bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring and visualising 15-min-areas for fair CO2 budget distribution
Authors: Krajzewicz Daniel , Rudloff Christian , Straub Markus , Millonig Alexandra
Published: March 2024

The “MyFairShare” project develops fair CO2 mobility budgets for individuals. Here, “fairness” mainly depends on the people’s location as everyone should be able to access all destinations necessary to perform everyday tasks. Therefore, a basic understanding about the accessibility of facilities to visit within an area is needed, regarding all activities that must be performed. Given this, the amount of emitted CO2 is computed, assuming the use of sustainable modes while regarding reasonable ranges, i.e. a travel time of 15 min. In order to achieve this, a software system for computing this metric has been developed. It is based on open source applications and uses data that—besides public transport data in GTFS format—is freely available throughout Europe. This paper describes the method and presents the results of applying it to the project’s five Living Labs Berlin, Jelgava, London, Sarpsborg, and Vienna. The results show that besides population density, the possibility to use sustainable modes of transport highly depend on the land use mix, i.e. the allocation of facilities daily activities may be performed at in the vicinity of places of inhabitancy.
Administration methods and dosage of poly(lactic acid)-glycol intervention to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-induced experimental autoimmune encephalitis mice
Authors: Wright Amy E. , Nishiyama Shuhei , Han Patrick , Kong Philip , Levy Michael
Published: March 2024

Background

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-associated disorders (MOGAD) is an autoimmune central nervous system disease. Antigen-specific immune tolerance using nanoparticles such as Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) have recently been used as a new therapeutic tolerization approach for CNS autoimmune diseases. We examined whether MOG1-125 conjugated with PLGA could induce MOG-specific immune tolerance in an experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) mouse model. EAE was induced in sixty C57BL/6 J wild-type mice using MOG1-125 peptide with complete Freund’s Adjuvant. The mice were divided into 12 groups (n = 5 each) to test the ability of MOG1-125 conjugated PLGA intervention to mitigate the severity or improve the outcomes from EAE with and without rapamycin compared to antigen alone or PLGA alone. EAE score and serum MOG-IgG titers were compared among the interventions.Kindly check and confirm the processed Affiliation “4” is appropriate.I confirmed the Aff 4.Affiliation: Corresponding author information have been changed to present affiliation. Kindly check and confirm.I checked and confirmed the Corresponding author's information.

Results

Mice with EAE that were injected intraperitoneally with MOG1-125 conjugated PLGA + rapamycin complex showed dose-dependent mitigation of EAE score. Intraperitoneal and intravenous administration resulted in similar clinical outcomes, whereas 80% of mice treated with subcutaneous injection had a recurrence of clinical score worsening after approximately 1 week. Although there was no significant difference in EAE scores between unconjugated-PLGA and MOG-conjugated PLGA, serum MOG-IgG tended to decrease in the MOG-conjugated PLGA group compared to controls.

Conclusion

Intraperitoneal administration of PLGA resulted in dose-dependent and longer-lasting immune tolerance than subcutaneous administration. The induction of immune tolerance using PLGA may represent a future therapeutic option for patients with MOGAD.
Navigating Aged Care Services with GIS: Trends, Developments, and Future Directions
Authors: Wang Xuehan , Liu Zhihan
Published: March 2024

Background

With the growing challenge of an aging population, emerging technologies are increasingly being integrated into the production, organization, and delivery of aged care services. Geographic Information System (GIS), a computer-based tool for spatial information analysis and processing, has made significant strides in the allocation of care recources and service delivery for older adults, a notably vulnerable group. Despite its growing importance, cross-disciplinary literature reviews on this theme are scare. This scoping review was conducted to encapsulate the advancements and discern the future trajectory of GIS applications in aged care services.

Methods

A comprehensive search across nine databases yielded 5941 articles. Adhering to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, 61 articles were selected for a detailed analysis.

Results

The 61 articles span from 2003 to 2022, with a notable increase in publications since 2018, comprising 41 articles (67% of the total) published between 2018-2022. Developed countries contributed 66% of the papers, with 45% focusing on accessibility issues. In the domain of aged care services, GIS has been predominantly utilized for model construction, mapping, and site selection, with a growing emphasis on addressing the unique needs of different subgroups of older adults.

Conclusion

The past two decades have seen substantial growth in the application of GIS in aged care services, reflecting its increasing importance in this field. This scoping review not only charts the historical development of GIS applications in aged care services but also underscores the need for innovative research approaches. Future directions should emphasize the integration of GIS with diverse methodologies to address the heterogeneous needs of older adults and improve the overall delivery of aged care services. Such advancements in GIS applications have the potential to significantly enhance the efficiency, accessibility, and quality of care for the aging population.
Experience of social harms among female sex workers following HIV self-test distribution in Malawi: results of a cohort study
Authors: Mee Paul , Neuman Melissa , Kumwenda Moses , Lora Wezzie S. , Sikwese Simon , Sambo Mwiza , Fielding Katherine , Indravudh Pitchaya P. , Hatzold Karin , Johnson Cheryl , Corbett Elizabeth. L. , Desmond Nicola
Published: March 2024

Background

In Malawi, female sex workers (FSW) have high HIV incidence and regular testing is suggested. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a safe and acceptable alternative to standard testing services. This study assessed; whether social harms were more likely to be reported after HIVST distribution to FSW by peer distributors than after facility-based HIV testing and whether FSW regretted HIVST use or experienced associated relationship problems.

