bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Changes in Iron and Myelination Within Ischemic Lesions Associate With Neurological Outcomes: A Pilot Study
Authors: Uchida Yuto , Kan Hirohito , Kano Yuya , Onda Kengo , Sakurai Keita , Takada Koji , Ueki Yoshino , Matsukawa Noriyuki , Hillis Argye E. , Oishi Kenichi
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Combined quantitative susceptibility mapping and R2* relaxometry can distinguish iron and myelin components in ischemic lesions. We aimed to investigate whether longitudinal changes in magnetic susceptibility and R2* values within ischemic lesions were associated with neurological outcomes.

METHODS:

In this single-center prospective study, we included patients, 20 to 90 years of age, who were consecutively admitted to the stroke care unit between August 2020 and March 2022 due to acute ischemic stroke. The participants underwent 2 instances of quantitative susceptibility mapping and R2* relaxometry scanning before and after stroke rehabilitation. We compared the changes in these quantitative measures across different subtypes of acute ischemic stroke. Multiple linear regression models were used to investigate the associations between the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores and the mean magnetic susceptibility and R2* values in ischemic lesions.

RESULTS:

Among a total of 112 patients with acute ischemic stroke, 32 participants (aged 73.3±9.4 years; 20 men and 12 women) were evaluated. The median time from stroke onset to the first imaging was 5 days and that to the second imaging was 102 days. The changes in magnetic susceptibility values of branch atheromatous disease were higher than those of cardioembolism (mean difference, 0.018 [95% CI, 0.009–0.027] ppm;
P
<0.001) and lacunar (mean difference, 0.013 [95% CI, 0.005–0.020] ppm;
P
=0.004). Across all patients, the changes in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores were associated with those of magnetic susceptibility values (coefficient, 0.311 [95% CI, 0.098–0.520];
P
=0.017) but not with R2* values (coefficient, 0.114 [95% CI, −0.127 to 0.345];
P
=0.291).

CONCLUSIONS:

The longitudinal changes in the magnetic susceptibility values within ischemic lesions were associated with neurological outcomes during the restorative stages poststroke in patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/
; Unique identifier: UMIN000050719.
Bayesian inference of frequency-specific functional connectivity in MEG imaging using a spectral graph model
Authors: Jin Huaqing , Abdelnour Farras , Verma Parul , Sipes Benjamin S. , Nagarajan Srikantan S. , Raj Ashish
Published: September 2024

Understanding the relationship between structural connectivity (SC) and functional connectivity (FC) of the human brain is an important goal of neuroscience. Highly detailed mathematical models of neural masses exist that can simulate the interactions between functional activity and structural wiring. These models are often complex and require intensive computation. Most importantly, they do not provide a direct or intuitive interpretation of this structure–function relationship. In this study, we employ the emerging concepts of spectral graph theory to obtain this mapping in terms of graph harmonics, which are eigenvectors of the structural graph’s Laplacian matrix. In order to imbue these harmonics with biophysical underpinnings, we leverage recent advances in parsimonious spectral graph modeling (SGM) of brain activity. Here, we show that such a model can indeed be cast in terms of graph harmonics, and can provide a closed-form prediction of FC in an arbitrary frequency band. The model requires only three global, spatially invariant parameters, yet is capable of generating rich FC patterns in different frequency bands. Only a few harmonics are sufficient to reproduce realistic FC patterns.

We applied the method to predict FC obtained from pairwise magnitude coherence of source-reconstructed resting-state magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings of 36 healthy subjects. To enable efficient model inference, we adopted a deep neural network-based Bayesian procedure called simulation-based inference. Using this tool, we were able to speedily infer not only the single most likely model parameters, but also their full posterior distributions. We also implemented several other benchmark methods relating SC to FC, including graph diffusion and coupled neural mass models. The present method was shown to give the best performance overall. Notably, we discovered that a single biophysical parameterization is capable of fitting FCs from all relevant frequency bands simultaneously, an aspect that did not receive adequate attention in prior computational studies.
Genocide as Patriotic Work Ethic: A Critical Reading of Mustafa Reşat’s Memoirs
Authors: Kurt Ümit
Published: September 2024

This article centers on the life of the late Ottoman and early Turkish Republican bureaucrat Mustafa Reşat to investigate how he turned into a genocide technocrat. It examines his career and decisions at critical junctions and depicts him as an outstanding representative of a category of perpetrators who prepare the propitious infrastructure, ground, and climate for such large-scale violence as the Armenian Genocide. By shifting the perspective to the type, scale, and level of perpetrating violence, this paper sheds light on how Mustafa Reşat used his administrative and political knowledge and experience to serve Talat Pasha, who was already organizing the deportation and extermination of Armenians. Drawing upon hitherto unmined sources such as his memoirs, it demonstrates how an ultranationalist and dedicated Ottoman bureaucrat played a pivotal role in determining the main contours of the Turkish state’s mindset on the “Armenian and Kurdish Questions”.
Celebrating the Genesis of Multilateralism in Marine Environmental Law: Reflections from the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute
Authors: Long Ronán
Published: September 2024

