bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fully-guided polarization-correlated photon pairs at 1560 nm from a type-II SPDC-based source
Authors: Angural Akanksha , Ghosh Joyee
Published: December 2023

The study, reliable generation, and application of spectral and polarization-correlated biphotons is a widely researched area in the field of quantum technology. In this Letter, we report a bright narrowband source of spectral and polarization-correlated orthogonal photon-pairs around the telecom wavelength of 1560 nm from a fiber-pigtailed, type-II quasi-phase-matched, MgO-doped periodically poled lithium niobate (MgO:ppLN) ridge waveguide. We achieved a high spectral brightness of ∼5×106 photon pairs/s/mW/nm with a coincidence-to-accidental ratio (CAR) value of ∼427 and an emission bandwidth of ∼2.4 nm. Owing to its compact and narrowband nature, this source can reliably be used in commercial quantum communication systems for long-distance transmissions. The generation of such high rates of correlated orthogonal twin photons from a fully guided type-II SPDC-based source has not been thoroughly investigated to the best of our knowledge.
Cas9 degradation in human cells using phage anti-CRISPR proteins
Authors: Meacham Zuriah , de Tacca Luisa Arake , Bondy-Denomy Joseph , Rabuka David , Schelle Michael
Published: December 2023

Bacteriophages encode anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins that inactivate CRISPR-Cas bacterial immune systems, allowing successful invasion, replication, and prophage integration. Acr proteins inhibit CRISPR-Cas systems using a wide variety of mechanisms. AcrIIA1 is encoded by numerous phages and plasmids, binds specifically to the Cas9 HNH domain, and was the first Acr discovered to inhibit SpyCas9. Here, we report the observation of AcrIIA1-induced degradation of SpyCas9 and SauCas9 in human cell culture, the first example of Acr-induced degradation of CRISPR-Cas nucleases in human cells. AcrIIA1-induced degradation of SpyCas9 is abolished by mutations in AcrIIA1 that break a direct physical interaction between the 2 proteins. Targeted Cas9 protein degradation by AcrIIA1 could modulate Cas9 nuclease activity in human therapies. The small size and specificity of AcrIIA1 could be used in a CRISPR-Cas proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC), providing a tool for developing safe and precise gene editing applications.
Eukaryotic CD-NTase, STING, and viperin proteins evolved via domain shuffling, horizontal transfer, and ancient inheritance from prokaryotes
Authors: Culbertson Edward M. , Levin Tera C.
Published: December 2023

Animals use a variety of cell-autonomous innate immune proteins to detect viral infections and prevent replication. Recent studies have discovered that a subset of mammalian antiviral proteins have homology to antiphage defense proteins in bacteria, implying that there are aspects of innate immunity that are shared across the Tree of Life. While the majority of these studies have focused on characterizing the diversity and biochemical functions of the bacterial proteins, the evolutionary relationships between animal and bacterial proteins are less clear. This ambiguity is partly due to the long evolutionary distances separating animal and bacterial proteins, which obscures their relationships. Here, we tackle this problem for 3 innate immune families (CD-NTases [including cGAS], STINGs, and viperins) by deeply sampling protein diversity across eukaryotes. We find that viperins and OAS family CD-NTases are ancient immune proteins, likely inherited since the earliest eukaryotes first arose. In contrast, we find other immune proteins that were acquired via at least 4 independent events of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from bacteria. Two of these events allowed algae to acquire new bacterial viperins, while 2 more HGT events gave rise to distinct superfamilies of eukaryotic CD-NTases: the cGLR superfamily (containing cGAS) that has since diversified via a series of animal-specific duplications and a previously undefined eSMODS superfamily, which more closely resembles bacterial CD-NTases. Finally, we found that cGAS and STING proteins have substantially different histories, with STING protein domains undergoing convergent domain shuffling in bacteria and eukaryotes. Overall, our findings paint a picture of eukaryotic innate immunity as highly dynamic, where eukaryotes build upon their ancient antiviral repertoires through the reuse of protein domains and by repeatedly sampling a rich reservoir of bacterial antiphage genes.
Feasibility of a social protection linkage program for individuals at-risk for tuberculosis in Uganda
Authors: Nanyunja Grace , Kadota Jillian L. , Namale Catherine , Hudson Mollie , Nalugwa Talemwa , Turyahabwe Stavia , Cattamanchi Adithya , Katamba Achilles , Muhumuza Prosper , Shete Priya B.
Published: December 2023

