bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal resolution trumps spectral resolution in UAV-based monitoring of cereal senescence dynamics
Authors: Tschurr Flavian , Roth Lukas , Storni Nicola , Zumsteg Olivia , Walter Achim , Anderegg Jonas
Published: December 2024

Background

Senescence is a complex developmental process that is regulated by a multitude of environmental, genetic, and physiological factors. Optimizing the timing and dynamics of this process has the potential to significantly impact crop adaptation to future climates and for maintaining grain yield and quality, particularly under terminal stress. Accurately capturing the dynamics of senescence and isolating the genetic variance component requires frequent assessment as well as intense field testing. Here, we evaluated and compared the potential of temporally dense drone-based RGB- and multispectral image sequences for this purpose. Regular measurements were made throughout the grain filling phase for more than 600 winter wheat genotypes across three experiments in a high-yielding environment of temperate Europe. At the plot level, multispectral and RGB indices were extracted, and time series were modelled using different parametric and semi-parametric models. The capability of these approaches to track senescence was evaluated based on estimated model parameters, with corresponding parameters derived from repeated visual scorings as a reference. This approach represents the need for remote-sensing based proxies that capture the entire process, from the onset to the conclusion of senescence, as well as the rate of the progression.

Results

Our results indicated the efficacy of both RGB and multispectral reflectance indices in monitoring senescence dynamics and accurately identifying key temporal parameters characterizing this phase, comparable to more sophisticated proximal sensing techniques that offer limited throughput. Correlation coefficients of up to 0.8 were observed between multispectral (NDVIred668-index) and visual scoring, respectively 0.9 between RGB (ExGR-index) and visual scoring. Sub-sampling of measurement events demonstrated that the timing and frequency of measurements were highly influential, arguably even more than the choice of sensor.

Conclusions

Remote-sensing based proxies derived from both RGB and multispectral sensors can capture the senescence process accurately. The sub-sampling emphasized the importance of timely and frequent assessments, but also highlighted the need for robust methods that enable such frequent assessments to be made under variable environmental conditions. The proposed measurement and data processing strategies can improve the measurement and understanding of senescence dynamics, facilitating adaptive crop breeding strategies in the context of climate change.
Impact of gender on the willingness to participate in clinical trials and undergo related procedures in individuals from an Alzheimer’s prevention research cohort
Authors: Canals-Gispert Lidia , Cañas-Martínez Alba , Huesa Gema , Suárez-Calvet Alomà Marc , Milà-Alomà Marta , Arenaza-Urquijo Eider , Cirillo Davide , Dimech Annemarie Schumacher , Iulita Maria Florencia , Martinkova Julie Novakova , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Quevenco Frances-Catherine , Chadha Antonella Santuccione , Sánchez-Benavides Gonzalo , Minguillón Carolina , Ferretti Maria Teresa , Fauria Karine , Brugulat-Serrat Anna ,   for the ALFA Study, Freixa Jordi , Domingo Gispert Juan , Grau-Rivera Oriol , Gotsens Xavier , Meléndez Xavier , Menchón Tania , Molinuevo José Luis , Sánchez Pau , Vilà Montserrat
Published: December 2024

Background

Although there is growing evidence of the association between gender and early diagnosis of preclinical Alzheimer's disease, little attention has been given to the enrolment ratio of men and women in clinical trials and data reporting.

Methods

This study aims to analyze gender differences in sociodemographic factors associated with the willingness to participate in clinical trials and undergo specific procedures in the context of an Alzheimer's disease prevention research cohort. 2544 cognitively unimpaired participants from the ALFA parent cohort (age 45–75 years) of the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center were contacted through a structured phone call to determine their willingness to participate in Alzheimer's disease clinical trials and undergo trial-related procedures (magnetic resonance imaging, lumbar puncture, positron emission tomography, and cognitive assessment). Sociodemographic data on education, occupational attainment, civil and caregiver status were gathered. Stepwise logistic regression models were performed in order to study the interaction between gender and sociodemographic factors in the willingness to participate in clinical trials and to undergo clinical trial-related procedures.

Results

1,606 out of the 2,544 participants were women (63.1%). Women were significantly younger and had lower educational attainment compared with men. In addition, women were more likely to be caregivers, single and unemployed. Women showed a significantly lower willingness than men to participate in a clinical trial (p = 0.003) and to undergo a lumbar puncture (p < 0.001). Single women were less willing to participate in clinical trials than single men (p = 0.041). Regarding clinical trial-related procedures, women with higher years of education were significantly less willing to undergo a lumbar puncture (p = 0.031).