The Stockholm Declaration and the London Convention/Protocol continue to shape multilateralism in marine environmental law. They guide international law-making and judicial processes including the recent International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea Advisory Opinion on Climate Change and International Law. They also inspire the World Maritime University (WMU)-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute and its work on areas beyond national jurisdiction, plastic pollution, gender equality for the Decade of Ocean Science, the World Ocean Assessment, sea level rise, capacity-building in the Eastern Caribbean, and the Future Ocean Programme.
Digital Culture and Arts Communication via Facebook: Prospects and Concerns for Work in the Culture Sector in Vietnam
Authors: Duester Emma
Published: September 2024

This paper investigates the use of Facebook by cultural professionals in Vietnam to maintain connections with their audiences during the Covid-19 pandemic. Facebook provided a simple and free way of maintaining connections with audiences at a time of increased pressure to shift and adapt to online work immediately. However, concerns have emerged about the nature of arts-centred endeavours that are at odds with this for-profit platform and the production of digital culture in the Global South via a Western platform. The investigation uses findings from 50 semi-structured interviews with cultural professionals and a digital ethnography of seven art organizations’ Facebook posts over two months. It highlights that the Covid-19 pandemic propelled a paradigm shift in how cultural professionals communicated with their audiences via Facebook. These shifts have longer and broader implications for the future of work in the cultural sector, both in Asia and globally.
Disturbance observer-based dynamic fuzzy sliding-mode control strategy for horizontal vibration of high-speed elevator car system
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , He Qin , Li Hua , Cong Dongsheng , Zhang Hao
Published: September 2024

To effectively suppress the horizontal vibration of high-speed elevator cars caused by uncertainties such as unevenness of guide rails and piston wind in the shaft, a disturbance observer-based dynamic fuzzy sliding-mode control strategy is proposed, which is a combination of a dynamic fuzzy sliding-mode controller and an optimal nonlinear disturbance observer. First, a horizontal vibration dynamics model of the semi-active high-speed elevator car system is established, and the external disturbance of the airflow obtained by the dynamic grid technique and the uneven excitation of the guide rail are jointly applied as inputs to the dynamical model. Then, an active fuzzy sliding-mode controller is established, approximating the local optimum of the sliding mode surface parameters using a differential evolutionary algorithm, and the sliding mode surface is fuzzified to estimate the switching gain dynamically; next, a disturbance observer is designed by the response of the semi-active car system dynamics model to monitor and estimate the unpredictable state and compensate for the effect of external disturbances on the car system. The stability analysis shows that making the system's dynamic response converge at the origin is a Lyapunov stable process. In addition, real elevator experiments are conducted to analyze the horizontal vibration characteristics of the car system and verify the model. Finally, considering the limitations of actuators in real conditions, the simulation experiments are carried out under random excitation and pulse excitation respectively, and their results show that the proposed control strategy reduces the root mean square value of vibration acceleration by more than 70% and the output active control force is more stable, indicating that the proposed control strategy can effectively suppress the horizontal vibration of high-speed elevators.
The relationship between ethnicity and multiple sclerosis characteristics in the United Kingdom: A UK MS Register study
Authors: Jacobs Benjamin M , Schalk Luisa , Tregaskis-Daniels Emily , Tank Pooja , Hoque Sadid , Peter Michelle , Tuite-Dalton Katherine , Witts James ,   UK MS Register Study Group, Bove Riley , Dobson Ruth
Published: September 2024

Background:

Previous studies have suggested differences in multiple sclerosis (MS) severity according to ethnicity.

Methods:

Data were obtained from the UK MS Register, a prospective longitudinal cohort study of persons with MS. We examined the association between self-reported ethnic background and age at onset, symptom of onset and a variety of participant-reported severity measures. We used adjusted multivariable linear regression models to explore the association between ethnicity and impact of MS, and Cox proportional hazards models to assess disability progression.

Results:

We analysed data from 17,314 people with MS, including participants from self-reported Black ( n = 157) or South Asian ( n = 230) ethnic backgrounds. Age at MS onset and diagnosis was lower in those of South Asian (median 30.0) and Black (median 33.0) ethnicity compared with White ethnicity (median 35.0). In participants with online MS severity measures available, we found no statistically significant evidence for an association between ethnic background and physical disability in MS in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses.

Conclusion:

We found no association between ethnic background and MS severity in a large, diverse UK cohort. These findings suggest that other factors, such as socioeconomic status and structural inequalities, may explain previous findings.
A Methodological Insight: Using Online Indigenous Qualitative Data Collection Methods During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Phillipson-Puna Tira , Tkatch Melaney , Ikiua Monleigh , Leilua Shannon , Cribb-Su’a Ainsleigh , Brown Rachel , Anderson Anneka
Published: September 2024

