bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LRRC75A-AS1 Drives the Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Cervical Cancer by Binding IGF2BP1 and Inhibiting SYVN1-Mediated NLRP3 Ubiquitination
Authors: Sui Hongying , Shi Caixia , Yan Zhipeng , Chen Jinyang , Man Lin , Wang Fang
Published: January 2024

Cervical cancer severely affects women’s health with increased incidence and poor survival for patients with metastasis. Our study aims to investigate the mechanism by which lncRNA LRRC75A-AS1 regulates the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cervical cancer through modulating m6A and ubiquitination modification. In this study, tumor tissues were collected from patients to analyze the expression of LRRC75A-AS1 and SYVN1. Migratory and invasive capacities of HeLa and CaSki cells were evaluated with wound healing and transwell assays. CCK-8 and EdU incor-poration assays were employed to examine cell proliferation. The interaction between LRRC75A-AS1, IGF2BP1, SYVN1, and NLRP3 was evaluated through RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down, FISH, and coimmunoprecipitation assays, respectively. MeRIP-qPCR was applied to analyze the m6A modification of SYVN1 mRNA. A subcutaneous tumor model of cervical cancer was established. We showed LRRC75A-AS1 was upregulated in tumor tissues, and LRRC75A-AS1 enhanced EMT through activating NLRP3/IL1β/Smad2/3 signaling in cervical cancer. Furthermore, LRRC75A-AS1 inhibited SYVN1-mediated NLRP3 ubiquitination by destabilizing SYVN1 mRNA. LRRC75A-AS1 competitively bound to IGF2BP1 protein and subsequently impaired the m6A modification of SYVN1 mRNA and its stability. Knockdown of LRRC75A-AS1 repressed EMT and tumor growth via inhibiting NLRP3/IL-1β/Smad2/3 signaling in mice. In conclusion, LRRC75A-AS1 competitively binds to IGF2BP1 protein to destabilize SYVN1 mRNA, subsequently suppresses SYVN1-mediated NLRP3 ubiquitination degradation and activates IL1β/Smad2/3 signaling, thus promoting EMT in cervical cancer.

Implication: LRRC75A-AS1 promotes cervical cancer progression, and this study suggests LRRC75A-AS1 as a new therapeutic target for cervical cancer.
Parascapular Flap for Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Khayat Saad , Bonsfills Nuria , Antúnez-Conde Raúl , Álvarez-Mokthari Sara , Aranibar Hubert , Tousidonis Manuel , Fernández-Fernández Mario , Díez-Montiel Alberto
Published: January 2024

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory disease which affects apocrine glands and hair follicles of the skin, primarily in the axillary and groin regions. This condition can be highly debilitating, causing painful lesions and a negative psychological impact on patients. While medical and minimally invasive treatments are available, surgical intervention may be necessary for severe cases. In cases involving axillary defects, the use of local flaps such as the parascapular flap is a viable option. In this case report, we present a 34-year-old woman who presented to our clinic with a history of recurrent abscesses and cutaneous infections in the axillary region. After thorough evaluation, we chose to use the parascapular flap for reconstruction. The parascapular flap is a one-stage procedure that allows for extensive resection of the axillary area without resulting in contractions or retractions over the long term. Additionally, this technique allows for preservation of the axilla’s original shape with minimal donor site morbidity.
The Effect of GnRHa Treatment on Body Mass Index in Central Precocious Puberty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hou Ling , Ying Yanqin , Wu Wei , Ye Feng , Zhang Cai , Luo Xiaoping
Published: January 2024

Background: Recently, numerous studies have addressed the long-term effects of treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) in patients with central precocious puberty (CPP). However, the effects of GnRHa treatment on body mass index (BMI) in patients with CPP remain controversial. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between GnRHa treatment and BMI in patients with CPP. Methods: A systematic search of databases, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science published before August 2021 identified relevant studies. The overall effect analysis was performed using STATA version statistical software 15.0. Results: The study included a total of 28 studies. At the end of GnRHa treatment, the BMI-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) was greater than baseline BMI-SDS (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.04–0.23; p = 0.004), especially in girls with CPP (WMD = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.05–0.25; p = 0.005) and in patients with normal weight (WMD = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.19–0.48, p < 0.001). After reaching adult height, BMI-SDS returned to baseline, suggesting that the effect of GnRHa treatment on BMI would disappear as the child grew (WMD = −0.03, 95% CI: −0.39 to 0.32; p = 0.815). Conclusion: For patients with CPP, while treatment with GnRHa may increase the BMI in the short term after treatment, the BMI is likely to return to normal when the patients reach adult height.
Pulmonary Foreign Body Granulomatosis after Cosmetic Injection
Authors: Kim Hyun Soo , Gil Bo-Mi , Kang Hye Seon , Kim Jeana , Kim Chung Ho , Chung Myung Hee
Published: January 2024

