bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O "Ronco da Abelha"
Authors: Monteiro Hamilton de Mattos
Published: June 2024

Analysis of the insurrectional process know as “Ronco da Abelha”, which took place in northeastern Brazil in 1851/1852. In this rebellion, social and political factors were associated: opposition to the conservative Ministry by remaining groups of the “Revolução Praieira” (1848/50), and revolt of small farmers and day workers against the powerful landlords and the local public administration.
O periódico: variedade e transformação
Authors: Leite Miriam Lifchitz Moreira
Published: June 2024

This is neither a bibliographical paper nor an essay on periodicals. It merely presents some Information on the characteristics of periodicals, in the moment they are issued and the documental character the series of periodicals acquire when examined many decades afterwards. Physical characteristics, external data and ideological content have different meanings in the present and after time elapses. Historical documentation extracted from periodicals has been analysed in a variety of Historical Essays and its richness is always surprising when one collects and organizes series of periodicals, as the “Setor de Documentação do Departamento de História da Universidade de São Paulo” has done with those of Franca, State of São Paulo.
A Gênese da República no Brasil
Authors: Silva Raul de Andrada e
Published: June 2024

This is an interpretative essay on the historical conditions prevailing at the end of Monarchy and beginning of Republic in Brazil. The Monarchy was abolished without any resistance or popular uprisings. To the Author, this resulted from the renewal of the socio-economic context due to the introduction of new manners and techniques of production, to the remodelling of transports and means of communication, to the enlargement of foreign trade and of the inland market, and to the extraordinary coffee boom. At the same time, the social structure was changing, particularly due to the growing importance of the middle classes whose interests, mentality, customs and behaviour tended to avert them from the Imperial rule. The Republic arose as a regime more suitable for the changing society. The three crises resulting from the abolition of slavery, from the conflicts between the imperial State and the Church, and from the dissensions between Government and military officers have been traditionally interpreted as the causes of the downfall of Monarchy; more than that, they constitute ruptures with the past, with the monarchical system. But the agitation created by these crises and especially by the political crisis of 1868, gave rise to conditions propitious to the Republican propaganda. A little afterwards the Republican Party was formed by the group of radicais from the Liberal Party desillusioned with the monarchical rule. In 1870, the newspaper “A República” published the Manifest of the new party and its propaganda grew steadily till the three mentioned crises deprived the Monarchy of its sustaining forces: the agrarian aristocracy, the Army and the Church. The alteration of the political system did not greatly affect the socio-economic structure, but only promoted and accelerated the changes that had been slowly transforming it.
Histórico da imprensa santista (1848-1936)
Authors: Santos Francisco Martins dos
Published: June 2024

The press is a powerful vehicle to allow the free manifestations of the human thought. Rio de Janeiro, for instance, was a malformed city till tlie beginning of its first press (1808); São Paulo initiated its cohordenation in newspaper in 1827; the city of Santos began to publish its first newspaper in 1848 with the “Revista Comercial”. Since that year, a great number of important names has given their contribution to Santos press-important names in Politics, Literature, Religion, Law, fighting by ideais of freedom both physical and intelectual. In 1900 “A Tribuna” is founded by Olympio Lima; this newspaper remains till our times and became one of the most important newspapers of Brazil.
O problema da mão de obra numa perspectiva histórica: uma reflexão de a "Transumância Amazônica"
Authors: Elias Maria José
Published: June 2024

Starting with "Transumância Amazônica", chapter XXIII of Celso Furtado’s book Formação Econômica do Brasil, the present article makes some considerations on that author's position on problems concerning immigration and labour. With the 1877-1880 draught an enormous number of Northeastern labourers moved into Amazônia. On the other hand, the Southern coffee farmers were needing more labour for their plantations and ended by agreeing on the immigration of European colonists. Historically there was nothing to hinder Northeastern labour of being directed to the coffee plantations, but political and social interests only allowed the exit of this labour when the structure of subsistence economy collapsed (due to the draught) and when the European immigrant was already firmly established in the Middle South.
Democracia defensiva no Supremo Tribunal Federal: o inquérito das fake news como estímulo para a construção de uma jurisprudência constitucional em defesa da democracia
Authors: Oliveira Gustavo Henrique Justino de , Rêgo Eduardo de Carvalho
Published: June 2024

Inquiry nº 4.781/DF, also known as the “fake news inquiry”, had begun due to anti-democratic attacks promoted by supporters of President Bolsonaro against members of the Brazilian Supreme Court (STF). Latter, in August 2021, the President himself was included in the aforementioned procedure, as one of the investigated subjects. The critics about the illegality and illegitimacy of the investigation are plausible, especially because advocate that it is inadequate for the same body of judicial members to promote an investigation that can be latter judge by them. However, for many people, the position of the STF is a possible expression of the so-called defensive democracy, a European-based doctrine that recommends a more energetic stance by the holders of judicial power against non-democratic parties and groups. Given this scenario, the scope of this work is to analyze whether the fake news inquiry is compatible with the defensive democracy doctrine and whether it has the potential to contribute for the construction of a constitutional jurisprudence methodologically compatible with the aforementioned doctrine in Brazil.
Verificador independente em contratos de saneamento básico
Authors: Oliveira Carlos Roberto de
Published: June 2024