Methods

Peer HIVST distributors, who were FSW, were recruited in Blantyre district, Malawi between February and July 2017. Among HIVST recipients a prospective cohort was recruited. Interviews were conducted at baseline and at end-line, 3 months later. Participants completed daily sexual activity diaries. End-line data were analysed using logistic regression to assess whether regret or relationship problems were associated with HIVST use. Sexual activity data were analysed using Generalised Estimating Equations to assess whether HIVST use was temporally associated with an increase in social harms.

Results

Of 265 FSW recruited and offered HIVST, 131 completed both interviews. Of these, 31/131(23.7%) reported initial regret after HIVST use, this reduced to 23/131(17.6%) at the 3-month follow-up. Relationship problems were reported by 12/131(9.2%). Regret about HIVST use was less commonly reported in those aged 26–35 years compared to those aged 16–25 years (OR immediate regret—0.40 95% CI 0.16–1.01) (OR current regret—0.22 95% CI 0.07 – 0.71) and was not associated with the HIVST result. There was limited evidence that reports of verbal abuse perpetrated by clients in the week following HIVST use were greater than when there was no testing in the preceding week. There was no evidence for increases in any other social harms. There was some evidence of coercion to test, most commonly initiated by the peer distributor.

Conclusions

Little evidence was found that the peer distribution model was associated with increased levels of social harms, however programmes aimed at reaching FSW need to carefully consider possible unintended consequences of their service delivery approaches, including the potential for peer distributors to coerce individuals to test or disclose their test results and alternative distribution models may need to be considered.
Systemic inflammation and acute kidney injury after colorectal surgery
Authors: Mannion John D. , Rather Assar , Fisher Adrianne , Gardner Kelly , Ghanem Nessreen , Dirocco Sheila , Siegelman Gary
Published: March 2024

Background

In this retrospective review, the relative importance of systemic inflammation among other causes of acute kidney injury (AKI) was investigated in 1224 consecutive colorectal surgery patients. A potential benefit from reducing excessive postoperative inflammation on AKI might then be estimated.

Methods

AKI was determined using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. The entire population (mixed group), composed of patients with or without sepsis, and a subpopulation of patients without sepsis (aseptic group) were examined. Markers indicative of inflammation were procedure duration, the first postoperative white blood cell (POD # 1 WBC) for the mixed population, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (POD #1 NLR) for the aseptic population. Multivariable logistic regression was then performed using significant (P < 0.05) predictors. The importance of inflammation among independent predictors of AKI and AKI-related complications was then assessed.

Results

AKI occurred in 24.6% of the total population. For the mixed population, there was a link between inflammation (POD # 1 WBC) and AKI (P = 0.0001), on univariate regression. Medications with anti-inflammatory properties reduced AKI: ketorolac (P = 0.047) and steroids (P = 0.038). Similarly, in an aseptic population, inflammation (POD # 1 NLR) contributed significantly to AKI (P = 0.000). On multivariable analysis for the mixed and aseptic population, the POD #1 WBC and the POD #1 NLR were independently associated with AKI (P = 0.000, P = 0.022), as was procedure duration (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001). Inflammation-related parameters were the most significant contributors to AKI. AKI correlated with complications: postoperative infections (P = 0.016), chronic renal insufficiency (CRI, P < 0.0001), non-infectious complications (P = 0.010), 30-day readmissions (P = 0.001), and length of stay (LOS, P < 0.0001). Inflammation, in patients with or without sepsis, was similarly a predictor of complications: postoperative infections (P = 0.002, P = 0.008), in-hospital complications (P = 0.000, P = 0.002), 30-day readmissions (P = 0.012, P = 0.371), and LOS (P < 0.0001, P = 0.006), respectively.

Conclusions

Systemic inflammation is an important cause of AKI. Limiting early postsurgical inflammation has the potential to improve postoperative outcomes.
Optimized MLPA workflow for spinal muscular atrophy diagnosis: identification of a novel variant, NC_000005.10:g.(70919941_70927324)del in isolated exon 1 of SMN1 gene through long-range PCR
Authors: Yao Mei , Jiang Liya , Yu Yicheng , Cui Yiqin , Chen Yuwei , Zhou Dongming , Gao Feng , Mao Shanshan
Published: March 2024

Background

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare autosomal recessive hereditary neuromuscular disease caused by survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene deletion or mutation. Homozygous deletions of exon 7 in SMN1 result in 95% of SMA cases, while the remaining 5% are caused by other pathogenic variants of SMN1.

Methods

We analyzed two SMA-suspected cases that were collected, with no SMN1 gene deletion and point mutation in whole-exome sequencing. Exon 1 deletion of the SMN gene was detected using Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) P021. We used long-range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to isolate the SMN1 template, optimized-MLPA P021 for copy number variation (CNV) analysis within SMN1 only, and validated the findings via third-generation sequencing.

