bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High school rugby coaches’ knowledge and opinions of concussion in KwaZulu Natal province in South Africa: an ecological cross-sectional study
Authors: Garnett Daniel , Cobbing Saul , Viljoen Carel , Patricios Jon
Published: June 2024

Background

Concussions in Rugby Union are common with an increased risk to adolescent players. Coaches are key to injury prevention and a greater understanding of their knowledge and sentiments may guide future initiatives. There is a lack of data on rugby coaches, especially in South Africa. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and opinions of high school rugby coaches regarding concussion management.

Methods

This cross-sectional study of 37 high school rugby coaches in South Africa, was conducted via a self-reported questionnaire. Concussion knowledge was scored for correct answers only with closed-question scaling methods to measure the importance of items of concussion management using a graphical rating scale. An attitude scale (Likert) was used to assess self-reported opinions and behaviours. Associations were calculated for participant characteristics and overall concussion injury knowledge.

Results

More participants showed good overall knowledge of ≥ 75% (n = 22, 59% vs. n = 15, 40%), especially those with greater coaching experience (p = 0.021). Player welfare was perceived more important than player performance (185 vs. 164), with concussion prevention most important (184 of 185). Appealing characteristics of an injury prevention programme were the improvement of player skill (173, SD ± 0.75, mean 4.68), being adaptable (171, ± 0.86, 4.62), and being completed in the warm-up (167, ± 0.93, 4.51). The biggest perceived barriers were duration (138, ± 1.59, mean 3.73), effort (130, ± 1.56, 3.51), compliance and lack of knowledge (both 127, ± 1.68, 3.43).

Conclusion

These results support the implementation of ongoing concussion education for rugby coaches and identify areas for promoting awareness and knowledge of concussion injury prevention, identification, and specific management of younger athletes. Appealing characteristics and barriers are highlighted and may allow for improved implementation and adherence to concussion prevention programmes.
First Indonesian report of WGS-based MTBC L3 discovery
Authors: Rukminiati Yuni , Mesak Felix , Lolong Dina , Sudarmono Pratiwi
Published: June 2024

Objective

Recent spoligotyping results in the island nation of Indonesia had revealed the existence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex lineage 3 (MTBC L3) or Central Asian (CAS) strains. In this work, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) – based methods were used to search for the presence of MTBC L3.

Results

Two unrelated Indonesian L3 strains discovered by WGS-based SNP phylogenomics are presented here for the first time. Assemblies of their genomes yielded 96.95% (MTBC strain Mtb_S6970) and 98.35% (Mtb_S19106) of the known reference strain H37Rv. Their respective constructed genome coverages are 45.38 ± 12.95x and 63.13 ± 21.10x. The two L3 genomes have 4062 and 4121 genes, respectively, which are well within the number of genes predicted in MTBC strains. Instead of having three rRNA genes usually, Mtb_S6970 possesses four. These L3 isolates exhibit cross-class antibiotic susceptibility. FadD26, fadE24, fbpA, lprO, and panC, which are thought to be important in the pathophysiology of MTBC, were discovered to have 3–7 times more loci in L3 than L2 or L4. The penetration of L3 in the nation, despite its antibiotic sensitivity, is a concerning indicator of borderless global spread that may eventually be overcome by the phenotypes of acquired drug resistance.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HPV vaccine uptake in a predominantly Hispanic Border Community: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the "Tiempo de Vacunarte Program"
Authors: Nguyen Phong , Calderon-Mora Jessica , Singh Vishwajeet , Hernandez Amir , Roy Sonya , Molokwu Jennifer
Published: June 2024

Background

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer in the cervix, vagina, throat and anogenital region. Although HPV vaccination rates in the Hispanic community have increased owing to public health efforts, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought unique public health challenges and contributed to health inequity in this population.

Methods

To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HPV vaccine uptake in a program designed to improve HPV vaccination rate in a predominantly Hispanic community in the border region of Texas (Tiempo de Vacunarte [time to get vaccinated]), we performed a retrospective cross-sectional analysis to evaluate the uptake of the first dose of HPV vaccine series among eligible adolescents and adults before (2016–2019), during (2020–2021), and after the COVID-19 pandemic (2022–2023).

Results

We observed a decrease in HPV vaccine uptake during the pandemic (69.59% vs. 89.92%) and post-pandemic (76% vs. 89.92%) compared to the pre-pandemic period. After adjusting for confounding factors, the reduction in the odds ratio was more pronounced in the pandemic (OR = 0.091, p < 0.001) and post-pandemic (OR = 0.109, p < 0.001) periods.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the uptake of the HPV vaccine in a comprehensive intervention program to increase HPV vaccination in a border community.
Elucidating the role of liver enzymes as markers and regulators in ovarian cancer: a synergistic approach using Mendelian randomization, single-cell analysis, and clinical evidence
Authors: Zhu Yinxing , Jiang Min , Gu Zihan , Shang Hongyu , Tang Caiyin , Guo Ting
Published: June 2024

Objective

To investigate the association between liver enzymes and ovarian cancer (OC), and to validate their potential as biomarkers and their mechanisms in OC. Methods

Genome-wide association studies for OC and levels of enzymes such as Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR), complemented by the Steiger test, identified enzymes with a potential causal relationship to OC. Single-cell transcriptomics from the GSE130000 dataset pinpointed pivotal cellular clusters, enabling further examination of enzyme-encoding gene expression. Transcription factors (TFs) governing these genes were predicted to construct TF-mRNA networks. Additionally, liver enzyme levels were retrospectively analyzed in healthy individuals and OC patients, alongside the evaluation of correlations with cancer antigen 125 (CA125) and Human Epididymis Protein 4 (HE4).

