bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mineraloquímica das rochas do Batólito Sienítico Itabuna, Sul do estado da Bahia
Authors: Leandro Marcel Vinicius Santos , Conceição Herbet , Rosa Maria de Lourdes da Silva , Marques Gisele Tavares , Lamarão Claudio Nery
Published: November 2023

O Batólito Sienítico Itabuna (450 km2), com idade de 476 Ma, é intrusivo em rochas granulíticas do Cráton São Francisco e faz parte da Província Alcalina do Sul do Estado da Bahia. Esse batólito neoproterozoico é constituído de sienitos, monzonitos, foid sienitos, dioritos e gabros. Rochas representativas do batólito foram estudadas por petrografia ótica e eletrônica (MEV) e as análises químicas pontuais foram obtidas com WDS e EDS. As rochas possuem granulação que varia de fina a grossa. Os minerais presentes são: feldspatos alcalinos, plagioclásio, nefelina, anfibólio, clinopiroxênio, biotita apatita, sodalita, cancrinita, ilmenita, magnetita, pirita, calcopirita, zirconolita, olivina, allanita, baddeleyíta, zircão, calcita, monazita, titanita, barita, bastnäsita e thorita. A matriz em algumas rochas é composta essencialmente de feldspatos alcalinos (albita e microclina), plagioclásio e nefelina. Identificaram-se feldspatos alcalinos pertítico, antipertítico, albita, microclina e plagioclásio com composições de albita até labradorita. A mica marrom corresponde a siderofilita, lepidomelano e Fe-biotita. O clinopiroxênio tem composições de diopsídio, hedenbergita e augita. Os anfibólios são de variedades cálcica, Fe-Mg-Mn-Li e Na-Ca. Os dados químicos indicam que os cristais de biotita, anfibólio, allanita e zirconolita são primários. Os cristais de clinopiroxênio registram temperaturas máximas de 939°C no foid sienito, 959°C nos sienitos e 916°C no monzonito, com cristalização sob alta fugacidade de oxigênio. A pressão máxima obtida em cristal de clinopiroxênio de monzonito foi de 5,2 kbar. A biotita registra temperatura e pressão máximas de 797°C e 2,2 kbar, respectivamente. A exsolução ilmenita-magnetita processou-se a temperaturas inferiores a 600°C. A compilação e a interpretação dos dados gerados permitem inferir a cristalização fracionada como principal processo responsável pela evolução das rochas do Batólito Sienítico Itabuna...
Da bolha imobiliária aos balões da história em quadrinhos: uma história de vida
Authors: Lomsacov Pablo Iván
Published: November 2023

Este trabalho apresenta resultados de uma pesquisa realizada na Espanha no âmbito de um projeto internacional financiado pela União Européia, dentro do qual o autor participou como integrante de uma equipe de pesquisa da Universidade Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina. A partir da aplicação do método qualitativo da história de vida, apresenta o caso emblemático de um jovem arquiteto ex-funcionário de uma empresa de arquitetura que foi demitido após 13 anos de serviço. A sua demissão aconteceu durante a crise econômica espanhola iniciada por volta de 2008 e ligada à bolha da especulação imobiliária. A partir desse momento, o arquiteto tornou-se quadrinista e editor da sua própria produção cultural.
Micrasterias levergerensis sp. nov. (Desmidiaceae, Zygnematophyceae), a new species from the Pantanal of Mato Grosso State, Brazil
Authors: SANTOS WALÉRIA FINÍCIA DE OLIVEIRA DUARTE DOS , BICUDO CARLOS EDUARDO DE MATTOS
Published: November 2023

N/A
Soret Effect with Chemical Reaction on Unsteady MHD Flow of Nanofluid Past an Impulsively Started Infinite Vertical Plate Embedded in a Porous Medium
Authors: Gohain D. , Bordoloi R. , Ahmed N.
Published: November 2023

This article deals with the analysis of the thermal-diffusion effect, chemical reaction and heat generation on the convective hydromagnetic flow of water-based nanofluid past an instantaneously accelerated infinite vertical plate nested in a porous medium. Simultaneous application of
ramped temperature, ramped velocity, and ramped concentration has been considered. With the help of Laplace transformation, the set of transformed domain equations has been resolved. The consequences of various flow parameters involved in the study are analysed graphically. The results exhibit
that the hydrodynamic and solutal boundary layer elevates for the higher value of the Soret effect Sr. Moreover, the rate of heat transfer hikes and on the other hand, the rate of mass transfer drops on account of the volume concentration of nanoparticles φ. Again, it is observed
that the temperature, concentration and velocity field are dominated in the ramped condition by that of the isothermal condition.
Optimizing Rapid Prototype Development Through Femtosecond Laser Ablation and Finite Element Method Simulation for Enhanced Separation in Microfluidics
Authors: Hamad Eyad M. , Albagdady Ahmed , Al-Gharabli Samer , Alkhadire Hamza , Alnaser Yousef , Shadid Hakim , Abdo Ahmed , Dietzel Andreas , Al-Halhouli Ala’aldeen
Published: November 2023

