bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Parenting Gold Standard: Maternal Master Narratives of Parenting Black Emerging Adult Children
Authors: Faherty Amanda N. , Pinera-Cruz Adriana
Published: December 2023

Little is known about the prevailing narratives of how to be a “good” parent in American society, and even less is known about parenting emerging adults in Black families. To address these gaps, this qualitative study employed a master narrative approach to investigate the maternal master narratives of parenting and the mechanisms by which Black mothers ( N = 20) of emerging adults navigate such constraints through cultural alternative narratives. Themes that emerged for a master narrative of parenting emerging adult children focused on education, over-parenting, hands-off parenting, permissive parenting, guidance and support role, and contribution to society. Results also described how mothers utilized alternative narratives to make sense of their culture in light of American society through themes that emphasized stern parenting, family values, cultural generational awareness, parenting independent of norms, restrictions on parenting, guidance and support role, and contribution to society. Findings indicated instances of microlevel culture. Ultimately, the major implication from this study was the importance of taking into account culturally related experiences when defining what is “appropriate” parenting.
Functional observer design for T-S fuzzy neutral systems
Authors: Esfouna Oussama , Ouahi Mohamed , Tissir El Houssaine
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a new fuzzy Functional observer is developed for nonlinear neutral systems. Also, the existence conditions for it are studied. The delay-dependent stability of this observer is guaranteed by the combination of the solution of the Sylvester equation and the Lyapunov–Krasovskii stability approach. The parameters of the studied observer are obtained by solving linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The performance of the approach developed in this paper is demonstrated at the end of the paper by numerical examples.
Heating and cooling supply estimation to control buildings temperature using resistor-capacitor thermal model, unscented kalman filter, and nonlinear least square method
Authors: Zamani Vahid , Abtahi Shaghayegh , Li Yong , Chen Yuxiang
Published: December 2023

Buildings can have varying heating and cooling set points to take advantage of favorable environmental conditions and low time-of-use rates. To optimize temperature scheduling and energy planning, building energy managements need reliable building thermal models and efficient estimation methods to accurately estimate space heating and cooling supply (or power demand) over a certain period (e.g., 24 h). This accurate estimation capability is vital for performing temperature control strategies. Therefore, the present study used resistor-capacitor (RC) models and unscented Kalman filter (UKF) integrated with nonlinear least square (NLS) to develop a method for precisely estimating heating and cooling supply to control zone temperature. To evaluate the capability of the method, two case studies are conducted. The first case study involves a made-up simple RC model, while the second case study uses monitored data from a single detached house in different scenarios. The capability of the method is evaluated by applying the estimated heating and cooling supply to the RC thermal model and simulated zone temperatures. Then, assess whether the controlled zone’s temperature meets the expected temperature or not. The performance evaluation shows that the developed method can accurately estimate the heating and cooling supply, validating its applicability to temperature control objectives.

Practical Application

This research provides a valuable contribution to modern building industry professionals by offering a precise method for estimating heating and cooling supply for temperature control in buildings. By equipping practitioners with an effective tool to optimize energy management, this study addresses a critical aspect of building performance. The practical case studies demonstrate the versatility and applicability of this approach in real-world scenarios. In a world increasingly prioritizing energy efficiency and sustainability, this research empowers professionals to make informed decisions, enhance building performance, and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future, all within a concise and actionable framework.
The Use of a Surgical Spoon in the Removal of Substernal Goiter
Authors: Krutz Matthew S. , Gupta Avigeet , Vasan Nilesh R.
Published: December 2023

Goiter with substernal extension is common, with a reported incidence of up to 20% in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. It has been shown that the vast majority of substernal goiters can be removed through a cervical incision. However, if this is not possible, a sternotomy is usually required, which could add significant morbidity to an otherwise routine operation. During substernal mobilization, the surgeon’s finger is typically placed under the strap muscles and against the thyroid capsule, hooking around the inferior aspect of the gland to facilitate separation of the gland from its mediastinal attachments. In cases where the length required for successful substernal mobilization is beyond the reach of a surgeon’s fingers, the use of an alternative strategy may be required. A surgical spoon is a blunt, curved instrument that can allow safe substernal mobilization while providing the added length needed when digital mobilization is inadequate. Here, we describe the use of a surgical spoon for the safe and successful removal of a goiter with substernal extension unable to be removed with digital manipulation.
The Perpetual Influence of Historical Trauma: A Broad Look at Indigenous Families and Communities in Areas Now Called the United States and Canada
Authors: Walls Melissa
Published: December 2023

