bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review: Measurement Methods and Concept of Resilience Among Seafarers
Authors: Janssen Wiebke , Jensen Hans-Joachim , Harth Volker , Oldenburg Marcus
Published: January 2024

Shipping is considered a demanding environment that can significantly impact seafarers’ well-being and mental health. This review aims to examine existing literature on the resilience of seafarers, with a focus on the measurement methods used. Furthermore, this study intends to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of research in the field of seafarers’ resilience, examining the variations in defining and conceptualizing resilience across different studies and contexts. The review identified 99 studies published between 2003 and 2023, with ten studies being included in the final analysis. These studies employed various measurement methods and provided definitions of resilience. Five questionnaires were identified, with the Dispositional Resilience Scale-15 (DRS-15) being the most commonly used. Two of the selected studies had a longitudinal follow-up, while eight were cross-sectional. Four studies related to tankers, and an additional four studies focused on naval vessels, while two studies did not specify the vessel type. The publications were distributed in the period between 2003 and 2013 (two papers) and between 2013 and 2023 (eight papers). The identified themes encompassed shipboard stressors (three papers), sleep problems (two papers), occupational groups or attitudes (two papers), experiences in war (two papers), and intervention measures (one paper), highlighting the multidimensional nature of resilience within the maritime field. This review suggests a research gap, as it reveals that the topic of resilience in seafaring has been sparsely represented. Despite an increasing interest in recent years, research remains limited, particularly in the civilian maritime sector. Therefore, this review highlights the importance of understanding and promoting resilience among seafarers. While the variety of questionnaires used was limited, achieving consensus and standardization in resilience measurement is essential for more comparable and consistent research findings. Recognizing resilience as a crucial resource can promote the development of targeted interventions and support systems, enhancing seafarers’ well-being and mental health.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher Candidates’ Field Experiences: A Systematic Review
Authors: Szocik Katherine , O’Brien Kristen Merrill , Nagro Sarah A. , Gerry Margaret A.
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this systematic literature review was to understand trends in field experiences that were part of early childhood special education (ECSE) teacher preparation activities in the United States. Thirteen studies that included an analysis of ECSE teacher candidates (TCs) completing at least one field experience, including coursework-based practicums or student teaching internships, were published between 2013 and 2022 and reviewed. Specifically, we examined the demographics of TCs and student participants to understand who was included in this research. Field experience parameters including setting, duration, instructional approach, and instructional focus were reviewed to draw comparisons between the various approaches to structuring TCs’ early teaching opportunities. Finally, specific learning activities and feedback opportunities within field experiences, as well as TC and student outcomes of the studies, were explored to determine current trends and findings. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Risk of Urinary Infections in Veterans on Empagliflozin With Concurrent Catheter Use
Authors: Hopper Rachel A. , McMahan Danni M. , Jarvis Kathryn A. , Weideman Rick A.
Published: January 2024

There has been concern over whether to use sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors in patients that use catheters due to the concern for increased urinary tract infections (UTIs). The concern is that patients who use catheters are already at an increased risk for UTIs and that SGLT-2-inhibitors may promote bacterial growth due their mechanism of action, ie. increasing glycosuria. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether using empagliflozin, a SGLT-2-inhibitor, in patients who also use catheters, increases their risks for UTIs. A retrospective chart review of electronic health records at a single-center was completed of all Veterans who received an empagliflozin prescription and were also using catheters between October 1, 2015 and September 30, 2022. Veterans were included if they were using catheters for at least 2 months prior to starting empagliflozin and were on both therapies for at least 2 months concurrently. The primary outcome for this study is the number of UTIs occurring prior to and after beginning empagliflozin treatment. Additional secondary outcomes included change in A1c, change in body mass index (BMI), UTI-hospitalizations, and fungal infections. Of the 91 patients with concurrent empagliflozin and catheter-use, only 25 Veterans were included. There was an occurrence of .09 UTIs/month pre-empagliflozin compared to .07 post-empagliflozin ( P = .61). There was an observed trend in Veterans with Type 2 Diabetes having an increased rate of UTIs. There was no statistically significant difference found in UTI rates when comparing catheters alone to concurrent catheter and empagliflozin-use.
An experimental investigation of the effects of blending camphor oil infused with jack fruit biodiesel and nanoparticles on the performance, combustion, and exhaust emissions of a compression ignition engine
Authors: Rajasekaran Mahesh , Krishnamoorthi Sangeetha , Vijayaragavan Mathanraj
Published: January 2024

