bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation on the Dry-Type Electrochemical Polishing of 304 Stainless Steel with Ion-Exchange Resin Particles
Authors: Lv Zhigang , Wang Lishi , Liu Yafei , Hu Xinbin , Bu Zhixiang
Published: July 2024

Dry-type electrochemical polishing (DECP) technology integrates the mechanical action of resin particles with the electrochemical action of working solutions to enhance the results of existing treatments. Homogeneous polishing across the entire surface of the piece is the main advantage compared with mechanical polishing. This article utilizes this method to polish the surface of 304 stainless steel, leading to an improved surface roughness from the original 1.23 μm to the final 98 nm. This innovation expands the potential applications of 304 stainless steel in the medical and food industries. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis subtle detect residual electrolyte components. It implies that resin particles containing liquid electrolytes can effectively prevent the remained harmful substance from the metal surface. Electrochemical analysis of polished sample shows that the E
corr
was −0.109 V for DECP specific sample compared with −0.0385 V for initial sample. The polishing process can be seen as the generation and removal of corrosion products.
Molecular signatures of longissimus dorsi differ between dairy cattle based on prepartum muscle reserves and branched-chain volatile fatty acid supplementation
Authors: Casey Theresa M. , Gouveia Kyrstin M. , Beckett Linda M. , Markworth James F. , Boerman Jacquelyn P.
Published: July 2024

Muscle biopsies of the longissimus dorsi of prepartum dairy cattle indicate that molecular signatures support distinct metabolic strategies between low- and high-muscle cattle and that branched-chain volatile fatty acid supplementation increased substrates for energy generation.
System Identification for Rigid‐Flexible Coupled Dynamics Model of a Cable‐Driven Aerial Manipulator
Authors: Xi Wanqiang , Ding Li , Ma Rui
Published: July 2024

Aerial manipulators, integrating a quadrotor base and a multifaceted manipulator, represent a frontier in robotic innovation. This study introduces an identification methodology for the comprehensive dynamics of a cable‐driven aerial manipulator, incorporating both rigidity and flexibility. The initial section delineates the conception of an inventive cable‐driven aerial manipulator. Subsequent to the design, separate dynamics models for the quadrotor and the cable system are formulated using the Newton–Euler approach. The manipulator’s dynamics incorporate joint flexibility, resulting in a hybrid rigid‐flexible dynamics model. A synthesized dynamics model emerges upon the integration of the quadrotor and manipulator models. For the system’s identification, a backpropagation neural network is utilized. Enhancement of the neural network’s performance is achieved through an augmented butterfly optimization algorithm (BOA), which fine‐tunes thresholds and weights. This algorithm operates effectively owing to a clustering‐based competitive learning and a chaotic elite learning strategy, demonstrating adeptness in data extraction. Experimental validation confirms the superior accuracy and precision of the model derived from the algorithm herein, in comparison to two alternative methodologies. The findings underscore the algorithm’s exceptional accuracy, robustness, and stability, providing an accurate dynamic representation of the aerial manipulator.
PID‐Based Freeway Work Zone Merge Control with Traffic State Prediction under Mixed Traffic Flow of Connected Automated Vehicles and Manual Vehicles
Authors: Kim Sunho , Kim Yongju , Kim Youngho , Lee Chungwon
Published: July 2024

During road work, lane closures significantly reduce road capacity and negatively impact traffic safety in the upstream segments. This study introduces a merge control strategy for the work zone on freeway that aims to alleviate severe congestion and improve flow efficiency in environments where manual vehicles (MVs) and connected automated vehicles (CAVs) coexist. Using a short‐term prediction model combined with a proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) controller, this strategy dynamically adjusts merging behavior based on real‐time traffic conditions. The PID controller calculates error values as the difference between current and target states, adjusting responses through proportional, integral, and derivative terms. The predictions of the traffic state based on the density of open lanes in each segment guide the controller’s decision to initiate a “Merge” or “No Merge” guidance. When merging is deemed necessary, the controller estimates the optimal number of vehicles to merge for each segment, using the severe congestion threshold as a reference point. This approach was tested using a microscopic simulation tool on a calibrated real‐world network under mixed traffic conditions. The results indicate that the proposed strategy effectively disperses merging upstream, increases merging speeds, and maintains lane density below critical congestion levels, thus enhancing operation efficiency and safety in work zone areas.
Enhancing Global Optimization through the Integration of Multiverse Optimizer with Opposition‐Based Learning
Authors: Pham Vu Hong Son , Nguyen Dang Nghiep Trinh , Nguyen Van Nam
Published: July 2024

