bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary healthcare services and patients with neoplastic disease
Authors: Papastergiou K. , Lavdaniti M.
Published: March 2017

Introduction: The primary health care services holding the central role in the prevention of various diseases. Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Primary healthcare services, holding a coordinating role in staging, treatment and prognosis of cancer. Purpose: To present the role of primary health care services in primary and secondary prevention of cancer. Materials and methods: A search was made in the PubMed and Scopus databases for reports on primary health care services in cancer patients. Results: Monitoring and early detection are some roles of care. The preventive medicine focuses on health promotion and disease prevention, helping people to enhance their own health. Specifically, majority of researches revealed that mammography ranged 44% to 69%. Also, the screening of cervical cancer by early examination of Pap smear, the percentage ranged 24% to 36%. The screening of prostate specific antigen (PSA) test ranged about 55%. The health professionalsfocused on individual, group and community interventions aimed at health promotion and prevention through programs and counseling. Conclusions: The interest of the fact that the primary care services have multidimensional roles for eliminating the occurrence of cancer. Prevention and health promotion programs, informing the population, campaigns on the part of health professionals for more frequent screening and early diagnosis in general symptoms of cancer, are fundamental principles of these services.
Protective role of black tea and vitamin C during sub-acute toxicity of carbofuran in rats
Authors: Kumar D. , Sharma B. , Rizvi SI
Published: March 2017

Purpose: Carbofuran toxicity on rats was studied during sub-acute exposure. This work was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of aqueous black tea extract and vitamin C against a rat model of oxidative stress induced by treatment with carbofuran, an organocarbamate insecticide. Materials and methods: The levels of lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid were assessed by determining the extent of oxidative stress in the erythrocytes of rats. Results: The results clearly demonstrated that the treatment of rats with sub-acute concentration of carbofuran caused significant elevation in the levels of oxidative stress and decrease in the contents of glutathione and ascorbic acid. The introduction of black tea extract and vitamin C augmented the antioxidant defense mechanism in alleviating the carbofuran induced oxidative stress. Conclusion: The findings that the pretreatment with black tea and vitamin C can mitigate carbofuran induced toxicity lend evidence that supplementation with either black tea extract and/or vitamin C have a therapeutic potential in amelioration of oxidative stress in mammalian systems
When Should Genetic Testing be Performed in Epilepsy Patients?
Authors: Poduri Annapurna
Published: March 2017

This review is a summary of a talk presented at the 2015 American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting. Its purposes are 1) to review developments in epilepsy genetics, 2) to discuss which groups of patients with epilepsy might benefit from genetic testing, and 3) to present a rational approach to genetic testing in epilepsy in the rapidly evolving era of genomic medicine.
Manipulating MicroRNAs in Murine Models: Targeting the Multi-Targeting in Epilepsy
Authors: Henshall David C.
Published: March 2017

MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that work posttranscriptionally to negatively regulate protein levels. They influence neuronal and glial structure and function, neuroinflammatory signaling, cell death, neurogenesis, and other processes relevant to epileptogenesis. Functional studies using oligonucleotide inhibitors (antagomirs) and mimics (agomirs) to modulate microRNAs in rat and mouse models of epilepsy show effects on evoked and spontaneous seizures and attendant neuropathology. The present review summarizes recent findings and points to gaps in our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms and directions for the future.
Populism, Voters and Cleavages in Bulgarian Politics
Authors: Zankina Emilia
Published: March 2017

The growing success of populist parties from across the political spectrum in Europe calls for an examination of the link between populist parties and voters and the new (if new indeed) cleavages that such parties exploit. Scholars have pointed to the erosion of traditional cleavages as one reason for the success of populist parties. Such analysis fits well with the established democracies of Europe but has little application in the East European context. Traditional cleavages have taken root in few places in Eastern Europe before communist takeover and became even less relevant following four and a half decades of communist rule. With the fall of communist regimes across Eastern Europe, the only meaningful division within society was that of anti-communists and supporters of the old regime. Similarly, concepts of Left and Right had (and to a great extend continue to have) little relevance in the East European context where the Left came to be dominated by former communist parties and the Right engulfed an ideologically incoherent opposition. The stronger the former communists were (such as in Bulgaria and Romania) the more fragmented the Right was, as it was the only available space for political competition. The present paper aims to examine voter support for populist parties in Bulgaria and analyze on the cleavages that those parties exploit or create. Thus, the paper examines the impact of populist parties on the political landscape in terms of the changes that those parties result in in voter behavior and cleavage formation. The paper utilizes exit-poll surveys, focusing on voter demographic profiles and the mobility of the vote. The findings indicate that populist parties are most successful in mobilizing non-voters when they first appear, but that their support quickly wanes afterwards. At the same time, there is voter mobility from one populist party to a newer populist party, which makes for a prolong trend of populist politics.
Les autochtones et l’histoire du Québec
Authors: Gettler Brian
Published: March 2017

