bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Profile, Follow-up, and Role of Neuroimaging in Pediatric Guillain-Barré Syndrome in the COVID Era: An Ambispective Study
Authors: Saini Lokesh , Krishna Deepthi , Gunasekaran Pradeep Kumar , Tiwari Sarbesh , Kumar Prawin , Goyal Jagdish Prasad , Khera Daisy , Choudhary Bharat , Didel Siyaram , Gaur Ravi , Laxmi Veena , Panda Samhita , Singh Kuldeep
Published: June 2023

Background: To define the varied presentations of Guillain-Barré syndrome in children in the COVID era and 6 months’ follow-up outcome. Methods: Ambispective study of 15 months’ duration involving children with Guillain-Barré syndrome aged 1 month to 18 years at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. They were categorized into groups A and B based on COVID-19 serology testing. Hughes Disability Scale was used for disability assessment. Modified Rankin scale was used for improvement assessment in follow-up. Results: Of 19 children with Guillain-Barré syndrome, 9 (47%) were females and 10 (53%) were males. Groups A and B had children with negative (8) and positive serology (11), respectively. The most common presentation in both groups was motor weakness. Post-COVID pediatric Guillain-Barré syndrome presented with variants of Guillain-Barré syndrome rather than the classical form ( P = .03). In group B, patients with elevated inflammatory markers had poor response to intravenous immunoglobulin, and 5 of 11 patients had good response to pulse steroids, probably depicting an inflammation-predominant pathology. Conclusion: Post-COVID Guillain-Barré syndrome in children presented with Guillain-Barré syndrome variants rather than the classic form. Neuroimaging is of great value in both confirming Guillain-Barré syndrome diagnosis and excluding differentials. Patients with elevated inflammatory markers and residual weakness may be given a pulse steroid trial.
Lifestyle Medicine Practitioners Implementing a Greater Proportion of Lifestyle Medicine Experience Less Burnout
Authors: Pollard Kathryn J. , Gittelsohn Joel , Patel Padmaja , Lianov Liana , Freeman Kelly , Staffier Kara L. , Pauly Kaitlyn R. , Karlsen Micaela C.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To identify reasons for burnout, characterize the effect of lifestyle medicine (LM) practice on burnout, and assess the risk of burnout in relation to the proportion of LM practice.

Design

Analysis of mixed methods data from a large, cross-sectional survey on LM practice.

Setting

Web-based survey platform.

Participants

Members of an LM medical professional society at the time of survey administration.

Methods

Practitioner members of a medical professional society were recruited to a cross-sectional, online survey. Data were collected on LM practice and experiences with burnout. Free-text data were thematically grouped and counted, and the association of burnout with the proportion of lifestyle-based medical practice was analyzed using logistic regression.

Results

Of 482 respondents, 58% reported currently feeling burned out, 28% used to feel burned out but no longer do, and 90% reported LM had positively impacted their professional satisfaction. Among LM practitioners surveyed, practicing more LM was associated with a 43% decrease (0.569; 95% CI: 0.384, 0.845; P = 0.0051) in the odds of experiencing burnout. Top reasons for positive impact included professional satisfaction, sense of accomplishment, and meaningfulness (44%); improved patient outcomes and patient satisfaction (26%); enjoyment of teaching/coaching and engaging in relationships (22%); and helps me personally: quality of life and stress (22%).

Conclusion

Implementing LM as a greater proportion of medical practice was associated with lower likelihood of burnout among LM practitioners. Results suggest that increased feelings of accomplishment due to improved patient outcomes and reduced depersonalization contribute to reduced burnout.
Chemical foaming of polylactic acid/polypropylene and polylactic acid/polyamide 6: Evaluation of changes in their properties
Authors: Tuna Sibel , Akkoyun Kurtlu Meral
Published: June 2023

Most of the polymers made from fossil fuels end up as waste material and this environment-damaging situation has revealed the need to take some precautions such as the use of eco-friendly, biodegradable materials obtained from renewable sources as an alternative. Biopolymers are being evaluated as alternatives to traditional polymers especially in the automotive industry due to their better-understood properties such as mechanical and physical behavior through the studies conducted. On the other hand, when the literature studies are evaluated, it can be seen that the production of foam materials, which are focused on lightness and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission limitations that are important and essential for the automotive sector, is an area that is also researched and studied for biopolymers. Several studies are carried out with both physical and chemical foaming agents on this subject in recent years. In this study, it is aimed to develop light, environmentally friendly, high-performance polylactic acid (PLA) based polymeric composite foams that can be used in the automotive industry by using twin screw extruder and compression molding methods. For this purpose, polyamide 6 (PA6) and polypropylene (PP) polymers were used with PLA and by adding 1 wt.%, 1.5 wt.% and 2 wt.% chemical blowing agents to the polymer mixtures, the physical, thermal, mechanical, morphological properties and changes in these properties were investigated. The most suitable chemical blowing agent ratio was found to be 1.5 wt.% for PLA/PP and PLA/PA6 mixtures.
An ensemble of three-dimensional deep neural network models for multi-attribute scoring and classification of pulmonary nodules
Authors: Sakshiwala  , Singh Maheshwari Prasad
Published: June 2023

Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells that originates in the lung parenchyma or cells that line the air passages. These cells divide rapidly to form malicious tumors. This paper proposes a multi-task ensemble of three dimensional (3D) deep neural network (DNN) based model, namely: pre-trained EfficientNetB0, BiGRU-based SEResNext101, and the proposed LungNet. The ensemble model performs binary classification and regression tasks to accurately classify the benign and malignant pulmonary nodules. This study also explores the attribute importance and proposes a domain knowledge-based regularization technique. The proposed model is evaluated on the public benchmark LIDC-IDRI dataset. Through a comparative study, it was shown that when coefficients generated by the random forest (RF) are used in the loss function, the proposed ensemble model offers a better prediction capability of the accuracy of 96.4% compared to the state-of-the-art methods. In addition, the receiver operating characteristic curves show that the proposed ensemble model has better performance than the base learners. Thus, the proposed CAD-based model can efficiently detect malignant pulmonary nodules.
Afro-diasporan racial discourse in Germany
Authors: Ajagbe Samsondeen
Published: June 2023

This paper investigates the racial discourse in the Afro-diaspora group in Germany. It uses the ‘discourse-historical approach’ – a strand of Critical Discourse Analysis – for the three-dimensional analysis of language biographical data of 67 African migrants in Germany. The study provides African migrants’ accounts of racism, identifies four discursive strategies, and then examines the semantics of a counter-racialisation term developed to cope with racism. The study finds Afro-diaspora racial discourse as a site for confronting the racism problem, legitimising the race idea, and contingent on migrants’ access to material resources in Germany. Furthermore, the term ‘fake-oyinbo’ indicates an ability to use simple linguistic terms in an intended way of racial categorisation within race relations thinking. The paper concludes that Afro-diasporans’ racial discourse is a ‘grassroots’ minority discourse revealing a counter-racialisation linguistic action while explaining and justifying the condition of the ordinary black minority.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus without systemic activity
Authors: Calixto Omar-Javier , Poveda Santiago , Meneses-Toro Maria Alejandra , Vera-Parra Edward Camilo , Romero-Sánchez Consuelo , Guzman Molano Luisa Fernanda , Bello-Gualtero Juan Manuel
Published: June 2023

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is an uncommon subtype of peripheral neuropathy, especially in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We report a case of SLE presenting with CIDP successfully treated. The patient presented with bilateral, progressive, ascending, sensory, and motor neuropathy. Electrodiagnostic tests reported active motor and sensitive demyelinating polyneuropathy, and the diagnosis of CIDP was confirmed according to the European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society criteria. Initial management with intravenous immunoglobulin and high-dose steroids was administered, then 6-month intravenous cyclophosphamide was initiated with improvement according to clinical scales. In conclusion, CIDP in SLE is rare, reported in just 0.2%. Immunosuppressive therapy should be considered whether initial improvement is not evidenced, as seen in our case requiring cyclophosphamide; interestingly, systemic activity was in remission as the peripheral nervous system is not part of neurological compromise, and we suggest evaluating this unusual presentation into rheumatological practice.
Perceptions of Patient Safety Among Middle Managers at an Operating Suite
Authors: Ramírez-Torres Carmen Amaia , Pedraz-Marcos Azucena , Maciá-Soler Maria Loreto , Rivera-Sanz Félix
Published: June 2023

In 2008, the World Health Organization launched the Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) to reduce the number of adverse events occurring at operating suites. The objective of this study was to explore middle managers’ experiences of patient safety culture, the meanings they attach to this culture, and their perceptions of one of its best-known strategies, the SSC.

This study used a qualitative design involving structured interviews with the head of department, quality managers, and nursing supervisors at an operating suite. Eleven middle managers acknowledged that the SSC supports memory and instils accountability. Work overload was highlighted as the main barrier in SSC implementation, while feedback was identified as the main facilitator. We found significant differences in levels of understanding of patient safety culture among different types of middle managers and professions. Key aspects for promoting an effective, long-lasting patient safety culture were also identified.
Highly Effective Extraction of Gigantol from Dendrobium officinale Using the Ultrasonic-assisted Dry Grinding
Authors: Sun Yufeng , Zheng Xiuxia , Zhu Dong , Guan Dongyan , Fan Bei , Wang Fengzhong
Published: June 2023

Background

Dendrobium officinale is a valuable medicinal food plant in China, and its component gigantol has various biological activities. However, due to the low extraction rate of gigantol, its application in the functional food industry is limited. This research aimed to explore an effective gigantol extraction method.

