bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The correlation between blood-lipid ratio in the first trimester and large-for-gestational-age infants
Authors: Wang Zixuan , Peng Yaru , Mao Shufang , Zhang Liqian , Guo Yanwei
Published: February 2023

Background

To investigate the correlation between maternal glucose and lipid metabolism indexes and blood-lipid ratio in the first trimester and large-for- gestational-age (LGA) infants.

Methods

Women in the first trimester of pregnancy who underwent regular obstetric examination in the obstetric outpatient department of the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College from June 2018 to March 2019 were included according to the standard. Basic information were collected based on questionnaires at the first visit of pregnant women, including early fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), apolipoprotein A1 (APO-A1), apolipoprotein B (APO-B), lipoprotein a (LP(a)), LDL/HDL, TG/HDL, TC/HDL, APO-B/APO-A1 ratio, birth weight of newborns, gestational age at delivery etc.

Results

A total of 418 cases were included for analysis. The incidence rate of LGA infants was 13.88%, and that of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants was 4.78%. Univariate analysis revealed that the age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), weight gain during pregnancy, APO-B/APO-A1 between LGA group and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) group were significantly different (P < 0.05); multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis indicated that the correlation between maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, weight gain during pregnancy, APO-B/APO-A1 level and LGA were statistically significant (P < 0.05); compared with the reference range of APO-B/APO-A1 of 0.46–0.65, values < 0.46 and > 0.65 were protective factor of LGA (P < 0.05). The receiver operating curve(ROC) indicated that the area under the curve (AUC)s for predicting LGA using maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, weight gain during pregnancy, and early pregnancy APO-B/APO-A1 were 0.585, 0.606, 0.637, 0.531, respectively. The AUC for a combined prediction model was 0.742, showing greater predictive value than any other factors individually.

Conclusion

Maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, weight gain during pregnancy, and APO-B/APO-A1 levels in first trimester are significant factors influencing the occurrence of LGA infants, and the combination of the four factors would have certain predictive value for LGA.
Influence of femoral bowing on stress distribution of the proximal femur: a three-dimensional finite element analysis
Authors: Kaku Nobuhiro , Hosoyama Tsuguaki , Shibuta Yutaro , Kimura Makoto , Tsumura Hiroshi
Published: February 2023

Background

Whether femoral bowing or its direction has a mechanical effect on the proximal femur is unclear. This study aimed to define the changes in stress distribution in the proximal femur associated with femoral bowing using finite element analysis.

Methods

We created four femoral models: original, entire lateral bowing, entire anterior bowing, and the middle of both (50% anterolateral bowing) from computed tomography data of women with standard bowing. Each model’s stress distribution was compared by two-layering the stress distribution under loading conditions during walking. We also evaluated displacement vectors.

Results

In all directions of femoral bowing, the stress increased in the femoral neck and the femoral trochanter in the 50% anterolateral bowing. The direction of deformation of the vector for the femoral head increased anteroinferiorly in the 50% anterolateral bowing.

Conclusions

This study showed that the stress distribution at the proximal femur shifted laterally. The high-stress area increased at the femoral neck or trochanter due to increasing femoral bowing. Femoral bowing also increases the anteroinferior vector in the femoral head. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanism of proximal femoral fractures in older adults.
Clinicopathologic characteristics of thymic clear cell carcinoma: a case report with literature review
Authors: Zhao Zuxuan , Zeng Qingpeng , Li Jiangtao , Zheng Shan
Published: February 2023

Background

Thymic clear cell carcinoma is a rare mediastinal neoplasm, with only 25 reported cases to date. We report a case of a 45-year-old man with thymic clear cell carcinoma. We think imaging and laboratory tests may be helpful for differential diagnosis.

Case presentation

A 45-year-old male was admitted to a local hospital for chest distress with cardiopalmus. CT showed a mediastinal mass. Laboratory examination results were all in the normal range. Histologically, the tumor cells had a clear cytoplasm, and immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for epithelial markers. We performed abdominal and pelvic CT and further examined serum levels of thyroxine, parathyroid hormone and AFP postoperatively, which were normal. The patient received postoperative radiotherapy, and CT showed left adrenal metastasis at 20 months after surgery.

Conclusion

Thymic clear cell carcinoma is a rare malignant neoplasm. Adrenal metastasis can occur. Patients undergo thymectomy with chemotherapy or with radiotherapy have better outcoming. Metastasis, direct invasion of parathyroid carcinoma and other primary tumors in the mediastinum should be excluded. Immunohistochemical markers, imaging and laboratory examination can help to exclude metastasis.
The collateral activity of RfxCas13d can induce lethality in a RfxCas13d knock-in mouse model
Authors: Li Yunfei , Xu Junjie , Guo Xuefei , Li Zhiwei , Cao Lili , Liu Shengde , Guo Ying , Wang Guodong , Luo Yujie , Zhang Zeming , Wei Xuemei , Zhao Yingchi , Liu Tongtong , Wang Xiao , Xia Huawei , Kuang Ming , Guo Qirui , Li Junhong , Chen Luoying , Wang Yibing , Li Qi , Wang Fengchao , Liu Qinghua , You Fuping
Published: February 2023

Background

The CRISPR-Cas13 system is an RNA-guided RNA-targeting system and has been widely used in transcriptome engineering with potentially important clinical applications. However, it is still controversial whether Cas13 exhibits collateral activity in mammalian cells.

Results

Here, we find that knocking down gene expression using RfxCas13d in the adult brain neurons caused death of mice, which may result from the collateral activity of RfxCas13d rather than the loss of target gene function or off-target effects. Mechanistically, we show that RfxCas13d exhibits collateral activity in mammalian cells, which is positively correlated with the abundance of target RNA. The collateral activity of RfxCas13d could cleave 28s rRNA into two fragments, leading to translation attenuation and activation of the ZAKα-JNK/p38-immediate early gene pathway.