This article provides an overview of the perpetual influence and impacts of historical trauma within Indigenous families and communities who now live in areas called the United States and Canada. Indigenous Peoples (to include American Indians, Alaska Natives, and First Nations Peoples) continue to experience health inequities which stem in part from violent and systemic geographical dislocations and separations from ancestral and traditional homelands. My contribution to this special issue constitutes a node of comparison and contrast to the other narratives gathered here. Indigenous Peoples in North America persist amid an enduring legacy of settler-colonialism that includes 90% dispossession and loss of lands, and an average forced migration distance of 239 km from homelands to reservations Rarely is this uprootedness told in parallel with other experiences of forced displacement like those which unfolded during the Second World War and the Holocaust, the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s or the contemporary conditions fueled by Russia's war against Ukraine. On one hand, this is an oversight as we have much to learn from each other about the realities of uprooting and, especially, the long-term consequences of it. At the same time, comparisons of experiences with trauma are complex and perhaps inappropriate without attention to the magnitude, underlying motives of, and duration of traumatic events endured. In short, the decades-long research on HT in Indigenous communities offers important lessons about the lingering consequences of uprootedness from place, space, and culture and efforts to support healing that can benefit other displaced communities worldwide.
Trends in Dietary Micronutrient Adequacy in Young Adults Over the Latest 25 Years in Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Kenichiro , Torii Takashi , Maihara Toshiro
Published: December 2023

Background:

It has been assumed that economically developed countries are well nourished compared to developing countries, but little is known about how economic status affects dietary micronutrient intake in the future childbearing generation.

Objective:

We analyzed the trend of dietary micronutrient adequacy in young adults in Japan, as one of the representative countries with advanced dietary habits and economic progress.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective analysis using 2 web-accessible databases, namely the Japanese National Health and Nutrition Survey and the World Development Indicators.

Results:

Japan has been facing a progressive insufficiency of dietary vitamins A and C and iron, especially among young adults, over the past 25 years. The hidden progression of silent malnutrition has become more apparent since the 2010s, coinciding with a series of economic recessions and natural disasters.

Conclusions:

Given that parental dietary habits play a critical role in ensuring a balanced diet for their children, our findings underscore the importance of proactive nutrition counseling and education, especially for young adults of childbearing age who have been identified as vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies. In line with this policy, we would like to suggest the use of digital transformation platforms as a potential solution in the future, especially for the digital native population.
North Atlantic forcing of Indian Winter Monsoon intensification: Evidence from Holocene sediments from the tropical Indian Ocean Island of Sri Lanka
Authors: Premaratne Kusala Madhushani , Chandrajith Rohana , Ratnayake Nalin P , Li Si-Liang , Gayantha Kasun , Routh Joyanto
Published: December 2023

The teleconnection between the Asian monsoon system and North Atlantic forcing is an enduring prospect of the Earth’s climate. During the Holocene interstadial, the Indian summer monsoon showed asynchronous weakening links to ice rafting events documented in the North Atlantic region. However, the sensitivity of the Indian Winter Monsoon in response to North Atlantic cold spells is unclear due to a lack of compelling evidence. This study aims to extract the deglacial Indian Winter Monsoon signals using lithogenic tracers in coastal sediments and explore its association with the North Atlantic cooling episodes. A 5.1 m sediment core was retrieved from Pottuvil Lagoon in the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, and the concentrations of K, Rb, Mg, Al, and Ti in 101 sub-sections were analysed using ICP-MS. The core- chronology was established by Bacon 2.2 age-depth modelling based on calibrated AMS 14C dates. The monsoon signal was reconstructed using element proxies and compared with the drift ice indices from the North Atlantic deep-sea sediments. Results revealed distinct phases of intense monsoon activity at 2553–2984 years BP, 3899–5021 years BP, and 5244–5507 years BP intervals with intermittent weak phases during 2253–2553, 2984–3899, and 5021–5244 years BP. The episodes of the intensified Indian Winter Monsoon coincided with Bond Events 2, 3, and 4, showing a strong coherence with the North Atlantic’s deglacial climate. Thus, on a millennial scale, North-Atlantic cooling has triggered intense winter monsoon conditions over the tropical Indian Ocean region from the mid to late Holocene. In comparison with regional monsoon archives, the Pottuvil winter monsoon record exhibits an anti-phase association with the Indian Summer Monsoon during Holocene ice-rafted debris events. The geochemical approach executed in this study could provide new insight into the millennial-scale pacing of the winter counterpart of the Indian monsoon links to climate extremes of high northern latitudes.
The Decision Dilemma: Disinvestment or Turnaround?
Authors: Ratnesh Mona , Vardhan Julie , Mahato Madhuri
Published: December 2023

The case describes the journey of one of the most ambitious public sector undertakings, Heavy Engineering Corporation Limited (HECL), in the earlier unified state of Bihar, India. Despite being a leading manufacturer and supplier of capital equipment and experiencing growth in the initial years, the company incurred losses for over 17 consecutive years. In the year 2006–2007, the company briefly bounced back to profits, but those revival hopes faded within five years, leaving the company in dire need of an immediate strategic rethink and a complete overhaul. This case specifically focuses on the problems and challenges faced by the cash-strapped public sector enterprise, HECL. It addresses issues such as its negative net worth, the rising wage and incentive bills of its employees, declining product competitiveness at the global level and other persistent financial difficulties and bureaucratic hurdles that created inflexibilities in decision-making. The need for agile and lean management approaches that could increase overall organizational performance, efficiency and value deliverables was also explored.
Evaluation of Long-Term Outcomes of Transverse Facial Cleft Repair
Authors: Kim Ju Hee , Lim So Young
Published: December 2023

Objective

To evaluate the long-term outcomes of linear commissuroplasty and linear skin closure with a focus on commissural migration.

