bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Descriptive study on substance uses and risk of sexually transmitted infections in the practice of Chemsex in Spain
Authors: del Pozo-Herce Pablo , Baca-García Enrique , Martínez-Sabater Antonio , Chover-Sierra Elena , Gea-Caballero Vicente , Curto-Ramos Javier , Czapla Michal , Karniej Piotr , Martínez-Tofe Jesús , Sánchez-Barba Mercedes , de Viñaspre Regina Ruiz , Juárez-Vela Raúl
Published: May 2024

Background

In recent years, there has been an increasing use of sex-related substances (known as “Chemsex”) to facilitate, intensify, and prolong the sexual experience of men who have sex with men. This phenomenon poses a public health problem, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and mental disorders.

Objective

The primary aim of this study was to delve into the correlation between substance use and sexual health, specifically examining the association between different substances used and the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the context of Chemsex in Spain.

Methods

An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 563 Spanish participants between January and April 2023. Non-probabilistic purposive sampling was used by the investigators. The researchers administered a questionnaire to men who have sex with men who use substances, especially in the sexual sphere, in all the autonomous communities of Spain.

Results

14.7% reported having practiced slamsex in the last year, and 17.94% were diagnosed with a Sexually Transmitted Infection in the previous 6 months. Of these, 21% were on PREP treatment, with the main STIs being gonorrhea (p < 0.001), chlamydia (p < 0.001), genital herpes (p = 0.020), and syphilis (p < 0.001). The 63.7% used methamphetamines as the main drug in the practice of chemsex.

Discussion

Chemsex in Spain is linked to a high prevalence of STIs, especially gonorrhea and chlamydia, even among those on PrEP treatment. The use of various drugs during chemsex, such as amyl nitrite, GHB, ecstasy, and others, correlates with higher rates of STIs, highlighting the need for interventions to reduce risk and harm. The drugs most associated with slamsex include ketamine, mephedrone, and methamphetamine, underscoring the importance of addressing the risk behaviors associated with this activity.

Conclusion

This study shows that chemsex appears to be associated with a high prevalence among men who have sex with men. Who use multiple substances in a sexual context, and are particularly exposed to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), indicating a particular need for STI prevention and care in this group.
Usability evaluation of the educational website “understanding my diabetes” for Mexican patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ortíz Gabriela Ortíz , Vega García Sandra , Islas Salinas Cristina , Muñoz Torres Abril Violeta , Velázquez López Lubia
Published: May 2024

Background

Diabetes education is an integral part of the treatment for the metabolic control of patients with diabetes. The use of the Internet as a tool for diabetes education, as well as its acceptance, is still under study.

Aim

To assess the usability of the educational website “I understand my diabetes” designed for patients with type 2 diabetes attending primary care clinics.

Material and method

A cross-sectional study was done in 110 patients with type 2 diabetes from two family medicine clinics, each of whom was assigned a user account on the educational website “Entiendo mi diabetes.” The web site assigned a user name and password to each patient. They were able to access the educational website at home. After a 15-day review period, participants were asked to evaluate usability using the Computer System Usability Questionnaire. Additionally, we developed an eight-item questionnaire usability focusing on diabetes care. Sociodemographic data, blood pressure, and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Glucose levels and lipid profiles were also measured.

Results

The patients with diabetes had a mean age of 52.7 years and a median of 5 years since they were diagnosed with diabetes. The website received a good usability rating from 89.1% of participants, with favorable assessments in all three dimensions: 87.3% for information, 85.5% for quality, and 88.2% for interface. Regarding usability specifically for diabetes care, 98.2% rated it as having good usability.

Conclusion

The website for education about the disease in patients “I understand my diabetes” had an adequate usability evaluation by patients, so they also considered it very useful for diabetes care. The diabetes care instrument had adequate usability and reliability.
Development and psychometric evaluation of a questionnaire to measure university students’ knowledge on the effects of alcohol use during pregnancy
Authors: Leite Guilherme Petek Ramos , de Avó Lucimar Retto da Silva , Germano Carla Maria Ramos , Melo Débora Gusmão
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. This study developed and validated a questionnaire to assess university students’ knowledge regarding the effects of alcohol during pregnancy.

Methods

We designed an instrument with true-false-I do not know statements. Initially, 45 true statements were formulated and subjected to content validation by 19 experts. Based on the Content Validity Index (CVI), 17 items were selected. The instrument, called the Fetal Alcohol Consequences Test (FACT), was first assessed by 31 university students for the level of understanding. Then, the questionnaire was administered to a national Brazilian sample of university students, and an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted. Each correct FACT answer was worth 1 point, and the knowledge was categorized as high (total score ≥ 80%), moderate (score between 60 and 79%), and low (score ≤ 59%).