Introduction: We occasionally encounter irregular marginated masses discovered incidentally in young individuals. In most cases, further investigations are conducted to assess the presence of a primary malignancy, as these masses often raise suspicions of malignancy. However, rare exceptional cases leave us perplexed. Granulomas arising from common lung infections and those induced by foreign substances can often pose challenge in distinguishing them from lung cancer. Therefore, we aimed to present a case of multiple pulmonary granulomatosis following cosmetic procedure. Case Presentation: A 55-year-old woman visited the hospital after an incidental discovery of an abnormal chest radiograph during a routine health check-up. Subsequent computed tomography (CT) scans showed worrisome lung nodules, leading to biopsies and positron emission tomography CT scans. Histological examination of the biopsied specimens revealed a chronic inflammatory reaction surrounded by multinucleated foreign body giant cells. Upon sharing the biopsy results with the patient and conducting additional history-taking, she had undergone various cosmetic procedures (botox injection, dermal filler treatments, and thread lifts) around the face and neck, approximately 5–6 months ago. It was hypothesized that these cosmetic materials might have led to the observed pulmonary granulomatosis. After 3 months of conservative care, a follow-up CT showed no change in the lesions. Conclusion: We present this case to underscore the importance of considering pulmonary foreign body granulomatosis as a potential differential diagnosis, especially when it closely resembles lung cancer, particularly following cosmetic injections.
Methylation of the Oxytocin, Oxytocin Receptor, and Vasopressin Gene Promoters in Tobacco Use Disorder during Cessation
Authors: Proskynitopoulos Phileas Johannes , Bleich Stefan , Muschler Marc Andre Nicolas , Buchholz Vanessa , Frieling Helge , Glahn Alexander , Rhein Mathias
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) exert sex-specific effects on social pair bonding and stress reactions while also influencing craving in substance use disorders. In this regard, intranasal oxytocin (OT) and AVP antagonists present potential treatments for tobacco use disorder (TUD). Since transcription of both hormones is also regulated by gene methylation, we hypothesized sex-specific changes in methylation levels of the AVP, OT, and OT receptor (OXTR) gene during nicotine withdrawal. Methods: The study population consisted of 49 smokers (29 males, 20 females) and 51 healthy non-smokers (25 males, 26 females). Blood was drawn at day 1, day 7, and day 14 of smoking cessation. Craving was assessed with the questionnaire on smoking urges (QSU). Results: Throughout cessation, mean methylation of the OT promoter gene increased in males and decreased in females. OXTR receptor methylation decreased in females, while in males it was significantly lower at day 7. Regarding the AVP promoter, mean methylation increased in males while there were no changes in females. Using mixed linear modeling, CpG position, time point, sex, and the interaction of time point and sex as well as time point, sex, and QSU had a significant fixed effect on OT and AVP gene methylation. The interaction effect suggests that sex, time point, and QSU are interrelated, meaning that, depending on the sex, methylation could be different at different time points and vice versa. There was no significant effect of QSU on mean OXTR methylation. Discussion: We identified differences at specific CpGs between controls and smokers in OT and AVP and in overall methylation of the AVP gene. Furthermore, we found sex-specific changes in mean methylation levels of the mentioned genes throughout smoking cessation, underlining the relevance of sex in the OT and vasopressin system. This is the first study on epigenetic regulation of the OT promoter in TUD. Our results have implications for research on the utility of the AVP and OT system for treating substance craving. Future studies on both targets need to analyze their effect in the context of sex, social factors, and gene regulation.
Three-Dimensional Imaging Analysis of the Developmental Process of Posterior Meniscofemoral Ligaments in Rat Embryos
Authors: Nagai-Tanima Momoko , Ishida Kanon , Ishikawa Aoi , Yamada Shigehito , Takakuwa Tetsuya , Aoyama Tomoki
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The posterior meniscofemoral ligament (pMFL) of knee joint is a ligament that runs posterior to the posterior cruciate ligament and it is known that the height of the pMFL attachment site causes meniscus avulsion. Therefore, understanding the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the pMFL attachment site is essential to better understand the pathogenesis of meniscus disorders. However, the developmental process of pMFL has not been well investigated. The purpose of this study was to analyze pMFL development in rat knee joints using 3D reconstructed images produced from episcopic fluorescence image capture (EFIC) images and examine its relationship with other knee joint components. Methods: Knee joints of Wistar rat embryos between embryonic day (E) 16 and E21 were observed with HE-stained tissues. Serial EFIC images of the hind limbs of E17–E21 were, respectively, captured from which 3D images were reconstructed and the features of pMFL structure: length and angle were measured. Besides, the chronological volume changes and the volume ratio of the knee joint components compared to E17 were calculated to identify the differences in growth by components. Results: pMFL was observed from E17 and was attached to the medial femoral condyle and lateral meniscus at all developmental stages, as in mature rats. The lack of marked variation in the attachment site and angle of the pMFL with the developmental stage indicates that the pMFL and surrounding knee joint components developed while maintaining their positional relationship from the onset of development. Conclusion: Current results may support to congenital etiology of meniscus disorder.
Mirabegron Add-On Tamsulosin for Men with Overactive Bladder Symptoms: A Pooled Analysis of Four Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wu Yonglu , Li Guanjun , Zhou Haimin , Wu Aiming , Tan Guobin , Huang Shuitong , Chen Guangming , Chen Xianxi , Li Zhiqin
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Overactive bladder symptoms (OABSs) affect patients’ quality of life (QOL) worldwide. This pooled analysis compared the efficacy and safety of mirabegron add-on tamsulosin with those of tamsulosin add-on placebo in OABS treatment. Methods: PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the efficacy of mirabegron add-on therapy to tamsulosin in the treatment of OABS. Moreover, references from the selected studies were screened. Review Manager 5.4 was used to analyze data. Results: Four RCTs involving 1,397 patients with OABS were selected. Of the total, 697 patients receiving mirabegron add-on tamsulosin constituted the experimental group, and 700 patients receiving tamsulosin add-on placebo constituted the control group. The efficacy endpoints were as follows: mean number of micturition per day (mean difference [MD] = −0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.41 to −0.10, p = 0.0001), urgency episodes per day (MD = −0.67, 95% CI = −1.02 to −0.32, p = 0.0002), urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) episodes per day (MD = −0.42, 95% CI = −0.66 to −0.19, p = 0.0005), mean volume voided/micturition (MD = 10.84, 95% CI = 4.97–16.71, p = 0.0003), total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) (MD = −2.01, 95% CI = −4.02 to −0.01, p = 0.05), and IPSS QOL index (MD = −0.65, 95% CI = −0.94 to −0.35, p < 0.0001). Mirabegron therapy, an add-on therapy to tamsulosin, was effective in treating patients with OABS. Moreover, mirabegron might reduce the total IPSS (MD = −2.01, 95% CI = −4.02 to −0.01, p = 0.05). The safety endpoint, treatment-emergent adverse events (odds ratio = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.78–1.13, p = 0.49), suggested that although mirabegron was well-tolerated, it possibly increased the post-void residual urine volume (MD = 10.28, 95% CI = 1.82–18.75, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Combination therapy using mirabegron and tamsulosin may be effective in treating patients with non-neurogenic OABS in terms of UUI episodes, total IPSS, and IPSS QOL index. However, its effectiveness must be verified by analyzing additional factors for OABS through further RCTs.
Relação entre genética da transmissão e genética molecular: como a biologia contemporânea interpreta os caracteres dominantes e recessivos de Gregor Mendel?
Authors: Ceschim Beatriz , Ganiko-Dutra Matheus , Caldeira Ana Maria de Andrade
Published: January 2024

