bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consistency, completeness and external validity of ethnicity recording in NHS primary care records: a cohort study in 25 million patients’ records at source using OpenSAFELY
Authors:   The OpenSAFELY Collaborative, Andrews Colm D. , Mathur Rohini , Massey Jon , Park Robin , Curtis Helen J. , Hopcroft Lisa , Mehrkar Amir , Bacon Seb , Hickman George , Smith Rebecca , Evans David , Ward Tom , Davy Simon , Inglesby Peter , Dillingham Iain , Maude Steven , O’Dwyer Thomas , Butler-Cole Ben F. C. , Bridges Lucy , Bates Chris , Parry John , Hester Frank , Harper Sam , Cockburn Jonathan , Goldacre Ben , MacKenna Brian , Tomlinson Laurie A. , Walker Alex J. , Hulme William J.
Published: July 2024

Background

Ethnicity is known to be an important correlate of health outcomes, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where some ethnic groups were shown to be at higher risk of infection and adverse outcomes. The recording of patients’ ethnic groups in primary care can support research and efforts to achieve equity in service provision and outcomes; however, the coding of ethnicity is known to present complex challenges. We therefore set out to describe ethnicity coding in detail with a view to supporting the use of this data in a wide range of settings, as part of wider efforts to robustly describe and define methods of using administrative data.

Methods

We describe the completeness and consistency of primary care ethnicity recording in the OpenSAFELY-TPP database, containing linked primary care and hospital records in > 25 million patients in England. We also compared the ethnic breakdown in OpenSAFELY-TPP with that of the 2021 UK census.

Results

78.2% of patients registered in OpenSAFELY-TPP on 1 January 2022 had their ethnicity recorded in primary care records, rising to 92.5% when supplemented with hospital data. The completeness of ethnicity recording was higher for women than for men. The rate of primary care ethnicity recording ranged from 77% in the South East of England to 82.2% in the West Midlands. Ethnicity recording rates were higher in patients with chronic or other serious health conditions. For each of the five broad ethnicity groups, primary care recorded ethnicity was within 2.9 percentage points of the population rate as recorded in the 2021 Census for England as a whole. For patients with multiple ethnicity records, 98.7% of the latest recorded ethnicities matched the most frequently coded ethnicity. Patients whose latest recorded ethnicity was categorised as Other were most likely to have a discordant ethnicity recording (32.2%).

Conclusions

Primary care ethnicity data in OpenSAFELY is present for over three quarters of all patients, and combined with data from other sources can achieve a high level of completeness. The overall distribution of ethnicities across all English OpenSAFELY-TPP practices was similar to the 2021 Census, with some regional variation. This report identifies the best available codelist for use in OpenSAFELY and similar electronic health record data.
Five years of change in adult twins: longitudinal changes of genetic and environmental influence on epigenetic clocks
Authors: Miao Ke , Liu Shunkai , Cao Weihua , Lv Jun , Yu Canqing , Huang Tao , Sun Dianjianyi , Liao Chunxiao , Pang Yuanjie , Hu Runhua , Pang Zengchang , Yu Min , Wang Hua , Wu Xianping , Liu Yu , Gao Wenjing , Li Liming
Published: July 2024

Background

Epigenetic clocks were known as promising biomarkers of aging, including original clocks trained by individual CpG sites and principal component (PC) clocks trained by PCs of CpG sites. The effects of genetic and environmental factors on epigenetic clocks are still unclear, especially for PC clocks.

Methods

We constructed univariate twin models in 477 same-sex twin pairs from the Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR) to estimate the heritability of five epigenetic clocks (GrimAge, PhenoAge, DunedinPACE, PCGrimAge, and PCPhenoAge). Besides, we investigated the longitudinal changes of genetic and environmental influences on epigenetic clocks across 5 years in 134 same-sex twin pairs.

Results

Heritability of epigenetic clocks ranged from 0.45 to 0.70, and those for PC clocks were higher than those for original clocks. For five epigenetic clocks, the longitudinal stability was moderate to high and was largely due to genetic effects. The genetic correlations between baseline and follow-up epigenetic clocks were moderate to high. Special unique environmental factors emerged both at baseline and at follow-up. PC clocks showed higher longitudinal stability and unique environmental correlations than original clocks.

Conclusions

For five epigenetic clocks, they have the potential to identify aging interventions. High longitudinal stability is mainly due to genetic factors, and changes of epigenetic clocks over time are primarily due to changes in unique environmental factors. Given the disparities in genetic and environmental factors as well as longitudinal stability between PC and original clocks, the results of studies with original clocks need to be further verified with PC clocks.
Socioeconomic differences in limited lung function: a cross-sectional study of middle-aged and older adults in Germany
Authors: Beller Johannes , Safieddine Batoul , Sperlich Stefanie , Tetzlaff Juliane , Geyer Siegfried
Published: July 2024

Background

Limited lung function represents a serious health impairment. However, studies investigating social inequalities in limited lung function are rare. Thus, the current study investigates which socioeconomic groups are the most affected by overall limited lung function and severely limited lung function.

Methods

Data from the population-based German Aging Survey were used (N = 4472), with participants being 40 + years old. Lung function was assessed by the peak flow test. Education, income, and occupational prestige were used as socioeconomic indicators.