This article addresses relevant characteristics of the hiring of an independent verifier to support the management and supervision of administrative concession contracts. It is based, with legal, regulatory, technical and economic considerations, on the incompatibility of the implementation or coexistence of independent verification in concession contracts for public basic sanitation services, notably due to the existence of specific legislation that instituted the independent regulation model for the sector (Federal Law No. 11,445/2007). With the theoretical and practical considerations of the inadequacy of the consulting support model, observations are made about the costs incurred, lack of continuity of the verification due to the temporal limitations of contracting through bidding and total absence of legal standardization or regulation of independent verification.
Análise de impacto regulatório e pragmatismo jurídico
Authors: Oliveira Rafael Carvalho Rezende
Published: June 2024

O presente artigo tem por objetivo abordar a intensa relação entre a Análise de Impacto Regulatório (AIR) e o pragmatismo jurídico que enfatizam a importância das consequências da decisão pública. Após as alterações promovidas na Lei de Introdução às Normas do Direito Brasileiro (LINDB) em 2018, que enfatizaram a relevância das consequências práticas e jurídicas na decisão pública, o estudo do pragmatismo jurídico foi intensificado na doutrina. A presente pesquisa pretende demonstrar a relevância da aplicação da visão consequencialista no campo regulatório. No Direito Regulatório, a AIR tem sido considerada relevante instrumento de planejamento e de monitoramento das consequências na produção de atos normativos por parte das agências reguladoras, uma vez que possibilita maior racionalidade, transparência e eficiência ao processo decisório. O método utilizado foi qualitativo e descritivo, com a análise da legislação em vigor e da bibliografia sobre o tema do estudo. Ao final, o artigo pretende demonstrar a crescente relevância da Análise de Impacto Regulatório no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro, bem como apresentar considerações teóricas que podem contribuir para boas práticas regulatórias.
Principais controvérsias na fixação de indenização por servidão de passagem
Authors: Santos Ronaldo Pereira
Published: June 2024

The servitude for the construction of Power Lines has been used on a large scale in the Amazon for the expansion of electricity. Given the constitutional obligation to compensate the owners of the affected properties, in courts this has become a challenge for the Public Administration, especially in the most controversial cases, since the aim to guarantee socioeconomic and environmental viability. The objective of this work was to identify and analyze the main legal controversies regarding compensation, such as: land value, remaining area, loss of profit and environmental damage. The study used two cases submitted to judicial investigation in the Metropolitan Region of Manaus, Amazonas, based on the analysis of the bibliography and jurisprudence applied to the case. It is concluded that the environmental damage, in these cases, cannot be included for compensation to the owners lands, by express lack of legal provision. For the other technical aspects, there is a jurisprudential tendency in the Superior Court that points out the limits and requirements for eventual compensation.
O impacto das fake news sobre as políticas públicas
Authors: Gomes Camila Paula de Barros
Published: June 2024

The information age has been impacted by the phenomenon of fake news, which finds a favorable scenario to spread quickly through social networks and the internet. As a result, fraudulent information has been detrimental to several public policies. The purpose of this article is to identify what mechanisms the State has to hold the agents involved in the dissemination of false news accountable and what measures need to be taken to avoid serious problems in administrative efficiency.
A new genus of Mesopsychidae from the late Middle Triassic Tongchuan entomofauna and its taxonomic and palaeogeographic implications
Authors: LIAN XIN-NENG , ZHANG YONG , CAI CHEN-YANG , FENG ZHUO , HUANG DI-YING
Published: June 2024