Results

Two unrelated families shared a genotype with one copy of exon 7 and a novel variant, g.70919941_70927324del, in isolated exon 1 of the SMN1 gene. Case F1-II.1 demonstrated no exon 1 but retained other exons, whereas F2-II.1 had an exon 1 deletion in a single SMN1 gene. The read coverage in the third-generation sequencing results of both F1-II.1 and F2-II.1 revealed a deletion of approximately 7.3 kb in the 5’ region of SMN1. The first nucleotide in the sequence data aligned to the 7385 bp of NG_008691.1.

Conclusion

Remarkably, two proband families demonstrated identical SMN1 exon 1 breakpoint sites, hinting at a potential novel mutation hotspot in Chinese SMA, expanding the variation spectrum of the SMN1 gene and corroborating the specificity of isolated exon 1 deletion in SMA pathogenesis. The optimized-MLPA P021 determined a novel variant (g.70919941_70927324del) in isolated exon 1 of the SMN1 gene based on long-range PCR, enabling efficient and affordable detection of SMN gene variations in patients with SMA, providing new insight into SMA diagnosis to SMN1 deficiency and an optimized workflow for single exon CNV testing of the SMN gene.
Socioeconomic inequalities in avoidable mortality in Italy: results from a nationwide longitudinal cohort
Authors: Petrelli Alessio , Ventura Martina , Di Napoli Anteo , Pappagallo Marilena , Simeoni Silvia , Frova Luisa
Published: March 2024

Background

Disparities in avoidable mortality have never been evaluated in Italy at the national level. The present study aimed to assess the association between socioeconomic status and avoidable mortality.

Methods

The nationwide closed cohort of the 2011 Census of Population and Housing was followed up for 2012–2019 mortality. Outcomes of preventable and of treatable mortality were separately evaluated among people aged 30–74. Education level (elementary school or less, middle school, high school diploma, university degree or more) and residence macro area (North-West, North-East, Center, South-Islands) were the exposures, for which adjusted mortality rate ratios (MRRs) were calculated through multivariate quasi-Poisson regression models, adjusted for age at death. Relative index of inequalities was estimated for preventable, treatable, and non-avoidable mortality and for some specific causes.

Results

The cohort consisted of 35,708,459 residents (48.8% men, 17.5% aged 65–74), 34% with a high school diploma, 33.5% living in the South-Islands; 1,127,760 deaths were observed, of which 65.2% for avoidable causes (40.4% preventable and 24.9% treatable). Inverse trends between education level and mortality were observed for all causes; comparing the least with the most educated groups, a strong association was observed for preventable (males MRR = 2.39; females MRR = 1.65) and for treatable causes of death (males MRR = 1.93; females MRR = 1.45). The greatest inequalities were observed for HIV/AIDS and alcohol-related diseases (both sexes), drug-related diseases and tuberculosis (males), and diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and renal failure (females). Excess risk of preventable and of treatable mortality were observed for the South-Islands.

Conclusions

Socioeconomic inequalities in mortality persist in Italy, with an extremely varied response to policies at the regional level, representing a possible missed gain in health and suggesting a reassessment of priorities and definition of health targets.
The interaction between general or abdominal obesity and hypertension on the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional analysis in Iranian adults from the RaNCD cohort study
Authors: Pasdar Yahya , Rezaeian Shahab , Mohammadi Ehsan , Khosravi shadmani Fatemeh , Shahnazi Narges , Najafi Farid , Nazar Mehdi Moradi , Darbandi Mitra
Published: March 2024

Background

Interactions between risk factors may influence disease severity. Knowing this relationship is important for preventive interventions and disease control. The purpose of this study was to determine the interactions effects of obesity and hypertension on the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

The data of 9,283 adults 35 to 65 years were examined from the cohort study of Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease (RaNCD). Waist circumference (WC) was used to identify both general and abdominal obesity based on body mass index (BMI). To assess the interaction between hypertension and obesity (general/abdominal) and the risk of T2DM, the additive interaction was calculated.

Results

The adjusted odds ratios for T2DM were 2.38 (1.67, 3.41) in men and 4.02 (2.47, 6.47) in women for the combinations of hypertension and abdominal obesity. The adjusted odds ratios for T2DM were 2.53 (1.63, 3.82) in men and 2.66 (1.92, 3.70) in women for the combinations of hypertension and general obesity. The results of the additive interaction indicators were inconsistent with gender. The relative excess risk due to interaction (interaction between hypertension and central obesity) (RERI), attributable proportion due to interaction (AP) and synergy index (SI) were0.27 (-1.01, 1.54), 0.11 (-0.41, 0.63) and 1.23 (0.41, 3.68) in male and were 0.61 (-1.12, 2.33), 0.23 (0.08, 0.37) and 1.26 (0.60, 2.61) in female, respectively.

Conclusion

General/abdominal obesity and hypertension have a synergistic effect on the risk of T2DM. The recommendation for preventing T2DM is lifestyle modification. Large longitudinal studies are necessary to investigate causal relationships.
Efficacy and safety of low-dose corticosteroids combined with leflunomide for progressive IgA nephropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Dongxu , Xia Bowen , Zhang Xin , Liang Pu , Hu Xiaopeng
Published: March 2024

Background and objective

The effectiveness of immunosuppressive and corticosteroid treatments for Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN) remains thoroughly evaluated. We undertook a meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of low-dose corticosteroids plus leflunomide for progressive IgA nephropathy.