Results

Ultrasonic-assisted dry grinding extraction of gigantol from D. officinale almost reached completion after 15 min. The extraction rate of gigantol reached 65%, which was higher than that of the conventional heating refluxing method of extraction. Most cells were broken, and particle size was approximately 410 nm when D. officinale was ground for 15 min.

Conclusion

The results indicated that ultrasonic-assisted dry grinding is a highly effective gigantol extraction method that is valuable for the efficient use and low-cost extraction of gigantol from the medicinal food plant D. officinale. Furthermore, this method will be beneficial for the future application of gigantol in the functional food industry.
Teacher Education in India’s National Education Policy 2020: Knowledge Traditions, Global Discourses and National Regulations
Authors: Sharma Gunjan , Mittal Radhika , Zayan
Published: June 2023

This article engages with the teacher education (TE) reform approach adopted in India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It locates the policy recommendations in the context and challenges of TE in India and makes sense of the NEP’s vision for the domain. It examines the knowledge traditions and global education policy (GEP) discourses that underlie the proposed reforms, and the translation of the core reform ideas in the national regulatory framework for implementation. The first part of the findings identifies the knowledge traditions and influences of GEP inherent in the policy and argues that NEP’s reform approach is an assemblage of fundamentally inconsistent discourses. The second part examines the regulatory norms and standards of the NEP-recommended TE programme to understand what makes it distinct as compared to similar ongoing programmes. Based on the analysis, the article argues that the proposed new programme is a tweaked version of India’s conventional TE approaches.
Estimating the received solar irradiances by traditional vaulted roofs using optimized neural networks and transfer learning
Authors: Ayoub Mohammed
Published: June 2023

Traditional vaulted roof-forms have long been utilized in hot-desert climate for better indoor environmental quality. Unprecedently, this research investigates the possible contribution of machine learning to estimate the received solar irradiances by those roofs, based on simulation-derived training and testing datasets, where two algorithms were used to reduce their higher-dimensionality. Then, four models of ordinary least-squares and artificial neural networks were developed. Their ability to accurately estimate solar irradiances was confirmed, with R2 of 95.599–98.794% and RMSE of 12.437–23.909 Wh/m2. Transfer Learning was also applied to pass the stored knowledge of the best-performing model into another one for estimating the performance of new roof-forms. The results demonstrated that transferred models could provide better estimations with R2 of 87.416–97.889% and RMSE of 79.300–13.971 Wh/m2, compared to un-transferred models. Machine learning shall redefine the practice of building performance, providing architects with flexibility to rapidly make informed decisions during the early design stages.
Microfluidics for Profiling miRNA Biomarker Panels in AI-Assisted Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis
Authors: Muthamilselvan Sangeetha , Ramasami Sundhar Baabu Priyannth , Palaniappan Ashok
Published: June 2023

Early detection of cancers and their precise subtyping are essential to patient stratification and effective cancer management. Data-driven identification of expression biomarkers coupled with microfluidics-based detection shows promise to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and prognosis. MicroRNAs play key roles in cancers and afford detection in tissue and liquid biopsies. In this review, we focus on the microfluidics-based detection of miRNA biomarkers in AI-based models for early-stage cancer subtyping and prognosis. We describe various subclasses of miRNA biomarkers that could be useful in machine-based predictive modeling of cancer staging and progression. Strategies for optimizing the feature space of miRNA biomarkers are necessary to obtain a robust signature panel. This is followed by a discussion of the issues in model construction and validation towards producing Software-as-Medical-Devices (SaMDs). Microfluidic devices could facilitate the multiplexed detection of miRNA biomarker panels, and an overview of the different strategies for designing such microfluidic systems is presented here, with an outline of the detection principles used and the corresponding performance measures. Microfluidics-based profiling of miRNAs coupled with SaMD represent high-performance point-of-care solutions that would aid clinical decision-making and pave the way for accessible precision personalized medicine.
A study of the role of myeloid-derived growth factor on acute lung injury in vitro and In vivo
Authors: Gong Wenhui , Jiang Shi , Wang Jianbo , Gong Qian , Zhang Chengxin , Ge Shenglin
Published: June 2023

Objectives: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are considered to have potential clinical application value in the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI). Myeloid-derived growth factor (MYDGF) can promote the proliferation of stem cell. We hypothesized that MYDGF may play a role in reducing lung injury in vitro and in vivo through bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