Results

We found that overall limited lung function was highly prevalent across the whole sample, with about 33% (Women: 35%; Men: 30%) having overall limited lung function and 8% (Women: 7%; Men: 8%) having severely limited lung function. Socioeconomic differences in limited lung function emerged for all three indicators, education, income, and occupational prestige, in both men and women in single effect analyses. These differences persisted for occupational prestige and income when controlling for all indicators simultaneously.

Conclusions

Thus, overall and severely limited lung function are highly prevalent health conditions. Men and women with a low occupational position and those with low income are the most affected. Socioeconomic indicators cannot be used interchangeably when studying health inequalities in lung functioning. Occupational hazards and physical working conditions are likely to constitute major risks of health inequalities in limited lung functioning and should be investigated as such by future studies.
Selecting PedsQL items to derive the PedsUtil health state classification system to measure health utilities in children
Authors: Kim DeLuca Ellen , Dalziel Kim , Wittenberg Eve , Henderson Nicholas C. , Prosser Lisa A.
Published: July 2024

Background

There is a lack of preference-based health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures that consistently value health across a full range of child age groups. The PedsQL is a generic HRQoL instrument validated for children 2–18 years, but it is not preference-based. The objective of this study was to derive the PedsUtil health state classification system from the PedsQL as a basis for a preference-based HRQoL measure for children.

Methods

A two-step process was used to select PedsQL items to include in the health state classification system: 1) exclude poorly functioning items according to Rasch analysis in each of the previously established seven dimensions of the PedsUtil health state classification system and 2) select a single item to represent each dimension based on Rasch and psychometric analyses, as well as input from child health experts and parents. All secondary analyses were conducted using data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). Analyses were stratified by age group (i.e., 2–5 years, 6–13 years, and 14–17 years) to represent the different developmental stages of children and to reflect the study design of the LSAC. Rasch analyses were also performed on five random subsamples for each age group to enhance robustness of results.

Results

Twelve items were excluded from the PedsUtil health state classification system after the first step of the item selection process. An additional four items were excluded in the second step, resulting in seven items that were selected to represent the seven dimensions of the PedsUtil health state classification system: Physical Functioning (“participating in sports activity or exercise”), Pain (“having hurts or aches”), Fatigue (“low energy level”), Emotional Functioning (“worrying about what will happen to them”), Social Functioning (“other kids not wanting to be their friend”), School Functioning (“keeping up with schoolwork”), and School Absence (“missing school because of not feeling well”).

Conclusions

The PedsUtil health state classification system was derived from the PedsQL based on several criteria and was constructed to be applicable to children two years and older. Research is ongoing to elicit preferences for the PedsUtil health state classification system to construct the PedsUtil scoring system.
The construction of machine learning-based predictive models for high-quality embryo formation in poor ovarian response patients with progestin-primed ovarian stimulation
Authors: Xiao Yu-Heng , Hu Yu-Lin , Lv Xing-Yu , Huang Li-Juan , Geng Li-Hong , Liao Pu , Ding Yu-Bin , Niu Chang-Chun
Published: July 2024

Objective

To explore the optimal models for predicting the formation of high-quality embryos in Poor Ovarian Response (POR) Patients with Progestin-Primed Ovarian Stimulation (PPOS) using machine learning algorithms.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 4,216 POR cycles who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) / intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) at Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women and Children’s Hospital from January 2015 to December 2021. Based on the presence of high-quality cleavage embryos 72 h post-fertilization, the samples were divided into the high-quality cleavage embryo group (N = 1950) and the non-high-quality cleavage embryo group (N = 2266). Additionally, based on whether high-quality blastocysts were observed following full blastocyst culture, the samples were categorized into the high-quality blastocyst group (N = 124) and the non-high-quality blastocyst group (N = 1800). The factors influencing the formation of high-quality embryos were analyzed using logistic regression. The predictive models based on machine learning methods were constructed and evaluated accordingly.

Results

Differential analysis revealed that there are statistically significant differences in 14 factors between high-quality and non-high-quality cleavage embryos. Logistic regression analysis identified 14 factors as influential in forming high-quality cleavage embryos. In models excluding three variables (retrieved oocytes, MII oocytes, and 2PN fertilized oocytes), the XGBoost model performed slightly better (AUC = 0.672, 95% CI = 0.636–0.708). Conversely, in models including these three variables, the Random Forest model exhibited the best performance (AUC = 0.788, 95% CI = 0.759–0.818). In the analysis of high-quality blastocysts, significant differences were found in 17 factors. Logistic regression analysis indicated that 13 factors influence the formation of high-quality blastocysts. Including these variables in the predictive model, the XGBoost model showed the highest performance (AUC = 0.813, 95% CI = 0.741–0.884).

Conclusion

We developed a predictive model for the formation of high-quality embryos using machine learning methods for patients with POR undergoing treatment with the PPOS protocol. This model can help infertility patients better understand the likelihood of forming high-quality embryos following treatment and help clinicians better understand and predict treatment outcomes, thus facilitating more targeted and effective interventions.
Dried fruit intake and lower risk of type 2 diabetes: a two-sample mendelian randomization study
Authors: Guan Jianbin , Liu Tao , Yang Kaitan , Chen Hao
Published: July 2024

Background

Previous studies have shown controversy about whether dried fruit intake is associated with type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to examine the potential causal effect of dried fruit intake on type 2 diabetes by conducting a two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Methods

We used genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for MR analysis to explore the causal association of dried fruit intake with T2D. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the main analytical method for MR analysis. In addition, the MR-Egger method and the weighted median method were applied to supplement the IVW method. Furthermore, Cochrane’s Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out analysis were used to perform sensitivity analysis. The funnel plot was used to assess publication bias.