Social protection interventions have the potential to accelerate progress towards global tuberculosis (TB) targets. We piloted a screening and linkage program at four community health centers (HC) to enroll adults seeking TB diagnostic evaluation services into existing government-supported social protection programs in Uganda. From May-December 2021, health center staff were asked to screen adults being evaluated for TB for eligibility for government-supported social protection programs, and to refer eligible people to a sub-county community development office (CDO) responsible for enrolling community members into government-supported social protection programs. Linkage was facilitated with a transportation reimbursement via mobile money and referral documentation confirming program eligibility. We assessed feasibility using programmatic data and conducted post-intervention surveys to understand experiences with the linkage program. Of 855 people undergoing TB evaluation, 655 (76%) adults met criteria for at least one government-supported social protection program. 25 (4%) of those were not interested in referral; the rest were referred to their local CDO. While 386 (61%) of the 630 participants reported to the CDO seeking social protection enrolment, only 122 (32%) of those were ultimately enrolled into a social protection scheme, representing only 19% (n = 655) of those eligible. In surveys conducted among 97 participants, 46 of the 60 (77%) people who reported that they sought enrollment at the CDO were not enrolled into a social protection program. Reasons provided for non-enrollment among these 46 participants were either unknown (n = 25, 54%) or due to operational challenges at the CDO including a lack of human resources or available groups to join in the social protection program (n = 20, 43%). 61 survey participants (63%) indicated that they would not have sought social protection enrollment without the referral program. Overall, we found that most adults seeking TB diagnostic evaluation are eligible for and interested in obtaining government-supported social protection. We found facilitated linkage from HCs to CDOs offering social protection services to be feasible, however ultimate enrollment into programs was limited. Additional research is needed to identify strategies to improve access to existing social protection programs for eligible TB-affected individuals.

Trial Registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR201906852160014).
Hotels re-explored: Experience and influence of reciprocity and social normative appeals
Authors: Ekelund Malin , Bergquist Magnus
Published: December 2023

In this paper we report two high-powered and pre-registered experiments, testing the robustness and conceptual development of reciprocity and social norm appeals. Both experiments assessed both psychological processes for complying with these appeals and pro-environmental behavioral intention in tourism settings. In Experiment 1 (N = 2004), participants reported lower psychological reactance levels after learning that the hotel engaged in resource conservation (i.e., indirect homeomorphic reciprocity). No statistically significant effect was obtained for either obligatory motivation, prosocial motivation, skepticism, or behavioral intentions to reuse hotel towels. Importantly, high baseline intention of reusing hotel towels might have limited the effect of appeals. Therefore, we targeted meat consumption in Experiment 2 (n = 2540). Results first showed stronger obligatory and prosocial motivation for all three reciprocity appeals, compared to the standard appeal. No statistically significant results were found for either reactance or skepticism. Finally, after learning that the hotel had made a financial contribution to an environmental organization (i.e., indirect heteromorphic reciprocity) participants showed reduced meat consumption intentions compared to the standard appeal. Overall, the results provide initial evidence for conceptually refining the norm of reciprocity to encourage pro-environmental behaviors and for understanding the underlying psychological processes.
The potential of young vegetative quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) as a new sustainable protein-rich winter leafy crop under Mediterranean climate
Authors: Rubinovich Lior , Dagan Reut , Lugasi Yaron , Galili Shmuel , Asher Aviv
Published: December 2023

The demand for protein products has significantly risen in the last few years. In western countries, animals are the primary source of protein; however, plants could take a share of this market due to lower production costs, among other advantages such as a lower environmental footprint. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a well-known but under-utilized protein-rich crop, commonly cultivated for grain production. These plants were recently evaluated for their use as a non-traditional, green leafy crop. Here we assessed the potential of young vegetative quinoa as a new sustainable winter leafy crop in Israel—serving as a model for Mediterranean semi-arid regions, by evaluating yield, protein content and quality. Five quinoa accessions were sown on three winter sowing dates over two consecutive years. Plants were harvested when they reached 10% dry matter (DM). DM yield ranged between 574 and 1,982 kg ha-1 and was generally higher in the second year. Protein content ranged from 14.4–34% and was generally higher in the first year. Protein yield ranged from 111–471 kg ha-1 and was greatest on the December sowing date. DM and protein yields were positively correlated with plant density. Protein content was negatively correlated with plant density and DM yield. Our findings show that 200 g DM of young vegetative quinoa can meet the protein and most essential amino acid requirements for a 70 kg human adult. Prospects for cultivating young vegetative quinoa in Mediterranean countries as a new sustainable, protein-rich winter leafy crop are therefore high, as supported by its high protein yields and quality, and its requirement for only scant irrigation. Further studies should examine economic and other agrotechnical parameters toward the geographical distribution and expansion of young vegetative quinoa cultivation.
Dynamics of pH at Santa Catalina Island
Authors: Gelpi Craig G.
Published: December 2023

The local expression of ocean acidification may depend on local oceanographic features in addition to global forcings. Our objective is to provide a baseline of pH behavior at Santa Catalina Island, situated within the unique oceanographic characteristics of the Southern California Bight, and to gain insight into ocean acidification at the island. Measurements of the upper water column (to 30-m depth) of pH, temperature, conductivity, chlorophyll and dissolved oxygen at Santa Catalina were made from a fixed mooring and by profiling the water column from a boat and on Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA). The average pH (8.095 at 18-m depth) was found to be higher than that reported off the nearby mainland and the Northern Channel Islands. The higher value is thought to result from both downwelling produced by internal waves as well as less upwelling at the island compared to other locations. Large modulations in pH at depth corresponded to advection of gradients by internal waves. Within the accuracy of the sensors there was no seasonal dependence detected at near-surface, nor a pH signal associated with the sub-surface chlorophyll and oxygen maxima. We conclude that marine life living at depths affected by internal waves experience significant variation in pH.
Age-related changes in dermal collagen physical properties in human skin
Authors: He Tianyuan , Fisher Gary J. , Kim Ava J. , Quan Taihao
Published: December 2023