Methods: An in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)(MLE-12) was established, which was divided into five groups: A: MLE-12; B: MLE-12+LPS; C: MLE-12+LPS + BMSCs; D: MLE-12+LPS + MYDGF; and E: MLE-12+LPS + BMSCs + MYDGF. A Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to detect the OD value. And an ALI model was constructed by inducing mice with a lipopolysaccharide. Forty male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: A control group; B: model group; C: LPS + BMSCs; D: LPS + MYDGF; E: LPS +BMSCs +MYDGF. Specimens were collected after 24 h. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)-staining was performed on the tissue sections. The protein concentration in the alveolar lavage fluid was measure by bicinchoninic acid (BCA). The NF-κB, p-Akt, Bax, and Bcl-2 protein expression was detected through Western blotting, and Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the expression of serum interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and TNF-α.

Results: Compared with the model group, BMSCs and MYDGF can alleviate the ALI induced by lipopolysaccharide in vitro and vivo ( p < .05).

Conclusion: We found that the combined treatment effect of MYDGF and BMSCs was better than using MYDGF or BMSCs alone. We speculate that a pretreatment with MYDGF after ALI in mice may improve the survival and growth of transplanted MSCs, thereby improving the curative effect of cell transplantation.
Autonomous regulation of work in the gig economy: The first collective bargaining agreement for riders in Sweden
Authors: Selberg Niklas
Published: June 2023

The gigification of work has—in line with global trends—reached the highly-regulated Swedish labour market, with its high degree of both union density and coverage of collective bargaining agreements—and high labour costs. More and more gig workers are becoming union members, and in late January 2021 the first Swedish collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for food delivery platform workers (riders) was concluded between the Transport Workers’ Union and Foodora. The article illustrates to what extent, and how, the inherited formulas for trade union activity and collective bargaining are made relevant for platform-mediated work. The role of old actors and regulatory means are put to use in the ‘new’ labour market. This article provides an analysis of the first CBA in the Swedish gig economy and illustrates how pre-existing labour law norms are both a restraining and an enabling factor for trade unions and collective bargaining in the gig economy. What can be learned about the nature of work in the gig economy or platform-mediated work from the way it has been integrated into the Swedish model for labour relations with its particular traits? Or, what can be learned from the first CBA in the gig economy in the promised land of collective bargaining?
A qualitative study to assess the psychological experiences and coping strategies of families affected with Li-Fraumeni syndrome in the Indian population
Authors: Joshi Poonam , Bhandari Sunidhi , TK Ajesh , Kaur Simran , Bhargava Rachna , Tansir Ghazal , Rastogi Sameer
Published: June 2023

Background: Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a rare autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndrome. Due to the high risk of occurrence of multiple cancers, families with LFS may have an overwhelming psychosocial burden. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care center using face-to-face interviews through a grounded theory approach. Statistical analysis was done using Smith’s Interpretative Phenomenological Approach. Themes and sub-themes were extracted, and a thematic schema was developed. Results: A total of five themes were identified. The extracted themes were psychological experiences, behavioural responses, stressors, coping strategies and perceived needs. The interlay of the themes deepened the impact of LFS on the affected ones and brought into light the turmoil of emotions and difficulties that these individuals were going through in the face of the disease. Conclusions: LFS-affected individuals had a range of experiences with this rare and little-known disease. The lack of information seems to be a precursor to the denial of diagnosis. Their experience with the illness sheds light on the grey areas like guilt and helplessness that demand immediate attention. Future policies need to be developed in accordance with the identified perceived needs to potentially guide the treatment and rising needs of LFS-affected individuals.
Diagnosis, management and genetic analysis of a cat with primary copper hepatopathy
Authors: Recchia Benjamin K , Stokol Tracy , Goto-Koshino Yuko , Ohno Koichi , Miner Kayla DR
Published: June 2023

Case summary

A 2-year-old spayed female domestic longhair cat was presented for evaluation of chronic ocular discharge and occasional vomiting. While physical examination findings were consistent with an upper respiratory infection (URI), serum chemistry results revealed increased liver enzyme activities. Histopathologic examination of a liver biopsy identified substantial centrilobular accumulation of copper in hepatocytes – strongly suggestive of primary copper hepatopathy (PCH). Retrospective cytologic examination of a liver aspirate also identified copper aggregates in hepatocytes. After transitioning to a low-copper diet, 1 year of chelation therapy with D-penicillamine achieved normalization of liver enzyme activities and resolution of persistent ocular signs. Subsequently, a long-term regimen of zinc gluconate has been successfully managing the cat’s PCH for almost 3 years. Sanger sequencing of the cat’s ATP7B gene, which encodes a copper-transporting protein, revealed a novel, ‘likely pathogenic’, single nucleotide variation (c.3670t/a [p.Trp1224Arg]), for which the cat is heterozygous.