Par le biais d’une série de propositions modestes, cet article cherche à aller au-delà de deux courants historiographiques liés à l’étude de la communauté politique québécoise qui occultent la place des Premières Nations au sein du récit historique national. L’auteur suggère des analyses du « fait indien » qui feraient mieux dialoguer les historiographies plus ou moins étanches portant sur le Québec, d’une part, et sur sa population autochtone, de l’autre. En insistant sur des problèmes méthodologiques, souvent émergeant directement des projets politiques contemporains, ainsi que sur différentes manières possibles de dépasser ces derniers, l’objectif de ce texte est d’encourager un renouveau de la recherche en histoire autochtone au Québec (recherche qui est, par ailleurs, déjà en cours), non pas pour assimiler cette dernière au récit historique national, mais pour assurer que ces deux historiographies distinctes mais liées interagissent et s’inspirent mutuellement.
La transformation historique des désignations de personnes chez les Algonquins
Authors: Inksetter Leila
Published: March 2017

Le présent article porte sur l’un des changements culturels vécus par les Algonquins septentrionaux au xixe siècle, à savoir l’intégration graduelle d’un système binomial pour désigner les personnes, alliant d’abord l’ajout d’un prénom chrétien, puis, vers la fin du xixe siècle, d’un patronyme. Son intégration relevait d’une dynamique complexe qui dépasse le simple phénomène d’introduction des baptêmes chrétiens. Cet article analyse ces changements à partir d’une analyse de sources historiques et ethnologiques. Il montre l’avantage d’utiliser une combinaison de sources pour comprendre le phénomène de transformation culturelle dans le temps.
Bâtir une communauté citoyenne
Authors: Ricci Amanda , Lessard David
Published: March 2017

Cet article s’intéresse au militantisme des femmes autochtones depuis les années 1960 jusqu’à 1980. Il souligne le rôle des femmes dans le mouvement Red Power, un mouvement pour l’autodétermination des autochtones, et trace la quête pour l’élimination de l’article 12(1) b) de la Loi sur les Indiens, selon lequel les femmes perdaient leur statut d’Indienne en épousant un non-Indien. L’auteure raconte le parcours de l’Association des femmes autochtones du Québec (AFAQ), basée à Kahnawake, qui a non seulement contesté l’article 12(1) b), mais également critiqué les aspects coloniaux des systèmes d’éducation et de santé. Le présent article révèle en outre les différentes tactiques adoptées par les femmes autochtones dans leur lutte pour l’autodétermination et l’égalité, et en particulier pour amender la Loi sur les Indiens.
Les effets d’un partenariat entre l’Université de Saint-Boniface et les organismes communautaires dans la formation des intervenantes et intervenants à travers le Projet transdisciplinaire en santé communautaire (PTSC)
Authors: Ba Halimatou , Giasson Florette , Archambault Hélène , Gauvin Julie
Published: March 2017

En milieu minoritaire francophone, les organismes communautaires jouent un rôle important dans la prise en charge des populations vulnérables. Ils constituent un groupe particulièrement à risque à cause de la complexité de leurs besoins qui sont souvent liés aux déterminants sociaux de la santé. Cette prise en charge nécessite de la part des intervenantes et intervenants sociaux des compétences professionnelles transdisciplinaires et des pratiques renouvelées. Pour favoriser la pratique transdisciplinaire dans le domaine des services de santé et services sociaux en milieu minoritaire francophone et réduire les inégalités sociales que vivent les populations, l’Université de Saint-Boniface a lancé le Projet transdisciplinaire en santé communautaire, en partenariat avec des organismes qui oeuvrent dans la communauté francophone à Winnipeg. L’article décrit cette recherche-action, qui a été réalisée durant trois années consécutives, en concomitance avec la formation théorique. Les résultats permettent de décrire l’acquisition de compétences professionnelles par les étudiantes et étudiants inscrits au projet, l’intégration de l’approche transdisciplinaire dans les pratiques au sein des organismes communautaires, ainsi que le renforcement d’un partenariat université-organismes communautaires. L’article identifie quelques enjeux et recommandations issus de cette formation transdisciplinaire.
The dynamic assembly of distinct RNA polymerase I complexes modulates rDNA transcription
Authors: Torreira Eva , Louro Jaime Alegrio , Pazos Irene , González-Polo Noelia , Gil-Carton David , Duran Ana Garcia , Tosi Sébastien , Gallego Oriol , Calvo Olga , Fernández-Tornero Carlos
Published: March 2017

Cell growth requires synthesis of ribosomal RNA by RNA polymerase I (Pol I). Binding of initiation factor Rrn3 activates Pol I, fostering recruitment to ribosomal DNA promoters. This fundamental process must be precisely regulated to satisfy cell needs at any time. We present in vivo evidence that, when growth is arrested by nutrient deprivation, cells induce rapid clearance of Pol I–Rrn3 complexes, followed by the assembly of inactive Pol I homodimers. This dual repressive mechanism reverts upon nutrient addition, thus restoring cell growth. Moreover, Pol I dimers also form after inhibition of either ribosome biogenesis or protein synthesis. Our mutational analysis, based on the electron cryomicroscopy structures of monomeric Pol I alone and in complex with Rrn3, underscores the central role of subunits A43 and A14 in the regulation of differential Pol I complexes assembly and subsequent promoter association.
Bacterial flagella grow through an injection-diffusion mechanism
Authors: Renault Thibaud T , Abraham Anthony O , Bergmiller Tobias , Paradis Guillaume , Rainville Simon , Charpentier Emmanuelle , Guet Călin C , Tu Yuhai , Namba Keiichi , Keener James P , Minamino Tohru , Erhardt Marc
Published: March 2017

