bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of emicizumab prophylaxis in patients with haemophilia A in India
Authors: Seth Tulika , John M. Joseph , Chakrabarti Prantar , Shanmukhaiah Chandrakala , Verma Shailendra Prasad , Radhakrishnan Nita , Dolai Tuphan Kanti
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Emicizumab is the initial subcutaneously administered bispecific antibody approved as a prophylactic treatment for patients with haemophilia A (PwHA).

Aim

This study assessed the economic evaluation of emicizumab treatment for non‐inhibitor severe haemophilia A (HA) patients in India.

Methods

A Markov model evaluated the cost‐effectiveness of emicizumab prophylaxis compared to on‐demand therapy (ODT), low‐dose prophylaxis (LDP; 1565 IU/kg/year), intermediate‐dose prophylaxis (IDP; 3915 IU/kg/year) and high‐dose prophylaxis (HDP; 7125 IU/kg/year) for HA patients without factor VIII inhibitors. Inputs from HAVEN‐1 and HAVEN‐3 trials included transition probabilities of different bleeding types. Costs and benefits were discounted at a 3.5% annual rate.

Results

In the base‐case analysis, emicizumab was cost‐effective compared to HDP, with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) per quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALY) of Indian rupees (INR) 27,869. Compared to IDP, ODT and LDP, emicizumab prophylaxis could be considered a cost‐effective option if the paying threshold is >1 per capita gross domestic product (GDP) with ICER/QALY values of INR 264,592, INR 255,876 and INR 305,398, respectively. One‐way sensitivity analysis (OWSA) highlighted emicizumab cost as the parameter with the greatest impact on ICERs. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) indicated that emicizumab had a 94.7% and 49.4% probability of being cost‐effective at willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) thresholds of three and two‐times per capita GDP.

Conclusion

Emicizumab prophylaxis is cost‐effective compared to HDP and provides value for money compared to ODT, IDP, and LDP for severe non‐inhibitor PwHA in India. Its long‐term humanistic, clinical and economic benefits outweigh alternative options, making it a valuable choice in resource‐constrained settings.
RETRACTED: Effects of clinical nursing pathway on surgical site wound infection in patients undergoing acute appendicitis surgery: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Qin , Zhang Li‐Hua , Wu Jian‐Li , Yang Feng‐Yong
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to explore the impact of clinical nursing pathway applied to acute appendicitis surgery on patients' postoperative wound infections and complications. A computerised search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, Wanfang, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure was conducted and supplemented by a manual search, from database inception to October 2023, to collect randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the application of clinical nursing pathways to acute appendicitis surgery. Literature screening, data extraction and quality assessment of the included literature were carried out independently by two researchers. RevMan 5.4 software was applied for data analysis. Twenty‐one RCTs with a total of 2408 patients were finally included. The analysis revealed the implementation of clinical nursing pathway could effectively reduce the incidence of wound infection (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.15–0.46, p < 0.001) and postoperative complications (OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.15–0.27, p < 0.001), as well as shorten the hospital length of stay (MD = −3.26, 95% CI: −3.74 to −2.79, p < 0.001) and accelerated the time to first ventilations (MD = −14.85, 95% CI: −21.56 to −8.13, p < 0.001), as well as significantly improved patient satisfaction (OR = 5.52, 95% CI: 3.52–8.65, p < 0.001) in patients undergoing surgery for acute appendicitis. The application of clinical nursing pathway in acute appendicitis surgery can significantly reduce postoperative wound infection and complications, and at the same time can shorten the hospital length of stay as well as improve the satisfaction of patients.
Psoriasis and gut microbiota: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wu Ruonan , Zhao Li , Wu Zewen , Liu Xinling , Li Jingxuan , Wang Tong , Zhang Liyun
Published: December 2023

In recent years, an increasing number of observational studies have revealed an association between gut microbiota composition and psoriasis patients. However, whether this association reflects a causal relationship remains unclear. This study aimed to identify the causal relationship between gut microbiota and psoriasis through relevant research. In order to determine whether gut microbiota and psoriasis are causally related, we conducted a Mendelian randomization analysis using summary statistics from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). As the exposure factor, we used summary statistics data from a GWAS study conducted by the MiBioGen Consortium, including 18,340 individuals with whole‐genome gut microbiota composition, and data from the FinnGen GWAS study on psoriasis, including 9267 patients and 364,071 controls as the disease outcome. Two‐sample Mendelian randomization analysis was subsequently performed with inverse variance weighted, MR‐Egger and weighted median, while sensitivity analyses were conducted to address heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. The IVW results confirmed the causal relationship between certain gut microbiota groups and psoriasis. Specifically, family Veillonellaceae (OR = 1.162, 95% CI: 1.038–1.301, p = 0.009), genus Candidatus Soleaferrea (OR = 1.123, 95% CI: 1.011–1.247, p = 0.030) and genus Eubacterium fissicatena group (OR = 0.831, 95% CI: 0.755–0.915, p = 0.00016) showed significant associations. Sensitivity analysis did not reveal any abnormalities in SNPs. Currently, we have found some causal relationship between the gut microbiota and psoriasis. However, the study needs further RCTs for further validation.
Calponin 1 inhibits agonist‐induced ERK activation and decreases calcium sensitization in vascular smooth muscle
Authors: Kajuluri Lova Prasadareddy , Lyu Qing Rex , Doja Jaser , Kumar Ajay , Wilson Michael P. , Sgrizzi Samantha R. , Rezaeimanesh Elika , Miano Joseph M. , Morgan Kathleen G.
Published: December 2023