Design

Retrospective study.

Patients

Individuals who underwent transverse facial cleft repair at a single institution between 2004 and 2021.

Interventions

The disrupted orbicularis oris muscle was reoriented and sutured. A simple linear commissuroplasty technique was used, and the cheek skin was closed linearly without Z-plasty.

Main outcome measures

The distances from Cupid's bow peak to the oral commissure were measured bilaterally, and the difference between the normal and cleft sides was obtained. Finally, its proportional value as a percentage of the total lip length was calculated from short- and long-term follow-up photographs. Cheek scarring and its effects on melolabial fold breakage were evaluated.

Results

Of the 18 patients who underwent transverse facial cleft repair, 12 were included in this study. The mean follow-up period based on medical photographs was 1773.5 days. The average proportional difference was 4.6%, demonstrating no observable commissural migration. There were no consistent trends in the direction of migration, either on the cleft or normal side. In patients with a transverse cleft crossing the melolabial fold, the folds appeared broken before and after the cleft repair surgery.

Conclusions

No significant long-term commissural migration was observed after transverse facial cleft repair with simple linear commissuroplasty and linear skin closure. Deliberate positioning of the new oral commissure, proper myoplasty, and meticulous skin closure with minimal scar burden can be considered key procedures for successful transverse cleft repair.
Circumferential shear for an incompressible non-Green elastic cylindrical annulus
Authors: Bustamante Roger , Rajagopal Kumbakonam R , Orellana Oscar
Published: December 2023

The circumferential shear of a nonlinear isotropic incompressible elastic annulus is studied using the neo-Hookean, Ogden constitutive relations in addition to a new constitutive relation for the Hencky strain in terms of the Cauchy stress. The predictions of the three constitutive relations to the specific boundary value problem are delineated. In view of the predictions being quite distinct between the new constitutive relation studied and that for the Ogden constitutive relation, it would be worthwhile to carry out an experiment to determine the efficacy of the models.
Elastic Neighboring: Everyday Life Within the Geometry and Materiality of Large Housing Estates
Authors: Tkach Olga
Published: December 2023

This article aims to contribute to the study of the relationship between the increasing size and verticality of contemporary cities and the lived experiences of their residents. Drawing on 20 residential biographies of apartment owners in the newly built large housing estates (LHEs) on the outskirts of St. Petersburg, Russia, I explore how their specific geometry and materiality co-constitute everyday neighboring interactions. As an analytical tool, I apply a version of social practice theory that treats materiality as an influential constitutive component of everyday life. The article shows how geometry, including verticality and size, as well as shared materiality, shape and mediate neighboring practices. I argue that diverse neighboring interactions, occurring simultaneously at larger and smaller scales, as well as in visible and invisible modes, are inherent in vibrantly gigantic and monolithic housing. The article coins the concept of elastic neighboring, focusing on the everyday oscillation between residents’ isolation and awareness of each other.
How smart city construction affects destination tourism efficiency
Authors: Ma Lijun , Liu Cong , Zhan Yong
Published: December 2023

To investigate the impact of smart city construction (SCC) on destination tourism efficiency (TE), this study analyzed the impact paths and mechanisms of SCC on destination TE from 3 aspects: technological innovation, informatization, and industrial structure upgrading. Based on panel data of Chinese prefecture-level cities from 2004–2019, we combined a stochastic frontier analysis model with a difference-in-differences model to conduct an empirical analysis to assess the policy effects of SCC on destination TE and validate the impact paths and mechanisms. The results show that the tourism of 153 sample cities show a low TE level overall, an increasing trend year by year, a distribution pattern of high in the east, and low in the middle and west. SCC can significantly improve destination TE, and the impact of SCC on destination TE has spatially heterogeneous.
Investigation on geometric and surface finish quality of 3D concrete printed walls with hollow section
Authors: Yang Yan , Wu Hangzi , Han Lifang , Huang Qingling , Yang Shuo , Bai Jie , Feng Mingyang
Published: December 2023