The multiverse optimizer (MVO) is increasingly recognized across various scientific disciplines for its robust search capabilities that enhance decision‐making in diverse tasks. Despite its strengths, MVO often encounters limitations due to premature convergence, reducing its overall efficiency. To combat this, the study introduces an enhanced version of MVO, termed the improved MVO (iMVO), which incorporates an opposition‐based learning (OBL) strategy to overcome this limitation. The effectiveness of iMVO is assessed through a series of tests involving both classical and IEEE CEC 2021 benchmark functions, demonstrating competitive performance against established algorithms. Moreover, the applicability of iMVO to real‐world challenges is validated through its successful deployment in civil engineering tasks, particularly in optimizing truss designs and managing time‐cost tradeoffs. The results highlight iMVO’s stability and its promising potential for global optimization scenarios.
Challenge Test to Assess the Microbial Inhibitory Potential of Lactic Acid Bacteria in Ice-Kenkey
Authors: Atter Amy , Amoo-Gyasi Michael , Otwey Richard Yaw , Afotey Felix , Parry-Hanson Kunadu Angela , Amoa-Awua Wisdom
Published: July 2024

Foods fermented by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are considered safer and healthier due to LAB’s ability to inhibit pathogen growth and produce bioactive compounds. The study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in ice-kenkey, a chilled Ghanaian fermented maize beverage, against common foodborne pathogenic bacteria and to determine the duration of inhibition during ambient storage, all in the interest of promoting public health and safety. Samples of ice-kenkey obtained from a small‐scale producer and ice-kenkey produced in the laboratory were inoculated with overnight pure cultures of Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Salmonella spp. in nutrient broth at concentrations of about 108–109 CFU/ml during storage at room temperature (≈27°C). The population of the different pathogens in both samples of ice-kenkey was enumerated at different storage periods to assess their survival in the ice-kenkey, hence the antimicrobial activity of the ice-kenkey. The pH of both types of ice-kenkey was below 5.0 throughout the storage period of up to 140 h. The commercial ice-kenkey had higher LAB and yeast counts. For both types of ice-kenkey, there was a steady increase in the population of LAB and yeasts from the 0 h to 72 h period, followed by a steady decline from the 96 h to the 120 h period. There were variations in the survival of the different enteric pathogens in the ice-kenkey samples. Vibrio cholera and Salmonella spp. were not detected in both types of ice-kenkey within 8–24 h of storage at room temperature. However, for Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus, there were no significant reductions in their population within the first 8 h of the storage of both the laboratory and commercial ice-kenkey samples. This work demonstrated that the LAB in the ice-kenkey has remarkable inhibitory potential against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative pathogenic strains. In spite of this, producers need to minimise the risk of food‐borne diseases through improved food safety and hygienic practices to prevent and inhibit the growth of microbial pathogens during retailing and storage.
The Effectiveness of a Mobile Learning Environment in Improving Psychological Security in Blind Students
Authors: Koshiry Amr El , Eliwa Entesar , Abd El-Hafeez Tarek , Tony Mohamed Abd Allah
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the Edmodo mobile learning environment on promoting psychological security among university students with visual impairments, at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The researchers employed a combination of descriptive and quasiexperimental methodologies. The primary study sample consisted of 20 visually impaired students from Beni Suef University, divided equally between an experimental group (10 students) and a control group (10 students). To achieve the research objectives, the Psychological Security Scale was utilized and the experimental group received an intervention involving the implementation of a mobile learning environment using Edmodo. The data analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the postassessment, with the experimental group demonstrating an elevated sense of psychological security. Furthermore, the experimental group showed significant improvements in the pre‐ and postassessments, favoring the latter, with a standard score of 3.781. No significant differences were observed between the postassessment and the follow‐up evaluation of the experimental group, with a standard score of 0.471, indicating the continuous effectiveness of the Edmodo mobile learning environment in enhancing the psychological security of visually impaired university students. This efficacy was sustained even one month after the student’s graduation, as evidenced by the follow‐up assessment.
Figure S2 from Characterization of Non-Monotonic Relationships between Tumor Mutational Burden and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Anaya Jordan , Kung Julia , Baras Alexander S.
Published: July 2024

Model variability across folds. A, mean-normalized model fits for each training fold for an FCN model with simulated linear data. B, mean-normalized model fits for each training fold for an FCN model with simulated non-monotonic data.
Long-Term Socioeconomic and Mental Health Changes After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Women and Men
Authors: Smits Robin L.A. , Heuvelman Fleur , Nieuwenhuijsen Karen , Schober Patrick , Tan Hanno L. , van Valkengoed Irene G.M.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Long-term effects of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) may affect the ability to work and mental health. Our aim was to analyze 5-year changes in socioeconomic and mental health outcomes after OHCA in women and men.

METHODS:

We included 259 women and 996 men from North Holland, the Netherlands, who survived 30 days after OHCA occurred between 2009 and 2015. We assessed changes in employment, income, primary earner status, and anxiety/depression (using medication proxies) from the year before the OHCA to 5 years after with generalized linear mixed models, stratified by sex. We tested differences in changes by sex with interaction terms. Additionally, we explored yearly changes. The 5-year changes after OHCA were compared with changes in a sex- and age-matched sample of people without OHCA. Differences were tested using an interaction term of time and OHCA status.

