bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amelioration of Age-Related Multiple Neuronal Impairments and Inflammation in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats: The Prospective Multitargets of Geraniol
Authors: El Azab Eman Fawzy , Abdulmalek Shaymaa
Published: October 2022

Neuroinflammation is documented to alter brain function as a consequence of metabolic changes linked with a high-fat diet (HFD). The primary target of this study is to see how geraniol is effective in manipulating age- and diet-associated multiple toxicity and neuroinflammation in HFD-fed rats. Sixty-four adult male Wistar rats were partitioned into two groups: Group 1 (untreated normal young and aged rats) and Group 2 (HFD-fed young and aged rats) that received HFD for 16 weeks before being orally treated with geraniol or chromax for eight weeks. The results revealed a dropping in proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and leptin while boosting adiponectin in geraniol-supplemented rats. The liver, kidney, and lipid profiles were improved in geraniol-HFD-treated groups. HFD-induced brain insulin resistance decreased insulin clearance and insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) levels significantly after geraniol supplementation. Geraniol suppressed acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and alleviated oxidative stress by boosting neuronal reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. It lowered malondialdehyde concentration (TBARS), nitric oxide (NO), and xanthine oxidase (XO) and restored the structural damage to the brain tissue caused by HFD. Compared with model rats, geraniol boosted learning and memory function and ameliorated the inflammation status in the brain by lowering the protein levels of IL-1β, iNOS, NF-κBp65, and COX-2. In addition, the expression levels of inflammation-related genes (MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IDO-1) were lessened significantly. Remarkably, the supplementation of geraniol reversed the oxidative and inflammation changes associated with aging. It affected the redox status of young rats. In conclusion, our results exhibit the effectiveness of dietary geraniol supplementation in modifying age-related neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in rats and triggering off the use of geraniol as a noninvasive natural compound for controlling age- and diet-associated neuronal impairments and toxicity.
Efficient Model for Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosis: A Comparative Study of Several Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Garavand Ali , Salehnasab Cirruse , Behmanesh Ali , Aslani Nasim , Zadeh Amin Hassan , Ghaderzadeh Mustafa
Published: October 2022

Background. In today’s industrialized world, coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of death, and early detection and timely intervention can prevent many of its complications and eliminate or reduce the resulting mortality. Machine learning (ML) methods as one of the cutting-edge technologies can be used as a suitable solution in diagnosing this disease. Methods. In this study, different ML algorithms’ performances were compared for their effectiveness in developing a model for early CAD diagnosis based on clinical examination features. This applied descriptive study was conducted on 303 records and overall 26 features, of which 26 were selected as the target features with the advice of several clinical experts. In order to provide a diagnostic model for CAD, we ran most of the most critical classification algorithms, including Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Logistic Regression (LR), J48, Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighborhood (KNN), and Naive Bayes (NB). Seven different classification algorithms with 26 predictive features were tested to cover all feature space and reduce model error, and the most efficient algorithms were identified by comparison of the results. Results. Based on the compared performance metrics, SVM (AUC = 0.88, F-measure = 0.88, ROC = 0.85), and RF (AUC = 0.87, F-measure = 0.87, ROC = 0.91) were the most effective ML algorithms. Among the algorithms, the KNN algorithm had the lowest efficiency (AUC = 0.81, F-measure = 0.81, ROC = 0.77). In the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, machine learning algorithms have played an important role. Proposed ML models can provide practical, cost-effective, and valuable support to doctors in making decisions according to a good prediction. Discussion. It can become the basis for developing clinical decision support systems. SVM and RF algorithms had the highest efficiency and could diagnose CAD based on patient examination data. It is suggested that further studies be performed using these algorithms to diagnose coronary artery disease to obtain more accurate results.
Cardiac Troponin T in Neonates from Normal and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Pregnancy
Authors: Kłaczewska Joanna , Tomasiuk Ryszard
Published: October 2022

This study is aimed at testing the hypothesis that serum analysis of high‐sensitivity troponin T in neonates may serve as a diagnostic tool to predict the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). 86 newborns were studied and stratified into two groups: healthy group; newborns with body weight ≥ 10th percentile, born in good condition (APG 8‐10pts) of pregnancy not complicated by diabetes, and the GDM group; neonates born to mothers with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Results. The study revealed minimal troponin levels in GDM, and healthy groups equal to 0.02 ng/mL and 0.028 ng/mL, respectively. The GDM group is defined by an interquartile range of hs‐TnT higher than the healthy group. This study confirms previously reported upper levels of troponin in healthy children. There are possible health problems that can appear during infancy and influence the further development of a child affected by GDM.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Oncogenic Role of Targeting Protein for Xklp2 (TPX2) in Human Malignancies
Authors: Shao Ting , Jiang Xiling , Bao Guochang , Li Chunsheng , Guo Changgang
Published: October 2022