Smooth muscle cell (SMC) contraction and vascular tone are modulated by phosphorylation and multiple modifications of the thick filament, and thin filament regulation of SMC contraction has been reported to involve extracellular regulated kinase (ERK). Previous studies in ferrets suggest that the actin‐binding protein, calponin 1 (CNN1), acts as a scaffold linking protein kinase C (PKC), Raf, MEK and ERK, promoting PKC‐dependent ERK activation. To gain further insight into this function of CNN1 in ERK activation and the regulation of SMC contractility in mice, we generated a novel Calponin 1 knockout mouse (Cnn1 KO) by a single base substitution in an intronic CArG box that preferentially abolishes expression of CNN1 in vascular SMCs. Using this new Cnn1 KO mouse, we show that ablation of CNN1 has two effects, depending on the cytosolic free calcium level: (1) in the presence of elevated intracellular calcium caused by agonist stimulation, Cnn1 KO mice display a reduced amplitude of stress and stiffness but an increase in agonist‐induced ERK activation; and (2) during intracellular calcium depletion, in the presence of an agonist, Cnn1 KO mice exhibit increased duration of SM tone maintenance. Together, these results suggest that CNN1 plays an important and complex modulatory role in SMC contractile tone amplitude and maintenance.
Occurrence of the pugnose pipefish Bryx dunckeri in the Sargasso Sea
Authors: Sundin Josefin , Freese Marko , Marohn Lasse , Blancke Tina , Hanel Reinhold
Published: December 2023

Juvenile specimens of the pugnose pipefish, Bryx dunckeri, were collected during a multipurpose research survey conducted within the Sargasso Sea Subtropical Convergence Zone, extending the known distribution range of this species to include open ocean areas of the Western North Atlantic. Novel spatial data are of scientific interest as information on the distribution, population structure, and population size of this species is limited. Additionally, we present detailed photographs and morphological data on the collected specimens. The results are discussed in relation to the dispersal abilities and population structure in syngnathids.
Mapping sex and gender differences in falls among older adults: A scoping review
Authors: Sebastiani Crista , Wong Jamie Yee Xin , Litt Amandeep , Loewen Julia , Reece Karly , Conlin Nicole , Dunand Tessa , Montero Odasso Manuel , D'Amore Cassandra , Saunders Stephanie , Beauchamp Marla
Published: December 2023

Background

There is growing recognition of the importance of sex and gender differences within falls literature, but the characterization of such literature is uncertain. The aim of this scoping review was to (1) map the nature and extent of falls literature examining sex or gender differences among older adults, and (2) identify gaps and opportunities for further research and practice.

Methods

We used a scoping review methodology. Eligible studies included participants with a mean age of 60 years and study aims specifying falls and either sex or gender concepts. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Ageline, and Psychinfo databases were searched from inception to March 2, 2022. Records were screened and charted by six independent reviewers. Descriptive and narrative reports were generated.

Results

A total of 15,266 records were screened and 74 studies were included. Most studies reported on sex and gender differences in fall risk factors (n = 52, 70%), incidence/prevalence (n = 26, 35%), fall consequences (n = 22, 30%), and fall characteristics (n = 15, 20%). The majority of studies (n = 70, 95%) found significant sex or gender differences in relation to falls, with 39 (53%) identifying significant sex differences and 31 (42%) identifying significant gender differences. However, only three (4%) studies defined sex or gender concepts and only nine (12%) studies used sex or gender terms appropriately. Fifty‐six (76%) studies had more female participants than males. Four (5%) were intervention studies. Studies did not report falls in line with guidelines nor use common fall definitions.

Conclusion

Sex and gender differences are commonly reported in falls literature. It is critical for future research to use sex and gender terms appropriately and include similar sample sizes across all genders and sexes. In addition, there is a need to examine more gender‐diverse populations and to develop interventions to prevent falls that address sex and gender differences among older adults.
Correlative super‐resolution microscopy with deep UV reactivation
Authors: Prakash Kirti
Published: December 2023

Correlative super‐resolution microscopy has the potential to accurately visualize and validate new biological structures past the diffraction limit. However, combining different super‐resolution modalities, such as deterministic stimulated emission depletion (STED) and stochastic single‐molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), is a challenging endeavour. For correlative STED and SMLM, the following poses a significant challenge: (1) the photobleaching of the fluorophores in STED; (2) the subsequent reactivation of the fluorophores for SMLM and (3) finding the right fluorochrome and imaging buffer for both imaging modalities. Here, we highlight how the deep ultraviolet (DBUE) wavelengths of the Mercury (Hg) arc lamp can help recover STED bleaching and allow for the reactivation of single molecules for SMLM imaging. We also show that Alexa Fluor 594 and the commercially available Prolong Diamond to be excellent fluorophores and imaging media for correlative STED and SMLM.
Decreased expression of ATP‐binding cassette protein G1 promotes abnormal adipogenesis of condylar chondrocytes in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis
Authors: Kang Xinyu , Liu Qian , Shi Yuqian , Wang Helin , Zhang Hongyun , Ye Tao , Zhang Jing , He Feng , Zhang Mian
Published: December 2023

Background

Abnormal lipid metabolism is involved in the development of osteoarthritis (OA). ATP‐binding cassette protein G1 (ABCG1) is crucial in mediating the outflow of cholesterol, phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin and reducing intracellular lipid accumulation.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate whether ABCG1 participates in the abnormal adipogenesis of chondrocytes in osteoarthritic cartilage of temporomandibular joint.

