bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular vesicles in hepatocellular carcinoma: unraveling immunological mechanisms for enhanced diagnosis and overcoming drug resistance
Authors: Su Lanqian , Yue Yuxin , Yan Yalan , Sun Jianming , Meng Lanxin , Lu Jiaan , Zhang Lanyue , Liu Jie , Chi Hao , Liu Sinian , Yang Zhongqiu , Tang Xiaowei
Published: October 2024

Current research is focused on utilizing EVs as a biopsy tool to improve the diagnostic accuracy of HCC, reduce surgical risk, and explore their potential in modulating drug resistance and advancing immunotherapeutic strategies. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been increasingly recognized as important non-invasive biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to the presence of a variety of biomolecules within them, such as proteins and RNAs, etc. EVs play a key role in the early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic monitoring of HCC. These vesicles influence the development of HCC and therapeutic response in a variety of ways, including influencing the tumor microenvironment, modulating drug resistance, and participating in immune regulatory mechanisms. In addition, specific molecules such as miRNAs and specific proteins in EVs are regarded as potential markers for monitoring treatment response and recurrence of HCC, which have certain research space and development prospects. In this paper, we summarize the aspects of EVs as HCC diagnostic and drug resistance markers, and also discuss the questions that may be faced in the development of EVs as markers.
Mizhuo Guanchangye enema delays the decline of renal function in rats with chronic kidney disease by intervening in the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Li Han , Xu Peng , Zhang Xiaomei , Ye Naijing , Xu Fang , Liang Bo
Published: October 2024

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent chronic condition that poses a significant threat to human health. There is a close connection between the gut and kidneys, jointly influencing the onset and progression of CKD through the “gut-kidney axis.” Traditional Chinese medicine has shown potential in CKD treatment, but the specific mechanisms require further investigation.

Objectives

This study aims to explore the protective effects of Mizhuo Enema (MZGCY) on kidney function in CKD rats by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Methods

The researcher employed a CKD rat model, which was divided into four groups: Control, Model, half-dose Mizhuo Guanchangye (1/2 MZGCY), and full-dose Mizhuo Guanchangye (MZGCY). Post enema administration, assessments were conducted on kidney function indicators, which included blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCR), and 24-h urinary protein. Additionally, measurements were taken for intestinal toxic substances such as indoxyl sulfate (IS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as well as inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Examinations of pathological changes in both the intestines and kidneys were also performed. During this process, immunofluorescence was utilized to detect the expression levels of proteins toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in the intestinal tissues.

Results

It was found that after enema treatment, the BUN, SCR, and 24-h urinary protein levels in the MZGCY and 1/2 MZGCY groups significantly decreased, indicating notable improvement in kidney function. Compared to the model group, the IS, LPS, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in the MZGCY and 1/2 MZGCY groups were significantly reduced. Immunofluorescence showed a marked decrease in the expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB proteins in the intestines of the MZGCY group.

Conclusion

MZGCY significantly reduces the levels of intestinal toxins and inflammatory factors in the serum of CKD rats by interfering with the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby improving intestinal and renal pathological changes and delaying CKD progression. This study demonstrates that MZGCY has significant renal protective effects, providing a new potential approach for CKD treatment.
Tubulointerstitial injury in proteinuric chronic kidney diseases
Authors: Cortinovis Monica , Perico Norberto , Remuzzi Giuseppe
Published: October 2024

Proteinuria is an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease progression and cardiovascular diseases. Apart from its prognostic role, the load of proteins that pass across the disrupted glomerular capillary wall trigger multiple pathophysiologic processes. These include, among others, intratubular complement activation and excessive proximal tubular reabsorption of filtered proteins, especially albumin and albumin-bound free fatty acids, which can set off several pathways of cellular damage. The activation of these pathways can cause apoptosis of proximal tubular cells and paracrine effects that incite the development of interstitial inflammation and fibrosis, ultimately leading to irreversible kidney injury. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding on the mechanisms underlying the tubular toxicity of ultrafiltered proteins in the setting of proteinuric chronic kidney diseases. The acquired knowledge is expected to be instrumental for the development of novel therapeutic classes of medications to be tested on top of standard of care with optimized renin-angiotensin-aldosterone blockade and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibition, in order to further improve the clinical outcomes of patients with proteinuric chronic kidney diseases.
Isolation and characterization of bacteriophages specific to Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus and evaluation of efficacy ex vivo
Authors: Köhne Martin , Hüsch Ronja , Tönissen Anna , Schmidt Matthias , Müsken Mathias , Böttcher Denny , Hirnet Juliane , Plötz Madeleine , Kittler Sophie , Sieme Harald
Published: October 2024