A explicação bioquímica da dominância permite a reinterpretação do fenômeno e da relação entre a genética da transmissão e a genética molecular. O objetivo deste trabalho é discutir sobre as explicações de dominância e recessividade a partir da proposta de Mendel, e como a genética molecular contemporânea contribuiu nesse sentido. Para tanto, considerar-se-á alguns autores que, no século XX, procuraram explicar o fenômeno bem como aspectos referentes à articulação entre genética da transmissão e genética molecular na interpretação da dominância. O artigo tratará de explicações para a dominância em dois níveis, o fenotípico (original de Mendel) e o molecular, visando mostrar que, sob o enfoque epistemológico, elas não tratam do mesmo fenômeno, isto é, são conhecimentos distintos e que historicamente se mesclaram.
Mexico, 1980: the construction of bacterial molecular genetics
Authors: Ornelas-Cruces Marco , Barahona Ana
Published: January 2024

At the beginning of the new millennium, in 2001 to be precise, a work began that at the time turned out to be a titanic task. The project of sequencing the genome of the bacterium Rhizobium etli -a nitrogen-fixing bacterium symbiotic with the bean plant- was the first to be carried out in Mexico and the results were not published until a few years later. But how did molecular biology and genetic engineering arrive in Mexico? Among the many ways and paths that can lead to an answer, we chose the laboratory work of Dr. Fernando Bastarrachea Avilés and his trajectory to answer this question but mainly how the practice of bacterial molecular genetics was constructed in Mexico during the last years of the Cold War (1970-1980). As a first step we used the global history of science, where the units of historical analysis are the circulation of knowledge and collaborative networks. As a second step, we conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with former students of that laboratory in the ‘80s. Consequently, our aim is to account for the process of building socio-technical networks, focused on the field of microbiology.
Formando y deformando conceptos científicos: El caso de la herencia de caracteres adquiridos
Authors: Lamas Susana Gisela
Published: January 2024

Este trabajo muestra cómo una modificación en el sentido del término caracter adquirido llevó a rechazar la hipótesis de la herencia de esos caracteres. Se considerará el ejemplo del experimento llevado a cabo por Weismann que fue tomado como un caso paradigmático en los libros de textos y en la bibliografía especializada para refutar esa hipótesis. Ese diseño experimental fue aceptado por la comunidad como una refutación, a pesar de que los caracteres a los que hacía referencia no cumplían con ninguna de las condiciones necesarias para poder ser considerado un carácter adquirido. Así, quedó establecida la premisa de que sólo las células germinales podían heredarse fundándose lo que se conoció como la barrera de Weismann. Este caso pretende poner en consideración cómo la enseñanza y reproducción de los términos científicos y de sus indicadores puede llevar a limitar el desarrollo de las teorías. Se concluye acerca de la necesidad de reflexionar sobre la manera en que se citan y enseñan las teorías científicas a fin de evitar barreras en el desarrollo de los campos disciplinares.
Sexismo linguístico: dos estudos de Alma Sabatini aos manuais escolares italianos de L2/LE
Authors: Frabotta Simona
Published: January 2024