Results

When the questionnaire was being designed, the CVI values ranged from 0.779 to 1.0, and all statements were considered suitable by the target audience. For psychometric evaluation, 768 students from 24 Brazilian states participated. In the EFA, five statements were removed, revealing a tool with 12 items and two latent factors: “fetal alcohol spectrum disorders” and “conceptions and guidance on alcohol consumption during pregnancy.” The KMO index (0.76426) and Bartlett’s sphericity test (6362.6, df = 66, p < 0.00001) both supported the final EFA model. The goodness-of-fit indices for the factor structure were adequate: χ2 = 119.609, df = 43, p < 0.00001; RMSEA = 0.048; CFI = 0.977; TLI = 0.965. The mean total FACT score among participants was 7.71 ± 2.98, with a median of 8; 32.03% of the students had high (10–12 points), 24.09% moderate (8–9 points), and 43.88% low knowledge (<8 points). The questionnaire proved reliable, with a floor effect of 1.17%, a ceiling effect of 9.25%, and a Cronbach’s alpha index of 0.798.

Conclusion

The FACT can be utilized in university students’ health education processes, contributing to greater knowledge and information dissemination about the effects of alcohol during pregnancy, in addition to the formulation of policies on the subject directed to this group of young adults.
Nuclear genomes of dinoflagellates reveal evolutionarily conserved pattern of RNA editing relative to stress response
Authors: Chen Yibi , Dougan Katherine E. , Bhattacharya Debashish , Chan Cheong Xin
Published: May 2024

Dinoflagellates are a group of diverse protists with complex genomes whose gene expression regulation mechanisms remain little known. RNA editing is a post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism of gene expression utilized by diverse species, and has been described primarily in the plastid and mitochondrial genomes of dinoflagellates. Its role in post-transcriptional regulation in the nuclear genomes of dinoflagellates remains largely unexplored. Here, integrating genome and transcriptome data from two dinoflagellate taxa in a comparative analysis, we identified 10,486 and 69,953 putative RNA editing sites in the nuclear genomes of the coral symbiont, Durusdinium trenchii CCMP2556 and the free-living bloom-forming taxon, Prorocentrum cordatum CCMP1329. We recovered all 12 possible types of RNA edits, with more edits representing transitions than transversions. In contrast to other eukaryotes, we found a dominance of A-to-T transversion in non-coding regions, many of which were condition-specific. Overall, the RNA editing sites implicate 7.5% of D. trenchii genes and 13.2% of P. cordatum genes. Some sites (1.5% in D. trenchii and more-substantially 62.3% in P. cordatum) were edited at significantly different frequencies in distinct growth conditions. The distribution of editing types and locations exhibited conserved patterns between the two phylogenetically distant species. Interestingly, A-to-T editing within the untranslated regions appear to be associated with upregulation of the edited genes in response to heat stress. These results lend support to the hypothesis that RNA editing is a key molecular mechanism that underpins regulation of gene expression in dinoflagellates.
Salient object detection: a mini review
Authors: Wang Xiuwenxin , Yu Siyue , Lim Eng Gee , Wong M. L. Dennis
Published: May 2024

This paper presents a mini-review of recent works in Salient Object Detection (SOD). First, We introduce SOD and its application in image processing tasks and applications. Following this, we discuss the conventional methods for SOD and present several recent works in this category. With the start of deep learning AI algorithms, SOD has also benefited from deep learning. Here, we present and discuss Deep learning-based SOD according to its training mechanism, i.e., fully supervised and weakly supervised. For the benefit of the readers, we have also included some standard data sets assembled for SOD research.
Unlocking success: key elements of sustainable business models in the wooden multistory building sector
Authors: Nagy Emil , Jussila Jaakko , Häyrinen Liina , Lähtinen Katja , Mark-Herbert Cecilia , Toivonen Ritva , Toppinen Anne , Roos Anders
Published: May 2024

Few studies have investigated the processes and strategic interactions among the Wooden Multistory Construction (WMC) industry actors, its customers, and local policymakers. Further insights into this field are needed for a sustainability transition in the construction sector. This study aims to explain WMC’s corporate sustainability strategies for co-creation with customers and municipalities. This was based on interviews with key informants in the sector and WMC actors using three case studies in Sweden. Our interviews focused on business processes, interactions with users and municipalities, sustainability, and innovation in the WMC market. The findings reflect the notion of a slow transition in the Swedish WMC market toward using more wood as a bearing structure, which is supported by the competitive advantages and climate performance of wood. The three case studies indicated that the corporate focus is currently placed on incremental improvements in operations, price competitiveness, and successful project management. However, in contexts where wood construction is seen as a unique advantage, collaborations between the construction industry and end users have developed and served as novel platforms for WMC market development. The study concludes that WMCl growth hinges on the industry’s housing offerings prioritizing quality, affordability, and swift construction.
Double transition of young migrants in Luxembourg: vulnerable, resilient and empowering integration trajectories in the period of youth
Authors: Oliveira José , Nienaber Birte , Bissinger Jutta , Gilodi Amalia , Richard Catherine , Albert Isabelle
Published: May 2024