Streptococcus (S.) equi subspecies (subsp.) zooepidemicus is an important facultative pathogen in horses and can cause severe infections in other species including humans. Facing the post-antibiotic era, novel antimicrobials are needed for fighting bacterial infections. Bacteriophages (phages) are the natural predators of bacteria and discussed as a promising antimicrobial treatment option. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus-specific phages for the first time and to evaluate their efficacy in vitro and ex vivo. In total, 13 phages with lytic activity were isolated and host ranges were determined. Two phages with broad host ranges and high efficiency of plating (vB_SeqZP_LmqsRe26-2 (lytic activity: 30/37 bacterial isolates) and vB_SeqZP_LmqsRe26-3 (lytic activity: 29/37 bacterial isolates)) and one phage with relatively low efficiency of plating (vB_SeqZP_LmqsRe26-1) were selected for further characterization, including electron microscopy and whole genome sequencing. In in vitro planktonic killing assays at two tested multiplicities of infection (MOI 1 and MOI 10), significant bacterial growth reduction was observed when the phages vB_SeqZP_LmqsRe26-2 and vB_SeqZP_LmqsRe26-3 were added. These phages were subsequently co-incubated with clinical S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus isolates in an equine endometrial explant model but did not achieve bacterial growth reduction at MOI 1 and MOI 10. However, helium ion microscopy revealed presence of particles adherent to the bacteria on the explant after incubation (25 h), suggesting possible phage-bacteria interactions. In conclusion, phages against S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus were successfully isolated and characterized. Promising results were observed in in vitro but no significant reduction was detected in ex vivo experiments, requiring additional investigations. However, after further adaptations (e.g., optimization of MOIs and phage administration or use of phage-antibiotic combination), phages could be a potential antimicrobial tool for future therapeutic use in S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus infections, although the available results do not currently support the therapeutic usage.
Abnormal outer and inner retina in a mouse model of Huntington’s disease with age
Authors: Yang Dashuang , Huang Chunhui , Guo Xuemeng , Li Yintian , Wu Jiaxi , Zhang Zaijun , Yan Sen , Xu Ying
Published: October 2024

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor dysfunction and cognitive decline. While retinal abnormalities have been documented in some HD patients and animal models, the nature of these abnormalities—specifically whether they originate in the inner or outer retina—remains unclear, particularly regarding their progression with age. This study investigates the retinal structure and function in HD transgenic mice (R6/1) compared to C57BL/6 J control mice at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, encompassing both pre-symptomatic and symptomatic stages of HD. Pathological assessments of the striatum and evaluations of motor function confirmed significant HD-related alterations in R6/1 mice at 6 months. Visual function was subsequently analyzed, accompanied by immunofluorescent staining of retinal and optic nerve tissues over time. Our findings revealed that R6/1 mice exhibited pronounced HD symptoms at 6 months, characterized by neuronal loss in the striatum and impaired locomotor abilities. Functionally, visual acuity declined at 6 months, while retinal light responses began to deteriorate by 4 months. Structurally, R6/1 mice demonstrated a global reduction in cone opsin expression as early as 2 months, with a decrease in rhodopsin levels at 4 months, alongside a thinner retinal structure compared to controls. Notably, rod bipolar cell populations were decreased at 6 months, exhibiting shorter dendritic branches and reduced synaptic connections with photoreceptors in the outer retina. Additionally, ganglion cell numbers in the inner retina decreased at 6 months, accompanied by aberrant neural fibers in the optic nerve. Microglial activation was evident at 4 months, while astrocytic activation was observed at 6 months. Aggregates of mutant huntingtin (mHTT) were first detected in the ganglion cell layer and optic nerve at 2 months, subsequently disseminating throughout all retinal layers with advancing age. These results indicate that retinal pathology in R6/1 mice manifests earlier in the outer retina than in the inner retina, which does not align with the progression of mHTT aggregation. Consequently, the R6/1 mouse retina may serve as a more effective model for elucidating the mechanisms underlying HD and evaluating potential therapeutic strategies, rather than functioning as an early diagnostic tool for the disease.
Sound transmission using a tuning fork for the diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip in newborns
Authors: Padilla-Raygoza Nicolás , Plascencia-Roldán Jéssica , Morales-Reyes Guadalupe Irazú , Patiño-Gutiérrez Luis Guillermo , Girón-Soto Ariana Valeria , Meza-Galván Evaristo Antonio , Anguiano-Canchola Itzel Marcela , Luna Santillana Sergio Emmanuel , Torres-Hernández José Juan , Flores-Vargas Gilberto
Published: October 2024

Introduction

This study aims to estimate the validity and reliability of sound transmission tests using a tuning fork and stethoscope compared with the usual clinical procedures for the diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip in newborns from the state of Guanajuato, Mexico.