Results

The results from the IVW analysis indicated that dried fruit intake could reduce the risk of T2D [odds ratio (OR) = 0.392, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.241–0.636, p-value = 0.0001]. In addition, the result of additional method Weighted median is parallel to the effects estimated by IVW. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis illustrates that our MR analysis was unaffected by heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. Finally, the results of the leave-one-out method showed the robustness of our MR results. And the funnel plot shows a symmetrical distribution.

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence for the benefits of dried fruit intake on T2D. Therefore, a reasonable consumption of dried fruit may provide primary prevention.
Zinc fever in a painter and varnisher: a case report
Authors: Belting Kerstin , Eisenhawer Christian , Merget Rolf , Brüning Thomas , Monsé Christian
Published: July 2024

Background

Zinc fever is well described in medical literature, particularly in workers after handling zinc-containing materials at high temperatures e.g., in the welding of hot-dip galvanized steel sheets. It is not known whether zinc fever also occurs at low temperatures.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 33-year-old Caucasian atopic painter and varnisher with work-related dyspnea, sweating, as well as multiple occurrences of fever. He was sent to Institute for Prevention and Occupational medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA) for the evaluation of isocyanate asthma, but an inhalative challenge with hexamethylene diisocyanate was negative. Since symptoms were closely related to the use of zinc coatings at room temperature without adequate protective measures, the diagnosis of zinc fever was made. After exposure cessation the worker immediately became symptom-free. The work as painter and varnisher may be associated with various exposures to hazardous substances. Besides solvents, epoxy compounds and isocyanates, which can cause obstructive respiratory diseases; additionally, zinc-containing agents should be considered as health hazards.

Conclusions

This case demonstrates that zinc fever may occur also after application of zinc coatings by spray painting at low temperatures.
A deep learning based cognitive model to probe the relation between psychophysics and electrophysiology of flicker stimulus
Authors: Chandran Keerthi S. , Ghosh Kuntal
Published: July 2024

The flicker stimulus is a visual stimulus of intermittent illumination. A flicker stimulus can appear flickering or steady to a human subject, depending on the physical parameters associated with the stimulus. When the flickering light appears steady, flicker fusion is said to have occurred. This work aims to bridge the gap between the psychophysics of flicker fusion and the electrophysiology associated with flicker stimulus through a Deep Learning based computational model of flicker perception. Convolutional Recurrent Neural Networks (CRNNs) were trained with psychophysics data of flicker stimulus obtained from a human subject. We claim that many of the reported features of electrophysiology of the flicker stimulus, including the presence of fundamentals and harmonics of the stimulus, can be explained as the result of a temporal convolution operation on the flicker stimulus. We further show that the convolution layer output of a CRNN trained with psychophysics data is more responsive to specific frequencies as in human EEG response to flicker, and the convolution layer of a trained CRNN can give a nearly sinusoidal output for 10 hertz flicker stimulus as reported for some human subjects.
Prevalence of hepatitis B among pregnant women in Libreville, Gabon
Authors: Misso Rick-Leonid Ngoua Meye , Ondo Joseph Privat , Obiang Cédric Sima , Makanga Xavier Nze , Roger Ndong Atome Guy , Engonga Louis-Clément Obame
Published: July 2024

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major public health problems worldwide. In pregnant women, there is a risk of mother-to-child transmission (vertical transmission) of the infection. The contaminated newborn will most often remain a chronic carrier. Gabon is part of the highly endemic area for hepatitis B. This study aims to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B in pregnant women at the Estuaire Regional Hospital of Melen, Libreville, Gabon.

Material and methods

The study was carried out at the Laboratory of the Center Hospitalier Régionale Estuaire Melen (CHREM), over a period of 5 years, from January 2018 to December 2022. It was a retrospective and prospective study ranging from January 2018 to December 2022. For the prospective study, the data was collected in the CHREM Laboratory library, by using registers and filing cabinets. For the prospective study, blood samples were taken and analyzed using Abbott Determine® HBsAg kits and the BioMérieux mini Vidas system. The variables studied were age, HBs status, profession, level of study, and residence. The data collected was entered into an Excel file (Microsoft Office 2016) and analyzed using XLSTAT 2016.4.01 and Epi Info™ 7.2.5 software and expressed as means and percentages.

Results

A total of 1615 pregnant women seen in the CHREM laboratory department were included in the study. Of which, 315 were diagnosed as HBsAg carriers, representing a prevalence of 8.36%. Depending on the year, the highest prevalence was observed in 2019 with 20 positive cases out of 267 women screened, i.e., 9.38%. Depending on the districts, the highest prevalence was found in the Essassa and Plein Ciel districts with 16.43% and 18.18%, respectively. According to the age groups, the highest prevalence was observed in the age group 26–30 with 10.16% (p = 0.075) out of 492 patients screened. Depending on the profession, the prevalence was higher among female students with 21.97% (p = 0.020). According to marital status, unmarried had the highest prevalence with 8.8% (p = 0.064). And according to nationality, women of Gabonese nationality had a higher prevalence with 9.52%.

