bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESEARCH ROUNDUP
Authors: Mcgloin Claudia
Published: July 2024

In this regular feature, aesthetic nurse Claudia McGloin presents a brief synopsis of a range of recently published articles on medical aesthetics. Research roundup aims to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided at the end of each study summary
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage using electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent for malignant biliary obstruction: A promising procedure
Authors: Wu Si-Ze
Published: July 2024

In this editorial, we comment on the article by Peng et al . Palliative drainage for biliary obstruction resulting from unresectable malignant lesions includes internal and external drainage. The procedures of biliary drainage are usually guided by fluoroscopy or transcutaneous ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), or both. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been primarily recommended for the management of biliary obstruction, while EUS-guided biliary drainage and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) are alternative choices for cases where ERCP has failed or is impossible. PTBD is limited by shortcomings of a higher rate of adverse events, more reinterventions, and severe complications. EUS-guided biliary drainage has a lower rate of adverse events than PTBD. EUS-guided biliary drainage with electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent (ECE-LAMS) enables EUS-guided biliary-enteric anastomosis to be performed in a single step and does not require prior bile duct puncture or a guidewire. The present meta-analysis showed that ECE-LAMS has a high efficacy and safety in relieving biliary obstruction in general, although the results of LAMS depending on the site of biliary obstruction. This study has highlighted the latest advances with a larger sample-based comprehensive analysis.
Cardiac implications in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Elmati Praveen Reddy , Jagirdhar Gowthami Sai Kogilathota , Surani Salim
Published: July 2024

This editorial aimed to consolidate the current evidence in literature on the association between myasthenia gravis (MG) and cardiac involvement, focusing on the impact of thymoma, antistriational antibodies, and late-onset MG. Additionally, the study aimed to explore the influence of genetic differences among populations on the association with cardiac disease. We conducted a review of existing literature in PubMed and Google Scholar to find relevant studies on cardiac involvement in MG. We created search criteria using a combination of free text words, including MG, antistriational antibodies, thymectomy, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, arrhythmias, autonomic dysfunction. Relevant articles published in English language were analyzed and incorporated. The findings indicate a strong association between thymoma, myasthenic crisis, antistriational antibodies, and late-onset MG with cardiac involvement. The study also revealed that genetic differences among populations influence the risk of cardiac disease and electrocardiography (ECG) abnormalities in MG patients. Autonomic dysfunctions altered cardiac autonomic response and increased susceptibility to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in MG patients. The study supports the significance of thymoma, antistriational antibodies, and late-onset MG as key factors associated with cardiac involvement in MG patients. It emphasizes the importance of ECG as the initial test in managing MG patients, particularly in the perioperative period, to identify and genetic testing if needed to address their cardiac risk effectively.
Turned Turk, and died a slave: A New Historicist Reading of A Christian Turned Turk by Robert Daborne
Authors: Şahiner Mustafa , Bayraktar Güliz Merve
Published: July 2024

New Historicism provides a critical look for the narrative focusing on its historical background with a claim that a text is not independent from its era. The method emphasises the significance of understanding the power relations and dynamics within the society when interpreting literary works and it argues that literary works nourish from the social and cultural atmosphere to which they belong. Since the texts are the “part of the political, religious and social institutions that form, control and limit them”, they cannot be evaluated as separate units (Berghahn 1992, 145). Therefore, the new historicists seek to reshape a text in historical discourse in order to procure realistic interpretations. From this perspective, this paper states that degrading the motives for conversion to sexual propensity of John Ward, Robert Daborne masks the real causes behind conversion in A Christian Turned Turk like many other Elizabethan playwrights who stimulate hatred towards Turks and Islam in their plays since they saw them as a growing threat to Christianity. Virtually, the play displays the common anxiety resulting from the growing number of English people converting to Islam in the seventeenth century. Being a cleric himself, Daborne’s social status deserves consideration while interpreting the play in order to understand his intentions behind his aim of picturing the convert with a tragic ending. Regarding the new historicist notion of examining the relationship between the author, the text and history, it is argued in the study that the playwright’s justification for Ward’s conversion is not realistic and that he distorted the historical facts intentionally for the purpose of defaming Turks in the public eye.
Sosyal Kaygı Bozukluğunun Bilişsel Davranışçı Terapisi: Kapsamlı Bir Gözden Geçirme
Authors: Akkuş Koray
Published: July 2024