Conclusion

We found gender differences regarding the sociodemographic factors that predict the willingness to participate in clinical trials and to undergo clinical trial-related procedures. Our results highlight the urgent need to design recruitment strategies accounting for gender-related factors, particularly those related to marital status and education.
Eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Erdle Stephanie C. , Carr Stuart , Chan Edmond S. , Robertson Kara , Watson Wade
Published: December 2024

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an atopic condition of the esophagus that has become increasingly recognized. Diagnosis of the disorder is dependent on the patient’s clinical manifestations and must be confirmed by histologic findings on esophageal mucosal biopsies. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of EoE are discussed in this review.
The value of restriction spectrum imaging in predicting lymph node metastases in rectal cancer: a comparative study with diffusion-weighted imaging and diffusion kurtosis imaging
Authors: Yin Huijia , Liu Wenling , Xue Qin , Song Chen , Ren Jipeng , Li Ziqiang , Wang Dongdong , Wang Kaiyu , Han Dongming , Yan Ruifang
Published: December 2024

Background

To investigate the efficacy of three-compartment restriction spectrum imaging (RSI), diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the assessment of lymph node metastases (LNM) in rectal cancer.

Methods

A total of 77 patients with rectal cancer who underwent pelvic MRI were enrolled. RSI-derived parameters (f1, f2, and f3), DKI-derived parameters (Dapp and Kapp), and the DWI-derived parameter (ADC) were calculated and compared using a Mann–Whitney U test or independent samples t-test. Logistic regression (LR) analysis was used to identify independent predictors of LNM status. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and Delong analysis were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of each parameter.

Results

The LNM-positive group exhibited significantly higher f1 and Kapp levels and significantly lower f3, Dapp, and ADC levels compared to the LNM-negative group (p < 0.05). There was no difference in f2 levels between the two groups (p = 0.783). LR analysis showed that Dapp and Kapp were independent predictors of a positive LNM status. AUC and Delong analysis showed that DKI (Dapp + Kapp) exhibited significantly higher diagnostic efficacy (AUC = 0.908; sensitivity = 87.10%; specificity = 86.96%) than RSI (f1 + f3) and DWI (ADC), with AUCs were 0.842 and 0.771 (Z = 2.113, 3.453; p = 0.035, < 0.001, respectively). The AUC performance between RSI and DWI was also statistically significant (Z = 1.972, p = 0.049).

Conclusion

The RSI model is superior to conventional DWI but inferior to DKI in differentiation between LNM-positive and LNM-negative rectal cancers. Further study is needed before it could serve as a promising biomarker for guiding effective treatment strategies.

Critical relevance statement

The three-compartment restriction spectrum imaging was able to differentiate between LNM-positive and LNM-negative rectal cancers with high accuracy, which has the potential to serve as a promising biomarker that could guide treatment strategies.

Key Points

Three-compartment restriction spectrum imaging could differentiate lymph node metastases in rectal cancer.

Diffusion kurtosis imaging and diffusion-weighted were associated with lymph node metastases in rectal cancer.

The combination of different parameters has the potential to serve as a promising biomarker.

Graphical Abstract
Contracting with sequential care providers
Authors: Grepperud Sverre , Pedersen Pål Andreas
Published: December 2024

Background

The literature on care coordination refers to high service costs, low quality, and consumer dissatisfaction, as the consequences of institutional fragmentation and uncoordinated care.

Objectives

In this work we are concerned with the role financial incentives (reimbursement schemes) might play in promoting coordinated care when providers are organized sequentially along a care pathway and the clients (patients) are transferred from one caregiver to another.

Methods

We apply a game-theoretic framework to analyze the situation where three providers provide services to a patient group and there are interdependencies between the providers in terms of cost-externalities and altruistic patient preferences.

Results

For activity-based contracts, the incentives for cost containment are efficient (internal efficiency), while the incentives for quality provision are inefficient due to preference misalignments and poor coordination that derive from funding costs, imperfect altruism, the presence of externalities and strategic behavior. The optimal cost-based contracts are mixed contracts that vary across providers according to their position in the production chain, and they consist of the following three elements; (i) fixed budgets, (ii) payments contingent upon the treatment costs of production chain followers (integrated penalties), and (iii) payments contingent upon the providers’ own treatment costs (positive or negative cost-sharing). For these contracts, the providers are typically internally inefficient, while the inefficiencies associated with preference misalignments and poor coordination are solved.

Conclusions

Our production chain perspective, when compared to single-provider approaches, enhances the appeal of cost-based contracts relative to pure prospective contracts.
Associations between nature exposure, screen use, and parent-child relations: a scoping review
Authors: Torjinski Marina , Cliff Dylan , Horwood Sharon
Published: December 2024

Background

Recent research suggests that children spend increasing amounts of time engaging in screen-based activities and less time outdoors in natural environments. There is a growing body of theory-driven literature evidencing that child screen use and exposure to nature are associated with wellbeing outcomes in contrasting ways. However, few studies have explored their combinative effects, and the relational family context has been largely overlooked.

Objective

This scoping review explored associations between early-late childhood nature exposure, screen use, and parent-child relations to identify research gaps and inform future research direction.

