bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematical modeling and experimental research on grounding current calculation of converter transformer core
Authors: Zhou Xiu , Tian Tian , Wu Peng , Luo Yan , Bai Jin , He Ninghui , Li Xiuguang
Published: August 2023

When the converter transformer core is grounded at multi-points, a fault loop will be formed and a circulation will be generated, leading to local overheating of the magnetic core and decomposition of insulating oil. Therefore, the converter transformer core will be single point grounded. As a rare internal lead of converter transformer, the ground current on the core ground lead can often reflect the running state of converter transformer. In this paper, theoretical analysis, modeling simulation and experimental research are carried out on the ground current of converter transformer at one point. Firstly, according to the structure characteristics of converter transformer, the analytical modeling of ground current is carried out. Secondly, based on the structure characteristics of oil paper insulation, the equivalent capacitance of converter transformer is calculated. Then, the analytical and finite element simulation model of converter transformer is established, and the ground current of converter transformer is calculated. Finally, the correctness of the proposed scheme is verified by measuring the grounding current of converter transformer core.
A Conceptual Framework for Understanding Effective Professional Learning Community (PLC) Operation in Schools
Authors: Hudson Christopher
Published: August 2023

This paper focuses on the development of professional learning communities (PLCs) in schools, which are communities of educators tasked with improving student learning outcomes. The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, the paper explores the central tenets of an effective PLC and contributes a definition of the concept to address much of contextual ambiguity found within the literature. Secondly, the paper employs this definition to inform the development of a conceptual framework for understanding effective PLC operation in schools, which can be used as a guide for PLC implementation at both the school and system levels.
Optimization of soft armor: the response of homogenous and hybrid multi-ply para-aramid and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fabrics under ballistic impact
Authors: Ralph Calvin , Baker Lisa , Archer Edward , McIlhagger Alistair
Published: August 2023

This research investigated the ballistic response of homogenous and hybrid multi-ply fabrics toward developing a full-scale hybridized soft armor system. Fabrics with varying yarn and thread counts were manufactured from para-aramid and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene yarns through a plain-woven architecture. Homogeneous fabrics used the same yarn and thread count for two- and three-ply systems. For hybrid systems, two- and three-ply stacks were assembled in various sequences including increasing and decreasing cover factor ( Cfab) and varying yarn types as the strike face and rear face. Ballistic impact testing was performed on all fabrics at low (340 m s−1) and high velocity (620 m s−1). Observations and measurements were performed to determine failure mechanisms, energy absorption, transverse wave propagation, and system effects of multi-ply systems. Hybrid systems showed significant differences in specific energy absorbed (SEA), dependent on the layer order. The para-aramid hybrid systems impacted at 340 m·s−1 showed a significantly greater SEA when the fabrics were ordered with an increasing rather than a decreasing cover factor. At 620 m·s−1 the difference in SEA was less pronounced or absent entirely. It was concluded that hybridization would enhance the performance of a soft armor system and was likely to be most effective for the rear layers of the system where fabrics with a progressively increasing cover factor that were manufactured of fine (550 dTex) para-aramid yarns would offer an advantage. The front layers of the system, subjected to higher strain loading, would benefit from low cover factor fabrics (0.76), which maximize the dissipation of strain from the point of impact.
History of maternal migraine and its association with preeclampsia: A case–control study in a low-resource setting in Sudan, Africa
Authors: Adam Ishag , Elmugabil Abdelmageed , AlHabardi Nadiah
Published: August 2023

Background

Previous studies have reported various levels of association between migraine and preeclampsia. However, there are no published data on migraine and its association with preeclampsia in African countries, including Sudan.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted at Rabak Maternity Hospital in White Nile State, Central Sudan. The cases were pregnant women with preeclampsia, while the controls were healthy pregnant women. All participants were interviewed using questionnaire. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated in a multivariate regression analysis.

Results

Of 148 pregnant women with preeclampsia, 96 (64.9%) women had mild preeclampsia and 52 (35.1%) women had severe preeclampsia. Of the 148 study participants with preeclampsia, 57 (38.5%) had a history of migraine and 19/296 (6.4%) women in control group had a history of migraine ( p < 0.001). Pregnant women with a history of migraine have higher odds of preeclampsia than pregnant women without a history of migraine (AOR = 9.01, 95% CI = 4.81–16.86). A history of preeclampsia, being overweight and obesity were associated with preeclampsia.