Mesopsychids, a long-proboscid mecopteran group, are presumably associated with the pollination of Mesozoic gymnosperms. Despite over 100 years of study on the genus Mesopsyche, only isolated wings have been discovered. Mesopsyche is now redefined as a monotypic genus with only one species, Mesopsyche triareolata. The other species previously classified within Mesopsyche are have been assigned to the newly established genus Turbidapsyche Lian & Huang, gen. nov., distinguished by its three-branched Sc, in contrast to the numerous Sc branches of Mesopsyche. Herein, we present descriptions and illustrations of new material from the middle part (late Ladinian) of the Middle–Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation. We assigned these specimens to the newly erected genus, Turbidapsyche Lian & Huang, gen. nov. Turbidapsyche tongchuanensis (Hong, 2007) comb. nov., the first reported Turbidapsyche (Mesopsyche) from the Tongchuan entomofauna, is revised based on a new specimen. Additionally, we erecte three new species of Turbidapsyche Lian & Huang, gen. nov. based on their wing size, shape, and especially the coloured patterns. Turbidapsyche orientalis Lian & Huang, gen. et sp. nov. is characterised by the distinctly shrunken wing base and dense coloured markings along anterior wing. Turbidapsyche sparsanota Lian & Huang, gen. et sp. nov. is distinguished by its relatively larger wing size and sparse coloured spots situated at the forks, crossveins, and apical longitudinal veins. Turbidapsyche hongi Lian & Huang, gen. et sp. nov. is characterised by a relatively small wing size and sparser striped coloured markings. Although hindwings of Turbidapsyche Lian & Huang, gen. nov. are described and illustrated, they are not assigned to any species. Species of both Mesopsyche and Turbidapsyche are discussed in detail. The wing coloured patterns of Turbidapsyche exhibit regional differentiation, with numerous coloured spots or spots fused into striped coloured markings observed in China, transparency in Kyrgyzstan, and full pigmentation in Ukraine. Based on previous palaeomagnetic research conducted in Tongchuan area, we derive a palaeolatitude of 21° in the Middle Triassic. Turbidapsyche was distributed along the northern Palaeotethys, near a similar palaeolatitude, suggesting it inhabited comparable climates and perhaps had specific ecological requirements or limited dispersal capabilities.
The burden of headache and a health-care needs assessment in the adult population of Mali: a cross-sectional population-based study
Authors: Maiga Youssoufa , Diallo Seybou H. , Sangho Oumar , Moskatel Leon Samuel , Konipo Fatoumata , Bocoum Abdoulaye , Diallo Salimata , Coulibaly Awa , Daou Mariam , Dolo Housseini , Sangaré Modibo , Albakaye Mohamed , Traoré Zoumana , Coulibaly Thomas , Sissoko Adama , Landouré Guida , Guindo Boubacar , Ahamadou Mahamoudou , Toure Mahamane Drahamane , Dembele Abibatou , Sacko Habib , Kadri Sao Cheick Abdoul , Coulibaly Diakalia , Dembele Salimata , Coulibaly Cheick Oumar , Sanogo Mohamadou , Boiguilé Sekou , Nizard Julien , Cowan Robert , Steiner Timothy J. , Husøy and Andreas
Published: June 2024

Background

Our recent studies have shown headache disorders to be very common in the central and western sub-Saharan countries of Benin and Cameroon. Here we report headache in nearby Mali, a strife-torn country that differs topographically, culturally, politically and economically. The purposes were to estimate headache-attributed burden and need for headache care.

Methods

We used cluster-random sampling in seven of Mali’s eleven regions to obtain a nationally representative sample. During unannounced household visits by trained interviewers, one randomly selected adult member (18–65 years) from each household was interviewed using the structured HARDSHIP questionnaire, with enquiries into headache in the last year and, additionally, headache yesterday (HY). Headache on ≥ 15 days/month (H15+) was diagnosed as probable medication-overuse headache (pMOH) when associated with acute medication use on ≥ 15 days/month, and as “other H15+” when not. Episodic headache (on < 15 days/month) was recorded as such and not further diagnosed. Burden was assessed as impaired participation (days lost from paid and household work, and from leisure activity). Need for headache care was defined by criteria for expectation of benefit.

Results

Data collection coincided with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The participating proportion was nonetheless extremely high (99.4%). The observed 1-year prevalence of any headache was 90.9%. Age- and gender-adjusted estimates were 86.3% for episodic headache, 1.4% for pMOH and 3.1% for other H15+. HY was reported by 16.8% with a mean duration of 8.7 h. Overall mean headache frequency was 3.5 days/month. Participants with pMOH lost more days from paid (8.8 days/3 months) and household work (10.3 days/3 months) than those with other H15+ (3.1 and 2.8 days/3 months) or episodic headache (1.2 and 0.9 days/3 months). At population level, 3.6–5.8% of all time was spent with headache, which led to a 3.6% decrease in all activity (impaired participation). Almost a quarter (23.4%) of Mali’s adult population need headache care.

Conclusion

Headache is very common in Mali, as in its near neighbours, Benin and Cameroon, and associated with substantial losses of health and productivity. Need for headache care is high – a challenge for a low-income country – but lost productivity probably translates into lost gross domestic product.
Trichomes and unique gene expression confer insect herbivory resistance in Vitis labrusca grapevines
Authors: Dixon Cullen W. , Gschwend Andrea R.
Published: June 2024

Background

Grapevine (Vitis) is one of the world’s most valuable fruit crops, but insect herbivory can decrease yields. Understanding insect herbivory resistance is critical to mitigating these losses. Vitis labrusca, a wild North American grapevine species, has been leveraged in breeding programs to generate hybrid grapevines with enhanced abiotic and biotic stress resistance, rendering it a valuable genetic resource for sustainable viticulture. This study assessed the resistance of V. labrusca acc. ‘GREM4’ and Vitis vinifera cv. ‘PN40024’ grapevines to Popillia japonica (Japanese beetle) herbivory and identified morphological and genetic adaptations underlying this putative resistance.