Methods

This review was guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage methodological framework and other relevant guidelines for scoping reviews. A search of five electronic databases (PsycINFO, MEDLINE complete, ERIC, EMBASE, and Cochrane library) was conducted along with additional hand-searches from inception to 9/08/2024. Peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2012 and 2024 were included.

Results

A total of 390 articles were screened by title and abstract and full text review of 96 articles was conducted. Following additional searches (hand-search and reference lists), a total of 23 eligible articles were identified. Evidence is presented in tabular and textual form and described using qualitative thematic analysis. The synthesis revealed that the relevant body of research is novel, heterogenous, and fragmented. There are various pathways through which children’s screen use and engagement with nature interact within the family context; however, research exploring their synchronous and bidirectional effects on relational family processes is limited.

Conclusion

Findings emphasize the importance of investigating children’s screen use and engagement with nature from a relational paradigm. Future studies should explore the mechanisms underpinning the reciprocal influences of nature and screen use on dyadic family processes and relational outcomes across early-late childhood.

OSF registration

https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/TFZDV.
NOX proteins and ROS generation: role in invadopodia formation and cancer cell invasion
Authors: Quilaqueo-Millaqueo Nelson , Brown-Brown David A. , Vidal-Vidal Jetzabel A. , Niechi Ignacio
Published: December 2024

NADPH oxidases (NOX) are membrane-bound proteins involved in the localized generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the cellular surface. In cancer, these highly reactive molecules primarily originate in mitochondria and via NOX, playing a crucial role in regulating fundamental cellular processes such as cell survival, angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and metastasis. The NOX protein family comprises seven members (NOX1-5 and DUOX1-2), each sharing a catalytic domain and an intracellular dehydrogenase site. NOX-derived ROS promote invadopodia formation, aberrant tyrosine kinase activation, and upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Specifically, NOX5 modulates adhesion, motility, and proteolytic activation, while NOX1 likely contributes to invadopodia formation and adhesive capacity. NOX2 and NOX4 are implicated in regulating the invasive phenotype, expression of MMPs and EMT markers. DUOX1-2 participate in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), crucial for invasive phenotype development. Soluble molecules such as TGF-β and EGF modulate NOX protein activation, enhancing cell invasion through localized ROS production. This review focuses on elucidating the specific role of NOX proteins in regulating signaling pathways promoting cancer cell spread, particularly EMT, invadopodia formation and invasive capacity.
A decade of genetic makeup in the aerial seed bank of a fire-evader tree
Authors: Callejas-Díaz Marta , Climent José M. , Grivet Delphine
Published: December 2024

Background

Aerial seed banks occur in plants that postpone the release of viable seeds, thereby providing a mechanism for population maintenance in unpredictable environments. Seeds retained on the mother trees offer a reservoir of genetic diversity across years, but the pattern and evolutionary consequences of such accumulated diversity are poorly understood. We characterize the genetic layout of an aerial seed bank composed of serotinous cones formed in 2003 and in 2014 in a historically fire-prone area. Our hypothesis is that within this timeframe, recurrent fires could have modified the genetic makeup of the seed bank.

Results

Our results did not reveal any genetic difference along the 12-year period, but indicated a significant genetic variation (13%) of seed banks among trees within the same year. Moreover, progeny from the seed bank showed a 4% increase of observed heterozygosity, together with 14 new alleles, compared to mother trees. Finally, a strong homogenization effect of pollen flow on the genetic diversity was detected, with a very high effective number of fathers in 2003 and 2014.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the temporal stability of the genetic makeup of aerial seed banks in this fire-prone area. The maternal genetic differences and an increase of genetic diversity (linked to effective pollen flow) in new generations compared to their maternal progenitors are also noteworthy. Together, these characteristics represent key assets for serotinous forest adaptation and persistence in the face of increasing wildfire activity.
Serum levels of auto-antibodies (rheumatoid factor and anti-double stranded DNA) in Nigerian COVID-19 patients
Authors: Oladokun Haleemat Yejide , Rahamon Sheu Kadiri , Yaqub Surajudeen Adebayo , Onifade AbdulFattah Adekunle , Arinola Ganiyu Olatunbosun
Published: December 2024

Background

A thorough understanding of how severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contributes to autoantibody development is essential to clarify the possibility of autoimmune disorders in COVID-19 patients. Consequently, this study measured serum levels of rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-double stranded DNA antibody (dsDNA ab), two key markers of autoimmune disorders, in COVID-19 patients and in apparently healthy controls.

Methods

Serum levels of rheumatoid factor and anti-dsDNA antibody were determined using turbidimetric immunoassay and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) respectively in both COVID-19 patients (n = 40) and healthy controls (n = 28).