Mitosis and spindle assembly require the microtubule-associated protein Xenopus kinesin-like protein 2 (TPX2). Although TPX2 is highly expressed in several malignant tumor forms, little is known about its role in cancer. In this study, we performed the gene set enrichment analysis of TPX2 in 33 types of cancers and an extensive pan-cancer bioinformatic analysis using prognosis, tumor mutational burdens, microsatellite instability, tumor microenvironment, and immune cell infiltration data. According to the differential expression study, TPX2 was found to be overexpressed across all studied cancer types. Based on the survival analysis, increased TPX2 expression was associated with a poor prognosis for most cancers. The TPX2 expression level was confirmed to correlate with the clinical stage, microsatellite instability, and tumor mutational burden across all cancer types. Furthermore, TPX2 expression has been linked to tumor microenvironments and immune cell infiltration, particularly in bladder urothelial carcinoma, liver hepatocellular carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, stomach adenocarcinoma, and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma. Finally, the gene set enrichment analysis implicated TPX2 in the regulation of aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesis, which is the most important tumor cell cycle signaling pathway. This comprehensive pan-cancer analysis shows that TPX2 is a prognostic molecular biomarker for most cancers and suggests its potential as an effective therapeutic target for the treatment of these diseases.
Effect of Presprouting Plant Growth Regulators and Natural Materials on Dormancy, Growth, and Yield of Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Moletsane M. S. , Kimurto P.K. , Oyoo M.E.
Published: October 2022

Irish potatoes are amongst the most highly grown and demanded crops in Kenya for food, industrial starch, and animal feed. Farmers, however, face a serious challenge regarding the timely availability of well-sprouted seed potato tubers due to the physiological seed dormancy period of 2–3 months, thereby reducing production cycles. This study determined the effects of different chitting methods on enhancing the presprouting of different potato varieties in Kenya. Plant growth regulators (PGR) (Gibberellins (GA3), 6-Benzylaminopurine, and Zeatin) and natural materials (grass, banana leaves, and soil) were evaluated for their effects in breaking dormancy and stimulating the growth of sprouts under greenhouse conditions in a complete randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. The evaluation of the presprouted seed in the field was conducted at Egerton University and Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Molo, in a split-plot design for two seasons. Data was taken on crop emergence, length, thickness, and colour of sprouts, plant height, tubers per plant, tuber thickness, and tuber yield. Data were subjected to a general linear model to partition the variance component using SAS software version 9.13, and means were separated using the least significant difference (

p
≤
0.05

). There were significant (

p
≤
0.05

) main effects on the prespouting time, growth, and yield of tubers. The interaction effects due to variety and treatment were also significant (

p
≤
0.05

) for sprout thickness. Natural materials produced the most vigorous sprouts, increased crop emergence, plant height, and superior tuber yield. Natural materials and PGRs increased tuber size for chitted potato seed by 261% and 103%, respectively. Control treatments had a significantly higher frequency of small-sized tubers than natural materials and PGRs, proving the importance of chitting in increasing tuber size and yields. Natural materials increased sprout quality (thickness and length) better than PRGs and control treatments. This study showed that small-holder farmers could adopt the use of readily available soil, grass, and banana leaves while large-scale growers, with access to better facilities, could use PGRs to break tuber dormancy for increased potato tuber yield.
Transurethral Renal Pelvic Denervation: A Feasibility Trial in Patients with Uncontrolled Hypertension
Authors: Hering Dagmara , Nikoleishvili David , Imedadze Avtandil , Dughashvili Gvantsa , Klimiashvili Zurab , Bekaia Eter , Shengelia Tamar , Kobalava Mamuka , Goguadze Otar , Emukhvari Tamar , Druker Vitaly , Sackner-Bernstein Jonathan , Weber Michael A.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Endovascular renal denervation reduces blood pressure (BP). We explored an alternative approach to renal denervation using radiofrequency energy delivered across the renal pelvis utilizing the natural orifice of the urethra and the ureters.

Methods:

This open-label, single-arm feasibility study enrolled patients with uncontrolled hypertension despite antihypertensive drug therapy. The primary effectiveness endpoint was the change in ambulatory daytime systolic BP (SBP) 2 months following renal pelvic denervation.

Results:

The 18 patients (mean age 56±12 years) enrolled were taking an average of 2.7 antihypertensive drugs daily. Renal pelvic denervation reduced mean daytime SBP by 19.4 mm Hg (95% CI, −24.9 to −14.0,
P
<0.001) from its baseline of 148.4±8.7 mm Hg. Mean nighttime (−21.4 mm Hg [95% CI, −29.5 to −13.3]) and 24-hour (−20.3 mm Hg [95% CI, −26.2 to −14.5]) SBP each fell significantly (
P
<0.001) as did the corresponding diastolic BPs (
P
<0.001).

Office SBP decreased from 156.5±12.3 mm Hg by 22.4 mm Hg (95% CI, −31.5 to −13.3,
P
<0.001) by 2 months. Office SBP decreased over time (
P
=0.001 by linear trend test) starting by day 1 with a decrease of 8.3 mm Hg (95% CI, −16.9 to 0.3,
P
=0.057).