Results

A total of 283 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 209 SNPs related to ALP and AST, respectively. Using the inverse-variance weighted method, univariate MR (UVMR) analysis revealed that ALP (P = 0.050, OR = 0.938) and AST (P = 0.017, OR = 0.906) were inversely associated with OC risk, suggesting their roles as protective factors. Multivariate MR (MVMR) confirmed the causal effect of ALP (P = 0.005, OR = 0.938) on OC without reverse causality. Key cellular clusters including T cells, ovarian cells, endothelial cells, macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and epithelial cells were identified, with epithelial cells showing high expression of genes encoding AST and ALP. Notably, TFs such as TCE4 were implicated in the regulation of GOT2 and ALPL genes. OC patient samples exhibited decreased ALP levels in both blood and tumor tissues, with a negative correlation between ALP and CA125 levels observed.

Conclusion

This study has established a causal link between AST and ALP with OC, identifying them as protective factors. The increased expression of the genes encoding these enzymes in epithelial cells provides a theoretical basis for developing novel disease markers and targeted therapies for OC.
Development, validation and demonstration of a new Modelica pit thermal energy storage model for system simulation and optimization
Authors: Formhals Julian , Kirschstein Xenia , Dahash Abdulrahman , Seib Lukas , Sass Ingo
Published: June 2024

Space heating applications account for a high share of global greenhouse gas emissions. To increase the renewable share of heat generation, seasonal thermal energy storage (STES) can be used to make thermal energy from fluctuating renewable sources available in times of high demand. A popular STES technology is pit thermal energy storage (PTES), where heat is stored underground, using water as a storage medium. To evaluate the use of PTES in an energy system, easily adaptable, publicly accessible and tool independent models are needed. In this paper, we improve an existing PTES model developed in the Modelica modeling language. The model is cross-compared with a more detailed and previously validated COMSOL model, considering different amounts of insulation, showing a deviation of 2–13% in the observed annual charged and discharged amount of heat. The results indicate that the presented model is well suited for early design stage and an exemplary case study is performed to demonstrate its applicability in a system context. Dimensions of system components are optimized for the levelized cost of heat (LCOH), both with and without subsidies, highlighting the importance of subsidies for the transition towards climate friendly heating solutions, as the gas boiler use is reduced from 47.6% to 2.7%.
Unintentional injury prevention in American Indian and Alaska Native communities: a scoping review of the Indian Health Service Primary Care Provider newsletter
Authors: Shields Wendy , Kenney Anne , Shiang Evelyn , Malizia Rebecca , Billie Holly
Published: June 2024

Background

Unintentional injuries disproportionately impact American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. Developing effective and culturally tailored data collection and intervention programs requires an understanding of past prevention efforts in AI/AN communities, but limited peer-reviewed literature on the topic is available. This scoping review aims to summarize efforts that have been published in the Primary Care Provider newsletter, a source of gray literature available through the Indian Health Service.

Methods

The research team obtained all injury related articles in the Provider newsletter and excluded those that did not describe an unintentional injury prevention effort. Included articles were organized chronologically and by topic, and outcomes were described in a data abstraction form.

Results

A total of 247 articles from the Provider newsletter were screened, and 68 were included in this review. The most number of articles were published in 2007 (n = 15). Many focused not specifically on one tribal community but on the AI/AN community as a whole (n = 27), while others reported that certain tribes were the focus of study but did not identify tribes by name (n = 24). The following is a list of 14 tribal communities explicitly mentioned: Omaha, Cherokee, Ute, Yakama, Chippewa, Apache, Ho-Chunk, The Crow Tribe, Tohono O’odham Nation, Fort Mojave Tribe, Chemehuevi Tribe, The Rosebud Tribe, Navajo, and The Pueblo of Jemez. Published unintentional injury prevention efforts have covered the following 7 topics in AI/AN communities: falls, motor vehicle crashes, poisonings, improving data, burns, children, and other.

Conclusion

This scoping review makes available and searchable information on injury prevention work conducted in and for AI/AN communities that is not currently found in the peer-reviewed literature.
Different distances between central venous catheter tips can affect antibiotic clearance during continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: Bandert Anna , Lipcsey Miklós , Frithiof Robert , Larsson Anders , Smekal David
Published: June 2024

Background

The aim of this experimental study was to elucidate whether different distances between central venous catheter tips can affect drug clearance during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Central venous catheters (CVCs) are widely used in intensive care patients for drug infusion. If a patient receives CRRT, a second central dialysis catheter (CDC) is required. Where to insert CVCs is directed by guidelines, but recommendations regarding how to place multiple catheters are scarce. There are indications that a drug infused in a CVC with the tip close to the tip of the CDC, could be directly aspirated into the dialysis machine, with a risk of increased clearance. However, studies on whether clearance is affected by different CVC and CDC tip positions, when the two catheters are in the same vessel, are few.