Il sessismo linguistico è un fenomeno che si manifesta nell’uso di determinati elementi della lingua in senso discriminatorio, dovuto fondamentalmente allo stampo androcentrico che caratterizza la cultura e la società e che si riflette sulla lingua generando disparità tra i generi, emarginazione delle donne e un uso incerto di determinate espressioni. Gli insegnamenti della linguista Alma Sabatini, pubblicati alla metà degli anni ‘80, hanno per la prima volta identificato in maniera sistematica le “dissimmetrie grammaticali” relative all’uso sessista della lingua italiana. Attraverso un’indagine sul linguaggio della stampa e degli annunci di lavoro, Sabatini ha individuato delle categorie relative dell’uso maschile generico e degli agentivi che occultano la presenza femminile e che rappresentano ancora oggi un punto di riferimento fondamentale per l’indagine sul sessismo linguistico in tutti i contesti. Nel presente lavoro si analizza un manuale di italiano come lingua straniera, applicando le categorie individuate da Sabatini, con lo scopo di rilevare i diversi aspetti relativi all’uso sessista della lingua italiana. Dai risultati emerge che praticamente tutti gli indicatori sono rintracciabili nel manuale esaminato, il che da una parte dimostra la validità dello strumento d’analisi e dall’altra la necessità di rinnovare il materiale didattico tenendo presente le indicazioni offerte dalla storica linguista nel suo studio.
Eremitis pernambucensis (Poaceae, Bambusoideae), a new species of herbaceous bamboo, marks the northernmost distribution of the genus in Brazil
Authors: FERREIRA FABRÍCIO MOREIRA , WELKER CASSIANO A. DORNELES , CLARK LYNN G. , OLIVEIRA REYJANE P.
Published: January 2024

Eremitis pernambucensis F.M.Ferreira & R.P.Oliveira (Poaceae, Bambusoideae), a new species of herbaceous bamboo from the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, is described and illustrated, and the characters distinguishing it from E. victoriae F.M.Ferreira & R.P.Oliveira are discussed. The new species described here represents the first record of Eremitis in this Brazilian state and the northernmost distribution of the genus known so far.
A new, highly endangered and restricted-range species of Parrya sect. Pseudoclausia, comb. nov. (Brassicaceae) from Western Tian Shan, Uzbekistan
Authors: GERMAN DMITRY A. , MADAMINOV FARRUKHBEK M. , BESHKO NATALYA Yu.
Published: January 2024

Parrya tojibaevii, a morphologically distinct species related to the taxa previously assigned to the genus Pseudoclausia, recognized herein as a section, is described and illustrated. The novelty, known from a few collections, is confined to a small and highly disturbed area around the confluence of Chatkal River with Charvak Reservoir (Western Tian Shan, Uzbekistan) and is morphologically closest to P. gracillima and P. mollissima. The new species can be assessed as critically endangered due to its very narrow and obviously shrinking range and habitat, an easy accessibility of known localities, and a growing threat from the construction of hydroelectric power station, roads and resorts, and also from recreation and grazing.
Long Memory in Average Monthly Temperatures and Precipitations in Guatemala
Authors: Gil-Alana Luis A. , Castillo Marlon J.
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we perform a fractional integration analysis of the average monthly temperature and precipitation data in 17 departments of Guatemala. Two analyses are performed, the first with the original data and the second with the anomalies based on the period January 1994–December 1999. The results indicate that there is a significant positive time trend in temperatures in the departments of Guatemala (0.0045°C month−1), Quetzaltenango (0.0040°C month−1), Escuintla (0.0034°C month−1), and Huehuetenango (0.0047°C month−1), whereas in the case of precipitation no time trend was observed. An important relevant result is that the departments of El Progreso, Baja Verapaz, and Guatemala occupy the second, third and fourth highest levels of persistence for both temperatures and precipitation, with Sacatepéquez and Quiché displaying the first places for temperature and precipitation, respectively, thus making these five departments the ones that are most vulnerable to climate change since a shock would take a long time to disappear.
Atmospheric Rivers are Responsible for Cyclicity in Sierra Nevada Precipitation
Authors: Williams A. P. , Anchukaitis K. J. , Varuolo-Clarke A. M.
Published: January 2024

Cool-season (November–March) precipitation contributes critically to California’s water resources and flood risk. In the Sierra Nevada, approximately half of cool-season precipitation is derived from a small proportion of storms classified as atmospheric rivers (ARs). The frequency and intensity of ARs are highly variable from year to year and unreliable climate teleconnections limit forecasting. However, previous research provides intriguing evidence of cycles with biennial (2.2 years) and decadal (10–20 years) periodicities in Sierra Nevada cool-season precipitation, suggesting it is not purely stochastic. To identify the source of this cyclicity, we decompose daily precipitation records (1949–2022) into contributions from ARs versus non-ARs, as well as into variations in frequency and intensity. We find that the biennial and decadal spectral peaks in Sierra Nevada precipitation totals are entirely due to precipitation delivered by ARs, and primarily due to variations in the frequency of days with AR precipitation. While total non-AR precipitation correlates with sea surface temperature (SST) and atmospheric pressure patterns associated with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, AR precipitation shows no consistent remote teleconnections at any periodicity. Supporting this finding, atmospheric simulations forced by observed SSTs do not reproduce the biennial or decadal precipitation variations identified in observations. These results, combined with the lack of long-term stable cycles in previously published tree-ring reconstructions, suggest that the observed biennial and decadal quasi-cyclicity in Sierra Nevada precipitation is unreliable as a forecasting tool.