Collagen is the major structural protein in the skin. Fragmentation and disorganization of the collagen fibrils are the hallmarks of the aged human skin dermis. These age-related alterations of collagen fibrils impair skin structural integrity and make the tissue microenvironment more prone to skin disorders. As the biological function of collagen lies predominantly in its physical properties, we applied atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoindentation to evaluate the physical properties (surface roughness, stiffness, and hardness) of dermal collagen in young (25±5 years, N = 6) and aged (75±6 years, N = 6) healthy sun-protected hip skin. We observed that in the aged dermis, the surface of collagen fibrils was rougher, and fiber bundles were stiffer and harder, compared to young dermal collagen. Mechanistically, the age-related elevation of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are responsible for rougher and stiffer/harder dermal collagen, respectively. Analyzing the physical properties of dermal collagen as a function of age revealed that alterations of the physical properties of collagen fibrils changed with age (22–89 years, N = 18). We also observed that the reticular dermis is rougher and mechanically stiffer and harder compared to the papillary dermis in human skin. These data extend the current understanding of collagen beyond biological entities to include biophysical properties.
Nascent craft specialization in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A? Bead making at Shubayqa 6 (northeast Jordan)
Authors: Thuesen Mette Bangsborg , Alarashi Hala , Ruter Anthony , Richter Tobias
Published: December 2023

The emergence of craft specialisation is a key area of interest for archaeologists investigating the socio-economic history and development of past societies. In southwest Asia, as elsewhere, the origins of craft specialisation have been associated with the emergence of surplus food production, households and social stratification. We present evidence for nascent skilled production of green stone beads at the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A (PPNA) site Shubayqa 6, northeast Jordan. Thousands of pieces of debitage, roughouts and finished beads exhibit signs of standardised production that was probably geared towards exchange. This hints towards incipient skilled craft production that was likely part-time and seasonal. We therefore argue that the appearance of specialist artisans in this autonomous and non-hierarchical society has no correlation with surplus food production, households, or social stratification.
Early formative objective structured clinical examinations for students in the pre-clinical years of medical education: A non-randomized controlled prospective pilot study
Authors: Ouldali Naïm , Le Roux Enora , Faye Albert , Leblanc Claire , Angoulvant François , Korb Diane , Delcour Clémence , Caula Caroline , Wohrer Delphine , Rybak Alexis , Delafoy Manon , Carrié Claire , Strullu Marion , Oualha Mehdi , Levy Romain , Mimoun Camille , Griffon Lucie , Nuzzo Alexandre , Eyraud Clara , Levy Michael , Ellul Pierre
Published: December 2023

Background

The value of formative objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) during the pre-clinical years of medical education remains unclear. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of a formative OSCE program for medical students in their pre-clinical years on subsequent performance in summative OSCE.

Methods

We conducted a non-randomized controlled prospective pilot study that included all medical students from the last year of the pre-clinical cycle of the Université Paris-Cité Medical School, France, in 2021. The intervention group received the formative OSCE program, which consisted of four OSCE sessions, followed by debriefing and feedback, whereas the control group received the standard teaching program. The main objective of this formative OSCE program was to develop skills in taking a structured medical history and communication. All participants took a final summative OSCE. The primary endpoint was the summative OSCE mark in each group. A questionnaire was also administered to the intervention-group students to collect their feedback. A qualitative analysis, using a convenience sample, was conducted by gathering data pertaining to the process through on-site participative observation of the formative OSCE program.

Results

Twenty students were included in the intervention group; 776 in the control group. We observed a significant improvement with each successive formative OSCE session in communication skills and in taking a structured medical history (p<0.0001 for both skills). Students from the intervention group performed better in a summative OSCE that assessed the structuring of a medical history (median mark 16/20, IQR [15; 17] versus 14/20, [13; 16], respectively, p = 0.012). Adjusted analyses gave similar results. The students from the intervention group reported a feeling of improved competence and a reduced level of stress at the time of the evaluation, supported by the qualitative data showing the benefits of the formative sessions.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that an early formative OSCE program is suitable for the pre-clinical years of medical education and is associated with improved student performance in domains targeted by the program.
Pharmacy and neighborhood-level variation in cash price of diabetes medications in the United States
Authors: Warraich Haider J. , Siddiqi Hasan K. , Li Diane G. , van Meijgaard Jeroen , Vaduganathan Muthiah
Published: December 2023

Background

Diabetes medications place significant financial burden on patients but less is known about factors affecting cost variation.