Yaygın olarak görülen psikolojik sorunlardan olan Sosyal kaygı bozukluğu (SKB), bireylerin hayatlarının çeşitli alanlarında ciddi zorluklar yaratmakta ve başka psikolojik sorunlarla sıklıkla bir arada görülmektedir. SKB’yi açıklamak için çeşitli bilişsel davranışçı modeller önerilmiş ve bu modelleri temel alan tedavi protokolleri geliştirilmiştir. Bu çalışmada ilgili alanyazın gözden geçirilmiş ve yaygın olarak kullanılan bilişsel davranışçı terapi programları hakkında detaylı bilgiler sunulmuştur. Tedavi programları incelendiğinde bireylerin sosyal durumlara ilişkin uyumsuz inançlarına yönelik bilişsel müdahaleler ile korkulan duruma yönelik maruz bırakma uygulamalarının birçok tedavi programında temel bileşenler olduğu görülmektedir. SKB’nin tedavisine yönelik güncel araştırmaların sonuçları en etkili tedavi yöntemlerinden birinin BDT olduğunu ve elde edilen kazanımların uzun vadede de sürme eğiliminde olduğunu göstermektedir. Öte yandan önemli sayıda sosyal kaygılı bireyin bilişsel davranışçı terapiden yeterli faydayı göremediği anlaşılmıştır.
Syedra Büyük Hamam Yapısı’ndan Ele Geçen Bir Grup Geç Roma D Seramiği Üzerine Değerlendirmeler
Authors: Tuğcu Ilgın
Published: July 2024

Syedra Antik Kenti, Antalya ili Alanya ilçesinin yaklaşık 20 km güneydoğusunda Asar Tepe olarak bilinen Seki Köyü sınırları içerisinde, Pamphylia ve Dağlık Kilikia (Kilikia Trakheia) bölgelerini birbirinden ayıran Sedre Çayı’nın hemen batısında yer almaktadır. Syedra, Kilikia ve Pamphylia Bölgesi’nin kesişim noktasında yer almasından dolayı zaman zaman Pamphylia, zaman zaman da Kilikia Bölgesi’ne dahil edilmiştir. Dağlık Kilikia’nın Akdeniz ile olan yakın ilişkisine ek olarak, Suriye ve Anadolu arasındaki kıyı bağlantısından dolayı önemli bir stratejik konuma sahiptir. Dağlık Kilikia kentlerinden biri olan Syedra’nın başta Kıbrıs olmak üzere Doğu Akdeniz ve Kuzey Afrika ile bağlantısı olduğu görülmektedir. Kıbrıs ve Güneydoğu Anadolu kıyılarında farklı atölyelerde üretiminin gerçekleştiği bilinen Geç Roma D seramiği Syedra Antik Kenti’nde 2019-2023 yılları arasında gerçekleştirilen Büyük Hamam yapısı kazılarında en çok ele geçen seramik grubudur. Çalışmanın konusunu Geç Roma D seramiklerinin ana formlarından olan Hayes Form 1, Hayes Form 2, Hayes Form 3, Hayes Form 5, Hayes Form 7, Hayes Form 8, Hayes Form 9, Hayes Form 11; Hayes Form 9 ve Hayes Form 11’in de alt tipleri oluşturmaktadır.
Prediction method of long-term creep deformation of mobile phone resin lens module in a harsh temp environment
Authors: Sun Ruqian , Xie Jiaqing , He Shirong , Fan Haiyan , Guo Chengli , Nan Xiaohui , Meng Xiaoyu , Pang Haoran
Published: July 2024

In recent years, the replacement cycle of digital products such as mobile phones in the market has significantly increased, and the accurate prediction of attenuation under long-term usage conditions of the lens module, storage, and other components has become important. The vast majority of mobile phone lens modules are processed from optical resins, and the degradation of their imaging performance is mainly caused by assembly deformation and long-term creep deformation after a high-temperature reliability test. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a reliable model to describe the long-term creep deformation of the mobile phone resin lens module in a harsh temperature environment. This study proposed a modified derivation method for the parameters of the Maxwell constitutive model to predict the long-term creep deformation of the mobile phone resin lens module in a high-temperature environment. The fitting accuracy of the modified generalized Maxwell model and the time-hardening model were compared through uniaxial compression creep experiments. Long-term creep simulations and experiments were conducted on the mobile phone resin lens module; the deformation law of each component of the mobile phone resin lens module was identified; and the creep deformation mechanism was elucidated. The result shows that the modified generalized Maxwell model has much higher accuracy than the time-hardening model in predicting the long-term creep deformation of different resin materials. When considering the influence of the creep phenomenon, the simulation result matches well with the experimental result, and the high-temperature creep mechanism of the mobile phone resin lens module was clarified. In addition, it was found that the maximum deformation of the lens occurred at the lens with the largest size, which was 2.1 µm, and the position with the largest surface deviation was at the edge of the lens. The prediction method proposed in this study can provide guidance and correction suggestions for the structural design of a mobile phone resin lens module and the rationality of optical design; thus, the imaging accuracy of lens modules will be guaranteed to the greatest extent possible.
Diffuse optical spectroscopy of lactating and non-lactating human mammary physiology
Authors: Boamfa Ana , Coverstone Caitlin , Abdalsalam Ola , de Almeida Barreto Ana Flavia , Wei Alicia , de Wolf Johanna Rebecca , Schoustra Sjoukje M. , O’Sullivan Thomas D. , Bosschaart Nienke
Published: July 2024