Conclusions

These findings provide new mechanistic insights into the collateral activity of RfxCas13d in mammalian cells and warn that the biosafety of the CRISPR-Cas13 system needs further evaluation before application to clinical treatments.
Hetrombopag plus porcine ATG and cyclosporine for the treatment of aplastic anaemia: early outcomes of a prospective pilot study
Authors: Yang Wenrui , Zhao Xin , Liu Xu , Xiong Youzhen , Fan Huihui , Zhang Li , Li Jianping , Ye Lei , Zhou Kang , Li Yuan , Yang Yang , Peng Guangxin , Jing Liping , Zhang Fengkui
Published: February 2023

Hetrombopag, a small molecular thrombopoietin-receptor agonist, has shown encouraging efficiency in immunosuppressive therapy refractory or relapsed severe aplastic anaemia. To investigate the response rate of hetrombopag combined with IST as first-line treatment, we designed a prospective pilot study including 32 patients with SAA treated with anti-human T lymphocyte porcine immunoglobulin (p-ATG), cyclosporine, and hetrombopag. In addition, 96 patients with SAA treated with p-ATG and cyclosporine alone were matched as controls. In total, 21.9% of patients treated with hetrombopag achieved complete response (CR) at 3 months, while 5.2% of patients achieved CR in the control group (P = 0.005). At 6 months, the CR rates were 34.4% in the hetrombopag group and 14.6% in the control group (P = 0.015). The overall response rates at 6 months were 68.7% and 50.0% in the hetrombopag and control groups, respectively. The median time to haematologic response was 56 days and 77 days, and to CR was 96 days and 214 days in the hetrombopag and control groups, respectively. In conclusion, adding hetrombopag to IST as first-line treatment resulted in faster and better haematologic response in SAA.
Rhizosphere phage communities drive soil suppressiveness to bacterial wilt disease
Authors: Yang Keming , Wang Xiaofang , Hou Rujiao , Lu Chunxia , Fan Zhe , Li Jingxuan , Wang Shuo , Xu Yangchun , Shen Qirong , Friman Ville-Petri , Wei Zhong
Published: February 2023

Background

Bacterial viruses, phages, play a key role in nutrient turnover and lysis of bacteria in terrestrial ecosystems. While phages are abundant in soils, their effects on plant pathogens and rhizosphere bacterial communities are poorly understood. Here, we used metagenomics and direct experiments to causally test if differences in rhizosphere phage communities could explain variation in soil suppressiveness and bacterial wilt plant disease outcomes by plant-pathogenic Ralstonia solanacearum bacterium. Specifically, we tested two hypotheses: (1) that healthy plants are associated with stronger top-down pathogen control by R. solanacearum-specific phages (i.e. ‘primary phages’) and (2) that ‘secondary phages’ that target pathogen-inhibiting bacteria play a stronger role in diseased plant rhizosphere microbiomes by indirectly ‘helping’ the pathogen.

Results

Using a repeated sampling of tomato rhizosphere soil in the field, we show that healthy plants are associated with distinct phage communities that contain relatively higher abundances of R. solanacearum-specific phages that exert strong top-down pathogen density control. Moreover, ‘secondary phages’ that targeted pathogen-inhibiting bacteria were more abundant in the diseased plant microbiomes. The roles of R. solanacearum-specific and ‘secondary phages’ were directly validated in separate greenhouse experiments where we causally show that phages can reduce soil suppressiveness, both directly and indirectly, via top-down control of pathogen densities and by alleviating interference competition between pathogen-inhibiting bacteria and the pathogen.

Conclusions

Together, our findings demonstrate that soil suppressiveness, which is most often attributed to bacteria, could be driven by rhizosphere phage communities that regulate R. solanacearum densities and strength of interference competition with pathogen-suppressing bacteria. Rhizosphere phage communities are hence likely to be important in determining bacterial wilt disease outcomes and soil suppressiveness in agricultural fields.
Prey ingestion rates revealed by back-mounted accelerometers in Eurasian spoonbills
Authors: Lok Tamar , van der Geest Matthijs , Bom Roeland A. , de Goeij Petra , Piersma Theunis , Bouten Willem
Published: February 2023

Background

Quantifying foraging success in space and time and among individuals is essential for answering many ecological questions and may guide conservation efforts. However, collecting this information is challenging for species that forage on mobile prey and are difficult to observe visually, for example, because they forage in inaccessible areas or at night. In such cases, the use of tracking devices that simultaneously collect location and acceleration data may provide a solution if foraging success can be extracted successfully. The aim of this study was to assess how well searching for and ingesting prey, among other behaviours, could be distinguished from 20 Hz acceleration data collected by GPS/ACC-trackers mounted on the back of Eurasian spoonbills Platalea leucorodia. Upon capturing a prey, spoonbills make a distinct movement with their head and back to throw the prey from the tip of the bill into the throat.

Methods

We compared the behavioural classification performance of random forest models that were trained and tested on video-annotated acceleration data segments of different (fixed or flexible) lengths. The best-performing model was then applied to 4 years of data of spoonbills foraging in the Wadden Sea during the breeding season, to explore seasonal and annual variation in prey ingestion rates.

Results

Highest classification accuracies (as indicated by the F-measure, a balanced measure of precision and sensitivity) of foraging behaviours were achieved by analysing short fixed-length segments (0.4–0.8 s) or “flexibly-cut” segments. The F-measure was very high (> 0.90) for searching, standing, sitting and flying (distinguishing active and passive flight), 0.73 for ingesting prey and 0.65 for walking. False positive and negative prey ingestions were equally likely and most often confused with searching, resulting in a close match between the predicted and observed prey ingestion rates. Application of the best-performing model revealed strong seasonal patterns in prey ingestion rates in the Wadden Sea that varied between years.

