bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unravelling the skillset of point-of-care ultrasound: a systematic review
Authors: Mulder Tessa A. , van de Velde Tim , Dokter Eveline , Boekestijn Bas , Olgers Tycho J. , Bauer Martijn P. , Hierck Beerend P.
Published: April 2023

Background

The increasing number of physicians that are trained in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) warrants critical evaluation and improvement of current training methods. Performing POCUS is a complex task and it is unknown which (neuro)cognitive mechanisms are most important in competence development of this skill. This systematic review was conducted to identify determinants of POCUS competence development that can be used to optimize POCUS training.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Emcare, PsycINFO and ERIC databases were searched for studies measuring ultrasound (US) skills and aptitude. The papers were divided into three categories: “Relevant knowledge”, “Psychomotor ability” and ‘Visuospatial ability’. The ‘Relevant knowledge’ category was further subdivided in ‘image interpretation’, ‘technical aspects’ and ‘general cognitive abilities’. Visuospatial ability was subdivided in visuospatial subcategories based on the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) Model of Intelligence v2.2, which includes visuospatial manipulation and visuospatial perception. Post-hoc, a meta-analysis was performed to calculate pooled correlations.

Results

26 papers were selected for inclusion in the review. 15 reported on relevant knowledge with a pooled coefficient of determination of 0.26. Four papers reported on psychomotor abilities, one reported a significant relationship with POCUS competence. 13 papers reported on visuospatial abilities, the pooled coefficient of determination was 0.16.

Conclusion

There was a lot of heterogeneity in methods to assess possible determinants of POCUS competence and POCUS competence acquisition. This makes it difficult to draw strong conclusions on which determinants should be part of a framework to improve POCUS education. However, we identified two determinants of POCUS competence development: relevant knowledge and visuospatial ability. The content of relevant knowledge could not be retrieved in more depth. For visuospatial ability we used the CHC model as theoretical framework to analyze this skill. We could not point out psychomotor ability as a determinant of POCUS competence.
Functional gradients of the medial parietal cortex in a healthy cohort with family history of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Veréb Dániel , Mijalkov Mite , Chang Yu-Wei , Canal-Garcia Anna , Gomez-Ruis Emiliano , Maass Anne , Villeneuve Sylvia , Volpe Giovanni , Pereira Joana B.
Published: April 2023

Background

The medial parietal cortex is an early site of pathological protein deposition in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Previous studies have identified different subregions within this area; however, these subregions are often heterogeneous and disregard individual differences or subtle pathological alterations in the underlying functional architecture. To address this limitation, here we measured the continuous connectivity gradients of the medial parietal cortex and assessed their relationship with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, ApoE ε4 carriership and memory in asymptomatic individuals at risk to develop AD.

Methods

Two hundred sixty-three cognitively normal participants with a family history of sporadic AD who underwent resting-state and task-based functional MRI using encoding and retrieval tasks were included from the PREVENT-AD cohort. A novel method for characterizing spatially continuous patterns of functional connectivity was applied to estimate functional gradients in the medial parietal cortex during the resting-state and task-based conditions. This resulted in a set of nine parameters that described the appearance of the gradient across different spatial directions. We performed correlation analyses to assess whether these parameters were associated with CSF biomarkers of phosphorylated tau181 (p-tau), total tau (t-tau), and amyloid-ß1-42 (Aß). Then, we compared the spatial parameters between ApoE ε4 carriers and noncarriers, and evaluated the relationship between these parameters and memory.

Results

Alterations involving the superior part of the medial parietal cortex, which was connected to regions of the default mode network, were associated with higher p-tau, t-tau levels as well as lower Aß/p-tau levels during the resting-state condition (p < 0.01). Similar alterations were found in ApoE ε4 carriers compared to non-carriers (p < 0.003). In contrast, lower immediate memory scores were associated with changes in the middle part of the medial parietal cortex, which was connected to inferior temporal and posterior parietal regions, during the encoding task (p = 0.001). No results were found when using conventional connectivity measures.

Conclusions

Functional alterations in the medial parietal gradients are associated with CSF AD biomarkers, ApoE ε4 carriership, and lower memory in an asymptomatic cohort with a family history of sporadic AD, suggesting that functional gradients are sensitive to subtle changes associated with early AD stages.
Serum metabolomics profiling by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy reveals sexual dimorphism and masculinization of intermediate metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Authors: Escobar-Morreale Héctor F. , Martínez-García M. Ángeles , Insenser María , Cañellas Nicolau , Correig Xavier , Luque-Ramírez Manuel
Published: April 2023

Background

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with insulin resistance, obesity and cardiometabolic comorbidities. We here challenged the hypothesis, using state-of-the art proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy metabolomics profiling, that androgen excess in women induces also a certain masculinization of intermediate metabolism that is modulated by obesity.

Methods

Participants were 53 Caucasian young adults, including 17 women with classic PCOS consisting of hyperandrogenism and ovulatory dysfunction, 17 non-hyperandrogenic women presenting with regular menses, and 19 healthy men, selected in order to be similar in terms of age and body mass index (BMI). Half of the subjects had obesity defined by a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2. Subjects maintained the same diet unrestricted in carbohydrates for 3 days before sampling and maintained their lifestyle and exercise patterns prior and during the study. Plasma samples were submitted to proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy metabolomics profiling.

Results

Obesity associated a metabolomics profile mainly characterized by increased branched chain and aromatic aminoacids. Regardless of obesity, this unfavorable profile also characterized men as compared with control women, and was shared by women with PCOS. Notably, the negative impact of obesity on metabolomics profile was restricted to women, with obese men showing no further deterioration when compared with their non-obese counterparts.