Methodology

This is a cross-sectional study of newborns at the Guanajuato General Hospital of the Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato. The population under study comprised newborns born from April to May 2023. All parents of newborns were invited to participate. The Ortolani, Barlow, Peter–Baden, and sound transmission tests were performed with a tuning fork and stethoscope three times by two observers. Ultrasonography using the Graf technique was also applied to both hips. We evaluated the validity and repeatability of clinical procedures and sound transmission tests against ultrasonography as the gold standard. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for validity and Cohen's kappa for repeatability.

Results

The sample consisted of 100 newborns (56% male and 44% female); 65% born by vaginal delivery. Sound transmission test results for sensitivity, specificity, the positive predictive value, and the negative predictive value were 87.88%, 95.81%, 80%, and 97.53%, respectively. The intra-observer kappa was 0.89 (95% CI = 0.80–0.97) and the inter-observer kappa was 0.85 (95% CI = 0.73–0.97). The validity and repeatability of the Ortolani, Barlow, and Peter–Baden tests were low compared with the sound transmission test.

Conclusion

The sound transmission test using a tuning fork and stethoscope is helpful for the diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip.
Knowledge and practice of healthcare providers and associated factors of essential newborn care in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Geta Hardido Temesgen , Atinafu Ataro Bizuayehu , Elfios Eshetu , Abuye Tewodros Alemayehu , Kebede Christian
Published: October 2024

Background

Preventing neonatal mortality and morbidity in developing countries such as Ethiopia requires improved practices and knowledge among healthcare providers. Several studies have been conducted in Ethiopia, but the overall level has not been estimated based on essential newborn care practices, knowledge of health care providers, and associated factors. Therefore, the objective of this review is to assess the overall practice and knowledge of essential newborn care and associated factors among healthcare providers in Ethiopia.

Methods and materials

Only articles published in English were included in this review. Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and CINAHL, Scopus, Ethiopian University Repository Online, and the Cochrane Library are the main databases. The review included cross-sectional studies written in English that met the inclusion requirements. Using a random-effects model, the overall practice and knowledge level was estimated. Additionally, funnel plots and Eggers’ test were used to assess publication bias. STATA version 14 was used to perform all statistical analysis.

Results

This review included 15 studies involving 3,210 health care providers in Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, overall health care providers had a good practice and knowledge level of essential newborn care of 57.38% [95% CI (49.56; 65.20); I2 = 95.3%, P < 0.001] and 54.06% [95% CI (45.07; 63.05); I2 = 95.5%, P < 0.001], respectively. Knowledge, training status, and material availability of healthcare professional were significantly associated with their practice of essential newborn care, while educational qualification and training status were significantly associated with the knowledge of healthcare providers of essential newborn care.

Conclusions

Overall, 57% and 54% of healthcare providers had good ENC practices and knowledge. So, the Ethiopian government and other stakeholders should take immediate measures to improve essential neonatal care practice and knowledge among healthcare providers, and improve identified factors.
Defining clavicle growth in infancy using chest radiographs
Authors: Hadamek Yvonne , Krueger Paul-Christian , Mentzel Hans-Joachim , Waginger Matthias
Published: October 2024

Background

Despite the critical role of the clavicle in understanding growth and development in early childhood, there remains a notable paucity of comprehensive studies investigating clavicle growth patterns during this crucial period. This hinders our ability to establish normative growth parameters during these early life stages. Our study sought to measure clavicle dimensions and subsequently construct growth curves spanning from preterm infants to toddlers up to the age of 6 years by measuring routine chest radiographs. Differences between both sides of the body and between the sexes should be analysed. This aimed to provide a nuanced understanding of clavicle growth dynamics and offering a foundation for the establishment of normative values in this understudied context. In this retrospective study, children aged 23 weeks of gestation to 6 years who underwent a chest radiography between January 2010 and June 2020 were enrolled. A total of 5.311 potential radiographs was screened. Clavicle length and width were measured in all radiographs using the Centricity™ Universal Viewer. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS®.

Results

1.340 images met the quality criteria to be included in our study. The growth curves of clavicle lengths and widths showed a steadily increasing trend with age. Inclusion of premature infants in the age group of one month resulted in a decrease in this age group. Significant differences between both sides of the body and between the sexes could be shown. Measurements of clavicle length and width, derived from routine chest radiographs, are highly accurate. This accuracy underscores the potential for utilizing thoracic radiographs as a reliable tool for assessing clavicle growth in clinical settings or even forensic analysts. The establishment of reference values derived from our measurements provides a basis for normative growth parameters.
Influence of physical activity home environment on fundamental movement skills development in Chinese preschoolers: mediating role of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
Authors: Liu Pan , Fan Chengwen , Li Fang , Yang Zongyu , Yang Bin , Yin Long
Published: October 2024

Background

Research on how the physical activity home environment affects fundamental movement skills (FMS) in preschool children in China is limited. However, the role of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in this relationship is still unclear. This study aims to analyze gender differences in FMS, explore associations between the physical activity home environment, MVPA, and FMS, and investigate MVPA's mediating role in these relationships.