Results

Serum levels of RF and anti-dsDNA antibody were similar in COVID-19 patients compared with controls. A significant positive correlation was observed between RF and anti-dsDNA antibody in healthy controls. The correlation between RF and anti-dsDNA antibody in COVID-19 patients was not significant.

Conclusion

SARS-CoV-2 infection did not significantly impact serum RF and anti-dsDNA antibody levels in the present infected individuals. Thus, autoimmune disorders are not indicated in these COVID-19 patients, and using therapeutic antagonists to target auto-antibodies may not be beneficial in managing COVID-19, as these patients are unlikely to develop an autoimmune disorder related to COVID-19.
Radiating South
Authors: Rath Thomas
Published: December 2024

From the 1960s to the 1990s, the US Department of Agriculture led a campaign across North America to eradicate a notorious livestock pest known as the screwworm. It did so by breeding flies in factories, sterilizing them with radiation, and scattering them from the air. Based on original multisite archival research, this article examines the overlooked role of Mexico in what was a flagship application of the “sterile male technique.” It argues that three main factors shaped this role: Mexico's long-term projects of agricultural and atomic modernization; diplomatic leverage provided by a shared border; and an earlier tradition of bilateral cooperation and conflict over animal disease that stretched back to the 1940s. The analysis deepens our understanding of how Mexico shaped science and agriculture at home and abroad. It also helps explain why this particular project of atomic agriculture succeeded on the scale it did.
Beauford Delaney's Black Queer Fatherhood
Authors: Zaborowska Magdalena J.
Published: December 2024

In this chapter, Magdalena J. Zaborowska sketches out how Beauford Delaney’s spiritual and artistic fatherhood of James Baldwin helped the writer achieve a complex and unique literary aesthetic, inflected by Delaney’s idiosyncratic paintings and honed over decades of a complex familial relationship that included residencies in France and Turkey. Young Baldwin seemed caught between two irreconcilable father figures: a Black heteropatriarchal religious father who despised him and a Black queer bohemian father who loved and nurtured him. Rather than seeing Baldwin as torn between chronologically distant father figures presiding over discreet phases of his authorial life, however, the chapter asks us to understand their presence as a persistent, achronological circulation throughout Baldwin’s literary works—intertwined, omnipresent, and in constant tension within the universe of his literary imagination.
“The Giacometti Effect”
Authors: Wicks Stephen C.
Published: December 2024

In this chapter, Stephen C. Wicks examines how one painting by Beauford Delaney, James Baldwin (1966), stands apart from all of Delaney’s many portraits of the writer in its atypically narrow color scheme of yellow and black, tangled angular contours, openwork structure, and absence of physical likeness. Evidence suggests this unusual handling may have been triggered by the influence of Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti, a prominent artist of Delaney’s acquaintance. The Delaney bust’s distinctive linear structure and attenuated proportions—absent in earlier portraits of Baldwin from 1965 and 1967—recall those present in Giacometti’s Portrait of James Lord. At the forefront of Delaney’s thoughts was the book detailing the anguished compositional method through which Giacometti’s image of Lord took shape, and like Giacometti, Delaney viewed portraiture as presenting the dual challenge of revealing the eternal through the depiction of the temporal. This essay explores possible influences on Delaney’s work by Giacometti, as they circled one another in only occasionally intersecting social and artistic orbits.
Baldwin, Delaney, and Black Artists’ Genealogical Legacies
Authors: Christian Shawn Anthony
Published: December 2024

In this chapter, Shawn Anthony Christian explores how the friendship between James Baldwin and Beauford Delaney constituted an instance of Black artistic relation as genealogical transition, something deeper than “artistic influence” and more historically and culturally familial than simply a “transmission of ideas.” Baldwin’s public tributes to Delaney compel consideration of the enduring ways Black artists embrace and then exemplify shared values and aesthetics. Just as Baldwin “read” Delaney’s paintings and found in them both affirmation and challenge, especially for his own art, subsequent generations of writers have reflected on and documented what it meant for them to read Baldwin. Rachel Ghansah, Kiese Laymon, and Jesmyn Ward are among a group of contemporary Black writers whose comments and published writings pointedly declare their readings of Baldwin as inheritance.
O golpe de Don Juan
Authors: Ávila Thiago Pierobom de , Granja Gabriel Santana
Published: December 2024