Migrant integration trajectories have become more complex, open, uncertain, and continuously changing, over time. For young migrants, their integration endeavour intersects with their process of transition to adulthood, a double transition that poses additional challenges. Recent theoretical perspectives such as “liquid integration” aim at focusing on the dynamic, processual, and temporal nature of migrant integration. The present article focuses on the dynamic interplay of obstacles and enablers that, over time, interact to construct complex, often non-linear, and open-ended integration and coming of age trajectories of young migrants (aged from 18 to 30 years) coming from outside the European Union (EU) to EU countries. Empirical results from the H2020 MIMY (Empowerment through liquid Integration of Migrant Youth in vulnerable conditions) research project in Luxembourg will be presented. In order to address the goal of the research, qualitative data were gathered by means of N = 38 interviews with young migrants with different migratory paths, characteristics and experiences, and specifically included: young migrants from non-EU Portuguese-speaking countries (N = 16), refugees living in reception centres (N = 15), migrants who since arriving in Luxembourg have become publicly visible (N = 7). Content analysis of the interviews allowed a twofold purpose: (1) capturing the unfolding of intersectional integration obstacles that over time play a decisive role in the building of conditions of vulnerability of the double transition under analysis; (2) capturing the multidimensional resources that interactively build up to give rise to resilient and empowering integration and coming of age experiences. The identification of decisive multidimensional obstacles and resources present in the integration endeavour during the process of coming of age allowed us to capture differentiated routes of vulnerability, on the one hand, and resilience/ empowerment on the other. Key ingredients of both vulnerable and more resilient and empowering integration and coming of age trajectories are identified as well as their relational dynamics, enabling to address key challenges for the resilience and empowerment of young migrants in the process of negotiating their transition to adulthood amidst their integration challenges in the Luxembourgish society.
Stakeholders’ vision and global goals for food systems in the Solomon Islands: identifying relevant indicators to track progress
Authors: Boylan Sinead , Brewer Tom D. , Farrell Penny , Sharp Michael K. , Mauli Senoveva , Tuqa Alisi , Boydell Edward , Farmery Anna K.
Published: May 2024

Research on food system framework development has increased substantially in recent years to better understand how we can best transform food systems. However, these frameworks generally take a one-size-fits-all approach, with food system indicators lacking relevance in many countries and territories. This research, centred on the Solomon Islands as a case study, employed a participatory approach involving stakeholders to identify context-specific indicators across three food systems pathways. These pathways, reflecting context-specific goals and a collective vision, encompassed strengthening and connecting rural food systems, enhancing the national policy environment, and advocating for food environments supporting healthy food accessibility, affordability, and convenience. The research identified a range of context-specific indicators and evaluated their alignment with existing data sources. Results underscored the need for data collection and analysis efforts to inform evidence-based decision-making. The study also emphasised the importance of engaging diverse stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and representative set of indicators, aligning with regional and global efforts to advance food system resilience and sustainability. This research lays the foundation for future endeavours to enhance food system monitoring and assessment, acknowledging nuances and complexities specific to the Solomon Islands and similar contexts.
How to improve fishery eco-efficiency by building marine ranch in China
Authors: Yusheng Chen , Ye Ma , Weili Yang , Zhaofa Sun , Yang Han
Published: May 2024

Based on the panel data of the province and municipality in 2010–2021, this paper measures the fishery eco-efficiency by using the SBM-DEA model and empirically analyses how China’s marine ranch construction improves the fishery eco-efficiency by using the double-difference fixed-effect model. The results show that, firstly, China’s marine ranch construction can improve the fishery eco-efficiency. Secondly, China’s marine ranch construction promotes fisheries eco-efficiency by improving the input efficiency of labor, fish species, fishing vessel, fishery technology extension, aquaculture area and by reducing pollutant outputs. Thirdly, the fishery eco-efficiency of the marine ranch construction region has increased annually since 2015, and technological changes, scale efficiency changes and technical efficiency changes can all contribute to the fishery eco-efficiency improvement, and increase in order. Based on the results of the empirical analyses, this paper proposes policy recommendations to improve the fishery eco-efficiency in the conjunction with the construction of marine ranch in China.
Pterygodermatites (Mesopectines) whartoni (Nematoda: Rictulariidae) encysted larvae in invasive Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) from Florida, United States
Authors: Lykins Kelsey , Ossiboff Robert J. , Chase Ellis , Thompson Nina , Farrell Terence M. , Wu Timothy , Johnson Steve A. , Walden Heather D. S.
Published: May 2024

Species of Pterygodermatites are spirurid nematodes that have expanded their geographic distribution worldwide. They infect a variety of mammalian definitive hosts with few reports of potential paratenic infections in amphibian and reptile hosts. In this study, we report Pterygodermatites sp. larvae identified in free-ranging, invasive Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis), from central Florida, United States. Encysted larvae were recovered from the skeletal muscle and/or the coelomic cavity of three frogs; molecular characterization of the small subunit (18S) ribosomal RNA and cytochrome oxidase I genes of the parasites matched reported sequences of Pterygodermatites (Mesopectines) whartoni (Tubangui, 1931). This is a parasite native to Southeastern Asia and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first report of the species in the New World. The recovery of invasive Pterygodermatites from invasive Cuban treefrogs in North America highlights the growing concern regarding the potential impact non-native parasites and invasive species may have on native wildlife populations.
Effects of dietary nitrogen and/or phosphorus reduction on mineral homeostasis and regulatory mechanisms in young goats
Authors: Zillinger Luisa S. , Hustedt Karin , Schnepel Nadine , Hirche Frank , Schmicke Marion , Stangl Gabriele I. , Muscher-Banse Alexandra S.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The reduction of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in ruminant feed is desirable due to costs and negative environmental impact. Ruminants are able to utilize N and P through endogenous recycling, particularly in times of scarcity. When N and/or P were reduced, changes in mineral homeostasis associated with modulation of renal calcitriol metabolism occurred. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of dietary N- and/or P-reduction on the regulatory mechanisms of mineral transport in the kidney and its hormonal regulation in young goats.