Methods

We recruited 169 preschool children (95 boys, 74 girls; mean age 4.9 years) from four kindergartens in Hengyang, China. The Family Environment Scale on Motor Development for Preschool Urban Children (FESMPD) assessed physical activity home environment. Objective measurement of MVPA used ActiGraph wGT3-BT accelerometers. The Test of Gross Motor Development-3 (TGMD-3) evaluated FMS. Statistical analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro in SPSS, with sociodemographic variables as controls.

Results

Boys exhibited significantly higher levels of MVPA, parenting style, locomotor skills, and object control skills compared to girls (P < 0.05). MVPA, parenting style, and FMS showed positive correlations (R = 0.355–0.568, P < 0.05). Similarly, MVPA was positively correlated with the physical activity home environment (β = 0.237–0.568, P < 0.05). Parenting style emerged as a significant predictor of children's MVPA levels (β = 0.956, P < 0.001), and MVPA was a predictor of the development ofFMS and its subdomains (β = 0.097–0.207, P < 0.05). Furthermore, MVPA partially mediated the relationship between parenting style and the development of FMS in preschool children. The physical environment was also a significant predictor of children's MVPA (β = 0.637, P < 0.05), and in turn, MVPA predicted the development of FMS and its subdomains (β = 0.188–0.343, P < 0.01). Notably, MVPA fully mediated the relationship between the physical environment and the development of FMS.

Conclusion

Overall, this study highlights the important roles of physical activity home environments and individual levels of MVPA in developing FMS in preschool children, noting significant gender differences. Parenting style greatly affects both MVPA and FMS development, while the physical environment fully mediates this relationship. Collaborative efforts among kindergartens, families, and communities are essential to support MVPA and improve FMS development.
Characterization and comparation of toxicity between natural realgar and artificially optimized realgar
Authors: Luo Lu , Xin Xueying , Wang Qiaochu , Wei Mengjia , Huang Nanxi , Gao Shuangrong , Gu Xuezhu , Li Raorao
Published: October 2024

Objective

Realgar possesses important medical properties. This article aims to evaluate realgar and emerging artificially optimized realgar to ensure safe clinical use.

Methods

Multiple techniques were employed to test natural realgar and artificially optimized realgar. Soluble arsenic content in representative samples were measured. Natural realgar and artificially optimized realgar were administered to KM mice via gavage for 28 days, and the extent of liver and kidney tissue damage, arsenic accumulation and form of arsenic were measured.

Results

Natural realgar and artificially optimized realgar can be distinguished by their physical properties or spectral signatures. ICP-MS and EPMA identified different contents of elements between two groups. In simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, only As (III) and As (V) were detected. Toxicity experiments in vivo demonstrate that both groups caused minimal liver and kidney damage at a dose of 30 mg·kg−1. At a dose of 180 mg·kg−1, artificially optimized realgar caused significantly greater liver and kidney damage.

Conclusion

The differences between natural realgar and artificially optimized realgar were successfully distinguished through several methods. In vitro experiments showed that As is the main component exerting their medicinal effects. In vivo toxicity tests demonstrated that at higher dose, artificially optimized realgar exhibited significantly higher toxicity, suggesting that natural and artificially optimized realgar have different toxic properties.
Democratically included? A systematic literature review on voter turnout of people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Boman Björn , Rosenberg Jonas Hultin
Published: October 2024

The extent to which people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are voting is an under-researched area. In order to fill this gap, we conducted a systematic literature review with a focus on voter turnout and democratic inclusiveness among people with ID. In total, we found N = 9 studies that met our inclusion criteria, all of which were based on samples from Western countries such as Croatia, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and US. Our findings suggest that people with ID have substantially lower voter turnout than ordinary voters. Constraining factors for voting and other instances of democratic inclusion include educational limitations and physical obstacles at ballot places, as well as being under full guardianship. On the other hand, living in a household with a voter constitutes a facilitating factor. Because of the limited number of studies, we suggest that more basic quantitative and qualitative research in many countries ought to be conducted.
Factors associated with the permanence of doctoral students. A scoping review
Authors: Hurtado Edna , Rosado Esther , Aoiz Martin , Quero Soledad , Luis Elkin O.
Published: October 2024

The permanence of students in doctoral programs is a multi-causal phenomenon, which makes it difficult to address and leads to an isolated investigation of its causes, being necessary a joint understanding. The aim is to investigate, through a scoping review of quantitative studies published between 2015 and 2021, the influence of individual, academic, socioeconomic and institutional factors on retention, attrition and dropout. The 32 included studies evidenced a predominance of research focused on individual factors versus few that combined all possibly relevant factors. The present study provides evidence for the emergence of several subfactors: female students, self-efficacy and motivation (individual); the relationship with the supervisor (academic); support for psychological needs (institutional); and migratory status (socioeconomic). This article highlights the need for research that understands this problem with a multifactor approach and an impact on permanence.
The relationship between personality and short video addiction among college students is mediated by depression and anxiety
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhuo Xing-feng , Xing Kai , Liu Yu , Lu Fang , Zhang Jia-yi , Qi Zheng-dong , Zhang Li , Yu Zheng-hong , Gu Chun-rong
Published: October 2024

Background

Short video addiction (SVA) among college students is influenced by personality traits, namely, neuroticism and agreeableness. However, the role of depression and anxiety as mediators remains unclear.