Objetivo: Compreender a fenomenologia e as respostas oferecidas pelo sistema de justiça criminal ao denominado estelionato sentimental, praticado contra a mulher em relações íntimas de afeto.
Metodologia: Análise documental quanti-qualitativa de 39 procedimentos do crime de estelionato praticado por parceiro íntimo contra mulher, no Distrito Federal, em 2019 e 2020.
Resultados: Há um perfil específico de mulheres vitimadas: brancas (53,8%), de meia idade (maioria entre 25 e 44 anos), moradoras de bairros de classe média-alta ou alta (61,9%), com renda econômica acima de 3 salários-mínimos (59%) e profissões estabelecidas; 38,5% dos ofensores tinham outras ocorrências policiais. Em 35,9%, a relação era de até 6 meses. Em 5,1%, o crime foi integralmente praticado pela internet, e, em 20,5%, iniciou-se pela internet. Verificaram-se três gêneros de golpes: indução à entrega de bens (48,7%), gerência abusiva do patrimônio (66,7%) e falsificações (23,1%). As estratégias foram o abuso da relação afetiva (41%), a falsa identidade (35,9%), a imposição de medo/intimidação (35,9%), a simulação de emergência (30,7%), a exigência de cuidado (25,6%) e a falsa oportunidade (15,4%). O valor dos golpes soma a quantia de R$ 2,7 milhões. Em 23,1%, houve exclusão de aplicação da Lei Maria da Penha. Houve pouca proteção pessoal (33,3%) ou patrimonial (7,7%). Em 23,1%, houve denúncia e, em 10,3%, condenação à pena média de um ano e meio. A análise qualitativa revela a existência de relações de gênero neste crime e deficiências na investigação criminal.
Conclusão: O sistema de justiça precisa melhor incorporar a perspectiva de gênero para a investigação, o processamento e o julgamento do crime de estelionato sentimental.
The History of the Russian literary language: The Linguistic existence of Russia in the X-XXI centuries
Authors: Halina Natal'ya
Published: December 2024

The monograph presents the concept of the history of the Russian literary language, the basis of which is the theory of linguistic existence, which considers language as one of the forms of manifestation of human life as a starting point. The concept is built through historical and hermeneutic methods that allow to define and interpret aspects of the community's life activity regulated by the semiotic system "Russian language".
Planning, organization and management of the personnel of the structural unit
Authors: Shitov Viktor
Published: December 2024

The textbook provides a general idea of the goals and objectives of the structural unit, examines the main and auxiliary business processes, describes the essence and characteristic features of the structure of a machine-building enterprise and professional activities in the field of planning, organization and management of the personnel of the structural unit.
It includes theoretical material and workshops on the discipline for each of the nine chapters.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education of the latest generation.
It can be used by students of secondary vocational education institutions for the specialties 02/15/15 "Technology of metalworking production" and 02/15/16 "Technology of mechanical engineering" included in the professional module PM.05 "Organization of activities of subordinate personnel", as well as other technical specialties.
Features of the Value Semantic Sphere in Adolescent Children
Authors: Belyakova Natalya , Ulimbasheva E. , Rybakova A. , Aralova E.
Published: December 2024

Values are the basis of the personality structure and form a life orientation, in the process of socialization, and provide a person's spiritual orientation, the orientation of his worldview and worldview. The study involved 24 adolescents aged 13-16 years. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: the 1st control group of 12 teenagers and the 2nd experimental group of 12 children. The method of studying the value orientations of Milton Rokich, which is based on a direct ranking of the list of values, were used. Of all the most common values in KG is health — 63,6%. For EG, the important value is the life wisdom of 30,7%. In addition, you can see that the KG has never chosen values related to family and friends 0%. However, no one has noted the value of 0% love. The results of the study showed that the level of general meaningfulness of life in KG is 3,4% higher than in EG. As a result of the training, the quality of communication between teenagers has improved, internal barriers in communication have been removed.
An Excusability Principle for Firms Under the Market Failures Approach
Authors: Stabell Espen
Published: December 2024

Endörfer and Larue (2022) argue that Joseph Heath’s Market Failures Approach to business ethics (MFA) implies a demandingness dilemma: under conditions of imperfect competition, they argue, the MFA is either too demanding, if requiring that firms should seek to generate Pareto efficiency or “social optima”, or not demanding enough, if it gives up on social optima and focus instead on incremental Pareto improvements. I argue the MFA can be combined with an excusability principle to overcome the problem of over-demandingness. Since this means the MFA can hold on to the obligation to promote social optima, the under- demandingness problem too is avoided, and the dilemma is solved.
Surgical Treatment of the Glenohumeral Joint for Indications of Instability and Pain in Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome - Systematic Review
Authors: Jabłoński Jędrzej , Nadolny Filip , Kania Martyna , Grubski Damian , Bartkowiak Hanna , Adamowska Agnieszka , Ziarnik Kacper , Śniatała Alicja
Published: December 2024