There were no serious adverse events. Mild transitory back pain followed the procedure. Serum creatinine decreased by 0.08 mg/dL (
P
=0.02) and estimated glomerular filtration rate increased by 7.2 mL/min/1.73m
2
(
P
=0.03) 2 months following ablation procedure.

Conclusions:

Based on these initial findings, a well-powered, sham-controlled trial of renal pelvic denervation to more fully establish its safety and effectiveness is now justified in patients with uncontrolled hypertension despite drug therapy.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT05440513.
Les traditions céramiques du mégalithisme du Sénégal et de Gambie : une nouvelle périodisation pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest aux Ier et IIe millénaires de notre ère
Authors: Delvoye Adrien
Published: October 2022

Cet article présente les fondements, la construction et les résultats d’un nouveau modèle de périodisation des productions céramiques provenant des sites mégalithiques du Sénégal et de Gambie (8e-16e siècles). Pour la première fois dans cette région, cette périodisation est basée sur des contextes stratigraphiques soigneusement renseignés, obtenus sur la nécropole de Wanar (Sénégal). Le croisement des approches typologiques et technologiques révèle différentes productions, reflets de traditions céramiques et de groupes artisanaux distincts. À Wanar, la succession de ces productions aux caractères morpho-fonctionnels spécifiques a pu être corrélée avec l’émergence de styles architecturaux particuliers. Cette périodisation offre également une lecture renouvelée des corpus céramiques issus de fouilles anciennes. Elle interroge par ailleurs le statut des productions céramiques et des sites, en distinguant les vestiges antérieurs à l’érection des architectures monumentales de ceux participant pleinement à leur fonctionnement rituel. Cette recherche permet finalement d’entamer une réflexion sur la place des traditions céramiques sénégambiennes au sein de l’Afrique de l’Ouest médiévale.

This article aims to detail the construction and results of a new periodization of ceramic productions from megalithic sites in Senegal and The Gambia (8th-16th centuries CE). For the first time there, this model is based on carefully documented stratigraphic contexts obtained on the necropolis of Wanar (Senegal). The intersection of typological and technological approaches reveals different productions, reflections of ceramic traditions, and distinct craft groups. In Wanar, the succession of these productions with specific morpho-functional characters could be correlated with the emergence of particular architectural styles. This periodization also integrates materials from previous excavations and thus offers a renewed reading of it. The distinction between ceramic vestiges anterior to the erection of monumental architectures and others fully participating in their ritual functioning leads to question both the status of ceramic productions and sites. This research finally contributes to integrating Senegambian pottery production into the broader context of medieval West Africa.
Viabundus: Map of Premodern European Transport and Mobility
Authors: Holterman Bart , A.B. Maartje , Andersen Kasper H. , Dengg Maria C. , Petersen Niels
Published: October 2022

Viabundus is an open access online interactive map and database on roads and mobility in premodern northern and central Europe. The database covers the period 1350–1650. It is designed as a network model and includes digital reconstructions of long-distance land routes and inland waterways as well as a database with information about settlements, towns, toll stations, staple markets, fairs, bridges, ferries, harbours and shipping locks. This makes it possible to use the dataset for advanced analyses with methods of gis and network analysis. With the web application and downloadable dataset, the Viabundus project has created a tool for the analysis of premodern mobility for economic (transaction costs) and all other kinds of historical study involving movement of people and goods.
Multifunctionality of Epistemic Stance Markers: Variation across Disciplines and Speaker Roles in Classroom Discourse
Authors: Caprario Marcella
Published: October 2022

This study investigated the communicative functions of ‘I think’ and ‘I guess’ in classroom discourse and intra-register variation in their use. Building on research into the multifunctionality of epistemic stance markers, a coding scheme was developed and iteratively applied to a corpus, revealing five macro functions: epistemic stance, softening, personal perspective, discourse organizing, and deciding in real time. The frequency of each macro function differed between the two markers, as did the observed subfunctions. Statistical analyses comparing instructors and students in three disciplines indicated intra-register variation, linked to situational differences. ‘I guess’ was most frequent in student language, and ‘I think’ was most frequent in the humanities. Different patterns were also noted in the use of certain communicative functions. The results suggest the importance of accounting for register variation when describing epistemic stance markers.
De Pan-Orthodoxe Conferentie van Rhodos 26-29 September 1963
Authors: Aarns A.A W.
Published: October 2022

