bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Analysis of Morphological Diversity and Polyphenols Content of Celosia cristata in M2 Population Induced by Ethyl Methane Sulphonate
Authors:   Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia, Aisyah Syarifah , Yudha Yoshua ,   Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia, Sukma Dewi ,   Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia, Nurcholis Waras ,   Tropical Biopharmaca Research Center, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia, Department of Biochemistry, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
Published: March 2023

Celosia cristata, an edible ornamental plant, is a potential floricultural commodity that needs further improvement to increase its agro-morphological characters and polyphenol content. Induced mutagenesis using ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) is an effective tool to increase genetic diversity that has been applied in many plant species. This study aimed to assess the morphological diversity, polyphenol content, and antioxidant activities of C. cristata mutagenized by EMS in the M2 generation. A total of 230 M2 plants generated from the M1 generation were evaluated in this study and the polyphenols content and antioxidant activities analysis were conducted on fifteen selected M2 plants. Polyphenols content was analyzed using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and colorimetric method with slight modification, and the antioxidant activities investigated using 2,2’-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay with minor changes. There are six subpopulations with the highest diversity of quantitative characters in the M2 population in quantitative characters, i.e. C2-17-1.0%, C2-1-0.7%, C2-20-2.0%, C2-25-0.7%, C2-1-0.9%, and C2-1-0.7%. Changes in the shape and color of leaves, stems, and flowers of C. cristata were also observed in the M2 population. C2.1, C2.6, and C2.12. 2.1, C2.6, and C2.12 are potential plants derived from EMS mutagenesis with the highest polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity in the M2 population. In conclusion, induced mutation using EMS can enhance the agro-morphological diversity, polyphenols content along with the antioxidant activities of C. cristata, and demonstrate the successful mutation breeding program.
Phytochemical Analysis, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants in Mandiangin Rainforest in South Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors:   Department of Forestry, Faculty of Forestry, Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarbaru, 70714, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, Nugroho Yusanto , Budianto Windy ,   Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Lambung Mangkurat University, 70714, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, Siahaan Salmon ,   Department of Medical Profession, Faculty of Medicine, Ciputra University, Surabaya, 60219, East Java, Indonesia, Agung Purwakaning ,   Department of Interna, Soewandhi General Hospital/Faculty of Medicine, Ciputra University, Surabaya, 60142, East Java, Indonesia, Thalib Iskandar ,   Department of Interna, Soewandhi General Hospital/Faculty of Medicine, Ciputra University, Surabaya, 60142, East Java, Indonesia, Suhartono Eko ,   Department of Interna, Soewandhi General Hospital/Faculty of Medicine,
Published: March 2023

Mandiangin is one of the tropical rainforests in South Kalimantan, with highly diverse plants used for health and medicinal purposes. To date, scientific evidence on these plants' content and bioactivities remain lacking for further medical applications. In this perspective, this study aimed to determine the phytochemical contents of six selected plants, which include the Bilaran Kusan (Passiflora foetida), Sembilakan (Caesalpinia sp), Bamban Batu (Donax cenniformis), Kilayu (Aglaia sp), Ulur-Ulur (Tetrastigma sp), and Mali-Mali (Leea indica) from the Mandiangin rainforest, in addition to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Results revealed that the Leea indica extracts exhibited the highest flavonoid content (70.892 ± 0.34 mg/ml QE), while the highest tannin (2.101 ± 0.02 mg/ml GAE) and alkaloid contents (25.30 ± 0.71 %) were recorded for the Aglaia sp species. Meanwhile, Passiflora foetida showed the highest saponin content at (31.78 ± 2.97 %). Based on the study findings, the extracts of all six plants from the Mandiangin rainforest possessed medically valuable phytochemical constituents, as seen from their appreciable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Of all these plants, P. foetida and L. indica demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity, whereas the highest anti-inflammatory activity was noted for the P. foetida, Aglaia- and Caesalpinia species.
Cullin 3 and Blood Pressure Regulation: Insights From Familial Hyperkalemic Hypertension
Authors: Maeoka Yujiro , Cornelius Ryan J. , McCormick James A.
Published: March 2023

The study of rare monogenic forms of hypertension has led to the elucidation of important physiological pathways controlling blood pressure. Mutations in several genes cause familial hyperkalemic hypertension (also known as Gordon syndrome or pseudohypoaldosteronism type II). The most severe form of familial hyperkalemic hypertension is caused by mutations in
CUL3
, encoding CUL3 (Cullin 3)—a scaffold protein in an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex that tags substrates for proteasomal degradation. In the kidney,
CUL3
mutations cause accumulation of the substrate WNK (with-no-lysine [K]) kinase and ultimately hyperactivation of the renal NaCl cotransporter—the target of the first-line antihypertensive thiazide diuretics. The precise mechanisms by which mutant CUL3 causes WNK kinase accumulation have been unclear, but several functional defects are likely to contribute. The hypertension seen in familial hyperkalemic hypertension also results from effects exerted by mutant CUL3 on several pathways in vascular smooth muscle and endothelium that modulate vascular tone. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which wild type and mutant CUL3 modulate blood pressure through effects on the kidney and vasculature, potential effects in the central nervous system and heart, and future directions for investigation.
A Scoping Review of the Metaverse for Software Engineering Education: Overview, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Fernandes Filipe A. , Werner Cláudia M. L.
Published: March 2023