Objective

To examine pharmacy and neighborhood factors associated with cost variation for diabetes drugs in the US.

Research design, subjects and measures

We used all-payer US pharmacy data from 45,874 chain and independent pharmacies reflecting 7,073,909 deidentified claims. We divided diabetes drugs into insulins, non-insulin generic medications, and brand name medications. Generalized linear models, stratified by pharmacy type, identified pharmacy and neighborhood factors associated with higher or lower cash price-per-unit (PPU) for each set of drugs.

Results

Cash PPU was highest for brand name therapies ($149.4±203.2), followed by insulins ($42.4±25.0), and generic therapies ($1.3±4.4). Pharmacy-level price variation was greater for non-insulin generic therapies than insulins or brand name therapies. Chain pharmacies had both lower prices and lesser variation compared with independent pharmacies.

Conclusions

Cash prices for diabetes medications in the US can vary considerably and that the greatest degree of price variation occurs in non-insulin generic therapies.
Role of a LORELEI- like gene from Phaseolus vulgaris during a mutualistic interaction with Rhizobium tropici
Authors: Pascual-Morales Edgar , Jiménez-Chávez Pamela , Olivares-Grajales Juan E. , Sarmiento-López Luis , García-Niño Wylly R. , López-López Aline , Goodwin Paul H. , Palacios-Martínez Janet , Chávez-Martínez Ana I. , Cárdenas Luis
Published: December 2023

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), produced by NADPH oxidases known as RBOHs in plants, play a key role in plant development, biotic and abiotic stress responses, hormone signaling, and reproduction. Among the subfamily of receptor-like kinases referred to as CrRLK, there is FERONIA (FER), a regulator of RBOHs, and FER requires a GPI-modified membrane protein produced by LORELEI (LRE) or LORELEI-like proteins (LLG) to reach the plasma membrane and generate ROS. In Arabidopsis, AtLLG1 is involved in interactions with microbes as AtLLG1 interacts with the flagellin receptor (FLS2) to trigger the innate immune response, but the role of LLGs in mutualistic interactions has not been examined. In this study, two Phaseolus vulgaris LLG genes were identified, PvLLG2 that was expressed in floral tissue and PvLLG1 that was expressed in vegetative tissue. Transcripts of PvLLG1 increased during rhizobial nodule formation peaking during the early period of well-developed nodules. Also, P. vulgaris roots expressing pPvLLG1:GFP-GUS showed that this promoter was highly active during rhizobium infections, and very similar to the subcellular localization using a construct pLLG1::PvLLG1-Neon. Compared to control plants, PvLLG1 silenced plants had less superoxide (O2-) at the root tip and elongation zone, spotty hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the elongation root zone, and significantly reduced root hair length, nodule number and nitrogen fixation. Unlike control plants, PvLLG1 overexpressing plants showed superoxide beyond the nodule meristem, and significantly increased nodule number and nodule diameter. PvLLG1 appears to play a key role during this mutualistic interaction, possibly due to the regulation of the production and distribution of ROS in roots.
Cervical cancer screening in Brazilian Amazon Indigenous women: Towards the intensification of public policies for prevention
Authors: Novais Iria Ribeiro , Coelho Camila Olegario , Machado Helymar Costa , Surita Fernanda , Zeferino Luiz Carlos , Vale Diama Bhadra
Published: December 2023

Background

Indigenous women are vulnerable to cervical cancer. Screening is a strategy to reduce the burden of the disease.

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence profile of cervical cancer screening cytological results in Brazilian indigenous women by age and frequency of tests compared to non-indigenous women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study evaluating the prevalences of screening test results in indigenous women assisted in the Brazilian Amazon from 2007 to 2019 (3,231 tests), compared to non-indigenous women (698,415 tests). The main outcome was the cytological result. Other variables were frequency, age groups, and population. The frequency was categorized as "1sttest", the first test performed by the women in their lifetime, or "screening test," tests from women who had previously participated in screening. Analyzes were based on prevalences by age group and population. We used Prevalence Ratios (PR) and 95% Confidence Intervals for risks and linear regression for trends.

Results

Data from the 1sttest showed a higher prevalence of Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (LSIL) in indigenous women. Peaks were observed in indigenous under 25, 35 to 39, 45 to 49, and 60 to 64. The prevalence of High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion or more severe (HSIL+) was low in both groups in women younger than 25. The indigenous HSIL+ prevalence curve showed a rapid increase, reaching peaks in women from 25 to 34 years, following a slight decrease and a plateau. In screening tests, HSIL+ was more prevalent in indigenous from 25 to 39 (PR 4.0,2.3;6.8) and 40 to 64 (PR 3.8,1.6;9.0). In indigenous, the PR of HSIL+ results in screening tests over 1sttests showed no screening effect in all age groups. In non-indigenous, there was a significant effect toward protection in the age groups over 25.