Results

During N-reduction, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in blood decreased, accompanied by a lower protein expression of cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily B member 1 (CYP27B1) (p = 0.016). The P-reduced fed goats had low blood phosphate concentrations with simultaneously high Ca and Mg levels. The insulin-like growth factor 1 concentrations decreased significantly with P-reduction. Furthermore, gene expression of CYP27B1 (p < 0.001) and both gene (p = 0.025) and protein (p = 0.016) expression of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1c isoform in the kidney were also significantly reduced during a P-reduced diet. ERK1/2 activation exhibited a trend toward reduction in P-reduced animals. Interestingly, calcitriol concentrations remained unaffected by either restriction individually, but interacted significantly with N and P (p = 0.014). Additionally, fibroblast growth factor 23 mRNA expression in bone decreased significantly with P-restriction (p < 0.001).

Discussion

These results shed light on the complex metabolic and regulatory responses of mineral transport of young goats to dietary N and P restriction.
Critical Care Nurses’ Perceptions of Abuse and Its Impact on Healthy Work Environments in Five European Countries: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Friganović Adriano , Slijepčević Jelena , Režić Slađana , Alfonso-Arias Cristina , Borzuchowska Monika , Constantinescu-Dobra Anca , Coțiu Madalina-Alexandra , Curado-Santos Estel , Dobrowolska Beata , AGutysz-Wojnicka Aleksandra , Hadjibalassi Maria , Llaurado-Serra Mireia , Sabou Adrian , Georgiou Evanthia
Published: May 2024

Objective:

Workplace violence is a prevalent phenomenon in hospital settings which critical care nurses are particularly exposed to. The aim of this study was to research abuse against Critical Care Nurses in five European countries, and its association with and impact on Healthy Work Environments.

Methods:

This was a multinational cross-sectional study. The 1,183 participants were nurses working in intensive care units from five European countries: Croatia, Cyprus, Poland, Spain, and Romania. The participants were selected by the convenience sampling method from 1 January 2021 to April 2022.

Results:

Of 1,033 critical care nurses who answered questions about abuse, 646 reported at least one incident in the previous year. The highest number of incidents came from patients (2,050), followed by another nurse (1,453) and physicians (1,039).

Conclusion:

Although nurses in ICUs are aware that a healthy working environment benefits them in their daily work, most of them still face some form of abuse. Organizations must take a realistic approach to prevent abuse and to educate nurses and nurse managers by implementing standards for healthy work environments.
Impacto del Marketing Digital en la captación de alumnos en una Institución de Educación Superior en Lima - Perú
Authors: Quiñones-Balaguer Maria Andrea , Javes-Sánchez Augusto Francisco , Yangali-Vicente Judith Soledad
Published: May 2024

La transformación digital y la constante evolución tecnológica mundial, impulsan a las instituciones a implementar nuevas metodologías y estrategias, especialmente, el Marketing, se debe mantener a la vanguardia para mantener una presencia activa a nivel online, que permita llegar al público objetivo de la manera idónea para satisfacer sus necesidades, es por ello, que en esta investigación se plantea como objetivo general: Determinar cómo impacta la aplicación del marketing digital en la captación de alumnos en una Institución de Educación Superior en Lima – Perú, en el año académico 2022. Se empleó una metodología de enfoque cuantitativo, de tipo aplicada, con un diseño no experimental, un nivel o alcance correlacional – causal, de corte transversal, con un método hipotético – deductivo, sobre una muestra censal conformada por 96 alumnos matriculados en una Institución de Educación Superior en Lima - Perú, en el año académico 2022; aplicando la técnica de la encuesta, siendo el instrumento un cuestionario de 29 ítems, validado por 4 jueces expertos y sometido al nivel de confianza del Alfa de Cronbach, resultando 81.6% fiable para la variable independiente: Marketing Digital y 82.9% fiable para la variable dependiente: Captación de Alumnos. Según los resultados, se demostró que la aplicación del Marketing Digital impacta en un 76.9% en la captación de alumnos en una Institución de Educación Superior en Lima - Perú, en el año académico 2022. Se concluye que, a mayor inversión en Marketing Digital se logra captar más alumnos de Educación Superior en Lima Metropolitana – Perú.
Inclusión laboral de personas con discapacidad intelectual en el sector privado de la ciudad de Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
Authors: Guisen María Andrea , Monfrini Evelina María
Published: May 2024