Conclusions

Serum metabolomics profiling by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy reveals sexual dimorphism, and masculinization of intermediate metabolism in women with PCOS, further suggesting a role for sex and sex hormones in the regulation of intermediate metabolism.
A tool for nuclear imaging of the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor: molecular model and preclinical development of ACE2-selective radiopeptides
Authors: Beyer Darja , Vaccarin Christian , Deupi Xavier , Mapanao Ana Katrina , Cohrs Susan , Sozzi-Guo Fan , Grundler Pascal V. , van der Meulen Nicholas P. , Wang Jinling , Tanriver Matthias , Bode Jeffrey W. , Schibli Roger , Müller Cristina
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2)—entry receptor of SARS-CoV-2—and its homologue, the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), play a pivotal role in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis. Potential changes in ACE2 expression levels and dynamics after SARS-CoV-2 infection have been barely investigated. The aim of this study was to develop an ACE2-targeting imaging agent as a noninvasive imaging tool to determine ACE2 regulation.

Methods

DOTA-DX600, NODAGA-DX600 and HBED-CC-DX600 were obtained through custom synthesis and labeled with gallium-67 (T1/2 = 3.26 d) as a surrogate radioisotope for gallium-68 (T1/2 = 68 min). ACE2- and ACE-transfected HEK cells were used for the in vitro evaluation of these radiopeptides. The in vivo tissue distribution profiles of the radiopeptides were assessed in HEK-ACE2 and HEK-ACE xenografted mice and imaging studies were performed using SPECT/CT.

Results

The highest molar activity was obtained for [67Ga]Ga-HBED-CC-DX600 (60 MBq/nmol), whereas the labeling efficiency of the other peptides was considerably lower (20 MBq/nmol). The radiopeptides were stable over 24 h in saline (> 99% intact peptide). All radiopeptides showed uptake in HEK-ACE2 cells (36–43%) with moderate ACE2-binding affinity (KD value: 83–113 nM), but no uptake in HEK-ACE cells (< 0.1%) was observed. Accumulation of the radiopeptides was observed in HEK-ACE2 xenografts (11–16% IA/g) at 3 h after injection, but only background signals were seen in HEK-ACE xenografts (< 0.5% IA/g). Renal retention was still high 3 h after injection of [67Ga]Ga-DOTA-DX600 and [67Ga]Ga-NODAGA-DX600 (~ 24% IA/g), but much lower for [67Ga]Ga-HBED-CC-DX600 (7.2 ± 2.2% IA/g). SPECT/CT imaging studies confirmed the most favorable target-to-nontarget ratio for [67Ga]Ga-HBED-CC-DX600.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated ACE2 selectivity for all radiopeptides. [67Ga]Ga-HBED-CC-DX600 was revealed as the most promising candidate due to its favorable tissue distribution profile. Importantly, the HBED-CC chelator enabled 67Ga-labeling at high molar activity, which would be essential to obtain images with high signal-to-background contrast to detect (patho)physiological ACE2 expression levels in patients.
Not recommended fixed-dose antibiotic combinations in low- and middle-income countries – the example of Tanzania
Authors: Vliegenthart-Jongbloed Klaske , Jacobs Jan
Published: April 2023

Background

Fixed-dose combinations (FDC) are medicine formulations that combine two or more ingredients in fixed ratios in a single dose form. Although advantageous in tuberculosis and malaria (efficacy, adherence, protection against resistance), only a few antibiotic FDC (FDC-AB) have been developed along full microbiological, pharmacological and clinical validation and safety studies. The World Health Organization (WHO) database of Access, Watch and Reserve (AWaRe) antibiotics contains, since 2021, a list of “Not Recommended” FDC-AB (n = 103) which are rejected for use in clinical practice.

Body

The share of non-recommended FDC-AB in global antimicrobial use (2000–2015) was < 3% but substantially higher in middle income countries. The share increases over time, but recent data particular concerning sub-Saharan Africa are rare. Along three non-recommended FDC-AB listed in the Tanzanian National Essential Medicine List (ampicillin-cloxacillin, flucloxacillin-amoxicillin and ceftriaxone-sulbactam) we discuss the concerns and reasons behind use of these products. Non-recommended FDC-AB have poor rationale (ratios of both ingredients), lack evidence of efficacy (pharmacological, microbiological and clinical), have difficulties in dosing (underdosing of the single ingredients, absence of pediatric dosing) and risks of safety (additive toxicity). They are expected to fuel antimicrobial resistance (unnecessary broad spectrum coverage) and are incompatible with antimicrobial stewardship. The specific context of low- and middle-income countries contributes to their increased use: at the side of prescriber and supplier are the lack of diagnostics, poor training in antibiotic prescribing, patients’ preferences, role-model of senior prescribers and pharmaceutical promotion. International market mechanisms include economic motivation for development, branding and promotion, poor access to the single antibiotic forms and weak national regulatory capacity.

Conclusion and implications

There is an urgent need for monitoring consumption of non-recommended FDC-AB in low- and middle-income countries, particular in Sub-Saharan Africa. A multinational and multisectoral antimicrobial stewardship strategy is needed in order to abolish the use of non-recommended FDC-AB.
Sleep hygiene and sleep quality in Iranian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Chehri Azita , Shetabi Maryam , Khazaie Habibolah , Zakiei Ali
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Sleep is one of the issues that attracted the attention of researchers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers focused their studies on the prevalence of sleep disorders, sleep quality, and sleep duration. Sleep hygiene is a set of guidelines that play an important role in the sleep quality, the present study sought to evaluate the amount of sleep hygiene and sleep quality in Iranian adolescents and their relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The present study was conducted using a cross-sectional design. The research population consisted of all adolescents living in Kermanshah (western Iran) in 2021. The participants were a sample of 610 adolescents. They completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory and Adolescent Sleep Hygiene Scale.