Methods

Eligible studies were obtained from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. We also searched the references of the included studies. Our protocol followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Eligibility criteria were defined using a PICOS framework.

Results

Our study included three articles presenting 342 patient cases. Findings revealed that low-dose corticosteroids combined with the leflunomide group were effective in relieving urine protein excretion (UPE) [mean difference (MD) = -0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.41 to -0.30, P < 0.00001] compared with the full-dose corticosteroids group. Regarding serum creatinine (SCr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), complete remission rate, and overall response rate, there was no difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Regarding safety, low-dose corticosteroids combined with leflunomide significantly reduced the risk of serious adverse events [odds ratio (OR): 0.11, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.91, P = 0.04]. Besides, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in the incidence of respiratory infection, abnormal liver function, diarrhea, herpes zoster, alopecia, pruritus, insomnia, pneumonia, diabetes, and urinary tract infection (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Low-dose corticosteroids combined with leflunomide are a safe and effective treatment for progressive IgA nephropathy.

Trial registration

The PROSPERO registration number is CRD42022361883.
Knowledge, practice and associated factors towards intravenous cannula-related infection prevention among nurses working at Northwest Amhara Regional State Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, Ethiopia
Authors: Dessalegn Alemwork , Ali Mohammed Seid , Yohannes Senay , Tamir Yeshimebet , Mulatu Sileshi , Zewdie Ashenafi
Published: March 2024

Background

Intravenous cannula-related infections are one of the leading causes of healthcare-associated infections. It leads to morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Nurses play a significant role in the prevention of these infections. Whereas in Ethiopia, there is limited information and published studies done on nurses’ knowledge, practice, and associated factors and also most of other available studies done only the magnitude it lack associated factors. The purpose of this study was to assess nurses’ knowledge, practice, and associated factors toward intravenous cannula-related infection prevention.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Northwest Amhara Regional State Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals on May 1-30/2022. By using single population proportion formula the sample size was determined; we used a 50% proportion value (0.05), and 95% Confidence Interval 5% margin of error. A simple random sampling method was used to select 423 nurses. The data were collected by using structured pretested self-administered questionnaires. Then coded, and enter into epi-data version 4.6 and exported into the statistical package for social science version 23 for cleaning and analyzing the data. Data were presented by texts, tables, and figures. A binary logistic regression model was used to assess the association between variables. Based on the adjusted odds ratio, variables having ap-value less than 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval were used to state associated with the outcome variables.

Results

A total of 412 nurses participated in this study with 97.4% response rate. The participants had good knowledge and practice in proportions of (54. 9%) and (53. 4%) respectively.

Being male, working wards/units, having training, and a higher educational level were factors that were significantly associated to having good knowledge. Working wards/units, having good knowledge, training, and access to guidelines were significantly associated with performing good practice.

Conclusion

The finding of this study revealed that nearly half of the nurses had poor knowledge and practice in intravenous cannula-related infection prevention. As a result, hospital administrators and other concerned stakeholders better to prepare and ensure that guidelines are available, provide training, and develop the educational levels of nurses.
Three-dimensional visualization of thyroid ultrasound images based on multi-scale features fusion and hierarchical attention
Authors: Mi Junyu , Wang Rui , Feng Qian , Han Lin , Zhuang Yan , Chen Ke , Chen Zhong , Hua Zhan , luo Yan , Lin Jiangli
Published: March 2024

Background

Ultrasound three-dimensional visualization, a cutting-edge technology in medical imaging, enhances diagnostic accuracy by providing a more comprehensive and readable portrayal of anatomical structures compared to traditional two-dimensional ultrasound. Crucial to this visualization is the segmentation of multiple targets. However, challenges like noise interference, inaccurate boundaries, and difficulties in segmenting small structures exist in the multi-target segmentation of ultrasound images. This study, using neck ultrasound images, concentrates on researching multi-target segmentation methods for the thyroid and surrounding tissues.

Method

We improved the Unet++ to propose PA-Unet++ to enhance the multi-target segmentation accuracy of the thyroid and its surrounding tissues by addressing ultrasound noise interference. This involves integrating multi-scale feature information using a pyramid pooling module to facilitate segmentation of structures of various sizes. Additionally, an attention gate mechanism is applied to each decoding layer to progressively highlight target tissues and suppress the impact of background pixels.

Results

Video data obtained from 2D ultrasound thyroid serial scans served as the dataset for this paper.4600 images containing 23,000 annotated regions were divided into training and test sets at a ratio of 9:1, the results showed that: compared with the results of U-net++, the Dice of our model increased from 78.78% to 81.88% (+ 3.10%), the mIOU increased from 73.44% to 80.35% (+ 6.91%), and the PA index increased from 92.95% to 94.79% (+ 1.84%).