Conclusion

Our findings are consistent with the findings of previous studies on the association between migraine and preeclampsia. More studies are needed on this topic.
Identification of Key Nodes in Comprehensive Transportation Network: A Case Study in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Urban Agglomeration, China
Authors: Zhang Ye , Zheng Shuyan , Chen Yanyan
Published: August 2023

Key nodes play a vital role in the transportation network by significantly influencing its structure, function, and reliability. Their failure can severely limit the transportation efficiency and passenger flow of urban agglomerations. To address the limitations of single traffic mode and incomplete evaluation indexes, this paper proposes a weighted multi-layer network node importance evaluation method that considers node connectivity, diverse transportation modes, and service capabilities (CDSM). Firstly, based on the long-distance bus stations, railway stations, and airports in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration (BTHUA), the comprehensive transportation network (CTN) is constructed. Secondly, evaluation indexes including degree, closeness, capacity, and grade are selected to build the weighted model and obtain the comprehensive importance of nodes. Finally, the effectiveness of the method is verified by the susceptible-infected-recovered model. The results show that: 1) The CTN in this paper can reflect real traffic links among different transportation modes in urban agglomerations. 2) When the top 5 and top 10 key nodes identified by the CDSM are used as initial infected nodes, the infection and propagation rate of the CTN are higher than traditional methods such as the using degree, betweenness, closeness, and k-shell. Specifically, the infection rate is 2.8% and 3.2% higher than the average of these methods, and the propagation rate is 7 and 2.3 time steps faster respectively. 3) The more key nodes initially infected, the higher the infection and propagation rate of the CTN. 4) The key nodes identified in this paper include important transportation hubs of BTHUA, aligned with reality.
Parathyroid Hormone Inhibits Fatty Infiltration and Muscle Atrophy After Rotator Cuff Tear by Browning of Fibroadipogenic Progenitors in a Rodent Model
Authors: Iio Ryosuke , Manaka Tomoya , Takada Naoki , Orita Kumi , Nakazawa Katsumasa , Hirakawa Yoshihiro , Ito Yoichi , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: August 2023

Background:

Progressive fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy after rotator cuff tears lead to tendon repair failure and poor outcomes. Fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) are involved in fatty infiltration and muscle homeostasis of skeletal muscle. Inducing FAP differentiation into brown adipocyte–like “beige adipocytes” suppresses fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy.

Hypothesis:

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) suppresses fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy after rotator cuff tears in a rat model by browning of FAPs.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

PTH was administered subcutaneously for 4 or 8 weeks to a rotator cuff tear model in rats. After treatment, fatty infiltration of supraspinatus muscles was assessed using Oil Red O staining and muscle atrophy using wet muscle weight and muscle fiber cross-sectional area. Costaining of platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (FAP marker) and uncoupling protein 1 (browning marker) was performed to confirm FAP browning by PTH. Mouse-isolated FAPs were cultured with PTH and evaluated for browning-related gene expression and adipogenic differentiation using BODIPY staining. Myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts was evaluated using coculture of PTH-treated browning FAPs with C2C12.

Results:

PTH inhibited fatty infiltration after rotator cuff tear at 8 weeks. Rotator cuff wet muscle loss of PTH-treated rats was inhibited at 4 and 8 weeks. Furthermore, PTH-treated rats demonstrated larger myofiber cross-sectional area than did untreated rats at 4 and 8 weeks. Costaining indicated colocalization of platelet-derived growth factor receptor α and uncoupling protein 1 and promoted PTH-induced FAP browning. PTH increased the expression of browning-related genes in FAPs and suppressed fat droplet accumulation in vitro. Coculture with PTH-treated FAPs promoted C2C12 cell differentiation into myotubes.

Conclusion:

PTH induced FAP-derived beige adipocytes by upregulating browning-related gene expression, and the browning effect of PTH on FAPs inhibited fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy in the rat rotator cuff tear model. PTH might have potential as a therapeutic drug for fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy after rotator cuff tears.

Clinical Relevance:

PTH may expand treatment options for rotator cuff tears by reducing fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy after rotator cuff tears by browning of FAPs.
Comparison of survival by vasoactive-inotropic score in patients receiving veno-arterial extracorporeal life support
Authors: Weeks Phillip , Dunton Kelly , Gulbis Brian , Jumean Marwan , Janowiak Lisa , Banjac Igor , Radovancevic Rajko , Gregoric Igor , Kar Biswajit
Published: August 2023

After the initiation of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) for hemodynamic support, patients often require vasopressor and inotropic medications to support their blood pressure and cardiac contractility. The vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) is a standardized calculation of vasopressor and inotrope equivalence, which uses coefficients for each medication to calculate a total value. This study evaluated the association between the 30-day survival of patients receiving V-A ECMO support and the VIS calculated 24 h after ECMO cannulation (VIS24). This was a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study. The median VIS24 of the entire cohort was 6.0, and was determined as a cutoff for comparison. Patients with a VIS24 < 6.0 were assigned to a group, and those with a VIS24 ≥ 6.0 were assigned to a second group. Patients with a VIS24 < 6.0 had higher 30-day survival than those with a VIS24 ≥ 6.0 (54.5% vs 41.4%; p = 0.03). The group with a VIS24 < 6.0 also had significantly improved survival to decannulation of ECMO support; however, there was no difference in the survival to hospital discharge. We conducted a secondary analysis of quartiles and determined that individuals with a VIS24 > 11.4 had the lowest survival in the cohort. This finding may help identify patients with the lowest probability of 30-day survival in those receiving V-A ECMO for hemodynamic support.
Microcrystalline cellulose and by-products from the pulp and paper industry as reinforcing fibres for polybutylene succinate-based composites: A comparative study
Authors: Sousa Francisco JPM , Jesus Carolina F , Góis Joana R , Pereira Nelson AM , Antunes Filipe E
Published: August 2023