Methods

Eight‐week‐old female rats were subjected to unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC) to induce OA in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Histochemical staining, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, and qRT–PCR were performed. Primary condylar chondrocytes of rats were transfected with ABCG1 shRNA or overexpression lentivirus and then stimulated with fluid flow shear stress (FFSS). Cells were collected for oil red O staining, immunofluorescence staining, and qRT–PCR analysis.

Results

Abnormal adipogenesis, characterized by increased expression of Adiponectin, CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein α (Cebpα), fatty acid binding protein 4 (Fabp4) and Perilipin1, was enhanced in the degenerative cartilage of TMJ OA in rats with UAC, accompanied by decreased expression of ABCG1. After FFSS stimulation, we observed lipid droplets in the cytoplasm of cultured cells with increased expression of Adiponectin, Cebpα, Fabp4 and Perilipin1 and decreased expression of ABCG1. Knockdown of Abcg1 induced abnormal adipogenesis and differentiation of condylar chondrocytes. Overexpression of ABCG1 alleviated the abnormal adipogenesis and differentiation of condylar chondrocytes induced by FFSS.

Conclusions

Abnormal adipogenesis of chondrocytes and decreased ABCG1 expression were observed in degenerative cartilage of TMJ OA. ABCG1 overexpression effectively inhibits the adipogenesis of chondrocytes and thus alleviates TMJ condylar cartilage degeneration.
Factors associated with thrombotic disease in dogs with renal proteinuria: A retrospective of 150 cases
Authors: Fortuna Luca , Syme Harriet M.
Published: December 2023

Background

Knowledge of additional risk factors for thrombotic disease (TD) among dogs with renal proteinuria is limited; these might differ for TD affecting the systemic arterial (AT), systemic venous (VT), and pulmonary circulation (PT).

Hypothesis/Objectives

To compare signalment and clinicopathological data between dogs with renal proteinuria with or without TD, and between dogs with AT, VT, and PT.

Animals

One hundred fifty client‐owned dogs with renal proteinuria, 50 of which had TD.

Methods

Retrospective case‐controlled study. A database search (2004‐2021) identified proteinuric dogs (UPC > 2) with and without TD. Clinicopathological data were obtained from the records. TD and non‐TD (NTD) groups were compared by binary logistic regression, and AT, VT, and PT groups by multinomial regression. Normal data presented as mean ± SD, non‐normal data presented as median [25th, 75th percentiles].

Results

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were overrepresented in the TD group (OR = 98.8, 95% CI 2.09‐4671, P = .02). Compared to NTD cases, TD cases had higher concentration of neutrophils (11.06 [8.92, 16.58] × 109/L vs 7.31 [5.63, 11.06] × 109/L, P = .02), and lower concentration of eosinophils (0 [0, 0.21] × 109/L vs 0.17 [0.04, 0.41] × 109/L, P = .002) in blood, and lower serum albumin (2.45 ± 0.73 g/dL vs 2.83 ± 0.73 g/dL, P = .04). AT cases had higher serum albumin concentrations than VT cases (2.73 ± 0.48 g/dL vs 2.17 ± 0.49 g/dL, P = .03) and were older than PT cases (10.6 ± 2.6 years vs 7.0 ± 4.3 years, P = .008). VT cases were older (9.1 ± 4.2 years vs 7.0 ± 4.3 years, P = .008) and had higher serum cholesterol concentration (398 [309‐692 mg/dL] vs 255 [155‐402 mg/dL], P = .03) than PT cases.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Differences between thrombus locations could reflect differences in pathogenesis.
Carolus tomentosus, a new species of Malpighiaceae endemic to northeastern Brazil
Authors: Almeida Rafael Felipe de , Alves‐Silva Thais , Morais Isa Lucia de
Published: December 2023

Carolus currently comprises seven accepted species endemic to seasonally dry forests or rainforests of Central and South America. After unusual populations of Carolus were discovered in the States of Bahia, Minas Gerais and Piauí, we describe it as a new species. This study was based on the analysis of type specimens, protologues, field photographs and herbarium sheets of all its accepted species. As a result, we propose selected specimens as a new species based on differences in leaf, inflorescence and fruit traits. Carolus tomentosus is easily distinguished from C. chasei due to its widely elliptic to ovate (versus narrowly‐elliptic to elliptic) and abaxially tomentose (versus abaxially sericeous) leaf blades, petioles frequently 1–2‐glandular at apex (versus eglandular), and longer inflorescence main axis (versus shorter inflorescence main axis). We present an identification key to all species of Carolus occurring in Brazil alongside a complete morphological description for the new species, photographic plates, and comments on its conservation, distribution, ecology and taxonomy.
Office‐based vergence and anti‐suppression therapy for the treatment of small‐to‐moderate angle intermittent exotropia: A randomised clinical trial
Authors: Ma Martin Ming‐Leung , Kang Ying , Scheiman Mitchell , Chen Qiwen , Ye Xuelian , Pan Liuqing , Deng Jiayu , Su Guangxing , Zhang Guohui , Chen Xiang
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the short‐term (1 week after completion of treatment) effect of office‐based vergence and anti‐suppression therapy (OBVAT) on the Office Control Score when compared to observation alone in children with small‐to‐moderate angle intermittent exotropia (IXT).