Growing urbanisation, higher standards of living, and population growth are all factors that will drive up global energy demand. The direct injection of jack fruit biodiesel in compression ignition engine to result in indigent performance and to overcome the addition of nanoparticles of zinc oxide, cerium oxide, and aluminium oxide to biodiesel-camphor blends is the focus of this research. The fuels’ soluble were tested at a temperature range of 30 °C, 50 °C, and 100 °C. One was picked to simulate a diesel engine's performance, combustion, and emissions. Equal parts of zinc oxide, cerium oxide, and aluminium oxide (100 ppm each) were included into the mixture. The inclusion of nanoparticles in the fuel increases its calorific value. Nanoparticles as catalysts enhanced brake-specific fuel consumption by 3.6%, 13.5%, and 17.5% for zinc oxide (ZnO), cerium oxide, (CeO2) and aluminium oxide (Al2O3) compared to diesel at full load. ZnO, CeO2, and Al2O3 nanofuels improved brake thermal efficiency by 15.3%, 10.8%, and 4% at higher loads than BD10C10 at full load. Max heat release increased 10.64%, 9.36%, and 8.8% for ZnO, CeO2, and Al2O3 nanofuels. Carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and smoke emissions were reduced when nano-fluid was added in diesel. Directions for using Nano-assisted renewable fuel sources to reduce fossil fuel use as a novel approach in the present study.
Hospital Variation and Resource Use for Infants with Craniosynostosis Undergoing Open, Endoscopic, and Distraction Osteogenesis Surgical Techniques
Authors: Kanack Melissa D. , Proctor Mark R. , Meara John G. , Balkin Daniel M. , Rodean Jonathan , Stringfellow Isabel C. , Berry Jay G.
Published: January 2024

Background

Craniosynostosis is treated with endoscopic, open, and/or distraction surgical techniques. We assessed institutional variation in the use these techniques for craniosynostosis and compared hospital resource use.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 5249 infants age <18 months old undergoing surgical procedures for all types of craniosynostosis in 2016–2020 in 39 freestanding children's hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database. Endoscopic vs. open cranial vault surgery (with and without distraction osteogenesis) was identified using ICD-10-CM codes. Inpatient cost and length of stay (LOS) were compared by surgery type with Wilcoxon Rank Sum.

Results

There was significant (p < .001) variation in the percentage of infants who underwent endoscopic repair across hospitals [median 23.6% (interquartile range (IQR): 7.6%–37.5%), range: 0% to 80.4%] and across regions [range: 22.1% (southeast) to 42.5% (northeast)]. For endoscopic procedures, median LOS and inpatient cost were lower (p < .001) without vs. with distraction [1 day (IQR 1–1) vs. 2 days (IQR 2–2); $14,617 (IQR 11,823–22178) vs. $33,599 (IQR 22,800–38,619)]. For open interventions, median LOS and inpatient cost were also lower (p < .001) without vs. with distraction [3 days (IQR 2–4) vs. 5 days (IQR 4–6) and $37,251 (IQR 27,114–50.320) vs. $62,247 (IQR 42,124–91,620)].

Conclusions

Substantial variation in the surgical approach for craniosynostosis exists across hospitals and regions. Endoscopic repair without distraction had the lowest hospital resource use, while open repair with distraction had the highest hospital resource. Subsequent analysis of short- and long-term outcomes as well as patient-and-family costs is necessary to assess the true cost-effectiveness of each approach.
Relationships between pre-service teachers’ self-reported physical activity and their perceptions of physical education in early childhood teacher education
Authors: Soini Anne , Watt Anthony , Sääkslahti Arja
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to explore the relationships between Finnish early childhood pre-service teachers’ ( N = 274; aged 20–49; 92% female) self-reported physical activity (PA) and perceptions of their own enjoyment of schooltime physical education (PE), self-evaluation of the content of their current PE studies, perceived importance of PE, and perceived competencies in PE. The one-way analysis of variance revealed that pre-service teachers with higher self-reported levels of PA reported higher scores for perceived importance of PE in supporting a child's physical functionality ( p = 0.004), and perceived competencies to support a child's PA ( p = 0.017) and teach PE ( p = 0.023). Results of independent sample t-tests indicated that pre-service teachers meeting daily PA guidelines reported higher scores for enjoyment of schooltime PE ( p = 0.001) and perceived competence to teach PE ( p = 0.001). Findings highlighted that pre-service teachers’ self-reported PA was positively related to their perceptions of PE, supporting the recommendation within early childhood teacher education to encourage pre-service teachers to engage in PA.
Efficacy and Safety of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Pressure Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Hu Zhonglin , Xv Haona , Feng Aiping , Wang Senmao , Han Xuefeng
Published: January 2024