Results

‘GREM4’ displayed greater resistance to beetle herbivory compared to ‘PN40024’ in both choice and no-choice herbivory assays spanning periods of 30 min to 19 h. ‘GREM4’ had significantly higher average leaf trichome densities than ‘PN40024’ and beetles preferred to feed on the side of leaves with fewer trichomes. When leaves from each species that specifically did not differ in trichome densities were fed on by beetles, significantly less leaf area was damaged in ‘GREM4’ (3.29mm2) compared to ‘PN40024’ (9.80mm2), suggesting additional factors beyond trichomes contributed to insect herbivory resistance in ‘GREM4’. Comparative transcriptomic analyses revealed ‘GREM4’ exhibited greater constitutive (0 h) expression of defense response and secondary metabolite biosynthesis genes compared to ‘PN40024’, indicative of heightened constitutive defenses. Upon herbivory, ‘GREM4’ displayed a greater number of differentially expressed genes (690) compared to ‘PN40024’ (502), suggesting a broader response. Genes up-regulated in ‘GREM4’ were enriched in terpene biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, phytohormone signaling, and disease defense-related functions, likely contributing to heighted insect herbivory defense, while genes differentially expressed in ‘PN40024’ under herbivory were enriched in xyloglucan, cell wall formation, and calcium ion binding. The majority of genes implicated in insect herbivory defense were orthologs with specific expression patterns in ‘GREM4’ and ‘PN40024’, but some paralogous and genome-specific genes also likely contributed to conferring resistance.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that ‘GREM4’ insect herbivory resistance was attributed to a combination of factors, including trichomes and unique constitutive and inducible expression of genes implicated in terpene, flavonoid, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, as well as pathogen defense.
Integration analysis of miRNA-mRNA pairs between two contrasting genotypes reveals the molecular mechanism of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) response to high-temperature stress
Authors: Jin Juan , Yang Lei , Fan Dingyu , Li Lili , Hao Qing
Published: June 2024

With global warming, high temperature (HT) has become one of the most common abiotic stresses resulting in significant crop yield losses, especially for jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.), an important temperate economic crop cultivated worldwide. This study aims to explore the coping mechanism of jujube to HT stress at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, including identifying differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs as well as elucidating the critical pathways involved. High-throughput sequencing analyses of miRNA and mRNA were performed on jujube leaves, which were collected from “Fucumi” (heat-tolerant) and “Junzao” (heat-sensitive) cultivars subjected to HT stress (42 °C) for 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 days, respectively. The results showed that 45 known miRNAs, 482 novel miRNAs, and 13,884 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) were identified. Among them, integrated analysis of miRNA target genes prediction and mRNA-seq obtained 1306 differentially expressed miRNAs-mRNAs pairs, including 484, 769, and 865 DEMIs-DEMs pairs discovered in “Fucuimi”, “Junzao” and two genotypes comparative groups, respectively. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis of 1306 DEMs revealed that plant-pathogen interaction, starch and sucrose metabolism, spliceosome, and plant hormone signal transduction were crucial pathways in jujube leaves response to HT stress. The constructed miRNA-mRNA network, composed of 20 DEMIs and 33 DEMs, displayed significant differently expressions between these two genotypes. This study further proved the regulatory role of miRNAs in the response to HT stress in plants and will provide a theoretical foundation for the innovation and cultivation of heat-tolerant varieties.
Adverse postoperative outcomes in elderly patients with sarcopenia
Authors: Yang Yitian , Sun Mingyang , Chen Wan-Ming , Wu Szu-Yuan , Zhang Jiaqiang
Published: June 2024

Purpose

No study has compared 30-day and 90-day adverse postoperative outcomes between old-age patients with and those without sarcopenia.

Patients and methods

We categorize elderly patients receiving major surgery into two groups according to the presence or absence of preoperative sarcopenia that were matched at a 1:4 ratio through propensity score matching (PSM). We analyzed 30-day or 90-day adverse postoperative outcomes and mortality in patients with and without sarcopenia receiving major surgery.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the patients with preoperative sarcopenia were at significantly higher risk of 30-day postoperative mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]. = 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI]. = 1.03–1.52) and 30-day major complications such as postoperative pneumonia (aOR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.00-1.40), postoperative bleeding (aOR = 2.18; 95% CI = 1.04–4.57), septicemia (aOR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.03–1.66), and overall complications (aOR = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.00-1.46). In addition, surgical patients with sarcopenia were at significantly higher risk of 90-day postoperative mortality (aOR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.29–1.74) and 90-day major complications such as pneumonia (aOR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.10–1.47), postoperative bleeding (aOR = 1.90; 95% CI = 1.04–3.48), septicemia (aOR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.28–1.82), and overall complications (aOR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.08–1.42).

Conclusions

Sarcopenia is an independent risk factor for 30-day and 90-day adverse postoperative outcomes such as pneumonia, postoperative bleeding, and septicemia and increases 30-day and 90-day postoperative mortality among patients receiving major surgery.