Results

The mean sleep quality score for the participants was 7.14 ± 2.47, indicating the high frequency of sleep problems affecting the participants. There were significant correlations between all components of sleep hygiene and sleep quality. There was also a significant correlation (r = − 0.46 between sleep hygiene and sleep quality (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in sleep hygiene and sleep quality between the male and female adolescents. The results showed that sleep hygiene subscales can predict sleep quality (R = 0.53, F = 39.20, p < .01).

Conclusions

The data in this study confirmed the poor observance of sleep hygiene in adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic and reported frequent sleep problems among the participants. The results also indicated a moderate relationship between sleep hygiene and sleep quality in adolescents. Thus, sleep hygiene components can be related to sleep quality.
Corrosion mechanisms for lead-barium glass from the Warring States period
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Wang Jun , Yu Wendi , Zhao Jing , Yue Xuezheng , Luo Hongjie
Published: April 2023

Lead-barium glass is subject to a variety of corrosion reactions after burial. The microscopic morphology and compositional structure of ancient lead-barium glass excavated from the Yaozhuang Cemetery located in Liuhe District of Nanjing were analysed with optical microscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, fluorescent inverted microscopy and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The corrosion products included PbCO3, Pb(OH)Cl, CaHPO4(H2O)2 and BaS2. Based on the corrosion morphology and the corrosion products, it was concluded that the corrosion processes included microbial corrosion, surface chemical corrosion, and crack corrosion. This paper describes the corrosion processes of lead-barium glass relics and establishes the corresponding corrosion model. In addition, the results of this study deepen the understanding of the corrosion mechanisms for lead-barium glass and provide new insight into the corrosion mechanisms of excavated glass relics, which is also of great significance for the protection of lead-barium glass.
A 12-month randomised pilot trial of the Alzheimer’s and music therapy study: a feasibility assessment of music therapy and physical activity in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Matziorinis A. M. , Flo B. K. , Skouras S. , Dahle K. , Henriksen A. , Hausmann F. , Sudmann T. T. , Gold C. , Koelsch S.
Published: April 2023

Background

The Alzheimer’s and Music Therapy (ALMUTH) study is the first randomised controlled trial (RCT) design with 12 months of active non-pharmacological therapy (NPT) implementing music therapy (MT) and physical activity (PA) for participants with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim of the present article is to retrospectively examine the inclusion of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s Disease patients into the main ALMUTH study protocol and to determine if continued inclusion of AD patients is warranted.

Methods

The randomised pilot trial was conducted as a parallel three-arm RCT, reflecting the experimental design of the ALMUTH study. The trial was conducted in Bergen, Norway, and randomisation (1:1:1) was performed by an external researcher. The study was open label and the experimental design features two active NPTs: MT and PA, and a passive control (no intervention, CON) in Norwegian speaking patients with AD who still live at home and could provide informed consent. Sessions were offered once per week (up to 90 min) up to 40 sessions over 12 months. Baseline and follow-up tests included a full neuropsychological test battery and three magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements (structural, functional, and diffusion weighted imaging). Feasibility outcomes were assessed and were determined as feasible if they met the target criteria.

Results

Eighteen participants with a diagnosis of mild-to-moderate AD were screened, randomised, and tested once at baseline and once after 12-months. Participants were divided into three groups: MT (n = 6), PA (n = 6), and CON (n = 6). Results of the study revealed that the ALMUTH protocol in patients with AD was not feasible. The adherence to the study protocol was poor (50% attended sessions), with attrition and retention rates at 50%. The recruitment was costly and there were difficulties acquiring participants who met the inclusion criteria. Issues with study fidelity and problems raised by staff were taken into consideration for the updated study protocol. No adverse events were reported by the patients or their caregivers.

Conclusions

The pilot trial was not deemed feasible in patients with mild-to-moderate AD. To mitigate this, the ALMUTH study has expanded the recruitment criteria to include participants with milder forms of memory impairment (pre-AD) in addition to expanding the neuropsychological test battery. The ALMUTH study is currently ongoing through 2023.

Trial registration

Norsk Forskningsråd (NFR) funded. Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REC-WEST: reference number 2018/206). ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03444181 (registered retrospectively 23 February 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03444181).
Intelligent option portfolio model with perspective of shadow price and risk-free profit
Authors: Xu Fengmin , Ma Jieao
Published: April 2023

Since Markowitz proposed modern portfolio theory, portfolio optimization has been being a classic topic in financial engineering. Although it is generally accepted that options help to improve the market, there is still an improvement for the portrayal of their unique properties in portfolio problems. In this paper, an intelligent option portfolio model is developed that allows selling options contracts to earn option fees and considers the high leverage of options in the market. Deep learning methods are used to predict the forward price of the underlying asset, making the model smarter. It can find an optimal option portfolio that maximizes the final wealth among the call and put options with multiple strike prices. We use the duality theory to analyze the marginal contribution of initial assets, risk tolerance limit, and portfolio leverage limit for the final wealth. The leverage limit of the option portfolio has a significant impact on the return. To satisfy the investors with different risk preferences, we also give the conditions for the option portfolio to gain a risk-free return and replace the Conditional Value-at-Risk. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the intelligent option portfolio model obtains a satisfactory out-of-sample return, which is significantly positively correlated with the volatility of the underlying asset and negatively correlated with the forecast error of the forward price. The risk- free option model is effective in achieving the goal of no drawdown and gaining satisfactory returns. Investors can adjust the balance point between returns and risks according to their risk preference.
Audience immersion: validating attentional and physiological measures against self-report
Authors: Hammond Hugo , Armstrong Michael , Thomas Graham A. , Gilchrist Iain D.
Published: April 2023