Breastfeeding provides widely recognized advantages for infant and maternal health. Unfortunately, many women experience trouble with breastfeeding. Nevertheless, few suitable imaging modalities are available to study human lactation and determine the possible causes of breastfeeding problems. In this study, we apply broadband, quantitative diffuse optical spectroscopy (DOS) for this purpose. We present a study of fourteen lactating and eight similarly aged, premenopausal, non-lactating women to investigate the feasibility of DOS to study the optical and physiological differences between 1) lactating and non-lactating breasts, 2) the areolar and non-areolar region within the breast, and 3) lactating breasts before and after milk extraction. Our study shows that i) the median total hemoglobin concentration [tHb] of the lactating breast is 51% higher than for the non-lactating breast. ii) the median [tHb] of the lactating breast is 37% higher in the areolar region compared to the non-areolar region. iii) lactating breasts exhibit a positive median difference of 8% in [tHb] after milk extraction. Our findings are consistent with the expected physiological changes that occur during the lactation period. Importantly, we show that DOS provides unique insight into breast tissue composition and physiology, serving as a foundation for future application of the technique in lactation research.
Impact of Yb2+ on the anti-Stokes fluorescence cooling performance of Yb-doped silica fibers
Authors: Meehan Bailey , Pietros Alexander R. , Chen Chun-Wei , Hawkins Thomas W. , Engholm Magnus , Dragic Peter D. , Digonnet Michel J. F. , Ballato John
Published: July 2024

To unlock the full potential of laser-cooled silica optical fibers, a better understanding of the internal mechanisms of heat generation is required. This work explores ytterbium-doped aluminosilicate fibers produced via industry-standard modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) techniques with varied levels of divalent ytterbium to determine their effect on anti-Stokes fluorescence thermal performance. The inclusion of Yb2+ is shown to have a significant negative impact on cooling potential. Yb2+ ions are shown to correlate with heat generation by two distinct mechanisms, absorption and quenching of active Yb3+ ions. This excess heating represents a reduction in quantum efficiency that is detrimental to Yb-doped fiber lasers and amplifiers beyond the laser-cooling application.
Backscatter absorption spectroscopy for process monitoring in powder bed fusion
Authors: Beuting Matthias , Fairhall Alex J. , Goldsmith Randall H. , Chen Lianyi , Sanders Scott T.
Published: July 2024

Laser powder bed fusion is a metal 3D printing technology that involves melting and solidifying a metal powder using a process laser or electron beam. The interaction of metal vapors with the melt pool is known to cause manufacturing defects. Here we use absorption spectroscopy of laser light reflected from the liquid metal surface to measure atomic Ti vapor during processing of Ti-6Al-4 V inside the vapor cavity forming in the melt pool. The absorption line strength and shape were found to vary significantly with processing parameters. In addition, laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) was observed, providing further opportunities for in situ diagnostics.
Treatment preferences among people at risk of developing tuberculosis: A discrete choice experiment
Authors: Kamchedzera Wala , Quaife Matthew , Msukwa-Panje Wezi , Burke Rachael M. , Macpherson Liana , Kumwenda Moses , Twabi Hussein H. , Quartagno Matteo , MacPherson Peter , Esmail Hanif
Published: July 2024

Diagnosing and treating people with bacteriologically-negative but radiologically-apparent tuberculosis (TB) may contribute to more effective TB care and reduce transmission. However, optimal treatment approaches for this group are unknown. It is important to understand peoples’ preferences of treatment options for effective programmatic implementation of people-centred treatment approaches. We designed and implemented a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to solicit treatment preferences among adults (≥18 years) with TB symptoms attending a primary health clinic in Blantyre, Malawi. Treatment attributes included in the DCE were as follows: duration of treatment; number of tablets per dose; reduction in the risk of being unwell with TB disease; likelihood of infecting others; adverse effects from the treatment; frequency of follow up; and the annual travel cost to access care. Quantitative choice modelling with multinomial logit models estimated through frequentist and Bayesian approaches investigated preferences for the management of bacteriologically-negative, but radiographically-apparent TB. 128 participants were recruited (57% male, 43.8% HIV-positive, 8.6% previously treated for TB). Participants preferred to take any treatment compared to not taking treatment (odds ratio [OR] 5.78; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.40, 13.90). Treatments that reduced the relative risk of developing TB disease by 80% were preferred (OR: 2.97; 95% CI: 2.09, 4.21) compared to treatments that lead to a lower reduction in risk of 50%. However, there was no evidence for treatments that are 95% effective being preferred over those that are 80% effective. Participants strongly favoured the treatments that could completely stop transmission (OR: 7.87, 95% CI: 5.71, 10.84), and prioritised avoiding side effects (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.29). There was no evidence of an interaction between perceived TB disease risk and treatment preferences. In summary, participants were primarily concerned with the effectiveness of TB treatments and strongly preferred treatments that removed the risk of onward transmission. Person-centred approaches of preferences for treatment should be considered when designing new treatment strategies. Understanding treatment preferences will ensure that any recommended treatment for probable early TB disease is well accepted and utilized by the public.
Exploring ways to support patients with noncommunicable diseases: A pilot study in Nepal during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Iwashita Hanako , Shrestha Rabina , Yadav Uday Narayan , Shrestha Abha , Makaju Deepa , Harada Yuriko , Masuda Gaku , Rawal Lal , Shrestha Archana , Karmacharya Biraj , Koju Rajendra , Sakamoto Haruka , Sugishita Tomohiko
Published: July 2024