In recent years, microfluidic systems have emerged as promising tools for blood separation and analysis. However, conventional methods for prototyping microfluidic systems can be slow and expensive. In this study, we present a novel approach to rapid prototyping that combines femtosecond
laser ablation and finite element method (FEM) simulation. The optimization of the prototyping process was achieved through systematic characterization of the laser ablation process and the application of FEM simulation to predict the flow behavior of the microfluidic devices. Using a dean-coupled
inertial flow device (DCIFD) that comprises one channel bend and three outlets side-channels. DCIF is a phenomenon that occurs in curved microfluidic channels and is considered by the existence of inconsequential flow patterns perpendicular to the main flow direction. The DCIF can enhance
the separation efficiency in microfluidic devices by inducing lateral migration of particles or cells towards specific locations along the channel. This lateral migration can be controlled by adjusting the curvature and dimensions of the channel, as well as the flow rate and properties of
the fluid. Overall, DCIF can provide a valuable means of achieving efficient and high-throughput separation of particles or cells in microfluidic devices. Therefore, various microfluidics designs that contain different outlet channels were studied in this research to improve blood plasma separation
efficiency. Results from imitated blood flow experiments showed positive results for fluid flow and particle separation. The study also found that incorporating three various channel widths is the key to achieving efficient plasma separation, indicating that this result could serve as a guideline
for future microfluidics geometry specifications in the field of blood plasma separation. According to the FEM simulation, the highest separation percentage for both microparticle sizes was obtained by incorporating a variable outlet channel width into the same microfluidic device. The FEM
simulation revealed that around 95% of the larger microparticles separated while 98% of the smaller microparticles separated. This is consistent with the imitated blood separation results, which showed that 91% of the larger microparticles separated and around 93% of the smaller microparticles
were separated. Overall, our results demonstrate that the combination of femtosecond laser ablation and FEM simulation significantly improved the prototyping speed and efficiency while maintaining high blood separation performance.
Non-contact embedded sensing by Magnetostrictive Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (MagCFRP): A smart material for early inter-lamina localized damage detection
Authors: Williams Brandon , Coatney Michael , Hall Asha , Myers Oliver , Seifu Dereje
Published: November 2023

Although failure mechanics and plasticity of composite materials is a relatively new and volatile field, it has been long realized in the composite materials community that a composite’s true integrity lies in the constituents’ interfacial health. Composite materials allow scientists and engineers to design structural architectures with directional stress, strain, and thermal fields in mind while simultaneously reducing the system’s overall weight. While there are advantages to using composite materials like carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs), designing and implementing long-term sustainable aerospace structures out of CFRPs is bottlenecked by the brittle catastrophic failure mechanism high strength carbon composites exhibit. As the demand for these materials in critical loading regimes increases, it is paramount that scientists and engineers understand how CFRPs will behave in real-time and in predictive models for load profiles. This research’s motivation comes from the US Army’s future vertical lift vehicle initiative to transition from interval-based maintenance to condition-based maintenance (CDB). This paper explores a real-time, non-contact, and non-destructive evaluation (NDE) method for composite materials by performing localized magnetic flux scans (32 mm2 field of view) of CFRP embedded with Terfenol-D ([Formula: see text] microns in diameter), a magnetostrictive material. For Magnetostrictive Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (MagCFRP) elastic regime testing, there was an observed localized magnetic flux gradient of more than 5 mT (4%) with a reversible flux of 100%. For MagCFRP elastic-plastic regime testing, a localized magnetic flux gradient of more than 3 mT (2%) with a reversible flux of only 25% was observed. Terfenol-D embedded CRFPs have shown promising results for detecting instantaneous stress and strain levels and detecting deviations in inter-lamina residual stress after critical loading. Acoustic emission (AE), Digital Image Correlation (DIC), and X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning were used to validate the observed results.
Outcomes of weight-based vs. fixed dose of Pembrolizumab among patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chaitesipaseut Lena , Shah Nina , Truong Thach-Giao , Niu Fang , Shin Patrick , Sharma Kavita , Smith Joshua , Hui Rita L
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study aims to assess outcomes among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received treatment with pembrolizumab on a weight-based dose (WBD) or fixed-dose (FD) regimen using a non-inferiority (NI) analysis.

Material and Methods

This retrospective cohort study included adult patients with NSCLC weighing under 100 kg who received pembrolizumab between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2020. Patients were grouped into either WBD or FD cohort based on the initial pembrolizumab dose and dosing regimen. The primary effectiveness outcome was overall survival (OS), analyzed using NI analysis with a lower margin of 10% comparing WBD to FD. Safety outcomes were all-cause emergency room visits or hospitalizations and incidence of selected immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and analyzed using NI analysis with an upper margin of 10%. All patients were followed until the end of health plan membership, death, or 30 June 2022, whichever occurred first.