Se describe una investigación que busca inferir las condiciones para la inclusión laboral de personas con discapacidad intelectual en el sector privado de la ciudad de Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.  Se empleó una metodología de tipo cualitativa para desarrollar un estudio de alcance exploratorio y corte sincrónico. Desde un enfoque etnográfico, se accedió a los puntos de vista y singularidades de los actores sociales intervinientes, para procesar esta información a partir de una perspectiva interpretativista. La información se recolectó mediante la implementación de entrevistas semiestructuradas dirigidas a 7 informantes clave: una persona con discapacidad intelectual y 6 referentes locales de los diferentes sectores de la economía (sector público, tercer sector y sector privado). La técnica de muestreo utilizada fue de tipo no probabilístico y mediante el efecto “bola de nieve”.  Los hallazgos abarcan la identificación de los actores sociales locales que trabajan para la inclusión laboral de personas con discapacidad intelectual en Rosario, y su articulación; la descripción de experiencias empíricas de inclusión; y los cambios que las mismas han generado en las empresas que participaron en los procesos. Éstos son relevantes a los fines contribuir a la construcción del estado de situación de la inclusión laboral de PcD, y orientar los cambios que deberían realizarse para disminuir la grieta entre el derecho al trabajo y su efectivo cumplimiento. Si bien en Rosario el sector privado ha encontrado un camino factible hacia la inclusión laboral de personas con discapacidad intelectual, su recorrido aun es incipiente y prevalece el carácter complejo y hostil de las condiciones.
Factores de desarrollo en la Economía popular y solidaria: Panorama evolutivo basado en análisis bibliométrico período 2003-2023
Authors: Sarmiento-Torres Ingrid , Sánchez-Ancajima Raúl , Ubillus-Agurto Edwin
Published: May 2024

La investigación en torno a la economía popular y solidaria (EPS) se ha destacado como un campo de estudio relevante, su aporte al desarrollo económico a nivel mundial ha sido objeto de estudio. Sin embargo, se pone en manifiesto la necesidad de conocer cómo favorecer a que el modelo asociativo basado en los principios que los caracteriza sea sostenible. El objetivo de este trabajo es revelar el estado de las investigaciones que abordan como principal temática los factores que impulsan el desarrollo del llamado tercer sector de la economía en las últimas dos décadas. Se empleó la metodología PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) que refuerza la solidez y relevancia de los hallazgos de esta investigación, en Bibliometrix se realizó el mapeo bibliométrico de la producción científica más relevante en Scopus (N=738), siguiendo un análisis estructural: conceptual, intelectual y social. Los principales resultados indican un crecimiento de la producción académica en los últimos años (2016-2023). Existe un predominio de estudios cualitativos y teóricos; además, el estudio presenta los autores, los países de España, China, Canadá, Brasil y Colombia fueron los que más contribuyeron en cooperación para revistas con los artículos más influyentes, los temas emergentes relacionados con desarrollo sostenible y el desarrollo económico, develan las brechas y oportunidades de investigación. Los hallazgos indicaron factores que describen los temas generales de investigación que acentúan la importancia de comprender y abordar los factores de desarrollo en la economía popular y solidaria para promover un crecimiento sostenible y equitativo.
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Modeling of Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Milling of the Nomex Honeycomb Structure
Authors: Zarrouk Tarik , Nouari Mohammed , Salhi Jamal-Eddine , Abbadi Mohammed , Abbadi Ahmed
Published: May 2024

Machining of Nomex honeycomb composite (NHC) structures is of critical importance in manufacturing parts to the specifications required in the aerospace industry. However, the special characteristics of the Nomex honeycomb structure, including its composite nature and complex geometry, require a specific machining approach to avoid cutting defects and ensure optimal surface quality. To overcome this problem, this research suggests the adoption of RUM technology, which involves the application of ultrasonic vibrations following the axis of revolution of the UCK cutting tool. To achieve this objective, a three-dimensional finite element numerical model of Nomex honeycomb structure machining is developed with the Abaqus/Explicit software, 2017 version. Based on this model, this research examines the impact of vibration amplitude on the machinability of this kind of structure, including cutting force components, stress and strain distribution, and surface quality as well as the size of the chips. In conclusion, the results highlight that the use of ultrasonic vibrations results in an important reduction in the components of the cutting force by up to 42%, improves the quality of the surface, and decreases the size of the chips.
Three-Way Alignment Improves Multiple Sequence Alignment of Highly Diverged Sequences
Authors: Askari Rad Mahbubeh , Kruglikov Alibek , Xia Xuhua
Published: May 2024