Conclusions

We show that prey ingestion rates of spoonbills can be fairly accurately estimated from acceleration data. These results are promising for the use of spoonbills equipped with GPS/ACC-trackers as monitors of spatial and temporal variation in the availability of small fish and shrimp, which is key to understand the foraging and migratory movements of spoonbills and provides information on the quality of (coastal) wetlands.
Views of physiotherapists on factors that play a role in ethical decision-making: an international online survey study
Authors: Sturm Andrea , Roth Roswith , Ager Amanda Louise
Published: February 2023

Background

There is a lack of knowledge about the ways physiotherapists around the world learn about professional code of ethics and ethical decision-making frameworks. The profession has a gap in the understanding about physiotherapists’ views on factors that play a role in ethical decision-making and whether these views differ between World Physiotherapy regions.

Methods

An online survey study in English was conducted from October 2018 to October 2019. Participants included 559 physiotherapists located in 72 countries. The self-designed survey questionnaire contained 13 items asking about demographic information and means of learning about ethical codes and decision-making frameworks. A further 30 items were presented which included statements underpinned with individual, organisational, situational and societal factors influencing ethical decision-making. Participants were asked to express their level of agreement or disagreement using a 5-point-Likert-scale.

Results

Participants’ highest rated responses endorsed that the professional role of physiotherapists is linked to social expectations of ethical behaviour and that ethical decision-making requires more skills than simply following a code of ethics. A recognisable organisational ethical culture was rated as supporting good ethical decisions. Comparing responses by World Physiotherapy regions showed significant differences in factors such as culture, religion, emotions, organisational values, significant others, consequences of professional misconduct and professional obligations. Entry level education was not perceived to provide a solid base for ethical decision-making in every World Physiotherapy region. Participants reported multiple sources for learning about a professional code of ethics and ethical decision-making frameworks. What’s more, the number of sources differed between World Physiotherapy regions.

Conclusions

Multiple factors play a role in physiotherapists’ ethical decision-making internationally. Physiotherapists’ ethical knowledge is informed by, and acquired from, several learning sources, which differ in both quality and quantity amongst World Physiotherapy regions. Easily accessible knowledge and education about professional codes of ethics and ethical decision-making can foster continuing professional development for physiotherapists. The establishment of constructive ethical cultures in workplaces can improve ethical decision-making, and should acknowledge the influence of individual, organisational, situational and societal factors. The establishment of collaborative learning environments can support knowledge translation which acknowledges practice-based methods of knowing and learning.
Development of a risk model based on autophagy-related genes to predict survival and immunotherapy response in ovarian cancer
Authors: Chen Yuwei , Deng Zhibo , Sun Yang
Published: February 2023

Background

Autophagy is a highly conserved cellular proteolytic process that can interact with innate immune signaling pathways to affect the growth of tumor cells. However, the regulatory mechanism of autophagy in the tumor microenvironment, drug sensitivity, and immunotherapy is still unclear.

Methods

Based on the prognostic autophagy-related genes, we used the unsupervised clustering method to divide 866 ovarian cancer samples into two regulatory patterns. According to the phenotypic regulation pattern formed by the differential gene between the two regulation patterns, a risk model was constructed to quantify patients with ovarian cancer. Then, we systematically analyzed the relationship between the risk model and immune cell infiltration, immunotherapeutic response, and drug sensitivity.

Results

Based on autophagy-related genes, we found two autophagy regulation patterns, and confirmed that there were differences in prognosis and immune cell infiltration between them. Subsequently, we constructed a risk model, which was divided into a high-risk group and a low-risk group. We found that the high-risk group had a worse prognosis, and the main infiltrating immune cells were adaptive immune cells, such as Th2 cells, Tgd cells, eosinophils cells, and lymph vessels cells. The low-risk group had a better prognosis, and the most infiltrated immune cells were innate immune cells, such as aDC cells, NK CD56dim cells, and NK CD56bright cells. Furthermore, we found that the risk model could predict chemosensitivity and immunotherapy response, suggesting that the risk model may help to formulate personalized treatment plans for patients.

Conclusions

Our study comprehensively analyzed the prognostic potential of autophagy-related risk models in ovarian cancer and determined their clinical guiding role in targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Successful treatment with rituximab and plasmapheresis of renal involvement of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Yoshii Ryuichi , Kajiwara Kengo , Uemura Naomichi , Matsushita Koki , Nakamura Tomohumi , Tomita Masao , Mukoyama Masashi
Published: February 2023

Background

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare disorder characterized by asthma, eosinophilia, and systemic vasculitis. Renal involvement is not regarded as a prominent feature and the treatment is still under study.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of fever, renal dysfunction, eosinophilia, and the presence of MPO-ANCA. Based on the renal pathological examination which showed extravascular eosinophilic-predominant inflammation and crescentic glomerulonephritis, EGPA was diagnosed. Considering the acute kidney injury, prominent eosinophilia, and strongly positive anti-MPO antibodies, pulse steroid therapy was administered, followed by intravenous rituximab. Plasmapheresis was also provided (9 sessions). The eosinophil count was normalized, and renal dysfunction was reversed. The patient no longer requires dialysis.