The bacterial flagellum is a self-assembling nanomachine. The external flagellar filament, several times longer than a bacterial cell body, is made of a few tens of thousands subunits of a single protein: flagellin. A fundamental problem concerns the molecular mechanism of how the flagellum grows outside the cell, where no discernible energy source is available. Here, we monitored the dynamic assembly of individual flagella using in situ labelling and real-time immunostaining of elongating flagellar filaments. We report that the rate of flagellum growth, initially ∼1,700 amino acids per second, decreases with length and that the previously proposed chain mechanism does not contribute to the filament elongation dynamics. Inhibition of the proton motive force-dependent export apparatus revealed a major contribution of substrate injection in driving filament elongation. The combination of experimental and mathematical evidence demonstrates that a simple, injection-diffusion mechanism controls bacterial flagella growth outside the cell.
Detecting changes in dynamic and complex acoustic environments
Authors: Boubenec Yves , Lawlor Jennifer , Górska Urszula , Shamma Shihab , Englitz Bernhard
Published: March 2017

Natural sounds such as wind or rain, are characterized by the statistical occurrence of their constituents. Despite their complexity, listeners readily detect changes in these contexts. We here address the neural basis of statistical decision-making using a combination of psychophysics, EEG and modelling. In a texture-based, change-detection paradigm, human performance and reaction times improved with longer pre-change exposure, consistent with improved estimation of baseline statistics. Change-locked and decision-related EEG responses were found in a centro-parietal scalp location, whose slope depended on change size, consistent with sensory evidence accumulation. The potential's amplitude scaled with the duration of pre-change exposure, suggesting a time-dependent decision threshold. Auditory cortex-related potentials showed no response to the change. A dual timescale, statistical estimation model accounted for subjects' performance. Furthermore, a decision-augmented auditory cortex model accounted for performance and reaction times, suggesting that the primary cortical representation requires little post-processing to enable change-detection in complex acoustic environments.
Delayed Cancer Registration and Estimation of Screening Colonoscopy Effects
Authors: Brenner Hermann , Heisser Thomas , Hoffmeister Michael
Published: October 2024

This cohort study assesses the magnitude of cancer registration delays and their estimated affects on the NordICC trial results assessing the long-term effects of screening colonoscopy in preventing colorectal cancer.
Aluminum
Authors: Kvande Halvor , Frank William B. , Haupin Warren E. , Vogt Helmut , Bruno Marshall , Thonstad Jomar , Dawless Robert K. , Taiwo Oyebode A.
Published: October 2024

Aluminum [7429‐90‐5] is a silver‐white metal of group 13 of the periodic table. It is the third most abundant metallic element in the earth's crust but is never found in nature in its elemental state. It occurs mainly as very stable oxides, hydroxides, and silicates. The first commercial aluminum was produced in 1854 byH. Saint‐Claire Devilleby reaction of sodium metal with molten sodium aluminum chloride. Mass production of aluminum was started by the invention of electrolytic reduction of alumina dissolved in molten cryolite in 1886. It was made independently byC. M. Hallin the USA andP. Héroultin France. All industrial production of aluminum is done in Hall–Héroult cells with prebaked carbon or self‐baking Söderberg anodes. Aluminum has many desirable physical properties. It is malleable and lightweight. Pure aluminum is relatively soft and weak, but it forms many strong alloys. It has high thermal and electrical conductivity. Aluminum's adherent surface oxide film makes it corrosion resistant. It resists attack by most acids but alkaline solutions dissolve the oxide film and cause rapid corrosion. It is recyclable, which is very important, because decarbonization and CO2emission reduction are commitments of the global aluminum industry.

The article contains sections titled:1Introduction2Properties of Pure Aluminum2.1Mechanical Properties2.2Physical Properties3Chemical Properties3.1Oxidation of Aluminum3.2Reactions with Aqueous Solutions3.3Reactions at High Temperatures3.4Corrosion3.5Gases and Aluminum4Production4.1History of the Electrolytic Reduction of Alumina4.2Raw Materials4.2.1Carbon4.2.2Aluminum Oxide4.2.3Electrolyte Materials4.2.4Aluminum Fluoride4.3Electrolytic Cell for Aluminum Production4.3.1Electrolyte4.3.2Electrode Reactions4.3.3Net Anode Carbon Consumption4.3.4Anode Effect4.3.5Low‐Voltage Anode Effects4.3.6Current Efficiency4.3.7Cell Voltage4.3.8Energy Consumption4.3.9Heat Balance4.3.10Magnetohydrodynamics4.3.11Thermodynamic Considerations4.4Aluminum Production in China4.5Alternative Processes4.6Inert Electrodes4.6.1Inert Anodes4.6.2Inert Cathodes4.6.3Present Status of Inert Anode Cells4.6.4Conclusion4.7Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Decarbonization4.8Digitalization in Aluminum Production5Production of High‐Purity Aluminum6Environmental Protection6.1Air Emission6.2Wastewater Discharge6.3Solid Waste6.3.1Spent Potlining6.3.2Red Mud7Economic Aspects8Toxicology and Occupational HealthList of AbbreviationsReferences
Novel Intercalation Approach in MXene Using Modified Silica Nanospheres to Enhance the Surface Charge Density for Superior Triboelectric Performance
Authors: Baig Mirza Mahmood , Saqib Qazi Muhammad , Noman Muhammad , Sheeraz Muhammad , Rasheed Aamir , Yousuf Muhammad , Lee Eunho , Kim Jungmin , Ko Youngbin , Patil Chandrashekhar S. , Patil Swapnil R. , Ju Hyuntae , Lee Seung Goo , Bae Jinho
Published: October 2024