Significance Statement

In California’s Sierra Nevada, where most of the state’s above-ground water resources originate, cool-season precipitation totals exhibited year-to-year and decadal cyclicity over the past century. Long-range forecasts are notoriously unskillful in this region, so nonrandom cycles would be intriguing to water managers challenged to simultaneously minimize flood and drought risk. Over 1949–2022, precipitation cycles were driven by variations in the number of atmospheric river (AR) storms per year even though ARs account for just half of total precipitation. These findings bring us a step closer to understanding the causes of precipitation cyclicity, but we find no evidence that the cycles were underpinned by larger-scale ocean–atmosphere circulations so we caution against relying on continued cycles into the future.
Ankle-Brachial Index: Diagnostic Tool of Peripheral Arterial Disease and Predictor of Cardiovascular Risk—An Update of Current Knowledge
Authors: Poredos Pavel , Stanek Agata , Catalano Mariella , Boc Vinko
Published: January 2024

The ankle-brachial index (ABI) was introduced as a screening method for the diagnosis of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Later findings recognized ABI as a prognostic marker of adverse cardiovascular events due to its relation to atherosclerosis in other vascular territories. This narrative review aims to appraise the validity, reliability, and utility of ABI in the detection of PAD and the determination of global atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk. While the ABI value can be influenced by different physiological characteristics including age, sex, body position, and techniques used for ABI determination, it has high specificity and reproducibility in the assessment of vascular patients. In conclusion, when used correctly, the ABI remains a reliable and invaluable indicator of lower-limb perfusion and a useful tool for predicting the risk of future cardiovascular events. However, its underutilization in clinical settings is noteworthy.
Two-Method Measurement Planned Missing Data With Purposefully Selected Samples
Authors: Xu Menglin , Logan Jessica A. R.
Published: January 2024

Research designs that include planned missing data are gaining popularity in applied education research. These methods have traditionally relied on introducing missingness into data collections using the missing completely at random (MCAR) mechanism. This study assesses whether planned missingness can also be implemented when data are instead designed to be purposefully missing based on student performance. A research design with purposefully selected missingness would allow researchers to focus all assessment efforts on a target sample, while still maintaining the statistical power of the full sample. This study introduces the method and demonstrates the performance of the purposeful missingness method within the two-method measurement planned missingness design using a Monte Carlo simulation study. Results demonstrate that the purposeful missingness method can recover parameter estimates in models with as much accuracy as the MCAR method, across multiple conditions.
Waived English Learners: The Understudied Intersection of English Learner and Special Education Status
Authors: Oh Min Hyun , Mancilla-Martinez Jeannette
Published: January 2024

Under federal law, parents have the right to decline, or waive, English language support services when their child is identified as an English learner (EL) in school. In this study, we focus on this important subgroup of ELs—referred to as waived ELs—at the understudied intersection of EL status and special education (SPED) status. Using longitudinal statewide Tennessee data from 2010 to 2021, we used discrete-time hazard modeling to explore ELs’ representation in SPED services by their English language service waiver status (i.e., ever-waived EL vs. never-waived EL). Results revealed that ELs’ likelihood of placement into SPED services, and specifically for specific learning disability and speech-language impairment, varied by their English language service waiver status. We describe similarities and differences in the timing and likelihood of placement trends and discuss implications for practice and policy.
Health promotion policies, perceptions, actions and needs in sports clubs in Ireland
Authors: Van Hoye Aurelie , Cullen Benny , Lane Aoife , Volf Kevin , Kelly Liam , Garcia Bengoechea Enrique , Vuillemin Anne , Woods Catherine
Published: January 2024

Objective:

Policy development is the biggest gap for health-promoting sports clubs. The present study aims to identify Irish sports club’s involvement in health promotion (HP) policy development.

Design:

Mixed methods concurrent survey design, with quantitative data providing insights into priorities, activities and documentation and qualitative data documenting stakeholders’ perceived needs.

Setting:

Two hundred and thirty-nine sports clubs in Ireland.

Method:

The survey measured perceptions of HP, the importance of promoting 10 health topics (e.g. suicide prevention, healthy eating, addictive behaviours) and corresponding actions relevant to HP in club policy documents and future needs. Quantitative data were analysed using multivariate statistics. The policy cycle was used to conduct a deductive analysis of qualitative data on sports clubs’ perceived needs.