Conclusion

This screening study of indigenous women from diverse ethnicities showed a higher prevalence of cytological LSIL and HSIl+ than in non-indigenous women. The protective screening effect in reducing HSIL+ prevalence was not observed in indigenous.
Development of an internet-based intervention to improve health professionals’ counseling skills around adolescent weight management in Indonesia
Authors: Agung Fransisca Handy , Sekartini Rini , Sudarsono Nani , Hendarto Aryono , Werdhani Retno Asti , Dhamayanti Meita , Pudjiati Retno , Hanum Lathifah , Naufal Affan , Sawyer Susan M.
Published: December 2023

Background

Obesity is a growing public health and clinical concern, worldwide. In many countries, including Indonesia, health professionals lack the capacity to promote behavior change around obesity prevention and management, especially with adolescents for whom a wider set of communication skills are required. This study describes the theoretical basis, approach to development of content, use and satisfaction of an internet-based educational intervention designed to improve the quality of health professional weight management counseling with adolescents in Indonesia.

Methods

This study is part of an exploratory sequential mixed methods design which was undertaken from 2020 to 2022. Following a needs analysis, an internet-based training resource was developed, informed by constructive alignment theory and active learning principles. Using both synchronous and asynchronous approaches over a four-week pilot study, a weekly interactive session was held online, using multifaceted training materials housed on a website (https://ramahremaja.id). The training resource was then tested in a two-arm study involving health professionals from 17 of 34 provinces across Indonesia.

Results

Sixty-four primary health professionals were recruited for the two-arm study. The completion rate for reviewing all materials and assignments on the website was 72% and the online meeting participation rate was 78%. Participants were highly positive about the clarity of the training material and the appropriateness of the delivery methods. The main challenges related to poor internet literacy and interrupted internet connectivity.

Conclusion

Designed to support weight management in adolescents, this internet-based training program shows potential for enhancing Indonesian health professional behavior-change counseling skills.
Single-nucleotide polymorphisms link gout with health-related lifestyle factors in Korean cohorts
Authors: Jeon Hye Kyung , Yoo Hae Young
Published: December 2023

Gout—a very painful inflammatory arthritis caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in the joints—is influenced by several factors. We identified the association of single- nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that link gout with health-related lifestyle factors using genomic data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 18,927 samples of 438 Korean patients with gout and 18,489 controls for the discovery stage. For the replication stage, another batch containing samples of 326 patients with gout and 2,737 controls were analyzed. Lastly, a meta-analysis was performed using these two cohorts. We analyzed the effects of health-related lifestyle factors, including eating habits, physical activity, drinking behavior, and smoking behavior, on gout. After identifying the association between GWAS-derived SNPs and health-related lifestyle factors, we confirmed the interaction between the polygenic risk score (PRS) and health-related lifestyle factors. We identified 15 SNPs related to gout, among which rs1481012 of ABCG2 located on chromosome 4 has been newly discovered (P = 2.46e-11). On examining the interaction between SNPs and health-related lifestyles, rs3109823—located in ABCG2—was found to be associated with smoking status. In addition, rs11936395—located in SLC2A9—was significantly associated with the average momentum of exercise per session, whereas rs11066325 located in PTPN11, showed a significant association with the number of exercise sessions per week, smoking status, drinking status, and amount of soju drink per session. rs9421589—located in FAM35A—was significantly associated with the duration of smoking. In addition, we verified that the association between PRS and duration of smoking affects gout. Thus, in this study, we identified novel SNPs that link gout with health-related lifestyle factors in the Korean population.
Scanning electron microscopic features of lacrimal drainage silastic stents: Comparison of various Crawford and large-diameter stents
Authors: Boniao Emmanuel Lee Ong , Gungab Alexander Gerard Nino L. , Lim Blanche Xiao Hong , Sundar Gangadhara , Ali Mohammad Javed
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the differences in the biofilms and physical deposits on Crawford stents compared to large-diameter stents.

Methods

A prospective interventional study was performed on a series of patients undergoing external or endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and endoluminal lacrimal duct recanalization (ELDR) with either Crawford or large-diameter stents. All the Crawford stents were retrieved at six weeks and the large-diameter ones at eight weeks following the surgical intervention. There was no evidence of post-operative infection in any of the patients. Following extubation, standard protocols of scanning electron microscopy were used to assess the biofilms and physical deposits on the stents.

Results

A total of 15 stents were studied. Of these, twelve were Crawford, and three were large-diameter stents. The Crawford stents were from two different manufacturers. All the stents demonstrated evidence of biofilm formation and physical deposits. The Crawford stents showed thin biofilms and sparse physical deposits, but there were no demonstrable differences amongst stents from different manufacturers. However, the deposits and biofilms were thicker and more extensive in the large-diameter stents than the Crawford ones. The biofilms from all stents showed the presence of polymicrobial communities within the exopolysaccharide matrix.