In the Software Engineering Education (SEE) context, virtual worlds have been used in order to improve learning outcomes. However, there is a gap in the literature in order to characterize the use of the Metaverse for SEE. The objective of this work is to characterize the state of the art of virtual worlds in SEE and provide research opportunities and challenges to fill the limitations found. We conducted a systematic literature review, and we established 8 research questions that guided the study, as well as performed data extraction. We report on 17 primary studies that deal mostly with immersive experiences in SEE. The results show some limitations: few Software Engineering (SE) topics are covered; most applications simulate environments and do not explore new ways of viewing and interacting; there is no interoperability between virtual worlds; learning analysis techniques are not applied; and biometric data are not considered in the validations of the studies. Although there are virtual worlds for SEE, the results indicate the need to develop mechanisms in order to support the integration between virtual worlds. Therefore, based on the findings of the review, we established a set of components grouped by 5 layers to enable the Metaverse for SEE through fundamental requirements. We hope that this work can motivate promising research in order to foster immersive learning experiences in SE through the Metaverse.
Complexes of species of Eumorpha Hübner [1807] (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) from the Maranhão State, Brazil
Authors: LIMA TAUANNY MARIA ALMEIDA , SENA JASMINE DÉA NOGUEIRA , CÂMARA JOSELEIDE TEIXEIRA , TESTON JOSÉ AUGUSTO
Published: March 2023

Eumorpha is a genus of moths that was described by Hübner in 1807, and currently has 28 valid species, distributed between temperate and tropical regions of the Americas. Thirteen species have been recorded for Brazil. The main characteristic of the group is the presence of a dark rectangular bar on the forewing of most species and also a pair of triangular spots on the thorax. Maranhão is a Brazilian State located in the Northeast of the country, its territory is composed of three biomes: Cerrado (64%) Amazon (35%), and Caatinga (1%). This work aimed to carry out a study of Eumorpha inventory with a taxonomic focus on three complexes of species occurring in Maranhão: Eumorpha anchemolus (Cramer, 1779), Eumorpha analis (Rothschild & Jordan, 1903) and Eumorpha obliquus (Rothschild & Jordan, 1903). We analyzed 194 specimens belonging to 13 species, seven of which are representatives of the examined complexes. The specimens studied come from 13 municipalities in the State, seven from the Cerrado biome, and six from the Amazon biome. This study contributed to the knowledge of the Eumorpha fauna and demonstrated that it is still underestimated throughout the Brazilian territory. Following this work the number of species has increased significantly for the Maranhão State. Moreover, our work showed that the identification carried out only by the external morphology of habitus is not efficient for the analyzed complexes of species. This present article also demonstrates that the use of genitalia characters is a good approach to separate species within the groups.
New species of Illiesonemoura and Nemoura (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) from Yunnan Province of southern China
Authors: ZHAO MENG-YUAN , REHMAN ABDUR , DU YU-ZHOU
Published: March 2023

Two new species of Nemouridae, Illiesonemoura qianae Du, Zhao, & Rehman sp. nov. and Nemoura longistyla Zhao, Rehman & Du sp. nov., are described and illustrated from Yunnan Province of southern China. The morphological characteristics of the new species are compared to related taxa and new images are also provided.
Let’s Unleash the Network Judgment: A Self-Supervised Approach for Cloud Image Analysis
Authors: Dematties Dario , Raut Bhupendra A. , Park Seongha , Jackson Robert C. , Shahkarami Sean , Kim Yongho , Sankaran Rajesh , Beckman Pete , Collis Scott M. , Ferrier Nicola
Published: March 2023

Accurate cloud type identification and coverage analysis are crucial in understanding the Earth’s radiative budget. Traditional computer vision methods rely on low-level visual features of clouds for estimating cloud coverage or sky conditions. Several handcrafted approaches have been proposed; however, scope for improvement still exists. Newer deep neural networks (DNNs) have demonstrated superior performance for cloud segmentation and categorization. These methods, however, need expert engineering intervention in the preprocessing steps—in the traditional methods—or human assistance in assigning cloud or clear sky labels to a pixel for training DNNs. Such human mediation imposes considerable time and labor costs. We present the application of a new self-supervised learning approach to autonomously extract relevant features from sky images captured by ground-based cameras, for the classification and segmentation of clouds. We evaluate a joint embedding architecture that uses self-knowledge distillation plus regularization. We use two datasets to demonstrate the network’s ability to classify and segment sky images—one with ∼ 85,000 images collected from our ground-based camera and another with 400 labeled images from the WSISEG database. We find that this approach can discriminate full-sky images based on cloud coverage, diurnal variation, and cloud base height. Furthermore, it semantically segments the cloud areas without labels. The approach shows competitive performance in all tested tasks,
suggesting a new alternative for cloud characterization.
A SmallSat Concept to Resolve Diurnal and Vertical Variations of Aerosols, Clouds, and Boundary Layer Height
Authors: Yorks John E. , Wang Jun , McGill Matthew J. , Follette-Cook Melanie , Nowottnick Edward P. , Reid Jeffrey S. , Colarco Peter R. , Zhang Jianglong , Kalashnikova Olga , Yu Hongbin , Marenco Franco , Santanello Joseph A. , Weckwerth Tammy M. , Li Zhanqing , Campbell James R. , Yang Ping , Diao Minghui , Noel Vincent , Meyer Kerry G. , Carr James L. , Garay Michael , Christian Kenneth , Bennedetti Angela , Ring Allison M. , Crawford Alice , Pavolonis Michael J. , Aquila Valentina , Kim Jhoon , Kondragunta Shobha
Published: March 2023