Relevance and novel information

Recommendations are described for the long-term clinical management of feline PCH – a previously attainable but unreported outcome – with considerations for mitigating the speculated oxidation-exacerbated ocular risks of concurrent URI. This report is the first to include identification of copper aggregates in a liver aspirate from a cat – evidence that liver aspirates from cats could be routinely examined for copper as is standard practice for those from dogs. The cat is also the first reported with PCH and a ‘likely pathogenic’ heterozygous ATP7B genotype, which suggests that normal ATP7B alleles could be recessive to or incompletely/co- dominant with deleterious ATP7B alleles in cats, as has been reported in other species.
The Language of Crowdfunding: An Exploratory Study of Entrepreneurial and Other Campaigns
Authors: Gerstner Tara , Taylor Kevin P. , Moon Leigh , Butski Noelle
Published: June 2023

Crowdfunding has become an attractive option to raise funds in recent years. Several studies have examined language use in crowdfunding campaigns, and a few have attempted to understand entrepreneurs' language use on these platforms precisely. All assume that those categorized as entrepreneurial are inherently different from those categorized as other. We aim to explore that assumption while adding to the growing body of literature on the use of language in crowdfunding. We examine how entrepreneurs use language differently than other creators on crowdfunding platforms and how language relates to successful and unsuccessful campaigns for entrepreneurs and other creators. Findings indicate differences in language usage exist between entrepreneurs and other creators and also between successful and unsuccessful campaigns for both groups. However, more than that information is needed to increase the possibility of funding. While there isn’t a magic formula for success, all crowdfunding campaigns appear to have the best chances by balancing the language they use.
Identity Construction of Pakistani Female Entrepreneurs in Religious Framework: An Interplay of Sociocultural and Religious Factors
Authors: Aftab Javeria , Abrar Ayesha , Maroof Lubna
Published: June 2023

This article focuses on the identity construction of Pakistani female entrepreneurs as an interplay of religion, culture and entrepreneurial context. We contribute to theory development on how in a Pakistani context the Islamic values and Pakistani cultural values shape the entrepreneurial identity of the women entrepreneurs through an intersectional analysis. We draw on five in-depth interviews of women entrepreneurs to illustrate how the women entrepreneurs execute their ventures and carry their entrepreneurial identity while carrying a blend of Islamic values and Pakistani cultural values. Pakistani women entrepreneurs employ the Islamic norms and values that are particularly practised by the family as a boundary, however, the cultural norms sometimes overweight the Islamic values in construction of identity. There is an evidence for negotiating process that acts as an enabler to make space for individualism, honour and entrepreneurship. In order to resist the rigid cultural interpretation of behavioural norms, various cultural, religious and familial identities are crafted to expand the boundaries of what is allowed. This enables them to bank on the Islamic values that enable them to be economically active without violating religious boundaries. Our study contributes to studies on entrepreneurship by showing how these female entrepreneurs gain agency at the crossroads of gender country context and religion.
The NLRP3 inflammasome: contributions to inflammation-related diseases
Authors: Chen Ying , Ye Xingyan , Escames Germaine , Lei Wangrui , Zhang Xin , Li Meng , Jing Tong , Yao Yu , Qiu Zhenye , Wang Zheng , Acuña-Castroviejo Darío , Yang Yang
Published: June 2023

The NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a protein complex that regulates innate immune responses by activating caspase-1 and the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. Multiple studies have demonstrated the importance of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the development of immune and inflammation-related diseases, including arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and other autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. This review first explains the activation and regulatory mechanism of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Secondly, we focus on the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in various inflammation-related diseases. Finally, we look forward to new methods for targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome to treat inflammation-related diseases, and provide new ideas for clinical treatment.
β-Ga2O3 MOSFETs electrical characteristic study of various etching depths grown on sapphire substrate by MOCVD
Authors: Lu Chan-Hung , Tarntair Fu-Gow , Kao Yu-Cheng , Tumilty Niall , Shieh Jia-Min , Hsu Shao-Hui , Hsiao Ching-Lien , Horng Ray-Hua
Published: June 2023

β-Ga2O3thin films with both a 45 nm Si-doped conductive epilayer and unintentionally doped epilayer were grown on c-plane sapphire substrate by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. β-Ga2O3based metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) were fabricated with gate recess depths of 20 nm and 40 nm (it indicated gate depth with 70 nm and 50 nm, respective), respectively, and without said recessing process. The conductivity of β-Ga2O3epilayers was improved through low in situ doping using a tetraethoxysilane precursor to increase MOSFET forward current density. After recessing, MOSFET operation was transferred from depletion to enhanced mode. In this study, the maximum breakdown voltage of the recessed 40 nm transistor was 770 V. The etching depth of a recessed-gate device demonstrates its influence on device electrical performance.
Transcriptional programs are activated and microRNAs are repressed within minutes after mating in the Drosophila melanogaster female reproductive tract
Authors: Delbare Sofie Y. N. , Jain Asha M. , Clark Andrew G. , Wolfner Mariana F.
Published: June 2023