La conférence panorthodoxe de Rhodes du 26 au 29 septembre 1963

Au cours de deux années l’Orthodoxie à réussi à convoquer deux fois une conférence panorthodoxe à Rhodes. La première du 24 septembre jusqu’au 2 octobre 1961, de nature plutôt préparatoire et explorateur, la seconde du 26 au 30 septembre 1963, convoquée par le patriarche oecuménique Athénagoras à la suite de l’invitation de Rome à l’Eglise orthodoxe au sujet de l’envoi d’observateurs à la deuxiéme session du concile du Vatican. La conférence à examiné en général la question des relations entre l’Eglise orthodoxe et celle de Rome et elle à discuté de la manière la plus convenable pour l’orthodoxie de mettre à sa disposition tous les moyens positifs au service de la réconciliation entre les deux Eglises, d’accord avec les décisions de la première conférence. Au sujet de l’envoi d’observateurs on décida que chacune des Eglises orthodoxes agirait librement. Pour le second point, la proposition du patriarche oecuménique de commencer un dialogue entre l’Eglise orthodoxe et l’Eglise catholique romaine sur pied d’égalité fut reçue à l’unanimité. Malgré l’abstention de l’Eglise de Grèce et l’absence des Eglises de Finlande, d’Albanie, de Géorgie et de Pologne la conférence fut un grand succès pour la cause de l’unité, pour l’orthodoxie et surtout pour le patriarcat oecuménique, dont la prudente audace à réussi la réalisation et l’a fait aboutir à la décision, que même l’Eglise de Grêce finit par ratifier, malgré sa révolte contre la conférence à la suite de difficultés internes.
De Kerk in Griekenland
Authors: Aarns A. A. W.
Published: October 2022

L’Eglise de Grèce

A perçu général de la situation de l’Eglise orthodoxe et de l’Eglise orientale catholique en Gréce.
Montreal 1963
Authors: van Montfoort A.A. E.
Published: October 2022

Montreal 1963

L’auteur donne un compte-rendu des réunions qui, clans le cadre de la Conférence Mondiale de „Foi et Constitution”, se sont tenues à Montreal au mois de juillet 1963. La première fut la consultation entre des théologiens orthodoxes et non-orthodoxes, ayant comme but de fixer une liste de sujets, dont l’étude serait d’un grand avantage pour le Mouvement Oecuménique. Comme tels furent fixés: 1) une étude critique et historique de l’evolution de la Christologie dans l’âge patristique; 2) la Pneumatologie, y compris la doctrine de la grâce; 3) continuité et autorité clans l’Eglise avec une mention spéciale de la signification des conciles oecuméniques.

Puis l’article donne un asperçu général des réunions de la commission du 24 juillet, du comité directeur des 26 et 27 juillet, et de la Conférence Mondiale de Foi et Constitution du 12-26 juillet.
Het Probleem van de Traditie te Montreal
Authors: Tavard A.A. G.
Published: October 2022

Le problème de la Tradition à Montréal

Parmi Jes problèmes théologiques, agités à Montréal, le thème „la Tradition et les Traditions” est incontestablement celui qui a retenu le plus l’attention. Ceci pour plusieurs raisons. Ce sujet est de ceux dont l’actualité est évidente en raison des controverses des deux dernières décades, de l’intérêt que lui porte le deuxième Concile du Vatican, et de la portée oecuménique du problème. Par ailleurs, sur ce sujet les travaux de Foi et Constitution à Montréal paraissent être plus satisfaisants que sur Jes autres.

La Commission Théologique à reçu en 1954 cet objet d’étude. En fait deux commissions furent formées, l’une en Europe, l’autre en Amérique du Nord. L’orientation de la commission européenne sous la présidence du théologien luthérien danois K. E. Skydsgaard devait devenir plus théologique, alors que celle de la commission américaine, présidée par l’initiateur du projet primitif, le professeur A. C. Outler, s’efforcerait de jeter les bases d’une historiographie oecuménique.

Après avoir étudié les rapports intérimaires des commissions et les décisions de la réunion du comité directeur de Foi et Constitution à Paris (1962), l’auteur étudie le rapport final des deux commissions, dont l’analyse montre d’une part la valeur des conclusions, et d’autre part la difficulté de prendre ces conclusions comme point de départ des travaux de Montréal.

Dans la dernière partie de l’article est étudié le texte final du document, élaboré à Montréal.

Le problème à peine traité de la tradition comme transmission ne présente pas de difficulté fondamentale aux membres orthodoxes du Conseil Oecuménique. Il n’en est pas de même du Protestantisme. Tant que la Tradition est indentifiée à l’Evangile, elle cadre parfaitement avec la théologie protestante classique; elle correspond également aux tendances modernes de l’éxègese bultmannienne. Mais le problème de la Tradition comme transmission à été, jusqu’à présent, étranger au Protestantisme: il soulève en effet toutes les questions pendantes entre l’Eglise Catholique et les Réformés. La question de la Tradition comme transmission du message oblige à revoir les principes fondamentaux de la Réforme protestante. La commission „Foi et Constitution” à eu l’immense mérite d’aborder la question. La Conférence de Montréal a eu celui de préciser le lieu de la question: entre l’Evangile-Tradition et les traditions humaines, il y a la tradition historique de l’Eglise. Quelle est-elle et où va-t-elle restent Jes questions non résolues du rapport de Montréal.
Riccia stenophylla Spruce (Ricciaceae: Marchantiophyta)—a new report for Asia from the Western Ghats of India
Authors: ATHIRA S. , DANIELS A.E.D.
Published: October 2022