Pressure ulcers are common chronic wounds in clinical practice, severely affecting patients’ quality of life and causing substantial economic burdens. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been explored for its potential in treating pressure ulcers. Herein, a study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PRP in comparison to conventional treatments for pressure ulcers. A comprehensive search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, covering studies published from the inception to May 20, 2023, with only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of PRP on the healing of pressure ulcers included. The outcomes of interest included healing rates, ulcer area, ulcer volume, Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) score, healing time, and complications. Finally, 9 RCTs, involving 511 patients with 523 pressure ulcers, met the inclusion criteria. Our meta-analysis revealed a significant improvement in the healing rate, as evidenced by a weighted odds ratio (OR) of 3.40 (95% CI = 1.87 to 6.21, I2 = 32%, P < 0.0001). Additionally, the standard mean difference (SMD) for healed ulcer area favored the PRP group, reflecting an improvement of 1.38 cm2 ( P = 0.02). Furthermore, the reduction in PUSH scores within the PRP group outperformed that observed in the control group, demonstrating a SMD of 1.69 ( P = 0.01). Nevertheless, complications and the SMD for ulcer volume reduction revealed no statistically significant differences between the groups. From these findings, PRP stands out as a promising and safe therapeutic approach for pressure ulcers. For a deeper understanding of PRP's role in pressure ulcer healing, it is crucial to conduct more well-structured, high-quality RCTs in upcoming studies.
Defining Digital Design in the National Collection
Authors: Walthew Jessica , Lipps Andrea , Rogers Wendy
Published: January 2024

As the national design collection of the United States, Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City is dedicated to historical and contemporary design with a collection of over 215,000 objects. Since its founding in 1897 as the Cooper Union Museum for the Arts of Decoration, its collection departments have been defined taxonomically by materials. In 2022, the museum created a new collecting department for the first time in its history, acknowledging that Digital collections represent a separate “material.” The introduction of a Digital department stakes a claim that digital design is itself a separate discipline with its own needs of collections management, curation, and conservation. Digital design as both process and product is now pervasive throughout design fields and the collection will continue to grow as the museum strives to represent contemporary design practice. While the museum’s early digital collecting came from a lineage of graphic design and typography, this article discusses the challenges inherent in developing new taxonomies, typologies, classifications, and collections management and preservation processes.
Finding the Marginal in Marginalia: The Importance of Including Marginalia Descriptions in Catalog Entries
Authors: Screti Zoe
Published: January 2024

Marginalia have been created by many varied readers across the centuries, transforming texts into personal artifacts and offering valuable insights into many varied socio-cultural contexts and communities. However, the tendency to record marginalia only where it pertains to bibliographical data has often privileged some voices over others, skewing the historical narrative available to researchers using archive and special collections catalogs. This article explores the importance of recording marginalia (both its presence and its function) in catalog entries in order to allow traditionally marginalized voices to be heard. It provides a brief overview of projects using marginalia to tell unheard stories of marginalized figures challenging authority before questioning the reluctance of catalogers to include detailed descriptions of marginalia, concluding by offering some recommendations as to how marginalia could be cataloged to better represent the myriad of voices as yet unheard.
“As if Possessed by a Demon”: Subjectivity, Possession, and Undeadness in Metal Gear Solid
Authors: Kielich Steven , Hall Chris
Published: January 2024

Engaging with psychoanalysis and philosophy, this essay maps the collapse of human sovereignty in Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear Solid video game series by pursuing the figure of the liquid hand that moves between characters, undercutting identity and selfhood. A unique theoretical intervention in the discourses of posthumanism and deconstruction, this essay carves out a coenesthetic intervention into the malleability of the human shape and reimagines how Game and Media Studies can equip us to analyze the relationships between self and other, bodily modification, prosthetics, and violence. Playing out the threat of agential uncertainty and destabilizing the safe markers of self and other through which life and bodies define themselves in media, the series establishes a Geschlecht, a genre and community all its own, but one predicated upon the disorganization and defamiliarization of subjectivity.
The Modified 5-Factor Frailty Score May Not be Useful in Predicting Complications and Unplanned Readmission After 1-Level or 2-Level Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion
Authors: Camino-Willhuber Gaston , Tani Soji , Schonnagel Lukas , Caffard Thomas , Chiapparelli Erika , Amoroso Krizia , Verna Bruno , Arzani Artine , Zhu Jiaqi , Shue Jennifer , Zelenty William D. , Sokunbi Gbolabo , Lebl Darren R. , Cammisa Frank P. , Girardi Federico P. , Hughes Alexander P. , Sama Andrew A.
Published: January 2024

Background:

The modified frailty index (mFI-5) has been shown to be a reliable risk stratification tool in different spine procedures. Its usefulness to predict complications after 1-level or 2-level anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) has not been studied extensively.

Purpose:

We aimed to assess the usefulness of the mFI-5 in 1-level or 2-level ACDF surgery by asking the following questions: (1) Is the mFI-5 a reliable tool to predict complications after 1-level or 2-level ACDF? (2) Is the mFI-5 useful in predicting prolonged hospital stay after 1-level or 2-level ACDF? (3) Is the mFI-5 useful in predicting readmission after 1-level or 2-level ACDF?

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients who underwent 1-level or 2-level ACDF at our institution. The mFI-5 was calculated based on the presence of 5 comorbidities: (1) congestive heart failure, (2) diabetes mellitus, (3) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, (4) partially or totally dependent functional status, and (5) hypertension requiring medication. Patients were classified in 3 groups: not frail (mFI-5 items = 0), pre-frail (mFI-5 items = 1), and frail (mFI-5 items ≥2). Postoperative complications, length of stay, and readmission were recorded.