This study focussed on the development of fully biodegradable composites based on polybutylene succinate (PBS) in combination with raw materials from different processing stages of the pulp and paper industry. Sulfite pulp (SP), kraft pulp (KP) and screened sludge residue (SL) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) were investigated as reinforcing fibres contributing to a circular economy. We report a comparative study of the physicochemical properties and mechanical performance of PBS composites reinforced with these cellulosic raw fibres and commercial pure microcrystalline cellulose (MC). The composites were characterised in tensile strength, elongation at break, modulus of elasticity, water absorption and wettability. The incorporation of the fibres into the polymer matrix was also investigated using torque rheometry. Critical concentrations were obtained with maximum incorporation in the range of 15–20 wt% for SP/KP and 25–30 wt% for SL. SP and KP composites showed at least as good physicochemical and mechanical properties as MC at the concentrations studied (0–20 wt%). SP-composites showed the highest tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. It was shown that these fibres from the pulp and paper industry can be used as reinforcement for PBS matrices without additional chemical purification and provide a valuable alternative to commercial microcrystalline cellulose.
Validation of the Family-Supportive Coworker Behavior Scale in the Chinese Context
Authors: Pan Yuan , Liu Doudou , Li Chaoping
Published: August 2023

The present study aims to translate the Family-Supportive Coworker Behavior (FSCB) Scale into Chinese version (FSCB-C) and examine its reliability and validity through two studies. In Study 1 ( N = 392), the exploratory factor analysis was conducted, which confirmed that the two-factor structure was consistent with the original scale. In Study 2 ( N = 374), two-wave data was collected for confirmatory factor analysis and the results showed that the two-factor model was a good fit. Furthermore, the measurement invariance results displayed that the FSCB-C was equivalent across gender, age, education level, and job tenure. Additionally, the convergent validity and predictive validity were also demonstrated. The results showed that the FSCB-C could significantly predict job satisfaction, altruism towards colleagues, job stress, work-family conflict, and turnover intention. These findings provide evidence that the Chinese version of the FSCB scale is a valuable instrument.
Effect of soaking time on deep cryogenic treatment of Nimonic-90 alloy
Authors: Singh Gurkirat , Pandey Kailash N
Published: August 2023

The current experimental work on Nimonic-90 alloy presents the behaviour of hardness as a result of microstructural change occurring after deep cryogenic treatment. The results of the microstructure alterations at sub-zero temperature showed an effective change in hardness. Compared to the hardness value corresponding to a 36-h soaking period, the 24-h soaking period's hardness value was lower. One of the main factors contributing to the enhancement in Nimonic-90's hardness was the phase change and grain size reduction during the soaking period. Nimonic-90's hardness behaviour was largely controlled by tempering following deep cryogenic treatment. The maximum and minimum hardness values were corresponding to 100 °C and 200 °C, respectively. At the soaking period of 36 h, tempering temperature of 100 °C and tempering time of 1 h, and the hardness of Nimonic-90 came as 443.36 HV. With more tempering cycles and higher tempering temperatures, a corresponding decline in hardness value was observed. The sample that was subjected to a tempering temperature of 200 °C, a soaking time of 24 h, and three tempering had the lowest value of hardness out of all the deep cryogenically treated samples. According to the findings, the maximum hardness was 1.56 times the hardness of untreated sample.
Scaling behaviour of corrugated sandwich panels under impact load
Authors: Cheng Yuqin , Liu Kun , Wang Zili
Published: August 2023

The majority of the experimental studies investigating the dynamic response of sandwich panels are conducted using small-scale models that cannot be applied directly in the marine industry. In this study, a velocity–stress–mass (VSG) method based on the Johnson–Cook equation (VSG–JC) is derived to determine the relationship between a full-size structure (prototype) and its scaled-down model. The developed methodology is verified using theoretical and numerical solutions for an impact-loaded beam and plate, respectively. Theoretically, the model response can explicitly predict the behavior of a full-size structure using the VSG–JC method, whereas the strain rate cannot be obtained precisely via numerical simulation; hence, the corrected results for the model deviate slightly from the prototype results. Additionally, this method is compared with the VSG method based on the Cowper–Symonds equation (VSG–CS) in the numerical simulation of sandwich panels. The comparison results indicates that the VSG–JC method is more accurate than the VSG–CS method. The dynamic response of the scaled models predicted using the VSG–JC method coincides with that of the prototype, thus demonstrating that the VSG–JC method is valid for evaluating the scaling behavior of sandwich structures subjected to impact loads.
Efficacy of thymosin-α-1 in patients with COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Pu , Wang Changhong , Chen Da
Published: August 2023

Objective

To identify whether thymosin-α-1 (Tα1) is effective in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to determine a suitable population for Tα1 treatment.