Adapting indigenous qualitative research methods to an online platform was essential for indigenous qualitative research to continue during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online qualitative data collection is a new method supporting health and other research. During the pandemic, shifting to online qualitative data collection was largely driven by impacts of COVID-19 restrictions where in-person data collection could not be undertaken. Recent research has evaluated online focus groups compared to the in-person focus group approach. However, less is understood about how Māori, Pacific and other Indigenous cultural protocols translate to an online approach. This article is based on a study that undertook an Indigenous approach to online data collection during a period of COVID-19 restrictions in 2022. The study was based in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, focused on gaining Māori, Samoan, Tongan and Cook Island Māori perspectives of streptococcus isolate use for rheumatic fever surveillance and research. In Aotearoa New Zealand, rheumatic fever inequitably affects Māori and Pacific children aged 5–15 years. The project used Kaupapa Māori and Pacific centred research methodologies that included online wānanga and fono methods to collect qualitative data from Māori, Tongan, Samoan and Cook Island Māori participants. This article critically reflects on the strengths and challenges of using these methodologies and Māori and Pacific cultural practices in an online health research. The article demonstrates how Indigenous methodologies can effectively be undertaken in online contexts and still maintain cultural integrity and provide rich qualitative data compared to in-person and western informed online qualitative data collection methods.
Poster 398: Patient Perceptions of Social Media Use by Orthopaedic Surgeons: Comparing Responses Across the US
Authors: Wharton Benjamin , Smyth Anthony , McCarty Eric , Bravman Jonathan , Frank Rachel , Tokish John , Denard Patrick , Westermann Robert , Duchman Kyle
Published: September 2024

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to characterize content posted by orthopaedic surgeons on social media (SM) while investigating patient perceptions of this content from various regions of the United States. Analysis was included regarding how this content may influence the respondents’ healthcare decisions.

Methods:

SM posts by orthopaedic surgeons were reviewed and categorized. A patient survey was written to assess respondent SM usage practices as well as respondent perceptions of these categories. The survey was administered in the clinic of 13 separate orthopaedic surgeons via QR code. Survey results were analyzed for differences in SM utilization. Patient responses were assessed to judge perception of social medial content types.

Results:

There were 674 completed patient surveys. The 18-24 (89.3%) and 25-34 (87.6%) age groups were more likely to report daily use (p=0.002), but SM utilization was high among all age groups. 23% of patients reported using SM to see information about their healthcare at least once per month, 38% of patients reported reviewing the SM account of a physician at least once per month, and 23% of patients reported that they were likely or very likely to view the SM account of their own physician. 26% of patients reported that SM content is likely or very likely to influence which physician they see. Patients held the most consistently positive view of posts educating patients regarding common injuries, discussing sports team coverage, providing patient testimonials, and posts illustrating examples of imaging used to diagnose and treat patients. Patients held consistently neutral views of posts educating colleagues, discussing research and presentations at national meetings, displaying aspects of surgeons’ personal lives, and supporting marginalized groups. Several post categories elicited negative or highly polarized responses including those discussing research publications, showing surgical techniques or pictures/videos taken during surgery, or political statements.

Conclusions:

SM is an increasingly useful tool to help physicians interact with patients or build a practice. Physicians who wish to interact with patients should consider posting content viewed most positively including posts educating patients, discussing sports team coverage, and patient testimonials. Content that is viewed less favorably should be posted sparingly or with a sensitive tag. The most effective way to reach large patient populations appears to be through Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, Snapchat, and LinkedIn, in that order. Further ongoing study is required to understand the differences between physician SM content focused on interacting with patients compared to content focused on interacting with other physicians.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Utilization among Medically Underserved Patients with Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions
Authors: Chumbler Neale R. , Ogunsanmi Deborah O. , Surbhi Satya
Published: September 2024

Introduction

This study aims to examine (1) the impact of the pandemic phases on overall and preventable hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits, and (2) the effect of the pandemic on these outcomes within subgroup populations including gender, race, patients’ residence in health professional shortage areas (HPSA), and residence in a federal poverty level.

Study Design

We used electronic medical record (EMR) data for the year 2019 and 2020 from a large health system predominantly serving medically underserved patients in the South. We used a difference-in-differences approach to examine changes in weekly rates of overall and preventable hospitalizations and ED visits in the pandemic phase 1 (Mid-March to June of 2020) and phase 2 (July-September of 2020) compared to the same period in 2019 after adjusting for weekly outcome rates in the baseline period (January to Mid-March of 2020) compared to the same period in 2019.

Results

The study sample included 1.4 million hospitalizations and ED encounters. In phase 1 of the pandemic, there were significant reductions in overall (−108) and preventable (−75.3) hospitalizations, and overall (−408) and preventable (−306) ED visits when compared to the same period in 2019. In phase 2 of the pandemic, there were significant reductions in overall (−60) and preventable (−43) hospitalizations and in overall (−360) and preventable (−258) ED visits as compared to 2019. We found greater reductions in ED visits, both overall and preventable, during the early pandemic phases among Black patients than among White patients. Similar patterns in the reduction of ED visits were found in Black versus White patients within subgroups of women, men, and those residing in a HPSA and low-income areas.

Discussion

Substantial reductions in utilization were observed in Black patients in comparison to white patients and these differences persisted among men, women, and those living in underserved and low-income areas.
Genome-wide gene network uncover temporal and spatial changes of genes in auxin homeostasis during fruit development in strawberry (F. × ananassa)
Authors: Jang Yoon Jeong , Kim Taehoon , Lin Makou , Kim Jeongim , Begcy Kevin , Liu Zhongchi , Lee Seonghee
Published: September 2024

Background

The plant hormone auxin plays a crucial role in regulating important functions in strawberry fruit development. Although a few studies have described the complex auxin biosynthetic and signaling pathway in wild diploid strawberry (Fragaria vesca), the molecular mechanisms underlying auxin biosynthesis and crosstalk in octoploid strawberry fruit development are not fully characterized. To address this knowledge gap, comprehensive transcriptomic analyses were conducted at different stages of fruit development and compared between the achene and receptacle to identify developmentally regulated auxin biosynthetic genes and transcription factors during the fruit ripening process. Similar to wild diploid strawberry, octoploid strawberry accumulates high levels of auxin in achene compared to receptacle.