3D concrete printed walls with hollow sections are now widely adopted in 3D concrete printing applications across the construction industry. One of the significant challenges in the printing process is achieving superior surface finishes. Previous research has predominantly focused on the overall geometry of these walls, often neglecting surface finish quality at the intersections of formwork and supporting filaments. This study is dedicated to optimizing the geometric arrangement of supporting filaments and enhancing print quality at these critical intersections. Firstly, two arrangement strategies, the standard approach and the average approach, are introduced to establish high-quality geometric section configurations, with practical demonstrations on both rectangular and arc-shaped walls. Subsequently, the width of concrete filaments is considered to enhance surface finish quality at the intersections. Two print quality control methods, namely the e- Δ control rule and the r- Δ control rule, are then developed. To assess the effectiveness of these arrangement strategies and control methods, configurations of walls with specific dimensions are compared, and printing experiments are conducted. Finally, recommendations for practical application are provided, aimed at improving both the geometric and surface finish quality of 3D concrete printed walls with hollow sections.
An original nondestructive sampling method to study the effect of gravity on the deposition of micron-sized large particles in exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler fouling
Authors: Yao Yipeng , Han Zhiqiang , Tian Wei , He Gengyuan , Wu Yi , Yan Yan , Xia Qi , Fang Jia , Duprez Marie-Eve , De Weireld Guy
Published: December 2023

Fouling is one of the barriers to developing more efficient and near-zero emission internal combustion engines. The micron-sized particulate matter is one of the roots of this fouling phenomenon in exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) coolers. This fouling is inadequately evaluated quantitatively, and its deposition mechanism is unknown. To investigate the effect of gravity on the deposition of micron-sized particles, an original nondestructive sampling fouling method and experiment apparatus have been developed to effectively obtain the upper and lower bottom fouling in the cooler in the direction of airflow, and the area proportion, count, and diameter of large particles in the fouling using image processing software. It was found that (i) the area proportion of large particles in the lower bottom fouling was almost 2.5 times higher than the upper bottom fouling; (ii) the count of large particles in the lower bottom fouling was higher, and the maximum diameter was larger, up to 639 μm; (iii) the mass of the lower bottom fouling was 1.5 times higher than the upper bottom fouling; (iv) gravity can significantly promote the deposition of micron-sized particles and should be considered in the design and arrangement of the EGR cooler to prevent fouling.
Mitigating Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Ameliorating Sexual Function and Psychological Well-Being in Older Men
Authors: Chan Alex Siu Wing , Chan Steve Wai Hee , Estivalet Anelise Gregis , Man Leung Lok , Tam Hon Lon , Ho Jacqueline Mei Chi , Hsu Wing Leung , Tang Patrick Ming Kuen , Yan Elsie
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in older men ( N= 3056) with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and its effects on their sexual function and mental health. Descriptive, correlation, and regression analyses were used to explore the relationships between prostate and lower urinary tract health and psychological well-being. Better prostate and lower urinary tract health positively affected psychological well-being, and sexual function also had a positive influence. LUTS have an adverse impact on sexual function and mental health. Early intervention is crucial for mitigating the negative impact of LUTS on the quality of life in older men. Addressing prostate and lower urinary tract health issues through appropriate interventions may improve psychological well-being. Health care professionals must consider the adverse effects of BPH and LUTS on sexual function and mental health, and implement interventions to enhance the overall quality of life in older men.
Wellness Perspectives Surrounding Hepatitis C: Reflections on the Head to Heart Journey Within a Graduate Student Experience
Authors: Dunn Kate P. R.
Published: December 2023

Reflecting on my experiences as an Annishinaabe student researcher within this wisdom-seeking journey highlights the personal and professional impacts of personal engagement in a relational approach when engaging head as well as heart in a learning journey incorporating reflexivity and wholistic traditional Indigenous perspectives in a Two-Eyed Seeing approach. Leading to cocreating culturally connected health awareness film media resources for liver wellness related to hepatitis C.
The Good and the Bad of SHROOM3 in Kidney Development and Disease: A Narrative Review
Authors: Paul Amy , Lawlor Allison , Cunanan Kristina , Gaheer Pukhraj S. , Kalra Aditya , Napoleone Melody , Lanktree Matthew B. , Bridgewater Darren
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review:

Multiple large-scale genome-wide association meta-analyses studies have reliably identified an association between genetic variants within the SHROOM3 gene and chronic kidney disease. This association extends to alterations in known markers of kidney disease including baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, and blood urea nitrogen. Yet, an understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind the association of SHROOM3 and kidney disease remains poorly communicated. We conducted a narrative review to summarize the current state of literature regarding the genetic and molecular relationships between SHROOM3 and kidney development and disease.

Sources of information:

PubMed, PubMed Central, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases, as well as review of references from relevant studies and independent Google Scholar searches to fill gaps in knowledge.

Methods:

A comprehensive narrative review was conducted to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying SHROOM3 and kidney development, function, and disease.

Key findings:

SHROOM3 is a unique protein, as it is the only member of the SHROOM group of proteins that regulates actin dynamics through apical constriction and apicobasal cell elongation. It holds a dichotomous role in the kidney, as subtle alterations in SHROOM3 expression and function can be both pathological and protective toward kidney disease. Genome-wide association studies have identified genetic variants near the transcription start site of the SHROOM3 gene associated with chronic kidney disease. SHROOM3 also appears to protect the glomerular structure and function in conditions such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. However, little is known about the exact mechanisms by which this protection occurs, which is why SHROOM3 binding partners remain an opportunity for further investigation.