Background

The female reproductive tract is exposed directly to the male’s ejaculate, making it a hotspot for mating-induced responses. InDrosophila melanogaster, changes in the reproductive tract are essential to optimize fertility. Many changes occur within minutes after mating, but such early timepoints are absent from published RNA-seq studies. We measured transcript abundances using RNA-seq and microRNA-seq of reproductive tracts of unmated and mated females collected at 10–15 min post-mating. We further investigated whether early transcriptome changes in the female reproductive tract are influenced by inhibiting BMPs in secondary cells, a condition that depletes exosomes from the male’s ejaculate.

Results

We identified 327 differentially expressed genes. These were mostly upregulated post-mating and have roles in tissue morphogenesis, wound healing, and metabolism. Differentially abundant microRNAs were mostly downregulated post-mating. We identified 130 predicted targets of these microRNAs among the differentially expressed genes. We saw no detectable effect of BMP inhibition in secondary cells on transcript levels in the female reproductive tract.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that mating induces early changes in the female reproductive tract primarily through upregulation of target genes, rather than repression. The upregulation of certain target genes might be mediated by the mating-induced downregulation of microRNAs. Male-derived exosomes and other BMP-dependent products were not uniquely essential for this process. Differentially expressed genes and microRNAs provide candidates that can be further examined for their participation in the earliest alterations of the reproductive tract microenvironment.
Genome-wide identification and analysis of the WRKY gene family and low-temperature stress response in Prunus sibirica
Authors: Liu Quangang , Wang Shipeng , Wen Jiaxing , Chen Jianhua , Sun Yongqiang , Dong Shengjun
Published: June 2023

Background

WRKY transcription factors are a prominent gene family in plants, playing a crucial role in various biological processes including development, metabolism, defense, differentiation, and stress response. Although the WRKY gene family has been extensively studied and analysed in numerous plant species, research on Prunus sibirica’s WRKY genes (PsWRKY) remains lacking.

Results

This study analysed the basic physicochemical properties, phylogeny, gene structure, cis-acting elements, and Gene ontology (GO) annotation of PsWRKY gene family members using bioinformatics methods based on the whole-genome data of P. sibirica. In total, 55 WRKYs were identified in P. sibirica and were heterogeneously distributed on eight chromosomes. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, these WRKYs were classified into three major groups: Group I, Group II (II-a, II-b, II-c, II-d, II-e), and Group III. Members of different subfamilies have different cis-acting elements, conserved motifs, and intron-exon structures, indicating functional heterogeneity of the WRKY family. Prediction of subcellular localisation indicated that PsWRKYs were mainly located in the nucleus. Twenty pairs of duplicated genes were identified, and segmental duplication events may play an important role in PsWRKY gene family expansion. Analysis of the Ka/Ks ratio showed that the PsWRKY family’s homologous genes were primarily purified by selection. Additionally, GO annotation analysis showed that the WRKY gene family was mainly involved in responses to stimuli, immune system processes, and reproductive processes. Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that 23 PsWRKYs were highly expressed in one or more tissues (pistils and roots) and PsWRKYs showed specific expression patterns under different low-temperature stress conditions.

Conclusions

Our results provide a scientific basis for the further exploration and functional validation of WRKYs in P. sibirica.
Identification and immunological characterization of cuproptosis-related molecular clusters in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Pu Yunfei , Meng Xianzhi , Zou Zhichen
Published: June 2023

Background

Ulcerative colitis is one of the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Cuproptosis is reported to be a novel mode of cell death.

Methods

We examined clusters of cuproptosis related genes and immune cell infiltration molecules in 86 ulcerative colitis samples from the GSE179285 dataset. We identified the differentially expressed genes according to the clustering method, and the performance of the SVM model, the random forest model, the generalized linear model, and the limit gradient enhancement model were compared, and then the optimal machine model was selected. To assess the accuracy of the learning predictions, the nomogram and the calibration curve and decision curve analyses showed that the subtypes of ulcerative colitis have been accurately predicted.

Results

Significant cuproptosis-related genes and immune response cells were detected between the ulcerative colitis and control groups. Two cuproptosis-associated molecular clusters were identified. Immune infiltration analysis indicated that different clusters exhibited significant heterogeneity. The immune scores for Cluster2 were elevated. Both the residual error and root mean square error of the random forest machine model had clinical significance. There was a clear correlation between the differentially expressed genes in cluster 2 and the response of immune cells. The nomogram and the calibration curve and decision curve analyses showed that the subtypes of ulcerative colitis had sufficient accuracy.