Conclusion

Antenatal transmission of HBV is high in Libreville. The inaccessibility of antiviral therapy for viral hepatitis B makes the immunization of mothers and children a priority in Gabon.
Cancer Prevention for Women Experiencing Homelessness: Onsite Mammography, Navigation, and Education
Authors: McKee Hurwitz Heather , Shah Chirag
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE

Persons experiencing homelessness (PEHs) represent a medically underserved population with a disproportionately high rate of late-stage cancer diagnoses and cancer mortality. During mobile onsite mammography and breast health education events, we studied PEH's barriers to and uptake of cancer screenings.

METHODS

This study used patient surveys and review of the electronic health record. The main outcome measures included mammogram and diagnostic imaging (as needed) results. A questionnaire assessed patient's views and barriers related to social determinants of health. The study included women accessing community organization resources who were 40 years or older or who met criteria for screening mammography.

RESULTS

Forty-six individuals completed mammograms and 41 individuals participated in the survey, for a response rate of 89%. Thirty-five participants (85%) held health insurance provided by a Medicaid managed plan. Thirty-six participants (87%) received a negative mammogram result, and five participants (12%) required follow-up for abnormal results. Of these five, two participants completed diagnostic follow-up with negative results, and three did not complete diagnostic follow-up. In addition to barriers related to housing insecurity, five patients (12%) reported transportation barriers. A majority (n = 28, 68%) disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement, “I'm afraid the mammogram will be painful.” A majority (n = 31, 76%) disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement, “I'm busy and do not have time.” Nearly all participants (n = 37, 90%) responded yes to the statement, “I believe in preventative care screenings.” Eight participants (20%) completed at least one additional cancer screening.

CONCLUSION

By creating enduring programs offering screening, navigation, and education, academic-community partnerships may begin to address the increased cancer mortality among PEHs by improving screening adherence.
Fish Oil, Plasma n-3 PUFAs, and Risk of Macro- and Microvascular Complications Among Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Tian Shufan , Guo Tianyu , Qian Frank , Qiu Zixin , Lu Qi , Li Rui , Zhu Kai , Li Lin , Yu Hancheng , Li Ruyi , Ou Yunjing , Pan An , Liu Gang
Published: July 2024

Objective

To evaluate associations of fish oil supplementation and plasma omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) with risks of macrovascular and microvascular complications among people with type 2 diabetes and to further explore the potential mediating role of metabolism-related biomarkers.

Research Design and Methods

This study included 20 338 participants with type 2 diabetes from the UK Biobank. Diabetic complications were identified through hospital inpatient records.

Results

During 13.2 years of follow-up, 5396 people developed macrovascular complications, and 4868 people developed microvascular complications. After multivariable adjustment, hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for patients with fish oil were 0.90 (0.85, 0.97) for composite macrovascular complications, 0.91 (0.84, 0.98) for coronary heart disease (CHD), 0.72 (0.61, 0.83) for peripheral artery disease and 0.89 (0.83, 0.95) for composite microvascular complications, 0.87 (0.79, 0.95) for diabetic kidney disease, and 0.88 (0.80, 0.97) for diabetic retinopathy. In addition, higher n-3 PUFA levels, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), were associated with lower risks of macrovascular and microvascular complications. Comparing extreme quartiles of plasma DHA, the HRs (95% CIs) were 0.68 (0.57, 0.81) for composite macrovascular complications, 0.63 (0.51, 0.77) for CHD, and 0.59 (0.38, 0.91) for diabetic neuropathy. Moreover, biomarkers including lipid profile and inflammatory markers collectively explained 54.4% and 63.1% of associations of plasma DHA with risks of composite macrovascular complications and CHD.

Conclusion

Habitual use of fish oil supplementation and higher plasma n-3 PUFA levels, especially DHA, were associated with lower risks of macrovascular and microvascular complications among individuals with type 2 diabetes, and the favorable associations were partially mediated through improving biomarkers of lipid profile and inflammation.
The realization of /t/ and /ən/ in words like ‘button’: A change in progress on Long Island
Authors: Repetti-Ludlow Chiara
Published: July 2024

In American English, the pronunciation of words like ‘button,’ with the underlying post-tonic string /tən/, is variable. Previous research has found that although the traditional pronunciation of these words is with [ʔn̩ ], as in [bʌʔn̩ ], this is not the only possible pronunciation. Recent studies have shown that /ən/ is realized as [ən] in certain speech communities, resulting in pronunciations like [bʌʔən]. Furthermore, there have been anecdotal reports that /t/ can be realized as [ɾ], resulting in pronunciations like [bʌɾən]. This article examines whether there is indeed a change underway in /ən/ and /t/ realizations, how these phonemes are interrelated, and what factors and populations are conditioning this change. To address these issues, a production experiment was carried out with participants from Long Island, NY. Results suggest that there is an early-stage change underway, such that younger speakers are more likely to realize /tən/ words with [ən] than [n̩ ]. Realization of /ən/ as [ən] is also significantly correlated with /t/ being realized as [ɾ] and a faster speech rate. There is not yet evidence for a change in progress for /t/ realizations, but [ɾ] productions are significantly correlated with the realization of /ən/ as [ən].
Multidimensional Identity as Bricolage: Indexing Race and Place in Bakersfield, California
Authors: King Sharese , Calder J
Published: July 2024