Limitations:

Our search was limited to English articles. No structured assessment of study quality was performed, and selection bias of included articles may have occurred. As we discuss future directions and opportunities, this narrative review reflects the academic views of the authors.
Geopolitics in the ESC: Comparing Russia’s and Ukraine’s use of cultural diplomacy in the Eurovision Song Contest
Authors: Welslau Lea M , Selck Torsten J
Published: December 2023

The Eurovision Song Contest has long served as a platform for cultural diplomacy among its participants. This paper examines how Russia and Ukraine have approached cultural diplomacy in and around the Eurovision Song Contest in the wake of the Russo-Ukrainian war. Following an outline of pertinent events from 2014 to 2022, including the Song Contest and the respective countries’ selected entries as well as the public discourse surrounding them, two distinct types of cultural diplomacy—culturalist versus neo-propagandist—are employed in a congruence analysis. The findings show that Russia employed a largely neo-propagandist approach to cultural diplomacy characterized by their projected image of peacefulness, innocence, and strength to alter their situational image. Ukraine has employed a mostly culturalist approach mainly focused on mutual recognition and the representation of national culture. The conscious instrumentalization of the platform to counter misconstrued perceptions of Ukraine shaped by the Kremlin’s rhetoric also adds neo-propagandist elements.
Mapping the Structure of Luxury Consumption Behavior: A Bibliometric Assessment
Authors: Ahmed Sabara Soyafuddin , Khan Bilal Mustafa
Published: December 2023

This study aims to identify current research trends and suggests potential areas for future investigation in the field of “luxury consumption behavior.” To achieve this, we gathered a comprehensive dataset spanning five decades, consisting of 1,289 articles from Scopus and Web of Science databases, which underwent rigorous bibliometric analyses. Our bibliometric analysis has unveiled crucial insights, including key performance indicators, emerging areas of study, significant keywords, and prevailing research themes within the luxury consumption domain. The findings emphasize the remarkable growth of luxury consumption as a research area, leading to the identification and examination of five distinct research clusters. Through this in-depth bibliometric analysis, our study enriches the existing body of knowledge on luxury consumption, offering a comprehensive overview of scholarly contributions in this field and paving the way for potential future research endeavors.
A p53 score derived from TP53 CRISPR/Cas9 HMCLs predicts survival and reveals a major role of BAX in the response to BH3 mimetics
Authors: Durand Romane , Descamps Géraldine , Bellanger Céline , Dousset Christelle , Maïga Sophie , Alberge Jean-Baptiste , Derrien Jennifer , Cruard Jonathan , Minvielle Stéphane , Lilli Nicoletta Libera , Godon Catherine , Le Bris Yannick , Tessoulin Benoit , Amiot Martine , Gomez-Bougie Patricia , Touzeau Cyrille , Moreau Philippe , Chiron David , Moreau-Aubry Agnès , Pellat-Deceunynck Catherine
Published: December 2023

To establish a strict p53-dependent gene-expression profile, TP53−/− clones were derived from TP53+/+ and TP53−/mut t(4;14) human myeloma cell lines (HMCLs) using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. From the 17 dysregulated genes shared between the TP53−/− clones from TP53+/+ HMCLs, we established a functional p53 score, involving 13 genes specifically downregulated upon p53 silencing. This functional score segregated clones and myeloma cell lines as well as other cancer cell lines according to their TP53 status. The score efficiently identified samples from patients with myeloma with biallelic TP53 inactivation and was predictive of overall survival in Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation–coMMpass and CASSIOPEA cohorts. At the functional level, we showed that among the 13 genes, p53-regulated BAX expression correlated with and directly affected the MCL1 BH3 mimetic S63845 sensitivity of myeloma cells by decreasing MCL1-BAX complexes. However, resistance to S63845 was overcome by combining MCL1 and BCL2 BH3 mimetics, which displayed synergistic efficacy. The combination of BH3 mimetics was effective in 97% of patient samples with or without del17p. Nevertheless, single-cell RNA sequencing analysis showed that myeloma cells surviving the combination had lower p53 score, showing that myeloma cells with higher p53 score were more sensitive to BH3 mimetics. Taken together, we established a functional p53 score that identifies myeloma cells with biallelic TP53 invalidation, demonstrated that p53-regulated BAX is critical for optimal cell response to BH3 mimetics, and showed that MCL1 and BCL2 BH3 mimetics in combination may be of greater effectiveness for patients with biallelic TP53 invalidation, for whom there is still an unmet medical need.
Complete or partial loss of the Y chromosome in an unselected cohort of 865 non-vasectomized, azoospermic men
Authors: Fedder J , Fagerberg C , Jørgensen MW , Gravholt CH , Berglund A , Knudsen UB , Skakkebæk A
Published: December 2023

Background

Structural abnormalities as well as minor variations of the Y chromosome may cause disorders of sex differentiation or, more frequently, azoospermia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of loss of Y chromosome material within the spectrum ranging from small microdeletions in the azoospermia factor region (AZF) to complete loss of the Y chromosome in azoospermic men.