Results

A total of 1413 patients were evaluated. OS was observed in 36.6% of the FD group, and 37.7% in the WBD group (rate difference: 1%, 90% CI: −6%–8%, NI p-value < 0.01). NI was met in all three safety outcomes: proportion of all-cause emergency room visits (rate difference: 1.1%, NI p-value < 0.01); proportion of hospitalizations (rate difference: 2%, NI p-value < 0.01); and composite incidence of irAEs (rate difference: −2.2%, NI p-value = 0.03).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that WBD of pembrolizumab may be as appropriate as FD for the treatment of lung cancer.
Socializing students to accept hostility? How instructors talk about hostility in the journalism classroom
Authors: Mesmer Kelsey R
Published: November 2023

Although hostility toward journalists is a pressing issue, research on how instructors are preparing students for hostility is lacking. Interviews with 30 journalism instructors from across the U.S. help illuminate how hostility is perceived and if/how hostility is talked about in journalism courses. Through the lens of professional socialization, this manuscript argues the majority of instructors normalize hostility in problematic ways, identifying a gap in journalism curriculum that needs filled.
Understanding Governance in the Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve: An Empirical Approach
Authors: Gómez-Valenzuela Víctor , Van Lente Harro , Ramírez Katerin , Bonilla-Duarte Solhanlle
Published: November 2023

Background and research aim: This paper analyses the governance in the Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve (RBJBE), located in the southwest of the Dominican Republic along the borders with the Republic of Haiti. Methods: Construction and validation of an integrated scale of good governance and its subsequent analysis using factorial methods were carried out to identify good governance factors, and then regression analysis was performed. Results: Participation and coordination mechanisms are key factors in explaining governance of the biosphere reserve and critical factors in supporting a transition from an AINH (as if nothing happened) governance mode to good governance. Conclusion: The RBJBE operates in an AINH governance mode with opportunities to improve by promoting more qualified stakeholders' participation. It effectively facilitates interaction between stakeholders who share a diverse landscape mosaic, considering their interests, perspectives, and knowledge of natural resources. Implications for conservation: Considering the AINH governance in the RBJBE context and extending it to similar BR scenarios in Latin America and the Caribbean, one key implication focuses on implementing effective participation mechanisms and social engagement of stakeholders, as well as improving zoning and land use planning strategies linked to a more integrative landscape approach to conservation and local development objectives.
Correlation of Joint Space Widening on Valgus Stress Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Level of Play and Innings Pitched in Professional Pitchers
Authors: Patel Midhat , Schenk Mari , Rangan Pooja , Crenshaw Ken , Caplinger Roger , Raasch William , Waslewski Gary , Lederman Evan , Lund Pamela
Published: November 2023

Background:

Previous studies have described various techniques and confirmed the clinical utility of valgus stress radiography and stress ultrasound in overhead athletes. The addition of valgus stress and a high-resolution anatomic assessment of the elbow with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the active throwing position (flexed elbow valgus external rotation [FEVER] view) can add valuable diagnostic or prognostic information in throwing athletes.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate findings on MRI and subsequent performance in professional throwing athletes. It was hypothesized that joint space widening in the FEVER view would be predictive of performance and the risk of subsequent injuries.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

All pitchers on 2 Major League Baseball teams who consented to participate during their preseason screening in 2019 and 2020 underwent standard and FEVER MRI, and performance data from the following season were recorded, including injuries, mean throwing velocity, number of innings pitched, strikeout percentage, walk percentage, weighted on-base average, and level of play reached (not signed, minor league, or major league). Categorical variables were compared using the Fisher exact test or chi-square test, and continuous variables were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test, as appropriate. Ordered logistic regression was used to determine the independent factors predicting performance.

Results:

A total of 91 players underwent preseason imaging, and all players had subsequent performance data available. Multivariate analysis revealed that when controlling for age, mean velocity, history of injuries, presence of symptoms, and history of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, increased absolute joint space widening was predictive of a lower level of play (β = −0.63; P = .042). Univariate analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between relative joint space widening and level of play reached (β = −0.54; P = .034). Relative joint space widening remained a significant predictor of level of play (β = −0.87; P = .012) on multivariate analysis. Multivariate analysis also showed that both absolute joint space widening (β = −13.50; P = .012) and relative joint space widening (β = −13.60; P = .026) were predictive of the number of innings pitched in the subsequent season.

Conclusion:

The present study demonstrates that findings on MRI with valgus stress correlated with the level of play reached and number of innings pitched in professional throwing athletes.
Predicting anticancer synergistic drug combinations based on multi-task learning
Authors: Chen Danyi , Wang Xiaowen , Zhu Hongming , Jiang Yizhi , Li Yulong , Liu Qi , Liu Qin
Published: November 2023

Background

The discovery of anticancer drug combinations is a crucial work of anticancer treatment. In recent years, pre-screening drug combinations with synergistic effects in a large-scale search space adopting computational methods, especially deep learning methods, is increasingly popular with researchers. Although achievements have been made to predict anticancer synergistic drug combinations based on deep learning, the application of multi-task learning in this field is relatively rare. The successful practice of multi-task learning in various fields shows that it can effectively learn multiple tasks jointly and improve the performance of all the tasks.

Methods

In this paper, we propose MTLSynergy which is based on multi-task learning and deep neural networks to predict synergistic anticancer drug combinations. It simultaneously learns two crucial prediction tasks in anticancer treatment, which are synergy prediction of drug combinations and sensitivity prediction of monotherapy. And MTLSynergy integrates the classification and regression of prediction tasks into the same model. Moreover, autoencoders are employed to reduce the dimensions of input features.