Methods

We included studies with ≥10 cases and adults (aged ≥18 years) with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, data on mortality or length of hospitalization, disease severity, and study location, while excluded pregnant and breastfeeding women and minors. Publications were searched from November 1, 2019, to July 5, 2023, in six databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, and Wanfang Database. We separately utilized Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Cochrane handbook methodology to evaluate risk of bias and used Review Manager (version 5.4, Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark) to present and synthesize results. Relative risks (RR) and Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were analyzed for dichotomous variables and continuous variables, respectively.

Results

Nine studies (participants = 5417) were included. No significant differences were found in mortality (nine studies; n = 5417; RR = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.56, −1.60; p = .84; I2 = 90%) or length of hospitalization (four studies; n = 3688; SMD = 0.16; 95% CI: −0.38, −0.69; p = .57; I2 = 96%) between patients with COVID-19 who did and did not receive Tα1. Participants were divided by the severity of the disease (serious and non-serious) and study location. Among the serious group, the incidence of death among patients who received Tα1 treatment was 0.67 times that of patients who did not receive Tα1 treatment (four studies; n = 1230; RR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.58, −0.77; p < .00,001; I2 = 0%). There was no significant difference in length of hospitalization between the groups (two studies; n = 410; SMD = 0.66; 95% CI: −0.06, −1.38; p = .07; I2 = 87%). Among the non-serious group, compared to not having Tα1 treatment, receiving Tα1 treatment reduced hospitalization length (two studies; n = 3670; SMD = −0.28; 95% CI: −0.41, −0.14; p < .0001; I2 = 51%), while no significant difference in mortality (three studies; n = 3775; RR = 1.06; 95% CI: 0.22, −5.03; p = .94; I2 = 89%). Moreover, there was no significant difference between subgroups when divided by study locations (Studies within China: seven studies; n = 5263; RR = 1.14; 95% CI: 0.64, −2.04; p = .65; I2=92%; Studies outside of China: two studies; n = 154; RR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.14, −1.24; p = .11; I2 = 51%).

Discussion

For patients with serious types of COVID-19, Tα1 significantly decreased mortality, which supports the utilization of Tα1 in patients with severe and critical types of COVID-19. Moreover, regarding hospitalization length, patients with non-serious COVID-19 who used Tα1 reduced their hospitalization length compared to those that did not use Tα1. However, these results have high heterogeneity and limited generalizability.
Contraception in women over the age of 40
Authors: Kent Dr Jennifer
Published: August 2023

Women over the age of 40 years have a unique set of factors to consider when discussing contraception. Though there is a natural decline in fertility with increasing age, contraception is still necessary to prevent pregnancy until menopause. In women over 40, there are different risks related to pregnancy, background health concerns, and evolving risks and benefits of each contraceptive method to consider. Therefore, it is important to be knowledgeable on how to assess the needs and priorities of the patient at this time in a woman’s life. This article seeks to summarise the different methods of contraception, their appropriateness, when they should be reassessed or stopped, and how they intersect with symptoms of the perimenopause and hormone replacement therapy.
Dupilumab as a treatment for cutaneous immune-related adverse events induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors: A case series and review of the literature
Authors: Fournier Cynthia , Hirsch Ian , Spreafico Anna , Butler Marcus Otho , Dhani Neesha , Sauder Maxwell Benjamin
Published: August 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer treatment. They can induce cutaneous immune-related adverse events. One patient with immune-related eczema and two with immune-related bullous pemphigoid were successfully treated with dupilumab. Guidelines recommend the use of systemic steroids to manage moderate-to-severe cutaneous immune-related adverse events. They could potentially interfere with immunotherapy. There is a need to find alternative treatments that are safe in a cancer setting.
The Hidden History of the Like Button: From Decentralized Data to Semantic Enclosure
Authors: Halpin Harry
Published: August 2023

Artificial intelligence relies on the use of semantic technologies to represent the shared world of humanity. The story of how this came to be is exemplified by the use of Semantic Web standards by the Facebook “Like” button. In the case of the “Like” button, a decentralized and open Semantic Web was used to fuel the accumulation of personal data for advertising throughout the entire Web. The advent of the “Like button” was shortly followed by Google’s creation of the Google Knowledge Graph, a private corporate version of the Semantic Web. In fact, every major company in Silicon Valley soon created its own knowledge graph. The Semantic Web was transformed from a democratic project for standardized open knowledge to a project of control, collapsing semantics and erasing the difference between the object qua object and the object as represented in a knowledge graph.
Severe endosalpingiosis: Case reports and a literature review
Authors: Bazmi Subul , Amer Saad
Published: August 2023

Background:

Endosalpingiosis is an understudied gynaecological condition with limited knowledge of its prevalence and clinical significance.