Conclusions

Renal involvement of EGPA is rare, and consensus on its treatment is still lacking, because of a lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials. We treated our patient as a case with high severity. For patients with severe disease, the addition of cyclophosphamide to glucocorticoid therapy is commonly used. However, rituximab and plasmapheresis combined with systemic glucocorticoid therapy were found to be beneficial because the renal function and other clinical conditions were almost fully recovered. Thus, our treatment is highly effective against renal involvement of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
Organization of self-advantageous niche by neural stem/progenitor cells during development via autocrine VEGF-A under hypoxia
Authors: Kashiwagi Taichi , Takazawa Yuuki , Kagawa Tetsushi , Taga Tetsuya
Published: February 2023

Background

Tissue stem cells are confined within a special microenvironment called niche. Stem cells in such a niche are supplied with nutrients and contacted by other cells to maintain their characters and also to keep or expand their population size. Besides, oxygen concentration is a key factor for stem cell niche. Adult neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) are known to reside in a hypoxic niche. Oxygen concentration levels are lower in fetal organs including brain than maternal organs. However, how fetal NSPCs adapt to the hypoxic environment during brain development, particularly before pial and periventricular vessels start to invade the telencephalon, has not fully been elucidated.

Methods

NSPCs were prepared from cerebral cortices of embryonic day (E) 11.5 or E14.5 mouse embryos and were enriched by 4-day incubation with FGF2. To evaluate NSPC numbers, neurosphere formation assay was performed. Sparsely plated NSPCs were cultured to form neurospheres under the hypoxic (1% O2) or normoxic condition. VEGF-A secreted from NSPCs in the culture medium was measured by ELISA. VEGF-A expression and Hif-1a in the developing brain was investigated by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Here we show that neurosphere formation of embryonic NSPCs is dramatically increased under hypoxia compared to normoxia. Vegf-A gene expression and its protein secretion were both up-regulated in the NSPCs under hypoxia. Either recombinant VEGF-A or conditioned medium of the hypoxic NSPC culture enhanced the neurosphere forming ability of normoxic NSPCs, which was attenuated by a VEGF-A signaling inhibitor. Furthermore, in the developing brain, VEGF-A was strongly expressed in the VZ where NSPCs are confined.

Conclusions

We show that NSPCs secret VEGF-A in an autocrine fashion to efficiently maintain themselves under hypoxic developmental environment. Our results suggest that NSPCs have adaptive potential to respond to hypoxia to organize self-advantageous niche involving VEGF-A when the vascular system is immature.
Anatomical approach to submental intubation through a paramedian transcrevicular approach
Authors: Kudva Adarsh , Saha Mehul , A Chithra , MV Eeshwar , Roy Sreea
Published: February 2023

Submental intubation has been established as a useful technique in securing the airway and is also less invasive as compared to a tracheostomy. This approach is especially useful in cases of fractures involving the naso-orbito-ethmoid complex, where a nasotracheal intubation would be contraindicated. Also, in case of orthognathic surgeries, where occlusion is considered to be the key to success, an orotracheal intubation could hinder the surgical procedure. In this technical note, we have described a modified submental intubation technique that is less invasive and at the same time facilitates successful airway management, thus reducing postoperative complications.
Isolated unilateral absence of pulmonary artery- an unusual cause of hemoptysis: a case report
Authors: Khaladkar Sanjay Mhalasakant , Kumar Divyajat , Kapoor Reetika
Published: February 2023

Background

Isolated unilateral absence of one pulmonary artery (IUAPA) is a rare malformation and a rare cause of hemoptysis. It occurs due to malformation of the sixth aortic arch during embryogenesis. This condition has variable presentations like dyspnoea, reduced exercise tolerance, chest pain, pleural effusion, recurrent bronchopneumonia, pulmonary hypertension, and haemoptysis can be asymptomatic.

Case Presentation

We describe a case of a 34-year-old female presenting with recent onset hemoptysis associated with mild dyspnoea and cough. Chest Radiograph revealed unilateral hyperlucent lung field which was later diagnosed as Isolated unilateral absence of pulmonary artery on high resolution computed tomography of chest with angiography.

Conclusion

Absent pulmonary artery should be considered as an important differential in cases presenting with hemoptysis. This case emphasises the significance of combining computed tomography with pulmonary angiography to accurately evaluate and define congenital lung abnormalities.
Reviews
Authors: Green William
Published: February 2023

Giant Fields of the Decade: 2010 to 2020, by Charles Sternbach, Robert Merrill, and John Dolson, 2021. Planetary Geoscience, by Harry McSween, Jeffrey Moersch, Devon Burr, William Dunne, Joshua Emery, Linda Kah, and Molly McCanta, 2019.
Altered Cardiovascular Responses to Exercise in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Samora Milena , Grotle Ann-Katrin , Stone Audrey J.
Published: February 2023

Exaggerated cardiovascular responses to exercise increase the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D); however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. This review provides an overview of the altered exercise pressor reflex in T1D, with an emphasis on the mechanical component of the reflex.
Αξιολόγηση του προεμφυτευτικού γενετικού ελέγχου με χρήση συγκριτικού γενωμικού υβριδισμού σε μικροσυστοιχίες
Authors: Πάντου Αμέλια
Published: February 2023