Conclusion

We examined the complex relationship between cuproptosis and ulcerative colitis in a systematic manner. To estimate the likelihood that each subtype of cuproptosis will occur in ulcerative colitis patients and their disease outcome, we developed a promising prediction model.
Maternal mental health screening and management by health workers in southwestern Uganda: a qualitative analysis of knowledge, practices, and challenges
Authors: Nakidde Gladys , Kumakech Edward , Mugisha John. F.
Published: June 2023

Background

Maternal mental health (MMH) problems, such as perinatal depression, maternal anxiety, suicide ideation and puerperal psychosis among others, have a significant impact on maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as the health and development of children. One in every four pregnant women and one in every five postpartum women in low-income countries, suffer from maternal mental health (MMH) problems. Despite this, MMH screening, diagnosis, and reporting remain scanty in Uganda. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the knowledge, practices, and impediments that maternity care workers face when screening and managing women with maternal mental health disorders in health facilities in south-western Uganda.

Methods

In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 health-care professionals who work in maternity care departments in primary and tertiary healthcare facilities in southwestern Uganda to investigate their medical knowledge, clinical practices, and challenges related to the screening and management of maternal mental health problems. Using qualitative content analysis, distinct categories and subcategories were found.

Results

Medical staff especially midwives lacked specialized training in screening and managing women with maternal mental health problems They screened and managed MMH problems solely based on history and physical examination, and they referred nearly every mother displaying signs of mental illness because they felt ill-prepared to handle them. On the other hand, medical staff with some level of specialized training in mental health particularly staff working in mental health units, were more likely to use a mental health screening tool in addition to history and physical examination; and to treat any women exhibiting signs and symptoms of maternal mental problems without referring them. Lack of in-service training on maternal mental health, poorly coordinated referral systems, reluctance of mentally ill to visit medical facilities, scarcity of mental health specialists, and shortage of relevant medications were identified as the major challenges. Age, experience level, or gender had no effect on screening or management practices.

Conclusions

The results suggest that specialized training in mental health, and particularly maternal mental health, is essential for the effective screening and management of maternal mental health conditions in South Western Uganda.
Characterization of loss of chromosome Y in peripheral blood cells in male Han Chinese patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Jiang Lanrui , Song Mengyuan , Song Feng , Zhou Yuxiang , Yao Hewen , Li Gangqin , Luo Haibo
Published: June 2023

Background

Schizophrenia (SCZ) has a global prevalence of 1% and increases the risk of mortality, reducing life expectancy. There is growing evidence that the risk of this disorder is higher in males than in females and it tends to develop in early adulthood. The Y chromosome is thought to be involved in biological processes other than sex determination and spermatogenesis. Studies have shown that loss of chromosome Y (LOY) in peripheral blood cells is associated with a variety of diseases (including cancer) and increased all-cause mortality. An analysis of the relationship between LOY and schizophrenia is warranted.

Methods

A total of 442 Chinese males (271 patients with schizophrenia vs. 171 controls) were included in this study. The copy numbers of the Y and X chromosomes were detected by positive droplets targeting the amelogenin gene (AMEL) on the Y chromosome and X chromosome (AMELY and AMELX, respectively), using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). The LOY percentage was defined as the difference between the concentration of AMELX and the concentration of AMELY divided by the concentration of AMELX, denoted as (X - Y)/X.

Results

In the Han Chinese population, the LOY percentage was higher in the schizophrenia group than in the control group (p < 0.05), although there was no significant difference in the presence of LOY between the two groups. A strong correlation was found between the average of the disease duration and the average of the LOY percentage (R2 = 0.506, p = 0.032). The logistic regression analysis implied that the risk of LOY increases by 0.058 and 0.057 per year according to age at onset and duration of disease, respectively (ponset = 0.013, pduration = 0.017).

Conclusions

In the Han Chinese population, the LOY percentage of the disease group was significantly different from that of the control group. The age of onset and duration of schizophrenia might be risk factors for LOY in peripheral blood cells. A larger sample size and expanded clinical information are needed for more in-depth and specific analyses.
Substantial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the reported number of diagnosed chronic hepatitis C virus infections in the Netherlands, 2019–2021
Authors: den Boogert Elisabeth M. , Veldhuijzen Irene K. , Generaal Ellen , Prins Maria , Sonneveld Milan J. , van der Meer Adriaan J. , Zantkuijl Paul , van Benthem Birgit H.B. , de Coul Eline L.M. Op
Published: June 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has widespread consequences for health facilities, social contacts, and health-seeking behaviour, affecting the incidence, diagnosis and reporting of other infectious diseases. We examined trends in reported chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and associated transmission routes in the Netherlands to identify the potential impact of COVID-19 on access to healthcare (testing) services.