Conclusions

The present study found differences in biofilms and physical deposits between Crawford and large-diameter stents. These differences can be partly explained by stent duration, size, and their tissue interactions.
An improved biologically transparent illumination system that increases the accuracy of detecting the correct position of a nasogastric tube in the stomach
Authors: Masaki Hanayo , Hirano Hirofumi , Takahashi Junji , Kamada Teppei , Masaki Eiji
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to determine whether an improved biologically transparent illumination system results in more reliable detection of the correct position of the nasogastric tube in surgical patients. In total, 102 patients undergoing general surgery were included in this prospective observational study. After general anesthesia, all patients were inserted a nasogastric tube equipped with an improved biologically transparent illumination catheter. Identification of biologically transparent light in the epigastric area indicated successful insertion of the nasogastric tube into the stomach. The position of the tube was confirmed by X-ray examination, and its findings were compared with those of the biologically transparent illumination system. We observed biologically transparent light in epigastric area in 87 of the 102 patients. X-ray examination revealed that the nasogastric tube was placed in the stomach in all of these 87 patients. Light was not observed in the remaining 15 patients; the tube position was confirmed in the stomach in 11 of these patients but not in the other 4 by X-ray examination. Illumination had a sensitivity of 88.8% and a specificity of 100%. Our results suggest that this improved biologically transparent illumination system increased the accuracy of detecting the correct position of a nasogastric tube in the stomach. X-ray examination is required to check the position of the nasogastric tube in patients when biologically transparent illumination light is negative.
Electroacupuncture attenuates inflammatory pain via peripheral cannabinoid receptor type 1 signaling pathway in mice
Authors: Ho Tsung-Jung , Lin Ching-Fang , Chen Jhong-Kuei , Kung Yen-Lun , Wu Li-Kung , Chang Chien Chen-Ying , Huang Chun-Ping
Published: December 2023

Pain is strongly associated with neuro-immune activation. Thus, the emerging role of the endocannabinoid system in neuro-inflammation is important. Acupuncture has been used for over 2500 years and is widely accepted for the management of pain. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture on the regulation of cannabinoid receptor type 1 within the peripheral nervous system. Inflammatory pain was induced by injecting Complete Freund’s adjuvant to induce mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Electroacupuncture significantly attenuated the mechanical and thermal sensitivities, and AM251, a cannabinoid receptor type 1 antagonist, eliminated these effects. Dual immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that electroacupuncture elevated expression of cannabinoid receptor type 1, co-localized with Nav 1.8. Furthermore, electroacupuncture significantly reduced levels of Nav 1.8 and COX-2 by western blot analysis, but not vice versa as AM251 treatment. Our data indicate that electroacupuncture mediates antinociceptive effects through peripheral endocannabinoid system signaling pathway and provide evidence that electroacupuncture is beneficial for pain treatment.
Investigating student collaborative problem-solving competency and science achievement with multilevel modeling: Findings from PISA 2015
Authors: Tang Xuyan , Liu Yan , Milner-Bolotin Marina
Published: December 2023

Collaborative problem-solving (CPS) competency is critical for 21stcentury students. However, reports from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2015 have revealed significant deficiencies in this competency among young students globally, indicating a critical need for the cultivation of CPS skills. Therefore, it is essential for educators and researchers to examine the factors that influence CPS competency and understand the potential role of CPS in secondary education. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between collaboration dispositions and students’ CPS competency as well as the relationships of CPS competency and inquiry-based science instruction (IBSI) with science achievement using the PISA 2015 data. A total of 408,148 students from 52 countries and economies (i.e., regions) were included in our analysis. Unlike most previous studies that only investigated one country at a time and neglected the multilevel data structure of PISA, this study provided a global view through adopting multilevel modeling to account for the cluster effect at the school and country levels. Our findings revealed that valuing relationship was positively associated with CPS, whereas valuing teamwork was negatively associated with CPS. Furthermore, CPS competency was found to be a dominant and positive predictor of science achievement among all study variables, underscoring the importance of integrating CPS into teaching practices to promote student success in science. Additionally, different IBSI activities show varying relationships with science achievement, indicating that caution should be taken when recommending any specific practices associated with IBSI to teachers.
Green finance and the synergy of ESGGI performance of Chinese companies: Does green concern matter?
Authors: Liu Lanlan , Song Guomin
Published: December 2023

This study aims to investigate green finance’s impact on the synergy between ESG and green innovation (ESGGI) performance and examine the potential influence played by stakeholders’ green concerns on this impact. Hence, we calculated the synergy of ESGGI performance based on the entropy method and the coupled coordination degree model and conducted regression analyses on the data of 1143 Chinese companies from 2012 to 2020. The results reveal a remarkable inverted U-shaped relationship between green finance and the synergy of ESGGI performance. Additionally, the green concerns of the government and the media can efficiently moderate green finance’s impact on the synergy of ESGGI performance. Further tests show that green finance’s impact on the synergy of ESGGI performance of SOEs, HPEs, and HTEs is more significant. This paper demonstrates an association between green finance and the synergy of ESGGI performance, which yields new insights for companies to implement green transformation and sustainable development.
Dinheiro, Interesses e Democracia
Authors: Costa Lucas Nascimento Ferraz
Published: December 2023