This paper proposes a novel intercalation approach to address the challenges of surface triboelectric charge dissipation and self‐restacking of MXene layers in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). The proposed strategy significantly improves the performance of TENGs, as it prevents the loss of surface charges and enhances the structural stability of MXene. First, the modified silica nanospheres (MSNs) of specific dimensions are synthesized, followed by their intercalation between MXene layers. This not only resolves the restacking issue but also dramatically increases the interlayer distance and MXene's surface area. The MSNs, acting as effective charge storage sites, significantly enhance surface charge density, whereas their high dielectric permittivity generates a synergistic effect that modulates the dielectric constant via polarization. Ultimately, the proposed MSN‐intercalated MXene‐based TENG demonstrates outstanding output performance (output voltage of ≈461 V, output current of ≈19 µA, and maximum peak power density of ≈691.2 µW cm−2) at a 2 wt.% MSN‐intercalated MXene concentration. This study paves a new pathway for the structural design of tribonegative and charge storage layers in TENGs for energy harvesting.
Covalent Organic Frameworks Interfacial Modification of Ceramic Electrolytes for Enhanced Electrochemical Performance
Authors: He Boying , Zhong Yuan , Yan Zhiwei , Liu Tao , Liu Xin , Du Yihan , Yang Yiming , Yang Linxuan , Zhang Rongchun , Su Yaqiong , Huang Zeya , Xu Bingqing , Zhang Gen
Published: October 2024

The interface instability between inorganic ceramic electrolytes and lithium metal anodes seriously affects the cycling behavior of high‐performance lithium‐metal batteries. Herein, an in situ interfacial modification strategy is proposed to build the precise hybrid organic/inorganic lithium‐ion conducting layer where the Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP) particle surface is anchored by ion‐conducting covalent organic frameworks (COF) with affluent poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) moieties. This interlayer features ion transport regulation to avoid high interfacial resistance and enhances interfacial stability by building a functional COF‐based shield against electrons. These as‐prepared particles are employed to fabricate flexible quasi‐solid electrolyte membranes interconnected by polytetrafluoroethylene binder based on the dry process. The obtained membranes perform two‐fold increase in ion conductivity at 30 °C of 2.55 × 10−3 S cm−1 and the prolonged lithium deposition up to 1000 h compared to the pristine, which are attributed to synergistic effects in the inorganic/organic phase. Moreover, an integrated cathode/electrolytes design is proposed and exhibits excellent cycling performance with capacity retention of 98.8% after 200 cycles at 1 C. The corresponding pouch cells can light up LED after bending and recovery. This research provides new insights into the great potential of fabricating soft ceramic‐based membranes in a low‐cost and green way for highly‐stable lithium‐metal batteries.
Hypoxia‐Mimicking Mediated Macrophage‐Elimination of Erythrocytes Promotes Bone Regeneration via Regulating Integrin αvβ3/Fe2+‐Glycolysis‐Inflammation
Authors: Ao Yong , Guo Yuanlong , Zhang Yingye , Xie Lv , Xia Ruidi , Xu Jieyun , Shi Mengru , Gao Xiaomeng , Yu Xiaoran , Chen Zetao
Published: October 2024

Erythrocytes are the dominant component of a blood clot in terms of volume and number. However, longstanding compacted erythrocytes in blood clots form a physical barrier and make fibrin mesh more anti‐fibrinolytic, thus impeding infiltration of mesenchymal stem cells. The necrosis or lysis of erythrocytes that are not removed timely can also lead to the release of pro‐inflammatory toxic metabolites, interfering with bone regeneration. Proper bio‐elimination of erythrocytes is essential for an undisturbed bone regeneration process. Here, hypoxia‐mimicking is applied to enhance macrophage‐elimination of erythrocytes. The effect of macrophage‐elimination of erythrocytes on the macrophage intracellular reaction, bone regenerative microenvironment, and bone regeneration outcome is investigated. Results show that the hypoxia‐mimicking agent dimethyloxalylglycine successfully enhances erythrophagocytosis by macrophages in a dose‐dependent manner primarily by up‐regulating the expression of integrin αvβ3. Increased phagocytosed erythrocytes then regulate macrophage intracellular Fe2+‐glycolysis‐inflammation, creating an improved bone regenerative microenvironment characterized by loose fibrin meshes with down‐regulated local inflammatory responses in vivo, thus effectively promoting early osteogenesis and ultimate bone generation. Modulating macrophage‐elimination of erythrocytes can be a promising strategy for eradicating erythrocyte‐caused bone regeneration hindrance and offers a new direction for advanced biomaterial development focusing on the bio‐elimination of erythrocytes.
Population structure and natural selection across a flower color polymorphism in the desert plant Encelia farinosa
Authors: Singhal Sonal , DiVittorio Christopher , Jones Chandra , Ixta Itzel , Widmann Alexis , Giffard‐Mena Ivone , Zapata Felipe , Roddy Adam
Published: October 2024

Premise

Clines—or the geographic sorting of phenotypes across continual space—provide an opportunity to understand the interaction of dispersal, selection, and history in structuring polymorphisms.