A SmallSat mission concept is formulated here to carry out Time-varying Optical Measurements of Clouds and Aerosol Transport (TOMCAT) from space while embracing low-cost opportunities enabled by the revolution in Earth science observation technologies. TOMCAT’s “around-the-clock” measurements will provide needed insights and strong synergy with existing Earth observation satellites to 1) statistically resolve diurnal and vertical variation of cirrus cloud properties (key to Earth’s radiation budget), 2) determine the impacts of regional and seasonal planetary boundary layer (PBL) diurnal variation on surface air quality and low-level cloud distributions, and 3) characterize smoke and dust emission processes impacting their long-range transport on the subseasonal to seasonal time scales. Clouds, aerosol particles, and the PBL play critical roles in Earth’s climate system at multiple spatiotemporal scales. Yet their vertical variations as a function of local time are poorly measured from space. Active sensors for profiling the atmosphere typically utilize sun-synchronous low-Earth orbits (LEO) with rather limited temporal and spatial coverage, inhibiting the characterization of spatiotemporal variability. Pairing compact active lidar and passive multiangle remote sensing technologies from an inclined LEO platform enables measurements of the diurnal and vertical variability of aerosols, clouds, and aerosol-mixing-layer (or PBL) height in tropical-to-midlatitude regions where most of the world’s population resides. TOMCAT is conceived to bring potential societal benefits by delivering its data products in near–real time and offering on-demand hazard-monitoring capabilities to profile fire injection of smoke particles, the frontal lofting of dust particles, and the eruptive rise of volcanic plumes.
A Statistical Downscaling Model Based on Multiway Functional Principal Component Analysis for Southern Australia Winter Rainfall
Authors: Cao Shuren , Cao Chunzheng , Li Yun , Zhu Lianhua
Published: March 2023

We propose a statistical downscaling model based on multiway functional principal component analysis (FPCA) for rainfall prediction. The model mainly explains the relationship between the winter mean sea level pressure (MSLP) and rainfall in southern Australia from the perspective of functional data. In comparison with the traditional approach of feature extraction based on principal component analysis, the multiway FPCA needs fewer principal components not only to capture the most variance in MSLP but also to greatly avoid the loss of spatial information. A functional principal component (FPC) regression is further developed to simulate both current and future rainfall. The main results show that the first five leading FPCs are sufficient to capture the spatial characteristics of winter MSLP, achieving the purpose of efficient dimensionality reduction. Specifically, no more than three FPCs are required to develop the functional downscaling models for the winter rainfall over four studied regions. The functional downscaling model provides a good skill in terms of the correlation higher than 0.7 between the predictions and observations and the ratio of root-mean-square error to the climatology of winter rainfall below 20% over four regions. The developed downscaling models are further used to interpret the MSLP patterns from four CMIP5 climate models [ACCESS1.3, BCC_CSM1.1(m), CESM1(CAM5), and MPI-ESM-MR], which have been used to simulate both present-day and future climate. The resulting downscaled values based on ensemble MSLP provide 1) a closer representation of observed present-day rainfall than the raw climate model values and 2) alternative estimates of future changes in rainfall that arise from changes in MSLP.
Dipole Response of Millennial Variability in Tropical South American Precipitation and δ18Op during the Last Deglaciation. Part II: δ18Op Response
Authors: Bao Yuntao , Liu Zhengyu , He Chengfei
Published: March 2023

Understanding the hydroclimate representations of precipitation δ18O (δ18Op) in tropical South America (TSA) is crucial for climate reconstruction from available speleothem caves. Our preceding study (Part I) highlights a heterogeneous response in millennial hydroclimate over the TSA during the last deglaciation (20–11 ka before present), characterized by a northwest–southeast (NW–SE) dipole in both rainfall and δ18Op, with opposite signs between central-western Amazon and eastern Brazil. Mechanisms of such δ18Op dipole response are further investigated in this study with the aid of moisture tagging simulations. In response to increased meltwater discharge, the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) migrates southward, causing a moisture source location shift and depleting the isotopic value of the vapor transported into eastern Brazil, which almost entirely contributes to the δ18Op depletion in eastern Brazil (SE pole). In contrast, the moisture source location change and local condensation change (due to the lowering convergence level and increased rain reevaporation in unsaturated subcloud layers) contribute nearly equally to the δ18Op enrichment in the central-western Amazon (NW pole). Therefore, although a clear inverse relationship between δ18Op and rainfall in both dipole regions seems to support the “amount effect,” we argue that the local rainfall amount only partially interprets the millennial δ18Op change in the central-western Amazon, while δ18Op does not document local rainfall change in eastern Brazil. Thus, the paleoclimate community should be cautious when using δ18Op as a proxy for past local precipitation in the TSA region. Finally, we discuss the discrepancy between the model and speleothem proxies on capturing the millennial δ18Op dipole response and pose a challenge in reconciling the discrepancy.