Results

Compared with the previous methods listed in this paper, MTLSynergy achieves the lowest mean square error of 216.47 and the highest Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.76 on the drug synergy prediction task. On the corresponding classification task, the area under the receiver operator characteristics curve and the area under the precision–recall curve are 0.90 and 0.62, respectively, which are equivalent to the comparison methods. Through the ablation study, we verify that multi-task learning and autoencoder both have a positive effect on prediction performance. In addition, the prediction results of MTLSynergy in many cases are also consistent with previous studies.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that multi-task learning is significantly beneficial for both drug synergy prediction and monotherapy sensitivity prediction when combining these two tasks into one model. The ability of MTLSynergy to discover new anticancer synergistic drug combinations noteworthily outperforms other state-of-the-art methods. MTLSynergy promises to be a powerful tool to pre-screen anticancer synergistic drug combinations.
scMuffin: an R package to disentangle solid tumor heterogeneity by single-cell gene expression analysis
Authors: Nale Valentina , Chiodi Alice , Di Nanni Noemi , Cifola Ingrid , Moscatelli Marco , Cocola Cinzia , Gnocchi Matteo , Piscitelli Eleonora , Sula Ada , Zucchi Ileana , Reinbold Rolland , Milanesi Luciano , Mezzelani Alessandra , Pelucchi Paride , Mosca Ettore
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Single-cell (SC) gene expression analysis is crucial to dissect the complex cellular heterogeneity of solid tumors, which is one of the main obstacles for the development of effective cancer treatments. Such tumors typically contain a mixture of cells with aberrant genomic and transcriptomic profiles affecting specific sub-populations that might have a pivotal role in cancer progression, whose identification eludes bulk RNA-sequencing approaches. We present scMuffin, an R package that enables the characterization of cell identity in solid tumors on the basis of a various and complementary analyses on SC gene expression data.

Results

scMuffin provides a series of functions to calculate qualitative and quantitative scores, such as: expression of marker sets for normal and tumor conditions, pathway activity, cell state trajectories, Copy Number Variations, transcriptional complexity and proliferation state. Thus, scMuffin facilitates the combination of various evidences that can be used to distinguish normal and tumoral cells, define cell identities, cluster cells in different ways, link genomic aberrations to phenotypes and identify subtle differences between cell subtypes or cell states. We analysed public SC expression datasets of human high-grade gliomas as a proof-of-concept to show the value of scMuffin and illustrate its user interface. Nevertheless, these analyses lead to interesting findings, which suggest that some chromosomal amplifications might underlie the invasive tumor phenotype and the presence of cells that possess tumor initiating cells characteristics.

Conclusions

The analyses offered by scMuffin and the results achieved in the case study show that our tool helps addressing the main challenges in the bioinformatics analysis of SC expression data from solid tumors.
Public acceptance of default nudges to promote healthy and sustainable food choices
Authors: Lemken Dominic , Wahnschafft Simone , Eggers Carolin
Published: November 2023

Background

Default nudges are an increasingly prominent tool for promoting healthy and sustainable food choices; however, questions of acceptance remain. While default nudges are more acceptable to the public than traditionally paternalistic tools that aim to restrict choice, they are also the least acceptable amongst nudging strategies. Little research has investigated the aspects of default nudge design that can be leveraged to better uphold freedom of choice, increase public acceptance, and therefore heighten legitimacy of default nudges. Consequently, this study examines public acceptance of five food choice default nudges with demonstrated precedent of effectiveness, as drawn from research studies and/or real-world policies, along with a design variation of each anticipated to increase acceptance. Three drivers of acceptance – perceived intrusiveness, perceived effectiveness, and own behavior – are examined.

Methods

An online survey was administered in Germany (N = 451) to a sample representative of the adult population on quotas of age, gender and income. Acceptance and drivers were measured using seven-point Likert scales. Significant differences in median acceptance of the nudge were determined and displayed graphically. Ten proportional odds ordered logit models were applied and estimated using a maximum likelihood approach to investigate the mechanisms of nudge acceptance.

Results

Examined changes in nudge design, particularly decreasing costliness of opting out and increasing transparency, increased the acceptance of three of the five nudges (N2.2: p = 0.000; N3.2: p = 0.000; N4.2: p = 0.008). Perceived intrusiveness emerged as the most prominent driver of acceptance (negative relationship), followed by perceived effectiveness (positive relationship). Own engagement in the target behavior of the nudge and socio-demographic variables demonstrated negligible impact on acceptance.

Conclusions

Mitigating the costliness of opting out and improving nudge transparency emerge as key opportunities for choice architects to improve public acceptance, and thereby potentially identify ‘sweet spots’ in designing default nudges that are both effective and acceptable. The protection of individual freedom of choice and effectiveness are key aspects for choice architects to communicate to increase acceptance.
Attitudes toward dementia and cognitive aging among Syrian refugees resettled in Jordan: a qualitative study
Authors: Bridi Lana , Kaki Dahlia A. , Behnam Rawnaq , Khan Xara , Albahsahli Behnan , Bencheikh Nissma , Aljenabi Raghad , Ahmadi Nargis , Dajani Rana , Al-Rousan Tala
Published: November 2023

Background

Mounting evidence is revealing disparities in cognitive function and heightened dementia risk among refugees, yet research in this area remains scant. Despite bearing most of the world’s refugee burden, limited-resource countries like Jordan are facing challenges when dealing with refugee health. There is a lack of research on the attitudes toward dementia and the cognitive healthcare gaps among refugees in Jordan.