Introduction
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of connective tissue disorders, the essence of which are abnormalities in the function of collagen. One type of EDS with an unknown genetic basis is the hypermobile form of EDS (hEDS). hEDS manifests mainly in musculoskeletal defects, as well as chronic pain. There is extremely high need to correctly diagnose and then correctly treat patients with hEDS. Initially conservative treatment is used, but if patients fail to achieve relief, surgical treatment is considered.
Aim of the study
The purpose of the authors was to gather all the information regarding hEDS in terms of surgical treatment. The authors focused mainly on finding the advantages and disadvantages of the various methods and also on collecting information on the indications for choosing the given surgical methods.
Materials and methods
The methodology of the literature search involved using the keywords: „hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome”, „shoulder instability”, „joint hypermobility”, „chronic pain” and „Latarjet”. The search terms were entered into the PubMed database. References include systematic reviews, but also clinical trials, as well as case reports.
Conclusion
Currently available literature does not offer enough information to undertake standardized management of patients with hEDS. Not only is there a lack of studies on groups of patients with hEDS, but also on large groups of patients without hEDS, making it impossible to choose the best method based on the available clinical trials. Moreover, through the lack of such studies, it becomes impossible to truly assess whether patients with hEDS have a higher rate of surgical failure and thus a higher risk of inappropriate management of a specific patient with hEDS.
Physical Activity in Pregnancy: A Preventive Measure Against Postpartum Depression
Authors: Sadowski Jakub , Dołęga Julia , Zabawa Bartłomiej , Łabuś Małgorzata , Krzykawski Karol , Papież Łukasz , Maciejczyk Tomasz , Sieńko Antoni , Hudzińska Patrycja , Mól Piotr
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The aim of this study is to present current knowledge on the role of physical activity during pregnancy in reducing postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms. PPD is a widespread mental health condition, which significantly impacts maternal and neonatal well-being. Exercises during pregnancy are recognized as a preventative strategy that promotes both physical and mental health, benefiting mothers and their children.
Materials and Methods: The study involved a systematic review of the literature using databases such as PubMed, NCBI, and Google Scholar. Key terms included "postpartum depression", "physical activity", “baby blues” and "mental health." Articles without full-text access were excluded.
State of Knowledge: Postpartum depression affects up to 15% of women, while baby blues impact around 80% shortly after childbirth. Physical activity improves emotional health by alleviating stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Evidence highlights that regular, moderate exercise during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of PPD, particularly in women with high-risk factors such as obesity or a history of mental health disorders. Mechanisms include hormonal regulation, endorphin release, and reduced inflammation. While light to moderate activities like walking, swimming, or yoga are beneficial, high-intensity exercise may pose risks and should be approached with caution.
Conclusions: Physical activity during pregnancy is a non-pharmacological intervention, which mitigate PPD risks. Tailored, safe exercise routines, improve mental resilience and overall health in pregnant mothers. Further research is needed to refine exercise recommendations based on individual health profiles.
Genetic diversity of dengue virus circulating in the Philippines (2014–2019) and comparison with dengue vaccine strains
Authors: Velasco John Mark , Klungthong Chonticha , Chinnawirotpisan Piyawan , Diones Paula Corazon , Valderama Maria Theresa , Leonardia Susie , Manasatienkij Wudtichai , Joonlasak Khajohn , Rodpradit Prinyada , Mateo Jennifer , Vila Vicente , Navarro Fatima Claire , Jones Anthony , Farmer Aaron , Fernandez Stefan
Published: December 2024

Dengue virus has four distinct serotypes and the genetic diversity within each of the four serotypes contribute to its complexity. An important aspect of dengue molecular evolutionary studies has been the dissection of the extent and structure of genetic variation among major genotypes within each serotype. It is important to understand the role of dengue genetic variability and its potential role and impact in the effectiveness of the dengue vaccine. Demographic data and blood were collected from patients seen at a tertiary hospital in the Philippines and clinically diagnosed with dengue from 2014–2019. Dengue virus (DENV) RT-PCR was used to confirm infection and positive samples underwent whole genome sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on 127 samples (25 DENV-1, 19 DENV-2, 70 DENV-3, and 13 DENV-4). We observed a serotype shift in 2014 and 2022. We detected the following genotypes per serotype for the wild-type (WT) DENV sequences: genotype IV (DENV-1), cosmopolitan (DENV-2), genotype I (DENV-3) and genotype IIa (DENV-4). WT DENV belonged to different genotypes versus the QDENGA strains and except for DENV-4, belonged to different genotypes versus the Dengvaxia strains. Comparing Dengvaxia vaccine sequences with WT DENV, we observed 23, 24, 34, and 9 positions with amino acid changes in the entire envelope protein, with 1, 5, 1, and 2 positions with amino acid changes identified among the important human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeted epitope positions. We detected 24, 25, 36 and 12 positions with amino acid changes in the E protein with 0, 5, 1, and 2 positions with amino acid changes among the important mAbs targeted epitope positions for DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4, respectively when comparing QDENGA vaccine sequences with the WT DENV. We showed low genotype complexity, genetically distinct clades and local evolution for DENV circulating in the Philippines.
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in repaired tetralogy of Fallot: A longitudinal midterm follow-up study
Authors: Houshmand Golnaz , Rahmati Rahem , Meftah Elahe , Zarimeidani Fatemeh , Khorgami Mohammadrafi , Ghorashi Seyyed Mojtaba , Fazeli Amir , Omidi Negar , Saedi Sedigheh , Motevalli Marzieh , Maleki Majid , Pouraliakbar Hamidreza
Published: December 2024

Background

Biventricular dysfunction is frequent in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot, necessitating routine imaging to monitor for worsening conditions and determine whether procedures like pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) are needed. This study aimed to highlight the parameters of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and their association with adverse outcomes in the midterm follow-up of these patients.