Conclusions

Accurate segmentation is fundamental for various clinical applications, including disease diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring. This study will have a positive impact on the improvement of 3D visualization capabilities and clinical decision-making and research in the context of ultrasound image.
The effect of trans-provincial immediate reimbursement for healthcare expenses on inequity in the utilization of healthcare services for migrants
Authors: Zhou Mei , Zhang Longwei , Liang Yunjia , Chen Yuxiao
Published: March 2024

Background

Improving the accessibility of public services for migrants is an important endeavor to promote equity in economic and social development. As a response to the large-scale movement of migrants and the fragmentation of China’s health insurance system, the Chinese Government has launched a policy of trans-provincial immediate reimbursement for healthcare expenses. The present study hopes to examine the effect of immediate reimbursement policy on the utilization of healthcare services for migrants in China.

Methods

This study used two waves of data from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS) collected in 2013 and 2017, with the sample comprising 13,540 individuals. We constructed a difference-in-differences (DID) model to investigate the impact of the policy on the utilization of healthcare services for migrants. Meanwhile, we also analyzed the heterogeneity of the policy effect by grouping the samples by industry, gender, income, and education level.

Results

The results found that the trans-provincial immediate reimbursement significantly promoted the probability of migrants’ utilization of quality healthcare services (average treatment effect on the treated = 0.072, p < 0.05). Heterogeneity analyses revealed that the policy effect was more pronounced among higher-income and better-educated migrants. In addition, the policy effect was more significant for female migrants, and the benefits were more marked for migrants in high-risk industries.

Conclusions

The trans-provincial immediate reimbursement policy has improved the inequity of healthcare services utilization among migrants as a whole; however, within the migrants, inequity still exists. More attention should also be paid to low-income or low-education groups in future policy design.
Kynurenine in IDO1high cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles promotes angiogenesis by inducing endothelial mitophagy in ovarian cancer
Authors: Ying Xiang , Zheng Xiaocui , Zhang Xiaoqian , Yin Yujia , Wang Xipeng
Published: March 2024

Background

Mitophagy, a prominent cellular homeostasis process, has been implicated in modulating endothelial cell function. Emerging evidence suggests that extracellular vesicles (EVs) participate in intercellular communication, which could modulate tumor angiogenesis, a hallmark of ovarian cancer (OC) progression. However, the underlying mechanisms through how EVs regulate endothelial mitophagy associated with tumor angiogenesis during OC development remain obscure.

Methods

The effect of cancer cell-derived EVs on endothelial mitophagy and its correlation with tumor angiogenesis and OC development were explored by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Multi-omics integration analysis was employed to identify potential regulatory mechanisms of cancer cell-derived EVs on endothelial mitophagy, which is involved in tumor angiogenesis associated with OC development. These insights were then further corroborated through additional experiments. An orthotopic OC mouse model was constructed to assess the antiangiogenic and therapeutic potential of the Indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) inhibitor.

Results

Cancer cell-derived EVs promoted tumor angiogenesis via the activation of endothelial mitophagy, contributing to the growth and metastasis of OC. The aberrantly high expression of IDO1 mediated abnormal tryptophan metabolism in cancer cells and promoted the secretion of l-kynurenine (L-kyn)-enriched EVs, with associated high levels of L-kyn in EVs isolated from both the tumor tissues and patient plasma in OC. EVs derived from IDO1high ovarian cancer cells elevated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD +) levels in endothelial cells via delivering L-kyn. Besides, IDO1high ovarian cancer cell-derived EVs upregulated sirt3 expression in endothelial cells by increasing acetylation modification. These findings are crucial for promoting endothelial mitophagy correlated with tumor angiogenesis. Notably, both endothelial mitophagy and tumor angiogenesis could be suppressed by the IDO1 inhibitor in the orthotopic OC mouse model.

Conclusions

Together, our findings unveil a mechanism of mitophagy in OC angiogenesis and indicate the clinical relevance of EV enriched L-kyn as a potential biomarker for tumorigenesis and progression. Additionally, IDO1 inhibitors might become an alternative option for OC adjuvant therapy.

Graphical Abstract
Changes in effective connectivity during the visual-motor integration tasks: a preliminary f-NIRS study
Authors: Wang Wenchen , Li Haimei , Wang Yufeng , Liu Lu , Qian Qiujin
Published: March 2024

Background

Visual-motor integration (VMI) is an essential skill in daily life. The present study aimed to use functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology to explore the effective connectivity (EC) changes among brain regions during VMI activities of varying difficulty levels.

Methods

A total of 17 healthy participants were recruited for the study. Continuous Performance Test (CPT), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A), and Beery VMI test were used to evaluate attention performance, executive function, and VMI performance. Granger causality analysis was performed for the VMI task data to obtain the EC matrix for all participants. One-way ANOVA analysis was used to identify VMI load-dependent EC values among different task difficulty levels from brain network and channel perspectives, and partial correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between VMI load-dependent EC values and behavioral performance.

Results

We found that the EC values of dorsal attention network (DAN) → default mode network (DMN), DAN → ventral attention network (VAN), DAN → frontoparietal network (FPN), and DAN → somatomotor network (SMN) in the complex condition were higher than those in the simple and moderate conditions. Further channel analyses indicated that the EC values of the right superior parietal lobule (SPL) → right superior frontal gyrus (SFG), right middle occipital gyrus (MOG) → left SFG, and right MOG → right postcentral gyrus (PCG) in the complex condition were higher than those in the simple and moderate conditions. Subsequent partial correlation analysis revealed that the EC values from DAN to DMN, VAN, and SMN were positively correlated with executive function and VMI performance. Furthermore, the EC values of right MOG → left SFG and right MOG → right PCG were positively correlated with attention performance.