Methods

In this model with 18 piglets, gentamicin (GM) and vancomycin (VM) were infused through a CVC during CRRT. The CVC tip was placed in different positions in relation to the CDC tip from caudal, i.e., proximal to the heart, to cranial, i.e., distal to the heart. Serum and dialysate concentrations were sampled after approximately 30 min of CRRT at four different positions: when the CVC tip was 2 cm caudally (+ 2), at the same level (0), and at 2 (− 2) and 4 (− 4) cm cranially of the tip of the CDC. Clearance was calculated. A mixed linear model was performed, and level of significance was set to p < 0.05.

Results

Clearance of GM had median values at + 2 cm, 0 cm, − 2 cm and − 4 cm of 17.3 (5.2), 18.6 (7.4), 20.0 (16.2) and 26.2 (12.2) ml/min, respectively (p = 0.04). Clearance of VM had median values at + 2 cm, 0 cm, − 2 cm and − 4 cm of 16.2 (4.5), 14.7 (4.9), 19.0 (10.2) and 21.2 (11.4) ml/min, respectively (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

The distance between CVC and CDC tips can affect drug clearance during CRRT. A cranial versus a caudal tip position of the CVC in relation to the tip of the CDC led to the highest clearance.
Clinical trial to test the safety of the EVA Nexus surgical platform
Authors: Peter Stalmans
Published: June 2024

Background

The EVA Nexus system offers several technical improvements over its predecessor. The newly designed Aveta cannula system for vitrectomy surgery avoids the need for removal of the valve from the infusion cannula. The chamfered leading edge of the cannula also reduces the insertion force needed. The new EquiPhaco needles in combination with SmartIOP provide excellent anterior chamber stability during phaco-emulsification surgery, enabling to work at lower infusion pressures, and the multiburst phaco mode allows easier removal of hard cataracts. The system offers a secondary active infusion line for independent control of pressure to the anterior and posterior chambers, monitoring of flow rate/reflux and warning of infusion bottle emptying. This study evaluated whether these technical improvements result in improved surgical safety.

Methods

In total, 250 eyes that underwent vitrectomy (53%) or phaco-vitrectomy (47%) using the EVA Nexus system were prospectively included. The occurrence of intraoperative adverse events was compared to that of historically operated eyes using the EVA system.

Results

The average age of the patients was 63 years. A total of 33% of the patients were operated on for retinal detachment, 17% for macular pucker, 11% for treating floaters, 9% for removing silicone oil, 8% for macular hole repair and 22% for other diseases. In 75% of surgeries, 23 G instruments were used, and 27 G instruments were used in 25% of cases. Device issues that occurred included priming cycle issues (n = 4), eye pressure stability problems (n = 6) and vitrectome performance issues (n = 1), all of which in the first 100 patients who were included and were fixed with software updates. The frequency of surgical complications in the anterior segment was lower than that in the historically recorded surgical reports. Intraoperative events in the posterior segment included hemorrhage from retinal vessels, choroidal hematoma, iatrogenic retinal damage/tear, and subchoroidal infusion. Again, these events occurred rarely and less frequently than in the historical surgical reports.

Conclusions

The EVA Nexus provides a surgical platform that reduces the incidence of intraoperative adverse events and iatrogenic complications in both anterior and posterior segment surgery. This could increase surgical safety during cataract and vitrectomy surgery.

Trial Registration number Clinicaltrials.gov

: NCT05229094 Data 22/5/2021.
Development of peer assessment rubrics in simulation-based learning for advanced cardiac life support skills among medical students
Authors: Lertsakulbunlue Sethapong , Kantiwong Anupong
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Peer assessment can enhance understanding of the simulation-based learning (SBL) process and promote feedback, though research on its rubrics remains limited. This study assesses the validity and reliability of a peer assessment rubric and determines the appropriate number of items and raters needed for a reliable assessment in the advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) context.

Methods

Ninety-five third-year medical students participated in the ACLS course and were assessed by two teachers (190 ratings) and three peers (285 ratings). Students rotated roles and were assessed once as a team leader on a ten-item rubric in three domains: electrocardiogram and ACLS skills, management and mechanisms, and affective domains. Messick’s validity framework guided the collection of validity evidence.

Results

Five sources of validity evidence were collected: (1) content: expert reviews and alpha, beta, and pilot tests for iterative content validation; (2) response process: achieved acceptable peer interrater reliability (intraclass correlation = 0.78, p = 0.001) and a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.83; (3) internal structure: demonstrated reliability through generalizability theory, where one peer rater with ten items achieved sufficient reliability (Phi-coefficient = 0.76), and two raters enhanced reliability (Phi-coefficient = 0.85); construct validity was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. (4) Relations to other variables: Peer and teacher ratings were similar. However, peers rated higher in scenario management; further generalizability theory analysis indicated comparable reliability with the same number of teachers. (5) Consequences: Over 80% of students positively perceived peer assessment on a 5-point Likert scale survey.