Results:

A high importance score (>70%) was found for the 10 health topics. Sports clubs reported their greatest investment was in physical activity promotion, and the lowest investment was in supporting the participation of disabled people. Up to two thirds of sports clubs had no HP policy. Irish sports clubs’ perceptions of HP showed higher but similar patterns of response relative to sports clubs in other countries.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest that sports clubs consider HP to be an important part of their remit, but up to 66% have no policy in this regard. The policy cycle analysis helped identify the key tools needed to promote sports clubs’ HP policy development. Practical implications include fostering the inclusion of HP in sports clubs’ development plans by establishing templates and receiving support from sports federations.
Novel method of multiaxis weaving and impact analysis of the ensuing composites
Authors: Shimpi Prasad , Sridharan Sugun Bangalore , Monastyreckis Gediminas , Zeleniakiene Daiva
Published: January 2024

The study aims to develop a novel method of weaving multiaxis preform on conventional weaving machines and analyse impact tolerance of the ensuing composites along with development of finite element analysis model. An extra set of 200 tex carbon fibres, referred as bias fibres, were integrated into carbon fibre plain woven fabric during the weaving stage on a conventional closed reed weaving machine. This was achieved by partial carbon fibre weft insertion at regular intervals from both edges of the fabric. The multiaxis preform was used as ply on top of plain woven carbon fabric plies, each of 160 g per square meter aerial density. The carbon fibre composites were manufactured by infusing bisphenol F epoxy resin as a matrix and 4 plies of carbon fabric by hand layup method. The composites were subjected to low-velocity impact loading at 0.4 m height of 5.12 kg impactor, and force-time history was recorded by the piezoelectric transducer. A comparison of impact loading results showed that the multiaxis woven composites increase impact strength by 18.3% due to the reinforcement of bias fibre. Based on the test results, a finite element analysis model was developed in Ansys v.19 to simulate the stress distribution during impact loading of the multiaxis woven composites.
Pre-Service Teachers Notice Student Thinking: Then What?
Authors: Barnhart Tara , Johnson Heather J. , Tekkumru-Kisa Miray
Published: January 2024

Research has demonstrated that pre-service teachers (PSTs) can learn to notice students’ thinking in sophisticated ways by analyzing videos of classroom interactions. What is less clear is how PSTs use what they notice about student thinking to inform how they respond. Secondary math and science PSTs from three teacher preparation programs were invited to analyze a video clip identifying noteworthy moments of student thinking and describing an instructional move they might make and why. A qualitative analysis of their responses indicates that the PSTs overwhelmingly noticed both the substance and the source of students’ ideas. However, the patterns in their responses to these moments varied. These findings suggest that PSTs would benefit from spending more time unpacking what it means to respond to students’ thinking. The study provides implications for teacher education with respect to the careful selection of classroom clips and tools to support novice teachers developing responsive teaching practices.
Within-Family Differences in Intergenerational Contact: The Role of Gender Norms in a Patrilineal Society
Authors: Lim-Soh Jeremy , Kim Dahye , Kim Kyungmin
Published: January 2024

Intergenerational contact is important to older adults’ quality of life, but less is known about within-family differences in older parents’ contact between sons and daughters, especially in countries with patrilineal traditions. Applying latent profile analysis to data on 3,228 Korean older adults’ frequency of meeting and communication with each of their children, this study identified within-family patterns of intergenerational contact. Nearly half of parents exhibited gender-balanced patterns of meeting across children, while 13% reported “more frequent contact with daughters” and 39% reported “more frequent contact with sons.” On the other hand, “equally high contact” (77%) was the most common pattern for communication. Multinomial regression results showed that the derived patterns were differentiated by parents’ education, marital status, region, economic satisfaction, health, and depressive symptoms. The results highlighted the enduring nature of patrilineal traditions as well as the differing patterns of contact that Korean older adults have with their children.
“It Doesn’t Matter How You Identify, You Can Still Skate With Us”: Gender Inclusivity in Women's Flat Track Roller Derby
Authors: Kettley-Linsell Hannah , Coates Janine K. , Witcomb Gemma
Published: January 2024

Women's flat track roller derby is a grassroots full-contact sport underpinned by an explicit gender policy stating that any self-identifying woman can play, including those who are transgender and gender diverse (TGD). Adopting a queer-feminist lens, this research examined attitudes toward and experiences of gender inclusivity in the sport from the perspective of cis and TGD athletes in the United Kingdom. Reflexive thematic analysis, drawing on survey (n = 153) and interview (n = 20) data, examined how roller derby offers a space accepting of different identities; its underpinning principles surrounding body positivity and how it is perceived a social movement, involving a community of individuals sharing values of equality, diversity and inclusion. This research shows that an inclusive rhetoric surrounding gender not only engages TGD individuals in sport but offers a space for marginalised and alternative identities to participate together.
Identification of therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers of the ephrin receptor subfamily in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zou Jingjing , Zhang Kun , Zhu Jinde , Tu Chaoyong , Guo Jingqiang
Published: January 2024

Objectives

We aimed to examine the significance of ephrin receptor A2 (EphA2) expression in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) and its associated mechanism.