When an audience member becomes immersed, their attention shifts towards the media and story, and they allocate cognitive resources to represent events and characters. Here, we investigate whether it is possible to measure immersion using continuous behavioural and physiological measures. Using television and film clips, we validated dual-task reaction times, heart rate, and skin conductance against self-reported narrative engagement. We find that reaction times to a secondary task were strongly positively correlated with self-reported immersion: slower reaction times were indicative of greater immersion, particularly emotional engagement. Synchrony in heart rate across participants was associated with self-reported attentional and emotional engagement with the story, although we found no such relationship with skin conductance. These results establish both dual-task reaction times and heart rate as candidate measures for the real-time, continuous, assessment of audience immersion.
Review of sub-synchronous interaction in wind integrated power systems: classification, challenges, and mitigation techniques
Authors: Verma Neevatika , Kumar Narendra , Gupta Saket , Malik Hasmat , García Márquez Fausto Pedro
Published: April 2023

Emerging sub-synchronous interactions (SSI) in wind-integrated power systems have added intense attention after numerous incidents in the US and China due to the involvement of series compensated transmission lines and power electronics devices. SSI phenomenon occurs when two power system elements exchange energy below the synchronous frequency. SSI phenomenon related to wind power plants is one of the most significant challenges to maintaining stability, while SSI phenomenon in practical wind farms, which has been observed recently, has not yet been described on the source of conventional SSI literature. This paper first explains the traditional development of SSI and its classification as given by the IEEE, and then it proposes a classification of SSI according to the current research status, reviews several mitigation techniques and challenges, and discusses analysis techniques for SSI. The paper also describes the effect of the active damping controllers, control scheme parameters, degree of series compensation, and various techniques used in wind power plants (WPPs). In particular, a supplementary damping controller with converter controllers in Doubly Fed Induction Generator based WPPs is briefly pronounced. This paper provides a realistic viewpoint and a potential outlook for the readers to properly deal with SSI and its mitigation techniques, which can help power engineers for the planning, economical operation, and future expansion of sustainable development.
Isolation and identification of Metarhizium guizhouense Xct1 and its pathogenicity to Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Wei Juan , Wang Xian , Nima Zhuoga , Chen Lin , Song Cancan , Chen Haonan , Zhang Zhe , Qin Jie , Jiang Chunxian , Li Qing
Published: April 2023

Background

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is one of the most destructive invasive pests causing serious damage to maize crops in China. At present, the use of chemical pesticides is the main method to prevent and control S. frugiperda. However, the excessive use of chemical pesticides not only causes toxicity in humans and animals but also pollutes the environment and causes public harm. In this context, the present study aimed to isolate, identify and evaluate the pathogenicity of the native strain of Metarhizium guizhouense against eggs, larvae and pupae of S. frugiperda under laboratory conditions.

Results

The fungal isolate was identified as M. guizhouense (Xct1) based on its morphological and molecular characteristics by sequencing ITS, β-tubulin and EF1-α gene. Meanwhile, the fungal isolate was highly pathogenic to eggs of the S. frugiperda, at the highest concentration of 1 × 108 spores/ml, the cumulative egg hatching rate was only 8.33% at 10 days post exposure. After 10 days of exposure to the highest concentration of 1 × 108 spores/ml, the LC50 values for the first–fifth larval instars of S. frugiperda were 8.12 × 104, 1.11 × 105, 5.55 × 105, 3.87 × 106 and 1.43 × 107 spores/ml, respectively.

Conclusions

The pathogenicity of M. guizhouense Xct1 to S. frugiperda larvae gradually decreased with increasing the developmental stages. Metarhizium guizhouense Xct1 was more pathogenic to egg and younger larvae of S. frugiperda. This provides a basis for determining the optimal period of control.
Adaptive partitioning-based discrete unified gas kinetic scheme for flows in all flow regimes
Authors: Yang L. M. , Han L. C. , Ding H. , Li Z. H. , Shu C. , Liu Y. Y.
Published: April 2023

To improve the efficiency of the discrete unified gas kinetic scheme (DUGKS) in capturing cross-scale flow physics, an adaptive partitioning-based discrete unified gas kinetic scheme (ADUGKS) is developed in this work. The ADUGKS is designed from the discrete characteristic solution to the Boltzmann-BGK equation, which contains the initial distribution function and the local equilibrium state. The initial distribution function contributes to the calculation of free streaming fluxes and the local equilibrium state contributes to the calculation of equilibrium fluxes. When the contribution of the initial distribution function is negative, the local flow field can be regarded as the continuous flow and the Navier–Stokes (N-S) equations can be used to obtain the solution directly. Otherwise, the discrete distribution functions should be updated by the Boltzmann equation to capture the rarefaction effect. Given this, in the ADUGKS, the computational domain is divided into the DUGKS cell and the N-S cell based on the contribution of the initial distribution function to the calculation of free streaming fluxes. In the N-S cell, the local flow field is evolved by solving the N-S equations, while in the DUGKS cell, both the discrete velocity Boltzmann equation and the corresponding macroscopic governing equations are solved by a modified DUGKS. Since more and more cells turn into the N-S cell with the decrease of the Knudsen number, a significant acceleration can be achieved for the ADUGKS in the continuum flow regime as compared with the DUGKS.
Role of intramuscular progesterone supplementation on the day of embryo transfer in artificial frozen cycles
Authors: Bakry Ahmed , Eldesouky Abdelfatah , Abu-hamila Fouad , Mowafy Aly Hossam , Abdel-Rasheed Mazen , Fahmy Radwa M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Sufficient endometrial preparation with or without progesterone supplementation is crucial in artificial cycles with frozen embryo transfer (FET). We aimed to study the effect of intramuscular progesterone supplementation on the day of embryo transfer (ET) in artificial frozen cycles.