While traditional variationist research has been critiqued for positioning ethnic and regional variation in terms of separate “lects,” recent work has adopted a more nuanced view in which racialized subjects can combine individual linguistic resources to index multiple identities. Expanding upon this perspective, this paper explores how 12 African Americans in Bakersfield, California, combine elements of a local variety— California Vowel Shift (CVS)— and elements of a racialized variety— African American Language (AAL) via their realization of BOOT-fronting, BAT-backing, and the BOT-BOUGHT merger. While African Americans front BOOT and increasingly back BAT over time— as predicted by the CVS— they maintain a BOT-BOUGHT distinction— a pattern in line with descriptions of AAL. These patterns, which do not mirror either CVS or AAL in a wholesale way, align with the aforementioned perspective describing the linguistic practices of racialized individuals as a fluid linguistic repertoire, in which individual variables can be leveraged to articulate identity in complex ways. Relatedly, conversations in gender and linguistics have used bricolage as a theoretical framework to describe a similar phenomenon. Bridging these disciplinary conversations, it is argued that through stylistic bricolage, speakers draw from a fluid linguistic repertoire to articulate their identities as multidimensional.
Mechanical forces remodel the cardiac extracellular matrix during zebrafish development
Authors: Gentile Alessandra , Albu Marga , Xu Yanli , Mortazavi Newsha , Ribeiro da Silva Agatha , Stainier Didier Y. R. , Gunawan Felix
Published: July 2024

The cardiac extracellular matrix (cECM) is fundamental for organ morphogenesis and maturation, during which time it undergoes remodeling, yet little is known about whether mechanical forces generated by the heartbeat regulate this remodeling process. Using zebrafish as a model and focusing on stages when cardiac valves and trabeculae form, we found that altering cardiac contraction impairs cECM remodeling. Longitudinal volumetric quantifications in wild-type animals revealed region-specific dynamics: cECM volume decreases in the atrium but not in the ventricle or atrioventricular canal. Reducing cardiac contraction resulted in opposite effects on the ventricular and atrial ECM, whereas increasing the heart rate affected the ventricular ECM but had no effect on the atrial ECM, together indicating that mechanical forces regulate the cECM in a chamber-specific manner. Among the ECM remodelers highly expressed during cardiac morphogenesis, we found one that was upregulated in non-contractile hearts, namely tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (timp2). Loss- and gain-of-function analyses of timp2 revealed its crucial role in cECM remodeling. Altogether, our results indicate that mechanical forces control cECM remodeling in part through timp2 downregulation.
Formation and resolution of meiotic chromosome entanglements and interlocks
Authors: Olaya Iván , Burgess Sean M. , Rog Ofer
Published: July 2024

Interactions between parental chromosomes during the formation of gametes can lead to entanglements, entrapments and interlocks between unrelated chromosomes. If unresolved, these topological constraints can lead to misregulation of exchanges between chromosomes and to chromosome mis-segregation. Interestingly, these configurations are largely resolved by the time parental chromosomes are aligned during pachytene. In this Review, we highlight the inevitability of topologically complex configurations and discuss possible mechanisms to resolve them. We focus on the dynamic nature of a conserved chromosomal interface – the synaptonemal complex – and the chromosome movements that accompany meiosis as potential mechanisms to resolve topological constraints. We highlight the advantages of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans for understanding biophysical features of the chromosome axis and synaptonemal complex that could contribute to mechanisms underlying interlock resolution. In addition, we highlight advantages of using the zebrafish, Danio rerio, as a model to understand how entanglements and interlocks are avoided and resolved.
Modulation of diverse biological processes by CPSF, the master regulator of mRNA 3′ ends
Authors: Liu Lizhi , Manley James L.
Published: July 2024

The cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF) complex plays a central role in the formation of mRNA 3′ ends, being responsible for the recognition of the poly(A) signal sequence, the endonucleolytic cleavage step, and recruitment of poly(A) polymerase. CPSF has been extensively studied for over three decades, and its functions and those of its individual subunits are becoming increasingly well-defined, with much current research focusing on the impact of these proteins on the normal functioning or disease/stress states of cells. In this review, we provide an overview of the general functions of CPSF and its subunits, followed by a discussion of how they exert their functions in a surprisingly diverse variety of biological processes and cellular conditions. These include transcription termination, small RNA processing, and R-loop prevention/resolution, as well as more generally cancer, differentiation/development, and infection/immunity.
Προσομοίωση μεθόδων σφαιροβολής και ανάπτυξη υπολογιστικού μοντέλου αξιολόγησης της επίδρασής τους σε μηχανικά μέρη βαρέων οχημάτων, με μεταβαλλόμενες ιδιότητες
Authors: Γάκιας Χρήστος
Published: July 2024