Methods

EphA2 mRNA expression patterns were compared in pancreatic cancer and normal tissues using GEPIA. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to examine the correlation between EphA2 expression and PAAD patient prognosis. EphA2 gene methylation and associations with tumor immune cell infiltration were analyzed with UALCAN and TIMER, respectively. EphA2-interacting proteins were investigated with GeneMANIA, while STRING helped predict potentially relevant signaling pathways. EphA2 protein expression was examined with immunohistochemistry (IHC) in PAAD patient tissues.

Results

EphA2 was highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues and associated with pathological stage. PAAD patients with high EphA2 expression had shorter overall survival and disease-free survival times. EphA2 expression levels were significantly and positively associated with CD4+ T cell infiltration. EphA2 can interact with ENFNA1, ACP1, and CDC42. High EphA2 mRNA expression was enriched for regulation of cell size and cell proliferation. IHC assays suggested that pancreatic cancer tissues had higher EphA2 protein levels than normal pancreatic tissues.

Conclusions

EphA2 is highly expressed in PAAD and closely related to poor patient prognosis, and is therefore a potential biomarker and target for PAAD diagnosis and treatment.
Exploring Reasons for Non-Engagement From a Peer-Led Diversionary Intervention for Veterans in Police Custody
Authors: Sondhi Arun , Maguire Linda , Leidi Alessandro , Weston Claire
Published: January 2024

UK veterans with complex needs arrested in police custody can access support through pre-charge diversion into treatment and ancillary services. We consider why veterans in police custody disengaged from a peer-led criminal justice diversionary support service in one UK region that adopted a continuous case management approach. Seven hundred and fifty-seven veterans were assessed to have high levels of comorbid health needs and socio-economic harms, with one-quarter (26.7%, n = 202) subsequently disengaging from the service. A logistic regression model using Multivariate Imputation by Chained Equations identified that veterans of a younger age, no-fixed-abode, a history of incarceration, and those from a Royal Navy background were likelier to disengage from the intervention. We conclude that this peer-based diversionary model has some efficacy in maintaining the engagement of a highly complex, comorbid segment of criminally-justice-exposed UK military veterans. The perceived benefits of an integrated peer-based model predicated on continuous case-management techniques are discussed.
Activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels triggers migraine attacks independent of calcitonin gene-related peptide receptors: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Raffaelli Bianca , Do Thien Phu , Chaudhry Basit Ali , Amin Faisal Mohammad , Ashina Håkan , Snellman Josefin , Maio-Twofoot Tina , Ashina Messoud
Published: January 2024

Background

The present study aimed to investigate whether levcromakalim, a KATP channel opener, induces migraine attacks in people with migraine pre-treated with erenumab, a monoclonal CGRP receptor antibody.

Methods

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-way cross-over study, adults with migraine without aura received a subcutaneous injection of 140 mg of erenumab on day 1. Subsequently, they were randomized to receive a 20-minute infusion of 0.05 mg/ml levcromakalim or placebo on two experimental days separated by at least one week (between days 8 and 21). The primary endpoint was the difference in the incidence of migraine attacks between levcromakalim and placebo during the 12-hour post-infusion period.

Results

In total, 16 participants completed the study. During the 12-hour observation period, 14 (88%) of 16 participants experienced migraine attacks after levcromakalim, compared to two (12%) after placebo ( p < 0.001). The area under the curve for median headache intensity was greater after levcromakalim than placebo ( p < 0.001). Levcromakalim elicited dilation of the superficial temporal artery during the first hour after infusion, a response absent following placebo ( p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The induction of migraine attacks via opening of KATP channels appears independent of CGRP receptor activation. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier NCT05889442
Women in group analysis. Group analytic training with Ilse Seglow: Experiences of the first training group of the Institute of Group Analysis, Heidelberg/Germany
Authors: Rohr Elisabeth , Cogoy Renate
Published: January 2024

More than 40 years ago, the first training group of the Institute of Group Analysis Heidelberg started their training with Ilse Seglow in London. However, the beginning of the training was overshadowed by a conflict, since the group did not know that the training should take place entirely in London. This paper tries to explore this conflict in the light of unconscious dynamics underlying the foundation of the institute. Ilse Seglow, a German exiled Jew and ex-communist, was the ‘spiritus rector’ of the institute and the facilitator of the first training group. Group processes are described, showing how the group as well as Ilse dealt with this situation, commemorating one of the charismatic, controversial and politically inspired, but mostly forgotten personalities of the group analytic community.
Intermediate Transcultural Space (ITCS) An intergenerational and multicultural approach to violence and trauma in New Caledonia
Authors: Thibouville Grégoire
Published: January 2024

This article reports findings from four group experiments in New Caledonia. They have as a common denominator: the ‘Intermediate Transcultural Space’ as inspired by Winnicott (1971) that all feature the themes of violence, the influence of culture and support group therapy. They all take place over a period of 10 years of practice.