Significance Statement

We want to comprehensively understand the hydroclimate footprints of δ18Op and the mechanisms of the millennial variability of δ18Op over tropical South America with the help of water tagging experiments performed by the isotope-enabled Community Earth System Model (iCESM). We argue that the millennial δ18Op change in eastern Brazil mainly documents the moisture source location change associated with ITCZ migration and the change of the isotopic value of the incoming water vapor, instead of the local rainfall amount. In contrast, the central-western Amazon partially documents the moisture source location shift and local precipitation change. Our study cautions that one should not simply resort to the isotopic “amount effect” to reconstruct past precipitation in tropical regions without studying the mechanisms behind it.
Effect of radiative and nonradiative energy transfer processes of light-emitting diodes combined with quantum dots for visible light communication
Authors: Chiang Wen-Hao , Chang Yu-Hsiang , Lin Chien-Chung , Kuo Hao-Chung , Lin Gong-Ru , Huang Jian-Jang
Published: March 2023

Though light-emitting diodes (LEDs) combined with various color conversion techniques have been widely explored for VLC (visible light communication), E-O (electro-optical) frequency responses of devices with quantum dots (QDs) embedded within the nanoholes have rarely been addressed. Here we propose LEDs with embedded photonic crystal (PhC) nanohole patterns and green light QDs for studying small-signal E-O frequency bandwidths and large signal on–off keying E-O responses. We observe that the E-O modulation quality of PhC LEDs with QDs is better than a conventional LED with QDs when the overall blue mixed with green light output signal is considered. However, the optical response of only QD converted green light shows a contradictory result. The slower E-O conversion response is attributed to multi-path green light generation from both radiative and nonradiative energy transfer processes for QDs coated on the PhC LEDs.
The curious case of testicular descent: factors controlling testicular descent with a note on cryptorchidism
Authors: Reny Sumi Elizebeth , Mukherjee Aruna , Mol P. Mini
Published: March 2023

Background

The testicular descent is a uniquely complex process depending upon multiple factors like growth and reorganisation of the specific gonadal ligaments, hormones, etc., which interplay with each other. Though an unambiguous event, it is still laced with incredulity since the data interpretation were intermingled between different species creating more ambiguity in certain aspects of this process. In order to understand the aetiopathology of cryptorchidism the extensive study of the factors controlling the descent is necessitous.

Main body

Though testes originate in the abdomen, they migrate to an extra abdominal site the scrotum, which makes it vulnerable to pathological conditions associated with the descent. The hormones that play vital role in the first phase of descent are insulin-like hormone 3 (INSL3), Anti-müllerian hormone as well as testosterone, whereas androgens, genitofemoral nerve and its neurotransmitter calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) influence the second phase. Despite the vast research regarding the complex nexus of events involving the descent there are disparities among the cross species studies. However all these discrepancies make testicular descent yet again fascinating and perplexing. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive review including recent advances which provides thorough coverage of anatomical and hormonal factors in the descent as well as cryptorchidism.

Conclusion

Though our understanding on testicular descent has evolved over the decades there still has obscurity surrounding it and the studies on the factors responsible for descent are becoming more intense with the time. Our knowledge on many factors such as INSL3 and CGRP is more established now; however, on the other hand the role of androgens still remains speculative. As the knowledge and understanding of the biological process of testicular descent increases it will pave ways to new treatment plans to treat cryptorchidism more effectively.
Whole-genome sequencing of cryopreserved resources from French Large White pigs at two distinct sampling times reveals strong signatures of convergent and divergent selection between the dam and sire lines
Authors: Boitard Simon , Liaubet Laurence , Paris Cyriel , Fève Katia , Dehais Patrice , Bouquet Alban , Riquet Juliette , Mercat Marie-José
Published: March 2023

Background

Numerous genomic scans for positive selection have been performed in livestock species within the last decade, but often a detailed characterization of the detected regions (gene or trait under selection, timing of selection events) is lacking. Cryopreserved resources stored in reproductive or DNA gene banks offer a great opportunity to improve this characterization by providing direct access to recent allele frequency dynamics, thereby differentiating between signatures from recent breeding objectives and those related to more ancient selection constraints. Improved characterization can also be achieved by using next-generation sequencing data, which helps narrowing the size of the detected regions while reducing the number of associated candidate genes.

Methods

We estimated genetic diversity and detected signatures of recent selection in French Large White pigs by sequencing the genomes of 36 animals from three distinct cryopreserved samples: two recent samples from dam (LWD) and sire (LWS) lines, which had diverged from 1995 and were selected under partly different objectives, and an older sample from 1977 prior to the divergence.