Objective

This study aims to explore the mediating role of comorbid depression and anxiety in the relationship between different dimensions of university students’ personalities and SVA.

Methods

The SPSS PROCESS was utilized to analyze data from 804 university students across seven universities in China.

Results

The findings show that neuroticism, agreeableness, and extraversion in the personalities of Chinese university students are all significantly linked to SVA; neuroticism and agreeableness in the personalities of university students have a greater impact on SVA; both neuroticism and agreeableness can first induce depression and then lead to anxiety and SVA, whereas only agreeableness can first lead to anxiety and then result in depression and SVA.

Conclusion

This study uncovers the intricate relationship between personality traits and SVA among college students, emphasizing depression and anxiety as critical chain mediators in this relationship. It reveals that neuroticism and agreeableness significantly influence SVA through specific pathways involving depression and anxiety, indicating that interventions targeting these traits are essential.
Effects of aerobic exercise on executive function among overweight and obese children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yi , Wang Hao , Zhao Hongpeng
Published: October 2024

Objective

Overweight and obesity are serious public health issues worldwide and significantly impair children’s executive function (EF). However, there is no consensus regarding the benefits of aerobic exercise, on the EF of overweight and obese children. This study systematically evaluated the intervention effects of aerobic exercise on EF and its subcomponents (inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) in overweight and obese children.

Methods

We searched six databases—PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, EBSCOhost, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure—until March 17, 2024 for randomized controlled trials examining the effects of aerobic exercise on the EF of overweight and obese children the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. Following heterogeneity testing, RevMan 5.4 and Stata 17.0 were used for meta-analysis and subgroup analysis of the three indicators. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used as statistical measures for effect analysis with the SMD value as the effect size and a p-value of ≤0.05 indicating statistical significance.

Results

Eighteen studies involving 1,260 participants were included. Aerobic exercise significantly improved overall EF (SMD = −0.50, 95% CI [−0.68, −0.32], p < 0.01) with a moderate to high positive effect on inhibitory control (SMD = −0.52, 95% CI [−0.72, −0.31], p < 0.01) and working memory (SMD = −0.63, 95% CI [−1.06, −0.20], p < 0.01) but not on cognitive flexibility (SMD = −0.32, 95% CI [−0.71, 0.07], p = 0.11). These results suggest that EF in overweight and obese children is influenced by factors such as exercise characteristics and body mass index (BMI). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant moderating effect of exercise type, exercise intensity, session time, and individual BMI on EF.

Conclusion

Aerobic exercise selectively improved EF in overweight and obese children. Subgroup analysis indicated that cognitive engagement in ball game interventions of at least moderate intensity and a single session of 25–40 min are more beneficial for improving EF in overweight and obese children. Extremely obese children (BMI > 25 kg/m2) do not benefit from the intervention, highlighting the need for a specific focus on intervention outcomes in future studies.
The Dutch practice of euthanasia and assisted suicide in patients suffering from psychiatric disorders: a qualitative case review study
Authors: Bosma Fenne , Mink Kelly Romana , van Delden Johannes Jozef Marten , van der Heide Agnes , van de Vathorst Suzanne , van Thiel Ghislaine Jose Madeleine Wilhelmien
Published: October 2024

Importance

Euthanasia or assisted suicide (EAS) in patients suffering from a psychiatric disorder (PD) is a controversial topic worldwide. In the Netherlands, this practice is regulated by law. All cases of EAS have to be reported and are assessed by the Regional Euthanasia Review Committees (RTEs), who publish a selection of all cases on their website.

Objective

To provide insight into the Dutch practice of EAS in patients suffering from a psychiatric disorder.

Design, setting and participants

We performed a retrospective case review study in which all published cases of EAS in patients suffering from a PD between 2017 and 2022 were analyzed.

Intervention(s) or exposure(s)

Not applicable

Main outcome(s) and measure(s)

Characteristics of patients who died by EAS because of suffering from a PD, characteristics of the reporting physician and consultant(s) and the RTEs assessment of published cases.