Methods

We analysed notification data of patients with chronic HCV reported to the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System from January 2019 until December 2021 in the Netherlands. Rates of newly reported chronic cases per 100,000 population with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, and we compared proportional changes in transmission routes for chronic HCV between 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Results

During the study period, a total of 1,521 chronic HCV infections were reported, 72% males, median age 52 years, and an overall rate of 8.8 (95%CI 8.4–9.2) per 100,000 population. We observed an overall decline (-41.9%) in the number of reported chronic HCV in 2020 compared to 2019, with the sharpest decline in men who have sex with men (MSM)-related transmission (-57.9% in 2020, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Reported cases of chronic HCV strongly declined during the COVID-19 pandemic when healthcare services were scaled down. Between February and June 2021, reported chronic HCV cases increased again, indicating a recovery of healthcare services. MSM showed the largest decline compared to other groups. Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of access to healthcare, health seeking behaviour, and (sexual) transmission risks of HCV during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reduction of SARS-CoV-2 intra-household child-to-parent transmission associated with ventilation: results from a case–control study
Authors: Galmiche Simon , Charmet Tiffany , Madec Yoann , Rakover Arthur , Schaeffer Laura , Chény Olivia , Omar Faïza , Martin Sophie , Mailles Alexandra , Carrat Fabrice , Fontanet Arnaud
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Our objective was to describe circumstances of SARS-CoV-2 household transmission and to identify factors associated with a lower risk of transmission in a nationwide case–control study in France.

Methods

In a descriptive analysis, we analysed cases reporting transmission from someone in the household (source case). Index cases could invite a non-infected household member to participate as a related control. In such situations, we compared the exposures of the index case and related control to the source case by conditional logistic regression matched for household, restricted to households in which the source case was a child, and the index case and related control were the infected child’s parents.

Results

From October 27, 2020 to May 16, 2022, we included 104 373 cases for the descriptive analysis with a documented infection from another household member. The source case was mostly the index case’s child (46.9%) or partner (45.7%). In total, 1026 index cases invited a related control to participate in the study. In the case–control analysis, we included 611 parental pairs of cases and controls exposed to the same infected child. COVID-19 vaccination with 3 + doses versus no vaccination (OR 0.1, 95%CI: 0.04–0.4), isolation from the source case (OR 0.6, 95%CI: 0.4–0.97) and the ventilation of indoor areas (OR 0.6, 95%CI: 0.4–0.9) were associated with lower risk of infection.

Conclusion

Household transmission was common during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in France. Mitigation strategies, including isolation and ventilation, decreased the risk of secondary transmission within the household.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT04607941.
Uptake and barriers to cervical cancer screening among human immunodeficiency virus-positive women in Sub Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mengesha Meresa Berwo , Chekole Tesfaye Temesgen , Hidru Hagos Degefa
Published: June 2023

Background

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of disability and mortality among women in Africa. Despite a significant correlation between HIV/AIDS and cervical cancer, there is unacceptably low coverage of the uptake of cervical cancer screening among human immunodeficiency virus-positive women in Sub-Saharan Africa. Individual primary studies are limited in explaining the patterns of uptake of cervical cancer screening. This review therefore considers the uptake of cervical cancer screening and its barriers among human immunodeficiency virus-positive women in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

We systematically searched articles published until December 31, 2019, from the PubMed, Cochrane Library, POP LINE, Google Scholar, African Journals Online and JURN databases. The quality of the included articles was assessed by using the Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale, and the coverage of uptake of cervical cancer screening was pooled after checking for heterogeneity and publication bias. The random effect model was used, and subgroup analysis estimates were performed by country.

Results

Twenty-one studies comprising 20,672 human immunodeficiency virus-positive women were included. Applying a random effect model, the overall cervical cancer screening uptake among this group of women in Sub-Saharan Africa was estimated to be 30% (95% CI: 19, 41, I2 = 100%). The main barriers to uptake of cervical screening include poor knowledge about cervical cancer and screening, low risk perception of cervical cancer, fear of test result and fear of screening as painful, lack of access to screening services, high cost of screening service, and poor partner attitude and acceptance of the service. The perception of an additional burden of having a cervical cancer diagnosis was found to be a unique barrier among this population of women.

Conclusion

The unacceptably low coverage of uptake of cervical cancer screening would indicate that the need to scale up the opportunities to these groups of women as well. This review revealed that in addition to structural and health care system barriers, sociocultural and personal barriers are powerful barriers in HIV-positive women. For these cohorts of population, a particular obstacle was discovered to be perception of an additional burden of having cervical cancer.