Condensed abstract

No study has compared 30-day and 90-day adverse postoperative outcomes between patients with and those without sarcopenia. We conducted a propensity score?matched (PSM) population-based cohort study to investigate the adverse postoperative outcomes and mortality in patients undergoing major elective surgery with preoperative sarcopenia versus those without preoperative sarcopenia. We demonstrated that sarcopenia is an independent risk factor for 30-day and 90-day adverse postoperative outcomes, such as postoperative pneumonia, bleeding, septicemia, and mortality after major surgery. Therefore, surgeons and anesthesiologists should attempt to correct preoperative sarcopenia, swallowing function, and respiratory muscle training before elective surgery to reduce postoperative complications that contribute to the decrease in surgical mortality.
Process evaluation protocol plan for a home-based physical activity intervention versus educational intervention for persistent taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (B-HAPI study): a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ozorio Dutra Samia Valeria , Schwab Lauren , Coury Jillian , Ji Ming , Visovsky Constance
Published: June 2024

Background

Evaluation publications typically summarize the results of studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of an intervention, but little is shared concerning any changes implemented during the study. We present a process evaluation protocol of a home-based gait, balance, and resistance exercise intervention to ameliorate persistent taxane-induced neuropathy study according to 7 key elements of process evaluation.

Methods

The process evaluation is conducted parallel to the longitudinal, randomized control clinical trial examining the effects of the home-based gait, balance, and resistance exercise program for women with persistent peripheral neuropathy following treatment with taxanes for breast cancer (IRB approval: Pro00040035). The flowcharts clarify how the intervention should be implemented in comparable settings, fidelity procedures help to ensure the participants are comfortable and identify their individual needs, and the process evaluation allows for the individual attention tailoring and focus of the research to avoid protocol deviation.

Conclusions

The publication of the evaluation protocol plan adds transparency to the findings of clinical trials and favors process replication in future studies. The process evaluation enables the team to systematically register information and procedures applied during recruitment and factors that impact the implementation of the intervention, thereby allowing proactive approaches to prevent deviations from the protocol. When tracking an intervention continuously, positive or negative intervention effects are revealed early on in the study, giving valuable insight into inconsistent results. Furthermore, a process evaluation adds a participant-centered element to the research protocols, which allows a patient-centered approach to be applied to data collection.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04621721, November 9, 2020, registered prospectively. Protocol version: April 27, 2020, v2.
Occupational burnout and their determinants among schoolteachers in Nepal: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Paudel Netra Raj , KC Prakash , Ghimire Radhika , Nygård Clas-Håkan , Neupane Subas
Published: June 2024

Background

Burnout syndrome attributable to cumulative stressors is highly prevalent among teachers. Despite this, knowledge of burnout syndrome among schoolteachers in lower-middle-income countries are limited, therefore we aimed to investigate self-reported occupational burnout syndrome and associated factors among schoolteachers in Nepal.

Methods

A survey was conducted among randomly selected 37 community schools in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2022, with a total sample of 218 schoolteachers (70% male). Occupational burnout was assessed using the Nepali version of the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-ES). MBI-ES consists of 22 items assessing occupational burnout, which were classified into emotional exhaustion (EE, 9 items, score range: 0–45), depersonalization (DP, 5 items, 0–23), and personal accomplishment (PA, 8 items; 3–48). The greater score in EE and DP and the lower score in PA indicate a higher level of burnout. Various socio-demographic, lifestyle, and work-related factors were examined as determinants of occupational burnout using ANOVA and multivariable linear regression models.

Results

The mean scores of EE, DP, and PA were 14.99 (Standard Deviation, SD = 9.79), 4.18 (SD = 4.57), and 42.11 (SD = 6.82) respectively. Poor/moderate work ability contributed to poorer ratings of all three dimensions. Teaching special needs students contributed to EE and DP, whereas low physical activity and alcohol intake were associated with PA only. Younger age, being married, language of teaching, having a disability, sub-optimal physical fitness, poor sleep quality, and ever smoking contributed to EE only.

Conclusion

Occupational burnout among schoolteachers was relatively high. Marital status, lifestyle behavioral, and work-related factors were associated especially with EE and workability was a strong determinant of all three dimensions.

Clinical trial registration number

NCT05626543.
The relationship of immune cells with autism spectrum disorder: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Fang Congcong , Sun Yonghao , Fan Cuifang , Lei Di
Published: June 2024

Background

Observational studies have indicated a correlation between immunological inflammation and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the causal relationship between immunological inflammation and ASD remains uncertain.

Methods

Immunity-wide data sources were retrieved from the GWAS catalog. Genetic summary data on ASD were retrieved from two independent GWAS. We performed two independent bi-directional, two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses and a meta-analysis based on the two independent MR estimates to assess the causal relationship between ASD and immune cell signatures.

Results

We have discovered 26 potential correlations between genetic predisposition in the immunophenotypes and ASD. The meta-analysis of the two inverse variance weighted (IVW)-produced estimates provided further evidence supporting the potential causal relationship between immunophenotypes and ASD. Based on the findings of the reverse MR analysis, it was determined that there are two potential negative causal relationships between ASD and immunophenotypes. However, the meta-analysis of the two IVW-derived MR estimates indicated that immunophenotypes were not significantly influenced by ASD (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.73 -1.03, P = 0.09; OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.81–1.01, P = 0.08).