The standard approach for constructing a phylogenetic tree from a set of sequences consists of two key stages. First, a multiple sequence alignment (MSA) of the sequences is computed. The aligned data are then used to reconstruct the phylogenetic tree. The accuracy of the resulting tree heavily relies on the quality of the MSA. The quality of the popularly used progressive sequence alignment depends on a guide tree, which determines the order of aligning sequences. Most MSA methods use pairwise comparisons to generate a distance matrix and reconstruct the guide tree. However, when dealing with highly diverged sequences, constructing a good guide tree is challenging. In this work, we propose an alternative approach using three-way dynamic programming alignment to generate the distance matrix and the guide tree. This three-way alignment incorporates information from additional sequences to compute evolutionary distances more accurately. Using simulated datasets on two symmetric and asymmetric trees, we compared MAFFT with its default guide tree with MAFFT with a guide tree produced using the three-way alignment. We found that (1) the three-way alignment can reconstruct better guide trees than those from the most accurate options of MAFFT, and (2) the better guide tree, on average, leads to more accurate phylogenetic reconstruction. However, the improvement over the L-INS-i option of MAFFT is small, attesting to the excellence of the alignment quality of MAFFT. Surprisingly, the two criteria for choosing the best MSA (phylogenetic accuracy and sum-of-pair score) conflict with each other.
Bioactive Compound Extraction of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Leaves through Response Surface Methodology Optimization
Authors: Chatzimitakos Theodoros , Athanasiadis Vassilis , Makrygiannis Ioannis , Kalompatsios Dimitrios , Bozinou Eleni , Lalas Stavros I.
Published: May 2024

Hemp, commonly known as Cannabis sativa L., is a medicinal plant species of the Cannabaceae family. For the efficient extraction of C. sativa leaves using the conventional stirring process with water as the solvent, three crucial extraction parameters (i.e., extraction duration, liquid–solid ratio, and temperature) were investigated through the response surface methodology (RSM). The concentrations of the extracted bioactive compounds (polyphenols, ascorbic acid, and carotenoids) showed significant variations in the RSM design points, suggesting the importance of finding the optimal extraction conditions in which liquid–solid ratio and extraction temperature were found to have the highest impact. Further analysis was conducted on the optimal extract employing several assays to determine their polyphenol content, total carotenoid content, color evaluation, anti-inflammatory activity, and antioxidant capacity through FRAP, DPPH, and H2O2 assays. A low extraction time (30 min) at 50 °C and a high liquid–solid ratio (50:1) were required for the highest possible yield of polyphenols. The total polyphenol content was determined to be 9.76 mg gallic acid equivalents/g under optimum conditions, with pelargonin being the most abundant polyphenol (1.51 mg/g) in C. sativa extracts. Ascorbic acid was measured at 282.23 μg/g and total carotenoids at 356.98 μg/g. Correlation analyses revealed that anti-inflammatory activity was negatively correlated with specific polyphenols. As determined by DPPH (27.43 μmol ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/g), FRAP (49.79 μmol AAE/g), and H2O2 (230.95 μmol AAE/g) assays, the optimized aqueous extract showed a high antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, it demonstrated considerable anti-inflammatory activity at 17.89%, with the potential to increase to 75.12% under particular extraction conditions. Given the high added-value of the aqueous extracts, the results of this study highlight the potential utility of C. sativa leaves as a source of health-improving antioxidant compounds in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Relative Fundamental Frequency: Only for Hyperfunctional Voices? A Pilot Study
Authors: Ferrán Sol , Rodríguez-Zanetti Carla , Garaycochea Octavio , Terrasa David , Prieto-Matos Carlos , del Río Beatriz , Alzuguren Maria Pilar , Fernández Secundino
Published: May 2024

(1) Background: Assessing phonatory disorders due to laryngeal biomechanical alterations requires aerodynamic analysis, assessing subglottic pressure, transglottic flow, and laryngeal resistance. This study explores whether the acoustic parameter, the relative fundamental frequency (RFF), can be studied using the current acoustic analysis protocol at the University of Navarra’s voice laboratory and its association with pathologies linked to laryngeal biomechanical alterations. (2) Methods: A retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with muscular tension dysphonia, organic lesions of the vocal fold, and vocal fold paralysis (VFP) at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra from 2019 to 2021. Each patient underwent endoscopic laryngeal exploration, followed by acoustic study, RFF calculation, and an aerodynamic study. Additionally, a control group was recruited. (3) Results: 79 patients and 22 controls were studied. Two-way ANOVA showed significant effects for groups and cycles in offset and onset cycles. Statistically significant differences were observed in cycle 1 onset among all groups and in cycles 1 and 2 between the control group and non-healthy groups. (4) Conclusions: RFF is a valuable indicator of phonatory biomechanics, distinguishing healthy and pathological voices and different disorders. RFF in onset cycles offers a cost-effective, accurate method for assessing biomechanical disorders without complex aerodynamic analyses. This study describes RFF values in VFP for the first time, revealing differences regardless of aerodynamic patterns.
Botulism Cases in Romania—An Overview of 14-Year National Surveillance Data
Authors: Păuna Andreea Marilena , Crăciun Maria-Dorina , Sîrbu Anca , Popescu Rodica , Enciu Bianca Georgiana , Chivu Carmen-Daniela , Simoiu Mădălina , Piţigoi Daniela
Published: May 2024