Methods

A clinical cohort study involved women undergoing FET with artificially prepared endometrium. Serum progesterone levels were assessed on the day of ET. Accordingly, we recruited 177 women with progesterone levels more than 9.2 ng/ml in group 1, and 177 other women with progesterone levels less than 9.2 ng/ml in group 2. Women in group 1 received only 400 mg vaginal progesterone twice-daily after ET, while women in group 2 received additional intramuscular progesterone supplementation. The chemical, clinical, and ongoing pregnancy rates, as well as the pregnancy loss rate, were assessed in both groups.

Results

Expectantly, both groups showed a significant difference regarding the serum progesterone level on the day of ET (13.43 ± 4.65 vs 4.62 ± 2.77, P = 574). However, with additional intramuscular progesterone supplementation in group 2, both groups showed no significant difference regarding the chemical pregnancy rate (68.93% in group 1 vs 63.84% in group 2, P = 0.311), the clinical pregnancy rate (61.02% in group 1 vs 58.76% in group 2, P = 0.664), ongoing pregnancy rate (56.50% in group 1 vs 53.11% in group 2, P = 0.522), and pregnancy loss rate (7.41% in group 1 vs 9.62% in group 2, P = 0.564).

Conclusions

Intramuscular progesterone supplementation in women with decreased serum progesterone levels could improve pregnancy outcomes in artificial frozen cycles.

Trial registration

It was first registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 8/4/2021 with registration number NCT04837768.
Quantifying the psychological and behavioural consequences of a diagnostic label for non-cancer conditions: systematic review
Authors: Sims Rebecca , Michaleff Zoe A. , Glasziou Paul , Jones Mark , Thomas Rae
Published: April 2023

Background

Screening for asymptomatic health conditions is perceived as mostly beneficial, with possible harms receiving little attention.

Aims

To quantify proximal and longer-term consequences for individuals receiving a diagnostic label following screening for an asymptomatic, non-cancer health condition.

Method

Five electronic databases were searched (inception to November 2022) for studies that recruited asymptomatic screened individuals who received or did not receive a diagnostic label. Eligible studies reported psychological, psychosocial and/or behavioural outcomes before and after screening results. Independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts, extracted data from included studies, and assessed risk of bias (Risk of Bias in Non-Randomised Studies of Interventions). Results were meta-analysed or descriptively reported.

Results

Sixteen studies were included. Twelve studies addressed psychological outcomes, four studies examined behavioural outcomes and none reported psychosocial outcomes. Risk of bias was judged as low (n = 8), moderate (n = 5) or serious (n = 3). Immediately after receiving results, anxiety was significantly higher for individuals receiving versus not receiving a diagnostic label (mean difference −7.28, 95% CI −12.85 to −1.71). On average, anxiety increased from the non-clinical to clinical range, but returned to the non-clinical range in the longer term. No significant immediate or longer-term differences were found for depression or general mental health. Absenteeism did not significantly differ from the year before to the year after screening.

Conclusions

The impacts of screening asymptomatic, non-cancer health conditions are not universally positive. Limited research exists regarding longer-term impacts. Well-designed, high-quality studies further investigating these impacts are required to assist development of protocols that minimise psychological distress following diagnosis.
Increased Risk of Young-Onset Digestive Tract Cancers Among Young Adults Age 20-39 Years With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Park Joo-Hyun , Hong Jung Yong , Shen Jay J. , Han Kyungdo , Park Joon Oh , Park Young Suk , Lim Ho Yeong
Published: April 2023

PURPOSE

Although the incidence of young-onset digestive tract cancers is increasing worldwide, their risk factors remain largely unknown. We investigated the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and young-onset digestive tract cancers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This nationwide cohort study included 5,265,590 individuals age 20-39 years who underwent national health screening under the Korean National Health Insurance Service between 2009 and 2012. The fatty liver index was used as a diagnostic biomarker for NAFLD. The participants were followed up until December 2018 to determine the incidence of young-onset digestive tract cancers (ie, esophageal, stomach, colorectal, liver, pancreatic, biliary tract, and gallbladder). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were conducted to estimate the risk after adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

During the 38.8 million person-years of follow-up, 14,565 patients were newly diagnosed with young-onset digestive tract cancers. The cumulative incidence probability of each cancer type was consistently higher in individuals with NAFLD than in those without NAFLD (all log-rank P < .05). NAFLD was associated with an increased risk of overall digestive tract (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.16; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.22), stomach (aHR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.24), colorectal (aHR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.22), liver (aHR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.52), pancreatic (aHR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.40), biliary tract (aHR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.66), and gallbladder (aHR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.01 to 2.31) cancer. These associations remained significant regardless of age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and obesity status (all P < .05; P for interaction >.05). The aHR for esophageal cancer was 1.67 (95% CI, 0.92 to 3.03).