Conclusions

This study expanded immune cell subtypes that were potentially causally associated with ASD risk as well as identified ASD-specific immune cell subtypes. The discovery has the potential to lead to earlier detection and more effective treatment techniques.
The relationship between physical exercise and problematic internet use in college students: the chain-mediated role of self-control and loneliness
Authors: Xu Junshuai , Tang Liuquan
Published: June 2024

Objective

From the perspective of exercise psychology, to investigate the antefacts of problematic internet use (PIU) in college students, and to reveal the chain mediating effect of self-control and loneliness between physical exercise and PIU.

Methods

1081 college students in Chongqing, China were investigated by Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), Self-control Scale (SCS), Loneliness Scale (UCLA), and Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS-R), and the data were statistically analyzed by SPSS25.0 and AMOS21.0 software.

Results

(1) There was a significant negative correlation between physical exercise and PIU, and the former has a direct negative predictive effect on the latter. (2) Physical exercise could indirectly influence the PIU of college students through the partial mediating effect of self-control and loneliness, respectively. (3) Physical exercise could also indirectly influence PIU through the chain mediation of “self-control → loneliness”.

Conclusion

Maintaining regular physical exercise can promote the improvement of self-control and the weakening of the loneliness experience of college students, and then help to prevent or alleviate PIU behavior, which is of great significance for psychological and behavioral health.
Sex-specific differences in the clinical profile among psychiatric patients with pulmonary Embolism: a hospital-based retrospective study
Authors: Kong Lanlan , Lu Yueying , Han Dongsheng , Liu Ting , Bai Yuanhan
Published: June 2024

Background

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a severe and life-threatening complication of venous thromboembolism. However, there is a lack of systematic studies on differences between female and male PE patients. This paper aimed to compare the sex-specific differences in clinical characteristics and laboratory indicators in psychotic patients with PE.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled psychiatric patients with PE from June 2018 to June 2022 at Shenzhen Kangning Hospital (Shenzhen Mental Health Center). Demographic characteristics, factors associated with PE, and laboratory indices were collected to assess sex-specific differences.

Results

Of the 168 patients, 87 (51.8%) were female and 81 (48.2%) were male, with a mean age of 58 years for females and 46 years for male patients. The male group had higher ratio of hyperprolactinemia, more patients using antipsychotic medications, higher D-dimer levels at PE onset, greater D-dimer difference, and a higher rate of D-dimer elevation than the female group (p < 0.05). Female patients were significantly older, exhibited a higher prevalence of diabetes, and had a greater number of patients taking antidepressants and hypnotics/sedatives than male patients (p < 0.05). Schizophrenia spectrum disorders were more prevalent in male patients, while female patients had a higher incidence of mood disorders (p < 0.05). Among patients aged < 45 years, the male group had higher D-dimer levels at PE onset and greater D-dimer difference (p < 0.05). Among all 112 patients aged ≥ 45 years, male patients were more likely than female patients to have respiratory tract infections, higher D-dimer levels at PE onset, greater D-dimer difference, and a higher rate of D-dimer elevation (p < 0.05). The multiple linear regression analysis indicated that hyperprolactinemia and the use of first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) were associated with D-dimer levels at PE onset in male patients, while the time of PE onset and protective restraints were associated with D-dimer levels at PE onset in female patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

PE-associated clinical features differ between male and female patients. These differences may imply that the processes and mechanisms of PE onset are sex specific. Male patients are more likely to have respiratory tract infections and higher D-dimer levels at PE onset than female patients. The use of FGAs may be associated with increased D-dimer in male psychiatric patients, while protective restraints may be associated with increased D-dimer in female psychiatric patients.
Jaffe-Campanacci syndrome; a case series and review of the literature
Authors: Sabry Ahmed O. , Abolenain Ahmed Salem , Mostafa Noureldin , Ramadan Abdelraouf , Ghanem Mohamed
Published: June 2024

Background

Jaffe-Campanacci syndrome is a rare syndrome, characterized by multiple non-ossifying fibromas (NOF) and cafe-au-lait patches. The name was coined in 1982 by Mirra after Jaffe who first described the case in 1958. Although it’s suggested there is a relation with Neurofibromatosis type 1, there is still no consensus on whether Jaffe-Campanacci syndrome is a subtype or variant of neurofibromatosis-1(NF-1).

Case presentation

In this article, we present a case series of 2 patients. The first case is a 13-year-old male with Jaffe-Campanacci syndrome who presented with a distal femur fracture. His father had positive features of both Jaffe-Campanacci syndrome and NF-1, while his sister only had features of NF-1, so we presented both.