Results

Genes involved in auxin biosynthesis and conjugation, such as Tryptophan Aminotransferase of Arabidopsis (TAAs), YUCCA (YUCs), and Gretchen Hagen 3 (GH3s), were found to be primarily expressed in the achene, with low expression in the receptacle. Interestingly, several genes involved in auxin transport and signaling like Pin-Formed (PINs), Auxin/Indole-3-Acetic Acid Proteins (Aux/IAAs), Transport Inhibitor Response 1 / Auxin-Signaling F-Box (TIR/AFBs) and Auxin Response Factor (ARFs) were more abundantly expressed in the receptacle. Moreover, by examining DEGs and their transcriptional profiles across all six developmental stages, we identified key auxin-related genes co-clustered with transcription factors from the NAM-ATAF1,2-CUC2/ WRKYGQK motif (NAC/WYKY), Heat Shock Transcription Factor and Heat Shock Proteins (HSF/HSP), APETALA2/Ethylene Responsive Factor (AP2/ERF) and MYB transcription factor groups.

Conclusions

These results elucidate the complex regulatory network of auxin biosynthesis and its intricate crosstalk within the achene and receptacle, enriching our understanding of fruit development in octoploid strawberries.
Resilience among older adults with multimorbidity using the Connor-Davidson scale in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging: health behaviour, socio-economic, and social support predictors
Authors: Wister Andrew , Li Lun , Ferris Jennifer , Kim Boah , Klasa Katarzyna , Linkov Igor
Published: September 2024

Objective

Multimorbidity is recognized as a serious health condition faced by a majority of older adults. Research investigating adaptive responses to multimorbidity, termed multimorbidity resilience, has been growing. This paper examines protective and risk factors, with a focus on health behaviours, socio-economic resources, and social support using an established measure of resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale) among older adults, focusing on older persons with two or more concurrent chronic conditions.

Methods

Using Baseline (2011–2015), Follow-up One (2015–2018), and Follow-up Two (2018–2021) data from the Comprehensive Cohort of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, we tested hypotheses using 13,064 participants aged 65 years and older, who completed all waves and reported two or more of 27 chronic conditions, for the full sample of multimorbid individuals and three multimorbidity clusters: Cardiovascular/Metabolic, Musculoskeletal, and Mental Health. Associations between protective and risk factors and resilience were examined using linear regression to model the Connor-Davidson resilience scale, adjusting for illness context and social determinants of health.

Results

Among all multimorbid individuals, the strongest associations with resilience were found for higher self-rated health, greater sleep satisfaction, better appetite, higher household income, more relatives and friends, being overweight (compared to normal weight), fewer housing problems, and fewer skipped meals. Weaker associations were found for non-smokers, less alcohol consumption, less pain, sedentary behaviour, being non-married (compared to married), and among Canadian born (compared to foreign). The analyses for the three multimorbidity clusters were largely replicated for the three multimorbidity clusters, but with some nuances depending on the cluster.

Discussion

This research provides confirmatory evidence for several protective and risk factors affecting the ability to cope and recover from multimorbidity adversity among older adults. There are consistent patterns for the multimorbidity disease clusters, but some distinct relationships arise that are worthy of attention. The implications of the findings for modifiable health behaviours and socio-economic factors are discussed for their public health and clinical relevance.
Informed consent and coercion in recruitment advertisements for oocyte donors
Authors: Lake Ruby , Berzansky Isa , Lanes Andrea , Srouji Serene , Ginsburg Elizabeth , Insogna Iris
Published: September 2024

Background

As the use of donor eggs for in vitro treatment has increased, both medically affiliated and private donor egg agencies have turned to online advertisements to recruit donors. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine provides recommendations encouraging ethical recruitment of donors, however there is no formal regulation for the informed consent process for egg donor recruitment and compensation. Underrepresentation of risks and targeted financial incentives may pose a risk to the informed consent process.

Methods

Data from online advertisements for egg donors active between January 1 - August 31, 2020, were collected to analyze content related to risks, Covid-19 precautions, donor payment, and desired donor characteristics. Advertisements for egg donors on Google, Craigslist, and social media were analyzed. Primary outcomes included the mention of the risks of egg donation, including the risk of Covid-19 exposure, in donor egg advertisements. Secondary outcomes included language targeting specific donor characteristics and financial compensation.

Results

103 advertisements were included. 35.9% (37/103) of advertisements mentioned some risk of the egg donation process, and 18.5% (19/103) mentioned risks or precautions related to Covid-19 exposure. Of advertisements for private donor egg agencies, 40.7% (24/59) mentioned any risk, compared to 29.6% (13/44) of medically affiliated egg donation programs; the difference was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.24). Agencies targeting students and donors of a specific race were more likely to offer payments over $10,000 for an egg donation cycle. Among advertisements offering over $20,000 for donor compensation, 72.7% (8/11) recruited women under the age of 21.