Conclusions

The DAN is actively involved during the VMI task and thus may play a critical role in VMI processes, in which two key brain regions (right SPL, right MOG) may contribute to the EC changes in response to increasing VMI load. Meanwhile, bilateral SFG and right PCG may also be closely related to the VMI performance.
Myocardial infarction due to coronary embolism after mechanical aortic valve replacement: a case report
Authors: Kus Mukan Kagan , Karaagac Anil , Bozkurt Burak , Ceylan Ufuk Sadik , Kaplan Mehmet
Published: March 2024

Prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) in aortic valve and its complication coronary embolism is a very rare condition. Diagnosis and treatment process is challenging. We present a young patient with acute myocardial infarction who underwent mechanical aortic valve replacement (AVR) operation one month earlier. Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed and it was succesful. Transeasophageal ecocardiography (TEE) was performed. Thrombus was seen on the mechanical aortic valve and thrombolytic therapy was initiated. Control TEE was performed and there was no signs of thrombi. The patient was discharged healthfully with anticoagulant and antiaggregan.
Updates on mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zhong Michael Z. , Peng Thomas , Duarte Mariana Lemos , Wang Minghui , Cai Dongming
Published: March 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States (US). Animal models, specifically mouse models have been developed to better elucidate disease mechanisms and test therapeutic strategies for AD. A large portion of effort in the field was focused on developing transgenic (Tg) mouse models through over-expression of genetic mutations associated with familial AD (FAD) patients. Newer generations of mouse models through knock-in (KI)/knock-out (KO) or CRISPR gene editing technologies, have been developed for both familial and sporadic AD risk genes with the hope to more accurately model proteinopathies without over-expression of human AD genes in mouse brains. In this review, we summarized the phenotypes of a few commonly used as well as newly developed mouse models in translational research laboratories including the presence or absence of key pathological features of AD such as amyloid and tau pathology, synaptic and neuronal degeneration as well as cognitive and behavior deficits. In addition, advantages and limitations of these AD mouse models have been elaborated along with discussions of any sex-specific features. More importantly, the omics data from available AD mouse models have been analyzed to categorize molecular signatures of each model reminiscent of human AD brain changes, with the hope to guide future selection of most suitable models for specific research questions to be addressed in the AD field.
A comparison of methods for detecting DNA methylation from long-read sequencing of human genomes
Authors: Sigurpalsdottir Brynja D. , Stefansson Olafur A. , Holley Guillaume , Beyter Doruk , Zink Florian , Hardarson Marteinn Þ. , Sverrisson Sverrir Þ. , Kristinsdottir Nina , Magnusdottir Droplaug N. , Magnusson Olafur Þ. , Gudbjartsson Daniel F. , Halldorsson Bjarni V. , Stefansson Kari
Published: March 2024

Background

Long-read sequencing can enable the detection of base modifications, such as CpG methylation, in single molecules of DNA. The most commonly used methods for long-read sequencing are nanopore developed by Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) and single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing developed by Pacific Bioscience (PacBio). In this study, we systematically compare the performance of CpG methylation detection from long-read sequencing.

Results

We demonstrate that CpG methylation detection from 7179 nanopore-sequenced DNA samples is highly accurate and consistent with 132 oxidative bisulfite-sequenced (oxBS) samples, isolated from the same blood draws. We introduce quality filters for CpGs that further enhance the accuracy of CpG methylation detection from nanopore-sequenced DNA, while removing at most 30% of CpGs. We evaluate the per-site performance of CpG methylation detection across different genomic features and CpG methylation rates and demonstrate how the latest R10.4 flowcell chemistry and base-calling algorithms improve methylation detection from nanopore sequencing. Additionally, we show how the methylation detection of 50 SMRT-sequenced genomes compares to nanopore sequencing and oxBS.

Conclusions

This study provides the first systematic comparison of CpG methylation detection tools for long-read sequencing methods. We compare two commonly used computational methods for the detection of CpG methylation in a large number of nanopore genomes, including samples sequenced using the latest R10.4 nanopore flowcell chemistry and 50 SMRT sequenced samples. We provide insights into the strengths and limitations of each sequencing method as well as recommendations for standardization and evaluation of tools designed for genome-scale modified base detection using long-read sequencing.
A single session of a beach volleyball exergame did not improve state anxiety level in healthy adult women
Authors: de Oliveira Vinnycius Nunes , Viana Ricardo Borges , de Freitas João Victor Rosa , Rodrigues Mila Alves Matos , Andrade Marilia Santos , Vancini Rodrigo Luiz , Weiss Katja , Knechtle Beat , de Lira Claudio Andre Barbosa
Published: March 2024