Results:

In the 662 patients included (mean age 51.4 ± 10.4 years), surgical and medical complications were not significantly different among groups. Lengths of stay and readmission rates were both significantly higher in the pre-frail group.

Conclusion:

Our study findings suggest that the mFI-5 might not be reliable to assess preoperative risk after 1-level or 2-level ACDF.
Handling missing covariates in observational studies: an illustration with the assessment of prognostic factors of survival outcomes in soft-tissue or visceral sarcomas in irradiated fields (SIF)
Authors: Huchet Noémie , Penel Nicolas , Bonvalot Sylvie , Thariat Juliette , Ducimetière Françoise , Giraud Antoine , Toulmonde Maud , Le Cesne Axel , Blay Jean-Yves , Bellera Carine
Published: January 2024

Background:

Missing covariates are common in observational research and can lead to bias and loss of statistical power. Limited data regarding prognostic factors of survival outcomes of sarcomas in irradiated fields (SIF) are available. Because of the long lag time between irradiation of first cancer and scarcity of SIF, missing data are a critical issue when analyzing long-term outcomes. We assessed prognostic factors of overall (OS), progression-free (PFS), and metastatic-progression-free (MPFS) survivals in SIF using three methods to account for missing covariates.

Methods:

We relied on the NETSARC French Sarcoma Group database, Cox (OS/PFS), and competitive hazards (MPFS) survival models. Covariates investigated were age, sex, histological subtype, tumor size, depth and grade, metastasis, surgery, surgical resection, surgeon’s expertise, imaging, and neo-adjuvant treatment. We first applied multiple imputation (MI): observed data were used to estimate the missing covariate. With the missing-data modality approach, a category missing was created for qualitative variables. With the complete-case (CC) approach, analysis was restricted to patients without missing covariates.

Results:

CC subjects ( N = 167; 33%) presented more often with soft-tissue sarcoma ( versus visceral sarcoma) and grade I–II tumors as compared to the 504 eligible cases. With MI ( N = 504), factors associated with the worst outcome included metastasis ( p = 0.04) and R1/R2 resection ( p < 0.001) for OS; higher grade/non-gradable tumors ( p = 0.002) and R1/R2 resection ( p < 0.001) for PFS; and metastasis ( p = 0.01) for M-PFS. The ‘missing-data modality’ approach ( N = 504) led to different associations, including significance reached due to variables with the modality ‘missing’. The CC analysis led to different results and reduced precision.

Conclusion:

The CC population was not representative of the eligible population, introducing bias, in addition to worst precision. The ‘missing-data modality method’ results in biased estimates in non-randomized studies, as outcomes may be related to variables with missing values. Appropriate statistical methods for missing covariates, for example, MI, should therefore be considered.
Effect of short-term cardiac function changes after cardiac resynchronization therapy on long-term prognosis in heart failure patients with and without diabetes
Authors: Yu Yu , Ding Ligang , Huang Hao , Cheng Sijing , Deng Yu , Cai Chi , Gu Min , Chen Xuhua , Niu Hongxia , Hua Wei
Published: January 2024

Background:

The relationship between short-term cardiac function changes and long-term outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remains uncertain, especially when stratified by diabetes status.

Objectives:

This study aims to assess the association between short-term cardiac function changes and outcomes such as all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization in patients undergoing CRT, stratified by diabetes status.

Design:

This is a cohort longitudinal retrospective study.

Methods:

A total of 666 HF patients, treated with CRT between March 2007 and March 2019, were included in this study. Among them, 166 patients (24.9%) were diagnosed with diabetes. Cardiac function was assessed at baseline and again at 6 months, incorporating evaluations of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left atrial diameter (LAD), N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and QRS duration. The QRS duration represents the time required for a stimulus to spread through the ventricles (ventricular depolarization). The primary endpoints of the study were all-cause mortality and HF-related hospitalization.

Results:

During a median follow-up of 2.51 years, 172 (25.8%) patients died and 197 (29.6%) were hospitalized for HF. Changes in LVEF, LVEDD, and LAD within 6 months had similar effects on adverse outcomes in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. However, the presence of diabetes significantly modified the association between changes in NT-proBNP and QRS duration and adverse outcomes. Short-term changes in NT-proBNP and QRS duration were positively associated with all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization in patients without diabetes. However, the relationship between short-term changes in NT-proBNP and QRS duration and adverse outcomes was non-linear in diabetic patients.