A Ciência Política ocupa-se do estudo e da investigação sobre as formas com as quais as sociedades estruturam sistemas de organização de interesses, ou seja, os meios a partir dos quais o poder é distribuído e exercido e quais são suas inúmeras consequências. Portanto, nesta perspectiva, o poder define a capacidade dos diferentes atores em determinar a prevalência dos seus interesses sobre outros que o antagonizam.
A indústria siderúrgica como grupo de interesse na guerra comercial sino-americana
Authors: Nascentes Débora Lemos , Campos Bruno Taddeo de Lima
Published: December 2023

Uma das primeiras medidas adotadas pelo governo Trump na guerra comercial sino-americana foi a imposição de tarifas de 25% ao aço importado e 10% ao alumínio, decisão que gerou, para além dos impactos econômicos internacionais, reverberações para a indústria siderúrgica doméstica. Porém, o papel dos grupos de interesse da indústria siderúrgica norte-americana na imposição dessas tarifas em 2018 é ainda abstrato e, em grande medida, especulativo. Assim, objetivando avaliar a influência da indústria siderúrgica norte-americana nessas medidas tarifárias, este artigo consiste em uma pesquisa em fontes primárias para compilar dados referentes às principais empresas do grupo de interesse da indústria siderúrgica norte-americana e analisá-los à luz de testemunhos e documentos oficiais. Esse banco de dados aponta que de fato há uma influência do grupo na imposição de tarifas sobre o aço e o alumínio e abre caminhos para novas pesquisas sobre o tema.
Fabiano Contarato
Authors: Santos Bruno Rafael dos
Published: December 2023

O primeiro político declaradamente LGBTI+ eleito para o legislativo federal brasileiro foi Clodovil Hernandes em 2006. Contudo, o deputado declarava não representar o movimento. Nas eleições seguintes, novos políticos LGBTI+ se elegeram, sendo 2018 o ano de maior êxito, com a eleição de dois deputados federais e do primeiro senador gay do Brasil: Fabiano Contarato. Dado este fenômeno, este trabalho busca identificar a relação do senador com a temática LGBTI+, sob a perspectiva de representação fundamentada em Pitkin e Young, perpassando por Fraser. Para isso, será analisada a comunicação digital de Contarato, uma vez que as redes sociais possuem papel de accountability e de campanha permanente para mandatários. O corpus desta pesquisa são as publicações feitas pelo senador em sua página no Facebook de 2019 a 2021, sendo utilizada a metodologia de Análise de Conteúdo para, em primeiro momento, identificar a frequência de postagens com temática LGBTI+ em relação ao total e, na sequência, um aprofundamento específico nestas postagens a fim de compreender os recursos discursivos utilizados e o alinhamento ao movimento, compreendendo assim como Contarato atua em representação a esta população.
A game theory analysis of intelligent transformation and sales mode choice of the logistics service provider
Authors: Cao G.M. , Zhao X.X. , Gao H.H. , Tang M.C.
Published: December 2023

In order to study whether the logistics service provider (LSP) should carry out intelligent transformation strategy of logistics services, this paper constructs a logistics service supply chain consisting of one LSP and one logistics service integrator (LSI), and discusses whether the LSP is independent or participate in LSI. The paper shows that choosing the intelligent transformation of logistics services under any mode can improve the profits of the LSP and the LSI. The joint transformation of logistics services to improve the profit of the LSI is not affected by the choice of mode, while the profit of LSP under the resale mode remains unchanged when she chooses joint intelligent transformation. When the intelligent transformation level is high, the LSI tends to choose the resale model; otherwise, the LSI tends to choose the platform model. When the LSP chooses intelligent transformation by herself, if the share ratio is low, the LSI tends to choose the resale model. If the share ratio is high and the level of intelligent transformation of logistics services is not high, the LSI more inclines to choose the platform model.
Mitochondrial‐targeted antioxidant ingestion acutely blunts VO2max in physically inactive females
Authors: Hughes Ryan P. , Carlini Nicholas A. , Fleenor Bradley S. , Harber Matthew P.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To determine the acute effects of a mitochondrial targeting antioxidant (MitoQ) on the metabolic response during exercise.

Methods

Nine (n = 9) physically inactive females (age 47 ± 22 years) performed two trials (Placebo and MitoQ) in a double‐blind randomized cross‐over design. In both trials, participants performed an exercise protocol consisting of 3‐min stages at submaximal workloads followed by a ramp protocol to volitional exhaustion. Participants received either Placebo or MitoQ (80 mg) 1 h prior to exercise. Indirect calorimetry and cardiovascular measurements were collected throughout the duration of the exercise bout.