Σκοπός: Σκοπός της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής ήταν να διερευνηθεί ο ρόλος του προεμφυτευτικού γενετικού ελέγχου για ανευπλοειδίες (PGT-A) στην κλινική έκβαση περιστατικών με ασθενείς που παρουσιάζουν προχωρημένη αναπαραγωγική ηλικία (AMA), επαναλαμβανόμενες αποβολές (RM) και επαναλαμβανόμενες αποτυχίες εμφύτευσης (RIF).έθοδοι: Η παρούσα μελέτη αποτελεί μια αναδρομική μελέτη κοόρτης που πραγματοποιήθηκε αποκλειστικά σε ένα κέντρο εξωσωματικής γονιμοποίησης και ένα εργαστήριο γενετικής. Εκατόν εβδομήντα έξι (176) ασθενείς που υποβλήθηκαν σε PGT-A κατηγοριοποιήθηκαν σε τρεις ομάδες με κριτήριο το αίτιο της υποκείμενης υπογονιμότητας: μια ομάδα αποτελούνταν από ασθενείς AMA, μια ομάδα από ασθενείς με RM και μια ομάδα από ασθενείς με RIF. Διακόσιοι εβδομήντα εννέα (279) ασθενείς που δεν υποβλήθηκαν σε PGT-A αποτελούσαν την ομάδα ελέγχου και κατηγοριοποιήθηκαν σε ομάδες αντίστοιχες με την κοόρτη ασθενών οι οποίοι υποβλήθηκαν σε PGT-A. Για τις ομάδες PGT-A, πραγματοποιήθηκε βιοψία κυττάρων τροφοεξωδέρματος και εφαρμόστηκε ανάλυση με συγκριτικό γενωμικό υβριδισμό σε μικροσυστοιχίες για τον έλεγχο PGT-A. Τα κλινικά αποτελέσματα που καταγράφηκαν συγκρίθηκαν με τις ομάδες ελέγχου.Αποτελέσματα: Στην ομάδα RM, παρατηρήθηκε μια σημαντική μείωση των ποσοστών πρώιμων αυτόματων αποβολών στην ομάδα PGT-A (18,1% έναντι 75%) και σημαντική αύξηση του ποσοστού γέννησης ζώντος νεογνού ανά εμβρυομεταφορά (50% έναντι 12,5%) και του ποσοστού γέννησης ζώντος νεογνού ανά ασθενή (36% έναντι 12,5%). Στην ομάδα RIF, καταγράφηκε μια στατιστικά σημαντική αύξηση στο ποσοστό εμφύτευσης ανά εμβρυομεταφορά (69,5% έναντι 33,3%), ενώ παρατηρήθηκε αύξηση στο ποσοστό γέννησης ζώντος νεογνού ανά εμβρυομεταφορά (47,8% έναντι 19%). Στην ομάδα AMA, παρατηρήθηκε στατιστικά σημαντική μείωση του ποσοστού αυτού, ενώ το ποσοστό βιοχημικής εγκυμοσύνης που καταγράφηκε ήταν 3,7% έναντι 31,5%. Ωστόσο, τα ποσοστό γέννησης ζώντος νεογνού ανά εμβρυομεταφορά και ανά ασθενή δεν ήταν σημαντικά υψηλότερα συγκριτικά με την ομάδα ελέγχου.Συμπέρασμα: Τα αποτελέσματα της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής βρίσκονται σε συμφωνία με τις πρόσφατα δημοσιευμένες μελέτες, οι οποίες εγείρουν προβληματισμό για την καθολική εφαρμογή του PGT-A σε γυναίκες με υπογονιμότητα. ρίνεται αναγκαία μια πιο εξατομικευμένη προσέγγιση που θα εξασφαλίζει την επιλογή των κατάλληλων υποψηφίων περιστατικών για τα οποία η εφαρμογή του PGT-A μπορεί να βελτιώσει την κλινική έκβαση του κύκλου εξωσωματικής γονιμοποίησης στον οποίο υποβάλλονται.
Θερμική άνεση στη σχολική αίθουσα
Authors: Κωνσταντινίδου Αθηνά
Published: February 2023

Η συμβολή της θερμικής άνεσης στην υγεία των ατόμων και στην αύξηση της αποδοτικότητας των εργαζομένων αποτελεί αντικείμενο μελέτης για πολλούς ερευνητές στο εξωτερικό. Στα ελληνικά δεδομένα, ωστόσο, η επίτευξη της θερμικής άνεσης αποτελεί μία μεταβλητή που υπολείπεται των υπολοίπων κατά τον αρχιτεκτονικό σχεδιασμό. Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή έχει σκοπό να διερευνήσει τις σχεδιαστικές παραμέτρους που επηρεάζουν τη θερμική άνεση σε μία τυπική σχολική αίθουσα στην Ελλάδα. Με τον όρο «θερμική άνεση» αναφέρεται η κατάσταση στην οποία βρίσκεται ένα άτομο όταν δεν επιθυμεί αλλαγή των επικρατούντων θερμικών συνθηκών στο χώρο όπου βρίσκεται. Η μεθοδολογία της παρούσας έρευνας περιλαμβάνει την ανάλυση της έννοιας της θερμικής άνεσης, των παραγόντων που επηρεάζουν τη θερμική άνεση, των μεθόδων αξιολόγησής της και των προτύπων που υφίστανται για τη θερμική άνεση μέσω της βιβλιογραφικής ανασκόπησης. Παρουσιάζονται, επίσης, έρευνες που έχουν γίνει σε εθνικό και διεθνές επίπεδο στο θέμα της θερμικής άνεσης και που εστιάζουν στα σχολικά κτίρια. Η πειραματική διαδικασία περιλαμβάνει την έρευνα πεδίου σε σχολικές αίθουσες στην Ελλάδα μέσω της μέτρησης και καταγραφής των εσωκλιματικών συνθηκών με ειδικά όργανα και της διανομής προς συμπλήρωση ερωτηματολογίου από τους μαθητές. Η έρευνα συνεχίζεται στη διερεύνηση των σχεδιαστικών παραμέτρων που καθορίζουν το κέλυφος του κτιρίου και που επηρεάζουν τη θερμική άνεση σε ειδικό λογισμικό προσομοίωσης χρησιμοποιώντας τα κατάλληλα ερευνητικά εργαλεία για την αξιολόγησή της. Βάσει των παραπάνω επιμέρους ερευνών, οργανώνεται η υπάρχουσα βιβλιογραφία στα θέματα σχετικά με τη θερμική άνεση στη σχολική αίθουσα, σχολιάζονται οι εσωκλιματικές συνθήκες που επικρατούν στις σχολικές αίθουσες και εντοπίζονται τα προβλήματα που αντιμετωπίζουν οι ελληνικές σχολικές αίθουσες. Παρουσιάζεται η αντίληψη των χρηστών σχετικά με τη θερμική τους άνεση. Τέλος, αναφέρονται και αναλύονται οι σχεδιαστικές παράμετροι που επηρεάζουν τις συνθήκες άνεσης στη σχολική αίθουσα. Απώτερος στόχος της διατριβής είναι ο καθορισμός των σχεδιαστικών παραμέτρων που βελτιώνουν τη θερμική άνεση σε μία τυπική σχολική αίθουσα της Ελλάδας.
Visualisation of proteome-wide ordered protein abundances in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Tinti Michele , Ferguson Michael A. J.
Published: February 2023