Στην παρούσα διατριβή, παρουσιάζεται μια νέα προσέγγιση, βασισμένη στα Πεπερασμένα Στοιχεία, προσομοίωσης κατεργασίας της σφαιροβολής επιφανειών υπό προένταση. Πρόκειται για μια βελτιωμένη εκδοχή της συμβατικής σφαιροβολής , η οποία χρησιμοποιείται στα πλαίσια της βελτίωσης της διάρκειας ζωής φυλλοειδών (καμπτικών) ελατηρίων. Η συγκεκριμένη υπολογιστική προσέγγιση αποτελείται από δύο χωριστά μοντέλα Πεπερασμένων Στοιχείων, ένα σε δύο (2) διαστάσεις και ένα σε τρείς (3), κάθε ένα ικανό να παρέχει χρήσιμες πληροφορίες για την κατάσταση της επιφάνειας μετά τη κατεργασία, όσον αφορά τις εναπομένουσες τάσεις και την τραχύτητα επιφάνειας. Τα εν λόγω μοντέλα ενσωματώνουν τις ελαστοπλαστικές ιδιότητες των σφαιριδίων και του υπό κατεργασία κατασκευαστικού στοιχείου, τη στοχαστική φύση των σφαιριδίων που χρησιμοποιούνται σε πραγματικές βιομηχανικές εφαρμογές μεγάλου μεγέθους καθώς και τις διαβαθμισμένες μηχανικές ιδιότητες επιφάνειας, Οι εν λόγω μηχανικές ιδιότητες επιφανείας προσδιορίστηκαν μέσω νανοδιεισδύσεων και μικροσκληρομετρήσεων. Η προσέγγιση επαληθεύτηκε πειραματικά σε σενάρια συμβατικής σφαιροβολής και σφαιροβολής υπό προένταση, παρέχοντας μια συνολική εικόνα για τη κατεργασία, συμπεριλαμβάνοντας και διάφορες παραμετρικές μελέτες, όπως η επίδραση του μεγέθους των σφαιριδίων, της ταχύτητας, της εφαρμοζόμενη προέντασης, της γωνίας κρούσης και άλλες κρίσιμες παραμέτρους της διεργασίας.
Η κοινωνική ενσωμάτωση των Μικρασιατών προσφύγων στην Πελοπόννησο
Authors: Βακουφτσή Ελένη
Published: July 2024

Η διατριβή συνδέει το διεπιστημονικό αντικείμενο της Κοινωνικής Πολιτικής με την επιστήμη της Ιστορίας με εμπειρικό πεδίο αναφοράς τη μεσοπολεμική μικρασιατική καταστροφή εστιάζοντας στις πολυσύνθετες επιπτώσεις της αθρόας άφιξης των Μικρασιατών προσφύγων στην Ελλάδα. Η χώρα βίωσε μία ταραχώδη πολεμική δεκαετία από την ανάφλεξη των Βαλκανικών πολέμων έως την κατάρρευση του Μικρασιατικού μετώπου. Οι Έλληνες μαστίζονταν από φτώχεια, ανεργία, αρρώστια και πολιτικά πάθη, όταν προέκυψε η άναρχη έλευση τους υπέρογκου αναλογικά αριθμού προσφύγων. Σκοπός της μελέτης είναι να διερευνηθούν τα πολυσχιδή ζητήματα που αντιμετώπισαν οι Μικρασιάτες πρόσφυγες κατά την ενσωμάτωση τους στην Ελλάδα με γεωγραφικό πεδίο αναφοράς την Πελοπόννησο. Μέσα από την ερευνητική αξιοποίηση των Γενικών Αρχείων του κράτους (κυρίως της Πάτρας και της Καλαμάτας), διεθνών αρχείων (του Πανεπιστημίου Stanford) και του Τύπου, προκύπτει ότι η κοινωνική ενσωμάτωση των περιορισμένων συγκριτικά προσφυγικών ροών στην Πελοπόννησο αντιμετώπισε δυσεπίλυτα προβλήματα μόνιμης στέγασης, διανομής κλήρων, εύρεσης εργασίας και κοινωνικών σχέσεων με τους γηγενείς. Μείζονα προβλήματα δημόσιας υγείας εν μέρει αντιμετωπίστηκαν με τη συμβολή διεθνών ανθρωπιστικών οργανώσεων. Η έρευνα επιβεβαιώνει ότι η συμβολή των διεθνών οργανώσεων στη σχεδιασμένη θεσμοθέτηση κρατικών δομών υγείας είναι αξιοσημείωτη. Παράλληλα, το ελληνικό κράτος συνεργάστηκε με διεθνείς φορείς (όπως η Κ.τ.Ε.) δημιουργώντας την κρίσιμη Επιτροπή Αποκατάστασης Προσφύγων που ήρθε αντιμέτωπη με μεγάλες προκλήσεις αλλά και όχι λίγες αντιδράσεις. Η μελέτη εξετάζει εν γένει τις σχέσεις του ελληνικού κράτους με εγχώριους και διεθνείς φορείς που συνέδραμαν στο εγχείρημα της προσφυγικής αποκατάστασης και σταδιακής ενσωμάτωσης περιλαμβάνοντας τη συνεισφορά των προσφυγικών συλλόγων που συστάθηκαν εκείνη την εποχή και αναδείχθηκαν στην προσφυγική φωνή απέναντι στις κυβερνητικές δράσεις.
Preventing Progression: A Comprehensive Approach to Managing Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Borodziuk Barbara , Borodziuk Filip , Ciuba Katarzyna , Dąbrowska Paulina , Żuber Michał , Bochyński Karol , Molenda Katarzyna , Dacka Michał , Giżewska Kamila , Białogłowski Konrad
Published: July 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease and the most common synucleinopathy. It is a multi-system disease with both motor and non-motor disorders, cause of suffering for patients and a burden for healthcare system. Due to the constantly increasing number of patients and still unknown disease-modifying treatment, it is necessary to look for an effective way to slow down the progression. The article explores factors influencing PD progression, focusing on physical activity, nutrition, cognitive stimulation, and medical management.  It underscores the need for a multidimensional approach to address the complex nature of PD and offers insights into potential strategies for slowing down Parkinson’s disease progression.
Congenital melanocytic nevi – a literature review
Authors: Staniszewska Izabela , Baran Milena , Kazimierska Karolina
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) are small, congenital pigmented moles on the skin that may appear after or shortly after the birth of a child (up to 12–24 months of age). CMN usually increases proportionately with the baby's physical development and occupies the same area of skin as at birth. The incidence of CMN among newborns is relatively low and ranges from 0.2% to 6%.
Purpose of work: To collect information on the congenital melanocytic nevi.
Summary: The initial step in caring for a patient with CMN involves obtaining a history and conducting a physical examination. We are able to examine the CMN using dermatoscopy, confocal microscopy, and histopathological examination. Melanoma is not common in people with CMN, but it can develop, so it is worth maintaining oncological vigilance and checking them regularly. In our literature review, we reviewed the clinical presentation of CMN and the dermatoscopic image, as well as the light microscopic and confocal microscopic picture of congenital melanocytic nevi.
Effect of physical activity on the course of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Piątkowska Natalia , Kajzar Magdalena , Rodak Małgorzata , Nitka Kamila , Iwan Magdalena , Szymczuk Błażej , Smorońska-Rypel Joanna , Trojanowski Dominik , Milczarek Jakub , Adamiec Ksawery
Published: July 2024

The inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) group includes ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD) and microscopic enteritis. In UC, the lesions involve only the large intestine and do not cross the mucosa, while CD can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. Inflammatory bowel disease usually occurs between the ages of 20-30, with another peak incidence in the seventh decade of life. The etiology of inflammatory bowel disease is not fully understood. Diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical evaluation, endoscopic examination with histopathological evaluation and imaging studies. Treatment involves the introduction of an appropriate diet, and pharmacological, biological and surgical treatments are used. The prognosis is inauspicious, with inflammatory lesions often recurring, even after years of remission of the disease. The purpose of this paper is to describe in detail the two most common diseases in the inflammatory bowel disease group, highlighting the differences and similarities between them at the level of lesion localization, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease, due to the accompanying symptoms that make daily activities difficult, are less active than healthy people. There is ample evidence of the beneficial effects of physical activity on quality and length of life. It is recommended to conduct moderate intensity of both endurance and resistance exercises.
Sports Performance and Intermittent Fasting: Impact on Training and Results, Mechanisms and Health Benefits in Weight Management, Metabolic Health, and Chronic Diseases – A Review of Risks, Current Evidence, and Future Research Directions
Authors: Bieńko Mateusz , Rutkowska Marta , Król Tomasz , Toborek Michalina , Marchaj Magdalena , Korta Karolina , Putra Anna , Niedziela Natalia , Margas Mikołaj
Published: July 2024

Introduction:
Intermittent Fasting (IF) has become a popular method in the contemporary medical world as an up-to date technique of the health and wellbeing in the last several years.
Purpose:
This research aims to investigate the both impact of IF on sports performance and therapeutic potential of IF on cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological diseases with focus on obesity, diabetes and impact on cardiometabolic risk.
State of Knowledge:
Intermittent fasting has been found to extend both life and health span by positively impacting weight management, reducing the risk of cardiovascular incidents, promoting cellular repair, and exhibiting anti-inflammatory actions. It improves blood sugar levels, provides protection against hepatosteatosis, enhances lipid metabolism and has beneficial effects on the brain-gut-microbiome system. IF leads to improved mental performance and offers benefits for neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and multiple sclerosis  IF has shown beneficial effects on body composition and lean muscle mass without compromising physical performance nor impair strength. However, concerns about nutritional deficiencies, sustainability, and social implications are evident. Common drawbacks of IF include feelings of hunger, irritability, fatigue and hypoglycemia risk. IF is not recommended for pregnant woman and individuals suffering from eating disorders.
Conclusions:
IF is as a promising tool alongside traditional therapeutic strategies, particularly for addressing obesity, diabetes, and managing cardiovascular risk. For athletes it is a valuable tool in managing fat-mass particularly combined with high-intensity interval training (HIIT).  However it is not recommended for certain groups. The diverse landscape of IF patterns, coupled with drawbacks, underscores the necessity for long-term research before routinely recommending IF for athletes and patients.
Optimization Automates Emergency Department Nurse Scheduling at Hartford Hospital
Authors: Na Liangyuan , Pauphilet Jean , Haddad-Sisakht Ali , Raison Louis , Silver Audrey , Veronneau Patricia , Vogt Nicole , Bertsimas Dimitris
Published: July 2024

A collaboration between Hartford Hospital, MIT, and Dynamic Ideas LLC optimizes nurse staffing in emergency department using a two-phase optimization approach. We developed and implemented robust optimization models and automated scheduling software, reducing staffing costs by 5%–8%, enhancing patient care coverage by 8%–25%. This streamlined process is projected to save approximately $720,000 annually, replacing a labor-intensive scheduling method previously in place.
ENTREVISTA COM ANA ELISA RIBEIRO
Authors: Veloso Rodrigo Felipe
Published: July 2024