Results

Of the 72 cases studied, the majority of patients were female (n=48, 67%), suffered from 3 or more conditions (n=38, 53%) and died by euthanasia instead of assistance in suicide (n=56, 78%). In 63% of cases (n=45), the life termination was performed by a physician from the Euthanasia Expertise center (EE). The RTEs’ judgement that the case did not meet the due care criteria (n=11) was in all cases related to issues regarding the (advice of the) independent physician or psychiatric expert.

Conclusion and relevance

This qualitative study shows that the RTEs attach great importance to a careful evaluation procedure of physicians handling EAS requests and to the physician demonstrating ability to reflect on his views, especially when the independent consultant evaluates the case different than the physician. Training for physicians and more transparency in the assessment of EAS requests in patients with a PD may lower the threshold for physicians to handle requests of these patients themselves.

Trial registration

Not applicable.
Volunteering across contexts: comparing attitudes toward volunteering with prisoners and people with mental illness
Authors: Dá Mesquita Lara , Oliveira Jaime , Pinto da Costa Mariana
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Volunteering represents an opportunity for social transformation and social cohesion. Portugal is one of the European countries with fewer volunteering initiatives. Generally, society distances itself from individuals with mental illness and prison inmates, therefore, stigma becomes one of the barriers to social reintegration. However, volunteering can be a beneficial intervention helping individuals in their reintegration.

Objectives

This study aims to compare the differences and similarities in the attitudes of volunteers toward volunteering with people with mental illness and prisoners.

Methods

A supplementary qualitative secondary analysis was conducted using transcripts from 39 semi-structured individual interviews with volunteers regarding support of inmates in prison and two focus groups with volunteers regarding support of people with mental illness. Data analysis was conducted through an inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes emerged from the analysis: ‘Volunteer motivation and characteristics’, ‘Volunteer’s role’, ‘Volunteering relationship and its impact’, and ‘Challenges faced by volunteers’. There were several similarities between the perspectives toward volunteering in prisons and in mental health care, including the need for specific training in the area and the positive attitudes and behaviors of both groups of volunteers toward volunteering with the individuals supported. The differences were related to the characteristics necessary to be a volunteer, the activities carried out with the individuals supported and the difficulties faced by volunteers.

Conclusion

These findings show overall positive attitudes toward volunteering in mental health and in prisons.
Work context and drinking behavior in the French public service: a qualitative study
Authors: du Sartz de Vigneulles Benjamin , Carrouel Florence , Roucoux Guillaume , Michel Christian , Massoubre Catherine , Motyka Geneviève , Verot Elise , Dussart Claude
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are a major public health problem. Among the working population, alcohol is the most frequently used psychoactive substance, as well as the most inappropriately used. Alcohol consumption reduces the worker’s psychophysical integrity, leads to an increase in inappropriate behavior, accidents and injuries, and affects the safety and health of other workers. Thus, the workplace must play an essential role in prevention. Particularly in France, in the civil service, a specific professional sector made up of many professionals exposed to stress, the prevention of AUD must play an essential role. The objective of this study was to describe the framework of alcohol consumption in the French public service in order to understand the sources of alcohol consumption behaviors and to identify the prevention measures to be implemented, in order to reduce the risk of transition to an alcohol use disorder.

Methods

This descriptive qualitative study was based on focus groups. Sampling was purposive and data saturation was verified. Coding was “in vivo,” descriptive and pattern-oriented. Analysis was inductive thematic, and the COREQ guidelines were followed.

Results

Firstly, the presence of alcohol in the workplace has been characterized by a before-and-after a prohibition law, and by the revelation of mechanisms for avoiding the ban. Then, the three main determinants for alcohol use disorders were: society, work and personal factors. Lastly, the prevention initiatives identified must be based on both collective and individual approaches. They must be encouraged by the hierarchy, include screening, accompaniment to care, and take into account both work in the workplace and work at home. The fight against work-related alcohol use disorders must be part of the corporate culture.

Discussion

Preventing alcohol-related disorders among civil servants will help fight the burden of non-communicable diseases.
Microstructure of confectionery masses revealed by cryo-planing
Authors: Nijsse Jaap , Cruz Serna Adriana Fernanda , Melnikov Sergey M.
Published: October 2024

Here we present a novel, combined cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) method for imaging of chocolate confectionery product microstructures of several millimeters down to about 100 nm. The SEM part of the method is based on cryo-fixation, cryo-polishing, and scanning electron microscopy, at low vacuum and low temperature using the backscattered electron signal. Starting with cryo-fixation of the chocolate sample in a desired state (cooled, ambient, or melted), the sample is cryo-planed in a cryo-ultramicrotome. Once a polished cut is obtained, the sample is analyzed using a cryo-SEM technique, with the unusual combination of low temperature and low vacuum settings, without heavy metal coating. Imaging is done based on material density contrast. Elemental composition of particles is recorded by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The combination of imaging contrast and EDS allows identification and measurement of the four main constituents of chocolate (cocoa solids, fat, sugar, and milk solids). Finally, the same cryo-polished sample sections of solid chocolate products are analyzed using a CLSM imaging technique to reveal complementary microstructural details. An obvious application of the method could be the visualization and quantitative analysis of the size, shape, and composition of chocolate confectionery products.
Measuring Minds: How Scientists Study How People Understand Others
Authors: Bray Katherine O. , Kanske Philipp , Whittle Sarah L.
Published: October 2024