Results

Eleven of 865 azoospermic men (1.3%) collected from 1997 to 2022 were found to have a karyotype including a 45,X cell line. Two had a pure 45,X karyotype and nine had a 45,X/46,XY mosaic karyotype. The AZF region, or part of it, was deleted in eight of the nine men with a structural abnormal Y-chromosome. Seven men had a karyotype with a structural abnormal Y chromosome in a non-mosaic form. In addition, Y chromosome microdeletions were found in 34 men with a structural normal Y chromosome. No congenital malformations were detected by echocardiography and ultrasonography of the kidneys of the 11 men with a 45,X mosaic or non-mosaic cell line.

Conclusions

In men with azoospermia, Y chromosome loss ranging from small microdeletions to complete loss of the Y chromosome was found in 6.1% (53/865). Partial AZFb microdeletions may give a milder testicular phenotype compared to complete AZFb microdeletions.
Predicting potential microbe-disease associations based on auto-encoder and graph convolution network
Authors: Lu Shanghui , Liang Yong , Li Le , Miao Rui , Liao Shuilin , Zou Yongfu , Yang Chengjun , Ouyang Dong
Published: December 2023

The increasing body of research has consistently demonstrated the intricate correlation between the human microbiome and human well-being. Microbes can impact the efficacy and toxicity of drugs through various pathways, as well as influence the occurrence and metastasis of tumors. In clinical practice, it is crucial to elucidate the association between microbes and diseases. Although traditional biological experiments accurately identify this association, they are time-consuming, expensive, and susceptible to experimental conditions. Consequently, conducting extensive biological experiments to screen potential microbe-disease associations becomes challenging. The computational methods can solve the above problems well, but the previous computational methods still have the problems of low utilization of node features and the prediction accuracy needs to be improved. To address this issue, we propose the DAEGCNDF model predicting potential associations between microbes and diseases. Our model calculates four similar features for each microbe and disease. These features are fused to obtain a comprehensive feature matrix representing microbes and diseases. Our model first uses the graph convolutional network module to extract low-rank features with graph information of microbes and diseases, and then uses a deep sparse Auto-Encoder to extract high-rank features of microbe-disease pairs, after which the low-rank and high-rank features are spliced to improve the utilization of node features. Finally, Deep Forest was used for microbe-disease potential relationship prediction. The experimental results show that combining low-rank and high-rank features helps to improve the model performance and Deep Forest has better classification performance than the baseline model.
Comparative genomics analysis of Streptococcus iniae isolated from Trachinotus ovatus: novel insight into antimicrobial resistance and virulence differentiation
Authors: Xiong Xiangying , Chen Ruifang , Lai Junxiang
Published: December 2023

Background

Streptococcus iniae is an important fish pathogen that cause significant economic losses to the global aquaculture industry every year. Although there have some reports on the genotype of S.iniae and its relationship with virulence, no genome-scale comparative analysis has been performed so far. In our previous work, we characterized 17 isolates of S.iniae from Trachinotus ovatus and divided them into two genotypes using RAPD and rep-PCR methods. Among them, BH15-2 was classified as designated genotype A (in RAPD) and genotype 1 (in rep-PCR), while BH16-24 was classified as genotype B and genotype 2. Herein, we compared the differences in growth, drug resistance, virulence, and genome between BH15-2 and BH16-24.

Results

The results showed that the growth ability of BH16-24 was significantly faster than that of BH15-2 at the exponential stage. Antimicrobial tests revealed that BH15-2 was susceptible to most of the tested antibiotics except neomycin and gentamycin. In contrast, BH16-24 was resistant to 7 antibiotics including penicillin, sulfasomizole, compound sulfamethoxazole tablets, polymyxin B, spectinomycin, rifampin and ceftazidime. Intraperitoneal challenge of T.ovatus, showed that the LD50 value of BH15-2 was 4.0 × 102 CFU/g, while that of BH16-24 was 1.2 × 105 CFU/g. The genome of S.iniae BH15-2 was 2,175,659 bp with a GC content of 36.80%. Meanwhile, the genome of BH16-24 was 2,153,918 bp with a GC content of 36.83%. Comparative genome analysis indicated that compared with BH15-2, BH16-24 genome had a large-scale genomic inversion fragment, at the location from 502,513 bp to 1,788,813 bp, resulting in many of virulence and resistance genes differentially expression. In addition, there was a 46 kb length, intact phage sequence in BH15-2 genome, which was absent in BH16-24.