Results

French LWD and LWS lines have lost approximately 5% of the SNPs that segregated in the 1977 ancestral population. Thirty-eight genomic regions under recent selection were detected in these lines and the corresponding selection events were further classified as convergent between lines (18 regions), divergent between lines (10 regions), specific to the dam line (6 regions) or specific to the sire line (4 regions). Several biological functions were found to be significantly enriched among the genes included in these regions: body size, body weight and growth regardless of the category, early life survival and calcium metabolism more specifically in the signatures in the dam line and lipid and glycogen metabolism more specifically in the signatures in the sire line. Recent selection onIGF2was confirmed and several other regions were linked to a single candidate gene (ARHGAP10,BMPR1B,GNA14,KATNA1,LPIN1,PKP1,PTH,SEMA3EorZC3HAV1, among others).

Conclusions

These results illustrate that sequencing the genome of animals at several recent time points generates considerable insight into the traits, genes and variants under recent selection in a population. This approach could be applied to other livestock populations, e.g. by exploiting the rich biological resources stored in cryobanks.
A clinical phase I dose-finding design with adaptive shrinking boundaries for drug combination trials
Authors: Li Zhaohang , Xu Ze , Zhang Aijun , Qi Guanpeng , Li Zuojing
Published: March 2023

Background

Combinations of drugs are becoming increasingly common in oncology treatment. In some cases, patients can benefit from the interaction between two drugs, although there is usually a higher risk of developing toxicity. Due to drug–drug interactions, multidrug combinations often exhibit different toxicity profiles than those of single drugs, leading to a complex trial scenario. Numerous methods have been proposed for the design of phase I drug combination trials. For example, the two-dimensional Bayesian optimal interval design for combination drug (BOINcomb) is simple to implement and has desirable performance. However, in scenarios where the lowest and starting dose is close to being toxic, the BOINcomb design may tend to allocate more patients to overly toxic doses, and select an overly toxic dose combination as the maximum tolerated dose combination.

Method

To improve the performance of BOINcomb in the above extreme scenarios, we widen the range of variation of the boundaries by setting the self-shrinking dose escalation and de-escalation boundaries. We refer to the new design as adaptive shrinking Bayesian optimal interval design for combination drug (asBOINcomb). We conduct a simulation study to evaluate the performance of the proposed design using a real clinical trial example.

Results

Our simulation results show that asBOINcomb is more accurate and stable than BOINcomb, especially in some extreme scenarios. Specifically, in all ten scenarios, the percentage of correct selection is higher than the BOINcomb design within 30 to 60 patients.

Conclusion

The proposed asBOINcomb design is transparent and simple to implement and can reduce the trial sample size while maintaining accuracy compared with the BOINcomb design.
Effect of the ratios of estradiol increase on the outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer with antagonist regimens: a single center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wei Chun-Xiao , Zhang Liang , Pang Cong-Hui , Qi Ying-Hua , Zhang Jian-Wei
Published: March 2023

Background

The outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF) is often determined according to follicle and estradiol levels following gonadotropin stimulation. In previous studies, although most of them analyzed the estrogen level from ovaries or the average estrogen level of a single follicle, there was no study on the ratio of estrogen increase, which was also correlated with pregnancy outcomes in the clinic. This study aimed to make timely adjustments to follow-up medication to improve clinical outcomes based on the potential value of estradiol growth rate.

Methods

We comprehensively analyzed estrogen growth during the entire ovarian stimulation period. Serum estradiol levels were measured on the day of gonadotropin treatment (Gn1), five days later (Gn5), eight days later (Gn8), and on the trigger day (HCG). This ratio was used to determine the increase in estradiol levels. According to the ratio of estradiol increase, the patients were divided into four groups: A1 (Gn5/Gn1 ≤ 6.44), A2 (6.44 < Gn5/Gn1 ≤ 10.62), A3 (10.62 < Gn5/Gn1 ≤ 21.33), and A4 (Gn5/Gn1 > 21.33); B1 (Gn8/Gn5 ≤ 2.39), B2 (2.39 < Gn8/Gn5 ≤ 3.03), B3 (3.03 < Gn8/Gn5 ≤ 3.84), and B4 (Gn8/Gn5 > 3.84). We analyzed and compared the relationship between data in each group and pregnancy outcomes.

Results

In the statistical analysis, the estradiol levels of Gn5 (P = 0.029, P = 0.042), Gn8 (P < 0.001, P = 0.001), and HCG (P < 0.001, P = 0.002), as well as Gn5/Gn1 (P = 0.004, P = 0.006), Gn8/Gn5 (P = 0.001, P = 0.002), and HCG/Gn1 (P < 0.001, P < 0.001) both had clinical guiding significance, and lower one significantly reduced the pregnancy rate. The outcomes were positively linked to groups A (P = 0.036, P = 0.043) and B (P = 0.014, P = 0.013), respectively. The logistical regression analysis revealed that group A1 (OR = 0.376 [0.182–0.779]; P = 0.008*, OR = 0.401 [0.188–0.857]; P = 0.018*) and B1 (OR = 0.363 [0.179–0.735]; P = 0.005*, OR = 0.389 [0.187–0.808]; P = 0.011*) had opposite influence on outcomes.