CONCLUSION

NAFLD may be an independent, modifiable risk factor for young-onset digestive tract cancers. Our findings suggest a crucial opportunity to reduce premature morbidity and mortality associated with young-onset digestive tract cancers in the next generation.
Microbial pattern recognition suppresses de novo organogenesis
Authors: Tran Sorrel , Stephanie Chen Yun-Fan , Xu Dawei , Ison Madalene , Yang Li
Published: April 2023

De novo root regeneration (DNRR) is a developmental process that regenerates adventitious roots from wounded tissues. Phytohormone signaling pathways involved in microbial resistance are mobilized after cutting and influence de novo root regeneration. Microbes may positively or negatively influence the development and stress responses of a plant. However, most studies on the molecular mechanisms of de novo organogenesis are performed in aseptic conditions. Thus, the potential crosstalk between organ regeneration and biotic stresses is underexplored. Here, we report the development of a versatile experimental system to study the impact of microbes on DNRR. Using this system, we found that bacteria inhibited root regeneration by activation of, but not limited to, pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity. Sensing bacteria-derived flagellin 22 peptide (flg22) inhibited root regeneration by interfering with the formation of an auxin maximum at the wound site. This inhibition relies on the receptor complex that recognizes microbial patterns but may bypass the requirement of salicylic acid signaling.
The UbiB family member Cqd1 forms a novel membrane contact site in mitochondria
Authors: Khosravi Siavash , Chelius Xenia , Unger Ann-Katrin , Rieger Daniela , Frickel Johanna , Sachsenheimer Timo , Lüchtenborg Christian , Schieweck Rico , Brügger Britta , Westermann Benedikt , Klecker Till , Neupert Walter , Harner Max E.
Published: April 2023

Mitochondria are essential organelles of eukaryotic cells and are characterized by their unique and complex membrane system. They are confined from the cytosol by an envelope consisting of two membranes. Signals, metabolites, proteins and lipids have to be transferred across these membranes via proteinaceous contact sites to keep mitochondria functional. In the present study, we identified a novel mitochondrial contact site in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that is formed by the inner membrane protein Cqd1 and the outer membrane proteins Por1 and Om14. Similar to what is found for the mitochondrial porin Por1, Cqd1 is highly conserved, suggesting that this complex is conserved in form and function from yeast to human. Cqd1 is a member of the UbiB protein kinase-like family (also called aarF domain-containing kinases). It was recently shown that Cqd1, in cooperation with Cqd2, controls the cellular distribution of coenzyme Q by a yet unknown mechanism. Our data suggest that Cqd1 is additionally involved in phospholipid homeostasis. Moreover, overexpression of CQD1 and CQD2 causes tethering of mitochondria to the endoplasmic reticulum, which might explain the ability of Cqd2 to rescue ERMES deletion phenotypes.
Constant temperature and fluctuating temperature have distinct effects on hypoxia tolerance in killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus)
Authors: Ridgway Megan R. , Scott Graham R.
Published: April 2023

Climate change is leading to rapid change in aquatic environments, increasing the mean and variability of temperatures, and increasing the incidence of hypoxia. We investigated how acclimation to constant temperatures or to diel temperature fluctuations affects hypoxia tolerance in mummichog killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus). Killifish were acclimated to constant cool (15°C), constant warm (25°C) or a diel temperature cycle (15°C at night, 25°C during day) for 6 weeks. We then measured hypoxia tolerance (time to loss of equilibrium in severe hypoxia, tLOE; critical O2 tension, Pcrit), whole-animal metabolism, gill morphology, haematology and tissue metabolites at 15°C and 25°C in a full factorial design. Among constant temperature groups, tLOE was highest and Pcrit was lowest in fish tested at their acclimation temperature. Warm-acclimated fish had lower metabolic rate at 25°C and greater gill surface area (less coverage of lamellae by interlamellar cell mass, ILCM), but cool-acclimated fish had greater brain glycogen stores. Therefore, effects of constant temperature acclimation on hypoxia tolerance were temperature specific and not exhibited broadly across test temperatures, and they were associated with different underlying mechanisms. Hypoxia tolerance was less sensitive to test temperature in fish acclimated to fluctuating temperatures compared with fish acclimated to constant temperature. Acclimation to fluctuating temperatures also increased haemoglobin–O2 affinity of the blood (decreased P50) compared with constant temperature groups. Therefore, acclimation to fluctuating temperatures helps maintain hypoxia tolerance across a broader range of temperatures, and leads to some distinct physiological adjustments that are not exhibited by fish acclimated to constant temperatures.
Ο ρόλος της εγκεφαλικής πλευρίωσης στις παρανοήσεις των μαθητών για έννοιες της βιολογίας και η επίδραση της Μάθησης βασιζόμενης στον Εγκέφαλο (BBL) στην εννοιολογική αλλαγή και στις ακαδημαϊκές τους επιδόσεις
Authors: Λαγουδάκης Νεκτάριος
Published: April 2023