Methods

In this single‐masked (examiner masked), two‐arm, single‐centre randomised clinical trial, 40 participants, 6 to <18 years of age with untreated IXT, were randomly assigned to OBVAT or observation alone. Participants assigned to therapy received 60 min of OBVAT with home reinforcement once per week for 16 weeks. Therapy included vergence, accommodation and anti‐suppression techniques. The primary outcome measure was the comparison of the distance Office Control Score between the two groups at the primary outcome visit (i.e., 17‐week follow‐up visit).

Results

At the primary outcome visit, the OBVAT group (n = 20) had a significantly better distance Office Control Score (adjusted mean difference: −0.9; 95% CI: −0.2 to −1.5; p = 0.008; partial eta squared: 0.19) than the observation group (n = 16). Participants from the OBVAT group were more likely than those from the observation group to have ≥1 point of improvement at the 17‐week visit (OBVAT group: 75%; Observation group: 25%; p = 0.006).

Conclusions

In this randomised clinical trial of participants aged 6 to <18 years with IXT, we found that the OBVAT group had a significantly better distance Office Control Score than the observation group at the 17‐week visit. This study provides the first data from a randomised clinical trial demonstrating the effectiveness of OBVAT for improving the control of IXT. Eye care practitioners should consider OBVAT as a viable, non‐surgical treatment option for IXT. A full‐scale randomised clinical trial investigating the long‐term effectiveness of OBVAT in treating IXT is warranted.
Silencing ScGUX2 reduces xylan glucuronidation and improves biomass saccharification in sugarcane
Authors: Gallinari Rafael Henrique , Lyczakowski Jan J. , Llerena Juan Pablo Portilla , Mayer Juliana Lischka Sampaio , Rabelo Sarita Cândida , Menossi Teixeira Marcelo , Dupree Paul , Araujo Pedro
Published: December 2023

There is an increasing need for renewable energy sources to replace part of our fossil fuel‐based economy and reduce greenhouse gas emission. Sugarcane bagasse is a prominent feedstock to produce cellulosic bioethanol, but strategies are still needed to improve the cost‐effective exploitation of this potential energy source. In model plants, it has been shown that GUX genes are involved in cell wall hemicellulose decoration, adding glucuronic acid substitutions on the xylan backbone. Mutation of GUX genes increases enzyme access to cell wall polysaccharides, reducing biomass recalcitrance in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we characterized the sugarcane GUX genes and silenced GUX2 in commercial hybrid sugarcane. The transgenic lines had no penalty in development under greenhouse conditions. The sugarcane GUX1 and GUX2 enzymes generated different patterns of xylan glucuronidation, suggesting they may differently influence the molecular interaction of xylan with cellulose and lignin. Studies using biomass without chemical or steam pretreatment showed that the cell wall polysaccharides, particularly xylan, were less recalcitrant in sugarcane with GUX2 silenced than in WT plants. Our findings suggest that manipulation of GUX in sugarcane can reduce the costs of second‐generation ethanol production and enhance the contribution of biofuels to lowering the emission of greenhouse gases.
The affective nexus between refugees and terrorism: A panel study on how social media use shapes negative attitudes toward refugees
Authors: Matthes Jörg , Kaskeleviciute Ruta , Knupfer Helena , Masood Muhammad
Published: December 2023

Social media, as an important resource of information for many contentious topics, has great affective potential in terms of anger and fear. We investigated how exposure to news about refugees on social media is related to negative attitudes toward refugees as well as attitudinal differentiation with respect to Muslims and terrorists. A two‐wave panel survey (NT2 = 524) showed that social media use about refugees was not directly related to negative attitudes and attitudinal differentiation. However, we found that anger served as the affective nexus between the refugee topic and the terrorism topic: Social media use about refugees led to more anger about terrorism over time, which in turn led to more negative attitudes toward refugees. Fear with respect to terrorism did not play a role in this process. Overall, our findings underline the key role of anger, but not fear, when trying to understand negative reactions toward refugees.
Coenzyme Q10 improves the quality and in vitro fertility of post‐thawed buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) semen via its antioxidative effect
Authors: Ahmed Hussain , Ijaz Muhammad Umar , Jahan Sarwat , Riaz Mehreen , Samir Haney , Swelum Ayman A.
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to determine the effects of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in the freezing medium on functional and oxidative stress parameters and in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate of buffalo sperm. Collected samples were relocated to the laboratory for initial evaluation, gentle dilution in extenders, cooling (4°C, 2 h), equilibration (4°C, 4 h), packaging (straws, 0.5 mL), programmable freezing, and thawing (37°C, 30 s). Statistical analysis depicted that adding CoQ10 (100 μM) in a freezing medium caused a significant augmentation in total motility (%), average path, and straight‐line velocities (μm/sec) of buffalo sperm than control. Adding CoQ10 (100 μM) improved sperm progressive motility, rapid velocity, and functional parameters (%) compared to the control and 10 μM of CoQ10. Moreover, CoQ10 in a freezing medium caused a significant augmentation in seminal plasma catalase (U/mL) and glutathione reductase (GSH; nmol/109) at 100 μM than control and other treatments. CoQ10 inclusion (100 μM) ameliorates seminal plasma superoxide dismutase (U/mL), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST; nmol/mL/min) fructose (μg/mL), and ATP (nmol/million) than control. Furthermore, CoQ10 at 100 μM improved seminal plasma glutathione peroxidase (μM) levels than control, 10 μM, and 20 μM. Lastly, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; nM) production was significantly lower at 100 μM than at control and 10 μM. CoQ10 (100 μM) caused a significant augmentation in the un‐capacitated pattern followed by a reduction in the capacitated pattern, and apoptosis‐like changes (%) than control, and other treatments, whereas viability was increased than control and other treatments. CoQ10 (100 μM) significantly improved the IVF rate in comparison with control, CoQ10 at 10 μM, and 20 μM groups. In conclusion, the addition of CoQ10 (100 μM) in the freezing medium can improve the quality and in vitro fertility of post‐thawed buffalo semen via its antioxidative effect. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of CoQ10 on the in vivo fertility of buffalo bull semen.
Resurgent aspects of applied exponential asymptotics
Authors: Crew Samuel , Trinh Philippe H.
Published: December 2023