Conclusion

Jaffe-Campanacci has a clear relationship with type 1 neurofibromatosis, which still has to be genetically established. Due to the presence of several large non-ossifying fibromas of the long bones, it is linked to a significant risk of pathological fractures. We concur with previous authors, that an osseous screening program should be performed for all patients with newly diagnosed type 1 neurofibromatosis, to identify non-ossifying fibromas and assess the potential for pathological fracture. Moreover, siblings of patients with NF-1 should be screened for multiple NOFs that may carry a high risk of pathological fractures.
Association between anti-mullerian hormone and metabolic syndrome: insights from a prospective community-based study
Authors: Amiri Mina , Mousavi Maryam , Noroozzadeh Mahsa , Farahmand Maryam , Azizi Fereidoun , Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh
Published: June 2024

Background

Limited studies have investigated the relationship between Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and metabolic syndrome (MetS), yielding inconclusive results. This study aimed to examine the relationship between AMH levels and MetS and its components in women from a general population.

Methods

This prospective study recruited 769 women. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) models analyzed longitudinal trends of MetS components. Cox proportional hazard models evaluated effect of age-specific AMH tertiles on MetS occurrence, adjusting for confounders.

Results

The GEE analysis indicated that women in the third tertile exhibited higher mean FPG compared to those in the first tertile of age-specific AMH (3 mg/dL; 95% CI: 0.40, 5.60; P = 0.024); however, this association became non-significant after adjustment. Notably, the second tertile showed a significant decrease in FPG mean changes over time (-0.69 mg/dL; 95% CI: -1.31, -0.07; P Interaction = 0.030). Women in the second and third tertiles of age-specific AMH demonstrated lower mean HDL-C compared to the first tertile (-2.96 mg/dL; 95% CI: -4.67, -1.26; P < 0.001 and -2.63 mg/dL; 95% CI: -4.31, -0.96; P = 0.002, respectively). The association between HDL-C changes and the second tertile remained significant after adjustment (-1.91 mg/dL; 95% CI: -3.68, -0.14; P = 0.034). No significant associations were observed between age-specific AMH tertiles and TG and SBP/DBP. Cox models revealed no significant differences in the hazard ratio of MetS between AMH tertiles after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion

Despite minor variations in MetS components, AMH levels did not affect MetS risk in women from a general population.
Evidence-informed guidelines in oral health: insights from a systematic survey
Authors: Verdugo-Paiva Francisca , Rojas-Gómez Ana María , Wielandt Vicente , Peña Javiera , Silva-Ruz Iván , Novillo Francisco , Ávila-Oliver Camila , Bonfill-Cosp Xavier , Glick Michael , Carrasco-Labra Alonso
Published: June 2024

Background

Oral diseases are a major global public health problem, impacting the quality of life of those affected. While consensus exists on the importance of high-quality, evidence-informed guidelines to inform practice and public health decisions in medicine, appropriate methodologies and standards are not commonly adhered to among producers of oral health guidelines. This study aimed to systematically identify organizations that develop evidence-informed guidelines in oral health globally and survey the methodological process followed to formulate recommendations.

Methods

We searched numerous electronic databases, guideline repositories, and websites of guideline developers, scientific societies, and international organizations (January 2012–October 2023) to identify organizations that develop guidelines addressing any oral health topic and that explicitly declare the inclusion of research evidence in their development. Pairs of reviewers independently evaluated potentially eligible organizations according to predefined selection criteria and extracted data about the organization’s characteristics, key features of their guidelines, and the process followed when formulating formal recommendations. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze and summarize data.

Results

We included 46 organizations that developed evidence-informed guidelines in oral health. The organizations were mainly professional associations and scientific societies (67%), followed by governmental organizations (28%). In total, organizations produced 55 different guideline document types, most of them containing recommendations for clinical practice (77%). Panels were primarily composed of healthcare professionals (87%), followed by research methodologists (40%), policymakers (24%), and patient partners (18%). Most (60%) of the guidelines reported their funding source, but only one out of three (33%) included a conflict of interest (COI) policy management. The methodology used in the 55 guideline document types varied across the organizations, but only 19 (35%) contained formal recommendations. Half (51%) of the guideline documents referred to a methodology handbook, 46% suggested a structured approach or system for rating the certainty of the evidence and the strength of recommendations, and 37% mentioned using a framework to move from evidence to decisions, with the GRADE-EtD being the most widely used (27%).

Conclusion

Our findings underscore the need for alignment and standardization of both terminology and methodologies used in oral health guidelines with current international standards to formulate trustworthy recommendations.
Self-perceived knowledge, attitude, and practice of evidence-based medicine before and after training among healthcare workers in Taizhou, China
Authors: Luo Chengwen , Zhang Mei-Xian , Yang Yu-pei , Tung Tao-Hsin
Published: June 2024

Background

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is the combination of the best research evidence with our clinical expertise, specific situations, and the unique values of our patients. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of EBM training for healthcare workers (HCWs).

Objectives

This study aims to assess the impact of EBM training on HCWs’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) related to EBM.

Methods

A self-reported online survey was carried out to investigate KAP related to EBM among HCWs at a tertiary hospital in Taizhou, China. HCWs participated in EBM training on 9 and 10 September 2023. The questionnaire survey was conducted to understand KAP related to EBM before and after the training, and to compare and analyze the results before and after the training. The R software (version 4.1.0) was used to analyze data.

