecedents of violence against women. The article concludes with possible research questions to combat violence. Among the contribution of the discussions presented in our article, we highlight the importance of adopting a multilevel view so that we can better understand and fight against this violence, the existence of which is not restricted to the university context.
Creative ideas generation and personality: evidence from process communication model
Authors: Lefebvre Sixtine , Camarda Anaëlle
Published: June 2024

The present study investigated the relation between personality and ideas generation abilities. Ideas generation was assessed by the “egg task” in which participants had to generate as many solutions as possible to design ways to drop a hen’s egg from a height of 10 m so that it does not break. The 102 participants were also presented with the standard Process Communication Model (PCM) questionnaire. Results suggest that idea generation varied according to PCM Base Type of participants. Even if five out of six Base Types (Thinker, Persister, Harmonizer, Promoter and Rebel) presented similar fluency and categorical flexibility, Imaginer Base presented higher scores than other Base Types. These results, discussed according to cognitive control abilities, reinforce the view that PCM can highlight an individual’s creative performance considering interindividual differences.
Approximating a Minimum Dominating Set by Purification
Authors: Parra Inza Ernesto , Vakhania Nodari , Sigarreta Almira José María , Hernández-Aguilar José Alberto
Published: June 2024

A dominating set of a graph is a subset of vertices such that every vertex not in the subset has at least one neighbor within the subset. The corresponding optimization problem is known to be NP-hard. It is proved to be beneficial to separate the solution process in two stages. First, one can apply a fast greedy algorithm to obtain an initial dominating set and then use an iterative procedure to purify (reduce) the size of this dominating set. In this work, we develop the purification stage and propose new purification algorithms. The purification procedures that we present here outperform, in practice, the earlier known purification procedure. We have tested our algorithms for over 1300 benchmark problem instances. Compared to the estimations due to known upper bounds, the obtained solutions are about seven times better. Remarkably, for the 500 benchmark instances for which the optimum is known, the optimal solutions are obtained for 46.33% of the tested instances, whereas the average error for the remaining instances is about 1.01.
Clinical Outcomes in Patients Who Received a One-Time Aminoglycoside Dose for Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacterales or Pseudomonas aeruginosa Cystitis
Authors: Bouwman Kelsey , George Melissa
Published: June 2024

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) recommends a single dose of an aminoglycoside for uncomplicated cystitis caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) and difficult-to-treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, there is very little recent clinical evidence to support this recommendation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single-dose aminoglycoside for cystitis caused by ESBL-E or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This was a multicenter, retrospective, cohort study. Patients who received ≥3 days of standard of care were compared to patients who received a one-time dose of an aminoglycoside with or without a short course of effective therapy before. The primary outcome was the rate of relapse defined as requiring escalation of antibiotics or starting new antibiotic therapy within 14 days after the completion of antibiotics. A total of 66 patients were included in this study, with 33 patients in each arm. There were more males and complicated cystitis patients in the standard-of-care group. There was no difference found in the rate of relapse. The length of stay was significantly shorter in the aminoglycoside group (4.5 ± 4.4 days vs. 14.1 ± 10.1 days, p < 0.0001). A one-time dose of an aminoglycoside did not increase the risk of relapse and was associated with a shorter length of stay when used to treat cystitis caused by ESBL-E or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Azimuthal Variation in the Surface-Wave Velocity in the Arabian Plate
Authors: Corchete Víctor
Published: June 2024

This pioneer study determined the azimuthal variation in surface-wave fundamental-mode phase velocity for the Arabian plate, concluding that this variation is not due to seismic anisotropy but to lateral heterogeneity, which is compatible with anisotropic earth models of azimuthal isotropy. The study area was divided in six regions with similar surface-wave phase velocities. We determined their corresponding SH and SV-velocity models versus depth (from 0 to 260 km) by means of the anisotropic inversion of surface-wave phase velocities under the hypothesis of surface-wave propagation in slightly anisotropic media. We observed seismic anisotropy from 10 to 100 km depth. From these models, the parameter ξ was calculated for each region, and the most conspicuous features of the study area were described in terms of this parameter, such as the existence of the plume material propagation in the Arabian shield from the Afar plume, or the existence of a lithospheric keel, which was observed in previous studies beneath the Arabian platform, the Mesopotamian Plain and the Zagros belt.
The Temperature-Dependent Thermal Conductivity of C- and O-Doped Si3N4: First-Principles Calculations
Authors: Shao Hongfei , Qiu Jiahao , Liu Xia , Hou Xuejun , Zhang Jinyong
Published: June 2024

Silicon nitride (Si3N4) possesses excellent mechanical properties and high thermal conductivity, which is an important feature in many applications. However, achieving the theoretically high thermal conductivity of Si3N4 in practice is challenging. In this study, we adopted a first-principles calculation method to assess the effects of doping β-Si3N4 and γ-Si3N4 with carbon and oxygen atoms. Applying geometric structure optimization combined with calculation of the electronic phonon properties generated a stable doped structure. The results revealed that carbon and oxygen doping have little effect on the Si3N4 unit cell size, but that oxygen doping increases the unit cell volume. Energy band structure and state density calculation results showed that carbon doping reduces the nitride band gap width, whereas oxygen doping results in an n-type Si3N4 semiconductor. The findings from this study are significant in establishing a basis for targeted increase of the thermal conductivity of Si3N4.
Effects of Various Photoperiods and Specific Wavelengths on Retinal Changes and Oxidative Stress in the Conch Tegula rustica
Authors: Song Jin Ah , Park Heung-Sik , Jung Yun-Hwan , Choi Dong Mun , Choi Cheol Young , Lee Dae-Won
Published: June 2024

To improve aquaculture practices and husbandry of a variety of gastropods, including small conch species, it is necessary to study the physiological and endocrinological responses of nocturnal conches to light exposure. In this study, we investigated the effect of the light environment on Tegula rustica by exposing it to contrasting light conditions and observing histological changes in the retina and oxidative stress according to photoperiod and light wavelength. We confirmed that the pigment layer was significantly thicker in the group irradiated with light for 24 h (LL), but that its thickness did not differ significantly with light wavelength. Additionally, light wavelength changes did not cause a significant change in H2O2 concentration until 5 days after the change in the light environment. However, a significantly higher H2O2 concentration was observed in the LL test group on the eighth day compared with the other experimental groups. And a significantly higher total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed in the LL group on the third day compared with the other experimental groups. Our results indicate that the light environment affects the reaction of conches and that continuous light has a stronger effect on the thickness of the pigment layer than the light wavelength. In addition, continuous light irradiation induces excessive ROS and causes oxidative stress. These results can also be provided as basic data for husbandry when aquaculturing gastropods.
Comment on Miyamoto et al. Laryngopharyngeal Mucosal Injury Due to Nasogastric Tube Insertion during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13, 261
Authors: Maxwell Andrew
Published: June 2024

I read with great interest the study from Miyamoto et al [...]