In many physical problems, it is important to capture exponentially small effects that lie beyond‐all‐orders of an algebraic asymptotic expansion; when collected, the full asymptotic expansion is known as a trans‐series. Applied exponential asymptotics has been enormously successful in developing practical tools for studying the leading exponentials of a trans‐series expansion, typically for singularly perturbed nonlinear differential or integral equations. Separately to applied exponential asymptotics, there exists a related line of research known as Écalle's theory of resurgence, which, via Borel resummation, describes the connection between trans‐series and a certain class of holomorphic functions known as resurgent functions. Most applications and examples of Écalle's resurgence theory focus mainly on nonparametric asymptotic expansions (i.e., differential equations without a parameter). The relationships between these latter areas with applied exponential asymptotics have not been thoroughly examined—largely due to differences in language and emphasis. In this work, we establish these connections as an alternative framework to the factorial‐over‐power ansatz procedure in applied exponential asymptotics and clarify a number of aspects of applied exponential asymptotic methodology, including Van Dyke's rule and the universality of factorial‐over‐power ansatzes. We provide a number of useful tools for probing more pathological problems in exponential asymptotics and establish a framework for future applications to nonlinear and multidimensional problems in the physical sciences.
Phosphorus speciation under long‐term crop rotation management in a tropical soil
Authors: Rigon João Paulo Gonsiorkiewicz , Crusciol Carlos Alexandre Costa , Calonego Juliano Carlos , Gatiboni Luciano Colpo , Pavinato Paulo Sérgio , Colzato Marina , Capuani Silvia , Rosolem Ciro Antonio
Published: December 2023

Crop rotation and soil management practices after native tropical forest conversion may impact the dynamics of inorganic and organic phosphorus (Pi and Po) species in the soil. By combining the state‐of‐the‐art spectroscopic methods P K‐edge X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), 31P liquid nuclear magnetic resonance (31P‐NMR) and chemical P fractionation, this study provides important insights on soil P speciation after conversion of native forest to cropland under distinct managements. A field trial was conducted in a weathered tropical soil to assess Pi and Po changes after conversion of native forest to cropland. The crop rotations were managed under no‐tillage (NT) or minimum tillage (MT) since 2003, and repeated annually until 2015, cropped in the fall–winter and spring seasons, followed by soybean in the summer. Soil XANES analysis in the end revealed that P was predominantly associated with ferrihydrite and hematite, suggesting that P speciation was more strongly influenced by the presence of iron(oxyhydr)oxide than by crop rotations and/or soil management. The conversion of native forest to cropland promoted the mineralization of Po species, leading to re‐adsorption in non‐labile forms and consequently worsening the P cycling in the system. To increase the labile P pools and supply crop P demand, inputs of inorganic fertilizers were required owing to the strong soil P sorption. Our results show that even conservation practices such as MT or NT and complex crop rotations are not sufficient to inhibit the impact of cropland conversion on soil P forms.
Targeted Nuclear Medicine. Achievements, Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Kovalchuk M. V. , Deyev S. M. , Sergunova K. A.
Published: December 2023

The path of the development of nuclear medicine at the international level and that in Russia is presented. Significant achievements in the development and establishment of nuclear-physics technologies and the development of targeted radiopharmaceuticals (RPs) are presented. The main directions of targeted nuclear medicine are shown. The physical–chemical aspects of the synthesis of radiopharmaceuticals are considered, and the advantages and specificity of vector carrier molecules are shown.
Clinical and exercise professional opinion of return-to-running readiness after childbirth: an international Delphi study and consensus statement
Authors: Christopher Shefali Mathur , Donnelly Gráinne , Brockwell Emma , Bo Kari , Davenport Margie H , De Vivo Marlize , Dufour Sinead , Forner Lori , Mills Hayley , Moore Isabel S , Olson Amanda , Deering Rita E
Published: December 2023

Female athletes have identified a lack of guidance as a barrier to successfully returning to running postpartum, and existing guidelines are vague. Our aim was to define the current practice of determining postpartum run-readiness through a consensus survey of international clinicians and exercise professionals in postpartum exercise to assist clinicians and inform sport policy changes.