Conclusion

Comparative genomic studies of BH15-2 and BH16-24 showed that the main difference is a 1.28 Mbp inversion fragment. The inversion fragment may lead to abnormal expression of drug resistant and virulence genes, which is believed to be the main reason for the multiple resistance and weakened virulence of BH16-24. Our study revealed the potential mechanisms in underlying the differences of multidrug resistance and virulence among different genotypes of S.iniae.
Behavioral photosensitivity of multi-color-blind medaka: enhanced response under ultraviolet light in the absence of short-wavelength-sensitive opsins
Authors: Mizoguchi Kiyono , Sato Mayu , Saito Rina , Koshikuni Mayu , Sakakibara Mana , Manabe Ran , Harada Yumi , Uchikawa Tamaki , Ansai Satoshi , Kamei Yasuhiro , Naruse Kiyoshi , Fukamachi Shoji
Published: December 2023

Background

The behavioral photosensitivity of animals could be quantified via the optomotor response (OMR), for example, and the luminous efficiency function (the range of visible light) should largely rely on the repertoire and expression of light-absorbing proteins in the retina, i.e., the opsins. In fact, the OMR under red light was suppressed in medaka lacking the red (long-wavelength sensitive [LWS]) opsin.

Results

We investigated the ultraviolet (UV)- or blue-light sensitivity of medaka lacking the violet (short-wavelength sensitive 1 [SWS1]) and blue (SWS2) opsins. The sws1/sws2 double or sws1/sws2/lws triple mutants were as viable as the wild type. The remaining green (rhodopsin 2 [RH2]) or red opsins were not upregulated. Interestingly, the OMR of the double or triple mutants was equivalent or even increased under UV or blue light (λ = 350, 365, or 450 nm), which demonstrated that the rotating stripes (i.e., changes in luminance) could fully be recognized under UV light using RH2 alone. The OMR test using dichromatic stripes projected onto an RGB display consistently showed that the presence or absence of SWS1 and SWS2 did not affect the equiluminant conditions.

Conclusions

RH2 and LWS, but not SWS1 and SWS2, should predominantly contribute to the postreceptoral processes leading to the OMR or, possibly, to luminance detection in general, as the medium-wavelength-sensitive and LWS cones, but not the SWS cones, are responsible for luminance detection in humans.
Creating and administering video vignettes for a study examining the communication of diagnostic uncertainty: methodological insights to improve accessibility for researchers and participants
Authors: Cox Caitríona , Hatfield Thea , Moxey Jordan , Fritz Zoë
Published: December 2023

Background

Studying clinician-patient communication can be challenging, particularly when research seeks to explore cause-and-effect relationships. Video vignettes – hypothetical yet realistic scenarios – offer advantages to traditional observational approaches by enabling standardisation and manipulation of a clinician-patient encounter for assessment by participants. While published guidelines outline stages to create valid video vignette studies, constructing high quality vignettes which are accessible to a wide range of participants and feasible to produce within time and budget restraints remains challenging. Here, we outline our methods in creating valid video vignettes to study the communication of diagnostic uncertainty. We aim to provide practically useful recommendations for future researchers, and to prompt further reflection on accessibility issues in video vignette methodology.

Methods

We produced four video vignettes for use in an online study examining the communication of diagnostic uncertainty. We followed established guidelines for vignette production, with specific consideration of how these might be applied pragmatically to save time and resources. Scripts were pilot-tested with 15 laypeople, and videos with 14 laypeople; pilot-testing involved both quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Results and discussion

We demonstrate the usefulness of existing guidelines, while also determining that vignette production need not necessarily be expensive or time-consuming to be valid. Our vignettes were filmed using an iPhone camera, and featured a physician rather than a professional actor; nonetheless, pilot-testing found them to be internally and externally valid for experimental use. We thus propose that if care is taken in initial script development and if pragmatic choices are made regarding filming techniques and pilot-testing, researchers can produce valid vignettes within reasonable time and budget restraints. We also suggest that existing research fails to critically examine the potential benefits and harms of online video vignette methodology, and propose that further research should consider how it can be adapted to be inclusive of those from underserved backgrounds.

Conclusions

Researchers creating video vignette studies can adapt the video vignette development process to suit time and budget constraints, and to make best use of available technology. Online methods may be harnessed to increase participant accessibility, but future research should explore more inclusive vignette design.
Vaccine acceptance, determinants, and attitudes toward vaccine among people experiencing homelessness: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nguyen Dung Anh , Alagbo Habib Olatunji , Hassan Toka Adel , Mera-Lojano Leonardo D. , Abdelaziz Esraa Osama , The Nguyen Pham Nguyen , Makram Abdelrahman M. , Makram Omar M. , Elsheikh Randa , Huy Nguyen Tien
Published: December 2023

Background

COVID-19 has caused millions of deaths globally, with vulnerable populations such as people experiencing homelessness (PEH) at higher risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to identify the prevalence and key factors contributing to vaccine acceptance experienced by PEH.