Methods

32 older (≥ 55 years) Syrian refugees resettled in Jordan were recruited through a local community-based organization and interviewed in four focus groups (2 female and 2 male groups). Interviews were transcribed and translated, then coded using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Mean age of the sample was 60.1 years and 53.1% were female. Only 34.4% rated their memory as good or excellent. Themes were organized using the socioecological model: 1) At the individual level, participants believed high levels of stress, including low socioeconomic status, poor health, and traumatic history from their refugee experience increased their dementia risk. 2) Interpersonally, there is a fear of dementia due to the possible impact and burden on loved ones, particularly with the stigma surrounding dementia. 3) At the community level, participants noted that resettlement in Jordan – with a shared language, religion, and culture – offered protective effects due to facilitated access to social connection, information, and mental health self-care. 4) At the institution and policy level, participants believed older refugees faced restrictive policies for economic aid, healthcare, and employment, presenting a significant barrier to healthy aging.

Conclusions

Findings from this study are the first to examine the attitudes of Syrian refugees in Jordan toward dementia and cognitive aging. These results could provide essential data inclusive of refugees as Jordan develops its National Dementia Plan. Investing in dementia awareness interventions and age-friendly neighborhoods may benefit aging refugees in limited-resources settings.
Evaluation of the applicability of internal controls on self-collected samples for high-risk human papillomavirus is needed
Authors: Verberckmoes Bo , De Vos Tamara , Maelegheer Karel , Ali-Risasi Catherine , Sturtewagen Yolande , Praet Marleen , Vanden Broeck Davy , Padalko Elizaveta
Published: November 2023

Background

Self-collection of cervical samples to detect high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) is a trending topic in primary cervical cancer screening. This study evaluates the applicability of a self-sampling device to routine molecular procedures for hr-HPV detection.

Methods

In a primary health care facility in Kinshasa, Congo, 187 self-collected samples (Evalyn Brush) were gathered and sent to Ghent University Hospital (UZ Ghent) and Algemeen Medisch Labo (AML) in Belgium where routine tests for hr-HPV were applied (Abbott RealTime hr-HPV and qPCR (E6/E7), respectively). Sample type effect was evaluated by comparing the internal control (IC) between the self-collected samples and routine, clinician-taken samples randomly selected from the UZ Ghent archive.

Results

In UZ Ghent an error was encountered in 9.1% (17/187) of self-collected samples due to a lack of IC signal. The hr-HPV prevalence in the remaining 170 samples was 18,8%. Comparing IC results between the self-collected and clinician-collected groups, a significant difference (p < 0,001) was found, with higher IC signals in the clinician-collected group. In AML, an error was encountered in 17.6% (33/187) of samples, including 16/17 of the UZ Ghent. The remaining sample with IC error gave a negative result in AML. Among the 154 samples without IC error at AML, a correlation of 90% was seen between both laboratories with a 77% negativity rate.

Conclusion

Testing the self-collected specimens by 2 routine hr-HPV tests gave a high IC error rate (9.1–17.6%). A possible solution would be to differentiate cut-offs for IC values depending on sample type, as currently used cut-offs are set for clinician-taken samples.
Strong social disparities in access to IVF/ICSI despite free cost of treatment: a French population-based nationwide cohort study
Authors: Messaoud Khaoula Ben , Guibert Juliette , Bouyer Jean , de La Rochebrochard Elise
Published: November 2023

Background

Access to IVF/ICSI is facilitated when the financial barrier is removed. In a national context where in vitro fertilisation (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm Injection (ICSI) treatment is cost-free, how many women do not access IVF/ICSI and what are the factors associated with non-access?

Methods

Using French national health insurance databases, the cohort included 20,240 women aged 18–43 years living in France who underwent unsuccessful treatment (no pregnancy) with clomiphene citrate (CC) and/or gonadotropins with treatment started between January and August 2016. The outcome measure was non-access to IVF/ICSI during the 24-month following start of infertility care. Factors associated with non-access to IVF/ICSI were explored using mixed effects logistic regression.

Results

In the cohort, 65.4% of women did not access IVF/ICSI. In multivariable analysis, non-access to IVF/ICSI was higher in younger women (18–25 years: (OR 2.17, 95% CI: 1.85–2.54) and in older women (40–43 years: (OR=3.60, 95% CI: 3.25–3.98)). Non-access was higher among women below the poverty line (OR=3.76, 95% CI: 3.34–4.23) and showed a significant upward trend with increasing deprivation of place of residence. Distance to the nearest fertility centre was not significantly associated with non-access to IVF/ICSI.