RESULTS:

In both women and men (median age [Q1, Q3]: 51 [45, 55] and 54 [48, 57] years, respectively), decreases from before OHCA to 5 years thereafter were observed in the proportion employed (from 72.8% to 53.4% [women] and 80.9% to 63.7% [men]) and the median income. No change in primary earner status was observed in either sex. Dispensing of anxiety/depression medication increased only in women, especially after 1 year (odds ratio, 5.68 [95% CI, 2.05–15.74]) and 5 years (odds ratio, 5.73 [95% CI, 1.88–17.53]). Notable differences between women and men were observed for changes in primary earner status and anxiety/depression medication (eg, at year 1, odds ratio for women, 6.71 [95% CI, 1.96–23.01]; and for men, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.33–1.45]). However, except for anxiety/depression medication in women, similar changes were also observed in the general population.

CONCLUSIONS:

OHCA survivors experience changes in employment, income, and primary earner status similar to the general population. However, women who survived OHCA more often received anxiety/depression medication in the years following OHCA.
Higher general intelligence is associated with stable, efficient, and typical dynamic functional brain connectivity patterns
Authors: Ng Justin , Yu Ju-Chi , Feusner Jamie D. , Hawco Colin
Published: July 2024

General intelligence, referred to as g, is hypothesized to emerge from the capacity to dynamically and adaptively reorganize macroscale brain connectivity. Temporal reconfiguration can be assessed using dynamic functional connectivity (dFC), which captures the propensity of brain connectivity to transition between a recurring repertoire of distinct states. Conventional dFC metrics commonly focus on categorical state switching frequencies which do not fully assess individual variation in continuous connectivity reconfiguration. Here, we supplement frequency measures by quantifying within-state connectivity consistency, dissimilarity between connectivity across states, and conformity of individual connectivity to group-average state connectivity. We utilized resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from the large-scale Human Connectome Project and applied data-driven multivariate Partial Least Squares Correlation to explore emergent associations between dynamic network properties and cognitive ability. Our findings reveal a positive association between g and the stable maintenance of states characterized by distinct connectivity between higher-order networks, efficient reconfiguration (i.e., minimal connectivity changes during transitions between similar states, large connectivity changes between dissimilar states), and ability to sustain connectivity close to group-average state connectivity. This hints at fundamental properties of brain–behavior organization, suggesting that general cognitive processing capacity may be supported by the ability to efficiently reconfigure between stable and population-typical connectivity patterns.
The neurochemistry of learning-driven sensory eye dominance plasticity
Authors: Kam Ka Yee , Chang Dorita H.F.
Published: July 2024

Sensory eye dominance (SED) refers to a functional asymmetry of the two eyes that is thought to result from the visual cortex assigning uneven weighting to the two eyes’ data. Dichoptic perceptual training has been shown to improve (reduce) SED in visually normal individuals, with behavioral improvements accompanied by alterations of neural responses in the primary visual cortex. The mechanisms underlying these learning-driven neural changes are not well understood. Here, using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we determined how inhibitory mechanisms in the early visual cortex (EVC) govern SED plasticity by measuring γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration changes before and after perceptual training. Fifty normal-sighted observers were trained on a dichoptic or binocular variant of a signal-in-noise (left–right) motion discrimination task. We observed significant shifts in SED following dichoptic (but not binocular) training. Before training, both groups exhibited lower GABA concentrations in the EVC when signals were presented to the dominant eye. Only after dichoptic training, GABA concentrations in the EVC increased during presentations of signals to the dominant eye and decreased during presentations of signals to the non-dominant eye. Our data suggest that dichoptic training drives changes in SED by promoting a rebalancing of interocular inhibition in the EVC.
Rhaponticoides nuriae (Asteraceae), a stunning new species from Morocco
Authors: BAKALI A. HOMRANI , SUSANNA A.
Published: July 2024

Rhaponticoides nuriae is described as a species new to science. Its affinities within the genus are analyzed and discussed. The new species is obviously very different from the two described species in Morocco and can be easily distinguished from those species by its distinct appendage with a very wide scarious margin and by its longer achenes. According to analyses of sequenced nuclear markers ITS and ETS, the new species cannot be reduced to any of the existing Rhaponticoides species. This may suggest that the species is an early branch separated from the bulk of the genus. The conservation issue is considered since the plants occur in a very cultivated zone. Photographic illustrations of the new plant species and an updated key to the Rhaponticoides species in Morocco are also provided.
First record of Discleroderma Kieffer (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae) from China and Republic of the Congo, with description of two new species
Authors: WANG CHUN-HONG , CHEN XUE-XIN
Published: July 2024

The genus Discleroderma Kieffer is recorded from China and Republic of the Congo for the first time. Two new species are described and illustrated: D. congoense sp. nov., D. xizangense sp. nov. from Republic of the Congo and China, respectively. An updated key to the world species of this genus is provided.
Influences of Anthropogenic Forcing on the Exceptionally Warm August 2022 over the Eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Duan Jianping , Zhang Haoxin , Jian Dongnan , Xiao Cunde , Hao Fengqi , Zhu Hongzhou , Lott Fraser C. , Stott Peter A.
Published: July 2024

Phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) simulations suggest that the extremely warm August over the Tibetan Plateau in 2022 could not occur without human influences, which corresponds to a new normal during 2070–2100.
Processes Controlling the Entrainment and Liquid Water Response to Aerosol Perturbations in Nonprecipitating Stratocumulus Clouds
Authors: Igel Adele L.
Published: July 2024

It has been widely reported that an increase in aerosol concentration in nonprecipitating clouds leads to a decrease in their liquid water path. Here, we examine the physical mechanisms that drive this response in both subtropical and Arctic stratocumulus clouds using large-eddy simulations and mechanism suppression tests. Three processes have been previously identified to contribute to the decrease, namely, the size dependency of evaporation, sedimentation, and radiation and all act to modulate the rate of entrainment of warm, dry air at the boundary layer top. We find that the liquid water path decrease is correlated with the increased entrainment, as expected, but that decrease is enhanced by a reduction in cloud radiative cooling. The reduced cloud radiative cooling can occur even though locally at cloud top, the radiative cooling rates are stronger and helping to enhance entrainment. We find that slower droplet sedimentation contributes to the increased entrainment and decreased liquid water in both cases. Faster evaporation caused directly by smaller, more numerous droplets decreases the liquid water path but does not necessarily increase the entrainment rate. On the other hand, stronger radiative cloud-top cooling caused directly by smaller droplets increases the entrainment as much as slower sedimentation does but does not decrease the liquid water path as much. In general, processes that either directly or indirectly increase radiative cooling at cloud top are more important in the Arctic case and processes that increase the evaporation rate are more important in the subtropical case.
CRISPR-based rapid molecular diagnostic tests for fusion-driven leukemias
Authors: Vedula Rahul S. , Karp Hannah Q. , Koob Jeremy , Lim Felicia , Garcia Jacqueline S. , Winer Eric S. , Luskin Marlise R. , Ghiaur Gabriel , Kim Annette S. , Beppu Lan W. , Sala-Torra Olga , Radich Jerald , Gootenberg Jonathan , Abudayyeh Omar , Zhang Feng , Lindsley R. Coleman
Published: July 2024

Fusion oncogenes can be cancer-defining molecular alterations that are essential for diagnosis and therapy selection.1,2 Rapid and accessible molecular diagnostics for fusion-driven leukemias such as acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), Philadelphia chromosome–positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are unavailable, creating a barrier to timely diagnosis and effective targeted therapy in many health care settings, including community hospitals and low-resource environments. We developed CRISPR-based RNA-fusion transcript detection assays using SHERLOCK (specific high-sensitivity enzymatic reporter unlocking) for the diagnosis of fusion-driven leukemias. We validated these assays using diagnostic samples from patients with APL and CML from academic centers and dried blood spots from low-resource environments, demonstrating 100% sensitivity and specificity. We identified assay optimizations to enable the use of these tests outside of tertiary cancer centers and clinical laboratories, enhancing the potential impact of this technology. Rapid point-of-care diagnostics can improve outcomes for patients with cancer by expanding access to therapies for highly treatable diseases that would otherwise lead to serious adverse outcomes due to delayed or missed diagnoses.
Emerging role of glutathione peroxidase 4 in myeloid cell lineage development and acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Auberger Patrick , Favreau Cécile , Savy Coline , Jacquel Arnaud , Robert Guillaume
Published: July 2024

Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Gluthatione Peroxidase also called Glutathione Peroxidase 4 is one of the 25 described human selenoproteins. It plays an essential role in eliminating toxic lipid hydroxy peroxides, thus inhibiting ferroptosis and favoring cell survival. GPX4 is differentially expressed according to myeloid differentiation stage, exhibiting lower expression in hematopoietic stem cells and polymorphonuclear leucocytes, while harboring higher level of expression in common myeloid progenitors and monocytes. In addition, GPX4 is highly expressed in most of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) subtypes compared to normal hematopoietic stem cells. High GPX4 expression is consistently correlated to poor prognosis in patients suffering AML. However, the role of GPX4 in the development of the myeloid lineage and in the initiation and progression of myeloid leukemia remains poorly explored. Given its essential role in the detoxification of lipid hydroperoxides, and its overexpression in most of myeloid malignancies, GPX4 inhibition has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy to specifically trigger ferroptosis and eradicate myeloid leukemia cells. In this review, we describe the most recent advances concerning the role of GPX4 and, more generally ferroptosis in the myeloid lineage and in the emergence of AML. We also discuss the therapeutic interest and limitations of GPX4 inhibition alone or in combination with other drugs as innovative therapies to treat AML patients.
Constructing lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks specific to individual cancer patients and finding prognostic biomarkers
Authors: Ren Shulei , Lee Wook , Park Byungkyu , Han Kyungsook
Published: July 2024

Background

The competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) hypothesis suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) mediate a regulatory relation between long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) which share similar miRNA response elements (MREs) to bind to the same miRNA. Since the ceRNA hypothesis was proposed, several studies have been conducted to construct a network of lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs in cancer. However, most cancer-related ceRNA networks are intended for representing a general relation of RNAs in cancer rather than for a patient-specific relation. Due to the heterogeneous nature of cancer, lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions can vary in different patients.