Τα διάφορα διαισθητικά μοντέλα σκέψης σε αρκετές περιπτώσεις αποτελούν τον πυρήνα για την δημιουργία παρανοήσεων σε έννοιες και φαινόμενα που αφορούν τις Φυσικές Επιστήμες. Μερικοί ερευνητές υποστηρίζουν την ύπαρξη μιας σχετικά στενότερης σύνδεσης ανάμεσα στην διαισθητική σκέψη και στο δεξί ημισφαίριο του εγκεφάλου κυρίως εξαιτίας της ιδιαίτερα στενότερης σχέσης που έχουν επιμέρους διαισθητικές γνωστικές διεργασίες με συγκεκριμένες περιοχές του δεξιού ημισφαιρίου. Έχει υποστηριχθεί ότι τα άτομα μεταξύ τους εμφανίζουν μια διαφορετική χρήση των γνωστικών δυνατοτήτων του κάθε εγκεφαλικού ημισφαιρίου και αυτή η τάση έχει ονομασθεί με τον όρο ημισφαιρικότητα ή αλλιώς ημισφαιρική προτίμηση. Η Βασισμένη στον Εγκέφαλο Μάθηση αποτελεί ένα εκπαιδευτικό θεωρητικό πλαίσιο που βασίζεται σε αρχές οι οποίες απορρέουν από σημαντικά ευρήματα για την δομή και την λειτουργία του εγκέφαλου που προέρχονται από έρευνες των επιστημονικών πεδίων της Βιολογίας, της Ψυχολογίας, των Νευροεπιστημών, και αποτελεί ένα ολιστικό πλαίσιο για τον σχεδιασμό ολοκληρωμένων εκπαιδευτικών προσεγγίσεων. Στην παρούσα έρευνα διερευνήθηκε η σχέση μεταξύ της ημισφαιρικής προτίμησης των μαθητών και των παρανοήσεων τους, και υλοποιήθηκε ο σχεδιασμός μιας διδακτικής παρέμβασης με βάση της αρχές της Βασισμένης στον Εγκέφαλο Μάθησης (ΒΕΜ) η οποία επίσης αξιολογήθηκε για την αποτελεσματικότητα της στην σχολική επίδοση των μαθητών στο μάθημα της Βιολογίας. Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν ότι οι μαθητές της πειραματικής ομάδας είχαν στατιστικά σημαντικά υψηλότερες βαθμολογίες στην δοκιμασία της ακαδημαϊκής επίδοσης, που δόθηκε ως μετά-έλεγχος, σε σχέση με την ομάδα ελέγχου υποδεικνύοντας ότι η διδακτική προσέγγιση που σχεδιάστηκε με βάση την ΒΕΜ είχε θετική επίδραση στην βελτίωση της σχολικής επίδοσης των μαθητών. Τα ευρήματα μας υποστηρίζουν την χρήση των αρχών της ΒΕΜ για τον σχεδιασμό πιο αποτελεσματικών διδακτικών πρακτικών στα μαθήματα της Βιολογίας. Όσον αφορά τον δεύτερο ερευνητικό σχεδιασμό, δεν υπήρξε κάποια διαφοροποίηση στον μέσο όρο των παρανοήσεων μεταξύ των μαθητών με υπεροχή στο δεξί εγκεφαλικό ημισφαίριο και αυτών με υπεροχή στο αριστερό εγκεφαλικό ημισφαίριο. Τα ευρήματα αυτά σημαίνουν ότι: 1) οι πιθανοί τύποι διαισθητικών διεργασιών που μπορεί να έχουν ενεργοποιηθεί από τους μαθητές κατά την ερμηνεία των διαφόρων βιολογικών φαινομένων και διαδικασιών, και η συνισταμένη επίδραση τους στις απαντήσεις των μαθητών, πιθανόν να μην έχουν κάποια βαθύτερη σύνδεση με το δεξί εγκεφαλικό ημισφαίριο 2) οι μαθητές ενδεχομένως να χρησιμοποιούν περισσότερο συχνά αναλυτική και στοχαστική σκέψη σε σχέση με την διαισθητική από ότι θα αναμέναμε.
Ανατομική μελέτη των συνδέσεων του προμετωπιαίου φλοιού
Authors: Λιάκος Φαίδωνας
Published: April 2023