Results

Sixty-four HCWs completed the survey with a response rate of 52.5% (64/122). The overall average scores of KAP related to EBM before training were 55.3, 63.0, and 34.5, respectively, and 56.9, 66.5, and 34.7 were the scores of KAP after training. HCWs’ scores of knowledge (P = 0.033) and attitude (P < 0.001) related to EBM improved significantly after the training.

Conclusion

This study implied that EBM training may improve the knowledge and attitude of HCWs, and its teaching effect is considerable.
Identification of four TTN variants in three families with fetal akinesia deformation sequence
Authors: Fan Lihong , Li Haibo , Xu Ying , Huang Yingzhi , Qian Yeqing , Jin Pengzhen , Shen Xueping , Li Zhi , Liu Mingsong , Liang Yufei , Shen Guosong , Dong Minyue
Published: June 2024

Background

TTN is a complex gene with large genomic size and highly repetitive structure. Pathogenic variants in TTN have been reported to cause a range of skeletal muscle and cardiac disorders. Homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations tend to cause a wide spectrum of phenotypes with congenital or childhood onset. The onset and severity of the features were considered to be correlated with the types and location of the TTN variants.

Methods

Whole-exome sequencing was performed on three unrelated families presenting with fetal akinesia deformation sequence (FADS), mainly characterized by reduced fetal movements and limb contractures. Sanger sequencing was performed to confirm the variants. RT-PCR analysis was performed.

Results

TTN c.38,876–2 A > C, a meta transcript-only variant, with a second pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in trans, was observed in five affected fetuses from the three families. Sanger sequencing showed that all the fetal variants were inherited from the parents. RT-PCR analysis showed two kinds of abnormal splicing, including intron 199 extension and skipping of 8 bases.

Conclusions

Here we report on three unrelated families presenting with FADS caused by four TTN variants. In addition, our study demonstrates that pathogenic meta transcript-only TTN variant can lead to defects which is recognizable prenatally in a recessive manner.
An overview of CCN4 (WISP1) role in human diseases
Authors: Singh Kirti , Oladipupo Sunday S.
Published: June 2024

CCN4 (cellular communication network factor 4), a highly conserved, secreted cysteine-rich matricellular protein is emerging as a key player in the development and progression of numerous disease pathologies, including cancer, fibrosis, metabolic and inflammatory disorders. Over the past two decades, extensive research on CCN4 and its family members uncovered their diverse cellular mechanisms and biological functions, including but not limited to cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, wound healing, repair, and apoptosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that aberrant CCN4 expression and/or associated downstream signaling is key to a vast array of pathophysiological etiology, suggesting that CCN4 could be utilized not only as a non-invasive diagnostic or prognostic marker, but also as a promising therapeutic target. The cognate receptor of CCN4 remains elusive till date, which limits understanding of the mechanistic insights on CCN4 driven disease pathologies. However, as therapeutic agents directed against CCN4 begin to make their way into the clinic, that may start to change. Also, the pathophysiological significance of CCN4 remains underexplored, hence further research is needed to shed more light on its disease and/or tissue specific functions to better understand its clinical translational benefit. This review highlights the compelling evidence of overlapping and/or diverse functional and mechanisms regulated by CCN4, in addition to addressing the challenges, study limitations and knowledge gaps on CCN4 biology and its therapeutic potential.
Tendon extracellular-matrix-derived tissue engineering micro-tissue for Achilles tendon injury regeneration in rats
Authors: Zhang Kaihong , Zhang Peng , Shi Ge , Wang Lei , Sun Chen , Xiang Wei
Published: June 2024

Background

Achilles tendon is vital in maintaining the stability and function of ankle joint. It is quite difficult to achieve the structural and functional repair of Achilles tendon in tissue engineering.

Methods

A tissue-engineered tendon micro-tissue was prepared using rat tail tendon extracellular matrix (TECM) combined with rat adipose stem cells (ADSCs) to repair Achilles tendon injuries. The TECM was prepared by repeated freezing and thawing. The in vitro characteristics of TECM and its effect on ADSCs proliferation were detected. This tissue-engineered tendon micro-tissue for Achilles tendon repair in vivo was evaluated based on general characteristics, gait analysis, ultrasound findings, histological analysis, and biomechanical testing.

Results

The results showed that the TECM scaffold had good biocompatibility for ADSCs. At 2 weeks post-surgery, collagen types I and III and tenomodulin expression were higher, and vascular endothelial growth factor expression was lower in the micro-tissue group than other groups. At 4 and 8 weeks post-surgery, the results of histological analysis and ultrasound findings showed that the repaired tendon tissue was smooth and lustrous, and was arranged regularly and evenly in the micro-tissue group. Gait analysis confirmed that better motor function recovery was noted in micro-tissue group than other groups. In addition, the mechanical properties of the repaired tendon tissue in micro-tissue group were better than other groups.

Conclusion

Tissue-engineered tendon micro-tissue fabricated by TECM and ADSCs has good biocompatibility and can promote structural and functional repair of tendon in vivo. This composite biomaterial has broad application prospects in tissue engineering.