Results

We have developed a new method for constructing a ceRNA network of lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs, which is specific to an individual cancer patient and for finding prognostic biomarkers consisting of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA triplets. We tested our method on extensive data sets of three types of cancer (breast cancer, liver cancer, and lung cancer) and obtained potential prognostic lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA triplets for each type of cancer.

Conclusions

Analysis of expression patterns of the RNAs involved in the triplets and survival rates of cancer patients revealed several interesting findings. First, even for the same cancer type, prognostic lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA triplets can be different depending on whether lncRNA and mRNA show opposite or similar expression patterns. Second, prognostic lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA triplets are often more predictive of survival rates than RNA pairs or individual RNAs. Our approach will be useful for constructing patient-specific lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks and for finding prognostic biomarkers from the networks.
Exploring the genetic basis of anthracnose resistance in Ethiopian sorghum through a genome-wide association study
Authors: Birhanu Chemeda , Girma Gezahegn , Mekbib Firew , Nida Habte , Tirfessa Alemu , Lule Dagnachew , Bekeko Zelalem , Ayana Getachew , Bejiga Tamirat , Bedada Gudeta , Tola Meseret , Legesse Tokuma , Alemu Habtamu , Admasu Solomon , Bekele Alemnesh , Mengiste Tesfaye
Published: July 2024

Background

Sorghum anthracnose is a major disease that hampers the productivity of the crop globally. The disease is caused by the hemibiotrophic fungal pathogen Colletotrichum sublineola. The identification of anthracnose-resistant sorghum genotypes, defining resistance loci and the underlying genes, and their introgression into adapted cultivars are crucial for enhancing productivity. In this study, we conducted field experiments on 358 diverse accessions of Ethiopian sorghum. Quantitative resistance to anthracnose was evaluated at locations characterized by a heavy natural infestation that is suitable for disease resistance screening.

Results

The field-based screening identified 53 accessions that were resistant across locations, while 213 accessions exhibited variable resistance against local pathotypes. Genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) was performed using disease response scores on 329 accessions and 83,861 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated through genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). We identified 38 loci significantly associated with anthracnose resistance. Interestingly, a subset of these loci harbor genes encoding receptor-like kinases (RLK), nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeats (NLRs), stress-induced antifungal tyrosine kinase that have been previously implicated in disease resistance. A SNP on chromosome 4 (S04_66140995) and two SNPs on chromosome 2 (S02_75784037, S02_2031925), localized with-in the coding region of genes that encode a putative stress-induced antifungal kinase, an F-Box protein, and Xa21-binding RLK that were strongly associated with anthracnose resistance. We also identified highly significant associations between anthracnose resistance and three SNPs linked to genes (Sobic.002G058400, Sobic.008G156600, Sobic.005G033400) encoding an orthologue of the widely known NLR protein (RPM1), Leucine Rich Repeat family protein, and Heavy Metal Associated domain-containing protein, respectively. Other SNPs linked to predicted immune response genes were also significantly associated with anthracnose resistance.

Conclusions

The sorghum germplasm collections used in the present study are genetically diverse. They harbor potentially useful, yet undiscovered, alleles for anthracnose resistance. This is supported by the identification of novel loci that are enriched for disease resistance regulators such as NLRs, LRKs, Xa21-binding LRK, and antifungal proteins. The genotypic data available for these accessions offer a valuable resource for sorghum breeders to effectively improve the crop. The genomic regions and candidate genes identified can be used to design markers for molecular breeding of sorghum diseases resistance.
Analysis of MTHFR C677T genotype and related factors in H-type hypertension in Tibet, China
Authors: Yan Jiaojiao , Zhang Yufei , Zhou Yaxi , Wan Yang , Xiong Hai
Published: July 2024

Background and aims

H-type hypertension is essential hypertension combined with high homocysteine, and both synergistically increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors of H-type hypertension in Tibetan plateau population and correlation with MTHFR C677T gene.

Methods and results

A multi-stage cluster random sampling method was used to select the research subjects in Tibet Autonomous Region from June 2020 to November 2021. Among Tibetans, the incidence of H-type hypertension accounted for 84.31% of hypertensive patients. The logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age, uric acid (UA), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were risk factors for the prevalence of H-type hypertension, the OR (95% CI) was 1.083(1.073–1.094), 1.002(1.001–1.004), 1.240(1.050–1.464) and 2.274(1.432–3.611), respectively. MTHFR C677T TT genotype patients with H-type hypertension OR (95% CI) was 1.629(1.004–2.643). Based on this, a nomogram model was established, and the reliability of the model was proved by area under ROC curve, Brier score and average absolute error. The model’s results indicate that for every five years of age, the score increases by 6 points; for a 2mmol/L increase in TG, the score increases by 5.5 points; for a 1mmol/L increase in LDL-C, the score increases by 10 points; and individuals with the TT genotype receive 8 points. The higher the score, the greater the risk of disease.