A three-round Delphi approach was used to gain international consensus from clinicians and exercise professionals on run-readiness postpartum. Professionals who work with postpartum runners participated in an online survey to answer open-ended questions about the following postpartum return-to-running topics: definitions (runner and postpartum), key biopsychosocial milestones that runners need to meet, recommended screening, timeline to initiate running, support items, education topics and factors that contribute to advising against running. Consensus was defined as ≥75% participant agreement.

One hundred and eighteen professionals participated in round I, 107 participated in round II (response rate 90.6%) and 95 participated in round III (response rate 80.5%). Responses indicated that, following a minimum 3-week period of rest and recovery, an individualised timeline and gradual return to running progression can be considered. Screening for medical and psychological concerns, current physical capacity, and prior training history is recommended prior to a return to running.

This study proposes recommendations for the initial guidance on return-to-running postpartum, framed in the context of current research and consensus from professionals. Future research is needed to strengthen and validate specific recommendations and develop guidelines for best practice when returning-to-running after childbirth.
Understanding rural women's preferences for telephone call engagement with primary health care providers in Nigeria: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Umar Nasir , Hill Zelee , Schellenberg Joanna , Sambo Nuraddeen Umar , Shuaibu Abdulrahman , Aliyu Abdulkarim M , Kulani Kallah Kirpu , Abdullahi Muhammad U , Usman Ahmed , Mohammed Hafsat , Adamu Hajara , Ibrahim Maryam , Mohammed Adamu , Abdulhamid Adama , Muhammed Zainab , Alfayo Afodiya , Marchant Tanya
Published: December 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the use of mobile phones to provide primary health care services and maintain continuity of care. This study aims to understand rural women’s preferences for telephone call engagement with primary health care providers in Nigeria.

Methods

A discrete choice experiment was conducted alongside an action research project that empowered primary health care workers to develop and implement a telephone call intervention to assess and enhance experiences with facility childbirth care. Between January and March 2022, 30 providers from 10 primary health care facilities implemented the choice experiment among rural women who had institutional childbirth to elicit service user preferences for telephone call engagement. The women were asked to express their preferred scenario for telephone call engagement with their primary health care providers. Generalised linear mixed models were used to estimate women’s preferences.

Results

Data for 460 women were available for the discrete choice experiment. The study showed that rural women have preferences for telephone call engagement with primary health care providers. Specifically, women preferred engaging with female to male callers (β=1.665 (95% CI 1.41, 1.93), SE=0.13, p<0.001), preferred call duration under 15 min (β=1.287 (95% CI 0.61, 1.96), SE=0.34, p<0.001) and preferred being notified before the telephone engagement (warm calling) (β=1.828 (95% CI 1.10, 2.56), SE=0.37, p<0.001). Phone credit incentive was also a statistically significant predictor of women’s preferences for engagement. However, neither the availability of scheduling options, the period of the day or the day of the week predicts women’s preferences.

Conclusions

The study highlights the importance of understanding rural women’s preferences for telephone call engagement with healthcare providers in low-income and middle-income countries. These findings can inform the development of mobile phone-based interventions and improve acceptability and broader adoption.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the coverage and timeliness of routine childhood vaccinations in the Gambia, 2015–2021
Authors: Wariri Oghenebrume , Utazi Chigozie Edson , Okomo Uduak , Sowe Alieu , Sogur Malick , Fofanna Sidat , Ezeani Esu , Saidy Lamin , Sarwar Golam , Dondeh Bai-Lamin , Murray Kris A , Grundy Chris , Kampmann Beate
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread morbidity and mortality and resulted in the biggest setback in routine vaccinations in three decades. Data on the impact of the pandemic on immunisation in Africa are limited, in part, due to low-quality routine or administrative data. This study examined coverage and timeliness of routine childhood immunisation during the pandemic in The Gambia, a country with an immunisation system considered robust.

Methods

We obtained prospective birth cohort data of 57 286 children in over 300 communities in two health and demographic surveillance system sites, including data from the pre-pandemic period (January 2015–February 2020) and the three waves of the pandemic period (March 2020–December 2021). We determined monthly coverage and timeliness (early and delayed) of the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB0) and the first dose of pentavalent vaccine (Penta1) during the different waves of the pandemic relative to the pre-pandemic period. We implemented a binomial interrupted time-series regression model.

Result

We observed no significant change in the coverage of HepB0 and Penta1 vaccinations from the pre-pandemic period up until the periods before the peaks of the first and second waves of the pandemic in 2020. However, there was an increase in HepB0 coverage before as well as after the peak of the third wave in 2021 compared with the pre-pandemic period (pre-third wave peak OR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.06 to 3.14; post-third wave period OR=2.20, 95% CI 1.23 to 3.92). There was some evidence that vaccination timeliness changed during specific periods of the pandemic. Early Penta1 vaccination decreased by 70% (OR=0.30, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.78) in the period before the second wave, and delayed HepB0 vaccination decreased by 47% (OR=0.53, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.97) after the peak of the third wave in 2021.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Gambia’s routine vaccination programme has defied the setbacks witnessed in other settings and remained resilient, with coverage increasing and timeliness improving during the second and third waves. These findings highlight the importance of having adequate surveillance systems to monitor the impact of large shocks to vaccination coverage and timeliness.
Mental stress, atheroma, myocardial ischaemia and injury: the link is inflammation
Authors: Ong Hean Teik , Chen Jinghong
Published: December 2023