Riccia stenophylla was previously known only from the American continents. This species was recently collected in the Southern Western Ghats of India and is the first record of this species in Asia. A detailed description of the species with images and a distribution map, plus a key to closely allied indigenous species is provided.
Pleurothallis mark-wilsonii a new species from the subsection Acroniae series Amphigyae from the Western Andes of Colombia
Authors: MORENO JUAN SEBASTIÁN , SIERRA-ARIZA MARIO ALEXEI , HOYOS DAVID , GALINDO-TARAZONA ROBINSON
Published: October 2022

A new species of Pleurothallis from the Western Andes of Colombia is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to subsection Acroniae of the series Amphigyae, morphologically resembles Pleurothallis amphigya, but differs mainly by the ovate-lanceolate lip, with two divergent, elongate keels, located at the base up to about the middle of the lip (vs. triangular trilobed, the disc with a developed glenion at the base).
New species and new records of Amasa Lea, 1894 ambrosia beetles from Thailand (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini)
Authors: SITTICHAYA WISUT , SMITH SARAH M.
Published: October 2022

Three new species, Amasa beaveri sp. nov., Amasa cognatoi sp. nov., and Amasa macarthorum sp. nov., are described. Three species, Amasa circumcisula (Schedl, 1954), Amasa dasyura (Browne, 1950) and Amasa latetruncata (Schedl, 1942), are recorded in Thailand for the first time. A synoptic list of the Thai fauna with distributions is also provided.
Human impact on the recent population history of the elusive European wildcat inferred from whole genome data
Authors: Nieto-Blázquez María Esther , Schreiber Dennis , Mueller Sarah A. , Koch Katrin , Nowak Carsten , Pfenninger Markus
Published: October 2022

Background

The extent and impact of evolutionary change occurring in natural populations in response to rapid anthropogenic impact is still poorly understood on the genome-wide level. Here, we explore the genetic structure, demographic history, population differentiation, and domestic introgression based on whole genome data of the endangered European wildcat in Germany, to assess potential genomic consequences of the species’ recent spread across human-dominated cultural landscapes.

Results

Reconstruction of demographic history and introgression rates based on 47 wildcat and 37 domestic cat genomes suggested late introgression between wild and domestic cat, coinciding with the introduction of domestic cat during the Roman period, but overall relatively low rates of hybridization and introgression from domestic cats. Main population divergence found between an eastern and central German wildcat clade was found to be of rather recent origin (200 y), and thus the likely consequence of anthropogenic persecution and resulting isolation in population refugia. We found similar effective population sizes and no substantial inbreeding across populations. Interestingly, highly differentiated genes between wild cat populations involved in the tryptophan-kynurenine-serotonin pathway were revealed, which plays a role in behavioral processes such as stress susceptibility and tolerance, suggesting that differential selection acted in the populations.

Conclusions

We found strong evidence for substantial recent anthropogenic impact on the genetic structure of European wildcats, including recent persecution-driven population divergence, as well as potential adaptation to human-dominate environments. In contrast, the relatively low levels of domestic introgression and inbreeding found in this study indicate a substantial level of “resistance” of this elusive species towards major anthropogenic impacts, such as the omnipresence of domestic cats as well as substantial habitat fragmentation. While those findings have strong implications for ongoing conservation strategies, we demand closer inspection of selective pressures acting on this and other wildlife species in anthropogenic environments.
The acceptability of asking women to delay removal of a long-acting reversible contraceptive to take part in a preconception weight loss programme: a mixed methods study using qualitative and routine data (Plan-it)
Authors: Channon Susan , Coulman Elinor , Cannings-John Rebecca , Henley Josie , Lau Mandy , Lugg-Widger Fiona , Strange Heather , Davies Freya , Sanders Julia , Scherf Caroline , Couzens Zoe , Morantz Leah
Published: October 2022

Background

Having a body mass index (BMI) which is classified as overweight (BMI ≥ 25) or obese (BMI ≥ 30) increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and labour. Weight-management interventions which target excess gestational weight gain during pregnancy have had limited success. Women who use long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) are in contact with services as part of their preparation for conception, creating a potential opportunity to offer a preconception weight-loss intervention.

The aims of this mixed methods study were to assess the acceptability and practicability of a weight-loss intervention which asked people to delay LARC removal in order to lose weight before conceiving.

Methods

Routine UK NHS data were analysed to identify pathways from LARC removal to pregnancy. Qualitative surveys and advisory group discussions with service providers and LARC users with experience of being overweight were conducted and analysed thematically.

Results

Three hundred fifteen thousand seven hundred fifty-five UK women aged 16–48 years between 2009–2018 had at least one LARC-related event (e.g. insertion, removal) and 1.7% of those events were recorded as related to planning a pregnancy. BMI was included in 62% of women’s records, with 54% of those BMI being classified as overweight or obese. Online surveys were completed by 100 healthcare practitioners and 243 LARC users. Stakeholders identified facilitators and barriers associated with the proposed intervention including sensitivities of discussing weight, service-user past experiences, practitioner skills, the setting and ethical implications of the proposed intervention.