Results

Submaximal metabolic and cardiovascular variables were not different between trials (p > 0.05). VO2max was higher (p = 0.03) during Placebo (23.5 ± 5.7 mL kg min−1) compared to MitoQ (21.0 ± 6.6 mL kg min−1). Maximal ventilation was also higher (p = 0.02) in Placebo (82.4 ± 17.7 L/min) compared to MitoQ (75.0 ± 16.8 L/min). Maximal cardiovascular variables and blood lactate were not different between trials (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

An acute dose of MitoQ blunted VO2max, which was primarily mediated by impairment of ventilatory function. These data suggest that the acute accumulation of exercise‐induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) are necessary for maximal aerobic capacity. Further research is warranted on mtROS‐antioxidant cell signaling cascades, and how they relate to mitochondrial function during exercise.
Biological variation of inflammatory and iron metabolism markers in high-endurance recreational athletes; are these markers useful for athlete monitoring?
Authors: Diaz-Garzon Jorge , Itkonen Outi , Aarsand Aasne K. , Sandberg Sverre , Coskun Abdurrahman , Carobene Anna , Jonker Niels , Bartlett William A. , Buño Antonio , Fernandez-Calle Pilar
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To deliver biological variation (BV) data for serum hepcidin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), erythropoietin (EPO) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in a population of well-characterized high-endurance athletes, and to evaluate the potential influence of exercise and health-related factors on the BV.

Methods

Thirty triathletes (15 females) were sampled monthly (11 months). All samples were analyzed in duplicate and BV estimates were delivered by Bayesian and ANOVA methods. A linear mixed model was applied to study the effect of factors related to exercise, health, and sampling intervals on the BV estimates.

Results

Within-subject BV estimates (CVI) were for hepcidin 51.9 % (95 % credibility interval 46.9–58.1), sTfR 10.3 % (8.8–12) and EPO 27.3 % (24.8–30.3). The mean concentrations were significantly different between sex, but CVI estimates were similar and not influenced by exercise, health-related factors, or sampling intervals. The data were homogeneously distributed for EPO but not for hepcidin or sTfR. IL-6 results were mostly below the limit of detection. Factors related to exercise, health, and sampling intervals did not influence the BV estimates.

Conclusions

This study provides, for the first time, BV data for EPO, derived from a cohort of well-characterized endurance athletes and indicates that EPO is a good candidate for athlete follow-up. The application of the Bayesian method to deliver BV data illustrates that for hepcidin and sTfR, BV data are heterogeneously distributed and using a mean BV estimate may not be appropriate when using BV data for laboratory and clinical applications.
One Hundred Years of Chinese Literature Translation in Bulgaria
Authors: Chen Ying
Published: December 2023

The translation of Chinese literature in Bulgaria had a relatively late start. This can be attributed to the five centuries of foreign domination that constrained Bulgaria’s political, economic, and social development, as well as its interactions with external civilizations. These circumstances significantly influenced the dissemination of foreign cultures within Bulgaria. In the mid-19th century, Bulgarian scholars began to show interest in China and its culture, leading to an increasing presence of Chinese literary works in Bulgarian newspapers and magazines. Chinese literature’s journey in Bulgaria over the past century and a half has seen both prosperous periods in the 20th century, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s, as well as less vibrant decades in the 1970s. This is an encouraging sign that the Bulgarian readers’ interest in Chinese literature has remained unwavering. Since the adoption of the Belt and Road Initiative, the translation and publication of Chinese literary works in Bulgaria have experienced rapid growth in terms of both quantity and quality. Currently, Chinese literature in Bulgaria has matured over the course of long-term development, gradually becoming more systematic, and yielding increasingly abundant translation achievements.
Prevalence of atypical presentations among outpatients and associations with diagnostic error
Authors: Harada Yukinori , Otaka Yumi , Katsukura Shinichi , Shimizu Taro
Published: December 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of atypical presentations and their association with diagnostic errors in various diseases.

Methods

This retrospective observational study was conducted using cohort data between January 1 and December 31, 2019. Consecutive outpatients consulted by physicians from the Department of Diagnostic and Generalist Medicine at a university hospital in Japan were included. Patients for whom the final diagnosis was not confirmed were excluded. Primary outcomes were the prevalence of atypical presentations, and the prevalence of diagnostic errors in groups with typical and atypical presentations. Diagnostic errors and atypical presentations were assessed using the Revised Safer Dx Instrument. We performed primary analyses using a criterion; the average score of less than five to item 12 of two independent reviewers was an atypical presentation (liberal criterion). We also performed additional analyses using another criterion; the average score of three or less to item 12 was an atypical presentation (conservative criterion).

Results

A total of 930 patients were included out of a total of 2022 eligible. The prevalence of atypical presentation was 21.7 and 6.7 % when using liberal and conservative criteria for atypical presentation, respectively. Diagnostic errors (2.8 %) were most commonly observed in the cases with slight to moderate atypical presentation. Atypical presentation was associated with diagnostic errors with the liberal criterion for atypical presentation; however, this diminished with the conservative criterion.

Conclusions

An atypical presentation was observed in up to 20 % of outpatients with a confirmed diagnosis, and slight to moderate atypical presentation may be the highest risk population for diagnostic errors.