Ana Elisa Ribeiro é Professora Titular do Departamento de Linguagem e Tecnologia do Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais (CEFET-MG), onde atua no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Estudos de Linguagens, no bacharelado em Letras (Tecnologias da Edição) e no ensino médio integrado (Redação). É doutora em Linguística Aplicada (Linguagem e tecnologia) e mestre em Estudos Linguísticos (Cognição, linguagem e cultura) pela Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), onde também se bacharelou e licenciou em Letras/Português. Tem estágios pós-doutorais na PUC Minas, na Unicamp, na UFMG e na Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (Argentina). Entre outros, é autora dos livros "Multimodalidade, Textos e Tecnologias" (Parábola, 2021), "Como nasce uma editora" (Entretantas, 2023) e "Linguística aplicada - ensino de português" (Contexto, 2023). É autora de livros e publicações literárias, incluindo um prêmio Jabuti Juvenil, e diretora de coleções de livros acadêmicos e literários. Pesquisa Mulheres Editoras no Brasil (Fapemig, Anpoll). É pesquisadora do CNPq. Sua produção pode ser encontrada no site anadigital.pro.br.
Nesta entrevista, Ana Elisa conversa sobre seu contato com as letras, com a produção literária e científica, bem como, de modo geral, sobre seu trabalho docente e profissional. Temas como livro-objeto, narrativas híbrida e multimodal e crossover também se integram nessa discussão produtiva e diversificada.
Factors in shrinking workforce
Authors: Simpson Fiona
Published: July 2024

NYA's first workforce survey highlights lack of younger youth workers amid rising demand for services
Deprivation of liberty orders
Authors: Powell Andrew
Published: July 2024

Barrister Andrew Powell from 4PB explains why the use of deprivation of liberty orders has risen sharpy in recent years and the problems that creates for the children and young people involved
Comparing collagen stimulators and hyaluronic acids fillers: Ellansé vs MaiLi
Authors: Molloy Patricia
Published: July 2024

In this article, I will compare the collagen stimulators and hyaluronic acids fillers, Ellansé and MaiLi. The benefits of both will be discussed, when used alone and when used in combination. I will also share my personal experience of using these products in clinic and explore how to select the most appropriate patient for both options.
A comprehensive approach to skin rejuvenation with Neauvia smart combination therapy
Authors: Bocsa Gabriela
Published: July 2024

Aesthetic medicine extends beyond just correction, evolving into prevention strategies for aging. This case study highlights the revolutionary potential of Neauvia dermal fillers in skin rejuvenation and enhancement. Unlike conventional hyaluronic acid fillers, Neauvia uses PEG (polyethylene glycol), a biocompatible polymer, ensuring exceptional durability and longevity. Moreover, its PEG-based formulation offers thermal stability, enabling synergistic use with energy-based devices like LaserMe. Through the SCT (Smart Combination Therapy) Protocol, combining Neauvia dermal fillers, Hydro Deluxe skin booster, and LaserMe, a comprehensive treatment approach is achieved. Illustrated through a case study of a 74-year-old female, this protocol demonstrates remarkable results in addressing volume loss, fine lines, and skin quality over three sessions. Neauvia's mission to redefine medical aesthetics emphasises synergy between technology and clinical efficacy, creating natural rejuvenation with minimal intervention. This approach signifies a model shift towards holistic aesthetic solutions, optimising outcomes with minimal filler volume and maximal skin regeneration.
Embracing Sustainability
Authors: Tyler Neil
Published: July 2024

How are companies ensuring that data centres operate more sustainably and are climate-friendly?
Designed for Health & Efficiency
Authors: Brinkley Alex
Published: July 2024

Automation is well-established in taking on the heavy lifting of industrial processes, but there are particular requirements for automating processes in the food industry.
Thinking ‘More Before’
Authors: Fear Rich
Published: July 2024

Creating more flexible, digitally powered automation solutions at speed is a key challenge for machine builders. With inputs from Mpac Group Plc, Rich Fear, Head of OEM at Siemens explains how digital modelling technology is helping machine builders make major efficiency gains.
The The development and psychometric properties of the Chiang Mai Aphasia Screening Test for stroke
Authors: Ruangsuk Atchaphan ,   Communication Sciences and Disorders Division, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, Chinchai Supaporn ,   Communication Sciences and Disorders Division, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
Published: July 2024

Background: The aphasia screening test detects language and speech impairments, clarifying individuals’ language and speech abilities before administering a standardized aphasia diagnosis test. Objective: This study aimed to develop and validate an aphasia screening test for suspected cerebrovascular accident (CVA) patients with communication difficulties. Materials and methods: The study underwent two phases: developing and assessing psychometric properties. Five experts established content validity across receptive language, expressive language, reading, and writing. The Chiang Mai Aphasia Screening Test (CMAST) was evaluated on 14 CVA patients with and 14 without aphasia. Results: The content validity showed item-objective congruence ranging from 0.80 to 1.00. Sensitivity and specificity were 96.30% and 69%, respectively, with a maximum Youden’s Index at 65.30% and a cut-off point of 43 points. Concurrent validity was high (phi coefficient =0.67), and significant score differences (p<0.001) in construct validity confirmed the tool’s ability to distinguish aphasic from non-aphasic patients. Inter-rater reliability (ICC=0.99) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha =0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.98) were observed. Conclusion: The CMAST, comprising 45 items, exhibits sufficient validity and reliability for screening individuals suspected of aphasia due to CVA.