Increasing observational and experimental trial data have shown that mental stress can lead to an increase in adverse clinical cardiovascular events. Mental stress affects the heart by inducing ischaemia and precipitating myocardial infarction (MI) or direct myocardial injury. Mental stress leads to systemic inflammation. Inflammation is known to cause rapid atheromatous plaque progression, instability and thrombosis—the classic type 1 MI. Inflammation can also lead to type 2 MI or myocarditis and injury. The published data linking systemic inflammation, mental stress and cardiovascular disease will be reviewed to establish the linkage between mind and heart, thereby highlighting the importance of holistically managing the patient, not only addressing separate organ systems. Finally, recent trial evidence showing the value of anti-inflammatory drugs in cardiovascular and mental conditions will be briefly considered.
Filamin A heart valve disease as a genetic cause of inherited bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve disease
Authors: Delwarde Constance , Toquet Claire , Boureau Anne Sophie , Le Ruz Robin , Le Scouarnec Solena , Mérot Jean , Kyndt Florence , Bernstein Daniel , Bernstein Jonathan A , Aalberts Jan J J , Le Marec Hervé , Schott Jean-Jacques , Roussel Jean-Christian , Le Tourneau Thierry , Capoulade Romain
Published: December 2023

Objective

Variants in theFLNAgene have been associated with mitral valve dystrophy (MVD), and even polyvalvular disease has been reported. This study aimed to analyse the aortic valve and root involvement inFLNA-MVD families and its impact on outcomes.

Methods

262 subjects (37 (18–53) years, 140 male, 79 carriers:FLNA+) from 4FLNA-MVD families were included. Echocardiography was performed in 185 patients and histological analysis in 3 explanted aortic valves. The outcomes were defined as aortic valve surgery or all-cause mortality.

Results

Aortic valve alterations were found in 58% ofFLNA+ compared with 6% ofFLNA− (p<0.001). 9 (13.4%)FLNA+ had bicuspid aortic valve compared with 4 (3.4%)FLNA− (p=0.03). Overall, the transvalvular mean gradient was slightly increased inFLNA+ (4.8 (4.1–6.1) vs 4.0 (2.9–4.9) mm Hg, p=0.02). The sinuses of Valsalva and sinotubular junction diameters were enlarged inFLNA+ subjects (all p<0.05). 8FLNA+ patients underwent aortic valve surgery (0 in relatives; p<0.001). Myxomatous remodelling with an infiltration of immune cells was observed. Overall survival was similar betweenFLNA+versusFLNA− subjects (86±5% vs 85±6%, p=0.36). There was no statistical evidence for an interaction between genetic status and sex (p=0.15), but the survival tended to be impaired inFLNA+ men (p=0.06) whereas not in women (p=0.71).

Conclusion

The patients withFLNAvariants present frequent aortic valve disease and worse outcomes. Bicuspid aortic valve is more frequent in patients carrying theFLNA-MVD variants. These unique features should be factored into the management of patients with dystrophic and/or bicuspid aortic valve.
ASCC3 promotes the immunosuppression and progression of non-small cell lung cancer by impairing the type I interferon response via CAND1-mediated ubiquitination inhibition of STAT3
Authors: Ao Yong-Qiang , Gao Jian , Jin Chun , Wang Shuai , Zhang Li-Cheng , Deng Jie , Chen Zong-wei , Wang Hai-Kun , Jiang Jia-Hao , Ding Jian-Yong
Published: December 2023

Background

Activating signal cointegrator 3 (ASCC3) has been identified as an oncogenic factor that impairs host immune defense. However, the underlying mechanisms of carcinogenesis and its impact on the antitumor immune response remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of ASCC3 in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Single-cell sequencing data from the Gene Expression Omnibus and gene expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas database were analyzed. The expression, clinical relevance and biological functions of ASCC3 in NSCLC were explored. Then, RNA sequencing, immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry analyses were conducted to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. In addition, in vivo experiments in mouse models were conducted to explore the probability of ASCC3 knockdown to improve the efficacy of anti-Programmed Death-1 (PD-1) therapy in NSCLC.

Results

ASCC3 was significantly upregulated in NSCLC and correlated with poor pathological characteristics and prognosis in patients with NSCLC. Overexpression of ASCC3 promoted malignant phenotypes of NSCLC cells and induced an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which was characterized by a decrease in CD8+T cells, natural killer cells and dendritic cells but an increase in regulatory T(Treg) cells. Mechanistically, ASCC3 stabilized signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 signaling by recruiting Cullin-associated and neddylation dissociated 1 (CAND1), which inhibited ubiquitin-mediated degradation of STAT3, thereby impairing the type I interferon response of tumor cells and promoting the immunosuppression and progression of NSCLC. Furthermore, high expression of ASCC3 impaired the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy, and an anti-PD-1 antibody combined with ASCC3 knockdown exerted promising synergistic efficacy in a preclinical mouse model.