Methods:

We report two rare cases of severe endosalpingiosis aged 25 and 30 highlighting their clinical, laparoscopic and histological features, as well as treatment outcomes.

Results:

Both cases presented with severe and intractable chronic pelvic pain (CPP) with a pattern like endometriosis pain. Initially, they received standard medical management for CPP, including hormonal therapy and pain modulators, with limited or no improvement. They were then offered laparoscopy, which revealed widely spread superficial vesicular lesions on ovaries, pelvic peritoneum, uterus and bowel. Wide excision of affected peritoneum was performed, and multiple biopsies were obtained from ovarian lesions. Histology revealed endosalpingiosis in both cases. In case 2, histology also revealed a neuroendocrine tumour, which was likely from a gastrointestinal (GI) primary malignancy. This case was referred to the GI team for further management. In both cases, surgery resulted in 6-month relief of pelvic pain followed by gradual recurrence of severe symptoms.

Conclusion:

These cases highlight the clinical dilemma of severe endosalpingiosis, which appears to be associated with intractable pain that is resistant to all standard hormonal and surgical treatments. Whether the association with the neuroendocrine tumour in the second case was incidental or a true link remains uncertain. Further research is required to identify effective treatment strategies for ES.
The fate of mitochondria during platelet activation
Authors: Grichine Alexei , Jacob Shancy , Eckly Anita , Villaret Joran , Joubert Clotilde , Appaix Florence , Pezet Mylène , Ribba Anne-Sophie , Denarier Eric , Mazzega Jacques , Rinckel Jean-Yves , Lafanechère Laurence , Elena-Herrmann Bénédicte , Rowley Jesse W. , Sadoul Karin
Published: August 2023

Blood platelets undergo several successive motor-driven reorganizations of the cytoskeleton when they are recruited to an injured part of a vessel. These reorganizations take place during the platelet activation phase, the spreading process on the injured vessel or between fibrin fibers of the forming clot, and during clot retraction. All these steps require a lot of energy, especially the retraction of the clot when platelets develop strong forces similar to those of muscle cells. Platelets can produce energy through glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration. However, although resting platelets have only 5 to 8 individual mitochondria, they produce adenosine triphosphate predominantly via oxidative phosphorylation. Activated, spread platelets show an increase in size compared with resting platelets, and the question arises as to where the few mitochondria are located in these larger platelets. Using expansion microscopy, we show that the number of mitochondria per platelet is increased in spread platelets. Live imaging and focused ion beam–scanning electron microscopy suggest that a mitochondrial fission event takes place during platelet activation. Fission is Drp1 dependent because Drp1-deficient platelets have fused mitochondria. In nucleated cells, mitochondrial fission is associated with a shift to a glycolytic phenotype, and using clot retraction assays, we show that platelets have a more glycolytic energy production during clot retraction and that Drp1-deficient platelets show a defect in clot retraction.
Novel and improved Caenorhabditis briggsae gene models generated by community curation
Authors: Moya Nicolas D. , Stevens Lewis , Miller Isabella R. , Sokol Chloe E. , Galindo Joseph L. , Bardas Alexandra D. , Koh Edward S. H. , Rozenich Justine , Yeo Cassia , Xu Maryanne , Andersen Erik C.
Published: August 2023

Background

The nematode Caenorhabditis briggsae has been used as a model in comparative genomics studies with Caenorhabditis elegans because of their striking morphological and behavioral similarities. However, the potential of C. briggsae for comparative studies is limited by the quality of its genome resources. The genome resources for the C. briggsae laboratory strain AF16 have not been developed to the same extent as C. elegans. The recent publication of a new chromosome-level reference genome for QX1410, a C. briggsae wild strain closely related to AF16, has provided the first step to bridge the gap between C. elegans and C. briggsae genome resources. Currently, the QX1410 gene models consist of software-derived gene predictions that contain numerous errors in their structure and coding sequences. In this study, a team of researchers manually inspected over 21,000 gene models and underlying transcriptomic data to repair software-derived errors.

Results

We designed a detailed workflow to train a team of nine students to manually curate gene models using RNA read alignments. We manually inspected the gene models, proposed corrections to the coding sequences of over 8,000 genes, and modeled thousands of putative isoforms and untranslated regions. We exploited the conservation of protein sequence length between C. briggsae and C. elegans to quantify the improvement in protein-coding gene model quality and showed that manual curation led to substantial improvements in the protein sequence length accuracy of QX1410 genes. Additionally, collinear alignment analysis between the QX1410 and AF16 genomes revealed over 1,800 genes affected by spurious duplications and inversions in the AF16 genome that are now resolved in the QX1410 genome.