Conclusion:

Improvement of cardiac function after CRT implantation can reduce long-term risk of all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization in HF patients. However, the presence of diabetes may affect the association between short-term changes in NT-proBNP and QRS duration and adverse outcomes.
The world religions paradigm: Why context matters in religious studies
Authors: Vencatsamy Beverly
Published: January 2024

The World Religions Paradigm (WRP) has long served as the predominant framework for teaching Religious Studies globally and in South Africa. However, criticisms of the WRP highlight its tendency to marginalize non-Christian, non-Western, and non-white perspectives. This article examines these critiques in the context of South Africa, particularly in light of the events of 2015–2016, when the #MustFall movement sought to raise and address issues of decolonization. This article will argue that South Africa provides a pertinent example of the need to re-evaluate pedagogical choices in Religious Studies education by emphasizing the importance of context in re-shaping the curriculum.
A Python package for the local multiscale analysis of spatial point processes (LomPy)
Authors: Lengyel Janka , Sémécurbe François , Roux Stéphane G.
Published: January 2024

The consideration of multiscale characteristics has emerged as a popular component of geospatial data analysis and modeling. However, the practical implementation of such analysis tasks involves time-consuming and computationally intensive processes that require the integration of knowledge and methods from different disciplines (e.g., quantitative geography, signal processing, and natural sciences) and in which large amounts of data have to be processed. Yet, to date, there is few open-source software that enables an efficient and transparent computational workflow. This paper introduces a Python package for the local multiscale analysis of spatial point processes (LomPy). LomPy is specifically designed for processing and analyzing data that is either irregularly spaced or has large data holes over the spatial territory: a common and methodologically challenging property of geoprocessing operations. The first main function of the package computes the multiresolution quantities, while the second applies them to the extraction of fractal and multifractal features at arbitrarily “local” spatial scales. The third function extends the univariate analysis option to multivariate settings. Powerful tools for regression modeling, density estimation, and visualization are also provided. It should be emphasized that the package is efficient on both vector and raster data structures, ensuring a wide range of applicability in urban data science and beyond.
Developing a digital twin for a laboratory ball mill operation – a step towards mining metaverse
Authors: Qu Juncong , Kizil Mehmet S. , Yahyaei Mohsen , Knights Peter F.
Published: January 2024

Digital twins (DTs) are transforming business operations across industries through accurate replication of physical entities using the Internet of Things and big data analytics. Despite booming progress in the manufacturing, aerospace and buildings sectors, the adoption of DTs in the minerals industry has been slow, and integration with efficient visualisation and user interactions has not been fully optimised to achieve maximum fidelity and usability. One promising avenue for enhancing DT capabilities is the utilisation of extended reality (XR) technologies, which also hold great potential for realising an industrial metaverse where real-world business activities can be conducted in a virtual space. This article proposes a cost-effective and scalable approach to developing a DT with real-time monitoring and control capabilities for a ball mill operation, a widely used processing equipment in the minerals industry. The case study showcases two approaches with different levels of system integration by leveraging serious game development platforms, toolkits and workflows.
The SMA Modifier Plastin 3 Targets Cell Membrane-Associated Proteins in Motoneurons
Authors: Jablonka Sibylle , Schäfer Natascha
Published: January 2024

Loss of the Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) gene inevitably leads to spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), one of the most common fatal neuromuscular diseases in children with FDA and EMA approved therapies. However, the cellular mechanisms leading to neuromuscular junction (NMJ) dysfunction due to impaired Ca2+ homeostasis in the presynaptic compartment remain largely unexplained. In the last decade, the so-called SMA modifiers have gained attention. The F-actin bundler Plastin 3 (PLS3) is one of them and counteracts neurotransmission defects, including altered vesicle endocytosis, in Smn-deficient NMJs. Properly bundled F-actin is the basis for the translocation and arrangement of transmembrane proteins at the cell surface. Our recently published data by Hennlein et al., J Cell Biol. (2023) clearly showed that Smn deficiency impairs the F-actin dependent translocation of the high-affinity BDNF receptor TrkB to the cell surface resulting in reduced BDNF-mediated TrkB activation in motor axon terminals. Strikingly, the overexpression of PLS3 restores TrkB availability, and significantly improves the clustering of the active zone-associated voltage-gated calcium channel Cav2.2 in growth cones of Smn-deficient motoneurons. These observations raise the question of how PLS3 mediates the proper cell surface localization and cluster-like formation of Cav2.2 in motor axon terminals.
Signatures of local adaptation to current and future climate in phenology-related genes in natural populations of Quercus robur
Authors: Meger Joanna , Ulaszewski Bartosz , Chmura Daniel J. , Burczyk Jarosław
Published: January 2024

Background

Local adaptation is a key evolutionary process that enhances the growth of plants in their native habitat compared to non-native habitats, resulting in patterns of adaptive genetic variation across the entire geographic range of the species. The study of population adaptation to local environments and predicting their response to future climate change is important because of climate change.