Methods

This longitudinal study recruited all patients with a history of tetralogy of Fallot total correction (TFTC) who had two CMR images at a minimum three-month interval at Rajaie Center from 2007 through 2017.

Results

Fifty-six patients at a mean age of 15.23 ± 11.66 years at TFTC and a 1:1 gender distribution were assessed. Regarding adverse events, PVR was done on 18 patients (32%). Right and left ventricular dysfunction occurred in 43 (76.8%) and 18 (32.1%) patients, respectively. Death did not occur in the present study. RVOT fibrosis was present in 47 (92.2%). The stroke volume of both ventricles increased during the follow-up (P <0.05), although end-diastolic volume indices, end-systolic volume indices, ejection fractions, strain parameters, and ventriculoarterial coupling did not change significantly. Patients requiring PVR had a significantly higher end-systolic volume index in both ventricles (P <0.05) and a lower right-sided ejection fraction (P <0.01) and coupling ratio (P <0.05). The ejection fraction in the left ventricle correlated with global circumferential strain (P <0.01), while in the right ventricle, it correlated with global longitudinal strain (P <0.05) and the right-sided coupling ratio (P <0.01).

Conclusion

Myocardial strain and ventriculoarterial coupling parameters could underscore personalized-approached therapy and follow-up to improve outcomes.
Cognitive flexibility and sociality in Guinea baboons (Papio papio)
Authors: Gullstrand Julie , Claidière Nicolas , Fagot Joël
Published: December 2024

Cognitive flexibility is an executive function playing an important role in problem solving and the adaptation to contextual changes. While most studies investigated the contribution of cognitive flexibility to solve problems in the physical domain, the current study on baboons (Papio papio) investigated its contribution to sociality. The current study verified whether there is a relationship between cognitive flexibility at the individual level and the position of the individuals within their social group. Our study re-analysed for that purpose an already published dataset of 18 baboons Guinea baboons tested over two years in an adaptation of the Wisconsin Card Sorting task. The dominance rank and social network were inferred from their free access to the computer test system on which the cognitive task was presented. We found no clear-cut relationship between the hierarchical rank and cognitive flexibility (perseveration, learning latency and response time). By contrast, the most central baboons in their social network are those with the best performance in terms of cognitive flexibility. Overall, this study confirms our hypothesis that cognitive flexibility plays some roles in the regulation of the social relationship in baboons.
Maternal cytokine profiles in second and early third trimester are not predictive of preterm birth
Authors: Hornaday Kylie K. , Stephenson Nikki L. , Canning Mary T. , Tough Suzanne C. , Slater Donna M.
Published: December 2024

Previous studies have investigated whether inflammatory cytokines in maternal circulation are associated with preterm birth. However, many have reported inconsistent results, and few have investigated cytokine trends through gestation, particularly with respect to subtypes of preterm birth. We explored levels of 15 inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in plasma and serum collected in the second (17–23 weeks, timepoint 1 (T1)) and third (28–32 weeks, timepoint 2 (T2)) trimesters with respect to subtypes of preterm birth: spontaneous preterm labour (sPTL), preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), and medically indicated preterm birth (mPTB). The change in TNFα levels over time (T2/T1) significantly classified mPTB from term birth with an AUC of 0.79. While elevated sICAM-1 levels were significantly associated with sPTL, sICAM-1 was not an effective biomarker for prediction. While statistical differences in some biomarkers, such as TNFα and sICAM-1 were found, these are likely not clinically meaningful for prediction. These results did not reveal a relationship between spontaneous labour and circulating maternal inflammatory biomarkers, however, do suggest distinct inflammatory profiles between subtypes of preterm birth.
A dynamical model of drinking and smoking with optimal control analysis
Authors: Wireko Fredrick Asenso , Ndogum Sebastian , Nasiru Botchew Abdul , Ansah-Asamoah David , Adu Isaac Kwasi , Asamoah Joshua Kiddy K.
Published: December 2024