Conclusions

Community-based, manual curation using transcriptome data is an effective approach to improve the quality of software-derived protein-coding genes. The detailed protocols provided in this work can be useful for future large-scale manual curation projects in other species. Our manual curation efforts have brought the QX1410 gene models to a comparable level of quality as the extensively curated AF16 gene models. The improved genome resources for C. briggsae provide reliable tools for the study of Caenorhabditis biology and other related nematodes.
Five point initiative: a community-informed bundled implementation strategy to address HIV in Black communities
Authors: Dale Sannisha K. , Etienne Kayla , Hall Sidny , Lazarus Kimberly , Nunnally Kalenthia , Gibson George , Bolden Roxana , Gardner Nadine , Sanders Jasmyn , Reid Rachelle , Phillips Arnetta
Published: August 2023

Background

Black individuals in the U.S. remain the most disproportionately impacted by new HIV diagnoses, represent the highest portion of individuals living with HIV, and have the highest morbidity rates. Structural inequities and historical oppression are the primary drivers. Such drivers limit access to HIV prevention tools that need to be delivered with culturally congruent and community-informed approaches.

Methods

The Five Point Initiative (FPI) is a community-informed bundled implementation strategy developed and piloted between September 2019 and March 2020 in Miami, Florida in communities heavily impacted by HIV. Key components of the strategy included community consultants/experts, five categories (hence the “Five Point”) of community businesses (e.g., corner stores, beauty supply stores, laundromats, mechanics, barbershops), local health organizations, an academic research program engrossed in community engaged research, and community residents who provided ongoing feedback throughout. Outcomes of FPI included (a) survey information (e.g., knowledge of and access to PrEP, barriers to care) and pilot data (acceptability and feasibility), (b) expansion of reach to Black individuals in HIV high impact zip codes in Miami, (c) insights on our bundled implementation strategy, (d) condom distribution, and (e) HIV testing.

Results

Over the course of six months FPI carried out 10 outreach events, partnered with 13 community businesses and 5 health organizations, engaged 677 community residents, collected health information via a survey, distributed 12,434 condoms, provided information on PrEP, and offered voluntary HIV testing (131 completed). FPI’s ability to reach residents who are not being reached (e.g., 68.8% never heard of PrEP, 8% no HIV testing ever, 65.9% no primary care provider), positive feedback from residents (e.g., 70% very satisfied, 21% satisfied; 62% strongly agree and 25% agree they would participate again) and qualitative interviews with businesses provide evidence of acceptability and feasibility. Further, survey data provided insights on factors such as socio-demographics, discrimination experiences, barriers to care, social-structural factors, physical and sexual health, and mental health and substance use.

Conclusions

The FPI bundled implementation strategy shows promise to deliver health prevention/intervention for HIV and other health conditions to communities facing health inequities and for whom the current system for delivering care is insufficient.
Construction of an evaluation index system for undergraduate nursing teachers’ curriculum humanistic competence: a Delphi study in China
Authors: Yang Zihan , Zhai Huimin , Liang Sijing
Published: August 2023

Background

The curriculum humanistic competence of nursing teachers is important to cultivate the humanistic qualities of undergraduate nursing students. However, there are no evaluation tools for the curriculum humanistic competence of undergraduate nursing teachers in China.

Objective

To develop an index system to evaluate the curriculum humanistic competence of undergraduate nursing teachers.

Design

This research conducted a Delphi study.

Participants

Semi-structured interviews were held with 19 experts, and Delphi rounds were conducted with 18 experts.

Settings

This study was conducted in 12 universities and 4 Grade A tertiary hospitals in China.

Methods

A literature review and semi-structured interviews were conducted to develop an initial framework. A two-round Delphi survey was employed to build the index system for undergraduate nursing teachers’ curriculum humanistic competence.

Results

After two rounds of consultation, the index system included 5 first-level indicators, 11 second-level indicators and 41 third-level indicators. The Cr for two rounds of consultation were 0.929 and 0.923, and Kendall’s W was 0.152(P<0.001).

Conclusions

The index system for the evaluation of undergraduate nursing teachers’ curriculum humanistic competence offers guidelines for undergraduate nursing teachers in China. It can be used in practice to develop high humanistic qualities in undergraduate nursing teachers.
Interprofessional communication in a psychiatric outpatient unit – an ethnographic study
Authors: Rudberg Ingela , Olsson Annakarin , Thunborg Charlotta , Salzmann-Erikson Martin
Published: August 2023

Background

Communication in healthcare has been extensively studied, but most research has focused on miscommunication and the importance of communication for patient safety. Previous research on interprofessional communication has mainly focused on relationships between physicians and nurses in non-psychiatric settings. Since communication is one of the core competencies in psychiatric care, more research on interprofessional communication between other clinicians is needed, and should be explored from a broader perspective. This study aimed to explore and describe interprofessional communication in a psychiatric outpatient unit.

Method

During spring 2022, data consisting of over 100 h of fieldwork were collected from observations, formal semi-structured interviews and informal conversations inspired by the focused ethnography method. Data was collected at an outpatient unit in central Sweden, and various clinicians participated in the study. The data analysis was a back-and-forth process between initial codes and emerging themes, but also cyclical as the data analysis process was ongoing and repeated and took place simultaneously with the data collection.

Results

We found that a workplace’s history, clinicians´ workload, responsibilities and hierarchies influence interprofessional communication. The results showed that the prerequisites for interprofessional communication were created through the unit’s code of conduct, clear and engaging leadership, and trust in the ability of the various clinicians to perform new tasks.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that leadership, an involving working style, and an environment where speaking up is encouraged and valued can foster interprofessional communication and respect for each other´s professional roles is key to achieving this. Interprofessional communication between different clinicians is an important part of psychiatric outpatient work, where efficiency, insufficient staffing and long patient queues are commonplace. Research can help shed light on these parts by highlighting aspects influencing communication.
House modifications as a malaria control tool: how does local context shape participants’ experience and interpretation in Uganda?
Authors: Kayendeke Miriam , Nabirye Christine , Nayiga Susan , Westercamp Nelli , Gonahasa Samuel , Katureebe Agaba , Kamya Moses R. , Staedke Sarah G. , Hutchinson Eleanor
Published: August 2023

Background

Evidence that house design can provide protection from malaria is growing. Housing modifications such as screening windows, doors, and ceilings, and attaching insecticide-impregnated materials to the eaves (the gap between the top of the wall and bottom of the roof), can protect against malaria. To be effective at scale, however, these modifications must be adopted by household residents. There is evidence that housing modifications can be acceptable, but in-depth knowledge on the experiences and interpretation of modifications is lacking. This qualitative study was carried out to provide a holistic account of the relationship between experiences and interpretations of four types of piloted housing modifications and the local context in Jinja, Uganda.

Methods

Qualitative research was conducted between January to June 2021, before and during the installation of four types of housing modifications. The methods included nine weeks of participant observations in two study villages, nine focus group discussions with primary caregivers and heads of households (11–12 participants each), and nine key informant interviews with stakeholders and study team members.

Results

Most residents supported the modifications. Experiences and interpretation of the housing modifications were shaped by the different types of housing in the area and the processes through which residents finished their houses, local forms of land and property ownership, and cultural and spiritual beliefs about houses.

Conclusions

To maximize the uptake and benefit of housing modifications against malaria, programme development needs to take local context into account. Forms of local land and house ownership, preferences, the social significance of housing types, and religious and spiritual ideas shape the responses to housing modifications in Jinja. These factors may be important in other setting.

Trial registration Trial registration number is NCT04622241. The first draft was posted on November 9th 2020.
Retraction Note: CYPA promotes the progression and metastasis of serous ovarian cancer (SOC) in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Qi Zhi-Ying , Wang Fang , Yue Ying-Ying , Guo Xue-Wang , Guo Rui-Meng , Li Hong-Lin , Xu Yan-Ying
Published: August 2023

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-019-0593-2.
Primary care pediatricians and job satisfaction: a cross sectional study in the Lazio region
Authors: Sapienza Martina , Furia Giuseppe , La Regina Domenico Paolo , Grimaldi Valentina , Tarsitano Maria Grazia , Patrizi Cristina , Capelli Giovanni ,   Rome OMCeO Group, Magi Antonio , De Lillo Stefano , Tirelli Guido Coen , Damiani Gianfranco
Published: August 2023

Background

The Order of Physicians and Dentists of the Province of Rome aims at focusing on the satisfaction of healthcare personnel as an essential factor for the quality of medical care in the health sector. The aim of this study is to assess and prioritize the factors that can be linked to a higher or lower degree of job satisfaction in Primary Care Pediatricians (PCPs).

Methods

This study is a cross sectional survey. A questionnaire was administered to all primary care pediatricians registered to the Order, exploring in particular the work activity organization, the level of satisfaction in their professional life, and the level of perceived health. A pilot activity was conducted to validate the questionnaire. Fisher exact test and ordinal logistic regression (ologit) models were used for the univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

The highest level of job dissatisfaction, in both men and women, was found to be in the practice type without any form of association; among women, it reached an even higher level for those who had their own practice at a distance of 20–40 km from their home. Women, compared to men, maintained a lower level of job satisfaction also while working in Pediatric Primary Care Units (PPCUs). In PPCUs, for the same distance, females showed a more similar pattern to males. Men working in PPCUs, regardless of distance, declared a higher degree of job satisfaction. Both men and women, working as a group pediatrician or in PPCUs, did not show a significant difference in the level of job satisfaction.

Conclusions

The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the factors that may influence levels of career satisfaction in female and male PCPs. Therefore, research and interventions regarding job satisfaction should foster an organizational network connection among PCPs for their job and individual well-being, from a perspective of enhancing patient care. A major effort to improve work-life balance and career satisfaction among women is important, suggesting that interventions for improving job satisfaction could benefit from a gender-specific approach.
An active learning approach to train a deep learning algorithm for tumor segmentation from brain MR images
Authors: Boehringer Andrew S. , Sanaat Amirhossein , Arabi Hossein , Zaidi Habib
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study focuses on assessing the performance of active learning techniques to train a brain MRI glioma segmentation model.