Conclusions

Although women and service providers recognised potential benefits, a preconception weight-loss intervention asking people to delay LARC removal posed many barriers, due mainly to the acceptability of such an intervention to women and healthcare practitioners. Weight-loss interventions that target the general population, together with a focus on improving public knowledge of preconception health, may be more acceptable than interventions which solely focus on LARC users. Many of the barriers identified, including communication, understanding and beliefs about weight and risk, appointment systems and the limitations of routine datasets also have relevance for any preconception weight-loss intervention. Work to improve routine datasets and reducing communication barriers to discussing weight are priorities.

Trial registration

ISRCTN14733020 registered 10.05.2019.
RAD6 inhibition enhances paclitaxel sensitivity of triple negative breast cancer cells by aggravating mitotic spindle damage
Authors: Haynes Brittany M. , Cunningham Kristen , Shekhar Malathy P. V.
Published: October 2022

Background

Paclitaxel (PTX), a first-line therapy for triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) induces anti-tumor activity by microtubule stabilization and inhibition of cell division. Its dose-limiting toxicity and short half-life, however, pose clinical challenges underscoring the need for strategies that increase its efficiency. RAD6, a E2 ubiquitin conjugating enzyme, is associated with centrosomes at all phases of cell cycle. Constitutive overexpression of the RAD6B homolog in normal breast cells induces centrosome amplification and multipolar spindle formation, indicating its importance in centrosome regulation.

Methods

TNBC centrosome numbers were scored by pericentrin immunostaining. PTX sensitivities and interactions with SMI#9, a RAD6-selective small molecule inhibitor, on TNBC cell survival were analyzed by MTT and colony forming assays and an isogenic MDA-MB-468 TNBC model of PTX resistance. The molecular mechanisms underlying PTX and SMI#9 induced cytotoxicity were determined by flow cytometry, immunoblot analysis of cyclin B1 and microtubule associated protein TAU, and dual immunofluorescence staining of TAU and α-tubulin.

Results

Our data show aberrant centrosome numbers and that PTX sensitivities are not correlated with TNBC BRCA1 status. Combining PTX with SMI#9 synergistically enhances PTX sensitivities of BRCA1 wild-type and mutant TNBC cells. Whereas SMI#9/PTX combination treatment increased cyclin B1 levels in MDA-MB-468 cells, it induced cyclin B1 loss in HCC1937 cells with accumulation of reproductively dead giant cells, a characteristic of mitotic catastrophe. Cell cycle analysis revealed drug-induced accumulation of tetraploid cells in S and G2/M phases, and robust increases in cells with 4 N DNA content in HCC1937 cells. TAU overexpression is associated with reduced PTX efficacy. Among the six TAU isoforms, both SMI#9 and PTX downregulated 1N3R TAU in MDA-MB-468 and HCC1937 cells, suggesting a common mechanism of 1N3R regulation. Dual TAU and α-tubulin immunostaining showed that SMI#9 induces monopolar mitotic spindles. Using the isogenic model of PTX resistance, we show that SMI#9 treatment restores PTX sensitivity.

Conclusions

These data support a common mechanism of microtubule regulation by SMI#9 and PTX and suggest that combining PTX with RAD6 inhibitor may be beneficial for increasing TNBC sensitivities to PTX and alleviating toxicity. This study demonstrates a new role for RAD6 in regulating microtubule dynamics.
Willingness to pay for a group and an individual version of the Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise program from a participant perspective
Authors: Gottschalk Sophie , König Hans-Helmut , Schwenk Michael , Nerz Corinna , Becker Clemens , Klenk Jochen , Jansen Carl-Philipp , Dams Judith
Published: October 2022

Background

Perceived benefits of intervention programs from a participant perspective can be examined by assessing their willingness to pay (WTP). Aiming to support decision-makers in their decision to implement a fall prevention program, this study examined (1) the WTP for a group-based and an individually delivered fall prevention program, (2) which factors influence WTP, and (3) whether the WTP exceeds the intervention costs.

Methods

WTP was elicited using Payment Cards from 237 individuals who participated in a randomized non-inferiority trial (LiFE-is-LiFE) comparing a group version of the Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise program (gLiFE) with the individually delivered version (LiFE). Linear regression models were used to examine factors associated with WTP. The net benefit for (g)LiFE was calculated as the difference between WTP and intervention costs, assuming different scenarios of intervention costs (varying group sizes of gLiFE) and hypothetical subsidy levels by a payer (€0, €50, or €75).

Results

The mean WTP was €196 (95% CI [172, 221]) for gLiFE and €228 (95% CI [204, 251]) for LiFE. In the linear regression model, WTP was significantly associated with delivery format (−€32, 95% CI [− 65, − 0.2], for gLiFE) and net household income (+ 68€, 95% CI [23, 113], for ≥€3000 compared to <€2000). The net benefit for gLiFE was positive in most cases. Due to higher intervention costs of LiFE compared to gLiFE (€298 vs. €113), the net benefit for LiFE was negative for the majority of the sample, even at a subsidy of €75.