Results

Here, we explored the genetic diversity of candidate genes associated with bud burst in pedunculate oak individuals sampled from 6 populations in Poland. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) diversity was assessed in 720 candidate genes using the sequence capture technique, yielding 18,799 SNPs. Using landscape genomic approaches, we identified 8 FST outliers and 781 unique SNPs in 389 genes associated with geography, climate, and phenotypic variables (individual/family spring and autumn phenology, family diameter at breast height (DBH), height, and survival) that are potentially involved in local adaptation. Then, using a nonlinear multivariate model, Gradient Forests, we identified vulnerable areas of the pedunculate oak distribution in Poland that are at risk from climate change.

Conclusions

The model revealed that pedunculate oak populations in the eastern part of the analyzed geographical region are the most sensitive to climate change. Our results might offer an initial evaluation of a potential management strategy for preserving the genetic diversity of pedunculate oak.
Insights into the genome of the ‘Loco’ Concholepas concholepas (Gastropoda: Muricidae) from low-coverage short-read sequencing: genome size, ploidy, transposable elements, nuclear RNA gene operon, mitochondrial genome, and phylogenetic placement in the family Muricidae
Authors: Baeza J. Antonio , González M. Teresa , Sigwart Julia D. , Greve Carola , Pirro Stacy
Published: January 2024

Background

The Peruvian ‘chanque’ or Chilean ‘loco’ Concholepas concholepas is an economically, ecologically, and culturally important muricid gastropod heavily exploited by artisanal fisheries in the temperate southeastern Pacific Ocean. In this study, we have profited from a set of bioinformatics tools to recover important biological information of C. concholepas from low-coverage short-read NGS datasets. Specifically, we calculated the size of the nuclear genome, ploidy, and estimated transposable elements content using an in silico k-mer approach, we discovered, annotated, and quantified those transposable elements, we assembled and annotated the 45S rDNA RNA operon and mitochondrial genome, and we confirmed the phylogenetic position of C. concholepas within the muricid subfamily Rapaninae based on translated protein coding genes.

Results

Using a k-mer approach, the haploid genome size estimated for the predicted diploid genome of C. concholepas varied between 1.83 Gbp (with kmer = 24) and 2.32 Gbp (with kmer = 36). Between half and two thirds of the nuclear genome of C. concholepas was composed of transposable elements. The most common transposable elements were classified as Long Interspersed Nuclear Elements and Short Interspersed Nuclear Elements, which were more abundant than DNA transposons, simple repeats, and Long Terminal Repeats. Less abundant repeat elements included Helitron mobile elements, 45S rRNA DNA, and Satellite DNA, among a few others.The 45S rRNA DNA operon of C. concholepas that encodes for the ssrRNA, 5.8S rRNA, and lsrRNA genes was assembled into a single contig 8,090 bp long. The assembled mitochondrial genome of C. concholepas is 15,449 bp long and encodes 13 protein coding genes, two ribosomal genes, and 22 transfer RNAs.

Conclusion

The information gained by this study will inform the assembly of a high quality nuclear genome for C. concholepas and will support bioprospecting and biomonitoring using environmental DNA to advance development of conservation and management plans in this overexploited marine snail.
High genetic diversity and different type VI secretion systems in Enterobacter species revealed by comparative genomics analysis
Authors: Peng Mu , Lin Weiyuan , Zhou Aifen , Jiang Zhihui , Zhou Fangzhen , Wang Zhiyong
Published: January 2024

The human-pathogenic Enterobacter species are widely distributed in diverse environmental conditions, however, the understanding of the virulence factors and genetic variations within the genus is very limited. In this study, we performed comparative genomics analysis of 49 strains originated from diverse niches and belonged to eight Enterobacter species, in order to further understand the mechanism of adaption to the environment in Enterobacter. The results showed that they had an open pan-genome and high genomic diversity which allowed adaptation to distinctive ecological niches. We found the number of secretion systems was the highest among various virulence factors in these Enterobacter strains. Three types of T6SS gene clusters including T6SS-A, T6SS-B and T6SS-C were detected in most Enterobacter strains. T6SS-A and T6SS-B shared 13 specific core genes, but they had different gene structures, suggesting they probably have different biological functions. Notably, T6SS-C was restricted to E. cancerogenus. We detected a T6SS gene cluster, highly similar to T6SS-C (91.2%), in the remote related Citrobacter rodenitum, suggesting that this unique gene cluster was probably acquired by horizontal gene transfer. The genomes of Enterobacter strains possess high genetic diversity, limited number of conserved core genes, and multiple copies of T6SS gene clusters with differentiated structures, suggesting that the origins of T6SS were not by duplication instead by independent acquisition. These findings provide valuable information for better understanding of the functional features of Enterobacter species and their evolutionary relationships.
The role of molecular tumor boards in neuro-oncology: a nationwide survey
Authors: Hönikl Lisa S. , Lange Sebastian , Butenschoen Vicki M. , Delbridge Claire , Meyer Bernhard , Combs Stephanie E. , Illert Anna Lena , Schmidt-Graf Friederike
Published: January 2024

Background

In neuro-oncology, the inclusion of tumor patients in the molecular tumor board has only become increasingly widespread in recent years, but so far there are no standards for indication, procedure, evaluation, therapy recommendations and therapy implementation of neuro-oncological patients. The present work examines the current handling of neuro-oncological patients included in molecular tumor boards in Germany.