Conclusion

The MTHFR C677T TT genotype is a risk locus for Tibetan patients with H-type hypertension, with age, TG, and LDL-C were identified as risk factors for the disease.
Prognostic and clinicopathological significance of tertiary lymphoid structure in non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Luyuan , Li Rongyang , Liu Xiaomeng , Yu Wenhao , Tang Zhanpeng , Shen Yi , Tian Hui
Published: July 2024

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the primary reason for cancer-related deaths globally. Tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) is an organized collection of immune cells acquired in non-physiological, non-lymphoid tissues. High expression of TLS in tumor tissues is generally associated with better prognosis. This research aimed to investigate the prognostic and clinicopathological significance of TLS in patients with NSCLC.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted based on Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases to identify eligible studies published up to December 8, 2023. The prognostic significance and clinicopathological value of TLS in NSCLC were evaluated by calculating the combined hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Following that, additional analyses, including subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis, were conducted.

Results

This meta-analysis evaluated the prognostic and clinicopathological significance of TLS in 10 studies involving 1,451 patients with NSCLC. The results revealed that the high levels of TLS were strongly associated with better overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.35–0.66, p < 0.001), disease-free survival (DFS)/recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.24–0.54, p < 0.001), and disease-specific survival (DSS) (HR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.30–0.68, p < 0.001) in NSCLC patients. In addition, the increased expression of TLS was closely related to the Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage of tumors (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.51-1.00, p < 0.05) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.17–0.62, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results revealed that highly expressed TLS is closely associated with a better prognosis in NSCLC patients. TLS may serve as a novel biomarker to predict the prognosis of NSCLC patients and guide the clinical treatment decisions.
Women’s engagement with community perinatal mental health services: a realist evaluation
Authors: Fisher L. , Davey A. , Wong G. , Morgan-Trimmer S. , Howard L. M. , Sharp H. , Atmore K. H. , Brook J. , Collins G. , Domoney J. , Makinde E. , McCree C. , O’Mahen Heather A
Published: July 2024

Background

In recognition of the burden of Perinatal Mental Health problems, NHS England invested £365 million to transform women’s access to mental health care, including investment in Community Perinatal Mental Health Services. This study examined how elements of provider care affected women’s engagement with these services.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 139 women and explored their experiences of care from 10 different Community Perinatal Mental Health Teams; including which service components participants believed made a difference to their initial and continued engagement. Realist analysis was used to create context-mechanism-outcome configurations (CMOCs) across interviews, since not all parts of the configurations were always articulated within singular interviews.

Results

Four key pillars for engagement were identified: perinatal competence, relationship building, accurate reassurance, and reliability. The way perinatal competencies were relayed to women mattered; compassion, understanding and consistency were critical interactional styles. The extent to which these factors affected women’s engagement varied by their context and personal characteristics.

Conclusions

As mental health problems increase, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, it is critical to continue to ensure support is not only available, but appropriately meets the needs of those individuals. Our findings suggest that key staff behaviours applied at the right time can support women’s engagement and potentially contribute to better treatment outcomes.
Breaking down barriers: rationalisations and motivation to stop among Chinese male smokers under cigarette dependence
Authors: Zhang Dan , Chen Wen-jiao , Meng Xiao-xia , Zhao Xiong , Liu Run-hua , Tian Hai-yu
Published: July 2024

Background

Smoking rationalisation beliefs are a huge barrier to quitting smoking. What types of rationalisations should be emphasised in smoking cessation interventions? Although past literature has confirmed the negative relationship between those beliefs and motivation to stop smoking, little is known regarding the importance and performance of those beliefs on motivation with varying cigarette dependence. The study aimed to ascertain rationalisations that are highly important for motivation yet perform poorly in different cigarette dependence groups.

Methods

The cross-sectional study was conducted from November 19 to December 9, 2023 in Guiyang City, China. Adult male current smokers were enrolled. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to test the hypothesis. The multi-group analysis was used to determine the moderating effect of cigarette dependence, and the importance-performance map analysis was utilised to assess the importance and performance of rationalisations.