Background: Trypanosoma brucei is a protozoan parasite and etiological agent of human and animal African trypanosomiasis. It has a complex life cycle, but the most studied cellular types are the in vitro cultivated bloodstream- and procyclic-forms. These correspond to the replicating, mammalian host bloodstream-dwelling, slender trypomastigotes and tsetse vector midgut-dwelling procyclic lifecycle stages, respectively. Several proteomics studies have reported the differential abundance of proteins between these in vitro cultivated cell types. However, there are no datasets providing protein abundance, from most to least abundant, within and between both cell types.

Methods: We used MaxQuant software 1.6.10.4 to reprocess a recent large-scale proteomics experiment from our laboratory and extracted intensity-based quantifications of the bloodstream and procyclic form proteomes.

Results: We created a web interface to visually explore protein abundances within and between the in vitro cultivated T. brucei bloodstream and procyclic form proteomes.

Conclusions: The protein abundance visualization tool, searchable by protein name(s) and attribute(s), is likely to be useful to the trypanosome research community. It will allow users to contextualise their proteins of interest in terms of their abundances in the T. brucei bloodstream and procyclic form proteomes.
HEMATOLOGY: general questions
Authors: Belyaeva Elena
Published: February 2023

General issues of hematology, hematological syndromes, functions of blood cells, changes in general clinical blood analysis are considered.
Cannibalizing the Wiindigo: The Wiindigog in Anishinaabeg and Oji-Cree Boreal Landscapes and Its Re-presentations in Popular Culture
Authors: Agnieszka Pawłowska-Mainville
Published: February 2023

This paper will discuss the Wiindigo, a cannibalistic character among some Indigenous peoples of North America. Illustrated through the Anishinaabeg and Oji-Cree, two Algonquin-speaking Indigenous groups, the Wiindigo serves as a personification of fear and hunger, and alludes to the cultural heritage elements of the boreal forest food system as well as the differing legal systems in Canada. In examining the Wiindigo from the Indigenous cultural and historical perspectives related to the author by several knowledge-holders, as well as from EuroCanadian popular culture representations, the paper illustrates the importance of the Wiindigo to Anishinaabe and Oji-Cree world views, customary governance, and contemporary lived experience.
Na tropach legend miejskich.
Authors: Grochowski Piotr , Czubala Dionizjusz
Published: February 2023

Dionizjusz Czubala jest jednym z najważniejszych współczesnych polskich folklorystów, którego badania dotyczą folkloru zawodowego garncarzy oraz różnych form narracji ustnych. Szczególnie cenne są jego badania terenowe dotyczące legend miejskich prowadzone w Polsce, Rosji, Ukrainie i Mongolii, z których raporty publikowane były w biuletynie Foaftale News, oraz badania opowieści wspomnieniowych związanych z Holokaustem opublikowane w książce O tym nie wolno mówić... Zagłada Żydów w opowieściach wspomnieniowych ze zbiorów Dionizjusza Czubali . Jest autorem wielu monografii oraz zbiorów tekstów folklorystycznych, m.in. Folklor garncarzy polskich (1978), Podania i opowieści z Zagłębia Dąbrowskiego. Sto lat temu i dzisiaj (1984), Opowieści z życia. Z badań nad folklorem współczesnym (1985), Nasze mity współczesne (1996), Polskie legendy miejskie. Studium i materiały (2014).
To nie Ukraińcy bombardują rosyjskie miasta
Authors: Głuchowski Dmitrij , Anikina Liza , Buntman Jewgienij
Published: February 2023

Tekst powyższy to przekład na język polski wywiadu, jakiego udzielił młody rosyjski pisarz Dmitrij Głuchowski (ur. w 1979) dwójce dziennikarzy Radia Echo Moskwy w dniu agresji putinowskiej Rosji na Ukrainę. Pisarz potępia agresywną wojnę swego kraju, wzywając wszystkich rodaków do identycznej postawy. Jego zdaniem, obecna wojna nie tylko zrujnuje Ukrainę, ale także wyłączy na długie dziesięciolecia Rosję, jako agresora, z grona cywilizowanych państw świata.
Iranian women's experiences of the episiotomy consent process: a qualitative study
Authors: Ghiasvand Malihe , Nahidi Fatemeh , Mobarakabadi Sedigheh Sedigh , Majd Hamid Alavi
Published: February 2023

Background

Knowledge of the benefits and complications of interventions related to medical procedures, such as episiotomy, enables women to make informed decisions regarding these interventions. This study investigated women's experiences of the episiotomy consent process in Iran.

Methods

This qualitative study gathered data from 20 women through in-depth semi-structured interviews. The participants were selected from hospitals, health centers and gynecology clinics in Tehran. Content analysis was used to establish themes from the gathered data.

Results

The participants' experiences showed that they felt that their needs were not met and that they were excluded from decision making regarding their birth.