Conclusions

In a national context of cost-free ART treatment, a large proportion of women did not access treatment, with a strong social gradient that raises important issues. We need to understand the underlying social mechanisms to develop an efficient and equitable health policy regarding infertility care.
The mediating role of psychological capital on the relationship between authentic leadership and nurses’ caring behavior: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Guowen , Tian Wen , Zhang Ying , Chen Juanjuan , Zhang Xiaohong , Lin Wenfeng , Li Huiping , Sun Liqin , Cheng Baozhen , Ding Hui , Song Guiqi
Published: November 2023

Background

Caring behavior among nurses would have an impact on patient outcomes. External organizational job resources and personal internal psychological resources are correlated to nurses’ caring behavior. Authentic leadership and psychological capital were shown to be correlated with nurses’ caring behavior in previous studies. However, the relationships among the three are nevertheless unclear. This study aimed to examine if psychological capital could act as a mediator between nursing managers’ authentic leadership and nurses’ caring behavior.

Methods

In December 2021, a total of 3,662 nurses were recruited from 37 hospitals in Anhui Province, China. They filled out online surveys, including general demographic information, the Authentic Leadership Questionnaire, the Psychological Capital Questionnaire, and the Caring Behavior Inventory. Structural Equation Modeling and the bootstrapping procedure were used to examine the mediating role of psychological capital.

Results

The scores of authentic leadership, psychological capital, and caring behavior of 3,495 nurses were 52.04 ± 13.24, 96.89 ± 17.78, and 104.28 ± 17.01, respectively. Psychological capital significantly mediated the relationship between authentic leadership and nurses’ caring behavior (β = 0.378, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval: 0.350 ~ 0.402), which made up 78.75% of the total impact (0.480).

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggested that nursing managers should develop an authentic leadership style, which can effectively improve nurses’ caring behaviors toward patients in clinical practice. Meanwhile, nursing leaders should strengthen nurses’ psychological evaluation and training, and promote nurses’ caring behavior in clinical settings.
The interconnected roles of TRIM21/Ro52 in systemic lupus erythematosus, primary Sjögren’s syndrome, cancers, and cancer metabolism
Authors: Hsu Chueh-Hsuan , Yu Yung-Luen
Published: November 2023

Protein tripartite motif-containing 21 (TRIM21/Ro52), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is an essential regulator of innate immunity, and its dysregulation is closely associated with the development of autoimmune diseases, predominantly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). TRIM21 /Ro52 also features anti-cancer and carcinogenic functions according to different malignancies. The interconnected role of TRIM21/Ro52 in regulating autoimmunity and cell metabolism in autoimmune diseases and malignancies is implicated. In this review, we summarize current findings on how TRIM21/Ro52 affects inflammation and tumorigenesis, and investigate the relationship between TRIM21/Ro52 expression and the formation of lymphoma and breast cancer in SLE and pSS populations.
Nuclear-cytoplasmic asynchrony in oocyte maturation caused by TUBB8 variants via impairing microtubule function: a novel pathogenic mechanism
Authors: Chang Tianli , Zhao Jing , Li Qi , Meng Anning , Xia Qiuping , Li Yanping , Xiang Wenpei , Yao Zhongyuan
Published: November 2023

Background

TUBB8, a crucial gene encoding microtubule protein, plays a pivotal role in cellular processes. Deleterious TUBB8 variants have been shown to significantly hinder oocyte maturation. In this study, we conducted an in vitro investigation using TUBB8 mutant mouse oocytes to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of TUBB8 variants in oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation.

Methods

A mutant model was successfully established in mouse oocytes via microinjection to further investigate the effects of four novel discovered TUBB8 mutations on the nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of mouse oocytes. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy were performed to observe the cortical polarity and spindle and of mutant oocytes. Active mitochondrial staining was performed to analyze mitochondrial distribution patterns. Endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ staining were conducted to assess ER distribution and cytoplasmic calcium ion concentration in oocytes.

Results

In mouse oocytes, TUBB8 variants (p.A313V, p.C239W, p.R251Q, and p.G96R) resulted in a reduction of the first polar body extrusion rate, disruption of spindle assembly, and abnormal chromosome distribution. Additionally, these variants induced oocyte organelle abnormalities, including anomalies in mitochondrial redistribution and endoplasmic reticulum stress compared to the wild-type.

Conclusion

Deleterious TUBB8 variants could disrupt microtubule function, affecting critical processes such as spindle assembly, chromosome distribution, and organelle rearrangement during oocyte meiosis. These disruptions culminate in compromised nuclear-cytoplasmic maturation, consequently giving rise to oocyte maturation defects.
A systematic review and narrative synthesis of physical activity referral schemes’ components
Authors: Mino Eriselda , Hanson Coral L. , Naber Inga , Weissenfels Anja , McHale Sheona , Saftig Jane , Klamroth Sarah , Gelius Peter , Abu-Omar Karim , Whiting Stephen , Wickramasinghe Kremlin , Galea Gauden , Pfeifer Klaus , Geidl Wolfgang
Published: November 2023

Background

Physical activity referral schemes (PARS) are complex multicomponent interventions that represent a promising healthcare-based concept for physical activity (PA) promotion. This systematic review and narrative synthesis aimed to identify the constitutive components of PARS and provide an overview of their effectiveness.

Methods

Following a published protocol, we conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, HTA, Wiley Online Library, SAGE Journals, Taylor & Francis, Google Scholar, OpenGrey, and CORE from 1990 to January 2023. We included experimental, quasi-experimental, and observational studies that targeted adults participating in PARS and reported PA outcomes, scheme uptake, or adherence rates. We performed an intervention components analysis using the PARS taxonomy to identify scheme components and extracted data related to uptake, adherence, and PA behavior change. We combined these to provide a narrative summary of PARS effectiveness.