Results

A total of 616 adult male current smokers were analysed, and they were divided into the low cigarette dependence group (n = 297) and the high cigarette dependence group (n = 319). Except for risk generalisation beliefs, smoking functional beliefs (H1: -β = 0.131, P < 0.01), social acceptability beliefs (H3: β = -0.258, P < 0.001), safe smoking beliefs (H4: β = -0.078, P < 0.05), self-exempting beliefs (H5: β = -0.244, P < 0.001), and quitting is harmful beliefs (H6: β = -0.148, P < 0.01) all had a significant positive influence on motivation. Cigarette dependence moderated the correlation between rationalisations and motivation. In the high-dependence group, the social acceptability beliefs and smoking functional beliefs were located in the “Concentrate Here” area. In the low-dependence group, the social acceptability beliefs were also situated in there.

Conclusions

Social acceptability beliefs and smoking functional beliefs showed great potential and value for improvement among high-dependence smokers, while only social acceptability beliefs had great potential and value for improvement among low-dependence smokers. Addressing these beliefs will be helpful for smoking cessation. The multi-group analysis and the importance-performance map analysis technique have practical implications and can be expanded to other domains of health education and intervention practice.
Explaining inequity in knowledge, attitude, and services related to HIV/AIDS: a systematic review
Authors: Endalamaw Aklilu , Gilks Charles F , Ambaw Fentie , Shiferaw Wondimeneh Shibabaw , Assefa Yibeltal
Published: July 2024

Background

Equitable service provision and coverage are important responses to end the threat of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Understanding inequity supports policies and programmes to deliver tailored interventions. There is continuous evidence generation on inequity in HIV/AIDS services. However, there was a lack of evidence on the global picture of inequity in behavioural and biomedical services related to HIV/AIDS. This systematic review assessed inequities in knowledge, attitude, HIV testing, and ART coverage across individual-level social groups and multiple (dis)advantage categories.

Methods

This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline, with a PROSPERO registration number CRD42024521247. The risk of bias was assessed by using Hoy et al’s and Joanna Brigg’s quality appraisal checklists for cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative studies, respectively. The search date was from inception to the final database search date (May 29, 2023). The included articles were either quantitative or qualitative studies. We used mixed-methods approach to analyse the data from the review articles. Quantitative descriptive analysis was conducted to estimate frequency of articles published from different countries around the world. Qualitative content analysis of the findings from the original studies was conducted using the PROGRESS plus framework which stands for: place of residence, occupation or employment status, gender, religion, education status, socioeconomic status, and social capital.

Results

Out of 6,029 articles that were accessed and screened, only 72 articles met the inclusion criteria. More articles on HIV-related equity in knowledge, attitude, testing, and ART were published in developed countries than in developing countries. Individuals from higher-income households had better knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Unfavourable attitudes towards people living with HIV and HIV/AIDS-associated stigma were common among women. HIV/AIDS service coverage (HIV testing or ART coverage) was higher among richer and urban residents. HIV/AIDS-associated stigma and lower levels of knowledge about HIV/AIDS were observed among multiple disadvantageous groups due to the intersection of two or more identities.

Conclusions

The current review revealed that there have been disparities in HIV/AIDS services between social classes. Ending service disparity towards the global threat of HIV/AIDS demands tailored interventions based on socially disadvantaged groups (e.g., poor, rural dwellers, and women) and intersectional determinants. There is a need to understand the deep-rooted causes of inequity and the challenges that an equity-oriented system faces over time. More studies on inequity are needed, including intersectional inequity, which has been rarely studied in developing countries.
Sparing confirmatory testing in primary aldosteronism (SCIPA): a multicenter retrospective diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Ong Lopez Albert Macaire C. , Tiu Leo E. , Dimayuga Diana Collen , Dampil Oliver Allan C. , Mendoza Erick S. , Villa Michael L. , Macabuag-Oliva Andrea Marie
Published: July 2024

Background

The diagnosis of primary aldosteronism (PA) is comprehensive, which includes case-detection testing, case confirmation followed by subtype classification. In certain instances, such as in the setting of spontaneous hypokalemia, suppressed renin activity (PRA) plus plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) of > 15 ng/dL, one may not proceed with confirmatory tests. However, the quality of evidence behind this approach is very low. This study sought to evaluate the proposed “simplified confirmatory pathway” that can spare confirmatory testing for primary aldosteronism by evaluating the diagnostic performances of the various pre-specified PAC thresholds in combination with findings of suppressed renin and spontaneous hypokalemia.

Methods

This is a multi-center, retrospective diagnostic accuracy cohort-selected cross-sectional study. A total of 133 participants aged 18 years and above underwent saline infusion test between January 2010 to March 2024. The outcome measures comprise of the diagnostic performances of the different index test combinations (baseline PAC, baseline PRA and presence of spontaneous hypokalemia): sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic accuracy. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 29.0.1.0 & MedCalc 20.218.