Conclusion

Maintaining a serum estradiol increase ratio of at least 6.44 on Gn5/Gn1 and 2.39 on Gn8/Gn5 may result in a higher pregnancy rate, especially in young people.
Effect of a 1-year tailored exercise program according to cancer trajectories in patients with breast cancer: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ryu Jiin , Lee Eun-Young , Min Jihee , Yeon Sujin , Lee Ji-Won , Chu Sang Hui , Lee Hyangkyu , Kim Seung Il , Kim Jee Ye , Park Seho , Jeon Justin Y.
Published: March 2023

Background

Patients with breast cancer undergo various treatments according to their tumor subtype and cancer stages within 1 year after being diagnosed. Each treatment may cause treatment-related symptoms that have negative impacts on patients’ health and quality of life (QoL) The symptoms can be mitigated when exercise interventions are appropriately applied to patients’ physical and mental conditions. Although many exercise programs were developed and implemented during this period, the effects of tailored exercise programs according to symptoms and cancer trajectories on patients’ long-term health outcomes have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, this randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to investigate the effect of tailored home-based exercise programs on short-term and long-term physiological outcomes in patients with breast cancer.

Methods

This 12-month RCT includes 96 patients with (stages 1–3) breast cancer randomly assigned to the exercise or control groups. Participants in the exercise group will receive an exercise program tailored to their phase of treatment, type of surgery, and physical function. During post-operative recovery, exercise interventions will be emphasized to improve shoulder range of motion (ROM) and strength. During chemoradiation therapy, exercise intervention will focus on improving physical function and preventing loss of muscle mass. Once chemoradiation therapy is completed, exercise intervention will focus on improving cardiopulmonary fitness and insulin resistance. All interventions will be home-based exercise programs supplemented with once-monthly exercise education and counseling sessions. The main outcome of the study is fasting insulin level at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year post-intervention. Our secondary outcomes include shoulder ROM and strength at 1 month and 3 months, body composition, inflammatory markers, microbiome, QoL, and physical activity levels at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year post-intervention.

Conclusion

This trial is the first tailored home-based exercise oncology trial to better understand the comprehensive phase-dependent short- and long-term effects of exercise on shoulder function, body composition, fasting insulin, biomarkers, and microbiome. The results of this study will inform the development of effective exercise programs tailored to the needs of patients with breast cancer post-operatively.

Trial registration

The protocol for this study is registered with the Korean Clinical Trials Registry (KCT0007853).
Comprehensive ABA-based interventions in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder – a meta-analysis
Authors: Eckes Theresa , Buhlmann Ulrike , Holling Heinz-Dieter , Möllmann Anne
Published: March 2023

Background

Many studies display promising results for interventions that are based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: This meta-analysis assessed the effects of such treatments on developmental outcomes in children with ASD and on parental stress based on 11 studies with 632 participants. Results: Compared to treatment as usual, minimal or no treatment, comprehensive ABA-based interventions showed medium effects for intellectual functioning (standardized mean difference SMD = 0.51, 95% CI [0.09; 0.92]) and adaptive behavior (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI [0.03; 0.70]). Language abilities, symptom severity or parental stress did not improve beyond the improvement in control groups. Moderator analyses indicate that language abilities at intake could influence the effect sizes and the influence of treatment intensity might decrease with older age. Conclusions: Practical implications and limitations are discussed.
The impact of NHS charging regulations on healthcare access and utilisation among migrants in England: a systematic review
Authors: Rassa Nazanin , McCarthy Margaret , Casalotti Seb , Zhang Claire , Wurie Fatima , Brown Colin , Campos-Matos Ines
Published: March 2023

Background

The NHS Charges to Overseas Visitors Regulations 2015 outline when healthcare costs should be recuperated from overseas visitors in England. National and global stakeholders have expressed concerns that charging may exacerbate health inequalities and undermine public health efforts especially among vulnerable migrant groups. This review aims to systematically describe the evidence regarding the impact of NHS charging regulations on healthcare access and utilisation and health outcomes for migrants in England.

Methods

A systematic search of scientific databases and grey literature sources was performed. Quantitative and qualitative studies, case studies and grey literature published between 1 January 2014 and 1 April 2021 were included. Screening, data extraction and quality appraisal were carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.

Results

From the 1,459 identified studies, 10 were selected for inclusion. 6 were qualitative, 3 were mixed methods and 1 was quantitative. The evidence is lacking but suggests that fears of charging and data sharing can deter some migrants from accessing healthcare. There is also evidence to suggest a lack of knowledge of the charging regulations among patients and healthcare professionals is contributing to this deterrence.

Conclusions

Further independent research supported by strengthening of data collection is required to better understand the effects of charging on healthcare and health outcomes among vulnerable migrants. Our findings support improved training and communication about NHS Charging Regulations for patients and professionals.
Hybrid of Smith-Peterson and Watson-Jones minimally invasive direct anterior approach to the hip joint
Authors: Zhang Ting , Choudhury Sambhu
Published: March 2023

Background

Muscle-sparing techniques, more consistent acetabular component positioning with fluoroscopy guidance, development in implants and instrumentation, expedited rehabilitation, and patients’ expectations have led to increased utilization of various direct anterior and anterolateral approaches to the hip joint.

Methods and surgical technique

In this technical note, we demonstrate for the first time a hybrid modification of traditional Smith-Peterson and Watson-Jones approaches to the hip joint on a standard operating room (OR) table.