Conclusion

Egg donor recruitment advertisements, for both medically affiliated programs and private agencies, were unlikely to mention risks including the risk of exposure to Covid-19. Non-medically affiliated private donor egg agencies were more likely to violate multiple American Society for Reproductive Medicine ethics guidelines, including offering higher than average compensation, and recruiting donors from young and vulnerable populations.
Super-resolution deep learning image reconstruction: image quality and myocardial homogeneity in coronary computed tomography angiography
Authors: Otgonbaatar Chuluunbaatar , Kim Hyunjung , Jeon Pil-Hyun , Jeon Sang-Hyun , Cha Sung-Jin , Ryu Jae-Kyun , Jung Won Beom , Shim Hackjoon , Ko Sung Min
Published: September 2024

Background

The recently introduced super-resolution (SR) deep learning image reconstruction (DLR) is potentially effective in reducing noise level and enhancing the spatial resolution. We aimed to investigate whether SR-DLR has advantages in the overall image quality and intensity homogeneity on coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography with four different approaches: filtered-back projection (FBP), hybrid iterative reconstruction (IR), DLR, and SR-DLR.

Methods

Sixty-three patients (mean age, 61 ± 11 years; range, 18–81 years; 40 men) who had undergone coronary CT angiography between June and October 2022 were retrospectively included. Image noise, signal to noise ratio, and contrast to noise ratio were quantified in both proximal and distal segments of the major coronary arteries. The left ventricle myocardium contrast homogeneity was analyzed. Two independent reviewers scored overall image quality, image noise, image sharpness, and myocardial homogeneity.

Results

Image noise in Hounsfield units (HU) was significantly lower (P < 0.001) for the SR-DLR (11.2 ± 2.0 HU) compared to those associated with other image reconstruction methods including FBP (30.5 ± 10.5 HU), hybrid IR (20.0 ± 5.4 HU), and DLR (14.2 ± 2.5 HU) in both proximal and distal segments. SR-DLR significantly improved signal to noise ratio and contrast to noise ratio in both the proximal and distal segments of the major coronary arteries. No significant difference was observed in the myocardial CT attenuation with SR-DLR among different segments of the left ventricle myocardium (P = 0.345). Conversely, FBP and hybrid IR resulted in inhomogeneous myocardial CT attenuation (P < 0.001). Two reviewers graded subjective image quality with SR-DLR higher than other image reconstruction techniques (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

SR-DLR improved image quality, demonstrated clearer delineation of distal segments of coronary arteries, and was seemingly accurate for quantifying CT attenuation in the myocardium.
Dissecting the Prediagnostic Journey to Identify Opportunities for Early Detection of Esophageal Cancer: Findings From a High-Risk Area in Rural China
Authors: He Yu , Li Fenglei , Guo Chuanhai , Quaresma Manuela , He Zhonghu , Ke Yang , dos-Santos-Silva Isabel
Published: September 2024

PURPOSE

Survival from esophageal cancer (EC) is poor, partly reflecting the delay in diagnosis. To inform the potential measures for downstaging the disease, we estimated diagnosis delay, that is, the length of interval from symptom-to-diagnosis (STD), and investigated its correlates among patients with EC in a high-risk resource-limited rural area in China.

METHODS

Patients newly diagnosed with EC (N = 411) were recruited in a secondary hospital in Henan province in China between August 1, 2018, and October 21, 2020. A face-to-face structured questionnaire was used to collect patient-level and health-seeking data from patients and/or proxies. Association between the length of STD interval and stage at diagnosis was examined using logistic regression. Correlates of the length of the STD interval were identified using negative binomial regression.

RESULTS

The median STD interval was 61 (IQR, 24-155) days, with the time from symptom onset to first health care contact representing 90.1% (IQR, 7.8%-100%) of its length. The odds of being diagnosed at stages III-IV increased by 3% (age- and sex-adjusted odds ratio, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.99 to 1.08]) for every 2-month increase in the STD interval. Higher awareness of EC risk factors was associated with shorter STD intervals (incidence rate ratio [95% CI] for awareness score ≥2 v ≤0: 0.65 [0.46 to 0.93]), whereas patients who first visited secondary or tertiary/cancer hospitals had much longer STD intervals than those who first visited a primary health care facility (1.69 [1.19 to 2.40]; 2.22 [1.24 to 3.97]).

CONCLUSION

The median length of the STD interval was 2 months, but with considerable interindividual variability. Improving EC awareness, coupled with effective referral pathways, may promote timely diagnosis of this disease.
Greater Urinary Calcium Excretion Is Associated With Diminished Bone Accrual in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Weber David R , O’Brien Kimberly O , Ballester Lance , Rackovsky Noya , Graulich Bethany , Schwartz George J
Published: September 2024

Context

The adverse skeletal effects of type 1 diabetes (T1D) include deficient bone accrual and lifelong increased fracture risk. The contributors to impaired bone accrual in people with T1D are incompletely understood.

Objective

To determine if urinary calcium excretion is associated with impaired bone accrual in youth with T1D and to characterize the contribution of glycemic control and markers of bone mineral metabolism to urinary calcium excretion.

Design

Observational study.

Participants

Fifty participants with T1D aged 6 to 20 years completed a 12-month longitudinal study of bone accrual. A second cohort of 99 similarly aged participants with T1D completed cross-sectional 24-hour urine and blood collections.