Conclusions

Women were excluded from decision making and their unmet needs presented ethical challenges in the performance of episiotomy procedures. Neglecting women's expectations, inducing absolute trust in obstetricians or midwives and failing to obtain informed consent paved the way for forced episiotomies. Proper education and obtaining informed and voluntary consent may facilitate women's rights being respected.
Mathematical Creativity: Student Geometrical Figure Apprehension in Geometry Problem-Solving Using New Auxiliary Elements
Authors: Muzaini Muhammad , Rahayuningsih Sri , Ikram Muhammad , Nasiruddin Fathimah Az-Zahrah
Published: February 2023

The definition of creativity among professional mathematicians and the definition of mathematical creativity in the classroom context are significantly different. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between students’ mathematical creativity (i.e., cognitive flexibility) and figure apprehension when solving geometric problems with novel auxiliary features such as straight lines and curved lines. In other words, this study determined if geometry knowledge influenced mathematical creativity (cognitive flexibility) in problem-solving. Grade-12 students participated in the intervention. The high school that is the research topic attempts to equip students with academic abilities and is, except for vocational schools, the most popular form of high school among all other types. Such a school was chosen for the study so that a significant proportion of students in Makassar could be represented. In this study, we discovered a relationship between cognitive flexibility and the geometric ability of pupils while solving problems involving auxiliary lines. This indicates that the usage of auxiliary lines as a reference for developing pupils’ creative thinking skills must be advocated. In addition, good geometric abilities (e.g., visual thinking, geometrical reasoning) will encourage pupils to generate various problem-solving concepts. This finding contributes significantly to future research by focusing on auxiliary lines.
Effects of Worksheets on Problem-Solving Skills: Meta-Analytic Studies
Authors: Widodo Sri Adi , Wijayanti Astuti , Irfan Muhammad , Pusporini Widowati , Mariah Siti , Rochmiyati Siti
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to compile and statistically analyze the results of research studies that examined students' problem-solving skills in worksheets. The research method used was a meta-analysis. The study search was conducted from 2013 to 2022 in Google Scholar and the Garuda portal databases. The search yielded 40 studies that met the inclusion criteria for extraction from research and development, experimental, and quasi-experimental. From the extracted results, 45 comparisons of data were examined. Microsoft Excel was used to calculate the effect size of the problem-solving worksheet. This study yielded a value of 1.281 for the entire study, indicating that the worksheet had a significant and positive impact on students' problem-solving skills. The results indicate the need to develop worksheets to improve students' problem-solving skills.
Orhun ve Selenge Havzası’ndaki Bazı Erken Demir Çağ Kirigsurları
Authors: ÖZGÜL Oktay , GÜNAŞTI Yavuz
Published: February 2023

2017-2018 yılları arasında Moğolistan’ın Orhun ve Selenge Havzası’nda yüzey araştırmaları gerçekleştirdik. 2017 yılında gerçekleştirilen çalışma boyunca Moğolistan’da 2.154 km yol katedilmiş, 3 aymak (bölge), 9 balık (şehir), 12 kült alanı ve kurgan merkezi, 4 runik yazıtlı belge (dikilitaş ve kaya üzeri yazmaları), 1 petroglif ve 7 müzede çalışma yapılmıştır. 2018 yılı yüzey araştırmamızda ise, 2.470 km yol katedilmiş, 2017 çalışmalarından farklı olarak 3 aymak, 2 balık ve manastır merkezi, 6 kült alanı, 9 kurgan merkezi, 2 petroglif alanı ve 2 müze ziyaret edilmiştir. Çalışmalarımızın büyük bir kısmında literatürde Khirigsuur diye geçen bazı kurgan tipi mezarlar önemli bir yer kaplamıştır. Orhun ve Selenge Havzası’nda oldukça fazla rastlanan kirigsurların Geç Tunç Çağı sonu ve Erken Demir Çağ boyunca arttığını, tipolojik bakımından Moğolistan’ın doğu ve kuzeybatı bölgelerindeki kirigsurlarla da benzerlikler taşıdığını tespit ettik. Makalemizde Orhun ve Selenge Havzası’ndaki kirigsurların dağılımı, tipolojisi ve dönemin sosyal yaşamındaki yerleri tayin edilmeye çalışılmıştır.
The Link between Libyan Civil War and the Eastern Mediterranean Issue in Turkish Foreign Policy: Balancing the Threat
Authors: KİRAZ Sami
Published: February 2023

This article aims to determine the main motivation behind Türkiye’s involvement in the Libyan Civil War as an active actor since 2019 which can be seen as a deviation from its traditional foreign policy. Türkiye has involved in the Libyan conflict following the establishment of the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) which it believes threatens its vital interests in the region. In this study, this involvement is described in the context of Stephen M. Walt’s balance of threat theory. It is argued that Türkiye’s Libyan policy is essentially a balancing policy against the threat posed by the alliance against its interests in the Eastern Mediterranean region. It is further argued that maintaining stability in Libya led by the Government of National Accord (GNA)
A randomized controlled trial comparing two-year postoperative femoral and tibial migration of a new and an established cementless rotating platform total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Koster Lennard A. , Rassir Rachid , Kaptein Bart L. , Sierevelt Inger N. , Schager Marjolein , Nelissen Rob G. H. H. , Nolte Peter A.
Published: February 2023

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to compare the migration of the femoral and tibial components of the cementless rotating platform Attune and Low Contact Stress (LCS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs, two years postoperatively, using radiostereometric analysis (RSA) in order to assess the risk of the development of aseptic loosening. A secondary aim was to compare clinical and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between the designs.

Methods

A total of 61 TKAs were analyzed in this randomized clinical RSA trial. RSA examinations were performed one day and three, six, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The maximal total point motion (MPTM), translations, and rotations of the components were analyzed. PROMs and clinical data were collected preoperatively and at six weeks and three, six, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Linear mixed effect modelling was used for statistical analyses.