Conclusions

As demonstrated in this article, a precise knowledge of anatomy and clear goals in the surgical approach can minimize complications and facilitate visualization and instrumentation placement in the “direct anterior approach” to the hip joint.
Association of apolipoprotein A1 with osteoporosis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sun Xiaozhi , Wu Xiaotao
Published: March 2023

Higher levels of apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) were associated with higher risk of osteoporosis, which supports the argument that lipid metabolism is involved in bone metabolism.

Background

Although the current evidence shows that lipid metabolism and osteoporosis are closely related to cardiovascular disease, the association between ApoA1 and osteoporosis is still unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between ApoA1 and osteoporosis.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we included 7743 participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. ApoA1 was regarded as an exposure variable and osteoporosis was considered as an outcome variable. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, sensitivity analysis, and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) were used to assess the association of ApoA1 with osteoporosis.

Results

Participants with higher ApoA1 had higher rates of osteoporosis compared to participants with lower ApoA1 (P <  0.05). Individuals with osteoporosis had higher levels of ApoA1 than individuals without osteoporosis (P <  0.05). In multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, race, hypertension, diabetes, gout, hypotensive drugs, hypoglycemic drugs, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, blood urea nitrogen, albumin, uric acid, hemoglobin A1c, alkaline phosphatase and total calcium, higher ApoA1 was strongly associated with higher risk of osteoporosis, whether as a continuous variable or a categorical variable [Model 3, OR (95% CI), P value: 2.289 (1.350, 3.881), 0.002 and 1.712 (1.183, 2.478), 0.004]. And after excluding individuals with gout, the correlation between them remained and was significant (P <  0.01). And ROC analysis also showed that ApoA1 could predict the development of osteoporosis (AUC = 0.650, P <  0.001).

Conclusion

ApoA1 was closely associated with osteoporosis.
The role of intraoperative hyperspectral imaging (HSI) in colon interposition after esophagectomy
Authors: Zimmermann Anne , Köhler Hannes , Chalopin Claire , Jansen-Winkeln Boris , Nowotny Robert , Schönherr Till , Mehdorn Matthias , Uttinger Konstantin Lukas , Thieme René , Gockel Ines , Moulla Yusef
Published: March 2023

Background

Colon conduit is an alternative approach to reconstructing the alimentary tract after esophagectomy. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) has been demonstrated to be effective for evaluating the perfusion of gastric conduits, but not colon conduits. This is the first study to describe this new tool addressing image-guided surgery and supporting esophageal surgeons to select the optimal colon segment for the conduit and anastomotic site intraoperatively.

Patients and methods

Of 10 patients, eight who underwent reconstruction with a long-segment colon conduit after esophagectomy between 01/05/2018 and 01/04/2022 were included in this study. HSI was recorded at the root and tip of the colon conduit after clamping the middle colic vessels, allowing us to evaluate the perfusion and appropriate part of the colon segment.

Results

Anastomotic leak (AL) was detected in only one (12.5%) of all the enrolled patients (n = 8). None of the patients developed conduit necrosis. Only one patient required re-anastomosis on postoperative day 4. No patient needed conduit removal, esophageal diversion, or stent placement. There was a change in the anastomosis site to proximal in two patients intraoperatively. There was no need to change the side of colon conduit intraoperatively in any patient.

Conclusion

HSI is a promising and novel intraoperative imaging tool to objectively assess the perfusion of the colon conduit. It helps the surgeon to define the best perfused anastomosis site and the side of colon conduit in this type of operation.
Transurethral en bloc resection of a bladder perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa): a case report
Authors: Zeng Shi-Ping , Sun Yi-Fei , Ye Jun-Bing , Zeng Ke , Li Xiao-Bin
Published: March 2023

Background

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) is a mesenchymal tumor with distinct histologic and immunologic features. PEComas that originate in the bladder are extremely rare clinically, with only 35 cases reported in the English literature thus far. Here, we report a case of bladder PEComa resection by transurethral en bloc resection of bladder tumor (ERBT).

Case presentation

A 66-year-old female with a history of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes with associated complications of frequent urinary tract infections presented to our hospital for a routine physical examination. Outpatient ultrasound examination revealed a strong echogenic mass of approximately 1.5 × 1.3 × 1.3 cm in size on the posterior wall of the bladder. The enhanced computed tomography and enhanced magnetic resonance imaging after admission both suggested a well-defined isolated nodular mass on the posterior wall of the bladder with significant enhancement on the enhanced scan. The tumor was successfully and completely resected by ERBT. Postoperative pathological examination and immunohistochemical results confirmed the mass was a bladder PEComa. No tumor recurrence was observed in the six-month postoperative follow-up.