Main Outcome Measure

Whole body less head bone mineral content (WBLH BMC) velocity Z-score and fractional excretion of calcium (FeCa).

Results

Participants in the bone accrual cohort had lower WBLH BMC velocity compared to a healthy reference dataset (Z-score −0.3 ± 1.0, P = .03). FeCa was negatively associated with WBLH BMC velocity Z-score, ρ = −0.47, P = .001. In the urinary calcium excretion cohort, intact PTH (β = −0.4, P = .01), beta c-telopeptide (β = 0.35, P = .007), and either hemoglobin A1c (β = 0.08, P = .03) or urine fractional glucose excretion (β = 0.07, P = .03) were associated with FeCa in multivariable regression models that included known determinants of urinary calcium excretion.

Conclusion

Urinary calcium excretion was negatively associated with bone accrual in this cohort of youth with T1D. Mechanistic studies are needed to determine if interventions to reduce urinary calcium excretion could increase bone accrual and reduce skeletal fragility in people with T1D.
Insights into the molecular bases of multicellular development from brown algae
Authors: Batista Rita A. , Wang Liping , Bogaert Kenny A. , Coelho Susana M.
Published: September 2024

The transition from simple to complex multicellularity represents a major evolutionary step that occurred in only a few eukaryotic lineages. Comparative analyses of these lineages provide insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving this transition, but limited understanding of the biology of some complex multicellular lineages, such as brown algae, has hampered progress. This Review explores how recent advances in genetic and genomic technologies now allow detailed investigations into the molecular bases of brown algae development. We highlight how forward genetic techniques have identified mutants that enhance our understanding of pattern formation and sexual differentiation in these organisms. Additionally, the existence and nature of morphogens in brown algae and the potential influence of the microbiome in key developmental processes are examined. Outstanding questions, such as the identity of master regulators, the definition and characterization of cell types, and the molecular bases of developmental plasticity are discussed, with insights into how recent technical advances could provide answers. Overall, this Review highlights how brown algae are emerging as alternative model organisms, contributing to our understanding of the evolution of multicellular life and the diversity of body plans.
Étude du transcriptome du champignon phytopathogène Botrytis cinerea lors de l’interaction avec Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Γιώτη Αναστασία
Published: September 2024

-
"Γηράσκω αεί διδασκόμενος"
Authors: Παναγιωτάκης Γεώργιος
Published: September 2024

Η Επιμόρφωση και η Εκπαίδευση των ηλικιωμένων ατόμων αποτελεί κυρίως θέμα ειδικού ενδιαφέροντος του πεδίου της Εκπαίδευσης Ενηλίκων. Η εκπαίδευση δίνει την δυνατότητα σε ένα ηλικιωμένο άτομο να δει την κοινωνία μέσα από νέες θεωρήσεις και να βιώσει τις επιδράσεις του κοινωνικοπολιτισμικού περιβάλλοντος, επιτρέποντας κατά αυτόν τον τρόπο την αυτοπραγμάτωση του, παρέχοντας τη δυνατότητα να εξελιχθεί στον πλήρως λειτουργικό άνθρωπο. Η μόρφωση και η επιμόρφωση γενικότερα είναι δικαίωμα όλων και πρέπει όλοι οι άνθρωποι να μπορούν να την απολαμβάνουν ως εκπαιδευόμενοι, καθ’ όλη την διάρκεια της ζωής τους. Κατά την ώριμη ενήλικη ζωή το άτομο συνειδητοποιεί ότι η διάρκεια της ζωής του είναι περιορισμένη κι ως εκ τούτου η μάθηση γίνεται πιο επιλεκτική. Εντούτοις, προσδιορίζεται ότι η εξελισσόμενη συμμετοχή των ηλικιωμένων σε εκπαιδευτικές και γενικότερα μαθησιακές διαδικασίες συμβάλει σε σημαντικό βαθμό στην δυνατότητά τους να διατηρούν μία καλή σωματική φυσική και πνευματική κατάσταση και να παραμείνουν κοινωνικά ενεργοί. Παράλληλα νέες μορφές εκπαιδευτικών ευκαιριών αναδύονται όπως: τα Ελεύθερα Πανεπιστήμια και τα Πανεπιστήμια Τρίτης Ηλικίας, θεσμοί όμως όχι και τόσο γνωστοί στην ελληνική πραγματικότητα. Ο κύριος στόχος της παρούσας έρευνας ήταν να διερευνηθούν οι εκπαιδευτικές ανάγκες των ηλικιωμένων, να εντοπιστούν οι διάφοροι τομείς μαθησιακού ενδιαφέροντος που προσανατολίζονται, και να αναδειχθεί η σημασία της εκπαίδευσης και επιμόρφωσης στην Τρίτη Ηλικία καθώς και η έλλειψη εκπαιδευτικής δομής τύπου Πανεπιστημίου Τρίτης Ηλικίας στην Περιφέρεια Κρήτης. Απώτερος σκοπός είναι να ευαισθητοποιηθούν οι αρμόδιοι εκπαιδευτικοί φορείς ιδιαίτερα το ΙΝΕΔΙΒΙΜ, τα Εκπαιδευτικά Ιδρύματα Ενηλίκων και Τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης και οι Δήμοι της Περιφέρειας Κρήτης.
Large data problems in fluid dynamics and general relativity
Authors: Αθανασίου Νικόλαος
Published: September 2024