Results

Of the 133 patients who underwent saline infusion test, 88 (66.17%) were diagnosed with PA. A PAC of > 25 ng/dL plus PRA < 1.0 ng/dL/hr with spontaneous hypokalemia showed the highest specificity at 100% (95% CI 90.51%, 100.00%) and positive predictive value at 100% (85.18 – 100.00%). The minimum acceptable combination criteria were determined to be a PAC of > 20 ng/dL plus PRA < 0.6 ng/dL/hr, and presence of spontaneous hypokalemia. It has high specificity (94.59%; 95% CI 81.81%, 99.34%), positive predictive value (93.55%, 95% CI 78.49%, 98.29%), and moderate positive likelihood ratio (LR+) (6.39, 95% CI 1.61, 25.38)

Conclusion

A hypertensive patient with spontaneous hypokalemia and screening findings of PAC > 20 ng/dL and suppressed PRA of < 0.6 ng/ml/hr, may be classified as “overt primary aldosteronism confirmed” and may not need to proceed with dynamic confirmatory testing.

Protocol registration number

SRCTN34186253
Craniosynostosis: orofacial and oral health perspectives with masticatory insights
Authors: Wongbanthit Yanisa , Rojvachiranonda Nond , Chantarangsu Soranun , Suwanwitid Preeya , Kamolvisit Wuttichart , Porntaveetus Thantrira
Published: July 2024

Background

Craniosynostosis (CS), premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures, leads to abnormal skull development, impacting both facial esthetics and oral function. This study aimed to evaluate the specific orofacial and oral health characteristics, including masticatory performance, in Thai patients with CS.

Methods

A comparative study was conducted with Thai CS patients aged 6–17 years and a control group of healthy individuals with similar age distribution. Assessments included craniofacial morphology, oral health status, and masticatory performance. Intergroup comparisons utilized appropriate statistical tests.

Results

The study included 24 CS patients with a mean age of 10.11 ± 2.98 years and 30 controls. CS patients exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of various oral conditions compared to controls: cleft palate (20.8%), anterior open bite (41.7%), anterior crossbite (54.2%), posterior crossbite (50%), combined anterior–posterior crossbite (45.8%), dental crowding in both maxilla and mandible (50% and 45.8% respectively), congenitally missing teeth (50%), supernumerary teeth (12.5%), and eruption failure (54.2%). Furthermore, CS patients exhibited significantly higher caries prevalence and susceptibility, alongside poorer oral hygiene, compared to controls. Regarding jaw relationships, CS patients exhibited a significantly higher proportion of Angle's Class III malocclusion (50%) compared to the control group, where Class I malocclusion was predominant (50%). Masticatory performance, assessed using the two-color gum mixing ability test, showed significantly higher hue variance in CS patients (0.12 ± 0.07) compared to the control group, indicating reduced chewing performance.

Conclusion

This study underscores the significant orofacial and oral health challenges faced by children with CS, including a high prevalence of malocclusions, dental anomalies, elevated caries experience, and compromised masticatory function. These findings emphasize the importance of tailored interventions and comprehensive oral healthcare strategies to address the unique needs of this population and improve their overall quality of life.
Providers and women’s perspectives on opportunities, challenges and recommendations to improve cervical cancer screening in women living with HIV at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital: a qualitative study
Authors: Agaba Collins David , Namuli Alexcer , Ainomugisha Brenda , Tibaijuka Leevan , Ninsiima Mackline , Ngonzi Joseph , Akatukwasa Cecilia , Owaraganise Asiphas
Published: July 2024

Background

Cervical cancer screening uptake remains low despite being a critical prevention method for adult women living with HIV(WLHIV). These women experience greater incidence and persistence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and severe outcomes, including cervical cancer comorbidity and death.

Objective

We explored the opportunities, challenges, and recommendations of clinical care providers and WLHIV to improve cervical cancer screening uptake among WLHIV in Southwestern Uganda.

Methods

In a cross-sectional qualitative study from January to June 2021 at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, we interviewed six key informant clinical care providers and held four focus group discussions with women living with HIV. Data was coded using Atlas ti software and analysed using thematic inductive analysis.

Results

The participants identified several prevailing opportunities for cervical cancer screening, including skilled clinical care workers, public awareness for demand creation, optimized clinic flow, provider-led referrals, and peer-led information sharing that ease clinic navigation and shorten participant throughput. However, challenges occurred due to standalone services resulting in double queuing, longer clinic visit hours, missed chances for screening alongside unsupported lower health facilities leading to crowding at the referral hospital, and inadequate patient privacy measures leading to shame and stigma and the misconception that cervical cancer is incurable. Integrating HPV-DNA testing in HIV services was perceived with ambivalence; some participants worried about the quality of sample collection, while others valued the privacy it offered. Optimising self-collected DNA testing and sufficient counselling were recommended to improve cervical cancer screening uptake.

Conclusion

Opportunities for cervical cancer screening included trained clinical care professionals, increased public awareness, improved clinic flow, provider referrals, and peer education. Challenges, such as unsupported lower-level health facilities, misconceptions, inadequate patient privacy, and uncertainty about integrating HPV-DNA screening into HIV services, were cited. Adequate counselling and self-sample collection were recommended to foster screening. Our findings may guide healthcare programs integrating cervical cancer screening into HIV clinics to reach the 70% World Health Organisation targets by 2030.