Global healthcare systems have faced unprecedented strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a profound impact on individuals with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), a scenario particularly pronounced in low-income countries like Nepal. This study aimed to understand the experiences of and challenges faced by patients with NCDs in Nepal during the pandemic, focusing on healthcare service availability and identifying factors affecting healthcare use, with the goal of being prepared for future emergencies. This study utilized a telephonic survey of 102 patients with NCDs and 10 qualitative interviews with healthcare providers in the Kavrepalanchok and Nuwakot districts of Nepal. We used mixed methods, with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Specifically, multiple correspondence analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and classification tree analysis were used as exploratory methods. The study revealed that while 69.6% of the participants reported no difficulty in obtaining medication, other questions revealed that 58.8% experienced challenges in accessing routine medical care. Major barriers, such as fear of infection, unavailability of medicine in rural areas, and lack of transportation, were found through the qualitative interviews. Meanwhile, participants identified innovative strategies, such as telemedicine and community-based awareness programs, as potential facilitators for addressing barriers that arise during pandemic situations such as COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated challenges in accessing healthcare services for patients with NCDs in Nepal. Our findings suggest the need to design and implement telemedicine services for patients with NCDs, as well as community-based programs that aim to improve health literacy, encourage healthy behavior, prevent development of NCDs, and ensure continuity of care during such crises, especially in countries with limited resources.
Optimization of the process of preparation of liver pâtés and omental fat of lambs fed with lipid cakes
Authors: Almeida da Silva Bruna , de Castro Vinícius Costa Gomes , da Silva Araújo Cleidiane , Joele Maria Regina Sarkis Peixoto , Maciel e Silva André Guimarães , Rodrigues da Silva Jamile Andréa , Silva Welligton Conceição da , Nabiça Rodrigues Ellen Cristina , Lourenço-Júnior José de Brito
Published: July 2024

The aim of this work was to optimize the process of elaborating liver pâtés and omental lamb fat and to evaluate the quality of the products. Livers and fats were obtained from lambs fed with diets composed of corn and soybean meal that were partially replaced by cupuaçu, tucumã and palm kernel cake. To prepare the pâtés, livers were baked for 20 minutes at 100°C, weighed, seasoned, crushed, packaged and pasteurized. The best formulation of the pâté was with 40% liver, 10% fat, 35% water, and pasteurized for 20 minutes at 65°C. The pâté from the livers of lambs fed with palm kernel cake obtained a higher caloric value of 193.05 kcal/100 g and all pâtés met the recommended microbiological quality. There was a significant effect (p< 0.05) of the diets on the aroma and texture of the liver pâtés of lambs fed corn and soybean meal and palm kernel cake, and these were 6.38 and 3.37, respectively. Thus, the pâtés can be considered an alternative to increase the options for consumption of liver from lambs, and also for adding commercial value to lamb viscera.
High rates of deferring antiretroviral treatment for patients with HIV and substance use disorders: Results from a national sample of HIV physicians in Ukraine
Authors: Ottesen Taylor D. , Wickersham Jeffrey A. , Lawrence Juliana C. , Antoniak Sergii , Zezuilin Oleksandr , Polonsky Maxim , Antonyak Svitlana , Rozanova Julia , Dvoriak Sergii , Pykalo Iryna , Filippovych Myroslava , Altice Fredrick L.
Published: July 2024

Background

HIV incidence and mortality are increasing in Ukraine despite their reductions globally, in part due to suboptimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage in key populations of people with HIV (PWH) where the epidemic is concentrated. As physicians are gatekeepers to ART prescription, stigma and discrimination barriers are understudied as a key to meeting HIV treatment targets in key populations.

Methods

A national sample (N = 204) of ART-prescribing physicians in Ukraine were surveyed between August and November 2019. Participants underwent a series of randomized, hypothetical HIV clinical scenarios and decided whether to initiate or defer (or withhold) ART. Scenarios varied based on 5 distinct CD4 counts (CD4: 17, 176, 305, 470, or 520 cells/mL) and 10 different PWH key populations. Z scores and McNemar’s test for paired samples were used to assess differences between key populations and CD4 count. Feeling thermometers were used to assess stigma-related measures toward key populations among physicians.

Results

Physicians were highly experienced (mean = 19 years) HIV treaters, female (80.4%), and trained in infectious diseases (76.5%). Patients who drink alcohol (range: 21.6%-23.5%) or use (PWUD range: 16.7%-20.1%) or inject (PWID range: 15.5%-20.1%) drugs were most likely to have ART deferred, even at AIDS-defining CD4 counts. PWID maintained on methadone, however, were significantly (p<0.001) less likely to have ART deferred compared with those who were not (range: 7.8%-12.7%) on methadone. Men who have sex with men (range: 5.4%-10.8%), transgender women (range: 4.9%-11.3%), sex workers (range: 3.9%-10.3%),and having an HIV-uninfected sex partner (range: 3.9%-9.3%) had the lowest likelihood of ART deferral. Increasing levels of stigma (i.e., feeling thermometers) towards a key population was correlated with ART deferral (i.e., discrimination).