In this article, we explore the science of understanding others’ minds. Specifically, we discuss how scientists try to study the processes of understanding the thoughts and feelings of other people (known as mentalizing) and of sharing other people’s emotions (known as empathizing). Understanding others is important because it helps people to build strong social connections with their friends, family, and people in their community. However, when people struggle with understanding others it might negatively impact their mental health or cause difficulties in their daily lives. Scientists are working hard to measure how people understand others—in the laboratory and in the real world. They use questionnaires and tests, observe people, track behaviors with mobile phones, and even image the brain. We will describe these methods and discuss how researching the understanding of others might help improve the lives of young people like you.
The Management of Fungal Diseases in Organic Production Systems Through a Mixture of Durum Wheat Varieties
Authors: Bozalmat Wissal , Alaoui Si Bennasseur , Sidikou Abdel Aziz Hassane , Abouabdillah Aziz
Published: October 2024

Fungal diseases are a yield-limiting factor for wheat. Their management in organic production systems is one of the prevailing challenges because it must be based mainly on indirect measures through agricultural practices. Variety mixtures are one of these practices, a concept that has been demonstrated to improve several factors affecting yield. Recently, it has become a practice that enables sustainability in agriculture. Our research aim is to evaluate the capacity of this practice to control three fungal diseases (foliar and ear) on durum wheat. This study was conducted over two consecutive years (2019 and 2020) at two locations: a certified organic farm in the Benslimane region (2019) and the National School of Agriculture farm in Meknes (2020). Four durum wheat varieties (Isly, Tarek, Karim, and Nassira) were used to create the mixture. The parameters that were monitored were the disease severity, the grain yield, and its components. The analysis of variance for the three fungal diseases’ severity was significant. The variety that showed resistance to all diseases was the Isly variety, and the most susceptible variety was the Nassira variety. The resistance of the other varieties to the diseases was variable from one year to the other. The mixture showed average severity values. It allowed a reduction in the severity of leaf rust of 47% during the first year and 30% during the second year compared to the most susceptible variety (Nassira). In the case of HLB (helminthosporiosis leaf blight), it reduced the disease by 47% during the first year and 34% during the 2020 season. For ear disease, Fusarium head blight (FHB), the reduction was 68% during the year 2019 and 49% during 2020. The mixture also ensured yield stability between the two trial years (1.66 t ha−1 and 1.54 t ha−1).
The method of distributing the costs of growing perennial non-bloodless grasses by types of products
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia, Karagodin D. A.
Published: October 2024

The introduction of modern technologies for growing perennial grasses in feed production has caused the need to improve the methodology for allocating costs by product type. The article describes the current method of distributing the costs of cultivation. The problems of distribution of these costs are revealed. It is proposed to open two analytical accounts for the sowing of a grass mixture of perennial uncovered grasses for a more accurate distribution of costs in the future, in the year of sowing: «The cost of tillage and sowing of perennial grasses», «The cost of caring for crops and harvesting perennial grasses». A new method of cost allocation by types of perennial herb products has been developed.
Analysis of the dynamics of development of greenhouse vegetables in Russia during the pre-sanctions and sanctions periods
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Russian State Agrarian University — Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy», Moscow, Russia, Demichev V. V. , Ibragimov A. G. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Russian State Agrarian University — Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy», Moscow, Russia, Fedorov D. A. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Russian State Agrarian University — Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy», Moscow, Russia, Bahman V. Yu. ,   Limited Liability Company «ORIENT», Moscow, Russia
Published: October 2024

This article examines the dynamics of acreage, the main elements of production costs, labor costs per unit of production, output and profitability of products as key indicators of the economic development of greenhouse vegetables. The analysis of causal relationships of changes and interpretation of indicators of economic development of the sub-sector is carried out. The main challenges and prospects for the development of greenhouse vegetables industry have been studied, including the dependence of the industry on foreign supplies of components and seeds, the need to expand the range of products and strengthen the export potential of the industry. The results of the study allowed us to conclude that the vegetable growing of greenhouses (horticulture) in Russia has made a significant leap in its development, over the period 2006–2022 significantly increased production volumes and, in general, judging by key economic indicators of development, overcomes sanctions pressure, expressed primarily in the rise in the cost of production and sales logistics.
Factor analysis: application of the absolute difference method in additive factor models
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation», Moscow, Russia, Adamaitis I. M. , Dzhikiya M. K. ,   Russian State Agrarian University — Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow, Russia
Published: October 2024