Σε αυτήν την διατριβή συνεισφέρουμε στη μελέτη δύο προβλημάτων μεγάλων δεδομένων εντός του κλάδου των Υπερβολικών Μερικών Διαφορικών Εξισώσεων. Το πρώτο αποτέλεσμα αφορά τις Σχετικιστικές Εξισώσεις Όιλερ, οι οποίες περιγράφουν ικανοποιητικά την κίνηση των υγρών στα πλαίσια της ειδικής θεωρίας της σχετικότητας. Παρέχουμε ένα ικανό και αναγκαίο κριτήριο για τον σχηματισμό ιδιομορφιών στην (1+1)-διάστατη περίπτωση για συνεχώς διαφορίσιμα αρχικά δεδομένα. Επιπλέον, δίνουμε ένα κριτήριο σχηματισμού παγιδευμένων επιφανειών για το σύστημα Αϊνστάιν-Μάξγουελ, στα πλαίσια της Γενικής Θεωρίας της Σχετικότητας. Αυτό είναι το πρώτο κρίσιμο-ως-προς-κλίμακα αποτέλεσμα παρουσία ύλης.
Rekonstrukcja Officium Tenebrarum w katedrze wawelskiej w XV wieku na podstawie rękopisów zachowanych w Archiwum Kapitulnym
Authors: Pyrek-Nąckiewicz Anita
Published: September 2024

This dissertation describes Officium Tenebrarum (Office of the Darkness) held in the Wawel Cathedral in 15th century. Celebrating Tenebrae has been common in Europe, however its structure varied between various places, based on local traditions. The structure was unified in 16th century by the Council of Trent, so local traditions disappeared afterwards. The Wawel Cathedral has been renowned for the beauty of its liturgical services, with special emphasis on liturgical music. This thesis aims to reconstruct all chants and customs of Tenebrae service as held in the Kraków Cathedral before the Tridentine reform. The work is divided into two parts: a descriptive section and a chantbook prepared with potential performers in mind. The first chapter of the descriptive section aims to present the Tenebrae in the context of the daily Officium Divinum celebrated before the Council of Trent and to present and organize terminology characteristic of these celebrations. It outlines the history of the office, describes the liturgical-musical forms that comprise it, the liturgical books in which it is contained, and the way it was performed. Next, it provides a characterization of those canonical hours that constitute the Officium Tenebrarum (Matins and Lauds). The chapter concludes with a table presenting the detailed structure of this service as celebrated during a comparable period in Rome, based on the aforementioned Breviarium Romanum.
Aorto-right atrial and aorto-right ventricular fistulas as a complication of subacute infective endocarditis
Authors: Dodul Cristina , Sarpe Paduraru Ana-Maria , Nechita Luiza , Boghean Andreea , Gutu Cristian , Ursu Maria
Published: September 2024

Aorto-atrial fistula (AAF) and aorto-ventricular fistula (AVF) are a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition, where an anomalous connection forms between the aortic structures and the cardiac atria or ventricles. The exact incidence of this condition is unknown, as are the major precipitating factors and best treatment options. It may be congenital, secondary to conditions such as aortic dissection, infective endocarditis, or valve replacement, or iatrogenic in nature. In the case reported here a 72-year-old male who was found to have an infective endocarditis complicated by right AAF and AVF. This case illustrates the important role of transesophageal echocardiography in the evaluation of a patient with subacute infective endocarditis with a very rare complication.
Assessment of the Influence of Peach Production Systems on the Quantity and Quality of Root Collinization by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
Authors: Nunes José Luis da Silva
Published: September 2024

This work aimed to evaluate changes in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities in soils under different peach production systems in three municipalities in southern Brazil. Root and soil samples were collected in orchards under Integrated Production (IP) and Conventional Production (PB) management on municipal properties for three years. Soil samples of AMF spores were extracted, identified and counted. Root colonization and presence of mycorrhizal structures (hyphae, vesicles and arbuscules) present in the radicle. IP systems have always presented higher colonization levels than PC systems. The municipality of São Jerônimo presented the highest colonization rates in the summer, while Charqueadas presented the highest in the spring, all higher than the municipality of Pelotas. Colonization peaks occurred above 90% in São Jerônimo and Charqueadas for IP, while in Pelotas they did not reach levels above 61%. There were no differences between AMF communities regarding the number of species, between management systems in each production system. The municipality of Charqueadas presented a smaller number of species than Pelotas. The genus Glomus had the largest number of species (9), followed by Acaulospora (7), Scutellospora (2) and Archaeospora, Entrophospora and Gigaspora (1 each). Archaeospora leptoticha and Gigaspora margarita present in 97% of the samples.
Impact of Waste Water Treatment on Area under Cultivation in Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu – Projection Based on Willingness to Pay Approach
Authors: Raj Nirmala , Gandhimathi Subramanian
Published: September 2024