The intake of alcohol is dangerous, and the smoking of tobacco is savage, but it is life-threatening to practice both smoking and drinking. According to the World Health Organisation, the world loses about 8.5 million people each year as a result of smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol. To study this, we present a mathematical model that investigates the co-dynamics of alcohol drinking and tobacco smoking, as well as some control strategies. In contrast, many studies focus solely on the dynamics of alcohol consumption or tobacco smoking. Also, these studies assume that an individual who may recover from both alcohol drinking and tobacco smoking may relapse. We determined the basic reproductive number by employing the next-generation matrix approach. We conducted local and global stability analyses for the drinking, smoking-free, and endemic states. We then conducted extensive research into secondary infections related to smoking and drinking. We then performed numerical simulations and analysis using the parameter values from the literature. The study further examined the influence of some key parameters on secondary co-dependence infections, which occur when one infected individual enters the population and recovers from both over time. For example, in this study, it was shown that the contact rates a1 and a2 have a direct relationship to the spread of drinking and smoking. In contrast, recovery rates δ1, δ2 showed an inverse relationship. In addition, we conducted an optimal control analysis by suggesting the following: drinking prevention efforts, smoking prevention efforts, recovery efforts on the co-dependence of drinking and smoking, recovery efforts on drinking, and recovery efforts on smoking. The simulations indicated that using these controls can help reduce the number of smokers and drinkers within eight weeks.
“Bringing greater research fluency into our educational vision”: A qualitative research study on improving Traditional Chinese Medicine research education
Authors: Most Heidi , Conboy Lisa , Ostrick Rosaleen , Anderson Belinda J.
Published: December 2024

The main objective of this qualitative analysis is to increase the quality of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) research education. Subject matter experts and stakeholders were sent a list of possible topics to include in a research course and were asked to comment on it, add or subtract topics, and suggest appropriate research papers to use, lessons learned in their topic areas and possible stand-alone topics for inclusion in other courses. Their feedback was used to revise the topic list, create a list of foundational research papers to include in a research course and devise a list of stand-alone topics that could be included in the general TCM research curriculum. The result is a TCM research course curriculum that will improve the teaching of evidence-based medicine (EBM) practices to TCM students. This will help TCM faculty and program directors improve existing courses, develop new courses and strengthen EBM education.
Continuous assessment in medical education: Exploring students’ views on the progress test
Authors: Gonçalves Cristóvão Helena Landim , Gonçalves Cristóvão Nathalia Bavaresco , de Moraes Castellari Lenina Mariana , Gonçalves Cristóvão André Bavaresco , dos Santos Emerson Roberto , Quitério Alex Bertolazzo , Emiliano da Silva Ryan , Oliani Denise Cristina Mós Vaz , de Abreu Lima Alba Regina , Brienze Vânia Maria Sabadoto , da Silva Souza Dorotéia Rossi , Iembo Tatiane , Bizotto Thais Santana Gastardelo , André Júlio César
Published: December 2024

The Progress Test (PT) is a valuable tool for the continuous assessment of medical students’ learning. This quantitative, cross-sectional study aimed to understand the perceptions of 908 medical students (702 from a private and 206 from a public institution) in São Paulo, Brazil, regarding the design and implementation of PT. Analysis included descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, Pearson’s Chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test. Results revealed a strong positive correlation between academic progression and expected PT performance. Students from both institutions positively perceived PT construction and received adequate information about its importance. Significant differences were observed between institutions regarding classroom discussion of PT questions and content adequacy. The study highlights PT’s strengths and challenges, emphasizing the need for curriculum alignment, individualized feedback, and strategies to enhance student motivation. It contributes to the field of medical education assessment by providing insights for improving PT implementation and effectiveness. Future research directions include exploring stakeholder perspectives, conducting longitudinal studies, and examining PT’s impact across diverse educational contexts.This research underscores the value of student perspectives in developing effective assessment practices, supporting the evolution of competent medical professionals through meaningful educational strategies.
The influence of motivational climate on the physical activity adherence among junior high school students: The mediating effect of achievement goal orientation
Authors: Yang Ning , Quan Haiying , Guo Zimeng
Published: December 2024

In this study, which was based on the theories of motivational climate and achievement goal orientation, an experimental intervention was conducted on 82 junior high school students using the Motivational Climate Scale (MCSYS), Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ), and Physical Activity Persistence Scale. The aim was to explore the influence of different motivational climates in physical education classes on the physical activity adherence among junior high school students and examine the mediating role of achievement goal orientation. The results revealed the following significant findings: Firstly, there was a noteworthy positive correlation between the physical activity adherence among junior high school students, the motivational climate, and achievement goal orientation. Additionally, it was discovered that achievement goal orientation partially mediated the relationship between the motivational climate and the physical activity adherence among junior high school students. Secondly, it was observed that the effectiveness of improving the physical activity adherence among junior high school students increased with the duration of the experimental intervention. Lastly, it was found that the mastery climate group had a more pronounced effect on improving the physical activity adherence among junior high school students when compared to the performance climate group. These findings suggest that creating a motivational climate in physical education classes has the potential to modify the achievement goal orientation of junior high school students, subsequently enhancing their consistency in engaging in physical activity.