Conclusion

The results provide insight into how valuable the interventions are perceived by the participants and thereby may be used by decision-makers as complement to cost-effectiveness analyses. WTP for both programs was generally high, probably indicating that participants perceived the intervention as quite valuable. However, further research is needed on the WTP and net benefit of fall prevention programs, as results relied on the specific context of the LiFE-is-LiFE trial.
Classification of body postures using smart workwear
Authors: Lins Christian , Hein Andreas
Published: October 2022

Background

Despite advancing automation, employees in many industrial and service occupations still have to perform physically intensive work that may have negative effects on the health of the musculoskeletal system. For targeted preventive measures, precise knowledge of the work postures and movements performed is necessary.

Methods

Prototype smart work clothes equipped with 15 inertial sensors were used to record reference body postures of 20 subjects. These reference postures were used to create a software-based posture classifier according to the Ovako Working Posture Analysing System (OWAS) by means of an evolutionary training algorithm.

Results

A total of 111,275 posture shots were recorded and used for training the classifier. The results show that smart workwear, with the help of evolutionary trained software classifiers, is in principle capable of detecting harmful postures of its wearer. The detection rate of the evolutionary trained classifier ($$\bar{a}_{ccr} = 0.35$$

a

¯

ccr

=
0.35

for the postures of the back, $$\bar{a}_{ccr} = 0.64$$

a

¯

ccr

=
0.64

for the arms, and $$\bar{a}_{ccr} = 0.25$$

a

¯

ccr

=
0.25

for the legs) outperforms that of a TensorFlow trained classifying neural network.

Conclusions

In principle, smart workwear – as prototypically shown in this paper – can be a helpful tool for assessing an individual’s risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Numerous potential sources of error have been identified that can affect the detection accuracy of software classifiers required for this purpose.
Exploring the psychological and religious perspectives of cancer patients and their future financial planning: a Q-methodological approach
Authors: Khan Kanwal Iqbal , Sabir Qurat ul An , Shafqat Ambreen , Aslam Muhammad
Published: October 2022

Background

Cancer patients are often hesitant to talk about their mental health, religious beliefs regarding the disease, and financial issues that drain them physically and psychologically. But there is a need to break this taboo to understand the perceptions and behaviours of the patients. Previous studies identified many psychological factors that are bothering cancer patients. However, it still requires exploring new elements affecting their mental and physical health and introducing new coping strategies to address patients’ concerns.

Methods

The current study aims to identify cancer patients’ perceived attitudes towards the severity of illness, understand their fears, tend towards religion to overcome the disease, and future financial planning by using a Q-methodological approach. Data were collected in three steps from January-June 2020, and 51 cancer patients participated in the final stage of Q-sorting.

Results

The findings of the study are based on the principal component factor analysis that highlighted three essential factors: (1) feelings, (2) religious beliefs about the acceptance of death, and (3) their future personal and financial planning. Further, the analysis shows that the patients differ in their beliefs, causes and support that they received as a coping mechanism.

Conclusion

This study explains cancer patients’ psychological discomfort and physical pain but cannot relate it to co-morbidities. Q methodology allows the contextualization of their thoughts and future planning in different sets, like acceptance of death, combating religion’s help, and sharing experiences through various platforms. This study will help health professionals derive new coping strategies for treating patients and financial managers to design insurance policies that help them to share their financial burdens.
A systematic review of strategies used for controlling consumer moral hazard in health systems
Authors: Koohi Rostamkalaee Zohreh , Jafari Mehdi , Gorji Hasan Abolghasem
Published: October 2022

Background

Consumer moral hazard refers to an increase in demand for health services or a decrease in preventive care due to insurance coverage. This phenomenon as one of the most evident forms of moral hazard must be reduced and prevented because of its important role in increasing health costs. This study aimed to determine and analyze the strategies used to control consumer moral hazards in health systems.

Methods

In this systematic review. Web of Sciences, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest, Iranian databases(Magiran and SID), and Google Scholar engine were searched using search terms related to moral hazard and healthcare utilization without time limitation. Eligible English and Persian studies on consumer moral hazard in health were included, and papers outside the health and in other languages were excluded. Thematic content analysis was used for data analysis.

Results

Content analysis of 68 studies included in the study was presented in the form of two group, six themes, and 11 categories. Two group included “changing behavior at the time of receiving health services” and “changing behavior before needing health services.” The first group included four themes: demand-side cost sharing, health savings accounts, drug price regulation, and rationing of health services. The second approach consisted of two themes Development of incentive insurance programs and community empowerment.