Results

We included 57 studies reporting on 36 PARS models from twelve countries. We identified 19 PARS components: a patient-centered approach, individualized content, behavior change theory and techniques, screening, brief advice, written materials, a written prescription, referral, baseline and exit consultation, counselling support session(s), PA sessions, education session(s), action for non-attendance, structured follow-up, a PA network, feedback for the referrer, and exit strategies/routes. The PARS models contained a mean of 7 ± 2.9 components (range = 2–13). Forty-five studies reported PA outcome data, 28 reported uptake, and 34 reported adherence rates. Of these, approximately two-thirds of studies reported a positive effect on participant PA levels, with a wide range of uptake (5.7–100.0%) and adherence rates (8.5–95.0%).

Conclusions

Physical activity referral scheme components are an important source of complexity. Despite the heterogeneous nature of scheme designs, our synthesis was able to identify 19 components. Further research is required to determine the influence of these components on PARS uptake, adherence, and PA behavior change. To facilitate this, researchers and scheme providers must report PARS designs in more detail. Process evaluations are also needed to examine implementation and increase our understanding of what components lead to which outcomes. This will facilitate future comparisons between PARS and enable the development of models to maximize impact.
Research on radiotherapy related genes and prognostic target identification of rectal cancer based on multi-omics
Authors: Liu Yi , Yang Yanguang , Ni Feng , Tai Guomei , Yu Cenming , Jiang Xiaohui , Wang Ding
Published: November 2023

Background

Radiosensitivity of rectal cancer is related to the radiotherapy efficacy and prognosis of patients with rectal cancer, and the genes and molecular mechanisms related to radiosensitivity of rectal cancer have not been clarified. We explored the radiosensitivity related genes of rectal cancer at a multi omics level.

Methods

mRNA expression data and rectum adenocarcinoma (READ) data were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus Database (GEO) (GSE150082, GSE60331, GSE46862, GSE46862). Differentially expressed genes between radiotherapy sensitive group and radiotherapy insensitive group were screened. GO analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were performed for differentially expressed genes. Among the differentially expressed genes, five core genes associated with rectal cancer prognosis were selected using random survival forest analysis. For these five core genes, drug sensitivity analysis, immune cell infiltration analysis, TISIDB database immune gene correlation analysis, GSEA enrichment analysis, construction of Nomogram prediction model, transcriptional regulatory network analysis, and qRT-PCR validation was performed on human rectal adenocarcinoma tissue.

Results

We found that 600 up-regulated genes and 553 down-regulated genes were significantly different between radiotherapy sensitive group and radiotherapy insensitive group in rectal cancer. Five key genes, TOP2A, MATR3, APOL6, JOSD1, and HOXC6, were finally screened by random survival forest analysis. These five key genes were associated with different immune cell infiltration, immune-related genes, and chemosensitivity. A comprehensive transcriptional regulatory network was constructed based on these five core genes. qRT-PCR revealed that MATR3 expression was different in rectal cancer tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues, while APOL6, HOXC6, JOSD1, and TOP2A expression was not different.

Conclusion

Five radiosensitivity-related genes related to the prognosis of rectal cancer: TOP2A, MATR3, APOL6, JOSD1, HOXC6, are involved in multiple processes such as immune cell infiltration, immune-related genes, chemosensitivity, signaling pathways and transcriptional regulatory networks and may be potential biomarkers for radiotherapy of rectal cancer.
Neuroinflammation, memory, and depression: new approaches to hippocampal neurogenesis
Authors: Wu Anbiao , Zhang Jiyan
Published: November 2023

As one of most common and severe mental disorders, major depressive disorder (MDD) significantly increases the risks of premature death and other medical conditions for patients. Neuroinflammation is the abnormal immune response in the brain, and its correlation with MDD is receiving increasing attention. Neuroinflammation has been reported to be involved in MDD through distinct neurobiological mechanisms, among which the dysregulation of neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus (HPC) is receiving increasing attention. The DG of the hippocampus is one of two niches for neurogenesis in the adult mammalian brain, and neurotrophic factors are fundamental regulators of this neurogenesis process. The reported cell types involved in mediating neuroinflammation include microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, meningeal leukocytes, and peripheral immune cells which selectively penetrate the blood–brain barrier and infiltrate into inflammatory regions. This review summarizes the functions of the hippocampus affected by neuroinflammation during MDD progression and the corresponding influences on the memory of MDD patients and model animals.
Epidemiology of Chlamydia sp. infection in farmed Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) in Thailand
Authors: Tanpradit Nae , Thongdee Metawee , Sariya Ladawan , Paungpin Weena , Chaiwattanarungruengpaisan Somjit , Sirimanapong Wanna , Kasantikul Tanit , Phonarknguen Rassameepen , Punchukrang Apichart , Lekcharoen Paisin , Arya Nlin
Published: November 2023

Background

Although Chlamydia sp. causes widespread disease outbreaks in juvenile crocodiles in Thailand, data regarding the epidemiology, and risk factors of such infections are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and possible risk factors associated with Chlamydia sp. infections on Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) farms in Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2019. Samples were collected from 40 farms across six regions in Thailand. Conjunctival, pharyngeal, and cloacal swab samples were analyzed for Chlamydiaceae nucleic acids using semi-nested PCR followed by phylogenetic analysis based on the ompA gene fragment. Risk factors of infection were analyzed using chi-square and univariate regression to calculate odds ratios.