Conclusions

Despite international and Ukrainian guidelines recommending ART prescription for all PWH, irrespective of risk or CD4 count, ART deferral by experienced HIV experts remains high in certain key populations, especially in PWH and substance use disorders. Strategies that initiate ART immediately after diagnosis (i.e., rapid start antiretroviral therapy), independent of risk group, should be prioritized to truly mitigate the current epidemic.
Industrial prospects on regulatory gaps and barriers in pharmaceutical exports and their counteraction: Local experiential with global implication
Authors: Mubarak Zobia , Abbas Nasir , Hashmi Furqan Khurshid , Shahbaz Hina , Bukhari Nadeem Irfan
Published: July 2024

Background

The pharmaceutical sector in Pakistan has grown over a period with export potential, however, there are certain barriers in the framework that regulate the growth and export of domestically manufactured pharmaceuticals. The purpose of this study was to highlight the current challenges that hinder the export of pharmaceuticals, especially to the countries with stringent regulatory authorities (SRA), as perceived by the domestic pharmaceutical industry experts, and to highlight the facilitators that may help to resolve the identified challenges.

Methods

In a qualitative study, the data were collected from the consented experts from the pharmaceutical industries in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta. Industrial experts with a minimum of 10 years of experience and who were serving at managerial levels or above were recruited through purposive sampling. The semi-structured interviews were conducted for the collection of data from industrial experts. Thematic content analysis was applied to conclude the data.

Results

Data analysis generated 4 themes and 16 codes. The export of pharmaceuticals, despite having greater potential was regarded as poor, which was attributed to the following: (a) inadequate industrial research and development, particularly on new molecules (b) non-compliance with the cGMP standards, (c) absence of high-tech equipment, (d) unwillingness of the pharmaceutical companies for bioequivalence studies on their generics, (e) unavailability of locally manufactured active pharmaceutical ingredients, (f) disruption in the supply of imported raw material, (g) poor international market perception about local pharmaceutical products and (h) lack of support from regulatory in process expedition. The respondents also suggested the measures for overcoming the above challenges to boost the export of domestic pharmaceuticals and expand their international market share in countries with SRA.

Conclusion

Export from Pakistan to the SRA countries can be enhanced with mandatory bioequivalence studies during generic registration. The pharmaceuticals export could effectively contribute to the national economy.
Diurnal gene expression patterns in retina and choroid distinguish myopia progression from myopia onset
Authors: Stone Richard A. , Tobias John W. , Wei Wenjie , Carlstedt Xia , Zhang Lixin , Iuvone P. Michael , Nickla Debora L.
Published: July 2024

The world-wide prevalence of myopia (nearsightedness) is increasing, but its pathogenesis is incompletely understood. Among many putative mechanisms, laboratory and clinical findings have implicated circadian biology in the etiology of myopia. Consistent with a circadian hypothesis, we recently reported a marked variability in diurnal patterns of gene expression in two crucial tissues controlling post-natal refractive development ‐ the retina and choroid–at the onset of form-deprivation myopia in chick, a widely studied and validated model. To extend these observations, we assayed gene expression by RNA-Seq in retina and choroid during the progression of established unilateral form-deprivation myopia of chick. We assayed gene expression every 4 hours during a single day from myopic and contralateral control eyes. Retinal and choroidal gene expression in myopic vs. control eyes during myopia progression differed strikingly at discrete times during the day. Very few differentially expressed genes occurred at more than one time in either tissue during progressing myopia. Similarly, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis pathways varied markedly by time during the day. Some of the differentially expressed genes in progressing myopia coincided with candidate genes for human myopia, but only partially corresponded with genes previously identified at myopia onset. Considering other laboratory findings and human genetics and epidemiology, these results further link circadian biology to the pathogenesis of myopia; but they also point to important mechanistic differences between the onset of myopia and the progression of established myopia. Future laboratory and clinical investigations should systematically incorporate circadian mechanisms in studying the etiology of myopia and in seeking more effective treatments to normalize eye growth in children.
Overexpression of miR-200s inhibits proliferation and invasion while increasing apoptosis in murine ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Carter Resh , Petrik Jim J. , Moorehead Roger A.
Published: July 2024

Women diagnosed with ovarian cancer frequently have a poor prognosis as their cancer is often diagnosed at more advanced stages when the cancer has metastasized. At this point surgery cannot remove all the tumor cells and while ovarian cancer cells often initially respond to chemotherapeutic agents like carboplatin and paclitaxel, resistance to these agents frequently occurs. Thus, novel therapies are required for the treatment of advanced stage ovarian cancer. One therapeutic option being explored is the regulation of non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs. An advantage of microRNAs is that they can regulate tens, hundreds and sometimes thousands of mRNAs in cells and thus may be more effective than chemotherapeutic agents or targeted therapies. To investigate the therapeutic potential of miR-200s in ovarian cancer, lentiviral vectors were used to overexpress both miR-200 clusters in two murine ovarian cancer cell lines, ID8 and 28–2. Overexpression of miR-200s reduced the expression of several mesenchymal genes and proteins, significantly inhibited proliferation as assessed by BrdU flow cytometry and significantly reduced invasion through Matrigel coated transwell inserts in both cell lines. Overexpression of miR-200s also increased basal apoptosis approximately 3-fold in both cell lines as determined by annexin V flow cytometry. Pathway analysis of RNA sequencing of control and miR-200 overexpressing ovarian cancer cells revealed that genes regulated by miR-200s were involved in processes like epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell migration. Therefore, miR-200s can inhibit proliferation and increase apoptosis while suppressing tumor cell invasion and thus simultaneously target three key cancer pathways.
Enhancing highway transportation safety resilience during emergencies: A network-based analysis and assessment
Authors: Zhang Xue , Lu Yi , Wang Jie , Qi Yongzheng
Published: July 2024