Methods

The protocol of this study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023391659). We included studies that reported relevant information about vaccine acceptance or vaccine hesitant/refusal among PEH. Eight databases were systematically searched in January 2023. Meta-analysis was conducted for the prevalence of vaccine acceptance, vaccine uptake, and factors associated with vaccine acceptance. Attitudes toward vaccines were combined into bar charts.

Result

A total of 29 papers were included in this systematic review and 19 papers were included for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among PEH was 66% (95%CI: 58%-73%). Our meta-regression showed vaccine acceptance was significantly increased over time. Moreover, subgroup meta-analysis showed that PEH were more likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine after June 2021 (78%, 95%CI: 65%-86%) compared with earlier period (56%, 95%CI: 54%-59%). Subgroup meta-analysis also revealed that women and participants without underlying medical condition (chronic diseases) were significantly less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine, compared to men and those with medical conditions, respectively.

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the need for targeted public health interventions aimed at increasing vaccine acceptance among PEH, especially at the early stage of the pandemic, among females, those without underlying medical conditions, being Black (in Canada and the USA), and young people. These interventions should address the common concerns of vaccine safety, adverse effects, effectiveness, and distrust in health care systems. In addition to offering vaccinations in different areas convenient to them, education programs could be established to increase vaccine acceptance among PEH.
Effects of a low-protein nutritional formula with dietary counseling in older adults with chronic kidney disease stages 3–5: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang Wen-Ching , Hsieh Hui-Min , Chen Jun-Peng , Liu Li-Chun , Chen Cheng-Hsu
Published: December 2023

Background

Although combining a low-protein diet (LPD) with oral nutritional supplements increases treatment adherence and nutritional status in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the effect of this combination approach in older adults remains unclear. This study examined the impact of a 6% low-protein formula (6% LPF) with diet counseling in older adults with stage 3–5 CKD.

Methods

In this three-month randomized controlled study, 66 patients (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, non-dialysis, over 65 years of age) were randomly assigned to an intervention group (LPD plus a 6% LPF) or control group (LPD alone). The 6% LPF comprised 400 kcal, 6 g of protein, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and various micronutrients. All data were collected at baseline and after three months, including physical performance based on hand grip strength (HGS) and gait speed, nutritional status using Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) scores, body composition through bioelectrical impedance analysis, and dietary intake from 24-h dietary records.

Results

This study incorporated 47 participants (median age, 73; median eGFR, 36 ml/min/1.73 m2; intervention group: 24; control group: 23). The intervention group exhibited significant differences in HGS and gait speed, and micronutrient analysis revealed significantly higher monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), EPA, DHA, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B6, B12, and folic acid intake than the control group. MNA-SF scores, macronutrient intake, and body composition did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusions

Compared to LPD counseling alone, an LPD prescription with 6% LPF in older adults with CKD stages 3–5 helped relieve physical deterioration and increased micronutrient intake after three months.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05318014 (retrospectively registered on 08/04/2022).
Teenage pregnancy matters in refugee setup: early pregnancy among adolescent girls in Kule refugee camp, Gambella, Ethiopia
Authors: Adhena Girmay , Fikre Arega
Published: December 2023

Background

An estimated 21 million adolescent girls become pregnant with nearly half of these pregnancies being unintended, and more than half end in unsafe abortion in low and middle-income countries every year. Teenage pregnancy causes serious health, social, and economic consequences around the globe. Despite it is a common problem in the whole community it is more devastating when this occurs in a refugee setup. This study assessed the magnitude of teenage pregnancy in the Kule refugee camp, in Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based mixed cross-sectional study was done among 422 adolescent girls. Participants were selected using a systematic sampling technique. A structured, pre-tested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was used to show the strength and direction of the association. For the qualitative part, four focused group discussion sessions were done, and participants were selected purposely. Thematic analysis was used to analyze, and the finding was triangulated with quantitative findings.

Result

A total of 146 adolescents (34.6%, 95% CI: (29.9, 38.9)) have experienced pregnancy at least one time. Age (≤ 16) [AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: (0.27, 0.85)], not attending school [AOR = 3.59, 95% CI: (1.2, 10.8)], having a mother with no history of teenage pregnancy [AOR = 0.45, 95% CI: (0.21, 0.98)], being unmarried [AOR = 0.21, 95% CI: (0.12, 0.36)], and having a sister/s with a history of teenage pregnancy [AOR = 2.22, 95% CI: (1.33, 3.7)] were significantly associated factors.

Conclusion

More than one-third of adolescents experience teenage pregnancy. The magnitude of teenage pregnancy was high which may lead to serious health consequences for both the mother and their fetus. Addressing cultural barriers and strengthening adolescent reproductive health education to decrease intergenerational transmission of teenage pregnancy through community awareness and strengthening reproductive parent-adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health communication are important measures to tackle the problem.