This study evaluated the acute effect of the exergame Kinect Sports® beach volleyball on state anxiety level in adult women. Thirty healthy adult women (age: 21 [4] years, body mass: 54.70 [19.50] kg, height: 1.61 ± 0.05 m, and body mass index: 21.87 [5.76] kg/m2, data are expressed as median [interquartile range] and as the mean ± standard deviation) were assigned to play an exergame of beach volleyball in singleplayer mode session (intervention session) for ~ 30 min using the Xbox 360 Kinect® or remained seated (control session). State anxiety was evaluated before and after the intervention and control sessions through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. State anxiety obtained in both sessions (exergame and control) was classified as intermediate before (median: 36.00 [IQR: 4.75] and mean = 38.73 ± 7.23, respectively) and after (mean: 34.86 ± 6.81 and mean: 37.66 ± 8.44, respectively). Friedman test found no time significant effect on state anxiety of the sessions (χ2 [3] = 6.45, p-value = 0.092, Kendall’s W = 0.07 “trivial”). In conclusion, the present study showed that there were no significant differences in the state anxiety level after an acute session of the exergame beach volleyball.
A posteriori error estimation for model order reduction of parametric systems
Authors: Feng Lihong , Chellappa Sridhar , Benner Peter
Published: March 2024

This survey discusses a posteriori error estimation for model order reduction of parametric systems, including linear and nonlinear, time-dependent and steady systems. We focus on introducing the error estimators we have proposed in the past few years and comparing them with the most related error estimators from the literature. For a clearer comparison, we have translated some existing error bounds proposed in function spaces into the vector space $${\mathbb {C}}^n$$

C

n

and provide the corresponding proofs in $$\mathbb C^n$$

C
n

. Some new insights into our proposed error estimators are explored. Moreover, we review our newly proposed error estimator for nonlinear time-evolution systems, which is applicable to reduced-order models solved by arbitrary time-integration solvers. Our recent work on multi-fidelity error estimation is also briefly discussed. Finally, we derive a new inf-sup-constant-free output error estimator for nonlinear time-evolution systems. Numerical results for three examples show the robustness of the new error estimator.
Chemical structure elucidation and functional activities comparison of two polysaccharides purified from Citrus reticulata Blanco peels
Authors: Li Xiaojun , Chen Jiang , Yin Yuan , Xiao Shijun , Zhang Rui , Yang Yang , Li Le , Xu Hairong , Zhang Xue , Hu Pei
Published: March 2024

Background

The Citrus reticulata Blanco peels have been widely adopted as functional food or nutraceuticals for thousands of years. In our study, two polysaccharides from the C. reticulata Blanco peels were obtained and named as CRP-WA and CRP-02A, respectively. After characterization by monosaccharide composition, methylation and NMR, chemical structures of CRP-WA and CRP-02A were elucidated.

Results

As a result, CRP-WA with Mw of 32.8 kDa was an arabinogalactan polysaccharide composed of (β1 → 3) (β1 → 3,6)-D-Galp, (β1 → 4)-D-Manp and (β1 → 4)-D-Glcp units in the backbone. The CRP-02A with Mw of 70.5 kDa was an arabinogalacturonan type pectin formed by (α1 → 4) (α1 → 3,4)-D-GalpA units in the backbone. Moreover, the surface morphologies and rheological properties of CRP-WA and CRP-02A were quite different from each other. Both of these two polysaccharides possessed good antioxidant activities and immunoregulatory effects on RAW 264.7 cells, in which CRP-02A behaved remarkable antioxidant feature, whereas CRP-WA showed relatively high immunoregulatory activity.

Conclusion

Our study will provide fundamental information for C. reticulata Blanco-based nutritional foods development.

Graphical Abstract
Volatility contagion between cryptocurrencies, gold and stock markets pre-and-during COVID-19: evidence using DCC-GARCH and cascade-correlation network
Authors: Ibrahim Bassam A. , Elamer Ahmed A. , Alasker Thamir H. , Mohamed Marwa A. , Abdou Hussein A.
Published: March 2024

The rapid rise of Bitcoin and its increasing global adoption has raised concerns about its impact on traditional markets, particularly in periods of economic turmoil and uncertainty such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines the extent of the volatility contagion from the Bitcoin market to traditional markets, focusing on gold and six major stock markets (Japan, USA, UK, China, Germany, and France) using daily data from January 2, 2011, to June 2, 2022, with 2958 daily observations. We employ DCC-GARCH, wavelet coherence, and cascade-correlation network models to analyze the relationship between Bitcoin and those markets. Our results indicate long-term volatility contagion between Bitcoin and gold and short-term contagion during periods of market turmoil and uncertainty. We also find evidence of long-term contagion between Bitcoin and the six stock markets, with short-term contagion observed in Chinese and Japanese markets during COVID-19. These results suggest a risk of uncontrollable threats from Bitcoin volatility and highlight the need for measures to prevent infection transmission to local stock markets. Hedge funds, mutual funds, and individual and institutional investors can benefit from using our findings in their risk management strategies. Our research confirms the utility of the cascade-correlation network model as an innovative method to investigate intermarket contagion across diverse conditions. It holds significant implications for stock market investors and policymakers, providing evidence for potentially using cryptocurrencies for hedging, for diversification, or as a safe haven.
Perception of gender norms and its association with bullying behavior among adolescent students
Authors: Abdelrheem Shaimaa S. , El-Gibaly Omaima , Khairy Hasnaa
Published: March 2024

Background

Inequitable gender norms are increasingly seen as a risk to health and well-being. Although adolescence represents a critical phase of development before adulthood, there is limited understanding about adolescents’ perception of gender norms in Egypt. Adolescents’ nonconformity with stereotypical gender norms is suspected to increase their exposure to bullying behavior. This study aimed to explore the adolescents’ perception of gender norms — especially towards romantic relations and stereotypical gender traits and roles — and its association with bullying behavior among school children.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of a sample of 400 students 11–17 years from 10 public schools in Aswan city, Egypt was conducted. Data were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires using the Gender Norms Scales and School Life Survey tool for bullying.