In order to evaluate the impact of emergencies on the resilience of highway transportation, a resilience network hierarchical model of the highway transportation system was constructed by analyzing the formation and emergence process of safety resilience in the highway transportation system. Four layers of networks were divided, including highway network, transport network, traffic network, and emergency network. Combined with the network hierarchical model, a resilience evaluation index system was designed, and an assessment method for highway transportation systems based on the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process(FAHP) was proposed. Finally, a case study of a public health emergency in a region of Hunan was carried out. The results show that the proposed method for evaluating the safety resilience of highway transportation systems can better reflect the overall resilience under public health emergencies, which is consistent with the quantitative analysis results through the system resilience curve. It helps to accurately evaluate the safety resilience of the system. At the same time, this method has the advantages of flexibility and simplicity in solving unstructured decision-making problems of the system, which helps to improve the safety production management and safety resilience level of highway transportation systems. In the future, the scope of research scenarios and regions can be expanded, and further analysis of the evolution of safety resilience and the ability of resilience development in different stages under external disturbances can be conducted in order to further explore and optimize the resilience of the system.
Dietary diversity and nutritional status of adults living with HIV during the COVID-19 era
Authors: Abdulai Kasim , Alhassan Abdul Rauf , Aleboko Safianu Osman , Ahmed Mohammed Doobia , Seidu Mohammed Awal , Fremah Adom Odei-Asare , Kumah Rhoda
Published: July 2024

Background

The coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought about unique challenges in healthcare and nutrition, particularly for people living with HIV (PLHIV). Understanding their dietary patterns and nutritional status is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving health outcomes. Therefore, this study assessed the dietary diversity and nutritional status of PLHIV during the COVID-19 era.

Methods

We adopted a facility-based cross-sectional study design to enroll 220 PLHIV from two hospitals in the Central Region of Ghana. Dietary intakes were assessed using 24-hour recall. Anthropometric and body composition data were collected with a stadiometer and a body composition monitor. Dietary diversity was evaluated using the FAO’s Individual Dietary Diversity Score (IDDS). Data analysis was conducted with SPSS version 20. Significance level was set p-value less than 0.05.

Results

A significant proportion (33.2%) of PLHIV had low dietary diversity, with the majority (55.5%) categorized as needing dietary improvement. Approximately 2 out of every 10 of the participants were identified as underweight. Participants aged 40 to 59 years were more likely to exhibit higher dietary diversity (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.966, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.045–4.987). Participants who consumed meals at least three times daily were more likely to have a high IDDS (AOR = 1.641, 95% CI: 1.221, 8.879). Employed participants (public sector and private sector) were also more likely to have a high IDDS compared to unemployed participants (AOR = 1.448, 95% CI: 1.028–3.042; AOR = 1.165, 95% CI: 1.030–9.329, respectively). Factors associated with undernutrition included being female (AOR = 1.829, 95% CI: 1.294, 3.872) and first-line antiretroviral therapy ART (AOR = 1.683, 95% CI: 1.282–2.424).

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the need for nutritional interventions for PLHIV, particularly during crises. It advocates for a policy collaboration to address food insecurity and promote resilient health outcomes.
Ruptures of design: Trophies, live service games and anti-nuclear metacommentary in Metal Gear Solid V
Authors: Scheiding Ryan , Staines Dan
Published: July 2024

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (MGSV) allowed players to build and/or disarm nuclear devices as a part of its live service base-building gameplay with the intention of mimicking the real-world difficulties of nuclear disarmament. Building and disarming nuclear devices in the game was further encouraged by developers through the design of two PlayStation trophies along with the promise of a secret cut-scene if players managed to eradicate all nuclear weapons on their online server. However, due to an alleged programming error it became impossible for players to actually achieve this goal. This article examines the design of the aforementioned trophies and their relationship with in-game nuclear disarmament, highlighting the larger significance of the trophy design and how the metacommentary (i.e., anti-nuclear narrative) of MGSV was undermined by metagaming practices (i.e., unlocking trophies, optimizing gameplay) and a live service business model focused on player retention and profit.
Video games, uncertainty and the Anthropocene unconscious
Authors: Gomes Brian , Sarkar Anik
Published: July 2024