Results

The mean MTPM two years postoperatively (95% confidence interval (CI)) of the Attune femoral component (0.92 mm (0.75 to 1.11)) differed significantly from that of the LCS TKA (1.72 mm (1.47 to 2.00), p < 0.001). The Attune femoral component subsided, tilted (anteroposteriorly), and rotated (internal-external) significantly less. The mean tibial MTPM two years postoperatively did not differ significantly, being 1.11 mm (0.94 to 1.30) and 1.17 mm (0.99 to 1.36, p = 0.447) for the Attune and LCS components, respectively. The rate of migration in the second postoperative year was negligible for the femoral and tibial components of both designs. The mean pain-at-rest (numerical rating scale (NRS)-rest) in the Attune group was significantly less compared with that in the LCS group during the entire follow-up period. At three months postoperatively, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Physical Function Shortform score, the Oxford Knee Score, and the NRS-activity scores were significantly better in the Attune group.

Conclusion

The mean MTPM of the femoral components of the cementless rotating platform Attune was significantly less compared with that of the LCS design. This was reflected mainly in significantly less subsidence, posterior tilting, and internal rotation. The mean tibial MTPMs were not significantly different. During the second postoperative year, the components of both designs stabilized and low risks for the development of aseptic loosening are expected. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):148–157.
From women’s presence to feminist representation: second-generation design for women’s group representation
Authors: Celis Karen , Childs Sarah
Published: February 2023

Feminist democratic representation is a new design for women’s group representation in electoral politics. We build on the design principles and practices of the 1990s’ presence theorists, who conceived of political inclusion as the presence of descriptive representatives and advocated for gender quota. Our second-generation design foregrounds women’s ideological and intersectional heterogeneity, and details a representative process that enacts three feminist principles: inclusiveness, responsiveness and egalitarianism. A new set of actors – the affected representatives of women – play formal, institutionalised roles in two new democratic practices: group advocacy and account giving. Together, these augmentations incentivise new attitudes and behaviours among elected representatives, and bring about multiple representational effects that redress the poverty of women’s political representation: elected representatives now know more, care more and are more connected to diverse women, including the most marginalised; and the represented are now more closely connected with, more interested in and better represented through democratic politics.
Heterogeneous VLC/RF multi-hop cluster V2V channel allocation algorithm based on equivalent SINR
Authors: Yin RongRong , Sang Jun , Shen Xingyue , Jia Kuankuan , Zhai Mengfa
Published: February 2023

To address low communication quality and limited transmission rate
between vehicle nodes in the vehicular ad hoc network (VANET), this paper builds a
heterogeneous visible light communication (VLC) and radio frequency
(RF) communication multi-hop communication model based on vehicle node
clustering, and then a heterogeneous VLC/RF multi-hop cluster
vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) channel allocation algorithm based on
equivalent signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) (NCAABES) is
presented. This algorithm is based on the clustering of vehicle nodes,
which introduces the concept of equivalent SINR. The equivalent SINR
of the VLC channel between the cluster head (CH) and cluster member
(CM) is used as the condition for channel allocation. When the channel
between CH and CM is blocked or low quality, the neighboring vehicle
between two vehicles is used as a relay node to communicate in a
multi-hop way, and the channel with the best SINR is chosen as the
current CH–CM or CM–CM communication method. The simulation results
show that the SINR of NCAABES in this paper increases by 21.73%,
30.23%, and 70.96% compared to the novel multi-hop clustering scheme
based on the weighted virtual distance detection (MCSVDD), the VLC
network (VLCnet), and the RF network (RFnet), respectively. And the
NCAABES’s bit error rate (BER) is always the lowest compared to
MCSVDD, VLCnet, and RFnet, even when the number of vehicles and
transmission power change. This algorithm can improve the quality of
communication between vehicle nodes, make VANET more efficient, and
get a higher transmission rate.
Spectral-temporal Measurement Capabilities of Third-order Correlators
Authors: Bock S. , Oksenhendler Thomas , Püschel Thomas , Gebhardt René , Helbig Uwe , Pausch Richard , Ziegler Tim , Bernert Constantin , Zeil Karl , Irman Arie , Toncian Toma , Kiriyama Hiromitsu , Nishiuchi Mamiko , Kon Akira , Schramm Ulrich
Published: February 2023

We present a method extending scanning third-order correlator temporal pulse evolution measurement capabilities of high power short pulse lasers to spectral sensitivity within the spectral range exploited by typical chirped pulse amplification systems. Modelling of the spectral response achieved by angle tuning of the third harmonic generating crystal is applied and experimentally validated. Exemplary measurements of spectrally resolved pulse contrast of a Petawatt laser frontend illustrate the importance of full bandwidth coverage for the interpretation of relativistic laser target interaction in particular for the case of solid targets.
Intra-cavity laser-assisted solar-energy conversion
Authors: Jiménez Ignacio , Wallentowitz Sascha , Seifert Birger , Volkmann Ulrich , Díaz-Droguett Donovan , Cabrera A.L. , Gence Loïk
Published: February 2023

It is shown how to efficiently convert solar into electrical energy, taking advantage of laser amplification and intra-cavity use of a low-efficiency converter. The latter may consist of a low-efficiency transparent photovoltaic cell or a thermoelectric cell integrated into a metallic laser-cavity mirror, constituting a minor intra-cavity loss for the laser operation. The overall power conversion efficiency is derived and discussed for solar end and side pumping geometries and for a variety of current solid-state laser materials. It is shown that power conversion efficiencies comparable with commercial silicon photovoltaic cells are obtained with current laser materials.