I continued to develop each of these group formats until I eventually arrived at an intergenerational, multicultural group for adolescents with a record of violence and criminal offences who fell within the remit of the French Child and Youth Judicial Protection Service along with the Kanak Custody Senate. The group offers an accessible landing stage that allows the young people to move forward along the long road of restoring self-esteem, and transforming their trauma and violent behaviour.
United States Federal Employee Development in Turbulent Times: Using Job Demands-Resources Theory to Explain Changes in Perceived Performance and Turnover Intention During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Emidy M. Blake
Published: January 2024

Under conditions of organizational turbulence, it is crucial to staff organizations with public servants who feel committed and capable of creating public value. However, managers may neglect training and development during turbulent times while they attempt to protect the technical core of the agency. This study draws on job demands-resources theory (JD-R) to understand the role of job-related training and resources on perceived work unit performance and turnover intention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the 2020 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS), I find that workers who reported needing, but not receiving, training or resources to cope with new work roles were more likely to report a deterioration in their work unit’s performance and to report new intentions to leave their job. These effects were stronger when an employee’s demands increased over the pandemic. The findings emphasize the importance of balancing demands and resources as organizational leaders react to turbulent conditions.
Investigating tooth surface reconstruction principle of a gear rack and pinion system with variable transmission ratio pinion
Authors: Ziru Niu , Da Cao , Fuhui Liu , Liangliang Zou , Deqiu Yang , Zhenbo Xin , Xinghua Liu , Peng Wang
Published: January 2024

Rack-and-pinion gear sets with variable transmission ratios have gradually become a standard core component in steering systems, as the harmony between portability and sensitivity in vehicle steering can be achieved with such applications. When the conventional meshing theory is adopted to calculate point clouds of variable-ratio tooth surfaces, drawbacks will occur with respect to unevenness in point cloud density, inaccessible tooth surface boundaries, and point cloud fusion at the interface between the working tooth surface and fillet. Thus, the generated point cloud of variable ratio tooth surfaces is inapplicable for computer-aided engineering (CAE) and plastic forming. In this study, the point cloud reconstruction of pinion tooth surfaces with variable transmission ratio was investigated. Meanwhile, based on the analysis of transient length in contact lines that occur during gear meshing, various criteria were proposed to determine the validity of the variable-ratio rack-and-pinion design in terms of whether continuous and reverse driving can be achieved. By adopting the proposed methods, the designed variable-ratio pinion tooth surfaces demonstrate point clouds with equidistant distributions and clear boundaries. CAE analysis results also indicate a good quality in gear meshing. The real-time gear meshing status of variable-ratio rack-and-pinion sets is characterized by the transient length of contact lines. The measured variation curves for the transmission ratios of a prototype demonstrate significant consistency with the theoretical curves, indicated by attaining transmission ratio errors within a reasonable range. The validity of the design methods proposed in this study has been verified by the aforementioned results.
Mechanical performance of stitched foam-filled honeycomb sandwich panels
Authors: Nagarajan VA , Dhanesh E , Vinod Kumar KP
Published: January 2024

Foam-filled Honeycomb Sandwich panels (FHS) are widely used in various industrial applications due to their superior multifunctional properties. However, these sandwich panels fail in some extreme conditions due to interfacial failure between the face sheet and core. To overcome this issue, novel stitched foam-filled honeycomb sandwich panels (SFHS) were fabricated by integrating the top face sheet and bottom face sheet by the stitching technique. Stitching through the face sheet and core is to improve the interfacial strength and increases the mechanical properties of the sandwich panel. FHS and SFHS were prepared by the Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer molding (VARTM). Flexural, flatwise, and edgewise compression analysis values for SFHS panels are 2.02, 1.28, and 1.25 times higher than for FHS panels. SFHS panel weight increased slightly but had superior mechanical properties than FHS. These innovative SFHS panels can be broadly used for applications including structural, flooring, and body panels.
Study on dynamic characteristics of scraper conveyor under various scraper configurations
Authors: Xia Rui , Liang Chao , Wang Xuewen
Published: January 2024

This study aims to explore the impact of scraper structure on the stable operation of scraper conveyors. A simulation test is designed to investigate the effect of the scraper's lower inclination angle on the wedge-shaped structure of the scraper. Based on the test results, modifications are made to the scraper's lower inclination angle. Using the DEM-MBD coupling model of the scraper conveyor, simulation analyses are conducted to evaluate the influence of the scraper on the dynamic characteristics of the conveyor before and after the modification. The simulation test results reveal that, when coal materials are stuck, the minimum impact force of coal material on the upper sample is observed at inclination angles of 52.35° and 78.19°. The simulation research indicates that the transportation efficiency of the standard scraper and the single-sided 52.35° and 78.19° modified scraper is similar. The single-sided 78.19° scraper demonstrates the most stable vibration amplitude and centroid variance, with an overall maximum vibration amplitude and variance of 0.76 mm and 0.08, respectively. The z-direction speed fluctuation of the single-sided 78.19° scraper is also the smallest and most stable, with a maximum peak-valley difference and fluctuation variance of 0.17 m/s and 0.0004, respectively. Additionally, the force of the coal on the single-sided 78.19° scraper is the smallest and relatively stable, with a fluctuation range of 510.28∼ 18,557.71 N. Overall, the dynamic operation effect of the single-sided 78.19° scraper is deemed the best after considering all factors. This study provides valuable insights into the influence of scraper structure with different lower inclination angles on the stable operation of scraper conveyors and offers a reference for optimizing scraper structure.