Methods

We created an online based survey with questions covering the handling of neuro-oncologic patient inclusion, annotation of genetic analyses, management of target therapies and the general role of molecular tumor boards in neuro-oncology in Germany. We contacted all members of the Neuro-Oncology working group (NOA) of the German Cancer Society (DKG) by e-mail.

Results

38 responses were collected. The majority of those who responded were specialists in neurosurgery or neurology with more than 10 years of professional experience working at a university hospital. Molecular tumor boards (MTB) regularly take place once a week and all treatment disciplines of neuro-oncology patients take part. The inclusions to the MTB are according to distinct tumors and predominantly in case of tumor recurrence. An independently MTB member mostly create the recommendations, which are regularly implemented in the tumor treatment. Recommendations are given for alteration classes 4 and 5. Problems exist mostly within the cost takeover of experimental therapies. The experimental therapies are mostly given in the department of medical oncology.

Conclusions

Molecular tumor boards for neuro-oncological patients, by now, are not standardized in Germany. Similarities exists for patient inclusion and interpretation of molecular alterations; the time point of inclusion and implementation during the patient treatment differ between the various hospitals. Further studies for standardization and harmonisation are needed. In summary, most of the interviewees envision great opportunities and possibilities for molecular-based neuro-oncological therapy in the future.
Comparison of intravitreal preservative-free triamcinolone versus posterior sub-tenon triamcinolone acetonide injection for bevacizumab-resistant diabetic macular edema
Authors: Jeon Seung Hee , Kim Minhee , Roh Young-Jung
Published: January 2024

Background

Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) is administered as an intravitreal or posterior sub-Tenon’s capsule injection, as treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME). The intravitreal use of TA is limited because commercially available triamcinolone acetonide contains benzyl alcohol, a neurotoxic preservative. Few studies have compared effects of preservative-free intravitreal TA (IVTA) and posterior sub-Tenon capsule TA (STTA) injections for DME. Thus, herein, we compared the effectiveness of preservative-free IVTA and STTA for treatment of bevacizumab-resistant DME.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, bevacizumab-resistant DME was defined as a lack of response to at least three consecutive intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injections. Changes in mean central macula thickness (CMT), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and intraocular pressure (IOP) between IVTA and STTA groups were compared at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment.

Results

Forty eyes from 40 patients were included in this study. In the IVTA group, the mean CMT improved significantly from 400.2 ± 144.42 μm at baseline to 288.35 ± 151.74 μm at 3 months after treatment (p = 0.01). Similarly, in the STTA group, the mean CMT improved significantly from 446.65 ± 120.74 μm at baseline to 382.9 ± 113.58 μm at 3 months after treatment (p = 0.009). The mean BCVA of the IVTA group also showed improvement, decreasing from 0.75 ± 0.55 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) at baseline to 0.625 ± 0.50 logMAR at 3 months after treatment (p = 0.089). Similarly, the mean BCVA of the STTA group improved, from 0.6 ± 0.36 logMAR at baseline to 0.54 ± 0.35 logMAR at 3 months after treatment (p = 0.094).

Conclusion

Given that IVTA and STTA demonstrated statistically equivalent anatomical and functional effects in patients with bevacizumab-resistant DME, the less invasive STTA may be considered the preferred treatment approach for the management of bevacizumab-resistant DME.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered.
The effects of self-esteem and parental phubbing on adolescent internet addiction and the moderating role of the classroom environment: a hierarchical linear model analysis
Authors: Dai Bibing , Lin Yan , Lai Xinyi , He Jiankang , Du Mingxuan , Hou Xiaowen , Zhang Guohua
Published: January 2024

Background

With the advent of the new media era, the understanding of adolescent internet addiction needs to be enriched. It is also necessary to distinguish the related factors of adolescent internet addiction at different levels to clarify the mechanisms of this phenomenon.

Methods

This study used hierarchical linear model analysis to explore the effects of student-level factors and school-level factors on adolescent internet addiction, along with cross-level moderating effects. A total of 1,912 students between the 4th and 8th grades in China participated in the study. Participants completed the Self-Esteem Scale, Parents Phubbing Scale, Classroom Environment Scale, and the Diagnostic Questionnaire of Internet Addiction.