Botulism is a priority disease worldwide because it has a very severe course of evolution that can lead to death. This paper aims to describe the main epidemiological characteristics of botulism cases confirmed in Romania over 14 years (2007–2020). We performed a retrospective study using the publicly available national surveillance data and reported to the National Institute of Public Health. A total of 325 cases of foodborne botulism were reported in Romania, with no infant or wound botulism. Most of the cases (125, 38.5%) were reported among young adults (25–44 years old), over half (205, 63%) of them living in rural areas. The incriminated food item was identified in 161 cases; in most cases (145, 90%) the food item was prepared in the household. The main food category was represented by meat and meat-based products (94, 68.6%). In almost all cases the identified type was BoNT/B (230/231, 99.5%). Fifteen deaths were recorded, and the case fatality rate was 4.6%. Botulism cases were reported annually in Romania. Surveillance data are essential for implementing control measures and adapting educational campaigns according to existing needs.
Extended Genotyping to Stratify the Risk of CIN2+ in Women with Persistent HPV Infection, Negative Cytology and Type 3 Transformation Zone
Authors: Bruno Maria Teresa , Valenti Gaetano , Cavallaro Antonino Giovanni , Palermo Ilenia , Aiello Tiziana , Farina Jessica , Panella Marco Marzio , Mereu Liliana
Published: May 2024

Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is recognized as a major risk factor for cervical cancer. Women with persistent HPV and negative cytology are at greater risk of CIN2+ than women with negative infection. The diagnosis becomes more complicated when the woman has a type 3 transformation zone at colposcopy. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CIN2+ in women with persistent HPV, negative cytology and TZ3; how to stratify the risk of CIN2+; and what the best diagnostic strategy is, given TZ3. Methods: In a multicenter retrospective cohort study, we enrolled women with negative cytology and TZ3 among the 213 women referred for colposcopy for persistent HPV. The average age of the women was 53 years; in particular, 83% were postmenopausal women. In the presence of a TZ3, the entire transformation zone cannot be explored, making colposcopy and targeted biopsy useless and inadequate, with great risks of underdiagnosis or missed diagnosis. Women with TZ3 underwent diagnostic LEEP to ensure correct diagnoses. Results: The study highlighted 19% (16/84) of CIN2+ lesions, a higher frequency of non-HPV 16/18 genotypes (76.2%), and 50% of CIN2+ lesions being due to non-HPV 16/18 genotypes. Furthermore, more than half of the women (80.9%) had normal histopathological results in the LEEP sample. Conclusion. Women with viral persistence, negative cytology, and TZ3 have a 19% risk of CIN2+; genotyping helps stratify risk, but extensive genotyping is necessary instead of partial genotyping (16/18), referring to a population of women over 50 years old in which the prevalence of genotypes 16,18 decreases and the prevalence of other genotypes increases; diagnostic LEEP is excessive (only 16 cases of CIN2+ out of 48 cases treated), even though 83% of women had viral clearance after LEEP; p16/Ki67 double staining could be a potential risk marker, which would only highlight women at risk of CIN2+ to undergo LEEP. To individualize the diagnostic workup and treatment and minimize the risk of under diagnosis and overtreatment, future studies should explore the use of extended genotyping and new biomarkers for individual risk stratification.
Anxiolytic-Like and Antidepressant Effects of a 13H-indolo[2,3-a]thiopyrano[2,3-g]quinolizine Derivative
Authors: Castillo-Espinoza Carlos E. , González-Rivera María Leonor , Medina-Ortiz Alberto , Barragan-Galvez Juan Carlos , Hidalgo-Figueroa Sergio , Cruz Cruz David , Deveze-Alvarez Martha Alicia , González-García Gerardo , Villegas Gómez Clarisa , Alonso-Castro Angel Josabad
Published: May 2024

Depressive and anxiety disorders constitute some of the most prevalent mental disorders around the world. For years, the development of new lead compounds for drug discovery in this field has been an area of great attention. Recently, a series of tetrahydrocarbazole derivatives have demonstrated important anxiolytic-like activity, associated with their structures and stereochemistry. Here, we present a study of the antidepressant effect and anxiolytic-like activity of a fused thiopyrano-piperidone-tetrahydrocarboline (compound 4). The antidepressant and anxiolytic-like effects of 4 (1–50 mg/kg p.o.) were assessed with the tail suspension test and the hole-board test, respectively. This study determined the possible mechanisms involved in the anxiolytic-like actions of 4 using inhibitors or neurotransmission and evaluated its interaction with 5HT2A receptors using a molecular docking study. As an analog to the tetrahydrocarbazole core, the tetrahydrocarboline derivative showed anxiolytic-like activity (ED50 = 13 mg/kg p.o.) in the hole-board test, with a comparable effect to the reference drug, 1.5 mg/kg clonazepam, with the possible participation of the serotonergic system.
The Optimal Cut-Off Point of Physical Activity for the Prevention of Childhood Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Wu Shuxian , Huang Yu , Wang Lei , Zhao Xiang , Lv Qiaohong , Wu Qingqing
Published: May 2024