Conclusion

This study confirms the validity and reliability of ACLS SBL rubrics while utilizing peers as raters. Rubrics can exhibit clear performance criteria, ensure uniform grading, provide targeted feedback, and promote peer assessment skills.
The possible effect of crude phenolic-rich extract from mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) on infertility induced by streptozotocin in rats fed a high-fat diet as a model of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ibrahim Ghada S. , Mohamed Sahar S. , Hassan Amal I. , Ghoneim Mona A. M.
Published: June 2024

Background

Phenolic compounds (PC) are found in various foods that are part of the human diet, such as mushrooms. The identification of PC is crucial due to their bioactive properties and their role in disease prevention. This study aimed to assess the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of the phenolic component extract (PCE) derived from the Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom. The extract was separated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HLPC). The PCE was then tested on diabetic rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Also, this study was an attempt to treat infertility caused by type 2 diabetes in male rats.

Methods

Streptozotocin (STZ) was administered to Wistar rats after a 4-week HFD as a model of type 2 diabetes (D2). Animals were given phenols orally on a high-fat diet for four weeks after being diagnosed with diabetes.

Results

PCE constituents were 48.02% carbohydrates, 21.15% protein, 6.16% fiber, 2.06% fat, and 6.93% ash. The evaluation of the PCE was carried out by assessing its retention rates and subsequently comparing the UV data to standards.

Total phenols and flavonoids in the crude extract were 23.04 mg/g gallic acid equivalent and 8.14 mg/g quercetin equivalent, respectively. Catechin was found as the significant PC (121.53 µg/mL), while gallic acid was the second PC (11.64 µg/ml) in the PCE of mushrooms. PCE showed high radical scavenging activity on DPPH. With dosage and incubation duration in dark-dependent conditions, it was discovered to be 93.23% at a 500 µg/ml concentration after 120 min in the dark. PCE reduces blood glucose levels while elevating insulin levels and antioxidant activity indicators. Our results show that phenols and their bioactive components can change glucose metabolism in STZ-induced diabetic HFD rats (D2).

Conclusions

This study supports PCE's therapeutic potential in treating hyperglycemia, increasing insulin secretion, and addressing diabetes-induced infertility.
Analysis of differences in the rumen microbiome and metabolic function in prepartum dairy cows with different body condition scores
Authors: Du Dewei , Wang Yanzhe , Gao Yongji , Feng Lei , Zhang Ziye , Hu Zhiyong
Published: June 2024

Background

The rumen is a crucial digestive organ for dairy cows. The rumen microbiota assists in the digestion of plant feed through microbe-mediated fermentation, during which the plant feed is transformed into nutrients for the cow's use. Variations in the composition and function of the rumen microbiome affect the energy utilization efficiency of dairy cows, which is one of the reasons for the varying body condition scores (BCSs). This study focused on prepartum Holstein dairy cows to analyze differences in rumen microbiota and metabolites among cows with different BCSs. Twelve prepartum dairy cows were divided into two groups, low BCS (LBCS, BCS = 2.75, n = 6) and high BCS (HBCS, BCS = 3.5, n = 6), to explore differences in microbial composition and metabolites.

Results

In the HBCS group, the genera within the phylum Firmicutes exhibited stronger correlations and greater abundances. Phyla such as Firmicutes, Patescibacteria, Acidobacteriota, Euryarchaeota, and Desulfobacterota, in addition to most of their constituent microbial groups, were significantly more abundant in the HBCS group than in the LBCS group. At the genus level, the abundances of Anaerovibrio, Veillonellaceae_UCG_001, Ruminococcus_gauvreauii_group, Blautia, Eubacterium, Prevotellaceae_YAB2003_group, Schwartzia, and Halomonas significantly increased in the HBCS group. The citrate cycle, involved in carbohydrate metabolism, exhibited a significant enrichment trend, with a notable increase in the abundance of its key substrate, citrate, in the HBCS group. This increase was significantly positively correlated with the differential bacterial genera.

Conclusion

In this study, prepartum dairy cows with higher BCS exhibited greater abundance of Firmicutes. This study provides theoretical support for microbiological research on dairy cows with different BCSs and suggests that regulating the rumen microbiome could help maintain prepartum dairy cows within an optimal BCS range.
Novel Cancer Prevention Strategies in Individuals With Hereditary Cancer Syndromes: Focus on BRCA1, BRCA2, and Lynch Syndrome
Authors: Bowen Charles M. , Demarest Kaitlin , Vilar Eduardo , Shah Payal D.
Published: June 2024

Germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes confer elevated risks of breast, ovarian, and other cancers. Lynch syndrome (LS) is associated with increased risks of multiple cancer types including colorectal and uterine cancers. Current cancer risk mitigation strategies have focused on pharmacologic risk reduction, enhanced surveillance, and preventive surgeries. While these approaches can be effective, they stand to be improved on because of either limited efficacy or undesirable impact on quality of life. The current review summarizes ongoing investigational efforts in cancer risk prevention strategies for patients with germline PVs in BRCA1, BRCA2, or LS-associated genes. These efforts span radiation, surgery, and pharmacology including vaccine strategies. Understanding the molecular events involved in the premalignant to malignant transformation in high-risk individuals may ultimately contribute significantly to novel prevention strategies.
Relativistic conic motion as a second-class dynamical system
Authors: Oliveira S. L. , Santos C. M. B. , Thibes R.
Published: June 2024

We investigate relativistic motion along a general conic path under the influence of an open potential as a Dirac-Bergmann constrained dynamical model. The system turns out to exhibit a set of four second-class constraints in phase space which we fully explore obtaining a relativistic Poisson algebra generalizing previously known algebraic structures. With a convenient integration factor, the Euler-Lagrange differential equations can be worked out to its general solution in closed form. We perform the canonical quantization in terms of the corresponding Dirac brackets, applying the Dirac-Bergmann algorithm. The complete Dirac brackets algebra in phase space as well as its physical realization in terms of differential operators are explicitly obtained.
Dual spatio-temporal regulation of axon growth and microtubule dynamics by RhoA signaling pathways
Authors: Wojnacki José , Quassollo Gonzalo , Bordenave Martín D. , Unsain Nicolás , Martínez Gaby F. , Szalai Alan M. , Pertz Olivier , Gundersen Gregg G. , Bartolini Francesca , Stefani Fernando D. , Cáceres Alfredo , Bisbal Mariano
Published: June 2024

RhoA plays a crucial role in neuronal polarization, where its action restraining axon outgrowth has been thoroughly studied. We now report that RhoA has not only an inhibitory but also a stimulatory effect on axon development depending on when and where exerts its action and the downstream effectors involved. In cultured hippocampal neurons, FRET imaging revealed that RhoA activity selectively localized in growth cones of undifferentiated neurites, whereas in developing axons it displayed a biphasic pattern, being low in nascent axons and high in elongating ones. RhoA–Rho kinase (ROCK) signaling prevented axon initiation but had no effect on elongation, whereas formin inhibition reduced axon extension without significantly altering initial outgrowth. In addition, RhoA–mDia signaling promoted axon elongation by stimulating growth cone microtubule stability and assembly, as opposed to RhoA–ROCK signaling, which restrained growth cone microtubule assembly and protrusion.
Effects of a low, medium, and high-intensity aquatic physiotherapy protocol on functional and biochemical parameters in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: protocol for a crossover randomized controlled trial
Authors: Augusto Teixeira Cesar , Haas Lisete , Frata Bruna , Fiori Bortoli Andressa , Scalco Acco Fernanda , de Castro Gustavo , Cechetti Fernanda
Published: June 2024

Background Knee osteoarthritis affects the performance of daily activities, independence, and quality of life. The etiopathogenesis of this condition considers the mechanisms of activation of metalloproteinase and reactive oxygen species production pathways. Metalloproteinases-3 (MMP-3) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) may be responsible for cartilage destruction. Aquatic physiotherapy promotes a positive impact on the clinical picture of osteoarthritis, and this study presents an intervention protocol that aims to evaluate the effects of a single session of different aquatic physiotherapy modalities on the biochemical and functional behavior of patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods This will be a crossover randomized controlled trial in which 15 individuals will be submitted to three aquatic physiotherapy modalities with a minimum 15-day wash-out period in patients over 50 years old and diagnosed with OA in at least one knee, presence of pain and at least one functional dysfunction for at least 6 months, absence of physical limitation that prevents the exercise protocol from being performed, Kellgren and Lawrence ranking between I and IV, walk independently and without auxiliary device. Variations in the concentrations of MMP-3 and GPx in peripheral blood, pain, edema, and flexibility resulting from the three aquatic physiotherapeutic interventions will be evaluated both pre- and immediate post-intervention. The reference group will be submitted to the same aquatic physiotherapy protocols, however, only the biochemical parameters and the self-perception questionnaires will be evaluated. Registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05610696, 18/01/2023).
Challenges of recruitment processes to a randomized dietary trial in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Roth Bodil , Ohlsson Bodil
Published: June 2024

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is common with a global prevalence of 4%. Dietary regimes with a low content of fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyol (FODMAP) or a starch- and sucrose-reduced diet (SSRD) have proven to be efficient. The aim of the present study was to describe the recruitment process for a randomized dietary trial with low FODMAP or SSRD for 4 weeks with a follow-up period of 5 months. The results of the dietary trial itself are not included in this paper but will be presented in another publication. Methods The County of Skåne, with 1,41 million inhabitants, was used as a base to perform a dietary trial in which IBS patients, age 18-70 years, were randomized to either low FODMAP or SSRD for 4 weeks. The estimated number of IBS patients in the actual age span was approximately 32,000. The trial was announced through lectures, letters to all primary healthcare centers (n=203), social media (two campaigns), and invitations to IBS patients identified in medical records (n=744). Results Three referrals arrived from the healthcare system, 17 patients contacted the investigators in person after receiving information from their healthcare center, and four patients contacted the investigators after recommendations from friends. Of these, 14 were enrolled in the study. From social media, 218 names were delivered, of which 93 fulfilled the study criteria and were willing to participate when contacted by the investigators (42.7%). Of the 3587 identified IBS patients in medical records in close proximity to the hospital, 744 were randomly contacted. Forty-eight patients (6.5 %) were willing to be included in the study. Thus, 155 patients with IBS were included in this study. Conclusions The inclusion rate for dietary intervention was very low considering the large population informed about the study. Announcements on social media seem to be the best way to recruit patients for intervention. Trial registration NCT05192603, 29/11/2021, ClinicalTrials.gov. The PRS URL is https://register.clinicaltrials.gov
Research protocol - Evaluating data quality in the Netherlands Perinatal Registry (Perined): A data comparison study using hospital records from the IUGR Risk Selection (IRIS) study
Authors: Plomp Hilde , Verhoeven Corine , Peters Lilian , van Dijk Aimée , Onland Wes , de Jonge Ank , Henrichs Jens
Published: June 2024

Background The quality of registry based studies depends largely on the data accuracy of the registries. The Dutch Perinatal Registry (Perined) is a nationwide database comprising perinatal data digitally provided by different healthcare providers. Perined data are used for comparing outcomes across regions and healthcare institutions as well as for quality analyses and research purposes. However, little is known about the data quality of the Perined database. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the quality of Perined data compared to hospital records and case report forms (CRFs) that were part of the IUGR Risk Selection (IRIS) study. Methods In this comparison study data from Perined and the IRIS Study will be used. The IRIS study was a large cluster-randomized trial investigating the effectiveness of routine third trimester ultrasonography in reducing severe adverse perinatal outcomes among Dutch low-risk pregnant women. A subsample of the IRIS study of neonates being at risk of severe adverse perinatal outcomes and their mothers will be used. Baseline demographic data were collected by midwives from participating women at inclusion (around 22 weeks’ gestation) using CRFs, and in-depth neonatal and maternal clinical data were retrieved from hospital records by trained research assistants. These latter IRIS study data were linked and compared to Perined data. Completeness of Perined data will be calculated for every variable. The reliability will be assessed as the percent of agreement between Perined and hospital record data or the CRF-based data. Additionally, intra-class correlation coefficients will be calculated for continuous variables, and Kappa and ‘Prevalence-and-Bias-Adjusted Kappa’ will be calculated for categorical variables. Discussion The results of the proposed comparison study will provide users of Perined data insight in its data quality. This will serve as an example of the accuracy of registry based data used in maternal and neonatal care research.
The genome sequence of the chlorophyte Marvania coccoides CCAP 251/1B (Naumann) Henley, Hironaka, Guillou, M. Buchheim, J. Buchheim, M. Fawley & K. Fawley 2004
Authors: Allen Rachel , Rad-Menéndez Cecilia , Green David H , Campbell Christine N. , De Boever Frederik , Field Joanne , MacKechnie Karen , Ross Michael , Saxon Rachel , Thomas Naomi ,   Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa collective,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Earlham Institute Genome Acquisition Lab and Protists Project,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: June 2024

We present a genome assembly from a culture of Marvania coccoides (CCAP 251/1B) (Chlorophyta; Trebouxiophyceae; Chlorellales; Chlorellaceae). The genome sequence is 22.3 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 13 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies have lengths of 49.04 kilobases and 99.87 kilobases in length, respectively.
The genome sequence of a bluebottle fly, Calliphora vicina (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Sivell Olga ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: June 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Calliphora vicina (bluebottle blow fly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Calliphoridae). The genome sequence is 706.5 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 6 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.72 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13,436 protein coding genes.
Jan Hupka – aktywność społeczno-polityczna na terenie Galicji do 1914 roku
Authors: Sikorski Tomasz , Wątor Adam
Published: June 2024

Celem artykułu było ukazanie postaci Jana Hupki, ziemianina, konserwatysty, odgrywającego istotną rolę w polskim życiu politycznym i społecznym autonomicznej Galicji. Hupka był działaczem samorządowym, publicystą i politykiem konserwatywnym. Był także założycielem i członkiem Klubu Konserwatywnego, Stronnictwa Prawicy Narodowej, posłem na Sejm Krajowy. Należał do założycieli Polskiego Towarzystwa Emigracyjnego we Lwowie. Głównym jego celem była opieka i pośrednictwo pracy dla polskiego wychodźstwa zarobkowego oraz promocja kolonizacji. Lojalistycznie nastawiony wobec Wiednia, pozostał gorącym zwolennikiem rozwiązania austro-polskiego, realizowanego konsekwentnie także po wybuchu Wielkiej Wojny. Nabyte przed 1914 r. doświadczenia wykorzystał wówczas do zaangażowania politycznego w obozie aktywistycznym.
An Analysis of the Sources of International Responsibility of States in the Face of Climate Change: a Customary Rule in the Making?.
Authors: de la Orden Bosch Gustavo
Published: June 2024

This paper addresses some questions that climate change raises for international law. It focuses in particular on the request for an advisory opinion submitted by the United Nations General Assembly to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 29 March 2023. This request is analysed as a further manifestation of the international community’s concern to clarify the international responsibility of states to prevent, mitigate and remedy the damage caused by climate change. The study argues that the ICJ could clarify obligations under existing treaties. There may also be a particular opportunity for the Court to expand its jurisprudence on other sources of international law. In particular, it asks whether the ICJ could confirm the emergence of a specific customary rule on the issue.
Teaching drawing in a shared community
Authors: Laura Carnevali  , Fabio Colonnese
Published: June 2024

At the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Sapienza University, Rome, the first year Architecture Drawing course comprises a total of 162 hours (12 Formative Credits or CFU) divided into 51 hours of lectures, 51 hours of exercises and 60 hours of laboratory. Generally a six-months long course, this year it has been reduced into a three-months long course, from October to January, requiring a compression of the program. The problems due to the program compression and to the change of teacher were stressed by the measures for containing the Covid-19 diffusion. The former teacher was reputed “fragile” and precluded from teaching in presence and a new teacher was given the course. Moreover, Sapienza University adopted a mixed format, with a few students present in the classroom and most of them at home. Besides the many technical and instrumental difficulties due to the late equipment of the classrooms with updated hardware and software, the late registration of about a quarter of the students after the admission tests caused some of them to join the class more than a month after the first lesson. Anyway, a friendly collaboration between the “old” and the “new” teacher contributed to overcome most of the organizational questions.
Design and implementation of online learning process for complex architectural projects: a graduation project example during Covid-19 period
Authors: Özlem Erdoğdu Erkarslan  , Yenal Akgün
Published: June 2024

Architectural design studio is the most important course of architectural education and it is considered the central axis where the theoretical and technical knowledge obtained from other courses are brought together. This design studio is a form of disciplinary training in a social learning environment, where the instructors and students interact. In this environment, students learn from the instructor, as well as from each other; and nourish their creativity through experience and learning by doing (Ceylan et al, 2021).
The architectural plan: Teaching and learning methods in social distance’s times
Authors: Donatella Scatena  , Zeynep Gulel  , Sergio Amedeo Terracina  , Virginia Volanti
Published: June 2024

While the texture of urban life in Europe was going upset, a lot of operations ceased: for instance, hotel trades, enterprises, club meetings and leisure activities; other: for instance, banking, business dwindled and decreased. Schools of every order and grade - and supermarkets, of course- had remained an almost unrivalled taken of group work. Education and vocational training – even if performed from a distance – has been a continuous motion flowing through the numbed body of towns and cities, sprinkling and brightening up day. Today activities and living up to same social expectation.
L'interazione edificio-città
Authors: Carlo Gandolfi
Published: June 2024

Per Niemeyer l'architettura è un tutt'uno con la città e il territorio. Tema cruciale per analizzare questa relazione sono le modalità attraverso le quali separa l'edificio dallo spazio aperto e dalla città. Ci troviamo di fronte ad una ricerca che supera di molto la semplice evoluzione di Le Corbusier e la semplice capacità scultorea che gli è stata attribuita: quella di Niemeyer è una composizione di grande respiro, in continua evoluzione e tensione con la città e con il paesaggio.
Niemeyer a Milano: il Palazzo Mondadori
Authors: Roberto Dulio
Published: June 2024

La Mondadori di Segrate, insieme alla Sede del Partito Comunista di Parigi, rappresenta indubbiamente il più noto degli edifici realizzati da Niemeyer in Europa.Il progetto, nato grazie ad una committenza illuminata che credeva nel ruolo attivo dell'architettura, può essere considerato un'evoluzione del Ministero degli Affari esteri di Brasilia, cruciale all'interno dell'evoluzione dell'opera di Niemeyer e costituisce, ancora oggi, un esempio paradigmatico, di una modalità possibile di affrontare il rapporto tra edificio, spazi aperti e paesaggio.
Le strutture dell'immaginazione. Un disegno di John Hejduk
Authors: Lamberto Amistadi
Published: June 2024

Un disegno di John Hejduk è l'occasione per riflettere sul rapporto tra ideazione, rappresentazione e realizzazione dell'opera di architettura, seguendo i ragionamenti del maestro americano. Attraverso i mezzi che le sono propri, walls, roofs, boundaries, l'immagine architettonica ha la capacità di evocare e richiamare il senso profondo di situazioni inattese, “rinfrescare” la nostra visione delle cose contro il pericolo dell'automatizzazione. Ne esce un quadro in cui, nel circolo creativo che coinvolge artefice e fruitore, la realtà dell'architettura contribuisce per la sua parte al progetto di “fabbricazione del mondo”.
Eravamo Maestri?
Authors: Aimaro D'Isola
Published: June 2024

L’autore indaga tutto il fascino e l'ambiguità del rapporto fragile e complesso tra Maestro e allievo. E lo fa con il gusto, la statura e la leggerezza di un “vero maestro”. Fondazione di un luogo e formazione del discepolo diventano metafore l'una dell'altra. “Ecco che l’insegnamento diventa lavoro comune. (...) riconoscimento di un linguaggio e di un paesaggio comune, nello spazio, ma soprattutto nel tempo. Paesaggi che ci comprendono e che dobbiamo comprendere.”
End Games. Note sull'architettura di John Hejduk
Authors: Guido Zuliani
Published: June 2024

L’autore si interroga sul “senso complessivo” del lavoro di uno dei più importanti architetti della seconda metà del '900, tentando una lettura unitaria delle diverse fasi di cui si compone la sua opera: una prima fase tutta centrata sulla rivisitazione e lo sviluppo di canoni linguistici modernisti; una seconda di stampo “urbanistico”; quella successiva, della prima metà degli anni '90 più poetica, autenticamente creativa e immaginifica fino all'ultima tutta intrisa di religiosa spiritualità.
L'osservazione, l'atto e la forma. L’insegnamento dell’architettura nella Scuola di Valparaíso
Authors: Tommaso Brighenti
Published: June 2024

La scuola di Valparaíso da oltre sessant’anni rappresenta un episodio singolare nella scena architettonica internazionale e costituisce uno dei fenomeni culturali e sorprendentemente creativi più rilevanti nell’America Latina contemporanea, riconoscendosi per le proprie idee e per la capacità di concepire il suo proprio linguaggio. In questo testo si cercherà di descrivere le peculiarità del loro insegnamento mettendo in relazione tre momenti essenziali della loro didattica: l’osservazione, l’atto e la forma.
Contro Vitruvio. La città giapponese e il suo ordine urbano
Authors: Lina Malfona
Published: June 2024

La precisione dell’inquadratura e la preferenza per il dettaglio, che caratterizzano i disegni di Hiroshige Utagawa, rivelano la stessa rinuncia alla visione d’insieme che può essere intercettata nella configurazione planimetrica della città giapponese, caratterizzata da un tessuto urbano privo di ordinatio, dove concetti quali la collocatio e la dispositio risultano quasi retorici. Il Giappone fornisce infatti una particolare declinazione del progetto urbano, inteso come coesistenza sincretica, non sintetica, di pezzi e parti eterogenee.
Editoriale. Il progetto intelligente per la città intelligente
Authors: Enrico Prandi
Published: June 2024

Con qualche settimana di ritardo rispetto alla programmazione, dovuto al grande numero di studiosi partecipanti ed al rigoroso processo di revisione dei contributi, sono usciti due di una serie di numeri tematici scaturiti dalla FAM 2015 International Call For Papers.La Call era suddivisa in tre sezioni tematiche generali (Città, Teoria, Educazione) all’interno delle quali altrettanti curatori (Enrico Prandi, Lamberto Amistadi, Giuseppina Scavuzzo) hanno ideato uno specifico sottotema, (rispettivamente “Il progetto intelligente per la città intelligente / Smart design for a Smart city”, “Dispositio e composizione in architettura” e “Costruire e/è costruirsi. Il complesso rapporto tra architettura e educazione”) articolandolo in un documento di indirizzo, successivamente coordinato la fase della peer review ed infine effettuato la selezione degli articoli accompagnando il numero della rivista (in alcuni casi più di uno) con un saggio introduttivo.La call ha richiamato un centinaio di contributi internazionali dei quali 35 per la linea tematica “Città”, 31 per la linea tematica “Teoria” e 29 per la linea tematica “Educazione”.Dei 35 della tematica “Città”, 10 sono stati accettati dai revisori con giudizio pienamente positivo; 8 sono stati accettati con indicazioni da parte dei revisori di perfezionarne/modificarne alcune parti (che gli autori hanno eseguito); 10 contributi sono stati respinti e gli autori incoraggiati ad una revisione e una riproposta, sulla base di alcune linee migliorative che i revisori hanno predisposto; 5 sono stati respinti e gli autori incoraggiati a presentarli in altre sedi ad esso più confacenti; 2 sono risultati non conformi, deliberatamente out of topics o di qualità non sufficiente.Non molto diverse sono state le suddivisioni delle altre sezioni a conferma della qualità e della preparazione degli studiosi partecipanti che noi consideriamo il pubblico principale della rivista.
Smart City e nuovi orizzonti di ricerca … oltre (tutte) le “ipocrisie”
Authors: Paola Scala
Published: June 2024

Partendo da un articolo di Vittorio Gregotti dal titolo “le ipocrisie verdi delle archistar”, il paper si concentra sulle reali possibilità che il tema della smart city può offrire a una ricerca architettonica più consapevole del proprio ruolo ma anche più capace di accettare le sfide della condizione contemporanea. Una ricerca dunque che, se da un lato non cede all’accattivante fascino di slogan alla moda, dall’altro, non si rifugia in certezze universali e astratte utopie.
Multiple-city e Smart-city OPEN-DOMINO nei territori marginali e interrotti dell’estremo sud
Authors: Marina Tornatora
Published: June 2024

Il patrimonio edilizio esistente oggi è inadeguato alle esigenze della contemporaneità e pone all’architettura la necessità di sperimentare modalità d’intervento, implementate dalle nuove tecnologie ma all’interno dei propri strumenti espressivi e del proprio universo tecnico costruttivo. Un’esperienza didattica su un quartiere marginale della periferia meridionale, preso come campione emblematico, è l’occasione per rielaborare il modello base ricorrente - Maison Domino - come un sistema aperto.
Campus e città. Il progetto Mastercampus
Authors: Carlo Quintelli
Published: June 2024

La componente universitaria, strategicamente indispensabile nello sviluppo di un’economia della conoscenza, rappresenta una risorsa determinante per la struttura e il paesaggio della città dove la ricerca è alla base di ogni laboratorio produttivo caratterizzato dall’innovazione, in cui la tipologia del campus universitario diventa strumento poleogenetico necessariamente complementare al contesto della città e alla realtà territoriale preesistente.