Climate change is a serious issue that has presented humanity with serious obstacles. Like many other cautionary media, video games have responded to the climate crisis and helped to emphasize the severity of global warming and climate-related issues. This essay addresses the ways in which video games represent and communicate critical issues related to climate change. It discusses games that engage directly with the climate crisis and uncertainty in the Anthropocene through engaging with the ideas of Van Schaik. It then moves to discuss Mark Bould’s conception of the ‘Anthropocene unconscious’ to reveal how games that do not initially appear to engage directly with environmental issues are also pregnant with subliminal and cautionary undertones about the climate catastrophe.
Effect of Tai Chi on adult mental health during the pandemic and factors associated: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cezário Lais Renata Almeida , Ambrosano Gláucia Maria Bovi , Ambrosano Guilherme Bovi , Taíra Anderson , Possobon Rosana de Fátima , Meneghim Marcelo de Castro , Cortellazzi Karine Laura
Published: July 2024

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess whether levels of anxiety, perceived stress, and self-perception of happiness during the Covid-19 pandemic were lower among Tai Chi (TC) practitioners. An online questionnaire was applied from September 2020 to November 2021 through email list and instant messaging application "WhatsApp". In total 368 individuals, 341 of whom did not practice TC, coming from a university and sports academies and 27 TC practitioners from the Brazilian Society of TC and Oriental Culture were included. Sociodemographic, mental health, habits related to physical activity and the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS14) and the Andrews Faces Scale were collected to assess level of state-anxiety, perceived-stress, and self-perception of happiness, respectively. Each independent variable with the outcome variables (severe anxiety level, severe stress level, moderate/severe stress level and self-perception of happiness) were analyzed for simple and multiple logistic regression model. Individuals who do not practice TC are more likely to have a severe level of anxiety (OR=3.55; CI95%CI: 1.37-9.20) and a moderate/severe level of stress (OR=2.60; 95%CI: 1.07-6.35), p<0.05. TC practitioners are more likely to perceive themselves as happy than non-practitioners (OR=3.18; 95%CI: 1.16-8.71), p<0.05. Do not practice regular physical activity (OR=2.88; 95%CI:1.50-4.34); (OR=1.7; 95%CI: 95%: 1.09-2.74) and being young were associated with high levels of stress, p<0.05. The TC practice during the pandemic promoted lower level of perceived stress, state anxiety and greater self-perception of happiness, showing the importance of TC practice and maintaining the frequency of physical activity during the pandemic.
Rhizobia inoculation increases pea grain yield: an overview and challenges
Authors: Valencia Heder Asdrubal Montañez , Amaral Higo Forlan , Nassar Jordana Mayra , Andrade Diva Souza
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of inoculation with microorganisms, mainly rhizobia, on pea (Pisum sativum) production using a systematic literature review approach and a comparative analysis of grain yield to provide information to fill gaps in nontraditional regions of cultivation for this legume. A systematic search strategy was implemented, targeting papers published in scientific journals accessible through the Web of Science® (WoS) database spanning from January 1990 to April 2022. The search terms "Pisum sativum," "inoculation," and "strain" were used. The differences between the pea grain yields from plants inoculated with nitrogen-fixing microorganisms and those from noninoculated plants (control) were analyzed using thirteen field-scale studies. Overall, pea inoculation/coinoculation promoted a greater grain yield (3118 ±210 kg ha-1) than noninoculation (2338± 127 kg ha-1), showing the importance of biological nitrogen fixation for legume crop production. In the pursuit of reducing pea production costs, emphasis has been placed on inoculation, highlighting the importance of comprehending the symbiotic relationship between peas and Rhizobium. Furthermore, this research aimed to explore the interaction between Rhizobium and selected microorganisms known to enhance plant growth to identify optimal combinations to boost pea productivity.
Multifunctional microorganisms and phosphorus dosages in soybean-maize and soybean-rice successions under no-till systems in the cerrado
Authors: Cruz Dennis Ricardo Cabral , Monteiro Natasha Ohanny da Costa , Ferreira Izabely Vitória Lucas , Souza Victórya Gabrielly Manzan , Neto Juracy Barroso , Silva Mariana Aguiar , Nascente Adriano Stephan
Published: July 2024

Multifunctional phosphate solubilizing microorganisms can contribute to reducing phosphorus doses without affecting the grain yield of crops. The aim of this work was to evaluate agricultural production systems involving soybean-maize and soybean-rice successions, inoculation of beneficial microorganisms and application of phosphorus doses with a view to sustainable intensification of agriculture and soil health and fertility in the Cerrados region. The experimental design was a randomized block design in a 2x4 factorial scheme with four replications. The treatments were composed of the combination of two phosphorus doses, 50% (45 kg ha-1 of P2O5) and 100% (90 kg ha-1 of P2O5) of the recommended dose with four uses of multifunctional microorganisms: 1. BRM 32111 (Burkholderia sp.), 2. BRM 32114 (Serratia marcescens), 3. co-inoculation (BRM 32111 + BRM 32114), and 4. control (no application of microorganisms). The microorganisms provided significant increases in the 100-grain weight and grain yield of soybeans, dry matter and nutrient accumulation of rice and maize, reduction of phytopathogenic fungus propagules, and increased accumulation of nutrients and activity of the enzymes Betaglicosidase and Arilsulfatase in the soil. Applying 50% phosphorus reduced the 100-grain weight and grain yield of soybean, dry matter and nutrient accumulation of rice, propagules of Trichoderma spp., and the nutrients in the soil. The soybean-maize succession showed higher levels of Arylsulfatase than the soybean-rice succession. The highest soybean yields were obtained by applying BRM 32114 with 50% and co-inoculation with 100% phosphorus.
Study on extraction conditions and characteristics of protein from burdock roots
Authors: Gong XiuMei , Chang Fei , Yao XiMin , Peng Leng  , Miao YuQing , Zhang GuiZhi
Published: July 2024