The peculiarity of economic analysis in modern conditions is a significant change in its tasks and functions, the emergence and development of new relevant directions. Under these conditions, attention to traditional issues of economic analysis, including its classical theoretical and methodological foundations, has somewhat weakened. Meanwhile, in the field of theory of economic analysis, one can find points that require separate explanations, justifications, and adjustments to the methodology. In particular, in our opinion, this applies to such an issue as factor analysis, and the application of its methods to calculate the influence of factors on the effective indicator in additive factor models. This question is considered in this article.
Automation of vegetable production analysis in the Russian Federation using a modern information system
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian State Agrarian University — Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy”, Moscow, Russia, Romantseva Yu. N. , Ibragimov A. G. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian State Agrarian University — Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy”, Moscow, Russia, Puzankova K. I. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian State Agrarian University — Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy”, Moscow, Russia
Published: October 2024

The presented study is aimed at solving the problems of information support for making effective management decisions in the field of vegetable growing in Russia based on the use of technologies and tools that automate complex algorithms of statistical analysis, which expands the range of users of up-to-date, reliable and complete information on the factors that shape the volumes and efficiency of production in the vegetable growing industries. The information system proposed by the authors, developed on the basis of the PyCharm2023.1 programming environment using the Python programming language, allows the user to obtain statistical characteristics of the phenomenon under study, apply methods of correlation and regression analysis, ANOVA to identify cause-and-effect relationships, modeling processes and phenomena in order to predict their development. The web application was developed taking into account officially published information on the conditions and results of vegetable production, and its operation has been tested. At the same time, the information system has the potential for development and can be adapted to any data set.
Torção ovariana de diagnóstico tardio como diagnóstico diferencial de fibromatose ovariana: relato de caso
Authors: Rios Maria Eduarda Coral Franco , Francisco Antônio Marcos Coldibelli , Archangelo Silvânia de Cássia Vieira , Campos Fabiola Soares Moreira , Rosa Maria Vitória Souza , Francisco Marina Magalhães
Published: October 2024

A Fibromatose Ovariana é uma patologia benigna, a qual resulta em aumento ovariano, caracterizado por fibrose difusa, com achado complementar em exames de imagem com imagem similar a “Guirlanda negra”.  Torção anexial é caracterizada por rotação do ligamento suspensor do ovário e seu pedículo vascular correspondente, resultando em comprometimento vascular que pode culminar em infarto hemorrágico e necrose tecidual, tendo como sinal patognomônico o sinal do redemoinho. Neste artigo relatamos o caso de uma paciente jovem, com quadro álgico único e inespecífico em que achados de imagem sugeriram Fibromatose Ovariana, porém após dois meses de suspeita foi realizado videolaparoscopia com achado de Torção ovariana, sendo necessário a realização de salpingooforectomia, demonstrando os diagnósticos diferenciais entre tais ocorrências.
Exploring Cognitive Skills and Academic Outcomes of Poverty-Affected English Language Learners in Indian Primary Schools
Authors: Samantaray Swagatika , Das J. P.
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the cognitive performance of primary school children in India who are English Language Learners (ELL) and live in poverty. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Das-Naglieri Cognitive Assessment System (CAS2 was not constructed). There is a scarcity of studies on participants who are both ELL and live in poverty, and many such children are often found to be intellectually deficient. This study examines the performance in PASS measures (Planning, Attention, Simultaneous, Successive) and their correlation with academic achievement, particularly in reading and mathematics. We assessed the performance of 80 primary school students residing in slum areas (mean age: 9.8 years), matched in age and grade with 70 regular school students from areas outside the slum (mean age: 9.11 years). It was hypothesized that ELL regular school students would exhibit average Das-Naglieri CAS scores as per established American norms.
Recurrent Relationships as an Important Class of Mathematical Equations in Chemistry
Authors: Zenkevich Igor G.
Published: October 2024

The unique potential and different areas of applications of recurrent (synonymous: recursive) relationships in chemistry and chromatography are considered. Recurrent relations can be used in two forms: as functions of integer arguments, y(x+ 1) = ay(x) + b, and as functions of equidistant argument values, A(x+ Δx) = aA(x)+ b, Δx= const. The first form applies to all physicochemical properties of homologs in organic chemistry, because the number of carbon (and other) atoms in a molecule can be integer only. The second one applies to chemical variables depending on temperature, pressure, concentrations, etc., when the chemists should provide equal “steps” of their variations.
Recurrent relations combine the properties of arithmetic and geometric progressions, which accounts for their unique approximation abilities. This was illustrated by approximating the number of isomers of alkanes, the boiling points of homologs (nonlinear dependencies), the melting points of homologs (alternation effects), the temperature dependence of the solubility of inorganic salts in water, and by revealing the anomalies of gas chromatographic retention indices and retention times in reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography.