bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The oncogenic lncRNA MIR503HG suppresses cellular senescence counteracting supraphysiological androgen treatment in prostate cancer
Authors: Kallenbach Julia , Rasa Mahdi , Heidari Horestani Mehdi , Atri Roozbahani Golnaz , Schindler Katrin , Baniahmad Aria
Published: December 2024

Background

The androgen receptor (AR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor, plays a key role in regulating prostate cancer (PCa) growth. The novel bipolar androgen therapy (BAT) uses supraphysiological androgen levels (SAL) that suppresses growth of PCa cells and induces cellular senescence functioning as a tumor suppressive mechanism. The role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the regulation of SAL-mediated senescence remains unclear. This study focuses on the SAL-repressed lncRNA MIR503HG, examining its involvement in androgen-controlled cellular senescence in PCa.

Methods

Transcriptome and ChIP-Seq analyses of PCa cells treated with SAL were conducted to identify SAL-downregulated lncRNAs. Expression levels of MIR503HG were analyzed in 691 PCa patient tumor samples, mouse xenograft tumors and treated patient-derived xenografts. Knockdown and overexpression experiments were performed to assess the role of MIR503HG in cellular senescence and proliferation using senescence-associated β-Gal assays, qRT-PCRs, and Western blotting. The activity of MIR503HG was confirmed in PCa tumor spheroids.

Results

A large patient cohort analysis shows that MIR503HG is overexpressed in metastatic PCa and is associated with reduced patient survival, indicating its potential oncogenic role. Notably, SAL treatment suppresses MIR503HG expression across four different PCa cell lines and patient-derived xenografts but interestingly not in the senescence-resistant LNCaP Abl EnzaR cells. Functional assays reveal that MIR503HG promotes PCa cell proliferation and inhibits SAL-mediated cellular senescence, partly through miR-424-5p. Mechanistic analyses and rescue experiments indicate that MIR503HG regulates the AKT-p70S6K and the p15INK4b-pRb pathway. Reduced expression of MIR503HG by SAL or knockdown resulted in decreased BRCA2 levels suggesting a role in DNA repair mechanisms and potential implications for PARP inhibitor sensitivity by SAL used in BAT clinical trial.

Conclusions

The lncRNA MIR503HG acts as an oncogenic regulator in PCa by repressing cellular senescence. SAL-induced suppression of MIR503HG enhances the tumor-suppressive effects of AR signaling, suggesting that MIR503HG could serve as a biomarker for BAT responsiveness and as a target for combination therapies with PARP inhibitors.
Thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke with tenecteplase in a developing country: challenges and experience from a prospective observational study
Authors: Basantani Neeraj , Gupta Vijay Kumar , Kumar Sanjay , Narang Amit
Published: December 2024

Context

This study will emphasise the importance of Tenecteplase being ideally suited as a first-choice drug for thrombolysis in AIS in developing countries, considering the numerous challenges which are faced in these parts of the world.

Aim

To observe the effectiveness of Tenecteplase as a thrombolytic agent in AIS and also estimate the pre-hospital and in-hospital time delays in the treatment of such patients.

Material and methods

Eighteen patients with non-haemorrhagic strokes who presented within the window period were included. Eight patients were thrombolysed with Tenecteplase after due consent and ruling out contraindications. Reasons for the time delay, Ictus to Needle time and NIHSS scores were noted in each case.

Results

The mean time from onset of symptoms to arrival at the hospital was 2.06 (± 1.08) h while the mean ictus to needle time was 4.29 (± 0.20) h The delay in carrying out a CT scan in these patients was 47.5 (± 16.69) min and mean time taken in procuring Tenecteplase was 27.5 (± 18.51) min. All patients were thrombolysed within 4.5 h of the onset of stroke and seven patients had statistically significant improved NIHSS scores in the post-thrombolysis period.

Conclusions

This paper highlights the constraints in the management of AIS in a developing country, where late presentation is the norm. In-hospital delays lead to diminishing window period available for thrombolysis. This paper highlights the successful use of Tenecteplase even in the late window period and emphasises Tenecteplase as a highly effective thrombolytic agent of choice in our setting. Further studies are likely to confirm these observations in the future.
Biophysical and biochemical study exploring resveratrol protective potential against gamma irradiation effects
Authors: Hamieda Shimaa Farag , Hassan Amal I. , Saied Mona
Published: December 2024

Background

Gamma irradiation causes oxidative stress and disturbs the physiological balance in organisms. Natural antioxidants, like resveratrol (Res), can buffer these effects. The study's goal is to find out whether Res can help reverse changes caused by gamma irradiation in male Wistar rats' total antioxidant capacity (TAC), antioxidant enzyme activity, electrolyte levels, and hemoglobin structure.

Methods

Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups: control, Res-treated, irradiated, and Res + irradiated. Blood and tissue samples were collected on the day 16th of the experiment. The levels of antioxidants, catalase (CAT) activity, glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were estimated along with electrolyte level measurements. UV–FTIR and dielectric spectroscopy were used to assess conformational changes in hemoglobin.

Results

Gamma irradiation decreased antioxidant levels and increased markers of oxidative stress. Resveratrol treatment increased the antioxidant capacity and levels of nitric oxide and decreased malondialdehyde levels. Further, Res protected the structure of hemoglobin and decreased the radiation-induced damage.

Conclusion

Resveratrol shows potential as a protective agent against gamma irradiation-induced oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant defenses and restoring hemoglobin structure.
Finerenone: a breakthrough mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist for heart failure, diabetes and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Pradhan Akshyaya , Tripathi Umesh Chandra
Published: December 2024

Background

Aldosterone is categorized as a mineralocorticoid hormone produced in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. Aldosterone has considerable action in sodium and water retention along with cardiac remodeling, promoting fibrosis and these detrimental effects have been counteracted by mineralocorticoid receptors antagonists over time. Spironolactone, a non-selective steroidal MRA used extensively is potent but has serious adverse effects like gynecomastia and hyperkalemia. Eplerenone another second generation MRA, though non-steroidal and selective causes hyperkalemia and adversely effecting renal functions.

Main body

Recently Finerenone- a novel MRA has been introduced which is as potent like spironolactone with less adverse effects and improved cardiovascular outcomes particularly in chronic kidney failure with diabetes. The article reviews the physical and chemical properties of Finerenone and compares it with MRAs already in use, and then about the patient specific uses of Finerenone and future avenues of it. Finerenone is non-steroidal selective MRA, with promising results in improving the deterioration of renal functions in CKD with DM, reducing albuminuria with less hyperkalemia along with improvement in cardiovascular outcomes by reducing heart failure events.

Conclusion

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists have a proven role in preventing the adverse effects of RAAS pathway on heart, kidneys and blood vessels. Non-selective steroidal MRAs have potent action but by virtue of their non-selectivity associated with adverse effects like gynecomastia, hirsutism along with hyperkalemia Finerenone is novel non-steroidal & highly selective MRA, with promising results in halting the deterioration of renal functions in CKD with DM, reducing albuminuria, improvement in cardiovascular outcomes by reducing heart failure events albeit with less hyperkalemia. More randomized studies in dedicated HF patients are ongoing with Finerenone to prove it is worth in this sector with huge unmet need despite GDMT. Finerenone alleviates the risk of adverse renal and cardiac outcomes in patients with diabetes and CKD despite baseline medical therapy.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts: heterogeneity, tumorigenicity and therapeutic targets
Authors: Lv Keke , He Tianlin
Published: December 2024

Cancer, characterized by its immune evasion, active metabolism, and heightened proliferation, comprises both stroma and cells. Although the research has always focused on parenchymal cells, the non-parenchymal components must not be overlooked. Targeting cancer parenchymal cells has proven to be a formidable challenge, yielding limited success on a broad scale. The tumor microenvironment(TME), a critical niche for cancer cell survival, presents a novel way for cancer treatment. Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF), as a main component of TME, is a dynamically evolving, dual-functioning stromal cell. Furthermore, their biological activities span the entire spectrum of tumor development, metastasis, drug resistance, and prognosis. A thorough understanding of CAFs functions and therapeutic advances holds significant clinical implications. In this review, we underscore the heterogeneity of CAFs by elaborating on their origins, types and function. Most importantly, by elucidating the direct or indirect crosstalk between CAFs and immune cells, the extracellular matrix, and cancer cells, we emphasize the tumorigenicity of CAFs in cancer. Finally, we highlight the challenges encountered in the exploration of CAFs and list targeted therapies for CAF, which have implications for clinical treatment.
Frequency and patterns of substance-induced psychosis in persons with concurrent mental health and substance use disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Norwegian register-based cohort study
Authors: Leonhardt Marja , Bramness Jørgen G. , Rognli Eline Borger , Lien Lars
Published: December 2024

Background

Substance use may be associated with the onset of psychotic symptoms, necessitating treatment for individuals with comorbid mental health and substance use disorders (MHD/SUD). COVID-19 significantly impacted individuals with MHD/SUD, reducing access to appropriate care and treatment. Changes in drug availability and prices during the pandemic may have influenced drug consumption. This study aimed to determine the frequency of substance-induced psychosis (SIP) during COVID-19 among individuals with MHD/SUD and to explore substance fidelity by following patterns of SIP over time.

Method

In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from all individuals with MHD/SUD registered in 2019–2021 in the Norwegian Patient Register. We used graphical approaches, descriptives, and Poisson regression to study occurrence and risk of SIP episodes in the three-year observation period. Sankey diagrams were used to examine trajectories of psychotic episodes induced by various substances.

Results

Despite a decrease in individuals diagnosed with SIP during COVID-19, SIP episodes increased overall. We observed a decline in cannabis-induced psychosis, but a rise in SIP episodes involving amphetamines and multiple substances. Among individuals with recurrent SIP episodes, the psychosis was more often induced by different substances during COVID-19 (2020: RR, 1.50 [95% CI, 1.34–1.67]; 2021: RR, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.16–1.46]) than in 2019.

Conclusion

During COVID-19, fewer individuals were hospitalized with SIP, but those patients experienced more episodes. There were fewer cannabis-induced psychotic episodes, but more SIP hospitalizations caused by central stimulants and more SIP diagnoses caused by different substances, possibly reflecting changes in drug availability and pricing.
Phenotypes Associated With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Risk Variants
Authors: Tidwell Anna , Zhu Jia , Battiola Tess , Welt Corrine K
Published: December 2024

Context

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 10% of women of reproductive age. The genetic architecture of the disease is emerging, but there is little data exploring the effect of genetic risk on clinical presentation.

Objective

We hypothesized that genetic risk loci would influence measurable phenotypic traits.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study, conducted at an academic medical center, included women of European ancestry with PCOS (n = 404), as diagnosed by the National Institutes of Health criteria, and controls with regular menses and no hyperandrogenism (n = 408). We identified association between genetic risk variants and measured phenotypic traits using linear regression.

Results

In a combined analysis of cases and controls, 2 variants in loci containing the genes PRSS23 (P < .001) and FSHB (P < .001) were associated with gonadotropin levels. Two variants in loci containing NEIL2/GATA4 (P = .002) and CYP3 (P < .001) were associated with androgen levels. Three variants in loci containing SHBG (P = .001), ZBTB16 (P < .001), and CYP3 (P < .001) were associated with ovarian morphology. One variant in the locus containing FTO (P = .001) was associated with hip circumference and was influenced by body mass index.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that PCOS genetic risk variants may influence hormone levels and ovarian morphology and increase the risk of obesity. Increased genetic risk for PCOS appears to drive traits that underly the classical clinical presentation of PCOS.
Counterfeit Detectors: The Literary Origins of the US Secret Service
Authors: Barosky Todd
Published: December 2024

This article examines the US Secret Service, a federal agency created during the Civil War to protect the greenback against counterfeiters, and its literary origins. It explores an overlooked chapter in the history of American crime and detective fiction, one that has special relevance today with the rise of cryptocurrencies. The author argues that Secret Service agents who turned authors, as well as professional writers enlisted to support the agency, between 1865 and 1920 developed a unique version of the detective narrative with a particular ideological function: to discredit counterfeiting as a politically subversive act and to legitimize the configurations of political and economic power consolidated by the federal government in the decades following the Civil War. Cast as a literary detective, the Secret Service agent is interchangeable with any other agent, ubiquitous across space and time, and possesses unimpeachable integrity—and so embodies the very attributes that gave the greenback its value as a fiat currency. The Secret Service narrative transforms detective fiction into a celebration of a nationalism that links patriotic sentiments to recently created symbols of federal authority and redefines popular sovereignty as a passive, sympathetic identification with dutiful federal agents, who collectively stand before the reader as the personification of an implacable and alienated state power.
Making Americans in the New York Public Library: Fantasy and Realities
Authors: Hochman Barbara
Published: December 2024

For marginalized readers in the United States, the public library has often been an icon of integration, assimilation, and self-making. At the New York Public Library (NYPL) of the 1920s, children’s librarians, mostly white and native born, assiduously drilled immigrant and African American children in acceptable modes of behavior and belief. To that end, they framed library protocols as indispensable American norms and selected highlights of US history as a proudly shared legacy. But a neglected Children’s Services archive shows that some librarians were at odds with this mission, and some children found it difficult to embrace either the behavioral norms or the history they were offered as their own. Contextualizing archival scraps and complementing them with other evidence, this article argues that NYPL Children’s Rooms were vibrant, frequently chaotic, physical spaces that presented challenges and opportunities for both children and librarians. Today, Children’s Rooms are more diverse and less authoritarian; they offer a more inclusive national history, but increasingly polarized visions of education threaten these gains. Tensions between the theory and practice of Americanization at NYPL in the 1920s disclose the complexity of belonging while anticipating ongoing debates about how to present the American past to twenty-first-century children.
TXNDC15, an ER-localized thioredoxin-like transmembrane protein, contributes to ciliary transition zone integrity
Authors: Yamazaki Shingo , Fujii Taiju , Chiba Shuhei , Shin Hye-Won , Nakayama Kazuhisa , Katoh Yohei
Published: December 2024

Primary cilia have specific proteins on their membrane to fulfill their sensory functions. Preservation of the specific protein composition of cilia relies on the barrier function of the transition zone (TZ) located at the ciliary base. Defects in cilia and the TZ cause ciliopathies, which have diverse clinical manifestations, including Meckel syndrome (MKS). Many of the proteins mutated in individuals with MKS are known to constitute the MKS module of the TZ. Although TXNDC15 (also known as MKS14) is a thioredoxin-related transmembrane protein that is localized mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is mutated in individuals with MKS, its role at the TZ or within cilia has not been characterized. Here, we show that TXNDC15-knockout cells have defects in MKS module assembly and in ciliary membrane protein localization. These defects in TXNDC15-knockout cells were not rescued by exogenous expression of any of the TXNDC15 constructs with MKS variations in the thioredoxin domain. Furthermore, TXNDC15 with mutations of two cysteine residues within the thioredoxin domain failed to rescue defects in TXNDC15-knockout cells, suggesting that TXNDC15 controls the TZ integrity from outside the TZ via its thioredoxin domain.
Impacts of dietary fat on multi tissue gene expression in the desert-adapted cactus mouse
Authors: Blumstein Danielle M. , MacManes Matthew D.
Published: December 2024

Understanding the relationship between dietary fat and physiological responses is crucial in species adapted to arid environments where water scarcity is common. In this study, we present a comprehensive exploration of gene expression across five tissues (kidney, liver, lung, gastrointestinal tract and hypothalamus) and 17 phenotypic measurements, investigating the effects of dietary fat in the desert-adapted cactus mouse (Peromyscus eremicus). We show impacts on immune function, circadian gene regulation and mitochondrial function for mice fed a lower-fat diet compared with mice fed a higher-fat diet. In arid environments with severe water scarcity, even subtle changes in organismal health and water balance can affect physical performance, potentially impacting survival and reproductive success. This study sheds light on the complex interplay between diet, physiological processes and environmental adaptation, providing valuable insights into the multifaceted impacts of dietary choices on organismal well-being and adaptation strategies in arid habitats.
Behavior and biomechanics: flapping frequency during tandem and solo flights of cliff swallows
Authors: Chizhikova Sophia , Mendez Laura X. , Hedrick Tyson L.
Published: December 2024

Aerodynamic models of bird flight, assuming power minimization, predict a quadratic relationship (i.e. U-shaped curve) between flapping frequency and airspeed. This relationship is supported by experimental bird flight data from wind tunnels, but the degree to which it characterizes natural flight, and the extent to which birds might modify it to accommodate other behaviors, is less known. We hypothesized that the U-shaped relationship would vary or vanish when minimizing power is not a primary consideration. We analyzed videos of wild cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) engaged in solo and tandem (i.e. following or being followed by a conspecific) flights to collect bird flapping frequencies and airspeeds. Solo birds had a U-shaped flapping frequency to speed relationship. Birds engaged in tandem flights had the opposite pattern; their flapping frequencies varied with speed as an inverse U-shaped curve and were up to 2.1 times higher than solo birds at the same speed.
In silico molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation of agarwood compounds with molecular targets of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Alugoju Phaniendra , Vishnu Bhandare Vishwambar , S. Patil Vishal , V. K. D Krishna Swamy , Borugadda Prem Kumar , Tencomnao Tewin
Published: December 2024

Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurological condition that primarily affects older people. Currently available AD drugs are associated with side effects and there is a need to develop natural drugs from plants. Aquilaria is as an endangered medicinal plant genus (commonly called agarwood plants) and various products of Aquilaria plant spp. including resinous heartwood, leaves, bark, and stem have been widely used in various traditional medicine systems. Research on agarwood plants is sparse and only a few previous studies demonstrated their neuroprotective properties in vitro. Owing to the presence of a plethora of secondary metabolites in agarwood plants, it is imperative not only to protect these plants but also evaluate the bioactivity of agarwood phytochemicals. Methods This study used Molsoft tools to predict the physicochemical properties of agarwood ligands, including the number of H-bond donors and acceptors, polar surface area, lipophilicity, solubility, and the molecular polar surface area and volume of agarwood ligands. Additionally, ADMET (absorption, digestion, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) properties were predicted using ADMETlab 2.0. Computational methods such as AutoDock Vina and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were employed for the docking of 41 selected agarwood compounds with AD-related molecular targets. Results and Conclusion According to docking data, three compounds aquilarisin (ASN), aquilarisinin (ANN), aquilarixanthone (AXN) showed highest binding affinity to selected AD targets compared to their known inhibitors. MD simulation studies revealed that, selected agarwood compounds’ protein-ligand complexes showed remarkable structural stability throughout 100ns simulation. The agarwood chemicals aquilarisin, aquilarisinin, aquilarixanthone, pillion (PLN), and agarotetrol (AGT) are consequently suggested as some of the found hits against AD targets, however, additional experimental validation is required to establish their effectiveness.
Isolation and characterization of a novel bacteriophage as a biological control agent against multidrug resistant Escherichia coli in compost and agricultural irrigation water
Authors: Amarillas Luis , León-Chan Ruben , López-Avendaño Enrique , González-Balcázar Antonio , Padilla Jorge , Lightbourn-Rojas Luis , Estrada-Acosta Mitzi
Published: December 2024

Background Escherichia coli is a critical priority pathogen due to its significant morbidity, mortality, and growing antimicrobial resistance, underscoring the urgent need for novel control strategies. This bacterium is frequently implicated in outbreaks associated with horticultural products, particularly those cultivated in organic farming systems. The aim of this study was to isolate and evaluate the potential of a bacteriophage as a biocontrol agent against E. coli in compost and agricultural irrigation water. Methods E. coli presence in compost samples (n=17) was determined through microbiological assays, and the bacterial identity was confirmed by PCR amplification of the phoA gene. Antimicrobial resistance profiles of the isolates were assessed using the disk diffusion method. Bacteriophage isolation was conducted from livestock fecal samples using a double-layer agar technique. The stability of the bacteriophage under varying pH levels and temperatures was evaluated, along with its replication dynamics. Additionally, the phage’s efficacy in reducing E. coli populations in compost and irrigation water was assessed. Genomic sequencing and bioinformatic analyses of the bacteriophage were conducted to characterize its genetic profile. Results E. coli strains isolated exhibiting multidrug resistance were isolated from compost samples. The isolated bacteriophage, named Alux-21, exhibited stability at neutral pH and retained viability at both 4°C and 40°C over a six-month period. Importantly, the phage achieved a significant reduction of E. coli counts, exceeding 3.8 logs in compost and 3 logs in irrigation water, demonstrating its superior efficacy compared to previously reported phages in similar substrates. Genomic analysis confirmed the absence of virulence-associated, lysogeny, and antibiotic resistance genes. Conclusion The findings highlight Alux-21 as a sustainable biocontrol agent for E. coli in compost and irrigation water. Field validation will be crucial to establish its scalability and efficacy under real-world agricultural conditions.
Exploring Breastfeeding Mothers’ and Lactation Consultants’ Experiences of Lactation Consultancy Throughout the Restrictions Put in Place Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Connolly Anna , Matthews Anne
Published: December 2024

Background Breastfeeding rates in Ireland are among the lowest in the world. Lactation consultancy provides mothers with support and information on how to cope with any challenges they encounter. There is emerging evidence that COVID-19 restrictions impacted access to and the quality of breastfeeding support. The aim of this study was to explore breastfeeding mothers’ and lactation consultants’ experiences of breastfeeding support throughout the COVID-19 restrictions in Ireland. It also aimed to explore what adaptations had to be made to the delivery of lactation consultancy and how these changes impacted mothers’ experiences of breastfeeding support. Methods A qualitative research design was chosen. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants, three breastfeeding mothers and five lactation consultants. Interviews were conducted online via Zoom, audio-recorded and transcribed. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Five key themes were identified: ‘Lack of Support’, ‘Adapting to COVID-19 Restrictions’, Emotional Response to COVID-19 and Restrictions’, Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 as a Barrier to and Facilitator of Support’ and Inconsistency of Lactation Support Across Ireland’. Both lactation consultants and mothers identified similar issues however, slight variations within lactation consultants' perceptions of mothers’ and mothers’ attitudes towards online services were seen. An notable finding was the lack of support in hospitals pre-COVID-19. Conclusions Both mothers’ and lactation consultants’ experiences of lactation consultancy were impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions. Although exacerbated by COVID-19, the lack of support in hospitals existed before COVID-19. Provision of better breastfeeding support is required. Increased availability of lactation consultants and the implementation of breastfeeding rooms within hospitals is required in addition to debrief counselling sessions for lactation consultants. Further research is required to understand the unavailability of lactation consultants in hospital settings and to identify how to manage breastfeeding support in future emergency situations.
Study protocol: Comparison of different risk prediction modelling approaches for COVID-19 related death using the OpenSAFELY platform
Authors:   The OpenSAFELY Collaborative, Williamson Elizabeth J. , Tazare John , Bhaskaran Krishnan , Walker Alex J. , McDonald Helen I , Tomlinson Laurie A. , Bacon Sebastian , Bates Chris , Curtis Helen J. , Forbes Harriet , Minassian Caroline , Morton Caroline E. , Nightingale Emily , Mehrkar Amir , Evans Dave , Nicholson Brian D , Leon David , Inglesby Peter , MacKenna Brian , Cockburn Jonathan , Davies Nicholas G. , Hulme Will J. , Morley Jessica , Douglas Ian J. , Rentsch Christopher T. , Mathur Rohini , Wong Angel , Schultze Anna , Croker Richard , Parry John , Hester Frank , Harper Sam , Perera Rafael , Grieve Richard , Harrison David , Steyerberg Ewout , Eggo Rosalind M. , Diaz-Ordaz Karla , Keogh Ruth , Evans Stephen J.W. , Smeeth Liam , Goldacre Ben
Published: December 2024

On March 11th 2020, the World Health Organization characterised COVID-19 as a pandemic. Responses to containing the spread of the virus have relied heavily on policies involving restricting contact between people. Evolving policies regarding shielding and individual choices about restricting social contact will rely heavily on perceived risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19. In order to make informed decisions, both individual and collective, good predictive models are required. For outcomes related to an infectious disease, the performance of any risk prediction model will depend heavily on the underlying prevalence of infection in the population of interest. Incorporating measures of how this changes over time may result in important improvements in prediction model performance. This protocol reports details of a planned study to explore the extent to which incorporating time-varying measures of infection burden over time improves the quality of risk prediction models for COVID-19 death in a large population of adult patients in England. To achieve this aim, we will compare the performance of different modelling approaches to risk prediction, including static cohort approaches typically used in chronic disease settings and landmarking approaches incorporating time-varying measures of infection prevalence and policy change, using COVID-19 related deaths data linked to longitudinal primary care electronic health records data within the OpenSAFELY secure analytics platform.
Overview of multimorbidity research in India: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Puri Parul , Girotra Siaa , Ghosh Arpita
Published: December 2024

Background Due to demographic and epidemiological shifts, people are living until older ages with more morbidities. These morbidities often have shared pathophysiology, which leads to a rise in coexisting health issues known as 'multimorbidity'. Primary care studies and disease burden surveys have multiplied, unveiling varied aspects of multimorbidity, yet with inconsistent definitions and methods. This protocol aims to guide an in-depth and comprehensive exploration of multimorbidity research in India through a scoping review, to understand the extent, range, and nature of research on multimorbidity in India. Methods This study will comprehensively search the PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, and Embase databases employing a well-defined strategy. All studies published in English will be considered, provided the focus is multimorbidity and there is information specifically from India. Two reviewers will independently screen the search outcomes, and data extraction will include multimorbidity definitions, data and methods, patterns, risk factors and outcomes. The research will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute framework and adhere to PRISMA-P 2015 guidelines for reporting. Descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis will be used to summarize findings. Conclusions Findings from this review will shed light on the extent and nature of multimorbidity research in India and help guide future research.
The genome sequence of the Bird-cherry Ermine moth, Yponomeuta evonymella (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Murray Callum ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: December 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Yponomeuta evonymella (the Bird-cherry Ermine; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Yponomeutidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 572.70 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the trivalent sex chromosomes Z1, Z2 and W. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.16 kilobases in length.
A systematic review of interventions targeting Anopheles stephensi
Authors: Doumbe Belisse Patricia , Reynolds Alison M , Weetman David , Wilson Anne L , Donnelly Martin J
Published: December 2024

Background Anopheles stephensi, a malaria mosquito originally from South Asia and the Middle East, has been expanding across both Asia and Africa in recent decades. The invasion of this species into sub-Saharan Africa is of particular concern given its potential to increase malaria burden, especially in urban environments where An. stephensi thrives. Whilst surveillance of this vector in Africa has recently increased markedly there is a need to review the existing methods of An. stephensi control so that we can stop, rather than simply monitor, its spread in Africa. Methods We searched published papers in PubMed using An. stephensi and intervention-specific search terms. Forty-five full-text articles were screened for eligibility and all those that reported the use of interventions against An. stephensi, and the effect on malaria incidence, malaria prevalence or vector densities were included in the analysis. All data retrieved from the literature were from the native range of An. stephensi and from the period 1995 to 2018. Results Fourteen studies which met the inclusion criteria were included in the final analysis. The vector control interventions discussed were bio larvicides (n=3), repellents (n=1), Indoor Residual Spraying (n=2), Insecticide Treated Nets (n=3), insecticide-treated materials other than nets (n=3), the combined use of repellents and mosquito nets (n=1), and combination of biolarvicide and fish (n=1). Outcomes of the studies were primarily vector density (n=10) although some reported malaria incidence and/or prevalence (n=4). Conclusions Long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spraying are effective in controlling, An. stephensi-transmitted malaria and reducing vector density, with repellents offering a complementary approach, especially in urban areas where this vector thrives. The private sector can help scale up affordable repellent production in Africa. There is a need to address gaps in cost-effectiveness analysis and gather more epidemiological evidence to better assess the impact of malaria control strategies.
PROBLEMS OF LATENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors: Smetanina T. , Malyavin S.
Published: December 2024

The technological gap that has developed in society at the present time, as well as the aggravation of socio-economic and political crises, has led to a radical change in the structure of the labor market. New professions are emerging that make it possible to perform work without tying the worker to a specific place and time. Hidden entrepreneurship is becoming a significant problem against the backdrop of the intensification of all the challenges facing civilization. Issues of labor market protection are coming to the fore in all sovereign countries. The Russian Federation is no exception. The imperfections of migration, tax, and social policies directly affect the solution to this problem. The problem that is solved in this article is to determine possible options for exiting the current situation, based on the sociology of management, proposing new management standards in the field of regulating entrepreneurship in the Russian Federation.
THE LABOR MARKET IN THE AGING PHASE OF EMPLOYEES: AN ANALYSIS OF THEORIES, CONCEPTS AND MODELS OF ACTIVE LONGEVITY
Authors: Gerr Ol'ga
Published: December 2024

This paper examines the relevance of the topic related to changes in the labor market caused by demographic and social factors. Changes in the demographic structure of the workforce can lead to the following transformations:

First, there is a shortage of labor in various industries. The emigration of workers abroad and the shortage of incoming migrants lead to this phenomenon. In addition, the shortage of workers is influenced by low activity among young people due to changes in their values, mobility and the desire for a work-life balance.

Secondly, the aging phase in the context of theories of models of successful aging is an important aspect that is being investigated within the framework of various approaches to understanding the aging process and its impact on society and the labor market.

Thirdly, the predominance of older workers. The influence of the process of social aging, which leads to an increase in the number of older workers in the labor sphere, is considered. According to Rosstat, more than half of the employed in Russia are people over 40 years old.

The study offers a comprehensive approach to the classification of social theories, concepts and models of active longevity for a deeper understanding of the aging phase.

The practical value of labor market research in the aging phase of workers with an emphasis on the analysis of theories, concepts and models of active longevity may lie in rethinking personnel management strategies, improving employment policies and creating intergenerational interaction programs.
Educar la mirada adolescente frente a la postpublicidad, ¿un nuevo desafío para la educación artística?.
Authors: Sánchez González Paula
Published: December 2024

Desde sus orígenes, la educación formal ha tenido como objetivo la alfabetización del
alumnado; es decir, la preparación de los educandos para comprender su realidad e
integrarse plena y críticamente en su entorno. En la sociedad contemporánea, la realidad
que rodea al alumnado —especialmente al alumnado adolescente— es en gran medida
interpretada y construida por el fenómeno de la postpublicidad. Este fenómeno supone
un desafío para la educación artística, que debe educar la mirada de los jóvenes para
reconocer e interpretar imágenes publicitarias tan sutiles que a menudo ni siquiera se
perciben así. En este artículo se ofrece una aproximación a las características y
consecuencias de la postpublicidad, así como algunas recomendaciones para el
desarrollo de prácticas educativas destinadas a combatir este nuevo paradigma
publicitario.
Ilustrowany słownik gwary i kultury spiskiej: TOM I A–J
Authors: Kąś Józef , Rak Maciej
Published: December 2024

Ilustrowany słownik gwary i kultury spiskiej Józefa Kąsia i Macieja Raka to trzecie z kolei nowatorskie dzieło z zakresu leksykograf ii opisujące gwary polskiego Podtatrza, według zasad wypracowanych przez Józefa Kąsia i zastosowanych w słownikach jego autorstwa, tj. w Słowniku gwary orawskiej (wyd. II, t. I–II, 2011) i szczególnie w Ilustrowanym leksykonie gwary i kultury podhalańskiej (t. I–XII, 2015–2019).
Słownik imponuje bogactwem i różnorodnością materiału językowego (baza komputerowa liczy ponad 2 miliony słowoform), współczesnego i dawnego (z lat 60. XX w.), wielością ilustracji, poziomem opracowania leksykograficznego, bogactwem treści z zakresu kultury ludowej (por. np. hasła BACA, CEPOWINY, CAROWNICA, JUHAS). Ta wiarygodna, solidna, zróżnicowana podstawa materiałowa to jeden z atutów słownika i gwarancja jego reprezentatywności. Szczególne miejsce w słowniku zajmują ilustracje, których rola nie jest dekoracyjna, lecz bardzo mocno – informacyjna. Kultury materialnej wsi nie sposób opisywać, nie pokazując ilustracji artefaktów.
Ilustrowany słownik gwary i kultury spiskiej Józefa Kąsia i Macieja Raka to dzieło przemyślane, świetnie opracowane, którego walory naukowe łączą się z popularyzatorskimi, w którym klarowny, przystępny sposób opracowania (z pisownią zgodną z regułami ortograf icznymi polszczyzny, ale uwzględniającej swoistość gwary) został dostosowany do potrzeb różnych odbiorców, nie tylko badaczy, lecz także wszystkich zainteresowanych gwarą i kulturą spiską. Bogactwo materiału językowo-kulturowego i ilustracyjnego zamieszczonego w recenzowanym słowniku sprawia, że może służyć on jako doskonała podstawa różnorodnych badań naukowych – przede wszystkim językoznawczych, ale także etnograf icznych i folklorystycznych.
Ilustrowany słownik gwary i kultury spiskiej to również rewelacyjny dokument językowy i kulturowy, cenne źródło wiedzy o tym niewielkim, ale bardzo interesującym regionie gwarowym – jego przeszłości utrwalonej w przywoływanych cytatach i jego teraźniejszości oraz jego kulturze ludowej. Stanowi doskonałą wizytówkę regionu jako opracowanie niezwykle istotne dla poznania i promocji regionu spiskiego.
Code and Data Repository for A Stochastic Benders Decomposition Scheme for Large-Scale Stochastic Network Design
Authors: Bertsimas Dimitris , Cory-Wright Ryan , Pauphilet Jean , Petridis Periklis
Published: December 2024

The software and data in this repository are a snapshot of the software and data that were used in the research reported on in the paper A Stochastic Benders Decomposition Scheme for Large-Scale Stochastic Network Design by Dimitris Bertsimas, Ryan Cory-Wright, Jean Pauphilet, and Periklis Petridis.
Code and Data Repository for On the Instance Dependence of Parameter Initialization for the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm: Insights via Instance Space Analysis
Authors: Katial Vivek , Smith-Miles Kate , Hill Charles , Hollenberg Lloyd
Published: December 2024

This repository contains the code for the experiments in the paper "On the Instance Dependence of Parameter Initialization for the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm: Insights via Instance Space Analysis" by Vivek Katial, Kate Smith-Miles, Charles Hill and Lloyd Hollenberg.
An innovative multicomponent compression system in a single bandage for venous leg ulcer and/or oedema treatment: a real-life study in 343 patients
Authors: Dissemond Joachim , Schicker Christoph , Breitfeld Tino , Keuthage Winfried , Häuser Elisa , Möller Udo , Thomassin Laetitia , Stücker Markus
Published: December 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of an innovative multicomponent compression system in a single bandage (UrgoK1, Laboratoires Urgo, France) in the treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs) and/or lower limb oedema in everyday practice.

Method:

A prospective, observational, clinical study with the evaluated compression system was conducted in 39 centres in Germany between March 2022 and July 2023. Main outcomes included a description of the treated patients, changes in wound healing and oedema progression, local tolerance and acceptability of the compression system.

Results:

In total, 343 patients were treated with the evaluated compression system for a mean period of 48±30 days; 196 had a VLU and 275 had oedema, mostly of venous origin. By the final visit, 49% of VLUs healed (75% in absence of oedema and 61% in VLUs of ≤1 month's duration). Oedema was completely resolved or greatly improved in 87% of patients, with significant reduction in calf and ankle circumferences. Improvement in pruritus, pain, age-related ankle mobility and skin changes were also reported in patients who experienced them at baseline. The system was judged ‘very easy’ to apply (median: 108 seconds, three times a week), ‘extremely useful’ and ‘very well accepted’ by most patients who reported an improvement in comfort compared with previous systems. Similar results were observed when patients and/or their relatives were involved in the bandage application between the study visits. During the study, three cases of local intolerance related to the system and five early terminations (unrelated to the system) were reported.

Conclusion:

These results are consistent with the previous clinical evidence available on this new compression system and further support its good efficacy, tolerability, acceptability and usefulness in the treatment of patients with VLUs and/or oedema.
Cats are not small dogs: assessment and stabilisation of emergency presentation
Authors: O'Byrne Lyn , Cole Laura
Published: December 2024

Cats are a common emergency presentation in practice, with a wide range of presenting conditions ranging from trauma caused by road traffic accidents or falling from height, to acute medical conditions or ingestion of toxins. When dealing with feline patients, it is important to remember that cats are not small dogs and therefore, the approach to their assessment and stabilisation must take this into account. Cats have unique behaviour and physiology. They are great pretenders and will often mask clinical signs until they are near-critical. As their response to disease differs to that of dogs, when they are presented to a veterinary clinic they often show non-textbook clinical signs. This, in conjunction with the fact their response to medical therapy can also differ from canine patients, can make them particularly challenging to manage in an emergency. The assessment process should be holistic, and all physical examination findings should be viewed in association with each other.
Contribution of Mobile Communication Technologies to EMF Exposure in the University of Novi Sad Campus Area
Authors: Kljajić Dragan R. , Djuric Nikola M. , Kasas-Lazetic Karolina K. , Milutinov Miodrag M. , Djuric Snezana M.
Published: December 2024

Densely populated areas are usually extensively exposed to the emission of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that is primarily caused due to extensive use of wireless telecommunication technologies, particularly those providing mobile phone communication services. Consequently, observation and control of EMF levels in human surroundings have great importance in terms of human health and environmental protection. Particular efforts have to be devoted to EMF investigation in highly sensitive areas, where people can stay for quite long periods, such as university campuses. This paper brings the results of 2023 EMF monitoring campaign, performed over the University of Novi Sad campus for the third time, comparing them with EMF results obtained in previous 2012 and 2018 campaigns. Having in mind the emergence of new 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) base stations in the campus, during 2022, a special focus of the 2023 campaign was on the inevitable increase of field levels, because of the contribution of 2G/3G/4G mobile communication technologies to human EMF exposure. Despite the expected increase of the field levels, obtained values were still significantly lower than the minimal reference levels, prescribed by the Serbian legislation.
Analysis and Simulations of Electrothermal Characteristics of Water-based Ultrawideband Absorber Using HIE-FVM Hybrid Method
Authors: Yan Wen Bin , Wang Yi , Cao Qun Sheng
Published: December 2024

In this study, the dispersion characteristics, impedance features, and absorption conditions of water-based electromagnetic (EM) absorbers are investigated. A methodology for the rapid construction of a three-layer water-based absorber structure is proposed. Concurrently, a weakly conditionally stable Hybrid Implicit-Explicit Finite Difference Time Domain (HIE-FDTD) method is introduced to enhance the computational efficiency of thin layer structures. Furthermore, the EM computation integrates thermal effect calculations. A hybrid approach, combining the HIE-FDTD and Finite Volume Method (FVM), is employed to analyze temperature variations induced by EM wave incidence on the absorber.
Improving Kriging Surrogate Model for EMC Uncertainty Analysis Using LSSVR
Authors: Huo Shenghang , Song Yujia , Liu Qing , Bai Jinjun
Published: December 2024

As the in-depth study of uncertainty analysis in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) progresses, the surrogate model-based uncertainty analysis method has increasingly become a popular research topic. The Kriging model is one of the classical surrogate models and plays an important role in EMC uncertainty analysis. However, an in-depth study of the Kriging sampling strategy is missing in the existing research on uncertainty analysis. The traditional sampling strategy employs Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) to select all sampling points at once, which makes the computational efficiency and accuracy of the surrogate model uncontrollable. This paper proposes a strategy that applies least squares support vector machine regression (LSSVR) to assist Kriging in sampling, significantly improving the efficiency and accuracy of the Kriging surrogate model.