Methods

The publicly available training dataset provided for the 2021 RSNA-ASNR-MICCAI Brain Tumor Segmentation (BraTS) Challenge was used in this study, consisting of 1251 multi-institutional, multi-parametric MR images. Post-contrast T1, T2, and T2 FLAIR images as well as ground truth manual segmentation were used as input for the model. The data were split into a training set of 1151 cases and testing set of 100 cases, with the testing set remaining constant throughout. Deep convolutional neural network segmentation models were trained using the NiftyNet platform. To test the viability of active learning in training a segmentation model, an initial reference model was trained using all 1151 training cases followed by two additional models using only 575 cases and 100 cases. The resulting predicted segmentations of these two additional models on the remaining training cases were then addended to the training dataset for additional training.

Results

It was demonstrated that an active learning approach for manual segmentation can lead to comparable model performance for segmentation of brain gliomas (0.906 reference Dice score vs 0.868 active learning Dice score) while only requiring manual annotation for 28.6% of the data.

Conclusion

The active learning approach when applied to model training can drastically reduce the time and labor spent on preparation of ground truth training data.

Critical relevance statement

Active learning concepts were applied to a deep learning-assisted segmentation of brain gliomas from MR images to assess their viability in reducing the required amount of manually annotated ground truth data in model training.

Key points

• This study focuses on assessing the performance of active learning techniques to train a brain MRI glioma segmentation model.

• The active learning approach for manual segmentation can lead to comparable model performance for segmentation of brain gliomas.

• Active learning when applied to model training can drastically reduce the time and labor spent on preparation of ground truth training data.

Graphical Abstract
Maintenance of adult stem cells from human minor salivary glands via the Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Kang Bo kyoung , Zhu Zhu , Wang Jian , Zhou Jia , Yu Shun , Zhou Xianyu , Zhao Zhenmin , Xie Aiguo , Lu Lin , Yang Jun
Published: August 2023

Background

Xerostomia is a salivary gland dysfunction that negatively impacts the life quality of patients; however, there is no effective treatment for xerostomia. Bioengineered organs, generated using stem cells obtained from newborn salivary glands and ligated injury models, are a new organ transplantation strategy that could be feasible for xerostomia treatment. Reconstruction of salivary gland organoids by seed cells obtained from human minor salivary glands will offer theoretical fundaments and technology support for clinical application and organ regeneration research. Herein, we aimed to propose a new method for culturing and enriching adult human minor salivary gland stem cells in vitro in a three-dimensional (3D) environment via Wnt signaling activation.

Methods

Obtained and characterized human minor salivary gland stem cells (hMSGSCs) with self-organization ability were 3D-cultured to generate organoids. We examined hMSGSCs proliferation and colony formation using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays. Telomerase reverse transcriptase staining, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence assay, RNA isolation, RT-PCR, and qPCR were performed to assess hMSGSCs structure and the function of reconstructive organoids in vitro.

Results

hMSGSCs showed typical epithelial-like characteristics, such as positive for CD49f and cell KRT expression. hMSGSCs served as adult stem cells in salivary glands and could differentiate into acinar and duct cells. Upon the addition of Noggin, CHIR99021, and Wnt3A to the 3D culture system, hMSGSCs showed higher LGR5 expression and decreased AMY1B and MUC5B expression. Therefore, the Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathways are important in regulating hMSGSCs self-organization and differentiation.

Conclusions

We showed that the stem cell properties of hMSGSCs in a 3D culture system can be maintained by activating the Wnt signaling pathway and inhibiting the BMP signaling pathway. Our findings contribute new insights on salivary gland organoid generation in vitro.
An impact study of the Iranian National University Entrance Exam from students and parents’ perspectives
Authors: Ahmadi Safa Mohammad , Sheykholmoluki Hamidreza
Published: August 2023

As a part of a larger project, this study reports a large-scale investigation of the impacts of the Iranian National University Entrance Examination (INUEE) on Iranian high school students and their parents. For this purpose, in a mixed methods research design, 1350 high school students selected based on convenience sampling from three western provinces of Iran were given a researcher-made Likert scale questionnaire; moreover, 27 parents sat for a semi-structured interview. The quantitative data obtained from the questionnaire were subject to inferential statistical analyses, and the qualitative interview data were first transcribed, and then the transcriptions were subjected to content analysis to extract common patterns and recurring themes. The integrated results obtained from the quantitative and qualitative data analyses indicated that from most of the participants’ points of view, INUEE had detrimental impacts on students’ and their parents’ educational, personal, and social life. From students’ perspective, INUEE had the most harmful impact on their physical and psychological well-being, and from parents’ vantage point, the most negative impacts of INUEE were on the economy of the family and their social activities and entertainments. The findings of the study provide further evidence of the consequential invalidity of such large-scale high-stakes tests and the negative consequences following them. Furthermore, the attested negative impacts of high-stakes large-scale testing on the test takers, their family members, and the educational systems jeopardize educational justice in general and the usefulness and fairness of such tests in particular.