Methods

In this study, we combine field‐sampling, genetics, climatic analyses, and machine learning to understand a flower color polymorphism in the wide‐ranging desert annual Encelia farinosa.

Results

We find evidence for replicated transitions in disk floret color from brown to yellow across spatial scales, with the most prominent cline stretching ~100 km from southwestern United States into México. Because population structure across the cline is minimal, selection is more likely than drift to have an important role in determining cline width.

Conclusions

Given that the cline aligns with a climatic transition but there is no evidence for pollinator preference for flower color, we hypothesize that floret color likely varies as a function of climatic conditions.
The Myhre Syndrome Foundation as a global modern support group: The business of rare
Authors: Wears Kate , Lin Angela E. , Starr Lois J.
Published: October 2024

Advocacy support groups grow into national and international organizations, but they all begin with personal experiences. As the parents to a newly diagnosed two‐year‐old son with Myhre syndrome, my husband and I were overwhelmed with the journey ahead. Thanks to networking, primarily through social media, we located other families living with Myhre syndrome and were quickly immersed in the challenges and joy of this community. Myhre syndrome, caused by pathogenic missense variants in SMAD4, is a rare connective tissue disease characterized by short stature, hearing loss, neurodevelopmental challenges, and fibroproliferation. This personal essay, written with physician partners, describes the development of a global advocacy group for patients with Myhre syndrome. I have the honor of serving as the founding Executive Director and reflect proudly on the great strides that our marvelous support group has made. We empower the global community impacted by this rare condition by providing meaningful and accessible data, educational opportunities, and connections with others going through similar experiences. Utilizing the expertise of our Board of Directors and my corporate expertise, we discuss how we have been able to elevate our ultra‐rare community into a broader, more comprehensive network.
A programmatic description of an early, intensive behavioral intervention program in Australia
Authors: McKinnon Karen , Cihon Joseph H. , McEachin John
Published: October 2024

There is currently limited research on early, intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) within Australia. The purpose of this paper was to provide a programmatic description and preliminary findings of an intervention approach which provides a high level of intensity of intervention to preschool aged children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 154 children with autism participated in the program from 2011 to 2022. At the group level, children who received 27 hr per week of intervention showed significant gains on standardized cognitive and adaptive behavior measures during an average one year of intervention. Further examination of the response to intervention at an individual level demonstrated that 84% of children showed an acceleration in their rate of learning during intervention, with 52% more than doubling their rate of learning in this time. Age was determined to predict improvement in developmental trajectory, but intake cognitive abilities did not. In general, children who commenced intervention at a younger age made substantial improvements in their rate of learning, but children who commenced intervention at an older age made even greater improvements relative to their skills at commencement. The results as well as limitations given the exploratory nature of this paper are discussed, along with implications for addressing the needs of young autistic children in Australia.
A comparison of staff training procedures to teach flexible prompt fading
Authors: Arthur Shannon M. , Leaf Justin B. , Milne Christine , Fuhrmann‐Knowles Angela , Creem Ashley N. , Cihon Joseph H. , Reed Florence D. DiGennaro , Weiss Mary Jane
Published: October 2024

Quality behavior intervention requires critical thinking skills, in‐the‐moment analysis, flexibility, and clinical judgment. Yet, there has been limited research on developing these complex skills. Flexible prompt fading (FPF) is a prompting procedure that requires the interventionist to continually analyze learner responding and make in‐the‐moment decisions to maximize learning during the teaching session, ultimately using clinical judgment while using prompting as a teaching strategy. FPF has consistently been demonstrated to be effective and in some cases more efficient than other prompting procedures. However, there has been no research demonstrating effective training procedures for the skills necessary to implement FPF. In order to more widely disseminate procedures that require these analytic skills, effective training procedures must be identified. The current study evaluated the effects of behavioral skills training (BST) and a progressive approach to staff training to teach staff to implement FPF with autistic individuals/individuals with ASD and the effects of each training method on development of clinical judgment skills. The results demonstrated that both training procedures were effective in teaching implementation of FPF.
Brain imaging traits and epilepsy: Unraveling causal links via mendelian randomization
Authors: Li Fangyan , Tang Maowen , Hao Cheng , Yang Menghua , Pan Yue , Lei Pinggui
Published: October 2024

Background

Epilepsy, a complex neurological disorder, is closely linked with structural and functional irregularities in the brain. However, the causal relationship between brain imaging‐derived phenotypes (IDPs) and epilepsy remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate this relationship by employing a two‐sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.

Methods

The analysis involved 3935 cerebral IDPs from the UK Biobank and all documented cases of epilepsy (all epilepsies) cohorts from the International League Against Epilepsy, with further validation through replication and meta‐analyses using epilepsy Genome‐Wide Association Studies datasets from the FinnGen database. Additionally, a multivariate MR analysis framework was utilized to assess the direct impact of IDPs on all epilepsies. Furthermore, we performed a bidirectional MR analysis to investigate the relationship between the IDPs identified in all epilepsies and the 15 specific subtypes of epilepsy.