There is a scarcity of research on the effects of waste water treatment on the amount of land used for farming. Additionally, the researchers made the assumption that all farmers would either be willing or unwilling to participate. An equation was estimated to determine the separate area under cultivation for farmers who are willing and unwilling to engage, assuming no endogeneity. Thus, this study aimed to assess the influence of waste water treatment on the area of land used for cultivation, while considering the selectivity bias in the analysis. The Heckman sample selection model was utilised to examine the influence of willingness to pay on the extent of land under cultivation. By treating the waste water, it is possible to expand the cultivated area. While the cropping pattern may remain unchanged, around 50 hectares of land area dedicated to the same crops could be increased if the waste water is treated and the farmers are ready to bear the cost of waste water treatment. The correlation between the disposal of industrial waste and the land area was shown to be statistically significant in determining the willingness to pay. Furthermore, the impact of the desire to pay was also found to be statistically significant in determining the extent of land used for cultivation.
In vitro Propagation of Garlic (Allium sativum L) from Meristem Culture
Authors: Greedharry Pratima , Boodhram Kumari Indira Devi , Koyelas Chandasa
Published: September 2024

The present study investigated in vitro multiplication and bulbification in one imported garlic accession i.e. VFG158 and eleven local garlic accessions of Mauritius viz. Beeharry, Boodnah, Bondah, Gooniah, Haulkhory, Ramdhuny, Ramjee, Rampall, Sujeebun, Sujeebun 2 and Unuth through meristem culture. The explants were subjected to fourteen shoot multiplication and three bulbification treatments. Positive results for shoot proliferation and suppression of hyperhydricity were noted on six shoot multiplication media: MS basal media with various growth regulators {G0 (0.25mg/L NAA+0.5mg/L 2iP), G1 (1.5mg/L BAP+0.5mg/L NAA), G2 (0.3mg/L NAA+3mg/L 2iP), G6 (0.5mg/L NAA+2mg/L 2iP), G14(2mg/L BAP+2mg/L NAA) and G15(1mg/L BAP+0.5mg/L NAA)}. The highest number of shoot formation was observed in G2 (0.3mg/L NAA+3mg/L 2iP) and the lowest number of shoot formation was observed in G14 (2mg/L BAP+2mg/L NAA). Genotypic difference in shoot multiplication and hyperhydricity on different media formulation was observed. The highest shoot proliferation was observed in the garlic accession Ramdhuny, while the lowest shoot proliferation was recorded in groups of similar accessions namely, Ramjee, Sujeebun and VFG 158. Bulblet formation was earlier on bulbification medium B2 (MS enriched with 12% sucrose). Largest and heavier bulblets were obtained on medium B5 (MS supplemented with 2mg/L BAP+1mg/L GA3 and enriched with 90% sucrose). A reliable protocol for rapid shoot regeneration and multiplication from meristem-tip culture and bulblet formation from multiple shoot clumps was optimised.
Using interpretive description to facilitate women's contributions to maternity care: experiences and views of obstetric fistula prevention
Authors: Bulndi Lydia Babatunde , Bayes Sara , Ireson Deborah , Adama Esther
Published: September 2024

Background/Aims

Interpretive description is a qualitative methodology that combines detailed descriptions with thoughtful interpretation. This approach is especially effective for producing practical insights and deepening the understanding of phenomena in clinical or practice-based settings. The aims of this study were to explore how interpretive description could be used to research the experiences and views of women with obstetric fistula.

Methods

Interpretive description was used to explore the experiences and views of 15 purposively selected women affected by obstetric fistula. Participants were recruited via the Evangel Vesico Vaginal Fistula Centre of Bingham University Teaching Hospital. Data were collected via in-depth interviews and concurrently analysed thematically.

Results

Interpretive description provided women with a unique opportunity to share their experiences of the causes and avoidable risk factors of obstetric fistula. The approach yielded qualitative findings and allowed for the representation of different views, leading to an understanding of how to mitigate obstetric fistula in the community.

Conclusions

Interpretive description was used to listen to the voices of women affected by obstetric fistula, learn from their experiences and highlight the interventions that may alter risk factors for the condition in the community. This is the first study to use interpretive description to facilitate under-represented women's contributions to maternity care by listening to their experiences and views. This enabled identification of gaps in maternity care provision, which would be of interest to the community and health service leaders as well as policymakers in sub-Saharan Africa.

Implications for practice

Interpretive description allows for deep capture of women's perspectives, allowing implementation of interventions designed to target issues as perceived by those most affected. This also ensures that under-represented groups are included in the research process.
Extremely Rare Coexistence of Peripherally Located Mucous Gland Adenoma and Pulmonary Chondroid Hamartoma
Authors: Özmen Sevilay , Demirağ Funda , Tamer Harika Derya , Karaman Adem , Aydın Yener
Published: September 2024

Pulmonary mucous gland adenomas (MGAs) originating in mucous-secreting cells in the bronchi are extremely rare benign tumours. Pulmonary chondroid hamartomas (PCHs) are the most common benign neoplasms of mesenchymal origin of the lung. This study reports an unusual case where MGA and PCH coexisted in a peripheral intra-parenchymal location. A patient with a 1-cm non-specific nodule in the left lung on a computed tomography scan underwent wedge resection. Microscopically, mesenchymal elements consisting of fat and cartilage tissue were observed. Mucous glands were present around these mesenchymal elements. No cellular atypia or mitosis was observed. This allowed for complete treatment without the need for a segmentectomy.