Conclusion

Strategies to control consumer moral hazards focus on changing consumer consumptive and health-related behaviors, which are designed according to the structure of health and financing systems. Since “changing consumptive behavior” strategies are the most commonly used strategies; therefore, it is necessary to strengthen strategies to control health-related behaviors and develop new strategies in future studies. In addition, in the application of existing strategies, the adaptation to the structure of the health and financing system, and the pattern of consumption of health services in society should be considered.
Comparison of open, laparoscopic, and robotic left colectomy for radical treatment of colon cancer: a retrospective analysis in a consecutive series of 211 patients
Authors: Huang Zhixiang , Li Taiyuan , Zhang Genghua , Zhou Zhen , Shi Haoran , Tang Cheng , Yang Lingling , Lei Xiong
Published: October 2022

Background

Robotic surgery has been widely used in the radical treatment of colonic cancer. However, it is unclear what advantages the robotic approach offers over other approaches in left colectomy. This study aims to explore the advantage of robotic surgery in left colectomy by comparing open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of patients with radical left colectomy for colon cancer who were admitted to the Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, from November 2012 to November 2017. Two hundred eleven patients included were divided into the open surgery group (OS, n=49), laparoscopic surgery group (LS, n=92), and robotic surgery group (RS, n=70) according to surgical techniques. The clinicopathologic data were collected for clinical outcome assessment. Finally, the clinical value of RS in radical left colectomy was further evaluated by propensity score matching (PSM) analysis.

Results

Three groups were similar in demographics and clinical characteristics. Compared with OS, LS and RS groups had better intraoperative and perioperative clinical outcomes. Moreover, the RS group exhibited the minimum operative times, length of stay (LOS), and evaluated blood loss. LS and RS also exhibited less perioperative and postoperative long-term complications. Three groups showed similar postoperative pathological outcomes. The overall survival and disease-free survival were also similar among the three groups (all P > 0.05). Cox regression analysis showed surgical approach was not a prognostic factor for overall survival (P = 0.671) and disease-free survival (P = 0.776). PSM analysis of RS and LS by clinical characteristics showed RS showed shorter operation time (P < 0.001) and LOS for patients without complications (P = 0.005). However, no significant differences were found in perioperative and long-term postoperative complications, pathological outcomes, overall survival, and disease-free survival.

Conclusions

Among three techniques for radical left colectomy, LS and RS had significant advantages over OS in short-term clinical outcomes, and no significant differences were found in overall, disease-free survival, local recurrence, and distant metastasis incidence. Moreover, RS shows better perioperative clinical outcomes but without compromising survival compared with LS.
Editorial: Whither globalization and health in an era of geopolitical uncertainty?
Authors: Labonté Ronald , Martin Greg , Storeng Katerini T.
Published: October 2022

Globalization has been declared dead or dying for many years, although recently, the number of voices declaring it ‘over’ has swelled [1]. As editors of a journal interrogating how globalization affects health, we confront the question: Have the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s war against Ukraine, a breakdown in multilateralism, and the risk of a return to the stagflation of the 1970s finally sounded a death knell for the research and scholarship we have been publishing in the journal’s 20-year history? We think not and argue below why, in our post-pandemic fractured and fractious era, it is vitally important to retain a focus on this messy construct short-handed as ‘globalization.’
Iterative methods for vector equilibrium and fixed point problems in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Wang San-hua , Zhang Yu-xin , Huang Wen-jun
Published: October 2022

In this paper, algorithms for finding common solutions of strong vector equilibrium and fixed point problems of multivalued mappings are considered. First, a Minty vector equilibrium problem is introduced and the relationship between the Minty vector equilibrium problem and the strong equilibrium problem is discussed. Then, by applying the Minty vector equilibrium problem, projection iterative methods are proposed and some convergence results are established in Hilbert spaces. The main results obtained in this paper develop and improve some recent works in this field.
Impact of gulf war toxic exposures after mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Ferguson Scott , McCartan Robyn , Browning Mackenzie , Hahn-Townsend Coral , Gratkowski Arissa , Morin Alexander , Abdullah Laila , Ait-Ghezala Ghania , Ojo Joseph , Sullivan Kimberly , Mullan Michael , Crawford Fiona , Mouzon Benoit
Published: October 2022

Chemical and pharmaceutical exposures have been associated with the development of Gulf War Illness (GWI), but how these factors interact with the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains an area of study that has received little attention thus far. We studied the effects of pyridostigmine bromide (an anti-nerve agent) and permethrin (a pesticide) exposure in a mouse model of repetitive mild TBI (r-mTBI), with 5 impacts over a 9-day period, followed by Gulf War (GW) toxicant exposure for 10 days beginning 30 days after the last head injury. We then assessed the chronic behavioral and pathological sequelae 5 months after GW agent exposure. We observed that r-mTBI and GWI cumulatively affect the spatial memory of mice in the Barnes maze and result in a shift of search strategies employed by r-mTBI/GW exposed mice. GW exposure also produced anxiety-like behavior in sham animals, but r-mTBI produced disinhibition in both the vehicle and GW treated mice. Pathologically, GW exposure worsened r-mTBI dependent axonal degeneration and neuroinflammation, increased oligodendrocyte cell counts, and increased r-mTBI dependent phosphorylated tau, which was found to colocalize with oligodendrocytes in the corpus callosum. These results suggest that GW exposures may worsen TBI-related deficits. Veterans with a history of both GW chemical exposures as well as TBI may be at higher risk for worse symptoms and outcomes. Subsequent exposure to various toxic substances can influence the chronic nature of mTBI and should be considered as an etiological factor influencing mTBI recovery.