Results

Correlational analyses revealed that internet addiction was found to be negatively correlated with both self-esteem and the teacher-student relationship (p < 0.01), while father phubbing, mother phubbing, and learning burden were shown to positively correlate with internet addiction (p < 0.01). Hierarchical linear model analysis suggested that student-level variables, including self-esteem, and mother phubbing, were significant predictors of internet addiction (β = −0.077, p < 0.001 and β = 0.028, p < 0.01, respectively). At the school level, learning burden significantly and negatively predicted internet addiction (β = 0.073, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the relationship between self-esteem and internet addiction was significantly moderated by learning burden (β = −0.007, p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the teacher-student relationship also had a significant moderating effect on the association between mother phubbing and internet addiction (β = −0.005, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

This study revealed the relationships between self-esteem, parental phubbing, and classroom environment with adolescent internet addiction, and these findings could provide insights into reducing adolescent internet addiction from the perspective of individuals, families, and schools.
Increasing access to fertility preservation for women with breast cancer: protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial in France
Authors: Addamiano Maria Claudia , Joannes Camille , Fonquerne Leslie , Morel Charlotte , Lauzeille Delphine , Belkadi Lorène , Empereur Fabienne , Grosclaude Pascale , Bauvin Eric , Delpierre Cyrille , Lamy Sébastien , Durand Marie-Anne
Published: January 2024

Background

With the increase in the number of long-term survivors, interest is shifting from cancer survival to life and quality of life after cancer. These include consequences of long-term side effects of treatment, such as gonadotoxicity. Fertility preservation is becoming increasingly important in cancer management. International recommendations agree on the need to inform patients prior to treatments about the risk of fertility impairment and refer them to specialized centers to discuss fertility preservation. However, the literature reveals suboptimal access to fertility preservation on an international scale, and particularly in France, making information for patients and oncologists a potential lever for action. Our overall goal is to improve access to fertility preservation consultations for women with breast cancer through the development and evaluation of a combined intervention targeting the access and diffusion of information for these patients and brief training for oncologists.

Methods

Firstly, we will improve existing information tools and create brief training content for oncologists using a qualitative, iterative, user-centred and participatory approach (objective 1). We will then use these tools in a combined intervention to conduct a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial (objective 2) including 750 women aged 18 to 40 newly treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer at one of the 6 participating centers. As the primary outcome of the trial will be the access to fertility preservation counselling before and after using the combined intervention (brochures and brief training for oncologists), we will compare the rate of fertility preservation consultations between the usual care and intervention phases using linear regression models. Finally, we will analyse our approach using a context-sensitive implementation analysis and provide key elements for transferability to other contexts in France (objective 3).

Discussion

We expect to observe an increase in access to fertility preservation consultations as a result of the combined intervention. Particular attention will be paid to the effect of this intervention on socially disadvantaged women, who are known to be at greater risk of inappropriate treatment. The user-centred design principles and participatory approaches used to optimize the acceptability, usability and feasibility of the combined intervention will likely enhance its impact, diffusion and sustainability.

Trial registration

Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov. Trial registration number: NCT05989776. Date of registration: 7th September 2023. URL: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05989776.

Protocol version

Manuscript based on study protocol version 2.0, 21st may 2023.
The causal relationship of female infertility and psychiatric disorders in the European population: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zeng Pengfei , Zhang Hanxiao , Lu Liyue , Li Yanting , Yu Tong , Zhang Jun , Zhou Hang
Published: January 2024

Background

Infertility affects many couples globally, causing physical, emotional, and financial burdens. While observational studies suggest a link between psychiatric disorders and female infertility, causal relationships remain uncertain. Mendelian randomization analysis, using genome-wide association studies data, minimizes confounding factors and reverse causation, providing valuable insights into causal associations.

Methods

We conducted Mendelian randomization analysis to explore the potential causal relationship between female infertility and psychiatric disorders. Genome-wide association studies summary data for female infertility (112,105 individuals of European ancestry, comprising 11,442 cases and 100,663 controls), depression (807,553 individuals of European ancestry, comprising 246,363 cases and 561,190 controls), anxiety (21,763 individuals of European ancestry, comprising 7,016 cases and 14,745 controls), bipolar disorder (51,710 individuals of European ancestry, comprising 20,352 cases and 31,358 controls), and eating disorders (72,517 individuals of European ancestry, comprising 16,992 cases and 55,525 controls) were utilized. Instrumental variables were selected based on significant single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with each phenotype. We assessed instrumental variable strength, examined confounding factors, and employed inverse variance weighting, weighted median, and MR-Egger approaches for analysis.

Results

Our analysis included 85 single nucleotide polymorphisms for female infertility and 62 single nucleotide polymorphisms for psychiatric disorders. Results suggest a potential causal relationship between depression and female infertility, with both inverse variance weighting and weighted median methods showing increased infertility risk in depressed patients. Evidence is weak regarding bipolar disorder not increasing female infertility risk. We found no evidence supporting causal links between anxiety, eating disorders, and female infertility. Similarly, no causal relationship was found between female infertility and psychiatric disorders in the opposite direction. Sensitivity analyses and tests for heterogeneity and polymorphism supported result robustness.

Conclusions

This analysis provides evidence for a potential causal relationship between depression and female infertility. Addressing depression in infertile women may improve fertility outcomes. Further research is needed to explore underlying mechanisms and potential interventions for improving fertility outcomes in women with psychiatric disorders.