Conclusion

ASCC3 could stabilize the STAT3 pathway via CAND1, reshaping the tumor microenvironment and inducing resistance to anti-PD-1 therapy, which promotes the progression of NSCLC. It is a reliable prognostic indicator and can be a target in combination therapy for NSCLC.
Actinide targets for the synthesis of superheavy nuclei
Authors: Roberto J. B. , Du M. , Ezold J. G. , Hogle S. L. , Moon J. , Myhre K. , Rykaczewski K. P.
Published: December 2023

The use of heavy actinide targets, including 243Am, 240,242,244Pu, 245,248Cm, 249Bk, and 249Cf, irradiated by intense heavy ion beams of 48Ca has resulted in a significant expansion of the periodic table since 2000, including the discovery of five new heaviest elements and more than 50 new isotopes. These actinide materials can only be produced by intense neutron irradiation in very high flux reactors followed by chemical processing and purification in specialized hot cell facilities available in only a few locations worldwide. This paper reviews the reactor production of heavy actinides, the recovery and chemical separation of actinide materials, and the preparation of actinide targets for superheavy element experiments. The focus is on 248Cm, 249Bk, mixed 249−251Cf, and 254Es, including current availabilities and new production processes. The impacts of new facilities, including the Superheavy Element Factory at Dubna, accelerator and separator upgrades at RIKEN, and proposed upgrades to the High Flux Isotope Reactor at Oak Ridge are also described. Examples of recent superheavy element research are discussed as well as future opportunities for superheavy research using actinide targets.
Japanese Peacebuilding Diplomacy in Southeast Asia and Beyond in the New World Order
Authors: TANIGUCHI Miyoko
Published: December 2023

This article addresses the complex landscape of Japan’s diplomatic engagement in Southeast Asia, spanning from the late 1990s to the present day, and explores the transformative role that Japan has played in post-conflict peacebuilding and regional security. Japan has reinforced diplomatic relations with conflict-affected Southeast Asian countries in the post-Cold War era, contributing to security cooperation in the region under the recent Japan’s diplomatic direction of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific vision.
Demonstrating Einstein’s Time Dilation Using Simple Muon Detectors
Authors: Talgeri R. R. , Neo J. X. , Ronn Tan H. H. , Ma Y. , Eer J. X. , Chong Z. Y. , Kuang J. H. , Lim J. N. , Cindy Ng S. C. , Yang A. , Chan A. H.
Published: December 2023

Einstein’s theory of special relativity is one of the topics taught in undergraduate university physics courses. As undergraduates rarely have the opportunity to collect data and verify the concepts of Special Relativity, namely time dilation and length contraction, this paper aims to serve as a detailed instructional manual (self-contained) as well as provide insights from the undergraduates’ point of view on how to use a muon detector to collect data at various locations and altitudes in order to experimentally verify the aforementioned concepts. This experimental element enhances and complements the understanding of Special Relativity. The desktop muon detector used — the CosmicWatch Desktop Muon Detector V2 — was developed by the Department of Physics at Massachusetts Institution of Technology.
Surprising Outcome of Newtonian Dynamics
Authors: Pfeiffer Friedrich , Thompson J. Michael T.
Published: December 2023

Chain fountains represent a phenomenon characterized by a couple of open questions, and that in spite of a considerable body of literature and the research efforts behind them. This paper gives some overview with respect to the dynamics and mathematics and discusses the main issues of solved and unsolved aspects of the problem.
Simple Experiment to Show Gravity Does Not Affect the Velocity of Sound
Authors: Singh Nimmi , Mithal Harshit , Bhagat Kunsh , Singh Inderpreet , Arun P.
Published: December 2023

In the present work, we have designed an electronic setup to experimentally verify that gravity does not directly affect the velocity of sound as stated by Lord Rayleigh. For this purpose, we have designed a setup comprising of two sensors namely ultrasonic sensor and accelerometer and a microcontroller Raspberry Pi to determine the values of sound velocity and acceleration due to gravity. The setup was then carefully enclosed in a box with bubble pack and dropped from a height of [Formula: see text]. At this height, there is no variation in air pressure and density, thus, the only parameter which is being varied is acceleration due to gravity. Under the free fall condition, the Raspberry Pi was programmed to control the working of both the sensors and store their responses in the memory card. The results show that the acceleration due to gravity acting upon the setup becomes negligible soon after it is dropped but the velocity of sound remains unaffected.
Dual-Branch Multitask Fusion Network for Offline Chinese Writer Identification
Authors: Wang Haixia , Mao Yingyu , Miao Qingran , Xiao Qun , Zhang Yilong
Published: December 2023

Chinese characters are complex and contain discriminative information, meaning that their writers have the potential to be recognized using less text. In this study, offline Chinese writer identification based on a single character was investigated. To extract comprehensive features to model Chinese characters, explicit and implicit information as well as global and local features are of interest. A dual-branch multitask fusion network is proposed that contains two branches for global and local feature extraction simultaneously, and introduces auxiliary tasks to help the main task. Content recognition, stroke number estimation, and stroke recognition are considered as three auxiliary tasks for explicit information. The main task extracts implicit information of writer identity. The experimental results validated the positive influences of auxiliary tasks on the writer identification task, with the stroke number estimation task being most helpful. In-depth research was conducted to investigate the influencing factors in Chinese writer identification, with respect to character complexity, stroke importance, and character number, which provides a systematic reference for the actual application of neural networks in Chinese writer identification.