Results

School adolescents of both sexes showed no significant difference with respect to their attitudes towards romantic relationships engagement, but boys were slightly more permissive about romantic relationships than girls (54.4%, 46.1%, respectively). On the other hand, girls were significantly more likely to indicate agreement with a sexual double standard regarding boy/girl relationships than boys (75% vs. 46.4%, P < 0.001). Regarding gender stereotypical traits, girls’ and boys’ perception showed no significant difference, but boys had more endorsement, and 64.3% of boys perceived more agreement with gender stereotypical traits compared to 57.4% of girls. Also, boys were more likely to express more agreement with stereotypical gender roles than girls (74% vs. 52.9%, P < 0.001). However, 51% of students agreed that it was okay to tease a boy who acted like a girl, and 27.5% agreed that it was okay to tease a girl who acted like a boy. Students’ status of bullying and victimization was not significantly associated with any studied gender norms concept.

Conclusions

Perception of unequal gender norms starts early in adolescence. Boys are more accepting of heteronormative relations among adolescents and more likely to endorse stereotypical gender roles than girls, while girls are more conservative and more likely to perceive a sexual double standard regarding boy/girl relationships. Moreover, adolescents of both genders perceived more agreement with deserving sanctions for atypical gender behaviors in boys with higher perception in boys compared to girls. However, both boys’ and girls’ perception of gender is not related to their status of bullying and victimization. This has important implications for understanding the development of gender norms and their impact on adolescent behavior and social interactions.
Molecular perspectives on systemic priming and concomitant immunity in colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Ray Suman Kumar , Mukherjee Sukhes
Published: March 2024

The progression of metastasis, a complex systemic disease, is facilitated by interactions between tumor cells and their isolated microenvironments. Over the past few decades, researchers have investigated the metastatic spread of cancer extensively, identifying multiple stages in the process, such as intravasation, extravasation, tumor latency, and the development of micrometastasis and macrometastasis. The premetastatic niche is established in target organs by the accumulation of aberrant immune cells and extracellular matrix proteins. The “seed and soil” idea, which has become widely known and accepted, is being used to this day to guide cancer studies. Changes in the local and systemic immune systems have a major impact on whether an infection spreads or not. The belief that the immune response may play a role in slowing tumor growth and may be beneficial against the metastatic disease underpins the responsiveness shown in the immunological landscape of metastasis. Various hypotheses on the phylogenesis of metastases have been proposed in the past. The primary tumor’s secreting factors shape the intratumoral microenvironment and the immune landscape, allowing this progress to be made. Therefore, it is evident that among disseminated tumor cells, there are distinct phenotypes that either carry budding for metastasis or have the ability to obtain this potential or in systemic priming through contact with substantial metastatic niches that have implications for medicinal chemistry. Concurrent immunity signals that the main tumor induces an immune response that may not be strong enough to eradicate the tumor. Immunotherapy’s success with some cancer patients shows that it is possible to effectively destroy even advanced-stage tumors by modifying the microenvironment and tumor-immune cell interactions. This review focuses on the metastasome in colorectal carcinoma and the therapeutic implications of site-specific metastasis, systemic priming, tumor spread, and the relationship between the immune system and metastasis.
Armia Czerwona w powiecie świeckim (w województwie pomorskim) w 1945 roku: przestępcza działalność wojska i stosunek mieszkańców do czerwonoarmistów
Authors: Ławniczak Remigiusz
Published: March 2024

Artykuł opisuje działalność Armii Czerwonej w powiecie świeckim (województwo pomorskie) w 1945 r. Przedstawiono rolę, jaką odgrywało wojsko sowieckie w życiu społeczno-polityczno-gospodarczym regionu. Podano przykłady i omówiono charakter przestępstw popełnionych przez czerwonoarmistów oraz ich wpływ na życie społeczności lokalnej. Podsumowując tę działalność, zaprezentowano stosunek mieszkańców powiatu świeckiego do Sowietów oraz emocje, jakie wywoływali.
Imigranci z Ukrainy w życiu kościołów i związków wyznaniowych we Wrocławiu
Authors: Lubicz Miszewski Michał
Published: March 2024

W artykule poruszono zagadnienie życia religijnego ukraińskich imigrantów przebywających we Wrocławiu. W tym celu poddano analizie wywiady przeprowadzone na początku 2021 r. z duchownymi czterech działających na jego obszarze kościołów, do których uczęszczają ukraińscy imigranci.