Results

The prevalence of Chlamydia sp. infection across all regions was 65%. The ompA phylogenetic analysis showed that Chlamydia sp. detected in this study was genetically closely related to Chlamydia crocodili and Chlamydia caviae. The risk factors for infection were water source, reusing treated wastewater from the treatment pond, not disposing of leftover food, low frequency of water replacement in the enclosure of juvenile crocodiles, and lack of water replacement after the death of a crocodile.

Conclusion

The prevalence of Chlamydia sp. infection in farmed crocodiles in Thailand was 65% during the study period. Cloacal swabs were superior to conjunctival and pharyngeal swabs due to their higher sensitivity in detecting Chlamydia sp., as well as their lower invasiveness. Good management and biosecurity in crocodile farming can reduce the risk of Chlamydia sp. infection.
A multi-center, single-blinded, randomized, parallel-group, superiority study to compare the efficacy of manipulation under anesthesia versus intra-articular steroid injection in the treatment of patients with frozen shoulder and a diagnosis of rotator cuff injury or tear by MRI: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Song Wuwei , Guo Xiaoyu , Wang Xiang , Yu Jiacheng , Jiang Wenyu , Wei Chen , Zhao Yuhao
Published: November 2023

Background

Frozen shoulder (FS) is a common condition that can cause severe pain and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. While intra-articular steroid injection has been shown to be an effective treatment for FS, manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is an alternative treatment that has gained popularity in recent years. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness of MUA on FS patients with concomitant rotator cuff injury or tear. Though a few studies have shown that MUA is not associated with rotator cuff tears, and will not exacerbate the injury, more high-quality studies with bigger sample sizes are needed. Therefore, the aim of this multi-center, single-blinded, randomized, parallel-group, superiority study is to compare the efficacy of MUA versus intra-articular steroid injection in the treatment of FS patients with a diagnosis of rotator cuff injury or tear by MRI.

Methods

A parallel, single-blinded, multi-center randomized controlled trial of 320 patients will be conducted at three hospitals of China. Eligible patients with frozen shoulder and rotator cuff injury or tear diagnosed by MRI will be randomly assigned to, in equal proportions, the manipulation under anesthesia group and the intra-articular steroid injection group via a central randomization system, undergoing a corresponding operation on day one and a sequent physical exercise for 14 days. The primary outcome is the comprehensive efficacy evaluation (total effective rate) and the change of Constant-Murley Score. Outcome assessors and data analysts will be blinded, and participants will be asked not to reveal their allocation to assessors.

Discussion

This study aims to explore the superiority of manipulation under anesthesia in reducing pain and improving shoulder function in frozen shoulder patients accompanied with rotator cuff injury. To provide a scientific basis for the dissemination and application of manipulation under anesthesia, and a better knowledge for the role of MUA in the treatment of frozen shoulder accompanied with rotator cuff injury.

Trial registration

Chictr.org.cn ChiCTR2200067122. Registered on 27 December 2022. ChiCTR is a primary registry of the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) network and includes all items from the WHO Trial Registration data set in Trial registration.
Effect of plyometric versus complex training on core strength, lower limb, and upper limb power in male cricketers: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ali Kamran , Gupta Shubham , Hussain Mohammad E. , Alzhrani Msaad , Manzar Md. Dilshad , Khan Masood , Alghadir Ahmad H.
Published: November 2023

Background

Complex training is found effective in improving physical performance in various sports. There is a paucity of research evidence comparing the efficacy of complex vs. plyometric training in cricket players. The study aimed to compare the efficacy of complex and plyometric training on physical performance parameters in cricket players.

Methods

Participants (n = 42 Male; age group = 18–26 years) were randomly allocated into three groups, complex training group (CTG) (n = 14; BMI = 20.51 ± 2.23), plyometric training group (PTG) (n = 14; BMI = 20.57 ± 2.82), and control group (CG) (n = 14; BMI = 20.51 ± 2.23). CTG and PTG received their respective training twice weekly, and CG received routine training for four weeks. Pre and post-intervention assessments of core muscle strength (CM), multistage fitness (MF), push-up (PU), lateral cone jump (LCJ), and stationary vertical jump (SVJ) were performed. This study has been registered in clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT05646914, on 05/12/2022).

Results

A significant difference was observed between CTG vs. CG for CM (p ≤ 0.01), LCJ (p < 0.05), and SVJ (p ≤ 0.01), similarly in PTG vs. CG for CM (p-value), LCJ (p ≤ 0.05) and SVJ (p ≤ 0.01). However, No significant difference was found between PTG vs. CTG for any variables (p ≥ 0.05). Also, No significant difference in MF and PU was found between the groups (p ≥ 0.05).

Conclusions

Complex training has been found to have effects similar to plyometric training alone. Therefore, either of the two strategies can be used to improve the performance of male cricket players.