ΕΙΣΑΓΩΓΗ: Ο προμετωπιαίος φλοιός καλύπτει το μεγαλύτερο τμήμα του μετωπιαίου λοβού εξυπηρετώντας τις περισσότερες ανώτερες λειτουργίες του ανθρωπίνου εγκεφάλου. Πολλαπλά δεμάτια λευκής ουσίας τον συνδέουν με τον υπόλοιπο εγκεφαλικό φλοιό. Παρόλα αυτά η ακριβής υποφλοιώδης ανατομία του προμετωπιαίου φλοιού δεν έχει μελετηθεί. Ένας μικρός μόνο αριθμός μελετών έχει περιγράψει τα δεμάτια της λευκής ουσίας του μετωπιαίου λοβού γενικά, χωρίς συγκεκριμένη επικέντρωση στον προμετωπιαίο φλοιό. Σκοπός της παρούσας διατριβής είναι η αναλυτική περιγραφή των δεματίων της λευκής ουσίας του προμετωπιαίου φλοιού. ΥΛΙΚΟ-ΜΕΘΟΔΟΣ: Χρησιμοποιήθηκαν 15 εγκεφαλικά ημισφαίρια τα οποία πάρθηκαν από ενήλικες υγιείς δότες. Προετοιμάσθηκαν σύμφωνα με την τεχνική που περιγράφηκε από τον Klingler. Παρασκευάστηκαν τα τρία τμήματα του φλοιού: ο ραχιαίος πλάγιος προμετωπιαίος φλοιός, ο κογχομετωπιαίος και ο κοιλιακός έσω μετωπιαίος με φορά από έξω προς τα έσω, από κάτω προς τα πάνω και από έσω προς τα έξω αντίστοιχα. Χρησιμοποιήθηκαν λεπτά νευροχειρουργικά εργαλεία όπως μεταλλικοί αποκολητήρες και ανατομικές λαβίδες καθώς και το νευροχειρουργικό μικροσκόπιο με μεγέθυνση χ 4 και χ 6. Όλα τα αποτελέσματα φωτογραφήθηκαν με φωτογραφική μηχανή. ΑΠΟΤΕΛΕΣΜΑΤΑ: Αποκαλύφθηκαν δεκαεννιά δεμάτια λευκής ουσίας. Στο ραχιαίο πλάγιο προμετωπιαίο φλοιό συμμετέχουν εφτά δεμάτια : oι κοντές τοξοειδείς ίνες, το επίμηκες μετωπιαίο δεμάτιο, το πλάγιο μετωπιαίο δεμάτιο, η εξώτατη κάψα, η έξω κάψα, το κάτω μετωποινιακό δεμάτιο και το πρόσθιο σκέλος της έσω κάψας. Πέντε δεμάτια αναγνωρίστηκαν στον κογχομετωπιαίο φλοιό: οι κοντές τοξοειδείς ίνες, το αγκιστροειδές δεμάτιο, το μετωποκογχοπολικό δεμάτιο και το πρόσθιο σκέλος της έσω κάψας. Στην σύνδεση του κοιλιακού έσω μετωπιαίου φλοιού συμμετέχουν τα εξής δεμάτια: οι κοντές τοξοειδείς ίνες, το προσαγώγιο, το πρόσθιο τμήμα του άνω επιμήκους, το αγκιστροειδές δεμάτιο, το έλασσον δίκρανο, οι μετωποκερκοφόρες ίνες και το πρόσθιο θαλαμικό δεμάτιο. ΣΥΖΗΤΗΣΗ: Τα αποτελέσματα της μελέτης συμβαδίζουν με όλες τις υπάρχουσες ανατομικές μελέτες για τα δεμάτια που καταλήγουν στον μετωπιαίο λοβό. Επιπλέον μελετήθηκε το μετωποκογχοπολικό δεμάτιο το οποίο έως σήμερα έχει περιγραφεί μόνο με την τεχνική της δεσμιδογραφίας. Δύο αποτελέσματα της διατριβής έχουν μεγάλο νευροχειρουργικό ενδιαφέρον μιας και διευκολύνουν την εκτομή των κακοήθων διηθητικών όγκων. Αυτά είναι : η ανατομική θέση του κάτω μετωποινιακού δεματίου και του αγκιστροειδούς δεματίου σε σχέση με την κορυφή της νήσου του Reil και η θέση του πλάγιου μετωπιαίου δεματίου στον μετωπιαίο λοβό. ΣΥΜΠΕΡΑΣΜΑ: Αποκαλύφθηκε η πολύπλοκη σύνδεση του προμετωπιαίου φλοιού με τον υπόλοιπο εγκέφαλο. Δεκαεννιά δεμάτια τον συνδέουν με τον κροταφικό λοβό, την νήσο του Reil, τον βρεγματικό λοβό, τον ινιακό λοβό, με το εγκεφαλικό στέλεχος αλλά και με το άλλο ημισφαίριο. Οι κοντές τοξοειδείς ίνες αποτελούν περισσότερο ένα σύνολο μικρών δεματίων παρά ένα ενιαίο δεμάτιο. Το μετωποκογχοπολικό δεμάτιο μελετήθηκε για πρώτη φορά στην βιβλιογραφία με την τεχνική της παρασκευής της λευκής ουσίας,
Ο ρόλος του αστικού σχεδιασμού στη διαμόρφωση των περιβαλλοντικών παραμέτρων που επηρεάζουν τη δημόσια υγεία
Authors: Αλεξανδροπούλου Αλεξάνδρα
Published: April 2023

Τόσο το φυσικό όσο και το δομημένο περιβάλλον αποτελεί καθοριστικό περιβαλλοντικό παράγοντα που επηρεάζει την ανθρώπινη υγεία και ευημερία. Οι πόλεις και οι αστικές περιοχές, γενικότερα, αποτελούν το κύριο τόπο όπου λαμβάνει χώρα αυτή η επιδραστική σχέση. Το γεγονός ότι σήμερα το 56% του πληθυσμού της γης ζει στις πόλεις αναδεικνύει τη μελέτη της σχέσης αυτής σε πρωταρχικό ζήτημα υψηλής προτεραιότητας.Η ισχυρή τοπική ηγεσία έχει αναγνωριστεί ως βασική προϋπόθεση για να τεθεί η υγεία ψηλά στην κοινωνική και πολιτική ατζέντα των πόλεων. Οι πόλεις, ως η βαθμίδα που βρίσκεται κοντά στους κατοίκους, έχει τον πρώτο λόγο στην ανάληψη πρωτοβουλιών αλλαγής του τρόπου σχεδιασμού έτσι ώστε να λαμβάνονται υπόψη οι επιδράσεις του αστικού σχεδιασμού στις περιβαλλοντικές παραμέτρους που επηρεάζουν την υγεία των κατοίκων.Η έρευνα στον τομέα αυτό έχει ξεκινήσει μόνο τα τελευταία χρόνια στη διεθνή κοινότητα ενώ στην Ελλάδα υλοποιούνται μόνο αποσπασματικές δράσεις ειδικά στην τοπική αυτοδιοίκηση. Η παρούσα διατριβή θα προσπαθήσει να απαντήσει στην πρόκληση που αντιμετωπίζει η επανασύνδεση του σχεδιασμού και της δημόσιας υγείας και μάλιστα σε τοπικό επίπεδο. Η προτεινόμενη διατριβή φιλοδοξεί να φωτίσει ένα ακόμα πεδίο μέσα από έρευνα στους δήμους της Ελλάδας, να προσφέρει στοιχεία και να συμβάλλει, σε όποιο βαθμό καταστεί δυνατό, στη διαμόρφωση του πλαισίου ζεύξης αστικού σχεδιασμού και δημόσιας υγείας σε τοπικό επίπεδο, το οποίο ακόμα παραμένει ασαφές.Προτάσεις τόσο προς την τοπική αυτοδιοίκηση όσο και προς κάθε ενδιαφερόμενο μέρος που να συνδέουν παρεμβάσεις αστικού σχεδιασμού για τη βελτίωση της δημόσιας υγείας θα αναδειχθούν σε τελικό στάδιο και θα προωθηθούν προς την επιστημονική κοινότητα και τους φορείς της τοπικής αυτοδιοίκησης._