Results

The study identified significant causal links between four IDPs and epilepsy risk. Decreased fractional anisotropy in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus was associated with a higher risk of epilepsy (odds ratio [OR]: 0.89, p = 3.31×10−5). Conversely, increased mean L1 in the left posterior thalamic radiation (PTR) was independently associated with a heightened epilepsy risk (OR: 1.14, p = 4.72×10−5). Elevated L3 in the left cingulate gyrus was also linked to an increased risk (OR: 1.09, p = .03), while decreased intracellular volume fraction in the corpus callosum was correlated with higher epilepsy risk (OR: 0.94, p = 1.15×10−4). Subtype analysis revealed that three of these IDPs are primarily associated with focal epilepsy (FE). Notably, increased L1 in the left PTR was linked to an elevated risk of hippocampal sclerosis (HS) and lesion‐negative FE, whereas elevated L3 in the left cingulate gyrus was associated with HS‐related FE.

Conclusions

Our research offers genetic evidence for a causal link between brain IDPs and epilepsy. These results enhance our understanding of the structural brain changes associated with the onset and progression of epilepsy.
Brain Functional Alterations in Patients With Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Demonstrate the Visual–Vestibular Interaction and Integration
Authors: Wu Jing , Shu Liang , Zhou Chen‐Yan , Du Xiao‐Xia , Sun Xu‐Hong , Pan Hui , Cui Guo‐Hong , Liu Jian‐Ren , Chen Wei
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the features of resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) and clinical relevance in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) that have undergone repositioning maneuvers.

Methods

A total of 38 patients with BPPV who have received repositioning maneuvers and 38 matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in the present study from March 2018 to August 2021. Imaging analysis software was employed for functional image preprocessing and indicator calculation, mainly including the amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (ALFF), fractional ALFF (fALFF), percent amplitude of fluctuation (PerAF), and seed‐based functional connectivity (FC). Statistical analysis of the various functional indicators in patients with BPPV and HCs was also conducted, and correlation analysis with clinical data was performed.

Results

Patients with BPPV displayed decrease in ALFF, fALFF, and PerAF values, mainly in the bilateral occipital lobes in comparison with HCs. Additionally, their ALFF and fALFF values in the proximal vermis region of the cerebellum increased relative to HCs. The PerAF values in the bilateral paracentral lobules, the right supplementary motor area (SMA), and the left precuneus decreased in patients with BPPV and were negatively correlated with dizziness visual analog scale (VAS) scores 1 week after repositioning (W1). In addition, in the left fusiform gyrus and lingual gyrus, the PerAF values show a negative correlation with dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) scores at initial visit (W0). Seed‐based FC analysis using the seeds from differential clusters of fALFF, ALFF, and PerAF showed reductions between the left precuneus and bilateral occipital lobe, the left precuneus and left paracentral lobule, and within the occipital lobes among patients with BPPV.

Conclusion

The spontaneous activity of certain brain regions in the bilateral occipital and frontoparietal lobes of patients with BPPV was reduced, whereas the activity in the cerebellar vermis was increased. Additionally, there were reductions in FC between the precuneus and occipital cortex or paracentral lobule, as well as within the occipital cortex. The functional alterations in these brain regions may be associated with the inhibitory interaction and functional integration of visual, vestibular, and sensorimotor systems. The functional alterations observed in the visual cortex and precuneus may represent adaptive responses associated with residual dizziness.
The Impact of Mindfulness‐Based Counseling on the Mental Health of Women With a History of COVID‐19 During Pregnancy: A Quasi‐Experimental Study
Authors: Shahriyari Najmeh , Omidvar Shabnam , Mohsenzadeh‐Ledari Farideh , Azizi Alireza , Gholinia Hemmat
Published: October 2024

Introduction

With the spread of COVID‐19, certain population groups, including pregnant women, were more susceptible than others. This disease can lead to postpartum complications, including mental disorders, in mothers. Few studies have investigated the impact of mindfulness‐based interventions on mental health, and the most effective counseling approach to promote mental health has not been identified.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the impact of online mindfulness‐based counseling on improving mental health among women with a history of COVID‐19 during pregnancy in Iran.

Methods

The present study was a quasi‐experimental design conducted on 100 women with a history of coronavirus infection during pregnancy referred to the Mother's Clinic of Yahya Nejad and Ayatollah Rouhani Educational‐Treatment Hospital, affiliated with Babol University of Medical Sciences, Iran, via convenience sampling. The women were randomly assigned to the intervention (mindfulness‐based counseling) and control groups. The intervention group received eight 45‐min weekly mindfulness‐based counseling sessions over 8 weeks. Data were collected via a demographic information questionnaire and the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire before and after the intervention, which were completed by both groups. Independent t‐tests and analysis of covariances (ANCOVAs) were used to compare the outcomes of the two groups.

Results

After controlling for confounding variables, the mean mental health scores before and after counseling were 29.42 ± 4.49 and 19.80 ± 3.88, respectively, in the intervention group and 26.26 ± 2.29 and 25.92 ± 2.15, respectively, in the control group. The mean mental health score in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group (F = 266.7, p < 0.001). The mean scores for somatic symptoms (F = 89.30, p < 0.001), depression symptoms (F = 142.71, p < 0.001), anxiety and insomnia symptoms (F = 120.56, p < 0.001), and social dysfunction scores (F = 127.77, p < 0.001) were significantly different between the two groups after counseling.

Conclusion

The findings indicated that online mindfulness‐based counseling positively affects mental health and its domains during the postpartum period. However, further randomized clinical trials are needed before a definitive conclusion can be drawn.

Trial Registration

We were not allowed to register according to the law of our country.
Causal Relationship Between Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder and Immune Cell Traits: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Wang Jian , Shao Yuan , Deng Xianhua , Du Jianbin
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychological disorder that occurs after exposure to catastrophic‐level experiences. Although alterations in immune function have been identified in individuals with PTSD, the causal relationship between the two remains unclear.

Methods

To investigate the causal relationship between PTSD and immune function, we conducted the forward and backward two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses, based on summary‐level genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) data on PTSD and immune cell traits.

Results

For the forward MR analysis, PTSD was found to reduce the levels of CD62L− dendritic cell (DC) (beta = −0.254, FDR = 0.01), CD86+ myeloid DC (beta = −0.238, FDR = 0.014), CD62L− myeloid DC (beta = −0.26, FDR = 0.01), CD62L− CD86+ myeloid DC absolute count (beta = −0.264, FDR = 0.024), and CD62L− CD86+ myeloid DC (beta = −0.328, FDR = 0.002). In contrast, PTSD was observed to increase the level of CD28− CD8dim T‐cell absolute count (beta = 0.27, FDR = 0.029). For the backward MR analysis, the odds ratio (OR) for CD33 on CD33dim HLA DR+ CD11b− in relation to PTSD risk was found to be 1.045 (95% CI = 1.021–1.069, FDR = 0.008). The OR for FSC‐A on HLA DR+ CD8br was 1.048 (95% CI = 1.018–1.079, FDR = 0.039) and for CCR2 on CD14− CD16+ monocyte was 1.059 (95% CI = 1.027–1.092, FDR = 0.008). No significant pleiotropy was detected in both forward and backward MR analyses.

Conclusion

The bidirectional MR study shed light on the intricate interplay between immune function and PTSD. The identification of a bidirectional causal relationship between T cells and PTSD opens new avenues for considering innovative approaches to the prevention and early intervention of PTSD.
Cerebral salt wasting syndrome in an elderly patient with cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Kawa Leslie Bahn , Bhatti Kulsoom Fatima
Published: October 2024

Key Clinical Message

Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disturbance seen among the acute geriatric admissions with two common diagnostic entities; the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) and cerebral salt wasting syndrome (CSWS) that have different clinical and biochemical presentations, different pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches. Hyponatremia caused by CSWS in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) a prevalent condition among the elderly, can be masked in geriatric patients with concomitant fluctuating neurological deficits. Correct diagnosis is crucial to appropriate management. In this case report we describe an association between hyponatremia caused by CSWS in a patient with cSVD.
Infective endocarditis following percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty: A case report of a 25‐year‐old female from Jimma Medical Center of Ethiopia
Authors: Tukeni Kedir Negesso , Woyimo Tamirat Godebo , Diba Leta Alemu , Asefa Elsah Tegene
Published: October 2024

Key Clinical Message

Rheumatic mitral stenosis is a common rheumatic heart diseases in sub‐Saharan Afrleading to increased morbidity and mortality. Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty is the mainstay of less invasive therapy in those with moderate to severe valve stenosis, being symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy. Though generally save with experienced hand and setup, post procedural complications include development of mitral regurgitation, tear and thrombosis. Mitral leaflet tear and development of infective endocarditis are an uncommon but might lead to increased morbidity, rehospitalization and mortality.
Tuning the Reactivity of Copper(II)–Nitrite Core Towards Nitric Oxide Generation
Authors: Kakkarakkal Dhanusree C. , Radhamani Rejith , Bertke Jeffery A. , Kundu Subrata
Published: October 2024

Insights into the molecular mechanism and factors affecting nitrite‐to‐NO transformation at transition metal sites are essential for developing sustainable technologies relevant to NO‐based therapeutics, waste water treatment, and agriculture. A set of copper(II)–nitrite complexes 1–4 have been isolated employing tridentate pincer‐type ligands (quL, pyL, ClArOL−, PhOL−) featuring systematically varied donors. Although the X‐ray crystal structures of the copper(II)–nitrite cores in 1–4 are comparable, electrochemical studies on complexes 1–4 reveal that redox properties of these complexes differ due to the changes in the σ‐donor abilities of the phenolate/N‐heterocycle based donor sites. Reactivity of these nitrite complexes with oxygen‐atom‐transfer (OAT) reagent (e. g. triphenyl phosphine Ph3P) and H+/e− donor reagent (e. g. substituted phenols ArOH) show the reduction of nitrite to NO gas. Detailed kinetic investigations including kinetic isotope effect (KIE), Eyring analyses for determining the activation parameters unfold that reduction of nitrite at copper(II) by Ph3P or ArOH are influenced by the CuII/CuI redox potential. Finally, this study allows mechanism driven development of catalytic nitrite reduction by ArOH in the presence of 10 mol % copper complex (1).
Perylene Bisimide‐Functionalized Triphenylmethyl Radicals Showing High Stability and Reversible Electrochemical Redox Properties
Authors: Feng Zhibin , Wang Bohan , Zhou Jiadong , Liu Linlin , Xie Zengqi , Ma Yuguang
Published: October 2024

This study presents a series of triphenylmethyl monoradicals incorporating varying numbers of peripheral perylene bisimide (PBI) substituents (1PBI‐TTM⋅, 2PBI‐TTM⋅ and 3PBI‐TTM⋅). The incorporation of electron‐withdrawing PBI substituents significantly enhances the stability of these carbon radicals, enabling them to display exceptional electrochemical redox reversibility. Notably, the electronic interplay between the PBI substituents and the central triphenylmethyl core facilitates unique and reversible multi‐step redox reactions. Among the reported radicals, the tris‐PBI‐functionalized radical (3PBI‐TTM⋅) demonstrates the remarkable ability to accommodate up to seven electrons under negative potentials, forming high valence anions. This research promotes the development of highly stable carbon radicals with superior electrochemical oxidation‐reduction processes, presenting promising avenues for the advancement of electric energy storage technologies.
Tuning Thin Film Thickness and Porosity with Layer‐by‐Layer Submicronic Particles Assembly
Authors: Mouhtadi Siham , Jurin Florian E. , Buron Cédric C. , Pochard Isabelle
Published: October 2024

Porous NiO films were prepared using Layer‐by‐Layer assembly of submicronic β‐Ni(OH)2 nanoplatelets and size‐controlled poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) particles. β‐Ni(OH)2/PMMA thin films were elaborated using different PMMA particle sizes and concentrations. The elaborated films were then heated at a temperature of 325 °C in air for one hour to form porous NiO films by calcining β‐Ni(OH)2 nanoplatelets. PMMA polymeric particles were also calcined during this process, leading to film porosity. Thermal treatment experiments clearly showed a relationship between PMMA particle size and film properties i. e., porosity and thickness. NiO films exhibited huge pores, around 1 μm, and matter loss after calcination when PMMA particles with a diameter of 190±43 nm were employed. Partial collapsing of the films was also denoted. Experiments were then carried out by decreasing PMMA particle size (100±19 nm) leading to cohesive NiO films. Finally, the specific surface area (SSA) of the NiO films prepared with PMMA particles of 100 nm was determined by adsorption‐desorption of nitrogen gas using the BET (Brunauer–Emmet–Teller) method. This showed an increase in SSA with PMMA particle concentration.
Predator perception of aposematic and cryptic color morphs in two Oophaga species
Authors: Mantzana‐Oikonomaki Vasiliki , Rodríguez Ariel , Castillo‐Tamayo Giselle , Ibáñez Roberto , Pröhl Heike
Published: October 2024

Animals that are toxic often advertise their unprofitability to potential predators through bright aposematic colors while cryptic ones blend in with their natural background to avoid predators. In the poison dart frogs, Oophaga pumilio and O. granulifera, some populations in Costa Rica and Panama display cryptic green and aposematic red color morphs. We herein used reflectance spectra from the dorsum of red and green morphs of these frogs to estimate their perception by the visual systems of three potential predators (birds, lizards, and crabs) against three natural backgrounds (leaves, trunks and leaf litter). Statistical analyses revealed no strong differences in color contrast against backgrounds between the two frog species. However, strong effects of frog morph, predator, background, and their interactions were observed. When viewed against diverse backgrounds, red frogs of both Oophaga species are more color conspicuous to birds and Anoline lizards than to crabs. A strong effect of species was observed on luminance contrast. Concerning the latter, green frogs particularly in O. granulifera appear more conspicuous than red frogs, while birds perceive higher brightness contrasts than lizards or crabs. Our results further support the importance of birds and lizards as Oophaga predators and provide a first quantitative comparison of conspicuousness between these two frog species.
Enhancing the Quality of Ready‐to‐Eat Trout Burger Patties: Investigating the Combination of Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Microbial Transglutaminase Enzyme
Authors: Altan Can Okan , Turan Hülya , Kocatepe Demet , Keskin İrfan , Köstekli Bayram
Published: October 2024

In this study, rainbow trout patties (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792) were treated under a modified atmosphere (MA) (60/40:CO2/N2) packed with microbial transglutaminase enzyme (MTGase) at varying concentrations (0.5% and 1%) and kept for a full day at 2°C ± 2°C. Denser and more complex intermolecular cross‐linking formations between peptides and gel network structures were observed in the first and last scanning electron microscope images of MTGase‐containing groups. MTGase increased the springiness, hardness, shear force, and work‐of‐shear parameters during the storage period in uncooked and cooked patties compared to the control group. The protein, energy, moisture, and amino acid contents were maintained in the MTGase‐containing groups, but using MTGase at higher concentrations was ineffective. Microbiological analyses have shown that MTGase is partially effective on microbial fauna, and the most significant inhibitory effect was determined on total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB). In all groups, the total amounts of saturated, monosaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids remained unchanged on both production and expiration days (p > 0.05). After mixing the burger patty additives into the ground meat, the amounts of sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium increased in all groups (p < 0.05); however, a decrease in calcium was observed in the MTGase‐containing groups (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. The higher proportion of the MTGase‐contained group did not exhibit significant differences compared to the lower proportion of the MTGase‐contained group, except for textural characteristics and the TMAB inhibition effect.