Conclusion

Bladder PEComa is an extremely rare mesenchymal tumor of the urinary system. When imaging and cystoscopy reveal a nodular mass with an abundant blood supply in the bladder, PEComa should be included in the differential diagnosis of bladder tumors. Surgical resection is currently the primary option for the treatment of bladder PEComa. For a solitary, pedunculated, narrow-based, small-sized bladder PEComa, resection of the tumor by ERBT was a safe and feasible approach in our patient and may be considered for similar cases in the future.
The effects of foot reflexology on symptoms of discomfort in palliative care: a feasibility study
Authors: Marcolin Marie Lavarelo , Tarot Andréa , Lombardo Véronique , Pereira Bruno , Lander Axelle Van , Guastella Virginie
Published: March 2023

Background

In palliative care, the relief of discomfort is sought by an overall approach, combining prescribed medication and additional therapies, such as foot reflexology (FR). The main objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of FR in a population of inpatients in a palliative care unit (PCU).The precariousness of the patients led us to perform a feasibility study and not a cohort study from the outset. Its secondary objective was to assess the impact of an FR session on some symptoms of discomfort (anxiety, pain, troubled sleep, and psychological distress).

Methods

This is a feasibility study designed as a randomized controlled two-arm therapeutic trial. One arm tested FR, the other an active control, massage therapy (MT). The evaluators were blinded.

Results

FR was feasible for 14 patients out of the 15 included in the FR group (95% CI [68%; 100%]). These patients were in the palliative care phase of cancer, motor neuron disease, or terminal organ failure. Concerning the symptoms of discomfort, ESAS sleep quality score was on average 3.9 (± 2.5) before a session in the FR group. It was improved to an average of 3 (± 2.3) on the day after the session (effect-size = 0.38 [0.03; 0.73]).

Conclusion

This study confirms the feasibility of an FR session for patients hospitalized in a PCU. It resulted in a slight improvement in sleep quality. For other discomfort symptoms such as anxiety, pain and distress, FR yielded a non-significant improvement. Significant results would have needed a larger cohort.
Reflection on the teaching of student-centred formative assessment in medical curricula: an investigation from the perspective of medical students
Authors: Ma Tianjiao , Li Yin , Yuan Hua , Li Feng , Yang Shujuan , Zhan Yongzhi , Yao Jiannan , Mu Dongmei
Published: March 2023

Background

Formative assessment (FA) is becoming increasingly common in higher education, although the teaching practice of student-centred FA in medical curricula is still very limited. In addition, there is a lack of theoretical and pedagogical practice studies observing FA from medical students’ perspectives. The aim of this study is to explore and understand ways to improve student-centred FA, and to provide a practical framework for the future construction of an FA index system in medical curricula.

Methods

This study used questionnaire data from undergraduate students in clinical medicine, preventive medicine, radiology, and nursing at a comprehensive university in China. The feelings of medical students upon receiving student-centred FA, assessment of faculty feedback, and satisfaction were analysed descriptively.

Results

Of the 924 medical students surveyed, 37.1% had a general understanding of FA, 94.2% believed that the subject of teaching assessment was the teacher, 59% believed that teacher feedback on learning tasks was effective, and 36.3% received teacher feedback on learning tasks within one week. In addition, student satisfaction results show that students’ satisfaction with teacher feedback was 1.71 ± 0.747 points, and their satisfaction with learning tasks was 1.83 ± 0.826 points.

Conclusion

Students as participants and collaborators in FA provide valid feedback for improving student-centred FA in terms of student cognition, empowered participation, and humanism. In addition, we suggest that medical educators avoid taking student satisfaction as a single indicator for measuring student-centred FA and to try to build an assessment index system of FA, to highlight the advantages of FA in medical curricula.
Apolipoprotein C3 is negatively associated with estrogen and mediates the protective effect of estrogen on hypertriglyceridemia in obese adults
Authors: Li Jinman , Sun Honglin , Wang Ying , Liu Jia , Wang Guang
Published: March 2023

Background

Both estrogen and apolipoprotein C3 (ApoC3) play crucial roles in lipid metabolism. But the link between them remains unclear, and it is unknown whether estrogen regulates triglyceride (TG) levels via ApoC3. Researchers hypothesized that estrogen exerts a regulatory effect on ApoC3 metabolism, and that this regulation could play a significant role in lipid metabolism. To explore this potential link, the present investigation aimed to examine the associations between estradiol (E2), ApoC3, and TG levels in both males and females.

Methods

A total of 519 obese people (133 males and 386 premenopausal females) were recruited. Based on their TG levels, the participants were split into two groups [hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) group: TG ≥ 1.7 mmol/L; control group: TG < 1.7 mmol/L]. Serum ApoC3, E2, and TG levels were measured and compared in those two groups for both sexes separately. To ascertain the connection among E2, ApoC3, and TG, linear regression and mediation analysis were used.

Results

Participants in the HTG group presented higher levels of ApoC3 (P < 0.001). In contrast, they tend to have lower E2 levels than the control. Linear regression analysis proposed that in both sexes, E2 was negatively associated with ApoC3 levels. The relationship remained significant after adjustment for confounding factors (male: standardized β = -0.144, t = -2.392, P < 0.05; female: standardized β = -0.077, t = -2.360, P < 0.001). Furthermore, mediation analysis revealed the relationship between reduced E2 levels and elevated TG levels is directly mediated by ApoC3.

Conclusions

In obese men and premenopausal women, ApoC3 was negatively and linearly correlated with serum E2 levels. The findings showed that estrogen may suppress ApoC3 expression and thus lower TG levels.