Burdock (Arctium lappa L.), which belongs to the Compositae family, possesses significant medicinal and nutritional value. Burdock root is abundant in proteins and essential amino acids. In this study, proteins from burdock roots were extracted by alkali extraction and acid sedimentation, and the optimal conditions for protein extraction from burdock roots and protein characteristics were explored. The optimal conditions for protein extraction with a yield rate of 9.03% were 40°C extraction temperature, pH 8.0, a solid–liquid ratio of 1:25 (g/mL), and extraction time of 65 minutes. Single-factor and orthogonal tests on the extraction rate of burdock proteins under different conditions found that the extraction rate of protein from burdock roots were influenced by pH, extraction temperature, solid–liquid ratio, and extraction time, in this order. The solubility and gelation properties of burdock protein were similar to those of soybean protein; however, burdock protein demonstrated 1.2 times the oil absorption capacity and half the water retention capacity of soybean protein. Analysis of the amino acid contents of burdock protein revealed that burdock root contains significant essential and non-essential amino acids, with valine content being the highest.
Genotypic reaction of chickpea to Fusarium oxysporum and seed sanitary quality
Authors: Barbosa Dandara Maria Clara do Rosário , Rocha Fernando da Silva , Costa Cândido Alves da , Nascimento Warley Marcos , Mizobutsi Edson Hydu , Catão Hugo Cesar Rodrigues Moreira
Published: July 2024

This research investigated the reaction of chickpea genotypes to Fusarium oxysporum CML 2878, seed health quality, and seed treatment with Carbendazim + Thiram fungicide. The roots of 15-day-old chickpea seedlings were injured, immersed in fungal suspension (4.5 x 107 conidia/mL), and transplanted. Thirty days later, F. oxysporum incidence in the genotypes, pathogenicity, and fresh mass and length of the root and shoot were evaluated. The conducted seed health test followed the incubation methodology on a paper substrate. The seed health and sand emergence tests used a factorial arrangement with two seed treatments (treated with fungicide and untreated) and nine genotypes. Total emergence and the number of normal and abnormal plants were evaluated. All genotypes were susceptible to F. oxysporum CML 2878, thus yellowing and browning the leaves and reducing root development. The primary fungi associated with the seeds of the studied genotypes were Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp., Rhizopus sp., and Penicillium sp. The fungicide was highly efficient in fungal control but reduced emergence, weight, seedling height, and the number of normal seedlings in the genotypes. This study demonstrated that the evaluated genotypes were susceptible to F. oxysporum CML 2878 and Fusarium sp., spread by seeds. Although fungicidal control was efficient for Fusarium, it may interfere with chickpea germination and vigor.
Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery Using a Cold Fibrillatory Cardiac Arrest Technique in Patients With Prior Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Ali Ahmed , Gray Zachary , Loor Gabriel , Shafii Alexis E. , Rosengart Todd K. , Liao Kenneth K.
Published: July 2024

Objective:

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (mini-MVS) is typically reserved for patients who have not undergone open cardiac surgery. In the reoperative setting, using intrapericardial dissection for crossclamping the aorta through a minimally invasive approach can be difficult and, at times, risky. Cold fibrillatory cardiac arrest (CFCA) with systemic cardiopulmonary bypass without cross-clamping is a well-described technique; however, data about its safety for patients who undergo reoperative mini-MVS are limited.

Methods:

Data for 34 patients who underwent reoperative mini-MVS with CFCA from March 2017 to March 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. A mini right thoracotomy (n = 30) or robotic (n = 4) approach was used. Systemic hypothermia was induced to a target temperature of 25 °C.

Results:

Patient mean (SD) age was 64.5 (9.6) years, and 15 of 34 (44.1%) patients were women. Of those 34 patients, 23 (67.6%) had severe regurgitation, and 11 (32.4%) had severe stenosis. Before mini-MVS, 28 patients had undergone valve surgery, and 8 had undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The mitral valve was repaired in 5 of 34 (14.7%) and replaced in 29 of 34 (85.3%) patients. No difference was observed in preoperative and postoperative left ventricular function (P = .82). In 1 patient, kidney failure developed that necessitated dialysis. No postoperative stroke or mortality at 30 days occurred.

Conclusion:

Mini-MVS with CFCA is well tolerated in patients with prior cardiac surgery. Myocardial function was not impaired, nor was the risk of stroke increased in this cohort, indicating that CFCA is a safe alternative in this high-risk population.