Childhood obesity might threaten children’s current and adulthood health outcomes. Previous studies have illustrated the positive effects of physical activity on weight control; however, there is a lack of evidence on the optimal dose of physical activity. Therefore, we aimed to explore the relationship between physical activity and overweight and obesity, as well as the optimal threshold for physical activity. The median (interquartile range) and number (proportion) were used to describe the statistics. The Mann–Whitney U test and chi-square test were used for an univariable analysis. The generalized additive model with a smooth function was used to depict the preliminary relationship between physical activity and overweight and obesity. The cut-off level of physical activity was identified using AddFor algorithms, and a logistic regression model was applied to explore the multivariable relationship between physical activity and overweight and obesity after adjusting for control variables. According to the statistical analyses, 24.3% of 842 children and adolescents had overweight and obesity. The average number of days that the participants engaged in more than one hour of physical activity was three days a week. The optimal cut-off level of physical activity for the prevention of childhood overweight and obesity was 4 times a week. The participants who exercised more than four times a week (AOR(95% CI) = 0.56(0.38, 0.83), p = 0.004) were less likely to be overweight and obese. In the context of the general lack of physical activity among children and adolescents, we recommend that children and adolescents engage in 60 min of physical activity more than four times a week for a healthy weight.
Delays in Newborn Screening for Phenylketonuria from Birth to Diagnosis and Factors Affecting This
Authors: Kadıoğlu Yılmaz Banu , Bağcı Zafer
Published: May 2024

This study aims to evaluate the process of neonatal phenylketonuria (PKU) screening from birth to admission to the pediatric metabolism polyclinic, determining delays in the screening program and the factors influencing them. This study was conducted during 2021–2023. Blood collection dates, results, and probable parameters causing delays in the screening program were recorded. This study included 118 infants. Admission time to the polyclinic was (mean ± SD) 25.2 ± 12.6 days (min–max: 3.4–78.9 days). Admission time was significantly high for refugees, those whose parents were consanguineous, and those who had more heel-prick blood samples taken (p < 0.001, p = 0.005, and p < 0.001, respectively). The first heel-prick blood phenylalanine (phe) level was significantly negatively correlated with the admission time (p < 0.001). Patients’ admission time whose first blood phe level < 240 μmol/L was statistically significantly higher than in those with ≥240 μmol/L (p < 0.001). We determined that there were delays in PKU screening from birth to admission to the polyclinic. Being a refugee, the presence of consanguineous marriages, the increase in the number of heel-prick tests, and blood phe levels at a range of 120–240 μmol/L were the factors that played a role in this delay. Taking steps to reduce the impact of these parameters can prevent delays in newborn PKU screening and increase the success of the screening program.
Kidney Measurement and Glomerular Filtration Rate Evolution in Children with Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Stroescu Ramona , Gafencu Mihai , Steflea Ruxandra Maria , Chisavu Flavia
Published: May 2024

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is an inherited disorder characterized by renal tubular cystic dilatations. The cysts can develop anywhere along the nephron, and over time the cystic dilatation leads to kidney enlargement. On the other hand, the cysts begin to reduce the number of functional nephrons as a consequence of cystic expansion that further contributes to the decline in renal function over the years. The pressure exerted by the dilated cysts leads to compensatory mechanisms that further contribute to the decline in renal function. These structural changes are responsible of glomerular hyperfiltration states, albuminuria, proteinuria, and hematuria. However, the presentation of ADPKD varies in children, from a completely asymptomatic child with incidental ultrasound detection of cysts to a rapidly progressive disease. There have been reports of early onset ADPKD in children younger than 2 years that showed a more rapid decline in renal function. ADPKD is caused by a mutation in PKD1 and PKD2 genes. Today, the PKD1 gene mutation seems to account for up to 85% of the cases worldwide, and it is associated with worse renal outcomes. Individuals with PKD2 gene mutation seem to present a milder form of the disease, with a more delayed onset of end-stage kidney disease. The cardinal sign of ADPKD is the presence of renal cysts during renal ultrasound. The current guidelines provide clinicians the recommendations for genetic testing in children with a positive family history. Given that the vast majority of children with ADPKD present with normal or supra-normal kidney function, we explored the glomerular filtration rates dynamics and the renal ultrasound-adjusted percentiles. In total, 14 out of 16 patients had kidney percentiles over 90%. The gene mutations were equally distributed among our cohort. In addition, we compared the modified Schwartz formula to the quadratic equation after adjusting the serum creatinine measurements. It seems that even though children with ADPKD have enlarged kidneys, the renal function is more likely normal or near normal when the quadratic estimation of glomerular filtration rate is used (qGFR tended to be lower, 111.95 ± 12.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 when compared to Schwartz eGFR 126.28 ± 33.07 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.14). Also, when the quadratic equation was employed, not even a single patient reached the glomerular hyperfiltration threshold. The quadratic formula showed that glomerular filtration rates are linear or slightly decreasing after 1 year of follow-up (quadratic ΔeGFR = −0.32 ± 5.78 mL/min/1.73 m2), as opposed to the Schwartz formula that can falsely classify children in a hyperfiltration state (ΔeGFR = 7.51 ± 19.46 mL/min/1.73 m2), p = 0.019.